The Elders of New Hope have summoned all of you to the Long House this evening. You trudge, or fly, up the hill with whatever family and friends you have as the sun goes down.

The path up the hill to the bailey is lined with torches, even though the sun has barely set and the twilight gives enough light to see by. The smell of burning pine sap fills the air.

As you all enter the Long House, where the villagers of New Hope gather to celebrate or confer, you see the village chief, Elder Tarkan Brell, at the high seat at the far end of the hall. The older pure strain human beckons you forth, and you are brought to the front of the hall.

Most of the village seems to have gathered for this important event. As you make your way through the hall, past the long fire pits and tables, friends and acquaintances give you words of encouragement.

As the six of you gather at the front, Elder Brell raises his hands for silence. It takes a minute for everyone to quiet down, as there is a lot of excitement in the crowd. Brell gives a smile, his white teeth shining through his gray beard -- a sign of his excellent health. "We have gathered tonight to celebrate. These six village youths have come of age, and are ready to take the Trial of Adulthood. Tomorrow, they will set out from New Hope to explore the wilds. There is no set goal for them to achieve, only that they test themselves and come back with something of use to the village.

"Buzz Weaver, Sebastian, the others will count on you to guide the way. Morgan Clutch, Day Vine, the others will count on your knowledge and skills. John Smith, Wigglesworth, the others will count on your protection. Work well together, and you will succeed."

Elder Brell raises his arms, and the serving sentients bring in the food and drink.

"Tomorrow, you set out to earn your right to call yourselves adults. Tonight, we feast!"

Each of you is led to a table where your loved ones wait, and are served food and drink appropriate to your kind. Once the meal is concluded, you are once again called up before the assembly. Brell suppresses a belch behind the back of his hand. "Well, now that we've had our feast, is there anything you would like to tell us, or ask about, before you set out on your journey?"