Since they rested for a second time, wouldn't it be the 19th since we started on the 17th?
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He never turned to the temple (by that I mean the church where he found Gunther)? Ahaha. Talk about a lack of enterprise! Oh, and what was in the brass box he found in the sacred grotto's sleeping area?
Did Thomas manage to consecrate and purify that powerfully and evilly enchanted ax they took from that gnoll? You said he would need to use a ritual from a book in the temple, but the campaign ended before that happened?
Once the Party Leaves the Room and the Door Is Firmly Shut: Thomas hands Gunther the scroll. "There is more, beloved. The misguided warriors who attacked you and the Father have not been found. The dwarf, Finmoc, is surely dead. Yet, Vivaldo, the archer fled with his body. I do not share Marcusic's optimism that both are dead. Try not to worry. Thrice they have tried to destroy us, and thrice they have failed. The Sacred Mother cups us in her hands. They will be found. I only hope that they repent their folly before it is too late." The priest's confidence is sincere. Through his goddess, he was connected to the font of all life. What mortal weapons could strike down one embraced by the Goddess of Life?
Thomas' eyes crinkle in amusement as Aerryndöl tries to save face by flouncing from the room. "Charming."
Fear, Thomas knows, is a cruel master. It is the goad that Kiravor uses to drive men and women to wicked deeds. The princess is in the thrall of fear, but Thomas doesn't blame her for her fears. The sun hides its face. The dead walk. Their kingdom has mostly fallen. There is much to fear. Yet, the goddess loves us still. In her embrace the bonds of fear loose. He bows his head in acquiescence. "My prince is wise. True forgiveness is of great value and must be won through repentance and change. Forgiveness is not without consequence." His words are as much for Aerryndöl as they are for Giseila.
"I'm sorry to hear of this loss. I will remember his name in my prayers. The unhallowed dead are a curse and curses can be broken. Marcusic is not holding back weapons from your team. There simply are not enough to go around. Once you and your fellow warriors have secured the Point then East Gate will have direct access to us and we to them. I'm told their forges work non-stop to create new weapons, new armor. Truly, I wish that I were with you going building to building and releasing the dead from their bondage." He releases his breath and looks back to the pale, handsome man with glorious, golden curls. "The past is lost to us, but we may still win the future. The Sacred Mother forgives all her children. Perhaps we too could forgive, beloved. The first step is recognition of harm and restitution. What better restitution than reclaiming the city from the accursed dead?" Gunther has known Thomas long enough to know when his lover is trying to intercede on another's behalf.
GM:
Does that mean that Dasyra's Landing has been reclaimed as well? Totally a not this character question, but I'm curious.
"Praise the Mother of All. What happy news! Beloved, Princess Giseila, our dwarven friends and allies have reclaimed the northern section of the city from the sad, accursed dead. We are one step closer to resettling the Vale." The missive disappears into his sleeve. He turns back towards three warriors with a radiant smile. "Thank you so much for bringing this to me. Where are your two comrades? Please tell me they are well."
Thomas is standing a little ways behind a different handsome man with long golden curls and very pale skin. "Oh, hello. Kayin, was it? Thank you." The elfish priest steps forward to take the letter. He examines the seal before breaking it and reading the scroll. GM:
Thomas looks at his superior. "The blessings the goddess granted me have changed in recent weeks, but fear not neither the Sacred Mother nor I will abandon any of her children. Keep the faith and I will do my best to end such curses." His grip on the stone cherry tree nearly imperceptibly tightens. DC 15, Sense Motive:
Thomas is annoyed that his healing prayers no longer purge disease, but he has faith that there is a good reason for this. DC 20, Sense Motive: Thomas thinks he can do something about this accursed disease, but it is a source of tension between him and his superior.
"Hello, my friends, the Mother smiles upon us all. It appears that you have been sorely wounded." Raising the red crystalline tree, the handsome priests shares the light of the Sacred Mother.
Thomas lets an an amused laugh, showing his empty hands. The assembled warriors can see that the priest bears no weapon, not even the short sword favored by his goddess. "This area is for triage and healing. Marcusic is coordinating the retaking of the district. He would be the person to ask about weapons and such," he offers helpfully. "If the undead were to come here, my sisters and I would share with them the light of the goddess before they could get close enough to harm the wounded."
Spells Petitioned Level 4
Thomas lets out a kindly laugh. "The Sacred Mother doesn't care whether you are are from one side of a mountain range or another and neither do I. All are living things are worthy of dignity and respect. Indeed, my mother told me I was conceived east of the Iron Mountains." The priest takes Randall's hand, his grip warm and sure. "A pleasure, Randall. I'm Thomas, Thomas Thorne. He gives the tiefling a friendly wink, and turns back to the big warrior woman. "I can claim no skill at arms, but if they explode, then it might be wise to destroy them at range. If you encounter some great undead thing that you cannot overcome, find me and I will bring the Mother's light to dark places." He bows his head respectfully to his superior. "I'm told that the light I bear is best saved to preserve the living. But, know that you are not alone. Do not give into despair. This is a troubled time of great tragedy, but I believe our world will bloom again." Such a pronouncement might sound a bit silly, but the priest speaks with utter conviction.
Thomas nods at his superior's words, but addresses the warrior woman. "What is your name and those of the other infected? I will pray for you and attend to your progress personally. In this time of darkness, it is our shared duty be light for one another. I can lend an ear, a hand, or a prayer."
"How contagious is it? Should we ask Marcusic to keep the warriors cleansing the district separate from the general population? Do you believe that to be wise?" Thomas asks the older priest in a calm and measured voice. He remains a pillar of serenity and calm.
The priest's smile fades slightly as he senses her fear, but it returns even more encouraging than before. "You are safe. You are in a safe place. Thank you for telling us about the disease. We can help you, and we can also help others with this information. You will be free to return to liberating the city from the undead as soon as we have determined what we should do. It may be that we will cure your disease once you are done with this building in case you are re-infected. I know it is frightening, but you are safe with us." Thomas radiates an almost supernatural sense of warmth and ease. Maybe it is his voice. Maybe it is that the world seems almost brighter next to him. Whatever the case, it is difficult to feel threatened or mistrustful of the man in front of the barbarian. He seems so sincere.
"A disease? Carried by the undead? Thank you for telling me. It would not be good for the sickness to spread amongst the refugees. Which of you has been infected?" The handsome elf turns to one of the other white robed women. "Sister Amarisa, would you please inform our high priest that these warriors have been afflicted by a disease carried by the undead and request he come take council with us on this matter?" As his fellow healer leaves to fetch the older priest, Thomas smiles at Muraisa. "There is no bane or woe that the Sacred Mother can not mend."
"Honestly, I haven't fully processed her being gone. In a kingdom of warriors, she was spoken of with awe. She had always come home before. A part of me keeps expecting her to show up with Daybringer, the warlord's head, and new stories. But I am proud, so proud." He draws a deep breath and continues, "My prince can be a stubborn man, yet he will recover from his recent trials." Thomas wears his heart on his sleeve. It is obvious from the way that he speaks about Prince Gunther that he is in love. Akula is reminded of the court whispers about the prince and the priest's relationship. Thomas was seen as an improper companion to the prince. It was less about them both being men, though there were some mutterings the bloodline and children. More that by the standards of Haemil's nobility, Thomas was the wrong kind of man. He was no warrior. The son of a lauded hero forswearing mortal weapons? Worse, he served the Sacred Mother in the same capacity as a Sister of Teysura. If a noble heard the call of the gods better they serve the King of the Gods, or one of the gods sworn to his court. What kind of man was that, the gossips whispered. He might corrupt the prince with his pacifism and effeminacy. Already he had encouraged the prince to pursue his arcane ambitions. Though they were careful not to say such things in the king's hearing. He had favored the Lady Alessandra and his brother's children were precious treasures in his eyes. Thomas bows to Akula and to the group and makes his way back up the planks.
Thomas nods to the elven woman. "You should all feel free to seek me out if you need healing, spiritual aid, or comfort." He smiles and adds, "The Sacred Mother's light is for souls as much as it is for bodies. I cannot, I would not, say that all things are for the best. I grieve for this family just as I grieve my own mother's loss. But even the gravest of tragedy does not foreclose the possibility of new joy. The work you do is vital, but do not dwell on the darkness. Look to the light." He turns to Akula. "There are other duties that call for my attention. Would you like me to remember anything to your cousin Gunther when next I see him?"
"I will. It is an honor to serve." The younger priest bows respectfully to the older. However, when the older priest is walking back to wounded, Thomas' look of concern returns. Turning to the party, he gives them an encouraging smile. "If you will follow me." He leads them across the planks to firmer ground. The feel a quiet peace steal over them when they touch the earth of the makeshift cemetery. It is as if they can feel the Mother's presence here like the warmth of spring rising from the earth. Though the world was torn by the Shaping, there remains an abiding strength waiting for the proper time. "Though we are in the winter of our world, and it will soon be winter in truth, I like to remember that spring will come. Both for us and our world. Too easy it is, I think, to become accustomed to present circumstances," the priest offers as encouragement. "Here is a place for this family to rest. Will some of you help me dig their grave?" He points to several shovels.
"The Mother's mercy is for all. Today I share it with those who fight the undead to restore city. If I am not mistaken, that includes you and your companions." From a pouch the priest produces a small crystal shaped into a cherry tree. "Sacred Mother, I'm a but a vessel for your light. I beg that you share your grace with these warriors." Light begins to well up like a third eye upon the priest's brow, pulsing in rhythm with light streaming up from the earth and twining into an image of a cherry tree. With a flash of light some of their wounds are washed away.
The tree of light blossoms again.
"Teysura loves and succors all her children, within whom she has planted the seed of life." He pauses and gives the older priest a look tinged with concern. "My heart tells me that they have come seeking more than healing?"
A young, handsome half-elf approaches the group. His long chestnut hair is kept from his face with a few pieces of golden jewelry. He wears the same simple white robes of a Sister of Teysura, though he has pinned the wide sleeves back to give freedom to his forearms. "May I approach? You seem in need of healing? Mother hold us close! Princess Akula, you have been hurt. Please let me help you. " He has a kind voice.
Spells Petitioned Level 1
Spells Petitioned Level 2
Spells Petitioned Level 3 Restoration Lesser
"Reverend, you have my forgiveness. This is a trying time for us all. I too long for the return of the world as it was! I have faith that it will. With the grace of the goddess and the faith and efforts of the living, I believe that our world can be restored: better and more resilient for having undergone these trials." The priest leaves the implication that Gunther too will come through this trial better and more resilient unspoken. I give thanks for the Mother's gifts even if I do not understand them. Even if they are not what I imagined I wanted. I begged her to save Gunther and she did. The passing weeks do not find Thomas wasting time. When the Hazard of Necromancy arrives in the Bright Tower, Thomas will seek his aid and council concerning Gunther's negative energy affinity. He also spends much time in prayer seeking communion with the Sacred Mother, asking for further guidance in how best to heal Gunther and restore life to the Vale. Yet, he does not neglect Gunther. Though he is unable to share the light of the goddess with him, he is there for his lover. He listens to him, and does not tell Gunther how he should feel. What happened to the royal was traumatic and wounds of the spirit can fester as easily as the flesh. Thomas offers Gunther unflinching and loving support, and does not try to paper over any of the raw and ugly feelings that trauma inspired in Gunther. When the refugees arrive, Thomas is eager to hear word of his mother, but first tries to ascertain the physical and spiritual needs of his people. Who leads them and how can he help?
Though, I would ask that we start at level 3. That way anybody who wanted to continue their character wouldn't feel diminished and starting out at 3 is way more fun. The first two levels are kinda rough.
Meh. I was trying to provide an option for Marc. I'm unmoved by the spellcasters are too powerful furor. I would be perfectly happy playing either character type. Martials can be super cool.
I'm not fan of spheres either. I think its kind of lame, but when I was reading the sphere rules I think I noticed that they can be incorporated into the base system. If people wanted a hybrid approach . . . I agree with Marc that I would prefer to stick with P1 until P2 is well established. I also concur that system switching mid campaign is a huge hassle.
I'm definitely down for playing, though what I play would depend on the rules.
Thomas nods and helps Gunther to his feet. "We must get you to the Bright Tower. There the diviners may know more. Rest will help to restore us all." The priest does not let go of his lover's hand. No matter what curse he suffers, Thomas cannot bear to be separated from Gunther after so long apart. Just as there is no wound that the Sacred Mother cannot overcome, love has its own power. He pulls out the small bronze coffer and hands it to Haessen as the cautiously make their way back to the Bright Tower. "Those men sought to defile the Mother's Grotto and seize what we have found within." He hands the more senior priest the small bronze coffer he had found inside. "Do you know how to open this? Do you think we can drive the evil power from the axe we took from the gnoll? I cannot imagine that Talanor can prosper under the shade of these curses."
Thomas holds his lover and strokes his filthy, matted hair. "I'm here, beloved. I am here. We can fix whatever they did to you with the Mother's grace."
Even after the terrible things that the shape-changing dwarf had done, some small part of Thomas mourns him. He wants to go to Gunther immediately, but the words of his mother resound in his ears, My son, the first duty of a commander is to those she leads. It is by their hands that her will is done. Do not neglect the hands. The priest petitions the goddess for her grace and Marc is healed.
Once the worst of his wounds are washed away by the divine light, Thomas channels more. The wounds that had been suffered by Gunther and Maddok need care.
He then rushes to Gunther, cradles the unconscious wizard, and weeps in gratitude. Thank you, Mother. Thank you!
Thomas continues to dispense the light of his goddess' grace, this time including Gunther in its glow.
Thomas spares one final desparate glance back towards Gunther. It is the sincere prayer of his heart that he had used the Sacred Mother's gift in the proper manner. He hopes that it saved the man he loves. Yet, like his goddess, Thomas' heart is capacious. He knows that Gunther is not the only person here who needs healing. Light in the form of a cherry tree springs from the earth, healing the living who fight on the side of the living.
The teleporting archer's arrows gravely wound Thomas, but they cannot stop him from his purpose: to save Gunther. He stumbles forward coughing blood before lifting up the crystalline cherry tree and releasing the goddess' great gift.
Thomas' eyes are closed, so he does not see great glory of the goddess, but one of the arrows falls from his side.
Thomas hates disobeying his mother and she did put Maddok in charge when it comes to these situations but between the sound of Marcusic's pain and Gunther's release from undeath, Thomas continues to climb.
Seeing Marcusic injured he touches the man, letting some of the Mother's light pass into him. "Do not fear, courageous warrior. A wound is where the light enters. In this darkened world, the Sacred Mother still shines. She shines!"
"The teleporting dwarf! I don't know where he is! I must get to Gunther!"
Thomas rushes to get up the well.
Uncaring of being bitten again, Thomas flees from the vile dwarf.
Thomas shouts up the well to alert his protector. In a more reasonable tone of voice, "By the grace of the Mother, you will not. Turn from this path before you are lost; there is no gain in evil when the world is ending."
The bite closes and as the light of Teysura springs from the ground like a tree.
Thomas scoops up the coffer. Sacred Mother, once the sun is restored and the dead laid to rest. I will return and restore this holy place. Thank you for your many blessings. Now that his goddess' blessing has been given, Thomas is eager to return to Gunther and heal him. The young noble and the elven rain-caller retrace their steps through the ruined forge and up out of the well. Back at the surface he shows their goddess' gifts to his superior and fellow priest, Haessen Sigocurt. ". . . the drops must have formed it over many thousands of years. But, it cannot be simply a natural occurrence. You can see the structure of the crystal reveals the blossoms within! Should I call upon its light now, so that the goddess can purge the taint from Gunther?" The coffer is set on the ground. Anyone can attempt to open it.
"Thank you, Mother. Thank you!! Please, guide me in how Gunther can be saved." Thomas once again genuflects at the altar, clutching the crystalline tree to his chest. He stays there in silent prayer for many long moment in case the goddess sees fit to bless him with further illumination. After an appropriate amount of time, he shuffles back to his sandals and goes to investigate the other door. He cannot bear to leave without exhausting all possible avenues for Gunther's salvation. He holds the ruby tree before him to guide his way.
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