OOC:

No need for discreet, Your a Mystic all your spells are discreet...with a couple of notable exceptions. Mystics just think the spell, no need for finger movements or incantations or any of that guff.

The helm is a closely fitted rather plain helm with a full face covering except for a small T-shaped slit across the eyes and down the centre of the face. The metal is somewhat oily in appearance but feels no different than ordinary steel...he has not seen its like before.

It is definetely enchanted in some way..but has no identifying marks or engravings upon it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:34, Tue 22 Oct 2019.

In reply to GM (msg # 56):

"So where was this found Finan, to the best of your knowledge? Provenance can mean everything when trying to make sense of artefacts such as this!
The first thought that comes to me is the eye-slit and faceplate arrangement does not appear especially functional. If you were to try and wear it in battle - your visibility would be heavily reduced and there isn't an adequate gap for breathing, also the thinness of the metal makes me question its effectiveness as a piece of armour. Am wondering if it may have had some ceremonial purpose?"

When he has the opportunity, Giles attempts to use his Premonition skill on the helmet - having established it is magical he would like to try and ascertain if it is dangerous before trying it on....
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:02, Wed 23 Oct 2019.

Col pauses sturing and looks straight into Giles eyes.

"Provenance indeed...  Fabius led me to the helm, but that is all I can tell you.

If you want to find Drajan and Vorenus, then you should travel north into the Bracks.  This is a perilous journey though, as dangerous now as it was for Drajan.  I have some associates who might accompany us along the way.  Apart from ancient history, there is gold and silver to be found too."

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 58):

"Fabius was once at the village of Mimirs Well was he not? If this is an artefact related to Mimir, who stands for knowledge, one might suppose it is a tool for learning. Oh well I suppose I will try it on and seek to understand its enchantment somehow"


Continues conversation.

"Nothing would please me more than the opportunity to travel to the north and investigate further. A large group would be best placed to face the hazards on this perilous road. I will do all that I can to make myself useful on the way. Who are these associates you mention?"

OOC: Places helmet on head and braces himself for any ill effect.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:38, Wed 23 Oct 2019.

Giles hears a babble of voices begin to rise up in his ears but then they fade away to nothing.

OOC:

20:40, Today: GM, on behalf of Giles, rolled 16 using 2d10.  Helmet. MA 12 vs, MD 10.

Colm is suprised at Giles eagerness to try on the helm, raising an eyebrow.

"Well?  How does it feel?  Can perceive anything differently?"

OOC - I know what it does OOC, but haven't had an opportunity to 'discover' what it does IC.

BTW Giles, do you post your RPoL stuff on Twitter, or on a Smart Phone?  Just wondered why you don't use any colour??
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Wed 23 Oct 2019.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 61):

Takes off helmet.
"On placing it on my head a heard a babble of voices that faded away soon after.
It was not uncomfortable so I can conclude it is not dangerous. I would like to try it again some time - a magic aid to knowledge, if such it is, would be remarkable and rare!"

OOP: Smartphone - if it is a nuisance I will just use laptop when I can access it at night- won't be able to post as often though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:37, Thu 24 Oct 2019.

Colm suspected as much, but having someone else agree was useful.  Colm was impressed by Giles.  For one so young, Giles was educated, well read and intelligent.  Was this how the True Faith trained all their priests?

"Fascinating.  A rare treasure indeed."

OOC - No worries at all.  You post when and where you can :o)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:39, Thu 24 Oct 2019.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 63):

"So this expedition north you mentioned- when were you planning on setting out? I needs must provision myself with some warmer clothes I think! And these associates- would it be possible to meet them?"

OOP: Thanks - this is getting exciting!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:38, Thu 24 Oct 2019.

"My associates are on the road at present.  I expect them to return soon.  Nothing will happen before Beltane anyhow, so there is plenty of time to make preparations.  The Spring Festival is in two weeks and has particular significance in Glissom.  It is our Patronal Festival, celebrating the gift of the Holy Hearth Fire, from Brigantia, the Goddess of Fire."

Colm is stuck sturring this cauldron until the potions are ready, which could take awhile.

OOC - When are the Potions gonna be ready GM?!?!?!

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 65):

Giles settles in to his new lodgings, rendering any assistance around the shop that he can to Finan and Kores, along with attempting any translations they present him with. When time allows he will revisit Maethwon at the Temple Library and focus his researches on Mimir in an effort to learn anything that might be useful in identifying the helmet. He will also write to Brother Aelfric of the upcoming expedition and request any advice he may have on the same- though is not expecting a prompt reply, or any at all. For this purpose he will also seek out any monks within Glissom (if there are any) who are heading south and entrust them with theletter, and seek to obtain any information they have gained about Glissom while here. He will also visit the eastern potion of the city where any Selentine buildings or foundations are still visible.

OOP: Happy for 2 weeks to roll by unless there are necessary stages in the set up
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:46, Sun 27 Oct 2019.

Colm will teach Giles the rudiments of potion brewing, asking Giles to help in some mundane tasks while Colm keeps an eye of Kores.  Giles will be instructed to keep the fire stoked, the brew simmering, but not boiling, and the mixture stirred frequently.  Hopefully this will increase the success of the potions!  Colm will have more private conversations with Giles as they do so.

"I am eager to break down barriers between the peoples of our faiths, to develop a relationship of tolerance and understanding.  To that end I am looking to recruit scholar of the True Faith to be a permanent part of my organisation. I understand that your visit to Glissom is only a short one, but I am sure that your superiors will see the benefits of such an endeavour.  There would be a stipend for such a person, who would be working closely with scholars of other faiths.  I cannot imagine that this wouldn't interest you?"

Over the next few days:

Giles learns that there were two men of the cloth of the 'True Faith' here a year or more ago.

In fact when he asks about them he recalls that Kores had addressed him by their names when he entered the shop.

A Father Jeffries: who he learns has relocated to a northern coastal village known as Lacklaw.

A Brother Jacob: who was last seen boarding a southward bound ship.

His research into Mimir gives him little more information than he already possesses, his keen senses suspect that "Colm" is not telling him everything....perhaps there is someone else he could ask?

He manages to locate a relatively trustworthy looking merchant who is bound for Albion to carry the letter.

He finds ample examples of partial Selentine Era villas, retaining walls and dwellings most of whom are occupied by the more well-to-do residents of the city. The majority are a combination of the ancient and more modern building techniques as the current inhabitants have built onto and extended the old structures.

He does hear of a graveyard or the like that may contain Selentine Era memorials....

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 67):

"A collection of scholars working together - a most worthwhile venture! My interactions with Maethwon have been most rewarding and indeed she has made some requests herself which I intend to follow up on my return to the Abbey. I believe I can forestall my return for as much as a month but needs must present myself back there at that time to report on my success and receive further instruction. I would keenly take your request to the Abbott and perhaps he may see fit to send me north once more."

OOP: Giles is well aware that such a decision is not his to make - and his greatest fear is to be denounced from the Order of St Marcus with it's comfortable familiarity!

Giles answers as diplomatically as he is able as he feels welcomed and valued and his curiosity is ablaze about the helmet that he wants to try on again!

On hearing of the graveyard that may contain Selentine memorials he makes further enquiries - his interest is in trying to establish if any of the 13th Legion made it back to Glissom.

Colm continues with his potions, ever nearing completion! 
Seeing the monk turning to his persuasion, Colm throws in another incentive.

"As your research has shown, there is currently no True Faith presence in Glissom.  We had a church here once, ministered by Father Jeffries, but it was burnt down by 'The Scorchers!'  There is an opportunity for mission, for evangelism, for ministry to the poor and sick.  All of which I would be prepared to support, if there are sufficient funds available.  I would need a Chancellor to run all this for me of course..."

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 70):

"I noted the burnt out remains of a tiny chapel harbour side on my arrival here- is this the church you speak of? Ministrations to the poor and sick would suit the tenets of my Order and would, I think, be looked on favourably by the Abbott. I could attempt a small hospice perhaps, give Mass and brief sermons - though would not wish to alienate the Temple which has proven so welcoming thus far. Can you relate to me what services Father Jeffries provided and why his work ended in a smoking ruin?! Are the Scorchers affiliated with the Temple? Does the King express tolerance of the True Faith here?"

Giles suggests to Finan he would like to try the helmet on again.

OOC: Has the location of the graveyard with Selentine memorials been located? GM: Its just outside the city, Finan has been there he could guide you if asked.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:06, Mon 28 Oct 2019.

Colm will be fixed to the bench in the back of Kores Apothercary Shoppe, for the next 4 days at least.  Colm only sleeps or eats when someone else is available to take over - preferable Giles, or Kores if needs must.  Colm is left alone to his thoughts, completing the Potions.

Once the brew is concocted, then the final stage arrives of carefully decanting the valuable liquid into the glass vials.  The glass vials are thick are dark green, to protect the potion from direct sunlight and from light knocks.  Each vial is carefully filled almost the brim.  Each vial is closed with a small cork, and sealed with hot wax.  There are enough materials for 10 full and complete potions.  Each potion is placed in a specially built leather satchel, with 10 strengthened pouches, one for each potion.  The final culmination of 28 days work with several thousand florins of investment.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 72):

Giles will offer Finan what assistance he can and, noting Finan's fatigue, try to keep a low profile. On completion of the brewing he will ask two things of him though; 1/ to try on the helmet again and
2/ whether Finan would direct him to the graveyard with Selentine memorials - suggesting that they could both use a change of scenery and some sunlight!

"Father Jeffries held a service every Haligdae morn, but only a few people came.  The King appeared to show no interest in the True Faith either way, but there is little popular support for it here.  The Scorchers are a gang of arsonists, led by a criminal psychopath!  They have nothing to do with the Temple and extort money from others.  Myself and a few associates were there the night the church burned down.  We killed all the Scorchers that night, but could not save the building.  Never fear Brother, I will deal with them in turn.

Feel free to investigate the helm as you see fit, Brother.  When I am done here, I'll take you to the Selentine Cemetery."

Giles places the helm over his head carefully and again hears the sussurating babble of voices that then dies away.

In reply to GM (msg # 75):

When the alchemy is done Giles will take Finan up on his offer. He is particularly interested in soldier graves and any that relate to the 13th legion and their dates.

Four days later...  Colm will resume his usual exterior disguise and take Giles to the old cemetery.  He will take care about being followed.

Giles and the disguised Finan passed out the north gate, drawing no more than a glance from the gate guards.

The road north was wide and well maintained and they made good time, Finan shared out a parcel of baked pastries he had secreted away in his pouch.

" Eat up.", he grinned. " The graveyard is up there."

He pointed to the northwest where a slight hill stood above the barley fields.

Half an hour later they were passing through the ancient Selentine gates.

Finan pointed to the southern corner of the cemetary, where lay a small number of simple graves marked with symbols of the True Faith. Finan knew that some parishioners of Father Jeffries lay at rest here as well as an old friend.

Around them were simple stones set on much older graves and a number of stone tombs sat around the edges of the graveyard. The area was surrounded by a grove of olive trees, though they were stunted and bare of leaves for the most part due to the northern weather.

Finans eyes drifted to the Selentine tomb nearby beneath which Kores had once bargained with Shaders servant, The Artisan.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:59, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

In reply to GM (msg # 78):

In preparation for this outing Giles has brought along several thin sheets of vellum and charcoal pencils to take rubbings of any worn and hard to read inscriptions. He takes in the names and dates of the True Faith graves and is drawn to the larger Selentine tombs - does he see any soldier graves?
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 11:25, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

Colm is subdued as he remembers old friends and past experiences.

"Yes, the Chapel was where Father Jeffries ministered to his small congregation.  That which is destroyed by fire can rise again, but it is the nature of its destruction which is important here.  The Scorchers burned down the Chapel.  They will keep destroying until they are destroyed..."