The party are led into what one might describe as a private study. Large wooden bookshelves hold old dusted tomes. The large table within the room which was covered in old sketches and books prior is now cleared with a white cloth placed above it. There are several chairs that have been set up beside the table. "Please," Luminary Arle gestures to the table. "You can place the artefact down on the table. I am sure there is plenty to discuss. First off, congratulations on completing your mission; Lord Barrizhein has been notified of your deeds and we are thankful for your efforts and sacrifices." She then looks to Ekmong. "You, on the other hand, are obviously from outside of Allhaven. Allow me to introduce myself formally; I am Luminary Arle, chronicler under the guiding hands of Lord Barrizhein and Almighty Pelor. While your complexion is somewhat off-putting to most, I can tell that your heart does not belong to The Lower."
Urtren nods and takes a half step forward "I do not know of all of his conduct however, since he has been in my presence he has not once acted like the countless I have watched and fought at the border. My eyes pick out his presence but my gut raises no alarms. Until he proves otherwise, I trust him."
He nods his head respectfully and takes a step back to resume his place.
Ekmong replies, if given the chance: "Thank you, Luminary Arle, Urtren, Thea. If only the common folk were as perceptive." Respectfully, but perhaps a little less polite than Urtren, Ekmong approaches instead of stepping back in reverence, and takes a sit.
Luminary Arle looks to the container. "I am sure there are many questions about the artefact in question. There is many a thing we are unsure about it, too. My task is to examine it to the best of my abilities and discover what exactly it can do. Could you perhaps explain to me everything that went on during your time out beyond Allhaven?"
Ekmong starts: "I am not sure what happened to them before they met me, but I hear tales of a large snake. On my end, I had simply ventured into an isolated chapel of sorts, its catacombs to be more precise, searching for an artifact I now believe to be this silver container. Once outside with this group of adventurers, I did not recognize the world around me: dead and destroyed and full of hatred. The smart one here, Thea, thinks I might have been trapped in some sort of time void or some'such. It's the only thing that makes sense to me too. I was hoping you could shed some light onto this, pun intended..." He finishes with a wide smile.
Thea takes a step forward. "Yes, it turned out to be quite the journey. The first incident occured already right outside of our walls. We got attacked by a huge, somehow cursed snake while camping during the night, just a few days away from here. We then reached Sun's Last Light, stood for the night and wandered off into the Giant Steppe. We had a little dispute with a Giant, just as the name suggests, some prime example to be honest. The next thing was a surprise, there was some sort of a sentinel guarding the forrest we had to use as an access for the scout tunnels. That sentinel left a lasting impression, but i think we can take it as a good sign that even in the Steppe there are things trying to uphold the natural order somehow. And then we got into the fiendish part...The badlands welcomed us with some imps demanding to be executed, and next thing we saw was a really scary hound beast thing coming out of the ground. We made a ran for it and hid in, as it turned out, the same forrest that was surrounding the chapel. Thats where things got interesting. Some sort of magical aura had protected it, enforced by a number of symbols that were carved into a treeline." Thea stops for a second, using her finger to trace the carvings she had studied back then into the air. "The chapel itself was apparantly guarded as well, we could only enter accompanied by a strong follower of faith. There were all sorts of relics, but our objective was hidden somewhere below. We entered some sort of cellar by discovering hidden staircases and found a locked door with a notch. The "key" was a chalice that had to be reassembled with multiple parts, gathering all of them required us to pass certain tests...and killing a weird slime cube." She frowns, apparantly not exactly happy thinking about the glob attack. "And when we finally managed to open the doors, we saw this guy," and Thea points over to Ekmong, "carrying the container we had come for. But time was running out fast, retrieving the container had rendered the protecting wards unfunctional and the area around the chapel began to succumb just like the forrest around it. We hurried to get out of the badlands but encountered a duo of fiendish apes that nearly wiped us out. We somehow managed to gather our last ressources and prevented them from getting away, then we grabbed the injured and fled back into the tunnel. The return was less evenful, but none of us were complaining about that. Ekmong's had his fair share of antipathy from everyone crossing our paths tho. Anything else i forgot about?" Thea turns around and adresses Fjorgin. She then rests her backpack on the table in fron of her and begins to unpack the artifacts she was able to stow away from the chapel before leaving. "There was no way for us to save all of what was lying in that chapel, but we managed to take a few of the relics with us, at least."
"Allhaven thanks you all for your roles in this recovery mission." Luminary Arle says warmly. "With the items recovered from the chapel we can perhaps discover some important information, especially with this." She gestures to the silver container. "It seems you have made a bond on your journey, perhaps I shall call upon you again in the near future. For the meantime, I believe a payment was promised to each of you whom went out there." She turns to Ekmong. "While it is true you were not a member of this mission, you have been instrumental in its success. As a representative of Allhaven's Council I would like to invite you to join us as a full citizen."
Ekmong's attempt at humor fades away and surprise takes over: "A citizen. A home in this world I do not understand. A world that does not understand me in exchange. I wish my sister was here... I... I...I accept"
The sorcerer is overtaken by sudden reverence for the Luminary and wants her to be proud of him. "Can I wear your symbol my lady? Something that shows my newfound dedication to you?"
Luminary Arle thinks on this for a few seconds. "Ekmong, if you wish to dedicate yourself to Lord Pelor, and He deem it worthy, then I am sure a symbol to show your dedication can be provided."
Thea does a little but respectful bow, one hand resting against her chest. "I guess i speak for all of us if i say that this is a most generous reward and we gladly accept it. I apalogize if i overstep my boundaries with this request, but if it is possible, I would very much like to understand what exactly it is that we retrieved...I am quite certain that this containter is not what you were seeking but rather its vessel, but even so it had the astonishing property to change weight either depending on who carried it, or depending on its location."Her voice then changes as she fails to hide her plain curiousity for a moment and she drops a bit of her formal attire. "I know it's not necessarily a reasonable thing, but i hate not understanding something, especially if it is important as this."
Luminary Arle smiles. "As a chronicler, I understand the urge to know the truths behind secrets." She looks to the silver container. "My duties are to examine and discover what secrets this relic contains, Pelor's light guiding my hand. Rest assured that once we have more information I will discuss it with you all. In the meantime, I hope your stay in Allhaven is well."She then looks to Fjorgin, "The knights will be awaiting your return, brave Paladin. Thank you for your services."
Finally, to Ekmong. "My gifts are granted by the grace of Pelor, though your services are welcomed. I myself cannot grant such titles and rites, but Lord Barrizhein may be able to do so, should you wish to meet with him. If it were not his will that you be here, you would not have made it beyond the boundaries of this land."
(OOC: The Allhaven locals know that an audience with Lord Barrizhein is rare and quite an honour.)
Ekmong does not realize the boon that he has received in the form of this offer but, since it was Lady Arle's idea, he assumes a stoic pose (trying to imitate Urtren) and says: "Under your recommendation my Lady, I would gladly meet with Lord Barrizhein. May my companions join me?"
"If they are willing to stand within His presence." Luminary Arle smiles as she looks to the others for an agreement of whether they wish to join Ekmong in meeting Barrizhein.
(Hey all, finally back from visiting people etc. and got reliable internet again. Will be posting sporadically until about Monday/Tuesday.)
"Very well, if you would all follow me." Luminary Arle gestures for the group to follow her. "We shall bring the artefact as well, if you will please collect it."
The party walk alongside Luminary Arle as they travel through the corridors and antechambers until they reach the outside once again. Ahead of them is the palace of Lord Barrizhein, the Solar who protects the nation of Allhaven. The shining building shows its immaculate walls and ornate carvings for all to see; a home fit for a ruler. Upon walking to the large adamantine doors that lead to within the palace's walls, the guards step aside and bow to Luminary Arle, their helmed faces completely concealed to make it impossible to tell whether beneath that full plate whether there are humans or purely magic animating them.
The gates open for the group to show a beautifully grown garden filled with wonderous plants and flowers, some of which the party have never seen before. There were rumours that within Lord Barrizhein's walls the great ruler protects the few remaining breeds of flora known to survive the fall of the world. Around the plants appear to be some humans garbed similarly to Arle whom are tending to them, watering and pruning certain branches.
Not to dally further, the group continues further towards the Halls of Barrizhein. The huge room has massive crystal clear windows, allowing glorious sunshine to illuminate the surroundings. The pillars lining the room and supporting the arched ceiling appear to be made of some form of glass, allowing for more redirecting of light to dispel any shadows within. The ceiling appears to be painted with ornate iconography of religious scenes, a large sunburst depicting the face of Pelor at the centre. At the end of the hall is a white dais with a staircase that leads to a huge alabaster throne. Sat upon the throne is a enormous man garbed in plain white clothing. His immaculate form and handsome features are upon a pallet of orange-red skin, with auburn locks of hair that compliment his chiselled features. He watches the party approach with his completely white eyes, as a wave of power seems to spread from him. The two majestic feathered wings appear to be stowed back while seated, but their large feathers show signs of being perfectly kept. This is Lord Barrizhein.
Luminary Arle, once she enters the main hall and approaches towards the centre, gets onto both of her knees and bows so as her face is basically kissing the immaculate white floor. She doesn't say a word as she does so.
RISE
A voice seems to echo in the depths of the minds of those within the room, though the lips of Lord Barrizhein never move. He watches the group without his facial expressions changing once, making it impossible to tell what this angelic being is thinking or how he will react.
(Spoiler has an image of a solar, for those not familiar with them.)
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Thea feels a shivering run down her spine and, with a deep breath, follows Fjorgin and Ekmong into the next chamber.
The party are led into what one might describe as a private study. Large wooden bookshelves hold old dusted tomes. The large table within the room which was covered in old sketches and books prior is now cleared with a white cloth placed above it. There are several chairs that have been set up beside the table. "Please," Luminary Arle gestures to the table. "You can place the artefact down on the table. I am sure there is plenty to discuss. First off, congratulations on completing your mission; Lord Barrizhein has been notified of your deeds and we are thankful for your efforts and sacrifices." She then looks to Ekmong. "You, on the other hand, are obviously from outside of Allhaven. Allow me to introduce myself formally; I am Luminary Arle, chronicler under the guiding hands of Lord Barrizhein and Almighty Pelor. While your complexion is somewhat off-putting to most, I can tell that your heart does not belong to The Lower."
Urtren nods and takes a half step forward "I do not know of all of his conduct however, since he has been in my presence he has not once acted like the countless I have watched and fought at the border. My eyes pick out his presence but my gut raises no alarms. Until he proves otherwise, I trust him."
He nods his head respectfully and takes a step back to resume his place.
Ekmong replies, if given the chance: "Thank you, Luminary Arle, Urtren, Thea. If only the common folk were as perceptive." Respectfully, but perhaps a little less polite than Urtren, Ekmong approaches instead of stepping back in reverence, and takes a sit.
Luminary Arle looks to the container. "I am sure there are many questions about the artefact in question. There is many a thing we are unsure about it, too. My task is to examine it to the best of my abilities and discover what exactly it can do. Could you perhaps explain to me everything that went on during your time out beyond Allhaven?"
Ekmong starts: "I am not sure what happened to them before they met me, but I hear tales of a large snake. On my end, I had simply ventured into an isolated chapel of sorts, its catacombs to be more precise, searching for an artifact I now believe to be this silver container. Once outside with this group of adventurers, I did not recognize the world around me: dead and destroyed and full of hatred. The smart one here, Thea, thinks I might have been trapped in some sort of time void or some'such. It's the only thing that makes sense to me too. I was hoping you could shed some light onto this, pun intended..." He finishes with a wide smile.
Thea takes a step forward. "Yes, it turned out to be quite the journey. The first incident occured already right outside of our walls. We got attacked by a huge, somehow cursed snake while camping during the night, just a few days away from here. We then reached Sun's Last Light, stood for the night and wandered off into the Giant Steppe. We had a little dispute with a Giant, just as the name suggests, some prime example to be honest. The next thing was a surprise, there was some sort of a sentinel guarding the forrest we had to use as an access for the scout tunnels. That sentinel left a lasting impression, but i think we can take it as a good sign that even in the Steppe there are things trying to uphold the natural order somehow. And then we got into the fiendish part...The badlands welcomed us with some imps demanding to be executed, and next thing we saw was a really scary hound beast thing coming out of the ground. We made a ran for it and hid in, as it turned out, the same forrest that was surrounding the chapel. Thats where things got interesting. Some sort of magical aura had protected it, enforced by a number of symbols that were carved into a treeline." Thea stops for a second, using her finger to trace the carvings she had studied back then into the air. "The chapel itself was apparantly guarded as well, we could only enter accompanied by a strong follower of faith. There were all sorts of relics, but our objective was hidden somewhere below. We entered some sort of cellar by discovering hidden staircases and found a locked door with a notch. The "key" was a chalice that had to be reassembled with multiple parts, gathering all of them required us to pass certain tests...and killing a weird slime cube." She frowns, apparantly not exactly happy thinking about the glob attack. "And when we finally managed to open the doors, we saw this guy," and Thea points over to Ekmong, "carrying the container we had come for. But time was running out fast, retrieving the container had rendered the protecting wards unfunctional and the area around the chapel began to succumb just like the forrest around it. We hurried to get out of the badlands but encountered a duo of fiendish apes that nearly wiped us out. We somehow managed to gather our last ressources and prevented them from getting away, then we grabbed the injured and fled back into the tunnel. The return was less evenful, but none of us were complaining about that. Ekmong's had his fair share of antipathy from everyone crossing our paths tho. Anything else i forgot about?" Thea turns around and adresses Fjorgin. She then rests her backpack on the table in fron of her and begins to unpack the artifacts she was able to stow away from the chapel before leaving. "There was no way for us to save all of what was lying in that chapel, but we managed to take a few of the relics with us, at least."
Urtren eyes widen as the tale progresses, very impressed that this group was able to travel so far and still get back in one piece.
"Allhaven thanks you all for your roles in this recovery mission." Luminary Arle says warmly. "With the items recovered from the chapel we can perhaps discover some important information, especially with this." She gestures to the silver container. "It seems you have made a bond on your journey, perhaps I shall call upon you again in the near future. For the meantime, I believe a payment was promised to each of you whom went out there." She turns to Ekmong. "While it is true you were not a member of this mission, you have been instrumental in its success. As a representative of Allhaven's Council I would like to invite you to join us as a full citizen."
OOC: Each of you receives 1,000 gp
Ekmong's attempt at humor fades away and surprise takes over: "A citizen. A home in this world I do not understand. A world that does not understand me in exchange. I wish my sister was here... I... I...I accept"
The sorcerer is overtaken by sudden reverence for the Luminary and wants her to be proud of him. "Can I wear your symbol my lady? Something that shows my newfound dedication to you?"
Luminary Arle thinks on this for a few seconds. "Ekmong, if you wish to dedicate yourself to Lord Pelor, and He deem it worthy, then I am sure a symbol to show your dedication can be provided."
“I’ll dedicate myself to you, Lady Arle. With all the respect, Pelor has yet to win me over.”
Thea does a little but respectful bow, one hand resting against her chest. "I guess i speak for all of us if i say that this is a most generous reward and we gladly accept it. I apalogize if i overstep my boundaries with this request, but if it is possible, I would very much like to understand what exactly it is that we retrieved...I am quite certain that this containter is not what you were seeking but rather its vessel, but even so it had the astonishing property to change weight either depending on who carried it, or depending on its location." Her voice then changes as she fails to hide her plain curiousity for a moment and she drops a bit of her formal attire. "I know it's not necessarily a reasonable thing, but i hate not understanding something, especially if it is important as this."
"Where would you have us await for your calling again Luminary Arle?" Again Urtren takes a stiff posture as he addresses the Luminary.
Luminary Arle smiles. "As a chronicler, I understand the urge to know the truths behind secrets." She looks to the silver container. "My duties are to examine and discover what secrets this relic contains, Pelor's light guiding my hand. Rest assured that once we have more information I will discuss it with you all. In the meantime, I hope your stay in Allhaven is well." She then looks to Fjorgin, "The knights will be awaiting your return, brave Paladin. Thank you for your services."
Finally, to Ekmong. "My gifts are granted by the grace of Pelor, though your services are welcomed. I myself cannot grant such titles and rites, but Lord Barrizhein may be able to do so, should you wish to meet with him. If it were not his will that you be here, you would not have made it beyond the boundaries of this land."
(OOC: The Allhaven locals know that an audience with Lord Barrizhein is rare and quite an honour.)
Ekmong does not realize the boon that he has received in the form of this offer but, since it was Lady Arle's idea, he assumes a stoic pose (trying to imitate Urtren) and says: "Under your recommendation my Lady, I would gladly meet with Lord Barrizhein. May my companions join me?"
"If they are willing to stand within His presence." Luminary Arle smiles as she looks to the others for an agreement of whether they wish to join Ekmong in meeting Barrizhein.
"Very well, i'd surely like to accompany you." Thea nods and seems suitably impressed by the offer.
"I would be honored." Urtren bows his head in acceptance.
(Hey all, finally back from visiting people etc. and got reliable internet again. Will be posting sporadically until about Monday/Tuesday.)
"Very well, if you would all follow me." Luminary Arle gestures for the group to follow her. "We shall bring the artefact as well, if you will please collect it."
The party walk alongside Luminary Arle as they travel through the corridors and antechambers until they reach the outside once again. Ahead of them is the palace of Lord Barrizhein, the Solar who protects the nation of Allhaven. The shining building shows its immaculate walls and ornate carvings for all to see; a home fit for a ruler. Upon walking to the large adamantine doors that lead to within the palace's walls, the guards step aside and bow to Luminary Arle, their helmed faces completely concealed to make it impossible to tell whether beneath that full plate whether there are humans or purely magic animating them.
The gates open for the group to show a beautifully grown garden filled with wonderous plants and flowers, some of which the party have never seen before. There were rumours that within Lord Barrizhein's walls the great ruler protects the few remaining breeds of flora known to survive the fall of the world. Around the plants appear to be some humans garbed similarly to Arle whom are tending to them, watering and pruning certain branches.
Not to dally further, the group continues further towards the Halls of Barrizhein. The huge room has massive crystal clear windows, allowing glorious sunshine to illuminate the surroundings. The pillars lining the room and supporting the arched ceiling appear to be made of some form of glass, allowing for more redirecting of light to dispel any shadows within. The ceiling appears to be painted with ornate iconography of religious scenes, a large sunburst depicting the face of Pelor at the centre. At the end of the hall is a white dais with a staircase that leads to a huge alabaster throne. Sat upon the throne is a enormous man garbed in plain white clothing. His immaculate form and handsome features are upon a pallet of orange-red skin, with auburn locks of hair that compliment his chiselled features. He watches the party approach with his completely white eyes, as a wave of power seems to spread from him. The two majestic feathered wings appear to be stowed back while seated, but their large feathers show signs of being perfectly kept. This is Lord Barrizhein.
Luminary Arle, once she enters the main hall and approaches towards the centre, gets onto both of her knees and bows so as her face is basically kissing the immaculate white floor. She doesn't say a word as she does so.
RISE
A voice seems to echo in the depths of the minds of those within the room, though the lips of Lord Barrizhein never move. He watches the group without his facial expressions changing once, making it impossible to tell what this angelic being is thinking or how he will react.
(Spoiler has an image of a solar, for those not familiar with them.)