Salamir sniffs the air as Constance tells the priest the finer details of their trip in her typically academic manner. He has a quick look around but tries not to appear rude so does not noticeably shift his attention from the priest.
He throws the priest a smile as Constance gets to her introduction, "Introductions do seem like a good place to start, and then you can fill us in on what has been happening since the twins left". Reading the situation he decides not to bow, merely holding out a hand to the priest, "I am Salamir Hawkwinter. Over there we have Eyes in the Dark, Persephone Perianth and Rammand Drunksong. How should we address you sir?".
Salamir doesn't notice anything else particular interesting as the priest sets the torches they're lighting the braziers on the ground as the flame is snuffed out by an arcane motion of their hand.
"Brother Vaccaro," the human says still giving all in the party but Constance a weary look. "Lady Drake," they nod at Constance. "We weren't aware that the Gunnulf's were gone from the village. As for events taking place their father was killed by wolves as were some sheep. The wolves have been taken care of by the temple paladins. Are the twins with your party, " the priest asks looking around the party curiously.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(OOC: Not sure if the religions are compatible, like "night shift-day shift" or if rivalry/enmity is present. Persephone will approach close enough to be polite under the circumstances but allows Salamir & Constance to do the talking)
Persephone doesn't buy the "wolf" story and rolls insight to detect lies.
15
And religion to recognize the purpose of the candles
Persephone focuses on Brother Vaccaro's words and his expression. The priest is clearly lying but his intent seems to be more conservative with village business than being deceptive to be deceptive. A kind of 'mine your own business' type tone and expression. The priest notices Persephone's holy symbol and his eyes narrow slightly before meeting her eyes. He then looks away and composes his expression before looking back to Salamir and Constance to answer his question.
As for the braziers, Persephone thinks they could be a ward of some kind but she isn't totally sure.
Tired as she is, Constance can't keep the confusion from coloring her expression, though she manages not to wince at the use of her title. "Wolves? Indeed? My, that's quite... mundane, isn't it?" She looks sidelong at Salamir and twists her mother of pearl ring back and forth on her gloved finger, a familiar sign indicating her inward skepticism--of puzzle pieces that don't fit together. "Those poor dears. Has their father's body been recovered?"
Trusting those who represent the Gods as far as Alphinius could chuck them (Persephone being the exception), Constance far prefers the reliability of science rather than some Power on High that's High on their Power and, so, takes the priest's words with a grain of salt. They'd been warned that the town was not especially friendly towards outsiders, but there are 16 families here somewhere that asked for their help. They just need to find them.
She addresses the priest once more with an amicable, but sympathetic smile. "And perhaps you could point us in the direction of the Gunnulf's home so we might send our condolences while informing their remaining parent of their children's wellbeing and safety. They'll be arriving later with another of our party."
((OOC - Could Constance also roll to try and determine the purpose of the stinky egg braziers? Either with her alchemical knowledge from her alchemy proficiency or a nature/history check to see if she recalls what creatures they're meant to be used against?))
OOC: Constance can make that check with disadvantage.
"The Gunnulf's farm is just through town to the west of the wall construction," Brother Vaccaro explains gesturing to a wall being constructed but said construct seems to be halted.
What is more visible however is the large stump of an ancient tree that looks recently felled. The old tree that once stood there however looks like it took up a massive amount of space as well as a former position of honor. The way smaller buildings are spread out around it in reverence while the temple of the Dawn Father seems to be built with its back to the former tree literally. The tree stump itself looks like it has something glinting in the low light of the autumn morning at its base. However, the party can't be sure in the low cloud coverage bearly letting the morning light through giving the village a dull gray look.
Brother Vaccaro is still pointing directly at the ancient tree stump towards the direction of the Gunnulf's farm when yet another person comes from the Dawn Father temple. This person however is wearing a set of spotless armor.
"Greetings and well-met travelers," the female paladin exclaims. This woman is nearly a foot taller than Brother Vaccaro with a smiling face and warm tone. "I am high Warden Reeves. How may I direct your business? Or are you here to worship? Our service will begin soon. I was about to have the acolytes ring the bells," they explain giving Brother Vaccaro a sideway glance as the priest nods and then hurries to light the rest of the braziers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(OOC: I'm assuming that relations between the religions are cordial, like Catholics & Episcopalians attending each other's masses, without getting our respective deities angry)
"Good morning and well met to you as well, High Warden Reeves. I'll gladly take you up on the offer of showing respect by attending services tomorrow, but we've ridden all night from a request to help the Gunnulf's. I don't want exhaustion to be taken as insult, for fear of nodding off during the service."
If Constance starts to step on toes (verbally)
"Constance, would you like to continue our discussion of Ovine lycanthropy on the way to the Gunnulf farm?"
Salamir tries not to let his scepticism show to either Brother Vaccaro or High Warden Reeves.
"Well met High Warden Reeves. The twins will indeed be crestfallen at the news their father is confirmed dead. They had held out hope of him being found and returned. They didn't mention temple Paladins, just a village law-bringer. Tell me High Warden Reeves, were you amongst the ones that tracked down the wolves and discovered the body of Mr Gunnulf?".
"My presence is new here. I came as requested not two day ago to this..." Reeves pauses as if weighing their words, "outpost to aid my brethren for the coming festival," the human woman explains. "The Gunnulf have not met me or my companions," she adds gesturing wothout looking as a squad of five other paladins, with less grandiose armor but still well made, approach two remain behind flankingthe party as the other three walk forward to stand with Reeves.
Then at the mention of lycanthropy Reeves looks at her companions and one, a half-orc man with a wicked scar, visiblely grips the hilt of a long sword at their hip. His hand tightens before Reeves' shaking her head makes the half-orc male paladin relax again.
"These travelers have come to aid the village, " Reeves explains to their companions. "See we have heard much about the Gunnulf family from their grandmother. She's now in my care. The twins abandoned their poor elder alone. I guess," she sighs loudly, "in the foolish errand to summoning you here," Reeves explains. One of their companions then lean over and whispers something into Reeves ear. Which calls her gaze to settle on Persephone again. "I'm unfamiliar with your holy symbol," she begins gesturing at it. "As we all know the Dawn Father welcomes all to the warmth of his light regardless of how much they may have strayed, " she adds again smiling broadly almost mechanically at the party. "Everyone in town will attend service, " the woman they says just as the bells of the temple begin to chime.
The noise of the bells do indeed summon the villagers. They begin to come from their homes and businesses to the temple. None however linger to speak. They acknowledge the paladin but not the party as they file into the temple ahead.
"Join us," Reeves says gesturing for the party to come forward as the flanking paladins do not move.
Constance can't quite put her finger on the braizer by smell without investigating them and the physical contents. It's a vaguely familiar scent of sulfur but nothing else quite comes to mind.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Constance's gaze lingers on the downed tree, briefly distracted from the conversation. "In the care of someone that's only just arrived?" she asks, head snapping back towards the High Warden in surprise. "What a shame one of the other families couldn't care for her in the meantime." Again, a twisting of the ring. Back and forth. Back and forth. "And that's a very kind offer, High Warden, but I'm afraid we've our horses to attend to after such a long journey. Beasts that have carried our burden quite a ways." She gestures back to the rest of their party and their horses, hungry and covered in road dust.
Seeing they're all but surrounded, she adds for good measure, "Also, I desperately need to use the loo. Sitting for hours on horseback causes all manner of strife on one's bowels. It's actually quite an interesting medical phenomenon, the effect of travel on one's gastrointestinal system, though dehydration and immobility are largely the main culprits." She smiles pleasantly at the each of the paladins and adjusts her glasses. Nothing disarms people like Too Much Information.
((Can Constance try to get a general read on the villagers as they come through? Emotionless? Any talking amongst themselves, children being children, etc? Or do they seem scared or intimidated by these paladins? Insight: 7, 7 + 2 = 9 (disadv) :cri:
Salamir listens to the High Warden, and tenses slightly as the other paladins appear with two flanking them.
"The village is lucky you have come and removed the threat to their people and flock", he says to High Warden Reeve. "It would be good to speak to the law-bringer and the twin's grandmother so we can assure them the twins are ok. I assume if the whole village attends the service, they will be here?".
He looks to Constance, "Perhaps you can join us once you and Rammand have taken care of things out here?".
"You wouldn't mind them joining a little late under the circumstances, High Warden?".
“Dehydration? Hmm… maybe I could rig a waterskin with some kind of tube… Oh! When dealing with the wolves, did you happen to check where the wolves came from? It’s possible a larger predator pushed them out of their normal hunting grounds. Or something could have effected the aggression centers of their brains to drive them to attacking people instead of dragging off a lone animal.” Rammand pauses for a second before continuing to mutter about his previous thought. “Maybe attach some straps. Then the waterskin could be worn on one’s back…”
Constance has studied a lot but oddly there's a hole on her knowledge of Dawn Father temples and they're construction. She does recall a local lord however (sorry I missed this bit) who might be a little more forthcoming with news of the village's newest additions. Their estate would also be in the same direction as the Gunnulf farm.
After Salamir speaks High Warden Reeves smiles again, perfunctory with little emotion.
"Of course," High Warden Reeve replies to Constance giving her a nod. Then looking at the party adds. "Respite is a given within these walls," she states gesturing at the temple behind her. "You are free to discuss whatever woth whomever you wish...after...the service on your way out," the woman explains to Salamir. The last bit rather pointedly with an emphasis the party's eminent departure as if it were a fact not necessarily an option.
"They were just wolves," the half-orc says to Rammand with a hard look. "Simple superstitious people always think it's something else. It was just wolves," he adds giving Persephone a good look as she passes them going ahead of the party into the temple.
Persephone give me a perception check.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
I got a perception roll w disad of 18 in post 152.
But here's another
10
OOC oops. I'll use the 18 no worries
Once inside the temple Persephone is astonished by the amount of light radiantly illuminates the interior. It shined from the stain glass windows that depict a series of trials and tribulations of the Dawn Father throughout Talamh's history. The interior which seems to beckon to you however is not exactly being admired as much by the locals. They sit spread out over thirty pews with bowed heads as if in prayer. It's an eerie silence that surrounds them, nothing like the temples of your goddess.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Constance meets Salamir's eyes for a long moment, her worry evident only through his familiarity with the wizard. There was a time that she wouldn't have bat an eye at their party separating to tackle different tasks--always a proponent of efficiency over safety.
Not anymore.
Feeling a bit protective as the half-orc eyes Persephone as she passes, the wizard points to him then taps the tip of her nose in an enthusiastic "aha!" "And science is the antidote to the poison of superstition! That's precisely it, Mr..? Forgive me, I didn't catch your names nor where you've come to this provincial locale from?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Persephone tries to make sense of it.
She tries to see if she can recall anything about whether it's normal for dawn worshippers to be silent at dawn.
She looks at the stained glass windows. Do any of them show worshippers singing, or silently kneeling in prayer"
She looks at the pews. Are there any hymnals? Are there any musical instruments (organ, anything?) around?
Hopefully those will give a bonus to her Religion roll ( 15 )
As she sits in the pew and bows her head as they do, she takes a closer look at the worshippers. Do they seem nervous or afraid? Are they giving her side eyes as if they're afraid of her?
Insight 15
both rolls with disad
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Salamir sniffs the air as Constance tells the priest the finer details of their trip in her typically academic manner. He has a quick look around but tries not to appear rude so does not noticeably shift his attention from the priest.
He throws the priest a smile as Constance gets to her introduction, "Introductions do seem like a good place to start, and then you can fill us in on what has been happening since the twins left". Reading the situation he decides not to bow, merely holding out a hand to the priest, "I am Salamir Hawkwinter. Over there we have Eyes in the Dark, Persephone Perianth and Rammand Drunksong. How should we address you sir?".
Passive Perception (if allowed a quick scan): 12
Persuasion (with advantage): (
10, 13)+7=20Salamir doesn't notice anything else particular interesting as the priest sets the torches they're lighting the braziers on the ground as the flame is snuffed out by an arcane motion of their hand.
"Brother Vaccaro," the human says still giving all in the party but Constance a weary look. "Lady Drake," they nod at Constance. "We weren't aware that the Gunnulf's were gone from the village. As for events taking place their father was killed by wolves as were some sheep. The wolves have been taken care of by the temple paladins. Are the twins with your party, " the priest asks looking around the party curiously.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(OOC: Not sure if the religions are compatible, like "night shift-day shift" or if rivalry/enmity is present. Persephone will approach close enough to be polite under the circumstances but allows Salamir & Constance to do the talking)
Persephone doesn't buy the "wolf" story and rolls insight to detect lies.
15
And religion to recognize the purpose of the candles
11
2nd rolls for disadvantage
Insight
21
Religion
20
Persephone focuses on Brother Vaccaro's words and his expression. The priest is clearly lying but his intent seems to be more conservative with village business than being deceptive to be deceptive. A kind of 'mine your own business' type tone and expression. The priest notices Persephone's holy symbol and his eyes narrow slightly before meeting her eyes. He then looks away and composes his expression before looking back to Salamir and Constance to answer his question.
As for the braziers, Persephone thinks they could be a ward of some kind but she isn't totally sure.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Tired as she is, Constance can't keep the confusion from coloring her expression, though she manages not to wince at the use of her title. "Wolves? Indeed? My, that's quite... mundane, isn't it?" She looks sidelong at Salamir and twists her mother of pearl ring back and forth on her gloved finger, a familiar sign indicating her inward skepticism--of puzzle pieces that don't fit together. "Those poor dears. Has their father's body been recovered?"
Trusting those who represent the Gods as far as Alphinius could chuck them (Persephone being the exception), Constance far prefers the reliability of science rather than some Power on High that's High on their Power and, so, takes the priest's words with a grain of salt. They'd been warned that the town was not especially friendly towards outsiders, but there are 16 families here somewhere that asked for their help. They just need to find them.
She addresses the priest once more with an amicable, but sympathetic smile. "And perhaps you could point us in the direction of the Gunnulf's home so we might send our condolences while informing their remaining parent of their children's wellbeing and safety. They'll be arriving later with another of our party."
((OOC - Could Constance also roll to try and determine the purpose of the stinky egg braziers? Either with her alchemical knowledge from her alchemy proficiency or a nature/history check to see if she recalls what creatures they're meant to be used against?))
OOC: Constance can make that check with disadvantage.
"The Gunnulf's farm is just through town to the west of the wall construction," Brother Vaccaro explains gesturing to a wall being constructed but said construct seems to be halted.
What is more visible however is the large stump of an ancient tree that looks recently felled. The old tree that once stood there however looks like it took up a massive amount of space as well as a former position of honor. The way smaller buildings are spread out around it in reverence while the temple of the Dawn Father seems to be built with its back to the former tree literally. The tree stump itself looks like it has something glinting in the low light of the autumn morning at its base. However, the party can't be sure in the low cloud coverage bearly letting the morning light through giving the village a dull gray look.
Brother Vaccaro is still pointing directly at the ancient tree stump towards the direction of the Gunnulf's farm when yet another person comes from the Dawn Father temple. This person however is wearing a set of spotless armor.
"Greetings and well-met travelers," the female paladin exclaims. This woman is nearly a foot taller than Brother Vaccaro with a smiling face and warm tone. "I am high Warden Reeves. How may I direct your business? Or are you here to worship? Our service will begin soon. I was about to have the acolytes ring the bells," they explain giving Brother Vaccaro a sideway glance as the priest nods and then hurries to light the rest of the braziers.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
((OOC - Arcana: 12 at disadv))
(OOC: I'm assuming that relations between the religions are cordial, like Catholics & Episcopalians attending each other's masses, without getting our respective deities angry)
"Good morning and well met to you as well, High Warden Reeves. I'll gladly take you up on the offer of showing respect by attending services tomorrow, but we've ridden all night from a request to help the Gunnulf's. I don't want exhaustion to be taken as insult, for fear of nodding off during the service."
If Constance starts to step on toes (verbally)
"Constance, would you like to continue our discussion of Ovine lycanthropy on the way to the Gunnulf farm?"
Salamir tries not to let his scepticism show to either Brother Vaccaro or High Warden Reeves.
"Well met High Warden Reeves. The twins will indeed be crestfallen at the news their father is confirmed dead. They had held out hope of him being found and returned. They didn't mention temple Paladins, just a village law-bringer. Tell me High Warden Reeves, were you amongst the ones that tracked down the wolves and discovered the body of Mr Gunnulf?".
"My presence is new here. I came as requested not two day ago to this..." Reeves pauses as if weighing their words, "outpost to aid my brethren for the coming festival," the human woman explains. "The Gunnulf have not met me or my companions," she adds gesturing wothout looking as a squad of five other paladins, with less grandiose armor but still well made, approach two remain behind flankingthe party as the other three walk forward to stand with Reeves.
Then at the mention of lycanthropy Reeves looks at her companions and one, a half-orc man with a wicked scar, visiblely grips the hilt of a long sword at their hip. His hand tightens before Reeves' shaking her head makes the half-orc male paladin relax again.
"These travelers have come to aid the village, " Reeves explains to their companions. "See we have heard much about the Gunnulf family from their grandmother. She's now in my care. The twins abandoned their poor elder alone. I guess," she sighs loudly, "in the foolish errand to summoning you here," Reeves explains. One of their companions then lean over and whispers something into Reeves ear. Which calls her gaze to settle on Persephone again. "I'm unfamiliar with your holy symbol," she begins gesturing at it. "As we all know the Dawn Father welcomes all to the warmth of his light regardless of how much they may have strayed, " she adds again smiling broadly almost mechanically at the party. "Everyone in town will attend service, " the woman they says just as the bells of the temple begin to chime.
The noise of the bells do indeed summon the villagers. They begin to come from their homes and businesses to the temple. None however linger to speak. They acknowledge the paladin but not the party as they file into the temple ahead.
"Join us," Reeves says gesturing for the party to come forward as the flanking paladins do not move.
Constance can't quite put her finger on the braizer by smell without investigating them and the physical contents. It's a vaguely familiar scent of sulfur but nothing else quite comes to mind.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"The Lady of the Moon, Sehaine. We're good. You might say night shift to your day shift."
Suspecting a veiled threat, Persephone enters the temple but remains vuligilant as something seems off.
Perception (disad): 18
Constance's gaze lingers on the downed tree, briefly distracted from the conversation. "In the care of someone that's only just arrived?" she asks, head snapping back towards the High Warden in surprise. "What a shame one of the other families couldn't care for her in the meantime." Again, a twisting of the ring. Back and forth. Back and forth. "And that's a very kind offer, High Warden, but I'm afraid we've our horses to attend to after such a long journey. Beasts that have carried our burden quite a ways." She gestures back to the rest of their party and their horses, hungry and covered in road dust.
Seeing they're all but surrounded, she adds for good measure, "Also, I desperately need to use the loo. Sitting for hours on horseback causes all manner of strife on one's bowels. It's actually quite an interesting medical phenomenon, the effect of travel on one's gastrointestinal system, though dehydration and immobility are largely the main culprits." She smiles pleasantly at the each of the paladins and adjusts her glasses. Nothing disarms people like Too Much Information.
((Can Constance try to get a general read on the villagers as they come through? Emotionless? Any talking amongst themselves, children being children, etc? Or do they seem scared or intimidated by these paladins? Insight: 7,
7+ 2 = 9 (disadv) :cri:And does the temple look like it's newly built?))
Salamir listens to the High Warden, and tenses slightly as the other paladins appear with two flanking them.
"The village is lucky you have come and removed the threat to their people and flock", he says to High Warden Reeve. "It would be good to speak to the law-bringer and the twin's grandmother so we can assure them the twins are ok. I assume if the whole village attends the service, they will be here?".
He looks to Constance, "Perhaps you can join us once you and Rammand have taken care of things out here?".
"You wouldn't mind them joining a little late under the circumstances, High Warden?".
Persuasion: 18+7=25
“Dehydration? Hmm… maybe I could rig a waterskin with some kind of tube… Oh! When dealing with the wolves, did you happen to check where the wolves came from? It’s possible a larger predator pushed them out of their normal hunting grounds. Or something could have effected the aggression centers of their brains to drive them to attacking people instead of dragging off a lone animal.” Rammand pauses for a second before continuing to mutter about his previous thought. “Maybe attach some straps. Then the waterskin could be worn on one’s back…”
Constance has studied a lot but oddly there's a hole on her knowledge of Dawn Father temples and they're construction. She does recall a local lord however (sorry I missed this bit) who might be a little more forthcoming with news of the village's newest additions. Their estate would also be in the same direction as the Gunnulf farm.
After Salamir speaks High Warden Reeves smiles again, perfunctory with little emotion.
"Of course," High Warden Reeve replies to Constance giving her a nod. Then looking at the party adds. "Respite is a given within these walls," she states gesturing at the temple behind her. "You are free to discuss whatever woth whomever you wish...after...the service on your way out," the woman explains to Salamir. The last bit rather pointedly with an emphasis the party's eminent departure as if it were a fact not necessarily an option.
"They were just wolves," the half-orc says to Rammand with a hard look. "Simple superstitious people always think it's something else. It was just wolves," he adds giving Persephone a good look as she passes them going ahead of the party into the temple.
Persephone give me a perception check.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
I got a perception roll w disad of 18 in post 152.
But here's another
10
OOC oops. I'll use the 18 no worries
Once inside the temple Persephone is astonished by the amount of light radiantly illuminates the interior. It shined from the stain glass windows that depict a series of trials and tribulations of the Dawn Father throughout Talamh's history. The interior which seems to beckon to you however is not exactly being admired as much by the locals. They sit spread out over thirty pews with bowed heads as if in prayer. It's an eerie silence that surrounds them, nothing like the temples of your goddess.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Constance meets Salamir's eyes for a long moment, her worry evident only through his familiarity with the wizard. There was a time that she wouldn't have bat an eye at their party separating to tackle different tasks--always a proponent of efficiency over safety.
Not anymore.
Feeling a bit protective as the half-orc eyes Persephone as she passes, the wizard points to him then taps the tip of her nose in an enthusiastic "aha!" "And science is the antidote to the poison of superstition! That's precisely it, Mr..? Forgive me, I didn't catch your names nor where you've come to this provincial locale from?"
Persephone tries to make sense of it.
She tries to see if she can recall anything about whether it's normal for dawn worshippers to be silent at dawn.
She looks at the stained glass windows. Do any of them show worshippers singing, or silently kneeling in prayer"
She looks at the pews. Are there any hymnals? Are there any musical instruments (organ, anything?) around?
Hopefully those will give a bonus to her Religion roll ( 15 )
As she sits in the pew and bows her head as they do, she takes a closer look at the worshippers. Do they seem nervous or afraid? Are they giving her side eyes as if they're afraid of her?
Insight 15
both rolls with disad