Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Responding to Vailic's question, "I wanted to see how the rest of the world operated and lived, ironically enough I couldn't do that managing a trade business."
Casca pauses before continuing, trying to decide if this is the time and place for this conversation. "Everyone is the hero of their own story and even the vilest criminals see their own actions as Right, Justified, or Fair. I want to understand the difference between Fair and Good... Hence my calling: See the world, understand how and why we can be so terrible to each other, and find a way to change things."
"Enough of this, I like philosophy but it is too early in the day. To the games! Will they have any Siege or Doppel boards?"
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca misses a step at Vailic's comment. "Do you not trust in fate? I thought trust in Chance to be a core tenet of Desna's faith. Or do you see Luck and Fate separately?"
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca casually inspects the spell components on the shelves "Vailic, how do you keep track of all the different components? There are hundreds of materials here."
"The gods care not who sells their symbols, only that they are in the hands of the faithful. I've seen favored souls make symbols of great power, but they were never lessened or bettered by the seller."
Thinking it over, slowly and carefully Casca continues. "The more available the symbols of the gods are the better it is for the gods, less barriers to worship. There are some who believe that an organized church can be a barrier to worship, one does not need to be instructed how to worship the faithful will intuitively find their way. Caydenites and Desnites are particularly fond of this argument and would see your sales are serving the faith, it is no surprise it would occur to you."
"On the flip side, the oversight of the church provides guidance and assurance. History provides enough cautionary tales of cults distributing corrupted symbols to the ignorant, drawing power from false faith. The clergy does not guarantee against this but it is a safeguard. Also some have a connection to their gods stronger than others, if people must go through them to worship they can provide teaching that brings them closer to their gods than they would get floundering alone. This belief is near universal within the Abadar church."
Casca frowns, "And some believe the sale of unholy symbols is a deserved tithe to the church. They would react strongly to someone 'stealing' their tithe."
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
"Thank you Bethana" Casca takes a quick look around the kitchen before deciding that he would only getting in the way by trying to help. With a stomach full of porridge he hustles upstairs to make his morning prayers and don his armor, it is buffed and shining from his work last night.
As he crosses paths with Lushesciu, Casca asks "How long have the Kaijitsu family been in Sandpoint? Every time I was here in the past we stayed in the White Deer. Does Master Kaijitsu have a trade? A profession?"
With a bright ribbon wrapped around the hilt of his scimitar "Never though I'd be grateful for Tiermerel's lessons on parade and formal dress, funny the paths we take." Casca is prepared to head to the festival with Zeldana.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca waits for the old man to leave, ensuring the door is closed behind him. Seeing Zeldana is caring for the bartender, Casca goes to the middle-aged halfling woman that was standing at the door. Speaking quietly "Do you know what just happened here? Has this happened before?"
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Seeing her eyes fill with tears and and wondering a what words he used to cut her so, Casca hopes that her retaliation is fair...
Casca Initative:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Casca attempts moves out of the way to give her a clean shot. He will attempt to prevent further escalation after that.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca follows Zeldana's lead and rushes between the pair. "Enough throwing glassware, what is going on here!" He eyes the cane and the pitcher nervously, looking around for a cutting board or a serving tray to use as a shield if things get ugly.
Aid Diplomancy:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca frowns at the sound of shouting as the sleep clears his mind. At the sound of breaking glass Casca jumps to his feet an reaches for his sword, his mind returning to the here and now he instead grabs his holy symbol and hangs it from his neck. "This is not the worldwound, we will have no problems that can not be solved with peacefully."
He follows Zeldana out the door, donning a shirt as he hustled down the stairs.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Zeldana is asleep by the time Casca returns to the room after dark. "I hope Lushesciu told her about the room shortage." He quietly rolls out his bedroll on the hard floor and falls asleep wondering if he could have found soft grass outside of town...
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
"Thank you Chask, this gets me started. I'm certain to return for more." Happy with his purchases Casca departs with Vailic.
"Sandpoint is bursting at the seams. Lushesciu was only able to find a single bed for me and Zeldana at the Dragon and I've seen it, a narrow travelers bed. If you have a quest room, I'd happily pay inn rates plus a premium for a comfortable nights sleep."
"Otherwise I am done for the day, I'll use the daylight remaining to read these new purchases and pray to Sarenrae."
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
After finishing the early supper Casca searches out the local book stores to purchase some cheap texts (1-5g each) on the other religions present at the cathedral (Abadar, Erastil, Desna, Gozreh and Shelyn). "Vailic, your welcome to join me." whispering "Get me some good deals and I'll help get Luchesciu drunk and talking shop after the festival."
Afterwards Casca returns to the room to clean his armor for the ceremony and study the other religions present at the cathedral. He also memorizes Ears of the City and Guidance in his empty spell slots and casts it to gather information regarding the new cathedral.Perception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
At sunset he returns to the cemetery to cast Light on the flowers at the monument and say a quick prayer. "Let there be light a little longer."
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
At the mention of Tian Xia, Casca again glances to the Tian woman. I would rest easy hearing a local vouch for this man."The followers of Sarenrae are a varied lot. We come from the Worldwound and Mendev, the Mendevians are a forward lot. It is a choice they make, forwardness of paranoia."
"Wayang" Casca sounds out the unfamiliar word. "What do you mean shadow folk? Are your people from the Tian darklands?"
"Careful asking Luchesciu for wisdom," tossing his brother a wink, he adds "make sure you negotiate the price before the trade."
Casca sips on his beer and loosens some of the buckles on his scale mail. Food, then lets see about this room Luchesciu mentioned. I'm cooking in this armor. Can't wait to get it off.
"Your goods and services, are they divine or arcane? And can you recommend a local book store, Id like to know more about this Desnan holiday, the Swallowtail Festival. I took the library in Nerosyan for granted."
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Vailic, 'Guide of Lost Souls' is an admirable title. Sorry about my initial shock. Casca is relaxed by Zeldana's joke and introduction, the absence of pitchforks and torches helps too.
Casca grimaces, knowing that this will be rude; Vailic, what manner of race are you, where do you hail from, and what is your trade? I am ignorant here, redeem me with your words.Whispers in the dark and uncertainty leads to suspicion and hate. Zeldana's own story attests to that. Fear comes from the unknown, hate comes from fear. Bring light to the unknown and ignorant hate will not hold sway, even if that light burns.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca struggles to keep his shock from his face as his mind races. This creature is no demon that he knows of. Looking to the other patrons, the locals are not reacting to this creatures presence, while travelers are having varied reactions. Casca tries to spot the Tien woman or one of the servers, to see how they are reacting. It is too late to quiz anyone, by the time he caught a clear view of the creature it was already at his table with Zeldana.
Zeldana, welcome! We saved you a seat. This is my brother Luchesciu, Lushesciu this is Zeldana who joined me to witness the consecration of the new cathedral. Zeldana, care to introduce your new friend? Casca keeps his tone polite, but the question of how and what is this creature is clear on on his face.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Casca gives the server and then the Tien woman a questioning look. I appreciate the kindness, but what have we done to deserve this? Casca asks the server.
Spotting Zeldana through the crowd, Casca stands up and waves her over. Zeldana, over here! I saved you a chair.
While Zeldana and her short companion navigate the crowd, Casca does a double take of his brother, he had forgot how strong the devotion to Abadar was in the family. He sounded just like father. The rigidity of Abadar's order will not sit well with many Varisians, they are independent folk from what I've seen and heard. But will speak of that that and my plans after the festival later, introductions are in order.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Spoiler:
A smile split's Casca's face and he gives him a friendly shove in return for the joke, remembering at the last second to make sure it was a gentle shove. Ha, I was going to say it's been too long but you're still pushing the same lame jokes. Six years makes a difference, Casca was a head shorter when he left Magnimar now they stood eye to eye. And Casca's shoulders were twice the width of Luchesciu's now, consequence of long days training with every type of weapon and armor. But Luchesciu still had that same sense of humor, he could always put anyone at ease.
Awkwardly Casca attempts to steer the conversation away from traveling companions and beds. You look well, and I'm glad you made it. I saw the memorial on the way in, it is a nice thing. I'll come by Magnimar to see her on my return trip to Mendev. It was easier to speak of without using proper names, her, it, then; those brought less emotion to the surface.
The crusade is a long way from won, but a great many people are healthy and happy because of our efforts. And you, I'm sure you control every pound of timber entering and exiting Magnimar by now? Or did you focus on grain? Casca takes in the quality of Lushesciu's clothes quickly, I wonder how the family trade is doing?.
A grumble in his stomach brings Casca's focus the aroma wafting from the kitchen. Talk of business and war can wait, I can smell the kitchen and I've been eating trail rations for a month. Let's grab a seat, a meal, a drink, and speak of this festival!
I hope he was joking about the room... I have my bedroll if he wasn't... I wonder if Zeldana's snoring will be worse in an enclosed space?
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Weeks ago, on the road:
Casca takes some time to absorb and process the reading. So, a time for keen words and sheathed swords, and harsh pragmatism? Is Sarenrae telling us that this will be no simple consecration? Casca starts cleans the pot and packs the rations, after a moment of though he then takes the whetstone to his scimitar and javelins.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Weeks ago, on the road:
Returning his book to the backpack, Casca asks; A guide to prosperity you say? I like that; the same man that shares his soup while full will do violence over bread while hungry. More prosperity and less poverty for all would do Avistan well. Casca eyes the deck, trying to separate second hand prejudice from his own thoughts. What did the priests of Abadar say, charlatans and soothsayers? I am ignorant here as were they, let's witness by words and actions.
Something serious to start, if this is divine divination I would not burden you with fickle questions. Casca asks, fishing for some insight to the fount of this power. Several faiths will be sharing the Sandpoint Cathedral, will their differences drive a wedge between them?
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Weeks ago, on the road:
Casca sits reading the Birth of Truth and Light by lantern light. Zeldana, will you explain to me again that deck of cards you carry? I've seen harrow decks in my youth but never understood them.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Yes, I realized my folly after the fact. For better or worse; onward!
...So many... I had no idea... Casca stands and reflects quietly in his own way for several minutes; reading the names one by one, attempting to commit them to memory, wondering if those with the same last names were siblings, parents, children. He has suffered but this town has suffered much more. I will bring flowers tonight or tomorrow.
What strange fellow. He looked off... Casca makes a mental note of the color and cut of the robes before returning to the task at hand. It was cold to ditch Zeldana like that and being on road meant he had received no updates from his brother, he had to just hope plans haven't changed.
Male Human Warpriest 1| AC16 T11 F15 | HP 15/15 | Climb +4 | Diplomacy +3 | Knowledge (religion) +4 | Perception +1
Spotting the cemetery is a shock to Casca, bringing forgotten pain to the surface. His mother's grave would be in Magnimar but others suffered that summer, he would pay his respects to them. He makes a clumsy excuse for some privacy to Zeldanna "The Deer looks full and I'm excited for something other than trail-soup. I have something to do, then I'm heading to the Dragon. Meet you there?"
Alone or not, Casca walks through the cemetery slowly reading names and dates looking for a group from 4706. What drove the Chopper to such aimless destruction? What happened that could drive a man to such?
This is new, so let me know if I'm assuming outcomes and actions where I shouldn't.
