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To move him from what he was into your campaign, I'll need to work on the d20 Modern crunch as he is currently Pathfinder. From a story standpoint, I think it would be cool to keep his backstory exactly the same, but the Mists in his old campaign equate to the Shadow in this campaign and he ended up falling through time. He is now dissociated with the Church that is nothing like the church he knew in Ireland of long ago. Not having a home, but understanding more of the Shadow and magic than many, and still having a link to the Divine, I think that the old priest could have been moonlighting as a Private Detective type, performing exorcisms and assisting with supernatural problems until he established enough of a reputation to be recruited by Department 7.
The priest looks to the Madam and allows himself to enjoy the repast after such an odd turn of days. Did not Chirst himself take a woman of ill repute as his closest confidant? "Being familiar with the nature of his plays, Madam, I can assure you that they have universal appeal and have a record of being highly profitable."
Trying to phrase things delicately, the priest states:"Are you familiar with the Poppy plant and the... medicinal effects that arise from smoking it? My friend has been treated as such for a prolonged period of time and we are looking for something to help alleviate the symptoms that arise when the person is no longer using the poppy plant in such a fashion..."
Entering the store with Ang, the priest steps to the counter to address the shopkeeper. "Greeting sir, a fine establishment you have here... My associate Mr. Ang has some knowledge of these herbs and reagents and was hoping to create remedy to aid my other friend here, with a remedy..." The priest continues in polite conversation as Ang looks about attempting to befriend the shopkeeper.
Nodding at the ill-concealed interaction between Richard and Ang Father Paidraig seems somewhat releaved. Good, we need to be able to depend on each other if we are going to survive whatever this crucible is that we face. Clearing his throat he says, "Richard any suggestions on where we might look for potential victims of the Ripper and search for rumors? I'm guessing you might have more insight on that than I..."
Shrugging at the investigator the priest says, "If you wish to pursue aid to the Madam, I will not stop you, but I may try to find better use for my time than acting a pimp for this woman. Perhaps follow Richard's thought of finding more likely victims for the Ripper. If any wish to join me I would welcome the company in this strange place."
Father Paidraig shakes his head. "Mary Magdailin was embraced by our Lord, so it is not the source that is the issue... However I'll not be a part of violence to recover a prostitution debt. Further, she may be correct that her courtesans are likely in less danger than the streetwalkers that she spoke of disdainfully... That is what the Ripper seemed to target in London, at least."
Standing properly and with the authority of his faith the preist states, "Greetings Madam, do you perhaps speak Zherisian? We are here investigating a series of gruesome murders and want to make certain that none of the ladies in the house are in any danger. We believe that a murdering lunatic has arrived in this town before us, and that he prefers to target... ladies who share your occupation."
Father Paidraig settles into his food and drink while looking around. Listening to the conversation and thinking of all that has happened, the priest takes on a serious expression. "Lads, I don't know that we're going to get much help from the Crown... not the Crown of England in any case. I think either the Lord or his Adversary has intervened in a real way in our lives and those mists didn't just confuse us, but transported us to someplace different all-together. The Church well knows that witchery is real, just like angels and demons, and we know something odd is about... and we're in a place that has never heard of England." The priest takes a long pull on his drink and begins talking quietly, trying to keep his voice from strangers. "St. Patrick's miracles that got him cannonized were often invoking the Lord's power to counter the spells of witchraft cast by the Druids of the ancient Celts. Those old wizards were said to be able to access other worlds, similar to ours but different. St. Patrick defeated them, but their powers were real and I think that mist and those gypsies... well. It has a feel of witchery and mysticism to it... and perhaps we are being tested in a game between the Lord and his Adversary as Job was in ancient times. Instead of sending torments upon us, our test is to follow the evil we saw in London back to its own world. This world. And I would guess that we aren't getting back until we settle things here... If any of you have a better explainaion as to what has been going on, I'm happy to consider it. But I know miracles are real. I've experienced them first hand. I know there is more to the world than what most expect, and I think that we have found our way beyond what can normally be expected."
The priest shakes his head and pats Richard on the shoulder consolingly. "You accosted him and attempted to steal from him during one of your... episodes. The fact that you cannot recall doesn't change the fact that the reason you are muddy was from wrestling with him. He is quite skilled by the way, it didn't go well for you. Regardless of your memory lapse, I would apologize before asking for further aid."
Feeling merciful, the good priest unscrews the top of his flask and hands it to Richard. "Take a pull on that lad... It won't cure what ails ya, but it will take the edge off until we find a suitable tavern." As Richard comes close the priest whispers in his ear, "For the other, you might want to beg Ang's forgiveness and ask his aid in earnest. The lad knows his herbs and might be able to help you through the pangs that are coming." Looking about, Father Paidraig says to the group, "Not London or anywhere else I have heard of, but I agree with the detective that our killer dresses like he is from here. Tommy has got a good thought that he might go after the same type of victim here... A tavern on the rougher side of town sounds like what we need. The priest seems oddly at ease with the idea of a seedy tavern, but then he hasn't shown himself to be a judgmental Puritan it hypocrite as far as you've known him. A Man of God to be certain, bit a man of the world as well.
"Civilization... we shall see. When was the last time you were in a city with functional walls?" The priest shakes his head at the sight. Where are we? This is no where near London, not even anywhere in England... Well, the Lord brought us here for a purpose, and I think it is to bring this Ripper to justice. Looking around the the men with him the priest continues, "I think we should not be surprised if this place is like none we have ever seen. I know some of us were complete strangers a matter of hours ago, but I dare say that we are as brothers-in-arms in this strange land and we need to stick together."
Nodding at Rook, the priest agrees "Yes, we should set off. We need to find civilization at the very least." Walking over to Ang, the priest helps him gather his belongings. "Let me apologize on Richard's behalf. He is obviously not well. However, we have to work together if we are going to get through this and I think your talents will be essential to our success."
Returning to the camp, Father Paidraig looks at the mess of Ang's gear and the bloodied Richard Foxworthy and shakes his head. "With all that is going on, we now fight amongst ourselves... We are in a strange land, no idea how to return home, on the path of a viscious murderer and we attempt to steal from each other, beat on each other. Enough." "As I said, I will be performing Mass as best I can... at least the Liturgy of the word as we have no wine or bread for the Eucharist. Regardless of your personal beliefs, I encourage all to participate as it is clear that we need to center ourselves and get a hold on things before we venture forth..." With that the priest proceeds to the sun and begins his service. The First Reading from the Old Testiment is from the book of Exodus, regarding the Israelites flight from Egypt into strange lands as they put themselves in the hands of God and persevered. The Second Reading from the New Testiment is the parable of the Talents. “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more. In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money in it. After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ The one with the two talents also came and said, ‘Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more.’ His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter? Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless slave into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 25:13-30).The Word of the Lord Finishing his recitation, the priest's demeanor becomes less formal, and he seems to be speaking to each one of you as he relates the stories to the situation you are all in togther... "And so my friends, both of these stories apply to us. We are lost in a strange land, but as the Israelites showed us, we are not alone with God by our side. We may trust in his guidance so that we may persevere... But God will not do this task alone. We all have been given different talents by Him, and we each must make use of these talents in our journey if we are to succeed. We all also have demons that torment us, but we cannot give into them and live in fear as did the servent with only one talent... if you hide in your weakness you shall not survive, and we will all need each other on this journey we embark on. So we must make peace with each other, and depend on each other's talents so that we all may survive together. Let us go now in peace to love and serve the lord."
Hearing the shouting back at the camp, the priest sighs to himself as he waters a tree. Foxworth... Argh... They will work it out without my help, and it might be best if I am able to talk things out once they calm down rather than interjecting myself. Ignoring the shouting the best he can, the priest finishes up and calmly tries to center himself before his prayers.
Waking to find the camp gone, Father Paidraig shakes his head. I don't know whether I am going mad, or the world is. Mists that tear you from your city, gypsy witches telling fortunes. I wish I had awoken in my own bed, and all of this had been a dream. The priest stands and stretches ignoring the conflict between Ang and Richard unless it grows truly violent. Once things calm down, the priest addresses the group. "I will be doing my best to say a mass from memory this morning, to refocus before our journey to this strange city. I don't know what is going on or how it is happening, but the Lord will guide us as he can. If you wish to join me, gather in the north end of the clearing in five minutes." With that, the priest sets off a short distance into the woods for some privacy.
The Disney Cruise is more expensive than other cruiselines, but the rooms are significantly bigger and the child-care related items are way, way better. We've taken cruises on several lines and the professionalism and kid-friendliness of Disney is definitely worth the extra money. Also, there is lots for adults to do and the child-care is so fun your kid wants to be there anyhow, so you don't feel guilty leaving them there.
The priest looks about panicked until his eyes refocus on his companions and memory of his odd surroundings return. "Ahh... it was a nightmare... A nightmare inspired by the gruesome killing of Ms. Kelly. Just a nightmare." Gaining further composure he continues, "I fear that vision will haunt me a long time. In my dream she was alive and singing The Girl I Left Behind Me, but still evicerated, and she held her own bloodied insides out towards me praying to be healed. Would that such a miracle was within my grasp..." With that the priest the priest seeming forlorn bearing the guilt that he could not save the woman. He lies back down saying, "Sorry I woke you like a school by crying out in the night. Good night all." And the stares up, not wanting to return to the nightmare...
Nodding thoughtfully Father Paidraig offers up his a silver crucifix as a gift and his prayers in barter saying, "You seem to seek answers in many places and have shared your beliefs with us, I would also share mine with you and suggest that faith in and undertanding of the Passion of the Christ may bring you the answers you seek and salve your questing your spirit." "If you can spare me some bread and wine, I return your display of reverence with a Mass to bless your journey and yours with the Body and Blood of Christ." Assuming some bread and wine are produced, the Priest uses a simple table, his memory, and his faith to perform the ritual of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the miracle of transubstantiation for his friends and hosts.
[b] "Tommy, I agree with your sentiment, but we were tired before we looked in on Mary, but there is no doubt that this beast is a creature of darkness. The Detective is right, we have little chance of finding one man I the dark and we will be in better shape come the dawn. Madam, I echo the request for sanctuary until sunrise." The weariness shows on the Priest's face as he seems older than he did at the pub just hours before.
The priest's expression turns more and more grim as the banter continues. "Tommy is right, we have no time to waste. None of you but Tommy saw what this Beast did to Ms. Kelly - there is no time to waste."[b] Turning to address the gypsy witch he says, [b]"Good woman, you have played your cards and it was quite interesting indeed, now will you please direct us towards the city where we might find the Ripper?"
Silent through the laying of cards, the Priest speaks up. "Want to? You didn't see what the beast did. He is clearly beyond the reach of the constablry and regardless how cards may fall on the table, we appear to the the only ones standing between him and other victims. He must be stopped, who but we will stop him?" Turning to Madam Eva, the priest continues, "Thank you for the tea, Madam, but if he truly has the head-start you spoke of we must be after him immideatly. Which way to the city you spoke of? Surely, that is where he is heading."
Father Paidraig watches without comment, keeping a pleasant but bland expression. So far I see little more than what a skilled charlatan could read into people, especially people as rattled as we are. The Detective is clearly a seeker in our pursuit of the killer. Who is more trapped than an obvious addict? An obvious aristocrat who is obsessed with history - they all go on about families and lineages. A mysterious chinaman who deals in illicit things is a cliche. Tommy is clearly a scrapper, but a warrior? Flattery. And what priest doesn't have burderns. No witch here... just a gypsy charlaton. No doubt she will seek her price soon.
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