The First Expedition
A year after the return of the Starless Nights, the Scholars' Circle revealed their latest development to the City Council: kinfire lanterns. Finally, the people of Din'Lux could travel beyond the reach of the Great Lighthouse to see what had become of the rest of Atios.
Just days before this announcement, a stranger had appeared on the horizon–a survivor from the village of Latoh looking for help. Though Latoh possessed a small kinfire lighthouse, they had no access to food or supplies. Leera Duskrider, a prominent human from a wealthy family, proposed a rescue expedition as an opportunity to put kinfire lanterns to the test.
Vath of the Tuskrippers–as head of the City Council and leader of Din'Lux–stood before the crowds gathered in Beacon Terrace and gave a rallying speech. He held a kinfire lantern high for all to see as he announced the First Expedition and their mission.
"With this new tool, we will forge a way through the Darkness! It can no longer trap us here within these walls. We shall break free from the tyranny of this devouring storm!"
-Vath of the Tuskrippers
There was an outpouring of song and even tears as the news traveled from the top of the city all the way down to the alleyways of the Tumbles. There was a belief by many that soon everyone would have their own kinfire lanterns. Though this later proved to be untrue, a celebratory mood infected the city for many weeks–until it became clear that the First Expedition would not be returning.
The Mission
The crew for the First Expedition were chosen by the people: Belethor Windward, a human of the Crimson City; Elaine the Fallen, a respected and feared elven warrior; Eitri the Invincible, an unconventional genius and dwarven veteran of the Great War; and Kirrogora of the Tuskrippers, a former powerful figure in the Moonsickle Company and mother of Vath of the Tuskrippers.
The First Expedition was sent out from Din'Lux armed with kinfire lanterns and supplies for the people of Latoh. Their assignment was to aid the survivors in the village while also observing the effects of the Darkness on the land beyond the reach of the Great Lighthouse.
The Fate of the First Expedition
The members of the First Expedition never returned to the city of Din'Lux. Many believe them to be dead, although it's possible that they were able to establish a new refuge somewhere out there beyond the city walls. A memorial plaque has been placed on the exterior of the wall to commemorate the First Expedition. Occasionally flowers and trinkets are placed here in remembrance of their bravery.
The Seekers' Guild
With the First Expedition, Leera Duskrider, a human from a wealthy merchant family, hoped to establish a new guild: the Seekers' Guild. This organization would recruit and train capable citizens to wield the newly-forged kinfire lanterns and to use them to explore beyond the city, escort caravans of supplies, battle dangerous creatures that emerge from the Darkness, and collect essential resources that were otherwise inaccessible.
When the First Expedition failed to return, it was expected that the Seekers' Guild would never come to pass. The wilderness beyond the reach of the kinfire lighthouse must be even more dangerous than they had originally believed.
Undeterred by this initial failure, though, Leera found new partners in Elias Talltide, an ambassador from the Berian Empire, and Talos, the head of the Scholars' Circle. With funding from Elias and access to kinfire lanterns from Talos, the Seekers' Guild was successfully established.
Rumors
The true fate of the First Expedition is unknown, but many whispered stories attempting to explain what became of them have survived over the years. Some bystanders, for instance, claim that a revenant was seen in the expedition's wagon as it passed through the city gates. Perhaps, they say, this revenant was sent to sabotage the expedition.
Others believe, with little evidence, that the expedition not only survived, but that they discovered the legendary city of Undirfell, an underground metropolis rumored to exist somewhere in the direction of Dwar Fell. Most, however, see this as mere fantasy.
The Second Expedition
Not long after the First Expedition set off, it is believed by some that a second expedition was secretly sent out by order of the City Council. There is, however, no record of this crew ever existing.
For several months, Vath of the Tuskrippers was absent from the council, leaving a proxy in his stead. It is rumored that Vath himself was among this supposed second crew, leaving the city in order to ensure the success of the First Expedition. When Vath returned to his post as leader of Din'Lux, he behaved, according to some accounts, like a different person. He was unusually quiet, gave no explanation for his absence, and was seen in the presence of the city's most experienced healers.
When asked, representatives of the City Council claim that a "second expedition" never happened and that Vath had merely taken ill and had to excuse himself from his leadership role in order to properly heal.
Members
Belethor Windward
Elaine the Fallen
Eitri the Invincible
Kirrogora of the Tuskrippers
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