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Last night, a bright glow was seen in all of the Cathedral’s windows simultaneously. The last time that happened in recorded memory was just before when Iomedae stepped out of the Cathedral and into godhood. So in the early morning light, a crowd begins to build around the bottomless chasm, waiting to see what would happen. Waiting to see history made yet again as, maybe, a new god arose.
It wasn’t any big secret that Hazim Masoumi had entered the Cathedral to take the test, although after two weeks, most folks had simply given up on him. Now, perhaps, the champion of Rahadoum and Iomedae would emerge victorious. Hundreds were already gathering to worship him.
It was another early dawn for Edward and his friend Jace, once again carrying Albar Tolion’s sedan chair out to the Ascendant Court, taking station at the foot of the ruined Bridge of Aroden. As people begin to arrive, you direct your attentions to watching the crowd. Not that anyone was likely to wish the ancient man harm, but there were pick pockets and thieves who might take advantage of such a crowd.
Edward’s careful attention manages to catch sight of a grimy little hand reaching blindly into the sedan chair, and a quick step nabs himself a street urchin. He’s about to send him on his way with a gentle but firm kick when he notices the boy’s metallic skin beneath the layers of dirt.
Ty struggles in vain to free himself from the iron grip of the sharp-eyed Iomedean warrior. He contemplates a swift kick to the man’s ankle but glancing at the hard metal reinforcing the man’s boot, he thinks better of it, and settles for twisting and tugging, managing to suddenly slip his arm free. He stumbles backwards, crashing into a distracted purple-skinned man in ceremonial armour.
Richard nearly trips as the dirty street boy piles into him. He really should have been watching where he was going, not bobbing about trying in vain to find those he was supposed to be meeting. How he was to find the church representative in this crowded square was beyond him. He exchanged a quick and respectful nod with the Iomedean warrior, then resumed his search, the urchin quickly forgotten. A wisp of something had caught his eye: a young man with hair like flickering flames and eyes the colour of the sun itself. Who better to be a representative from the Church of Saranrae than one so obviously touched by the peri? He reached out and tugged at the man’s sleeve, the question on his lips.
Conri was trying to find a quiet place to stop and meditate, maybe over by Cayden’s Bridge...if he could only figure out which one it was. He had come first thing to avoid the crowds, so what were all these people doing here? He felt as confused as the man who’d just grabbed his sleeve looked, but he saw no reason not to be polite and find out what he wanted.
Brought to the Ascendant Court for four very different reasons, fate has drawn the four of you close to each other, and to stand nearby to the oldest human any of you have ever seen. Sitting at his arthritic ease in a lowered sedan chair with the Eye of Aroden prominently displayed on its sides, he seems to be almost asleep as he waits patiently in the early dawn hours. Whispers in the crowd around him speak of Albar Tolion, the last human cleric of Aroden, the last living human to ever receive and cast a spell granted by the Dead God, with an equal mix of admiration and ridicule (to Edward’s dismay).
As the sun crests over the buildings to the east and the first ray of sunlight strikes the main doors of the Cathedral, they open, and a man walks out. He staggers, as if in a daze; his clothes are torn, his face smudged and smeared with blood, his linen head wrap askew and stained with red. The crowd is silent as the man circles the Cathedral to a point opposite you, at the foot of the broken bridge of Aroden; they gasp as the man walks onto the remains of the bridge, and then out into the void. He stops a moment, as if unsure himself, but with each step he takes, stone appears beneath his feet. The man crosses the chasm and steps off the restored bridge onto the outer rim; the crowd backs away in fear and awe, as he raises his arms above his head and proclaims in a loud voice that booms across all of Absalom, “I am Masoumi!”
In that moment, as the sound of that voice reverberates across the crowd, nobody dares stir, until one small, elderly voice nearby cries out, “My god! I can feel you! My lord, Aroden!” and Tolion, who has not cast a divine spell in one hundred and five years, raises his hands and light blossoms in front of him. The light lasts a second before a stunned crowd and a stunned Masoumi, before it falters and fades, and Tolion cries out in anguish, clutching his chest.
A voice from far off proclaims, “Masoumi brings with him the restoration of the New Age!” and the mobs resurge around the new god, already forgetting the old. But Albar Tolion, his faced mixed with equal portions of age, grief, and hope, reaches out his hands towards you, with one final request on his lips.
”Ed,” Jace says. ”Stay with him. I’ll go get help,” and he runs off in the direction of the Seventh Church.
With a great deal of concern etched upon his face, Edward reaches earnestly for Albar Tolion's hand as he moves in close to see what it is he's trying to say. "What is it, milord?! Are you alright?! What do you need?!" he asks, the concern growing deeper about his charge.
”Ed,” Jace says. ”Stay with him. I’ll go get help,” and he runs off in the direction of the Seventh Church.
Edward simply gives a quick nod as he keeps his focus on the ailing man.
Ty’s hand hesitated as he reached for the coins on the ground, but he pulled it back. What in the world had made him think that the best mark in this crowd would be and old priest with an armed guard? Better to target the other marks in this crowd.
But Ty is distracted first by this guy Masoumi hollering and then the old priest calling out to him. Ty’s instinct to take advantage of the various distractions going on is overwhelmed by another hard-earned instinct that demanded his attention: trouble was coming.
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To the man whose sleeve he just tugged on Richard begins a line of inquiry.
"Excuse me friend, my name is Richard Wells and I have been sent here this morning for reasons not mentioned to me. I was told to meet someone, but was not told who. Would you know anything about this? My apologies if you know nothing about this; however, witnessing the events that have just unfolded I can only assume that this is what my superiors wished me to see."
Having difficulty processing the events that have just transpired, Richard focuses his attention on the elderly man who appeared to use divine magic from a fallen deity. Continuing the gentle tugging of the man's sleeve, Richard attempts to steer the man's attention to Albar Tolion and the Iomedaen warrior.
"Greetings brother in faith. May I offer my assistance? I am skilled in the healing arts. Perhaps I can determine what ails this man."
Assuming there is no objection, Richard performs a heal check to attempt to determine the cause of the man's condition.
"I can see no wounds to attend to, nor does there appear to be anything related to poison or disease. Perhaps it is best to wait for someone more skilled than I."
Taking a closer look Richard notices the elderly man as Albar Tolion.
"I know of this man, his name is Albar Tolion. I have read about him during my studies on the fallen deity of Aroden. He must have felt the divine energy of Masoumi surging through the crowd and mistaken it for his lost god."
Richard’s best guess is that the man is having a heart attack. Extreme old age plus the shock of what he just experienced has finally done him in, and he suspects that no magic short of a miracle spell would give him any more than a few moments more of life.
Shaking his head at the man, "I just arrived today. I was on a boat last night."
Feeling a little disoriented and mindlessly following the man still holding his sleeves. This was not how the morning was supposed to go at all. Glancing back to look at the new God before whipping his head around to pay attention.
The old man doesn't look well...Well there is a new God... Hopefully a kind one. Tugging his arm free and waving his hands in the air, with every intent to move into the crowd if need be.
A few more rapid steps closer,
Conri’s words are lost in the crescendo of the crowd, though Conri is almost certain that the new god glanced right at him for half a second, then turned away.
Though he might have just imagined it.
A gasp from Albar Tolion draws the attention of the four of you from the new back to the old. ”I…I saw a vision. All humanity bound in slavery for all time. It must not come to pass. Aroden…this is all wrong. It wasn’t supposed to be this way…he wasn’t supposed to…supposed to…there is an ancient evil, in there…” he trails off a moment, pointing towards the Cathedral. ”It seeks to bind us all. It must be stopped. I saw…I saw…a key. The first step. You must redeem the inheritor’s cloak. Take this!” He presses his holy symbol, the Eye of Aroden wrought from mithral, into Edward’s hands. ”I know not why, but you will need it. Redeem the cloak from the evil that holds it, or all…” With a final rattle, the breath leaves Albar Tolion for the last time.
As the breath leaves the old man, the Eye glows and pulses with power, washing over the four of you, leaving you feeling different, strange.
Stopping dead in his tracks at the strange sensation. Could it.. Wincing at a sharp pain in the back of his leg. Twisting to look down at a very small but seemingly very determined dog.
Looking in the direction the puppy seems to be tugging him in and a wave of sadness hits him. The old man died. Reaching down to scoop up the puppy so it stops biting at him and doesn;t get hurt in the chaos. But when he touches the dog it vanishes. Blinking in confusing and looking aorund for anyone who might have seen that.
Shaking his head and walking back over to the group around the old man. "Is he? We should probably leave. I do not like the feel of this place. Everything is weird."
As he grasps the symbol tightly within his hands, Edward listens intently to Tolion's last request. He then takes a deep breath, "Yes, milord," and reaches out and shuts the man's eyes.
He then turns his attention to the others and looks to them all a moment as if studying them. And then not a moment later, "We've little time for pleasantries but I am Edward Hastings the III. And it would appear leaving is what we must do. Toward the Cathedral we must go to find out what exactly milord speaks of. This ancient evil he mentioned that resides within must be found and ended. And the cloak is our first objective. For those of you willing, let us be off." And with that, he places the symbol around his neck and heads out toward the Cathedral.
Edward barely gets to stand before events again threaten to outpace you. Suddenly, a bright glow washes over you in a wave. Looking up, you see Masoumi, the newly-ascended god, rising into the air on a shaft of sunlight. As he reaches a height of a hundred feet, he cups his hands together, seeming simultaneously to both offer a supplication and receive a gift. ”A gift to you all!” he proclaims. Fire fills his cupped hands, and he tosses the flames into the air. As the fire grows and falls, he vanishes, along with the shaft of light. Hundreds scream in terror as the fire expands to the size of the Ascendant Court and settles on all the people, though the screams cut off as the fire is without heat and does not burn.
Near to you, a young boy, in imitation of the new god, cups his hands together, joking with his pals, until fire appear in his hands. Those around him cup their hands together and create heatless flames as well, and soon, the whole of the Ascendant Court is a glow with flames held high in salute to Hazim Masoumi
Looking around, however, you notice several elves, dwarves, and halflings, many with cupped hands, but no flames appear. Several of them glance about, and decide a quick exit is in order.
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The events wash over Richard while his mind races with many thoughts and questions.
I should feel excitement of a newly formed divine being, but instead I feel a strange sense of dread. I saw Masoumi ascend into heavens while we are tasked with facing an unknown danger. What is this newly found energy that has washed over me? Why does the fire that appears in the cupped hands exclude those who are not human? What is the ancient evil that Albar mentioned in his final breath? How do we redeem an inanimate object? What does the cloak even look like? I do not know this Edward, but he looks like someone who can be trusted. Remember your training, look for the signs that will guide your decisions.
His normal process of discipline and patience when trying to determine answers and solve problems seem at odds with the sense of urgency thrust upon him. It unsettles him and Richard takes a deep breath to calm himself before he responds.
"I agree we must take Albar Tolion's last request seriously and act accordingly. I am Richard Wells, a servant of The Dawnflower. Redemption is a fundamental part of my faith and I will undertake this venture with all the energy I can muster. I pray that she will guide us all to rid the world of whatever this evil is. I am with you Edward, please lead the way and may the Everlight guide our path."
”Excuse me…pardon me! Oh, my. Sorry! Make way for the blessed of the Inheritor! Oh, Albar! No…”
A young woman arrives through the crowds with several armoured men behind her, including Edward’s friend Jace. She ignores you all for the moment, kneeling next to Tolion, taking his hand in hers, and brushing a stray lock of hair out of his eyes. She wears a shining chain shirt, with the symbol of a beautiful sword with a sunburst as a hilt emblazoned across the tabard on her chest. She seems too slight of frame to bear the weight of so much metal, but she looks practiced in its wear. A longsword rests in its sheathe on her hip, though it seems mostly ceremonial, unlike the quarter staff she used to gently move herself through the crowded square. The men with her are similarly attired, though where she looks gentle, and smells of musty books, the men have the look of trained and dedicated warriors.
”Jace found me at the Church and told me what happened…such a miraculous thing…” the young woman starts, before looking up at the rest of you (giving Ty a slight grimace). ”I am Valla Timonae. Are…were you friends of Albar’s?”
Narrowing his eyes as he studies what's going on, he looks around and observes what many others are doing. Now why would they do that? he thinks to himself as he reluctantly cups his own hands to see if the same will happen to him.
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"I agree we must take Albar Tolion's last request seriously and act accordingly. I am Richard Wells, a servant of The Dawnflower. Redemption is a fundamental part of my faith and I will undertake this venture with all the energy I can muster. I pray that she will guide us all to rid the world of whatever this evil is. I am with you Edward, please lead the way and may the Everlight guide our path."
His attention is then grabbed by the young healer. "Thank you, good sir, any aid will be most appreciated."
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Not a moment later, though, he finds himself turning his attention to a woman and his friend Jace who are just arriving back.
”Jace found me at the Church and told me what happened…such a miraculous thing…” the young woman starts, before looking up at the rest of you (giving Ty a slight grimace). ”I am Valla Timonae. Are…were you friends of Albar’s?”
Edward nods, "I would say so, milady, yes. I became his guardian when I first arrived but over time came to see him as a friend. Almost like a 'grandfather' figure if you will. He will be missed," he says somberly. He then looks to her in thought a moment before, "Forgive me for changing the subject, madam, but I believe you are one and the same who dealt with a certain hobgoblin tribe which nearly brought a small settlement to ruin that is located up around northern Taldor, aren't you?"
As soon as Edward cups his hands, a heatless flame appears.
Valla nods absently. ”Yes, hobgoblins. Long time ago. Not relevant here.”
Shaking his head, "No I just arrived. But I am happy to help and honestly would rather leave this place."
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Ty looks at the holy symbol hanging from Edward's neck.
"Oh, wow, is that mithral!? And this old guy was dropping copper pennies!?"
Ty is about to say more before he notices all of the people standing around sporting (less valuable) holy symbols. He keeps his mouth shut and instead tries to cup his hands to create the magical fire. His face falls in disappointment when the flame fails to appear.
"Aw."
Turning to Edward, Valla asks, ”Did Albar say anything before he died?”
She doesn’t necessarily wait for Edward’s report however, and at the first indication from anybody that he had said something, she becomes more business-like and suggests that they relocate. She instructs two of her guys to lift Albar into his sedan chair and carry him back to the Seventh Church, then holds out her hand to claim the mithral holy symbol. Edward’s knows her well enough to know she definitely outranks him, but nothing seems to happen when she takes hold of it and tucks it away. She gestures to the other three of you and asks, ”Would you please come with us back to the Seventh Church. Albar has been a dear friend and resident of the Seventh Church for many, many years, and we would appreciate anything you can tell us of his final moments. Food can be brought for you, as well as a bath,” that last being directed at Ty.
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Responding to Valla's request, Richard replies, "Of course we will accompany you back to the Seventh Church."
Looking at Edward, he asks, "Edward, I think we should inform others of our intentions and allow them to provide us with additional information and guidance. I for one would prefer to ensure my superiors are aware of my intentions and that they agree to this quest of ours. I can't see how this minor delay would affect Albar Tolion's wishes."
She gestures to the other three of you and asks, ”Would you please come with us back to the Seventh Church. Albar has been a dear friend and resident of the Seventh Church for many, many years, and we would appreciate anything you can tell us of his final moments. Food can be brought for you, as well as a bath,” that last being directed at Ty.
A bit apprehensive as he looks to the Cathedral, Edward turns his focus back to Valla and says, "Yes, milady."
Looking at Edward, he asks, "Edward, I think we should inform others of our intentions and allow them to provide us with additional information and guidance. I for one would prefer to ensure my superiors are aware of my intentions and that they agree to this quest of ours. I can't see how this minor delay would affect Albar Tolion's wishes."
Pondering the gentleman's words a moment, he eventually nods. "I believe that is wise, good sir. Let us be off."
Rubbing at his face, "I am Conri Cailean and I'm from Andoran. Only just got here really."
Trailing behind the group. I missed something Moving to tug at Richard's sleeve and getting close enough to speak quietly but still be heard, "I walked off to try to get the new God to help. What happened?.. I feel strange."
Edward turns to Conri just before they leave. "Edward Hastings the III. A pleasure," he introduces himself and nods in greeting.
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As they begin to follow Valla back to the Seventh Church, Richard allows a small gap to emerge between himself, Conri and the rest of the group.
"Albar has just died, but before his passing he warned us about an ancient evil that intends to enslave all humanity. He asked us to stop this starting with redeeming the inheritor's cloak. With his final breath he gave something to Edward. I then felt this strange surge of energy wash over me. I don't know what it means. Did you feel something similar?"
With you all agreeing to come to the Church, Valla visibly relaxes. With a motion of her hand, her two men lift the sedan chair and she leads the way the short distance back to the Seventh Church.
The Seventh Church, Golarion's greatest cathedral dedicated to the worship of Iomedae, stands on the Ascendant Court. In any other setting, the massive building would be truly impressive, though even its magnificence pales compared to the Starstone Cathedral.
You climb broad marble steps up to large, impressive oak doors. Above your heads, a round stained-glass window depicts the Calling of the Undenying Light, supposedly Iomedae's seventh miracle. As the church faces west, however, the window's true beauty is hidden until evening. Inside the church, you pass through a vestibule containing the Iomedaeanne, a 10-foot statue of limestone and sapphires, depicting the goddess and her miracle. Shields painted with longswords and golden sunbursts (complete with continual flame spells) hang from every column which lines the way up to the magnificent altar. Valla leads the procession up to that altar, pausing a moment to offer a prayer for Albar Tolion, praying to both Iomedae and Aroden. Then, she leads you to a small door off to the right of the sanctuary, down a short hall, and into a small chapel, where the men carrying the sedan chair gently deposit their burden to the floor. Valla orders the rest of her men (except for Edward) out, and to summon His Grace, Genedair the Faithful, High Priest of Iomedae.
The four of you, and Albar, wait. Well-trained and disciplined, Valla Timonae refrains from questioning you all then and there, but the nervous twitch of her hands and rapid pacing belies the effort.
"So... you guys just leave sapphires on statues lying around? I mean, they've got to be trapped, right? But why not put them in a vault or something and remove the temptation? Limestone, right? It'd take a few seconds to pry each one out. Hmm.
"Anyway, you mentioned food?" Ty rubs his hands eagerly before pausing and cutting his eyes to the sedan chair containing Albar's corpse.
"Sorry about your friend. He seemed like a great guy."
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As Richard waits patiently for Genedair the Faithful to arrive, he notices the nervous twitch of Valla's hands.
"I have never been inside the Seventh Church before. It is a fine place of worship. Lady Xerashir has told me of it but one must be inside to truly appreciate its beauty."
Slightly changing his posture to address everyone waiting, he adds
"I am Richard Wells, a servant of The Dawnflower studying at the Temple of the Shining Star. It is a recent undertaking on my part. My family runs a successful merchant business here in the city and one of my younger brothers has taken over my responsibilities, allowing me an opportunity to minister to those in need."
”Only a fool would try to steal from under the Inheritor’s own eye,” Valla replies to Ty, giving him a hard look that suggests she hasn’t decided yet whether or not he qualifies as a “fool”.
At Richard’s introduction, she clasps his forearm in a warrior’s grip and replies, ”It is always good to meet a servant of the Dawnflower. The alliance between Iomedae and Saranrae against all forces of evil and darkness is historic and unbreaking. You are most welcome within the walls of the Seventh Church.”
She releases his arm and turns as the chapel door opens.
Edward’s friend Jace, and another young acolyte who's probably never felt a razor on his chin, gently and respectfully guide a frail, hawk-nosed, white-haired man into the room. The old man wears a beautiful white tunic underneath armour so polished it shines (and looks so thin it must barely offer any protection, or weight, at all). The longsword belted on his waist looks real enough, however, and a golden diadem with a sword and sunburst adorns his brow.
The acolytes escort him over to Tolion's body, sitting at state in his sedan chair. The man takes Tolion's hand, prays briefly, and says, "Rest, my old friend. Your long service is at an end."
Releasing the dead man's hand, the aged priest directs the acolytes to take him to an ornately-carved chair beside the chapel's small altar. Once seated (upon a cushion Jace surreptitiously slipped into the seat), he looks at your group. "Welcome. I am Genedair. Please forgive my rudeness in ignoring you just now. I..." he trails off, glancing at Albar.
"Please, I am told that something extraordinary happened, in addition to a new god rising, during my friend's final moments, and that you six were there with him. Please tell me what you know."
"I believe I've had the pleasure of making my acquaintance with all of you; with the possible exception of that gentleman," he motions to Ty. "I am Edward Hastings the III. Just as milady Valla here serves The Inheritor for the greater good, so do I. It is a pleasure to meet you all." Edward nods.
Raising his hand halfway up with his forefinger extended, "If I may, Your Grace," he asks, clearing his throat. "Before my lord Albar Tolion traveled to a far greater place than we will ever experience while we travel upon this world, he warned us of something terrible. When Masoumi came out of the Cathedral, that is about the time my lord Tolion mentioned he saw a 'vision'. A vision which included humanity being enslaved for all eternity. He then pointed in the direction of the Cathedral and mentioned and 'ancient evil' which plans to 'bind us all'. He then mentioned 'a key' that he saw in a vision which is to be our 'first step'. Which I am to conclude that is what we must accomplish first. At least I hope it is as simple as that. Anyway, once the key has been acquired, we are then to 'redeem the Inheritor's cloak'. He then handed me his holy symbol that milady Valla now holds and said, 'Take this. I know not why but you will need it. Redeem the cloak from the evil that holds it, or all...' and those were his last words, Your Grace."
He then seems to drift a moment, as if trying to recollect anything else, before finally returning. "I believe that is everything, Your Grace. Although, while I am not sure of its importance, when Masoumi was rising into the air, he dropped flames upon all who were there and nearly everyone cupped their hands in this way." He proceeds to demonstrate, allowing the flame to form. Giving a shrug, "There were several there who could do such; but many others could not. I do not know why." He then separates his hands, dismissing the flame. "Unless one of these other gentleman have any thing they wish to add, that is the extent of my recollection, Your Grace."
Valla retrieves the holy symbol from her pouch and casts a spell. She directs her attention towards the holy symbol...
...then drops it as she clutches her head in pain. The symbol clatters to the carpet, unharmed.
”I’ve never seen a magical aura that strong before. It hurts to even look at it.”
Genedair is quite taken aback. ”Albar’s holy symbol was never more than a mundane piece of mithral: expensive, but ordinary. What could have happened to it that it now radiates artifact-Level magic? And the Inheritor’s Cloak? He said that? You’re certain?”
Nodding, "I am, Your Grace," and responding matter of factly.
Genedair nods. "What do you know of the Ascension of Iomedae?" he asks.
Without really waiting for an answer from anybody, he continues.
”One of the first tests of anyone wishing to enter the Cathedral for the purpose of taking the Test of the Starstone is to cross the chasm without using one of the three, I guess now four, bridges. Any means is acceptable, from using flying magic or a flying mount, one disciple of Irori simply leapt the chasm with a monumental act of physical prowess, though it would seem his bones lie somewhere within the Cathedral’s catacombs. When Iomedae was to cross, she flung out her cloak, a simple wool garment bearing no enchantment of any kind, and her faith in Aroden caused it to stretch out to connect both sides and harden into steel. Once she had crossed, it turned back into a simple cloak once again, though it remained infused with divine power, becoming what many sages would deem a ‘minor artefact’. After her ascension, it was found, discarded on her new bridge, as if it had dropped off her shoulders. Those that were to become her first faithful took it into their possession, and brought it here, to what would become the Seventh Church, as a holy relic.”
”Years of study by our scholars determined its powers. First, it simply provided the wearer some minor protection from magic and other harm. Secondly, it retained its ability to stretch out and fashion a bridge. Tests performed on it showed that it could reach as far as three hundred feet. Both of these powers worked for the faithful, and anyone else who, in his heart, shared Iomedae’s goals of honour and justice. Finally, its greatest power was that, if it were placed over the body of a fallen warrior for the cause of good, no matter how or how long ago that warrior had died, or two what faith he held, it would revive him, restoring his body, but only so long as he wore the cloak.”
”The Seventh Church protected and venerated that artefact for years, until the Chelish Siege of Absalom of 4137 AR. While the city walls held off the invading armies and great siege engines, Chelish strike forces used magic to penetrate the city to cause mischief and acts of sabotage. One of those teams penetrated the Seventh Church. A great battle was fought, but the majority of the Iomedaean forces were on the wall, and the Chelaxians were victorious. They stole the Cloak, along with other minor items of power.”
”It was assumed for the longest time that the Chelaxians had returned with their army to Cheliax, but agents of Iomedae searched Cheliax in secret for almost a hundred years, looking for it. They found no record of it even being brought to Cheliax. So for another hundred years, we searched the island of Kortos, thinking that perhaps they had failed to escape with their prize, but again, we found no trace.”
”There remained but one possibility: the Chelish Citadel. Do you know of it? One of the great siege engines, built so long ago for the Siege, but somehow magically sealed beyond all mortal attempts to penetrate its interior. Scrying does not function, teleportation is blocked, and stone shaping magic fails to function. Nobody knows how it happened, or what lies inside. It has been the belief of the Seventh Church for the last hundred years or so that the Cloak lies within, for what besides an artefact of a goddess could block mortal magic so?”
”If it is true, I don’t know how you could gain entrance after so many others have failed, but Albar Tolion was a great man, and he entrusted you with his vision. Perhaps he saw something in it that suggested you would prevail. If you would be willing to take this on, the Church of Iomedae would reward you handsomely for retrieving such a precious artefact.”
"I believe I've had the pleasure of making my acquaintance with all of you; with the possible exception of that gentleman," he motions to Ty.
Ty sighs, the action puffing out his cheeks. Shaking his head, he says, "I'm just Ty."
Later, after the others enter the room and Richard speaks:
"When Albar gave Edward the holy symbol, a pulsating glow emanated from it. Afterwards I felt different. I do not know how or if it matters, but the feeling remains - as if it is now a part of me."
"Yeah, that happened to me, too! Should we see a healer about this? Or maybe a witch if this is a curse?"
Later still:
"One of the great siege engines, built so long ago for the Siege, but somehow magically sealed beyond all mortal attempts to penetrate its interior. Scrying does not function, teleportation is blocked, and stone shaping magic fails to function."
"So you sent teams of paladins and clerics to break into something?"
Ty smiles ans shrugs, as if the answer is obvious.
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"Your Grace, forgive me but I want to be 100% clear on this. You are granting us permission to seek The Inheritor's Cloak within the Chelish Citadel. That this search is within the laws of Absalom and we are allowed to use whatever means necessary to gain entry into the Chelish Citadel. If we are successful in gaining entry, we should search only for the Interitor's Cloak and leave everything else we find undisturbed (as best as we can). If we find the cloak we should return it immediately to you here at the Seventh Church. If we fail to find the cloak we should return here and report that to you as well. I am correct in my understanding?"
Genedair smiles with amusement at Ty. ”I don’t think we need to find you a witch. I have no way of knowing for certain what has affected you, but given the source, it is unlikely to be harmful. And yes, we sent in clerics and paladins to ‘break in’. It went about as well as you’d expect.”
To Richard, he clarified, ”What has come to be known as the Chelish Citadel is not owned by anyone nor is it the property of anyone. It is a fortification of a one-time enemy of Absalom. You can use whatever means you need to gain entrance, provided they don’t bring harm to others. The tower has been sealed for centuries. While there may be automated defenses inside, there aren’t likely to be enemies, aside from constructs or something else that can live for that long without food. There will probably also be relics or treasures known in the adventuring game as ‘loot’. Keep whatever you find. If you find other relics that had been stolen from the Seventh Church, we will gladly pay you handsomely for any you wish to sell. As for the Inheritor’s Cloak, we ask only that you return it unharmed. Likely as not, you will get there and find yourselves unable to get inside, but if indeed fate is moving once again, perhaps not.”
Nodding to Richard, "Yeah felt something. Not sure why I.. I walked off. I was trying to get help.."
[ooc]Inside.
Keeping quiet and listening to everyone speak. They certainly seem enthusiastic. Smiling down at Ty. A child. Why? That cannot be a good idea.
Cupping his hands and seeing nothing happen. Sighing, "I remember seeing people leave. People who weren't human and couldn't get a flame in their hands."
Edward stroking his chin in thought at what possibly awaits them, "Well, Your Grace, the only question I have left then is: When do we leave?" he asks before turning and looking to the others. "Now, I gather you three are going as well, correct? Forgive me if I am mistaken."
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Bowing before the High Priest, Richard responds
"Thank you for clarifying that for me. It is a habit of mine to ensure my understanding of things I am unfamiliar with."
Turning to the others, "I agree to try and get the Inheritor's Cloak. However, I am unfamiliar with the Chelish Citadel and am concerned about what we need to do to prepare ourselves for this task. If no one has been able to penetrate its defenses in such a long time, what makes us any different from those who have tried before? Does anyone have any ideas on what we should do to get ready?"
”Normally, I would say your failure is assured; however, if the Cloak is there as we have come to believe, and if Aroden has somehow returned and sent a vision to Albar to redeem the Cloak, then a way must exist—something must have changed. If you get to the Citadel and find no way inside, then perhaps it is a clue that we’ve been wrong about the Cloak’s location all these years.”
”As for your preparations, we can help you out somewhat. I will make available to you a fully charged wand of cure light wounds—I assume you are capable of using such a wand, Mr. Wells—and 50 gold coins for purchasing whatever mundane supplies you figure to need. In the meantime, Valla here can use our library and others in the city to learn everything we know about the Cloak and the Starstone Cathedral, to see if we can uncover what kind of evil it may be sheltering and how redeeming the Cloak could be a key to stopping it.”
"Now, I gather you three are going as well, correct? Forgive me if I am mistaken."
"They had me at 'Keep whatever you find.'"
Ty turns to back to Genedair but indicates Albar's corpse, Edward, and then Valla in turn as he speaks.
"When he talked about the cloak, he also gave him that holy symbol that she took. And she already said it's now magic, so maybe it's a key to get inside.
"There's a jeweler over in Westgate who they say has special locks that need the right key with the right spell on it. So you can't pick the locks, right? You need the actual key, which he keeps on a chain around his neck. Probably. I mean, it makes sense. But I mean maybe it's the same thing, that holy symbol unlocking a door to the tower."
Valla bends down to retrieve the holy symbol and hands it back to Edward. ”Mr....Ty is correct. You may have need of it. Perhaps it is that very magic it now has that will allow you entrance.”
Genedair is happy to answer any other questions you may have, and has no objection to Richard checking in with the Saranrae temple officials (he even writes out a note to the high priest there formally asking for the loan of their cleric on this errand). He does caution you against telling others about your little quest, as you wouldn’t want to attract the wrong sort of attention.
Valla finds you before you leave to wish you luck, give you the wand and gold, and offer the meal (and bath) she promised earlier.
As your group makes its exit out the main entrance of the Church, a Halfling in full plate mail, and bearing the symbols of Iomedae, strides up the front steps. He stops short upon seeing you and outright shock fills his features, which he quickly covers over with a forced smile.
"Good morning, friends. The blessings of Iomedae be upon you all this day. I am Sir Rollynd Thrush, a Knight of Ozem. You have the look of a group about to set out on a grand adventure. To where do you journey?"
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"Good morning Rollynd, I am Richard Wells. We are headed to the marketplace to acquire some gear."
Richard notices that Rollynd is injured. "Are you alright my friend. You look as if you have been adventuring yourself. Do you need any medical assistance? I am more than willing to assist - at no charge of course. The Dawnflower does not charge those in need - especially Knights from our sister faith."
”Ah, yes, the marketplace can certainly be an adventure...especially today. As for this scratch, don’t trouble yourself. Just a little run-in with Scarface’s band of brigands out in the Cairnlands. If I keep chipping away at his men, eventually that scum will have to show himself.”
Valla bends down to retrieve the holy symbol and hands it back to Edward. ”Mr....Ty is correct. You may have need of it. Perhaps it is that very magic it now has that will allow you entrance.”
Edward nods, "Very well. I thank you, My lady."
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”Ah, yes, the marketplace can certainly be an adventure...especially today. As for this scratch, don’t trouble yourself. Just a little run-in with Scarface’s band of brigands out in the Cairnlands. If I keep chipping away at his men, eventually that scum will have to show himself.”
With a look of concern etched upon his face, "Are you in need of assistance with these brigands, Sir Rollynd? While we do have other matters to attend currently, it behooves me to offer my sword in your current endeavor." He then just remembers he hasn't introduced himself. "Oh, I nearly forgot. I am Edward Hastings the III. A pleasure." He nods.
”No special assistance needed, but thank you. I cut my teeth repelling demonic raiding parties in Mendev, so an extra-ugly half-orc shouldn’t be a problem. Be warned though, if your post-shopping adventures take you into the Cairnlands. Scarface and other brigand bands have taken to setting up hideouts in some of the abandoned siege towers. There was an earthquake out there this morning, also, so some of the rickety ones might be even more precarious.”