Ashe nods her head with a smile, "While I am a not follower of Iomedae, but I will happily add what assistance I can as one of Saranrae." She lowers her head an offers a prayer to her Goddess.
Roderic looks up from the symbol to Eve, "Yes I believe it would. It is interesting that the icon found its way to you, though the Faithful are Legion here and it is reasonable that someone might have dropped it, that you chose to pick it up is interesting I mean."
he reveals a similar silver symbol from around his neck.
He turns to Ashe, "By all means. The Everlight is ever an ally of the Light of the Sword. Lux lucet in pluribus locis., Light shines in many places. It is from the Gospel of Saint Thomas of Brastlewark. All of the Lady's allies are welcome in the struggle against the darkness."
He looks back to Eve, "Do you follow Our Lady Iomedae? Have you made any prayers to her before?"
Ashe smiles at Roderick, but her face turns to worry. "Are you injured? I am a healer, and I can heal you if you suffered an injury. I would have you note that you may benefit from my healing only once per day, should we find ourselves in more danger."
"No I have not. I traveled a long way to reach this city, from the Shackles to be exact, to do some good and help people in this realm. I was informed enlisting here to fight against the creatures of the Worldwound was the best thing I could do. Followers of Iomedae make up the armies here?" Eve responds, ending with another question.
"I am a little, and thank you it would be appreciated." Roderic replies to Ashe.
Turning to Eve, "Yes. It is my understanding that the Faithful from all over Golarion, from Noble Lords to the poorest man, have come here to serve Our Lady and all free peoples in beating back the Dark Tide. Here all are equals in their service to the Light." He seems to take comfort in that. "If you're interested, I could teach you the prayer I just made, Ave Iomedae."
He continues, "It is a prayer we give during a service to Iomedae, to affirm our faith and consecrate a place for worship. I believe it will drive the evil out of here, however no natural light reaches this place and evil has lived here long. Perhaps..."
He pauses for a moment. "Though the priest wavered in his faith," gesturing at the body on the altar, "perhaps his denial of Grace keeps him here. If I give him rites, perhaps the evil here may yet be washed away. He looks up at the group.
"And if then you and you're friends were willing we could make the Ave Iomedae together, for as the gospel of St. Thomas also says in Iomedae's parting words to her Battle Brothers and Sisters,"Indigetis ut vos me frequenter colligendum fideles ad me, et ego exaudiam vos cito oratio. Ubi enim non est opus, ut sit lux non in abundantia mea. Dixit ergo Iomedae."
He translates, "When you are in need of me, gather the Faithful in great numbers and call to me, quickly shall I heed your prayer. For where there is great need, so shall my Light be given in abundance. So said Iomedae." Though, I would not wish to coerce anyone to make false prayers. However if you or any of your companions would be willing, I could teach all of you the prayer, and with any luck we can cleanse this place. For as the gospel also says, "Unus autem infirma. Multa sunt legionis." One alone is weak. The Many united are Legion." He awaits their reply before administering the Right of Cleansing.
"I am interested in learning the prayer, and I have a few other questions after we finish the rite." Eve states before assisting with the ritual.
As Olivier loitered in the doorway, his cautious facade quickly devolved into eye-rolling boredom. Wonderful. It looked as if they had stumbled upon something Olivier found almost worse than whatever monster they could encounter here: it seems that they had found a zealot.
In a way, Olivier was not surprised. They were in Mendev after all, and the perception of a nation of frothing crusading zealots was not an undeserved reputation. Someone had to stand against the growing incursion of the Worldwound.
Still. He would have liked to remain out of their sphere of influence for a little while longer.
As the man prattled on and on and on about prayers and consecration (Oliver had to admit he was somewhat impressed that someone could go on for SO LONG about what he had always believed to be a terse and boring subject), the pale man sighed and sheathed his blade. "As thrilling and noble as your rituals may be," he replied blandly to the point of sarcasm, "I'll leave that in your hands. I'll fetch the others."
With that, he turned and moved to visible range of the others, waving them down. "It's all right," he called loud enough for them to hear. "You all can come in. Anevia, can you take over guiding Aravashnial?"
Oh! He almost forgot. Looking about for a moment, he soon found the armored woman. "You can come along as well, if you'd like..."
Ashe nods her head. With a few arcane words and a small gesture, Ashe's hands are lit with a cool blue aura that she touches Roderic's shoulders with. Moments later what wounds he had are gone!
"Hope that helped! I will certainly try to aid in this ritual." Ashe beams a smile, forgetting her swollen ankle for a moment.
"Very well." Roderic says to Eve, with some of the worry lifting from his voice. As Oliver leaves the room Roderic says to him, "Very good, any of them that are willing and able are appreciated."
Feeling the light pass into his body, and his strength return to him he turns to Ashe after she speaks and says,"It did, and thank you. It is most appreciated" he rises to his feet to reposition the body, and its head on the altar. "What I will do first is a variation on the Rite of Illumination, it fills the recipient with Iomedae's light and purifies them. This is normally given to the Faithful while they are still alive, though just maybe it can save this man's soul." He finishes positioning the body, and turns back to Ashe and Eve. "As he can no longer formally ask for the Light, I can only assume that his soul desires it. As I perform the Rite of Illumination, when I pause I will need you to say 'In nomen tuum petimus. Ave Iomedae', meaning 'In your name we pray. Hail Iomedae.'" He walks back over to the two and continues. "After that, I would like everyone to join me in Ave Iomedae before the altar."
Roderic waits for the other willing companions to enter and teaches all present Ave Iomedae.
Make the Sign of the SwordHail Iomedae. For thou art the light, descendant unto earth, my sword and my shield.Hold sword with the tip towards earth, calling for the descent of Iomedae's light to earth.Inheritor of the dying god. Raised up after having completed eleven noble Acts to the right hand of Aroden in heaven. Defender of the Faith. Lady give us strength. Lady give us courage. Lady give us wisdom. Take me as your servant. Take me as your weapon. Take me as your courage. Take me as your servant.Looking to Iomedae to draw down her light Fill me with your light, that I may be your sword in darkness. May I smite your enemies, and defend the faithful. Looking back to earth and touching the sword to the ground Lady, make this place holy, and take it for your own, and fill it with your light. For where there is light there can be no darkness. In your name we pray. Hail Iomedae. Give the Sign of the Sword, and the Sign of Surrender; lay the blade on your hands with the hilt on the side of your dominant hand, with head bowed on both knees. If there is no sword, the Faithful places their hands before them palms up in a receiving gesture. This presents the neck of the faithful to the will of Iomedae, surrendering to her judgment and presenting her with your sword for her service.
After being summoned into the temple and uninterested in the ritual to take place, Rema rejoins the armored stranger outside. "Greetings. My name is Rema. Might I join you and inquire how to navigate these caves?"
"I will help you if that's alright" Anevia responds to Roderic's request.
"The dead should be given proper rest" Avashnial seconds Anevia's agreement.
Horgus with an incredulous look responds "We are trapped down here and you want to sing prayers for some that wanted to kill people. after some grinding of teeth Horgus continues "If you need me I'll be outside not breathing dead things. .
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The armored figure responds. "Greetings. I have no qualms with that." She lifts the front of her helm to eat a piece of jerky, exposing the bottom half of her heavily scarred face. "This place changes too much. Have to learn to adapt survival techniques from all over. One minute it works like Arch of Aroden, the next it's as cold as a winter in Ustalav. Have to adapt."
Roderic thanks his new friends and teaches them the prayer Ave Iomedae.
After a few minutes he turns to the altar and aproaches the remains.
With slight hesitation he places his right hand on its head, and left over its heart and raises his head. He begins to pray,
"Iomedae lumen gladio
Fidei Defensorem, respice in hac anima,
et dona lucis tuae radium."
The congregation replies, "In nomen tuum petimus. Ave Iomedae."
Roderic continues, "Quia prævaricati propitius luce boni sacerdotis.
Qui versus animi renuntiare fide, lumen antequam moriatur."
The congregation replies, "In nomen tuum petimus. Ave Iomedae."
Roderic's voice raises with fervor at the replies of the mass.
"Iomedae lumen gladio
Aroden heredem,
ad dexteram suam in caelum ascendit.
Qui descendit in terram lux
in remissionem peccatorum;"
The congregation replies, "In nomen tuum petimus. Ave Iomedae."
Roderic finishes.
"Iomedae fideles
per voluntatem implere,
et ejecerint tenebris lumen.
Ut iniquitates remittetur
Aroden nomine, Domina,
lucis in generatione.
Ave Iomedae"
Roderic drops to both knees and draws his sword, holding the tip just off the floor. The congregation follows him as he draws his right hand above his head, then touches it to his forehead, waist, right chest then left and says as he's doing so,
"Ave Iomedae. Tu enim lucis orto in terram, et gladius meus scutum meum." He grips the sword again and bows his head.
"Heredem moriturum esse Deum. XI post expleta virtutibus eduxit ad dexteram Aroden in caelo. Defensor fidei. Domina da robur. Domina da nobis animi. Da nobis sapientia a Domina. Recipe me servo tuo. Accipe me velut tuum telum. Accipite me, ut animos vestros. Recipe me servo tuo." He looks up, and continues,
"Me saties lux in tenebris ut vos gladium. Ut percutiam te oderunt, et fideles defendere." He down and touches the sword tip to the stone floor infront of the altar and says,
"Domine, in loco sancto tuo, et capient eam, et lumen tuum imple. Ubi enim lux non est in tenebris. In nomen tuum petimus. Ave Iomedae."
He makes the sign of the sword upon himself again and lays the blade across his hands, tip pointed left.
After the ritual Eve approaches Roderic. "I have to say, I thought the order up here would be more specialized on killing demons and less on rituals. What rank do you hold in this legion? If you don't mind me asking."
As the ritual commences The two holy symbols present begin to glow and grow brighter as each passage is recited. By the end verse the temple is bathed in complete daylight and a sigh can be heard from all around.
Rema returns a smile for the invitation and takes a seat beside the woman. "Interesting, where are we ex... my apologies, introductions where not finished. What may I call you miss?"
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"Arctrankas." She continues to eat through the half-open helm. "Not my truename. Safety concerns. I'd suggest not giving your out around here as well."
As the house glows, Arc stands in a hurry to rush into the possible threat.
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As the Temple is bathed in light Roderic let out, "Thank you my Lady, thank you." He turns to the others, "And thank you friends. The Gospels words have helped us all this day," Roderic says, reveling in the light surrounding him. He turns back to face the man on the altar, "And I hope this man's soul as well. Peace of Heaven be with him and all of us." he says giving the Sign of the Sword upon himself. He turns back to face the group, "Be glad, for Iomedae is with us! It is no chance that we were brought together this day." he says, still ecstatic from the ritual. "I will gladly travel with you, if you would have me, after leaving this place. Even if it is only for a while." he said to those present, " However, while you tend to your wounded, or scout for an exit I would like to consecrate this temple to Iomedae. Clearly her light shines here with purpose, and until the Forge Father may send his followers to properly tend this forgotten place the Defender must keep his watch. As they are both Lords of Heaven, I'm sure Torag will understand. Eve, if you like you could help me with this and I could teach you more..."
Only now fully comprehending what Eve asked him he replies, "Oh I actually do not belong to any company or cohort here. I made pilgrimage from Cheliax with a group of knights and warriors that had entered through our ports. They told me that I should seek them out after I had settled and rested a bit after our journey. I was on my way to meet them, as it were though I am here" he rasied his gaze and gesture to the room around him, "instead." Roderic continued speaking, now hearing rushed foot steps from the outside of the temple, "With any luck, and the recommendation of their knight brothers, the grand master will accept me..."
Roderic sees an armored figure rush into the room and addresses them, "Hello. Is everything ok..."
He paused upon noticing a variety of necklaces, characteristic of the church of Asmodeus.
Growing up in a Chelish city Roderic had lived side by side with many members of the Church of Asmodeus. Here, however, he no longer needed to hide his allegiance to Iomedae. He had known many good people who were a part of the Asmodean Church, and he hoped that this person was one of them.
"This place is claimed by the Sword of Light," he said to the figure, "I would ask that you please not wear those symbols within it, out of courtesy." he asked with a calm but stern tone.
Detect Evil on Arctrankas
Finding no heavy presence of evil around the new figure, Roderic was put a little to ease as he awaited their reply.
"It seems I am not the only one to travel far to join this crusade then. It is a wonder I have heard that they are so short of people. Seeing what I have seen today though, that may be the reason why." Eve says sullenly in response to the displaced knight.
"More like I'd be surprised to see people who aren't here for crusades," Olivier interjected. "Though," he added more quietly, "not everyone was brought up willingly..."
After a fair amount of time and effort, the temple is looking better than it once did. Your holy symbols eventually die down, however the room remains lit by unseen forces and a feeling of safety permeates the room. your sanctification is complete.
Ashe shrugs uncomfortably having helped Iomedae claim Torag's temple, she believed they were simply consecrating the temple.
Ashe speaks up with a yawn, wishing to rest her ankle, "Maybe we should rest here for the night?"
"If you did not come up here willingly why are you here?" Eve asks the scout.
As Roderic sees the figure leaves the doorway, he is happy to have his hopes rewarded. If anyone would want to see these abominations in line, the daemons that is, it would be the whips of their lords.
"Thank you." Roderic lets out loud enough for the armored figure to hear it as they left the temple.
After the consecration Roderic notices Ashe is acting a bit odd but thinks nothing of it. Perhaps she is tired he thinks to himself.
Roderic walked over to where the war-hammer was laying and picked it up. As he took it to the Altar he replied to Ashe, "Yes I believe we should rest." He placed it in the Dwarf's hands with the striking block down. "I can take the first watch if need be." he said turning back to the group.
He started to move to the door, "You may all stay in here if you like, I will take my shift just outside. if you have need of me, do not hesitate." After pleasantries, Roderic stepped outside. Seeing the figure at the fire he approached. "Mind if I join you?" he said to the two sitting by the fire.
Ashe looks around, finds a spot to lay down and pulls out a bundle of clothing to use as a pillow. Before laying down to rest, she says to no one in particular, "Wake me up if I can help with anything."
"Simple choice, really. I had the choice to either 'volunteer' for the crusades, or meet the headsman. To be quite honest with you, I rather like my head where it is."
As the others dispersed to sleep, Olivier looked around the small temple with a mild interest. The dead dwarf caught his most obvious of attention... particularly the way that no one had even thought of looking to see if he had any sort of information on him. Or gold. That was always a good thing to find too.
There was one possible catch, though...
Olivier glanced furtively at his traveling companions as he fussed about in a corner as he half-pretended to set up a sleeping spot of his own. From what he gathered about them so far, he was extremely unsure if they would be as blase as he was about stripping the dead of their valuables. He had to be careful about it...
the night goes by uneventfully, all those that stayed within the temple walls wake refreshed and ready to go.
the only path available to you is south.
"That makes sense. I will return inside then, but before I go if I may ask: What brings you here? And what may I call you by?" He said to the Armored figure. "And you sir, what is your name? I don't believe I got it in the temple before." he asked the monk in their company.
After he recieves answers he retires into the temple.
After collecting himself in the morning, Roderic addresses the group. "Well, you all seem to have seen more of these tunnels than I have. Lead the way." He gestures out the door.
Ashe gets up and stretches. After nibbling on some trail mix she kept with her and checking on her ankle, she spends about an hour happily talking to a light blue thrush. Then it disappears into a pouch with its head barely poking out and Ashe joins the rest of the group.
"Good morning everyone! I hope everyone slept well," seeing that she was a little late, "Olivier...would you mind scouting ahead again? If not, I would understand."
Ashe blinks in confusion, "Kenabres is above us...are you not aware of what happened yesterday?
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"No... Was last there roughly a week ago to resupply. Spoke of some celebration coming. Irrelevant to why I came here."
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Ashe takes a deep breath, wishing for a moment that she could forget the events, "The Ward Stone has been destroyed." She pauses for a moment, trying to decide how much to tell this stranger. Wishing to believe in others, she continues, "Terendelev. Keneabres' protector, has been murdered by none other than the Storm King, the Gods let her find peace." She takes another moment in respect for her fallen hero as tears well up in her eyes. She swallows back the sadness and looks at the newcomer in the eyes, "I may not be a demon slayer of any sort, but I am going to make damn sure I am worthy of the sacrifice Terendelev made."
Ashe's question was unnecessary. After Olivier woke up and gathered his things, it only took a vague guess that the rest of the party was ready before he was off and down the tunnels on his own.
Gathering his things Rema cannot help but feel bad for Ashe, "There now child. First thing is first, we must get out of this place what ever it is, lest you forget your ankle. Feeling better I hope?" Rema gives Ashe a comforting smile but a concerned look, and begins to look around for Arctrankas. "Arc, you seem to have good knowledge of this place. Can you explain what or where we are?"
Roderic touched his hand to his stomach.
"I saw her fall before the ground opened up." Roderic said as he reached inside his tabbard and pulled out a silver scale the size of a buckler. "This came to me after I fell here. It called out to me in the darkness," he paused for a minute looking at the scale.
"When I picked it up I heard a voice say clear as day, 'chosen may this the final wish of a dying guardian protect you.' I thanked her, whom so ever she was." Roderic looked up to Ashe, "I am sorry for your loss."
After a moment he returned his mind to present matters. Placing the scale back in his tabbard he asked Ashe, "You said the Wardstone was destroyed? How?"
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"Wardstone destroyed?" Arc states. "Impossible. Would need a grand magister or an army to do that, and would be impossible to get either through a Warded city's defenses. Blocks planar travel. Holy warriors on the walls." She pauses and looks at the group. "You're sure?"
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"I don't know much about this particular city, but with the amount of chaos that was going on topside, something very important broke down." Eve adds to the discussion, while once again assisting the blind elf in walking along.
Ashe smiles at Rema as she wipes her eyes, "My ankle is still a bit stiff, I believe it will be healed completely tomorrow."
As Roderic begins speaking, Ashe turns to him. Her eyes widen as she sees the silver scale. Her hand weakly extends as if to touch it, speaks to herself "Ever since I was little, all I wanted was to touch one of her scales." Her hand recoils, "But, not like this. Not like this."
She regains her composure as she explains, "I have no idea how they destroyed the Ward Stone, but I saw that it was no longer there. And demons were swarming the streets of my city. There is no other explanation."
During this conversation Anevia speaks up. "Not that I don't appreciate the quite but has anyone heard Horgus, or is the old goat still sleeping?"
As Ashe finishes speaking, Roderic began to fully grasp the gravity of the situation above. "Then with the Light of Heaven, we shall cleanse the unclean. With holy fire, we will purify the unholy." While speaking he tightens his sword belt and checks his sword and dagger blade and continues, "With the sword, we will purge the corrupt. With the Wrath of the Archons, We will kill the impure!"
Just before he walks through the door out he turns his head to face the group and pauses for a moment. With a zealous, almost crazed look in his eyes, in the kind of comfort only someone who believes wholly in what they do without question he says, "None will escape us." He steps through the door and begins to walk down the new passage that Oliver had already started down, completely at peace with what he would face.