The party is called into a meeting with Vergil, a representative of the Order of Orion. The meeting takes place in the atrium of Vergil's home. He provides an elaborate buffet of different fruits, and venison. Vergil is a half-elf, who, while cordial, has a particularly oily tone to his voice, which may simply be how he talks normally. He has a couple young half-elf maidens to wait on the party. The sun is begin to sink in the sky, casting an orangish glow over the open courtyard where the meeting is being held, and the air is warm clear.
VIRGIL, Order representative, addressing the party
I appreciate that you all could be here this evening, and I apologize for the long wait on the results. (The middle-age half-elf fidgets with his hands, trying to find something to do with them.) I realize some of you have had to wait a few weeks for us to process the results of your, erm, examinations, and let me assure you, you have not waited in vain. Each and every one of you with us tonight has been accepted as a candidate in our exciting venture. (Vergil looks at each PC in turn.) We expect great things from all of you. (He smiles in a manner that reminds you of a coiled serpent.)
Virgil's words hang in the air like a miasma, and he seems to pause as if to allow the cloud time to settle.
VIRGIL, cont'd
As some of you may have suspected, we at the Order of Orion have access to a powerful oracle, which we have used to gaze into your respective futures to discern your potential, and let me tell you, we were most pleased with the results. (Virgil lets out a wet cough, and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand.) Each one of you has a destiny that we at the Order hope to enable, and to this end, we are willing to provide you with the training necessary for you to reach your potential. (He begins to stroke the end of one of his ears, apparently as an involuntary action; he seems unaware of the action.)
The half-elf maidens make their rounds, going to each PC and offering them a piece of fruit off a platter, and a glass of wine. There are several different types of fruit available; the wine is on the strong side, and quickly clouds the mind, as though the patron has forgotten to have it watered down before serving it.
VIRGIL, cont'd
(Virgil lets out another wet cough and clears his throat.) I regret that I am unable to divulge to you the nature of what the oracle has seen of your futures, as even I am not allowed such sensitive information. I can tell you, though, that each of you will find your respective destinies in Varna, a city far to the North and East of here. Varna is a powerful rising star in the frontier nations, and it is where we hope to work with you to achieve your maximum potential. (Virgil's hand tugs on his ear painfully, and he lets out a small yelp. He clasps his hands together, as if afraid of what his hand might do if he didn't hold on to it.)
Virgil claps his hands together, and summons another servant-girl, who comes into the atrium with a small pillow, bearing a plump, red pomegranate. Virgil smiles and directs her towards the party as though presenting her.
VIRGIL, cont'd
I hope you find this useful on your journey. Just one kernel of this fruit is enough to return your strength to you if you are wounded. I am sure you will put it to excellent use. (He hastily adds:) Try not to use it all in one place. (Game effect: there are 25 kernels in the pomegranate, and each one restores 1 hp when eaten. No character can benefit from more than 8 points of healing per day.) You will be traveling on the merchant vessel Themia, under the good captain Argyles. The journey should take roughly six to eight weeks, barring delays. The ship will leave port in one week's time. (He smiles.) I have full confidence in you.
(Finally, he says:) Now, I am sure you have questions. I will answer them as best I can, do not be afraid to ask.
...
((At this point, feel free to mingle, introduce yourselves, and ask questions of the NPCs. There's food and drink, there are couches to lounge on, and it's a warm and clear evening. The entire party is present - all six of you - and there's Virgil and three half-elf servant-girls.))