Storm steps in with the priest. He listens and shares his philiosophy of might makes right in protecting the weak.

Father Calmert moves into the processinal area and takes a seat on the wooden bench to the side. "St. Cuthbert is an interesting God, he has many holy proverbs, some of them humorius but still make sense. He says that Thick Heads are not made of glass. And Square corners can be pounded smooth. He believes that if you are not a follower of his, that you can become one after your foolishness is beaten from you. Now this mostly applies to old thinkers of the religion. We don't all go around beating people with our cudgels if you are not a follower. We understand that others follow different gods. But we do stress that enlightenment can penetrate even the helm of Iron. Even though some good folk can only understand one thing. We of the church strive to make them understand." he says. "We have those in Hommlet that would see us fall. Druidic Orders that have tried to desecrate our holy grounds, just this morning upon my inspection of the abby, druidic pictures had been painted on our west facing wall, I have acolytes cleaning it now. We have had many issues with those of the druidic faith." he says.

"Ah but could you not talk to them and try to co exist? After all religious harmony is important for peace. Any idea why they are at odds with you?" Storm asks curious.

Father Calmert says. "We have, this fight between our two factions has gone on for years, every once in awhile the fighting will start back up and then it dies down. The Followers of St. Cuthbert and those of the Druidic Orders are never going to get along. We must somehow just deal with them being here, as long as Jaroo tends to his grove here in Hommlet, and holds his speeches. I fear that their will still be issues." he says. "But on another note. With the acolytes busy with the cleaning and the Cannoness in chambers. could I task you with a favor for the church, I of course would pay." he says.

"Ah let me know how I may be of service to you," storm replies.
"I will try to engage my new friends to help," Storm says

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Sun 02 June 2019.

"Sure, how much does he owe?" Storm asks? "Does he know he owes the church money?

"Ok I go, don't bother paying me! You have nothing left if u do."
Saying that storm goes off to the brewery

Storm enters the church, finds the priest, shares the apprentice tale and pays the priest 10'gold pieces telling him that he is helping the apprentice to pay for a couple of months of tithes.

Storm apologizes to the priest and says to help someone should be the focus of any priesthood and he is certain the apprentice will be more devoted knowing here is kindness.
He then asks the priest if there's anything else he could do

Storm expresses that he will be honored to help and asks for directions to the place including the distance and possible a description of the panda that. He also asks if the person needs healing.

" I guess the fight and many men killed must have created a lot of negative energies causing many of the dead to rise as undead? Fortuneateky my order is skilled in putting them to rest so I shall fear less. Thank you for your advice. By the way do you have potions of healing for sale?" Stprmmasks

+1 Magical Holy Mace - 1500 Gold (Half of what its worth.)
x5 Potions of Healing (200 Gold Each.) (Half of what its worth.)
x2 Potions of Super-Healing (500 Gold Each.) (Half of what its worth.)
x5 Vials of Holy Water. (100 Gold Each.)

"Ah thank you my friend. Unfortunately my order does not allow me to use the mace as I am or trained in its use. However; I will buy two potions or healing from you,"'storm says.

Storm thanks the priests and mentions that he is new to town and asks for any idea wheee and who he can speak to

Deduct 400 Gold from your total, add two Potions of Healing.

"Thank you Father," Storm stores the healing potions in his pack and pays the gold.

He wishes the priest well.

=============END OF SCENE===============

Althiöf entered in his new wardrobe, his hair and beard newly braided, without any visible weapons upon his person.  He had come for the evening services, which he expected were about to begin.  Indeed, he thought the bells should be ringing at any time.

Walking further inside, he saw that there was an intersection, down which were some benches.  He was unsure of where to go, because some went to the benches, but others remained behind in the first hall.  Unsure of proper protocol, he stayed behind in the hall where it intersected towards the speaker in front.  For a moment, he prayed silently.

'Soulforger, I intend no disrespect to you, the father of all dwarves.  I am not in the halls of my forefathers, but in the wilderness far from our mountains.  This community has a church to St. Cuthbert, who I know to represent the weal of the people.  I have come to witness their service, to better understand the people here, and to be closer to what is holy.  I have not lost faith in you, which is as strong as it has always been.  Please see this not as a transgression, of which your lowly servant implores.'

Glancing about, the locksmith was unsure if he should remain standing, or sit upon the floor.  Did these folk kneel during service?

The congregation of gatherers sat upon wooden benches that were lined up win rows along the processional area. many of them sat, some stood in the rear and bowed their heads. The Abby's Bells start to ring, signalling that the evening services are about to start.

Finally, the dwarf made up his mind to sit on a bench, hoping he would not be admonished.  He did not go too far, and looked for somewhere in the middle where an area of bench was empty.  If he saw a friendly face he knew, Althiöf would smile and give a friendly nod in acknowledgement.

Two of the people inside the church stand up, pointing at the Canoness one of them yells. "Blasphemy!, Curse you!, Take your God from here, The Old Faith will prevail!" he says. The other takes an opens a sack, he spills out the contents on the ground of the church, small wooden sticks in the shape of people, trinkets made from the wilderness, smaller pouches filled with herbs. "We hex you, and your god!" one of them screams. Two of the Acolytes moves towards the men, attempting to escort them outside.

Althiöf thought this interruption quite odd, and for the briefest of moments, he wondered if it was part of the service.  Almost immediately, he decided against it.  Knowing that this outburst could end at any moment, the dwarf began paying the closest of attention and detail of their height, weight, hair color, eye color (if he could see them at any point, the color of their clothes, the condition of their clothes, whether they wore foot gear, if any weapons were present, tattoos or symbols upon their clothing, items or skin.

The Acolytes manage to usher both men out of the services. Althiöf takes close notice that both men looked to be in there mid thirties. Unkempt hair, the clothing they were wearing was very similar to what Jaroo was wearing the other night when you talked to him in the grove. You could see that they didn't have any weapons on them, nor did they wear armor. Clearly they were druids of some sort.

The services continue without further incident. The service lasts another thirty minutes. The congregation is dismissed, and Father Calmert addresses some of the practitioners as they leave, apologizing to them about the outbursts.

Althiöf went to where the outburst occurred, and looks for the wooden stick-figures of men.  If found, the dwarf takes them and stores them in a pouch.

Next, the locksmith watched the people leaving to see if there was a woman without an apparent husband beside her.  He expected she would not be overly young, more likely thirty years of age or even much older than that.

He slowly made his way towards the door, not minding if he was among the last to leave.

All of the women in the congregation were accompanied by men, or escorted by what looked to be someone close to the family. Most of the congregation though were men, converts of the Old Faith that had taken up with St. Cuthbert when the Church first started. You manage to collect a few of the wooden stick figures, and herb sacks before An acolyte comes by to clean up the mess. Mumbling something about the Old Faith, and its dissidents.

It seems Terjon, Father Calment and the Canoness' have already retreated to one of the side rooms.

He asked the acolyte who came to clean up the mess, "Excuse me.  I was hoping to have a word with Father Calmert, or the lady who gave the sermon (Canoness Y'dey, I presume.).  Do you think that would be possible, or would it be too much of an interruption for them at this moment?"

The acolyte shakes his head. "It might not be the best time, not with the outburst that happened, I would be remiss to interrupt them, unless it was an emergency." he says.

"Alright.  Can't say I didn't try."

"Good night."

Unless something unusual prevented him, the dwarf left the church and walked back to the Welcome Wench.  He kept an eye out for a certain bear and its friend.

You make it back to the Wench without any issue, nor do you see Jaroo or his bear along the way.

===================END OF SCENE===================

Storm enters the church and politely requests to see Father Calmert. Upon being ushered into his presence, he will share what he found out about black jay sheep, especially about the evil presence detected. He asks the priest for advice

"Woah there sir." says one of the acolytes. "The Father nor any of the Elder staff are taking visitors at the moment, if you are not aware services were just held, and something happened during them. The Elders of the Church are in a reflection meeting, and shall not be disturbed. I could send for you when they are finished and let Father Calmert know that you wish to speak with him, or is there something I may be able to handle." he asks.

"What happened during the service?" Storm asks the acolyte.

OOc: is an acolyte a lay person or is he ranked character like me?

"Two men from the Old Faith started calling out blasphemies after the sermon. They were escorted outside and forced to leave the service, after they dumped out sacks of druidic trappings, I'm not sure what they call them, small sticks bundled to look like people, and sacks of herbs." he says.

The Acolyte is a low level Priest of St. Cuthbert, likely a level one.

"I see. Father Calmert told me about thr druids. How long do you think it will take for me to see him? I assure you my affairs are urgent and he WILL be interested in what I have to say," Storm says.

The Acolyte shakes his head. "I shall not question the reflection time of the Elders. That is not my place. I've been instructed not to interrupt them unless its of dire emergencies, and I shall make that decision, what is your urgency to speak to the Father?" he asks.

"I am certain you know of Black Jay's sheep? I found out why they die but I am unable to do anything about the evil. However, I believe the proest will be able to do something. As it is night now, it will be good to interdict the evil as it ises. I guess routing this evil will certainly boosts the standing of the church vis-a-vis the druids. And I am willing to help in anyway I can," Storm replies.

The Acolyte nods. "I see.. I know that Father Calmert visited Black Jay a few days ago, and the two spoke about his sheep. The Father returned, something clearly on his mind, maybe he came to the same conclusion. If so he did not express it to us. But This does not warrant us interrupting him or the elders." he says.

Suddenly the door of the Abby swings open and another Acolyte rushes inside. You can see that he has blood stains on the bottom of his robe, his eyes wide stark afraid. He seems frantic and disheveled. You can see claw rips across his robes. He falls to the ground and passes out. The other Acolyte you are talking to quickly rushes to him and leans down to check his wounds. The disheveled Acolyte doesn't seem to be wounded, the blood not his. Clutched in his right hand is a blood soaked dagger.

Storm checks the acolyte to see if he is breathing. If he is not wounded but merely passes out, he will examine the dagger and awakes the acolyte using his heaing skills.

OOC: Uses religious knowledge identify dagger origins.

The dagger doesn't have any marks on it, other than being covered in blood. As you go to help the Acolyte, you see that he has exhausted from fatigue, sweat glistens off his forehead. Father Calmert steps out of the back area and walks over towards the three of them. "What is going on here?" he asks. The Acolyte looks up. "Brother Jaydon came in, his robes bloody, and this dagger in his hands." says the Acolyte.

The grumble of thunder outside brings the sounds of rain starting to fall hard outside. Flashes of lightning illuminate the windows as the storm starts coming down harder.

Storm examines the blood to see if it's human blood. He tries to massage the acolyte temples and arms to wake him up.
He will then look to the priest to see if he has any idea.

Storm follows and assists the priests in carrying the unconscious acolyte. He will see if he can help.

Storm examines the acolyte for visible wounds and sees if he can patch his wounds. This being the priest's jurisdiction, he will seek permission from the priest before attempting to do so.

There are clearly no wounds on the man. No cuts, scraps, nothing.

Storm tries to use his healing skills to wake the man?

"You may be right sir! If you need, we can investigate the Druids also. However I have a matter I wish to speak to you if you are free."

If the priest allowS, Storm will mention about his discovery with the sheep of jay black. He asks the priest of the evil presence

"'Are there spells to make evil visible when they come so we can attack them?" Storm asks.

OOC: I assume the priest is at least level 5?

Ah which means it's not an invisible entity doing it? There are no visible wounds on the sheep which suggests supernatural entity I think? What do u think sir?" Storm asks.

As he walks with Stormrider, Father Calmert tries two piece together the events of the eveing. First the graffit thsi morning, and then the outburst during the sermon. "There is much happening with the church right now, we can discuss this later." he says to Stormrider.

Another of the acolytes of the Church comes through the front entrance, noticing Father Calmert. "We have a problem Father, a group is forming outside the Inn in the streets. The Druid Jaroo, his bear was stabbed and killed and put on display, hung from a tree." he says. Father Calmert goes to the curio cabinet and opens it and takes out a large mace. He then heads towards the door and outside.

Storm follows along.

==================END OF SCENE==================

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:03, Thu 06 June 2019.

Korkas shook off the rain at the entrance, along with wiping the mud from his boots before he made his way fully inside "We spoke this morning about being for a donation, I have come to see to that. I owe you a bit for the other day and anything you or your clergy can offer today."

The Acolyte nods. "Well, Father Calmert handles all of the donations to the church, and has access to our stores. I shall let him know." He walks over to Calmert and leans down and whispers in his ear, the Father nods and stands up and walks over to Korkas. "I heard you'd like to donate to the church and seek out our services?" he asks. "Our Acolytes can offer healing for a small donation to the church, we also have some tools that may be beneficial to adventuring types. Would you like to see them." he asks.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 67):

Korkas nodded to the Father Calmert "I am interested. What wares do you have. I have coin." and moved to follow him What would a donation for a wound such as this cost?" Korkas asks pointing to the gash along his stomach as they walked along.



Had to throw that last bit in for our Skyrim lovers.

Father Calmert looks briefly over the wound and then motions towards the Acolyte to come look. Father Calmert uses this as a teaching moment. He shows the Acolyte the wound, and what the bruising means around the wound. How deep it is. Father Calmert is clearly trained in the healing arts. "For your wise words outside earlier, it would be remiss of me to not do this for you for no donation." he looks to the Acolyte and gives him the go ahead. The Acolyte nods and leans down and touches the gash across the dwarves stomach as divine healing starts doing its work. The Acolyte gives a chant of protection and healing in the name of St. Cuthbert and the dwarves wound is recovered. Father Calmert then stands up and walks over to the curio cabinet, sliding its door open, inside you can see an assortment of items. "This is what we have to offer from the church." He goes over a description of each item and the cost.

Korkas is healed for 8 of his hit points.

+1 Magical Holy Mace - 1500 Gold (Half of what its worth.)
x3 Potions of Healing (200 Gold Each.) (Half of what its worth.)
x2 Potions of Extra-Healing (500 Gold Each.) (Half of what its worth.)
x5 Vials of Holy Water. (100 Gold Each.)
x1 Dagger of Animal Slaying (500 Gold.) (+1 Dagger, +2 vs Animals) (Half of what its worth.)(

Korkas watched as the Acolyte worked and his wounds heal, the gifts if the gods always amazed him "Truly divine work. Thank you."

After that was completed he followed Father Calmert, his eyes widened at the contents of the cabinet. He reached tentatively towards the dagger, picking it up and testing it's balance in his hand nodding. A grin crossed his face "This is balanced to perfection, it's edge as keen as I've ever seen. You say it's stronger versus animals? Interesting. And one of those he indicated towards one of the vials" Korkas had mentioned one of the vials without really concerning himself with them, he was to enthralled with the dagger he held and it's weight. He stepped back and threw a couple quick thrusts and slashes nodding. As he reached into his clothes to pull out a heavy sack of coins and begins to count them our for Father Calmert.

OOC:Assuming we have the rubies and all the coin split. He will toss over 500 gold and 2 rubies worth 100 GP each for the dagger and 1x vial of lessor healing
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Thu 06 June 2019.

Father Calmert nods. "If you are not opposed to it being the dagger that killed the Druid's Bear." he says. "Brother Jaydon went against the church when he killed the Druid's companion. And shall suffer the consequences of such an act. Even though the relations between our Faith and theirs is tenuous that doesn't mean that we should have resorted to violence." he says. He gathers up the potion and hands it to the Dwarf, and accepts the payment.

Korkas shakes his head "I am not opposed to that, that is upon the user and not the dagger. Though you and Jaroo need to have a meeting and discuss this civilly."

Father Calmert nods. "I've already sent an acolyte to speak with Burne and Rufus about using them as mitigator and using the tower as a meeting place so we can discuss things. The Badgers will be there to prevent any violence from breaking out, on both sides." he says.

Korkas offers a slight smile "I have to ask, what happened that made Brother Jaydon act out and kill the bear? It seems a bit extreme to do so." Korkas asks as he sheaths the dagger at his waist, moving another dagger to his boot. He then gently wraps up the potion vial and places it within a pouch at his side.

"Two of the Old Faith entered our church during our evening sermon and dropped what I believe were curses and hexes, ellwishes, i believe some call them. Wooden creations that are suppose to bring bad luck and death. Brother Jaydon used to be of the old faith before his conversion. He took much offence to this happening. Killing the Druid's bear with the help of two other acolytes, whom he refuses to tell us their names. But he did admit that it was him that plunged the dagger into the bears chest. The other two just helped him lift the bear and hang it, He says to make a show against the Old faith worshipers." Father Calmert says.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 75):

Korkas shakes his head in disbelief before he asks "Is this the first blood that has been spilled then in the fight between your faiths?"

Korkas adds before Father Calmert can respond "I hope our words had some grasp with Jaroo as this may only be the beginning now."

"The Old Faith has always been rebellious, but never have they actively entered one of our sermons and do anything until now. This morning we had to remove graffiti from the side of our church." he says.

"A long friendship gone forever over a couple markings easily removed. I am not one to judge, I just worry that this will cost the town a lot more than it can afford to pay." Korkas responds his tone solemn for a moment as he finishes packing everything "Perhaps atonement can be done from both sides." Korkas adds with a shrug.

Korkas turns to move away and then looks back to Father Calmert "Thank you again Father Calmert for your blessings this evening and yesterday" speaking softly before he pulls up his hood and prepared to head out into the storm.

====================END OF SCENE====================

Storm borrows the cart carrying the bodies and brings them to the church. He requests to see the priest and informs them of the adventure they had as well as the bodies they found.

He asks the priests if he can identify the origins of the bodies and also where he may bury them.

With Father Calmert in prayer, Terjon the Elder Priest is out in the congregation room when Stormrider comes in. He steps outside and looks over the two bodies. Terjon looks over the two corpses and says. "Its hard to tell from the decay and emaciated exsanguinated corpses, but I do not think they are locals to Hommlet. This one here has a tattoo, it looks like its Baklunish in origin." he says. "The Baklunish differ in their burial rites. The corpse would need to be burned according to their heritage." he says. "As for the other corpse I can not tell, but its possible if the two were found near one another they they are companions." he says.

"Ah thank you. May I ask if the other one looks like a male or female to you?  And may I ask where I may cremate them and the rites to perpfrmmfor members of this tribe?" Storm politely asks.

OOc: he will ask if the priest can identify the garments and will bring the bodies to Burne and Rufus after this.

"They were both males." he says.

what garments are you asking him to Identify?

OOc: I presume the bodies are clothed? The clothes they are wearing

Elder Tejon lets you know that there is a cremation area at the local cemetery.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:57, Sat 15 June 2019.

Storm thanks the father for the advice and asks where he can cremate them. He then brings the bodies to the tower.

OOC: want to do the last rites properly in the village and after getting the response will proceed to the tower.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Sat 15 June 2019.

Elder Tejon lets you know that there is a cremation area at the local cemetery.

==============END OF SCENE===================

Althiöf walked up to the church and if there was enough protection from the rain (unless it had already stopped completely), he shook off his cloak, and stomped his boots to get any mud off.

Walking in, he sought out Father Calmert.  If he was not obviously present, he would ask an acolyte if he could have an audience with the Father.

Father Terjon, an Elder of the Church is seen as Althiof walks in. Father Calmert doesn't look like he is around. Elder Terjon is currently talking to one of the acolytes. When Althiof steps in the acolyte stands and bids his farewells to Terjon.

Terjon looks over to the Dwarf, without standing his motions the dwarf over. "What can St. Cuthbert do for you?" the Elder asks. When questioned about Father Calmert Terjon responds. "The Father is in private prayer, due to the events that have happened as of late. He communes with St. Cuthbert." says the Elder. "How can I assist you?" he asks.

Weather Update

The Weather suddenly takes a worse turn. Hail starts pinging the roofs and structures outside. The wind starts blowing so far that people outside need to brace themselves. Shutters are flung off windows, and doors are forced open from the wind, and need barred from the window. The wing starts howling louder and louder, the rain comes down more heavy as small flooding starts near the creek. The hail starts damaging those that are ouside in it and not under something. Its easy to fine overhead cover to protect yourself wherever you are. Lightning flashes become more frequent and the thunderous echo groans louder.

"I'm Althiöf.  Do you mind if we take a seat on a pew?"

Well, the dwarf took a seat, anyway, on one of the pews.

Not only tired from the rapid pace of travelling about, he was also weary from the town drama.  His left hand briefly rubbed his forehead, then slid down to his chin, where it rubbed both his chin and his beard.

His voice illustrated the strain on his thoughts, "I was hoping to speak with Father Calmert, but if he is busy, perhaps you will listen and offer some guidance to this poor soul."

"Of course, please take a seat and tell me what is on your mind." Terjon says. "You seem to be holding something worrisome in your mind, maybe St. Cuthbert can help you talk through your thoughts." he says.

The weight of his weariness was audible in his voice, "I was attending service the other night, and so much happened that night that I just can't explain.  Why would an acolyte of St. Cutherbert kill a pet bear, and with a dagger of all things.  I'm not used to seeing those of the priestly sort use daggers."

"And why would they hang the bear?  This is not the kind of thing I'd be looking for in a church or god.  I may be new in Hommlet, but I have a home here, which I was planning on taking a permanent residence in."

"And, after killing the bear, Father Calmert went out with other priestly folk, weapons in hand, ready for war.  Why would a priest and leader in the community act like this?  It makes me fearful to live here."

Terjon speaks plainly and well spoken for a man of his age. "Many of the followers that have converted from the Old Faith, to St. Cuthbert, were not Priests before their conversion. Many of them had talents elsewhere before they allowed St. Cuthbert in their hearts and minds. Acolyte Jayden before he was a Priest, dabbled in unscrupulous activities. He likely learned the usage of a dagger during that time in his life. Brother Calmert has taken an extra displeasure in the Old Faith, having been sent here by the Order of the Chapeaux, a group within the Hierarchy of the Church. One that which I am not fond of, being a Billet. While Father Calmert prefers to convert new people to the Faith, I try and keep the ones we already have. So many times we are at odds with one another." he says. "Brother Jayden will suffer the consequences of his actions, and stripped of his title within the church. Its very likely that he wont face any punishments by the law though, since the murder of the bear doesn't fall under any of the laws written in Hommlet." he adds. "As for the Hanging of the bear, we asked Brother Jayden why, and he said that it was to for show, to be a statement towards the Druids of the Old Faith, he said something about symbology within the usage of the tree and the animal. I honestly do not think that Brother Jayden was in the right state of mind when this happened, I do not defend his actions, what he did was vile and against' everything that St. Cuthbert teaches. But I also do not believe that his actions were not his own." he says. "Like I mentioned, Father Calmert comes from the Order of the Chapeaux which are sometimes even violent in their pursuit to convert people, war comes second nature to him, he doesn't just wear that armor for show." he says.

"What about the conspirators that Brother Jayden was working with.  At the time of the killing and hanging, there were numerous tracks around the bear, those that helped kill and heft the bear up to hang it?  Were the others part of the this church too?"

"Do you see things like this often in Hommlet?  I really wanted to plant some roots here.  I'v e begun earning coin, and spreading it around by buying the goods and services of your townfolk.  I'm sure a share of it will find it's way here in donations and tithes.  I'd really like to be able to stay here, but only if it's safe."

"Its never gotten this bad, mostly its just graffitti on our church, sometimes an outburst during our sermons, but never has it comes to violence. Brother Jayden refuses to tell us who else engaged in this. We have our suspicions and will be utilizing Cannon's Y'dey's to find out when she returns from Verbobonc." he says.

"You seem like a man of honor and conscience.  Can I take you into my confidence?  Would you keep it from everyone else?"

"St. Cuthbert believes in the confessional, so yes, I am also bound by the Church to confidence. What is it that you want to say?" he asks.

The dwarf slowly glanced about, observing whether anyone might be watching or listening.  He kept quiet enough to not be overheard.

"I confess that I have become quite suspicious of some of the folk and goings-on here in Hommlet."

"I believe that there are one or some at work trying to cause strife within the village, by turning one against the other.  Like the incident the other night with the bear, but there are others, and I have only been in town a few days.  Magic might be involved to influence thoughts and actions, but I have not been able to verify this yet.  It could be just that there are bad people influencing others by word and deed, such as those that worked with Jayden the other night."

"I ask that you keep this in mind, when you go about your daily business.  I have a feeling that it's only going to get worse."

"Thank you Althiöf, I too think that something is amiss in Hommlet. Things lately haven't felt the same, something is stirring." he says.

During your conversation with Terjon, you hear the thunder outside start to pick up and become louder. Suddenly a crashing sound comes from above, you already know what happened, lightning has struck the Abby, you can smell the charred wood and burning coming from upstairs, a haze is already forming in the air. Terjon shocked at the surprise, almost falls over off the bench he is sitting on. Father Calmert comes rushing out of the sideroom. "What happened!" he calls out. Elder Terjon picks himself up off the ground and shakes his head. "Upstairs." he says. The two then rush towards the other sideroom, leaving the door open where Althiöf can see them ascend a staircase.

Just as he is about to say something, the sudden Boom surprised him completely.

He rushed to follow them upstairs.

You follow them upstairs to the living quarters. They rush down the hall to the room where the smoke is coming from. Father Calmert quickly opens the door and looks inside, to see half of the room in flames, a large hole, its edges aflame is allowing rain inside the room. Lightning has struck the ceiling and went through the roof, striking Brother Jayden, his body lays in bed charred, and unrecognizable only the soft prayer of Terjon when he sees the body, tells Althiöf that this was Brother Jayden. Father Calmert and Terjon uses some of the heavy blankets to put out the fires. Brother Jayden is clearly dead.

The rain starts to let up, and the thunder recedes.

'This was no accident,' Althiöf thought to himself. 'More like divine retribution...or some really good aim.'

The dwarf rushed to assist with putting out any fires.  "I know people like to say lightning won't strike the same place twice, but we should get out of this room."  As he went to help move the body out of the room as well, he slyly took a good look at it for any clues.

Father Calmert and Elder Terjon use one of the blankets to wrap up the corpse of Brother Jayden and carry him from the room, shutting the door behind them. They carry him downstairs and into the main hall, they rest his body on one of the pews, and Elder Terjon sits and rests himself. Father Calmert is beat red with anger. It looks as if he is about to explode.

To know one in particular, the dwarf stated, "This is a circle of violence that won't end well."

"I can see that he thinks the druid-folk are behind this.  If so, he already put one hole in the roof of the abbey.  If he did that, and your 'side' kills someone else, he might destroy the entire building...maybe even during a service."

"This kind of escalation won't be good for anyone."

Finally, he addressed the one with the red face.  "Father Calmert, I beg you to slow down and consider these things.  Finding a way to peace and reconciliation would be the epitome of wisdom, and likely a great sermon to your flock."

Father Calmert takes a moment of silence, and listens to the dwarfs words. "How are we to have peace, Brother Jayden was going to receive punishment for his actions. But this, this was murder, they can hide behind the fact that it was a accident, that it was the weather, but I know better." he scoffs. "I know Jaroo and his kind, they can control the aspects of nature, they did this, they brought this down." he says.

"Father Calmert, please, listen to Althiöf, he only wants to help, Calm yourself, we do not know that the Druids are behind this. We should have the matter investigated first, let Burne and Rufus handle this." Terjon says, not knowing that Althiöf had been commissioned as a deputy.

"How do any countries come to peace after having endured war?  Because wiser and calmer heads prevailed."

"Even good races like dwarves and elves have warred in centuries past.  That does not mean that the war had to continue until the extermination of one side.  When the wiser folk came together, a way to peace was found."

"Sure, each side suffered lost lives, and there was lamentation.  But continuing war, just for war's sake, can only lead to more bloodshed and death."

"What would Canoness Y'dey say after returning from Verbobonc, when she learned that rash actions led to more battle and the complete destruction of the abbey?"

"On the other hand, what would she say about the one who found a way to peace, who showed the villagers not only the might, but the restraint and wisdom of St. Cuthbert and his church?  Would this not lead to more villagers joining the church, and seeing the druids as barbaric?"

Father Calmert nods at the wise words of Althiöf and Terjon. "I shall pray to St. Cuthbert to see what he suggests, and allow the day to pass before I make any decisions." he says. He shouts for the other church Acolytes, they comes from the different rooms and from the staircase. Father Calmert looks to them. "No retaliation against those of the Old Faith, please patch up the roof in Brother Jayden's room, and prepare his body, we shall bury him once these waters dry. Place the body below and preserve the corpse with the divine powers of St. Cuthbert." he says.

Terjon nods in respect to Althiöf and leans down towards him and whispers. "Thank you." he says.

As Calmert was shouting to the acolytes, and his attention taken for the moment, the dwarf responded quietly to Terjon.  "I'll let you know if I find anything important.  Please do the same."

An idea suddenly came to Althiöf, but it was not a convenient time to open the discussion, so he made his way to leave.  "I go with sadness in my heart, but also with a measure of hope.  May St. Cuthbert be with you all."

With that, the dwarf made his way to the streets.

Terjon gives a slight smile as Althiöf praises St. Cuthbert.

=========END OF SCENE===========