[Game Thread] The Perimeter - Chapter VII - Bugs and Flesh

[Embrodak]

Rhian keeps her eyes on the High Priest before her, happy that Tory is following her lead and demonstrating his command of divine magics.

Lights flit between Tory's fingers

If it were not the urgency to speak to the priest about the dangers afoot, Rhian would have smacked her hand in her head. "Oh my gods... Is that man daft? Really a simple light spell that a child wizard in training can do in his sleep. That is going to demonstrate Varil is back and answering a priests prayers. Heaven's help us..." Rhian keeps her gaze on the priest as she watches his reaction.

[Birched]

Tory, Rhian, & Blane @ Temple of Varil "Just one. One of the younger priests was ill and did not sup with us that night. I believe he's now tempted to partake of the evil draught as well, and I might even let him were it not for the addictive properties. They are very worrying." "As for the other property you speak of... I'm afraid that I had no inkling. I will have to think on a way to confirm what you are saying. Merely seeing the use of divine magic is not sufficient, I'm afraid, to convince me of something greater at work. We all could use our stored abilities until such time as they were spent." He stares at Tory for a moment, though he also spares a moment for an appraising look at Blane before resettling on the mystic traveller. "Compeer. Is your magic simply prepared but unused as yet? Or is there something else going on?"

Marcus & Bayr @ Temple of Garat The whisper on the dais: Marcus' super sensitive ears make out that First Elena was instructing Marlowe to gather priests outside her office, in the hallway. Elena listens to Marcus' story with obvious interest. As the story proceeds, he hears the occasional shuffle out in the hall, but nothing that sounds particularly worrisome. "An incredible tale. But the fact that I was able to channel Garat's power to inspect the condition of my priests gives it credence. I will tell you that I have heard of others like you. Two of them, in fact. Both died under suspicious circumstances. Violent circumstances. What you carry with you may be a spark of Garat, or it may be something set up to deceive us. My priests were convinced to use the potion as a means to tend to people's ills; but clearly it has a darker side, as well, and that's only considering its addictive properties. It sounds like it goes much deeper than that. Is the power you convey any better? How can we know?" The High Priestess shakes her head. "But I think we do not have that luxury. I will take the fact that others like you have been sought out and killed as a good sign, and hope it wasn't simply the action of a few zealots not part of a greater conspiracy. For there is certainly something greater afoot, here. You are right to remind us of the refugees of Safe Harbour, and those of Southmaren who will soon be arriving. We have been so caught up in our own problems, and quite frankly in dealing with the anger raised against us.... We have been cowering when we should be leading." "I like you, Marcus of Garat. I believe you. And I will follow your example and be bold."

[SpatulaOdoom]

Marcus stands and paces as he considers the high priestess' words.
”Well now that's good to hear, long as bold gets a little help from wise. I spose that's a little arrogant fer me to say since I been rushin headlong towards destruction fer more than a month. I ain't been pinned down yet though.”

Marcus' eyes turn distant as he remembers his fathers advice before he first left the secluded coastline to serve in the Dragon's army.
”Good or bad most folk are followers. They don't have the... Courage? Initiative? Drive? I dunno what to call it but they don't have what it takes ta make choices, especially the hard ones. Dad taught me that. That's why we have Kings, an Dutchess', an High Priests, and the like. Not for organizing things but for givin folk a direction. If you stay holed up in here people'll find a new leader ta follow.”

The rangers mind returns to the here and now but tension has again begun to creep into his voice and shoulders.
”Far as my 'power' goes. Well this is life, nothin's guaranteed, even the sun risin tomorrow. I didn't notice exactly when I got it, but I kin guess. I don't know where it came from or it's purpose. It don't feel wrong, but that don't mean much.
Really all I kin say fer sure is that potion IS bad news, my 'power' MIGHT be bad news or it might be good. Nothin's certain. That's part a the reason I came here ta see Garat's kin. I'd like the church's help ta do a few tests, maybe get some divinations done.
An there are things you need to do while I'm around, cause unless somethin real strange happens I aint hangin round for too long. With war commin you need ta get every priest, druid, an ranger with the talent over ta craft as much magical gear as you can in the time I'm round. Wands, potions, scrolls, an the like.
You need ta see the Dutchess an work out some sorta plan, she's a sharp lady and she'll probly do everythin in her power ta get your people up an running again an help you get yer hands on more people with this 'aura'.”

Marcus stops his pacing in front of the door and his gaze locks on that of the high priestess.
”An it took less time than this fore the Dutchess' 'tryin hard to be creepy' witch Rhian to come up with the idea so I know you're already considerin locking me up an usin me like a well. A suspicious man'd think that's why you told Marlowe ta gather up some folk an wait outside this door.” Marcus jerks his thumb towards the door as he leans casually against it. He raises his voice slightly so that he can be heard clearly through the door. ”Who by the by are noisier than a passle a squaking gulls. You boys an girls need ta learn the art a stillness if you wana keep hidden.”
His voice returns to normal volume but the tension remains.
”And I am a suspicious man, but I try ta be reasonable too. I say 'well maybe she's just worried bout being alone with a big loud dangerous man an his big dog an big axe' so I'm gonna give yall the benefit a the doubt. At the same time asside from the meetin with the Dutchess I ain't had a great run a luck lately either so I'm gonna tell ya it wouldn't work. Even if you did manage ta take the three a us down for I chopped ya to bits or Buster tore yer head off, an even if ya did find a way ta hold onto me and hide it from the Dutchess, it wouldn't last.
I've taken the Warders Oath, old wooden ball an everythin. Along with a friggin ridiculous workload an from what I kin see no pay at all the Oath come with a curse. If I stop workin at my task or break the oath I'll sicken an die. Now maybe with yer magic you could break a hudreds year old bindin, maybe you could keep me alive in spite a it, maybe I wouldn't find a way ta hold it back just ta spite you. But considerin all the maybes an the sort a trouble seems sure to be commin our way...
Well it seems a good time ta take what sunshine comes our way as it comes an make allies not enemies.”
Marcus levers himself up and steps away from the door. If the folk outside wanted they could open it and walk right in.

[Birched]

Marcus & Bayr @ Temple of Garat Elena nods. "That all sounds... reasonable. It contains, in fact, a refreshing amount of direction. Since Garat's disappearance, we've been floating on the breeze. I'm not surprised that some of my lesser priests took hold of that elixir as a way to try to get back some purpose. I won't let them off easily, however, I do understand the temptation." She points her chin to the door. "As for those you hear outside, you have nothing to worry about. I see now that I shouldn't have attempted stealth in this matter. Marlowe was simply organizing them to pray." As if on cue, there is a soft knock at the door, and then it opens by a crack. Marlowe slips through, then pushes it softly closed. He looks at the group, all staring at him, eyes landing on First Elena. "First? Shall I wait outside?" Elena doesn't answer quickly enough. Bayr pipes up. "Seems like your little plot's been found out, Second. Not the first time." Marlowe's eyes widen slightly as he loses composure for a moment, but he quickly pulls himself together. "Ah." Before Marlowe can say more, First Elena takes over. "Yes. But let's leave them be. Marlowe, stay, sit. Marcus, you are right. How could I not consider keeping you here indefinitely? I am not sure, however, that Garat would approve of that, unless you were weak. You do not seem weak, nor would one such as Bayr be following you around like a puppy if you were. That alone speaks volumes." "I will, however, take you up on your offer. I will take advantage of you as much as possible while you are here. As you now know, I even got myself a head start." She smiles confidently. "In exchange, I will help you as well as I can. Although you have no particular ties to Rane or County Peror, our broader goals must for the moment be the same. You are sworn to oppose whatever it is that has come out of the Wilds to terrorize Southmaren. I must do so as well." "I will take your counsel. We will open our doors to care for the refugees as best we can. We probably would have done that anyway. And it will be easier, at least while you are here." "And I will have to give some thought to this new temple. I'm not quite sure where to even begin. History tells us that starting a war between two temples is not something to be undertaken lightly."

[SpatulaOdoom]

Marcus manages a wan smile.
"I think yer already at war whether ya like it or not, they just didn't much feel like lettin anyone know. I'm not sayin you aught to take up arms an strike out gainst them, not quite yet. The Dutchess seems t'be on our side right now but I think if we went and started smashing heads she'd be a might miffed."
Morgan opens the door to look at the people clustered in the hallway.
"Folks why don't we take this back to the chapel, no need to sit listenin at the door like kids waiting for Santy Clause."
Marcus ushers the others back to the chapel where there were plenty of pews to sit in. As an aside to Elena he says.
"Takes about an hour a prayer to prepare spells normally right? Guess this'll be the first lil test."
Once they reach the chapel he continues where he left off.
"Duchess ain't no fool, but I don't think I need to tell yall that, if we kin pull up some decent evidence they're connected with what went on down south they'll be visiting the hung from the neck until deadnecktie social damn quick. She wants me an my posse to look into what kin be done to help the army she sent south. Me I'm more worried bout what'll be goin on round here while mosta her army is gone. While the cats're away and all that."

For about an hour Marcus will try and get the "lay of the land" in the capital from Elena and quizzes the priests who've taken the potion on how they heard about it, from whom they acquired it, and where. Once the hour is up it was time to see if they could prepare spells normally while in Marcus' aura and if it lasted when he wasn't around.

[Embrodak]

Rhian looks to her companions and to then back to the priest. "Brother Tory is indeed able to hear the voice of Varil. He is able to pray and receive the blessings of divinity. He could feel the spark within moments of stepping near this man." she says gesturing to Blane.

"This new god is interfering with the old gods ability to speak to their children. But the gods are still present and they are trying to fight back. They are somehow able to penetrate this cloud focusing on the warders. Any priest that is with in a good thirty feet of this man is able to hear their gods voice. I was hoping that you would not have fallen to the temptation. I was hoping there would be someone of significance that could commune with the gods."

Rhain stops speaking and backs away from the priest allowing him to digest her words.

[Birched]

Marcus & Bayr @ Temple of Garat Elena chats briefly with Marcus, and then begs his leave to also attempt to prepare some spells. She leaves him in conversation with those who have taken the potion; they seem to be able to make no connection anyway. From that group of lesser priests and one Third, Marcus learns that it was the Third's doing. He was out grabbing a pint at a reasonably upscale pub just below the Silk District, called the "Mermaid's Tale". Of course, that's not what they call it. "I was just out for a quick social at the Maid's Tail, talking with a couple of my pals about the hardships of being a priest these days. Dark times, they are. Everyone wanting help, and you not being able to do anything much at all. Everyone angry.... Including me. And why shouldn't I be?" "Anyway, so there I was, bitching with friends, when along comes a stranger and offers to buy us a round. We agree, of course. Who wouldn't? Anyway, we get to talking, and I get to explaining my troubles, and the gent is all sympathetic. Says he's a merchant in town with some wares that might be of help. Explains that he's got something he picked up from a back country wizard that can give back some divine connection. None too expensive, neither. Well, I'm interested of course, and I give it a try. Works like a charm. So I bring back as much as I can carry, and share with my friends here. Next day, we are out healing again. A great feeling." "So, now it turns out that we're addicted to the stuff. But I still wonder whether it might have been a fair trade. We can heal, and all, after all. And I don't know what's up with you and these folks praying, but it all seems kind of fishy to me." "And no, I don't feel any 'connection' to Garat. I had the same dream as the others, and I don't think she's coming back. That was some nightmare...." Marcus' disapproval is palpable, and the conversation lapses into silence not long afterwards. Some time later, priests begin to finish with their devotions. A howling begins, first from one throat and then from another, and soon almost all the priests (barring the ones sitting near the dais with Marcus) are taking part. Buster can't resist, and joins in too. Elena is smiling when she approaches. "I think the people outside are going to be very pleased." She then instructs her priests to open the doors to the Temple, and allow the people outside to come in to be attended to. "I'll have to explain that this may not last. But it does give some hope."

Tory, Rhian, & Blane @ Temple of Varil High Priest Talent's eyes linger on the silent Tory. "I see. Well. I can think of a way to test that. Let's go visit Compeer Lexin. He's the one I mentioned. He's only recently joined us, but I'll feel more confident if I can ask him his assessment." He moves to the door. "Come along, we'll find him at his cell." The High Priest leads Blane, Tory, and Rhian back out into the main circular hall and continues along it to the right. After a short distance, he turns to the right down a short hallway that houses several open doors. Through them can be seen bunks and a couple of snoozing priests. He knocks at the one at the end of the hall, and then enters without waiting. "Compeer Lexin. A moment of your time?" Blane, Rhian, and Tory enter the room to see a couple of young priests in bunk beds. The one on top is asleep. The one on the bottom bunk was reading, but sits up when the High Priests walks in, and replies. "Of course. Here?" "As good as anywhere. Tell me -- can you feel the presence of Varil, now, as you might during devotions? If so... can you use it? Can you... bring a celestial eagle?" In a few moments, Lexin has found his symbol and begins rummaging in the chest at the end of his bed. It takes him a minute or so, but eventually he's found everything he was looking for. He lights a candle from a lantern on the wall, and then, holding a piece of deer antler and the candle in one hand, says a few words and shakes out a tiny bag onto the floor. An eagle pops into existence, as if shaken from the bag (though there's no possible way it would have fit in there), and stands on the floor in front of Lexin looking confused for a short while before disappearing again. Lexin smirks. "Yes!" His room mate snorts and mumbles something about killing noisy folk before rolling over and continuing to sleep. The other pair of bunks in the room is empty.

[Embrodak]

Rhian looks to Talent "I'm afraid at this point all I can offer you is hope in knowing that Varil has not been silenced. If all of your priests have fallen to the temptation with the consumption the potion, then there is nothing else we can offer. I can tell you the countess is working on determining a way to reverse the effects of the potion and I would recommend contacting her about assisting with those efforts."

She looks to the priest. "Spread the word of the ill effects the potion and to not consume it. The ability to cast the minor curative magics, though in the short term is helpful, is to detrimental for the long term. We know nothing of why the voice of Varil is blocked. Perhaps it is only a temporary effect, just to test to faith of the priests with the potion, and then once you were all snared they would stop blocking the voices and use the resources blocking the call for other nefarious deeds."

The witch shrugs as she finishes with her speculation. "I wish you luck in telling the citizens not to hear the call of this new god. They are sheep who will see your god not answering them and flock to this new one with his false hope."

She looks to Blane and Tory "I will be traveling with the Warder to put a stop to the army that marches on us. More correctly to find the source that raised the army and stop them." She pauses "Unless my friends have anything to add, I believe we are done as their is nothing else besides warning you to avoid the temptation you already succumbed to."

Blane and Tory have not known Rhian for long, but it is highly evident the woman is disgusted with the priest for having so easily fallen prey to the temptation of the potion.

[SpatulaOdoom]

Originally Posted by Birched

"I was just out for a quick social at the Maid's Tail, talking with a couple of my pals about the hardships of being a priest these days. Dark times, they are. Everyone wanting help, and you not being able to do anything much at all. Everyone angry.... Including me. And why shouldn't I be?"

"Anyway, so there I was, bitching with friends, when along comes a stranger and offers to buy us a round. We agree, of course. Who wouldn't? Anyway, we get to talking, and I get to explaining my troubles, and the gent is all sympathetic. Says he's a merchant in town with some wares that might be of help. Explains that he's got something he picked up from a back country wizard that can give back some divine connection. None too expensive, neither. Well, I'm interested of course, and I give it a try. Works like a charm. So I bring back as much as I can carry, and share with my friends here. Next day, we are out healing again. A great feeling."

"So, now it turns out that we're addicted to the stuff. But I still wonder whether it might have been a fair trade. We can heal, and all, after all. And I don't know what's up with you and these folks praying, but it all seems kind of fishy to me."

"And no, I don't feel any 'connection' to Varil. I had the same dream as the others, and I don't think he's coming back. That was some nightmare...."

Marcus simply glowers at the man, his sense of entitlement stuck in the ranger's craw.
"What's this merchant's name, and where's his store." Marcus gets the man's description too, comparing it to the one given him by Kuring.

When the howling begins Marcus grins and joins in too, glad for a sign, any sign, that things might some day be alright with the gods and the world once more. Sometimes hope was it's own reward.
He watches with approval as the doors are opened to the people who had waited outside in the rain and uncertainty.

"Well now that looks a lot better First Elena. Try an make sure your people keep a sharp eye out for trouble. Sure bet if the potion fails to floor ya they'll try somethin else, and they ain't above daggers in the dark.
I'm gonna head out now, things ta do. I'll be back tomorrow mornin."

Marcus waves his good-byes and heads back to the inn.

 

Originally Posted by birched

"And no, I don't feel any 'connection' to Varil. I had the same dream as the others, and I don't think he's coming back. That was some nightmare...."

Garat, and it's a she. You made the same mistake a couple of posts ago but it's no big deal.
When does Marcus guestimate it the refugees will reach the capital?

[AlwaysCivilMike]

At being addressed Blane shook his head and said "I have nothing to add save to reinforce Rhian's words to spread the word that the potion is addictive and will simply enslave those who use it. I wish we could stay but our task of spreading the word of his advancing horde is just too important for us to delay. I am sure you understand." With that he glanced at Tory and Rhian and said with his look "lets get the hell out of here" hoping that leaving was going to be as easy as saying goodbye. After what had happened the last time they were around 'holy men', Blane was JUST a bit leery. His had was at his side but it was a blink away from his elven short sword.

[Birched]

Marcus & Bayr @ Temple of Garat In answer to Marcus' question: "No shop. He had a cart stall to the side of the main market. A real seller of everything, he is. The potions weren't on display, though. Have to ask for them special." Elena's parting words are to, "Have care. If you hadn't made yourself noticed so far, you have certainly done so now. I will look forward to seeing you in the morning." The sun is setting as Marcus, Buster, and Bayr walks down the forest path that leads away from the Temple of Garat. Soon, they are back in the town, making their way towards the inn. As they walk, Bayr states, "Well, that went better than I thought it would." She seems proud. unless they were delayed, the refugees from Southmaren should start arriving tonightooc

Tory, Rhian, & Blane @ Temple of Varil "Wait! Just... will you come back? I have a thought. Of how to fix us. But I think that only one with the power of a High Priest of Varil could do it, if it will even work. And it might, if this man Blane provides a true connection to Varil. But I know of no such person anywhere near. It's possible that the masters of the temples in Southmaren or Safe Harbour could have done it, but so far as I know they are both dead from the events of the past week. Will you come back when I can find someone do perform the rituals?" High Priest Talent looks desperate. Compeer Lexin looks on, clearly at a loss for anything to say. His room-mate is awake now, and sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes and looking on with interest.

[Embrodak]

Rhian turns and looks to High Priest Talent, with an uncaring look. She turns and looks to his subordinates and then back to him. She stares into his eyes for a few long moments as she considers her words. She then calmly speaks "How quickly can you get them here? We need to make a showing against this infestation, and a renewal of spirit in you and your faithful will go a long way. We still do not know what is transpiring, but my belief is that this silencing of the gods is temporary. Just long enough to cause doubt in you all to fall victim to their temptation to then leave you paralyzed for when Varil's voice is restored."

She then leans in close so that the other priests can not see. The Priest see's a look of anger in her eyes, anger and disappointment amplified by the tears of blood painted on her face. Despite the obvious look in her eyes demonstrating Rhian's disgust that the high priest fell to the temptation, she speaks in the same calm emotionless voice. "You need to hurry. I do not know how much longer we will be in town, but it is important to fix this mistake so we'll do our best to await an answer from you before we leave."

She then moves back, her calm demeanor returning. "Send word to me via the Countess." She then turns to Tory and Blane indicating it was time to go. She pauses for one moment. "One word of Warning. There is another warder like Blane. He went to the Temple of Garat to warn them of the the same troubles with the potion. I pray that they haven't succumbed to the potion as the priests of Varil have. I pray that common sense overwhelms their predatory ways. Else they may seek to do what their patron could not, despite the obvious troubles to all." She does not finish her thought and instead lets the priest fill in the blanks for her.

Rhian turns for the last time and shows her and her companions out. She looks to Tory and Blane, "Where are we to meet with Marcus?"

[RonarsCorruption]

With Rhian's dig, intentional or not, Tory humphs and remains silent for the rest of the conversation, though a gleam of both hope and triumph is in his eyes when he sees the eagle. A simple spell, sure, but by no means meaningless.

Outside, Tory keeps his eyes on the crowd, not yet dispersed and likely they wouldn't. "At the inn, s'where our things are anyways."

[SpatulaOdoom]

Marcus manages a genuine grin.
"See you just hafta have a little faith. Bein willin to step on a few toes an throw yer weight round a little helps too." He elbows Bayer lightly in the ribs. "An what was that bit bout 'More pleasant than he looks'. You sure know how to hurt a guy."
Marcus hustles back to the inn, eager to hear how things went at the other temple.

[AlwaysCivilMike]

[Blane the Cynic]

Blane gives the other two covert glances as the priests talk about a way to 'fix' the problem and that it requires the power of a high priest or priestess to perform. He says nothing but studies the man trying to decern what his intentions are. When Rhian turned and walked out he simply bowed his head slightly and walked out after her and Tory.

When they were outside he pulled them both off to the side making sure nobody was paying more attention to them then they should. Finally he said "I have been attacked by priestess's of Varil, an elf sorcerer in the heart of an elven town and almost kidnapped by a church wanting to hold me so that they can have their 'HOLY' power back. Excuse me for being a bit cynical but I don't like this ONNNNNNNNE bit. I am not against helping people when we have the time but there are wolves in sheep's clothing about. Know what I mean? Anyways, let's get back so we can fill Marcus in and find out what he learned. I don't think we should split up again...but if we have to then we go two by two. One warden seems too much of a target once people find out what being around him can do."