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The Scourge of the Ratmen [Scarred Lands] - Updated 1/26
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<blockquote data-quote="Amaroq" data-source="post: 1950618" data-attributes="member: 15470"><p><strong>Issue #17: Interludes and Intermissions - Episode 9 of 13</strong></p><p></p><p>Miriel leads Paks and Telryn to Noon’s Hospice, the temple of Madriel. </p><p></p><p>As they walk through the city, she tells her companions about the points of interest which they are passing. Near the center of the city is the grand park, Tanil’s Court, full of bushes pruned and shaped into animals, shady trees and grassy expanses, and a duck pond which reminds the heroes of Chuck. At the center of the park is a great bronze statue of Tanil leaning on her bow, with her fox at her feet. Beyond the park, they pass the grand Hall of Command, the capitol building of Vesh, a palatial building protected by a functional set of walls, fully guarded.</p><p></p><p>Still near the city center, Miriel leads the other two to a giant amphitheater, sunken into the ground, with weathered stone benches set into the bowl of it, surrounding an area which could be a large stage or a small sporting arena. “This dates from the old Ledean days,” she tells them, “Before the Titan’s War. And here is the cathedral.” </p><p></p><p>Just beyond the bowl of the amphitheater, at the top of one bank of benches, and facing south over it, is a large stone cathedral. It stands several stories tall, with a single stone bell tower rising above that. Stained glass windows adorn the facing, and the roof is flat with a crenellated parapet. The great wooden double doors stand open above the sunken stadium, and people come and go busily.</p><p></p><p>As Miriel reaches the doors, she is greeted warmly by two of the priestesses, who exclaim her name and exchange warm hugs, with ceremonial kisses of the cheek. “We’d heard that you were returning!” says the older of the two says. “Helea is waiting for you in her study.” </p><p></p><p>Miriel thanks her, and quickly moves through the cathedral to the high priestess’ chambers. Telryn and Paks follow along, stringing out behind her as they are torn between desire to keep up and an awestruck desire to see every bit of the mammoth cathedral: the sunlight streaming through the stained glass and into the main chapel is inspiring to both, while Telryn’s eye is caught by a number of bookshelves and imagines great libraries elsewhere in the building. </p><p></p><p>Helea is a diminutive figure, with white hair and wrinkled face. She might be as much as 90 years old, though she is clearly in great health, as she rises steadily from her uncushioned wooden chair to greet the threesome that appear at her door. Though the priestess looks so light that Paks suspects she could lift the old woman with a single hand, she also radiates a quiet power. Her eyes are unclouded.</p><p></p><p>“Miriel,” she says, in a voice raspy but true, “You have come a long way.”</p><p></p><p>The young cleric bows her head before her high priestess. “I apologize for being away so long.”</p><p></p><p>“Your destiny was obviously elsewhere,” Helea concedes, waving away her apology. “It may be that you were never meant to be an administrator or a local healer. Madriel works in mysterious ways, and it would appear that she has made a junior clerk into a great healer and warrior.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, Verenia has sent word of your deeds. She also described her vision. I give her words great creed: she is the most skilled diviner in Vesh.” </p><p></p><p>There seems little for Miriel to say in response, and she remains silent. Helea turns her attention to Paks, whom she gives a long, considering look. She holds Paks’ eyes with a gaze which seems to see to the bottom of Paks’ soul, before she gives Paks a slight nod, as though of approval, or perhaps respect.</p><p></p><p>“You may be worthy of the title,” she says. “I hadn’t thought to live to see another Swan Knight: Madriel has not chosen one since Arniel disappeared these twenty years ago. Paks, you will need to stay here, and learn the Lesser Mysteries of Madriel. We can give you that introduction, at least.”</p><p></p><p>The elderly priestess turns back to Miriel. “Miriel, we think it is time for your initiation to the Greater Mysteries.” </p><p></p><p>Miriel appears to blanch, as though in fear. Mastering herself, she bows her head, and replies, “I am much honored.”</p><p></p><p>“Even though you are still very young for this, we think that time is of the essence,” Helea says. “There is something about the two of you that is very special. Verenia’s vision carries serious implications, and if you depart on this quest, we cannot know when you will next rest within the safety of these walls. We must make sure you two are prepared for anything the future may hold.”</p><p></p><p>“Then I will return,” Miriel says, “But I must visit my parents, and let them see that I am well. I will return tonight, and stay at the temple. Paks, you might wish to stay here as well.”</p><p></p><p>“Cells will be made ready for both of you.”</p><p></p><p>The two young women nod. After a momentary pause, Miriel motions Telryn forward. “May I present Telryn?” she asks. “He is a wizard, and a follower of Madriel, who has been most instrumental in our journeys so far.” </p><p></p><p>“I am honored,” says Telryn. “May I request the privilege of studying in your library?”</p><p></p><p>Helea gives him a similar long look, a deep consideration which seems to reach into the depths of the soul. When she finally speaks, she says “Telryn, you have not been brought here by mere chance. There may be things for you to learn here, and I suspect there will be aught for our loremasters to learn from you, as well, ere you are done. You are quite welcome to study in our library. Your friends will need to be here for about a week, with their initiations; during that time, you may come and go as you please.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you, milady,” Telryn says, and his eyes gleam. His companions can tell that he is very pleased.</p><p></p><p>“How much have you heard of our journey?” Paks inquires. When Helea doesn’t respond to her question, she continues, “On the way from Kratys Freehold back to Southport, we found a group of titanspawn torturing a Hope in a shrine to the Nameless One.”</p><p></p><p>“So I had heard,” Helea says. “Go on.”</p><p></p><p>“The shrine itself seemed to reflect its pain back on it, and we think they were trying to use that pain to summon the Nameless One or one of his minions. With Madriel’s Tear, and Her blessing, we were able to stop them. Madriel’s Tear destroyed the shrine, but the Hope was lost, as was the Tear.”</p><p></p><p>Helea nods, but remains mute. Paks continues, “After everyone left, the Hope spoke to me. It told me that every generation, Madriel picks a Swan Knight, and implied that I was chosen. But, it also told me that the ‘Serpent Amphora’ had been found, and charged me with a quest: that I must protect the Serpent Amphora. But I know not what this is, or how to carry out my quest. Can you help us?”</p><p></p><p>Helea shakes her head. “I have not heard of the Amphora. This must be what Verenia meant: she sent me a cryptic message for you, Miriel. ‘Tell Miriel that my arcane research for her was fruitless. I could not locate what she is looking for.’ Perhaps Telryn can help the loremasters here try to find more information about it.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you,” Paks says. “I have another question. What can you tell me about the Mysteries? I am not currently dedicated to any of the gods.”</p><p></p><p>Helea smiles at this last, as though Paks has made a joke. “Madriel has picked you,” she says.</p><p></p><p>“Would it be appropriate for me to dedicate myself to Madriel at this time?” asks Paks.</p><p></p><p>“Of course,” she is told. “But you do not need to. That, you have already done for yourself.” Seeing the confused look upon the young warrior’s face, she adds, “Your initiation to the Lesser Mysteries may explain more. Any night which you wish, we can prepare you for the ritual. The ritual itself is short, only a few hours, but you must bathe in holy water and fast overnight, to prepare yourself. In addition, you can come in at any time, and one of my priestesses will give you instruction in the lesser lore of Madriel, and teach you the rituals.”</p><p></p><p>“Will I learn more about the Knight of the Swan?”</p><p></p><p>“They will tell you all the legends they know. The brief story is this: during the Titans’ War, Madriel selected a champion from among the mortal warriors. Each generation, she chooses another. The Swan Knight is always female, and there is only ever one at any one time.</p><p></p><p>“Now, I must go. Miriel, remember that the big harvest festival on Belsaday is coming up, and you’ll need to be at the temple then. Paks, that would be an auspicious day for your dedication ritual, as well.”</p><p></p><p>As they stand up to leave, Telryn asks, “Is there laboratory space I might use, in the cathedral?”</p><p></p><p>“Certainly. You may have free reign within one laboratory during your stay, but you must pay for any materials you use.” </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As Paks, Telryn, and Miriel walk back through town, Paks asks Miriel, “Tell me about the initiations.”</p><p></p><p>Miriel smiles. “Yours, the first level, are fairly easy. You will be coached in all of the answers, and there is no real danger. But the Greater Mysteries! I’m scared. I’m incredibly young to be initiated, and it’s very dangerous. I’ve seen sisters who have failed, who Madriel does not choose. They are blinded beyond all powers of healing.”</p><p></p><p>“Surely that wouldn’t happen to you!” Paks exclaims.</p><p></p><p>Miriel raises an eyebrow and remains mute.</p><p></p><p>The threesome stop by the moneychanger on the way back to the inn. As Stone and Chuck did earlier, they also select the House Asuras. Miriel and Paks exchange their gold for platinum. </p><p></p><p>Telryn asks the moneychanger, “May I have a letter of credit?”</p><p></p><p>The moneychanger smiles. “Certainly. If you would rather place coin on deposit with the House than carry it around everywhere. We charge 5%. It is only good with the House of Asuras, but we are just about everywhere.”</p><p></p><p>“What about visiting shops in town?” asks Telryn.</p><p></p><p>The moneychanger shakes his head. “Most merchants won’t accept it,” he says.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll just take platinum,” Telryn says. </p><p></p><p>As they leave, Paks says, “You two head on back, I’ll meet you at the Inn. I want to see about getting some armor made.”</p><p></p><p>She stops into a few smithies in town, looking for a master smith, but is unable to find one. Finally, she settles on a human smith, a likeable, barrel-chested man with a hint of grey in his beard. She has a good feeling about him.</p><p></p><p>She inquires about having a suit of full plate mail made to fit her. The smith tells her that it will take about a week, and she commissions it. Her existing suit of chain is sorely worn, scarred by acid from the red algae in the swamp, and rent in several places by mighty blows which it has stopped, but she is able to offer it in trade, along with a thousand gold, for the work to be done.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Amaroq, post: 1950618, member: 15470"] [b]Issue #17: Interludes and Intermissions - Episode 9 of 13[/b] Miriel leads Paks and Telryn to Noon’s Hospice, the temple of Madriel. As they walk through the city, she tells her companions about the points of interest which they are passing. Near the center of the city is the grand park, Tanil’s Court, full of bushes pruned and shaped into animals, shady trees and grassy expanses, and a duck pond which reminds the heroes of Chuck. At the center of the park is a great bronze statue of Tanil leaning on her bow, with her fox at her feet. Beyond the park, they pass the grand Hall of Command, the capitol building of Vesh, a palatial building protected by a functional set of walls, fully guarded. Still near the city center, Miriel leads the other two to a giant amphitheater, sunken into the ground, with weathered stone benches set into the bowl of it, surrounding an area which could be a large stage or a small sporting arena. “This dates from the old Ledean days,” she tells them, “Before the Titan’s War. And here is the cathedral.” Just beyond the bowl of the amphitheater, at the top of one bank of benches, and facing south over it, is a large stone cathedral. It stands several stories tall, with a single stone bell tower rising above that. Stained glass windows adorn the facing, and the roof is flat with a crenellated parapet. The great wooden double doors stand open above the sunken stadium, and people come and go busily. As Miriel reaches the doors, she is greeted warmly by two of the priestesses, who exclaim her name and exchange warm hugs, with ceremonial kisses of the cheek. “We’d heard that you were returning!” says the older of the two says. “Helea is waiting for you in her study.” Miriel thanks her, and quickly moves through the cathedral to the high priestess’ chambers. Telryn and Paks follow along, stringing out behind her as they are torn between desire to keep up and an awestruck desire to see every bit of the mammoth cathedral: the sunlight streaming through the stained glass and into the main chapel is inspiring to both, while Telryn’s eye is caught by a number of bookshelves and imagines great libraries elsewhere in the building. Helea is a diminutive figure, with white hair and wrinkled face. She might be as much as 90 years old, though she is clearly in great health, as she rises steadily from her uncushioned wooden chair to greet the threesome that appear at her door. Though the priestess looks so light that Paks suspects she could lift the old woman with a single hand, she also radiates a quiet power. Her eyes are unclouded. “Miriel,” she says, in a voice raspy but true, “You have come a long way.” The young cleric bows her head before her high priestess. “I apologize for being away so long.” “Your destiny was obviously elsewhere,” Helea concedes, waving away her apology. “It may be that you were never meant to be an administrator or a local healer. Madriel works in mysterious ways, and it would appear that she has made a junior clerk into a great healer and warrior. “Yes, Verenia has sent word of your deeds. She also described her vision. I give her words great creed: she is the most skilled diviner in Vesh.” There seems little for Miriel to say in response, and she remains silent. Helea turns her attention to Paks, whom she gives a long, considering look. She holds Paks’ eyes with a gaze which seems to see to the bottom of Paks’ soul, before she gives Paks a slight nod, as though of approval, or perhaps respect. “You may be worthy of the title,” she says. “I hadn’t thought to live to see another Swan Knight: Madriel has not chosen one since Arniel disappeared these twenty years ago. Paks, you will need to stay here, and learn the Lesser Mysteries of Madriel. We can give you that introduction, at least.” The elderly priestess turns back to Miriel. “Miriel, we think it is time for your initiation to the Greater Mysteries.” Miriel appears to blanch, as though in fear. Mastering herself, she bows her head, and replies, “I am much honored.” “Even though you are still very young for this, we think that time is of the essence,” Helea says. “There is something about the two of you that is very special. Verenia’s vision carries serious implications, and if you depart on this quest, we cannot know when you will next rest within the safety of these walls. We must make sure you two are prepared for anything the future may hold.” “Then I will return,” Miriel says, “But I must visit my parents, and let them see that I am well. I will return tonight, and stay at the temple. Paks, you might wish to stay here as well.” “Cells will be made ready for both of you.” The two young women nod. After a momentary pause, Miriel motions Telryn forward. “May I present Telryn?” she asks. “He is a wizard, and a follower of Madriel, who has been most instrumental in our journeys so far.” “I am honored,” says Telryn. “May I request the privilege of studying in your library?” Helea gives him a similar long look, a deep consideration which seems to reach into the depths of the soul. When she finally speaks, she says “Telryn, you have not been brought here by mere chance. There may be things for you to learn here, and I suspect there will be aught for our loremasters to learn from you, as well, ere you are done. You are quite welcome to study in our library. Your friends will need to be here for about a week, with their initiations; during that time, you may come and go as you please.” “Thank you, milady,” Telryn says, and his eyes gleam. His companions can tell that he is very pleased. “How much have you heard of our journey?” Paks inquires. When Helea doesn’t respond to her question, she continues, “On the way from Kratys Freehold back to Southport, we found a group of titanspawn torturing a Hope in a shrine to the Nameless One.” “So I had heard,” Helea says. “Go on.” “The shrine itself seemed to reflect its pain back on it, and we think they were trying to use that pain to summon the Nameless One or one of his minions. With Madriel’s Tear, and Her blessing, we were able to stop them. Madriel’s Tear destroyed the shrine, but the Hope was lost, as was the Tear.” Helea nods, but remains mute. Paks continues, “After everyone left, the Hope spoke to me. It told me that every generation, Madriel picks a Swan Knight, and implied that I was chosen. But, it also told me that the ‘Serpent Amphora’ had been found, and charged me with a quest: that I must protect the Serpent Amphora. But I know not what this is, or how to carry out my quest. Can you help us?” Helea shakes her head. “I have not heard of the Amphora. This must be what Verenia meant: she sent me a cryptic message for you, Miriel. ‘Tell Miriel that my arcane research for her was fruitless. I could not locate what she is looking for.’ Perhaps Telryn can help the loremasters here try to find more information about it.” “Thank you,” Paks says. “I have another question. What can you tell me about the Mysteries? I am not currently dedicated to any of the gods.” Helea smiles at this last, as though Paks has made a joke. “Madriel has picked you,” she says. “Would it be appropriate for me to dedicate myself to Madriel at this time?” asks Paks. “Of course,” she is told. “But you do not need to. That, you have already done for yourself.” Seeing the confused look upon the young warrior’s face, she adds, “Your initiation to the Lesser Mysteries may explain more. Any night which you wish, we can prepare you for the ritual. The ritual itself is short, only a few hours, but you must bathe in holy water and fast overnight, to prepare yourself. In addition, you can come in at any time, and one of my priestesses will give you instruction in the lesser lore of Madriel, and teach you the rituals.” “Will I learn more about the Knight of the Swan?” “They will tell you all the legends they know. The brief story is this: during the Titans’ War, Madriel selected a champion from among the mortal warriors. Each generation, she chooses another. The Swan Knight is always female, and there is only ever one at any one time. “Now, I must go. Miriel, remember that the big harvest festival on Belsaday is coming up, and you’ll need to be at the temple then. Paks, that would be an auspicious day for your dedication ritual, as well.” As they stand up to leave, Telryn asks, “Is there laboratory space I might use, in the cathedral?” “Certainly. You may have free reign within one laboratory during your stay, but you must pay for any materials you use.” As Paks, Telryn, and Miriel walk back through town, Paks asks Miriel, “Tell me about the initiations.” Miriel smiles. “Yours, the first level, are fairly easy. You will be coached in all of the answers, and there is no real danger. But the Greater Mysteries! I’m scared. I’m incredibly young to be initiated, and it’s very dangerous. I’ve seen sisters who have failed, who Madriel does not choose. They are blinded beyond all powers of healing.” “Surely that wouldn’t happen to you!” Paks exclaims. Miriel raises an eyebrow and remains mute. The threesome stop by the moneychanger on the way back to the inn. As Stone and Chuck did earlier, they also select the House Asuras. Miriel and Paks exchange their gold for platinum. Telryn asks the moneychanger, “May I have a letter of credit?” The moneychanger smiles. “Certainly. If you would rather place coin on deposit with the House than carry it around everywhere. We charge 5%. It is only good with the House of Asuras, but we are just about everywhere.” “What about visiting shops in town?” asks Telryn. The moneychanger shakes his head. “Most merchants won’t accept it,” he says. “I’ll just take platinum,” Telryn says. As they leave, Paks says, “You two head on back, I’ll meet you at the Inn. I want to see about getting some armor made.” She stops into a few smithies in town, looking for a master smith, but is unable to find one. Finally, she settles on a human smith, a likeable, barrel-chested man with a hint of grey in his beard. She has a good feeling about him. She inquires about having a suit of full plate mail made to fit her. The smith tells her that it will take about a week, and she commissions it. Her existing suit of chain is sorely worn, scarred by acid from the red algae in the swamp, and rent in several places by mighty blows which it has stopped, but she is able to offer it in trade, along with a thousand gold, for the work to be done. [/QUOTE]
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