[Game Thread] Chronicals of the Order: Selene's Gift

[Mcderth]

It's been a long journey for you from the city of Pārsa, where the great Zoroastrian temple where you were trained lies to here, the quiet fishing village of Namin, tucked quietly on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The weather is quite nice though, being so close to Mount Damavand you can't help but become a little homesick.

The shadow over the sea flees at its first sight of the morning sun, and in a moment, a tiny settlement – barely a cluster of fragile huts nestled together in the bay – is bathed in a soft orange glow. This is Namin, home to almost a hundred Greeks settlers who owe their livelihood to a gift from the sea; a gift given once every lunar month.

As the moon gradually disappears from the brightening sky, you turn back to the path downhill and begin working your way towards the village. Tonight the moon will be full, and at her very brightest, and it is crucial that you are there to witness what exactly happens when they receive Selene's Gift. The Magi are curious to discover why it is these people have been blessed so, and if everything is as the stories have been relayed to them.

[The Rat Queen]

Delara Delara moved with the steady gait of her people, not hurrying, but certainly not dilly-dallying. As she reached the village, she wandered a bit, trying to get a general feel for the people and their attitudes. If these people truly are blessed, she thought to herself, it should be apparent in their moods. After she'd wandered, also getting an idea of the village layout and surrounding area, she headed toward whatever seemed to pass for a tavern or long hall for this town. If matters were being discussed, it would likely be here. Besides, if this proves fruitless, I can always go chat with some merchants. Entering the building, she scanned the room while shaking some of the dust from her cloak. She looked around for someone who seemed to be running the place, or at least knowledgeable about the locals and events.

OOC A few dice rolls that might be helpful. If you want me to wait until you ask me to roll, that's fine too. Dice Diplomacy-Talking to the bartender/owner: d20+6 (20)+6 Total = 26 Dice Religion-Comparing similar myths in religious history, examples of gods' favor: d20+4 (6)+4 Total = 10 Dice Sense Motive-general feel for the bartender and citizens: d20+6 (1)+6 Total = 7

[Mcderth]

As Delara makes her way through the small village she can't find a single person that isn't busy preparing for the nights festivities. Men are working hard on the shore repairing boats, women and children work on weaving nets and baskets. Not a single person seems to be grumbling about the tasks though. If anything they seem to be in the finest of spirits.

You do find youself in a place that is preparing a feast of sort for the citizens tonight. Mostly it appears to be salted fish and local vegitables, but there will be plenty for everyone by the looks of it. It's in the agora, the place in the village that everyone goes to meet and trade. You see that some merchants already are setting up, preparing to trade with the locals after the gift is given.

The main man preparing for the feast is actually a Persian who smiles when he sees you.

Greetings to you Champion. he says in your native tongue. It's good to see a servant of the Holy Flame here to celebrate this day with us. I'm Garshasp ibn Abbas. If there's anything at all that you need, I am your humble servant.

OOC Nope, extra rolls are just fine! You won't know much about the comparison to other myths and blessings, but Garshasp will answer pretty much any question you ask him thanks to your Diplomacy roll.

[The Rat Queen]

Delara Delara smiled, waving and greeting Garshasp in return. "Ahura Mazda's blessings upon you, friend!", she says as she approaches. "I am Delara bint Bahadur ibn Khodadad, of the Eternal Flame - as you correctly identified." Gesturing toward the man's cart, she says, "I don't want to delay your preparations, friend Garshasp, but I'd like to ask you a few questions." Taking a swig from her waterskin to clear her throat, she asks, "Tonight is the night of Selene's Gift, is it not? What can you tell me about what happens? I've heard very little detail, but it's reportedly quite miraculous."

[Mcderth]

Garshasp smiles and bows to you. Any delay is well worth it my lady. He says with a genuine smile.

Yes, the festival is a site to behold, that's for sure. Every time the moon is full a great host of fish swim into the harbor and practically beg to come on shore and be eaten! It's the damnedest thing! Everyone spends the next day prepping the haul for market, and they always seem to have just enough to get us through for the next month.

[The Rat Queen]

Delara Delara nods in genuine satisfaction. Seemed a fairly benign event, something simple for the gods, but worthy enough for a small town. Still, she preferred to be thorough. "It truly seems to be a blessing of the gods," she smiled. "Are there any problems that arise during such a time? An increase in theft or violence? There are always those who seek to mar such blessings with their foul vices."

OOC Dice Sense Motive: d20+6 (8)+6 Total = 14

[Mcderth]

Garshasp seems to think for a moment, then shakes his head.

None that I can think of. They are a small and tight knight group of colonists here, and other then the merchants that come here to get the fish products no one else comes. And those men don't want any trouble at all, bad for business.

He looks behind you for a moment, seemingly searching for something, then points one of his stubby fingers past your shoulder

Stephon over's in charge of the shrine to Selene, as well as the religious side of things during the gift ceremony. Perhaps he would be better at answering those types of questions.

OODM Your Sense Motive Check doesn't reveal whether he's hiding anything or not.

[The Rat Queen]

Delara   Delara turned in the direction of the pointing, eyes searching for this shrine. Nodding, she thanks Garshasp and wishes a blessing upon his day, then turns and heads toward the shrine. Wondering exactly what her church was expecting her to find in such an innocuous place, she approached the shrine, asking for Stephon.

[Mcderth]

What Delara first took to be a shrine ends up being simply an odd pile of rocks on the beach near some men reparing a net. However when she asks them for Stephon one of the men stands up and bows to her slightly

I am Stephon. he says If you're looking to help there's plenty to do. If you wish to trade I'm afraid you're a day early. Tomorrow there'll be plenty of fish and merchandise for everyone.

[The Rat Queen]

Delara   Delara smiled, shaking her head, "We can talk about the labor needed a little later, if I may say. I am Delara, Paladin of the Order of the Eternal Flame." She bowed, then glanced around at the work going on, "I wanted to talk to you about the ceremony. Do you have a moment free?"