The town of Torch in Numeria took its name from the violet flame that burned continuously atop Black Hill in the heart of the settlement. This flame burned hot enough to refine all kinds of ores and smelt all manners of metal, including the otherwise notoriously difficult to work with skymetals such as adamantine. Normally the size of a bonfire, several times a year the fire would spew up into the heavens in a brilliant, all-destructive purple beam. These eruptions were always presaged by an hour of soft rumbling, giving anyone nearby the chance to vacate the area before the flames could consume them. A thriving guild of blacksmiths, by now long used to the temperment of Torch's violet flame, worked their mobile forges around its heat - temporarily retreating during outbursts only to return after - and the town's economy was centered around their trade. Yet Torch never truly prospered, for the Technic League, the cabal of arcane masters that ruled Numeria from the shadows, imposed heavy taxes and siphoned away the town's wealth to further their own nefarious goals...<br/><br/>Today, Khonnir Baine, prominent wizard, alchemist, business owner, and town councilor, had requested Noel's help to haul some esoteric equipment up Black Hill to the torch. His adopted daughter and apprentice, Val, had already divided the gear among two brimming, back-heavy backpacks straining at the seams. She waved at the arrival, "Good morning Noel! Race you to the top!"<br/><br/>(OOC: Please also use this chance to flesh out the nature of Noel's relationship with Khonnir according to her Local Ties trait.)