Search Posts
"Also, who are The Stars and why were they harassing you so? Please, gentlemen, be assured that we do not intend to do you any harm, I guarantee that it is not in any of our natures to do so, we merely want to right any wrong that has been done here."
Rasmus wipes the rain from his shoulders, careful not to make a large puddle in the shop. Smiling, he speaks softly to the worried owner, "What my good friend says is quite correct. What has been done is done and now it behooves us all to clean this up expeditiously." Rasmus looks around the shop surprised to see no signs of a tussle. He catches a glimpse of Boeler who is soaked in his monk attire. The scene reminds him of the time the nun he and Jean called 'Sister Shorty' accidentally fell into the water trough from which the horses drank. He smiles widely at the first good humor he's felt since entering this devil's playground of a city.
Xanros follow Rasmus out of the room and down stairs to the inns common room. "We will have to cautious because there is a good chance that someone might be waiting for us to return." "I think we need to be on our guard at ALL times in this city from now on. Keep your eyes peeled...." Rsmus leads the small group out of the inn door and into the street towards the wagonmaker. His red eyes look over every passerby as a potential foe.
"With a rogue group already tailing us, perhaps it is best to move quickly to the wagon maker. Not only will our movements be watched by stealthy bandits, but they may have already sent more of their kind to attack the owner. We should make haste and leave directly!" As Rasmus says this to his fellows, he is already walking through the doorway barely looking back to see if anyone is following him. His red eyes seem to darken as his resolve grows.
"The Invincible One has allowed me to see the magic inherent in these items. The armband posesses some as well as the potion, I do not know their exact power however. One of us could try the band on or we could wait until we could have someone with more power than I tell us exactly what they are." "As for searching the building, I believe we should take a precursory search around this floor and the one above. If we don't see anything too suspicious, we should be off quickly to the scene of your attack. We should make an attempt to clear up this mess as soon as possible and find out more from the wagon maker. We wanted to interview him initially anyway. Let's kill two birds with one stone. Does anyone have any other ideas?" Rasmus stands near Xanros and Guudwyn, looking back through the doorway at the others. He feels tense due to the attack at the shop but is excited at the prospect of action. Eyeing Boeler, he hopes that his small friend will recover from his wounds but knows that with Heironeous' blessing, given through Guudwyn, he will live to see another day, even if it is in this wretched town. Rasmus smiles and clenches his fists thinking of the challenges to come.
"Unfortunately, my dear friend, I am unable to help with opening of locks. What I can do, however, is ask Heironeous to reveal any magic that might be hidden from our mortal eyes in these items you've found." "I would like to accompany you, Xanros, to the upstairs if I may. I am feeling fully healed after eating this fine meal and would like to learn all I can about this place. Perhaps, after that, we should begin our investigation of the newest of the guards."
With a dark finger, Rasmus beckons everyone in close. "I can use my power to see if there are any magical auras radiating from any of these items. But, I am leary to do so without knowing if anyone is watching us from above. I believe it is time that we poke through the ceiling illusion. Perhaps, we could work together to lift one of us up through it...sword first, mind you. Does anyone have any other ideas?"
"I will share a drink with you, my friend. The taste of the mead still lingers in my mouth. Vile beverage. I agree that watching the guards is a prudent measure. If we could single out the newer of the group, the one that recently joined them, he may be the top suspect." Rasmus enjoys his juice after inspecting its color and thickness. He is pleased to have a spot of respite in what has been a very rough first day in the city. He had wondered before leaving if his travels would be full of danger and intrigue but, frankly, this is more than he reckoned he would encounter. Especially so quickly. His notes the contrast of his dark, grey skin against the soft ruby red of the juice. He glances at Guudwyn's ungauntleted hand for a moment and considers the difference in the three hues. "I wonder if our stealthy friends have uncovered anything of use thus far. How long have they been gone? An hour or so?"
Guudwyn then extends an arm to clasp Rasmus, hand to forearm, showing a righteous smile. Rasmus joins hands with his new friend. It is the first time in his life that he feels he has met a peer. Jean was his mentor, the Head Mother was a dictator, and the young girls at the convent would have nothing to do with the dark skinned boy due to fear of retribution from the sisters. "It is good to have true companions," Rasmus thinks. He ignores Gimble's comments, deciding it is better to let the issue drop. Glancing at the pile of money, Rasmus is amazed. He has never seen so much gold in one place. He, personally, has never had more than then couple of doozen silvers he had in his pocket when he left on his journey. He takes his share and, not knowing what to do with it, places it into his backpack. He buries it deep within his bedroll, fearful of petty thieves. "I will use this money wisely in the service of Heironeous," He promises to himself.
Rasmus considers the similarities between his and Guudwyn's stories. It seems that Heironeous worked in a parallel fashion when "awakening" the power in both of his subjects. As if on cue, Rasmus feels the power beneath his dark skin pulsate, the divine energy surging through him. It is precisely at this point in time that Gimble's "idiot" insult is uttered. "Silly", Rasmus thinks, "If the small one knew the power of the Invincible One , he would hesitate to speak so bluntly. I shall treat him wih a respect that he has failed to show us in return. I will not let his ignorance color my actions toward him. Although, every man has his limits..." Rasmus smiles as he stares at Gimble. As he does so, he seems to feel the presence of his cursed dark skin, his red eyes, and his small horns. He wonders if Gimble's attitude towards him would be different if his appearance was not so devilish. Then, he looks to Guudwyn and realizes that the little man's disrespect is equal towards the handsome cleric as well. He interrupts his own thoughts to state to Guudwyn, "I am honored to be travelling with another devout champion of Heironeous. I am sure that he brought us together for a reason. Let us not dissuaded by the foolish words of others. We shall make a strong force to be sure. This town, the temple of screams, and the baron himself will surely regret their past wrongdoings one day."
"We will begin our thorough investigation together early on the next morning, then. For now, I believe that a scouting mission performed by Xanros and Boeler is a solid idea. Be careful, however, not to split from one another. I am leary to reduce our small group into even smaller ones, but it is probably for the best. We will allow you a set period of time, say three hours, with which to gather any information you can. If you do not return by that point, we will look for you." Rasmus wonders if this is a good idea, but doesn't want to dissent from the group. Plus, he has faith in the abilities of both of his comrades to perform this duty in a stealthy fashion. He, also, is looking forward to some time spent alone with Guudwyn and Gimble, perhaps to further their previous discourse on religion. That sensitive topic may best be addressed later, though. As Xanros and Boeler close the door behind them, Rasmus casts his red eyes towards Guudwyn asking, "So, my friend, you seem quite knowledgable in diplomacy and the affairs of business. How did you acquire such knowledge, was it during the course of your religious studies?"
"Wonderful job with the merchant, Guudwyn. I agree, we should start with the wagon maker. I am somewhat perplexed by this mystery, it seems an impossible task for someone to steal the item in question. It must have been an inside job. Also, I think if we lean on the guard that has a blood oath, he may reveal more information. His oath seems to be one of diligience, not one of respect." Rasmus picks up the parchement and studies the imagery there. Guudwyn seems to be the right man for the job when it comes to diplomacy, Rasmus thinks. He handles himself with a sense of decorum appropriate to the occasion. Jean was very gruff for a Paladin and the sisters at the convent were...not as tactful in their dealings with the dark skinned boy as they could have been. Rasmus notices the scars on his hands as he reads over the parchment.
Rasmus walks up from behind the merchant and stands between the illusory ceiling and the table, hoping to block any hidden spy's view of the drawing. He is excited by the prospect of an investigation. Heironeous would be proud of this undertaking, although if the rod is powerful, it needs to be in the correct hands. "Power corrupts", Jean once told him. The place to start is with the two new guards, Rasmus thinks. His dark hand rests upon his chin as he concentrates on the dialogue between the merchant and Guudwyn.
Rasmus takes a bite out of the apple he was lofting into the air. Its skin is firm and fresh, his teeth creating sharp snaps as he eats. He takes four or five large bites and sets it to rest upon the table. Replacing his well made helmet, he walks slowly toward Guudwyn. "Unfortunately, my only other fluent language is...well...not very common in these parts and I doubt any of you speak it. As far as other questions for our good merchant, I would keep them to a minimum. We don't exactly know his connections to this wicked place. Let's merely get the vital information and be gone." He turns and takes his place near one of the corners of the room, awaiting the arrival of T. Sureblood. Staring at the illusion on the ceiling, Rasmus remembers a story of Jean's, one which required travel through an enchanted and long abandoned lumber mill. Jean told him of a strange beast that inhabited the body of another, controlling his every action. This beast had great magics and created many illusionary fiends to confuse the paladina and his brave party. After a somewhat dull witted barbarian ran into a working buzzsaw to avoid the fiery breath of an illusory red dragon, the illusionist in Jean's group dispelled them all with one fell swoop. The barbarian, injured and somewhat crestfallen at his own gullibilty, singled out the evil leader and summarily thrashed him and his host body. Remembering this story, one of many Jean told a wide eyed, dark skinned boy, Rasmus asks Gimble, whispering in his little ear, if he can dispel the illusion on the ceiling.
"It would be best to find out what it is we are seeking before negotiating a price for its retrieval. Regardless of what the item is, however, 20 gold would seem too little for such a dangerous task, we would be dealing with thieves...or worse. Plus, I believe it is proper in negotiations to start high. But, saying this, I trust in your fine diplomatic skills, Guudwyn, and feel comfortable having you speak for us as a group." As Rasmus is saying this, he grabs a piece of fruit of the table and paces around the room. As he walks, he throws the piece of fruit up in the air, catching it a moment later. When he makes his way under the illusionary ceiling, he throws the fruit harder, with enough force to make it strike the fake ceiling. His red eyes watch the fruit closely to see the result.
Rasmus clears his throat loudly to get the attention of the others. Drawing close to Guudwyn, he silently beckons for the pen, ink, and parchment on which his cleric friend wrote his earlier warnings. Rasmus quickly scrawls "illusion...very large...on ceiling" on the parchment and covertly shows it to the rest one by one. Rasmus thinks that this is actually fairly expected. A place such as this, with such finery, certainly has the gold to pay for powerful magics. He guesses that the illusion is used to watch over the shady dealings that occur behind these closed doors. Perhaps this is how the unscrutable Baron and his minions keep a firm hold over the city. He will have to watch his words carefully. Rasmus decides to keep his red eyes downcast on the floor and his helmet covered face looking away from the ceiling illusion. Rasmus then states slightly louder than his normal speaking voice that, "This room seems secure. I have performed a scan for magic and have found no such auras."
Why so inquisitive? By the looks of it you have explaining to do yourself! How did you come by this town any way?" He looks at you patiently awaiting your answer. As they walk towards the room, Rasmus tells Boeler of his past. Hearing Guudwyn's suggestion to search the room, Rasmus casts Detect Magic, standing near the door aiming it near the center of the room. He is pleased that he is able to use his divine powers freely in this room, something he was unable to do in the street.
"Your father, he was a monk as well? Interesting. And am I to believe that neither of you studied at a monestary? What city did you grow up in and was this the same place that failed to notice your father's deeds?" After Rasmus asks this of Boeler, Guudwyn responds with his statements above. As he does, Rasmus' red eyes stare at the floor as he considers his small friend's other statements about deities. Rasmus remembers the covert nature of his worship of Heironeous in a place wholly devoted to Wee Jas and the fear of discovery it perpetuated. Although, initially, he feels Boeler's statements may be derisive of his own piety, Rasmus understands that all beings have their own beliefs and that no one paradigm suits all. "As for religion, Boeler, I have very deep feelings. But clearly understand this, I am no more dependent on Heironeous than he is on me. That would equate it with a relationship between people and it is much more divine and beautiful than any could be between say, a man and a wife or one friend to another. I do not depend on his presence, it is merely there, always with me and its power is very great. I have no fear of dependence, that would imply that the relationship is terminable. My relationship with the Invincible One is not." "Please understand that I take no offense to your own beliefs, mine simply differ. It is unfortunate that the leaders of this land do not share the willingness to accept the differences inherent in all of us. I will someday see if I can do something about that."
"Yes, Boeler, what Guudwyn says is true. This merchant may know more about my...situation. If not, we at the very least, have a wrong to right. Something was stolen from him and we should try to retrieve it for him." Rasmus looks at his little friend curiously. He had read about the small races in a book in the convent library but had only witnessed one such person, a dwarf delivering stones for the convent wall. Boeler was much smaller, both in height and width. "So, my little friend Boeler, you said you were a monk carrying on in the traditions of a long line of similarly thinking individuals. Where did you receive your training? Do you believe in a deity or follow a strict code of ethics of your own? I have always admired people such as yourself, with the discipline to train body as well as mind." Rasmus hopes the stuttering lady takes her time coming back so that the relatively quiet Boeler has time to answer.
Rasmus doesn't hear Guudwyn's comment. He is struck by the simple beauty of the inn. The scent from the rose petals, the fine woodwork, and the luxurious furniture consume his attention. What strikes him most is the scrollwork on one of the hardwood chairs. Its curves are delicate, belying the intrinsic strength of the rosewood from which it was hewn. The deep, golden red of the woodgrain seems to glow from within, only interrupted by the areas of heavy wear which Rasmus sees as a mark of distinction caused by numerous patrons seeking comfort in its arms. The convent Rasmus grew up in was a utilitarian place. The function of items was their only concern; aesthetics were useless and only served as distraction. This chair, albeit functional as well, had a quality that resonated deep within Rasmus. This human land, this society filled with rascism, fear, and bitterness was still capable of producing an object of sublime beauty. His heartbeat quickened as he felt the slightest touch of hope. It slowed only when he thought of his own dark appearance, his lack of outward beauty. The brief feeling of hope vanished quickly as Rasmus wondered if he would ever know the root of his curse.
"Guudwyn, I could certainly help with the cost of a private room. I think it would make the merchant feel more at ease to speak to us in private."
Before they enter the tavern Rasmus states, "Interesting, Guudwyn. That makes sense and could explain his otherworldly gaze. What if Xanros and I go back to the door in which the boy and the family walked. I could stay by the front, Xanros in the back. Then, Guudwyn and the others talk to the merchant. I am reluctant to split up, but I would hate to lose the only lead we have."
Rasmus slows to join the others. "This boy is intriguing. Why would the family follow him, he's just a boy? That item in his hand, could it have been the rod from the merchant? It was silver, I believe. For the short time I have been here, I have seen many strange things already and wonder what lies ahead for us. We should pray that Heironeous watches out for us in this place as it seems more than unfriendly and, frankly, a bit spooky." As the group draws nearer to the Sequester, Rasmus looks to the Redcast Mountains to the East and wonders how Jean is. He misses him immensely. Thinking of the heroic tales Jean told of his journeys as a Paladin of Heironeous makes Rasmus smile uneasily. Although he feels like a stranger in this land, he knows that his journey will be an exciting one, filled with many dangers. "Am I up to the task?", he thinks to himself. Despite his training and the powers that the Invincible One has granted him, Rasmus lacks confidence is his callng as a champion. The mountains are backlit by the sun that sits high in the eastern sky. In this simple scene, Rasmus sees a dichotomy in the light of the sun and the darkness of the shaded peaks.
Rasmus tells Xanros and Boehler what he discovered of the merchant and the missing item. He does so quietly, efficiently, and without embellishment. After listening to Guudwyn, rasmus agrees, "We should be off to the Sequester as soon as possible. Although we have an alibi with the guards, they only met two of us. Seeing us now as a group of five, including the dark skinned man they heard appeared on the street, may change their willingness to allow us to search the streets. My helmet helps hide my appearance, but it still can be noticed with anything more than a passing glance. I also would suggest, after watching the conversation with the guards, that Guudwyn does most of the talking for the group. He seems quite...diplomatic. No offense to the others." After finishing, Rasmus begins to turn and walk away, impatient to begin his search. After realizing that he walked away from the others without a firm consensus, he turns back to see if they follow. His red eyes intermittently scan the street for a glimpse of the guards. Obviously, not seeing anything at all, he looks back at his new friends.
After saying his farewell to Diran, Rasmus moves slowly back over to Guudwyn and Gimble, waiting until they have left the now angered guard. He stays behind the crowd, towards the side of the street until they are a fair distance from view of the baron's detail. Approaching the pair of comrades, Rasmus turns to them both and states, "I found out a little information on the merchant. Apparantly, he is quite renowned and, from what I can tell, wealthy. The item that was stolen was most likely a rod of some sort, very possibly magical. It seems more than a bit coincidental that this thievery occured at the same time that I appeared in the street. I believe the two occurences may well be connected. We should find this merchant and inquire as to what he knows." Rasmus realizes that the connection between the two events is tenuous but believes that any starting point is better than none. He recalls how a simple conversation with Jean about the holy symbol worn around his neck led Rasmus to discover his own closeness with Heironeous. He looks at Guudwyn wondering how he discovered his faith and curious to ask about his connection with the Invincible One.
"I'll take three of these," Rasmus holds up a few of the better looking apples that Diran has for sale. One dark hand deftly holds all of them up for the merchant's view. "Also, I was hoping that if I was looking for more fruit, I could stop by your farm some day. I have quite an appetite for good food. Perhaps, on my visit, you could tell me more of this town." Rasmus smiles, hoping that Diran thinks him none too forward. He is unsure of the social mores of the outside world and is doubly concerned in this town. "Before I take my leave, I have one other simple question for you." Rasmus pays Diran for the apples while asking, "Do you know anything about the merchant whose item was stolen?"
Diran said, "Be very careful sir. Those such as yourself are often looked upon with suspicion for merely existing. It is a sad state." In his normal voice he continues, "It is unfortunate that such an item was taken though--and in broad daylight nonetheless! It is amazing what happens in the light of the sun!" He smiles a bit at this last." Rasmus smiles back at the merchant. "Thank you for the warning, I shall certainly take heed to it. This is an interesting little town so far, I must admit. It seems that things aren't always quite what they seem." Rasmus pretends to look over the merchant's vegetables, noting that the artichokes are of especially fine quality. He is careful not to extend his dark hands too far out into the open while doing so. Positioning himself at the corner of the wagon to ensure a proper line of sight to both Guudwyn as well as Diran, he quietly continues his conversation with the rotund seller. "You earlier mentioned an item that was stolen, may I inquire as to what it was? Also, you said the farm where these fine vegetables were grown lies to the southwest, is that where you reside as well?" If any other citizens approach the wagon, Rasmus quickly changes the subject to something more casual, asking Diran about the price of honeydew.
Rasmus spots Diran to the South. Looking around to survey the scene, he believes he could walk nonchalantly over to him, careful to stay near the walls of the buildings lining the intersection. Pulling his cloak up around his head, Rasmus walks up to Diran's cart and, pretending to peruse his wares, says, "Good to see you again, my friend. Odd business occuring across the way, eh? Know anything about it?" During any ensuing conversation, Rasmus keeps his eyes on Guudwyn, Gimble, and the encroaching guard detail.
If the guards try to detain Guudwyn and Gimble, Rasmus will have to interfere. They have rescued him once, he owes them that much. His red eyes still watching the guards, Rasmus wonders if the merchant believes he is to blame for the theft. Lurking in the shadows, Rasmus is reminded of playing hide and seek with the young girls of the convent. The game had been fun, well played for a young group of participants, but very brief. When the Mother caught the girls playing with the "errand boy", they were disciplined. Not nearly as harshly as Rasmus had been, however. His hands bled for two days after the Head Mother took a stick to them. Looking down at his scarred, dark hands, he remembers the pain. Then, he forgives the Head Mother for her ignorance. His memories fade as he focuses on the scene in front of him. He will wait to see what happens between the guards and his friends, but he will be ready. Very ready.
"The boy has returned? Where? That's very strange, indeed. Xanros, before you make any moves towards them, let's wait to see what Guudwyn and Gimble discover. We want to avoid calling the attention of those Barren Falls guards if we can help it. I believe I heard them saying something about a red-skinned fellow earlier. I am guessing they mean me." Rasmus pulls his helmet on tighter and flips the hood of his cloak over top of it. The heat from both and the tension of the moment causes him to sweat, but he likes the security these items give him. One day, he thinks, I will bear my face proudly to this world. He clenches his right fist tightly as he watches Xanros fade into the shadows.
As Rasmus rejoins Boeler, he pulls the shield off his back and places its leather bands over his right forearm. With his left hand, he draws the longsword halfway from its sheath. "My little friend, prepare your fists, for my Lord tells us that we are in for a fight." Beneath his helmet, Rasmus' teeth clench and his countenance changes from its usual smile into one of extreme focus.
Rasmus calls over the serving lady and pays the tab for the entire party, including a large gratuity, mentioning that it "is the least I can do." He then stands and places his helmet back in its rightful place over his head. "Let's be off, then." Once in the busy street, Rasmus reiterates the plan for Guudwyn and Gimble to go into the street while the other three stay back in an attempt to look nonchalant. Under his helmet, Rasmus smiles a great smile in anticipation of taking the first step towards finding his captors and proving his worth to Heironeous. Vengeance is not his main goal, but stopping any evil is. Certainly, the thing that gave him hundreds of cuts, for no apparant reason, is a worthy target for eradication. He glances over his shoulder at his companions and nods subtly, acknowledging the fact that they will be a strong force indeed. This evil should pray to its wicked gods for solace...it, however, will find that there is none to be had.
"What I know of the child is very little. His face bore the expression of a man possessed, focused on none of his surroundings. In his hand he carried something metal and round. His parents watched him walk away and then left themselves. It was a very strange situation." "As far as our next move, I think we should stick to the proposed plan and try to find residual magic from the dimensional door."
"I, as Guudwyn, am pleased to find such good travelling companions. Surely we will be stronger together than alone. I am also honored to meet another faithful to Heironeous. It is through his blessing that I was found by you in that street. I believe the chances are slim that I would have exited on that road near any as honorable as the four of you, especially in this town." Rasmus pulls back his cloak slowly, takes off his helmet, and smiles broadly. With a dark hand, he brushes back the even darker hair off of his forehead. "My story, despite my rather dark appearance, is a short one. I was an orphan who was reared by the ladies in a convent devoted to Wee Jas in the mountains to the east. I was lucky enough to be taught by the gardener, the only man in the exclusively female establishment. His name was Jean and he was a heroic Paladin of Heironeous until a demon took his eyes. He trained me in the ways of battle and equipped me in his old gear. As you can tell by my obvious naivete, I left only days ago and this is my first trip outside the grounds of the convent. You may have noticed that my appearance is not consistent with a man of my faith, I understand that. Honestly, I know not why I look this way. It is the bane of my existance. I believe that The Invincible One has given me great power and that this darkness I outwardly emote is the challenge he has chosen for me to overcome. Be assured, my heart is pure." Rasmus nervously rubs his hands together as he speaks, realizing that this is the first time he has told this tale. He anxiously looks to his newfound companions for their reactions.
"Ah, blueberries..."
Rasmus sips his tea, eyes his mead, and wishes he had a pomegranate to eat. An apple would be delicious as well. Then his thoughts turn towards his companions. I have just met this interesting group and they seem trustworthy but I have no idea who they are. The healing they've given me marks them as inherently good, but I have no idea of their pasts. Swirling one dark finger around the top of his mug he ponders how best to introduce the topic. "Gentlemen, before we leave this establishment, perhaps you would feel more comfortable if I told you a little bit about my past and origins. I know that you have already agreed to assist in hunting down my captors, but I am sure you would like to know the basic information about who you are helping. I know that my appearance is somewhat...unexpected and that it can be unnerving to some. But before I relay my short story, I would be most rude if I failed to ask of yours. I believe that this out of the way table in this establishment would be safe enough to share some of our histories." Rasmus looks around to see if anyone is paying any attention to the group. "I know some of this may be sensitive material, but I believe we will be more secure if we all shared a little. I, for one, would like to hear more from Boeler as he has been particularly quiet since we first met. Who would like to begin?" Rasmus looks around nervously to see if his words have offended any of his new acquaintances and wonders if his lack of socialization has doomed his journey from the start. He smiles somewhat sheepishly as he waits for the first to speak.
"Very good idea. Xandros, Boeler, and I could stay back in the alley through which we escaped while Guudwyn and Gimble search the area for residual magic. Perhaps the door I came out of also acts as an entrance. This would be a very direct route to my torturers." Rasmus takes his first sip of mead, ever. At first, it burns his black tongue with the acidity of the alcohol. Then, towards the back of his mouth, the bitterness of the drink hits. He doesn't dislike it as it is reminiscent of the tea Jean used to make from the acorns of the Eastern Black Oaks that lined the grounds of the convent. What Rasmus finds fascinating is the color the rich malts have given the ale. A deep reddish gold with bright highlights,the color of the finest spring heather. Mead does have its redeeming qualities after all.
"That is a very good point, Xanros, that I had not considered. I just assumed it was somewhere in this town as I was on my way here. The room I was tortured in was free of fenestration, as I am guessing most torture rooms are." Rasmus smiles. "Gimble, I heard the bartender mention 'recruiting missions for the temple', did he elaborate on this? I believe, despite our little friends apparant distaste for religions, we should track the Pelor worshiper. I am leary to start posing too many questions to the locals for fear of some retribution from more powerful citizens of Barren Falls. Also, as Xanros said, it may be premature to pursue the Baron and his son. I haven't even been privy to any crimes they have committed and I never attack innocents. Gimble, my friend, despite my adoration of the great Heironeous, I too have my reservations about organized religions. I respect others' beliefs however." Rasmus hopes that his last statement eases his criticism of churches in Guudwyn's eyes. He may have let his years spent at the convent devoted to Wee Jas color his view of organized churches as a whole. He reminds himself to be fair and open in his judgements of others. "Back on point, do any of you have any reservations about seeking out the Diran? Can anyone think of something that could be more beneficial?"
"Thank you, my friend, for the thought," Rasmus smiles as he says to Xanros, "but I must admit, albeit embarrassingly, that I have never before tasted the beverage you just ordered for me. Not much around at the convent at which I was raised. Perhaps, I shall try a taste." Rasmus' spirits rise now that Xanros has joined him. His loneliness dissipates rather quickly once company arrives. "So, Xanros, where do you think we should start our search. I must say, I know not enough of this town...any town, for that matter, to speak decidely about a course of action." When the serving wench returns, Rasmus orders some fresh fruit and figs, once again unaware at the apparent oddness of his request.
Rasmus doesn't introduce himself to the dwarf. He was an outcast in the convent and imagines, quite correctly, that he would be seen as even more of one in this town. This realization leaves him with a feeling of helplessness, an emotion to which he is not accustomed. He secretly laments the fact that he was born this way, with no knowledge of its cause. Meandering along the walls of the tavern, he notices a vacant table and claims it. He sits with his back to the rest of the patrons; his helmet and cloak remain on, hiding him from the outside world and it from him. When a waitress passes by, he orders a "spot of tea", an item he retrieved for the Head Mother on many occassions. Rasmus places his order in a much less commanding tone and without the accompanying smack to the back of the head. From beneath his helmet, he smiles wearily as he makes his request. Occasionally, he turns his head and attempting to conceal his intent, listens to the conversation between the short bartender and the shorter illusionist.
"With my dark skin, red eyes, and full armor, I don't do much casually," Rasmus thinks to himself. He pulls his cloak up higher over his helmet and stays to the side of the street. He also distances himself, about 10 yards, from the elf, knowing that they are not always welcome in the town of Barren Falls. A dark horned figure and an elven male may be too much for the guards to ignore. While walking, Rasmus turns to Guudwyn asking quietly, "Where did you study your faith, my good friend?"
"If Boeler and Gimble don't protest, I believe that is a wise course of action. We should make an attempt to hide the symbols of our faith, Guddwyn. I believe the attention they would garner would not be of the hospitable sort." Rasmus pulls his worn, brown cloak over the shield on his back and adjusts his helmet, securing it more tightly on his head.
"Who is the Sun child you speak of? Was that what the little boy in the street was holding, a symbol of Pelor? If so, we should follow him and seek sanctuary with followers of Pelor. Our two faiths have often been helpful towards one another, especially in towns such as this. If following him into the guards seems too rsiky, we can go to one of the inns to seek more information. We will wait for Xanros and get his input. He looks like he may leap from the top of that building..."
"Perhaps not everyone we see is after us in particular. Why would such a small town have lookouts posted on walls within the city limits? Are they watching their own citizens?" "Guudwyn, my friend, that large merchant was a follower of Pelor. He had a symbol of his god hidden near his boot. If their are secret churches in this town, there may be a sect devoted to Heironeous. I am sure that if we could find it, they would be able to assist us. We must do so with the utmost of secrecy as I fear that the Church of Erythnul may rule over these constituents with the harshest of means. Boeler and Gimble, the inn you mentioned, did it seem a friendly place...one where an inquisitive lot could find out information in a discreet manner?" Rasmus remembers the late nights at the convent reading antique tomes looking for any mention of his patron, Heironeous. In a church devoted to Wee Jas, there weren't many books that told of the teachings of other gods but Rasmus always managed to find brief mentions of the "Invincible One". He spent many of his younger days in fear of the Head Mother discovering this secret worship, which would have been viewed as a most treacherous betrayal that would have been most severely punished. Rasmus feels for Diran and imagines that the punishment doled out by this town and its leaders would be worse than any at the hands of the Head Mother. This will change and he will see to it. Slowly, the corners of Rasmus' dark mouth rise as he smiles broadly, thinking of retribution.
"Sir...Diran is it, you should be going, it may not be safe. I hope, if our paths cross again, it is under...sunnier skies." Rasmus smiles and hopes that Diran sees this not so subtle allusion to Pelor as a sign of understanding. After the stout Diran wheels away, Rasmus turns to Xanros and whispers, "You are correct, he was a follower of Pelor. We should remember his face; any ally in this town may be our only one." As Xanros walks away and then climbs the wall, Rasmus is impressed by his ability to scale it so easily and thinks that he is a worthy companion. Rasmus then, inspired by Xanros and Gimble's stealth, attempts to disappear into the shadows. He is careful to stay against the wall on the opposite side that Xanros scaled, in an attempt to keep one red eye on his new acquaintance's movement. Rasmus remembers what his mentor, Jean, told him about the dangerous nature of this small city and, so far, Jean was quite correct. He places his left hand on the hilt of his longword and the texture of the leather wrapped steel emboldens him. He recalls the well worn wrapping of the rebated sword he used for practice and is grateful the edge of his current weapon is sharply honed.
"I have just as much reason as any man to be leary of the populace of this town, but one must always strive to help others, my friend. It is always wise to act prudently, however." Rasmus turns from Gimble to face the large merchant. "Good sir, could we be of some assistance?" Rasmus smiles at the man while watching his movements for any sign which may convey his true intentions.
Rasmus understands a person's unwillingness to talk about history, he too has some rather unpleasant visions of past events. He nods towards Gimble in an understanding way. Rasmus turns then to Xanros asking, "Dreskanan military academies are rumored to be harsh institutions, did you find that to be true? My mentor told me that the training systems of that military are some of the best in the lands, and, if this is so, than I am doubly pleased to have met you when I did." Rasmus smiles broadly under his helmet. "Now on to more critical matters. I will be staying here in town for a short period, to look into who my captors were and why they chose me as their target. I will bring them to justice, hopefully at the edge of my longsword. But, this seems like a daunting task to handle on my own, some companionship would certanly be beneficial, perhaps for all of us. In the very short time that I have been here, I realize that there are some strange goings on in this place." "So, if we are agreed, then where do we begin our search?"
"Thank you all for your assistance back there. I don't know what was to become of me without your much appreciated help." As Rasmus speaks, he begins to equip himself in his chain shirt, placing it on while still wearing his helmet. This manuever would normally be quite difficult, but he manages it with ease and appears to have done it many times before. His shield again takes its place on his back, the large lightning bolt worn proudly across his shoulders. Once he feels assured that all is in its proper place, he continues. "I am not sure what happened to me to cause my injuries, one moment I was walking into town. The next, I was strapped to a table being tortured. I know not why or by whom. I escaped through a doorway when my captors left me alone and that door led...well...out to the middle of that street. Wait, what town am I in? I am not even sure of my location. And, by the way, why are you all here?"
"Let's be on, then, but let's keep our eye on the boy as we leave. Maybe if we watch from a safe distance, we can learn how the guards of this town deal with this odd, little boy. After what I have just been through, however, I am in no condition to deal with a large consignment of patrolmen." Rasmus looks over his new acquaintances, gathering what information he can from their appearance, possessions, and body language. He doesn't know yet if he should trust them but he is grateful to not be alone in this place. He straps his grey shield to his back quickly and follows the rest. Quietly, through his helmet, Rasmus asks, "That's an exquisite bow, Xanros, how did you acquire it?"
"I have never been in this town before, my friend, so I do not know of its good hiding spots. Perhaps we could hide in an alley and you could create an illusory wall to blockade us in." Rasmus looks at the mirror image of himself before it vanishes and, for the first time, sees the enormous amount of scarring his torture has left upon his dark skin. Standing, he runs towards the alleyway in which Gimble stands. |
