Darren breks into a small smile at Orshallan's small qualification and takes special notice os Sebastian. Anyone the High Righteousness views with respect but concern must be doing something right. Darren's smile vanishes at the mention of a noblewoman being corrupted. At Orshallan's question, Darren leans forward and says, "Of course it can be done, and by us. I'm sure we each have our special talents," here his eyes slide to Lyssia "as well as the support of the deities of good. Faith and skill have always accomplished much that appeared impossible." Darren leans back in his chair, bemused at his own speech.
For the Greater Good
- Thread starter Isida Kep'Tukari
- Start date
Salthorae
Imperial Mountain Dew Taster
Sylinda
"M'lady" Sylinda says as she curtseies. "I am Sylinda, faithful of our Lady and defender of the forest lands. It truly warms my heart to see one of the sacred friends in the midst of the city. Truly this area and place is blessed by both your presence and his," Sylinda says as she nods to the unicorn. "indeed now I miss the companionship of my friend Bellona even more, for rare is the times that I am parted from the blessed friend with whom Elhonna has blessed me.
"It's always about Bellona isn't it?," Aeric says turning to Sylinda and Ellira. Mistress, I am known as Aeric, and with the power of Elhonna that Sylinda wields I am more than my brothers and sisters," looking to Sylinda "A most worthy and blessed companion."
*At Aerics words Sylinda can do naught but laugh and ruffle Aeric's feathers. "Oh you know I love you as much as Bellona, but you're here with me while she remains back in the forest, so I can't miss you can I you silly goose! And before you even get upset, by goose I mean most wonderful and blessed among the winged-kind." Laughter sparkles in Sylinda's eyes as her spirits soar within this grove.
*Turning back to Ellira, Sylinda remarks: "Revered mother, I ask only permission to stay a time in the grove and await a message from His High Righteousness of Heironious Orshallan as to our appointed meeting time. Once I have recieved that I shall make for the forest where I left my blessed friend Bellona. Having no idea what Orshallan desires it may well be the last time that I get to see her in a while in person." Pausing as she has a thought, Sylinda looks up at the Highest among Elhonna's faithful and with a little trepidation asks: "Revered Mother, if it seems Orshallan's business will take me away for a long time, do you think that perhaps I could bring Bellona here to stay for a time? I despair of bringing her with me into danger." With that Sylinda finally falls silent, awaiting both the message from Orshallan and a reply from Ellira
At the meeting of Orshallan
*Though there were hints of danger and darkness, Sylinda looked confidently and brightly at Orshallan and his requests. Smiling with eyes full of life and laughter at Darren's words Sylinda turns back to face Orshallan: "I thank you for this vote of confidence that we are those whom you have chosen for this task. I'm sure that we shall all take up this task For the Greater GoodTM Your High Righteousness" Sylinda says with barely managed seriousness, softening and finishing with twinkling eyes: "It is truly good to see you once more O.C."
Isida Kep'Tukari said:
"M'lady" Sylinda says as she curtseies. "I am Sylinda, faithful of our Lady and defender of the forest lands. It truly warms my heart to see one of the sacred friends in the midst of the city. Truly this area and place is blessed by both your presence and his," Sylinda says as she nods to the unicorn. "indeed now I miss the companionship of my friend Bellona even more, for rare is the times that I am parted from the blessed friend with whom Elhonna has blessed me.
"It's always about Bellona isn't it?," Aeric says turning to Sylinda and Ellira. Mistress, I am known as Aeric, and with the power of Elhonna that Sylinda wields I am more than my brothers and sisters," looking to Sylinda "A most worthy and blessed companion."
*At Aerics words Sylinda can do naught but laugh and ruffle Aeric's feathers. "Oh you know I love you as much as Bellona, but you're here with me while she remains back in the forest, so I can't miss you can I you silly goose! And before you even get upset, by goose I mean most wonderful and blessed among the winged-kind." Laughter sparkles in Sylinda's eyes as her spirits soar within this grove.
*Turning back to Ellira, Sylinda remarks: "Revered mother, I ask only permission to stay a time in the grove and await a message from His High Righteousness of Heironious Orshallan as to our appointed meeting time. Once I have recieved that I shall make for the forest where I left my blessed friend Bellona. Having no idea what Orshallan desires it may well be the last time that I get to see her in a while in person." Pausing as she has a thought, Sylinda looks up at the Highest among Elhonna's faithful and with a little trepidation asks: "Revered Mother, if it seems Orshallan's business will take me away for a long time, do you think that perhaps I could bring Bellona here to stay for a time? I despair of bringing her with me into danger." With that Sylinda finally falls silent, awaiting both the message from Orshallan and a reply from Ellira
At the meeting of Orshallan
*Though there were hints of danger and darkness, Sylinda looked confidently and brightly at Orshallan and his requests. Smiling with eyes full of life and laughter at Darren's words Sylinda turns back to face Orshallan: "I thank you for this vote of confidence that we are those whom you have chosen for this task. I'm sure that we shall all take up this task For the Greater GoodTM Your High Righteousness" Sylinda says with barely managed seriousness, softening and finishing with twinkling eyes: "It is truly good to see you once more O.C."
Velenne
Explorer
Saint Norin, "Dawnkeeper", Human Ascetic
With Galdaron
Norin looks dejectedly at Galdaron's feet, then suddenly back up to the man's eyes with a great swell of pity, "How sad for you that such great need requires such great scheming. I will trust you to hear Heironeous' will on this matter as I trust myself. Only remember that in order for evil to triumph, good folk must simply do nothing."
The Meeting
The dark-haired, almond-eyed human neglects to partake in any of the pomp or feast, even eschewing one of the high-backed chairs for a pillow on the floor nearby. He seems friendly enough, estranging himself not out of pride but humility- he is neither used to great amounts of food nor chairs to sit while eating it and so finds the scene an unfamiliar one.
When the High Righteousness enters, he sits up to a kneeling position and finally takes a seat after the introductions are over so that he may better observe his company. His only reply to Orshallan is an earnest nod before returning to his people-watching. Norin has made it a practice to observe any social situation long before making his presence any more known than he has to. He does this now as an attempt to understand those who will be accompanying him and how their dynamic will function.
With Galdaron
Norin looks dejectedly at Galdaron's feet, then suddenly back up to the man's eyes with a great swell of pity, "How sad for you that such great need requires such great scheming. I will trust you to hear Heironeous' will on this matter as I trust myself. Only remember that in order for evil to triumph, good folk must simply do nothing."
The Meeting
The dark-haired, almond-eyed human neglects to partake in any of the pomp or feast, even eschewing one of the high-backed chairs for a pillow on the floor nearby. He seems friendly enough, estranging himself not out of pride but humility- he is neither used to great amounts of food nor chairs to sit while eating it and so finds the scene an unfamiliar one.
When the High Righteousness enters, he sits up to a kneeling position and finally takes a seat after the introductions are over so that he may better observe his company. His only reply to Orshallan is an earnest nod before returning to his people-watching. Norin has made it a practice to observe any social situation long before making his presence any more known than he has to. He does this now as an attempt to understand those who will be accompanying him and how their dynamic will function.
Prior to the meeting
*Ellira seems delighted by Aeric and smiles broadly at him.*
"Well met, brother Aeric. Sylinda, as for Bellona, she may certainly stay here as may you for as long as you wish. I'm uncertain why one such as Orshallan would want your services, but you have a place here."
"I well know about that, but we will not be idle. We will keep our eyes open for the Beggar King, and deal with him in some fashion when we find him. But we can simply not just go charging into the Hollow, as must as I would wish."
*Ellira seems delighted by Aeric and smiles broadly at him.*
"Well met, brother Aeric. Sylinda, as for Bellona, she may certainly stay here as may you for as long as you wish. I'm uncertain why one such as Orshallan would want your services, but you have a place here."
*Norin, Galdaron bristles at bit at your last comment.*Norin said:
"I well know about that, but we will not be idle. We will keep our eyes open for the Beggar King, and deal with him in some fashion when we find him. But we can simply not just go charging into the Hollow, as must as I would wish."
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KaintheSeeker
Explorer
"So what sort of stratagem do you suggest m'lord? I doubt outright confrontation and conflict would avoid the attention you suggest." pats her bow. "And would it not be better to restrain her and bring her to here for judgement? Alive and well?" sips her wine. "Though I confess, it might be a strategem met with.. distaste from some of the distinguished here." smiles. "I merely look to the ways my skills work best and try to see a peaceful way to resolve the issue at hand." Sits down, fluttering her wings so they rest around her chair and sips her wine.
"What we have found is very disturbing, but it must be dealt with, and soon.
"There is a noblewoman in northwestern Low'verok, between the Dragonspine mountains and the Farlight forest. Her name is Baroness Wendare Varon, and she usually makes her coin with the farms around her stronghold. However, we've been hearing some terrible rumors from one of our temples out there, rumors that Wendare has been worshipping dark gods to fulfill dreams of power her position cannot grant.
"Then we had reports of rogue undead plaguing the area for several months. We sent the Bolt to deal with it, and Jenar performed quite well, destroying all of them as well as what seemed to be an old tainted altar to Orcus, the demon prince of the undead."
*You all would know that the Bolt of Heironeous is a name given to a group of the church's best clerics and paladins when they ride forth to defeat evil. It's something of a parade, with everyone on pure white horses, riding openly and carrying relics of the church. Its effect is much of one of intimidation as anything else. Norin and Staeven would know that Jenar is Jenar Galforth, the Grand Forbidder, a man with an exceptional ability to channel power from Heironeous. Not only is he the most skilled at destroying undead, he is able to turn orcs and goblins, vicious aberrations, and even dragons away should they try to harm anyone under his care. The Bolt, and Jenar, is only set out to combat very dire situations.*
"However, despite their success, we stopped receiving reports of any sort from our church on Wendare's lands. We sent a scout, only to have him literally crawl into the next town a week later, beaten bloody, poisoned and half dead. He said that Wendare is using zombies and skeletons to work her fields, zombies and skeletons made from the serfs under her care.
"What's more, Wendare is the one animating them. Our scout managed to get onto the grounds and saw her reanimate a serf that her guards had just killed for her. Because, however, she has been paying her taxes on time and keeps either alive or illusion-covered undead working the fields along the main roads, no one knows it but us and a few other churches.
"I sought the wisdom of the celestials to see what insight they had into this terrible situation and what they have told me prompted me to coordinate this quest. Wendare has been worshipping Orcus, and he has, in return, stolen her soul. Though she was quite evil before, it was more insidious. Now that the demon owns her soul, she must do as he bids, to a point, even though it had drawn attention to her.
"However, since Wendare has been practicing so much necromancy, she has gained a large base of power in a very small amount of time. I have learned that she means to attempt to become a lich. If she does that she will become very hard to stop, perhaps impossible. Since Orcus has her soul, he would have a direct line to our plane, and a conduit to pour out his terrible evil power into our world.
"We dare not send the Bolt against her, as she would be able to see it far in advance and complete her ritual before they could get there. She has layered her lands in spells to avoid them being teleported into, so we cannot do this directly. I must send you, for you will succeed where the Bolt would fail. Not only must you get into her lands without alerting her, you must stop her before she completes the steps to lichdom.
"But," he puts up a finger, "to kill her would be folly. Killing her would only let Orcus raise her directly, not as a lich perhaps, but I would not care to find out what. You must restore her soul to her, so that the demon no longer has a direct link to her. Then, you must capture her and bring her back here. In order to completely break Orcus hold on his chosen pawn we must reform her, not kill her. Containing a necromancer of that power will be difficult... but we have no choice.
"Finally though," he says, closing his eyes for a second in fatigue, "you must destroy the undead she has wrought. All of them. Wipe their taint away from the land. This is no easy task I have set for you..."
"There is a noblewoman in northwestern Low'verok, between the Dragonspine mountains and the Farlight forest. Her name is Baroness Wendare Varon, and she usually makes her coin with the farms around her stronghold. However, we've been hearing some terrible rumors from one of our temples out there, rumors that Wendare has been worshipping dark gods to fulfill dreams of power her position cannot grant.
"Then we had reports of rogue undead plaguing the area for several months. We sent the Bolt to deal with it, and Jenar performed quite well, destroying all of them as well as what seemed to be an old tainted altar to Orcus, the demon prince of the undead."
*You all would know that the Bolt of Heironeous is a name given to a group of the church's best clerics and paladins when they ride forth to defeat evil. It's something of a parade, with everyone on pure white horses, riding openly and carrying relics of the church. Its effect is much of one of intimidation as anything else. Norin and Staeven would know that Jenar is Jenar Galforth, the Grand Forbidder, a man with an exceptional ability to channel power from Heironeous. Not only is he the most skilled at destroying undead, he is able to turn orcs and goblins, vicious aberrations, and even dragons away should they try to harm anyone under his care. The Bolt, and Jenar, is only set out to combat very dire situations.*
"However, despite their success, we stopped receiving reports of any sort from our church on Wendare's lands. We sent a scout, only to have him literally crawl into the next town a week later, beaten bloody, poisoned and half dead. He said that Wendare is using zombies and skeletons to work her fields, zombies and skeletons made from the serfs under her care.
"What's more, Wendare is the one animating them. Our scout managed to get onto the grounds and saw her reanimate a serf that her guards had just killed for her. Because, however, she has been paying her taxes on time and keeps either alive or illusion-covered undead working the fields along the main roads, no one knows it but us and a few other churches.
"I sought the wisdom of the celestials to see what insight they had into this terrible situation and what they have told me prompted me to coordinate this quest. Wendare has been worshipping Orcus, and he has, in return, stolen her soul. Though she was quite evil before, it was more insidious. Now that the demon owns her soul, she must do as he bids, to a point, even though it had drawn attention to her.
"However, since Wendare has been practicing so much necromancy, she has gained a large base of power in a very small amount of time. I have learned that she means to attempt to become a lich. If she does that she will become very hard to stop, perhaps impossible. Since Orcus has her soul, he would have a direct line to our plane, and a conduit to pour out his terrible evil power into our world.
"We dare not send the Bolt against her, as she would be able to see it far in advance and complete her ritual before they could get there. She has layered her lands in spells to avoid them being teleported into, so we cannot do this directly. I must send you, for you will succeed where the Bolt would fail. Not only must you get into her lands without alerting her, you must stop her before she completes the steps to lichdom.
"But," he puts up a finger, "to kill her would be folly. Killing her would only let Orcus raise her directly, not as a lich perhaps, but I would not care to find out what. You must restore her soul to her, so that the demon no longer has a direct link to her. Then, you must capture her and bring her back here. In order to completely break Orcus hold on his chosen pawn we must reform her, not kill her. Containing a necromancer of that power will be difficult... but we have no choice.
"Finally though," he says, closing his eyes for a second in fatigue, "you must destroy the undead she has wrought. All of them. Wipe their taint away from the land. This is no easy task I have set for you..."
Velenne
Explorer
Saint Norin, "Dawnkeeper", Human Ascetic
The Dawnkeeper watches Orshallan throughout the briefing (for that is really what this is) and takes note of the man's postures, gestures and mannerisms. During his father's former reign, he saw many otherwise-holy men compromise their ethics when given power. Heironeous forgives a certain degree of compromise, just as Galdaron in delaying the justice of the Beggar King. But there are depths of compromise that an individual can quickly find himself staring up from in the company of evil. Norin does not envy Orshallan's task as High Righteousness in a city such as this.
When all is said, he merely gives another sincere nod. The others would ask questions, and he would like to know who would ask what questions. What their priorities were; how their minds worked. Understanding one's friends was just as important as one's enemies. And as the High Righteousness had indeed hand-picked those around the table, Norin considered them all to be friends.
Neither the news nor the task itself comes as a particular shock to him. He is resigned peacefully, as always, to accomplish the will of his god wherever such paths might lead him. In his time, Norin has fought beside many a strange companion against far more perilous odds than these. One does not defy a High Lord easily after all, especially one's own father.
The Dawnkeeper watches Orshallan throughout the briefing (for that is really what this is) and takes note of the man's postures, gestures and mannerisms. During his father's former reign, he saw many otherwise-holy men compromise their ethics when given power. Heironeous forgives a certain degree of compromise, just as Galdaron in delaying the justice of the Beggar King. But there are depths of compromise that an individual can quickly find himself staring up from in the company of evil. Norin does not envy Orshallan's task as High Righteousness in a city such as this.
When all is said, he merely gives another sincere nod. The others would ask questions, and he would like to know who would ask what questions. What their priorities were; how their minds worked. Understanding one's friends was just as important as one's enemies. And as the High Righteousness had indeed hand-picked those around the table, Norin considered them all to be friends.
Neither the news nor the task itself comes as a particular shock to him. He is resigned peacefully, as always, to accomplish the will of his god wherever such paths might lead him. In his time, Norin has fought beside many a strange companion against far more perilous odds than these. One does not defy a High Lord easily after all, especially one's own father.
GoodKingJayIII
First Post
Staeven Myleron male human Fighter 5/AnnKn 7
When Orshallan enters, Staeven humbly dips his head to the High Priest, noticing the golden stripe across his eyes. Still dressed in full battle regalia for the Church service earlier that day, consisting of his full armor, cloak, and shield strapped to his back, the Hammer sheathed at his right side. A man of his size and stature presents quite an imposing figure in full arms and armor, but Staeven's face is calm, controlled, and at ease. His right hand rests easily on the pommel jewel of his sword, his left pressed against his heart in a gesture of reverence, its mithral skin blending with the armor's brilliant sheen.
"My lord," he begins, "I would gladly serve Heironeous, in any endeavor."
-----------------------------------------
Staeven listens with quiet intent as Orshallan explains the situation. He feels a bit of pride and awe at the mention of the Bolt and Jenar Galforth, and surprise when he finds they were not enough to stop him. His face remains calm at the mention of undead. But Orcus's name brings a new light to the young man's eyes; a light that glows more brilliantly then the red gems set in his sword. At the end of the High Righteousness's explanation, Staeven cannot help but sigh sadly.
That poor woman, he thinks to himself. Finally he sighs and speaks: "I will help you free this woman of Orcus's taint, and lay the restless dead to sleep once more." After Orshallan's explanation, he turns to the rest of the party, bowing politely. "Forgive my rudeness," he says, "My name is Staeven. I am deeply humbled by the presence of such holy company."
"Perhaps I am being a bit hasty," he continues, "But perhaps your Righteousness have some idea how to we might sever Orcus's link and return Lady Wendare's soul to her? I've never come across any such knowledge..."
When Orshallan enters, Staeven humbly dips his head to the High Priest, noticing the golden stripe across his eyes. Still dressed in full battle regalia for the Church service earlier that day, consisting of his full armor, cloak, and shield strapped to his back, the Hammer sheathed at his right side. A man of his size and stature presents quite an imposing figure in full arms and armor, but Staeven's face is calm, controlled, and at ease. His right hand rests easily on the pommel jewel of his sword, his left pressed against his heart in a gesture of reverence, its mithral skin blending with the armor's brilliant sheen.
"My lord," he begins, "I would gladly serve Heironeous, in any endeavor."
-----------------------------------------
Staeven listens with quiet intent as Orshallan explains the situation. He feels a bit of pride and awe at the mention of the Bolt and Jenar Galforth, and surprise when he finds they were not enough to stop him. His face remains calm at the mention of undead. But Orcus's name brings a new light to the young man's eyes; a light that glows more brilliantly then the red gems set in his sword. At the end of the High Righteousness's explanation, Staeven cannot help but sigh sadly.
That poor woman, he thinks to himself. Finally he sighs and speaks: "I will help you free this woman of Orcus's taint, and lay the restless dead to sleep once more." After Orshallan's explanation, he turns to the rest of the party, bowing politely. "Forgive my rudeness," he says, "My name is Staeven. I am deeply humbled by the presence of such holy company."
"Perhaps I am being a bit hasty," he continues, "But perhaps your Righteousness have some idea how to we might sever Orcus's link and return Lady Wendare's soul to her? I've never come across any such knowledge..."
Jarval
Explorer
Nessa Caoilfhionn, Female Aasimar Arcane Disciple of Boccob.
*Nessa looks at her company in some surprise, unsure as to why she is in the presence of these champions of light.*
Strange that Orshallan would have me in this group. Perhaps having one of Boccob's faithful in this company will ease the worries some of my own church may have over Heironeous' own going to war with a necromancer. Or perhaps Orshallan wanted one of my faith to confirm the "rogue" state of this Baroness. *She frowns slightly, then turns from her musing to concentrate on the remainder of Orshallan's words.*
**********
*Nessa nods her head in reply to Staeven's greeting, still slightly in awe at those around her.*
"I am Nessa Caoilfhionn, one of Lord Boccob's servants. It is an honour to be included in a company such as this." *She smiles warmly at those around her, before focusing again on Orshallan's task.*
"How are we to detain the Baroness? I fear that if she can control such large numbers of the undead, her power significantly exceeds any of ours, at least individually. Is there any method by which we can bind her powers?"
*Nessa looks at her company in some surprise, unsure as to why she is in the presence of these champions of light.*
Strange that Orshallan would have me in this group. Perhaps having one of Boccob's faithful in this company will ease the worries some of my own church may have over Heironeous' own going to war with a necromancer. Or perhaps Orshallan wanted one of my faith to confirm the "rogue" state of this Baroness. *She frowns slightly, then turns from her musing to concentrate on the remainder of Orshallan's words.*
**********
*Nessa nods her head in reply to Staeven's greeting, still slightly in awe at those around her.*
"I am Nessa Caoilfhionn, one of Lord Boccob's servants. It is an honour to be included in a company such as this." *She smiles warmly at those around her, before focusing again on Orshallan's task.*
"How are we to detain the Baroness? I fear that if she can control such large numbers of the undead, her power significantly exceeds any of ours, at least individually. Is there any method by which we can bind her powers?"
"To sever the link from Wendare to Orcus entirely, she must reform and renouce him. But to restore her soul and free will to her will be easier. Once her sould is restored her direct link with Orcus will be severed. I have spoke at length with Lady Halsorn, the Ruby Sorceress of the temple of Wee Jas. I was given to understand that the first step of lichdom was to put one's soul in a recepticle, typically a gem. As this must be close to the person I believe it will most likely be in the shrine Wendare has to Orcus. He just controls her and forbids her to touch it. Give her the gem and she will regain her soul.
"As for binding her powers, we have shackles that negate the casting of magic. Bind her with them and she will be unable to use her spells. But I would not count on them. She was known to be a devious and clever woman before this, and she has a great deal of resources at her disposal," Orshallan says, taking care with his answers.
"As for binding her powers, we have shackles that negate the casting of magic. Bind her with them and she will be unable to use her spells. But I would not count on them. She was known to be a devious and clever woman before this, and she has a great deal of resources at her disposal," Orshallan says, taking care with his answers.
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