Florian, and anyone else who wanted to go meet the last teacher of children in Massilia...

(Just make up some reasonable plot excuse to be along with Florian!)

It's the beach, in the middle of the day, north of the Breakwater.

The sea is choppy today, but the fishermen have to go out anyway.  In some safer, more prosperous places they might choose to skip a day like this, but not here.  Every day in Masillia is work.  So dozens of little fishing boats are bobbing up and down, as heavy surf hits the beach.

The beach market is up and running, and wind blows the cloth stalls like sails.  Many of the shops here are food oriented, with a few grilling seafood straight from returning fishing boats.  There is a popular ocean front tavern - Mermaid Tavern- which is next to (and enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with) the small Seaside Theater, used for music and dance, often by locals.  Goscus the hat maker also has his shop and workshop here.  Next to his shop, there is a large display of reed mats, some of them very colorful, hanging up.  They are the kind people buy if they are one step above sleeping on piles of straw, but not nearly up enough for a bed.  They are a universal floor covering.  One is a mat.  Stack them up and you have a mattress.

The youth Florian spoke to the day before is here, and motions Florian over to the reed mats.  He whispers, when Florian is close enough to hear:

"Come with me if you want to learn."

They walk between rows of hanging reed mats.  The rows of mats quickly hide them completely from the rest of the market.

And they hear a woman's voice.

"It's all right.. I know him.. of him.  I don't think we have more than one Faun in town.  You want to be a student?  I need to know what you already know.  What would I be starting with?"

Bryon went to class, about an hour before noon. She could already read and write, math wasn’t her strong suite but she could do that from time to time. She did however, like to sit in class and listen to the great stories! The teacher, at first thought she was odd to show up every day - an adult who sat with the children and gave her rapt attention, but after a few days she just became a part of the class. It was almost lunch time when a Faun appeared. Bryon became very excited! ”Look! Look everyone, it is a Faun. I’ve met Fauns before, very nice people, and they have very soft fur.” Then she calls out in a really loud voice, the kind you use for someone who might not be able to speak your language. ”HELLO! I AM BRYON! COME AND SIT WITH ME MR. VERY NICE FAUN!”

She then spoke to the children near her, ”You will all like him, he is a very nice, all Fauns are very nice people. He will make our whole class much more fun. I think we will have a very nice day today!” She clapped and motioned for him to sit beside her, and the child on the other side told him to sit there too if he wanted to learn. Very exciting.

Florian raised an eye at Bryon's exuberance.  "I've lived in Massilia my whole life,"  He replied, sounding somewhat annoyed at the awkward burst of attention,  "but I suppose I can spare a tune later for the children on my way out...."

His attention turned to the teacher, and he gave her a warm smile.  "I'm actually quite well educated; my masters saw to as much.  While I was a slave.  But I think we can be of use to each other.  You see, I have been left to oversee the interests of House Palantus in Massilia, and I have decided it is in the interests of the house to see two...six...,"  He gestured towards the children, quickly tallying them up and adding another five for good measure - "new accountants, scribes, and messengers.  They will of course need full and proper educations for their roles, and I see this as immediately pressing enough to direct the whole of my personal stipend to see through."

Bryon was excited, ”Did you hear that? We’ll get ed-u-cat-ed.” She looked at the Faun, ”You are the bestest Mr. Faun. Can we be friends? I am looking forward to being a scribe. What is a scribe? Is it fun? I want to learn, how did you learn so much? You must be really special.”

Druk brings in a few of the messenger children. When you don't have messeges, stay here and learn I will pay 3 copper each day for learning and call on you here when there is a job. he says to one named Offal.

Florian froze at the orc's sudden appearance.  He flinched between bringing his weapon to bear and thinking better of threatening anything with tusks.  Having been caught in a semi-clandestine meeting in which he was trying to skirt the law was all the more uncomfortable when he couldn't actually do anything about it.

The orc's response seemed especially strange to Florian, but he didn't waver from years of training.  He turned and flattened his hands together, head bowed, and appealed to the notorious greed and ego of the invaders'.   "Greetings, master.  I was to discuss a business proposition with the woman, which we will of course endure to pay all required taxes and fees for the transfers of money that will line the pockets of the most illustrious saviors.  We can of course discuss the matter later, and endeavor to entertain his most majestic host with music and dance at his leisure."

Bryon kind of went blank. ”I have no idea what you are talking about, Mr. Florian, but it sounds real smart. You are a very smart person. Would you like to be friends?”

Druk turns away from the kids he is leaving here and was just about to go on to another errand when the sycophant starts speaking to him. For a moment Druk considers impersonating one of the harsher minor Orcs he knows to wheedle some cash from the fellow but Bryon is here and she will surely give him away. He nods to Bryon and looks away.

Druk not who you think, Ook no hurt He says with the stereotypical stupid speach northerners expect. ”And Druk no flipping care what gods-damned treason you’re planning. he thinks As long as it doesn’t hurt my business.

He smiles at the fellow, You know Ook? Ook not like Orc, like but not like. Ook no hurt.

He waits for comprehension. Then he leans in and says quietly without the accent Of course, for some coin I can find you an Orc or man to bribe - I can find anyone in the city, ask around - Druk is the best.

He hands Florian a flyer that describes NPC messenger services with an address for contact and rates for parcel and message delivery.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

Bryon cocked her head to one side, "Druk, are you feeling alright? Why are you talking like that? Did you hit your head?"

Druk frowns and rolls his eyes at the woman he speaks quietly almost whining and with poor eye contact. I say this to all the guests ‘Ook no hurt’ it’s my thing to calm the northerners.

Bryon nodded and smiled, a sure sign she had no idea what he was talking about. ”I’m from Helvectia, which is north of here. As long as you are okay...”

The woman smiles, and then frowns.

"We must not be too loud here, we are in public.  They will not ordinarily look in a market, but in public it is never safe.  Draw no attention.  It is the will of the gods that what we have today will not last forever.  Nothing ever does, no matter how many warriors the Goth king has to defend it.  Their grip on this city... this too, shall pass.

"But it is the will of my goddess that the Temple of Minerva will not fight that battle.  We have fought, we were beaten, and now we must leave that torch for others to pick up.  But at the same time, we cannot let learning die.  We must preserve it for the future.  We do not even have our school left to us, it is warded with magic that keeps us out, but we will teach, as long as we have those willing to learn."

She looks worriedly at Bryon, Druk, and Florian.  "We've worked to avoid notice, but you three are as noticeable as anyone in the city.  This will be difficult.  We must find secrecy.  Here... will not do, not with you three."

Druk lowers his head really shamed. Druk will go, you teach until I send for children to return to work, yes?

Bulwyf finally found the last teacher, of course Cassandra had sent him, learning, books, knowledge was far more in her court than his. She was extremely busy, and with no pressing battles or adventures in the immediate vicinity, she had sent Bulwyf to seek out the teacher. "I am called Bulwyf, and I agree, somewhere more private to have this conversation woud likely be best." he gave each member present a nod and smile.

Bryon nodded, ”Oh what fun! A secret meeting...maybe even a whole secret group. Like a Cabal. This is all very exciting.”

Florian fought the urge to break out on the offensive or flee.  The presence of the children at the meeting he set up with the teacher were a necessary liability, but he had not expected the others.  Least of all the orc.  Even if orc looked...sad?

"I agree with the common sentiment; we are all rather conspicuous.  Though I had only been expecting to speak with the esteemed teacher, and in the relative private of my family's home or warehouse.  I can host those present in either, and without much cause for suspicion."  He bit his lip, sending his own worried glance at the orc and then at Bulwyf.  He trusted neither, especially with the abrupt timing of the second.  "...And perhaps I will secure more business deals than the one I came looking for."

"There is too much attention here, too many of you here," the woman says.  "The warehouse... Florian, your House does have a warehouse... And here are wares.  I will arrange to have some of it store there for a few days, the merchant is a friend.  This group with you, Florian... if they carry it there, they will appear to be just working.  The Orcs do not bother Humans working.  Human labor enriches them, they like to see it.  So..."

She makes some hasty arrangements with an elderly man, who trusts her to carry off part of his stock.

That alone is no small thing.  Each of the characters gets a bundle of clothes, carpet, or curtain to carry, and the intent is to make it look like they are simply working.  That is, if Florian has no objections.

Judging by her secrecy concerns, it does seem that there is a reason for it.

Bulwyf grimaces, the orcs. They were always up to no good it seemed. "Back to work then." he shrugged, taking his bundle of goods.

Bryon nodded, "Oh a secret society with secret meetings and everything. We should have code names and secret handshakes. I will be ... Ravishing Artist Model."

She pointed at Bulwyf, "You get to be Handsome Woodsman." Then Florian, "Hmm, you can be Clever Hoof Guy." and finally to Druk, "You get to be Devilishly Good Kisser."

Then she looked at the other children, "I trust all of you to come up with your own code names."

Druk’s cheeks turn red, and his eyes flash hard and then dull as he picks up a large share of stuff and starts walking without a reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

Bulwyf grinned and nodded, "Been called worse, for sure."

Florian nodded.  "That was the idea, yes; I believe we can be of service to each other.  I will lead the way then?"

They reconvene, a little while later, at House Palantus.

The "teacher" recognizes House Palantus and assumes this is really a quiet way of House Palantus securing some instruction for its people.  She introduces herself:  Diantha.  (For what it's worth, any characters who can speak Greek might recognize the origin of the name as "Divine Flower" but most names are just names, of course!)  She evades giving out anything further, family or friends or other connections, except for the link to the Temple of Minerva.

About that, she is quite proud, though it is a pride tinged with sadness, as the Visigoth overlord's hostility towards the temple has meant she could never even see more than a small piece of it.

"I've been in the chapel," she says.  "It's all that is left for us.  But... they say the temple... they say Minerva herself protected it, and that's why the Visigoths could neither conquer nor destroy it.  So they sealed it up, and left it with guards and wards.  They say the Visigoths have lost a shaman or two who ventured within, trying to plunder Minerva's treasures, I would bet.  So it's good to know that in whatever way she can, Minerva still watches and protects.  At least, that must be the only reason I am still here."

"Now, I must say, I am used to children.  Adults usually do not have the time for classes.  I can teach Reading and Writing, and Numbers, and History of both the broader and local worlds, and the science of plants and animals.   Is there some specific interest of House Palantus?"

Bryon raised her hand as was polite in class. "I would like to learn all of that please."

Bulwyf nodded, "In particular, the bits about plants and animals. Perhaps I could even teach you a few things."

Druk waits unsure if this meeting has any benefit for him, he knows the city already and is not a dumb Ook even if he must behave that way from time to time. He could teach much of that but what are these grown men and women trying to do if not support the teaching of children?
He says nothing

Bryon stage whispers to Druk, “I don’t think you need any more kissing lessons. Hang around, though, I bet you make a bunch of new friends.”

"Can anyone here read and write?" Diantha asks.  "It's important... it's a basic thing, and if you can read you can help the others."

The natives here, like Florian, know well that reading and writing are far from universal skills among the lower classes.  For many servants of the trading houses, though, it is the key to a step up in life.  Reading and writing means a life of "office work" while others load and unload ships, or work in the fields, or making things.

"I really ought to break you into groups.  Those who are less advanced in their learning belong together, and I can round up a few of the others, and teach everyone at once.  There are about a dozen children, and a dozen more who have learned that and are now with other subjects.  In the old days, the Temple of Minerva had as many as ten teachers, and we used the abandoned school at the temple.  There must be marvelous things locked inside that building.  One day, maybe, we can return to it.  It must be waiting for us, since the Goths have never been able to destroy it.  Now, who are the readers here?"

Bryon jumped up and down (causing pleasant wobbles) saying, "ME! I can read and write in Latin, Hun, and Elven." She nudged Drunk, "Bet you're impressed by that, aren't you?"

Druk flushes again with Bryons attention and he shuffles and mumbles a moment. He can read and write but he’s not here to be a teacher, he has enough work to do. One thing the teacher says that interests him is about the temple.

You want to get some of Minerva’s things from the temple? Would they help you?

>"House Palantus is not so much involved, so much as this is my personal project to deal with a certain surplus in need of a deserving cause.  My intention was not to change or manage you in any way; just to provide a safe space and funding for something you are already inclined to do, and leave the rest in your hands."  The faun considered the otherdiscussion in play.

"If the temple does not have any guards posted, and you can tell me exactly where to locate whatever I might be looking for, I should be able to slip in and out without notice."  Florian shifted uncomfortably, still uncomfortable with discussing clandestine plans in the presence of an orc.  "I'm, uh, good at being overlooked."

Bulwyf shook his head, "I cannot read and write, not very well at least. It's not a skill I've needed up this point. If you can teach, I will learn though. Best I can anyway. If you would like some help, Florian, I am quite adept at remaining unseen and moving quietly."

Bryon's attention is drawn to Bulwyf and she slinks over to him. She pressed herself against his arm, "I can teach you to read..."

Diantha is surprised by the extent of Bryon's prior learning.  Bryon just doesn't seem like the type.

"Well that is of use," she says.  "Clearly you belong with the more advanced students."

She is startled by Druk's suggestion that they get "things" from the Temple.

"Oh no... it's not the temple, actually, it's the attached school.  We can use the temple.  But the Goths.. they could not destroy or plunder the school, so they did what they could.  They set guards, some of which, I understand, are supernatural.  It is far, far too dangerous for anyone to go in.  If it was possible, I'm sure the Clerics of Minerva would have managed it by now.  But since they haven't, we must conclude that it simply isn't practical."

"It is on Temple Ridge, next door to our temple... the doors have been sealed with bricks, long ago.  We could take a look at it, if you like, you will see what I am talking about.  Going in is just too dangerous."

Does Druk know Florian?
He’s got +14 Gather info and 5 ranks of knowledge local so I suspect he would already know about the only faun in town. Druk is local

Druk nods to the teacher. I will go when you’re ready. Many things are not practical. I learn best while moving.

Bulwyf smiled at Bryon, "Thank you lady, I appreciate that." he then whispered.


Addressing the teacher, "I have killed many supernatural enemies, if that is a worry, I can fight."

Bryon pouted a little at Bulwyf’s answer but respected it. She couldn’t help celbrating the Teacher’s adulation, ”I’m advanced, did you hear that? Mum and Da will be so pleased!” Then there was all sorts of talk about sneaking into the Minerva School, ”Oh I can help, let me help. I have all sorts of wonderful magic that can help.”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:07, Tue 12 Mar 2019.

Many people have speculated as to why the leaders of the Orc kingdoms, whose patrons are the Infernal Powers, tolerate the continued existence of clerics of the gods in their domains.  After all, the infernals are the enemies of the gods, and want nothing more than to overthrow them.  Sure, there are economic benefits.   The gods seem to be much better at providing prosperity.  Even the most scholarly Orc shamans would have a hard time telling you which of the Infernals could be asked to secure a good harvest.  Humans have plenty of gods to look after such things.

But there is another factor.  Conquest in itself is not enough.  If conquest is going to be truly rewarding, there must be a conquered.  For this, the Orcs have long been content to allow human cults to continue under their rule... provided there is no threat from them.

Diantha is exactly that:  from the Orc point of view, not a threat.  She knows that breaking into Minerva's School, even if successful, would change that.  The long, tense balance of Orcs ruling and Diantha surviving would be over.

"I cannot even say what you would be up against," she says.  "Nor where to begin.. or even if that is a wise choice.  Nothing like that should be entered lightly.  There should be auguries, at least.  I have not done an augurie since... it's been a while.  They are not appreciated by the Goths.  We should go to the temple, that is the right place.  Let us see if Minerva herself has anything to say about this."

Bryon got a really bad face, like she had eaten something sour and did not expect it to be sour. ”I don’t do gods, or temples, or prayers, or anything like that. I know these gods are out there and everything, but I don’t worship them. At all...ever. So I’m going to say pass on going to temple. I’ll jut wait outside. When you guys decide what you want to do you can come and get me.”

Ooks do not mind gods and temples but I have not been inside before. Maybe I go in secret?

Bulwyf nodded, "It cannot hurt to ask for her assistance, if she's willing to grant you knowledge of our possible adventure into the temple."

Bryon shook her head slowly. "No you don't understand, I head this story about a pretty girl like me who went into a temple.  Some goddess got jealous made her ugly. Gave her snakes for hair!" To emphasize she made wiggly fingers above her head and hissed.

Diantha gives an "I've heard this before" sigh before addressing Bryon.

"Stories are stories," she says.  "The gods bestow gifts, in accordance with their essences, because each rules over an essential and good part of our world.  For Minerva, it is Wisdom.  She is the mistress of knowledge and learning, patron of scholars.  She is a warrior, but her ways are those of strategists, not mere heroic brawling.  Since we are going to enter into a school- which is a place just as important to Minerva as a temple, if not more so, it would make sense to seek Minerva's favor.  One does not venture out to sea without at least a silent plea to Poseidon, after all.  We are entering into Minerva's domain and it would be best if we did so as allies."

Bryon nodded but really did not listen to most of what the woman said, except the ending part. ”Well I am your ally, but not your goddess. I’ll wait outside. Just tell me what you want me to do and I will, except go into the temple. Sorry, my hair is too pretty to be snakes.”

Bulwyf nodded, "I will do as asked, and follow Minerva's customs. Just don't let me overstep any boundaries."

The temples on Temple Ridge fall into two categories, mostly:  there are the still intact temples in regular use, more or less.  And there are the abandoned temples, broken, plundered and desecrated, and slowly crumbling, though in the warm dry climate it could take many years.

The Temple of Minerva is something of a middle ground.  It's there, and working, but obviously the need for care has exceeded resources for a long time, and the building needs a lot of help.

Right next to it is the school.  From the point of view of the Goddess, a building as sacred as the temple if not more so.  It looks much shabbier and more worn than the temple, but still strong and solid.  Maybe more solid than it was before- masonry has been built over every door and window, effectively sealing the building in!

The temple looks less elaborate than its peers- fewer carvings, less ornate carvings on the outside.  Minerva's clerics had put their funds into the school.  There are white columns of stone, some with stone owls perched on the capitals.  The door is wood with copper fittings, the pale green patina looking fairly recent.

"We used to have silver," Diantha explains as they reach the temple doors.  "They took the silver.  We were able to afford replacements, from the coppersmiths."

She looks around.  She has led them here in the middle of the day, with the sun at its highest in the sky.  Though most Humans would associate stealth with the middle of the night, experience has taught her that mid day is the best time to escape the notice of Orcs.

There are no Orcs nearby.

"They do not like the mid day sun.  And there are so many people, out and around."

Filorn would know this as well.  The sheer numbers of humans going about their business in the middle of the day makes the Orcs lose track.

"Well, in we go, then," she says, opening the heavy door.

Bulwyf will wait his turn to enter, last likely, ensuring they escape special notice.

Bryon will find a shady spot and hang out while you guys have your super secret meeting.

Druk feels immediately figity and nervous and also uncomfortable in the light he moves into the temple immediately and pauses awe-struck as he looks around inside, even for an Ook this is a strange opportunity.

The temple…

As temple’s go it’s an unusual place.  There aren’t that many “sacred” looking things.  It’s lacking in statues and artwork, though the altar is still there.  Nothing of gold or silver, or any other precious material.  Not that it would have lasted long, unprotected.

Owls are the only obvious symbols.  They are painted on walls, painted on the ceiling as if flying overhead, and there are Owl statues- wood, marble, and two in bronze, brightly polished.  No depictions of Minerva, just the owls.

Seating is arranged in concentric semi circles rather than straight rows, focused on the altar.

“We were one of the first temples in Massilia,” Diantha says.  “A thousand years.  No one knows the exact date, but a thousand years is close enough.  There have been fifty seven High Priestesses since.  The school was built on the early crypt, and I think the spirits of the some of them may be helping to protect it from the Goths.  The current high priestess… well, in a way it is me.  It’s really Majamri, but she had retired and passed the title to Zerrin, but the Orcs killed Zerrin so Majamri was reinstated.  But she’s very, very old now and stays home.  She is the high priestess in title, because I am not ready.  Soon, I hope, not yet.”

“I presume we are here about seeing the school, and not learning of the math of the Greeks, is that correct?”

She looks at Druk with evident curiosity.

"You are the first Orc ever here who did not come in hostility, did you know that?  A thousand years, and you are the first and only."

Bryon, meanwhile, misses this, waiting outside.  She sees some pigeons, and some of Massilia’s residents coming and going, to the other temples.  An Important Orc passes by with a small flock of guards.  Probably one of the Goth Shaman.  They took over the most important temple a long time ago, and now use it to honor their Infernal Lord.

I am Druk I am an Ook. I do not hurt. Orcs love to hurt they don’t even know another way. They do know what I am , unless I pretend I will always be seen as Ook.

Bulwyf waited quietly, looking over the room they were in, listening as they spoke to Drunk. When the question was posed, he added, "I would learn, or at least try to learn, whatever it is you would teach me, all of us."

Diantha talks about the status of the other temples, thinking that the gang might want to learn about "current events" more than how to read Greek.

But with an Ook in the room.. it is a bit odd, for her.

"I have never heard of such a thing.  But I suppose it is possible.  If a Human can be corrupted and serve darkness, can an Orc be raised to the light?  I would think the other Orcs, especially those serving their Infernal Lords directly, would not like that.  But... what I have to say might reflect poorly on Orcs.  I mean you no offense, but as you say, most Orcs hurt others."

The Orcs follow the orders of their overlord.  The Overlord obeys the Infernal Lord, a powerful Demon Prince whom Diantha refuses to name.  It is something she cannot bring herself to say, but refers to him as Patron of Subversion and Corruption.  The Orcs may be crude, but the Demon is sly, and so has carefully chosen which temples remain to the Humans, and which were overthrown.

The Temple of Neptune, closest to the sea, still has a few clerics who bless the ships and make offerings to the King of the Sea, because Massilia depends on the sea.  Even the Visigoth’s Infernal patrons understand that banning Neptune would be to their own misery, plunging the city into poverty.  The Temple of Mercury, right behind it, and for the same reason:  as god of commerce, Mercury is to essential to be lost.  On the east side of Temple Ridge, facing the Temple Gardens, the Temples of Bacchus and Venus, both considered silly and harmless by the Infernal powers.  They see no threat in a god of wine and a goddess of love, and the clerics here bow to the overlords above them.

"And of course us, though publicly we are subdued and forced to acknowledge the superiority of the Goths.  Though... they have not penetrated the school."

The Temple of Apollo has it worse- it is a ruin.  No clerics of Apollo are left.
But perhaps the worst off is the Great Temple of Jupiter, Juno, and Artemis.  This is the largest temple on the hill, and has been repurposed to serve the infernal powers.  This is the Pandemonicum, and it is under the control of a corrupted Human, the Bishop  Proculus, who serves the Infernals.

  The old statues are gone or broken.  The new ones, still being added, are grotesque designs celebrating the triumph of the Infernal powers.  Some show the old Roman gods being tortured or humiliated.

"They are currently working on one depicting a humiliation of Minerva," Diantha says.  "Such works have power... I fear that when they complete the statue, the power of Minerva here will sharply diminish.  Perhaps then they will be able to conquer the school.  I have seen signs that the defenses are slowly weakening."

Bulwyf paused at the mention of Apollo, then the change of Jupiters temple, this was not good. "The sword I carry is consecrated by the Sun God himself. It has served me well, I would see his temple repaired or freed at the least. If we can do something to cease the control the Orcs have over the city, we should. I wouldn't think direct action to be wise, but I am a fighter, a ranger... not a great planner."

Druk frowns that he is making people uncomfortable and drawing so much attention. He backs up a little.

Ooks are usually killed. Some are slaves. I was a slave but my master ... is dead. Many slaves got free. I survived by pretending and hiding. Now I work finding men and Orcs for men and sometimes for Orcs - then I must pretend sometimes . I run from Orc Gods. I will not hurt my new friends or their Gods. 

Druk then listens to the warrior and is amazed. A god sword? He looks on it in awe.

Bryon is content to sit and people watch.

Outside, Bryon watches the coming and going of people.  Most are humans, a few are Orcs.  She sees one Orc decorated in all sorts of nasty looking ornamentation, and a complicated looking outfit, and recognizes the Orc as one of the shamans of the Infernal Lords the Orcs look to.  Orcs don't have much skill with fashion or tailoring, anything other than the crudest clothing generally indicates an Orc of Importance.

Inside, Diantha is impressed both by a Sun Sword and by an Ook- she's heard of neither before.

"Two signs of hope," she says.  "If it is possible for an Orc to be peaceful, then there is some other outcome possible besides war to the death between Orc-kind and all others.  How many of you are there?  Do you know of others?"

And she has some advice for Bulwyf.

"The Goths do not fear us, but they fear challenges to their might.  They have magic and they can detect it, they would not let the bearer of a magic sword go about unbothered.  But... yours is a divine sword.  Though Apollo's temple has fallen, Apollo still has power, and it is possible he hides your presence from the Goths.  Where the Infernals are mighty, the Gods have learned to be stealthy and subtle- but that can win in the long run, I believe.  We must believe. If Apollo has concealed your presence, then he has also brought you to me.  I think the time is right... you must be able to stand against the wards the Goths have invoked at the school.  But then... your friend outside, we need her.  She must be here for a reason too.  Can you talk her into joining us?"

Bulwyf nods, "Many things have happened since I retrieved this sword. Many I can't explain, so perhaps you are right, he is concealing me. Keeping the sword safe til the time is right. I will stand against wards, warriors, demons and anything else that means harm to you all. I will go speak to the lady and see if I can convince her into joining us."

With that Bulwyf will walk back to the temple door, unless stopped, "Byron," he waves her over, "We are to enter the school. The teacher has deemed my sword, and the ook's presence as signs, and therefor you must be needed as well, for what reason I cannot say. But I would defintely appreciate your company on this adventure. Please, come with me. Let us stop the orcs."

Bryon is sitting nearby and brightens when Bulwyf approached. She stood and nodded along with everything he said, understanding only a little of it. She heard “Bryon...blah blah blah...you must be needed...blah blah blah...your company...blah blah blah...adventure...”

She bounced as she spoke, ”Oh yes, I would love to accompany you on your adventure. I love adventures and I like you and Druk is a super good kisser so okay. Where do we go for our adventure? Just lead the way. As long as I am not going into the temple where my hair will become snakes then I would love to go on the adventure with you.”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:59, Thu 18 Apr 2019.

Druk shrugs I’m sorry Ooks are not many maybe 1 in 40 or 1 in 100. We serve sometimes serving food, cleaning, garden work usually as slaves a few as masons working with men.  We hide. Orkcs and Ooks can tell by looking. I am the only Ook I know who has made a business and is free. They let me because strong orcs and men have used me to find others.

Druk watches The man go get Bryon and he waits.

After a moment he asks. How does a temple work? What do you do here to make the gods act?

Bulwyf paused, "Well, if I tell you, it will be less adventurous, wouldn't you agree? I promise I will not take you anywhere that turns hair to snakes... close your eyes and take my hand. I will lead you to where the adventure starts milady." if she agrees Bulwyf will take her to meet the others.

Bryon grinned brightly, ”Oh a surprise. I do so love surprises.” She reached out her hand and allowed herself to be lead. She followed and when he indicated she opened her eyes. ”Oh Druk, are you a part of my surprise? This is a wonderful place, it is very pretty.”

Bulwyf quickly added, "Which is not a place in which ones hair turns to snakes. But the place the adventure starts. Isn't that right everyone."

Uh ... yes,?

Bryon smirked at Druk, ”Yes this is not a place where hair turns to snake but the place where adventures begin or...” She sauntered over to Druk and put a gentle hand on his chest, ”are YOU part of my surprise?” She really wanted to kiss him again, but it was important to get the boy to say he wanted it or to tell you to give it to him. Her heart is beating quickly, face flush, pupils dilated. She is genuinely attracted to Druk. She ran her fingers along the muscles of his chest.

Druk steps away. No surprise. Just with the group to help.

Bryon looked genuinely hurt. She looked at him sadly, but didn’t say anything. Really there wasn’t anything to say. When a guy turns you down twice he isn’t interested. She looked at the floor, then the walls, then she stood on tiptoes and looked up at the ceiling. ”So uh...when does the adventure begin?”

After a befuddling intermission of convincing Bryon, they manage a return to the temple.

Where To Begin is an important issue, and it is one that has Diantha concerned.

"We could begin by looking around the outside for a way in, or a way to overcome the barriers the Orcs have built, but I would advise against that," she says.  "Of all the gods, the Infernals are most wary of Minerva.  They would watch, and be alert for anyone trying to sneak into the temple.  It has not been successfully done since the Visigoths came.

"Still, there must be a way.  I have been thinking about this for some time, hoping that a day like this would come.  The priestesses then... they must have planned for this.  We always plan.  Minerva would be ashamed of us if we didn't.  If there is a way back in that they left for us... Majamri would know.  If she still remembers. She is the one I told you about, old and feeble and I am afraid, no longer the bright and brilliant priestess she was.  Whatever secrets she has, she never passed to me.  She always hinted that there was something, but she always.. you know... old clerics always say things like 'When the time was right'.  The time was never right.  I must hope it is right now.  I must take you to her, and convince her that you are the ones who can do this.  That you are the ones with the skill and powers to liberate the Temple of Minerva."

She looks at Bryon. "You, included.  You are here for a reason."

She can get anyone to tell her things ... lead her first

Druk indicates Bryon

Bulwyf nodded, it was as sound a plan as they would come up with this quickly.

Byron sounded skeptical because this did not sound like an adventure. "Well...ok. I thought we were going on an adventure but..." She shrugged and followed.

The next step was a quick visit with the old retired priestess Majamri.

There comes a time late in life when no magic in the world will keep body and mind going.  Time takes its toll and will not be denied.  Majamri is in that state.  Once a competent cleric and a brilliant scholar- as Minerva's clerics tend to be- she now spends most of her time sitting or sleeping, tended to by a servant.

Diantha explains the situation but it barely seems to register.  Not all of the old woman's oars are in the water these days.  Diantha tries again, speaking as plainly and simply as she can.  For her, this is an effort.  She is a naturally pedantic person.   She desperately wants some advice on how to get into the sealed up school, but Majamri doesn't seem to be understanding any of it.

Majamri smiles and talks about how nice it is to see her again.

Diantha sighs.  She'd hoped she'd be able to reach the old woman.  If not now... there might not come another chance, and anything useful Majamri knows would go with her into the next world.  But they are on two very different levels and Diantha is not used to...

And then she has an idea.

She looks to Bryon.

"What do you think of our predicament, Bryon?"

Bulwyf smiles and greets the older woman pleasantly and lets the ladies do the talking for now.

Bryon shrugged, ”Bulwyf is married and Druk isn’t interested. If I hadn’t had a splendid evening a few nights ago with Captain what’s his name, I would probably be out looking for a playmate.” Bryon is oblivious to what the priestess actually meant as it isn’t in her face. It is too far off in time and her mind goes to other places too easily.

The priestess repeats herself, directly to Byron.

Bryon looked worried, like she had failed a test or something. She repeated her answer slowly and enunciated each syllable like she was talking to a toddler. Then said, "I don't know what else to say."

Druk wonders at the humans, still - it seems nice to just talk to this person who wants nothing from you. What did the elder say? It is nice to see you again? People like to be seen.

Bryon looked at the woman, ”Why do you keep asking me that? I don’t understand what you want. I don’t even understand why we are here except that there is suppose to be an adventure? I would like an adventure.”

Bulwyf whispered to Byron, "Great adventures start with someone of age charging the younger generation with a great deed or quest... see if the old woman will tell you a story."

Bryon clapped and said in a very excited way that she would love to hear a story!