"A church of Erastil is meant to be short of money, otherwise it isn't helping out enough."
-The minions of Razmir are all brainwashed, giving up everything they own to blindly follow the Living God. Those deemed unworthy are sent to Razmiran to be devoured by the hungry god.
-The temple possesses complete control over the local government, from the city guard right up to Forest Marshal Gavirk, leader of all of Nirmathas.
-There is no Living God. The “faith” is merely a cover for a vast and powerful guild of thieves.
Lorant returns to the Inn to wait for the others. He didn't get very far in his questions, but he did learn the leader of the cult in some horrid monster, capable of turning people to stone! If that's who they're up against, they have better be very careful.
Kerret returns to the Inn as well after mingling with the crowds of the city. Well, I didn't get to see any of these Razmirans, but from the sounds of things, they take in a lot of money. Much more than they need, maybe even enough to fund an army! It sounds like everyone who joins the cult gives up everything they own to it, and blindly follows this living god. Something about the god eating them too. That fellow was pretty deep in his cups...
He pulls up a seat next to Lorant and orders fish stew and digs in with relish. Ah, Pulgas, this is delicious, the spices truly bring out the flavor! But you still haven't told me the tale of that fish that took your arm. Let's have it, if you would.
"Seems like it's a scam: cover for a thieves guild."
He pulls up a seat next to Lorant and orders fish stew and digs in with relish. Ah, Pulgas, this is delicious, the spices truly bring out the flavor! But you still haven't told me the tale of that fish that took your arm. Let's have it, if you would.
Puglas is happy to tell the tale.
Local legend has it that General Sherman is a very old fish — a hundred years if he's a day — and weighs upwards of five hundred pounds. He resides in Catfish Lake where he competes with wives for their husbands' time, as the location is popular for couples' retreats as well as fishing." A painting of General Sherman is on display on the wall. Puglas caught General Sherman by accident. He saw a fishing pole that another fisherman left behind, and picked up to give it back to him. At that moment, General Sherman bit on the hook, yanking Puglas off of the pier and into a boat, and then dragging the boat (with Puglas) out onto the lake. After a lengthy struggle, Puglas managed to haul General Sherman into the boat and knock him unconscious with an oar. He then triumphantly returned to the dock. When he got there, however, he saw that Marge was upset with him for spending time fishing instead of with her, especially because they were attending a marriage counseling retreat at the time. As Marge stood on the dock glaring at Puglas, it dawned on him that she was seeing the fish as a symbol of his selfishness. Puglas then realized that he had to choose between the fish and his marriage to Marge, and he decided to let General Sherman go.
"I heard that the Living God would sometimes visit his temples. He could be in Tamran right now." Kaylee says as she waits for breakfast to arrive.
With the arrival of the fish stew and the delightful tale, she praises Puglas. "That was a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. So where is Marge now? And how exactly did you lose your arm if you decided to let General Sherman go?" She asks curiously as she hands him 3 silvers and a few coppers for the tale.
PUGLAS: "Yes, I suppose that there would appear some discrepancies in the story. Let's just say...
Puglas just trails off trying to patch up his story, doing a very poor job of it.
Lector arrives at the inn a little later than the others, having pressed his investigation a little further than originally planned. His expression is initially solemn, but it softens when he joins the rest of the group, offering up his own share of silver pieces for a meal.
As Puglas attempts to salvage his story, Lector listens intently, feigning ignorance of its various contradictions.
"A marvelous story, indeed! Ah, by the way good sir, would you have happened to notice anything strange happening in the city as of late? Involving some fellows in robes and masks, perhaps?"
PUGLAS: "Nothing too stange as of late. Them worshippers of Razmir are always up to something but I haven't seen or herd anything myself. Their numbers seem to be getting larger by the day. They're always recruiting and many of the less fortunate souls around here are either being inducted by force or by choice."
Kerrett listens smilingly to Pulgas tale, and intently to the information he chooses to dispense about the Razmiran cultists. Has anyone resisted them? What happens to those who do not wish to be inducted into the faith? Has anyone been inducted, and then come out, or left the worship of Razmir?
"What if we capture one of them? Make him tell us about the cult and what they took from the tomb?" The spicy fish stew makes Lorant's eyes water. He keeps eating though, afraid of anyone seeing him unwilling to stomach the taste.
"The cult apparently has the local government in its pocket," Lector replies, shaking his head, "I imagine any outright resistance would bring the authorities down on us. Besides which, there is no guarantee that they are all aware of what transpired in Kassen."
"We should have a better idea of how to proceed after meeting the contact."
The businesses that surround the temple vary widely, from coopers to cobblers. All of these businesses pay money to the temple for its blessings, and are careful not to speak ill of the temple, as they have no way of knowing if those asking questions are actually out-of-uniform members of the cult.
Kaylee looks at Puglas with her most innocent face she could muster.
"Mr. Puglas, I've heard a few tales about how the Razmir cultists have done some terrible things. Please believe me when I say that we are not of their kind. We're looking for information because we believe they may be up to something truly horrible and we are going to try and stop them." she pleads softly. "Could you answer Kerret's questions, please."
Puglas leans in close so that nobody else can hear:
PUGLAS: "Look here, you all seem like an alright bunch. Now, I don't know what business you have with with these Razmirians but my best advice to you is to just stay clear of them all together. I've heard stories about what these people do to people like you, and it ain't pretty."
He then stands back up and asks:
"If you would please finish up your stew and kindly remove yourselves from my establishment I think that would be for the best. I don't want no trouble here. Not from you, not from the Razmirians. I thank you for your business but I think it's time you be moving along now."
"Indeed. Pardon our intrusion," Lector says with sincerity, bowing his head towards Puglas slightly.
"Let's head to The Forest Bounty next," he says to the others, standing from his chair. "I am still a tad famished."
Lorant calmly puts his spoon down. "No need to finish. If you want us out, we'll go, sir. We have better places to be." He nods at Lector's suggestion.
Outside, he comments, "They have them scared. The Razmirians control the neighborhood. We need to find our contact quickly."
Kaylee frowns at the Innkeeper's words. "We don't mean to cause you any trouble sir. Hopefully one day you won't need to drive away customers in fear." She stands and leaves without a scene.
"Forest Bounty then? Do they have any dishes without the fish?" she asks, wondering.
The Forrest Bounty
Made from enormous timbers, the Forest Bounty is a long hall, open at both the front and back, filled with wooden tables and benches. Dozens of people gather here, eating, drinking, and laughing. One table of patrons even carries on with a bawdy song that seems to have most of the folk smiling.
"I'll get something to drink. Find us a table and see if anyone knows this Reginar Lacklan" The young man moves to the bar to order some drinks and a few honeycakes.
If Lector happens to know what Reginar looks like, he searches for him outright. Otherwise, he asks around for him.
Kaylee glances around until she finds an open table away from the table with the bawdy singing. She then walks over and drops her pack on the bench and sits down next to it waiting for the others to take their seats as well.
"Seems like a pretty decent place. Do you think the Razmirians keep a tight leash on this place as well?" she asks in a low voice.
At the table sits a robust man, wearing green and brown leathers and cloaked in a large bearskin. A longbow rests against the table next to him. He looks up and with a hearty laugh says:
“Lector, welcome! And you brought friends. Cygar sent word that you would be coming. For those of you who don't know me, I am Reginar Lacklan. Please sit, we have much to discuss.”
He sweeps out his arms in an inviting gesture at the table.
Excellent! Kerret seats himself immediately and smiles his winningest smile, he waves to Lorant to make sure the warrior does not miss them at table and bobs his head briefly to the music. Nice place. I like the open air, although I'm not sure it'd be all that fun in a rainstorm. Anyway, Kerret Malconnen, at your service.
Lorant soon returns with a tray of six ales and two basket of sweet rolls. He sets them down and joins the group. "Sir. Lorant Pelus. A pleasure to meet you. I'm told you can help us."
"Indeed, it is vital that we trace Kassen's tomb-robbers. We would be grateful for the smallest help.
"It's a pleasure to meet you mister Lacklan, I am Kaylee Pruitt. We are definitely grateful for your help."
"Thank you, Reginar," Lector replies as he seats himself. He nods at Lorant appreciatively when he brings the ale. "My apologies if we are a little late - we did a little investigating of our own before coming here."
REGINAR: "It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I've been handling things here the best I can, but receiving word from Cygar that possible help was coming was a sigh of relief. This is a big task for just one man to take on."
"If you've been investigating already, you've probably already realized what kind of impact the cult of Razmir has had on Tamran. The cult appeared about 2 years ago, first as a small band of missionaries. They soon raised the funds to build a temple, which was constructed over a year ago. Their power and influence in the city have grown ever since, and the local guards seem to give them no heed, even going so far as to dismiss any reports of their foul practices. I suspect that the city guards help protect the temple, watching out for thieves and intruders."
"Indeed, it is vital that we trace Kassen's tomb-robbers."
"Cygar mentioned something about a personal reason for your mission but didn't explain it in detail saying "it was a private matter". I respect your own reasons for being here, but I will tell you this: There was a group from the temple that left to head up north a few months ago. It is possible they may have ventured into your region. A month later they returned, minus a few of their number. After that group arrived in town, they hurried back to the temple, and I'm not sure what happened while they were away. About a week ago, another group, this one led by a female cultist in blue robes, left the temple and boarded a boat. They have not been seen since. Based on this evidence there is reason to conclude that the cult is performing activities outside of Tamran."
What about an Elven Priestess, Reginar? Do you know anything about her? Kerret screws up his face in thought, and keeps his voice pitched low to keep it from carrying far. He looks about, careful for eavesdroppers, and even goes so far as to quickly invoke his magical sight on the off chance that someone is eavesdropping using magical means.
This is tricky... We believe that the Razmirans took something very important from our village. It stands to reason that if they recovered it, they brought it to the temple here. But, if others left recently, they might have it with them... So, maybe we should follow the ones who left, but first we need to find out if it's in the temple... What was the name of the boat they left on? Maybe we can find out where it was going. Then, maybe we can find a way to sneak in, use those handy masks of theirs against them, that is, if we can figure out how to blend in without attracting any unwanted attention.
Lorant nods along with Reginar's words, until he mentions the groups moving up north and then the second group departing. "Did you say a woman in blue robes? I heard she was the cult's leader. And she's some sort of monster with snakes for hair! She can turn you to stone!" The young man realizes how excited he sounds and quiets down. "Sorry, that's what someone told me."
"Should we go after them? Maybe we can find out where the boat took them."
"The boat, it's name and destination are a mystery to me. I'm afraid I have no other information to offer you regarding it."
"Should we go after them? Maybe we can find out where the boat took them."
"I would advise against this. This matter is far more pressing here. Chasing an unknown boat to an unknown location will waste valuble time and resources."
"What about an Elven Priestess, Reginar? Do you know anything about her?"
"Unfortunately I do not."
"Did you say a woman in blue robes? I heard she was the cult's leader. And she's some sort of monster with snakes for hair! She can turn you to stone!"
"This is new information to me. I have not as of yet been able to deduce who is in charge of the cult. Every member dresses in the exact robes and wears the exact same masks which makes it impossible to tell any of them apart. If the leader is some sort of monster that could explain their malicious actions toward Tamran."
"This is tricky... We believe that the Razmirans took something very important from our village. It stands to reason that if they recovered it, they brought it to the temple here."
"That seems likely. The temple here looks to serve as their base of operations. Its probably stuffed with valuable information and artifacts."
"Then, maybe we can find a way to sneak in, use those handy masks of theirs against them, that is, if we can figure out how to blend in without attracting any unwanted attention."
"Members of the faith heavily guard the temple itself by day and night. They hold no public services, so the only real way in is to join their religion. I do know that they interview applicants at the Ranger’s Lament, a tavern across the street from the temple. If you hope to gain entrance, attending one of these meetings is the best way. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night."
"A meeting tomorrow night… Do you think we should all attend? Or maybe one or two of us just in case they use some kind of charm or magic to manipulate our minds?" Kaylee wonders for a moment about who should be the ones to attend when she proclaims, "I want to go."
"I think that I might struggle to hide my devotion to Old Deadeye, or to fawn at a falge god's feet, even as a worthy deception. Perhaps I could be an agent of our search in town."
I turn to Lacklan, "Do any of the Razmirans take lodging outside of the temple? Do they have any contractors or outside agents who I might investigate? Shipping agents? Horse merchants?"
"So we're going to try and join the Cult?" Lorant slowly nods. "That's risky, but it could get us everything we're looking for." He considers it for a moment.
"Ok, I'm in. I'll go to the meeting."
"It is a very risky proposition," Lector agrees, stroking his chin. "But if the priestess is indeed absent, this might be our best opportunity to find what we are looking for. Especially if she is as dangerous as Lorant suggests."
I'm in too. Maybe we can talk our way into the temple, and if we're lucky, maybe we can sneak you in too, Vastar. We should plan ahead, like what to do if we get separated, things like that. Reginar, do you know anything about the interview process itself? I mean, if they're going to magically compel us, we might want to think of another way in. Also, what sort of drivel do they spout about their god? Could be useful to know some of their common sayings, or prayers.
"What kind of people are at these meetings to join? Are they regular folk or are the people who have already expressed some devotion to Razmir? Maybe we can simply be people new to Tamran who are looking for a community to join. Keep it simple."
"Do any of the Razmirans take lodging outside of the temple? Do they have any contractors or outside agents who I might investigate? Shipping agents? Horse merchants?"
"Again, it's nearly impossible to tell how much activity happens outside the temple. Because all the members dress alike and wear masks nobody can say for sure who is and is not a member outside the temple. As far as it looks though, all Razmirian activity happens within the temple's walls. I suppose it's entirely possible that some of them might conspire outside of its confines without the traditional garb. The only time they ever really leave is to aid the poor and proselytize. This does happen on a regular basis however. I suspect that this is just a cover for more illegal activities though. At one such gathering, I witnessed them beat a man to within an inch of his life, claiming the humble cobbler stole from the temple, while the city guards merely watched the event and took no action."
"What kind of people are at these meetings to join? Are they regular folk or are the people who have already expressed some devotion to Razmir? Maybe we can simply be people new to Tamran who are looking for a community to join. Keep it simple."
"Many of those who decide to join the faith of Razmire are those whom the temple have helped in some way or another. A poor man who is starving may see it as shelter and food. A man without faith may find the ways of Razmir appealing. Some may be looking to hide, so they are offered a mask and anonymity. The temple never turns anybody down so entry does not seem to be difficult, although I do not have the details of what the initiation entails."
"This is a risky proposition indeed, but I don't see any other way. Becoming one of them is the safest way I can think of to gain entry to the temple and gather information. A full out assault may work but it just as likely to prove fruitless. Their numbers are large and they have the support of the town authorities. Rushing in could be suicide. Alternate means of spying have turned up some information but nothing significant. The tall walls of the temple hide anything that happens within. If you would do this for me, become one of them for a brief time and report back in a week with your findings I'm sure I could find some sort of reward for your efforts. Who knows, perhaps you'll find what your looking for as well?"
"Sure, maybe that's it. We're wanting to hide." He glances down at his sword and armor. What about these? If I walk in dressed for battle, are they going to take me?"[/b]
"Vastar, are you sure you can't fake it? If we're going in, it might be better to be all together."
"I don't see any other way either. We came all this way though and I am not backing out just because things look difficult. Meeting back here in one week sounds like a good plan as well. If we don't make it and there's no word from us then obviously something went wrong and we'll need help. Is the owner here trustworthy to you in case we need to leave a message?" she asks Reginar.
I pull pensively at my ear, "Well, when it comes down to it, we've got to stick together. If that's the plan then I just hope we can get by without my spells for a bit."
"What about these? If I walk in dressed for battle, are they going to take me?"
"So far as I know there is no law against carrying a sword and armor. The decision if yours however. If you think your possessions are safer with me, I'll hold onto them until you need them back.
"Is the owner here trustworthy to you in case we need to leave a message?" she asks Reginar.
"I wouldn't leave information in the care of others. If you need to leave a message, I'd suggest bringing it in a sealed envelope and leaving it with the bartender here. I frequent this place enough that they know me. The only shame is that you need to work your way outside the temple and then through town to deliver it which sounds risky. The Rangers Lament is so much closer, but I suspect Rolen Oggersmith, the owner of the Rangers Lament is in the pocket of the Razmirian cult so he would be a bad choice."
"Well, when it comes down to it, we've got to stick together. If that's the plan then I just hope we can get by without my spells for a bit."
"This mission does create some very special challenges for somebody of your nature. Challenges that will need to be dealt with very carefully. If you are uncomfortable infiltrating the temple and are willing to divide yourselves I could try and find some outside work for you while the others are on the inside."
A week? Kerret asks Kaylee. I was hoping not to tarry there for more than a few days. Hopefully, we can talk our way in. Vastar, perhaps you could pretend to be mute? Maybe if you don't say anything, it would be easier to tag along with one of us. Although, if there's some good to be done out here, that might work as well. Either way, it seems like the more of us who make our way in, the better chance we have to find the medallion shard, and make it back out in one piece.
Kerret thinks for a moment, then sucks his teeth and exhales slightly. Reginar, are these Razmiran cultists just wealthy, well connected thugs, or do they truly channel divine power from their god? Are there arcanists among their ranks? Do you know what sorts of magics they may have at their disposal?
"I hope that it wouldn't take more then a few days as well, but just in case we need extra time to find what we are looking for. It'd be easier to leave early than to get word out that we need more time, especially if the people around here are not too trustworthy with passing that word." Kaylee explains to Kerret.
"I could hide your holy symbol on Fenris, I don't think it's likely that they'll search him for any hidden trinkets, Vastar."
"If we're going to do this, then we need to get our story straight. I would stick as close to the truth as possible in case someone trips up. That's how good lie go, right Kerret?" Lorant smiles at him.
"Unfortunately, I don't know if we can say we're from Kassen. That might be too suspicious. But we should all be from the same place, perhaps fleeing our families. That would explain why we're looking for a new home."
A week? Kerret asks Kaylee. I was hoping not to tarry there for more than a few days.
"I picked a week as a nice round time frame. There is an initiation process which I don't know how long takes or what it entails, and that should give you ample time to explore without becoming suspicious. If you are satisfied with your findings in under a week than nobody is expecting you to stay. All the same, if you feel you need longer than take your time. All I was suggesting was you report in so that I know you're alright."
Reginar, are these Razmiran cultists just wealthy, well connected thugs, or do they truly channel divine power from their god? Are there arcanists among their ranks? Do you know what sorts of magics they may have at their disposal?
"The workings of magic are not my forte however I do know the gods channel their magical abilities into their faithful. The followers of Razmir do possess such abilities. They do seem to prefer the workings of medicine when healing illness and injury but their magical abilities are undoubtedly there."
Well, unless the rest of you can think of some preparations we should make, I say we get ready to make our way over to the Ranger's Lament tomorrow night and see if we can get ourselves inducted into the faith.