"Me I am Calmer, Devote servitor of the Inheritor and trainer of the rabble acolytes." He says as he looks over at a robed lad in a chain shirt scurry off after looking at him. a bucket in his hands.
"I heard you say that you came to fight a great evil that has been plaguing Hommlet? Aside from a few bandits what may that be? I mean Canon Terjon may know but he is currently secluded in his chambers. I might, however, be willing to see if he is available?" He says pulling out an ornate ivory box with the holy symbol of Imoedae on it and shakes it.
Noting the box but lacking context for it and why this devoted defender of the people seemed to think it was so important, Ekaitz soldiers on. "Yes, good sir, your and Canon Terjon's helps in this will be very important as we find the evils in this region and put the stop to them. Many thanks."
Calmers' brow raises at Ekaitz, looking at the box then back to Ekaitz. he seems struck by something as his face contorts in a confused and shocked look.
"Yes well, If you wish to speak to him...' He gestures once more with the donation box and then replies."but if you are truly concerned Might I suggest Burne and Rufus in the tower. They may know more" He says not wanting to waste more time with those unwilling to donate to the cause.
"We were called her for a job upon which we are expecting to spend blood and treasure. I will need my resources for that job. I'm sorry. We will add Burne and Rufus to the list of people we have to see. Thank you."
Pajet, hearing the discussion squeezes through the larger bodies to the front of the group. "You'll have to excuse my friends; they're not from around here and aren't familiar with the local customs. This is quite the chapel to Imoedae that you've got. The care that's gone into its construction is obvious and I'm sure that the upkeep must take some work. Of course we'd like to contribute to that, though, right now our funds aren't what they might be. Still, we can't pass through without offering something." Pajet continues on for a bit about how impressive the stained glass is and other things she thinks will be what Calmer will want to hear as she drops 1 gold and 15 silver in the box while making a bit of a show of having a mostly empty coin purse.
After the flattery and donation, she follows up with the request. "I do hope that you'll be willing to reconsider and help us with an audience to see Canon Terjon. We're on the business of the Viscount and I'm sure that the Canon would be eager to see us."
"Yes sorry. Please excuse me. I get focused on the task at hand and forget my manners." Nex says with a conciliatory tone.
Nex prays briefly for the strength to apologize (guidance).
Calmer looks at you all and sighs. As the coinage drops into the box he speaks."I'll go talk to Canon Terjon. As for this blood and treasure business, We have many a method of healing, poison removal, curse removal and even restorations! Terjon can provide you with raising a companion from death if you have them with you. I also have a few acolytes who can be hired to aid you should you find yourself in need of one." He says with a smile his mood changing.
"And yes our splendid temple takes much to run, but it is a Beacon to inspire others to walk the path of Iomadea and ready themselves to take up arms against evil should it rear its ugly head' he says jovially as he places the box in a marble countertop that it fixes it. he then pulls out his holy symbol and touches it to the box and slab as it affixes in place.
"Now with that settled I shall, head up to his private rectory and see if he is available. if he is not I shall come down with a time for you to meet with him." He says turning to go into well crafted wooden doors.
Several minutes pass before Calmer appears through the doors with an acolyte."This is Erina, She shall escort you to Terjon, Apparently, he is expecting some adventurers sent by Verbabonc! Please watch your step we have yet to get the runner for the stairs so they are slick"
Eÿliana looks about the vestibule of the temple as they are escorted to see Terjon. Not recalling to have seen the acolyte before, she inquires, [b]"How long have you been here at the temple, Erina?"
No sign of disappointment could be seen on Farvil's face when hearing that the trainer of acolytes had known nothing about their missions but he let out a smile once their quest had been confirmed.
"Yes, I see it is quite well kept I hope it will inspire many such as yourself. I'm sure Terjon will be pleased by the warm welcome you offered us."
Hearing about the slippery stairs Farvil hastily put his boots back on and started following the acolyte.
Ekaitz looks perturbed for a while but holds his tongue until Calmer is out of earshot. He leans in close to Nex and whispers, "This is a house of Iomedae, yes? Is the responsibility of the goodly church to nurture and protect, not extort treasures from travelers and bask in their brilliance. Be vigilant for the evils we seek, it may be closer than expected."
Erina jumps a bit and smiles. The short haired girl of about 15 winters has freckles and almost orange hair with violet eyes."About a year, I am the first full-fledged cleric trained here in some time"Is all she said brimming with pride.
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"Canon Terjon, respects and challenges me daily. I have had no finer a teacher than him. Granted the former Canoness had issues now and then I have become far better a cleric. My current task here aside form training is to bring in worshippers and coin to aid Imoedaes' good works and aid in the defense of Hommlet. A third of this donation goes to the temple, a third to the city itself, and the last third goes to aid in the construction of the castle Burne and Rufus are funding. for it will help this town if ever the Temple raises its ugly head again.' He smiles with no wound in his pride.
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At the top of the marble stairs are several bookshelves litter the area about the stairs, but the floor opens up into a wide opening looking over the lower level and the other has small windows to allow you to gave upon the statue of Imoedaes' visage and the various lesser statues and relics about it. over the middle is a huge rug made of finely woven fibres crafted to show the sword symbol of The Inheritor while a couch and two chairs of silver and gold fabric shimmer with the faint light of the windows. Erina gestures for you to sit as she then speaks.
"Please wait here, I shall announce you and then return with tea for you all." She says as she walks over to the door its cypress wood craved with a relief of Imoedaes' trails which lead to her ascension.
Pajet will browse the books on the bookshelves while the party waits, looking for any interesting or unusual titles.
Keva will move over to the opening overlooking the lower level, casually leaning out to look down and estimate the distance to the ground.
Nex starts looking for books on cults, dark magic, and demons. Then he gives a second look for any books about town stories as we have been told that the cult might have operations in town. He is looking for areas with histories of hauntings, murders, etc.
As the others wander into the town and look around, not necessarily making a direct line to speak with anyone, there was less interest in the town, and more interest in the town's inn. While there was a healthy respect for religion and the church, things like this never felt suited to him.
When the others entered the church, Augrok followed, but lingered near the door, not especially wanting to trespass too far into a place that he had no real love for. In fact, more of his attention had been on the townsfolk as he came in, aware that someone of his heritage may not have been the best received. While he did ascend the stairs with the rest, the wait was what did him in.
"I'll be outside", he said abruptly, taking his attention from the bookshelves and starting back down the stairs. "Too much faith here for my comfort."
Farvil follows Pajet and Nex to the bookshelves then draws one of the books whose title looked odder. He then places himself cross-legged on the rug and skims through it ignoring the chairs and the couch.
You find in one of the books a Divine scroll with nine spells (one for each level, spells to be determined later)
You also find an Amulet of Life Protection!
Otherwise, this is mostly canonical works, Prayer books, a few treatizes on proper sword and armour maintenance, a few books about paladins and older books about Aroden
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Keva the distance is about 20 feet.
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So far nothing but a few townsfolk walking about, a few turn from you with strange looks in their eyes.
After Farvil has taken his book and sits to read, Pajet takes the time to cast Detect Magic while looking at the shelves. After seeing the results, she edges over to Nex. She doesn't look around or draw attention to the conversation, and speaks in a low voice that most wouldn't be able hear unless they were particularly alert or trying to pay attention to the gnome. Using another, mundane book as a cover for anyone looking in the direction casually, she shows the more interesting items that she's found.
"So take a look at this and see what you think of it. Looks like scroll to me, but it's not arcane. You strike me as someone who might make more sense of it than I can at a glance. There's also this amulet that looks like it's probably magical.
"They're not the sort of thing that I'd expect to be left out in bookshelves like this where just anyone could run across them. We could bring these to the attention of Canon Terjon when we talk to him, or we could make sure they're put to good use in a cause that Terjon would appreciate without needing to mention it to him. You seem the sort who might have opinions about these things, so I figured I'd ask for your instincts here."
Twenty minutes...
Erina returns with a wide smile on her face.'Canon Terjon will see you all now. Before you enter may I ask what sort of hot beverages you'd wish to partake? Maybe some bread or cakes? It's no trouble."
After you give her an order, she leaves with the words."He shall see you now"
When you enter sitting behind the desk is a man in golden plate mail, with a long sword on his side. His hair was a Platinum blonde, his right eye was covered by an eye patch. his face held muttonchops that connected to his moustache, The moustache then dropped down with two points below the chin. Over his mail was a tabard bearing the illustrious symbol of Imoedae on his tabard but also about his neck. Next, to one side he has a small table that has a gleaming helmet. In front of him are several books and journals. As you enter he rises.
"Welcome, I am Canon Terjon, head cleric of this temple. I am surprised such adventurers have come to grace my door and ask for an audience. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. As soon as Erina returns we shall get to the heart of why you are here."
Ekaitz spends most of the wait time idly flipping through holy texts with a troubled look on his face. Once admitted, he orders a hot tea and fixes Canon Terjon with an intense stare as he listens to what the man has to say.
Having learned from his error Nex will let Pajet take the lead.
Pajet smiles at Erina as she offers refreshments. "A cup of tea would be lovely and I think that the group would love a plate of bread if it's fresh. We thank you for your hospitality."
Once they enter the room with Canon Terjon, Pajet smiles again. "We thank you for the audience, Canon. We look forward to learning how we can be of assistance to your fine community." She has a seat, encourages the others to do the same, and then enjoys the sights of the office while she waits for Erina to return and Canon Terjon to share his information.
There wasn't anyone else in audition. Was he preparing for us all this time?
Not impressed by the welcome they were giving, Farvil looks awkwardly at the seat but as more people follow Pajet's example, he concedes and draws one of the chairs.
If you would excuse my rudeness, your holiness, could you explain to us why the matter is so discrete. Preferring adventurers instead of soldiers and keeping it secret even from members of your own order could give the impression that we would not be following Iomedae's exact path.
"Oh that's right are you the adventurers who answered Verbaboncs' call!" He chuckles a bit before he wipes away a tear and then shakes his head.
"I am sorry I thought this was a fools' errand as its just a simple riddance of bandits. I am happy you have come to aid Hommlet, but alas I doubt it will turn up anything on the Temple.' He was about to continue when Erina comes back in with all the beverages and passes them out.
'Thank you my Child, may the Inheritor give you strength and verve." He watches as Erina leaves and then focuses back at the rest of you.
"If something comes up about the Temple please tell me, Jaroo, Burne or Rufus. We are all part of the council here." He says before he looks at Farvil.
"Tell me Sir to whom do you speak of? Was one of the Acolytes shirking their duties again?"
The Canon's initial offering of information is underwhelming, but Pajet's smile never leaves her face, and she stays intent on his words, nodding as he speaks. "Was it Viscount Verbabonc that was worried about the temple then? Or one of the other members of the council here. We're certainly able to investigate the bandits, but since we're here already it'd be a shame if we didn't look into any other possible threats in the area. Was there anything else that you knew of that was worth summoning adventurers for?"
After waiting for those answers, the gnome also asks where in town they might find Jaroo, Burne and Rufus should they need to contact a member of the council quickly.
Outside was certainly better than being enclosed in that building. The laws of men were not as convoluted as the laws of deities, and the laws of nature were simpler still. A couple of deep breaths of the slowly fading chill in the air, and he already felt better. The looks on people's faces made him squint at their reactions, but that was all he limited himself to. It seemed that not having the emblem in view made a difference, but then again, it might make none at all.
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"If there is anything to the temple we will likely find that through the bandits, that is if there is any truth to the information we have gathered."
Standing in the back, Eÿliana listens to Canon Terjon and holds her tongue. She didn't want to bring any attention to her presence in Hommlet, but dispatching bandits peaked her interest. Treasure would surely be derived from their ill-gotten gains, and it would surely aid the people of the town as well. She keeps her eyes trained on her companions while she focuses her ears on the priest.
Augrok
The Inn of the Welcome Wench: A square wooden depicts a buxom and smiling woman holding a Flagon of beer(think the St.Paulie Girl Beer). It is a three Story Building made of sturdy wood and bares green accents including its slatted roof.
The Common Room: This large place is bright and cheerful, it contains several rough-hewn tables and chairs, boards and benches. Natural tree trunk Pillars Support the Ceiling overhead, all dark with smoke and age. A motley group of people rest here.
Perception Result: With your perception result you note 5 people who are not normal merchants or farmers who should be coming through a place like this.
Rolling dice with a deck of cards in front of him is a man towards the centre back enjoying a simple flagon and light fair of bread and cheese. He wears a gunslinger hat(like Clint Eastwood's in Good, The Bad and the Ugly), has a short sword and dagger wearing all leather and dark clothes accented with bright colours here and there.
Near the front door bundled up his back to the window is a tall thin man in light blue robes with a bunch of papers and books in front of him. his fingers working fervently marking equations and notes in the margins or on scratch pieces of paper.
Two men sit laughing and talking enjoying themselves near the fire. one is in breastplate with a shield, his face noticeably scarred and teeth missing. On his side are a long sword and a dagger. His companion is slightly shorter than him with loose monks' robes his staff resting on the wall but within arms reach. On his left hip is a dagger, and the right a mid-thigh length holding a variety of metal stars. His black hair is long and braided.
The last man sits crouched over his food(prison style) eating in scale mail with a shield. He wields a Longsword and dagger. He is quiet with eyes scanning not wishing to have anyone apparently steal his food.
"The acolytes have behaved exemplary. We will prove ourselves by solving the bandit problem and we will speak again after that if you remember additional details. Since we are airly new in this hommlet, could you please suggest a place to start our inquiry or a person who knows more about the problem?"
Terjon reaches up and strokes his moustache."I can say Burne and Rufus or Jaroo would know more. I have been busy communing with Imoedae and her numerous works. I former Canon passed and I have big shoes to fill. It is a blessed burden I welcome, but I still have much to live up too, so in my hubris, I have sadly neglected my duties as a steward to the community. Still many here have reverted to the local Green Faith. I know our Acolytes haven't wavered in their duties, but I fear the town does not know the history of Imoedae in this village. The War against the forces of the Temple."
He sighs and then shakes his head."No no, I should go out and address the people Directly I do know a few who are on the verge of converting. If you bring any to my faith I won't lie to you and instead, I'll make sure you receive a place to rest and reduced rates on healing should you need it" He says then taking another sip of his tea.
"Where can we find the other member of the council this time of day?"
"I am one, but as I said I haven't heard anything as I have sequestered myself here of late." Terjon takes another sip of tea.
"Bother Jaroo, is probably in his Grove doing something with the bear or tending to the plants. Burne and Rufus are in the tower overseeing either the local guards or the well the masons for the castle."
He takes another sip and blinks."I am sorry I couldn't be more helpful to you. Though I am here to help if it turns out that the Temple has raised its ugly head again!" He says shaking his fist in the air before straightening himself.
He takes a piece of parchment and begins to scribble a note. After a minute he pulls the piece off and hands it to someone."Keep this with you, show it to Calmer if you choose to come back it should give you a percentage off any healing." He says before standing and smiling.
"Please if you do find out anything, Return and ask for me again. I shall meet with you and we can go from there. Until then I shall send correspondence to the Chapter House in Vervebonc and see what news they received that we didn't"With that he stands and gestures you all to follow him to the seating area.
Augrok
any details do you wish to discern from up to two of the patrons
"Thank you."
Nex addresses the group, "Who do we talk to from here?"
"Thank you Canon Terjon. You've been most helpful, and I can only hope that we'll be able to return that service as we investigate the bandits and any other threats to the town. We'll be sure to report back if we find anything of interest, and if you do hear anything from the charter house please send word to us at the local inn we passed on the way here, the Inn of the Welcome Wench I think it was? We should be staying there during this mission, though we'll send word if that changes."
Once the group is out of the room and no one seems to be watching Pajet rolls her eyes. "Well now, I think we'd better talk to someone a bit more in touch with the less holy goings on about here. Shall we head to the tower and see if we can't find either Burne or Rufus? We should also figure out where Augrok's gotten to. Hopefully something more interesting than what we've been at. Does anyone want to go looking for him while the rest of us find our way to the tower? We could meet at the inn when we're done."
"I am agreeable."
"Perfect. It would be quite fortunate if we can pin both of them down and ask them questions."
It looked like the ones that were not locals were rather obvious from their manners— and more obviously their dress. Stopping in the doorway, Augrok gave the inn a full scan before walking in, aiming for the bar. The atmosphere of the common room was nice. 'Definitely gives a sense of the town', he thought. There was a bit of disappointment that the inn did not immediately live up to its name, though.
Then again, it was a bit early.
A pair of coins were put on the bar after a creak of leather and a little jingling, intending to buy more information than libation, grinning a little as he waited to see how the bartender was going to react. The kind of reaction he was used to getting was often tempered by the fact that he was usually larger than whomever took offense. Certainly looking like the type that was prone to violence at a moment's notice— well he was, but they did not need to know that– was something that certainly helped.
Augrok
a Bald middle aged man with a reddish-brown van d##* and matching handlebar moustache smiles as his bright sky blue tunic with loose laces on his chest turns behind the bar and smiles.
His smile doesn't fade but his twinkling blue eyes raise a bit before he settles. A bit more sweat forms on his brown as he places his hand on the coins offered.
"Welcome to Wench Good Sir, I am Simeon Gandygoot Proprietor and current barback this day!" He says as he looks up and cocks his head as he closes his mouth and what not.
"So what ya having my boy?"
"We can leave a message here for Augrok saying that we have gone to the tower."
"Agreed, I imagine he can take care of himself just fine, and he shouldn't be too hard to find if we need to look for him. He's not terrible inconspicuous."
Pajet heads out of the Church and starts to make her way to the tower.
Eÿliana nods her agreement, but averts her eyes from the priest. "Augrok can find his way to the Tower, I'd wager," she mumbles as she follows New out of the church.
Wincing at Pajet's suggestion on needing to check with the ones that hold less holy values, Farvil follows the group out of the temple and into the tower where Burne and Rufus are supposedly located.
So you guys go past all the rest of the town (refer to the map if you wish to break off from the pack) You manage to find your way to the base of a platuea which you have to walk up a path to the base of a tower. There you are stopped by two armed men in think leathers with shields bearing a badger and holding Spears. The drop to point in your direction and slide forward so that the spears are resting on the shields.
"Halt"says one of the two, his beard is short but white. He carries with him a sling and a short sword as side form the spear.
"State your names and business?" the younger man with no facial hair says his extra weapons a crossbow and a battle axe.
Pajet stops on command and flashes a smile to the two armed men. "Greetings guardians! My name is Pajet and my companions and I are champions summoned by the Viscout Verbabonc to Hommlet in order to help put an end to the current bandit menace. We seek an audience with Burne or Rufus so that we might learn how we can best assist in the defense of your fine village." She shows the Hommlet crest and her copy of the letter, allowing the men to see them in as much detail as they like. "We've come directly from an audience with Canon Terjon who said that we might find one or both of the council members here. We're hoping that they might have more to share with us than the Canon did about the situation at hand."
There were so many ways to respond to that standard query, though Augrok only smiled a little wider at the mention of the word “boy”, and gave the barback his entire attention. The coins were a pair of silvers, and the near grin was amusement at the display of nerves in the proprietor’s expression. To be honest, he was a bit exasperated at the uncertainty everyone displayed when they saw him. Surprisingly, it got old fast.
”A decent, warm drink to start, and your latest batch of rumors.” Well aware that he held the power—and the money—in this situation, the advantage was his until the others showed up. The day was still early, and while he was somewhat relaxed, this was more courtesy. His other objective was the monk that was sharing time with the warrior near the fire, but that could be accomplished later on this evening. Despite the bar between them, he did lean forward a bit, establishing his presence in this conversation.
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The older man looks at the gnome."Terjon eh" He steps back and begins to fiddle with a few ropes and then pulls the thin cord. A series of small jingle bells rattle and the young guard looks to all of you.
"Please wait here a representative of Captian Burne and Master Rufus will be down soon to talk to ya" says the younger one. Pulling back his spear.
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Augrok
"Yes well definitely" He says pulling his hand away with the cash his greed subconsciously not letting him relent. He heads over to the smaller keg and unstoppers the tap. Golden Amber liquid pours out into the clay mug, letting it fill just below the brim, and stoppers it again.
He steps back over and places the sweet-smelling liquor in front of you."Its Blood Mead, made from the Bloodstone Dwarves. They make it from Honey collected from giant bees, with hints of berries and melon in it." The barkeep says his brow a little more sweaty than usual.
"As for rumors, Heard from a few of the merchants who oft come through here that these their bandits are a bit more organized. As for other rumors, A few have heard Nulb has had more traffic through it. Lastly a few have reported the Fields of the Dead had weird sightings of a Dire Bear and a Hill giant!" Old Simeon said before seeing his serving wench come forward and he went over to her.
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Minutes pass and a man in subdued purple robes with a conical purple hat, a deep black cloak, and a quarterstaff come down. He stands a good 6 feet in height with a faint five o'clock shadow, his hair is pulled back behind his ears and his grey eyes look at you all. "Welcome Adventurers, I hear you have talked to Terjon, and I assume where told to take your inquiries somewhere else like here perhaps?"
Paget nods and smiles. "And somehow you don't seem surprised. That likely speaks well of you. Canon Terjon seemed to have the church and it's concerns so squarely at the center of his attention that said attention seemed to have trouble peeking around them. Not to say that the church isn't important of course, but there are times when it's good to be more aware of the world around you as well."
The gnome sticks out her hand way up in the air to shake. "The name's Pajet. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"
As the man either shakes her hand or not, she goes on "To make a long story short, we've been sent by Viscount Verbabonc to help the village council deal with some problems in the area and we're just trying to figure out what those problems are so that we know where to start. Canon Terjon spoke of Bandits, and although we could work on those we'd be most appreciative if someone could help with whatever else the Viscount thought was worth sending for outside help for."