[3.5] The Coming of Memory [IC]

[Cardea]

{table=head]Player Name|Character Name
HappyBlanket|Rita Animus (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=304152)
Kayne650|Eowyn (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=304153)
ShadowySilence|Casil Hi'asi'a (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=304112)
Shades of Gray|Pietr (http://www.pifro.com/pro/view.php?id=6747)[/table]


Rain. Rain hits the town of Bas'lag and keeps it down in spirits. The Third Age War, termed by some as 'The King's War', is separated from the country of Miretor. But the neighboring kingdoms are constantly in need of supplies, and ask the people of the country for their supplies, promising for repayment once their side wins. But Miretor wants to remain neutral. Nothing bad, for the most part, anyways, comes bad from neutrality. But still... every country has its problems.

The Church of Pelor is no exception. They've been putting up ads for the past week, wanting people to help protect their caravans from raiders, as they try and help out some of the smaller villages that lie on the borders.

For something so simple... there must surely be a cost.

The four of you enter a small office in Bas'lag, marking itself as 'Administrative Building'. You enter into the small building, and find yourselves looking across a wide table at a Goliath, who is working on a rather large crossbow. Or would it be a small ballista? Its hard to tell. He turns to the four of you, and smiles. "Yes, can I help you?'

[ShadowySilence]

Casil gazes with a slight wonder at the large humanoid in front of him, but then regains his countenance "Hello good sir, you see I have lately found myself in need of coin due to buying an overly priced dwarven artif... err..." Dumb thing cost me all my gold and it didn't even do anything but jump around, well at the very least I made that child's day.... "Well anyway here I am hoping to sign up for some honest work." Casil gives a large smile, he hadn't eaten anything but trail rations for a few days and his stomach growled in disapproval.

OOC: I am removing the gold I did not spend on equipment and such from my inventory, he is still getting used to his trade and just couldn't resist that merchant's shiny toy (claimed to have supernatural powers if correctly used).

[HappyBlanket]

Rita Animus wafts into the room with fluid steps, her eyelids relaxed in tranquility and her hair waving gently with her every step. Her gaze softly shifted about the walls of the room, greeting the five other occupants with a polite smile crossing the surface of her lips.

"Honest work. Yes." she repeated in her delicate voice; soft like a whisper, like cold and drifting fog. "It would be my honor to give aid for the church of Pelor."

She discreetly clutched the back of her wrist, uncomfortably touching an arrowhead embedded into her skin. She identified it as Savnok's little annoyance, and concentrating off handedly, she forced it to sink into her body, vanishing from sight.

Today she would embark as an escort for one the Church's caravans. It was good, respectable work, and it marked her as something of an altruist amongst the socialite crowd. She often expounded upon the extent of her sacrifice in performing this charity (minus the charity), and her vanity and social status thanked her for it.

That morning, she prepared accordingly.

The figure of a young woman was outlined in silken fabric, and the pale light of morning's touch painted dim shadows and translucent lights upon her curled form. Rays of luminescence flowed through the dust caked window, and the light filled the little room with it's glow, illuminating the motes that floated through the stagnant air. Sinking through the pallid sheets, the new day felt warm against the girl's skin, and harsh against the lids of her eyes. It roused the girl from slumber and unconsciousness, and her eyes flickered delicately as they met the light; the blue of her irises retreated in the glare.

The covers shifted and folded amongst itself as she did the same, tugging the comforting silk over her skin and hair in a futile attempt to stave off the luminescence of morning, which felt ever so harsh. It was only when the searing glare seemed more a gentle warmth did she rise, lifting half of her body into the day's embrace.

Rita Animus let the fabric slide off her shoulders, lightly touching the wooden flooring of her room with pale feet. The sable of her hair felt tangled, and her back felt sore. As usual, she had not slept well.

She prepared for the day in silence, draping both cloth and armor over her body. Today she would be working for the Church of Pelor; certainly not out of devotion, of course. But she did have appearances to maintain, and work for a such a prestigious and altruistic cause had many a perk. If anything, it made for good standing with the neighbors, who smiled in practiced approval and exclaimed in shallow politeness. Then they'd boast of their own goodwill, and she'd take the other role. They were more quaint formalities than conversations, really.

The last of her leather straps bound studded armor over her clothes, and her buckler fastened tightly against her arm. A dagger tucked itself discreetly beside her thigh, and a rapier (carried mostly for show) had been slung to her back. Her mace was chained to her side, leaving her hands free to prepare one more necessity. Drapes were pulled. Doors were locked.

The chalk felt dry between her fingers, and as she dragged it's tip into the ground a trail of sky blue dust laid itself into the flooring. A large circle, and intricate and exacting etchings. Rita stood at the circle's edge, peering into it, closing her eyes in tranquility as she began. She felt her soul, released. It reached out into the nothingness. It swam in the cold of the void. And then she felt it. She opened her eyes.

"...Savnok!"

An arrow struck forth, streaking through the air with a fierce whistle as it struck against thin air. It was followed by another, and another; they roared forth from nothingness, and embedded themselves in just the same. A symphony of metallic cracks rang through the air as dozens of iron tipped shafts struck the space above the seal. A torrent of blood erupted from every strike, bathing the ground with crimson and splattering against the walls in scarlet streaks. And when the arrows had settled, a great, towering figure stood in the center of the seal; a being covered in armor and blood.

"Savnok." repeated Rita, meeting her eyes with his. She stepped forward, reaching out to the vestige with eyes closed. "Share with me your suffering, your ambition, and your armor. Share with me your soul."

Beneath the bloody armor, Savnok grinned.

[ShadowySilence]

Casil turned his head sharply, surprised to see others with him. They must have come in just after he did, and with him standing slightly ahead he had not taken notice. A little embarrassed Casil backs up to stand next to the others rather than in front. Perhaps I will be working with these people in the near future, but why does that woman have marks all over her body? As the others speak to the Goliath Casil will periodically try to sneak peeks at the various runes, due to his interest in the magical and arcane.

Knowledge Arcana (to understand what the use of the marks may be): [roll0]

[Kayne650]

Eowyn walked into the room, impressed with the simple design yet effective looking crossbow. At least, she thought it was a crossbow. The shape looked wrong for a siege weapon. As she walked in, she kept part of her attention on Pietr, who had a habit of wandering off when she didn't pay attention to him.

"Actually, yes. We're looking for some work, and we heard that you require assistance with various enterprises of yours. My friend and I," she said, referencing Pietr, "Wish to offer our services." She stood well at ease, though her body had an impressive tension to it, as if she were constantly ready to act. Her body was even more impressive because it was covered in marks that, to the trained eye of a person trained in Arcana, appeared to be the writings of spells. She was used to people staring at them, but still didn't like it.

"I don't mind if you wish to continue to study my marks, but please don't attempt to hide it. It makes you look silly." Eowyn whispered just loudly enough for Casil to hear it.

Since Shadowy didn't make a Hide check to keep his studying a secret, I didn't think that I'd need to make a Perception check to notice it.

[ShadowySilence]

After hearing Eowyn's response Casil awkwardly peers towards his feet and says in a whisper much like her own "Sorry, I just have an interest in such things... I hope you can forgive me..." He then turns his attention back to the Goliath, perhaps later he could study them with her permission instead of causing another awkward moment. His mind soon turns to his undercover work again though as he awaits more information, If those marks are the cause of an artifact I must seek it out, they do not appear to be natural so I may be in luck. I haven't found any real artifacts in so long, may Boccob bless me today and finally change my sad predicament.

OOC: He was hiding it poorly (due to surprise), so yes that is fine!

[Kayne650]

Eowyn chuckles under breath at Casil's embarrassment, though she politely covers her smile with her hand. The young man's nervousness was somehow endearing, and Eowyn hoped that if they got work that they had the chance to work together.

"Of course I forgive you, it's not at all a problem. My name is Eowyn, by the way." She whispered back. "If you want, I can tell you later how I got these."

[ShadowySilence]

Casil looks back at the woman. He whispers "Thank you Eowyn. I hope to take you up on your offer, perhaps if we are assigned to the same caravan we can have more time to talk. Otherwise go to the Church of Boccob here in town later today, just ask for Casil Hi'asi'a."

[Shades of Gray]

Pietr

The young robed wizard remained silent, he looked nervous. When he was acknowledged he stood up straight. He coughed when Eowyn and Casil continued talking. He turned toward the Goliath. "Err, yes. It is as she says. You would be lucky to have a wizard like me with your caravans." He says, not arrogantly but matter-of-factly.

[Cardea]

The goliath continues his smile, and speaks. "Well, glad to see you four are talkative; that should help with the job." He sets down his tools, and reaches underneath the table, and pulls out a large roll of leather. He unrolls it, revealing a map. On it you can see the town of Bas'lag, the surrounding farmlands; to the South and East, the ocean and to the North the forests and the borders of the land. "We've recently caught word that some of the Northern towns of the country have been struck hard by the Fools War; apparently the Soldiers up there think its okay to rob our people. So while other towns and cities are sending arms and armor and reinforcements, we're sending food and medicine. Church of Pelor is sponsoring it, so you'll have to go to them for additional information."

"As far as I can tell, you're just sitting along, protecting the caravans that they send from attackers. I'd rally some of my own men, but we're tight on them here as it stands."

[HappyBlanket]

Rita sweeps her eyes over the map, nodding in acknowledgement in loosely defined intervals. His words drifted over her with little true attention; the War, though common as a trite matter of discussion, meant little to her. She cared little for the conflict, despite feigned intrigue and knowledge of it to those who knew her. In any case, she listened to his instruction, thinking of the church off handedly.

"Very well. Thanks ever so much." she smiled in manufactured demureness, lifting her hand to her face with a giggle. She turned to the others in much the same way, smiling quietly as she looked them over. "Pleased to make your acquaintance." she said, curtsying regally.

[Kayne650]

Eowyn glanced over the map. She had a rudimentary knowledge of geography, but the map wasn't the truly interesting thing being set on the table. After all, the war wasn't a new occurrence; it had been going on for some time, and its implication were widely known. As a result, the request wasn't a surprise.

"So, you want us to protect the caravan as it brings the necessary supplies to the border towns? That sounds simple enough. Are there any particular threats of which we should be aware, or just the ordinary assortment of bandits and rogues with occasional stragglers from either side of the war?" Eowyn asked, looking up at the Goliath.

[ShadowySilence]

"As am I." Casil replies to Rita.

Casil then glances at the map and scoffs inwardly at the idea of war, The flaw of every race, but alas for every right there must be a wrong to counteract it. Perhaps for today we will be the counter to this war, tomorrow the instigators. He listens intently to see what the Goliath's answer to Eowyn's question would be.

[Cardea]

"That is as much as I was told. If there's more, I don't know, and you'll have to talk to Pastor Graystone, at the Temple. Its none too far; down the street, left onto Hawkeye Avenue. Its not terribly extravagant, but its the only temple that close to the marketplace. If you'll see yourselves out..." He finishes, and turns back to crossbow, picking up his tools and beginning his work again.

[HappyBlanket]

Rita nods absently to the goliath, turning to the door after a quick glance to the others. "Shall we be going then?" she says to the group, holding the door for just long enough to feign politeness before passing through it.

She began to walk through the streets, following the others to the temple.

[ShadowySilence]

Casil goes with Rita, it seems the Goliath had no more information for them so it was time to continue on.

[Kayne650]

"That is as much as I was told. If there's more, I don't know, and you'll have to talk to Pastor Graystone, at the Temple. Its none too far; down the street, left onto Hawkeye Avenue. Its not terribly extravagant, but its the only temple that close to the marketplace. If you'll see yourselves out..." He finishes, and turns back to crossbow, picking up his tools and beginning his work again.

"Thank you for your assistance, sir." Eowyn says politely. She then turns to leave with Casil and Rita. "Come on, Pietr. Our work is about to begin."

As they caught up with the two walking down the street, Eowyn turned to Rita. "So, I'm guessing that he's along for the ride for fun and knowledge, and we're here for fun and profit," she said, indicating Casil, "But why are you looking for work?" Eowyn's expression was genuinely curious; she actually wanted to know more about this girl.

[HappyBlanket]

Rita's gaze slid to the corner of her eyes, staring at Eowyn with peaceful silence. Her expression betrayed nothing, more akin to plastic than flesh, and her brief stare was one of observation and judgment. Her lips were sealed, their corners slightly curled (as always), and after a prolonged moment it appeared she had politely refused to answer.

"For status and reputation."

Her answer was somewhat hushed, and it differed ever so slightly from her usual tone. Less airy, not as distant. Somewhat immediate. Apparently she thought as much, because she paused in silence once again. When she spoke once more, her eyes had returned to Eowyn, and the temple was in sight.

"This is respectable work." she explained, briefly betraying herself. "And I have to make friends with the genteel folk somehow, no?"

[ShadowySilence]

Casil, looking for something to pass the time as they walk turns to Pietr "Hello sir my name is Casil Hi'asi'a, what is your's?" We might as well get to know each other if we plan to possibly be working together for some time he thinks to himself. He usually never stayed with one group for very long, always going this way and that. If he did get this job he would like to better understand his coworkers.

[Shades of Gray]

Pietr

The boy was startled again as his name was mentioned. He immediately adjusted his robes and stood up straight. "It's Pietr. Former student of Lord Albrecht's Arcane Academy." He said, trying to sound like this was an impressive feat. "But, you know, I still have time to chat with peons from time to time." Again his voice showed no arrogance. It was either a halfhearted attempt at making a joke or trying to offend someone, but it failed at both.

[ShadowySilence]

"Well glad to have you aboard, with more people the job should be a bit less dangerous and hopefully boring!" sensing the possible joke prior he hoped to pick up on that with his own. "What has lead you to become a former student?"

[Shades of Gray]

Pietr

The wizard froze once more. "You see, er... My career was sort of cut short by a cruel twist of fate. But it hardly matters now, I'm continuing my studies elsewhere." He shrugged. "To be honest, that dump was holding me back."

[ShadowySilence]

"Aye, fate can be a cruel mistress but when she is kind all sorts of great things can be done. Perhaps she will smile upon you soon."

[Cardea]

Walking across the city provides some comfort. A breeze rolls in, balancing out the warm sun above. The city is quiet today, a rare, but welcome, occurrence. An hour of talk later, you find a temple, its ornate, yet humble, structure giving it away as a temple of Pelor. Outside, a tall, fat dark-skinned man is seen standing outside the temple doors. He is welcoming passersby into the holy ground, promising sanctity of body and soul. He sees your group coming from a distance, and waves you over.

"Hello. Can I interest you all in today's sermon?"

[ShadowySilence]

"Perhaps not in today's sermon my good man, but in knowledge. We are here for the job of guarding the supply caravans, who should we speak to on such matters?"

[Cardea]

"Ah, that would be Pastor Graystone. He's inside, in his quarters. I'm sure he would not mind speaking with you; we've been trying to find someone to help us with our routes for the longest time." The man smiles and waves towards the door, before going to approach another group walking near the chapel.

[Kayne650]

Eowyn walked a bit ahead, leading the way to the church. As Casil and Pietr spoke, she exhaled just a bit harder than usual, which was a subtle warning to Pietr, assuming he even heard her. He was a good kid (most of the time) but he tended towards overconfidence. It was in some ways justified, he had impressive skill in magic. However, it wasn't necessarily completely appropriate all the time.

As they approached the church, Eowyn started smiling. She always enjoyed places of worship, and this one was quite impressive. Not so much because it was large or ornate, because it wasn't really either. No, she could tell that this was a place of great faith, and of great love. She wished briefly that there were more places like this.

"Thank you very much, good sir. We appreciate your assistance." Eowyn lead the way in the door, looking for Pastor Graystone's quarters. The room of a pastor should be easily recognizable, so it shouldn't be hard.

Spot check, if necessary, is [roll0]

[Cardea]

Initiative
Casil: [roll0]
Eowyn: [roll1]
Veritas: [roll2]

Order:
Veritas
Eowyn
Pastor
Casil
Crowd


As you step into the door, the scene changes before you, as a force pulls you all into the room. The temples of Pelor are said to be some of the grandest and elegant in the land; to hold purity in heart and mind and body, and to hold in their decor as well. It is said that they are to have gold and marble adorning their halls, with priests garbed in white and gold, forever mirroring their deity's splendor. The prayer hall before you is more reminiscent of a temple to Hextor.

The walls are lined with black ridges of dark stone, and the hall is dirty and marked. Eight rows of benches stand between you and the Pastor at the altar at the end of the room. The Pastor himself is garbed in black; a breastplate lying over a robe. But, even in the darkened room, with candles lining the walls, their light barely illuminating the chamber, you can see on the man's chest: The Symbol of Pelor. The man himself is tall, inhumanly tall. His hair is swooped back, and as he sees you, his face contorts with rage. He raises up a mace, pointing it at the four of you. "Destroy them, children of the Conquerer! Destroy him in his holy name!"

The men and women and children in the benches rise as one, and turn to you. Their eyes are blank white, but their faces are in as much a frenzy as the Pastor himself. They begin crawling over the benches, coming to you.

Map
http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad232/CardeaAfton/CoM-Map1-1.jpg

Brown half-tiles are benches. Orange tiles are the men/women/children. Brown in the back is a raised platform. The Pastor is at P10.

There are doors at tiles D10, H6, H14, L6 and L14.