Valley of the Shrines (Inactive)

Game Master Grimmy

...

Wilfort hears Lucia's voice echo through his mind, "We needed another magic user, good to have you." Cast Message

Splendiferous! Success is now assured for all.

Note: Anyone that accepts Wilfort being put in charge deserves whatever bizzare directives he/she gets!

That won't be necessary. This is a group effort, if anyone is in charge it would be the priests of the church that are to be sent with us.

I know about the brothers right? I thought I did, but I'm not positive. If I don't know about them yet, disregard this post lol

Ares and Andrek have just arrived in Bard's Gate and are heading to the Temple now. Your post still reads ok though, maybe just edit "brothers" to "priests" if you see this on time.

Ares cocks his head as he takes in the information from the half-elf, "So they don't appear open, must be a test to ones to take the pilgrimage! That's it, thank you for your help and if you need help stop by the temple and ask for Ares Valorn." He gives a bow of his head to the stranger and heads toward the temple. As look over to Andrek, "Imagine the temple that's on the door step of the holy shrine being closed, must be a further test for us."

"Yes a test. Let us make haste to this temple and hope it is actually still there and open. Otherwise we may need to change our plans."

"Trust in our Lady dear brother, if it's closed it is in her plan for us. But we'll hurry if it will make you happy." He moves faster acting it's for his brother but in truth the excitement of the adventure is was driving his legs.

From Market Way to the Grand Plaza, across Market Bridge to Guild Street, the brothers make their way. The Guild District seems to be the heart of the mercantile quarter in the western part of the city. While passing one particularly lavish and palatial structure, a gentleman on the street is overheard pointing to it and identifying it to his companion as "the Harlot's Guildhouse".

After passing an armourer called The Rings of Steel, a Stoneworker's Guildhouse and a Wheelwright's Guildhouse, the brother's arrive at Guildhall Court, on the other side of which lies the quiet Old Temple district.

The twin shrines of the sibling deities are among the first sights to be seen, simple and majestic, with peaked roofs, lined with columns.

The doors are thrown wide, though no one can be seen entering or leaving.

When the young Aasimar see's the Shrine of Muir he can't contain himself and bursts into a dead sprint to the entrance. As he goes through the doors and drops down to one knee holding his symbol as he announces, "I AM ARES VALORN, PROUD SERVANT OF OUR HOLY LADY MUIR, AND SON TO MARL VALORN. MY BROTHER AND I HAVE COME TO FUFILL OUR PILGRIMAGE, AND SEE WHERE THE FALCON WILL TAKE US!" He raises drawing his worn bastard sword and raises it in a salute to the Goddess and any fellow servants of Muir.

Andrek swears under his breath as his brother runs off without him. Moving right behind him Andrek enters the shrine, amazed at what he sees

That won't be necessary. This is a group effort, if anyone is in charge it would be the priests of the church that are to be sent with us. ...

Ah yes, quite sensible I suppose. Catacombs and priests do seem to go together for some reason. Well, I'm sure they will be intelligent enough to be guide by those of us with more expertise.

Within the Shrine of the Uplifted Sword, Ares and Andrek find a gathering of priests preparing to conduct a service. There are no other parishioners in attendance, only the small collective of warrior priests, dressed as much for battle as for ceremony in chainmail with swords and shields.

The arms and armor are of the finest make, and call back in style to a forgotten time, but they do not glint and gleam. Rather then polish they show signs of use, whether in service to these men and women or their forebears you cannot be sure.

All turn and look upon the brothers in surprise.

The man preparing to lead the service wears half-plate, and his longsword glows with a soft holy light. His eyes can be felt scanning the auras of the two brothers, looking inside their souls.

You feel a sadness in him, a sense of penitence for some failure or defeat.

He nods.

"I knew not that Marl Valorn had started a family. Did he initiate his sons in the rites of Our Maiden of the Black Tresses? Worship is about to commence."

Saying this he lights a block of incense and all in attendance bow their heads and unsheath their swords.

He lowers his blade and looks at the head priest, "Father, I mean Marl has taught us the rites and we'll be honored to join you in today's service my good sir." He awaits to find his spot in the ceremony.

Andrek follows his brother's lead, "I would like to join you as well. Your timing is impeccable as always brother."

" Wait Lucia are you sure...I mean that guy has that creature with him!" Priscilla said as she pouted a bit as if a child. She hated insects. I mean her last big score brought her and the group she was with against various spiders. The spiders were than lead by some strange spidery creature the wizard called an Ettersomthing. She did not like any of it.

She left that god forsaken ruin with her life and a few expensive baubles. She however left alone her party gone from the venoms and such. The whole lot of creepy crawlies were bad, very bad.

"Don't worry, the creature won't hurt you. He is 'House Broken' isn't he Wilfort?"

When the ceremony in the temple has concluded, the high-priest Barahil takes Andrek aside.

"I see something in you.. something that your brother perhaps has not yet seen. The blood of celestials manifests in him. I suspect his zeal is unrelenting as that of angels and archons. But I have come to recognize that in this age we will all be faced with difficult decisions. When the time comes, you may be the one who will be called upon to do what must be done, and he will be there to make sure you do not lose your way.

The arrival of both of you can not be a coincidence. We have learned that a piece of the idol of Muir from our abandoned shrine in the northern valley has appeared on the black market here in Bard's Gate. Two of the very individuals who stood to profit from it's sale chose to return it to us instead and alert us that our sacred shrine has been defiled.

They seek official sponsorship and an escort to the Valley of the Shrines to investigate it's desecration. I am not so naive as to think they are acting out of charity, but I see the hand of Muir in all of this. Your brother may find this bunch to be uncomfortable bedfellows. I will rely on you to maintain the delicate balance between all involved."

That is a pernicious accusation! FluffyCuddles hasn’t broken anyone’s house. … Well not in a long time anyway. And it would have to be a very tiny and flimsy house. I mean she’s pretty strong for size but that’s entirely the point. She knows perfectly well what she is supposed to do. Besides she’s way smarter than lots of these biggers that that we’ve seen strutting around this city like peacocks.
…
Hey do you think peacock legroast taste more like chicken or ostrich? I’ve never had ostrich. But my uncle said the taste like turkeys that have been fed like parrots. Which from him means not very good. But FluffyCuddles and I like parrots. So I think we might like peacock legroast. You think I can get an omelet here?

"O-Of course, we will help get to the bottom of all of this. I'll make sure he stays on board with this expedition and sees the big picture in it all"

Ares will look out for me to keep me on the straight and narrow and I will make sure he sees the big picture and the hand of Muir in all of the events. Everything there is backwards to how its always been.

Andrek does not let his doubts appear on his face as he mulls over the task ahead of them.

Barahil brings out a bowl of cranberries and a pitcher of distilled water.

"I would offer a full meal but we are fasting. If you accept what Muir has called you to do, for you this may be the Eve of Battle.

When your new companions arrive, show them this. The contents are at their disposal."

The case contains thirty vials of holy water. (30 lbs)

Talking with a few of the other priests when Barahil brings out the food and drink. When the High Priest speaks of the eve of battle Ares grips his sword handle and looks to the man, "I will accept whatever our Maiden has in store for my brother and I. But could you tell me the trial you wish for us to undertake and who are these companions we are to expect?"

Ares picks up the pitcher and fills up a glass and listens to what Barahil has in store for them.

Andrek inspects the box and each vial, mainly out of habit, then closes it up and carries it.

Barahil beckons.

"Let me show you something Ares."

He takes you to a reliquary behind the shrine. You see the head of Muir, broken off at the neck.

"It was stained with excrement and blood, and blasted with unholy fire when it came to us. It is from the Shrine to the North. You must go there and investigate. You will be accompanied by those who brought it to us."

Taken aback by the act that was given to the holy relic, his eyes begin to narrow but he dismisses what anger brews. "I will find who did this, and make sure they don't do it again. I swear on my blade that this will be done for the honor of our order." He grips his sword handle the whole time he promises this to the high priest.

I'm pretty sure we're done in the tavern except for Tarvelin who's tossed. And after the last scene in the Temple is done we can begin, or so Grimmy implied. Wilfort, Lucia, Priscilla, can I take liberty to post on us going to the temple?

Sounds good to me. We should meet up with them while our dwarven friend recovers.

Tarvelin never found a room, you should bring him stumbling along :D

I am fine with that. No need to hold up the adventure while I sober up.

Wilfort is eager to be off, doesn't want to chance getting left behind (like might have happened in the past).

Cool with me

Take it away Jebster!

Lucia will collect the group and head out for the temple.

"Off we go everyone. Keep an eye on our dwarven friend, he's a little tipsy."

Fear not, FluffyCuddles and I will assure that our stout fellow doesn't wander off.

Wilfort walks behind the dwarf to herd him along. Ready to poke him with the trident (not the sharp end) if he starts to veer off course.

He chatters at the dwarf while walking, What did she say your name is, Tar Melon wasn't it? That's a weird name. Did you fall in a tar pit when you were little? Did your mother think your head looked like a melon? No, no, you can't go to sleep yet. You don't want to get left behind do you? That wouldn't be any fun. Tell you. As a personal favor I can ask FluffyCuddles to keep you awake. We've found that almost no one can sleep if FluffyCuddles crawls up under their shirt and dances across their belly. Would you like me to ask her? She would probably be willing even though she doesn't like the smell of the ale you've been drinking. I told her all dwarves don't smell like that all the time. It just seems like it. For some reason she finds dancing on bellies amusing. {shrug} I don't know why.

Tarvelin looks at Wilfort blankly while he quickly chatters away. "Uh, yeah," he manages to get out. "You talk a lot."

The party arrives at the Temple of Muir.

Barahil makes no comment about the intoxication of the dwarf or the antics of the gnome.

"We must talk a bit about your capabilities so I can make the best of my limited resources to assist you. Where you are going, bandit's and orc's and gnoll's may be the least of your troubles.

Hungry Manticore's swoop down from the Stoneheart Mountains. Worse yet, Captain Imril's Lyre Guard at the Citadel of the Griffons have heard reports that the black dragon Calthraxus is awake, though they have not verified this with their own eyes. Someone may have seen a wyvern and been confused. That being said, even a wyvern is not something you should go out of your way to engage with, as I'm sure you are aware.

If conflict with a manticore can not be helped, what are your ranged capabilities?"

Lucia speaks up first, "I know several ranged spells, some that are even able to make the creature fall from the sky."

Barahil nods.

"That will serve you well. I have nothing to aid you in the arcane arts, but you and each of your companions should take one of these restorative potions. There should be no life-draining undead in the valley or on the way there, but you may need these if you are set upon by blood-sucking stirges or poisonous spiders.

Who else can strike from afar? A wyvern can be spotted before it spots you, but the manticore fly low, and if they have come down from the mountains it is because they are hungry."

He looks to Tarvelin thoughtfully.

"Would you concur, Master Dwarf?"

You each receive one potion of lesser restoration.

We we feel sorrow to admit that we have not yet been able to afford a decent weapon to strike from afar. I really thought the Academy would have given me tht bow I trained on. It's not like anyone else wanted that little thing. But the Commandant assured me that the true measure of a succesful guardian was in what you find and make use of during your battles for survival.
However, FluffyCuddles is really clever. She knows a special way to magically scream at someone so loudly that really messes up their concentration and sometimes I can visit the bad luck of the Fates on those that piss me off. ... Uhmm... Pardon my language.

"Thank you, these will most definitely help us in the catacombs." Lucia says, stowing the potion in her pack.

"Thank you, these will most definitely help us in the catacombs." Lucia says, stowing the potion in her pack.

Andrek walks out with his brother Ares and sets down the box he is carrying. He opens the box and takes out some flasks filled with what looks like water, "These will help at our destination as well, courtesy of of the temple. Flasks of holy water can be very effective against any undead we meet."

Andrek start handing out a pair of flask for each of the new comers, "I'm Andrek by the way, and this is my brother Ares. We will be traveling with you."

After he finishes out handing out the flasks of holy water, he closes the box and turns to Barahil,"To answer your question about ranged attacks, my brother and I are much more about using our bastard swords, but we have some training with crossbows. We don't however have any due to our modest upbringing, however I have brought my sling which I have been using since I was barely able to walk." Andrek gives Ares a sly grin knowing his brother knew how much trouble he got in using that sling.

Barahil's eyes linger on Lucia at the mention of catacombs, but his expression is blank and he makes no comment.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Priscilla looked at them and than sighed."Yeah I kinda of do this whole thing with the skill to not be eaten, so yeah non detection, finding lost things, recovering items from people, general stealth and oh yeah knives Thats what I do. I mean what else do you need when few people notice you?" She says with a grin and walks around the dwarf and than looks at the other two.

"So you are the guys who you know heal people and make ghosts go away right, cause I really hope you are those kind of priest and not the whole 'Oh I am just a devoted servant not a cleric' kinda guys are you cause if you are, I will have to give you a good toss. Well not me maybe one of the strapping men we procured at the tavern." she says as she than looks to the gnome.

"Save the gnome he is more scrawny than strapping, he though will make excellent bait. I mean have you heard how much he talks, plus.. he has a spider! I HATE spiders" She says cringing at her own utterance of the word spider.

As Ares lays his eyes on the group his mind begins wander on to the adventure and get's lost in what is going to happen after they succeed this quest. But his brother dropping the box of holy water's brings him back to reality and blushes a little when he realizes he was day dreaming in front of the group.

With a nervous laugh he scratches the back of his head and gives the group a genuine smile. "I guess I was lost in thought there for a moment, haha. As my brother said my name is Ares and it is a honor to meet you all. I personally want to thank you all for helping our order with this noble cause."

Listening to the Halfling talk Ares drops to one knee to look her in the eye, "Well why can't I be both my dear lady, since I can do all that stuff and I am a devoted servant to my beloved Swordmaiden. Might I say I am relieved I will have such sharp eyes looking out for me and my brother. May I ask you your name? My Lady." He smiles to Priscilla.

Sense Motive:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Barahil turns to Jeb.

"And this must be your archer. This oil will enchant up to 50 rounds of ammunition, whether they may be arrows or sing stones. Distribute them as you see fit. May it help you reach your destination safely."

One Oil of Greater Magic Weapon.

"... plus.. he has a spider! I HATE spiders" She says cringing at her own utterance of the word spider.

Wilfort sticks his tongue out at the Halfling. To FluffyCuddles he croons, You just ignore the mean girl, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She just doesn’t know a hadrurus arizonensis when she sees one, some people just aren’t very bright. No, no, you don’t look anything like a ugly hairy spider. Yes, yes, I know spiders are food not people. Though I prefer mine fried and dipped in chocolate. No you can’t have a chocolate spider, they give you gas.

... Andrek walks out with his brother Ares ...

Wilfort walks over to Andrek and just stares at him for a moment. Kor! Aren't you just a big one even for a bigger. How big are you going to get by the time you are finished growin' I wonder?

Even more gifts, wonderful. My name is Lucia and I am the leader of this little mercenary group, but of course I yield to the church for our orders. Would you mind filling in our new-found friends on the objective of this "mission" Barahil?

Priscilla blinked and blushed a bit as this man got down to look at her in the eye. Why did he have get down to her level. She opened her mouth."Ur..I...No you can be both..just..you know make sure you...heal too" She than looks down and breaths.

Taking a minute she steadies her self and than looks back up with a smile."Priscilla Springheel at your service" She says as she curtseys.

Than the spider loving gnome spoke.Shooting a fiery glare at the gnome she huffed her brow furrowing as she spoke." I know not what a scorpion is, All I know is that your pet creeps me out,and that you talk alot! I mean Alot!"

Barahil nods.

"That will serve you well. I have nothing to aid you in the arcane arts, but you and each of your companions should take one of these restorative potions. There should be no life-draining undead in the valley or on the way there, but you may need these if you are set upon by blood-sucking stirges or poisonous spiders.

Who else can strike from afar? A wyvern can be spotted before it spots you, but the manticore fly low, and if they have come down from the mountains it is because they are hungry."

He looks to Tarvelin thoughtfully.

"Would you concur, Master Dwarf?"

Tarvelin has apparently fallen asleep during all these talks of tactics, too drunk to understand them. However, Lucia does lwhat he told her in the Sell-Sword. Tarvelin can hit things. Tarvelin can hit things real good.

Lucia, if you don't want me using your character's information, just let me know. I wanted to input his capabilities in the most characterful way possible.

Also, Tarvelin will not be downing this much alcohol all the time.