Oh yes the priest smiles and takes the heavy volume out of the shelf This is the very special case...that the author is unable to add the finishing touches to his creation...normally an author will modify his editions several times during his life, but that is not the case with this one...actually we can't be sure now if that is REALLY exactly that what the author intended to publish...but honestly, the book is just so well written and full of military lore that I can't believe there was much room for improvements.
Mareike blinks in the abrupt dimness of the interior of the cathedral.
She takes a deep breath, trying to absorb the holiness of the site into her very being.
Looking to the side she notes the various clergy clustered here and there, as well as the lay-worshippers scattered among them. Her eyes glance over the monuments to the bravery of Sigmar's followers before settling on the altar.
Striding confidently she takes the central aisle towards the high altar, stopping at the last pew to take a knee and begin praying.
The cold cathedral air soothes Mareike's burning temperament and after some minutes of quiet reverence for Sigmar, she feels serene and much better than in a long time before.
(you may ignore the first point of stress you receive in the next 48 hours)
Franz stands hands clasped as though to keep from grabbing the rare volume, letting the priest do all the handling. So far all seems quite normal but 'don't judge a book by its cover' truly applies here. Franz will try to read the pages presented, but as interested in the contents as he is, he is checking for any signs or even feeling that resembles what he faced, only a day or two ago. He continues his reverent stance, though clearly eager to see the work. "Not by a mortal, only divine aid, or so my teachers led me to believe. But not many were scholars. This is amazing..." Franz begins to read.
Right, yes, very good... the priest nods and shows you some of the beautifully illustrated pages, before he sighs and says
It's a shame that so few of your trade are interested in books...we have such a nice collection here...but only very few of the citizens appear to be interested.
Her eyes and mind clear for the first time in what seems like ages, Marieke straightens from where she had been praying.
Turning she looked down the length of the cathedral, ignoring those others praying nearby.
Making her decision, she strides across the temple to the martial displays along one side, hoping to find inspiration there.
We should wait for Franz I guess.
Mhm...Franz, you there?
As far as I understood, the dwarfs are waiting in front of the cathedral, close to the entrance to the Sigmar-part.
Mhm FRanz?!
Scotty, did we explode?!
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Nah Saer, ol' gal needs a lil' push'n 'n' greasin', 'will be running just fine then
*_*
Franz turns decisively to the priest. "While I could lose myself for hours in this work, that is not the topic, I came here for advice on. While looking into my cousin's trouble with his servants on his new estate; I uncovered a plot involving the worship of the ruinous powers. Between the cultists and the beastmen, we few uncorrupted barely escaped with our lives. As soon as I arrive here this morning the sky is overlooked by the fell moon of dark omen. I need advice on how to sort out the ordinary mischief of men from the dark machinations of the servants of evil. I know that takes greater wisdom than I possess." Franz looks (and is) tired but very concerned and waits for the priest's response.
The priest grows more worried by every word you speak and once you finish, he nods solemnly
I'm a bit surprised that you entered the temple of Verena with such a mental burden...I would expect an Imperial soldier to ask for help in the church of Sigmar first...
the unspoken question why you have turned up here lingers in the air.
"I would, if I had a clearer target. With only some general worries I need deep insight to guide the relentless courage of Sigmar. I don't want to start a pogrom against the good people of this town that I have just arrived at and know too little of. So help from those devoted to thinking seems useful before I go to those prone to act quickly." Franz is implying the Sigmarites tend to shoot first and think never, which is not always true but widely believed.
Marieke strolls among the military relics on display in the cathedral, her eyes gleaming as she gains inspiration from this charred spear, that pitted and scarred axe, this chewed up piece of armor.
Her focus is such that she completely disregards any disapproving glances she gets as she thoughtlessly bumps into any other faithful.
Too true...maybe you have heard it already, a witch hunter is in town...a dangerous man, said to shoot quicker than he is able to think. We were lucky however that the burghers' council trusts us and prohibited any search of our holy halls...but back to your problem...umm...well, we own a volume that IS dedicated to the ruinous powers, but we just hve it here out of scholalry reasons...as a man interested in knowledge I'm sure you understand that, don't you?
----
Well, the disapproving glances ebb away as one of the priests approaches you...noticing the gleam in your eyes, he folds his hands and smiles
You literally feel it, child, don't you? You hear the horns sounding, the clash of battle, the splintering of shields and the screeching of iron on iron?
Finding it hard to tear her eyes away from a particularly gruesome tapestry : a barely armored man,wielding a flaming sword, laid into a host of corrupted people and their demonic master, Mareike turns to meet the priest's gaze.
"They are wonderfully inspiring...my heart sings at the glory shown here." Mareike says softly, her voice raspy with emotion "My own feats pale in comparison." she says with downcast eyes.
Franz does feel the call of battle the sounds, sights, and horrors he so recently experienced. He turns to the the priest, thinking This is it, let's see if they have crossed the line. "I do, good priest, so much, but I face trouble less clear, there is so little strength, so formless an enemy ... any guidance you have, I could find good use for." Franz stands looking with a combination of fiery excitement, weariness, hopefulness, a touch of confusion and a little fear. All of which he really feels ...
Ha...how could they not...nothing you have to be ashamed of, child. Few of Sigmar's worshippers really face the forces of darkness, wrath or unlife and are able to speak about it afterwards...but you're different, aren't you? You have encountered...something evil?! the priest says and seems suddenly very intrigued.
--------
The priest of Verena lays a hand on your shoulder and softly forces you to walk some paces with him
I still think your place is among those in the sign of the hammer...but maybe we can aid you in your confusion...let me ask you some questions first...what was the first thing you felt when you encountered the forces of chaos?
Marieke's eye glow with fervor as she nods, her mouth set "Yes , in the forest. We killed Gors and ungors and a great horned beast. See this is where one smashed me," she says , pulling her tunic and armor aside to show her bruised shoulder.
She stops then, memories flooding back, her eyes darting about in sudden fear, the shadows of the various alcoves seemingly harboring unspeakable creatures just out of sight. Without realizing it, Marieke brings her ax up as if to strike as an elderly worshiper shuffled past.
With a start, she snaps the weapon back down to rest on the floor. Taking a deep breath she looks at the priest with an embarrassed face. With a halting voice she continues her tale "There was a picture that moved and floated.... it had a flying beast within it....I...I...killed the picture, but not before I could see the beast...so close...so close!!" she almost shouted, her voice echoing within the vaulted cathedral.
She almost collapsed then, the fear almost consuming her, but she remembered where she was and who, no...what she was, and straightening, her face hardening as she looked directly into the priest's face, awaiting his response.
You think she will be alright? Seems she is no more used to the human world than I am...I hope the priests will see her with venlig eyes...
Franz walks willingly with the priest. He replies, "Well, at first it was just irritation at the insolent and indolent behavior of the servants at the manor. Of course, I knew nothing then. When it became clear it was dark influences... well, it was creepy. After that - well, - the anger and fear and real exhilaration at having your life on the line; it was disturbing to see such endless power on display when the servants dropped all pretense, while trying to murder me of course. So no one feeling, and with my life threatened I guess the fire of battle was lit in my blood. I didn't really have time to think about it much then just had to fight for my life. The power showed was awes- err distressing but I fell back on my training and survived, just. I don't want to be caught unaware again. With the wisdom here, I hope I won't be." Franz continues his explanation and is mostly honest except his feeling of being awed were swiftly overwhelmed by anger and determination.
The Priest's formerly friendly face turned to a stern mask during your telling of the happenings, but when you finish your little story his smile returns
Shhhh...you are safe here, child. The arm of chaos cannot reach into this cathedral and as longs as Sigmar has devouted followers like you, it cannot reach into the heart of the Empire at all...tell me more about that flying painting, where did you see it?
-------
The priest listens silently, nods here and there and sighs once you have finished
Well, distressing...yes, so it must feel to encounter the forces of chaos...at least...let me ask you another question - did you notice any special mutations among your foes? Do you know that the Ruinous Powers are four and that they vary greatly in their modus operandi and followers?
Marieke glares at a too curious acolyte so fiercely he beats a speedy retreat out of hearing.
Turning back to the Priest, she continues , talking softly "The painting? Hmmm, lets see, the dawi saw it in the library, then when the beasties attacked the manor, that b+#&% carried it onto the roof. Franz shot her, but it was floating up there....attached to...nothing. It seemed important so I climbed up with a torch and tried to burn it. ". She pauses to see if the Priest was following along, "Well, it didn't burn so I had to try to cut it with my knives, so I jumped on it and hung there by my knives , and kept stabbing it until it, well....died? or fell apart. I don't know. I just know that the picture moved, like I was looking out of a window. That beastie in the picture moved , really fast, like it was angry at me. I'm glad I finished the picture off when I did, I think that thing would have come right out of the picture...." Marieke trails off, thinking about was might have happened if she hadn't been successful back at the manor, a slight trembling taking over her limbs until with a deep breath she brings herself back under control.
Franz thinks for a second the says, "I know of the four and very vaguely of their methods such as any Imperial Officer would know but not more. Mutations? All I noticed was that one of them had a bad case of boils. According to the answers given by another one I interrogated, they worshipped the Blood God." Franz stops to make the sign of the hammer. "By its nature chaos is unpredictable but yes they differ, the trouble is in the details; I am feeling much is happening around me but I lack the insight to give the vague feelings form." Franz keeps his wits about him, not resisting the priest's hold but alert as to where he is being taken and for what purpose.
|
The priest seems more and more intrigued by your telling
And that "thing" in the picture, the monster charging you, what did it look like? Did it have claws and horns and all that? Did it look similar to this?
he points at the image of a Bloodletter Demon charging a cohort of Imperial spearmen.
------
Well, I asked because it is very important for us to know whether they follow the Changer of Ways for example or as you said the Blood God. Khorne is his real name but it is only used by scholars and very educated people...Blood for the Blood God, that is the credo of his followers...and while he is a terrible foe, cruel beyond imagination I'm happy that you named him rather than one of the other three for their ways are harder to deal with...
The priest seems more and more intrigued by your telling
And that "thing" in the picture, the monster charging you, what did it look like? Did it have claws and horns and all that? Did it look similar to this?
he points at the image of a Bloodletter Demon charging a cohort of Imperial spearmen.
------
Franz nods, "I can see that, something of the kind was said at school about that, powerful creature that sold their souls for battle prowess but straight forward to deal with guns, sword, and faith. I'm just not sure that's all ..."- Franz trails off then shrugs. "I guess I'm just unsettled by those events and the moon of dark omen. I'm new here and can't shake the feeling that somethings wrong, unseen. Just unfamiliarity combined with the aftermath of a terrible experience."
----------
The priest stops mid-stride and stares into the distcance for a moment
There are other rumours too...about beastmen that were seen in the city...oh...don't be surprised, such stories circulate every now and then, told by rogues, pedlars, beggars, folk you wouldn't trust, you know...and under normal circumstances I wouldn't believe anything of it, but with the moon above us and your stories...I'm not so sure about whether or not there is a grain of truth in it.
The priest seems more and more intrigued by your telling
And that "thing" in the picture, the monster charging you, what did it look like? Did it have claws and horns and all that? Did it look similar to this?
Marieke looks at the tapestry and its horrible tableau, frowning. "No, the one in the picture was similar but much smaller with leathery wings. Do you think that it was a demon as well?" she asks, her voice much firmer as she's regained control.
Franz steps one step further, then stops and looks at the priest. With a slight tone of disappointment he says, " Ah, then you are in the same place as I, feelings and signs of foreboding but nothing to grasp. Do you have anyone or any scribblings here I might inquire of that you could show me to give the clues I need to be an effective defender of the Empire?
Oh yes, it must have been...surely also a servant of the Blood God...where did you say did that happen? he pauses but before you are able to answer continues quickly Was that the incident at the von Bruner Lodge?
-----
The priest hesitates...maybe a moment longer than you would have expected and then sighs
We have a book...here...at the temple...a dark and evil book...too powerful to be touched by a pure soul as yours I fear...for the taint of evil could spread into your very being...
Marieke pales for a moment as the priest asserts that what she had face had in reality been a real demon. She then notices his last question.
Frowning, she says "von Bruner? No, it was Lord Lord Aschaffenberg's manor...though his servant did say it was new to him. Who is this von Bruner?" she asks abruptly.
Franz looks at the priest, in genuine wonder. What he admits it, wait let him explain. "That's a bit troubling, reverend. I thought the law said such things need to be burned, of course I'm not scholar learned, but what good can come of having such a thing about?" Franz is genuinely interested in what answer this priest makes, and worries that the corruption may have already spread.
The priest's voice takes on gentler tone
The von Bruners were Ubersreik's most influential family...actually they were the designated new rulers...well...Martin von Bruner disappeared quite a while ago and so all his lands and possessions fell to the Aschaffenburgs...some said he dabbled in dark and arcane arts but there has never been a proof to such assumptions.
---------
Well, my impression is that - even though you deny it - you are a sophisticated man with a scholarly interest, so you do not differ so much from us...wisdom and knowledge itself are never bad, just what people make of it or with it can be dangerous...we here at the temple of Verena know of these dangers and so we are prepared to handle the luring darkness...yet, you're right, this book is nothing that could be given to everyone.
To the accusation of being scholarly, Franz smiles and says, "my parents would not agree to my affinity to the Lady of Literacy but I suppose something of them must have leaked into me."
Becoming serious again, Franz says cautiously, "So you have it warded with your patroness' divine power? I've heard ... parables warning against such things. Still knowledge of an enemies' methods is useful in a fight." In a more thoughtful tone Franz continues, "What could be learned that would be worth the risk? It clearly endangers the soul, and by doing so endangers others, and by extension the world. The Ruinous Powers are so called for their results. So ... can we forge a ... a defense against them with this?" Franz seems a bit uncertain, but a fear grows inside him that the corruption has already begun.
The priest's voice takes on gentler tone
The von Bruners were Ubersreik's most influential family...actually they were the designated new rulers...well...Martin von Bruner disappeared quite a while ago and so all his lands and possessions fell to the Aschaffenburgs...some said he dabbled in dark and arcane arts but there has never been a proof to such assumptions.
Well, I think all of the people at the lodge were von Bruner's , 'cause Aschaffenburg didn't seem aware of what was going on...right,right they poisoned him... Marieke says , shaking her head "All these goings on...they get me confused. I just want to do Sigmar's will and burn them Chaos-ers !"
The priest of Verena smiles but the smile soon fades as the talking becomes serious again
I can guarantee that no member of this temple has opened, Verena forbid, read a single page of that book...we know of its powers, of the lure of the darkness. But we decided to keep it and either use it should we ever be desperate enough to risk everything or we feel that there is someone whose soul is strong enough to use the book without getting corrupted.
-----------
The priest gives you a friendly pat on the shoulder
Child, you really seem to follow the call of Sigmar...don't confuse your mind with politics...umm did you say you were alone at the von Brunder lodge? Or were there others with you? Others I could also have a talk with?
Franz matches the priests seriousness, "I see, but is a desperate hour the time to use it or would it just play into the devious plots of the dark lords? But I'm no wise man to judge that, I'll pray for you to your patron and mine. Any other advice to give me, I'd like to chat all day, but I'm unbelievably busy for man who has yet to slumber one night in this fine city?" Franz cracks a smile, if a bit ruefully, "And I must live down to the reputation that all nobles do is scheme for power. What does the fine librarians of Verena think of Lord Rickard Aschaffenberg quest for the Lordship?" Franz waits politely for the reply.
The priest seems relieved that the the topic of the conversation has changed and slowly starts to walk again
Rikkard Aschaffenberg is a fine man, said to be a warriro of great fortitude and prowess and a staunch defender of the Empire's values...but...I heard he wasn't a good schemer nor politicial...so I don't think his chances are great to gain the title...I guess the von Saponatheim will make it...Holzenauer is too much of frontline fighter, even less understanding of the threads of power than Rikkard...and - if you allow me to ask - on which side are you?
"Alone? Oh no, I had help, that's for certain. There's Rangnir and Fernis...two dawi, they've adopted me, they're just outside. And Franz, he's visisting the Verena temple next door. And we had a Morr priest along with us, but he wandered off. And of course His Lordships's men and dogs.
We needed all of them to fight of those beastmen, but once the picture and the big'un were dead, they scattered!" Marieke says, her eyes gleaming as she relived those glorious events.
Franz smiles, "Oh, for reasons of family and patronage it's my cousin Lord Rickard of course. I'm trying to help but as you say he is a bit lacking in the political arena. I myself have little experience, I'm mostly going by what my father did and said as he managed some of my uncles' estates. Politics is a different art from what I've been trained in. And as I've said I'm newly arrived in this city, 'All politics is local' and I'm about as unlocal as you can get. So I'd like to know anything that could aid my cousin; it would be helpful. However I understand if your temple wishes to remain neutral, if that is your stance." Franz starts a slow movement to the exit.
The priest cocks his head and slightly as you mention Franz' whereabout
He's in the Verena temple? Please, describe this Franz to me, what is his profession?
-------------
The priest grabs you by the shoulder, not as gentle as you would have expected
Wait - knowledge is never neutral, it's always a tool in the hand of the wise, the wicked, or the few who are both...we could help Lord Rokkard, we know pretty much everything about his competitors, if he was willing to help us too, we could forge an alliance that might lift him on the throne in no time!
eyes gleaming he seems more than eager to hear your reply