The elf just rolls his eyes and chuckles a little.
Sedelion holds up a hand in a placating gesture.
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"The scars, maybe we can remove them later," Randu says, "When we have time."
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Alandriel says, "Follow me and stay close, I can only hide you if you remain within sight of myself. Once we reach the Sanctuary, the wards there will protect you from outside protection."
So with that you're all lead through the moors, the progress is slow going and you get the sense that you probably have purposely walked through some swampy sections to cover your trace. After hours of in the night you are utterly exhausted and you come to what looks like an empty island in the moors in the glittering light of dawn. Alandriel waves her hand at it and on the island appears to be for lack of a better term a church building. Its architecture is reminiscent what you have heard of the old cathedrals of Mitra with the blazing sun symbol of Mitra on the front. With but a gesture the gates slowly start to open on their own accord and Alandriel signals for you to follow.
As you step inside, you see there are two men dressed in armor bearing the symbol of the divine sun of Mitra. They are on guard but seeing Alandriel walk in they stand down and give a respectful bow to her. You are in an entry area it seems, a well decorated room probably built for defense and a double door probably leads into the cathedral proper. The doors on the other side of the room open and a young priest wearing the symbol of Mitra enters the room.
The priest says, "Thank Mitra you've arrived safely Alandriel. So these are the prophesied ones are they? Bless the light, our liberation is soon at hand!"
Alandriel raises her hand to the exuberant priest to calm him down and says, "Now now Brother Tibolt, we should not put too much pressure on our guests. Inform the Cardinal of their arrival and gather the servants of the church to provide them cleansing, healing as well as a place to stay to rest and recover. Also see to it they are given fresh clothing and sustenance."
Brother Tibolt bows and responds, "As you wish lady Alandriel."
Alandriel then looks to the party, "You will be safe here, for the wards and spells on this place will hide you from the sight of Asmodeus and his followers. You have been through much so I give you some time to recover your strength before I take you to meet the Cardinal. As we are now safely in the Cathedral, I will also now end my deceptive guise and show you my true form."
With that her form changes from a merely attractive human into a radiant angel with beautiful white wings, dressed in angelic armor with a sword and tome attached to her belt. The light of the radiance of her makes you squint at first but she quickly mutes the glow and thus making you able to look at her true form better. Her eyes have gone from a blue to a golden hue.
Randu looks ready to weep tears of joy at the sight of the church, "Praise Mitra, places like this still stand."
He greets Brother Tibolt, "It is a joy to greet you, brother. I am Randu Marcel."
He is tempted to ask about his mentor's whereabouts, or his mother or sister if how they fare is known? But then Alandriel reveals herself, he bows to her with respect, "A celestial messenger. I must remember to pray to Mitra that you were sent to deliver us."
Sedelion looks at the structure, both impressed and offput. It is impressive to be sure, especially given the purges, but I will never understand Mitrian's need for buildings to pray in. The swamp surrounding this place, with its clean views of the skies, are equally holy to Desna...
Stepping into the grounds, the elf nods politely to the guards as they pass into the structure. Hearing the priest's exchange with Alandriel, he shakes his head. "I seriously doubt, my good man, that I am in your prophecies. Randu here might be... the Hound and Libris as well... but me? Your god would have to have a decent sense of humor to trust the fate of his faith to one outside of it."
Turning to Alandriel, the elf smiles as she shifts forms. "Thank you for the hospitality. If there is a place I could get a bath I would be grateful... as for clothes, I think I have that covered." The elf taps the improvised clothes sack as he says this.
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Alandriel says to Randu, "I am but a humble servant to the Divine Mitra. He has not turned a blind eye to the suffering of this land and now more than ever his light is needed to drive away the darkness. But all will be explained Brother Randu, but first let those who tend to this church see to your recovery. There is much that you must know, but it shall be revealed in good time."
Brother Tibolt says to Randu, "It is good to see another brother of the faith in these lands. I shall do all I can to show you the hospitality that Mitra's servants have to offer."
Alandriel says to Sedelion, "You shall have all you need Sedelion. Once you have recovered from your ordeal, the Cardinal will be ready to explain your place in the events to come."
With that you are all lead into the main church. Indeed this is a sizable building with a good number of staff. You enter the cathedral proper and see pews lain out, artistic depictions of angels and a large statue of the 6 armed god Mitra behind the altar. A number of people are engaged in prayer here although no services are currently in session at the moment.
The party is lead through the cathedral where you are each given individual rooms with standard, a bed, dresser, storage trunk, wash basin and a chamber pot. Those who are willing are offered either a private bath or admittance to the cleansing room, in other words the public bath as it appears that the people here try and keep themselves clean. Looking at the way this building was constructed, you suspect that it was not constructed completely by human hands. Detect magic allows you to see that this entire structure has a powerful magical aura, probably constructed with the aid of powerful divine magic. Indeed if they have an Angel in service here, the hands of Angels may also be involved in its architecture.
The elf gratefully enjoys his bath. Afterwords, he removes the Gailor's mask and gives it a careful washing as well.
I am sorry we could not save you. Your death will not go unremembered. Setting it aside, he takes the late warden's ear out and holds it to his lips. "Told you, you fool, that we would get out. I hope that you are enjoying the corner of the hells carved out for failures like you." Smiling in satisfaction, he places the ear back into his trunk next to the mask.
Sorting through the tapestry of clothes, Sedelion finally finds a promising outfit. First an embroidered pair of black trousers (made from wool, but lined on the inside with a light silk for comfort) with leaves and scrolls stitched along the seems in forest green silk. Then a matching green shirt with black embroidery in similar patterns at the collar and cuffs (this one seems to be pure silk). A matching black vest was clearly meant to go with the trousers, as they have are of the same fabric type and have the same patterns. A wool black over-cloak was also part of this set, though this was lined with green velvet instead of silk, and the green embroidery is much more detailed. Finally, a black and green pointed hat, with a black feather clasped to it with a silver pin in the shape of a bird.
Suitably dressed to his liking, the elf places the rapier on the black belt, along with the non-guard issued steel dagger and the short sword taken from the interrogator. He considers putting on the armor again, but decides not to for the time being. Time to find out why they bothered to free me I suppose... and whether or not I want any part of it.
Ash remains mostly silent at they are lead through the swamplands, keeping a watchful eye on their rear. Is it all a game? Are the hunters just out of sight, nipping at our heels? Will their ever be an end to this?
As they make their way onto the island and into the church, Ash finally begins to relax a bit. After words are exchanged, he finally speaks. "A thousand thanks for your instrumental part in our liberation, Alandriel. I want revenge against the bastard servants of Hell, but I must say, like Sedelion, I have my doubts as to how I truly fit into all this? But I am willing to wait and hear what the good Cardinal has to say."
Ash accepts the private quarters gratefully, then makes his way to the bath. As he washes away the blood and filth of Branderscar prison. His fingers trace their way across the scars left my the warden's scourge, the flesh only recently closed up. I will have my vengeance...
Looking at himself in the mirror. A bath will do little for what they did to him. A mask perhaps? Full covered clothing? For now. Clothing will have to do. Charon has a plan. Fighting for these Mitrans. He will do it. With as much as a smile his disfigured body can muster. But right now. A bath. Even with all that has happened to him. He is still mortal. His muscles strained from the past day. Warm water will do him good. After that. To face this cardinal. And to exact swift retribution. And send these vile creatures of the land to Charon. So he can feast on them
After his bath. And clothing that covers up most of his body.
"I am ready to meet your cardinal."
He looks around to see if he spots the Hound. A lost but kindred spirit
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-I didn't even know Mitra had 6 arms. Our church back at Ouruva was so poor that we couldn't afford a statue.
Bron takes a long bath and enjoys a bit of relax for once in a long while.
-About this armour... if I want to use it more often, I'd need to remove any sign of it belonging to the guards...
Lost in his thoughts, he almost forgets they are bound to see that Cardinal...
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As for the Hound he is quickly lead into the church and shown into the back rooms. Alandriel accompanies him as they head into the back rooms of the church.
As for your characters, you are given a choice of common or courtier outfits, or for Randu or those faithful to Mitra, priestly robes of Mitra. All your wounds are tended to by the clerics of the church and church servants tend to your needs, making sure you got a full belly. Still the meals are of the rather plain variety. Despite the opulence of the cathedral itself, it appears that they don't overly spoil the residents here with fineries. For those who go to the cleansing room, there is a beautiful pool of water, flawless and temperate and also magical to those who can detect magic. Dirt seems to wash off you and vanish when you bathe in this water and you feel refreshed afterwards.
It is some time before you're called to see the Cardinal. You're given an entire day and night of rest and then half the day to relax and admire the beauty of the temple but eventually you are approached by a church steward and told that the Cardinal is willing to meet with you. You are brought together as a group and lead through the cathedral and into the back rooms behind the main altar.
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You enter a large and well decorated office. A comphy looking fireplace burns in the room heating it to a good tempature. The walls are covered in decorations and symbols of Mitran orgion, items that have long been banned under the the Barcan control of Talongarde. There are also a number of display cases and shelves that also show a number of Mitran relics. The centerpeace of the room is a large desk with a muscular looking man probably in his 40's with brown hair, a brown well trimmed beard and expressive Grey eyes. He is dressed in very ornate Mitran robes, with whites, blues and highlights of gold and a polished holy symbol of Mitra across his chest. The man nonetheless has a friendly face and he gives a welcoming smile as you come into the room. Also in the room is Alandriel in her full angelic form as well as the Hound who looks like his crippling physical injuries have been healed and currently he is wearing a louse fitting tunic and pants and a pair of boots, quite conseratively dressed. Still by the Hound's eyes, the mental and spiritural scars still remain.
The man stands up and gives a respectful bow to the group and says to you, "Welcome to the Twilight Cathedral. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cardinal Earnan MacCathlain, of the Sixth Tier of the Church of Mitra. I am glad that all of you were able to escape safely from that evil place known as Branderscar. Your actions have fulfilled the first part in a grand propecy that has been fortold by Lady Sambethe, the Oracle of Mitra. I know this is much of a surprise to all of you but you are destined to play a part in saving Talongarde from utter destruction."
After giving you a chance his words to sink in he continues, "The remains of house Darius and the Church of Mitra have not turned a blind eye to the suffering of those under the iron fisted rule of the Barcan Kings and the Church of Asmodeus. We did all we could to foster resistance and provide sanctuary to those who escaped across the wall. Unfortunately our numbers were decimated from the Battle of Tamberlyn and the purges that came afterwards. What more, we have been at constant conflict with the monsters of the north and thus lacked the manpower to mount a reclamation while we worked to increase our strength and influence. Now however, events have forced our hand it is time for our exile to come to an end. King Vastenous, High Cardinal Adrastus Thorn as well as others among the dark hierarchy that rule a majority of this island are involved in a conspiracy to bring Talongarde under direct rule from the forces of Hell. Throughout Talongarde on the backs of slave labour and through powerful Arcane and Divine magics, a number of infernal obsidian pillars are being raised. With each one that is built, the infernal powers of Hell grow stronger in Talongarde. The Oracle has warned us that if enough of these pillars are risen, Talongarde will fall into the very depths of Hell. Despite the odds we face we must work together and save Talongarde before all is lost and every soul in this land is claimed by the Great Enemy."
He looks and listens. Before he finally speaks
"All well and good. But how are we suppose to do all that? We barely made it out of that prison? Now you expect us to fight the whole country? "
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Earnan MacCathlain says to Libris Mortis, "We do not expect you to fight an entire war good Aasmiar. What is needed however is heroes willing to quest for ways to aid our forces to victory. We have already secured an alliance with the Dwarves and Frost Elves of the north and are working to ally ourselves with the Naatanuk and the Yutak. Even with their aid however our forces will still be far less than what the Barcans and their allies can bring to the field. To even the odds we will need to foster rebellion, seek allies, find relics of magical power and undermine the forces of the enemy. We must do everything that we can to save Talongarde from the evil that we face. I have already recruited six groups of heroes to provide their aid. If you also agree to aid us, then you shall be the Seventh, the Chronias Company."
"Now that sounds like a promising plan. Glad you Mitrans are not daft when it comes to battle-plans. You have my cooperation." he nods in agreement
The elf sits listening to Earnan politely. Well, they don't dream small, I will grant that. But then, neither do the Barcans from the sound of it.
"With no disrespect meant I must ask two questions. First, even with rebellions and allies, do you honestly believe that this country can be saved at this point? The seeds of corruption have had a long time to gestate." Sedelion's somber expression speaks volumes. "Most of those willing to do anything about this infestation have left, or been slain. My fellow Swallowtails have gone from having two dozen operating cells of five to twenty members down to... well, three remaining cells of about six members, each. Furthermore, the amount of people who are even willing to take our aid has dramatically dropped as well... there have been times we have broken into a place to free their slaves, only to have the slaves try to aid the guards in defense of their masters, and that is sadly more and more common." Sedelion sighs in frustration.
"Which leads me to my second question. If they are trying to bring this place into the hells, would it not be easier to use our allies and resistance forces to take a port city and then flee the country entirely? I hear there are lovely unsettled areas in Varisia and Andoran that we could resettle. While the thought of our old home sinking into the planes is... unsettling... it is no where near as unsettling as the thought of all the remaining good and unaligned souls sinking into that pit with it."
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Earnan MacCathlain says in response to Sedelion, "It is true this land has seen its share of corruption, but the heart and soul of its people has yet to be broken completely. This land is the home of our people and our ancestors. Many have fought and died in the cause of creating a land free from oppression and evil. True the first war was lost but within many people lies the potential for righteousness and a desire to live a life free of Tyranny. I believe there is Hope for the future and by the grace of Mitra and all that is right we shall claim victory. You think that you can escape the hand of Hell just by running away? I believe Alandriel can explain in better terms than I."
Alandriel nods to the Cardinal and says to Sedelion, "Indeed Sedelion, running is not a solution in this case. You think the forces of Hell will be content with just one island? Have you not heard of the Worldwound on the other side of the world? Where the Demons and the corruption of the Abyss bleed into this realm and continually push against the forces of Lastwall? If Talongarde is ripped from the world, it will create a permanent connection to Hell on Golarion, in effect another Worldwound, except this one linking to Hell instead of the Abyss. Talongarde will be a nexus point to allow Hell even further influence in the world. Varisia and Andoran will be among their first targets."
Sedelion's expression grows dark.
"I have not as much faith in the common folk as you seem to, Cardinal... but then, I am not a consecrated religious in my faith or yours, so I guess that is to be expected." Sedelion sighs, seemingly resigning himself to something unpleasant.
"I have a hard time arguing against a second incursion point from the planes into our world. Still, our people would have a better chance fighting such a wound from Andoran than within the hells themselves. Might I suggest having a force in reserves to lead the people to ships somewhere should we fail in stopping this ritual. And yes, that was me agreeing to help stop it... or at least delay it, allowing what few innocents remain time to escape."
A slight smile graces the elf's lips, though it almost looks fatalistic.
"Besides, you might need my aid in securing assistance in the cities... no one can walk them quietly better than I can."
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Earnan MacCathlain says to Sedelion, "Such arrangements will be considered if the war does turn against us. But we of Talongarde have let this evil fester for far too long. It is time that we took the fight to the enemy and bring peace back to this land. We are not alone in our quest, for Mitra has sent his angels to aid us. He shall be with us and shall guide us to victory."
Alandriel says, "I look forward to face these devil worshipers in battle. Until there is a major engagement though I shall mainly be assigned to aid the various adventuring companies and maintain a line of communication. I have the power to travel vast distances in a blink of an eye and disguise myself in alternate forms. I also intend to do my part to spread hope among the people and free those under the oppression of the Barcan regime."
As for the Hound he looks at Alandriel and shrugs saying, "I care not for your cause Angel after I was abandoned to the tortures of these Devil-Worshipers and stripped of my immortality. Still, I shall not stand idly and let the forces of Hell have their way in this world. I shall fight in your war, not for heaven's sake, but to thwart the forces of Hell in their plans and in turn regain my Honor."
"I take it we will be adequately supplied before we venture on our journey, with these brands, it will not be easy to get equipment" he ads, showing his own mark
Turning to the Hound, he grins, as much as he can
"Well said, you and I. I like you more and more. We stick together."
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Earnan MacCathlain nods to Libis and says, "Indeed, those marks will be removed from you. As for gear, while we are not well funded, you will be given a stipend of equipment to aid you on your quest. Allow me to remove those marks now if you would allow me."
With that he goes to each of you and casts a Remove Curse on all of you. The marks vanish from your skin when he does so. You now all are free of the brands that could be used to track you.
Libris looks at where the brand use to be
"Good riddance, now i don't feel as dirty as before. Kinda... free."
He nods a thanks to Earnan
"Good to hear. I do not wish to sully my hands with the equipment of those... well. Let's not sully the ears of our pretty lady friend"
-I... I thank you. All of this has given me... purpose. Count on me to help the good hearts in Talingarde for salvation.
"I thank you, that should make it a bit easier to sit. Still, we will have to be careful. Once they realize they can't track us they will probably post bounties on our heads at places they think us likely to escape to. Obviously not explicitly saying something as inconceivable as 'Wanted for murder of Branderscar Prison warden & escape from same,' lest they appear weak... but something that will have the lackeys looking to earn a pat on the head, or the local watchmen and guards for that matter, know our faces and be on the lookout for them."
Alandriel says to Randu, "I am but a humble servant to the Divine Mitra. He has not turned a blind eye to the suffering of this land and now more than ever his light is needed to drive away the darkness. But all will be explained Brother Randu, but first let those who tend to this church see to your recovery. There is much that you must know, but it shall be revealed in good time."
He nods humbly, and realizes patience is a virtue that he must indeed indulge in at this time.
Brother Tibolt says to Randu, "It is good to see another brother of the faith in these lands. I shall do all I can to show you the hospitality that Mitra's servants have to offer."
"Knowing that others hold fast in the faith is more cherished to me than any luxury could be," Randu states.
....Lead to the individual room, the priest is grateful for the bath, but his first action is give a prayer of thanks to the mighty three fold god that cares for them all. He washes and cleans after, finding the priestly robes that are suited to meet one of high eclesastical rank.
The man stands up and gives a respectful bow to the group and says to you, "Welcome to the Twilight Cathedral. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cardinal Earnan MacCathlain, of the Sixth Tier of the Church of Mitra. I am glad that all of you were able to escape safely from that evil place known as Branderscar. Your actions have fulfilled the first part in a grand propecy that has been fortold by Lady Sambethe, the Oracle of Mitra. I know this is much of a surprise to all of you but you are destined to play a part in saving Talongarde from utter destruction."
Brother Randu genuflects in the manner ordained, fearing his etituquete a bit rusty after all this time. Never before has he met one of his superiors so far up the hierachy.
"In faith and trust, I serve," He intones and hears the man out.He listens intently to the talk of the black pillars, and the plans of multple teams each working to a goal.
When the brands are removed, he smiles, "Praise Mitra, and many thanks to you also. You speak of alliances, my mentor and I had signals, watchwords to use among the faithful. Is there any such thing still in practice that we might know our allies without endangering them too lightly??"
Ash had picked out rather simple, earth toned garments from the steward who was assisting him. He preferred to remain inconspicuous, that had always been his way, and now he was a wanted man. Gathering in the chamber, Ash listens as Sedelion and the others exchange words with the Cardinal. "I am sorry, Sedelion, but I am one of those common folk, born of the poverty and suffering inflicted the Barcan regime. I have lived my whole live among the poor, the sick, the downtrodden, and I can tell you, there is a fire that burns within them all. For many, it is dull, fueled just enough to keep it at a flicker. But with the right care, it could burst into a raging conflagration, it need only the correct tinder to start it. Something like... a legend... of six oppressed men... escaping the inescapable Branderscar."
Thinking for a moment, "Perhaps it is time that our story made it to the winds... It goes without saying, as I have long lived outside the law, but you have my skills, what they may be, for the cause." He nods to the Cardinal and the Angel.
"By the way, any chance someone has seen a scraggly, black cat sneaking around these parts?"
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Earnan MacCathlain looks to Randu and says, "There is some code words and signals we use to keep our order from the prying eyes of the Asmodians while informing our allies of our affiliation. But now is not the time."
He looks back to the group and says, "First of all, as you have agreed to help me, there is one final test I wish to perform before I send you on this very important mission. Below this temple is a series of chambers that have been set up to test those wishing to enter our organization as well as root out possible infiltrators. While I do not believe any of you are spies of the Asmodians, I feel that this test will allow you to home your skills, teach you important lessons and help you work well as a team. There is seven chambers in all, one for each layer of the Seven Heavens. Each room will teach you a lesson of righteousness. The tests will challenge the Body, Mind and Spirit and there will be dangers to be faced. There will be combat involved so I would advise being armed and prepared for the journey. Speaking of which, I have arranged for each of you to have a stipend of 1000 Gold pieces each. This shall be delivered to your personal chests. If you have a request for equipment, put it forth and pay the equivalent funds and the stewards of the church will arrange for such items to be delivered. I would not advise leaving the cathedral though as all of you are wanted individuals and with your knowledge of this place, your capture could endanger us all. Is this acceptable to everyone?"
A brief look of frustration comes over the elf's face, but he suppresses it quickly. "Normally I would say that escaping from an inescapable prison having been provided with naught but a high quality lockpicking set, three daggers, magical portal disruption dust, and some clothes would be enough of an audition trial. To be fair, though, we did have several moments of disagreement, and some team cohesion exercises might be in order. I take it that we will not be required to surrender what spoils we took from the prison unless we want to, correct?"
Libris grins
"I accept your offer. And I will have a list of items needed ready soon"
"By the way, any chance someone has seen a scraggly, black cat sneaking around these parts?"
"Not I, sorry."
Is this acceptable to everyone?"
"After what we've endured together, these fine men have nothing to prove to me, but I certainly see the benefits of training and, speaking for myself, I would be happy to undergo what ever will set the mind of those here at ease."
Sedelion nods, thoughtfully.
"I should be able to get you a list shortly. I will understand if some of the items take a bit more time to acquire than others. Do not worry, if they have not arrived before the test commences I should have suitable stand ins from what we have been working with to date, if you can stomach the fact that they still bear the Barcan marks." The elf smiles apologetically. I hope they can get their hands on a decent set of armor for me. And, for that matter, a supplier of cold iron. If not I might be wearing offensive gear for quite some time...
Turning to Ash, Sedelion shakes his head. "I am afraid I have not... though I thought I heard one of the guards mention taking pot shots at one to pass a watch while we were chained. I could be mistaken... and he didn't seem to know if he had hit it or not, if that is any consolation."
After a few moments with a quill and parchment, Sedelion produces a list of goods. A tad pricey, but it should give me an edge against the long odds. The elf sighs to himself, clearly not sure how he got roped into this whole affair. As the attendant arrives, he hands him the list with a smile.