an email exchange
Part of Session #7 "Garret's visit to the Healing Halls of Morwyn, in Three Oaks"
DMs note: Garret's player wasn't able to make it to this session, so we worked out some of what Garret did via email. The following is adapted from that email exchange. I’m not super-happy with the way I’ve snipped and edited it, so I may edit it some more over the next day or so. (And Garret, feel free to make criticisms and corrections.) *******************************************
The Scene: Late afternoon of May 27th, In Three Oaks
Garret approached his god's temple, the Healing Hall of Morwyn. In front, under the eves of a peaked wooden roof hung the sign of the crystal tear, his god's symbol representing the tears Morwyn shed for her brothers' fratricidal war. The large double-doors stand open, and a guard with Morwyn's colors stands by the door. Garret doesn't recognize him, but the guard sees Garret's tabard and holy symbol and gestures for the halfling to enter.
Inside the darkened hall are several rows of pews, an altar, and many doors leading off to smaller rooms. The area of worship makes up only a part of the entire building. This Hall of Morwyn is not a rich one, but certainly larger and better appropriated than the temple of the Great Church at Eaglesford.
Near the altar stood a woman, simply dressed in a loose white dress and shawl. She had been praying, but upon Garret’s approach she stopped and turned. There is a palpable look of "goodness" around her....she is elven, with long grey hair and a clear face; a young woman in figure, but middle-aged in bearing.
As Garret approached, the woman spoke: "Welcome to the Healing Halls of Morwyn. You are a disciple of hers...a Faithful son of Morwyn, unless I miss my guess. My name is Shinea, and I am the Holy Mother of this temple. What can I do for you?"
The two exchanged greeting and pleasantries, then prayed together for a time. Later, Garret joined Shinea in a side room with Brother Otto, the Faithful Son that had introduced Garret to the faith of Morwyn. Also in the room was another man in Morwyn's colors, an ugly human with black hair, pale eyes, and several nasty-looking scars running down his face and past his shirt-collar. (Garret suspected the man might have orcish blood in him.) The man nods once to Garret as he enters, but his face remains expressionless.
Garret approached his old friend first. "Brother Otto, it is good to see you again, and I am glad to have your counsel as well today." Garret turned to the other gentlemen next, "I do not believe we've met before, sir. I am Brother Garret Flatbottom, of Eaglesford."
As the two shook hands, Shinea spoke: "This is Brother Urag, another faithful son of Morwyn." Brother Urag returned to his seat. His face is stoic, unchanging and unreadable. Shinea went on, "Brother Urag is recently here from travels in the north country in the Lady's service. I am quite glad to have him by my side. Ever since my loss this past year, I have been trying to find Faithful Sons who might share my burden here in Three Oaks."
Brother Otto nods in grim agreement, as Shinea continues, "But this is old news which you have already heard, I am sure.... Tell us what has been happening around Eaglesford! You mentioned before you and I prayed that the restless dead prowl near your home. From where do they come? How have you fared? Your news seems too urgent to stall with idle talk."
Garret said, "While I have not heard yet of your loss, and I'm anxious to hear your tale, I would appreciate you all listening to mine, for both help & guidance if you are able." Garret went on to explain the battles they had had with the restless dead, but he did not broach the subject of the kobolds or their dragon idol.
Both the Holy Mother and Brother Otto expressed concern over the presence of the restless dead. They explained that this is the direct result of the barbaric orcish custom of burying their dead, rather than cremating them. Such a practice, they warn, can only lead to necromancy. Brother Otto, in particular, expressed his out-rage at the Empire allowing this practice to continue. Brother Urag says nothing.
Next Garret described the gold mask and the dragon necklace on the mummy and told them that they would be taking them to Sage Moira for her inspection and advice.
At this, the Holy Mother expressed concern. Apparently "the Sage of the Ruins", as Moira is called, has an unsavory reputation within the religious community in Three Oaks. Shinea warned Garret to be wary of her council ... although the Holy Mother admitted that Moira’s information is probably the most complete and accurate.
Then Shinea and Brother Otto bantered back and forth a bit about the mask and the necklace, but finally admitted that they know little about orcish culture, and can say little about either piece. Orcs, after all, are not a race of the Tree, so little time is spent studying their meager and bloody history. (Brother Urag again remains quiet throughout this exchange.)
Garret then told them of his opinion that the Undead are either being sent or are attracted to something in the northeast farmsteads of Eaglesford as that's the only place they've been found
Shinea said they suspected a powerful necromancer must be behind this....who, though, they could not say. (Brother Urag, of course, just looked even grimmer than before.)
The last necromancer they've heard about was an elvish woman by the name of Ghalele. She had a tower in the north country, about a week’s journey from here. She was defeated and destroyed 3 years ago. Her body was taken by the Great Church for cremation and final rest.
The holy mother agreed that whoever is behind this must be seeking something. "You should find it first." said Brother Otto. "Whatever it is should be found and brought at once to the Temple of Morwyn, here in Three Oaks. Once this has been done, the Holy Mother will consult with the others in our church as to what must be done."
Garret agreed, then explained about the wider troubles at Eaglesford: the dire rat attacks, the giant centipedes, and the goblin raids. Shinea told him that this may be part of a larger picture, as for the past year or two the giants and other barbaric races of the north county have been on the move. Indeed, it was in a defensive action against these barbarians that the Holy Mother lost her protector, the faithful son Brother Salini.
Questions about the Garresh were met by stern warnings from the Holy Mother. She warned that the area might be cursed by the Maker (the god Korak). Brother Otto repeated the well known story of Brother Momont: that Momont, as a neophyte priest of Eaglesford, called down the wrath of Korak on a horde of orcish raiders, and destroyed them. Brother Otto went on to say that Momont, now a leader of Korak’s church here in Three Oaks, is a man that can be trusted.
As the time with the Holy Mother ends, Garret asked, "Are there any messages I can take to Mrs. Faegan or Lord Aelric?"
The Holy Mother said, "Please tell Mrs. Faegan that there is much she and I should discuss. Business has been left undone that should be done. I will visit Eaglesford soon, perhaps before midsummer, with the Lady's grace. In the meantime she should feel free to call on the aid of the Healing Halls of Morwyn sooner, should Lord Aelric ask for it."
"Go in Morwyn's grace, and may her peace be spread through you to all the peoples of the tree."
They bowed, exchanged good-byes, and Garret left the temple.
End of Garret’s part of Session #7
