"There's a Legion that never was listed"- The Lost Legion -Kipling

Game Master Ghost1776

The library is huge..... It's a good thing he's following..Vigar knows that he could get lost here in an instant. He snaps his gaze back at Tassira not wanting to be caught well staring.....

There are more books here than in the entire keep back home.......

Actually your in just one of the Great Library's five library buildings. The library has stood on this island at least since before the fall of the Thassilon Empire 11,000 years ago.

Aah, quite convenient on the whole. This would be a good place to get started in gathering information, but she really did need to start talking to a clergyman first. Sigh. Books were old friends, though, and maybe she'd have the chance to get more involved with them sometime later. For now, Kariel simply glanced around the area before spotting a likely-looking area and carefully setting the books down. One of them, falling from the top of the stack, started to shoot sideways - though a quick grab managed to force it back into place. "Stop that." Kariel said firmly.

The book jumped up and smacked her in the face.

"..."

Tassira chuckles a bit when she sees Kariel struggling with one of the books. The book--On the Importance of Magic and Those Who Wield It--is apparently allergic to being handled by someone with even an inkling of intelligence.

"I normally just leave the books on the librarian's desk. He knows what to do with them." She says, pointing to a clear spot on the aforementioned desk.

Vigar places the books on the aforementioned desk and watches in some amusement as the book apparently takes offence at Kariel's command.

"From here to the temple then I suppose?"
Turning to Tassira.

Rowan places his own stack of books on the desk. He has been deep in thought, thinking of magic and storms, mulling over the Oracles and their words. He realizes something
Vigar spoke of storms and gatherings before the Oracle. He may know more than he lets on

Who knows what the gods wish of us, if it is even gods that push us together in this place. They are fickle creatures anyways. I'm not convinced that us meeting is any more than chance, as putting faith in fate is a dangerous gambit, but if we are to be the center of this storm than we must be prepared. Two oracles in the same place never bodes well when they are driven by fate. And if there is some sort of fate or influence at work here I imagine more magic was in that room than just the oracles. Tell me Vigar, do you have more insight into destiny than I? Do you hold similar secrets of magic?

"From here to the temple then I suppose?"

Tassira turns to face Vigar and nods.

"Yep. The temple should be across the grounds."

She leaves the library through the double doors, leading the aasimar & half-orc down the hallway again. After taking a left, she walks through a well-worn maple arch onto the Isle's campus grounds.

It's midday, with the sun shining in the sky. Some grey, miserable-looking clouds are beginning to gather; Tassira pauses in her walk to look at them.

She sighs.

"Secrets? Me? I'm just a cook. What secrets of magic would I know?"
He smiles.

His heart pains though, he's starting to think of Rowan as a friend. He cannot let anyone else into his heart once more, he did once and the cost was too much to bear. He loved and hated the legion for that.
Bluff to hide emotion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
Rowan sees right through the deception.

Vigar. I have only just met you, but I believe you to be honorable. And I already know you not to be a simple cook. This could be important information.

Kariel patiently followed Tassira - now would be a very bad time to get lost, after all, and she was just a bit... occupied... mentally. More specifically, she was trying to figure out the best way to introduce herself once she saw the head priest of the temple. First impressions were very important things, after all... and she didn't want to have anything like that stupid book happening within the holy grounds.

Seeing that Rowan has already cut straight into his facade. Vigar Sighs.

"I'm a former Imperial Elite Soldier, Elite Vigar Savage of the 204th Legion, brought into the legion not for just because of my skills but because of my blood. I have running within my veins, the blood of magics. Fate to be accurate but It's not within my control to call it out at will. It manifests itself only in certain ways and when it does my blood sings and sometimes I might lose control.

Looking at Rowan and anyone else, Vigar steels his expression.
I have a strong suspicion when I left the Legion but I believe that the lack of magics indicates some power controlling events. Look at the tavern, we were brought here by some reason or the other. Did you actually believe that we were here all by chance? I am here due to reading my maps wrongly something that rarely happens. There are arcane wielders of magics and the divine callers of the gods. Any Empire Officer worth his salt would have attempted to have recruited everyone whether by guile or force.

As Vigar clenches his fist.
There was another who raised the question, a valid one before we moved here. And I quote:

"All this talk of storms and calm and whatnot. Look around you, this place would be empty but for something or someone's influence. And that influence seems to want scholars, magic users, priests, and warriors. The real question is who is pulling this amount of force together, and for what end?"

And That my friend, Rowan, is I fear to know the answer to that question."

A storm is coming.

Those words hounded Tassira for almost her whole life. First the nightmares, then the magic. Visions of an apocalypse that put magic on its deathbed always seemed to be preceded by storm clouds gathering.

There goes any hope of getting a good night's sleep tonight.

She turns back to Kariel. "Let's go. The church isn't too far."

She leads Kariel (and anyone else following her) to a large stone temple decorated with statues of bare-chested monks in various meditative poses. The stone steps up to the temple are a bit crowded with students--some talking, others deep in their books.

The main hall of the temple is rather spartan in its decoration: aside from a plain stone altar and a large wooden chair next to it, several rows of pews are the only furnishings here. The smell of incense is thick in the air, and sunlight streams in through elaborate stained-glass windows on either side of the altar. Some young men & women dressed in plain brown robes attend to the altar & pews, tidying them up. They bear wooden holy symbols of Irori.

A couple of hallways branch off from the main hall near the front doors.

Fate is a fickle master. You never truly know whether it or chance is control of events. And more often than not, the two are indistinguishable. A wise man would doubt, be humble in the face of destiny, knowing that it is possible that their actions may not be in the control of the divine. It is possible that we are all being pushed and prodded by fate, but to believe we are puts too much weight on our actions. Or maybe too little. We must proceed wisely, wary of what moves us, if anything. Doubt, in whatever events to come, will be our greatest ally.

"Your words may ring true Rowan, but my blood sings with it. It tells me of the dance which I do not understand...yet"

Looking as both ladies enter the temple, he follows them in....Perhaps some tranquility could be enjoyed here.

Perhaps.

"..." Not quite what she'd been hoping for, but she supposed it would have to do. Kariel took a deep breath and spread her wings as wide as they would go. This was the first time she'd done so since arriving in the area, and they could finally be observed in better detail. On the one side, soft feathers with just a hint of color to help match them with her hair. On the other, golden metal that glinted in the light. It was all the more visible a moment later, though, when a brilliant halo appeared above Kariel's head, pulsing with enough sacred power to inspire fear in evil despite Kariel's fundamentally kind nature. Even as that happened, however, Kariel was muttering under her breath and making a small movement with her hand - and the sound of angels softly singing drifted through the room.

Cast: Ghost Sound (DC 15, Will disbelieves)

...It miiiight have been a bit over-the-top as an entrance, but in a way, that was the point. Kariel wanted everybody in the building to know exactly what sort of being she was, and for the first time in many years, she was putting every bit of her divine ancestry to good use.

"I'd like to speak to the head of the temple." she said, far more calmly than she felt.

Will save: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Vigar cannot help but admire what Kariel is doing. Momentarily distacted from Rowan, he thinks.

Nice entrance

"I'd like to speak to the head of the temple." she said, far more calmly than she felt.

*fetches her a mirror*

Hoping everyone is still in the inn

Krag looked up at the sign, "A white bear, as long as there is ale...." Pushing open the door Krag could hear chatter from inside the inn. Stepping in he took a moment to absorb his surrounding...

Uh excuse me...

updated

A few of us separated out to a local church. Including the angel. If I remember correctly, Adrean, Ikvvy, Eldrian, Fornok, and Marco DeAngelis are still in the inn

Rowan enters the church right behind Vigar

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
He neither recognizes the spell as it is cast, nor disbelieves. For a moment he stands slack jawed at the sight of the Angel.

True all that. And three sitting dogs, two tavern staff, and a knife wall-stuck by poltergeist glee. :)

The white-haired woman at the table looks up, regarding the dwarf with her faintly shining eyes. "Welcome, friend. You're welcome, also, I'm sure, to some of this soup..."

"Thank you ma'lady, I'd appreciate something warm to eat. May I join you... Ah apologies I am Kragthorne Al'trin"

Krag bows his head slightly before removing his helmet and clunking down in to a chair.

Krag has a red beard and hair, a holy symbol rests around his neck and a small armoury appears to be strapped to his well worn armour.

"The more, the merrier, right? I'm Marcos. Marcos DeAngelis. And what brings you here, Ser Al'trin?"

Ah, finally a bit of quiet from this madness. Fools all of them. Fate and divine direction be damned. They had survived so far on their with not a bit of outside help and he would continueto do so. There was alot wrong with the world. Mainly the men of the empire. Problems would always exist in the world, as would the never ending supply of young fools rushing to leave their mark thinking they did something worthwhile when they actually changed nothing. Seeing the dwarf enter, his mood soured further.

"I'd like to speak to the head of the temple."

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Ghost Sound. Conjures illusionary sounds. She really knows how to put on a show.

The acolytes turn and look, quite surprised by Kariel's entrance.

They chatter amongst themselves for a bit before one of them runs off.

Tassira whistles. "Not bad, Kariel. Just to be clear, what do you wish to speak to the High Priest about?"

The aasimar smiled slightly. "Hope."

Kariel left it at that, though. Some things just weren't meant to be said outside of the right time and place. If you were going to dream, though, it was important to dream big. The gods had directly interfered in her life, granting her a momentary glimpse of their divinity and a more lasting gift of their magic. It wasn't luck, it wasn't coincidence, and it wasn't heritage... it was an intentional act on their part, and Kariel had every intention of using their gift it to its fullest in order to make the world a better place. Guided, of course, by prayer and study to help ensure that she was on the right path. It wouldn't do to become too blind about things and veer off course, no matter how badly she wanted to sway the hearts of the people.

The acolyte returns with the High Priest in tow. The High Priest of Irori is a short, lean man, barely 5'5 in height. His brown robes appear to be made from finer cloth than the acolytes, and a silver holy symbol of Irori is tattooed into the back of his left hand. His head is mostly shaven bald, save for a plaited grey ponytail. He moves with the ease & practice of a man half his age, and muscle can be seen under the folds of his robes.

The acolyte points out Kariel, and the High Priest approaches. "Yes, young one? You asked for me?" He asks in a calm, fatherly tone.

Taking 10 + 6 (Total: 16) for Knowledge (Religion) to know Common Tenets of Irori's faith. (DC 15)

Kariel looked faintly amused - she was rather older than she appeared, after all. "I did, Father. I appreciate you arriving so promptly to speak with me; I understand how important your meditations can be, and interrupting them is never an easy thing to do."

Diplomacy: Improve Attitude
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

The quiet singing hadn't lasted for very long anyway, and Kariel quietly let her halo vanish even as she folded her wings comfortably behind her back once more. Without the immediate distraction of those filling space within the church, the rest of the acolyte's should find it much easier to return to their studies and meditation.

The High Priest chuckles. "Oh, it's no trouble."

He looks to the acolyte who brought him--a slight, young, brown-haired woman, likely no older than 16--and nods. She bows her head before going back down the hall with a *swish* of her robes.

"Now, what is it you wished to speak to me about?" He asks, shooting another look at the other acolytes gawking at Kariel. The remaining three acolytes promptly return to work tidying up the church's main hall.

"To put it simply, Father, I'd like your help in getting in to speak with the head of your faith... and, in turn, ask for his assistance in securing an audience with the Emperor. Good people can easily lose sight of what's most important when they're afraid, and I'd like to bring a bit of hope back into the world to set their fears to rest. The fastest way to do that is to start from the top... and if the lands will agree to a treaty that will allow them to stand down their armies, we might just be able to focus our attention on the real problems once more." Indeed, from what little she knew of the world, focusing what magic was left into the armies seemed to leave distinctly little for other important matters... like researching whatever had caused it to start disappearing. She didn't know how much time was left, though, so this was best done sooner instead of later.

Indeed, alongside that, this seemed like a situation where force of arms wasn't going to solve much. Instead, it was time to put skill and charm to good use - after all, what was the point of having her gifts if they were never used? "I suppose all I'm really asking for is a letter of introduction and some directions on where to take it. Can you help?"

Diplomacy: Request Complicated Aid (DC +5). Specifically, a letter of introduction that will encourage the head of Irori's church to not delay too much in seeing Kamiel!
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

The High Priest considers Kariel's words, listening intently.

When he speaks again, his words are more serious. "An admirable goal, and one that would benefit us all if accomplished. However, what you would request of the Emperor would be going against centuries of Alesion's traditions."

He paces back and forth, his eyes never leaving Kariel. "Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing. It is simply... the Empire has existed like this for centuries. I fear that, even with the Grand Master's support behind you, it will not be enough to convince the Emperor."

He smiles. "But it would be a good start. I'll see what I can do for an introductory letter."

"Thank you, Father." Kariel said, inclining her head respectfully to him. "Change, too, can be frightening to people... but change is also the only way that we can ever improve." Which was a detail that the faithful of Irori would probably understand even more than others did, considering how much of their activities focused around changing and improving themselves. Kariel's goal was actually very similar to what the acolytes here were doing... though, admittedly, it was on a considerably larger scale. Even among the lawful, change wasn't the same thing as chaos.

One step at a time, though, she planned to make the world a better place. In the meantime... she had the feeling that the other people back in the Inn were there for a reason. Many of them looked quite capable in their own right, too... and to be honest, she did want some companions for the road. Perhaps they would be willing to serve as guards... or even provide some other type of assistance.

She turned back to smile at Tassira a moment later. "Would you like to come along with me, Tassira? You mentioned earlier that you were drawn here because of knowledge. I realize that stepping away from your books would be a bit of a sacrifice, but to be honest, I need somebody like you beside me... your histories, your experiences, your expertise. I also hope to offer the opportunity for you to learn many things that are currently lost to us, though only the gods know whether or not we'll succeed in uncovering the truth of our woes. I can't promise you that we'll succeed, but I can give you my best attempt."

Tassira says nothing for a long time.

She means it. She really means it.

She had to think. What she was planning... asking the Emperor himself to have mages be put to work trying to fix what was wrong instead of nursing old grudges.

It was the sort of task that no one sensible would ever undertake without aid. Perhaps it would work. Perhaps it would not.

It was certainly better than hiding for the rest of her life.

She looks up into Kariel's eye. Books had given her all the answers they would... she needed to see more.

"I'm in."

Vigar's jaw drops at Kariel's admittedly ambitious intention to seek audience with the Emperor.

"By the gods, do you truly intend to walk straight up to the emperor to speak with him? To walk straight into the lion's den and hope that the other hunters do not touch you?"

Vigar shakes his head in amazement.

"Today is indeed a day of wonderment. An Angel and her proclamation"

Grinning at Rowan.
"You learn something new everyday don't you think?"

"Yes. She is either a naive fool or a larval visionary. And I am afraid I do not know which. Even if I never see her again, I am sure I will hear of her.

The clocktower bells ring, and a look of surprise appears on his face.

"Is it truly this late? It's time for me to go practice with the Wardens!"

He runs a few paces toward the door, but then stops and turns around. A sly look grows on his face.

"Say Vigar, do you want to see how a simple scholar fairs in battle against a simple cook?"

VIgar raises an eyebrow.

"I daresay I would be honored to watch you practice and as for how this simple cook fares? I suppose not very well unless it's against cooking ingredients."

He grins. And follows.

Taking 10 on some basic knowledge info! Mostly Local, History, and Nobility.

"A hunter won't touch you if you're bringing them something they want." the Aasimar said, smiling faintly as Vigar walked out. "And lions, if their bellies are full, won't rise up to devour you. Fighting amongst the houses or the faiths would only sow more fear and discord across the Empire. It's much better to offer each party something they desire. An enemy that's destroyed is no longer a threat, but an enemy that becomes a friend makes you even stronger."

There were, of course, a variety of major factions that would have to be considered. Outside of the various faiths, there were the Great Houses, the diverse races of the Empire, and a number of other categories. Not every group would need to be accepting of her plan at the very start, but they would need to be brought in eventually... and preferably in a way that gave some significant benefit to them. There were few things more likely to derail the entire thing than some noble family feeling like it would be crushed by the changes - but she'd deal with those at a better time. For now, it was important to lay the groundwork... and gain the popular support necessary to turn ideas into reality. In terms of reaching the hearts of people, little would do that faster than faith. That was, in fact, the main reason she'd come to this place first. Support from the churches would drastically simplify matters later on. Right now, so many people were focused on war... they were worried, afraid, and the actions of the land only amplified that. If popular sentiment could be shifted away and redirected, peace would be a much more attractive option to everyone.

It probably wouldn't be that easy... things never were. On the other hand, Kariel wasn't entirely sure she could be happy with herself if she didn't at least try to solve these problems. This was a world everyone was a part of... and if everyone was willing to make a change, then the future could be shifted to something much better. Perhaps all they needed to take that step forward was a little bit of hope.

She focused her attention back on Tassira a moment later. "I don't think I'll be leaving today, but the gods have a timetable of their own. If there's anything you still want to take care of, you may wish to do it sooner instead of later." It was also important to minimize the disruption your actions caused for others - after all, having regrets about things left undone would be a bad place to start changing the world from.

Rowan calls back to Kariel and Tassira. "Tassira, I must leave to go practice with the Wardens. Vigar is coming with me. You and Kariel are welcome to come as well when your business is finished here. We'll be at the training grounds."

He then runs off toward the field. Along the way, he stops in his quarters to pick up his chain shirt. It is filled with stacks books, obscuring a desk and a bed. In the corner are several weapons, a bow, a halberd, and a fauchard

Upon getting there he calls out to the assembled guards and Wardens, already sparring with each other. It seems to be a rather diverse group.

"This is Vigar. I invited him to train with us today."

The group nods in assent. Rowan turns back to Vigar.
"These are the guards of the Isle and the Wardens of the Library. We serve as a sort of militia in case of attack and most of us are scholars here. This here is just an informal group that assembles to train."

Rowan walks toward a rack filled with assorted training weapons. He stops to put on the chain shirt as he explains.
"Here we practice in a unique fighting style, one that combines strength of the mind with strength of arm. We normally spar with each other to keep our skills strong when our instructors are not here. These are a few training weapons, all blunted so that we do not cut each other to ribbons."

Rowan picks up a training halberd and motions to Vigar to choose one as well.

Vigar nods in understanding. Not so different from the keep after all
He chooses a spear testing its heft for balance and length before finding himself satisfied.

Rowan hefts his halberd and spins it around a few times before bringing it to bear, adopting a defensive stance (Combat Expertise). He grins.
"Shall we begin?"
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Vigar nods setting the spear cross length before him, an unusual style to be sure but one that granted him offense and defense in a blink of the eye.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"Yes Let's."

"Well met Master Marcos, it is the final year of my right (of passage). I walk the path of my forefathers and the end is in sight"

Krag looks down at the table momentarily as if pondering.

"It has been a long journey, often lonesome... an even with good cheer is always welcome. It is tradition amongst my family that we get the first round when we make new friends."

Krag looks for the Barkeep.

Let's stir the pot a little

The server, a middle aged women, with slightly greying hair comes up and takes Krag's order. "So you here for the will reading too?" At Krag's blank look she goes on "You know Professor Crispin's will?" Not waiting for a response she continues "I happened to a get a glimpse of the list when the lawyer stopped by the other day, I didn't recognized most of the names but the group certainly seems to be gathering based on the descriptions. I'll go get your order placed and bring your drink."

Edited to add that the perception check is for everyone still at the Inn not just Karg

Will...? What ..? Drinks, yes thank you.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Well I think this will cause a bit of a stir in town, maybe I'll stay a few days.

Krag briefly looks around the room [detect evil] and thinks to himself 'when money is involved people are easily swayed to evil'

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 perception

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Ikvvy lowers her voice and bends over the table to get closer and speak to Eldrian.
"Hey brother, did you hear that? It seems something else is happening here..."

lol I think some of us went out for a walk and Rowan about to beat Vigar Black and Blue in a friendly training session.

When the serving woman returns Krag will ask her when the reading is.

You won initiative. Make your first move.

After Vigar makes his first swing, Rowan goes for his legs
CMB Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Which promptly sends Vigar sprawling, his face hitting the grass.

lol

Vigar does a direct thrust with the spear. Best to let him get a feel with Rowan's Style and hopefully not lose control.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Unfortunately grass is his next encounter as he feels Rowan use the Halberd to hook his legs sending him tumbling to the ground, using his free hand as a spring board, as he gets up Provoking an aoo in this case Spinning the spear over in a wide arc that goes truly wide as he gets to his feet.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Two bad rolls in a turn?. Oh well

AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Vigar is too quick returning to his feet for Rowan, ending up slashing the grass.
Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
After ducking the next attack, Rowan sweeps the legs again, or at least tries to.

Well at least we seem even matched.