GM Bret’s Outpost V Lodge of the Living God (Inactive)

Game Master BretI

Tess ponders whether the letters could case a problem to modern families, and decides that is unlikely. "Come to think of it, most of the scandal of these letters is already known, and it would put Mask Narsen in a good mood. I want to read through the letters completely first though before handing them over!"

"Beer sounds an excellent notion. I hope their grains are ethically sourced*, though. Maybe we can buy a few beers for some of the locals tonight to break the ice?" Tess considers Bastian's words further as he talks. "Speaking of religion, as we walk back into town, I would love to hear more about your faiths. The next few times we walk this road, we will be surrounded by Razmirans, and unable to discuss such matters.

"I am a Pharasmite, interested in the cycle of life, from births to deaths and all the in between moments that make us people." Tess looks wistfully out into the distance. "As a duskwalker, I can't have children of my own, but I love being around children. Old people are fascinating too! I never tire of seeing both ends of the cycle, the old and the new. What about all of you?"

*Feel free to ask Tess what 'ethically sourced' means to her.

Vinny smiles at the mention of beer. "Oh yes, definitely could go for a beer after all this excitement! What do you mean by ethically sourced Tess? I'd also be happy to help you look for some local flora to help camouflage our lilies once we plant them."

"Do you know how much of the Inner Sea's flour comes from Geb?" Tess shudders. "It's practically the bread basket of the Inner Sea! And all of it toiled by mindless undead, and sold practically everywhere... I do hope Razmiran grows its own local wheat."

The duskwalker looks disgusted. "To think of how many muffins and doughnuts I enjoyed in Absalom until I realized who had harvested the flour they were made from. Ewww."

"Be careful with that, Bastian. I don't feel like they're going to be very receptive. Religion banned, its...its unnatural." Faerinaa shudders, just thinking about it sending shivers up her spine.

"There was a time I wouldn't have cared that much about the no religion thing. There wasn't a lot of religion growing up on the streets in the puddles, and I just didn't really think a lot about it. Some of the people I used to run with would worship the Gray Master, but, well....he just didn't really seem like something I should look up to, even when I was stealing a lot. That, and the gods just felt far away when I was just trying to score enough for a good meal and my next hit of Shiver."

Faerinaa smile a small, sad smile as her eyes take on a far away look.
"I was kind of a mess back then. Things changed a lot for me when Absalom got invaded; I went went looting in one of the areas the invaders hit, and got caught and pretty nearly killed. I went down and was bleeding out, when a Pathfinder cleric that was fighting in the area found me and healed me. That feeling, of life ebbing away, feeling weak all over, darkness closing in, feeling that this is it, you're done? Nothing else I've ever felt compares to that moment of despair and panic and desperation. To have that darkness drivien back by divine healing light...that sticks with you. That cleric worshipped Sarenrae, and the Dawnflower's healing light brought me back from the brink of death."

Faerinaa's smile widens, and her eyes refocus on Tess. "I owe the Dawnflower everything. She saved my life, but her teachings also showed me what it really means to live, and that the evil we've done in our past doesn't have to define our future. I've tried every day since to live up to what I felt in that moment, so that some day maybe I can do the same for another lost soul."

Tess reaches out and touches Faerinaa's hand. "I have never had my life flash before my eyes like that, but my four months so far have had their moments of danger. I know that at some point, I will die, and Mom will come personally to take me to the Boneyard. I am hoping that during my life between then and now that I do meaningful things -- making friends, finding a family to care for, helping change lives for the better. I want Mom to be proud of me, but more importantly, I want to be proud of me. I want to have dared, to have loved, and to have been true to myself. It sounds like you are already on that path, Faerinaa. I am glad that Sarenrae helped you find yourself."

Khaul listens as the group heads back toward the inn.

"All very exciting. I was brought up to pay my dues to the ForgeFather. And he's not done wrong by me yet. Good solid sort. Just what we be needin for a job like this."

"Thanks Tess. Its going to be a long journy; a lifelong one, in fact, but I feel like I'm on the right path. And yeah, I think this one is going to be a job for Torag. There's a lot of craftsmanship that's going to be needed getting that place back in the shape." Faerinaa takes a long look over her shoulder at the receding fort. "...yeah. A LOT of craftsmanship."

She turns back to Tess, an expression of curiosity coming over her face.
"So...out of curiosity....who is your mom, exactly? Some type of servant of Pharasma? And how are you only four months old?"

"My mom is Tosof, one of Pharasma's morrignas. They're psychopomps, and usually serve as bounty hunters and investigators. Mom is... more of a parole officer.* She oversees the cases of powerful mortals who thwart death and interfere with the flow of souls."

Tess smiles brightly. "I know it's odd for a full-grown elf to be only four months old, but I'm a duskwalker. We're not born, but made. I think I was reincarnated from the souls of a number of mortals whose lives were cut short protecting the flow of souls." Tess looks anxiously at Faerinna. "I hope you don't think that's weird, but we come out fully formed. In the old days, our fates would be sealed and we'd be assigned special missions from Pharasma from the moment of our birth."

Tess reaches down and picks up a wildflower and then spins a moment in the field. "I have no assignment, because prophecy broke. So I can choose who I am and what I want to be. I'm still figuring that out, which I think makes me just like every other mortal these days. It's nice not being lonely."

Then she turns to Bastian and Vinny. "Bastian, will you tell us a bit about Milani? And Vinny, do you follow a deity? Not everyone does, I know."

_____
* In canon, Tosof appears in Lost Omens: Legends in the Artokus Kirran and Jatembe sections. She appears sometimes as a person and sometimes as a spider.

"That's really neat Tess. So you've got multiple souls in you instead of just one? That sounds like it could be complicated. Do you know your mom well, or did she just make you and leave? I don't know if my mom is alive or not anymore, we parted on pretty bad terms when I was 14 and I haven't seen her since."

"It's more like my soul has multiple parts now that pull in different directions at times. And that is not so far off from what other mortals believe about their own souls. The ancient Osirions believe that all of us have souls that are not one united item, but a complex and multi-layered wonder. If you want, I can tell you about the nine parts of the Osirion soul, if you are curious. I found it a fascinating idea." Tess enthuses.

Then she turns to Faerinaa and says, "Mom left when I was less than one day old, but she did not abandon me. She gave me my clothes, my weapons, and some starting gear. She also gave me the advice to seek my own purpose, and her blessing. I am sorry yours left you so abruptly. You deserved better."

"I don't follow any particular deity," Vinny answers Tess. "I do enjoy hearing the stories from those that do, but I've never felt a calling or anything like that. I'm sorry you had that experience Faerinaa, I am glad you found your way to the Pathfinder Society!"

As your conversation wraps up, you are just reaching the edge of the village.

When you enter Melcat’s Folly Inn, you are greated by a young man. You would guess him to be either in his very late teens or early twenties. “Hello, you must be the people from the Pathfinder Society everyone is talking about. I am Wilfred.”

“We weren’t sure exactly when you would return, I hope you don’t mind stew. Mask Narsen is in the common room waiting, but I can bring a bowl out to you.”

When you get to the common room, you can see Mask Narsen sitting in a chair near the fireplace reading a book. He looks up and cheerfully calls out “Welcome back! I hope things went well at the fort. I am eager to hear what you found there.”

"Oh! Stew! What an amazing dish! I've had it in so many different places, and each time it's different in ingredients and flavor, but similar in texture and presentation! What sort of stew is it tonight?" Tess, ever the adventurous foodie, is excited by the upcoming menu. "Also, we were deciding whether we wanted to do beer or wine tonight. Is your beer made from local grains?"

Tess holds out her hand to Wilfred, though whether it is for him to kiss or to shake, she's entirely uncertain. She's been through so many different customs in her three and three-quarter months of being a Pathfinder. She decides that she will let Wilfred decide how to react to the hand. She smiles up at Wilfred. It's a dazzling smile. "Wilfred, I am so pleased to meet you. I am Tess. Do you work full time here at the inn, or do you have another job in town?"

Player knows that he's a carpenter, but we have not been told in game this.

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When they go into see Mask Narsen in the common room, Tess smiles at him. "Hello, Mask Narsen of the twelfth step! I see that you have been agreeably occupied while we were gone! What book are you reading?"

"As for today, we found so many lovely wildflowers on our trip. Vinny and I were thinking that later we'd want to plant some of those around the Fort... Just like how Prophet's Rest has made this hamlet a bright and homey place with all of its flowerboxes."

That's right. Now you know that I'm an obsessive gardener, and so it won't be odd when we plant those lilies later on...

Tess finds a chair and sits near the Razmiran priest, and continues. "We found Fort Agate, and you are right that it has excellent bones. Khaul, Vinny and Faerinaa came up with a detailed list of repairs, and we also had to remove some of the local wildlife -- a nest of midges and a pair of giant geckos -- that attacked us while we were there. We thought we would start tomorrow by borrowing most of the village to help us clean in preparation of other tasks."

Tess gestures at her fellow Pathfinders. "I'm sure they can tell you more about all the repairs we will need to do. Is there anyway we can get out word to the locals about it? We were thinking of maybe inviting some of them to have some beer with us before we drafted them to help us with the work."

"Oh! Stew! What an amazing dish! I've had it in so many different places, and each time it's different in ingredients and flavor, but similar in texture and presentation! What sort of stew is it tonight?" Tess, ever the adventurous foodie, is excited by the upcoming menu. "Also, we were deciding whether we wanted to do beer or wine tonight. Is your beer made from local grains?"

“Rabbit stew with dumplings.” he answers as he shakes her hand.

She smiles up at Wilfred. It's a dazzling smile. "Wilfred, I am so pleased to meet you. I am Tess. Do you work full time here at the inn, or do you have another job in town?"

He looks a bit embarrassed as he replies “Just the Inn at the moment.”

Player knows that he's a carpenter, but we have not been told in game this.
All will be revealed in time…

When they go into see Mask Narsen in the common room, Tess smiles at him. "Hello, Mask Narsen of the twelfth step! I see that you have been agreeably occupied while we were gone! What book are you reading?"

“A history text about the origins and customs of the Aldori Swordlords. The author claims to have been there when Baron Sirian Aldori bested the bandit king.” The way he says it suggests he is not sure of the veracity of that claim. He uses a bookmark to save his place in the book before closing it.

He listens with interest to the report. At Tess’s mention of recruiting the villagers, he suggests “The best time to do that would be after the dawn service that Mask Lumley will give. If any of you want to attend, I’m certain Mark Lumley would allow it.”

He eagerly looks to the others for details of what repairs are required.

"Well, it be hard to tell for sure." starts Khaul.

"We be needing a load of stone, but one of them towers is in such a state that we be needin to bring it down afore it be fallin on anyought." he mentions.

"Then we be needin ta fix the gate so all can be passin in without a risk of a knock to their noggins. Th well needs a bit of love and care too. Be a hard place to work with no water. My feelin is that a couple of days work will get the place clean and tidy, and with a tad of luck net us a couple of the most urgent repairs. After that, we be seeing. Work is goin ta be required all over the place. "

He wipes sweat from his forehead. Whether it is the stew or the thought of the work that is going to be required is a mystery.

"I jus be hopin the we git enough done afore the rest of th' society turn up and want housin."

He looks around the group. "I think we found an old letter as well, who has that?"

With Wilfred

"Rabbit stew? I haven't had that before! Does it have a lot of carrots?" Then she pauses and asks, "And the grain? Is it local to Razmir?"

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Back in the present with Mask Narsen

Tess inwardly groans. So much for getting the opportunity to read those letters one more time before bedtime...

"Oh! That's right! That's me!" Tess makes a show of chagrin as she pulls the box of letters out of her backpack. "Thanks for reminding me, Khaul. I nearly forgot I was carrying these."

Tess hands them over to Mask Narsen, as withholding them would seem odd. "We found these near the well -- a set of very old romance letters. Prime interest to a historian!"

With Wilfred

"Rabbit stew? I haven't had that before! Does it have a lot of carrots?" Then she pauses and asks, "And the grain? Is it local to Razmir?"

When asked about the carrots, Wilfred says “Sure.”

When asked about the grain, he pauses a moment before saying “Yeah, we’ve got farmers here. I’m sure Mask Lumley wouldn’t allow for anything unethical.”

Tess is sure that Wilfred is just telling her what he thinks she wants to hear. She gets the feeling he doesn’t want to go find out what the correct answer would be. There is hope, the part about there being local farmers is true.

Mask Narsen comments “Yes, a fort's not much good without a door to close.” when Klaus mentions the condition of the gate.

“Sounds like it is good that I acquired the wood and stonemason. Check with Braderock Brumn, he has the wood supply I arranged for.”

At mention of letters, Narsen says “Although no historian, I have developed an interest in local history.” He takes the letters and carefully sorts through them. You hear him chuckle as he reads some of it.

“Would you mind if I take these letters with me? I need to return to Xer in the morning, meet with some of my superiors. While there, I could consult with some sages, see if they could find anything on these two.”

“I expect to return in a few weeks, no more than a month.”

Oopse, sorry, I thought we were going to share them.

Oopse, sorry, I thought we were going to share them.

If you are worried (now or any other time), you could always ask for a Sense Motive to try and figure out if someone is lying or acting suspiciously.

"I've no objection... but we be getting the letter back, ta put in the archive, after ye have consulted?" inquires Khaul.

He nods along when the carpenter is mentioned. "Aye, those two be critical to our plans being put into action in a timely manner. Given a year I could likely do it all meself, but... well.. I be struck with a mite of wanderlust if the truth be told, and while To.. while me master be fine with me sticking to crafting, I'm sure there be other tasks for me elsewhere."

Sense motive at well.. +7 for if our friendly sponsor is telling the truth about returning... and his timeline for doing so.

Nodding, Narsen says “Yes, I will give you the letters back when I return.”

As best Khaul can determine, Narsen’s interest in local history seems genuine and he does intend to honor his agreement to return the letters.

"Oh? You're leaving already?" Tess is surprised, but then realizes that Mask Narsen is probably not as interested in the everyday construction issues, but in seeing a fully functioning lodge. "Well, you will come back to see Fort Agate much transformed." Then she thinks of something else. "As outsiders, is there anything we need to do for that dawn service? Should we be dressed a certain way? Any etiquette that we need to be aware of? Also, how often is the dawn service? Is it daily? Once a week?"

Meanwhile, she chews over the conversation she just had with Wilfred. Wilfred's lies about the grain disappoint her. Anyone who would lie to a guest and tell that guest what they want to hear rather than what is true... That seems like a person that is not trustworthy. Tess makes a mental note of it.

And the player notes that detail in the file.

As the rabbit stew arrives, Tess looks sadly at the dumplings which she fishes out one by one and lays on a little side plate while she eats the rest of the stew. "Oh, this is tasty, but I don't think it is something one can feed to rabbits at all..." Instead of ordering the beer, she orders a wine, as she cannot be sure of the grain's origins.

Glancing at the rest of the party, she says, "Does it sound weird that I am excited to be cleaning tomorrow? It seems like such a great chance to meet everyone in town, and see progress on our joint project!"

Tess looks around the common room to see if there is anyone else from town there that she can start chatting up.

“The services are daily at dawn. Most of the service will be Mask Lumley giving sermons and everyone praising Razmir, thrice blessed be his name. As long as you are not disruptive, listen to the service, and respond as the other villagers do there should be no problems.”

“All the villagers will be there.”

Noticing the way that Tess is picking out the dumplings, Mask Narsen asks her “Is there something wrong with the food? It seemed fine even if a little plain when I ate an hour or so ago.”

“It has rabbits in the stew, it isn’t meant to feed to rabbits.”

Tess glances at her ever-growing pile of dumplings on the side plate, and then glances up at Mask Narsen again. "The food is delicious, but I was born in Geb, you see. It is pretty horrible to be a living person there. After leaving, I vowed that I would never eat grain from there, but they export grain to so many places..." She glances up at Mask Narsen, hopefully. "Do you know if they grow grain locally here in Razmir? If this is local grain, I will happily eat all the dumplings and breadstuffs you can feed me."

Sense Motive, please.

At the explanation about the stew, Tess's expression lights up. "Oh! Rabbits in the stew! How clever! And there's other ingredients too, I think. Turnips, onions, and... oh, look some of those tiny green fruits again! Delightful!"

“Really?” Mask Narsen is somewhat surprised by the explanation.

He holds up his hand in a gesture to stop. “My apologies. We will fix this now.”

“Lotte!”

Lotte comes running in. “Yes, Mask Narsen! Is there anything you need?”

He explains the situation with the food and ends with “Please make sure that any food served to our guests uses local grains, nothing imported from farther south than Druma or The Five Kings Mountains.”

Looking to your group, he then says “If any of you have other dietary restrictions, please let Lotte know and she will ensure they are obeyed.”

Lotte nods her agreement much too fast.

Mask Narsen gives her enough time to ask you each about any dietary restrictions before dismissing her with a wave.

Faerinaa digs into the rabbit stew in the corner, interjecting periodically. "We're also going to need to rebuild the stairs and fix the hole in the roof in the keep. There might be more damage up there, but we'll have to get the stairs in place or a ladder up to check it out. Its probably a bit lower priority than some of the other parts that are more dangerous to leave in disrepair, but we're going to want a roof in place to keep the rain out so we can make the inside liveable."

Faerinaa keeps shoveling the stew into her mouth as the conversation progresses onwards to the source of grain. She wipes her mouth on her sleeve after Narsen's call out to Lotte. "I don't drink alcohol; had some problems with it in the past, so I'll stick to water or milk if you have it. I eat pretty much everything though, this stew is delicious. My compliements to the chef."

Sense Motive on Lotte's much too quick nod.

Tess hopes that she doesn't have to pretend to eat breads while she is here. Maybe she can find a dog who will discreetly eat them?

Then she pauses. Has she seen any pets around? She hasn't seen any children so far other than the family from Lastwall. Well maybe she will see them at the dawn church service. Surely a hamlet of this size, with so many young adults in it, will have several children.

Tess thinks Lotte is worried that Mask Narsen was unhappy in any way with the service provided. You get the impression that any request from him is treated by her like a command.

Then she turns to Bastian and Vinny. "Bastian, will you tell us a bit about Milani? And Vinny, do you follow a deity? Not everyone does, I know."

I know it's a bit back in conversation!

"I'm happy to tell you about the Everbloom. Milani did not exist when I was born. She was a half elf, like me, and she became a saint in service to Aroden, who was also not a God when I was born! Upon his death, she was elevated and became patron of all those who fight against oppression and unjust rule. She gives aid to all those fighting oppression and evil and seeks to relocate the downtrodden to friendlier places. For people like me who suffered under the Runelords she represents true hope. You can see her symbol on my shield. It is a rose growing out of a blood-soaked street. I would expect to find no friends amongst Razimir's 'clergy'."

------------------------------------

Later...

"Wilfred, it is a great pleasure to meet you. I would love for a bowl of whatever you have prepared."

Upon seeing Narsen, Bastian is less chatty than usual. He is clearly assessing the man.

Vinny tucks into her stew happily and asks Lotte for a beer. "No dietary restrictions here either, I'll eat pretty much anything," she says between mouthfuls.

"I'm excited to get started too, Tess. I think the cleaning will probably be hard work, but once it's done, we'll get to the more fun parts, like collapsing that tower!" She has a glint in her eye that suggests she is very excited to get the chance to blow something up. "We'll get the whole place presentable and livable in what feels like no time."

Lotte leaves as soon as everyone has told her of their restrictions or lack thereof.

After Vinny’s expressed optimism, Narsen says “Excellent! I look forward to seeing the progress you’ve made when I return.”

Looking around, he asks “Is there anything more?”

Let me know if any of you intend to attend the sermon tomorrow. I would need to whip something up for it. I am ready to transition to just after the sermon tomorrow if people are ready.

Tess plans to attend the sermon in the morning, just to see what a worship service to a living god is all about. Before going to bed, she checks in with Bresk, Vanka, Zika, Karesk and Shelka. "How are you doing? Did you have a good first day in town?" She wants to make sure they are well-treated.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Yes, you can transition us to after the Sermon if you want.

Faerinaa will not attend. She will wake up, eat and pray quietly to Sarenrae in her room by herself during the service.

Vinny is open to going to the service, if a few others are going.

Tess takes Vinny's hand. "Good, you can keep me sane while we listen to Mask Lumley."

Khaul is more than happy to eat rabbit stew "My goodness... this is even better than my own stew!" he comments, loud enough for Lotte to hear it.

"I be meanin no disrespect, but me own master be tad bit of jealous at times. And while he'd be no mindin me attendin a service to your lord, I think he might be drawin the line at active participation." admits Khaul.

"On the plus side... That may mean I get ta sleep in ta build up me strength for the work ahead!"

I'll be makin me prayers all day with the repairs what we be doin. Torag guide my hand! thinks the devout dwarf.

Tess's lips curve upwards. "That is one of the Mother of Souls' many graces. As the oldest being in creation, she has seen it all. Her realm welcomes all deities and their servants, and I think she will let me participate in one ceremony without jealousy. But I will do my prayers tonight instead of in the morning just to be sure."

That night, Tess prays. "Mother of Souls, and mother to my mother, give me strength to witness the Razmiran dawn ceremony tomorrow. Forgive me if I mutter falsehoods and heresy -- this is my mission, and I need to learn their ways if I am to complete it. Let me blend tomorrow while keeping you foremost in my heart."

Then she takes a deep breath. "Unless they are raising an undead, and then I will whip their collective asses. Amen."

Bresk and Vanka assure Tess that they have been given what they need. They thank her again for intervening at the docks.

I am going to assume for the moment that Bastian does not elect to attend the service to Razmir. We can make adjustments if he wishes to.
Those who do not get up before dawn would find cold oatmeal left out with bowls and spoons for you to serve yourselves.

Breakfast at the Inn consists of a thick oatmeal with berries and nuts. Some chunks of honeycomb are set out to provide some sweetness. Around the table that morning are Lotte, Wilfred, Mikkel and the stonemason Junissa Yovitch. Lotte does introductions. Mikkel gives a barely audible “Hello.” Everyone is attired in work clothes.

Junissa gives each of you an appraising look. “I hope you have work for me today. I’ve been idle here awaiting work for too long.”

When Lotte sees Tess, she assures her all the ingredients meet her requirements.

Bessama the half-elven servant is rushing between the kitchen and the eating area, making sure everyone gets fed and taking away the bowls and spoons as people finish their breakfast.

Shortly before dawn, everyone leaves for the temple. Bessama is the last to leave, having hurriedly putting the last of the dishes in a tub of water to soak. She sets the pot with the remaining oatmeal out on the dining table with a ladle and clean bowls and spoons.

Mask Lumley is at the front door to the temple greeting each person by name as they enter. “Come hear the miracles of Razmir the Living God, thrice blessed be his name!” His greeting for the Horgat’s is much warmer than many of the others. His greeting for Braderock Brumn is noticeably colder than others.

As Vinny and Tess enter, Mask Lumley fails to greet them by name. Instead he calls out “Learn how Razmir the Living God punishes those who fail to acknowledge his glory!” As they enter the church, Mask Lumley does point them to some stools at the very back of the room. It seems enough stools were set out for your whole group and that of the family. It also seems there is assigned seating, with the front row having padded chairs.

Either there are no children in the village, or they are not welcome to the service.

The service itself is rather simple. There are some tapestries on the walls depicting Razmir’s miracles, including the destruction of a whole city who rejected his benevolence. One of the themes Mask Lumley touches on with his service is the evils of wealth. There are promises of great rewards for those who dedicate themselves to the faith, but turning from the faith curses a person to lose everything.

The audience participation seems to just be repeating various praises to Razmir.

“Hail Razmir and his priests, who guide our path to our rewards!”

“Great is the power of Razmir and his priests whom channel his power.”

“For this is the way of Razmir, thrice blessed be his name!”

After the service, it seems the faithful are encouraged to stay for confession. Many go back to their homes once they are done.

It is about three hours after dawn before Priest Lumley comes out of the temple and finds you. He has a pen and some paper with him.

“Have you decided which of my villagers you will be needing for the work today?”

Khaul, who woke up to the sound of everyone else having breakfast, spends a quiet hour after the locals have left. He eats the oatmeal that was put aside from him, and then spends some time scrubbing the dishes that has been left to soak.

"Them locals may not be chargin us for our board, but the least a guest can do is a little help with the house work." he notes to any pathfinders who happen to raise an eyelid at his efforts.

When Lumley comes to ask for who will be helping out that day, Khaul rattles off a list of names.

"We be needing folk clearing the roadway in. I think We'll have meself and Tess, along with your good self Mask Lumley of the third step. Perhaps we could have yer fine guards Asif and Petrus with us, along with Matthild, Plisken and Braderock. "

"Another team will be led by Bastion here and Vinny. They'll be tidyin the courtyard. I think The Hengus brothers, Benyan Horgat and Rakka would be good there. Hmm, maybe Mikkel and Gerlind too."

He pauses. "Lastly, we be having Faerinaa along with Bessama, Lotte and Wilfred be working on the Great Hall."

He looks around "How does that sound to everyone?"

That morning Tess rises before dawn, stretches, makes her own bed and comes down to the pre-dawn breakfast. If she can help carry dishes to and from the table, she's willing. "Oh! Breakfast looks delicious!"

She eats the oatmeal with surprise and delight. "I've never had this before. There are so many ways to serve grain, aren't there? And with the nuts and berries and honeycomb... this is wonderful! My compliments to the cook!"

She reaches out to shake the hands of the folks that Lotte introduces to her. "I'm starting to see a family resemblance here!" She says, studying the faces of Wilfred, Lotte and Mikkel. "How long have you lived and worked in this inn?" Then she looks up to Junissa. "We do have work for you -- all of you -- today. But we're mostly going to be cleaning the Fort in preparation for the real work of repairing it, which starts tomorrow. I know that Vinny can't wait to get started on the stonework with you!"

"Out of curiosity, how long have they had you waiting in town for us? I understand you come from the capitol, Xer. Is it a nice place?"

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

At the service, Tess is amused at how Mask Lumley snubs her and Vinny. Exchanging one telling glance with Vinny, she takes her hard stool like it is the greatest of honors, and enjoys her spot in the back where she can watch everyone. She notes who are seated in the padded chairs in the front, and anyone who might be showing less enthusiasm for the service.

Who is in those comfy chairs up front? And Sense Motive to see if there are any parishioners who lack enthusiasm.

She herself graciously repeats the Razmiran phrases when they are supposed to be repeated, and does so with a serene expression on her face, all the while critiquing the sermon and the service in her mind.

They really could put on a better performance. Some music would not be amiss, and the lines that are repeated would be better if they rhymed, or were blank verse. Only the final line scans right. And that sermon... Lumley needs voice lessons, so that he is not constantly straining his voice to be heard, and he could do with storytelling practice.

Tess thinks that it this service wasn't mandatory, few would bother to attend.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

"The work rotation is fine with me." When Khaul makes his suggestions, Tess asks Lotte, "If we're all going to be cleaning all day, can some of us help you with dinner afterwards? I am not very skilled, but I would be happy to chop vegetables or clean pans to help out."

Next time, let's leave one of the Inn's employees out of the cleaning rotation.

During the service - Bastian is not attending today - he will take a walk around the village. He will look for the existence of children, the general state of repair and affluence of the place.

Whilst the Razimiran 'faithful' are busy, he will also do his devotions to Milani.

I am going to try and do this in chronological order.

Tess at breakfast

"How long have you lived and worked in this inn?"

Wilfred smiles and says “I had a few years off and only recently started working here again in the last three months.”

Mikkel looks down at his oatmeal and says “Since I was a child.”

"Out of curiosity, how long have they had you waiting in town for us? I understand you come from the capitol, Xer. Is it a nice place?"

“Nearly a week. Xer is a testament to the wonders that Razmir, thrice blessed be his name, as bestowed on us. They brought in marble for the thirty one steps of the temple there when it was built. It is a center for commerce in the area.”

At the service, Benyan Horgat and Gerlind Horgat are afforded the comfortable seats at the front. Matthild fluffs Gerlind’s cushions and makes sure both are comfortable before retreating to her own seat a few rows back. Junissa is also allowed to sit in the front row, although there is a gap between her seat and those of the Horgat’s.

Lotte and her family are in the second row. Most of the village are in the third or fourth rows. The only person in the fifth row is Braderock Brumn.

You were given a special row, behind that with enough space to have put another row of chairs. Your chairs are also much more closely spaced than the other rows.

Two of the guards, Petrus and Rakka, are stationed standing at the back of the church. They are outfitted in armor and have their weapons with them.

The third guard, Aasif, stays within a few feet of Mask Lumley. It appears they are acting as a bodyguard for the priest.

During the service, you notice a rat climb out of Sylvina’s pocket. She quickly feeds it something and gets it to go back into the pocket. It seems to be her pet judging from the way she treated it.

While the service is going on, the rest of the group is able to eat in peace back at the inn. They see Mask Narsen leave the Inn about a half-hour after services had begun. Bresk and his family join the rest of the group at the dining table for breakfast.

In his tour of the village, Bastian doesn’t find any signs of children anywhere. It seems all who reside in the village are at the service. Other than the lack of children, nothing seems out of place.

When the services end, Bessama is the first to return to the inn. She is surprised at the lack of dirty dishes. She inquires who did them and thanks Khaul. She is sure to mention that he really didn’t need to do that, she would have taken care of it.

As Khaul announces the work crews, Mask Lumley writes down the assignments, He hesitates only a moment when he is the first assigned. As people are assigned, he sends Petrus to notify the villagers selected.

When Khaul calls for the Hengus brothers, Mask Lumley dryly corrects him. “They are not brothers, they are married to each other.”

Everyone gathers on the street outside the temple. Benyan and Gerlind are the last to arrive at the assembly point. Mask Lumley directs people to their work crews for the day. He seems to be a very organized person.

You haven’t even gotten halfway to the fortress before Gerlind complains to her husband about the long walk and the dirt. He encourages her to persevere through these difficulties and assures her that Matthild will have a hot bath ready when they get home. Strange, since Matthild is also on the work crew.

Aasif and Petrus walk one step behind and to either side of Mask Lumley. Evidently they consider themselves on duty as his bodyguards for the day.

With the walk and then working with them, you pick up a few things about the various villagers.

Mask Lumley definitely does not appreciate your presence. He does the work without complaint. At the conclusion of the workday before starting the walk back, he reminds the villagers “It is Razmir’s will that we perform this work. My joining in the efforts should demonstrate how important it is.”

Aasif avoids interacting any more than necessary with those in your party. He does his assigned tasks alongside Mask Lumley, but shows no interest in talking with any of you.

Matthild seems to enjoy the walk and tackles the cleaning without complaint.

Braderock doesn’t seem unfriendly, but something certainly has him spooked. At each break during the day, he goes to scout the various areas that will require his skills.

Plisken the Brown is a middle-aged man who dresses in earth tones. You don’t know if his moniker is from the clothing he wears or the deep brown stains on his teeth. The stains are most likely the result of the nuts he carries in his pocket. He snacks on them throughout the day.

He offers some of the nuts to Tess. “Want to try some? They are a local nut, quite tasty.”

The Hengus couple are both strong and physically fit men. Not surprising since you’ve been told they are the village blacksmiths. They work well together and do the work without complaint or hesitation.

Mikkel is Wilfred’s younger brother. You would judge him a late teens probably three or more years younger than his brother. He seems uncomfortable with so many people around. Bastian thinks the boy is just shy.

Benyan and Gerlind find the work distasteful and clearly resent having to do it. Benyan tries to pamper his wife, but it is hard to pamper someone while clearing brush and debris.

Like the other two guards, Rakka wears her armor and carries her weapons with her. She doesn’t have any problems with the walk or work, but doesn’t go out of her way to help the Horgat’s either.

When allowed to, Lotte spents her time directing Bessama and Wilfred. Bessama does the work without issue, but it seems Wilfred is always looking for a way to dodge it. Faerinaa is sure he resents having to do the work.

On the way back, Matthild is at the front of the group. When you get close to the village, she rushes ahead and into the Horgat’s home.

Day 1 work

Task: Clean the Fort (Approach Road)
Khaul: Mask Lumley, Aasif, Petrus
Tess: Matthild, Braderock, Plisken the Brown

Progress: 8 person days
Completed 8/8 days

Task: Clean the Fort (Courtyard)
Bastian: Edgar Hengus, Martin Hengus, Mikkel
Vinny: Benyan Horgat, Gerlind Horgat, Rakka

Progress: 8 person days
Completed 8/8 days

Task: Clean the Fort (Great Hall)
Faerinaa: Bessama, Lotte, Wilfred

Progress: 4 person days
Completed 4/8 days

Vinny listens respectfully and repeats the phrases with the villagers during the morning service. She shares a look with Tess during the whole affair, and thinks to herself that religion still doesn't hold much attraction for her. She'd never say anything out loud though, not wishing to offend her hosts.

-------

Back at the Inn, she also agrees to the proposed work schedule. "Sounds good to me Khaul! Let's get to it." She nods to Junissa. "Definitely looking forward to demolishing that tower with you, it should be quite the sight!" She shoulders her pack and joins the group as they move to the fort.

-------

Vinny does her best to motivate her group of villagers, even though the Horgats do not seem to want to participate in the cleaning. She hides her frustration as best she can and applies herself diligently as a good example. At the end of the day, she thanks Benyan, Gerlind, and Rakka for their efforts in clearing the courtyard. "Well done, team, it's looking so much better already!"

Faerinaa tries to gently keep her team on track and working through the day, but takes a mental note on how they take to the work.

"That was great work today, everyone! Whew, I'm beat. Looking forward to a good sleep in a soft bed tonight." Faerinaa stretches, cracking her back on the way back as she stifles a yawn. "Tomorrow's where the real fun begins. I'm looking forward to taking a look at that well. Did you get a chance to look at it, Braderock? What kind of shape is it in?"

Tess is pleased that Mask Lumley cleans without complaint, but does not enjoy that neither the Mask nor his two guards are much disposed to talk. So she concentrates on Matthild, Broderock and Plisken the Brown.

"I would love some nuts, thank you!" Tess thanks Plisken, and crunches into them thoughtfully. "Oh, these are good! What type are they, and what sort of plant do they grow on? Is this something we could grow near the fort? I'm a bit of an amateur gardener!"

The next time Broderock scouts on break, Tess walks with him. "Excuse me, but what are we looking for? We cleared out a nest of midges, and some giant geckos. Is there some other wildlife we should be worried about?"

"My goodness, you're a hard worker!" Tess compliments Matthild. "Though is it okay if I ask something? You seem very solicitous of Gerlind. Is she sick or something? I'm trying to decide if we should include her on future outings. If she is sick, maybe she should rest. But if she isn't sick, the exercise is likely good for her."

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

When they get back, Tess offers to help with dinner at the Inn. "All of you have been working all day, same as us. Can we help you get dinner underway?" Tess smiles. "I'm not much of a cook, but I'm good with herbs and I can chop and clean."