Kyra begins to talk to the baker. Boring subject relating to bakery and ingredients. She shares on what was done in her parent's bakery and the types of breads and pastries they made. Once their chat is over she then says, "Thank you for taking the time in talking to two strangers. We will be leaving, maybe join the cultists as it seems they are good folk to hire us outsiders."
The baker doesn't reply right away to Morg but then just says: "Nothing you need to worry about."
Selene looks at her cousin a bit as if not quite understanding what's going on, but doesn't comment anything.
Kyra shares her bakery stories and this seems to put the baker relatively at ease again. Still, he's not really smiling a lot.
As Kyra talks about maybe joining the cult, he just says: "Yes, you can do that."
As you say your goodbyes, he smiles a bit and says: "Thanks for passing by and appreciating my pastry." to which Selene adds: "Well if you do join the cult, next time when you see me, please wave so I know it's you.. hehe!"
Kyra approaches Selene and offers her a hug and she whispers in her ear, "May the Dawnflower keep you within her embrace." Then the cleric makes her leave.
Kyra walks with the dwarf and put her around in shoulder, walking side by side, and she whispers to him. "Plant the seeds of friendship we must make. They were a good place to start."
Kyra leads Morg back to the others.
Nivel will fill in the others as to the brief conversation that was had, hoping that Kyra might try to continue the line of questioning about the cultists and such.
Kyra enters the Rangers Lament with Morg at her side. She immediately looks for her friends and pulls up a chair besides them. She hears what the other have to say and states her encounter with Selene and her cousin the baker. To make the others feel at ease she mentions how Morg immediately asked for breads and pasties and how the dwarf has a hearty appetite.
Kyra makes sure that her holy symbol is well hidden behind her tunic. She fears that her faith will make her stand out as a heretic amongst the cultists.
She raises her hand to get the server's attention. "I will have the same thing as my big friend over here is having." She pulls forth the necessary coins to pay the man.
She looks for the innkeeper and tries to get his attention. "Greetings innkeeper, I am Kyra and these are my friends." She points and makes the introductions. "Please sit and join us....and possibly drink with us. You will honor us with your presence."
Nivel nods to the man then motions to a spot at the table. That is, if you ain't that busy now.
After most customers have left, you invite the barkeep to your table.
He takes a seat and says: "My apologies for not having time earlier. I guess since you are all new in town, you would like to have someone to talk to.. hehe.. Where are you from, if I may ask?"
The dwarf chuckles and mutters under his breath. Fell in with a bunch of people persons, didn'tcha Morg.
Kassen. Are you a native of this area?
The barkeep replies: "Kassen.. oh yes.. I heard about it.. it's quite far from here, isn't it?! .. Well, I have been living on the countryside for a long time on my parent's farm, until I decided to try my luck in the city. That's how I ended up here.. So.. I am sure you folks are here on important business, for travelling such a distance?!"
Kyra interjects. "Kassen is a distant memory for some of us. Not much work there for hired hands. A sailor told us that a certain group here was looking for recruits. We'd figured that it is better than living on a ship or on the road, so.... we are here to give it a try. Perhaps find some purpose." Kyra bites down on some meat and bread and then takes a gulp of wine to wash the food down.
Anything is better than a ship, let me tell you. Nivel still has bad memories of the sea voyage. And I don't fancy the road much either.
Nay, they are just fine for the distance...
The barkeep replies: "Recruits? .. well.. I guess you must have heard about the war then.. We can always use more soldiers .. hehe.. looking at you, I think you will be a fine addition to Tamran's army! Do you know about the garrison here in town? That's the place to be if you want to join!"
Griswald looks himself over I guess I do look like a soldier now. Interesting how my life has changed since meeting these folk
Well, I'm not sure the life of a soldier is what I seek either. What can you tell us of your friends across the street? Seems to be they are doing a service to the community and I have much to atone for.
Kyra chuckles at Nivel's comment and responds, "Then, my friend, you should be the first one in line then." Kyra erupts in laughter. As she settles down she continues. "That speech that the robed man gave.....it was quite convincing. Might me the 'purpose' some of us need."
"Yes. There is quite a bit of interest in the 'living god'." Firyin shifts his weight, not trusting himself to say more without losing his temper.
The barkeeper's expression lightens up, noticing your interest in the cult. "Well.. you have come to the right place! You know.. tomorrow evening, new applicants will get a chance to join the cult right here in the tavern! They will do an interview where you can state your interest.. The cult of Razmir is quite famous. They have expanded into Tamran two years ago, arriving here from their country Razmiran, named after their cult. The Living God is said to visit his temples on occasion. (whispering) He could be in Tamran right now."
"If you are hoping to give new purpose to your life or to repair whatever mischief you have done, joining the cult of Razmir is an excellent opportunity!" (he smiles broadly)
Ah! I see we have indeed come to the right place. So tell me... are you a member? Nivel smiles slightly and gives a "knowing" look.
The barkeep laughs: "Haha.. no I am not a member. But they are good for business, of course. Thanks to the meetings they've held here, the Ranger's Lament has earned its own share of fame."
"So, you say tomorrow evening they will be here for new recruits? I guess we will need to be here then. Does race and gender make any difference on who gets selected?"
Who else uses the Lament for their meetings, anyone?
The barkeep replies: "Yes, tomorrow evening, at 7 pm. Race or gender are no issue. They will just ask you why you want to join.. and you will be offered a free meal!.. We don't have any other regular meetings here, aside from things like a special birthday celebration, but no organisations or groups that frequently meet here."
Kyra leans back in her chair balancing herself on the rear two legs of the chair. "So I guess we wait until tomorrow. Would you happen to have any lodging vacancies for possible recruits?"
The barkeep says: "I am sorry, I only have a small tavern. We have no rooms for guests at all. If you want something in the neighborhood, you could try the Lone Wanderer's resthouse. When you go out, go towards the temple, then go right and turn left, into Tanglewood Alley. You will see it there."
Finding room and board seemed like a good idea to Nivel. Thank you for the advice, friend. As far as finding the odd job or mercenary work, where does one go for that?
The barkeep replies: "Well.. as I said, you could ask in the garrison for mercenary work. I guess at the docks they could have some job for you, or else you could try asking the guilds. Depends what kind of work you want to do."
Kyra continues to eat and drink. She feels that she has gathered all of the necessary information and moves the discussion to other topics, like the best spots for shopping for armor, weapons, food, etc.
Seems we should go secure some lodging then. Nivel says to Kyra and the others. We'll be sure to be here when the meeting starts.
The barkeep remains helpful in answering your questions about places to find for weapons and such.
You spend the remainder of your time hanging out here and there and pass a peaceful night at the Lone Wanderer's resthouse. On food and lodging you each spend 2 gp (3 meals including breakfast + 1 night).
The next day at 7 pm you arrive at the Ranger's Lament.
The place is empty except for the barkeep and a young man in leather armor, short blond hair and somewhat elvish features, who sits alone at a table.
The barkeep welcomes you: "Aaah.. welcome.. please take a seat.. they will arrive any minute now."
Firyin rises early and spends some time in the outskirts by the wilderness before coming to the Ranger's Lament. Appropriate name for the situation.
Nivel will nod and take a seat as instructed. He'll take a good look around before doing so, however.
Griswald sits close to Nivel and Firyin. He will keep his nose open for any scents he smelled before (Masked cultists)
Kyra sits with Morg and wait. She puts her hand on her upper chest and feels her holy symbol. She whispers very low that only Morg may have a chance to hear her.
The blond, elvish man looks at you, but doesn't initiate a conversation.
You see or smell nothing out of the ordinary. Everything just looks and smells like an ordinary tavern.
About twenty minutes pass, when a group of six masked cultists arrive, three dressed in white robes, two in gray robes, and one in black robes.
The barkeep smiles as they enter but they don't talk to each other.
The cultists remain standing, with the one in black robes in front, and all turn towards you. The one in black robes starts a speech: "Today is a great day! Today you have chosen a new life. You have come here to seek the power and glory of Razmir." At that, all of the other priests chant in one voice, “All praise the Living God!”
He continues: "Will you be able to take the first of 31 steps to enlightment, the path of righteousness, the stairs to power and glory? That we shall know soon.. but first, we must discern your devotion to the Living God. For that each one of you will present themselves to the group."
There's a moment of silence and then the man in black turns to the one sitting alone at a table. "You there. What special desire has brought you here?"
The man thinks for a moment, then says with a certain conviction: "I want to serve Razmir.. He is known to be a good God.. I want to share in his glory.." He then stops and seems to be thinking about what else to say, but the man in black robe interrupts: "Very good! He will be proud of you! .. Next?"
When it is Griswald's turn he stands up awkwardly, "I want to serve Razmir." a bit unsure of himself. "I'm looking for a greater good than myrself..." he says with a bit more confidence.
I also wish to serve the greater good in the service of Razmir. I want to begin my journey on the path to righteousness!
Firyin waits for a few others, bringing up his own reason quietly. "There are forces beyond our control and comprehension, I wish to learn as much of them as I can."
On Kyra's turn, she stands up and looks to the others. She then says, "I once had purpose....but that was before my parents died. I have been wandering for close to a year, looking for purpose. So far....it is unfulfilled. I am hoping, and open, that the glory of Razmir can fill a hole in my life. So, basically, I am looking for purpose."
The cultists listen and then finally the black robed priest says. "Very well! I can see Razmir has already started preparing your spirit to welcome his enlightenment. However, the path will not be easy and so your first day will consist of fasting and meditating on the glory of Razmir to purify your desire.. Barkeep! Give these fine people the best of your food and drinks, because they will need strength to start their journey as disciples of the Living God!"
The barkeep promptly replies: "It is my pleasure, of course!"
As he disappears into the kitchen, all cultists take a seat at an empty table. No one takes off their mask.
After first offering ale, wine and water, some twenty minutes later, the barkeep brings a nicely decorated banquet of several kinds of meat and vegetables to your table and to the other elvish guy. The cultists are only served drinks which they take through the mouth opening of their masks.
The man in black robe stands up and says: "I will accept your membership in our group, if you will accept this food that the temple is willing to offer you for free, as a welcome gift!"
He apparently stands waiting to see if you will start eating.
Griswald nods, A free meal is a free meal... and the half orc starts eating the food in front of him.