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<blockquote data-quote="James McMurray" data-source="post: 261736" data-attributes="member: 743"><p>Amastacia thinks about it for a moment and then decides to risk it. She tells Marco she will take the 5% interest in the mine, and he seems pleased. When he asks her if she will be able to leave immediately or will need more time to prepare, she tells him that she must bring more support, and will be back. He understands, and tells her that to leave, she must return to the entrance and repeat the entry ritual, this time chanting “Castolla,” a word which is unfamiliar to her.</p><p></p><p>She does so, and as the last spin is completed, the gateway reappears to reveal the dumpster yet again over the entryway. Gundarag moves up to slide it aside and the two step out into the warm Lopollan night air.</p><p></p><p>Heading back to their home, they stop along the way to speak with Algernon, Amastacia’s troop leader. He is delighted to be able to prove himself alongside Amastacia, and tells her that he has a friend at the temple of Pelor who may be willing to accompany them for a donation. When asked about a warrior priest, he says he does not know any.</p><p></p><p>The next day, Amastacia, Gundarag, and Algernon head to the temple of Heironious to try to find someone who will travel with them into the mine as a warrior priest. Amastacia and Gundarag’s fame has preceded them here, and the clergy are very welcoming. The temple’s high priest comes up, “Greetings heroes! I am Aelred, High Priest of Heironious, and I am very pleased to meet you. It is good to have two such brave warriors as yourself here in our temple. Especially given that your great victory in the arena was dedicated to Heironious himself. The Glory must be proud of your deeds. What can we do for you my friends?”</p><p></p><p>Amastacia explains her need for a priest to accompany them, and Aelred motions an acolyte forward. “Go get brothers Johan, Marcus, and Darren, as well as sister Cordelia.” Turning back to Amastacia, he continues, “we have several strong lads and lasses available for service. What pray tell will they be doing?”</p><p></p><p>“Your most honorable Aelred, well, as you know, the majority of our party is out fighting for the greater glory of Heironious in a battle with a demilich. It is expected that once this demilich is destroyed, the undead that have besieged Gran March will subside. Since I have been in town tending to new found followers of the Way of the Right, and my fellow-party members are abroad, it has come to my attention that an opportunity to forward the righteous work of your most honorable Heironious has fallen my way. My fellow members have befallen some bad luck off and on in their travels and it seems their funds for getting resurrected have dwindled considerably. </p><p></p><p>“In wondering what to do to help them, I came upon a job that has been advertised about town concerning a diamond mine. Of course, this is in the utmost of confidence, as the boss of this job does not want too many details to be leaked to the public, but your discretion has never been questioned, so I’m sure it is safe to tell you. It seems a beast of some sort has occupied the diamond mine and is killing off miners and hunters that are trying to either run it off or kill it. Mind you, everyone I’ve spoken with in this organization has been gnomes, so I wonder if it’s just a case of the little workers being too small to handle this beast. Irregardless, I feel for certain my husband, Gundarag, and our new friend Algernon can handle the situation. But, is it not the most wise on high that suggests prudence and caution? This is where one of your brave and skilled clerics would be of assistance. </p><p></p><p>“It is my intention to use my spells to bolster the strength and bravery of our crew. Yet, I have been in enough situations to know that sometimes what seems easy proves to be quite a challenge. We could use an extra pair of eyes for seeing, hands for swinging a sword, and legs for running, should things get out of hand. The only reason I would like to have a cleric accompany us is to restore us in health enough to get out of there if things become overwhelming. I trust the opinion of my husband, and, if upon encountering this beast, he does not think we can overpower it, then we will leave. But given this much information, I believe we can give it a good fight.</p><p></p><p>“So, my overall intention is to either allow my fellow party members access to what gems may come our way from taking part in the operation. The wealth would be useful in their endeavors. If there is enough left over, I’d like to apply the funds towards the troops I have gathered here. After this encounter, we are going to assist Gran March in its battles with the wretched undead. Either way, I’m sure the greater good of Heironious will be secured in all instances.</p><p></p><p>“Your help in this endeavor would be most appreciated. And, if it is not too much trouble, I am looking to get some spells cast on us that would also aide us in battle.”</p><p></p><p>“Very well spoken my dear. I am certain that one of our rank will be worthwhile to you. Of course, it is only fitting that the one who joins with you be paid, but I will leave it to you and he (or she) to discuss the terms of that. Ah, here they come now.”</p><p></p><p>The group turns to see the acolyte entering the chapel from a back door. Behind him walk four people, who each bow their heads to the High Priest the moment they see him. </p><p></p><p>The first to enter is a large man. His arms are easily a match for Gundarag’s, and he has a massive sword at his side. Amastacia wonders at him for a moment, surprised that he does not wield a Longsword. Until now, every priest of Heironious she has seen has carried a blade forged to be as identical as possible to that carried by Glory himself. “This strapping lad is Johan.” Says Aelred. “A stronger arm I haven’t seen in these halls for years.” </p><p></p><p>Johan looks to Amastacia and nods. “Hullo ma’am.” He drawls in a slow tongue.</p><p></p><p>The next person to enter is nowhere near as large. He is unarmed and unarmored, and his clothes and skin are dirty. “Forgive me your grace, I was called from the garden.” Looking to the group he says, “M’lords… M’lady.” His tone is a sharp contrast to his appearance, as the courtesy and respect it contains seems odd coming from one as disheveled as he appears.</p><p></p><p>“Marcus, I shall allow it to pass this time. But be sure that you will be removing all of the dirt from these halls before you do much else.” The words are disciplined and harsh, but he tone behind them carries a hint of laughter. “This is Marcus, our local vegetarian. He is a good lad and true.”</p><p></p><p>Following behind Marcus is a woman. She stands tall and proud, shining in her breastplate. “What is it you need of me Sir Aelred? My sword arm and heart stand ready to do battle.”</p><p></p><p>Aelred clucks his tongue reprovingly. “Sister Cordelia, always trying to prove herself. I fear she has taken the ratio of men to women here as an affront and strives daily to prove herself their better.”</p><p></p><p>The last figure to enter is a smallish dwarf. He wears the trappings of a smith, and his arms are black with soot. “Whatcha need sir? I got a lot of things going on in the foundry that need tendin’, so please don’t keep me long. All due respect of course to your eminence.”</p><p></p><p>Aelred interrupts, “Ah Darren, have no fear, the forge will do just fine without you around for a few days.” Darren’s eyes widen and Aelred quickly continues, “but that may not be necessary. These brave souls have come to us in search of a Questor. The terms ad conditions of that duty I leave to you to discuss.” Turning back to Amastacia he says, “My dear lady, I do wish I could stay longer, but this place never gives me too many moments to bask in beauty before things come up. I will hope to see you again soon once the selection is completed. Young Draven here will let me know if any of your magical requests are beyond the capabilities of these here.” That said, he takes his leave and heads towards the back door, leaving everyone standing around waiting for something to be said.</p><p></p><p>“Such a fine bunch, indeed!” Amastacia motions for them to sit if they wish. “Making a choice from this lot will be difficult. Might I ask some questions of you, to further assist me in the task?”</p><p></p><p>All but Johan immediately nod agreement. Johann also nods moments later, apparently having decided that if it was ok with the other three, it was ok with him.</p><p></p><p>“Well, first let me tell you what is needed, what we will be facing, what would be expected from your assistance. This might eliminate some of you from the cause at hand, which” she pauses slightly “there is no shame in that.” She stands and begins to tell them what she knows of the creature and the mine. She does not tell them what deal has been struck with the gnome boss as far as money goes.</p><p></p><p>“So, now, has any of you fought anything similar? Does anyone have a clue as to what this might be? What is your background in beast-to-human fighting?”</p><p></p><p>Before the others can answer, Cordelia steps forward. “I have not fought one of these beasts before, nor have I heard of them. However, my sword arm stands ready to bring glory to Heironious. I have fought in the arena for two years, against foes both human and beast, and I will-” </p><p></p><p>Before she can continue carrying on about her worth, Marcus interrupts. “Cordelia, your glorious skills are not in question, please let the rest of us unworties have our chance to speak as well.” Cordelia misses the sarcasm in his voice completely, and nods. Marcus continues, “Perhaps Darren would care to speak now, as he is always hard pressed in the forge, and probably wants to get back there.”</p><p></p><p>“Right ye are lad,” Darren replies. “Folks, I’m as good as they come, but I hope you’ll understand if I excuse myself for business. We’ve got a large order coming due soon and if the Copper district’s temple doesn’t get their steel, there’ll be Hades to pay. Of course, if you think my rejection o’ yer offer is in any way due to fear, just say so now and I’ll prove you wrong in a heartbeat.” That said, he again cedes the floor to Marcus.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="James McMurray, post: 261736, member: 743"] Amastacia thinks about it for a moment and then decides to risk it. She tells Marco she will take the 5% interest in the mine, and he seems pleased. When he asks her if she will be able to leave immediately or will need more time to prepare, she tells him that she must bring more support, and will be back. He understands, and tells her that to leave, she must return to the entrance and repeat the entry ritual, this time chanting “Castolla,” a word which is unfamiliar to her. She does so, and as the last spin is completed, the gateway reappears to reveal the dumpster yet again over the entryway. Gundarag moves up to slide it aside and the two step out into the warm Lopollan night air. Heading back to their home, they stop along the way to speak with Algernon, Amastacia’s troop leader. He is delighted to be able to prove himself alongside Amastacia, and tells her that he has a friend at the temple of Pelor who may be willing to accompany them for a donation. When asked about a warrior priest, he says he does not know any. The next day, Amastacia, Gundarag, and Algernon head to the temple of Heironious to try to find someone who will travel with them into the mine as a warrior priest. Amastacia and Gundarag’s fame has preceded them here, and the clergy are very welcoming. The temple’s high priest comes up, “Greetings heroes! I am Aelred, High Priest of Heironious, and I am very pleased to meet you. It is good to have two such brave warriors as yourself here in our temple. Especially given that your great victory in the arena was dedicated to Heironious himself. The Glory must be proud of your deeds. What can we do for you my friends?” Amastacia explains her need for a priest to accompany them, and Aelred motions an acolyte forward. “Go get brothers Johan, Marcus, and Darren, as well as sister Cordelia.” Turning back to Amastacia, he continues, “we have several strong lads and lasses available for service. What pray tell will they be doing?” “Your most honorable Aelred, well, as you know, the majority of our party is out fighting for the greater glory of Heironious in a battle with a demilich. It is expected that once this demilich is destroyed, the undead that have besieged Gran March will subside. Since I have been in town tending to new found followers of the Way of the Right, and my fellow-party members are abroad, it has come to my attention that an opportunity to forward the righteous work of your most honorable Heironious has fallen my way. My fellow members have befallen some bad luck off and on in their travels and it seems their funds for getting resurrected have dwindled considerably. “In wondering what to do to help them, I came upon a job that has been advertised about town concerning a diamond mine. Of course, this is in the utmost of confidence, as the boss of this job does not want too many details to be leaked to the public, but your discretion has never been questioned, so I’m sure it is safe to tell you. It seems a beast of some sort has occupied the diamond mine and is killing off miners and hunters that are trying to either run it off or kill it. Mind you, everyone I’ve spoken with in this organization has been gnomes, so I wonder if it’s just a case of the little workers being too small to handle this beast. Irregardless, I feel for certain my husband, Gundarag, and our new friend Algernon can handle the situation. But, is it not the most wise on high that suggests prudence and caution? This is where one of your brave and skilled clerics would be of assistance. “It is my intention to use my spells to bolster the strength and bravery of our crew. Yet, I have been in enough situations to know that sometimes what seems easy proves to be quite a challenge. We could use an extra pair of eyes for seeing, hands for swinging a sword, and legs for running, should things get out of hand. The only reason I would like to have a cleric accompany us is to restore us in health enough to get out of there if things become overwhelming. I trust the opinion of my husband, and, if upon encountering this beast, he does not think we can overpower it, then we will leave. But given this much information, I believe we can give it a good fight. “So, my overall intention is to either allow my fellow party members access to what gems may come our way from taking part in the operation. The wealth would be useful in their endeavors. If there is enough left over, I’d like to apply the funds towards the troops I have gathered here. After this encounter, we are going to assist Gran March in its battles with the wretched undead. Either way, I’m sure the greater good of Heironious will be secured in all instances. “Your help in this endeavor would be most appreciated. And, if it is not too much trouble, I am looking to get some spells cast on us that would also aide us in battle.” “Very well spoken my dear. I am certain that one of our rank will be worthwhile to you. Of course, it is only fitting that the one who joins with you be paid, but I will leave it to you and he (or she) to discuss the terms of that. Ah, here they come now.” The group turns to see the acolyte entering the chapel from a back door. Behind him walk four people, who each bow their heads to the High Priest the moment they see him. The first to enter is a large man. His arms are easily a match for Gundarag’s, and he has a massive sword at his side. Amastacia wonders at him for a moment, surprised that he does not wield a Longsword. Until now, every priest of Heironious she has seen has carried a blade forged to be as identical as possible to that carried by Glory himself. “This strapping lad is Johan.” Says Aelred. “A stronger arm I haven’t seen in these halls for years.” Johan looks to Amastacia and nods. “Hullo ma’am.” He drawls in a slow tongue. The next person to enter is nowhere near as large. He is unarmed and unarmored, and his clothes and skin are dirty. “Forgive me your grace, I was called from the garden.” Looking to the group he says, “M’lords… M’lady.” His tone is a sharp contrast to his appearance, as the courtesy and respect it contains seems odd coming from one as disheveled as he appears. “Marcus, I shall allow it to pass this time. But be sure that you will be removing all of the dirt from these halls before you do much else.” The words are disciplined and harsh, but he tone behind them carries a hint of laughter. “This is Marcus, our local vegetarian. He is a good lad and true.” Following behind Marcus is a woman. She stands tall and proud, shining in her breastplate. “What is it you need of me Sir Aelred? My sword arm and heart stand ready to do battle.” Aelred clucks his tongue reprovingly. “Sister Cordelia, always trying to prove herself. I fear she has taken the ratio of men to women here as an affront and strives daily to prove herself their better.” The last figure to enter is a smallish dwarf. He wears the trappings of a smith, and his arms are black with soot. “Whatcha need sir? I got a lot of things going on in the foundry that need tendin’, so please don’t keep me long. All due respect of course to your eminence.” Aelred interrupts, “Ah Darren, have no fear, the forge will do just fine without you around for a few days.” Darren’s eyes widen and Aelred quickly continues, “but that may not be necessary. These brave souls have come to us in search of a Questor. The terms ad conditions of that duty I leave to you to discuss.” Turning back to Amastacia he says, “My dear lady, I do wish I could stay longer, but this place never gives me too many moments to bask in beauty before things come up. I will hope to see you again soon once the selection is completed. Young Draven here will let me know if any of your magical requests are beyond the capabilities of these here.” That said, he takes his leave and heads towards the back door, leaving everyone standing around waiting for something to be said. “Such a fine bunch, indeed!” Amastacia motions for them to sit if they wish. “Making a choice from this lot will be difficult. Might I ask some questions of you, to further assist me in the task?” All but Johan immediately nod agreement. Johann also nods moments later, apparently having decided that if it was ok with the other three, it was ok with him. “Well, first let me tell you what is needed, what we will be facing, what would be expected from your assistance. This might eliminate some of you from the cause at hand, which” she pauses slightly “there is no shame in that.” She stands and begins to tell them what she knows of the creature and the mine. She does not tell them what deal has been struck with the gnome boss as far as money goes. “So, now, has any of you fought anything similar? Does anyone have a clue as to what this might be? What is your background in beast-to-human fighting?” Before the others can answer, Cordelia steps forward. “I have not fought one of these beasts before, nor have I heard of them. However, my sword arm stands ready to bring glory to Heironious. I have fought in the arena for two years, against foes both human and beast, and I will-” Before she can continue carrying on about her worth, Marcus interrupts. “Cordelia, your glorious skills are not in question, please let the rest of us unworties have our chance to speak as well.” Cordelia misses the sarcasm in his voice completely, and nods. Marcus continues, “Perhaps Darren would care to speak now, as he is always hard pressed in the forge, and probably wants to get back there.” “Right ye are lad,” Darren replies. “Folks, I’m as good as they come, but I hope you’ll understand if I excuse myself for business. We’ve got a large order coming due soon and if the Copper district’s temple doesn’t get their steel, there’ll be Hades to pay. Of course, if you think my rejection o’ yer offer is in any way due to fear, just say so now and I’ll prove you wrong in a heartbeat.” That said, he again cedes the floor to Marcus. [/QUOTE]
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