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<blockquote data-quote="Cheiromancer" data-source="post: 1029459" data-attributes="member: 141"><p><strong>In which Dave Demonstrates Why it is Very Cool to be a Druid.</strong></p><p></p><p><em>Originally posted by Sepulchrave II on 05-08-2002</em></p><p></p><p>So, things were about to get sticky.</p><p></p><p>This session may have been the best roleplaying experience of my life: Dave played Nwm with an ingenuity and fervour that I didn't know he was capable of. I bow to you, Dave.</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Just before noon on the next day, Tahl, together with his retinue of Templars, thundered through the gates of the castle and into the inner bailey. Their bright armour, polished to a remarkable sheen, peeked from beneath the unblazoned white surcoats of the Inquisition. Their cloaks were white, their banner a plain white field, unadorned. Each bore a lance, a burnished shield, and the consecrated weapons of Oronthon: the greatsword, symbolic of cutting through deception, and the scourge, representing the meting out of their deity’s proper justice. Here were great knights who, foreswearing their estates and taking vows of poverty, had entered the service of the Fane. Some rode horses with celestial blood running through their veins.</p><p></p><p>Eadric stood and waited. He had surrendered his arms and armour to Nwm, and Contundor he had bidden to ride free for a while. He was dressed in comfortable and well-worn travelling clothes, and bore no weapon. </p><p></p><p>Ortwin, Mostin and Nwm stood on a balcony overlooking the courtyard.</p><p>“Er, they look kind of scary,” remarked Ortwin.</p><p>“Pah!” Mostin scoffed. “I could take them all out in ten seconds. You ever seen a maximized fireball? Drop two of those babies on them and they’d soon be toast.”</p><p>“Better not,” said Ortwin, “I think Ed might get mad if you did. He’s in enough trouble as it is.”</p><p>Tahl reigned in, dismounted and removed his great bascinet. He was a handsome man in his late thirties - a year or two older than Eadric – with a serious expression, but a face that did not seem humourless. He strode up to Eadric, and the two embraced.</p><p>“What’s going on?” Mostin asked. </p><p>“Tahl is Eadric’s friend,” Nwm replied.</p><p>“Then why did he seem so scared last night?”</p><p>“Because Tahl is Eadric’s friend,” Nwm sighed.</p><p>“Ah,” said Mostin, “that does make things rather awkward, doesn’t it?”</p><p></p><p>“Who replaced Cynric?” Eadric asked the Inquisitor.</p><p>“No successor was appointed,” Tahl replied. “And the conclave is waiting for a sign.”</p><p>“You are here to arrest me, I take it?”</p><p>“I’m sorry, Ed. You’ve been indicted,” Tahl said sheepishly.</p><p>“By whom? Eadric snapped. “I am responsible only to the Archbishop of Morne for my conduct. I doubt your authority in this.” </p><p>“Please don’t make this any harder than it is,” Tahl pleaded. “The Curia voted by seven to three for your arraignment.”</p><p>“How was the vote divided?” Eadric asked, sighing.</p><p>“Mord, Gibilrazen, Hethio, Tomur and Thahan voted against you; Kaurban and Jiuhu both backed you. The Inquisition and the Temple both voted for your impeachment, predictably. The Marquis of Iald supported you. Tyndur abstained.*”</p><p>“Tyndur is a coward,” Eadric said.</p><p>Tahl merely nodded.</p><p>“What are the charges?”</p><p></p><p>“Four minor breaches of protocol; associating with the known diabolist, Mostin who styles himself ‘Metagnostic’; attempting to commune with Lord Oronthon through witchcraft; consorting with demons; fornicating with demons; secretly conspiring to undermine the One True Faith; perversion of doctrine; failing to attempt to exorcise or destroy a known fiend; blasphemy; and acting as an accomplice in the murder of Cynric of Morne who, possessing the indwelling spirit of Oronthon, should be considered God on Earth.”</p><p>“Deicide?” Eadric laughed at the absurdity.</p><p>“It’s a technicality, Ed,” Tahl grimaced. “I should also mention that, just before we departed Morne, some financial irregularities came to light.”</p><p>Eadric looked bemused.</p><p>“A payment of thirty-six thousand five hundred gold pieces to the known diabolist, Mostin the Metagnostic.” Obviously, Mostin had cashed his check pretty quickly.</p><p>Just as well, thought Eadric, as he wouldn’t get the money now.</p><p></p><p>“This is crap, Tahl,” the Paladin said. “You know that I’m authorized to make that payment.”</p><p>“Ed,” Tahl said quietly, so that the other Templars could not overhear, “I’ve seen the itemized invoice for that payment. ‘Greater Planar Binding?’ ‘Trap the Soul?’ ‘Symbol of Insanity?’ A pearl valued at 15,000 gold crowns?”</p><p>Eadric groaned.</p><p>“If I refuse to submit to ecclesiastical law?” The Paladin asked.</p><p>“You will be stripped of your rank, excommunicated, anathematized, your name will be stricken from all church records, your estates will be confiscated and I am authorized to use a ‘Mark of Justice’ upon you. You will be shunned by the faithful. In any case, you will be tried for the ‘accomplice to murder’ charge in a civil court.”</p><p>“If I refuse to recognize the authority of the church court?”</p><p>“Pretty much the same deal, I’m afraid,” Tahl said apologetically.</p><p>“Otherwise?”</p><p>“You will stand trial for Heresy. If found guilty…”</p><p>“…I will burn.” Eadric finished the sentence for him. “And what does Lord Oronthon have to say on the matter?”</p><p>“That may very well prove to be your best defence,” Tahl said. “Until this point, he has said absolutely nothing.”</p><p></p><p>Eadric smiled grimly, and held out his hands. As the manacles were fastened around his wrists, Tahl spoke again.</p><p>“One last thing, Ed. The Demoness. Where is she?”</p><p>The Paladin shook his head.</p><p>“You know I’ll find her,” Tahl said.</p><p>Eadric held his hands up, and looked at Nwm. “The Abbey!” He yelled.</p><p>The Druid began incanting. Tahl looked up and swore, and began to cast a spell himself. Nwm dissolved into mist, and vanished. Moments later, to Eadric’s astonishment, the same thing happened to Tahl.</p><p></p><p>“How splendid and dramatic,” Mostin said to Ortwin, stroking his hedgehog. “The Wind-Walkers’ Race! Will you write a ballad?”</p><p>“I think mime would be a more suitable medium,” Ortwin replied drily.</p><p>“How long will it take them to get there?” Mostin asked.</p><p>“It’s about fifteen miles away – a quarter of an hour.”</p><p>“Pah!” Mostin scoffed. “Come with me.”</p><p>The Alienist led Ortwin into his chambers, which, despite his brief time at Trempa, were already full of strange devices, alchemical alembics and books, arranged neatly on shelves and tables. Reaching into his portable hole, Mostin produced the Looking Glass of Urm-Nahat and erected it on the floor. Holding the amulet which had been confiscated from Despina in one hand, he invoked the Mirror’s power, and Despina appeared on its surface. She was on her knees, scrubbing the floor of the cloister.</p><p>“Impressive,” Ortwin said. “And now you just walk through?”</p><p>“Yes,” Mostin said.</p><p>“Can I go?” Ortwin asked.</p><p>“By all means,” Mostin replied. “The gate is invisible from the other side, so mark its location.”</p><p>Ortwin nodded, and stepped through.</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Nwm tore through the air at breakneck speed, and it was only after several minutes had passed that the druid noticed that a mist like form was following him. He immediately headed for a bank of cumulus clouds in an attempt to lose his pursuer, and then cursed his own stupidity as he noticed that Tahl did not follow him, but headed directly southwards towards the Abbey. The Druid raced down, and now found himself in pursuit of the Inquisitor. He knew he had little time, and wished he’d prepared ‘Master Earth’ instead of ‘Wind Walk.’</p><p>Nwm plummeted to the ground, and resumed his physical form. The translucent shape of Tahl had vanished from sight. Nwm swore again, looked around, selected a suitable oak tree, and stepped into it.</p><p></p><p>Bump, from one tree to the next. Bump-bump-bump-bump-bump-bump-bump-bump- ‘sorry,’ he apologized to a dryad, bump-bump-bump-bump-bump and Nwm reappeared less than two minutes later, eight miles ahead.</p><p>“Hah!” he said, and resumed his vaporous state. </p><p></p><p>Nwm arrived at the Abbey to find Ortwin talking to Despina in the cloister.</p><p>“How the hell did you get here,” he asked the Bard.</p><p>Ortwin just smiled.</p><p>“Flee,” the Druid said to the demoness, “Eadric has been impeached and the Inquisition are looking for you.”</p><p>“I know,” Despina replied, “Ortwin just told me.”</p><p>“Well,” said Nwm, “Vanish. Disappear. Teleport. Go ethereal or something.”</p><p>Despina shook her head. “I am forbidden to manifest supernatural powers, remember?”</p><p>“Oh for heaven’s sake,” Nwm said in an exasperated fashion. “I think we can relax that stipulation.”</p><p>But Despina would not comply.</p><p>The Druid was almost blue with desperation. He had three minutes left.</p><p>“On your knees,” Nwm demanded.</p><p>Despina kneeled. Nwm groped into his pouch and produced a holly berry and some mistletoe. He handed the berry to Despina.</p><p>“Eat this,” he said.</p><p>Despina ate it.</p><p>Nwm waved the mistletoe around, mumbled through his beard, and struck the succubus on both cheeks with it.</p><p>“Congratulations,” Nwm said, “you are now an anointed follower of the Goddess Uedii. Choose your totem.”</p><p>Despina looked blank.</p><p>“A TOTEM!” Nwm thundered.</p><p>“An animal,” Ortwin suggested helpfully.</p><p>“An Otter?” Despina asked.</p><p>Nwm relaxed and smiled. “Excellent choice,” he said, “I like otters. Now take my hand.”</p><p>The demoness reached up, and they both dissolved into mist.</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Tahl arrived a minute later to find Ortwin trying to explain himself to two of the nuns in the cloister. He was also surprised at the Bard’s presence, but remained in vaporous form. He asked where Despina was.</p><p>“The Elemental Plane of Fire,” Ortwin delivered one of his most convincing lies ever.</p><p>Tahl’s misty face stared hard at Ortwin. “You lie,” he said.</p><p>The Bard was shocked. He must be losing his touch.</p><p>“Was the Druid with her?” Tahl asked.</p><p>“No,” Ortwin lied again.</p><p>“That’s twice you’ve lied,” Tahl accused him. The Inquisitor began to rematerialize and, not wanting further embarrassment, Ortwin dashed past him, passed through the invisible gate and reappeared in Mostin’s chambers.</p><p>“Close it,” the Bard yelled.</p><p>Mostin waved his hand and the mirror went blank.</p><p></p><p>Tahl stormed through the Abbey, entered the chapel, made a quick supplication to Oronthon, and spoke to the Abbess.</p><p>“I am Tahl, the Deputy Inquisitor General,” he said.</p><p>The Abbess looked staggered. “What can I do for you?”</p><p>“Lend me your font,” the Inquisitor said.</p><p></p><p>**</p><p></p><p>Nwm and Despina Wind-Walked for another thirty minutes, heading in the direction of Deorham and over terrain that the Druid was intimately familiar with. The folds and wrinkles in the earth, heavily forested and cut by dozens of small streams, undulated below them. Nwm’s eyes constantly scanned the ground.</p><p>“Here,” he eventually said, and the pair headed downwards.</p><p>They resumed their corporeal forms at the base of a small hill with a bare summit. A single menhir of great age stood there.</p><p>Despina started towards it, but stopped abruptly and vomited.</p><p>“You cannot approach,” Nwm informed her, “this is hallowed ground. Do you wish for redemption?”</p><p>The demoness nodded.</p><p>“Then kneel.”</p><p>And Nwm began to chant.</p><p></p><p>Halfway through the ceremony, the Druid’s concentration almost lapsed as he suddenly became aware of a magical sensor nearby which was spying on him. He swallowed hard and continued to chant his slow, rhythmic chant. The eye vanished, and Nwm knew that Tahl would soon be heading this way at his best speed. No matter, Nwm thought, it would be too late by the time the Inquisitor arrived.</p><p></p><p>When Tahl the Incorruptible appeared beneath the dolmen, he found Despina and the Druid standing quietly there.</p><p>“Hand her over, Nwm,” he said. “This doesn’t have to get messy.”</p><p>But Nwm shook his head. “She has atoned, and the Earth has forgiven her. She is now under my protection, and you are in my temple. If you try to touch her, I will obliterate you. Do not force me.**”</p><p>Tahl gazed hard, and perceived that the Druid spoke no falsehood. He nodded, and then vanished. His superiors weren’t going to like this. Not one bit.</p><p>Tahl smiled.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>*General note on church politics. The Curia is the main policy and doctrine-administering body in the Church of Oronthon, and technically decides on actions if the Archbishop is absent (for whatever reason). There are eleven seats: the Bishops of Gibilrazen, Hethio, Jiuhu, Kaurban, Mord, Thahan, Tomur and Tyndur; the Inquisitor General and the Grand Master of the Temple Knights; and “One Devout Layman” – a member of the laity selected for demonstrating particular holiness and faith. The last position is currently held by the Marquis of Iald.</p><p>The Great Conclave is comprised of the Curia, and around forty other priests of note.</p><p></p><p>**It’s worth pointing out that in my campaign, certain ancient sites have an energy associated with them that automatically maximizes any Druidic spell cast there. Needless to say, this site (‘Cambos du’la,’ the ‘Slope of the Leaf’), was one of them.</p><p></p><p></p><p>.</p><p>DM Confessions: 1) For story purposes, I allowed Nwm to spontaneously cast “Atonement” in place of a prepared “Commune with Nature” and, 2) Even though the spell description specifically bars outsiders, it does so on the grounds that they are “incapable of changing their alignment.” As the entire plot revolves around this unlikely event, it seemed a bit stupid to disallow the spell.</p><p></p><p>And they really deserved a break.</p><p></p><p>(Not THAT much of a break: it still cost Nwm 500 xp)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cheiromancer, post: 1029459, member: 141"] [b]In which Dave Demonstrates Why it is Very Cool to be a Druid.[/b] [i]Originally posted by Sepulchrave II on 05-08-2002[/i] So, things were about to get sticky. This session may have been the best roleplaying experience of my life: Dave played Nwm with an ingenuity and fervour that I didn't know he was capable of. I bow to you, Dave. ** Just before noon on the next day, Tahl, together with his retinue of Templars, thundered through the gates of the castle and into the inner bailey. Their bright armour, polished to a remarkable sheen, peeked from beneath the unblazoned white surcoats of the Inquisition. Their cloaks were white, their banner a plain white field, unadorned. Each bore a lance, a burnished shield, and the consecrated weapons of Oronthon: the greatsword, symbolic of cutting through deception, and the scourge, representing the meting out of their deity’s proper justice. Here were great knights who, foreswearing their estates and taking vows of poverty, had entered the service of the Fane. Some rode horses with celestial blood running through their veins. Eadric stood and waited. He had surrendered his arms and armour to Nwm, and Contundor he had bidden to ride free for a while. He was dressed in comfortable and well-worn travelling clothes, and bore no weapon. Ortwin, Mostin and Nwm stood on a balcony overlooking the courtyard. “Er, they look kind of scary,” remarked Ortwin. “Pah!” Mostin scoffed. “I could take them all out in ten seconds. You ever seen a maximized fireball? Drop two of those babies on them and they’d soon be toast.” “Better not,” said Ortwin, “I think Ed might get mad if you did. He’s in enough trouble as it is.” Tahl reigned in, dismounted and removed his great bascinet. He was a handsome man in his late thirties - a year or two older than Eadric – with a serious expression, but a face that did not seem humourless. He strode up to Eadric, and the two embraced. “What’s going on?” Mostin asked. “Tahl is Eadric’s friend,” Nwm replied. “Then why did he seem so scared last night?” “Because Tahl is Eadric’s friend,” Nwm sighed. “Ah,” said Mostin, “that does make things rather awkward, doesn’t it?” “Who replaced Cynric?” Eadric asked the Inquisitor. “No successor was appointed,” Tahl replied. “And the conclave is waiting for a sign.” “You are here to arrest me, I take it?” “I’m sorry, Ed. You’ve been indicted,” Tahl said sheepishly. “By whom? Eadric snapped. “I am responsible only to the Archbishop of Morne for my conduct. I doubt your authority in this.” “Please don’t make this any harder than it is,” Tahl pleaded. “The Curia voted by seven to three for your arraignment.” “How was the vote divided?” Eadric asked, sighing. “Mord, Gibilrazen, Hethio, Tomur and Thahan voted against you; Kaurban and Jiuhu both backed you. The Inquisition and the Temple both voted for your impeachment, predictably. The Marquis of Iald supported you. Tyndur abstained.*” “Tyndur is a coward,” Eadric said. Tahl merely nodded. “What are the charges?” “Four minor breaches of protocol; associating with the known diabolist, Mostin who styles himself ‘Metagnostic’; attempting to commune with Lord Oronthon through witchcraft; consorting with demons; fornicating with demons; secretly conspiring to undermine the One True Faith; perversion of doctrine; failing to attempt to exorcise or destroy a known fiend; blasphemy; and acting as an accomplice in the murder of Cynric of Morne who, possessing the indwelling spirit of Oronthon, should be considered God on Earth.” “Deicide?” Eadric laughed at the absurdity. “It’s a technicality, Ed,” Tahl grimaced. “I should also mention that, just before we departed Morne, some financial irregularities came to light.” Eadric looked bemused. “A payment of thirty-six thousand five hundred gold pieces to the known diabolist, Mostin the Metagnostic.” Obviously, Mostin had cashed his check pretty quickly. Just as well, thought Eadric, as he wouldn’t get the money now. “This is crap, Tahl,” the Paladin said. “You know that I’m authorized to make that payment.” “Ed,” Tahl said quietly, so that the other Templars could not overhear, “I’ve seen the itemized invoice for that payment. ‘Greater Planar Binding?’ ‘Trap the Soul?’ ‘Symbol of Insanity?’ A pearl valued at 15,000 gold crowns?” Eadric groaned. “If I refuse to submit to ecclesiastical law?” The Paladin asked. “You will be stripped of your rank, excommunicated, anathematized, your name will be stricken from all church records, your estates will be confiscated and I am authorized to use a ‘Mark of Justice’ upon you. You will be shunned by the faithful. In any case, you will be tried for the ‘accomplice to murder’ charge in a civil court.” “If I refuse to recognize the authority of the church court?” “Pretty much the same deal, I’m afraid,” Tahl said apologetically. “Otherwise?” “You will stand trial for Heresy. If found guilty…” “…I will burn.” Eadric finished the sentence for him. “And what does Lord Oronthon have to say on the matter?” “That may very well prove to be your best defence,” Tahl said. “Until this point, he has said absolutely nothing.” Eadric smiled grimly, and held out his hands. As the manacles were fastened around his wrists, Tahl spoke again. “One last thing, Ed. The Demoness. Where is she?” The Paladin shook his head. “You know I’ll find her,” Tahl said. Eadric held his hands up, and looked at Nwm. “The Abbey!” He yelled. The Druid began incanting. Tahl looked up and swore, and began to cast a spell himself. Nwm dissolved into mist, and vanished. Moments later, to Eadric’s astonishment, the same thing happened to Tahl. “How splendid and dramatic,” Mostin said to Ortwin, stroking his hedgehog. “The Wind-Walkers’ Race! Will you write a ballad?” “I think mime would be a more suitable medium,” Ortwin replied drily. “How long will it take them to get there?” Mostin asked. “It’s about fifteen miles away – a quarter of an hour.” “Pah!” Mostin scoffed. “Come with me.” The Alienist led Ortwin into his chambers, which, despite his brief time at Trempa, were already full of strange devices, alchemical alembics and books, arranged neatly on shelves and tables. Reaching into his portable hole, Mostin produced the Looking Glass of Urm-Nahat and erected it on the floor. Holding the amulet which had been confiscated from Despina in one hand, he invoked the Mirror’s power, and Despina appeared on its surface. She was on her knees, scrubbing the floor of the cloister. “Impressive,” Ortwin said. “And now you just walk through?” “Yes,” Mostin said. “Can I go?” Ortwin asked. “By all means,” Mostin replied. “The gate is invisible from the other side, so mark its location.” Ortwin nodded, and stepped through. ** Nwm tore through the air at breakneck speed, and it was only after several minutes had passed that the druid noticed that a mist like form was following him. He immediately headed for a bank of cumulus clouds in an attempt to lose his pursuer, and then cursed his own stupidity as he noticed that Tahl did not follow him, but headed directly southwards towards the Abbey. The Druid raced down, and now found himself in pursuit of the Inquisitor. He knew he had little time, and wished he’d prepared ‘Master Earth’ instead of ‘Wind Walk.’ Nwm plummeted to the ground, and resumed his physical form. The translucent shape of Tahl had vanished from sight. Nwm swore again, looked around, selected a suitable oak tree, and stepped into it. Bump, from one tree to the next. Bump-bump-bump-bump-bump-bump-bump-bump- ‘sorry,’ he apologized to a dryad, bump-bump-bump-bump-bump and Nwm reappeared less than two minutes later, eight miles ahead. “Hah!” he said, and resumed his vaporous state. Nwm arrived at the Abbey to find Ortwin talking to Despina in the cloister. “How the hell did you get here,” he asked the Bard. Ortwin just smiled. “Flee,” the Druid said to the demoness, “Eadric has been impeached and the Inquisition are looking for you.” “I know,” Despina replied, “Ortwin just told me.” “Well,” said Nwm, “Vanish. Disappear. Teleport. Go ethereal or something.” Despina shook her head. “I am forbidden to manifest supernatural powers, remember?” “Oh for heaven’s sake,” Nwm said in an exasperated fashion. “I think we can relax that stipulation.” But Despina would not comply. The Druid was almost blue with desperation. He had three minutes left. “On your knees,” Nwm demanded. Despina kneeled. Nwm groped into his pouch and produced a holly berry and some mistletoe. He handed the berry to Despina. “Eat this,” he said. Despina ate it. Nwm waved the mistletoe around, mumbled through his beard, and struck the succubus on both cheeks with it. “Congratulations,” Nwm said, “you are now an anointed follower of the Goddess Uedii. Choose your totem.” Despina looked blank. “A TOTEM!” Nwm thundered. “An animal,” Ortwin suggested helpfully. “An Otter?” Despina asked. Nwm relaxed and smiled. “Excellent choice,” he said, “I like otters. Now take my hand.” The demoness reached up, and they both dissolved into mist. ** Tahl arrived a minute later to find Ortwin trying to explain himself to two of the nuns in the cloister. He was also surprised at the Bard’s presence, but remained in vaporous form. He asked where Despina was. “The Elemental Plane of Fire,” Ortwin delivered one of his most convincing lies ever. Tahl’s misty face stared hard at Ortwin. “You lie,” he said. The Bard was shocked. He must be losing his touch. “Was the Druid with her?” Tahl asked. “No,” Ortwin lied again. “That’s twice you’ve lied,” Tahl accused him. The Inquisitor began to rematerialize and, not wanting further embarrassment, Ortwin dashed past him, passed through the invisible gate and reappeared in Mostin’s chambers. “Close it,” the Bard yelled. Mostin waved his hand and the mirror went blank. Tahl stormed through the Abbey, entered the chapel, made a quick supplication to Oronthon, and spoke to the Abbess. “I am Tahl, the Deputy Inquisitor General,” he said. The Abbess looked staggered. “What can I do for you?” “Lend me your font,” the Inquisitor said. ** Nwm and Despina Wind-Walked for another thirty minutes, heading in the direction of Deorham and over terrain that the Druid was intimately familiar with. The folds and wrinkles in the earth, heavily forested and cut by dozens of small streams, undulated below them. Nwm’s eyes constantly scanned the ground. “Here,” he eventually said, and the pair headed downwards. They resumed their corporeal forms at the base of a small hill with a bare summit. A single menhir of great age stood there. Despina started towards it, but stopped abruptly and vomited. “You cannot approach,” Nwm informed her, “this is hallowed ground. Do you wish for redemption?” The demoness nodded. “Then kneel.” And Nwm began to chant. Halfway through the ceremony, the Druid’s concentration almost lapsed as he suddenly became aware of a magical sensor nearby which was spying on him. He swallowed hard and continued to chant his slow, rhythmic chant. The eye vanished, and Nwm knew that Tahl would soon be heading this way at his best speed. No matter, Nwm thought, it would be too late by the time the Inquisitor arrived. When Tahl the Incorruptible appeared beneath the dolmen, he found Despina and the Druid standing quietly there. “Hand her over, Nwm,” he said. “This doesn’t have to get messy.” But Nwm shook his head. “She has atoned, and the Earth has forgiven her. She is now under my protection, and you are in my temple. If you try to touch her, I will obliterate you. Do not force me.**” Tahl gazed hard, and perceived that the Druid spoke no falsehood. He nodded, and then vanished. His superiors weren’t going to like this. Not one bit. Tahl smiled. *General note on church politics. The Curia is the main policy and doctrine-administering body in the Church of Oronthon, and technically decides on actions if the Archbishop is absent (for whatever reason). There are eleven seats: the Bishops of Gibilrazen, Hethio, Jiuhu, Kaurban, Mord, Thahan, Tomur and Tyndur; the Inquisitor General and the Grand Master of the Temple Knights; and “One Devout Layman” – a member of the laity selected for demonstrating particular holiness and faith. The last position is currently held by the Marquis of Iald. The Great Conclave is comprised of the Curia, and around forty other priests of note. **It’s worth pointing out that in my campaign, certain ancient sites have an energy associated with them that automatically maximizes any Druidic spell cast there. Needless to say, this site (‘Cambos du’la,’ the ‘Slope of the Leaf’), was one of them. . DM Confessions: 1) For story purposes, I allowed Nwm to spontaneously cast “Atonement” in place of a prepared “Commune with Nature” and, 2) Even though the spell description specifically bars outsiders, it does so on the grounds that they are “incapable of changing their alignment.” As the entire plot revolves around this unlikely event, it seemed a bit stupid to disallow the spell. And they really deserved a break. (Not THAT much of a break: it still cost Nwm 500 xp) [/QUOTE]
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