After about a half-hour, the group gets to the temple of Pelor. Oddly, the marketplace outside is eerily closed. There is two torches lit up and from the outside it looks dark. There seems to be no guards or anyone outside. Faolan stands there, arms crossed. The wolf looks around and growls. All of the buildings around it look closed up as well. Across from the group, something moves and what appears to be a gnome stops about 30' looking rather surprised.

OOC Entering its the gnome wizard
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Thu 28 July 2022.

“A wolf? Inside the walls?!” the gnome exclaims in a high-pitched voice. “Oh, you’re accompanied, I see! Greetings, greetings, kind folk…” His voice cuts off as Coin comes into sight. The little man seems quite amazed at the sight of a kobold, but he recovers. “Honestly, I was getting a little worried that there wasn’t anyone about. It’s a bit late, but this is unusually quiet for the marketplace, especially so near the temple.” He glances about nervously.

He seems to remember something. “Oh, terribly sorry. Name’s Tadiokritelitestin Singlebraid, accomplished wizard and scribe, at your service. Um, you can call me Krite.” He nods his head politely, if a bit warily as he beholds the group.

The heavy warforged comes into view as well....

"Greetings good gnome, I am forge anvilhead, paladin of Pelor, we had been out of sight of town for a bit, underground, and the streets have now gone very quiet, have you seen or heard any news of why it may be this way?"

The warforged pauses for the gnome to process  the party....
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Thu 28 July 2022.

"I imagine our encounter has something to do with the silence."

Coin eyes the gnome with an ingrained distaste that Coin is uncertain about, but that she always feels about gnomes.

The druid is silent. And the wolf growls at his side. He doesn't introduce himself immediatly but after a moment he does speak "Faolan and I doubt what we went through had anything to do with this. Of course I could be wrong. This is part of the town, Forge. There are others that could be fine. We do not know so assuming is not wise. You could be correct though but we have seen others before this place. This is your place of residence correct Forge?"

Forge looks at the temple....

"I do not mean to alarm anyone, but I have never seen the temple this quiet, at this time of day......perhaps people have taken refuge within from some danger we did not see."

The Gnome wizard is then approached by a youthful-looking human female of medium height with wavy hair with the texture of silk and the color of fire, wide brown eyes, and sun-kissed skin. She wears the robes of a priest of Pelor (God of the Sun) over a chain mail shirt and a wooden holy symbol of a smiling Pelor.

The young woman then smiles warmly and speaks with a softly clear voice, "Greetings to you, Tadiokritelitestin Singlebraid. Going forward I will call you Krite as you've allowed. I am Cumarinda Imbrex, a traveling priestess of Pelor the Sun Father. My associates and I have come here seeking wisdom and such care as my brothers and sisters in the temple may be able to provide. Do you know why it is so quiet here?"

“I was here to see if they needed a hand, myself,” Krite replies, tugging on his beard thoughtfully. “I’ve never seen this area this deserted, come to think of it.” He concentrates for a moment, and suddenly four lanterns appear, spreading out into a square almost 10 feet apart and then the quartet of lanterns climb 45 feet straight up to cast illumination across the entire area.

OOC: Krite uses his dancing lights spell-like ability.

"That was amazing, Krite. Oh, and let me introduce my associates." The priestess added, "You've already met Faolan and Forge of course. My golden scaled and winged friend is Coin Thunderspear, she is a decent person of a unique lineage. Finally, this rather healthy wolf is Faolan's smart and brave companion, Fenris."

Looking towards the doors of the temple she asked Forge, ⁣ "Champion, is there a special manner to enter the temple here? At my home temple, the doors were usually open during the day to welcome anyone who sought service."

Forge continues to survey the temple....

"I have never seen the temple in such a state as this in the middle of the day, I am also concerned, greatly."

Forge heads straight for the doors to see if they are open....


Using detect evil as he goes forward
This message was last edited by the player at 11:51, Sat 30 July 2022.

The door is locked and the paladin tries to sense evil.

Faolan keeps his weapon at his side, leaning on it slightly. The wolf growls but remains next to the druid. His eyes dart to the wizard casting his spell and tilts his head but doesn't say anything allowing the cleric to speak her words.

Forge pauses....

"I sense a fleeting evil, it was here but it grows more distant, we should hurry inside and look for the guidance of the temple."

He then goes into motion to get to the doors and open the temple doors....

Cumarinda knocks heavy-handed on the church door, "In the name of the Sun Father and his children, open this door!" she shouted out as she moved to look for a way to help Forge open the doors.

Krite tugs on his long braid. "Evil in or around the temple of the Shining One?" he reflects. "That's not a good thing! Unfortunately, I don't have knock prepared, so one of you will have to open the door if they don't answer...or can't answer." He adds that last bit with a tone of worry.

"Grimwald, climb up to a window and peek inside, if you would," he says to what's apparently nothing, but then a red-coated weasel -- whose fur is the same shade as Krite's own hair -- pops out of his cloak's hood and squeaks its agreement. "Remember to be careful!" the wizard adds. The tiny creature makes its way quickly up the drainspout, hardly making a sound as it goes.

OOC: Grimwald the weasel has a 20 ft. climb speed, +10 Climb, may take 10 on all Climb checks. He has +5 Spot, +11 Hide, and +8 Move Silent and he is being careful to be as stealthy as possible.

The weasel takes off up the downspout and scurries along just as the door opens slightly. A old man, maybe about 80 and human looks up at the massive warforged from beneath his glasses "No need to yell. Pelor didn't hear you, I did. And I am not as quick as I once was. Come now, come in. Put your weapons by the door. No need for them within this holy place. Go on, put them there or stay outside. I'm Father Renold." He looks at each of them "A wolf? Dire one I would say. Unfortunatly it cannot pass. Not all within do will with animals. Nothing against you." He eyes Faolan "Druid am I correct? You can enter if you wish. And oh yes Forge. Welcome. And you must be Krite. Others have spoken of you. Come now, don't got all day."

The wolf growls and sits by the front door. Its eyes dart to each of them, as Faolan pets his head "Yes. A druid." He doesn't move to enter, watching this old man but he is given a nod.

No one else enters the area. A few birds drop down watching them then flutter off. After a few moments a young woman and a man passes by, glancing at the big bad wolf and the others with him. She nods her head to Father before moving off in a different direction. He nods his head as well.

Forge comes forward....
"I have returned with news, we saw  a drider or the illusion of one in the burial chambers below ground, and the town is quiet, and I sensed a fleeting evil at the very doors of the temple."


Forge moves to the opposite side of the old man giving him a wide berth but close enough if the man wishes to brace himself, he can do so...

"Can you give us guidance in this time of trouble, holy one?"

Krite pats around his robes and pack for a while, absentmindedly searching for any weapons. He eventually comes up with a light crossbow, a brace of bolts, and a dagger (all gnome-sized, of course). "I don't recall having to surrender my weapons last time," he says as he leans them against the interior wall. "Of course, I don't remember not surrendering them, either."

He's just playing for time for the weasel to come back down and report on what it saw from it high vantage point. Up to now, he hasn't seen absentminded or distracted at all, in point of fact.

"You have never been inside then and you seem to doubt me. I've been in this church for many years. If you do not wish to enter, so be it. I do not deal with blasphemers and that it seems like is what you are. So be it, stay out there. This is a place of peace and all weapons shall be placed in its proper area." The old man seems to be aggrivated with the gnome. Of course until all weapons are remove, the man stands in the doorway and if the gnome attempts to go by, he stands in front. Despite the man being old, he doesn't let Krite go through "A drider you say? In Stormreach? Follower of Lolth. You do know not all areas of the city are quiet don't you know? Here it is odd. Most of the time there are people milling about but today tis strange. As for evil, we have had people with evil attempts try to get inside but could be beggers.I've seen them around." He coughs a few times and remains in the doorway.

Its dark inside and the door is open enough to see the man standing there. Flickers of candlight are scattered around.

The weasel doesn't return immediatly and when it does it comes back down the downspout. It looks up at the wizard. All the grnome gets from him is a dead end-a grate blocking its path.

"Peace friends this is my home and the father has my respect, I have never brought others here...I did not forsee this problem."

Forge looks back and forth.....

"Followers of Pelor need not bother with this rule but must keep them sheathed. We have rules and must obey them." The old man keeps standing in the doorway. His eyes go to each person and stop upon seeing the cleric and paladin.

Faolan stares at this man, eyes narrowed but he doesn't react. He goes to place a hand over the gnomes shoulder. The wolf growls once more but it stops.

A few others enter the temple area, moving to their homes. Some watch what is going on but then hurriedly bustles about their business and go elsewhere. A man, probably humanoid adjusts a stand outside looking like he is getting it ready for business. It seems odd that few people meander through the area.

"I have a place out back that may be more comfortable a place for the wolf and weapons to wait, it is more a covered workshop and not a room, so it is not secure, like a small blacksmith area.I can lock the weapons up there...if you would rather wait in my place?"

Forge nods....
This message was last edited by the player at 12:55, Wed 10 Aug 2022.

Cumarinda is going to observe and attempt to determine what, if anything out of the ordinary, is going on.
She is aware that all temples to Pelor are not exactly the same, but she is looking for the common denominators.
She is also trying to determine how authentic this resident priest is.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Spot.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 20 using 1d20+8.  Sense Motive.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 16 using 1d20+10.  Knowledge (Religion).
(hopefully with bonuses given that this is the religion she was literally raised by/in/with.)

Krite follows along with a mild, bemused expression on his face, but he’s actually quite wary. The paladin said he’d sensed Evil, and was not clear as to whether it went into the temple or away from it, so he’s quite troubled.

“Wish I dared to cast detect magic”, Krite murmurs softly to whoever’s next to him, trying not to let the old man hear, “but that’s probably going to offend him, so I’ll refrain.”

The human woman wearing the large smiling symbol of Pelor stepped forward. As her gaze fully
fell upon the face of the old man she smiled and spoke a basic prayer wrapped around the
casting of a Detect Magic. Her smile reformed as she greeted Father Renold.

"First, my apologies Father Renold, my companions and I have come from a rough time after
finding evil while expecting only large spiders. If we seem to be rude it is only our caution and concern
speaking for us."

"Second, I am Cumarinda Imbrex a devoted, ordained, and blessed Priestess of Pelor, our Sun Father.
I have come for many reasons, some personal, some divine, and always in service to Pelor.
How may I help?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Tue 16 Aug 2022.

Forge now inside, goes ahead and searches once more for any trace of evil, he is scanning the entire area, and using the clerics wordiness to do so without being noticed...


@Krite...he whispers back
"I see no reason not to, I am looking for the aura of evil right now...."

"I know. I can tell by your appearance. Just call me Father. " The old man grumbles as the cleric cast her spell but it doesn't penetrate inside the church but there is something there but trying to find out is hard. All the warforged sees is a faint glow but not from the Father and its starting to fade "He's a druid. That warforged is a paladin. I'd say the gnome is a wizard. I don't need to tell you anything else-you already know."

The kobold seems to have left.

"Your not rude, but the wizard is. Sort of I may add. And that warforged keeps looking at me like I'm a spider. Stop it, Forge You want in, everyone has to leave their weapons outside save Forge and Cumarinda and they must remain sheathed." He grumbles.

Seeing a loophole in the fathers logic he offers a sack to the wizard
“Will you let me have your weapons I will gift them back to you later…I promise.”

Krite shakes his head. “No, it’s all right, but thank you,” he says. “I trust in the Father’s honor. And I certainly hope I won’t need a crossbow in here!” Krite considers the weapons to be emergency backups anyway.

"Father, I mean no disrespect to you or the temple here. If you wish me to remove my weapons, I'm happy to do so.
However, it seems that I have come at a time of trouble bringing my own troubles with me." she said with a bow.

"If I may be permitted within to observe, assist, give proper respect to Pelor, and seek a greater annointment,
I would be appreciative. I also need advice on a matter female, medical, and personal. Thank you, Father Renold."
with a patient smile she looked into the Father's face anticipating entry into the temple.

Probably irritated as he made it known to her that she doesn't need to remove her weapons, the old man stands there "Do you not listen at all? All members of Pelor don't need to remove their weapons and can enter. And you are being a bit disrespectful. But you may enter and so can Forge as well as the gnome. The druid cannot unless he removes his weapons and the wolf must remain outside." He steps aside, waiting.

With an apologetic smile, the woman proceeds to enter the church. "Yes, Father, I heard you each time
you said it. But I also know there are times when the rules and personal preferences can sometimes be at odds.
I apologize if I'm being disrespectful. That was not my intention."

Seeming slightly cowed and embarrassed, Cumarinda quickly enters the church and looks
around inside after making certain to not block the way for others to enter.

"So we are cleared for entry!  Let us go in  and see if someone knows if there is any news or what new adventures await us!


With no more hesitation forge enters to the temple....

Krite follows the holy pair into the temple proper and waits for an opportunity to cast detect magic when the old man's attention is elsewhere. (Note: he will not cast it unless/until he's pretty sure the guy won't notice.)

If Forge sees nothing immediately amiss in the temple he will move out from blocking the door and step aside, out of the way of the cleric and the gnome, as he does not want to step on any toes.....

"I spend most of my time around back, rather than inside."

The father steps aside and allows everyone to enter but not Faolan. Taking a deep breath, the druid gives away his weapons and allows Forge to place all of them in a safe spot in the forge. The warforged keeps his weapons sheathed, same as the cleric. Slowly, the druid enters with the others. The father moves into the church. The inside seems more bright. A shining Pelor symbol seems to hover over the main pulpit and someone sits in front of it back to the group kneeling down. Several pews line the area. Flickers of everburning torches illuminate the area sending waves of light breaking the darkness. There are four different doors all are closed. Of course Forge knows where the one to the farthest right goes-a backdoor to the forge and the armory. Despite being welcome to the church, he was not allowed in other areas but is allowed in the dining area at times. No one can tell who or what is sitting there. Father locks the door and sits down near it. He picks up a book, his glasses and starts to read after he rings a bell. Faolan jumps slightly and stares at the man. The wolf of course sits outside.

Forge points to the door on the far right...
"That is the back exit, we can go there, if you want to wait for the father to send someone.  I am sure that we will be greeted in due course."

Seeing that he won't have an opportunity to cast a spell unobserved, Krite instead glances around to see if there's a donation bowl or a poor box near the door. "A place where we can sit and talk would be good," the gnomish wizard says. "We are well met, my new friends, but I can see that you've been through much, and that drider you mentioned is troubling to say the least! It seems that fate, if not Garl Glittergold himself, has thrust me into your web, if you'll pardon the pun, and I would like to know what your plans and obligations might be.

"I'm guessing bringing the lights in here won't be appreciated..." he continues, and he makes a little shrugging motion. Outside, the dancing lights spell is dismissed. "I'm an adventurer, myself, and you seem to be on that path as well. I'm also about to the end of my funds at the moment -- been buying a lot of spell scrolls to add to my spellbook -- so the opportunity to get some treasure would be quite welcome!"

Cumarinda looked around the temple interior, smiling as she sees the holy face of the Sun Father shining over the pulpit. Noting the person before the pulpit, she approaches the back of the kneeling person, speaking softly before kneeling besides them, "May Pelor's grace shine upon you, daily!" she intones before speaking further, "I am Priestess Cumarinda Imbrex, visiting from far away. May I know your name and pray with you?" she asks in a warm voice.

@Krite
"I can forge you a nice metal box to hold your spell book when we get time....would that make it too heavy?"

Krite nods somberly at the warforged. His big eyes convey clearly that yes, he's afraid that it would make the spellbook too heavy. "I appreciate the offer, though, Forge," the gnome says. "Spellbooks are tough and when I know the right magics, I plan to make mine even tougher, but they're also distressingly vulnerable, too. Keeps me up at night, it does, sometimes, thinking about what might happen to my precious book!"

Forge shakes his head side to side....
"I usually do not put value on things, but there are some things I feel are missing from my person, they are dim memories of long ago, but I remember flying with great created wings....a long time ago I guess it was, when I heard such rare items exist, I hope to one day find what once was....".


He scratches his chin....
"It is beyond my understanding how to help you with your book."

"Forge you know this is a quiet place yet you and your friends continue to talk rather loudly. Especially the gnome. So please if you do not mind speak quietly or go outside. Thank you. Now then, I am High Priestess Valora. This is my home and I am in charge. You can pray if you wish. Asking the Sun God blessings is what I was accomplishing." The woman stands and turns. She is a human at first glance, about 5'4 and she wares all white. Almost angellike. Valora nods her head "What can I help you with? If Pelor wishes it can be done."

The druid steps back and just watches. All of this religion and holyness has him bothered. Faolan being a druid in a house of Pelor? As much as he wants to go with it, its obvious he is bothered.

Forge takes the admonishment from the smallish woman...

"Indeed we believe that we encountered a drider at the burial chamber, it escaped and we thought to warn the town and seek guidance for tracking down such a threat. I say believe because it is what I saw, and detected evil as well as a fireball...."

Cumrainda kneeled for a short time, her head bowed and hands clasped in silent prayer. When she finished,
she bowed out of respect to the High Priestess before speaking. "High Priestess Valora, Permit me to demonstrate
the holy incantations bestowed upon me by our Sun Father that you may know me to be in Pelor's service."

With one hand on the holy symbol around her neck, she casts a spell.

OOC
Cumarinda will cast Detect Good.

Krite didn't think he was speaking all that loudly, but he lowers his voice and respectfully says, "A thousand apologies, Priestess Valora. I was headed here to assist with the brewing of potions when I met up with these good folk. They and I both noticed the dearth of the faithful in the area around the temple, and truth be told, it almost seems like there's a shadow nearby the structure.

"We came inside, as Cumarinda said, to seek guidance about what they encountered in the crypt, but as much to see if something is wrong here as well. How can we help?" the little man asks earnestly.

"You enter this temple and decide to cast a spell upon me without asking I may add and expect me to openly do as you wish and answer all your questions when I may have questions of my own? This is my home as well as several other people who worship the Almighty Pelor. You dared to do it. I have never walked into someone elses home and have done what you have attempted to do. You have much to learn and are not fit for the privalage of calling yourself Priestess. A lot to learn. I am deeply disturbed and upset by you, Cumarinda." The woman watches the cleric and places her hands to her back "Now then. Oh yes questions. Forge? A buriel chamber located where? Your senses were able to detect a fireball? I truly doubt that but I know the abilities of a Paladin. Perhaps you are improving." She looks down upon the gnome and kneels down to be at his level "You must be the one I have heard about? A potion maker? As for the lack of the faithfull, we have a decent amount. They are simply elsewhere doing what Pelor wishes. Nothing more, nothing less." She stands up "I assume you are famished. Would you care for some tea and scones? And we can provide oil for you, Forge." She smiles.

The druid watches what is going on. A stern look upon his face. He doesn't talk but does sit down a few pews back. A forest dweller in a big city trying to grasp what this religion is, what it wants. Needs perhaps. When she speaks badly towards the cleric, his hands tense up into balls and goes to say something but stops relizing its not the time or place.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Wed 31 Aug 2022.

While still maintaining focus as she looked around the central area of the temple, Cumarinda remained silent,
her face displaying a distracted smile. Politely she apologized, "I'm sorry High Priestess Valora, I was always taught
that the temple belonged first to Pelor, then to his followers in need. Also, those in service to our Sun Father would
always have a home in any of Pelor's temples. As for the spell I cast, I did tell you what I was doing, it did no harm
to anyone, and I thought that it would bear true witness of my identity and calling."

Still focused as she walked around and looked into all the places inside the central area of the temple, she completed her
circumnavigation of the walls after looking up into the ceiling, at the feet of the High Priestess. Only then did her smile fade
to an expression of distress and she spoke once more, "I will be happy to answer your questions and I will add my words
to those of Champion Forge and our friend Krite. Yes, there was a Fireball cast by a drow-spider we discovered in a crypt nearby.
The drow-spider vanished as we were chasing him. Oh, and I have a concern that requires knowledge and experience
with womanly medicine and ways."

"Apologies my sense did not detect a fireball, I was struck by what seemed a ball of fire, that also injured others and we saw a drider, Though it could have been illusion, so here we are seeking guidance from yourself on a course of action to investigate it further and for good wisdom."

Forge did not recall having ever asked the clergy for help, they studied him at times and asked questions, but most of the questions he had no answers...
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:21, Tue 06 Sept 2022.

"Yes it is but this is my personal home and I suggest you show it the correct manner. It is a simple task is it not? A drider, interesting. Few have been seen in all the years I have taken up the mantle of High Pristess. I will see to it. As for where you saw it, I would like to know Forge. It is of high importance. Telling me of this creature but not providing where you saw it other then perhaps a improper buriel area doesn't tell me much my friend. So shall we go to the dining area and have some tea and scones? And you are concerned? Tell me what it is that bothers you." The priestess watches each of them.

Faolan stands up, leaning on the pew. Still he remains quiet as if the two of them are judging one another oddly. He goes to the center asle, resting a hand on the gnomes shoulder for a moment before placing both of his hands over his chest. Strange man.

Father Reynold coughs a few times as he watches this odd ensamble before going back to his book in a chair near the door. He snaps his fingers and two more of the flames bursted out providing much more needed light.

"A young woman asked for help with large spiders in a local small crypt, it is near the docks and where we encountered the drider....Perhaps we could inquire of any local drow or the iron watch?"


Forge scratches his chin...
"I can show you the place if it would help."

Krite looks up at Faolan. "I thank ye," he says to the druid even though he has NO idea why he did that. He follows the others, his slender, graceful fingers stroking his long red braid as he thinks. Does he know the crypts Forge is referring to?

As the conversation lags Forge spends some time thinking about the true scope of the place that he lives and how much of it he is unaware of....perhaps some local exploration is a good thing, his loop to the temple, helping the poor and the area of the docks was all he really knew....perhaps the cleric and wizard knew places to go....

With every visible intent of being polite yet insistent, Curmarinda again addressed High Priestess Valora,
“We have presented different problems before you, Priestess. With Pelor's grace, I ask that you tell us
which you'd rather we relate to you first. Please?”

After a short curtsy she added, "Please forgive my rudeness, High Priestess, I have seen many people come
and go from around me in a parade of greetings and loss. I meet new people, begin to make friends, then they seem
to vanish before I get to know them well.

It has been taxing on my patience and my manners. In the name of our Holy God Pelor, humbly I ask for your
forgiveness and understanding." She concluded her request with a bow.

Just as the priestess was about to speak, a halfling comes waltzing in with a scone and a coffee covering his face. He stops dead in his tracks. The priestess stares at him "Riceak! Thoses were for the guests not you. Their better be more in the dining hall." She scolds him impatiently and turns towards the newcomers "I believe you are hiding something. All of this for a drider yet something plagues you. What is it? I will sent word to this buriel chamber to find out more about it."

"I assure you that there are more in there. I was merely taste testing them for freshness. Wouldn't want anyone to have a stomach ache, now would we?" Looking between the priestess and the group of newcomers, he ponders what to do in this moment to ease the tension. "So what is a drider if no one minds me asking?"

Forge notes the new comer....interestingly he was always aware of not slamming into people and now all the people seem to be getting smaller as it were...he is caught in some thoughts until he blurts out....


"Top part drow, bottom part spider, drider!"

"And all of it twisted and evil, is my guess," Krite says as he nods a polite greeting at the halfling. "What it's doing in a tomb inside the city limits is a matter that I find quite concerning. Where there are driders, there may be demon-worshipping dark elves, after all.

"Of course," he adds with a smile, "such problems may lead to adventures, and I'll make a lot more taking a treasure share than loaning my alchemy skills to the temple!"

Giving a nod of thanks to the warforged for the explanation, Riceak was not looking particularly happy at the notion of something running around that could potentially lead to far worse things. "It could also lead to death and despair instead of a stable and safe income."

Forge considers the back and forth of the two small ones, he is not sure of the correct designation of them, he knows they can tell and the others can tell, but for the two he sees or thinks could be....

"Easy to have stable income, you cleans out what the outcome of horses and they pays you, not good income but is income and at the stables...or you could own a stables and rent stalls for horses and hire someone to do that job."

"Stable as in consistently gained. Not the location. Though, those would be examples of safe and stable income, so good on you for that. I certainly wouldn't want to have such a job though. The smell would stay with my clothes," responded Riceak as he scratched his head at the warforged's comment.

Cumarinda smiled softly then cleared her throat somewhat loudly. When eyes turned her way she blushed slightly before
quickly speaking again to the High Priestess. "I... Please forgive my insistence, but current circumstances force me to seek
guidance and council from you High Priestess. The issue I seek your guidance on is very, very personal, not to be shared
with everyone. Also, I have journeyed towards Radiance* and I need to receive final investiture to fully begin upon that path."
With a small smile she looked into the High Priestess' face looking for the understanding and compassion she'd always felt
from her sisters and brothers in service to Pelor.

OOC
*as in Radiant Servant of Pelor
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Tue 20 Sept 2022.

Forge scratches his chin, he had done innumerable tasks around the area, but got the idea of that one for sure, barnacles had kept him busy, as he had no need to hold his breath or take rest breaks....

"I see stable like holding a bow to ensure the arrow hits its mark...I might have known this before, but I was unaware for a long time and recently awakened."

"From what I believe of those who choose the path, you do not need my word to continue along with it. But if it makes you feel better with yourself, by the Pelorian light you have my blessing. Privacy? I could easily summon someone to guide your friends to the dining hall. Or simply ask Ric. Everyone seems at edge, it is not wise to show it here. For everyone here shall be at peace." The priestess hold out her hands towards the cleric and smiles.

Faolan doesn't seem too happy but he remains where he is and holds back any retort. After a moment he steps behind the cleric watching the priestess like a bodyguard without weapons. Odd. But perhaps he has other skills....
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:28, Thu 22 Sept 2022.

"We can follow the indomitable Mr. Riceak easily enough, priestess," Krite says with a bow. The gnome gestures at the crumbs at the halfling's feet. "He clearly knows the way!" This was an interesting group, although he didn't know what the cleric meant by "journeying toward Radiance." Some religious thing, no doubt.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 63):

Looking into the High Priestess' eyes with an openly desperate expression, Cumarinda grasped at her robes and added,
"High Priestess, I need to speak with you privately on a matter of life. I seek your wisdom and guidance as I am young
and sometimes still foolish. But this matter involves life beyond my own."

Forge nods his head....

"I have never had cause to visit the dining hall, so yes I will go with you there!"

"Yep, just follow me and I shall lead you to food, drink or a place to sit to replenish whatever energy you may have spent today," stated the halfling as he turned and began walking back the way he had come from. Riceak wasn't sure what was going on with the cleric, but it wasn't his business anyway so he didn't dwell on it.

"Did I not state that I will meet with you once the others are away? You do not listen child. It is pointless for ones to speak if no one will listen or if they do listen, they act like they did not am I correct? Life beyond your own? Oh I see clearly." The woman motions for the others to follow Ric so they are given privacy. But Faolan stands next to the cleric, crossing his arms. Silent.

Staring match. Course the priestess doesn't stare. She smiles. Two different worlds.

Forge finds himself not in motion yet again, since he does not want to bump into anyone, one group seems to be going to the eating  room, and yet  the clerics are still talking to each other and neither has moved in that direction....

He knows that clerics have more to say and he had  not really been listening, he recalled how one man had referred to the place as the "mess hall" he tried to sort out how "mess" was not a reference to food for humans, but "slop" was a form of food for pigs...if pigs were fed in a room would that be a "slop hall".....

He rubs his chin waiting for everyone to go....

Krite ponders the halfling's statement while he follows Riceak through the passageway. "My day was just getting started, actually," the gnome wizard says, "and my only expenditure of power was some dancing lights. Trivial when compared to my overall abilities.

"So, my young friend, what brings you to be dwelling at the House of the Sun? You don't seem to be a very priestly sort of halfling." The red-haired gnome is enjoying not to have to crane his neck to talk to someone. Very civilized!

"Far from being priestly. Just a resident of sorts. You see, I was wandering in search of some people for quite some time before my travels brought me here, and the individuals in this temple took me in and allowed me to regain my bearings," responded Riceak as he continued walking onward.

"Though, I hardly know that much about the ins and outs of this place. Don't want to step on any toes while they are allowing me sanctuary here, you know?"

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 68):

Cumarinda seems to briefly fall into a daze. With a body shaking wriggle, she regains full awareness and nods to the High Priestess.

Noting the presence of Faolan she says to the High Priestess, "Faolan has a part with my issue and if you would permit, I would like for him to join us."

DINING HALL: Forge, Krite, Riceak
Ric goes with the warforged and gnome and enters the dining hall. Its a rather cozy area with a kitchn about thirty feet away. Several tables and chairs line the area. Sitting near the kitchen are four priests, quietly talking. Forge does recognize them but they all go by the name 'Father'.  The cook pops up and pulls out some scones, bread and apple cider. She motions for them to enter and waits by a table "Welcome! Come sit and drink! We have plenty! Oh? Forge someone left something for you in the blacksmith. Would you mind fetching it? Not sure where it was left. They can eat while you go, its alright!"

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda, Faolan
The druid stares at the priestess, not really wanting to go with the others and he has permission to remain. The priestess pauses and sits down, motion for them to sit on the next pew "What troubles you? It seems you have a protector, am I correct and one that is not one of us? Yes I can tell. We welcome everyone here if they are of good intents."

Faolan sits down if Cumarinda does. He just nods his head remaining silent for a moment "Yes I am her protector. And no, I do not believe in your god. Nothing against what you stand for."

The priestess nods her head, finally getting him to speak.

Forge nods to the cook...
"Yes let me tell my friends I am going..."

@Krite and Riceak
"Cook has informed me that I must run an errand to the blacksmith, enjoy your meal I will return when I can."

On the way out (the main area) he passes the others...

@Cumarinda, Faolan
"The cook has informed me that there is a delivery at the blacksmith, I shall return."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:50, Fri 07 Oct 2022.

Riceak waves goodbye to the warforged as he departs as it made his job easier to entertain one person as opposed to two. "So what do you think it was that was left? A rare treasure, secret letter of importance or some rare treat that one such as him can consume," he inquired as he sat down.

Krite shrugs expressively. "I'm sure I haven't the foggiest," the gnome says. "I was on my way here to work with the clerics making potions -- I'm rather good at brewing them, you see -- when I came across the others also heading here.

"They seem to have run afoul of a drider in some kind of crypt or tomb," Krite continues, "and I got the impression that they think they were tricked into entering the place by someone of ill intent." He tugs on the long braid on one side of his head. "They seem like a pretty capable group, and while I've been covering my expenses, I'm certain my wife would like me to do more than that. Adventuring and getting into trouble is often much more profitable than more mundane pursuits, is it not?"

He starts playing with the braid, a troubled look on his face. "When we approached the temple here, it seemed to me that some kind of dark influence was in the area. To the point that -- even though I could see quite well -- I put a quartet of lanterns in the air to better illuminate the square where the temple sits. Have you seen anything suspicious going on in or around the temple? Or this part of the city, perhaps?"

"Suspicious? Can't say that I have, but religion isn't my area of expertise you see. From what I can tell, Pelor is one of the good deities, and his followers have been very nice to me. Though, they have their secret goings on that people of authority do, so I just chalk it up to being out of the loop on certain things since I am not a follower like they are. Definitely, haven't seen anything malicious or the sort though," responded Riceak as he scratched the side of his head. He was trying to think real hard about what he had seen since being allowed to stay there.

Nothing coming to mind, he simply shrugged as one couldn't recall something that they hadn't seen or what not. "So you're married? Do you have any kids, or are you and the wife waiting until the adventuring allows the two of you to live comfortably?"

Krite politely finishes his bite of scone before replying. "I am indeed married," the gnome says with a happy smile. "Teth and I have been together twenty-one years or so, and no children so far. We might start building a family in a century or so, I suppose..." He blinks, having momentarily forgotten for a moment how short-lived the halfling was in comparison to one of Garl's children.

"So how about you, my friend?" Krite asks. "Any special someone in your life? Some rugrats to keep you busy?"

"There is no one in my life: special or otherwise. I was raised by a nice old lady after my parents left me in her barn, and most of my thoughts are on finding them. Though, maybe some day romance will be on the table," responded Riceak as he thought about how the gnome had been married for the majority of his life.

He was lucky if most connections he built with people lasted the better part of a week, but twenty one years seemed like a record. "I suppose I will have to do quite a bit of adventuring before that comes up. Would rather be married and retired."

Cumarinda quickly sits in the pew as directed by the High Priestess. She pauses to let Faolan speak his piece before replying to the High Priestess.

When she does speak, she tilts her head down slightly, not quite meeting the High Priestess' eyes. "Yes, he is my protector and most certainly no follower of our faith. However, my current problem has to do with who and what I carry."

Gnomes can tend to jump around a bit conversationally, and Krite ignores Riceak's last statement to focus on his first. "Did they leave some kind of explanatory note?!?" he exclaims, his sudden anger quite apparent. "What could have possessed them to abandon their parental obligations?!" Gnomes are faerie creatures, and they (well, the Good ones at least) treasure children above nearly all things. Krite clearly cannot understand what the halfling's parents did and is outraged!

"That will be the first question that I ask them should I find them alive and well. My hope is that they stowed me away for safekeeping while they were fleeing from something, but it will be a mystery until I find them." It was always hope for the best but expect the worst, and the worst in this situation was quite depressing to say the least. "Though, I am content with having a roof over my head for the moment."

DINING HALL: Forge, Krite, Riceak
The two of them feel a bit sleepy but keep away as they converse with eachother. A cook walks by and give them some ale to wash down the scones given to them once the Warforged departs. He smiles and goes back into the kitchen. The others in the room don't really talk but remain near eachother and finish off their food before standing up and leaving.

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda, Faolan
"Pardon, what are you speaking about? What is it you possess?" The high priestess  tilts her head and narrows her eyes "I can assume but that may not be wise and I could be wrong. Pray tell, trust me. What is it?" Her eyes glance towards the half-elf then back to the cleric. Faolan narrows his eyes once more but allow the cleric to continue. Its obvious he has more to say but this isn't the time to say it.

BLACKSMITH: Forge
Near the forge is the tip of what looks like a pommel. There is no note for it. Its a strange item.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:33, Fri 14 Oct 2022.

“I have been told that I am with child. Furthermore, I have been told that this child is in danger of being raised without me and outside our faith.” Cumarinda said plainly while looking directly into the priestess' face.

"There is more, but I thought that we should begin with this prophecy. I seek confirmation of this knowledge and guidance." she finished with an exasperated and confused expression.

Forge's Blacksmith area out back

Forge picks up the piece.....
Looking over the part of a pommel maybe....
"I will have to ask mistress about this, she will examine it?"


He thinks...when did I start talking to myself?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Mon 17 Oct 2022.

Krite sips the ale, wrinkling his nose. "Humans," he says with a conspiratorial wink, "have mastered many things, but not the secrets of a fine brew! They didn't roast the hops right, and so it's far too bitter for a civilized palate!" He grins as he drinks it anyway. One never knows when one will get an opportunity for another drink, even one as sub-par as this ale!

"Hmm..." Krite ponders. "I'll have to find out if the Pelorians are going to be offended if I end up going off looking for trouble with this group instead of brewing potions with their healers." He often forgets to think in human timeframes -- after all, he could come back in a few years or even decades to brew potions with the healers -- and in a gnomish temple, that would be considered normal. This time, at least, he has remembered to check to make sure!

"I don't think that they will mind too much if it is trouble that may effect them in the end," responded Riceak as he pinched his cheek to keep himself from dozing. He took note of everyone else departing the area while keeping up with the conversation before him. He supposed that the mealtime hour was coming to an end or something.

"Though, I suppose it depends on whether you have made a formal agreement on the matter with them. If they gave you a deadline to make these potions, then would you be required to stay and do it, or could you possible negotiate your way out of postponing the task?" Riceak wasn't sure about such things, but he doubted that it would be too much trouble to just break one if there was an imminent threat or something.

Forge tidies up the area out back making sure that the place is in order, he decides to only take the amount of time it takes the others to eat...


He decides to inspect the remnant and see if he can tell anything more about it...


Forge returns inside,....
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Sun 23 Oct 2022.

DINING HALL: Krite, Riceak
As the wizard and spellthief converse, the area gets somewhat darker. Krite seems to be rather tired and falls out of his chair seeming to be out like a light. No one else rushes towards them and if Ric looks around the area looks pretty empty.

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda, Faolan
"You are with child? Are you married? Where is the father? And whom mentioned this prophocy?" The woman looks somewhat surprised. Of course a cleric wandering in with a child as well as other people shouldn't be too strange.

Faolan stares at the woman. His eyes narrow and he stands up. As much as he wants to talk, he doesn't but he does press a hand onto the cleric shoulder.

The priestess looks up at the man and then to the woman.

BLACKSMITH: Forge
When Forge goes to go inside, something bars his way. Perhaps its locked or something inside is blocking it. The direwolf comes around the corner. He seems fine and stands there, sniffing near the walls. A occasional growl comes from it.

Forge finds the door sealed, and having no cause to damage the door or that anything is wrong or amiss, heads back around to the front of the temple to try the door there.....

"Sorry wolf I did not think to bring you a peice of liver...."

"Um...are you okay there," asked Riceak as he watched Krite tip over from his seat. Looking around for some help, he silently cursed his bad luck as no one was around. Letting out a sigh, the halfling went over and began to gently shake the gnome to see if he could get him to wake up.

"Someone want to help me here. Think he might be coming down with something," he called out as he changed to pinching the gnome's cheeks.

A small furry face pokes out of Krite’s cloak. It’s a weasel, its fur the same bright red color as the gnome’s. It chitters excitedly at Krite, gently nipping his nose and trying to help Riceak revive the gnome. When that doesn’t work, it gives out an explosive “whoof” of air and then it scrambles up to the table and sniffs the plate and cup suspiciously.

OOC: The weasel has all of Krite’s skill ranks as well as the Scent ability. His Spot bonus is +5 (to see if he can smell the poison he suspects is in the food or drink).
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Tue 25 Oct 2022.

Cumarinda look into the eyes of the priestess and replies, “I am not certain that I'm in such a condition. To verify this is one reason I come to you. As for being married, my beloved was lost in a quest against evil before we could consider any kind of ceremony. Several beings mentioned the prophecy, including one who claims to have come from the future.”

DINING HALL: Krite, Riceak
The wizard stays out like a light while his weasel tries to figure out what is going on. It sniffs a few times and climbs up on the table. Sniff sniff. But the weasel seems clueless and no one walks over. Its like one minute its lively and the next dead to the world. The light goes out and Ric is in darkness unless its got darkvision.

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda, Faolan
"You believe you are with child yet I see little proof. Let me?" The priestess pauses, looking at Cumarinda and Faolan and goes to gently rest a hand over the clerics belly. Her eyes narrow.

Faolon speaks out "I am her child yet I am older then she. How is that possible?" He seems torn but focused at the same time.

BLACKSMITH: Forge
The wold growls and the warforged goes to get inside the main entry but it seems to be locked or jammed shut. Perhaps some other magical use.

Cumarinda smiles patiently and calmly allows the priestess to to touch her. "I have learned may ways to treat wounds, poisons, and diseases but I know so very little about midwifery." she admitted ruefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 26 Oct 2022.

The weasel gives a little squeak in surprise when the lights go out and then fumbles its way back down to Krite's comatose form and burrows into the relative safety of the wizard's cloak. It squeaks something at Krite.

Forge tries to open the door.....

Forge Anvilhead rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  strength check.

"Hello?"

"Oh, this is bothersome. Krite, it would be really nice if you were to wake up right now," exclaimed Riceak as he did his best to pick up the gnome and make his way through the dark back to where they had left the others since no one else was around.

CELLS: Krite, Riceak
The area starts to swirl and everything goes black. When the light begins to form, you seem to be in the basement in seperate cells. What happened? The wizard wakes up (in a seperate cell) then the spellthief. When the two look out, on the side of the cell in the main hall they see themselves!

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda, Faolan
"How is that possible?" The woman seems to be somewhat confused and bewildered. She goes to gently places her hands onto the cleric as Faolan stares at her intently "So you came here with child without being wed and this is your child yet you are with them? Oh this is strange even for me. Many within this church will look down upon you. I will not and will speak to anyone that has given you hardships. I can provide you with what you need."

OUTSIDE: Forge
The door does give a slight movement but doesn't move. Its eery and no one is outside. The wolf growls as he stands near the warforged.

Krite casts detect magic and examines the cage. While he's doing that, he gestures at the other Krite and Riceak. "You two," the gnome says in a deceptively calm voice, "come let us out, if you know what's good for you."

”You understand then? You understand that I need proof of my condition, Faolan's ancestry, and guidance? I would have married if my beloved hadn't vanished inside a collapsing mountain saving many innocent lives.” said Cumarinda looking somewhat stricken and slightly angry.

Forge looks at the wolf and back to the door a couple of times, he sets himself to try  and open the door this time....

"Perhaps wolf in these uncertain times you may have to come with me...."


Forge sets himself to take (10 or 20) on his strength check to open the door....

"Well, this in an interesting predicament. Don't suppose we can just let ourselves out," he commented as tried pushing on the cell door to see if it would just open. For the moment, Riceak was choosing to ignore the double of himself on the outside unless it responded to Krite's order.

CELLS: Krite, Riceak, Faolan
The door doesn't move as Ric tries to open it. Both of them stare at the wizard and start to head out without a word. What did they get into?  For a moment all is quiet and something happens. The ground seems to shift slightly. From another area comes a voice and one that isn't happy "Where are we?" Its Faolan but he cannot be seen. Probably in another cell.

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda
"There is no need for you to get upset as I can tell you are. You need my help and I intend on providing it. This is all new to me and yet you seem to scold me. That is unwise." The priestess raises her hand up and as Faolan goes to speak he seems warped somewhere. She starts to move away and seems to levitate "A choice is to be made. You may choose: Faolan. Fenris or yourself. Picking one will speaks a lot of you." Its form shifts into the mind flayer! But it looks older and unwell. Its eyes do not have the same as before. It coughs a few times and looks down upon the cleric who starts to feel pain in her belly but it doesn't harm her.

OUTSIDE: Forge
The door creaks slightly but it doesn't move. Perhaps something is blocking it or its magically sealed? The wolf growls, hair sticking up and he starts to circle for a moment before moving towads the side of the building.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:28, Mon 07 Nov 2022.

Forge bangs heavily on the door....

"I have been locked out!"

"Well, it seems we are in cells. Don't know where, but I am fairly certain that the temple people drugged Krite and I. Not sure why though," responded Riceak as he sat on the ground and began to scratch his head as he tried to figure out what was going on.

"You aren't going anywhere, me lads," Krite says before uttering an incantation, his hand poking out of the cell at the end of it. The jail's entryway disappears behind a thick wall of ice.

OOC: Free action: speak. Standard action: cast wall of ice to completely cover the door (and should be able to get the entire wall, actually, since Krite gets 7 10-foot squares, or 700 square feet). It's seven inches thick and has 21 hit points per section.

Cumarinda seems to ponder the choice she's been given for a moment while taking a healthy step back, her hand resting on the hilt of the Longsword of Pelor.

“Forgive me, my frustration priestess. It seems that this is a test, and in this test, you have told me who are involved with this choice, but not the nature or consequences of this choice. In good faith and in the name of Pelor I can't decide without knowing what the results of my decision will be. For me to make any choice without that knowledge and with so many lives at stake would be foolish.” she said firmly.

CELLS: Krite, Riceak, Faolan
The spell sizzles out as soon as it goes past the bars!

MAIN AREA: Cumarinda
"You know me and I am no priestess. Choose. I am not going to tell you what will occur and if you refuse once more then I will choose for you. And you will not like it." The mind flayer hisses and its tentacles flip around "Choose."

OUTSIDE: Forge
Four more warforged seem to watch coming at different angles. They don't try to help and they look a lot like well....Forge. The wolf comes around the building and starts to growl, back hunched up.

"I wouldn't waste your energy, Krite. They were able to get us in here so easily that I doubt that they would make it that easy for us to get out. Best to just sit back and wait," commented Riceak as he just leans back with his head against the bars.

"Now why would there be anti-magic outside o' the cage?" Krite says with a scowl. "Nay, my new friend, this makes no sense 't all." The gnome's Gnomish accent has gotten stronger.

"I disbelieve," he says, focusing his mind to pierce illusion.

OOC: Krite attempts to pierce illusion. Will save is +9 (gnomish +2 vs illusions).

21:56, Today: Krite Singlebraid rolled 11 vs illusion, using 1d20+9 ((2)).

Crud.

Forge looks at the approaching warforged....

"Greetings, I live here, yet seem to have been locked out......Iron watch?"

"It seems that whatever I decide, I will not like it. Feeling that whomever I pick will cause either suffering to them and to myself. I must select myself. Because if I pick someone else, they may suffer for my choice. On the other hand, if I am selecting myself to be spared, then I will be saving two lives at least. I can only pray that Pelor's divine mercy will shine through. Bless us Great Lord Pelor and save my child! I pray that you will save us both so that I may continue to shine your light and raise a healthy child!" she concludes.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Wed 09 Nov 2022.

The mindflayer slowly lowers to the ground as a portal opens up behind him. It stares at the cleric, eyes narrowed "Even I know...Pelorians sacrifice themselves to save others. You failed and will perish."

Cumarinda feels the pain within her belly growing more painful until she falls to her kneels. Her eyes start to droop, and they finally close. She collapses into a heap upon the floor no longer moving.

It lets out a horrible laugh, staring down upon the body of Cumarinda. He then turns to go through the portal and is met with a sword through its chest. It twists to the right and to the left and sinks deeper into his belly. The sword slides through him like a hot knife through butter. Its blade shimmers and gets slide to the right and the left then up ripping off two of the tentacles and out through its right shoulder.

The mindflayers eyes open wide and the portal vanishes. It hisses and the blade strikes out again cleaving off its head. Blood flies out in all directions, the purple blooded creature collapses. Standing there, covered in scars, blood, decayed flesh and looking not happy.....

Its Fenris.

Rage filling his body, he slices the body of the flayer again. And again.

And again.

Looking down at the clerics limp form, he drops the sword and kneels down. He cradles her in his arms. No life. Nothing. He lets out a scream.

"MY LOVE!"

It echoes through the main hall. And the lights begin the glow. Several others rush in looking surprised at the barbarian and the dead mindflayer. Probably the first time he admited it.

Still nothing. The clerics heart doesn't beat. She doesn't stir. Motionless.

Within the jailcell, the doors suddenly open letting the wizard and spellthief free.  As they go out into the hall, more people come out of cells as well. To Ric, he knows them. All Pelorians. They look stunned and everyone heard the cry from above. One of them motions for the two to follow them. They do follow up a set of stairs into a hallway. And they realize what creatures did this-dopplegangers. But why?

For the Pelorians its time to take back their temple. Some who were change convert back to their gruesome forms.

https://static.wikia.nocookie....st?cb=20200208190637

The spellthief realizes where he is-indeed they are in the temple. Perhaps it was used to put thieves or others who harmed the innocents. When Faolan follows, he collapses. His eyes grow dark. Hands seem to turn to ash. Then his arms. Shoulders "Tell my mom...I love her. She's my life. Tell Cumari...." His entire body bursts into a brilliant glowing light. His entire body turns to ash as this beam flies up into the ceiling and seems to dissapear.

It seems Faolan is dead.

Not sure what is going on, more people rush into the main chamber. They see this elf looking decayed holding Cumarinda's body. And he is screaming, rocking her. When anyone approaches, his eyes narrow and his teeth clench. His eyes grow oddly white.

It seems Cumarinda is dead.

Fenris didn't have time to talk to her. To tell her what happened and for her to tell him of her travels. How did he return? It remains unknown. But lock a wolverine away...it will soon find its way back. Who did this to this man?

Outside, all the 'warforged' charge at Forge! They raise their weapons, looking just like him. Raised up and they go to strike!

But then a brilliant light bursts from the Pelorian temple. Its blinding and send a massive wave throughout the entire area. People inside put their hands up to shield themselves. Fenris doesn't care. He uses his body to shield the cleric. But none are hurt.

Yet the ones who wanted to kill the paladin are seared. All their bodies seem to turn a dark orange and dissolve. The wolf lies at the feet of Forge. Motionless.

Is the dire wolf dead?

The door opens up. Its lit and Forge after looking down at the wolf several people he knows are tries to get their bearings. But he doesn't see anyone from the group.

Are they dead? Is he the last?

Further inside many people gather around the corpse of the cleric and mindflayer. No one approaches this strange barbarian. Many people watch in shock.

All the dopplegangers are killed off or are ran out of the temple. The high priestess follows into the main hall. She goes to the downed Cumarinda and Fenris grips her tightly using himself like a shield. He is so thin, so pale. And looks almost dead himself but something changed with him. Something is different. She raises her hand up and the barbarian doesn't watch. Behind him. Her hand goes to rest on his shoulder. He flinches like she did something to him. His eyes go to her and she kneels down. She gently puts her hands upon the body of the proud cleric.

Nothing stirs. Everyone goes quiet "She is gone. There is little I can do. Come." Fenris slowly stands up, holding his loves body. And perhaps Pelor is coming.

Coming down from above. Another brillant flash of light. It hits Fenris, the high priestess and Cumarinda.

Bump. Bump. Bump. Her heart starts to beat. Slowly. Yet she remains unconsious. And its so soft not even the priestess can feel it. Or Fenris. Her life hangs on a teetering balance. And her lips move. Her eyes seem to move as well.

And she opens her eyes to see Fenris. Tears fill his eyes. One hand goes to his chin.

No. Cumarinda is indeed alive. Barely. The priestess hands go to rest on her che.st. Fenris seems to let it happen. The cleric breathes. What happened to her?

Everyone cheers! They give eachother hugs! Of course no one in the group gets a hug. Well Fenris doesn't. Ric and Krite get a hug. Even Forge gets a tiny one from a young girl. Someone he met in the temple.

"I am High Priestess Valora. Leader of the Pelorians. We are going to aid her. Take her to my room to rest. You are in need of healing and I can provide it. But not now, not now. She needs to be placed under my care. Will you allow it?" Her voice is soothing and calm.

Fenris looks down at her and back to the priestess "Fenris. Follower...of Bahumat." What?

Dum dum dum!

They depart. One of the clerics motions for Forge to enter the temple and four of them cart the wolf inside. They are given food, water and rest on the pews.

The old man who first met them walks up to the spellthief, paladin and wizard "Pardon but what in Pelor's name happened?" Everyone turns, watching this man confront each of them "Its good to see you again, Forge." He goes to pat the warforged upon his shoulder "Riceak. And Krite." He motions to a pew for them to rest.

The area seems more lively. Torches lit. The backlight of the Pelorian symbol is lit as well. Everyone seems to be in a good mood despite what just happened.

A female approaches, perhaps a cleric of the order "It seems we were plagued by the Mindflayer and his lackeys. One minute everything seems fine the next all if not most were tricked and were somehow placed within the cells. Powerless. We are glad we are now free to send out the Pelorians blessings." Everyone is in shock, some are confused but they are indeed happy to be free.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within the Chamber of the Priestess:
Fenris holds Cumarinda close despite his battered, decaying flesh. He nods his head and she proceeds to her chamber where the cleric is place down upon the bed with her priestess and barbarian watching her closely.

The massive flash of light blinds and sears the warforged who had charged at him with the intent to harm, the bodies are blasted beyond any hope of repair, Forge considers the wolf at his feet, he reaches down to see if his hand can fix the wolf.....

2 points of repair will heal one hit point...

"Something has happened, I do not now what......why would any attempt to bring harm to the temple?  Pelors light is too strong here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Wed 09 Nov 2022.

Krite had just met the priestess and her companions, but he's got a look of deep concern on his face as she's gently carried away by the Pelorians -- the TRUE Pelorians. His arcane powers are great, but he has no way to aid the priests in caring for the wounded; it's just not how his magic works.

"I need to gain more magical power," he says to Riceak. "I knew something was off here, but I had no ability to discern just how bad things were. We were all but helpless in those cells, my new friend, and I don't like that idea at all. No, not at all!"

He goes to the offering box and takes out his last platinum coin (it's the majority of his remaining money). "Pelor, I thank you for your aid this day. It must have been your light, Sunlord, that put this to rights," he says before placing the shiny coin in the box and walking to sit in a pew, deep in thought.

He murmurs, "And Garl, I know you helped. My thanks to you as well, Glittergold."

Mostly confused by what had just occurred, Riceak merely went on autopilot mode as everyone began moving around him to sort out everything that had been thrown into disarray by the mindflayer's schemes, and he wasn't sure if anyone had started conversing about the guy who literally vanished into a beam of light after they were seemingly liberated by things.

Shaking his head at Krite's declarations of thanks, the halfling assumed that this was all a ploy of the Laughing Rogue, but Riceak couldn't figure out who exactly had been tricked in this situation because it seemed like everyone had been double crossed to some degree.

"Well, Krite, the best thing to do when one is helpless is to not appear so. Just try to relax, and let them think that you have given up. Eventually, they'll let their guard down, or you'll die. Either way, best not to appear panicked or excited about either outcome."

Krite scoffs. "Did ye see me panickin' in the cell, lad? Ye did not," the gnome wizard says crossly, his Gnomish accent coming to the forefront. He then immediately raises a hand apologetically. "Sorry, Riceak. You didn't deserve that, and you're right, we -- especially smallfolk like you and me -- should always try to convince the enemy that we're not as dangerous as we are.

"I just can't recall how I ended up in the cell, and it's that gap that's really getting under my skin. We were eating the scones and ale and then I was in the cell." He looks down at his cloak, where squeaking noises emerge. "Poisoned, was I? You tried to wake me? Who's a good weasel?" He reaches into his pack to produce a bit of jerky and looks back up at the halfling.

"Gods know, the salt's not too good for him, but Grimwald loves mutton jerky!" He offers some to Riceak as well.

Cumarinda's eyes fluttered open but her gaze seemed out of focus at first, then the light of awareness and intelligence slowly grew until she looked up into the eyes of Fenris. “Fenris? Fenris? By the Grace of Pelor's Light, is that you love? How?” her questions slowly fade as her eyes brighten with joy, and she gasps in delight and wonder.

Reaching up a hand to his face, the brown eyed, orange-red haired, woman spoke softly and said, “Fenris, I…I have so missed you! I've prayed since we were parted that I would see you once again. Tell me, where were you? Tell me, are you here to stay this time?”

The wolf seems to be stable now but without the druid who controls it? Is it free? Or will it pass on? Hard to tell. The old man listens to the tale "Well then either way we are saved. Perhaps the High Priestess may have something for you but you need to wait until she returns. Either way, we got food and drink. Rest up. May Pelor guide you and all that." He grumbles. The whole old man thing "Poisoned? Not anymore if thats what you fear. Look!" He takes a scone and eats it. For a moment nothing happens but then....

Nothing happens. He wipes his chin and offers all the food and drink he can which is a lot. The body of the mindflayer is carted off after two clerics bless the alter and make it whole. Everyone seems to be relieved.

---------------------------------------------
Elsewhere...

As Cumarinda awakens, the barbarian watches her for a moment. His eyes stare at her, as flakes of skin fall to the bed. Whatever happened to him it hit him hard. But he is alive. Gripping her hands, he takes them and places them on her chest "I was dead but not dead. The mindflayer took me to his realm. Beat me and cursed me. But I lived. No matter what he did, I would not die."

The priestess watches carefully. She slowly goes to place her hands on Fenris and he growls at her. She keeps her hands on him, not amused and did something. His flesh seems to make whole but trickles of blood comes from his lips. She presses harder and he winced.

The barbarian despite all that happened looked at the priestess then back to the cleric "Because of you. He did all he could to break me but he couldn't. Not while you lived. When I was alone, I saw someone. He freed me from my bindings. And he mentioned his name. Bahumat. I do not believe in anyone but you. But I was free." His voice is calm and soothing. Its a odd sight. And he's talking. More then before "I waited for the time. Made it look like I was weak. And when he came for you, the portal..."

Fenris tried to think straight but its hard "I knew what I needed to do. To save you. And to bind us." What?

The priestess crosses her arms "I think he wants to marry you. And I can do it if that is what you wish. It is the least I can do besides giving you sanctuary."

Cumarinda looks up into Fenris' eyes with a renewed smile on her face. "Do you know Fenris that you make words fail me. Sometimes you say things and make me feel things that take all of my words from me. Fenris, do you wish to be bound to me? Do you wish for both gods and mortals to know you are mine, and I am yours? Do you wish this even though I am in service to Pelor?" She pauses, closing her eyes briefly, before opening them and smiling brightly as she looks into his face. "Fenris, my love! Do you wish to become my mate, my husband?"

"No thanks. I think I'll be refraining from having anymore food in this place unless I watch it being prepared. Not that I don't trust temple folk, but this situation has left me a wee bit paranoid." Riceak eyed all of the food and drink as if it were about to come to life and attack him directly, but then his thoughts drifted back to what had happened down below. It seemed strange that everyone was being so calm about things.

"So are we not going to talk about how that guy disappeared in front of us? I mean, I know that people were being teleported into cells or what not, but that one guy just vanished into light when we were getting set free. Shouldn't we figure out what happened to him," inquired the halfling as he glanced around the room.

Forge turns his attention from the wolf to everything else going on..n

"Can someone tend to the wolf?  So much is happening right now...."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Tue 15 Nov 2022.

Krite shrugs at Riceak. "I rather think," as he sits himself down in the same spot he'd passed out in, "that the Pelorians are likely to tell us it was temple business, a temple problem, and that we're not to know more than that." He pulls out another little bit of mutton jerky and a little furry nose with whiskers pokes out of his cloak to nab it.

He looks at the old man. "Not that I'm not interested in the full story, mind you," Krite adds. "I do not appreciate being poisoned, abducted, oh, and we mustn't forget some of my magic wasted because of some anti-magic field.

"Why, it's almost as if the temple, perhaps, owes us a favor, Grinwald!" he finishes in an audible aside to his familiar. He doubts the old priest will grant a favor, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

"You are rather rude, Krite. Very rude actually. Perhaps we should find a different source of potions other then dealing with someone who obviously doesn't realize they are in a temple of Pelor and most people can hear you. I strongly suggest you hold your tongue unless you wish to be banned from this temple, unable to be able to work for any temples. Yes I mean all temples in Stormreach. Do I make myself clear? No one here abducted you. The creatures did and I want a full apology. You came here and believe you were dealing with Pelorians and blamed the Pelorians for something they did not do. We were slowly taking over. Wasted? The only thing that is being wasted is my time dealing with such nonsense coming from you. The priestess and myself will be sure this will not happen again. I strongly suggest you hold your tongue. Owe you a favor for insulting everyone here? Are you mad? Perhaps you would feel better being placed back into the cell. We have offered you all you can eat and drink as well as a place to rest yourself whenever you wish as well. That isn't enough? This is Pelorians business. I do not know all the details and you seem to expect me to tell you above everyone else what happened?" The old man is definatly insulted and angred "All I know is someone infultrated my home. It appears they have been stopped. And now I have to deal with someone who wants more and wants everything explained to them? I suggest you sit, rest and think about what you will say again." The man turns and stares at Ric "I do not know. All that has happened needs to be checked out and identified. And I have seen very odd things happening on this day. Perhaps it was his time to be at ease? Perhaps something happened I know nothing of. It could be anything. Because I am a Pelorian doesn't mean I know everything, Riceak." He sits down, feeling almost defeated, mad and frustrated. So much emotion for a old man to deal with "Gods play strange tricks." The man coughs several times.

For a moment three of the Pelorians wonder what Forge is doing being already inside. They look at eachother, shrug as several others watch the old man go off on the wizard. They all stand there, stunned. Most respect the man. Some of them go to him to make sure he is alright. No one really pays attention to the group besides offering food, water and rest. They seem shaken and upset but they got their home back.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Elsewhere
The priestess looks rather surprised by the clerics antics and wording. She goes to say something but stops. Perhaps the fact that the cleric was on deaths door is the key? The priestess is just stunned. All she said makes sense but stating it in front of a high priestess? Well....

Fenris looks even more surprised. With caking face and blood over his body, he looks rather defeated but never say that to a barbarian. They can take more and dish everything back. And then some "I don't get your relathionship with Pelor. Long as he doesn't get in the way of us." Huh. He seems tired "Yes."

The priestess nods "So be it. Be it known one must accept all of your good sides and bad ones. Sometimes you must pick and choose what battles to fight and what not to. And you will need rings. I believe that can be arranged. Now I suggest you find a place to rest and a bath, what they call you? Fenris? You do look rather horrid. I will show you where you may rest. And no, dear you cannot rest here."

Fenris looks like he wants to get all mad but he stops. She stands and motions for the cleric to remain here before escorting the barbarian to his room with another Pelorians to help him if needbe before returning. She sits down, watching the woman "This has been a interesting day. So what do you wish to ask of me? What happened? Everything is such a blur. Mindflayers. Dopplegangers. And now a wedding. In one day."

Krite hops down from his seat and approaches the old priest. "You're right," the gnome wizard says loudly enough to be heard by everyone. "I was angry at the monsters for poisoning and imprisoning me, and if they'd succeeded, maybe feeding me to their master's taste for brains. That frightened me, and I projected that onto the temple in general.

"You have my sincere apologies for any offense that I have given." He bows formally to the old man and then goes back to the table. Oh, wife, you're going to be so mad at me for not watching my sharp tongue, he thinks, stroking the weasel's fur gently. Not one of Teth's Phiarlan compatriots would ever have been so blind at the Pelorians' own discomfiture and fear -- obvious fear -- that their holy place had been befouled by aberrations like the 'gangers and mind flayer. Krite hopes his apology will be accepted.

"Oh, I didn't think anyone in the temple would have answers to what happened to the man. I was thinking more of the woman who had accompanied him here. I'm not even sure if she knows yet that he is no longer with us with all that has happened. But it is certainly not my place to find out or inform her of it," commented Riceak as he avoided making eye contact with Krite after the awkward blow up about things. Probably best to avoid any sensitive topics or humorous comments at the moment.

Forge scratches his chin in his usual thoughtfulness...

People are mixed in their emotions and they speak of doppelgangers and mind flayers...in the temple itself...

He waits to see what else reveals itself as he watches the break neck speed of those about him...he looks at the object that was left for him, as he holds it in his other hand....

The two small ones seem to not be involved in much currently..he motions them over
Krite, Riceak...what is happening?"

Forge hopes to show them acceptance, and that any conflict is unnecessary
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Thu 17 Nov 2022.

Looking over at the warforged, Riceak ponders how to explain what was going on without sounding like someone who had one too many cups of ale. "To put it simply, some mind flayers had taken over the temple, the wolf's companion is gone, the cleric is recovering and we are recovering and processing what is going on. Did I miss anything, Krite?"

"Ahh then something best sorted once all has calmed. If you would like to stand by me as things sort out, we will await it or we could go out back until we happen to be sent for."

He looks at the still wolf, and considers he will have to take the wolf outside as well, would be better than letting it stay in the temple....
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:33, Tue 22 Nov 2022.

Krite looks up at Riceak and Forge. "You missed the bit about me being a complete jerk to several people including our hosts, but yeah, you summed it up pretty well," the chagrined gnome says. "So, my new friend Forge, how long have you been with the rest of the group? Somehow this misadventure with mind flayers and infiltration of the temple, and whatever happened to Cumarinda, all has the feel of old business coming to the forefront, and if you know the story, I'd appreciate the telling."

Forge shakes his head....
"I live behind the temple, and only recently met the young priestess, her story I have not heard....yet.  I met her at the docks, and assumed she arrived recently when she asked me to bring her to the temple."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:33, Tue 22 Nov 2022.

High Priestess Room
-----------------------
After she returns from showing Fenris to his own quarters, Cumarinda sighs and looks sad for a long moment. “I once had a child, but I didn't have his father. Now I have his father but have lost that child. But while I am weary and worn, I shall not despair because evil has been vanquished once more, and I am reunited with my first mortal love.” she concludes with a smile.

Looking to the high priestess she asks, “I fear that the events of the day have taken much of me and I need to rest and eat. Perhaps being still quite mortal, with so many things to prepare, perhaps we could marry me to my Fenris tomorrow?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:44, Wed 23 Nov 2022.

Glancing around the room, Riceak was not sure what they were supposed to be doing now. "So should we just go to be or is there something else we should be doing?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:14, Thu 24 Nov 2022.

Forge scratches his chin....
"I prefer doing to talking....I meant to find someone to help decide what to do with the wolf, we were locked out of the temple together, and I hope we can figure something out."

He looks back and forth to the two...
"Stand by me here and if someone comes to berate either of you I will tell them you are my guests and they should forgive any slight and treat you as guests are to be treated."


"Can either of your ensorcel the wolf so it is not a danger?....if not do either of you know what this is?"
Forge shows them the part that appears to be a pommel part...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:42, Thu 24 Nov 2022.

"I suppose, the wolf's fate would best be decided by the cleric, right? I mean, she would be the only one that has a connection to the beast now," commented Riceak as he took a moment to think on the animal's situation. If he were a more animal friendly individual, then he might take a crack at befriending the beast, but that wasn't something that he had an expertise in. "And no, I have no magical aptitude in an area that could aid the wolf's predicament."

Main Room: Forge, Ric and Krite
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The old man looks at Forge and shakes his head "You do not have any protection and showing your allies it will not aid you either. You should feel ashamed. Course you don't feel anything do you?" Wow. He crosses his arms "Shielding them from the ones here will do you no good. By Pelor I will even berate you. You are new to this place and I will not bow to you and allow them to do what they want in my home. Do I make myself clear?" Heck Forge is acting like he isn't there and that is not right. He raises a hand to him "Because you are a Paladin does not make you better then anyone else here. So do not act like it does, Forge." He's like a angry dad.

Turning to Krite, his eyes wrinkle from beneath his glasses "Don't let it happen again alright? Or you'll have to deal with me. And I am not one to mess with mark my words. Now then, I accept your apology. As for the wolf, he will be tended to and guarded. And if needbe returned to you once he is healed up. He will be fine, we have the best of healers here." He seems confident enough.

The man turns on Forge again "Enscorled the wolf? From what? I don't like your attitude Forge. Truly it doesn't fit a Paladin of any nature. Enscorled your wolf. You do not have to worry about it. Not even sure why he even dealt with you." Grumble grumble and he sees the pommel "Seems to be the bottom of some sort of weapon. How did you find it?" He mutters something in Draconic, and rubs his chin "Not magical I say."

Several people seems to be relaxing and worshiping silently. It definatly has the feeling of relaxation now which it didn't beforehand and seemed rather warm despite the old man bereting Forge. No one argues with the man from the church as they don't want to deal with him or perhaps he is high up then them. Hard to tell. But Forge knows he's a cleric and knows what he is speaking about. And one not to mess with. Probably been here for a long, long time!

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High Priestess Room: Cumarinda
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"Wait. I did not meet your child and this is confusing. You speak as if I know of what you are saying but honestly I do not. Would you mind explained it to me? You do recall we never spoke and I was freed just recently." The woman seems perplexed and sits down near the bed where the cleric rests upon it "Do not worry about Fenris. He will be tended to that is if allowed. I will be sure to not force anything upon him. But be careful for I feel his views may not blend with your own. I can assume both of you have seen a lot and I do not wish to bring down judgement upon anyone. That is not my way but I can do it. What do you recall had happened? I am not trying to be rude you see. Just trying to piece this all togher. Perhaps I can see if Pelor will bring down his light to us and sole some if not all of what I am unsure of." She goes to gently pat the clerics hand "You are safe."

"I presume much and the presumption is that everyone has been through a lot and the perpetrators of crimes where not these guests it was an abomination called a mind-flayer.  You misjudge me I intended the wolf be subdued so it not cause harm as some feral beast and asked it be contained by magic if we have such to contain it.  The wolf was with me when I was locked out and it became my burden to contend with."


Forge shakes his head...
"Best to let them also stay and rest to regain themselves, you as well old father, whatever was done by our guests was not an act of intent, it was under great duress.  Please attend to where there is need...."

Forge bows down on one knee...
"Bless me old father."

Cumarinda looks to the High Priestess and frowns while also looking exhausted. "Who are you?" she asked while exasperated. "What do you know of me and mine and what do you remember of how I've come to be here?"

Krite is relieved that the old man was taking care of the wolf. He was pretty sure the wolf was a druid's companion (not that he was sure one of the group was in fact a druid) and messing with a druid's animal companion was not high on the gnome's "to-do" list.

He also blinks a little when Forge asks to be blessed. Yet another thing I don't understand properly about religious types, he thought. He figured that a paladin, being super holy, could bless themselves. He was also glad he didn't say that out loud.

"So Forge," Krite asks after politely waiting for the old man to respond to the paladin's request, "It was my impression you were part of the cleric's party. And that Riceak and I were newly acquainted to them. But since you don't know the wolf very well, do I understand correctly that you are also new to that group?

"I guess I'm asking who they are and whether they need a wizard to join their adventuring party."

"It seems to me that there really isn't a party anymore. I mean, that one guy vanished, the three of us are newly acquainted with the cleric and the wolf is alone and then there is the other new guy that is connected to the cleric, so it seems like we are all just individuals in the same place at the same time for various reasons." He wasn't sure if he had gotten all of that right as there had been a lot of things going on, but in Riceak's head the connections and current situations for everyone seemed to be correct.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Wed 30 Nov 2022.

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Main Area: Ric, Forge and Krite
------------------------------------------------------------

The priestess looks rather concerned about what the cleric stated. Perhaps the woman is confused. Her old love returned. And who was this son? She asked and got no answer. All she got was 'Who are you?' Seems like everyone is confused. Valora stands up "Get some sleep. You know who I am-High Priestess Valora. I simply asked you questions and you have seemed to be defensive towards me. Perhaps after you rest we can talk more. I cannot help you unless you provide me with answers, such as who you are. Why you came here. Things upon this nature. It seems you came here and were attacked. I do not know the reasons of why you came here other then you seemed to need my aid. I have provided it as you are one of Pelor's children. Sleep." She turns to leave, glancing back at the redhead before departing leaving the woman alone.

Its hard to tell where she went after. Perhaps to Fenris's room.

But after awhile, the priestess enters the main room and motions for the others to come to the front. Soon many of the Pelorians clear out.  The old man grumbles after hearing Ric and everyone else. He sits down by the door. One of the Pelorians opens the door leading out to probably let in the fresh and and he knocks it to the ground. The sweet snells.

The wolf is place upon a magical platform and taken elsewhere to be treated.

The priestess stands there in front of the three of them with the old man sitting by the door who seems to be reading. She looks at them carefully "It has been a evenful day has it not? So for all that is known I do not know what has occured other then the dopplegangers are gone or defeated. The mindflayer is defeated. And the elf has been escoreted elsewhere. Your cleric is asleep as she has been through quite the affair. So what is it you need of my services? Though I feel it was fate you arrived here and not sure if you helped but that means little. If you need a place to stay, a spot will be made for you. And of couse you live here, Forge. We have food and drink, knowledges...anything you need."

Forge looks thoughtful....
"Perhaps I can clarify...I have limited memories as apparently I was destroyed in the far past and a Pelorian was seeking to repair me, and it did come to pass I returned to myself, yet have no memory of the before....sometimes I think I dream of that times and other times I dream of pain and fire.  I have been sensate and myself very briefly.  Dwelling behind the temple for some time, then making myself know to the locals on the docks, making a few friends along the way, I just met most of you in the past few days, including the cleric....."

Forge pauses to take in what the speaker is saying....

"Recent things here make me think I should do more to confront evil and I would enjoy both of your companionship to do so, and the cleric too when she has recovered herself.....What do you say want to discover the city?"

"Yeah, I'm not going to claim to have done anything to aid with the ridding of the temple of this blight, and the cleric isn't ours. We just met her shortly before these events took place," commented Riceak as he scratched his chin for a moment while scanning the area for a moment before something popped into his head.

"Which reminds me, did the drider thing that was mentioned get dealt with during the purging of the dopplegangers or is that something that is still running around because it was mentioned to a fake person?"

"I do not know of this drider. But I hope it was driven out. Wards shall be place soon to prevent anything from further harming anyone within. All within are safe. I suggest you work together but that is my view. You seem to each have valid interested. Forge can bring about weapons. Krite can use his magic against foes. Riceak has some interesting skills. Skills few have seen before. The cleric will need each of you as will the warrior. In exchange I will provide a safe haven, food and water and some healing as needbe. The forge is open as well so well the paladin can aid you in that aspect. I may have some tasks I can provide as well. And in time some items. What say you?" The pelorian sounds genuine and kind to a fault 'I can provide information within the knowledge of the library as well. This is the warforgees home after all. If you need something I can see it is provided."

Krite looks up at Valora. "I decided, just today in fact, that I'd like to get back to adventuring, priestess, so your offer of shelter, succor, aid, and assistance is deeply appreciated," he says. "Very much aware that I cannot do that alone, and so my new acquaintances Forge and Riceak would be very much helpful in that regard. The cleric has need of us? I don't know what that need is, but I'd be happy to meet her in the morrow when she's had time to rest and find out.

"I really didn't like being helpless, and if those doppelgangers had had time to get up to some mischief while wearing my shape, that might have had some repercussions my wife and I would rather avoid. Adventuring and plumbing the secrets of old tombs and monstrous hoards is the best way to get the power to be able to prevent that sort of thing."

Forge scratches his chin...
@ Riceak...
"Perhaps the drider never was, as shape changers and mind flayers seem tobe astute at distorting and making believe things that are not real.  Fear not though should we face again such a foe, no matter it's guise I shall take it head on, and see which breaks first."
...Forge is a heavy warforged and reinforced with adamatine, who can smite evil and heal himself without blinking.....

@ Krite
"Well said friend Krite the best way to keep evil and darkness out of the temple of light is to meet it in the darkness where it dwells and destroy it there."

@Valora
"If they would like I can make space for them around back near the forge, it will take some work to make it hospitable for them...."
As an aside Forge considers that place "his" place rather than part of the temple proper....

Listening to the priestess and then his two new friends, Riceak wasn't sure how he felt about the idea of someone masquerading around as him, but there couldn't be too much damage to his reputation. It did make him think that it may pose a problem should the group get separated at some point in whatever adventuring they were supposed to be doing, and the young halfling had plans on figuring out a way to make sure that he could tell the group members apart should dopplegangers become a regular thing.

"Not sure how I feel about facing hoards of anything, but plundering is something that I am okay with doing. Just remember, I'm not really a warrior type of guy, so not sure how much help I'll be to anyone in a fight. Sort of prefer a sneakier method if such situations can't be avoided, but I suppose that we'll cross that bridge when the time comes," commented Riceak as he mulled over the proposal.

With the group other then the cleric and barbarian decided to ban up as the priestess requests, they are allow to use the Pelor temple as a makeshift base but they are to go by the rules. They do gain a kitchn and a libary. Several people willing to help and a blacksmith forge (not 'Forge'). They have time to do stuff here and there depending on what it is and are provided with one decent sized room for everyone. Yet there are only two beds but plenty of blankets, probably so they can go to sleep on the floor. There is no windows. Simple  wash basin, place to relieve oneself in a seperate area. If nothing else, time goes by and dawn has come.

Several people are worshiping in the main hall. The old man sits by the door looking around. Perhaps he did his daily worshiping but hard to tell. If going into the kitchen, it looks the same. Breakfast is being served.

Some area are closed off-the cells, some of the living areas and other more private areas. Its hard to tell if there is a armory and if there is one its kept a secret. Even to Forge. But some supplies are provide to the blacksmith forge as well depending on what is needed. What happened to the wolf is unknown.

Cumarinda seems to be fine and walks into the main area but Fenris remains to be unseen.

The red-headed gnome is sitting quietly on a pew reading his spellbook. He has a few scrolls laid out beside it and is scratching his head as he considers them. He glances up to see the priestess and quickly stows away his arcane writings, hops down from the bench, and approaches her.

"Well met, priestess," he says. "I am pleased to see that you came through the calamity unharmed. I'd like to talk about banding together and seeking adventure, if you have an opening for a wizard."

OOC: rememorized spells; updated character sheet accordingly

Riceak walked into the room while running his hands through his hair as he sat down next to Krite. Clearly, the halfling wasn’t fully awake, but had gotten up when he heard someone else start moving around nearby. It was a habit he had picked up years ago that told him that it was best not to sleep when others were awake.

"Good morning everyone, and I think you mean to ask if there is an opening for a wizard, a thief and the big, metal guy, Krite. No sense in leaving us out of the initial proposition."

Forge comes into the area he had been in the place out back and the morning had been chilly enough for a bit of frost to be seen upon him, though it quickly went away when he stood near the fire...

"Good morning mistress, I hope your pilgrimage to our temple was good for your soul."

Forge was listening to the excitement and maybe hesitation in the voices as they talked of adventure...he was certain he  had other adventurers far in his past, though he did not remember them now...he thought of the dream of fire and pain and stepped swiftly away from the fire.....
Probably noticable by just about  anyone with a sense motive check (DM can you set a DC?)

When Cumarinda walks into the main hall she greets everyone with a cheery, “Hello!” but seems a little out of sorts and somewhat confused.

After listening and looking at the strangers in the church, she walked over to the big warforged and asked, “Forge, how are you and who are your friends?” she said while gesturing to the gnome and halfling.

Before he gets a chance to answer she adds, “Also, have you seen my Fenris? He's an elf blooded warrior.”

"Yes my new friends this is the great wizard Krite, and this is Riceak, a trapfinder or multitalented person, actually I am not certain of his profession>"


Forge scratches his chin...

"I do not believe I have had the pleasure of meeting your Fenris, have you misplaced him?"

In walks the barbarian. Oddly he doesn't have his armor on and is wearing a plain dark green shirt without sleeves and dark brown pants. His old boots are all that remains of his old outfit. Fenris's arms are covered in scars, and the right side of his face has a long scar going from his the hairline down to his chin.. Upon seeing the cleric he moves towards her, slow and steady. The people in front of him move aside and he stands next to her, crossing his arms. The mans hair is unkept. His eyes narrow upon Krite but he doesn't say a word, just stands there like a statue.

OOC: DM asked me to change my text color so they could see it better.

Krite bows to Cumarinda and then later to the elf when we enters. "I will admit that I am a competent wizard, priestess," the gnome says. "I am afraid that Forge here has slightly, ah, overestimated my skills. I am Krite Singlebraid, at your service."

To the elf, he says, "You must be Fenris, I presume? A pleasure to meet you and may the forest gods bless you and yours."

"Profession? Don't really have one of those. I am merely someone with a knack for unlocking things without getting hurt by them," stated the halfling as he stood up and gave a bow. "Riceak Stryfelaughter is my full name, and trying not to die is my primary aim."

Forge scratches his chin a few more times as he waits for the proper introductions to be made....

"I am forge."
He states and mirrors the barbarians stance

The human woman with fire-colored hair and warm brown eyes looked over the others, tapping at her chin with a fingertip. After a brief glance and a smirk at the tall elf standing besides her she spoke.

“With so much that has gone on between the time I came to this temple and this morning, I feel that I should make proper introductions. For those you didn't know, I am Cumarinda Imbrex, a travelling cleric in service to Pelor the Sun God. I have been blessed with gifts of divine power from Lord Pelor to spread goodness and fight evil. I enjoy cooking good food for others. I also have often been accused of liking to talk more than I like to cook.” with a warm smile, she paused to look over the others before continuing to speak.

Looking again at Fenris, she rests her head on his shoulder. “This mighty elf warrior that I lean on in so many ways, is my love and soon to be my husband, Fenris. He is fearless and brutal in battle, but loyal to his allies, somewhat rough and crude in his manner and speech, but always truthful and honest, he speaks little but listens well. I could say more, but then I would be bragging.” she finished with a heartfelt grin and a kiss on his cheek.

"Pelor did not save you. I did." Fenris keeps his arms crosses as he looks at the cleric "Divine power didn't save you." He lowered his arms "I did." Still stoneface but when the cleric hisses his cheek he seems somewhat surprised but the stone look comes back. His eyes narrow "You talk too much." After that last things she said. Lord Pelor? Savior of mankind! She doesn't need his gits.

The cleric has him.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Thu 15 Dec 2022.

“Will you and her choose to travel with us?  I would enjoy battling with another at my shoulder….they might make songs of such battles.”

Forge extends a hand to the elf

“Of course you saved me, beloved Fenris. But many times gifted power has healed your wounds and the wounds of our allies. And I believe that I just admitted that some people think I talk too much sometimes.” she grins and kisses him on the cheek again.

Looking around to the others, she adds, “Well Forge is of course welcome to join us, Krite and Riceak as well!”

"So now that it is decided, what should are we battling first? Is there already something that you were dealing with prior to coming here or will Pelor be guiding us in the right direction," asked Riceak as he glanced around the assembled party.

The barbarian stares at the warforge's hand but doesn't take it. He keeops his arms across his chest. When Krite speaks, his eyes narrow on the gnome and the same to the halfling "You heal my wounds without it." Maybe he knows something, maybe not. When the cleric kisses him, he seems surprised but doesn't move away. New people. New place. Maybe everything is kicking into overdrive.

Forge notes the relationship between the cleric and the barbarian and he is unable to make as much sense of it as he might like.

"I wanted to broaden my horizons into the town and the environs beyond."


"I had thought we were going to look into the source of the recent problems here at the temple."

"But do we know where we need to go to do that? Trying to figure out how much supplies we will need if we are going on a trek or if we are simply doing a once around the town, you know," responded Riceak as he double checked his pack to see what he already had.

"I can carry some additional things for others, as my main pack is currently occupied with art supplies, I see no need to take those to seek information nor to follow up on it."


Forge looks thoughtful.....
"I have my source of light and endless spool of rope that I have found useful for getting places."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Sat 31 Dec 2022.

"I don't know. Having art supplies around in case we need to make an impression of or create a copy of some sort of mark that we are unable to bring back with us could be useful," responded Riceak as he continued to look through his pack to make sure that there wasn't anything that he could do without.

Krite wonders what a warforged needs art supplies for, but decides he'll learn that as they get to know the paladin better. House Phiarlan might have a new protege, he thinks, if he's any good, that is. He doesn't bother with Forge's offer to carry things; he carries exactly what he needs and not be slowed down in case he needs to run for it.

"All right, we all seem to want to start solving Cumarinda's problem," he says with a flourish. "So, my Lady Cleric, can you tell us what we're about to be doing? I might need to adjust the spells I have prepared."

OOC: Updated because I forgot to use the new text color; sorry!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Sun 08 Jan 2023.

Cumarinda smiles and looks over the assorted group of beings. After she looks over each one, she turns her attention back to Fenris briefly before seeking to address everyone.

"I came to this temple for answers and a renewal of my faith in all that is good. My love I thought lost has returned to me, Lord Pelor has anointed me as a Radiant Servant, and I find new allies to help promote the good and stand against evil." her smile brightens as she momentarily glows with sunlight.

After the glow fades, she continues, "I fully intend to continue to do good works while I'm here with the help of my allies. However, there is one thing that needs to happen before we leave. That is, we need witnesses to our wedding. That is Fenris and I."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:06, Tue 10 Jan 2023.

The man watches the cleric beaming at the gift that someone gave her. Definatly not Pelor. Maybe he should have a chat with the priestess but that won't gain anything. Sighing as he hears 'Lord Pelor' the barbarian turns and starts to walk off. but stops as he hears his name.

The priestess comes over and gently places a hand onto his shoulder. He winces as she lowers it.

"Perhaps it may be best for us to have the marriage to be held in the wilderness? Or perhaps a garden so Fenris would feel at ease?"

Krite briefly considers offering to create an illusion of a garden, but squashes that thought before it reaches his mouth. It would not set the barbarian at ease to have a figment cast around him.

"I would be honored both to witness your marriage, my Lady, Fenris," Krite says. "Among other things, I am a scribe, and would also be happy to record the happy event in accordance with the local laws... Of course, if you have the wedding outside of the walls, that isn't necessarily needed."

He quickly looks through his pouch. "I can contribute a few gold to victuals and drink," he says apologetically, "but I'm afraid I'm more than a bit broke at the moment. It's why I was going to do some scribing work for the temple."

"I could attempt to paint a picture of such a joyful event."


Forge thinks he may need more paints and colors to capture  the clerics hair for certain....and a larger canvas....

He scratches his chin...

"I'll be present for it. Don't really have anything in the way of wedding related skills," stated Riceak after the offers from the others on doing things for the ceremony.

Cumarinda, turned to Fenris and asked simply, "Where would you like to get married, beloved? Here, is a good place for me but if you have other ideas, now is the time to say so."

"Woods." The barbarian tilts his head. He doesn't know Stormreach and not sure where he is. But its the first thought in his head.

The priestess whispers something to a cleric (not Cumarinda!) and she quickly hustles out followed by a man, probably a paladin. She walks over, placing her hands to her back "We don't have access to a forest unless you wish to leave Stormreach and I cannot. But we do have a garden. Peaceful. Does that work? I can arrange it tommorow."

Fenris looks over at the woman and back to Cumarinda "Garden works. Good?"

"The garden is very nice....we should go and see it."

Forge nods...
"Best woods in town!"

With a wider than usual happy smile, Cumarinda nods joyfully. "Yes! Yes! Yes! A garden would be lovely! We could be surrounded by fresh, growing, living things and the blessed Light of the Sun. This is very good! Thank you, Valora!" Excitedly, the red-orange haired woman kissed Fenris' lips.

Krite smiles beatifically at the young couple. Time travel's been involved, plus the barbarian is an elf, so he's not 100% sure what Fenris' age is, but he still thinks of them as "young couple" for some reason.

"Wonderful!" he exclaims. "Teth and I were married in the House Phiarlan gardens, and it was a lovely affair! Of course, those gardens are constructed of illusionary plants and such, but it was still very nice!"

He rubs his nose. "I'm not that familiar with human or elven marriage customs," he adds. "Will you do one of those honey things? Do I need to go get some honey? And is the moon phase relevant?" He looks totally serious and earnest for a moment before breaking up in laughter. Clearly, he knows what a "honeymoon" is; he was just joking.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Tue 17 Jan 2023.

Riceak moved over to a wall, leaned against it and waited as they sorted out all of the wedding plans. What all went into such an event was a mystery to him, so being a fly on the wall was his best course of action for the moment.

Forge finds this sudden and the notion in his mind is that they will simply walk to the garden and this wedding will occur and that is it, though the particulars are a mystery....

His memory is hazy of ever attending such an event, though he knows that all the races have their own ways of doing things...

"Do parents and family attend?"

The barbarian sighs. He stands near the cleric, staring at the ground for a moment then looks up at each of them. Fenris crosses his arms, being the quiet warrior.

Tilting her head, the priestess looks at the cleric and barbarian "Of course if they wish to come along. I have nothing against bringing anyone you wish to bring. Its a memoriable  experiance. I don't feel Cumarinda and Fenris would mind but its their day. Music will be provided as well as food and drink of course. Blessed be."

"So when do the festivities start? Are there many preparations that need to be done that ones such as I can help with or would it be best for me to stay out of the way," asked Riceak as he glanced around at those around him.

For a moment, Cumarinda sighed and looked sad. "My family is no longer in this world. So they will not be able to be there." Then a thought crossed her mind, and her smile returned. "But I need to get a wedding dress! Priestess Valora, do you know where I could find a wedding dress? Oh, and new shoes?" she asked with a big smile and her eyes bright with joy.

She turned to grin at Fenris, "Oh and you need some new clothes and to get cleaned up. It wouldn't be good for either of us to be dirty."

"I could get polished and waxed, to appear my best for this rare occassion."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
I am suddenly seeing the tin man getting cleaned  up in the City of Oz.....

---

"A new scabbard, that would look nice, this one is a bit battered......"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Mon 23 Jan 2023.

"Got your back, Forge," the gnome says, pulling on his braid and concentrating for a moment to manifest an innate magic. "Prestidigitation is so very useful!" The gnome begins first cleaning, then polishing and waxing the paladin, all with the occasional gesture to adjust the spell's actions.

"'fraid I can't oil your joints with this spell," he explains after he's done cleaning the paladin, "but if you have oil, I'd be happy to get the joints for you."

"How fancy of clothing are we wearing to this thing? I made need to go acquire some so that I don't look like a ruffian who is sneaking into the ceremony," inquired Riceak as he watched Forge get cleaned up.

"If you need them proper clothing will be provided. I will see they are brought to your rooms. Unfortunatly, you will have to sleep together but it is a decent area. Forge has his own room of course. Same as the cleric. Thank you." Val bows and takes off probably in preperation leaving the group in the main room.

The barbarian nods his head slowly. He is silent standing next to the cleric. Strange man.

"I will definitely need a change of clothing. Don't think what I am wearing will sit well in your memories of this day," commented Riceak as he looked over his own outfit. "I just hope that whatever clothing provided won't be to colorful. Not really my style."

"Thanks to you wizard I am cleaner than I have been in some time, I think once I know the proper colors I will braid ribbon  on my scabbard and paint my shield in a pleasing way for  the occasion."

Forge scratches his chin, waiting to hear more details and what will be expected...

Cumarinda smiles and waves her hands to get everyone's attention. With a huge smile she says, "While this will be my first wedding as a bride, having grown up and trained in a temple I do know how weddings are performed. If I can have everyone's attention here's the essential version."

She will then explain the very basics of the wedding service/ritual and all the basic roles of the participants. Whenever she mentions the role of the groom, she looks meaningfully at Fenris, when she discusses the role of the bride, her smile broadens.

"Well...that seems interesting, but completely out of my wheelhouse. Think I'll go get the lay of the land since I am relatively new to this place. Maybe see if the temple was an isolated incident or there are other things going on in town," commented Riceak as he started to leave the temple grounds after retrieving his weaponry.

Lars and Valora bid the group goodnight but he sticks around to mingle and is able to talk to the others if needbe. After everyone is dealt with the temple quiets down and the garden slowly is emptied out. Paladins are on duty with some other people but its looks relatively emtpy but probably properly defended from spells, ect.

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
Oh how the night passes. The cleric and barbarian departed after the long night of partying though Fenris seem to be not at ease half the time-probably due to past events. Fade to black? Oh later that night probably. In a temple of Pelor even better! They fall asleep in eachothers arms. Peace.

After a few hours Fenris stirs. He sits up, covered in swear in the bed and he's shaking. Something he has never down.

FORGE
Forge returns to the blacksmith shop after dealing with the kids. Yeah he got to babysit. Same smithy, different night. The fire brew slowly letting off some heat. No one comes so the warrior can 'bed down for the night' or work. He's got the materials.

OOC Provided are steel, iron. Basic material. No Adantimum or anything like that.

RIC AND KRITE
You are in a basic bunk area. There is no one else inside but there are beds like a army bunk room-for to be precise. Its not the best but at least its safe and protected. Course with mindlflayers and dupplegangers around who knows. From what Valors has mentioned it is safe and unexpected as nothing like that happened beforehand. A knock comes from the door.

"We're paid through the end..." Krite starts to yell at the knock at the door, then remembers where he is. "Um, I mean, yes?" He slips down from the bed as quietly as he can and approaches the door, opening it cautiously with a dagger behind his back.

OOC: 09:08, Today: Krite Singlebraid rolled 19 for Listen using 1d20+5 ((14)).

09:11, Today: Krite Singlebraid rolled 21 for Move Silently using 1d20+1 ((20)).

Wow, Krite was actually quiet!!! Nat 20 FTW! He's really not usually quiet :-)

Forge stokes the fire, but rather than working he looks and watches the fire burn within, there he studies the item he had found before, looking at it again as if perhaps it will stir a memory within....

There is something painful in his mind in the fire, but he cannot place it....

The iron and steel is stock materials and a few scrap or broken items...he considers how a plowshare looks like a shield...the same thing happens sometimes when he looks skyward at the clouds....

He considers making some hefty toys for the children, but they may hurt one another, even if the blades had no edge....

Eventually he wonders what dreamscapes the others may have going on right now...tomorrow he will ask them about dreams...

Cumarinda rises alongside her husband and asks, "Fenris? What's wrong?"

RIC AND KRITE

Between the knock and Krite's response, Riceak was fully awake and looked over to watch the gnome approach the doorway. "If they come with gifts or food, then refrain from stabbing them, Krite. They might not be so keen to give them to us," commented the halfling as he got up and began to get ready for the day.

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
The barbarian shivers and doesn't move. His hands clench up but he doesn't respond. Maybe he's asleep? But to the cleric he has never done this before. Sweat keeps pouring down his very much scarred back and its revealed to the cleric-its obvious he was tortured by all the wounds upon it recently healed.

FORGE
PM

RIC AND KRITE
As Krite opens the door, standing there is Lars. His eyes narrow for a moment "May I enter? And no need to hide the weapon if you are. No need for it." How did he know? Arcane? Divine? Inquirers wants to know his secret. Or secrets "It is indeed late, I apologize."

Forge feels confident that no one will hear anything as he pulls the red iron out of the furnace and begins to bang it repeatedly with his hammer...he is not sure what he intends to create just banging the metal from its starting shape he intends to continue to bang on the iron the familiar shape of a lightening javelin takes shape under his hammer.....perhaps a quiver..a half dozen of these would be nice to have should they encounter more evil in the coming days......

RIC AND KRITE

Krite blinks up at Master Hayton in surprise, but after a long moment, the gnome wizard nods and moves into the room (lit only by the lanterns in the hallway and one dim candle) and over to his bed to put the dagger back in its scabbard. "Would you be so kind as to provide light for my halfling companion, Master Hayton?" he asks with a forestalling finger for Riceak. "I will need to prepare spells in the morning to get my cantrips back in order; I prepared different ones to help out with the wedding."

Riceak knows that isn't true; Krite did in fact have light prepared yesterday, although he didn't end up casting it at the wedding. What's Krite up to?

RIC AND KRITE

Stopping part way through reaching for a boot, Riceak looked in the direction of the doorway with an annoyed expression. "How late is it exactly, and to what do we owe the pleasure of this meeting? Are we under attack by something?"

"Fenris! Fenris!" she cries out to the barbarian, "Wake up, husband!" she says while alternating between kissing and shaking him violently.

Forge continues to hammer away at the new thing he decided upon javelins....

He temporarily wonders if anyone can hear his hammering, in any case the distance from his forge would just become a tapping that just might help others to sleep...

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
The man doesn't flinch and when he is slapped, it just seems to anger him. Its like he is in some sort of daze like sleepwalking. After awhile, one slap connects against his face and blinks. He looks around, dazed.

FORGE
All through the night, the warforged works in the forge. Its hard to tell what he is creating but afert awhile, he makes three shafts, probably hollow metal. Two of which looks like steel heads. The last he was able to find some leftvoer silver. He keeps working, making a longer shaft. Slam slam slam....

RIC AND KRITE
A flick of his fingers and the entire rooms light burst into flames "Satisfied? And if you believe I am here to kill you, I would have already done so nor do I even know you. Plus you seem to be good friends or rather aquantances to the cleric. No, I mean no harm. But I can tell you are both interested in magical nature am I correct?"

"I meant no offense, Master Heywood," Krite quickly explains. "Riceak and I were recently accosted by doppelgangers -- within these very walls, in fact -- and they were never caught. But as far as I know, doppelgangers cannot cast spells, so now I know it's really you."

He gestures for Lars to take a seat if he wishes, and goes to stand next to Riceak's bed. "Once I master more powerful spells, I wouldn't have needed to resort to such a plan, but I have no way to see through shapeshifting. I do very much hope that you will accept my apologies," he says. "It's been a dangerous and hectic couple of days.

"Now, you mentioned magic, and I believe I can speak for my companion as well as for myself; yes, we're very much interested in such things."

RIC AND KRITE

"Actually, my inquiry was more toward something just attacking in general, but I suppose I could have specified that. I'd agree that you attacking us wouldn't make sense with you knocking and all," commented Riceak as he finished getting himself ready.

Letting out a yawn, he nods in agreement to Krite's proclamation about their interest in magic.

"Fenris, talk to me. What just happened? Do you know where you are and what we are?" Cumarinda asked looking worried.

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
Slowly, his breathing returns to normal and he looks at his wif "The temple, my love. A  nightmare. Pain. So much pain." His eyes lower.

FORGE
All through the night, the warforged works in the forge. Its hard to tell what he is creating but afert awhile, he makes three shafts, probably hollow metal. Two of which looks like steel heads. The last he was able to find some leftvoer silver. He keeps working, making a longer shaft. Slam slam slam....

RIC AND KRITE
"Actually with the correct training and with due time they possibly can cast spells. Most people or rather creatures could. So beliving I was one does make sense. But I am far from a doppleganger. Apology accepted and keep in mind though I knocked does not mean I wish for you to put your weapons down. I understand it of course with what has occured and I have spoken to the priestess. One reason why I have neglected my duties on Korthos. And another reason was Cumarinda's wedding to Fenris." Lar sits down at a table in the center of the room "As for attacking me, that would have been bad. For the both of you. I can be a peaceful man or a force one you wish not to mess with. Now then." He puts his hands down on the table "The priestess spoke highly of you and yes you are well Riceak. The cleric will need both of you with the loss of several of her friends. Now, what do you plan to acccomplish within Stormreach? Rather interested actually."

Glad that the other wizard accepted his apology, Krite says, "Actually, we assumed that Cumarinda would have a job or two queued up," the gnome admits. "Riceak and I are late to her party and really just met her before the wedding.

"As to what we'd want to be doing, well that's easy! Protecting Stormwatch! Thwarting evil! Slaying monsters! Gaining experience, knowledge, and treasure!"

RIC AND KRITE

"So you are doing it for all the wrong reasons. Those are just tasks, nothing more. Something to puff your chest up. Think about why you will do it. Use your heart. Why do you wish to protect Storm" The man seems to just want to argue or perhaps making a point "Cumarinda has much upon her plate. Losing Fenris, friends. Finding Fenris again. Getting married.  A mutual vote to determine what is needed. Putting upon her more is not wise."

The gnome tugs at the long braid on the side of his head (Riceak knows he does this when he's thinking). "Well, as I said, we just met her," he says after a short pause. "I admit, I was being a little flippant in my answer, Lars.

"The truth is, I adventure to gain knowledge of magic, and because there are many dark things that exist in the world. Unchecked, they would run rampant over the people of Stormreach, and everyone from the oldest crone to the new baby, would be in terrible danger. I chose to adventure to gain the power to protect others against evil and tyranny."

OOC: I mistyped the name of the city in post #209; Krite would not have made that mistake so please pretend he said the right name!

Cumarinda's eyes water in sympathy with Fenris' pain, she lifts his chin to look into his eyes,  "What can I do to ease your pain, husband? Do you need healing? Lovemaking? or simply for me to hold you and love you? All these and more will I do for you, just tell me what you want!"

RIC AND KRITE

"My goal is to find the ones who abandoned me, but that really isn't something I plan on burdening anyone else with nor is it what you asked. Just figured that I'd put it out there since it really is the only thing that I have put before myself," Riceak stated as he moved to sit at the table.

"As for the town, I suppose that I currently live, so one should protect one's home from anything that wants to do it harm. Probably the simplest reason to protect anything."

Forge continue whacking away on his anvil....it will not be long before he will need to get another shipment of both fuel and raw materials.....

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
Oddly, he leans against her and closes his eyes. His breathing slows, trying to relax. Trying to deal with his pain. Its strange, he deals with the pain by lashing out against his enemies but he seems lost.

FORGE
And the warforged creates the gear-a silver spear and two steel javelins. Good work, fine craftmanship. But what could they do? It remains unknown but he is also able to make a silver dagger as well!

RIC AND KRITE
The man narrows his eyes on Krite "Do whatever you wish but if anything you do harms Fenris or Cumarinda, you wiil get more then you have bargain for. And so you do it for power. Power corrupts. Manipulates people. You state this and expect others to believe it as face value. Yet you state this in front of a mage, much more powerful then you believe and expect to get the same results? Interesting to say the least. So you both wish to protect this place? Each day, evil comes and some fight it. Some ignore it, hoping it will simple go away. Its a much larger town then where I dwell, much larger. I feel you will find comfort with the cleric, but if you do anything that could harm her-you will face Fenris. And I hope it does not come to it. Barbarians are known for being loners. But Fenris has a goal and will remove anyone who gets in his way. Or the clerics. Get to know him, do not speak of arcane lore. For I have a collegue who delves within its might and he was not happy with it." He rubs his chin, watching them for a moment "I can teach you for now the ways of magic. Both of you if you wish to accept it?"

Krite smiles. "I would be honored if you wish to share magical knowledge with us, Master Hayton," the gnome says.

Cumarinda will first pull out one of her Glowing Orbs and use that light to examine Fenris closely. She will massage him gently and try using her Heal skill to determine what might be causing his problems. In addition, she will also quietly cast a Detect Magic to see if there is any magic still affecting him, supported by her Knowledge: Arcana and Spellcraft skills.

"Fenris, my beloved husband, your Cumarinda is here by your side. Share with me your pain and I will heal you with my love." she whispered tenderly into his ear, following it with a loving kiss.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 23 using 1d20+12.  Heal.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 23, 14 using d20+7,d20+8. Knowledge Arcana, Spellcraft

Forge enjoys the work of the metal and making things happen from the raw steel and silver...the dagger makes him think of the priestess, perhaps the wedding gift for each of them came to his hands at the crafting...though he does not know if the barbarian even uses such weapons....

RIC AND KRITE

"I suppose it can't hurt to learn some new things. Especially with what our current plans are. So thank you for preparing us for what is yet to come," commented Riceak as thought over everything that had been said.

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
Besides the bruises from the mydraal fight and the inner turmoil the barbarian face that the clerics know little about physically he seems fit despite the mass amount of scars now upon his chest and across his back making him look like a patchwork blanket. Scars. So many scars. The cleric is able to find some more areas that looks like they really hurt despite the healing provided by the priestess. Some ointment is applied, Fenris wincing at it. There's no one in the room but his love, so yes-he winces. Anyone else? Hell no. Always showing a 'don't f-- with me' attitude. And the detect magic doesn't really detect anything besides both their gear thrown around the room. Hell they were just married.

FORGE
PM

RIC AND KRITE
Lars narrows his eyes on the two. He leans back, crossing his arms over his chest "So what is it you wish to know?" Simple question.

RIC AND KRITE

"Don't suppose there is a bit of magic that will let us know if we are in a room of doppelgangers, is there? Otherwise, I'd like to turn myself invisible for starters or see those that become invisible. Both seem like useful tricks to have up one's sleeve," Riceak stated while scratching his head.

RIC AND KRITE

Krite pulls thoughtfully on his braid, thinking about what Lars has offered. He doubted the wizard was offering free and easy access to his spell repertoire -- wizards didn't generally share such things -- so he must be making the offer of something else. "I'd be interested in what you consider to be paths of magical learning that are the most dangerous," the gnome wizard says to Lars. "Either dangerous to the caster, or dangerous to those he loves.

"I'm still relatively a neophyte in magical learning -- I barely know how to teleport short distances -- and so I'd like to avoid the kinds of study that lead one toward madness or corruption."

OOC: he means "barely know dimension door," or rather "I've just learned 4th-level spells."

"Fenris, pain shared is pain divided and lessened. Tell me what caused these scars, tell me what happened to you when left us. I am here with you, here to ease your burdens. If you show your pain, shed tears, cry out, I am here to support you, to keep you safe, to protect you in every way. Tell me all of what happened to you. Please." Cumarinda implored, while looking lovingly into his eyes, holding him close and applying more care to all his wounds.

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
The barbarian looks over at her "Pain is what I am. And I do not want you to feel it. I'd rather have it be unbearable and you not get hurt then have you feel it. This is my burden. Evil caused the scars. Just...evil." Fenris lowers his head.

Something bangs against the door.

FORGE
PM

RIC AND KRITE
The man watches this odd gnome "You somehow learned it without anyone teaching you? Teleportorting is a interesting skill. And can get you killed. I know how to accomplish it but I only use it if I have little choice." He rubs his chin and looks over at Ric "So you wish to see the unseen, or become like it? Interesting. So you both want what I may possess yet nothing more? Someone to give you the abilities without question? I am rather offened. Both of you." Some sort of test? Hard to tell. His eyes dart to both of them "I know many things, some I wish not to know. I did not mean you want what I can teach, but a conversation." Definatly a test. Maybe.

Forge decides that indeed the priestess uses a shield and perhaps he should talk to her, maybe a lighter finely crafted metal shield would suit her, he would have to find first more funds, as the raw metal would be high indeed....

As the fire dies down he sets to crafting cold iron arrow heads....

Cumarinda continued to hold and caress Fenris, soothing his aches and pains. She lifts his chin to look deeply into his eyes,
"Fenris, my beloved husband. Courage, strength, and determination are what you are. Pain is what you feel, not what you are.
I know that you want to protect me from it. But Fenris, I hurt when you hurt, I feel a different kind of pain in my heart when
I see that you are trying to hurt alone." she paused to take a breath.

"FENRIS!" she shouted angrily, her eyes shinning furiously, "Tell me everything that happened to you! You are no longer alone!
Your burdens are mine too! My life is yours, to stand with you against trouble, to look to your arms when I need strength.
I've chosen to be your light in the darkness, your warming comfort in the cold, and your mate!"
she cries breathing heavily as she continues to stare into his eyes awaiting a better answer.

Turning, she shouts at the door. "Who calls!"

RIC AND KRITE

"My apologies. I thought we were still discussing magic, but do you have any more information about Fenris's distaste for the arcane? Like is it talking about the arcane in general or will us casting any spells around him cause a volatile reaction," inquired Riceak while glancing over at Krite.

FENRUS AND CUMARINDA
Ordering a barbarian? Fenris stands up, completely naked and stares at her. He grabs his sword, and holds it one handed. His eyes narrow and he opens the door, the whole beast like nature coming into play.

Standing in the doorway is a direwolf. It doesn't seem phased and looks at Fenris. It tilts its massive head and sits on the ground where the cleric rose up.

Fenris lowers his sword seeming confused "I do not remember. Just pain. And the dragon took off. There was a orb, shattered. Then darkness." Maybe he's telling the truth?

FORGE
The arrowheads are made with the small ponding of the hammer and a few times place within the confines of the forge.

RIC AND KRITE
"All I know is he distrusts all arcane magic but I think it depends on how it was used. There was a dwarf mage who angered him. Not a smart move I say. Oh he is indeed alive this dwarf. Dwarves and elves, adding in from what the dwarf knew...well..." Lars rubs his chin "Speaking of arcane doesn't anger him I believe. Nor using it. But against Fenris or Cumarinda in a not so nice move...." He leans forwards "I do have two scrolls for you."

RIC AND KRITE

OOC: Krite had already figured out not to poke the barbarian with a metaphorical stick. He would like to keep his head attached to his body a bit longer!

"I have very little funds available," Krite says when Lars offers the scrolls, "but I'd be happy to let you peruse my spellbook and copy any spell you might not already have. It's a long-shot, given the difference in our mastery of magic, but there might be one or two in there you don't already have." He shrugs. "Otherwise, Master Heyton, I simply can't afford even a scroll containing a cantrip.

"In regard to Cumarinda, allowing her to come to harm is the very last thing I would want. I don't know her very well, but she is very clearly a powerful force for good, and I will use my magic as best I can to protect her while we're adventuring. Just as she will use her abilities and spells to do the same for me." That is, after all, what a party is supposed to do for one another.

Forge works away through the night, waiting for the coming dawn when is his customary time in prayer....

He surveys his creations,
a silver spear, a silver dagger, two steel javelins and a yet completed number of cold iron arrowheads.....


Inspiration hits him and he bangs out a door wedge as one never knows when one may be called upon to hold the door....

RIC AND KRITE

"Oh, then I should be safe in that regard then. Most of what I know are non-offensive spells anyway. At least, they aren't as far as I know," commented Riceak as he let out a sigh of relief before glancing over at Krite who he assumes can't say the same but isn't too sure what the gnome is fully capable of.

"And I have to second both of Krite's statements. I'll do what I can to keep everyone safe from harm, and I don't really have the necessary funds nor resourses to compensate a scroll, and getting something for free doesn't really sit well with me unless I am taking it from a bad person."

And Forge makes a decent door wedge easily enough.

RIC AND KRITE
"Telling a fellow mage to check out your spellbook is insulting. You should hold it with pride and not give it away for a few spells. And I did not ask for anything in return. Do you not listen? From what I can tell, anyone can ask for your spellbook. If I had wanted your spellbook and was a thief, I could have easily removed you from it in one form or another." Lars stands up staring at Krite, wanting to get the point across but he stops and looks at Ric "Again I never asked for anything in return and I feel mocked. Listen and stop assuming please. And so I will not offer anything to either of you if that is the case. You had made your views known." Lars turns to leave "Sorry for bothering you this night. I had hoped my knowledge would be of great aid-not one of just spells. If someone offers you aid, you should accept it as a matter of trust. Turning away someone who can aid you both is not wise. But if you wish for nothing, you will gain nothing. You do speak somewhat wise Riceak. Perhaps Krite can learn something from you." Maybe a test? Hard to tell "Sleep well. We will meet again." The door is pressed open and Lars had left.

RIC AND KRITE

After making sure that the door is firmly latched, Krite hops back into the oversized bed, puts his back against the headboard and sits down to think about Lars Hayton and the unusual interaction they just had. He'd been around humans, including wizards, for a long time, decades, in fact, and he still hadn't quite figured them out. He popped out the Scarlet Tome, Volume I, his spellbook, and wrote down the conversation and his observations in Gnomish and in his neat, careful hand under the header "On Lars Hayton." Often, his writing down of details was good enough to work through a puzzle, but alas it was not to be in this case.

Afterward, he goes back to sleep, the spellbook under a corner of his pillow.

With her nudity only covered by a few sheets from the bed, Curmarinda hurried over to Fenris'side. Throwing her arms around the confused and troubled elven barbarian,
her fire red hair draped over his shoulders, she said calmly, "For now we won't talk any more about it." She hugged him tight and nuzzled into his shoulder,
kissing her way up his neck to his chin. "There is a large wolf standing in our doorway." she breathed into his ear, "I don't think it means us any harm and it looks somewhat familiar. Is it a friend of yours, Fenris, beloved?"

With her head resting on Fenris'shoulder, and one arm holding the blanket around their bodies, she looks expectantly into the eyes of the huge lupine, with utter confidence, waiting to see what it does.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:48, Thu 29 June 2023.

RIC AND KRITE

Seeing no point in dwelling on the conversation at the moment, Riceak plopped back on his bed once Krite had secured the door and drifted back into sleep. He'd worry about whether or not the end to that conversation was going to mean the next encounter with Lars would be favorable or a more trying experience.

The next morning....

Fenris tells the cleric something about a orb and that the cavern collapsed on it, and the mindflayer warped him away somehow as he was knocked out. He has no clue what happened to the dragon and doesn' go into detals about all the massive scars. Its pretty obvious-torture. Beaten, Battered. Almost killed but the barbarian didn't surrender. The direwolf falls asleep right by the bed (not on it). When the cleric awakens, the direwolf and Fenris are gone. A note is placed under the door 'Come to the dining hall'.

------------------------------------------------------
Later on within the confines of the dorm....

The gnome and halfling each are awakened. Krite yawns and puts his hand down to his spellbook but its missing! Maybe he put it under the bed? Nope. In his gear? Nope.
A note is placed under the door 'Come to the dining hall.'

------------------------------------------------------
Forge is about to go inside, with his spear and other gear but notices Fenris is sitting outside. And the direwolf is next to him. Just sitting there. Its not a bad day out, a brisk wind at times but comfortable. His gazes goes to the warforged and he stares at him. The wolf tilts its massive head.

--> to the dining hall

The gnome grabs his gear and heads to the dining hall of the temple. His emerald eyes are somehow vacant and yet terribly, terribly focused.

--> to the dining hall

After getting dressed, Riceak followed after the wizard to the dining hall: yawning as he went.

--> to the dining hall

Grumbling slightly under her breath after reading the note, Cumarinda briefly wondered who wrote the note,
then decides it isn't as important as beginning the day and rejoining Fenris.

After her daily morning observances, Cumarida gathered her belongings and quickly headed toward the dining hall.
Her disposition was as bright and sunny as always, realizing that there were good deeds to be done.

@Fenris (and the wolf)
"Greetings.  May I be of aid to you this morning?"

Forge hold his hands open and palms up.....

When the group enters, Lars is within the dining room and he has a familiar book-Krite would know what it is. He motions for the others to gather around, putting his hands upon it and the man looks at each of them. A clerhyman walks in from the kitchen with a varity of breakfast goods ranging from hashbrowns to eggs. He is followed by another one, holding a pitcher and puts the coffee down. Both of them then leave back into the kitchen. Lars waits for the others to get their food and takes a cup of coffee as well as some eggs and toasts. He keeps a hand upon the book "May try to hide this better, Krate. For if someone else had stolen it you would be in a lot of trouble. I doubt you remember all of your spells. And no I did not use this book to add to my own. I am no thief but making a point." Lars watches them "Now then what do you have for plans today? The priestess will be joining us soon as its barely dawn. She may a few things for you to do. Me? No, not a thing. Yet I am rather curious where Fenris lies and what has happened to him. But he is safe at least." He looks at the cleric "I wish to speak with you in private after breakfast if you have time. I assume you wish to hunt down the dopplegangers as well. This city is in need of help. Not sure what of course but I can sense it so to speak."

---------------------------------------------------------------
Elsewhere upon the steps leading into the temple...

Fenris watches this strange warforged who tries to put his hands up only to drop several items. He shakes his head and the wolf gets down on all fours watching him as well. Strange lad. The barbarian sits there with his blade over his lap, not in its sheath. Course it doesn't look like it has a sheath to begin with. His eyes dart up and he looks up at the dusk sky. The man takes a deep breath. Fenris looks like he is thinking. Maybe. The direwolf sits up and walks over to the paladin. The barbarian doesn't take heeed of this-its a direwolf, free to do whatever it wants. But in the city? Makes little sense.

Krite walks over to the wizard very stiffly. "You may not believe that you are a thief, Lars Hayton," the gnome says, "but a thief you are. The book was secure in my bed under my arm as it has been for countless other nights. You broke into my room and took it without my knowledge and certainly without my permission, and the only reason we are not in a duel right now is because this is the Temple of Pelor and I will not initiate violence here.

"Return my property." He stands in front of Lars, tiny hand outstretched.

Cumarinda looks both shocked and wounded at Lars. Shaking her head with disappointment, she says softly,
"Lars? Why? Why would you steal from one of our allies? In the temple to our most holy god?! Why Lars!"
she concludes angrily staring into the elder's eyes.

"Really? If I was a thief why would I return it to you? You should be happy you have it back not insult the person giving it to you. You are nothing, Krite but someone wanting nothing more then power itself. You stand there and manipulate others to do what you want. And if it was secure how is it now in my possession? You toy with things that you know nothing about. I tried to aid you only to be pushed aside. Violence? Is that what you want? I have faced things you cannot fathom to protect a town and those within it. So stop your pathetic antics and sit down. We are going to have a conversation and keep it civil. And I have deal with people a lot worse then a gnome wanting his book back because he was unable to keep it safe." The man watches the gnome, not standing up and being eye to eye. He holds the book for a moment and then he looks at the cleric "To prove a point. You want to travel with someone that doesn't care about his fellow adventurers? One minute he is there and the next gone? I have seen it and that is what the gnome will do. All he wants is power. And power corrupts. The gnome needs a lesson to be humble and to accept others. And if he wants to go off with you I want to know you are safe. I trust Fenris but not him. If he wants to think I am a mere thief, so be it. I am not. This temple is for a god that evenyone believes in. I don't. But its a place of where people feel safe and secure, and I understand it. If someone placed you down and asked you a question, say you have a choice-Pelor or Fenris what would you do?"

"You are also a wizard, Lars Hayton," Krite says in a calm voice, though his eyes are ablaze with emerald flame. "You know what that book means to me, and yet you stole it to prove a point that did not need to be made. If you disapproved of my degree of protection, then you have forgotten what it is like to have relatively few spells. OOC: low level

"I feel certain that more powerful wizards cloak their books in wardings and protections, but I have no such means. I have a backpack and a stout door, and an assumption that in a holy temple of the God of the Sun, that I am safe. That my possessions are safe. That my most prized possession is safe.

"Well, Lars Hayton, you have taught me a lesson; it's just not the one you intended. And believe you me, if you continue this madness, the bards will be interested in hearing the results of the instruction.

"Now. Return my book, Lars Hayton," Krite says, his hand still outstretched to the older wizard. "I'll not ask again."

"So be it then, Krite.Prove a point? I did exactly what I wished to do, and the point is I made you out to be a fool. You have done exactly what I expected you to do. Assumption not suited to someone who wishes not for the best of the group but for yourself. You assume it seems all the time, expecting things to go the way you wish and now you have learned that is not the case You have made my point. You cannot win a fight with me and you know it and could have learned a valient lesson. You expect me to fear you. That is pathetic. I asked for a simple conversation and you belittle me with insults acting like you have the upper hand. Again, you have proven yourself a madmen. Bards you say? I am so afraid of nothing. And you will be surprised of my connections as well. Throwing you know the bards means little You will listen and understand what I wish to teach you or will you just mouth off believing you are the best? A mage will do what he can to protect the people you are with. Using your knowledge. That is the key to what you seek. Not magic, not anything. What lies within yourself is what mmatters. You have much to learn, Krite. One last time sit down." Lars doesn't move "Sit down." Oddly, he holds the books out to Krite expecting some sort of reply to back up what he believes. He expects it, and expects to get attacked, anger or something worse. But he keeps a quiet tone, a serious tone but quiet nonetheless.

"So if you don't trust Krite, then you surely can't trust me, right? I mean, between the two of us, he is far better than I, and even though you said you don't know us last night when you woke us up you are now claiming that Krite is essentially a coward who will run out on us. I am curious as to how our conversation last night gave you that implication at all since I didn't pick up on it between you saying that she is going to need us and getting upset that we didn't want some scrolls for free," Riceak said as he shook his head in disbelief. While the halfling wasn't as angry as the gnome, there was a look of annoyance on his face.

Turning to Kayja, Riceak gave a quick bow. "I do apologize to you but this theft and breaking of trust has left a sour taste in my mouth, and I don't know about Krite but I'm not inclined to continue listening to a man who speaks of humility while being so arrogant to say that they aren't a thief. If you take something that isn't yours, then you are a thief regardless of the reason behind the theft."

"Krite, perhaps it would be best if we left Lars to have whatever conversation that he wants to have with the cleric here," said the spellthief as he turned away from the table and began to walk away.

The man crosses his arms as Ric deals with the situation. He has nothing left to say for now, letting the words bounce off of him. He know what is the truth. And if there is a thief amongst them its Ric. He sips his coffee, resting a hand over his lap "The power of a wizard isn't his spellbook, its what is within their hearts. Spells are nothing, just a tool. That is what makes you a mage. Some have evil within themselves, others do not. I am not a evil being, not even remotely. If you wish to leave, so be it. I have nothing against you Riceak and I admire your demaner to defend a friend but that is not what Krite needs." Another sip and he places it upon the table. He adjusts himself and looks at the cleric.

Krite accepts the book, holding it in both hands. He takes a deep breath and holds it, then lets it out in a long exhale. "Thank you for returning my spellbook," he says, his eyes fading back to their usual gemstone green. "From what you've been saying, you meant well, albeit in a way that I do not comprehend.

"I do not understand why you believe that I am either a fool, or that I think I'm better than you. I have made it plain that I know that you are a much more experienced and powerful wizard than I am; the only thing I did that might even have been considered rude -- until my book was taken, that is -- was to ask that you cast a cantrip so I could be reassured you weren't a doppelganger. I mean, it was very strange that you came to Riceak and me in the middle of the night instead of addressing us at breakfast; that made me feel a bit more paranoid than I otherwise might have.

"You then cast the spell, but you also told me that they can learn spells, so that's not a good test for doppelgangers. I appreciate knowing that!

"Until my spellbook went missing, I had nothing but a deep respect for you, Master Hayton. It's clear we've had a miscommunication on a number of things and we've been talking at cross-purposes, and I'll try to listen to what you mean on my part."

"Pray tell I have nothing to say to you. Respect? You call that respect? I had scrolls willing to be provided to you and yet I was met with what you call a trade or that I could check out your spellbook. You never provide your spellbook to anyone. And I went there after the party if I may be so bold. I am not some person wandering the streets trying to part my wares for gold. And yet I felt like I was treated as such. Respect is earned not giving out. I strongly suggest you rethink what I have said and ponder it. Don't throw it aside and act like a small kid. You challenged me and believe you are far stronger then I. Perhaps in due time it may happen. But you have much to learn about yourself and what your abilities are. Focus on what you know, not your magic. Magic makes one believe they are strong. No it is what lies within your heart. You can be beaten down to a inch of your life but if you have faith like the cleric here, you would be surprised on how storng you are. You want proof I am not a doppleganger? They bleed green. Strange as it is. Even the Mindflayer bleed a different color Nonetheless..." He pulls out a dagger, and takes his hand. Lars takes the blade and puts it across his hand. And it bleeds red. "No trick. It is my blood." He takes a napkin and places it across his hand. The mage then sips his coffee "If you want to leave, so be it. Now can I enjoy my breakfast and have a civil conversation?"

Elsewhere upon the steps leading into the temple...

"I am glad that you and your friend are safe and well.  Are you here for my help?  I believe that we can help the peoples accept you here by being seen together.  People fear what they do not understand."

Krite sits down and picks out items for his breakfast. He’s positioned where he can see and hear what Lars has to say.

Seeing that Krite wasn't going to walk out, Riceak turned around, grabbed some food and sat down to see what the conversation was going to be.

Cumarinda noted the reactions of both Krite and Riceak to Lars' words.

She looks to Lars with a look of both anger and sadness. “I will say this in words to be heard by all. Master Lars Hayton I believe that you
have gone too far to make your point. You have certainly violated the sanctity of this temple, with your action and your words. While your theft
may have had some benevolent purpose, I feel that whatever benefit that may have been gained has been overshadowed by your offense towards
our other guests and your open proclamation of disbelief in the Sun Father in the center of HIS holy temple.”
She stares into his eyes for a long moment before sighing with disappointment and briefly averting her eyes.

She takes a deep breath and then looks back into Lars' eyes, speaking softly in yielding tones, “Lars, I do not expect you to pay homage to Pelor if you don't believe in him. I do expect you to be respectful and courteous to those of us that do and your fellow guests who are under our care while you are a guest of our temple. I love you as a friend and mentor yet I still believe that you owe at least one apology, if not more. Should you disagree, say so, and I will say a prayer to forgive your transgressions against us in the name of peace.”

"But after this issue is settled, we have other things to discuss," she says resuming a more normal speaking voice, “While you consider my words,
why don't we enjoy breakfast and further ponder what problems face us and those around us.”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Fri 15 Sept 2023.

"Pardon but I will not give apologies nor do I feel I need to. This is your home, not mine. You wish to worship here, so be it. Everyone has a right and I do not believe in gods or putting myself out there for something I cannot believe in. Yes, I am a man of arcane lore, true. Offense? Truly you are wrong. I see two others here, Riceak and Krite and both were in the dorms together. No one else. There is no overshadowing and if you somehow believe I had offensed anyone, so be it. But I will not apologize. And its been what two to three day since you arrived and you took it upon yourself to uphold the law here believing you have a say in what transpired? You are just as much as a guest as anyone present. Are you done lecturing me and beliving you are correct in all aspects? A child believing you are right when you are not? I have raised children, rest their souls and it came down to a simple fact." Lars sips his coffee "I was correct and so was my wife. So do not ask me to give out a apology for it will be half-hearted and not mean a thing. Not trying to disrespect you, Cumarinda. For you have been through a lot in such a short timespan. Not even me or Pelor could have provided much comfort. And now Fenris lives. I do not understand why or how but he indeed lives and I am glad for you he has returned." Another sip of coffee and he starts to eat.

"Now then, what does your plans beckon you today? Dopplegangers? Exploring this town and stopping some old evils? Pray tell I wish to know."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Elsewhere upon the steps of the temple...

"No." Right to the point. Fenris watches the direwolves antics. It looks at th  warforged, barks a few times and sits down at the barbarians feet. Strange.

Cumarinda nods and then slowly stands before walking over to where Riceak and Krite are sitting.
She bows her head and says apologetically, "Krite Singlebraid and Riceak Stryfelaughter. For myself and my husband, we'd like to thank you again for participating in our ceremony.

As a priestess of Pelor and your host here in our holy temple, we are ultimately responsible for any offense you suffered while you are our guests here. I deeply apologize for the circumstances that involved the brief loss of your property and any related offense. I hope that you can forgive us and all who were involved. If there is anything within reason that I can do to restore your trust, please feel free to ask. Furthermore, I hope we can work together in the near future to bring light and hope to those who need it most. For now, I must continue to speak with Master Hayden before setting out."

She raises her head and looks them both with a hopeful smile, briefly waiting upon whatever reply they may give, before turning to rejoin Lars.

”Rest assured, you’ve no problem with me, dear lady,” Krite says with a smile for the cleric.

OOC: apologies DM; reverted to original speech color accidentally. Back to darkgreen.

Forge gathers up his things.
"Do you wish to come with me into the temple?  We can have the wolf wait out back, I am certain all would share in the glad tidings of your and the wolfs' deciding to remain  here."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Tue 11 July 2023.

Lars sits there waiting patiently for the gathered group to decide what they will do if anything at all. He crosses his legs, sipping his coffee and eats at times. Apparently nothing he states will mean anything to anyone presently-especially the cleric who seemed to turn on him. A sad though. He asks so he will wait. For a city there has got to be some evil to go against. A problem to solve. And they need to solve it-not Lars. Not the priestess.

--------------------------------------------------

The look on Fenris's face when the warforged continues to talk is rather rude. He pulls out a apple and starts to eat it remaining on the steps "Wolf goes where I go. And I am not going inside." One bite. Two bites.

Riceak sighs as the mood seems to settle, or settle as much as it is going to at the moment. "Since we were 'recruited' to join you in this endeavor, that make you the de facto leader of this group, correct? Did you have something that you wanted to tackle first or are we going to charge at the first thing that pops up?"

Curmarinda replies to Riceak with a smile, "Actually neither immediately, young master Riceak. I am going to consult with Master Hayton once more to see if he has a direction to suggest, failing that, we will return to the docks to confirm and fulfill the several requests I've seen there."

After looking around for a moment, she sighs softly, "I'm certain that my Fenris is awaiting us outside. I'm taking him outside a city soon, these places with so many people, buildings and walls aren't where his joy lies." She pauses and grins before continuing, "Well except when I'm nearby."

Rejoining Lars at his table, she bows and speaks humbly, "I believe that there are a myriad of things you know that I may have to learn with time, Master Hayton. In the name of our friendship, I ask that you please forgive any offense I may have given you and continue to share your knowledge with me so that I can grow in power to help others. As we set forth to do good in the name of all that is good, do you have any further advice for me?"

The warforged head bobs back and forth....
"Apologies, I had thought you had sought my presence, pardon me."

Forge heads on into the temple....

Krite nods at Forge in greeting as he enters. He sits waiting to see where the conversation goes.

"So another person wanting my knowledge to grow in power. Has nothing change my dear? What if you were stripped of your blessings and could do nothing more? You have your wits am I correct? WIthout anyones power, you have each other. Think about it and ponder it. I could provide each of you a gift but why should I when you have not learned anything? Krite has his power from his spellbook yet when it was gone he searched for it and found it. Yet even without it, you have what you wish if you ponder it. Same as you, Riceak. Take away your weapons and your arcane gifts, what does that leave? It leaves what you know. Cumarinda has her gifts from her diety. Take that away, you have what? What you know. What ou feel and I hope I am simply more then someone you talk to. Forge has his ability to bring pain with weapons and armor. Take that away and what does he have? His ability to think and feel." Lars takes another sip of his coffee.

Fenris walks in and leans against the doorway. The direwolf enters as well and seems to copy him, pushing him slightly. His eyes narrow on the wolf as perhaps he feels mocked. The wolf moves from him and drops to the ground at his feet even as Fenris doesn't say a word. He bites into a apple, just watching.

"My dear Fenris. Surprised I see. Take your sword away, take away all your abilities-what does that leave you?" Lars leans forwards.

The barbarian snorts "Cumarinda."

Lars seems to not be surprised, and smiles at the remark "Not all of arcane are evil, Fenris. We have spoken little but your presence soothes Cumarinda. It is a good thing. Now then, what I want for the group? Nothing. Explore the city. Or rather outside of it. Get your bearings for I think this may be your home for some time. And the dopplegangers will be dealt with in due time. You can help if you wish but there are other things you can tend to. Grog is a good source. And of course I would like to know more of this dragon if there is anything else to know. Korthos is safe for now. And theres several places you can check out yet I have beena away for some time." He's been here before?

The wolf looks at Lars and then to Fenris who doesn't speak. Heck he just walked in.

"Your wisdom is welcome, Master Lars Hayton.  I hear and I obey."

The warforged salutes his right fist over his left chestplate....

Forge contemplates himself in a new way that idea of arcane and divine, in every time he had healed or repaired himself it has been the work of divine magics, the same that allows him to assist the flesh blood and bone types, though his entire being was mostly shaped in the magics that were arcane in nature...it is a mystery of his life he had not yet considered.

"Fenris spake true when he named Priestess Cumarinda, as did you, Master Hayton, in making your several points," Krite says. "Take away our powers, our equipment, even our talents, and what do we have? Each other.

"Save Fenris, Forge, and Cumarinda, though, we are but newly met," the gnome continues. "I hope and even pray that we will become bosom companions who will trust, honor, and love one another as brothers and sisters. I have adventured for years but mostly in the role of 'have spells, will travel,' a stand-in for groups that needed additional magic, or who were missing a member or two. That was all right, but what I have wanted for some time is a group to which I belong. Who I can trust to watch my back, and who in turn are willing to trust me to watch theirs.

"I like what I see of my new companions, though we've yet to be tested together as a whole. I hope that we become more than just another group of adventurers!" He grabs a flagon of some fruit juice or another and toasts the group.

Listening to all that was said by everyone, Riceak scratched the back of his head before deciding that he should probably say something. "So what I am getting from this is that we are heading down to the docks then, and then we work our way around the city to learn where everything is? Sounds like a plan. Anyone still need to eat their breakfast or are we good to begin this so that we can do this bonding thing that you all mentioned?"

Cumarinda listens to Lars and then the rest nodding in agreement with all that had been said. She stood up and bowed
respectfully to Lars and then picked up her pack and gear. "If everyone is ready to bring our skills to help those who may
need that help, let's get going. Goodbye, Master Hayton, may all that is holy bless you."

With that, she walks toward the entrance of the temple, smiling warmly towards Krite, Riceak, and Forge.
"Riceak, Krite, I promise to take you into my care as allies from this day forth. Forge, we are already bound in friendship,
fellowship and service. Fenris, my husband and my strength, I ask that you please look upon our companions as allies who
will add their strengths to our own."

When she reaches Fenris, she kisses him briefly on the lips, then shares a warm smile with the dire wolf as she leads them on their way toward the docks.

"The docks is a great place to start Grog will certainly let us know if any gossip has come about any of the enemies we have faced.  Plus the tasks that persons are seeking help with are frequently posted as well."

Forge considers the couple, formidable in their own right, and so falls into the rear position with the smaller companions in the middle.....

In reply to Riceak (msg #267):

Krite's answer was to scarf down a helping of eggs and bacon and to grab a few hard rolls "for the road." "Ready."

In reply to Cumarinda (msg #268):

Krite nods in happy agreement to Cumarinda's promise. "My arcane skills and powers are at the party's disposal," he replies. "My hope is that we will become friends as well as allies. Gnomish magic has a lot of illusion, so if you see me casting and an owlbear or something suddenly 'comes around the corner,' help me sell it to the enemy!" He winks.

The fire haired, brown eyed woman winks back to Krite nodding, "Of course we will, right My Fenris?" she said happily kissing the barbarian on the cheek as the party continued towards the docks.

==========> To the docks

Yeah right. Someone to watch the gnomes back as Fenris goes to kill him. Sounds about right. His eyes narrow, hearing the mages talk of arcane. He blinks as the cleric kisses him, seeming surprised. The direwolf sneaks some bacon and munches on it as the creature follows after the cleric. Once everyone is about to leave, Fenris watches Lars. His eyes narrow, teeth clenched and he seems about to say something but he glances at the cleric then back to Lars and nods his head, letting her lead the 'pack' Something he normally does but why? And Lars mentioned the dragon. Something the barbarian doesn't want to think about.

------to the Docks!---->
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Thu 27 July 2023.

"Well, fingers crossed that the enemy buys it regardless of how much we sell it for," Riceak comments as he follows the party to the docks.

------to the Docks!---->