Laine doesn't like to leave his weapons, but he has to trust them, since the others also leave their weapons. As they walk around town Laine puts down a few sketches of the buildings into his book.
Laine is intrigued by the runes appearing on the stone and walks over to also touch it.
Jacob and Laine, when they touch the stone, also get the seemingly 'normal' response of blue runes slightly glowing brighter.
Well that was anti-climatic. She did keep an eye out to see how the locals were dressed, if weapons were obvious on anyone, even small knives.
Dawn returns to the LAV and re-equips her weapons.
Once cleared to enter the city Daniel asks Jacob With your ok I'd like to check up on Calia. I worry that that other Bisharan Guardian might wake up first and try to restart the fight.
Debbs tries to ask the locals (with the help of their interpreters) if anyone has gotten a reaction from the stone like her own.
I wonder what it was that the stone reacted to? Was it that I asked God for help? Does it sense my faith?
"See? No demons here," Scott spreads out his arms and asks one of the locals. "But may I ask what this glowing was and why it was different for some if us?"
"I was just about to ask the same question Scott, I got curious aswell as to how the stone works."
Things get confusing, since the group has to go in two groups with Dawn Laine, and Scott going in a second group. So the opportunity to ask questions doesn't occur until the group reassembles in front of the main gate.
The man in armor speaks finally. "Alright, they don't appear to be sorcerers. Not sure if that's because the army didn't send any out here, or there aren't any. For now, they're provisionally allowed to enter the town, and if they want to make appointments to talk to someone about stuff, they can. We're pretty far from the Sardath, so there's nobody here that can build them a ferry or bridge or anything, but they may be able to find out who to talk to." He tells Brona.
Brona then translates. "He says you allowed in town, but be watched like drakon-hawk. You allowed talk with people if get ok ahead of time. Too far from Sardath for anyone here build bridge or boat, but can find out where go who talk to maybe."
Brona asks about the stone glows and differences, but the man in armor shrugs. "Hell if I know, I'm not a priest. You want to know, ask a priest." Brona then translates this as "He say not know, ask priest."
Daniel considers and then adds I think I will, after checking on Calia.
Debbs turns to Daniel. "I think I will join you. These priests might also give us some insight into the nature of magic in this place." She then turns to Brona:
"Pardon me, Brona. These priests that were mentioned. Could you ask the man in armor where we might find them? We are curious about the orb and other things that fall under their ... um sphere."
Brona looks at Debbs. "I believe priests be in shrine, where stone was?" She sounds very uncertain, as if she may have misunderstood Debb's question with her limited knowledge of English.
"Thank you, Brona. We'll look for them there."
Debbs then heads back into the shrine (presumably) with Daniel Rainwater in tow to see if she can track down a priest.
Umm, shouldn't we be treating this as a not-friendly village and exercise some safety precautions? May not be a good idea to be wandering around in one's and two's.
Brona looks at Jacob, and points out of the gate. "Sardath that way, day or so drive by Ell Aye Vee. Have to find big town there." She doesn't ask the man in armor for that information. Then she looks thoughtful, and asks the man something. When done, she translates. "This city of Sworvarn, best city find ship be Langathra. Go north, find Sardath, drive east to ocean. Stop at ocean, no drive into ocean."
"We can divide into two teams. One will go to the priest, the other will search for transportation," suggests Scott and the remembers one tiny detail. "But we don't know the language good enough, so there's not much point in doing that."
On asking around, they find that she was taken, along with the other Ni'Bisharan, to the Healer's Lodge, a long building on the eastern side of the town. As the group walks through the city streets, they draw attention from the locals, who stare. Small children point and either laugh or run away. Nobody seems overtly hostile, apparently the Goddess's 'not an evil demon spawn' is good enough for most folks here, especially when combined with 'kicking the stuffing out of the Empire' is tossed in.
Entering the healing lodge, and asking, they are directed to the far end of the building, to the Ni'Bisharan ward. Entering, they find that the ward is small, only six beds, and three of them are populated. In addition to Calia and the woman in the blue robes, there's a third Ni'Bisharan, a woman with a near katana like sword and pixie nose sits up in her bed, wearing black clothes with one arm in a sling.
She's eating stew from a bowl.
When the group enters, the unknown Ni'Bisharan looks up, one dark eyebrow arches, but she doesn't say anything. The woman in the blue robes is laying on her bed, her voice raised but not yelling as she says something in a hissing growling language to Calia. Calia responds, mildly heatedly, and the two go back and forth, either ignoring the group or too much into their argument to notice them.
"I assume you're here for Calia or Calsa? They are too stupid to stop arguing to acknowledge you. One or the other will pass out shortly and you can talk to the other." The dark haired woman in black says in crisp Imperial. She takes an drink from an earthen glass. When she does so, a drop falls to the wooden table she's eating from, and the wood burns as strong acid eats into it. Judging from the stains on the wood, this is a common occurance.
The group that returns tot he shrine finds that it's no longer been cleared of people, and there's scattered people. As the group walks through the city streets, they draw attention from the locals, who stare. Small children point and either laugh or run away. Nobody seems overtly hostile, apparently the Goddess's 'not an evil demon spawn' is good enough for most folks here, especially when combined with 'kicking the stuffing out of the Empire' is tossed in.
Upon entering the shrine, people pause in their activities to look, curious what the outlanders want in the shrine. One of the priests steps close to them, and asks in Imperial. "Welcome to the shrine of Melseira, what injustice has brought you to the Fount of Retribution?" As she steps closer, the distinctive 'ching' sound with each step indicates the priestess is wearing armor under her robes, and her staff looks to be a serviceable weapon in it's own right.
The man in armor gives the group a general idea of the Merchant's Quarter, and that they might ask there about ferries or barges.
As the group walks through the city streets, they draw attention from the locals, who stare. Small children point and either laugh or run away. Nobody seems overtly hostile, apparently the Goddess's 'not an evil demon spawn' is good enough for most folks here, especially when combined with 'kicking the stuffing out of the Empire' is tossed in.
The merchant quarter is filled with shops and small squares with carts full of products. People are shopping, carrying packages, and hawking their goods.
The smells of local cuisine fill the air from food carts set up around the area.
Debbs will bow (or whatever gesture of honorable greeting she has seen the locals perform), and keep at least 10 feet between her and the armored lady. Since she doesn't speak the language, she speaks through the interpreter her group brought, translated into a broken pidgin.
"Pardon. Stone ball in hall glow red. What mean?"
On asking around, they find that she was taken, along with the other Ni'Bisharan, to the Healer's Lodge, a long building on the eastern side of the town. As the group walks through the city streets, they draw attention from the locals, who stare. Small children point and either laugh or run away. Nobody seems overtly hostile, apparently the Goddess's 'not an evil demon spawn' is good enough for most folks here, especially when combined with 'kicking the stuffing out of the Empire' is tossed in.
Entering the healing lodge, and asking, they are directed to the far end of the building, to the Ni'Bisharan ward. Entering, they find that the ward is small, only six beds, and three of them are populated. In addition to Calia and the woman in the blue robes, there's a third Ni'Bisharan, a woman with a near katana like sword and pixie nose sits up in her bed, wearing black clothes with one arm in a sling.
She's eating stew from a bowl.When the group enters, the unknown Ni'Bisharan looks up, one dark eyebrow arches, but she doesn't say anything. The woman in the blue robes is laying on her bed, her voice raised but not yelling as she says something in a hissing growling language to Calia. Calia responds, mildly heatedly, and the two go back and forth, either ignoring the group or too much into their argument to notice them.
"I assume you're here for Calia or Calsa? They are too stupid to stop arguing to acknowledge you. One or the other will pass out shortly and you can talk to the other." The dark haired woman in black says in crisp Imperial. She takes an drink from an earthen glass. When she does so, a drop falls to the wooden table she's eating from, and the wood burns as strong acid eats into it. Judging from the stains on the wood, this is a common occurance.
Calia. Daniel confirms. She is part of our team and I was worried about her. Seemingly content to wait Daniel move closer the ark haired woman in black and asks Please forgive my ignorance. I am new to your world, but would learn more if I can. Why do the two of them fight?
The woman drinks another swallow of acid while she looks at Daniel, thoughtful. Finally she speaks. "Daddy Issues. It's not uncommon with sisters."
Dawn had gone to check on Calia as well.
Sisters?!
The pixie faced woman laughs. "Yes, it is unusual, Ni'Bisharan rarely have full sisters, or even half sisters."
Both of the other women have stopped arguing, and are now glaring at the pixie faced woman. The blue robed woman says something in Low Bisharan, and makes a motion with her finger over her throat. Calia spits on the floor, and says a few things as well in the same language, before making a motion at the pixie faced woman as if she were shoving a dagger in and twisting it.
Either just noticing the group, or having decided the argument is over, or at least paused, Calia addresses the Earthlings. "Apologies, I saw a diseased cow I needed to kill. Unfortunately, I failed."
The pixie girl raises an eyebrow at hearing English come from Calia's mouth, and begins speaking in a Low Bisharan, her eyes glowing as she speaks. Finally, she speaks again, and in passable English. "It is rude to speak in a language your Sisters do not understand, Calia. Do not make me speak to the Council on this."
Calia glares, but says nothing in response.
Laine walks around the merchant area looking at what the different stores trades with to get an idea of what is important amoung the citizens of this town.
Laine sees Clothing for sale, armor for sale, weapons, house hold goods (plates, cups, forks, knives), furniture, food (uncooked), food (dry goods), food (cooked), jewelry, book shops, herbal shops (or medicine shops, he's not sure which), candles, toys, sewing supplies, and what looks like soap (or trail rations, he's not sure which).
Scott also asks about other reactions. "Was also blue and green. Others possible?"
Brona, realizing that the Shrine group has no one that speaks local dialect, goes along with them.
She translates for the priest, who then responds at length. Then Brona turns to Scott and Debbs. "Priestess Alahona say that red mean goddess angry, she angry follower of other god touch stone. Not angry enough to kill, but would not touch again if life not depend on it." She nods at Debbs. Then focuses on Scott. "She say Blue mean person touch not anything special, and not sorcerer. Green mean person touch it have Magic or Magic device on them, but not dangerous one."
Debbs is a bit confused and absentmindedly scratches her ear. "Thank you for translating, Brona. So do they worship the stone itself, or is it merely a holy object? Also, do they meet in groups to worship? If so, I would be honored to attend should that be possible and cool with the priestess."
God is god after all, but the addition of magic, whatever it is, makes things a lot more interesting.
Dawn laughed, sibling rivalry Calia? I don't suppose you could put that on hold until we complete our mission?
Dawn holds a hand out towards pixie girl, PFC Dawn Svenssen, so you can speak our language now? How?
"It is not 'sibling rivalry', Private First Class Dawn Svenssen. It is a blood debt." Calia says firmly. "May I introduce you to Journeywoman Calea, with whom I unfortunately share a mother and progenitor." She waves toward the woman she fought. "And may I also introduce you to Mistress Alsaria." She comes down hard on the woman's title and name while introducing her.
Alsaria stares at Dawn's hand for a moment, as if examining a fish that just landed on her bed and flopped around. Then Calia mimes shaking hands with both of hers, and Alsaria raises an eyebrow. She reaches out with her good hand and firmly shakes Dawn's hand. The woman's hand is calloused from hard work, and her grip strong enough that she could probably crack a brick if put to it. "As stated, I am Mistress Alsaria of the Bisharan Guardians. Is it Pee Eff See Dawn Svenssen, or Private First Class Dawn Svenssen? Is Pee Eff See a patronymic? As to how I speak your language, I do not. Nor do you speak mine. In fact, if you concentrate, you'll realize you are not speaking any language you know. It's a rather simple spell that forces everyone in the area to speak a common language. I find it faster than learning 'ookie ookie' with people who speak outlander tongues."
"Huh, that's interesting." Few more scribbles in the notebook, after which Scott asks Brona to translate. "Was the stone um... enchanted by the priests? Or was it given to them by their god? Also, if a person gets blue reaction, does that mean he can't use magic?"
Hm... I don't think any one of us have any magic items. So, this magic is indeed magic? That is, if what the priest tells is true... It'd be great if we could test more people and then receive some basic training in wizardry she described at the briefing. Maybe find a willing wizard?
Brona speaks to the priestess again, and the priestess speaks back, then Brona, then the priestess, then back again, and finally the priestess speaks some more.
Brona finally, after about 10 minutes of going back and forth turns to Scott and Debbs and rubs her forehead. "Not have right words, in own language, not have even more English. Priestess say Debbs can go service, but cannot promise Debbs not end up dead if do so. Is outsider goddess no like, so goddess may inspire death in Debbs." She tilts her head. "Must remember, Melseira goddess of Retribution and Vengeance. Debbs is Worshipper of one of the Three, Father. Followers of The Three torture followers of other gods, force renounce god, then kill to 'save soul'. Other gods no like followers of The Three, and Goddess of Vengeance and Retribution sort of sworn to kill Followers of Three, is part of job. Debb have safety because Bisharan Guardian give protection, otherwise Priestess cut out Debbs heart right now."
She finally gets around to Scott's questions. "Priestess say priests make stone and bless it, Goddess give it power. Is gift of Goddess given into stone they make. Blue just mean Goddess no care about them one way or the other, and was not using magic when touch. Wizard could touch and be blue if Wizard not wearing magic or using magic."
"Ah, she just doesn't care. I guess I should be relieved," smiles Scott. Does she mean Christianity from around Middle Ages?
"Christians don't kill people now if they believe in different god. They do promise the eternity in hell, though, if I remember correctly," he jokes. "What about local gods? What do they think about the followers of other gods?"
Debbs' eyes go wide at the mention of cutting her heart out.
She shakes her head vigorously. "No, no, no, my religion doesn't do that. Well, at least not anymore. Wait, you spoke of the Three, Brona. Are there followers of the Three in your world?"
Brona nods. "Empire worships The Three, those who do not are tortured until they do, then killed." To Scott, she replies. "I not know, not religious. Just go Church, Mass, say words, avoid being tortured. Not know how gods think. Not sure gods know how other gods think."
What?!? How could Christian worship have infiltrated into this world?
"Brona, what are the names of the three? And what do you do in mass?"
"Father, Son, and Flame." She says promptly. "Sing, drink wine, eat bread, pray."
That does sound a lot like a Christian service, hmmm.
Genie pulls out the crucifix she keeps on a silver chain necklace under her uniform and holds it up to Brona.
"Brona, is this the symbol of Father, Son, and Flame?"
Brona nods, and the priestess hisses, and spits out something.
"She say if want to insult, she can call on goddess for lightning." Brona says, backing away from the priestess. "Think we should go now." And with that the tall woman bows to the priestess, saying something before turning and walking out of the shrine.
Debbs repeats Brona's bow, and holds up her hands in what she believes is a gesture of apology.
She mumbles "Cabbage!" to the priestess in the local language, having misunderstood something that Brona said earlier and backs out of the temple.
"I'll have to talk to Calia about this. She might know more about how Christianity was transplanted here."
That's a handy ability. Does it work on animals?
Dawn looks between Calia and Calea. Calia, Calea... not related?
So who owes whom?
Alsaria laughs, a sound a bit like glass falling down stairs, lots of tinkling with a bit of shattering here and there. "What would animals have to say? MM, good mice there. That snake I ate last week was gamey." She seems genuinely amused by the thought of speaking to animals.
Calea frowns at Dawn. "Did you not hear her, outland sorcerer? We share the same mother and progenitor. We are sisters, it is not sibling rivalry. The blood debt is none of your business, foolish woman."
Calia waves a hand. "It is personal." Is all she says.
Alsaria frowns. "It affects those you have sworn to protect, both of you." She turns to Dawn. "It is difficult for humans to bear Ni'Bisharan. Most human females never bear more than one, and it is not uncommon for a woman to die carrying her first. Calea is the oldest of the three full sisters, and Calia the youngest. The mother died in childbirth, and the eldest declared a blood debt against the youngest for costing their mother's life. I believe she has tried to collect the blood debt..." She looks thoughful. "At least 12 times that I know of. And the younger 12 times as well, to end it with death. Thus far, neither has managed to do enough damage to kill the other before the duel ends. I believe the current win count is 8 to Calea, and 7 to Calia, with the other 9 draws."
Both Calea and Calia glare at Alsaria and do not respond.
Ah yes, the sins of the parent are owed by the child. Our people used to believe this. Then we grew up. How can a child be responsible for decisions it did not make?
Dawn gives the two sisters a pitying and condescending look, for all your power, strutting like great un-blooded warrior chiefs.
Dawn turns to Alsaria, so, what got you? Dawn nods to her broken arm, turning her attention from the two sisters.
Calea frowns. "If you wish to insult me, Demon-spawn, I will be happy to spill your blood any time you wish. Just have your second specify the time and place. I'll even meet you before I am recovered from my injuries, if it helps your cowardice accept."
Calia as well frowns. "I owe you a life debt, Private First Class Dawn Svenssen. If you wish to be undone from that debt, please continue to insult me."
Alsaria grins. "Oh my, you outlanders are amusing, I may have to heal my arm instead of letting it heal naturally so I can go explore your fortifications sooner. Or at least spectate your duel with one of the sisters. It will be interesting to see how powerful the outlanders are, and if they can kill a Journeyman." She seems sincerely entertained and looking forward to a bloody death ending duel. Looking at her arm, she waves a hand negligently. "My own overconfidence, there was a rogue Land Drakon that was attacking nearby farms that came down out of the mountains a week or so ago. I didn't pay enough attention while dispatching it, and it trampled my arm. I'm letting it heal naturally so I remember not to be so cavalier when approaching opponents I think are too weak to hurt me."
"Hmm seems they mostly trade in what they need mostly to survive, that is good to know if we come across stuff like that." Laine walks around a little lost in thought as he starts heading for the healer's hall to see what the others are up to.
"I'll have to talk to Calia about this. She might know more about how Christianity was transplanted here."
"Let's go find her then."