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Brother B moves forward.
I just want to make certain I'm reading your hints correctly.
Also, do I have any idea about where or what Vox is?
He moves forward to walk stride for stride with LadySilverMask.
Non-challant, like he belongs almost in front of this procession, but he gives that careful and measured amount of respect to her, while his actions demand an equal amount of respect in return.
Revered Mask, do you think we can find some time to *debrief*. I'd love to share information with you some of the exotic wines I've found throughout Lake Encarthan.
Obviously, that'd be after explaining my travels with Vision Falluk.
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Fearless rubs his hand across his face in shame as all he can do is listen to Brother Butterfly flirt. "Gods...I hope he has a safe word. We may not make it back in an hour."
I cannot confirm nor deny your suspicions. Good things to keep in mind though!
Regarding Vox, not sure where that is referenced. It isn’t familiar to me.
”No time to delay.” The woman says. ”If we hurry we will just catch the end of his sermon.”
The woman leads “Jasper” and the lunatics away from the docks and deeper into the city. Winding through streets, the group hears their destination before seeing it. Organ music blows long notes accompanied by a chorus of voices singing praise to Razmiran. The music grows louder as the Watchmen approach a temple off one of Xer’s Main streets. Guards at the door stand a little taller as your group passes by and enters the structure.
A vaulted ceiling enhances the acoustics of the temple and seems to focus one powerful voice above all others - a golden masked priest at the altar sways to the music, his rich voice singing in praise to the Allmighty Razmiran.
“Come to the temple.. His kingdom was foretold!
Come to the temple.. His light, the light of all souls!
Come to the temple.. all my brothers and sisters!”
“Repent for your weaknesses.
Repent for your greed.
Repent for your pride.
Repent and be saved!”
“Come to the temple.. His kingdom was foretold!
Come to the temple.. His light, the light of all souls!
Come to the temple.. all my brothers and sisters!”
“Razmiran is not a mystic mystery,
Nor is Razmiran a myth or fantasy!
Razmiran is the divine.
Razmiran is the truth!”
Will (+1 more if evil)
Cats looks and listens and is pretty sure this is all quackery.
Catterfly, what have you gotten us into?
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Fascinated effect. +2 more for compulsion effects.
Brother looks at the effects on the masses. He tsk's at the others that are lulled into such weak minded fascination.
He looks at his companions and tries to break the hold that this has on any of his companions.
Religion Check
Brother also looks at the proceedings, trying to better understand the soup pot water he has found himself in.
I forgot how powerful Vision Falluk's voice is. He is a force of nature with just his physical presence.
Fearless stands quietly as he begins to sway slowly, like the lunatic he is. A small bit of drool begins to lower from his lip. Though it is difficult to tell exactly what is happening to him as Brother Butterfly's ramblings also seem to put him in this similar catatonic state.
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"Looks like you used to be a part of this Brother. Flies wide shut."
The musical sermon continues for another ten minutes. Vision Falluk works the crowd with skill and ease, bringing them to ecstasy like a lover, then backing off and changing direction and theme. Never does he quite give the congregation the satisfaction of being perfect in the eyes of Razmiran. Always is there another sin to fight, another sacrifice to make, another step to glory.
At one point a tithing bowl appears as if summoned by magic, and perhaps it was, for it floats among the people without porters to carry it.
”Give up your greed, my brothers and sisters. Give it up to the all powerful, all mighty, all wise, great and holy god Razmiran!”
****
The sermon soon wraps up soon after the tithing bowl slips away into a side room, and Vision Falluk dismisses the faithful with promises to pray for their souls and whisper their names in Razmiran’s presence.
As the parishioners disburse, the woman leads Brother Butterfly through the crowd. Falluk waits patiently, a small group of muscled acolytes carrying candles and incense in their hands, and maxes in their belts.
”Well well well.” Falluk‘s mask gazes upon Brother Butterfly. ”Razmiran be praised for your safe return, Brother Jasper.” The mask turns slightly, passing across the other Watchmen. ”And are these river pirates seeking the cure to scurvy, or holy petitioners come to pray upon the holy steps?”
Cats crosses his arms and looks at Brother, wondering how the bigger shavier man was going to introduce the party. He rocks on his heels while waiting.
This place is catting crazy. I wonder if the cats wear masks too? His head moves from side to side to see if any of the animals also wear masks because that would be damn cute.
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Jasper bends down low in great reverence.
He speaks as truthfully as possible, but not trying to specifically give praise and honor to another deity. His devotion IS to Desna.
Honorable Vision Falluk.
Razmiran has found me a safe harbor amongst storms and nightmares.
Pointing to Fearless and Cats, he continues.
They are neither. Two of them are lunatics from Briarstone Asylum. The other is the Captain of the Sullen Starling, a skilled seaman whom has adeptly navigated the Encartan for my - hired- benefit.
There are two others that I am driven to seek.
Brother hands over two of the Patient files. These are for patients that had disappeared during the New Chapel fight, and whom I expect were sacrificed, but I have not fully verified are dead. A lot of patients fled, some were captured. BB thinks some could have escaped.
Diplomacy to gain the confidence of Vision Falluk.
The Mariner too appears to be on the lookout for any goatheads and tunic-only acolytes.
Fearless, ready to make it rain instead remains the stingy halfling, holds on tight to his money. In the back of his mind he didn't trust any religious nut.
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Cats crosses his arms like a loon might, probably imitating wherever Brother has his arms.
”I ain’t no catting loon. I’m catting normal,” Cats says, noting that something ain’t right, but unable to figure it out.
”There is a special place in Razmiran’s heart for those cursed with madness.” Falluk intones, making a gesture of reverence to his god. ”Have you brought these unfortunate souls here to be cured by his grace? And what of the other two? What part of His plan do they serve?”
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Only The Great Razmiran knows the pieces of the puzzle and how they fit with one another. Many a puzzle are worked and a piece is thought to fit - only to discover later along in the bigger picture's construction that the piece fit correctly in a different place.
Razmiran be praised in His temple.
But, I think those that I have brought here today will find The all powerful, all mighty, and all wise Razmiran and this city to be awe inspiring and will change their perspective on things.
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Fearless decides to play up his role as he waves his hands wildly in teh air. "The great Raz-a-mah-taz-iran." He takes a step to the side as Fearless fully expects Brother Butterfly to be smited and is pleasantly surprised when it does not happen, proving to him once again that the gods don't exist and everyone is a charlatan.
Looking around he notices a cleansing bowl. "Cats? You thirsty?" he then looks at Brother Butterfly. "I know this one is."
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”Nah, I’m cat,” Cats replies to Fearless, still wondering how anyone can think he is the crazy one. ”I’m normal. Catting normal or my name isn’t Cats. C-A-T, that spells ‘normal’ because that’s what I am,” he explains with certainty.
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Jasper lets the two talk their way into proving his point.
He doesn't want to say anything else jut yet. He wants to read the others body language more and signal for an opportunity to "slip away from such a dangerous person that he can't remember a thing about.
Brother does give a bit of body language himself. Spreading his arms apart a bit, quasi pointing at the two crazies and giving the "see what I mean" look.
"...The other is the Captain of the Sullen Starling, a skilled seaman whom has adeptly navigated the Encartan for my - hired- benefit."
"I put the poop in poopdeck." The Mariner thumbs to himself and pretends to look on wearily, although silently sizing up the minions should this turns into a hazing.
I think those that I have brought here today will find The all powerful, all mighty, and all wise Razmiran and this city to be awe inspiring and will change their perspective on things.
”Yes, I’m sure they will.” Brother Butterfly senses a smile behind the mask. ”My acolytes will secure these two for now. I would invite you to dinner this evening. Mask Seleen here will join us.” He gestures to the woman. ”I know you two would like to catch up, so I leave you in her capable hands.”
At Falluk’s command the armed men begin to herd Fearless and Cats away. Seleen slips a hand behind Brother Butterfly’s arm and gently pulls him in a different direction.
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Captain - you are free to purchase supplies for your ship and give your crew shore leave for a good 24 or 48 hours before you push off to your other ports o'call.
Brother wants to say more, like you have been a good traveling companion and I don't want your head served on the same plate that mine is certainly being primed for. Or to give better hints to Cats and Fearless on how long he'll need to sort things out.
Invite you to dinner.
Yeah right, this guy is going to MAKE ME the dinner when he finds out about my devotion to Desna.
Brother looks for an opportunity to see when he can ask about reclaiming his mask and robes with Seleen. He'd love to get a better idea of his former "position" or level within the Razmiran clergy so he can be better prepared for tonight's dinner.
Fearless swats the hands away. "I can walk on my own. where are we going?" He looks up at the masked men. "You taking me to my room in the Palace?" He says jokingly, glaring back at Brother Butterfly.
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Cats goes along quietly, wondering if Brother was going to score a second time in as many weeks.
”Catless, that guy is a legend. A catting legend. He must have women in every harbor around this lake. A true ladycatter, he is,” Cats whispers to Fearless with awe and admiration.
”Catless, that guy is a legend. A catting legend. He must have women in every harbor around this lake. A true ladycatter, he is,”
"But how!?" Fearless guffaws. "I mean look at him..." Fearless taps one of the guards. "What do you think? Everywhere we go that guy finds a girl." Seeing the silent guard scowl Fearless smiles. "May as well talk or this is going to be a long walk."
"But how!?" Fearless guffaws.
”I know, right? It’s catting, unbelievable,” Cats agrees. ”It’s like that book we saw in Iris Hill, Lady Catterlies Lover. Did you see it? Except in our version, everyone seems attracted to round bald things, like coconuts and ripe melons.”
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Fearless shudders as he recalls walking in on Brother Butterfly's bare ass mid-go. "Trust me I saw more of Iris Hill than you would believe. It would give you nightmares the amount of baldness I saw."
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Brother Butterfly smiles. He twists his mustache as he knows that the others are talking about him. They are fretting for their own mortal lives, and knowing that he will always land on his feet.
He even feels safe enough to verbalize it so Seleen can hear, but he spins it in a way to still be about his "ruse".
Poor saps. Those two can't possibly have the joys in life that *I* have. You know, because of the way their brains are all screwed up.
but he does actually wonder-- What exactly are they saying about him?
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Staring at Seleen, he understands why his "pre-memory" self forsook the clergy of Razmiran. With low flowing robes AND masks over the face, it was impossible to properly check out the female clerics.
That still doesn't stop BB from filling in the blanks.
Jasper has an almost wicked smile as he looks at Seleen's ankles and twists his mustache as his imagination fills in the watercolors of the painting inside his head.
Brother Butterfly accompanies Seleen to a guarded rectory adjacent to the temple. The guards remain below as they ascend to private quarters above, far from prying eyes.
”Six years is a long time.” She says as she begins to unravel the knot tying her cloak. ”I was beginning to think you might never return. Leaving so shortly after Falluk’s miracle of resurrection, one might think your previous rivalry had led to your banishment upon his rise to Vision.”
Her cloak comes free and she hangs it in a wardrobe. Dark wavy hair spills down her back. She then begins working on a class holding her mask in place. ”Now I think he may have sent you on a mission.”
****
Fearless, Cats, and the Mariner are escorted from the temple to a building behind meant to serve acolytes administering to clerical duties and house visitors. They are brought to a chamber with narrow glass windows, looking out at ground level upon a walkway winding through a walled garden. The guards post up at the door, and a short while later an aacolyte arrives bearing water, bread, and dried fruit on a fine silver platter.
”Is there anything else we can get for you?” The acolyte asks, looking you over nervously, eyes noting the weapons you still carry.
"Food is good. I'll get cat that right up," Cats goes over to the meal, like a moth to flame. He will begin to eat and wait. "Catless, how long does it usually take Catterfly to get his business done? 5? 10 minutes?"
"You've seen him work, right?" Cats tears off a piece of bread and digs into it. "Does he work the back of a woman's knee? That's a good spot, right? And does he have any knuckles involved? I like to finish with a countercatwise twist, myself."
Fearless shudders and chokes on a piece of bread. "Didn't stay around long enough to see the paint dry."
”Is there anything else we can get for you?”
"Why you so nervous boy?" Fearless taps the tray of bread and fruit. "How about some lobster tail, mutton, Poe-tay-toes!"
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Brother Butterfly is sort of winging it, but gathering more and more information with this conversation. There is truth in both your theories.
But, enough about things that keep you from me.
Brother gets down to business.
He also looks to get a clean bath and shave. Oh, he needs to get a proper shave going on.
At some appropriate time he throws out this comment...
So... what are my chances of surviving this return trip to this beautiful city?
Seleen presses a hand against Brother Butterfly, keeping him at bay. ”Not so fast.” She removes the mask, revealing a playful smile. She is not beautiful, but nor is she ugly. Her nose is long, her hair disheveled from where the mask pressed it to her skin. An old scar cuts across her jaw. ”There will be time. Dinner isn’t for hours yet, and I’m sure you will survive that long. Let’s have a drink. Do you still favor reds?”
Moving to a sideboard she gestures at a set of decanters and crystal glasses.
Seleen seems a little uncomfortable, as if uncertain if she is being tested or toyed with somehow. It’s almost as if she doesn’t know who in the room has more power.
***
The acolyte stands straight, assuming a stoic face as Cats and Fearless take food from his platter. ”I apologize. You are unusual guests within these walls. If this food is lacking I will pass on your requests. Is there anything else?” He places the tray in a table and makes to leave.
The acolyte seems worried by all of your weapons.
Sense Motive
Cats looks the acolyte up and down, then smiles easily. He doesn't want to intimidate anyone, nor make them feel worse about themselves. That's not how the new Cats is. He wants everyone to be happy and find their path towards redemption.
"Nah...we're good, this is all lovely," Cats says. "If you can get us some better food to cat, that'd be great. But we're all cat, thank you."
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Despite the Mariner being excused by Brother, he casually follows the thuggees to the back house. He looks out for anything yellow as he follows behind the acolytes, being still quite leery of the Yellow King. Is that p!$$ I smell?...
He cracks a hunk of fresh bread and dips it in wine before shoving it down almost irreverently. "Who is the woman Jasper left with? Seleen - some kinda master or servant?", he casually asks the squirmiest looking Raz.
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Brother walks casually over to the glass.
He stares at it. Picks it up, with the stem of the beautiful crystal splitting through his fingers like a knife had gone through the hand. The care and reverence with which he holds the glass is tell-tale -and yet practiced.
I had to have given you multiple hints at this - but I am a recovering drunk. The drink is the obvious reasons I had ruined my life.
And with that statement, he takes a drink of the red wine. He smells the fumes as his mouth caresses the glass and intakes the venom.
He lets out an exhale. Even verbalizing it. Ahhh. You have a fine vintage in that decanter.
Brother's body almost melts like a mound of chocolate on a hot day.
Fearless pouts seeing the acolyte not running off for better food. "Are we at least free to look around? Can you give us a tour?" He asks expectantly.
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The wine passes Brother Butterfly’s lips like liquid ecstasy, leaving a warm feeling not unlike a perfect prayer in his chest. Before he knows it Seleen is laughing and filling his glass again.
”You must be joking. Your never had trouble holding your liquor before, though I must admit, that peppermint concoction from Alkenstar that we tried once was quite awful.” Sipping delicately at her own wine, she becomes a bit more serious. ”So, What is your plan with those men you brought? Are they really insane like you claim? What purpose do they serve?”
***
”I apologize, sirs, I was only told to bring you refreshments. I will pass on your other requests.” Avoiding further questions, the acolyte bows and scurries from the room.
About an hour later the door opens Vision Falluk, still adorned in red robes and golden mask, enters. Shutting the door behind him, he casts a spell and turns to the Watchmen.
”Can one of you tell me your true purpose here in Xer?”
Level 2
You protect an area against casual eavesdropping. Sounds and sonic effects that originate inside the area are muffled for anyone outside the area; Perception DCs to hear or understand sounds leaving the area increase by 20, and any saving throw DCs of these effects decrease by 2. The spell does not affect sounds that enter the area or the Perception checks of creatures inside it.
Fearless looks skeptically at the masked man as he casts the spell. "We will answer you soon enough. First explain why you made the room silent from any eavesdropping with your spell? We might be 'crazy' but not stupid."
Cats sits up as Fearless clearly recognizes something that Cats does not.
"Yeah," Cats agrees. "We're not catting stupid. We're C-A-T and that spells 'smart'." Cats taps the side of his forehead knowingly. "Which we are."
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The Mariner feels the sudden urge to bludgeon the man, like a lone victim in a dark alley, with the Mariner being the alley. Well, well, head of the snake all by his lonesome. He didn't need Cat's stink eye to know this fancy pantaloons had done some serious sinning.
"Taking some retards for a cruise around the bay, he thumbs at the two, "You know, like they do on those short boats? Stopped at the Xer port for biscuits and bedpans. Why? Is that Jasper one of your bad seeds - he looked up to no good."
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Jasper takes the refill of his wineglass with a full smile and exhultation.
His brain is bubbling with positive tingles. But there's something that can't be controlled. He brings up the obvious,
So how long until dinner ? I need to have a nice bath to get clean and be given an opportunity to shave.
Oh, this wine will go nicely in a pool of warm water.
Let me show you this UN-BELIEVABLE shaving razor I picked up on that lunatic island. Damned greatest thing in Golarian.
He makes good conversation with Seleen, and when she asks her question,
So, What is your plan with those men you brought? Are they really insane like you claim? What purpose do they serve?”
He answers, giving a laughing chortle. Oh yes! They are insane. Not dangerous insane, but just a couple minutes with them and you will know that they were from an asylum.
But, they are under my protection now. They have to follow me, where I go.Brother tries to accomplish four things. In this order of importance, Get a bath and proper shave. Have sex. Get ready for his dinner with Vision. Refill his glass.
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Brother Butterfly lays on the charm, swiftly procuring a bath and getting his groom on, then deftly moving on to procreation and getting his groove on. A few glasses of wine and vigorous exercise leave him blissfully numb, and he soon finds himself dosing off in the arms of a woman he barely remembers.
***
"F*#%..." Vision Falluk swears. "Did Jasper tell you nothing? I cast a spell to prevent eavesdropping, so you can drop the act now. I must know what the plan is, or this isn't going to work."
"Unless.. he didn't tell you?" He guesses.
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Cats stares blankly at Falluk. Catterfly has plans?
”What?”
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"That bald f%!+ didn't tell us a thing!" Fearless throws his hands in the air. "May want to clue us in quick."
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Jasper is snoozing in blissful rest. He wakes up in that half awake state and mumbles out encouragement to his partner lying beside him.
Seleen, you have given me the best day in memory. All I could have asked for and more has been .... this is like a long overdue vacation.
You are amazing.
He then dips back into his sleep.
"I just sail the sodding ship", the Mariner says dismissively shrugging, then in a more serious tone, "Although... he has been eating a lot of biscuits and painting the bow brown at the waterline. Yes - affirmatively full of $#!t."
Vision Falluk spends about an hour probing the Watchmen for clues about their visit to Xer. He eventually seems to accept that the loonies are pretty much what they claim - clueless.
”Well, as I’ve been given no other instructions, I can do little other than make your stay comfortable. I hear you have requested food. I will arrange for my personal chef to attend to your needs as well as my own.”
As Falluk stands and prepares to depart, he adds one last thing. ”I do find it strange that Seleen has returned to Xer at just the same time. She has risen quickly through the ranks of the priesthood since Jasper left. I would think he might recall her ambitions better.”
***
Seleen dresses as Jasper takes a second bath.
”You are a much changed man” Seleen comments as she draws on her clerical robes. ”Much less... inhibited. I would pursue a second act, but dinner soon approaches.”
She is interrupted by a knock upon the door. Answering it she finds an iron masked acolyte with a bundle in their hands.
”Ah yes, let’s see how these fit.”
Holding them out Jasper sees the embroidered ceremonial red robes and golden mask of a Vision of Razmiran in her hands.