A Murder in Hearthlight

A Murderer in Hearthlight

     ~Prologue~

Kage stands at attention, hands clasped behind his back. He has come a long way since his days as an orphan. Here he stands - summoned to the king's own debriefing room for his first military assignment. Kage is eager to start his own adventure. A door behind him opens up. First to enter is king Ryu, he has a large scroll in hand. He's dressed in classic formal wear with long, flowing robes of crimson and gold. Upon his head is a crown cast in solid gold, glistening in the daylight peering in from a window overhead. The piece is adorned with large, carefully cut rubies. Kage has heard stories of the man, but now that he sees him up close, he never imagined he would look so... human. Hardly what he might expect of the 'Dragon' of Eternal Flame.

Ryu motions, beckoning unseen followers to enter the room. A tall man, close to Kage's own age moves in to view. He appears to be in his early twenties. He wears highly polished silver armor with golden flourishes that are fashioned expertly to accent the man's imposing form. It gives him an appearance of a stern work of art instead of a warrior. Above his right breast is a small pin, holding a golden coin – his military ID. It has a pair of crossed swords etched in to it. He's a general. As he steps in to the light, it refracts off of his armor, giving him a seemingly divine glow.

Next enters a short woman. She also seems to be in the same age range as Kage, but she stands about a foot shorter than him. By comparison, she looks unimposing.  She has on a standard issue set of plate armor. A dull gray shell. Given her size, it is a wonder she is able to carry it. As she enters, her eyes land on Kage, and he stops breathing, entranced. Her eyes are colored a shade of blue richer than any he had seen in his travels, yet they offered a hint of nostalgia. They stand. Her brown hair cascades down her fair cheeks and stops abruptly, just before reaching shoulder height. Upon her breast, a pin, silver, and the same crossed swords – a commander.

The trio enter the room. The man and woman take their place, standing to Kage's right at attention. Ryu walks over to a table in the center of the debrief room. He lays down the scroll to reveal a map.

"I suppose I should introduce you all, first." He looks to the three soldiers standing at attention. "First, we have Jayce." He motions to the general, "One of our newly Blessed. He has done well to repel The Torrent to the north as a military commander. His exploits have earned him the title of 'general' as of today." Jayce steps forward, takes a bow, and returns to rank.

"Next is Orora." He now motions to the commander. "Ever since her successful campaigning as a foot-soldier, she has returned to Shard Home a war hero. She has also just been awarded a new rank - commander." Orora smiles awkwardly and bows quickly. "Although her choice of weapon is unorthodox, she is unmatched in combat wielding her trusty spear."

"And finally, Kage." Kage straightens up to stand tall. He felt out of place, his medium-brown hair was unkempt. He sports his unusual gear awkwardly, a leather vest fitted with several pockets and belts. The outfit serves its job of being functional while not adding too much bulk. On his belt, he has various pouches filled with supplies and trinkets. Slung over his right shoulder is a satchel. "He has become a noteworthy bard in the recent past. During his stay in the college, he has done nothing but impress his teachers and peers alike." Kage offers a quick bow. Kindran smiles and adds, "An old friend of mine says that I would be a fool to pass you up for this assignment.

"Anyway, now that you've been introduced, I'm sure you are wondering why I have summoned you all." He pauses, scanning the faces of the crew. They stand at attention. "Man. You guys are stiff." He lets out a boisterous laugh. "Well, you're all very promising young adventurers. I think you'll do well as my new campaign team." The three exchange glances. "Yep. You guys best make friendly. You'll be spending a lot of time together."

"On to business!" Ryu shifts focus to the map, "There have been reports of brutal murders in one of our territories to the east, Hearthlight. The reports vary. Nobody is sure who – or what - is responsible." Ryu's jovial tone shifts to one of a more serious nature.

"Local investigators and even a few mercenaries have investigated, but none have come back alive. The bounty has risen to a small fortune of 500 gold." Ryu starts to pace.

"I'm worried that the murders might not be a simple madman or a beast. I have reason to believe that it might be one of the Blessed."

Kage is startled by the announcement. If the stories were to be believed, that would mean a magic user is slaughtering people. He wonders how the king came to that conclusion.

"I want you, my newest team, to go see if you can solve this problem. Whether it's man, beast, or Blessed we need this situation resolved." Ryu rolls up the map. "With this task complete, you guys can split the rewards among yourselves, after a small tax."

He offers the map to Kage, "I assume you guys'll be eager to get to it. Make haste. We can't let this murderer roam freely."