Brave New World (Chapter 2)
The sun was not yet past mid-afternoon when the group arrives in town. Between the four remaining at the tomb, the strength of Kharash, and the word of Gammon to let no harm come to the armory, you are able to get the contents of the chest into town. Little bothers you, save for the occasional deer or rabbit that crosses your path. As for Maypole, the town is bustling with activity in anticipation for the completion of the competition and the victory celebration for the tourney. It is easy to tell that someone was on the look out for a returning group because as soon as you are within sight of the festivities horns sound and a crowd appears to celebrate your return.
Not long after that, a squad of city watch, joined by a pair of Argonauts, gathers around you to keep the worst of the crowd at bay. Given little choice, you are guided back to the pavilion for rest and refreshment. Griswold is there, escorted from the tavern after staying the night before. You are given a few hours of rest, heavily guarded from curious onlookers from the festival. It seems a frighteningly short time before a page, a very well kept human girl, enters the tent and announces that the ceremony is starting.
You are directed to the tourney grounds only to be met with more pomp and fanfare. The stands are filled to capacity and it looks like many are trying to get any vantage point they can get to. Several of the small shed and building in the area have people on top of them. A small knot of knights holding the trophies of various tourney events stands close by, absorbing the praise of the crowd even if it is not directly for them. Griswold recognizes Sir Roderick of Carsen as the melee champion. A large Custodian looks to be the jousting champion. Surprisingly, a person who do not recognize their affiliation has won the bow. As usual, a gaudily dressed halfling has won the tournament of songs.
Lady Inara is up on the podium stage, gesturing for your group to approach. When you are all assembled and the crowd has quieted after some prompting, she started speaking, her voice booming in that unusual way as before.
"Citizens of the Empire, visitors from foreign lands, boys and girls of all races, I present to you, your heroes!", she says to thunderous applause. It takes a few minutes for the crowd to settle down but she continues on after they do. "They have returned triumphant from the Forgotten Tomb, setting an old soul to rest as true heroes. Their noble warrior has brought the sword of the hero back from obscurity and taken up his mantle! To commemorate such an achievement, they were promised a great reward! To meet one of the legendary Roses in person!",she says. As if on cue, from one of the tents near the pavilion, a hooded figure stepped forward.
Already you can seen this is no mere man. His frame easily dwarfs any around him as he stands outside the tent. With a dramatic flourish, he removes the hooded cloak, revealing a true giant. The massive frame, easily close to ten feet and likely 50 stones, is dressed in a set of half plate mail. On the breastplate is an etched and painted symbol of a rose. The coarse brown hair and sloping forehead contrast sharply with a ornately jewel circlet. By his side is a great sword, though you can tell he likely can use it as a longsword easily.
The giant moves forward with a smile on his face, something odd and disturbing about it, though it seems genuine. He stands next to the stage, still maintaining eye level despite its raised nature. His voice booms with ease and authority. "I am Sir Morton the Vast, representative of our Emperor's Helmets of the Rose. I have come to make good on the Emperor's promise for this contest. The group before you has done well. They have served loyally and proved their worth! In order to recognize this accomplishment, I am authorized to make the following decree," Sir Morton said as he paused to collect his thoughts.
He continued in the previous tone, gesticulating as he spoke in an appropriately dramatic manner. "The Emperor decrees the from this day forward, those who stand before you shall be the founding members of his Adventuring Guild. They shall be tasked with spreading his influence across the lands and inspiring those with feats of daring and heroics. In a year hence, the guild shall be open to all, provided you have shone the same heroics and proven them in a suitable quest. A guild hall is currently being constructed in Sigheim for registration. Now, everyone cheer for your newest Adventurers!"
The roar is nearly deafening. The adulation and admiration is palpable as Sir Morton makes a show of pulling a few items from a pocket. When you see them fully, they are broaches made of gold and glass. They appear to be knotwork of the Kriegian style, set with green, red, and blue glass balls. He hands each of you one and when complete, allows you to bask in the praises of the crowd.
He turns to your group and in a much lower voice, speaks. "We will speak after this. We have much to discuss as you can imagine." He turns back and begins to wave to the crowd.
OOC: Congratulations! You have completed the trials and moved on to the next stage of the story! You have also all leveled up! Welcome to level 3!