Crucible of Faith ~ Chapter 1

silentspace · Jun 7, 2004

As Pumbar approaches the Etherial Pantheon, and gets closer to where Paladin Tiriak might be, his demeanor changes, and he starts acting much more serious, and more Paladin-like. It's hard to tell if Pumbar really wants to act like a Human Paladin of Helm, or he just enjoys pretending. He does seem quite serious though.

Pumbar really wanted a mug of warm milk, sweetened with some halfling spices, but when Durindal orders a stout ale, Pumbar says, in a deep, serious voice. "Yes, an ale! Stout, sir Bartender. Very stout!"

Xuxia asks for some wine, or perhaps a kir.

Isida Kep'Tukari · Jun 8, 2004

*Quillia bustles along to the temple of Mystra, and mentally calls Kosji once she gets in range.*

Slow down Kosji! No need to scare them with your frightening appearance and fierce claws. Come, we can ask questions together, she calls.

*Once they're in the temple proper, Quillia will look for a free priest or acolyte.*

"Hello! My name is Quillia Yrtree Alamble and this is Amara. We're looking for the priestess Miria. Is she in or do you know where she might be?" Quillia asks politely.

Goddess FallenAngel · Jun 8, 2004

Amara, Quillia, & Kosji ~
Kosji flies to the temple shortly followed by Amara and Quillia. The whitewashed temple doors are closed, but Kosji manages to find an open window and slink inside. He doesn't see Miria anywhere at first, and the entry area is strangely deserted, with only a few acolytes waiting to greet those who enter the temple of the Lady of Mysteries. The acolytes look startled as he quizzes them, then one lifts her arm for Kosji to land on should he wish. "I know where she that you seek is," she smiles up at him. "But I think you should speak with her mentor Anatasia..." Kosji senses that she is worried and disturbed about something.

She turns and starts to walk back towards the Sanctuary when the doors open and Quillia and Amara enter, greeted by another acolyte. When the acolyte hears that the newcomers were looking for Miria as well, she will pause and call out to them. "I am escorting this red one to her mentor - I can escort you as well." When Quillia and Amara get closer to her, she bows to them and continues walking towards the Sanctuary. To both Quillia and Amara she seems calm and collected.

You actually pass the Sanctuary and enter a hallway that leads away to the left. Passing the open doors, you can see that there are many priests in the Sanctuary, all praying - most in groups of two or three, some alone, and one large group, led in prayer by an older man. The Sanctuary is bright, overly so, and it seems that the magical lights on the walls have been doubled, and the very air seems to be scintillating with an overabundance of magic. As far as Quillia knows, it is not a Mystrian holy day.

The acolyte leads you to a plain door shortly down the hall and knocks lightly. At a query from within, she answers, "There are visitors enquiring about Miria." After a moment, the door opens, revealing a tall human woman wearing robes of blue and white, with a bright silver holy symbol. She has long dark hair and her eyes are green with striking golden speckles in the iris. "Please, honored guests, enter," she says. The acolyte bows and closes the door behind the last of you. The priestess sits in a comfortable padded chair, and gestures Amara and Quillia to take another chair or the couch as desired. She smiles at Kosji. "You must be the ones that Miria had wanted me to meet today. I am sorry that I could not get you a message, but..." she sighs, "forgive me for the insult, but it was not high on my list of priorities today after the events of last night. I had been planning on sending one of the other acolytes over to the inn, but it slipped my mind. Allow me to introduce myself - my name is Ariel Stareyes."

Durindal, Pumbar, & Shariau ~
Jessie looks up at Shariau's call. "I will at once, holy one." He bows and walks toward Durindal, Pumbar, and Xuxia.

The bartender nods to Durindal. "I am the owner, and I will be glad to speak with you after the dinner rush when I have more time - if you would be so kind as to wait." He starts making the drinks the three of you ordered.

Durindal strides towards a table after placing his order, only to be intercepted by a young man. The boy looks between the three of you and bows. "Please, sirs and madam, I am bid to offer Shaundalkur's blessing on you three, and invite you to speak with Shaundalkur's priest." He points to the side where two men are arranging tables.

Pumbar notices Paladin Tiriak rise from the table and walk towards he and Xuxia. "My friends - what are all the pies for?"

Paxus Asclepius · Jun 8, 2004

The events of last night? At the implication of danger, Kosji darts back to Quillia's shoulder, long neck whipping back and forth as he scans the area for threats to his mistress. What happened last night?

silentspace · Jun 13, 2004

Pumbar jumps to his feet and addresses the paladin. "Greetings Sir Tiriak!" Pointing up at the pies on the bar, he says "Do you mean the Halfling Berry Pies? The ones right there? Those are for desert. One of them is for you, and one for your brother in law too. And one of them is for Paladin Durindal here. I helped him on a Quest earlier today." He pauses a moment, and adds. "But they could also be eaten at any time, not just for desert. For example, they make excellent snacks. Sir Tiriak, do you like pie? If you don't, perhaps tomorrow I can find cakes. We have a guide now. He might know something about cake."

Keia · Jun 15, 2004

bartender said:
"I am the owner, and I will be glad to speak with you after the dinner rush when I have more time - if you would be so kind as to wait." He starts making the drinks the three of you ordered.

Durindal nodded in understanding, comfortable in the knowledge that he was a day ahead of his expected arrival . . . so delaying a while longer did not matter.

boy said:
"Please, sirs and madam, I am bid to offer Shaundalkur's blessing on you three, and invite you to speak with Shaundalkur's priest."

Durindal looked to Pumbar and Xuxia first to determine what action they would take. He tried to remember who Shaundalkur was and what his or her domain was. After a moment, Durindal nodded, "Very well, I can spare some time to speak."

Durindal looked to Pumbar and smiling, said, "Though I intend to have pie as well."

Cannibal_Kender · Jun 15, 2004

"Yes, what happened last night?", Amara asks the priestess, echoing Kosji's question. "Is Miria well?"

Goddess FallenAngel · Jun 16, 2004

Armara, Quillia, Kosji ~

Ariel's smile fades. "Miria is resting - she is exhausted." The priestess eyes the three of you, apparently sizing you up. Making a decision, she nods and continues. "We here in the temple were attacked last night by followers of several dark gods, including more than one who wore the tarnished symbol that Miria mentioned to you. She is doing well, and will probably be up and about tomorrow. Until then... she should not be disturbed, as she would not stay in bed otherwise." Ariel smiles at the gnome's antics. "Forgive me, for I have little time... Miria said you had some questions... please ask them."

Pumbar, Durindal, Shariau ~

Pumbar said:
Pumbar jumps to his feet and addresses the paladin. "Greetings Sir Tiriak!" Pointing up at the pies on the bar, he says "Do you mean the Halfling Berry Pies? The ones right there? Those are for desert. One of them is for you, and one for your brother in law too. And one of them is for Paladin Durindal here. I helped him on a Quest earlier today." He pauses a moment, and adds. "But they could also be eaten at any time, not just for desert. For example, they make excellent snacks. Sir Tiriak, do you like pie? If you don't, perhaps tomorrow I can find cakes. We have a guide now. He might know something about cake."

Paladin Tiriak smiles at Pumbar and bows in a courtly manner to Xuxia. He nods in greeting to Durindal. "Warrior of Tempus, greetings," he says before turning back to Pumbar and Xuxia. "I do like pie. No need to quest for cake - I am sure these are simply divine in taste. If you do not mind, may I join you and your friend at the priest of Shaundalkur's table?"

Durindal said:
Durindal looked to Pumbar and Xuxia first to determine what action they would take. He tried to remember who Shaundalkur was and what his or her domain was. After a moment, Durindal nodded, "Very well, I can spare some time to speak."

Durindal recalls that Shaundalkur is the God of Travel, Exploration, and Caravans, primarily. He promotes good relations for travelers, and anything blocking travel is anthema to Him.

The group sits at Shariau's table, including Paladin Tiriak unless he is refused. The bartender sends a waitress to deliver drinks to Pumbar, Xuxia, and Durindal, and to collect meal orders.

Ghostknight · Jun 17, 2004

With a wide grin Shariau looks at those who have come to his table.

Welcome! I am Shariau, devout of Shaundalkur. I greet you all and wish to impart some knowledge to you. I hope that you will be able to assist me.

But before that - Jessie, bring drinks for all here and food for any that require!

He pauses until the drinks are brought and food ordered.

Two nights back Shaundalkur sent me a dream. In it he showed me a horrific future, the world enslaved, all of us in chains worked until we die. No one free to move or travel. No more independence or trade. Just monstrous inexplicable toil with no end until the end of time. But I was shown this place, I was shown your faces. I beleive that you are the ones that can help me prevent this future. I travelled here and waited for you to arrive. I am delighted to see you all and hope that you will agree to help me find the cause of this dream and how we are to stop it!

And yes, behind me is my colleague, Ili'koa, he too is a follower of Shaundalkur and serves to help protect his interests.

Behind him, Ili'koa looks less than happy at being introduced but gives a weak grin to those seated at the table.

Keia · Jun 17, 2004

Durindal si'Tempus Half Celestial Pal/Ftr/Rog/Sor/Tmp

Durindal sat at the offered table, making certain there was room for Pumbar and Xuxia to sit as well. He took the offered drink, checking the stout ale prior to drinking fully.

Durindal was somewhat stunned by the dissertation that Shariau had just given. ‘A world in chains, slavery until death . . . and an image of my face as well as the young woman and halfling?!? I think the man is daft, but I’ll continue to listen to what he has to say,’ Durindal thought.

“An interesting tale, good sir,” Durindal commented aloud. “More specific information would be helpful, but I understand that this isn’t always possible. I personally would have some interest is seeing this through; however, I am on a quest for Tempus and ordered by my church currently. It may well be several weeks before I could request the time to aid you with your dreams.”

“I may be able to speak with the local temple concerning your plight, perhaps another servant of Tempus would be suitable,” Durindal offered.