(@Grx: Biscuit and Doozey are on a roof top somewhere. But you can give him the run down after.)
Neither Doozey or Biscuit cared much for the crowding. So, when the latter start giving warning growls to those closest by, the halfling only took advantage of the small openings created by it to usher Biscuit along up and atop the rooftops.
Later...
Biscuit whimpers, sensing the building tension, and yet Doozey pays it no mind. In fact, none of it seemed to phase him. Though he listened with open ears, it is the hooded figure that held his attention most of all.
Were they a holy one meant for the accused?
A keeper to record the proceedings?
Or were they something else altogether?
Unable to answer such thoughts by looking alone, he began to turn his attention towards looking for places to get even closer to the stage. Then the gnome speaks, drawing his attention almost instantly. For once, righteous anger began to creep into the halfling's face as his eyes narrowed at the executioner.
Three Hundred and Twenty Feet. Maximum.
He's made harder shots in the past. And the cloaked figure looked hardly armored at all. Their outcry from a shot to the chest or arm would just be the sort of distraction the gnome could use to slip away again. As thoughts spiraled further along a dangerous course, his fingers began to twitch slowly upward to the Light Crossbow. "There is no future for that one. 'nd we're not the man of yesterday." He mutters, stilling his hands then relaxing once more. And so it was that he sat on in silence, absently comforting Biscuit with gentle pats until the end. Seeing Graxx and whoever else was near him start to leave, Doozey whispers a few last words of encouragement to Biscuit, eventually calming and directing him down ground-ward and to the others. Though it may be another minute before anyone sees either of two.
Of the story later or the cleric, Doozey fails to react to any of it more than mute nods from a rigid face.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After the shock of what she had just witnessed fades (and almost forgetting about the rotten vegetation hanging off of her clothes), Neya regroups with the rest of the party just as Graxx finishes his say.
"After what we've just seen, I think we all could benefit from some sort spiritual healing."
Once the crowd disperses a bit, the party regroups around Utar. Up in the roof of a nearby home, Doozey and Biscuit take a bit longer to join in. The shock is almost palpable around the group. Utar is given whatever time he needs to finish his prayers before Graxx breaks the silence. Neya agrees and the party begins walking towards the north portion of the town, partly to cure Rorin and partly out of not exactly knowing what to do after witnessing Rillo's execution.
It is a long and slow walk, that passes mostly in silence. The party has to even cross the Stojanow river, which bisects the city, to reach the northern wards. Utar knows the way to the temple well, though, and eventually the Chaotic Relief (CR?) arrives at Torm's temple. The citizens of Phlan refer to the temple as the House of the Hand, a name made popular when the Black Fist still officially followed Bane. At the time, the citizens of Phlan decided that a clever way to oppose the clenched and aggressive fist that represents the knightly order was to make clear they followed the open and helpful palm that represents Torm. The temple itself is shaped like a three-story pyramid of white-grayish stone. At each of its three base-vertexes, a five-story tower stands proud. Despite the unique architecture, the building itself is not very large in terms of the ground-space it occupies. Utar also knows that nowadays, the temple is rarely full. It is not uncommon to find more priests and acolytes of Torm inside than civilian followers.
One of the young acolytes approaches the group once he recognizes Utar. The half-orc also recognizes the human man in his early twenties. His name is Brother Manas. He begins the conversation: "Oh, good cleric Utar, I see you are back for some more rest and meditation" He looks around: "And you brought friends with you this time. Very well. It is still early in the day but should we prepare cots for everyone and perhaps some hay for the hor... hmm... dog?"
Thankful that the long walk was conducted in silence, Utar is shocked when he is addressed, although that quickly subsides when he realises it is Manas. Catching up with the conversation, he nods,
"Thank you Brother. Let us extend the hospitality of the temple to these good folks if they would take it."
Graxx walks up and nods to Brother Manas and Utar.
"Yes.. I will gladly accept this hospitality. Some meditation sounds nice right now. We also have a friend here with us in need of healing of an affliction. Would you be able to help us with that?" says Graxx.
Both Doozey and Biscuit give their own little bows. "A Tundra Mastiff. Quite the tough breed, if you can believe. On behalf of Biscuit here and myself, thank you for the offer, but I priority should go to healing this one over here, as mentioned." And he will simply gesture to Rorin, caring or simply not considering at the moment the young man's comfort. "Though after, if someone could set aside enough hay for both of me and Biscuit here for our rest, it would be appreciated as well."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Brother Manas nods back at Utar:"Of course, of course. We do not always have unoccupied cots here to serve such a large group at once, I'm afraid, but we can certainly offer you some rest today."
After Graxx accepts the offer, the group begins to walk into the temple while Doozey elaborates on Biscuit's heritage. Brother Manas continues to nod with a pleaseant smile, showing some interest in what the halfling has to say and ensuring him they can provide some hay as bedding for the mastiff. Once Graxx mentions an affliction, Brother Manas says: "Oh yes, we can certainly help with some basic care here. We offer respite to all of those that come to us in need."
(OOC: What Brother Manas is referring to is mechanically equivalent to a medicine check and a short or long rest depending on how long you choose to stay.)
Once Neya urges Rorin to elaborate a bit, the teen looks at her a few times as if to ask "are you sure?". He also continues to peek at Doozey every now and then, but out of discomfort or maybe even fear. Eventually, he shyly says: "Hmm... sometimes,. at nigh... I can get really hungry and... possessive of my belongings.... I grow fur... and a snout.... fangs too, and a tail... I look like a rat and become quite aggressive."
Brother Manas responds: "Oh, that's quite more complex than what I had imagined. I... I think we can help, but I am afraid we are not in a situation where we can offer that sort of treatment free of charge. We'll need many resources and a couple of hours to complete this. I'll show you to your cots and go check to see if we have all we need in stock."
Brother Manas does exactly that. Before you even get a chance to get fully settled, he opens the door to the chamber where you have been placed (there are a total of eight cots in here): "Good news: we have all the supplies. Bad news: I'm afraid this service will cost you a significant 90gp. We need to restock the supplies afterward, you see..." He sounds and looks a bit apologetic. "It is not often we have such complex requests, but it is always good to be prepared."
He then awaits a response and asks if you have any questions. He also offers a few options regarding your involvement in the ordeal: "Would you like to participate in the ritual or just be spectators? Waiting in the chamber is also an option."
"He is not leaving my sight until cured." Doozey says immediately, and with such calm conviction as to be almost shocking coming from the little guy. "Biscuit too will be accompanying, if'n ya don't mind too much. Just in case there is some sort of 'accident' during the process." He adds, setting an eye back on Rorin. There is no malice there. But neither is it a comforting look. If anything, it is unnerving as ever.
Remembering Graxx' request, he looks away if only for a moment and says, "But Aye. Technically speaking I'm from the north. We redfoots ranged quite far a long time ago. I can tell you the story later."
Utar will give Dooley a hard stare while giving Biscuit a pat on his flank.
"Nor mine, friend."
Continuing to absently pat Biscuit, Utar will turn his attention to Manas, softening his expression completely.
"I'd be honoured to help you during the ritual, Brother Manas. Rorin helped me and my friends, the least we can do is return the favour. I'm glad the House of the Hand is able to provide this service to those in need."
Graxx does not hesitate and promptly pays up the 90gppriced by Brother Manas. The priest receives it with wide eyes, but puts it away just as quickly as he gets it with thankful words for, as he puts it, "helping the temple maintain its resources and supplies with your donation."
When Doozey mentions a potential accident, Rorin flips out: "Accident?... This is not a certain cure? I'm not sure I want to do this anymore. Does it hurt? Can I go home? It's okay to be a rat every now and then, right? I won't hurt my parents, I promise. Can we go away from this halfling now, he gives me the creeps!" He continues to talk fast and in a nervous manner until Brother Manas reassures him that though not certain or painless, the procedure will be guided by Torm's hand itself. It takes some time, but the teen calms down.
With that, Brother Manas asks those who are interested to follow him. Graxx stays behind, presumably to rest and keep an eye on everyone's belongings back at their temporary chamber. Biscuit keeps him company. Brother Manas then guides everyone else to a room in the second floor of the temple. It looks like a private praying area, but instead of an altar, there is a polished stone bed. The room is well lit by the natural light coming through glass-less windows on the slanted pyramid walls. The priest asks the spectators, Neya and Doozey, to stay put while he gets things ready. Utar offers to help, and it thanked with a nod. While preparing the needed incense, candles, cloths, basins of holy water, and holy scrolls, Brother Manas responds to Utar's comment on the offered services: "This might not be surprising, but in actuality, we do not receive many requests for these sorts of procedures. Whether it is because there are not many curses going around or because those affected do not have the gold to pay for the supplies, I cannot say."
Rorin is asked to lay on the stone bed. A couple of other priests enter the room at this point and magically force the teenager into slumber. A beautiful silver censer is passed around between the priests and Utar until the entire room is filled with the citrus-like scent from gem-marigold flowers. Brother Manas then hands Utar a scroll, written in Common, containing a long prayer in it. "When we start praying out loud, follow along from your corner over there. The idea is to stay equidistant from the boy's cursed heart," he points at a specific spot in the room where the half-orc is supposed to stand. "I recommend you drink some water now, Cleric Utar. We'll need to pray for nearly two hours for this to work."
And so, they do. A bar of pure non-oxidized silver is placed on Rorin's bare chest. You can hear the sizzle of his skin, but somehow, Rorin does not react or wake up from his magical slumber.
Utar: I'll need three religion checks from you. The cumulative DC for them is lowered depending on the number of priests performing the ritual with you. Luckily, there are three of them. There would be fewer if more PCs had chosen to participate. Feel free to prepared before each roll. Remember you have a DM's Inspiration die to use if you need it.
Neya and Doozey: As spectators, you do not get to roll your own religion checks to add towards that cumulative DC. Nonetheless, each of you can still offer help on one of those rolls. Please describe what you are doing to help.
Graxx: By remaining in the room, you are mostly out of this skill-challenge, but not completely. Describe what you are doing that would be helpful, if anything. I'll reward creativity with some small amount of aid towards the rolls.
@All: The cumulative DC for this ritual is 30, already reduced.
Neya will help by using some of her ki to stabilize at least some of the flow of energies within the room, making them more focused (using 2 ki points).
Utar gives Rorin an understanding look. "There is no courage without fear, Rorin. Bravery is not acting without fear, but rather in spite of it. That was my first, and hardest, lesson learnt when I entered Torm's service as a cleric."
Utar lets himself to fall back into memories of his younger days, the pleasure he took in swinging his maul and the cackling delight in seeing enemies crumpled before him. The complete lack of fear. He is startled to feel the familiar pull of Gruumsh's hand at his back and pulls himself away from it, disgusted.
"You are surrounded by people who want to help you Rorin, we will see you through this, have faith."
Utar takes the scroll, grateful that he is not being asked to recall the words from memory. Touching his amulet, he asks Torm his guidance in this matter.
3. Religion15 (Uh oh, that's a nat 1...but help from Neya and Dooley!)
As the ritual progresses, Utar finds his mind wandering. He would like to say it is just tiredness combined with the calming effects of the incense. But the images that flash through his mind indicate otherwise.
Fumbling his lines, he looks to the others in the chamber; Brother Manas and the other priests, heads bowed, chanting rhythmically; Neya, starting intently, and invoking the aid of the Elder Shade through her own holy words; and Dooley playing the most haunting melody...
Refocusing on his task, Utar focuses on the moment of his own salvation, when he came to truly know the meaning of self-sacrifice and what it means to protect others and tries to pick up the chanting once more.
(@MB: Not that the help from Doozey will actually be needed at this point, he'll still do the following during the procedure)
Doozey is hesitant to even try helping. Despite knowing what he knew -- what was even confirmed by the more knowledgeable -- the simpler solution dogged his thoughts. Lost in indecision, the halfling fails to even realize small hands groping about until they found the familiar neck of a lute, stirring focus on reality once more. Doozey's look of confusion after drawing it for a long look slowly turns wide-eyed from an epiphany.
While no singer or entertainer by trade, the long memory of the hunter led nimble fingers into a gentle dance across strings. While being at least marginally mindful of the prayers, Doozey lets the beat gradually pick up, calling out to the spirit -- the soul of Rorin to banish misfortune, believing the curse fed on it. Then came the soft spoken song in tongue alien to all except elvish speakers. And even then, the words were like half-remembered dreams; just on the tip of the tongue, but incomprehensible beyond a feeling. But compared to common and most other known language, there was energy behind even the lightly spoken tone that only added to the power of the song. Eventually, Doozey becomes so entranced in both, the faint wetness upon his fingertips never registers.
Where blood flowed and stuck along the strings, a faint green glow accompanied it, and deeper the song dug; banishing doubt in the soul in cracks of thunder...
(In effect, using crimson rite on the lute for the help, and singing in Sylvan as part of some old magic blood hunter song of protection.)
Graxx waits outside the room. Alone with his thoughts...
He thinks of Rorin in there and says a prayer to Tempus.
"Tempus, oh my lord of battle! A battle of another kind rages in this building. One for a soul a young fellow. He was bitten by a wererat. One of the Black Fist Guards."
Gruxx begins to rage.
Gruxx stands up and draws his sword and begins to walk toward the door to leave. He walks up ready to kick the door open but stops... and calms for a moment realizing he was about to leave his friends. Maybe it was Torm or maybe Tempus but his rage subsides and Graxx returns.
Graxx returns to his prayer.
"You are right, Tempus, the Foehammer! It would not be smart to fight alone. Help my friends cure the curse so that I can get back to doing your will!"
(OOC: Good job everyone! I really like how creative everyone gets in these moments, as well as the fact that you guys are not afraid of using your resources. Great stuff. Also, I'll be quoting @MB here. It was well done, so there is no need for me to reinvent the wheel in terms of describing the results of those checks. Thanks!)
"As the ritual progresses, Utar finds his mind wandering. He would like to say it is just tiredness combined with the calming effects of the incense. But the images that flash through his mind indicate otherwise. Fumbling his lines, he looks to the others in the chamber; Brother Manas and the other priests, heads bowed, chanting rhythmically; Neya, starting intently, and invoking the aid of the Elder Shade through her own holy words; and Dooley playing the most haunting melody... Refocusing on his task, Utar focuses on the moment of his own salvation, when he came to truly know the meaning of self-sacrifice and what it means to protect others and tries to pick up the chanting once more."
Though tired, Utar manages to hang on and complete his ritual duties for the whole two hours. He knows that we was only able to do so because of the aid provided by Neya and Doozey, and even some additional good vibes from Graxx/Gruxx.
Once all the incense smoke clears through the windows, you can see that Rorin remains asleep on top of the stone bed. The silver bar is still on his chest, but there is no longer a sizzling noise emerging from it. Brother Manas approaches: "The boy will need to rest now. I wouldn't be surprised if he only wakes up in a day or two. You are all welcome to stay in temple and rest for that time as well, but if you'd like, I can ensure he finds his way home once he wakes up so that you don't have to wait here for him."
With that, the three priests begin the process of cleaning the ritual room and covering Rorin. Brother Manas smiles widely: "All signs point to a success. You should all go downstairs and rest now. We will bring you supper as well, though I'm afraid we only have lentil soup to offer this night."
(@Grx: Biscuit and Doozey are on a roof top somewhere. But you can give him the run down after.)
Neither Doozey or Biscuit cared much for the crowding. So, when the latter start giving warning growls to those closest by, the halfling only took advantage of the small openings created by it to usher Biscuit along up and atop the rooftops.
Later...
Biscuit whimpers, sensing the building tension, and yet Doozey pays it no mind. In fact, none of it seemed to phase him. Though he listened with open ears, it is the hooded figure that held his attention most of all.
Were they a holy one meant for the accused?
A keeper to record the proceedings?
Or were they something else altogether?
Unable to answer such thoughts by looking alone, he began to turn his attention towards looking for places to get even closer to the stage. Then the gnome speaks, drawing his attention almost instantly. For once, righteous anger began to creep into the halfling's face as his eyes narrowed at the executioner.
Three Hundred and Twenty Feet. Maximum.
He's made harder shots in the past. And the cloaked figure looked hardly armored at all. Their outcry from a shot to the chest or arm would just be the sort of distraction the gnome could use to slip away again. As thoughts spiraled further along a dangerous course, his fingers began to twitch slowly upward to the Light Crossbow. "There is no future for that one. 'nd we're not the man of yesterday." He mutters, stilling his hands then relaxing once more. And so it was that he sat on in silence, absently comforting Biscuit with gentle pats until the end. Seeing Graxx and whoever else was near him start to leave, Doozey whispers a few last words of encouragement to Biscuit, eventually calming and directing him down ground-ward and to the others. Though it may be another minute before anyone sees either of two.
Of the story later or the cleric, Doozey fails to react to any of it more than mute nods from a rigid face.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After the shock of what she had just witnessed fades (and almost forgetting about the rotten vegetation hanging off of her clothes), Neya regroups with the rest of the party just as Graxx finishes his say.
"After what we've just seen, I think we all could benefit from some sort spiritual healing."
Extended Signature
Once the crowd disperses a bit, the party regroups around Utar. Up in the roof of a nearby home, Doozey and Biscuit take a bit longer to join in. The shock is almost palpable around the group. Utar is given whatever time he needs to finish his prayers before Graxx breaks the silence. Neya agrees and the party begins walking towards the north portion of the town, partly to cure Rorin and partly out of not exactly knowing what to do after witnessing Rillo's execution.
It is a long and slow walk, that passes mostly in silence. The party has to even cross the Stojanow river, which bisects the city, to reach the northern wards. Utar knows the way to the temple well, though, and eventually the Chaotic Relief (CR?) arrives at Torm's temple. The citizens of Phlan refer to the temple as the House of the Hand, a name made popular when the Black Fist still officially followed Bane. At the time, the citizens of Phlan decided that a clever way to oppose the clenched and aggressive fist that represents the knightly order was to make clear they followed the open and helpful palm that represents Torm. The temple itself is shaped like a three-story pyramid of white-grayish stone. At each of its three base-vertexes, a five-story tower stands proud. Despite the unique architecture, the building itself is not very large in terms of the ground-space it occupies. Utar also knows that nowadays, the temple is rarely full. It is not uncommon to find more priests and acolytes of Torm inside than civilian followers.
One of the young acolytes approaches the group once he recognizes Utar. The half-orc also recognizes the human man in his early twenties. His name is Brother Manas. He begins the conversation: "Oh, good cleric Utar, I see you are back for some more rest and meditation" He looks around: "And you brought friends with you this time. Very well. It is still early in the day but should we prepare cots for everyone and perhaps some hay for the hor... hmm... dog?"
Thankful that the long walk was conducted in silence, Utar is shocked when he is addressed, although that quickly subsides when he realises it is Manas. Catching up with the conversation, he nods,
"Thank you Brother. Let us extend the hospitality of the temple to these good folks if they would take it."
Graxx walks up and nods to Brother Manas and Utar.
"Yes.. I will gladly accept this hospitality. Some meditation sounds nice right now. We also have a friend here with us in need of healing of an affliction. Would you be able to help us with that?" says Graxx.
Both Doozey and Biscuit give their own little bows. "A Tundra Mastiff. Quite the tough breed, if you can believe. On behalf of Biscuit here and myself, thank you for the offer, but I priority should go to healing this one over here, as mentioned." And he will simply gesture to Rorin, caring or simply not considering at the moment the young man's comfort. "Though after, if someone could set aside enough hay for both of me and Biscuit here for our rest, it would be appreciated as well."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"It's worth mentioning that it's more than just an affliction of the body." Neya chimes in.
She then turns to Rorin, "Rorin, I feel it's more appropriate that you explain your situation, if you are comfortable."
Extended Signature
Brother Manas nods back at Utar: "Of course, of course. We do not always have unoccupied cots here to serve such a large group at once, I'm afraid, but we can certainly offer you some rest today."
After Graxx accepts the offer, the group begins to walk into the temple while Doozey elaborates on Biscuit's heritage. Brother Manas continues to nod with a pleaseant smile, showing some interest in what the halfling has to say and ensuring him they can provide some hay as bedding for the mastiff. Once Graxx mentions an affliction, Brother Manas says: "Oh yes, we can certainly help with some basic care here. We offer respite to all of those that come to us in need."
(OOC: What Brother Manas is referring to is mechanically equivalent to a medicine check and a short or long rest depending on how long you choose to stay.)
Once Neya urges Rorin to elaborate a bit, the teen looks at her a few times as if to ask "are you sure?". He also continues to peek at Doozey every now and then, but out of discomfort or maybe even fear. Eventually, he shyly says: "Hmm... sometimes,. at nigh... I can get really hungry and... possessive of my belongings.... I grow fur... and a snout.... fangs too, and a tail... I look like a rat and become quite aggressive."
Brother Manas responds: "Oh, that's quite more complex than what I had imagined. I... I think we can help, but I am afraid we are not in a situation where we can offer that sort of treatment free of charge. We'll need many resources and a couple of hours to complete this. I'll show you to your cots and go check to see if we have all we need in stock."
Brother Manas does exactly that. Before you even get a chance to get fully settled, he opens the door to the chamber where you have been placed (there are a total of eight cots in here): "Good news: we have all the supplies. Bad news: I'm afraid this service will cost you a significant 90gp. We need to restock the supplies afterward, you see..." He sounds and looks a bit apologetic. "It is not often we have such complex requests, but it is always good to be prepared."
He then awaits a response and asks if you have any questions. He also offers a few options regarding your involvement in the ordeal: "Would you like to participate in the ritual or just be spectators? Waiting in the chamber is also an option."
(OOC: Current CR Group Funds 140 +60 = 200 GP)
Graxx looks to biscuit.
"A tundra Mastiff? Are you from the north as well, Doozey?" Graxx asks.
Graxx listens to Brother Manas and Rorin and then gets out the "party fund" pouch.
Graxx says to Brother Manas, "We figured as much, Brother. I think I'm good with hanging out in the chamber."
Graxx gives Brother Manas 90 gold pieces and gives an reassuring smile and nod to Rorin.
(OOC: CR Party Funds 200-90 = 110 GP Remaining)
"He is not leaving my sight until cured." Doozey says immediately, and with such calm conviction as to be almost shocking coming from the little guy. "Biscuit too will be accompanying, if'n ya don't mind too much. Just in case there is some sort of 'accident' during the process." He adds, setting an eye back on Rorin. There is no malice there. But neither is it a comforting look. If anything, it is unnerving as ever.
Remembering Graxx' request, he looks away if only for a moment and says, "But Aye. Technically speaking I'm from the north. We redfoots ranged quite far a long time ago. I can tell you the story later."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar will give Dooley a hard stare while giving Biscuit a pat on his flank.
"Nor mine, friend."
Continuing to absently pat Biscuit, Utar will turn his attention to Manas, softening his expression completely.
"I'd be honoured to help you during the ritual, Brother Manas. Rorin helped me and my friends, the least we can do is return the favour. I'm glad the House of the Hand is able to provide this service to those in need."
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious on how this is performed."
Extended Signature
Graxx does not hesitate and promptly pays up the 90gp priced by Brother Manas. The priest receives it with wide eyes, but puts it away just as quickly as he gets it with thankful words for, as he puts it, "helping the temple maintain its resources and supplies with your donation."
When Doozey mentions a potential accident, Rorin flips out: "Accident?... This is not a certain cure? I'm not sure I want to do this anymore. Does it hurt? Can I go home? It's okay to be a rat every now and then, right? I won't hurt my parents, I promise. Can we go away from this halfling now, he gives me the creeps!" He continues to talk fast and in a nervous manner until Brother Manas reassures him that though not certain or painless, the procedure will be guided by Torm's hand itself. It takes some time, but the teen calms down.
With that, Brother Manas asks those who are interested to follow him. Graxx stays behind, presumably to rest and keep an eye on everyone's belongings back at their temporary chamber. Biscuit keeps him company. Brother Manas then guides everyone else to a room in the second floor of the temple. It looks like a private praying area, but instead of an altar, there is a polished stone bed. The room is well lit by the natural light coming through glass-less windows on the slanted pyramid walls. The priest asks the spectators, Neya and Doozey, to stay put while he gets things ready. Utar offers to help, and it thanked with a nod. While preparing the needed incense, candles, cloths, basins of holy water, and holy scrolls, Brother Manas responds to Utar's comment on the offered services: "This might not be surprising, but in actuality, we do not receive many requests for these sorts of procedures. Whether it is because there are not many curses going around or because those affected do not have the gold to pay for the supplies, I cannot say."
Rorin is asked to lay on the stone bed. A couple of other priests enter the room at this point and magically force the teenager into slumber. A beautiful silver censer is passed around between the priests and Utar until the entire room is filled with the citrus-like scent from gem-marigold flowers. Brother Manas then hands Utar a scroll, written in Common, containing a long prayer in it. "When we start praying out loud, follow along from your corner over there. The idea is to stay equidistant from the boy's cursed heart," he points at a specific spot in the room where the half-orc is supposed to stand. "I recommend you drink some water now, Cleric Utar. We'll need to pray for nearly two hours for this to work."
And so, they do. A bar of pure non-oxidized silver is placed on Rorin's bare chest. You can hear the sizzle of his skin, but somehow, Rorin does not react or wake up from his magical slumber.
Utar: I'll need three religion checks from you. The cumulative DC for them is lowered depending on the number of priests performing the ritual with you. Luckily, there are three of them. There would be fewer if more PCs had chosen to participate. Feel free to prepared before each roll. Remember you have a DM's Inspiration die to use if you need it.
Neya and Doozey: As spectators, you do not get to roll your own religion checks to add towards that cumulative DC. Nonetheless, each of you can still offer help on one of those rolls. Please describe what you are doing to help.
Graxx: By remaining in the room, you are mostly out of this skill-challenge, but not completely. Describe what you are doing that would be helpful, if anything. I'll reward creativity with some small amount of aid towards the rolls.
@All: The cumulative DC for this ritual is 30, already reduced.
Neya will help by using some of her ki to stabilize at least some of the flow of energies within the room, making them more focused (using 2 ki points).
Extended Signature
(OOC I am definitely spending that inspiration!)
Utar gives Rorin an understanding look. "There is no courage without fear, Rorin. Bravery is not acting without fear, but rather in spite of it. That was my first, and hardest, lesson learnt when I entered Torm's service as a cleric."
Utar lets himself to fall back into memories of his younger days, the pleasure he took in swinging his maul and the cackling delight in seeing enemies crumpled before him. The complete lack of fear. He is startled to feel the familiar pull of Gruumsh's hand at his back and pulls himself away from it, disgusted.
"You are surrounded by people who want to help you Rorin, we will see you through this, have faith."
Utar takes the scroll, grateful that he is not being asked to recall the words from memory. Touching his amulet, he asks Torm his guidance in this matter.
1. Religion 13 plus 3 from guidance
2. Religion 12 burning inspiration
3. Religion 15 (Uh oh, that's a nat 1...but help from Neya and Dooley!)
As the ritual progresses, Utar finds his mind wandering. He would like to say it is just tiredness combined with the calming effects of the incense. But the images that flash through his mind indicate otherwise.
Fumbling his lines, he looks to the others in the chamber; Brother Manas and the other priests, heads bowed, chanting rhythmically; Neya, starting intently, and invoking the aid of the Elder Shade through her own holy words; and Dooley playing the most haunting melody...
Refocusing on his task, Utar focuses on the moment of his own salvation, when he came to truly know the meaning of self-sacrifice and what it means to protect others and tries to pick up the chanting once more.
Religion 21 to replace check 3.
(OOC Phew! Thanks @Drache, @Orileo)
(@MB: You have a help at your disposal as well.)
Extended Signature
(@MB: Not that the help from Doozey will actually be needed at this point, he'll still do the following during the procedure)
Doozey is hesitant to even try helping. Despite knowing what he knew -- what was even confirmed by the more knowledgeable -- the simpler solution dogged his thoughts. Lost in indecision, the halfling fails to even realize small hands groping about until they found the familiar neck of a lute, stirring focus on reality once more. Doozey's look of confusion after drawing it for a long look slowly turns wide-eyed from an epiphany.
While no singer or entertainer by trade, the long memory of the hunter led nimble fingers into a gentle dance across strings. While being at least marginally mindful of the prayers, Doozey lets the beat gradually pick up, calling out to the spirit -- the soul of Rorin to banish misfortune, believing the curse fed on it. Then came the soft spoken song in tongue alien to all except elvish speakers. And even then, the words were like half-remembered dreams; just on the tip of the tongue, but incomprehensible beyond a feeling. But compared to common and most other known language, there was energy behind even the lightly spoken tone that only added to the power of the song. Eventually, Doozey becomes so entranced in both, the faint wetness upon his fingertips never registers.
Where blood flowed and stuck along the strings, a faint green glow accompanied it, and deeper the song dug; banishing doubt in the soul in cracks of thunder...
(In effect, using crimson rite on the lute for the help, and singing in Sylvan as part of some old magic blood hunter song of protection.)
Reference Song:
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx waits outside the room. Alone with his thoughts...
He thinks of Rorin in there and says a prayer to Tempus.
"Tempus, oh my lord of battle! A battle of another kind rages in this building. One for a soul a young fellow. He was bitten by a wererat. One of the Black Fist Guards."
Gruxx begins to rage.
Gruxx stands up and draws his sword and begins to walk toward the door to leave. He walks up ready to kick the door open but stops... and calms for a moment realizing he was about to leave his friends. Maybe it was Torm or maybe Tempus but his rage subsides and Graxx returns.
Graxx returns to his prayer.
"You are right, Tempus, the Foehammer! It would not be smart to fight alone. Help my friends cure the curse so that I can get back to doing your will!"
(OOC: Good job everyone! I really like how creative everyone gets in these moments, as well as the fact that you guys are not afraid of using your resources. Great stuff. Also, I'll be quoting @MB here. It was well done, so there is no need for me to reinvent the wheel in terms of describing the results of those checks. Thanks!)
Though tired, Utar manages to hang on and complete his ritual duties for the whole two hours. He knows that we was only able to do so because of the aid provided by Neya and Doozey, and even some additional good vibes from Graxx/Gruxx.
Once all the incense smoke clears through the windows, you can see that Rorin remains asleep on top of the stone bed. The silver bar is still on his chest, but there is no longer a sizzling noise emerging from it. Brother Manas approaches: "The boy will need to rest now. I wouldn't be surprised if he only wakes up in a day or two. You are all welcome to stay in temple and rest for that time as well, but if you'd like, I can ensure he finds his way home once he wakes up so that you don't have to wait here for him."
With that, the three priests begin the process of cleaning the ritual room and covering Rorin. Brother Manas smiles widely: "All signs point to a success. You should all go downstairs and rest now. We will bring you supper as well, though I'm afraid we only have lentil soup to offer this night."
"The lentil soup is usually one of our better efforts though,"
Utar narrows his eyes and conspiratorially whispers to Manas,
"Brother Tyree hasn't a hand in its preparation I trust, not after last time?"