After a few more rounds of drinks, the innkeeper taps Malya's shoulder
Ain't you lucky, sweet mermaid, here comes Reginar. Come here, Reginar, these youngs were waiting for you!
A robust man, wearing green and brown leathers, cloaked in a large bearskin, walks in. A beautiful longbow rests on his broad shoulders. You cannot help but notice, as he comes closer to your table, a long scar crossing his mouth.
Mayla smiles up at the innkeeper. "Thank you very much. I was about to go check the feasthall for him." Waving him over her eyes scanning over him quickly noting the bow and bearskin. Definitely an experienced individual.
"Hello, I am Mayla. It is a pleasure to meet you." She said after standing to greet him.
"Hi! I'm Lenna. Can I offer you a drink of some sort?"
The halfling's eyes can't help but lingering a bit on the man's longbow...
OOoooh, looks pricy.
You're sent by Cygar? Sorry, I didn't expected you to be so..young. But I guess that if he send you, it's because he trust you.
He sits near Essa, and looks at Roguk, smiling.
Nice friend you have here.
To Lenna
A beer would be great. Puglas knows my tastes.
Hope you didn't waited too long for me?
"Only long enough you missed a couple or rounds of free drinks." Mayla said with a warm smile before sitting back down. "We did enjoy learning from him. I got really lucky with fishing but Selene definitely makes a better Captain."
"Hi there, I'm Essa. This is my forest companion, Roguk. He might chew on your sleeve or drool on you a little. "
Essa swigs down the rest of her hard cider and looks around vaguely for more. Gosh it was tasty.
Selene smiles and nods to Reginar, asking warmly, I presume you already know why we've come then?
Yeah, cause I need your help... Do you mind if we go to a more discreet table?
As you change places, taking your drinks with you, Reginar looks at Essa and Roguk with a warm smile. Then he starts to speak
I'm born and raised in Tamran. I've lived in the woods for most of my adult life, and joined the Pathfinders only a few years ago, after finding an ancient druid's tomb. But you're not here to listen to that story. Maybe another time.
He looks around, then adds
The cult of Razmir appeared in Tamran 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.Not all the guards of course, but enough of them.
Members of the cult go out frequently to aid the poor and proselytize. I suspect this is just a cover for their more illegal activities, such as thievery, blackmail, and extortion. I have seen them beat a man to within an inch of his life, right in front of some guards. I have no idea how many cultists there are. While most wear white robes, some wear gray, and I have seen a few in black. In any case, I cannot get an accurate count because they all look alike, thanks to their masks.
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 know that they interview applicants at the Ranger’s Lament, a tavern across the street from the temple. If you hope to gain entrance, I think attending one of these meetings is the best way. But it will be risky. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night.For the time being, I would like you to get more information. We know too little about the cult to take any overt action, so you should try to infiltrate the temple as prospective members. Don't take any needless risks at this stage. Instead, just play along and meet up with me next week to report what they have learned.
Finally, I know that a group from the temple left to head up north a few months ago and returned a month later, 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. I think this might be the temple’s leader, but I'm not sure. They have not been seen since. Maybe they are trying to create another temple somewhere?
So let me get this straight, you want us to join the Razmiran's faith and learn what we can about their more nafarious deeds. Does that sum it up? Selene asked with a discerning look on her face.
In a nutshell.
Looks looks between Selene and the Pathfinder. "You want us. To join a cult." He reaches to his head and scratches his forehead while frowning. "Sane people do not join cults. What is our motivation? We know nothing of Razmir, I fear we could be easily exposed. Likes spies."
Revelation washes over Tane's face and he puts both palms down on the table, leaning in. All previous concern that the fighter had moments ago is replaced by excitement. He says quickly, "GUYS! We could be spies! How cool is that? Secret agents for the Pathfinder Soceity! Oh, we're so in. Let's do it."
Nodding he agrees, "Oh, we're so in."
Selene bites her lip at the thought of it, looking around at her companions to see their reactions and give them an opportunity to voice their thoughts.
Mayla remained quiet as she contemplated what he said. The religion was working like a well oiled cult or criminal organization. The masks were an excellent way to hide identities.
But what intrigued her more was the other information. A few months ago a group headed north. Kassen was north, and the fact they lost a few of their members was telling. The fact someone returned and then someone left just a week ago...
Mayla looked at the group. "This is the lead we ourselves have probably been looking for." She takes out her spellbook and gives Tane a "love tap" on his head. "If you speak any louder you will give up what we are trying to do. Contain your excitement."
Looking to Selene she nodded quietly. "We can find out if the item stolen was taken by them. The timing of that group going out and coming back fits the rough timeline I would give on the bodies."
Selene gives a tentative nod of agreement to Malya, before her eyes move to Essa and Lenna for their responses. "Essa or Lenna, what do you think?"
Take your time discussing this.I'll understand if everyone isn't as enthusiastic as your comrade.
He smiles at Tane
Lenna pats Tane's shoulder:
"Honey, since when are we sane people? I have to admit that it does sound interesting!"
The halfling's eyes light up as she is saying this.
"I love this plan already. Count me in."
Good. Do you have any question? I don't know all the answers, of course. Meanwhile...
Reginar asks for more drinks, and pay this round
"You said that they proselytize; do you know what their dogmas are? Why so many people join?"
My best guess is that the Razmirans look for power, and people join them to be on the good side of the beating stick, for once. That's human nature, alas.
Right... the good side. What could go wrong? Selene says with a smirk. Do we get started today or wait until tomorrow?
"I think it is the only way to discover their plans and put a stop to their evildoing. Count me and Roguk in."
The next "interview" for potential Razmirans will be tomorrow evening, at the Ranger's Lament, a tavern, as I said before...As newcomers in the town, you will draw less suspicion. And you're young too, that could help. Try to get as much information as you can about the cult before going to the Lament.
He looks at Essa
I hope you'll be allowed to bring Roguk with you, inside the Temple. If it isn't possible, I know a few people who have a knack with animals too, and who might keep him for a few days. He could go into the forest by himself, but there are too many hunters. He's really magnificent.
Selene frowns at the thought of the very real possibility that Roguk might be absent, but presses on with the topic, The Lament is probably the normal hang out spot for converts. That might be as good a place or better to learn some more things about them before tomorrow. That, or direct to the source at the temple.
"Or we can be more subtle and just ask around town about the people in the masks. I say we do a mix of asking around. Do some shopping if we need. I really don't like this idea of giving up all my worldly possessions to the church that I heard about. Some of us ask around town and maybe we also scout the temple discretely if talking is something you don't wish to do."
"Asking some stuff and sneaking around? It's what I do best. When do we begin?"
Subtle rout it is. Selene shrugs to Lenna.
I wish you good luck. People might be afraid to talk about Razmir and his followers, and I'm not that good with words, but you seem ressourceful. Don't go too close to the Temple, it isn't safe. Wander in the town... I'll be waiting for you in a few days.
If no one adds anything, the man rises from his seat and leave the Gar's Last Meal.
As soon as the group leaves the inn, Lenna starts to ask for information around her.
Selene joins in the efforts with Lenna, approaching strangers with her friendly, albeit exotic demeanor, though her search for details pertaining to Razmir are never direct and certainly not exclusive to learning about their organization, as she is generally interested to in meeting new people, possible friends, and developing contacts
Those deemed unworthy are sent to Razmiran to be devoured by the hungry
god
than they could ever possibly use for their work in the city.
The extra coin funds the buildup of an army that will conquer all of Avistan.
believe
has never been seen again . Most assume those who have vanished have simply joined the faith.
robes and a cowl. She is a medusa, and uses the cowl to hide her snakes.
government, from the city guard right up to Forest Marshal Gavirk, leader of all of Nirmathas
Tane departs Gar's and begins to wander about attempting to collecting information, but quickly becomes sidetracked a blacksmith's shop. He spends entirely too much time reviewing their wares and appraising the materials and goods for sale. He leaves the shop none the wiser on information about what they intended to fine, but clearly educated on where someone could pick up a quality dagger in town.
Regroup with the others he makes special note to explain to everyone in great detail about the variety of different blades he found in shops, bazaars and merchant wagons. "You should have seen this ruby-studded longsword emblazoned with a phoenix. It was masterful!"
Interesting, Selene said aloud to herself as she walked away from the conclusion of some small talk with a man selling animals from his cart and a newly caged hare in hand, It doesn't sound like anyone has anything nice to say about these people or their faith.
Neither Malya or Essa got more informations on the Cult of the Living God, as its called here
"So, I don't know what you've got, but from what I head, the followers of Razmir are all brainwashed, and the cult sends those who failed to Razmiran to be devoured by their god. But that really seems unlikely. They also told me that the cult controls all the government, from the city guards to Marshal Gavirk, the leader of Nirmathas."
Lenna makes a small pause:
"Honestly, that sounds very exaggerated. But maybe the rumors are not completely false. It seems entirely possible that the cult is involved in all kinds of illegal business."
Selene adds, I heard anyone that goes into the temple is never seen again and that the profits the church makes, goes toward the funding of an army to control all of Avistan. The lack of positive rumors is troublesome to me. No one has anything nice to say about this group. Pretending to be evil is one thing to gain access, but given the fact we carry weapons around, I don't think the ruse will last very long before we are forced to choose between keeping our cover or sparing someone a cruelty.
"Then we just have to see. I didn't hear anything myself. It is troublesome but we should be careful. Are we all in this whole trying to infiltrate still. It doesn't seem like we will have much to go on."
Mayla would shift. Maybe she will get free time after this to talk to the mage.
Wandering in the streets of Tamran while you try to collect information about the cult of the Living God, Malya, Selene and Essa soon spot someone following them.
A woman, wearing dirty and tattered rags, is cautiously looking at you.
She seems to watch Tane with interest
Taking a glance at the woman that was following them she tried to read why, and why the focus on Tane.
It seems like she looks at Tane as a benevolent "god", she's quite obviously in awe, and doesn't dare to come closer.
Mayla smiles slightly and would tap Tane on the shoulder. "You have an admirer."
Mayla was already looking the girl over and if she seemed like she lived on the streets was reaching into her pockets and looking around for a place to get her some warm food.
"Hmmm?"
Tane looks around and catches sight of the girl with Malya's help. The cautious and tattered woman that was paying attention to Tane caused him to squirm a little. But after his thorough examination he determines she clearly is not a threat.
He whispers to his group, "What do you think she wants? Is she hungry looking for food? I can give her a some coin for food. Maybe she has some information for us?"
If no one objects he will walk over to the girl with a silver in his palm and offer it to the girl, "Hungry? Here, go get yourself a hot meal on me."
Malya soon find someone selling food in the streets.
When Tane comes closer to her... she walks back, never turning her back on him, never daring to look him in the eyes either.
Tane probably goes too fast with the girl, and she turns to run away
It's just a little girl, she's probably scared of you. Being a hero can be quite imposing on someone who doesn't know who you are, right?
Tane holds out his palms in as nonthreatening manner as possible as he attempts to close the distance. Hoping to catch the reflection from the glimmer of the coin he slowly works his open palm back and forth. "It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you. What are you doing all alone out here? Are you ok?"
"We were about to eat and you are welcome to join us."
Eating??? I'm hungry.. But please no fish..
She seems to hesitate.. then the hunger is bigger than her fear
She doesnt dare looking at Tane, or worse taking his money
Tane frowns when she seems to shy away from him. He closes his palm and pockets the coin. He crouches down next to the girl and tries to talk playfully to her. "Hungry? No problem. Why don't you come get a nice hot meal with us? Everyone was so tired of hearing my stories, we would love to hear some of yours! I bet you have some really amazing ones, don't you?"
She shrugs
Sstories? I don't know no sstories... I wanna eat! Are you a hero of legend?
She looks at Tane, waiting