Kerret saunters downstairs in the morning, whistling a jaunty tune. He takes a moment to savor the exotic perfume that lingers on the diaphanous scarf in his hand before tucking the memento into his collar.
He favors everyone in the taproom with a broad smile that does not seem to falter one iota. He occasionally invokes a minor cantrip to whiten his teeth and smooth his hair and clothes before ordering a double breakfast.
Once it arrives, he tucks in with gusto, making quick work of the hearty meal.
As we sit around, eating breakfast in a public place, I try to get into character: "So, I heard that the Razmirans will be sharing their faith in the afternoon, before they formally convene at the Ranger's Lament. Maybe we should go along?"
Lorant emerges from a room upstairs briefly before going back in and kicking something hard. "Snoring fool!" He quickly comes downstairs, grumbling. "Maybe you all had it right. I had to suffer some drunk all night, snoring like a storm."
He sits down, his clothes slightly rumpled and the fatigue clear in his eyes. "Some coffee will be good and a couple eggs." He sips the brew with a look of relief, and a half hour later, he seems like a different person.
"Yeah, I think we should go attend. We can then join them at the Inn and it'll look normal."
Kerret pauses from a bite of sausage and frowns at Lorant. Why wouldn't it look normal? We've all heard the tales of Razmir's power, and the good the church does. If we can become a part of, why, that would be for the best. Personally, I can't wait. I think great things are in store for me, and the rest of you as well of course!
Lorant looks confused at first, then suddenly it dawns on him that Kerret is already in character. "Ah, right. Those Razmirans seem like a good lot. Very concerned with the people of the city. I'd be happy to go hear their services today." The man's mouth quirks into a brief smile, but then settles down as he nods at Kerret.
Kaylee comes down the stairs after her morning meditations and bothers the innkeeper for a mug of hot tea and a piece of fruit for breakfast. Sitting down at the table with the three gentlemen she bids them good morning and wonders how long Lector plans to sleep in. She smiles, thinking that maybe she should have slept in a bit longer in the bed too.
"I'd like to hear what they have to say. And if they truly help people like I have heard, then I would like to help make a change."
A few more minutes pass before Lector arrives downstairs, carrying his coat under his arm. He chances a hasty glance at his pocket watch on his way down the stairs and frowns at the time disapprovingly. A glance towards his companions confirms his suspicions. Straightening out his collar, Lector orders a modest breakfast before joining them at their table.
"Ah, good morning. Apologies for my lateness. I got caught up in reviewing my notes..."
"Good morning Lector. Did you enjoy your stay last night?" Kaylee asks politely. There seemed to be something off about their newest companion. Even Fenris perked his ears as the man spoke.
"The conditions were... adequate," Lector replies, dodging the question.
"So, shall we be off?"
Kaylee frowns at Lector's reply but doesn't say anything. It seems like this place is beneath him… and here I thought sleeping in a bed was a luxury. I wonder what he really thinks of small town people like us… she thinks to herself.
"Well if we're waiting til this afternoon to find the Razmirans, what shall we do this morning? I'd like to spend some time sightseeing the city if no one else minds." she announces cheerfully. "Where would you like to go, Lector?"
"Hm. A preliminary look at the temple, perhaps?" Lector replies as he slips his arms through his jacket. "Going near should not look too suspicious, given the number of businesses in that area."
"And any last minute planning, concerning what we learned from Reginar. I fear there won't be any turning back once we go to that meeting."
"A day of sightseeing does sound good. It'll be nice to see some of wonders of Tamran."
Kerret stretches and pats his belly. A stroll about the temple grounds sounds like a fine idea. As for plans, well, I just don't know. He lowers his voice, pitching it so only those at the table can hear. If we have to give up all our worldly belongings, I'd rather leave a few behind, stowed for safe keeping as it were. Then again, who knows what we'll have need of once we're inside. Tricky tricky...
"I want to leave my holy symbol with our friend in the town. I don't trust myself to hide it in a new place."
It might do you good to have a few of them stowed about, Vastar, that is, if Erastil doesn't frown on such things.
"I could try hiding it in my pack. If anyone tries to search it, I'll pop a charm on him and convince him that he doesn't need to do that."
"I like Kaylee's idea. Perhaps I will put it in my shoe and stick close to you, Kaylee."
I scratch my stubble, "His aid can come in handy."
"At worst, you can claim that you are looking to convert," Lector suggests.
Lorant nods. "Good. I wouldn't want you to be without it, Vastar."
"Now, shall we try to enjoy the day some before we go see the Razmirans this afternoon? If we're sincere about joining, it could be our last chance to have a free day."
"Lorant's right, we haven't got all day. I want to sightsee!" Kaylee says, impatient to get out of the inn and see as much as she can.
"So it's settled then!" Lector says, likely with more enthusiasm than necessary for a precursor to a dangerous mission.
You all conduct your own various affairs until just after midday. Reginar gladly takes any possessions you give him and promises to keep them safe.
A small crowd begins to form across the street from The Rangers Lament. The streets around are also filled with merchants, shopkeeps and common folk. From the top of a small crate a follower of Razmir stands and shouts praise to Razmir while his fellow acolytes cheer on the crowd. The man on the crate is dressed in distinctively different robes than the rest. His robes are black whereas the rest of the cultists wear white. Aside from colour there is virtually no difference in his garb. Its the same uniform and the same metal mask, only black. Some of the Acolytes show off their talents with displays of weapons. Others dance and sing or perform small magic tricks to keep the crowd in their favour. While the praise and spectacle is happening, other Acolytes roam through the crowd and collect donations.
Kaylee watches the Acolytes perform their different skills and even Fenris shows an interest in the festivities. "I wonder if the different colored robes means that that person is a leader of the others…" she wonders out loud to no one in particular.
"Possibly," Lector replies as he glances about the scene, so as to make the object of his interest less apparent. "Their priestess is said to wear blue robes, no? Perhaps some kind of color-coded ranking system is in place... Just speculation, of course."
"it's quite a show."
Lorant watches the skill with the blades. "Well, it seems they have people with lots of different skills. A few of those folks are actually pretty good. Maybe we won't stick out that much."
Kerret keeps his eyes out for those performing magic, interested always in spells he might not know.
All in all it is quite the performance. The Razmirians seem to have a way of pleasing the small crowd while preaching the teachings of Razmir.
A pair of acolytes walk up to you. One is lugging around a large, shallow golden dish with a flat bottom lined in velvet containing money from the crowds donations. "Hello friends, and thank you for coming to embrace the teachings of Razmir on this fine day" says the other. "Please, if you could each spare a donation for our noble cause the mighty Razmir will grant his blessings upon you."
"Of course," Lector says with a smile as he reaches into his belt pouch, retrieving a handful of gold pieces. He nonchalantly drops the tithe into the dish, coin by coin. "I am very much interested in learning of Razmir's teachings."
Kaylee drops a few silver and copper coins into the dish with a gracious smile. "I am interested in the blessings of the mighty Razmir as well. What is required to become fine acolytes such as yourselves?"
I smile as warmly as I can, "That would be great." and drop a gold piece into the collection pouch.
Lorant watches the others freely part their money and he sighs. "In for a penny, I suppose." He drops a few coins into the dish when it comes around.
Certainly brother! All glory to the living god!
Kerret fishes into his belt pouch and drops 4 gold, 7 silver and 9 copper pieces into the collection plate.
The Acolyte holding the golden dish comments: "Such generosity! Razmir thanks you all for keeping his temple alive and well". He makes a short bow for Lector and adds: "Especially to you kind sir. Your donation is nearly triple that of your comrades."
The other Acolyte focuses on Kaylee: "Nothing much is required to become an Acolyte of Razmire outside of a lifetime of commitment. Those who are true to the cause and willing to join our ranks are well taken care of. Imagine not having to toil at a job every day or worrying about where your next meal will come from. A pretty woman such as yourself would no doubt clime the ranks of our society very quickly."
The man with the bowl chimes in: "Don't fool the girl. Every member is required to wear a mask. Anonymity among our numbers ensures fairness for all Razmirs followers. We function as one for our cause."
"You know, if you are interested in achieving something greater in life we are always looking for new members. We are interviewing in just a few hours at The Rangers Lament" he points right over there."
Oh, I'm very interested! I think we all are. A look of concern crosses his face. Is the interview process very demanding? I wouldn't want to say the wrong thing and hurt my chances of being accepted into Razmir's service.
Lorant come up beside Kerret and nods. "Seems like a good place for people to serve the the city and Razmir."
The two men laugh at Kerrets comment.
I wouldn't worry. Eagerness and compliance will make the process much easier on us all.
"That sounds fascinating. I'll be there."
Kaylee smiles graciously at the masked man's compliments. "Thank you. Hopefully my service will be cause enough for quick advancement. Considering the good you do for the people, I'm sure we will all fit in nicely." If no one else has anything to discuss with the acolytes she then curtseys and continues on her way, watching the various performers and noting their abilities.
The two Acolytes snicker amongst themselves and carry about their business of collecting donations elsewhere.
Once the Acolytes are out of earshot, Kerret lowers his voice so that only the others can hear. Mostly minor magics, but some castings of the first rank, if you look at those little flaming dragons, those take a bit of skill to produce. Of course, it's all just a show to distract the crowds from the pickpockets, like those ones there. He gestures with a quick raise of the chin. No, don't look. Trust me, they're there. He furrows his brow quickly, then nods, a decision clearly made. Keeping his voice low, he continues I'm going back to Reginar's place, stow some valuables before the interview. I'm guessing we'll be expected to donate any valuables on hand to the Church, and I'd rather not give them any more than I have to.
I concur with kerret, "They were really putting the squeeze on for 'generous' donations too."
All in all, the show is a relativly short one. Once the Razmirians have spread their praise and collected their donations, they are quick to pack up and return to their temple.
"Hm. If we attain masks of our own, things would certainly be easier..." Lector remarks quietly, stroking his chin. As the Razmirians pack up their show, the detective turns to his comrades. "Well, we still have a few hours before we must go to The Ranger's Lament... this might be our last chance to get anything on the outside done. I'm going to take a quick look around the perimeter of the temple."
Kaylee walks along with Lector to go snoop around the temple. Fenris trots along after her, doing his best not to get stepped on in the crowd and occasionally letting himself be petted by children.
Lorant follows the pair to the Temple, but is mostly watching the people and the street rather than the temple itself.
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Kerret decides he'd rather have his items with him, but does stow his crossbow, bolts, wands, potions and coins into his bag of holding before tucking it back into his shirt. He stays near the others, keeping his eyes peeled and a friendly word on his lips for passerby.