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Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos.

Posted by Maze MasterFor group 0
Dysis
player, 345 posts
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 20:30
  • msg #21

Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

"Well met, Danae.  My name is Dysis.  I think that, probably, more help is acceptable.  But why don't you tell us why mythic items are your interest?  Something about your calling, or skills, and in what way you can help?"    She then glanced to the other newcomer.

"And, when she's done, why don't you go next, sir Stavos.  A physician bearing a bow suggests Apollo to me.  Is it him you pray to - and perhaps draw power from?" 
Tancea
player, 28 posts
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 22:07
  • msg #22

Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Still a bit in awe about how quickly their patron is able to arrange, and pay for passage after what seems like a brief negotiation Tancea is still processing what the ship captain told them about potential conflicting responsibilities when she looks up at the sound of what she clearly thinks is a familiar voice.

Dysis' questions help call to memory similar ones of  her own, asked not long ago, and she steps forward to answer the questions, along with a friendly and welcoming smile for Danae  ”I think I can help here, Danae came to Delphi about a year ago when I was just finishing my training, in need of a cure for a nasty kind of wasting poison she had encountered while investigating some ancient ruins in search of historically important artifacts.  In the brief but inspiring time she spent recovering I had the opportunity to hear my first stories of the wonders the outside world could contain, and of the perils.

If we are to encounter any sort of intentional deception or deterrent by the thieves involved we would be hard pressed to find a better source of solutions than her, particularly for solutions for which magic is ill suited.”

Dysis
player, 346 posts
Mon 12 Oct 2020
at 22:35
  • msg #23

Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dysis nodded her agreement.  "That does sound like it would help.   Once, our little troupe had both a very clever hunter, as well as a resourceful and spirited thief.  This should help fill some of the gaps they left."
Stavos
player, 6 posts
Tue 13 Oct 2020
at 02:51
  • msg #24

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dysis:
"And, when she's done, why don't you go next, sir Stavos.  A physician bearing a bow suggests Apollo to me.  Is it him you pray to - and perhaps draw power from?" 

Stavos shrugs, "Oh, I  trained with the priests of Apollo, certainly, but my use of the bow is mostly because I'm not a warrior, and don't need a warrior's weapons. Bows are handier than swords for catching one's dinner when travelling. As to drawing power from Apollo...no, I'm not a priest. They have a certain requirement for a narrowness of thinking I find inhibits the cogent formation of accurate conclusions when one needs answers not generally found in a particular dogma."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Tue 13 Oct 2020.
Dionae
Player, 28 posts
Shapeshifter
Basic Def 16, Hits 12/12
Tue 13 Oct 2020
at 15:23
  • msg #25

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dionne was on the ship rather naked not armed or in armor and spent time learning by listening and watching. When challenged as to her use she is runs shifting into a DOLPHIN and swims with the ship gracefully and chirping to Poseidon her prayer in his my mighty realm, stripping first returning on a line donning her few clothes.

Smiling before dressing.

"Don't judge by looks it can be a bad flaw. Rather assume nothing. My powers are at your disposal captain and my friends say at storm you fell in I could aid you.," she said.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:43, Thu 15 Oct 2020.
Dysis
player, 347 posts
Thu 15 Oct 2020
at 22:57
  • msg #26

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

She nodded at Stavos' words.  "I understand you.  I've an affinity with a particular goddess; would aid her causes if called upon, yet I too strive to maintain a more holistic view of things." She smiled some.  "I admit I harbored some hope of arrows magically aflame, yet standard arrows get the job done, too.  And we recently lost our archer."

Then she glanced Dionae's direction when she spoke, "Yes, a shapeshifter can be most helpful, in so many situations.  We were fortunate to find one!  Well.  I believe we've got a good diversity of skills.  We might, however, want to think about hiring a spearman, to work with Lysandros on the front line. After we arrive. "
Maze Master
GM, 681 posts
The dice of Zeus
always fall luckily
Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 18:10
  • msg #27

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

November 1, 313

Poseidon had smiled upon their journey.

Or, at least, the bad-tempered God didn't delay them any longer than they might ordinarily expect, and did not curse them with bad weather, or becalm the winds. The party, both new members along with the old, watched as the sailors had loaded barrels of goods to be sold at the Great Market of Argos, and eventually a courier had arrived back with a small sum of money and a note for the captain, courtesy of the Dimas family, satisfying the captain that his newest passengers could indeed pay their fare.

The first day had been slow going, hugging the coastline as they sailed to the southwest. They passed various ships going to and from Thena, occasionally with the sailors calling back news to one another. The next few days then they were on the open water, crossing the middle sea to the large island of Seriphos, where the fourth, and smallest of the city-states, Minea, lay. Stopping over for a night, the sailors load additional barrels of goods from Minea to be sold at the Great Market.

The rest of the time then was fighting the winds to make their way back to the northeast now towards where Argos lay. As passengers, they were asked to stay out of the way as this was the most difficult part of the journey, with respect to finding favorable winds.



November 5, 313

Finally, they approached the great city of Argos, where Poseidon himself - in large statue form complete with trident and flanked by two horses - welcomed them as the ship sailed into the harbor. Bright blue banners flew over the harbor, emblazoned with symbol of a golden fish, symbol of Argon the Proud, who was King of Argos.

The city itself appeared from a distance to be quite different in character from Thena. It was smaller, to be sure, but the homes and other buildings they see are quite beautiful and exuded wealth. The Argoseans loved the sea, and private boats, both fishing but also yachts,  lounged in the great harbor, enjoying the protection of a impressive military fleet patrolling the waters. This fleet blew anyway anything they they had ever seen in Thena.

Upon their approach, two of the blue-sailed ships come and move into a pattern to escort their merchant ship into the harbor. As the party climbs to the deck to watch, they are warned by the sailors not to, at any point, jump into the sea to swim to the docks or even around the boat. "We had a boy try that once. We were waiting for our turn to dock, the sun was blazing hot, and he wanted to swim. They shot him dead in the water and fined us for violation of the law. The Argoseans are crafty merchants, but they abide no trespassers or rulebreakers."

Another warning also provided: "Do not openly flaunt your magics, should you know any. Healing is one thing, they honor Asclepius most of all, save for Poseidon and Hermes, and the priests of all Gods are welcomed, but other magics are viewed with far more hostility then you'll receive in Thena or Heraklia."

After waiting what seemed an eternity, their ship is finally escorted to their docking area, where the captain pays a small fee, and the group watches as city guards board and inspect the goods on the ship. Not so much caring for them though, fortunately, after being told they were simply passengers to the city. Finally, they are given the all clear and you are free to leave.

The captain wishes you well as you depart the ship. telling you that they will be in town for the next few days before heading back to Thena.


They are now free to move about the city. It was still early enough in the day to beeline it straight to the Temple of Asclepius, if they wish, though it lay on the city's eastern edge. The Great Market, which was closest to them on the city's southern edge and just inland from the docks, was a draw for almost anybody visiting the town, and around the market itself were numerous inns, taverns, and other sights, if they had a mind to travel. It would be unlikely that they could visit any of the Nobility here without invitation, which lay on the hill dominating the city's center, having no prior connection with the Noble houses here.

Where would they go?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:15, Mon 19 Oct 2020.
Dionae
Player, 29 posts
Shapeshifter
Basic Def 16, Hits 12/12
Sun 18 Oct 2020
at 18:37
  • msg #28

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dionae heeded the captains warning and since she's an acrobat took some party funds for a suitable costume leaning, outfit, and a cup for coins with the symbol of Apollo (to honor her work and those powers) and each Muse of wood. The needy will get most minus her needs for bed, food and some props. And a bag to carry these in.

She will work and move around to study the city, honoring the divine powers her rare powers not used - but a deity could be about if she has to go using them. A worst case scenario of course.

She'll be sure her friends are met.
Tancea
player, 29 posts
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 05:33
  • msg #29

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

November 1, 313

Boarding the ship quickly, and glad to be able to set sail and begin their journey Tancea doesn't quite abandon the discussion, but doesn't seem to keen on it.   ”Hired spears may be a good idea, if we get into a fight, but they can also be a problem if they are working for the wrong reasons.”

Each day she finds a few of the most significantly injured crew members, mostly from old injuries, and draws upon her divine gifts to heal them.  Restoring seasoned sailors to a level of health they haven't enjoyed in years or in some cases decades quickly draws in the others and before the journey is over she has somehow found the time, and power, to heal dozens of them.  While severed limbs stay lost many who's lives were saved long ago by that brutal yet effective tradition of maritime medicine have at least their health and comfort back in a way that few but the most fortunate ever do.



November 5, 313

Healing a few more of the less badly injured, or younger and generally more healthy, crew as a way to distract herself from the now very annoying extra delay in making landfall Tancea is already in a rush before they are cleared by the customs agents.  She manages to whisper to anyone not going with her right away before departing.  ”I will proceed immediately to the temple, if you or the others want to check in with other local resources or find some trustworthy spears meet me at the temple when you are done but I won't be delayed any more than absolutly necessary.”
Lysandros
player, 204 posts
Noble
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 05:49
  • msg #30

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

 " Mercenaries? I counsel against such. To begin, we are not citizens of this city. Such as we seeking to hire freespears might cause the powers that be, to come to the wrong conclusions. That, and such are not to be trusted, as coin  is thier only motivation." Said the nobleman.

 Lysander thought a moment, then continued.  "We have need of additional members trained in martial matters,obviously. I think it would be better for you and I to approach your temple,  and inform them of our quest. Then see if they have a temple guard or two to lend us. If that is not possible, then they might guide us to fellow worshipers  willing to join us, that know weapons."
Stavos
player, 7 posts
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 05:59
  • msg #31

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Stavos clears his throat, "As I said, I'm a physician. I should head to the temple straight away, in any event, being new in town. They might be more wiling to talk to a strange physician than a strange nobleman... and if I don't go, they might take it amiss if they thought I was trying to compete with them. Priests can be...prickly."
Dysis
player, 348 posts
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 01:08
  • msg #32

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dysis was more than passingly familiar with Argos.  Though born Thenian, it was here where she had ended up, after her father and the faction he belonged to had been exposed and convicted.   And it was here she had endured being a servant for some years. And been tutored in the occult; prevailing prejudice against it notwithstanding, by a master who practiced in secret.

For all their professed civility and compassion, there was sometimes a hypocritical streak in Argosian society she found contemptible.    But it was neither here not there.

"Lysandros makes a fair point as regards recruiting.  I like it.  Let's see if they do offer.   I too shall go." It was a statement, not a request.  "I'm a student of human nature.  And I'd like to meet those who would assign us this quest.  I accept no work without getting a sense of who I'm performing it for.  And though Ascelpius implies honesty and benevolence, any tree may have its rotten apple."   
Maze Master
GM, 683 posts
The dice of Zeus
always fall luckily
Sat 24 Oct 2020
at 12:21
  • msg #33

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dionae grabbed a handful of the party's shared coin and took off towards the market initially to get what she needed in terms of a suitable outfit and begins to move around the city, pausing occasionally to entertain groups of people in terms performing, doing fairly well at attracting interest and moving with enough flips or other athletic prowess to impress and get back some of the money she had spent.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group left the docks departed to the east towards the Temple of Asclepius, attempting to keep Tancea in their line of sight as she moved at a clipped pace. Finally, after about fifteen or so minutes or fast walking they approach the grounds of the Temple of Asclepius.

The Temple, like many others in Argos (and Thena) was well cared for and looked after by the priests, priestesses, and those in their employ. However, unlike other temples or shines of Asclepius throughout the land this essentially had its own district in Argos. The grounds were not only well tended by gardeners, but contained many medicinal plants, such as milkweed, that the holy men and women would use in tending to the sick and infirm. Here, one could stroll through the garden path in private conversation or just simply sit on a bench and watch the birds or insects.

Additionally, the temple had fine marble dormitories located throughout its spacious ground, housing both the sick and the dispossessed who would come from all over the lands. One set of dormitories were where students quartered as they studied under the tutelage of a lay priest, typically for many years and if somebody was watching during the day it was common to see groups of the students following one such priest or priestess who would engage in lectures amongst a host of subjects.

The main grounds themselves was where the party now stood. Immediately in front of them was a hot spring, sacred to Asclepius, of which was used in treatment of the sick. It was tended to by one of the temple's caretakers at all times who would ward off those who would foolishly try to climb in or otherwise take the water without permission.

Then, up a set of marble stairs lay the main temple where a statute of Asclepius sat on marble throne, one hand outstretched to welcome those to arrived, the other holding onto the Asclepius, a singular serpent-entwined rod. At his feet lay offerings, food, coins, other items left by pilgrims and those seeking divine healing that even the priests and priestesses could not provide.

Arriving thus in the main foyer, Tancea's attire immediately gives her away as a practitioner, as well as the drive and determination in which her and the other party members move such that they are not challenged by the temple guards who typically stopped those who approached to ascertain their purpose. Though before reaching the statue they are approached by one of the priests who had spotted them, a tall thin man who carries a caduceus and who wears a simple white robe. "Greetings and Good Health, friends." he says with bow of his head. "I am Floros, lay priest of the Divine Asclepius. What brings you to his temple today?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:21, Sat 24 Oct 2020.
Tancea
player, 30 posts
Sat 24 Oct 2020
at 12:59
  • msg #34

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Although more than a little bit out of breath after leading the fast paced trip across town Tancea doesn't take but a moment before she answers Floros' question.

Leaning a bit more heavily on the staff she always has with her than normally, a staff that looks quite a lot like the rod in the statue's hand when looked at next to it. ”I am Tancea, Priestess of Asclepius from the temple in Delphi although I was somewhat closer when I received your plea for aid a few days ago and fortunately able to made great haste to bring you the assistance you require.”
Dysis
player, 350 posts
Sun 25 Oct 2020
at 17:33
  • msg #35

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dysis stood silent during this interchange.   Her intent to speak little, and to look and listen much. Leaving the address to Tancea, the nobles, the physician; all better suited to deal with the Ascelpian priesthood.   She much doubted much they had any capacity to sense what she was - a spell weaver who wasn't weaving was much as any other mortal.    As well, girded about her waist was still the golden belt of Apollo. Amongst other things, a detail that misled from what from she truly was.
Dionae
Player, 32 posts
Shapeshifter
Basic Def 16, Hits 12/12
Mon 26 Oct 2020
at 12:48
  • msg #36

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Dionae went to the temple to w entertain the sick and be a friendly face to talk with them. The oldest medicine is compassion a in virtue lacking and not being human is amusing.
Arthanos
player, 318 posts
Wed 28 Oct 2020
at 07:32
  • msg #37

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Arthanos stretched as he stood on the dock and looked around. His ship had made good time, and the captain figured they should have caught the boat the others had traveled on. Bowing his head slightly and turning towards the ocean, he offered a quick prayer.

"Thank you Neptune for allowing me quick and safe travel," he says, then turns back to face the sprawling city before him.

"I'm going to need every bit of wits for finding them in this..." he mutters, sending a mental prayer to Athena for clear thinking. He knew they said they were heading to the temple of Asclepius so that would be the place to start.

Setting off, he moved calmly through the city, asking the occasional direction before reaching the building. Seeing the guards, he veered towards them.

"Excuse me, would you be able to tell me if some friends of mine came through? I'm trying to catch up with them." he queries, hoping he hasn't missed them.
Maze Master
GM, 685 posts
The dice of Zeus
always fall luckily
Fri 30 Oct 2020
at 14:05
  • msg #38

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

While the guards aren't able to tell Arthanos about his friends, having not seen them (or saying that they hadn't seen them anyway) they do point him in direction of the temple of Asclepius and so the noble begins to head in that direction.

Meanwhile, Dionae was trying to make her way down towards that part of the town as well, though not being familiar with this city as she had been with Thena, she is somewhat delayed. As she walks down one residential street that happened to be empty at the moment she gets a strange sensation of being followed. Whenever she stopped walking she could hear footsteps behind her stop as well, which would also pick up again as she continued to walk. It could be a coincidence, but her senses told her that it was intentional.

Dionae, I rolled a perception check for you which was successful.


While all this is happening, at the temple itself Floros had initially been confused by what Tancea meant by assistance, saying that they had not called out for any additional healers and he was unaware of any transfers, but once being made aware of what the party's actual purpose is, suggests they follow him inside to where they can meet more comfortably.

Serving them herbal tea in one of the rooms off the main foyer, he gets down to business. "The theft is an unusual one. Several weeks ago now somebody had broken into the vaults underneath this temple and took the Rod of Asclepius. What is unusual is that they could have taken any number of other magical artifacts but they specifically took the Rod, which itself has no magical or arcane powers. It is just simply a symbol of our deity."

He shakes his head sadly. "I have suspected that perhaps Heirax the Churgeon had something to do with this, but every time we have sent somebody to check in on him he's nowhere to be found."

"Unfortunately, other than that I don't have any other leads."


It is about this time as the party is speaking with Floras that Arthanos is arriving at the temple, making his inquiries with the guards, he is told that they are meeting Floras, and is escorted to where they are meeting with him shortly thereafter.
Tancea
player, 32 posts
Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 00:20
  • msg #39

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Glad to follow Floras into the temple, indeed clearly relieved simply by setting foot into the building perhaps even energized by the presence of its divine patron.  Settling into the room she accepts some of the tea as their host provides what information he can about the situation, it doesn't take long before her keen whit presents her with a follow up question to ask.

”We will no doubt want to inspect the vaults ourselves for just that sort of lead, but before we do that what can you tell us about Heirax and why you would suspect a Churgeon of such nefarious activity?”
Dionae
Player, 33 posts
Shapeshifter
Basic Def 16, Hits 12/12
Sat 31 Oct 2020
at 21:26
  • msg #40

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Not wanting to shapeshift but here it could be dangerous so she looks for someplace a home, patrolling guards or another location. She has options at least.
Arthanos
player, 319 posts
Tue 3 Nov 2020
at 08:20
  • msg #41

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Arthanos follows the guards into the temple, finally spotting some familiar figures. Thanking them, he wanders up to Dysis.

"Hi Dysis, what have I missed?"
Dysis
player, 352 posts
Wed 4 Nov 2020
at 23:25
  • msg #42

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

She smiled slightly, but in welcome of a familiar face, "Welcome back, Arthanos," she said in a soft tone, so as not to interrupt the conversation in progress.  "This temple has had an important, if powerless, relic thieved from its vaults.  A certain person seems to be suspect, and Tancea is inquiring why he is."    She shrugged.

"It seemed a better option to me than trekking a minotaur's maze, or facing flying, man-eating things."   
Danae
player, 2 posts
Thu 5 Nov 2020
at 03:04
  • msg #43

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Mostly keeping to herself on the ship Danae spent much of her time either watching the waves on the deck or studying books on Argos.  Upon their arrival she transitioned to studying by looking around, and listening to conversations around her, but stayed wrapped up in her own thoughts nonetheless.  Reading old forgotten inscriptions on walls as they passed them, finding delight in the subtle curve of an arch they pass under that describes the era in which it was made, even stopping by a stall in the market or two for a moment to inspect their wild claims of authenticity for rocks that most certainly were not ancient artifacts.

The temple itself draws her attention long before the group even gets close to it, the general shape of the building clearly designed to stand out even to the layman is a marvel to behold for those with an eye for the details, and the others have long since looked it over and moved on before she even realizes something else may be happening. Having kept walking with the group, but completely absorbed by admiring the temple, she pulls herself from her thoughts when Tancea speaks. She keeps nearby Tancea and Floros, listening to their conversation but staying silent. Joining them inside she accepts some tea, smiling in thanks,  and lets herself admire the inside, taking care to not lose focus on her surroundings.
“What else can you tell us about the rod? Is it valuable, or particularly old or rare perhaps?“
Stavos
player, 8 posts
Thu 5 Nov 2020
at 04:03
  • msg #44

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

Stavos clears his throat, "It's a symbol of the church. That gives it a certain value beyond gold. If all the thief wanted with gold a lot more would have been stolen. No, this is about power and politics."
Arthanos
player, 320 posts
Sun 8 Nov 2020
at 03:25
  • msg #45

Re: Chapter 6: At the Taverna Mythos

"Yeah...finding a lost relic sounds easy, but so did our last mission. At least with the minotaurs or flying creatures, we know what would try to eat us." Arthanos replies to Dysis, memories of the tunnels and darkness once again going through his mind.

Sighing to himself and shaking his head to clear the memories, he shifts to focus on the priest and the conversation. He didn't recognize the two who spoke, but their points were good.

"I wouldn't rule out gold completely. I've seen some of the junk the great families of Thena have on display. What most may consider worthless, others consider beyond value." Arthanos adds, "And why exactly was it locked away?"
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