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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jkason" data-source="post: 5748010" data-attributes="member: 2710">The other acolytes and priests (white and gray robes) who eat with the group are gruff and standoffish at first. It's after about a day that you realize they can tell you apart from themselves because your new robes are clearly cleaner than their more well-worn ones (although cleaning duty is very quickly dirtying and wearing at the knees). Yoshiki and Elenka eventually get a few to open up even to the 'fresh meat.' By the end of your 'assessment test' day, you've gathered the following general information:* There is a universal fear of the absent high priestess of Owbej, still away on her secret mission. Her powers are many and mysterious, and facing her wrath is a fate not even the boldest of the faithful wants to consider.* Garthia, he of the bass voice, is apparently also a cruel taskmaster. Most bear scars (only some willing to show them) from his lash, and everyone willing to talk about it agrees the man enjoys inflicting pain, perhaps even more than the brutish Tarkan.* Speaking of Tarkan, the acolytes don't think much of him. They feel he's easy to fool, but warn you never to openly defy him. Rumor has it he once choked an acolyte to death for mocking his wide frame.* Gaining favor is apparently a matter of meanness, if these folk are any indication. The gray-robed priests are clearly crueler than the acolytes, and in speaking to those who have ambitions of rising through the rank, it's clear that what many of them want most is subordinates upon whom they might take out their aggressions. That, and the promised greater wealth that rising through the ranks supposedly holds.* Elenka's hair-flaunting gains her one more bit of information: most of the acolytes believe there is some sort of torture taking place semi-regularly in the east end of the basement level. They've heard screams on occasion, at any rate.Also, your studies and prayer meetings have laid out many of the rules of the faith of Owbej:[sblock=Rules of the Faith]• Owbej is the god above all other gods. Those who would claim otherwise are jealous of His glory and spread lies in an attempt to tarnish his mask.• Those who follow the steps of the Living God will be rewarded with glory and riches. Those who turn from His path shall have neither.• The realm of the Living God on this world is sacred ground, and it is the duty of every believer toprotect and enrich this sacred place. Every temple to Owbej is an extension of this sacred realm.• Those who have ascended the steps speak with the authority of the Living God. Failing to obey them isakin to disobeying the will of Owbej Himself.• Tithing to the faith is a holy responsibility. The faith of Owbej must have the resources to fight against His enemies, who use their vast sums of ill-gotten wealth to spread lies and deceit.• Those who do not believe must be converted to the faith of Owbej by showing them the glory and wealth that awaits them in His service. Those who refuse are corrupted by the unfaithful and should be denied such luxuries.• Only those who believe in the Living God deserve a life of plenty and pleasure. Others must suffer and toil until they see the light of Owbej.• The mask of the Living God is a divine vessel. Behind its protective embrace, His followers can speakthe will of Owbej without fear of rebuke. His followers must wear the mask whenever they deal with  nonbelievers, so that they might come to fear His image.• The followers of Owbej act as one. Through anonymity comes solidarity, with each part working together to further His glory.[/sblock][gm]Want to make sure there's nothing else you're wanting to ask / explore in the previous days before I push forward to your undisclosed 'errand.'[/gm]</blockquote>

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