The Temple Cathedral of Abadar - The primary religious edifice in  Tusk.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

Brother Florin stood outside the temple gazing up at the stonemasons at work on the ongoing expansion of the building. One day, he knew, this would grow to rival the minsters and cathedrals of many a larger city than Tusk was ever likely to be. It was a thought that filled him with pride.

Zelona walked up while Brother Florin was looking up at the ongoing stonework.

"Uhh, hi, Brother Florin is it? Is Andalon around? I've a bit of business that I'd like to talk about with him."

Brother Florin looked slightly startled when Zelona spoke from behind him but he recovered quickly.

"Oh, yes miss. He's inside - working on Council business, I think. Follow me, please."

He leads the way into the temple and through to a meeting room on one side. He says little on the way but does at least get her name so he can tell Andalon who his visitor is. He invites Zelona to take a seat on one of the pews nearby while he knocks on the meeting room door and goes in alone.

The door opens and Andalon steps out with Brother Florin a few steps behind.

"Miss Zelona, it is a pleasure to see you. How may I help you?" he asked.

"Chancellor Andalon," Zelona gave a proper curtsy to the cleric of Abadar and smiled.

"I was hoping as the brothers of Abadar, you might be able to help me with a legal matter. Now that I have been in Midmarch for a few months, I have found myself with burgeoning wealth, property, interest in businesses with more on the horizon." She looked between the two clerics and smiled again her hand unconsciously tucking some of her hair back behind her slight elfin ears, "with the dangers incurred by those of us who go out on Lord Henry's expeditions to explore, settle, and tame these lands, I am afraid for all my efforts here to go to waste. I was wondering if you could aid me in drafting a will in case I do not survive this coming Spring outing or future ones beyond that? So that what I've built here can pass to my family and not whither away."

"Also, I presume that copies of such could be made, such that one could be kept on my person while adventuring, another can be stored here, and a third filed with Lord Henry?"

Andalon bowed gently as the proper response to Zelona's curtsy.

"Of course, we would be honoured to assist with the preparation and filing of a will. If you wish to bequeath your estate to your family I assume that there are particular family members that you would wish to name as the beneficiaries?

"Have you thought about naming someone to have the authority to act on your behalf if you are absent or incapacitated for an extended period of time - perhaps for more than a week? You could set out any limits on their authority if you thought that necessary. For example, I have heard of a wealthy and successful adventurer who set out authority for the sale of particular items to secure sufficient funds to have him Raised if he died on one of his many adventures, or for other treatments as necessary if he was incapacitated in some other way.

"We would, of course, ask you to make a suitable donation to the Church of Abadar in return for such services. We would suggest a donation of 5 gold for preparation of the initial will and another 1 gold each for the scribing of each additional copy. We would also recommend that our bank here in Tusk Town would be the most suitable place for safe storage of one copy, although the bank would charge an annual fee for that service."

Zelona smiled as she listened to Andalon speak and lay out questions for her.

"Yes, I would like to bequeath my estate and ownership stake in any business ventures and such to my brother. He will be coming to Midmarch to help run things and will have a good handle on my interests already, I just need to formalize the arrangement so that there is no question. I don't have monetary considerations currently to afford the magics to bring me back from the dead, and honestly I'm unsure if philosophically my position on such. Though I have heard of druidic magics that do similar,... I still need to think through things. For now, let us leave off those considerations."

She looked at the clerics, "I suppose that were I to find myself incapacitated, but not dead, my brother could assume responsibility for my well being as well as the business interests. Your donations suggestions are acceptable. What would the fee be to store these documents in the bank annually?"

Andalon nodded as Zelona spoke, confirming that he understood her intentions.

"Oh, I think the bank would charge a fee of one gold each year to store a small package like that, basically the size of a single scroll. They would keep it locked away securely in a treasure chest in their vault and allow you to access it or even exchange it for a new one without additional charge whenever you need to. You and they would agree on what is to happen to that package after the year is up if you choose not to pay that annual fee next year."

"Excellent, my thanks Chancellor. Once the documents are prepared will you arrange for storage with the bank or should I? Here is your requested donation for preparation and copies, plus some additional to aid your building efforts that I see are on going!" Zelona said with a sparkle in her eye.

OOC: Zelona gives them 20 gp. If they arrange for the bank, she gives another 20 gp to just secure storage for a good long while and not have to think on it.

"Thank you, Miss Zelona. That is very generous of you. We will prepare a draft of the document today and you can review it tomorrow or whenever suits you. If you are happy with the draft you can sign it then and we will sign as witness to your signature, then make two certified copies for you to collect at your convenience. Or if there are changes to the draft we can revise and finalise the document tomorrow with it and two copies ready for your signature by the end of tomorrow. Either way I will arrange for one to be stored securely at our bank here in Tusk on your behalf."

"That sounds perfect. I will be returning up to Oleg's in a few days, so I can stop in tomorrow to review and the following day to collect my copies. Thank you both, and I hope that your day is a day of balanced scales!" she said with a smile before departing.

Before his latest group departs for the Narlmarches, Adoven stopos in briefly to speak with Andalon. "I've discovered that the corpulant man is named Grigori, and that he will be residing here awhile. You might ask Tansy what he said to her. It might give a further clue as to his interests."

"Thankyou Adoven, I will mention it to Brother Florin so he can ask a few questions and keep an eye on things while we are away from town," Andalon assures Adoven.

Domitius entered the cathedral, he signalled one of the acolytes "Excuse me I was wondering if I could speak with Brother Florin?"

The acolyte bowed modestly and hurried off to fetch Brother Florin.

Florin didn't keep his visitor waiting long at all.

"Hello, Domitius. It is good to see you again. I haven't seen you since we got back from Restov. How can I help you?" he asked.

Domitius smiled warmly"Brother Florin, always a pleasure, I need your assistance with a contract of adoption, House Solanus is invite Kiera to join as a cousin.  I will be her sponsor and I have already had permission from the head of the house so we just need to formalise the situation.  Are you able to assist in this matter?"

Florin looked surprised for a moment before he nodded thoughtfully.

"Yes, certainly. I'm sure we can draw up a suitable contract together and no one is better suited than the Church of Abadar to witness and register contracts of all kinds. I have time now if you would like me to sit down with you and work out the details," he offered.

An acolyte whispers something in Florin's ear.

"If you are free then certainly,  I was hoping to get it organised before we head to the Narlemarches."

"Perfect," Brother Florin agreed with a smile. "Come with me to the office and we will discuss the details and write it up straight away. Then it will be all ready for signing whenever Miss Keira and you are both available."

"Aah yes, if I could be so bold, would you send a messenger to her Inn and invite her to join us at her earliest convenience.  I do want to make sure it is all squared away before we head out to the wilderness again."

With a nod from Florin, one of the adepts heads off to find Kiera.

The message had been something she hadn't been expecting- and Abadar's temple hadn't really been somewhere she'd ever thought she'd find a reason to visit.   But, well... she'd cleaned up well- at least she'd made it a point to comb her hair and put on some serviceable clothes (a good shirt and some good trousers)- no sense in antagonizing anyone she didn't have to.

But stepping inside, something is at least a little obvious- if she's feeling fuzzy, she's trying not to show it, but just takes her time walking and looking around.

Eventually, though, she's lead over to Dom, and... someone she kind of maybe vaguely knows?  Maybe he was at one of the gatherings she'd been to, that Lord Henry had put together?

"Uhm... hi, Dom... what's this about?  I mean, this... isn't one of the places I'd ever expect to be called to.  What's going on- you and Ali doing the obvious and making it official already?"

She's just a little nervous- the temple of Abadar isn't a place she's spent much time in.

Kendrick came a few seconds after Kiera. He held a folded letter in his hand as his eyes searched the grounds of the temple. Finally, he found those he sought. But he keep to the edge of the courtyard as if not wanting to intrude. "Ehhem."

"Hello, Keira. It is good to see you again, too. I haven't seen you since we got back from Restov, either," Brother Florin greeted the young woman.

"Well, your timing is perfect. We have just finished writing up the contract. I trust that Domitius has gone over the details with you already, or would you two like a moment to discuss anything first?"

Spotting the arrival of Sir Kendrick close behind Keira, Florin adds hastily, "Perhaps you two should check the wording is to your satisfaction. I will be back shortly."

He leaves them together and steps over to greet Sir Kendrick.

"Greetings, Marshal-Dominus. Are you here for Domitius and Keira, or some other matter?" he asks respectfully.

Alisa entered in time to catch Kiera's question.   She caught her eye, smiled, and shook her head in the negative, that this wasn't about herself and Dom yet.

Alisa also wasn't alone; there was a young, dark haired human woman in her company, to whom Alisa turned and said softly.  "That's Kiera. So if she ever chances by the shop, supply her for free.  Within reason," she added with a smile.

The dark haried woman inclined her head in concurrence, spoke softly in a Chelish accent;  "I'll do so, as you say."

Sejana had heard about Kiera, Kendrick, and especially Domitius.  It wasn't hard for her to know who was who.   She was quiet and respectful in the presence of such esteemed company.

In reply to ~Brother Florin (msg # 26):

Kendrick smiled as Florin approached. "Domitius asked for me to bear witness on a matter of importance."

"I'm satisfied everything is in order, looks like all our nearest and dearest are here.  So Kiera ready to have a well meaning protective older cousin." he asked waving Alisa, Sejana and Kendrick over with a smile.

"An excellent choice, Marshal-Dominus," Brother Florin replied with a smile.

He turned and walked back to Domitius and Keira. He picked up the document and moved so he faced them with the rest of the witnesses gathered beyond them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered today to witness a happy occasion for our friends here. House Solanus has invited Kiera to join them as a cousin. Domitius has offered to sponsor her and his grandfather, the head of House Solanus, has given his approval. We have drawn up the contract and all that remains is for Keira to sign the document, along with Domitius as sponsor and Sir Kendrick to witness it."

He lays the document flat on the small table nearby, gathers up pen and ink and offers them to Keira.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Tue 16 June 2020.

She looks at the pen and paper- and then looks to Dom.

"...you're serious.  Everything you know about me, and you want me to be kind-of related to you and yours?  And Ali, when you get yourselves married?"

She stares at the agreement, just... not sure what to think.

"...I never had a family, growing up. It was just me and a bunch of men and women who hung out in a forest, trapping, hunting, and trying to stay one step ahead of everything- and then I was on my own, scraping together two copper to clink together in my pocket and hoping I could find my way somewhere so I wouldn't have to resort to something like joining up with old Staggy before you all jammed his horns up somewhere painful and started making something of this land."

Slowly and carefully, she'd put the pen to paper, signing her own name wherever she had to.  It was a lot for the young woman.

"...but, well... it's... a lot, honestly.  I don't change for anyone.  I'm not going to be someone's I'm not.  But, still... why?  Just... tell me.  Why go to all the... for me?"

She winked at her friend.   "Everything in its time."

"I can't answer for Dom.  But, will offer that investing in people based on their spirit, character, and heart - rather than superficial things - seems wise and good from my perspective." 

Dom reached out and placed a hand on Kiera's shoulder smiling warmly. "There are many reasons Kiera, you and I have fought side by side many times and your bravery and skill speak for themselves.  You have made something of yourself and that determination has a value of it's own.

But mostly because I want too, because it feels right to have you amongst the Solanus family, you swordsister are worthy of being part of something bigger. with that Dom takes up the quill and signs for the Solanus family.  "Now there is an old family tradition that I must perform."  he takes out a very old knife that has the Solanus suns on the hilt.  He cuts across his thumb enough to draw blood.  He places his thumb on the center of Kiera's forehead leaving a bead of blood and intones in old Taldan "Nunc sanguinem meum tua armis protegere te ut luceat lux in Solanus" before embracing her and kissing her on each cheek.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
My blood is now yours,
my sword will defend you,
may the light shine on Solanus

---

Domitius took a step back "Welcome Kiera Solanus-Raincutter to the family."

Brother Florin wasn’t surprised when Dom and Alisa came to see him, while an Iomedian wedding was recognised in most places, it wouldn’t satisfy their families.  They were both from longstanding Noble stock, and their families would demand a properly Abadarian contract.

It was actually a fairly simple matter.  They weren’t the first noble couple to stage an ’’impulsive’ wedding, and they wouldn’t be the last either.  There was always an impulsiveness among young lovers who were away from the stabilising influence of their families.  The contact should have been negotiated in the months before the ceremony, and then duly signed by representatives of the families as part of the ceremony, but needs must!

An acolyte is quickly dispatched to bring five copies of the Simple Marriage Contract, it absolved their parents, and other family members from any financial responsibility for the new partnership, and contained all the standard clauses concerning relationships between the various houses.  Once the contracts had been read to then, it was just a case of signing.  The couple, their witnesses and three churchmen, hastily summoned, to make up the numbers.  With that number of priests, no one would dare question it.

Each partner had a copy, copies were dispatched to the heads of each parent house, and the last copy was sent to the vaults to be stored until the end of time.  That was the important one, the one would settle any legal arguments, should it be required.

Then the short ceremony was concluded.  Married by Iomedae, they now had a binding contractual relationship, witnessed by Abadar.  Harmony and order restored.

It had been some time since Dom had attended the cathedral in Tusk, it had fond memories of his last visit, when his marriage vows had been ratified.

This was a other formal visit and onve again one he knew would give him fond memories of this place.  Excuse me, is Brother Florin or the Archbishop available? he asked.

Domitius was invited to take a seat in a private chapel while the Bishop was sent for.

It wasn't long before Bishop Andalon joined him there.

"Greetings, Domitius, my friend. May the blessings of Abadar be upon you and your house, always. Is this just a social visit or can I assist you in some way?"

With a smile Dom replied "A bit of both really,  it's time to expand the family again and I was wondering if you would stabd witness to Barbatius's adoption.  He has served us and Southern region well and with the establishment of Sunsmarch now seems a good time."

Andalon smiled in return.

"Of course, we would be honoured to do so. Barbatius seems like a good man and certainly someone you'd be glad of in battle. You gave me a bit of a start there, though, when you said its time to expand the family again. For a moment I thought you were going to tell me Alisa was expecting a baby!"

Dom chuckled in response, "I'm not sure Alisa is ready to send me out on my own just yet and we make too good a team for Lotd Henri to let us languish on our estates for too long.

Still there is much to do in Sunsmarch, I'm surveying the land around Varnhold to build a castle there next year and Silverhold could do with a keep overlooking the harbour. I will make sure my people are as safe as can be.  What befell Maegar and his people was a tragedy. as he spoke he reached for the holy symbol on the chain around his neck as he offered a silent prayer for the departed.

"Yes, you'll certainly have plenty to keep you busy in Sunsmarch," Andalon agreed. "You will need to make contact with the Nomen centaurs to the east, too, and make sure you build a better relationship with them than Maegar Varn did. That reminds me, we found an enchanted flail in the lich's tomb that we think belonged to Xamanthe, the daughter of the Nomen leader. I believe Adoven is looking after that flail until proper arrangements can be made. We'd appreciate it if you could return it to her for us, and assure them that the ancient cyclops warlord Vordakai will never rise again to trouble them or us in the future."

Dom stroked his beard nodding gently "The Nomen have been a thorn in Restov's side for generations.  I have a healthy respect for their skill with a bow and have fought against them in the past.

Still if there us a chance for peace we should try and sieze it.  You mentioned they worship the moon goddess, perhaps Alisa should be the one to lead the effort as they may have some common ground.  Tell me what agreements were made and do you have a copy I xould have?"

A customer enters the bank to deposit a few gold and silver coins.  Perhaps the takings from his small bakery in the merchant district.

”There was nothing formally agreed with the Nomen, certainly nothing in writing. We returned their enchanted bow that we found at Varnhold and it turned out that the spriggans we defeated at the fort in Varnhold were enemies of the Nomen. So we ended up on good terms with the Nomen and they gave us useful information about the ancient warlord Vordakai. That is the lich we subsequently fought and defeated. We also rescued Xamanthe and sent her back to the Nomen, then after that we found her flail among the lich’s treasures. We have certainly laid the foundations for a strong and lasting friendship with the Nomen. I hope you and Alisa can build upon that. And yes, Alisa may well be the ideal person to do that. Not just because of the religious connection but also because the Nomen seem to be mostly females and their leader is female, too. Hopefully your previous battles against centaurs won’t become an insurmountable obstacle.”

Perhaps I should ask Safiya and Marceline to join us as well. Dom mused he knew them well and had been adventuring with them for years.

"Have no fear I bear no grudge against the Nomen they proved valourus opponents.  I would hope to turn them to allies should we ever face a war to our south, west or north.

There is something I would ask, Kendrick seems changed since he returned, I have yet to talk to him though.  Can you tell me a little of what happened?

Andalon's mood became even more serious when Kendrick was mentioned.

"Ah, yes, Kendrick. He suffered more than any of the rest of us in that encounter with the lich. It was after the lich was slain, actually. One of the lich's eyes still glowed with a spark of red light within it after the lich was slain, and we determined it has an overwhelming magical aura. Kendrick cut that evil thing out of the lich's skull, on my suggestion, I regret to say, but when he plucked it out, the accursed thing siezed control of his mind. Kendrick plucked out his own eye before we could stop him and would have thrust that evil orb into his own eye socket if we had not managed to restrain him. I had to use a scroll of Break Enchantment to free his mind from the grip of that evil eye. The experience has left Kendrick terribly shaken. I think he means to retire to his estate and try to come to terms with what he went through.

"That evil eyeball is a matter I intend to take before the Midmarch Religious Council, so we can determine the best way to destroy it or neutralise it somehow."

This message was deleted by the player at 15:47, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

Thank you Andalon for telling me.  It is a very wottying to know that an item of such power is around.  I hope there is a way to safely drstroy it.

Will you be able to restore Kendricks eye, is that even possible?
It seems the sort of gift the gods may grant.

"To restore Kendrick's eye would require the divine spell Regenerate. That is still well beyond my abilities, at this stage. Perhaps, one day, I might attain that level of accomplishment. When it becomes possible, I will do that for our good friend Kendrick," Andalon assured Domitius.

Thank you Andalon, it is good to know.  I pray that Iomedae looks favourably upon him. his hand moving to the silver Holy Symbol he wore around his neck.  "If you need any assistance dealing with that Gem do not hesitate to ask, the resources of my house are at your disposal.