Intrigue In Candara

[National Acrobat]

"I am sure that it is fate that we have met then, for this is the first time that I have ever met a necromancer who is good hearted. That is refreshing. I like people who have good in their hearts. Is it hard, following that path and retaining your goodness? I mean, it must be frightening at times to see what many mortals are not meant to see. I know that I have trouble around those who live but don't live."

 

[Lichtenhart]

"Father Toni, what do these paintings mean? They seem to tell a story."
"They tell indeed the story of our Mistress, the Mother of Peace."
"Can you tell me? Please"
"Sure, Daniel. It starts here. There was once a woman named Chrystalla. She lived happily with her husband and her son, for she was a kind wife and a loving mother.
Then the war came, and her husband and her son had to go. She hugged and kissed them and remained home, waiting for their return. But they never came back.
Instead a child came, an orphan, looking for food and a warm place to pass the night. It was then that she realized she could weep no more, for she had a new mission. She had to find all the people who were suffering as she was, and help them, feed them, soothe them, give them a reason to live on.
She took her husbands's grey cloak, and ventured into the night. That's why we also call her the Grey Lady.
Soon her house was a new home to the orphan, the desperate, the poor and the old, the crippled and the downtrodden, but also to all the people who came looking for her wisdom, or her comforting smile. All of them she welcomed and protected, and she taught them, for she felt that ignorance will always be a threat to peace.
Many people came bringing gifts for her, but she never kept anything for herself, she used them all to help who was in need.
Then a band of raiders came, they had heard tales about a woman who was visited by sages and nobles bringing treasures and they want to pillage her home.
She told her guests to stay in the house and she went alone to face the bandits.
Tales tell that she spoke to them, and touched their very hearts, so that they threw away their weapons ashamed, all of them but one, who went on to strike her.
She didn't run. He lifted his sword against her, but just before he could harm her, a lightning came down from the sky, striking the raider. Then the mighty god Ukko appeared, took her in his arms and brang her to heavens because she truly deserved it.
Since that day the blessing of the Mother of Peace shine upon those who care about their less fortunate brothers, and my brethren carry on her grey cloak and her mission."
"Father Antonio? I'm sorry to disturb you, a man came with this letter for you."
"Don't worry, Nathan. I was telling little Daniel the story of the Grey Lady." says the priest reading the letter.
"Daniel, it seems I have to prepare myself for a journey. Will you read the book I gave to you while I'm away?"
"Oh, all of a sudden?! Where are you going?"
"I have to meet an old friend of mine who need my help. Will you read it?"
"Sure, Father Toni."
"This is a good boy! Now go, your father's probably waiting for you."
"Oh! I almost forgot! Goodbye!"
"Goodbye, Daniel."

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Tal smiles at Ariel's question "I have never had an issue. Remember that we all die. and all are spirits. whether we go to our last reward or hang around here we don't stop being who we are. My grandparents are still as loving and careing in death as they were as living beings. I also do not deal with the evil forces that a Necromancer can call upon. Remember that Negative in not the same as evil."

 

[Jemal]

In the restaraunt run by the church of Aphrodite (A not so uncommon way to make money outside of donations), the priestesses sat chatting amiably with Tal, when the door swings open with such speed that a gust of wind can be felt halfway across the room.

As they enter, the sudenly quiet room can hear the two heralds speaking incredulously.
"ALL OF THEM?! Slaughtered just like that?"
"Aye, I'ld not have thought even HE would be so bold!"
Noticing the attention they've attracted, one of the men takes the opportunity to address the crowd.

"I'm afraid I have bad news, my fellows. The Emporer has begun an attack upon our noble homeland! I have a missive her for the Preistess' of the Temple." He looks around hopefully, holding a folded peice of paper. "Also, the Minister has ordered an immediate lifting of the no-weapons law. Any who wish can join in the fight to save our homeland." He nods to his compatriot, who is plastering a poster onto the wall beside the door.
Several people crowd around reading the poster as the first herald continues looking for the Preistess'.

MEANWHILE:
After Reading the letter, Father Antonio quickly gathers together his things, preparing for a journey that cannot be delayed. He, like many other priests/priestesses, has been called on for his abilities.

THE LETTER: (for Father Antonio and Ariel ONLY)

Noble clergy, The Emporer has finally ceased his charade of 'diplomacy' and launched an attack on Candara. 3 cities have been destroyed in this disastrous and dastardly stroke of cowardice! I call upon you to serve the people, and use your god-given abilities to help protect and heal. If you can assist in any way, please make with all haste to the main chapel, where you will be assigned to teams based on your skills.

Sincerely hopeful - Minister Steinberg

THE POSTER: (These are all over town, EVERYONE can read this)
As you may or may not be aware, the Kelt Imperium has launched an assault upon Candara. By the authority of the council of Candara, all citizens are hereby authorized to carry and wield weaponry in defense of this land. Any noble souls who wish to aid in the ousting of this evil influence may report to the Castle Barracks.
-The Courts of Candara

OOC : I like to start things off with a bang. Everyone may now begin in earnest (hopefully)

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Tal looks at the Priestess' and says "Well that puts a damper on an otherwise pleasant day." He gets up and starts moving toward the place he last saw Spook. "I'll be back in a moment. If you have need of me simply let me know."

 

[drs]

Back from investigating a shady slaver Thomas makes his way through the city gates, "That's odd no one keeping watch". Down a side alley he sees a group of people gathered around some type of notice. Thomas gets closer to the crowd and asks one of the on lookers about the commotion, "Excuse me sir what's this notice about?"
"War son, the bloody Imperium has started to invade! A call to arms has been issued." Says the well rounded blood stained butcher.
"Many thanks good Sir." Thomas says as he leaves the crowd, and then makes his way to his dwelling.
Sitting outside of his home, looking towards the sea is a young man, explorer or traveler of some sort, judging by his clothes. As Thomas nears the man he checks that he can quickly slip out a dagger if need be.
"So Julian is now sending hardened men in arms to get his money? Well you can tell him the same thing I told the last guy he sent, I won that money fair and square! He chose his dog first, not my fault it had a broken leg." Thomas says with a smirk whilst he jiggles his door open, "bloody thing, I'm gonna havta get someone to look at it, not a carpenter are ya?" Thomas asks the man, "Well come on say something, you 'ere about money, to fix my door, or what?"
The young man clears his throat, "The Reaver? That you Sir?"
"Thomas Reaver yes, The Reaver is what the idiots at the tavern call me, they think I go round murdering people and such. Well I do, but, nah I don't." Kind of losing track of things Thomas continues, "So yeah Reavers the name, killing scum is my game."
"Err..." The man looks around as if he's done a mistake though quickly regains his composure, "[Blank] is my name, and I've heard a few things about yourself and I've been given recommendation to seek you out..-"
"Ha ha what the heavens for!"
"As a mentor sir, I've been into some trouble recently and if one like yourself could help me learn a thing or too it'd help me greatly."
With a sheepish grin on his face Thomas says, "Hmm, well I'll be a dwarf swimming, come on come in and tell me 'bout yourself. Oh and you hear about the war, blasted mages!"

OOC: I've left it as general as possible but that's an introduction for Thomas Hobbes' character (So long as he gets it up in time). If you could Thomas do a little background for your character and then we'll discuss going to join up for the war.

 

[Uriel]

Finnegan drained his Ale, one long drawn out swallow. Setting dwn the mug, the young man looked about him. People were whispering hurridly, some yelling, some even laughing and talking about what a Drubbing Candara would give the Emperor.
'You know Nothing, gentle Folk...' this loud enough for those nearby to hear, loud enough for the soldiers in the corner to hear as well.
'What do you know of War, eh? Bandits, maurading Mercenaries...Goblyns?'
Finnegan closed his eyes and a single tear crept down his cheek.Whispering at a barely audible level 'He will come, and he will make your children Weep from his attentions. Gods,when will the Monster Die!!?!'
Where was Auldurveg? Finnegan stood to go, then sat back down. No use running off, there was no concrete news of the Monster's Strategy. No, the Heir of Clan Mac Morn would wait for his Nemesis to make a move, then react. All the better to kill the Monster.
'Brogyln' ordered another ale, and waited for his companion.

 

[National Acrobat]

Ariel quickly rises, gathers what she can, grabs Elsbeth by the hand, "we must get to the Temple and see what the our High Priestess wishes us to do." Before Tal leaves, "perhaps you could come with us and aid us. I do not know whether the Temple will organize as a whole or send us out on our own in groups, we shall find out soon enough. However, extra spell slinging is always appreciated."

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Spook dashes into his partners arms and shakes with fear at all of the people shouting. "It will be alright." Tal says. "I fear that we are about to set out on a dark adventure. The gentleman Shouting seems to know about 'the enemy' as he calls in so I will chat with him and see what information he can provide and meet you at the temple."
Tal wanders over to the man (Finnegan) and says "Greetings. My name is Talisian. You seem to know what is going on. May I enquire as to what information you have?"

 

[National Acrobat]

Ariel and Elsbeth have a hushed conversation rather quickly, then embrace. "Go ahead and head back to the temple and see what you can do. I feel that destiny has pushed me in this direction. I will go with Tal and whomever else accompanies us. Don't worry, I will be fine." With that the two embrace and Ariel moves over to where Tal is asking the figure who spoke to everyone about the enemy.