Ferdinand climbs down from the tower rather gracefully. Meanwhile, Bala gets up, with his injuries not being severe. With Ferdinand's and Gedyr's suggestion having no immediate opposition, the party sets out for the Temple of the Old Finch, it being, indeed, within the walls of the town. The old man says farewell to the group:
"If you need any more chit-chat, or if you find yourself in need of any herbs, medicinal or... otherwise, my shop is over the road, here". He points at a larger building nearby. "And the name is Tilor. it was nice meeting you, as my day got quite a bit more interesting thanks to you. Now, take care, and don't climb steep buildings" He chuckles, walking towards his shop.
The road towards the Oldfinch is not particularly long, even if it is twice as long as that from Girael's retreat to the Thornhall was. Chilton is, thankfully, quite small. The temple is almost entirely wooden, having pink, shingled roofing, and its chimney being the only stone-made part. It does not betray the sort of luxuries that one can see in churches that adorn larger towns and cities. There are no guards or the like outside, so you walk in unopposed.
The interior is rather austere as well, with several icons of saints who you do not recognize hanging from the walls. In the middle of the back wall, there is an icon of a rather elderly woman, who you assume must be the titular Old Finch. The temple is lit via candles, though most of them are put out, with only a couple of them being alight, and the lighting mostly coming from the open door and windows. There are several rows of benches inside, with a couple of people sitting upon them, clearly praying. The only person who resembles a priest is a slightly severe-looking old man with a very long, white beard and a round hat upon his head. He looks like this:
He notices you, clearly not knowing who you are. So, he approaches you, performs a ritualistic blessing towards you, and speaks up:
"Welcome to the Temple of Saint Layla, also known as the Old Finch. We always greet newcomers with open arms. Are you, perchance, here to join our congregation?"
„We are not unfortunatly. We wanted to do some research about the wizard that once lived in town. We heard that it is impossible to get into the tower and that many have tried before. So we wanted to try our own luck.“
The priest deflates slightly, clearly disappointed: "Oh, that would be Mithras. He's one of our founders, along with Saint Layla. He died a long time ago, though, and his ashes are kept here".
The priest walks you towards a wall, in which an alcove is carved out. There are iron bars separating the inside of the alcove to the outside of it, as if to deter people from putting their hands inside. Within this alcove, there is a bronze urn, which does not look like much and has no real decorations, fitting for the church it resides in.
"That is what remains of him, after his cremation. As for his tower, yes, it became inaccessible, unfortunately, as Mithras did not bother to include a door. The man was quite good to the town and its denizens, but, between you and me, he was also very much full of himself. Calling his house the "Mithraeum", for example, that is frankly arrogant. And the lack of a door was also not the nicest of moves. It was assumed that there would have been a "back door" of sorts into the tower, but none was found after his death. At least none that the adventurers and their ilk found. I have my guesses, but that is just speculation... Why the interest in Mithras, anyway?"
Ferdinand tries too hard to hide that he is lying, which makes the priest slightly confused, but does not tip him off to the lie.
(OOC: I like to use the rule, that if the insight check performed by an NPC does not produce more than 10+Charisma Modifier of the target, I do not even ask the players to roll for deception. Catching someone in the lie, it it is non-obvious and non-outrageous, should be a difficult thing, so a 10 on the insight check or the like should not usually mean that I have a serious chance of realizing I am being lied to. So, Thanks to his high charisma, Ferdinand did not need to roll deception. And next time, take the win if you get one, don't tempt fate :D)
Then, turning to Gedyr, Father Odo speaks, quite cautiously: "Well, this might all be ramblings of a senile old man, but my grandfather, who, in his youth, used to squire for Mithras, swore that he saw some items that were left within the Mithraeum upon the wizard's death, being used by the Barons and their men, well after Mithras had died. That means, that the Baron, or, at least, the current one's grandfather and great grandfather, knew how to access the tower. Also, it would make sense, why nobody else could go in - The protective spells are still extremely powerful, it's just that there is a back door, which only the Baron knows how to find. Though I would rather not talk about the Baron, as, when I was a child, my mother told me, that if I could not say anything nice about someone, I should say nothing. So I never really say anything about the Baron".
Bala takes an arrow from his quiver and hands it up to Odo. "Don't say anything, then. Just tap the pointy bit where you'd like that arrow ending up in the Baron."
"My Feline friend there is perhaps a bit aggressive, but the truth is we are not friends of the Baron." Gedyr will try to speak quietly as to not attract attention. " We are indeed looking for a stolen item. It is important for us to get into the Mithraeum now. Did the Baron return here recently? Did you perhaps see where he went?"
Father Odo pales at Bala's actions, quite visibly scared of the violent implications. After all, he's just a priest and, unlike Brother Girael, that means the non-magical variety. He composes himself and returns the arrow to Bala. He says:
"I am sorry, I am a priest of the Light, I cannot condone murder, whoever it may be regarding. Moreover, I am a citizen of Chilton, meaning that I cannot go against its lord, the Baron".
Then, he thinks a bit more, clearly calming fully, and continues:
"Considering what I have said, I cannot offer you any aid. I cannot tell you, that, if the Baron does indeed possess a way into the Mithraeum, he will never admit it, as such a thing will be proof of him and his ancestors hoarding extremely powerful magics that do not belong to them, which is a major crime and could see him removed from power, especially with how bad his relationship with the Count has become. I also cannot tell you, that, if you wanted to act against the Baron, you would be able to find allies in the town. Of course, I am also unable to explain, that these prospective allies include Egris, the highly respected local blacksmith, whose husband "disappeared" recently, Kumaglak, the owner of the Sweet Pine Inn, whose brother was killed about a year ago on some trumped-up charges, and Portmaster Hadred, Who feels about our feudal laws and customs very strongly, and, therefore, considers the Baron siding with the Duke against the Count a form of high treason, which is, essentially, true. Finally, I will most definitely not be able to tell you, that you should steer away from the RIver's Welcome, the other and far larger inn of the town, as it is often frequented by the Baron's men and, rumors say, is used as an illegal detention and execution center, exclusively for the Baron's enemies. In light of my inability of saying all these things, I am afraid there is nothing else I can do for you. Farewell, and may you walk with the Light".
As Odo kept speaking, somehow, Bala's toothy grin got wider and wider, to the point where it almost took up half his face. When the priest says farewell, Bala gives him a two-fingered salute. "I like you."
The priest first responds to Bala: "I cannot say, that I share the sentiment, yet I do indeed". Then, he catches the gold piece and puts it in the Tithe Box, saying "The temple thanks you for your offering to the Light". He nods to you, and goes inside his room within the church. You notice that the other two people that were praying have left as well, which means you are left alone within the temple, giving you all a chance to converse and decide what to do next.
Bala is certain that Father Odo was lying in saying he could not tell them the information he provided. Besides that obvious bit, however, the priest was being entirely honest.
Gedyr stops Ferdinand and redirects him.... "No, it's inside the wall, near the river."
Ferdinand climbs down from the tower rather gracefully. Meanwhile, Bala gets up, with his injuries not being severe. With Ferdinand's and Gedyr's suggestion having no immediate opposition, the party sets out for the Temple of the Old Finch, it being, indeed, within the walls of the town. The old man says farewell to the group:
"If you need any more chit-chat, or if you find yourself in need of any herbs, medicinal or... otherwise, my shop is over the road, here". He points at a larger building nearby. "And the name is Tilor. it was nice meeting you, as my day got quite a bit more interesting thanks to you. Now, take care, and don't climb steep buildings" He chuckles, walking towards his shop.
The road towards the Oldfinch is not particularly long, even if it is twice as long as that from Girael's retreat to the Thornhall was. Chilton is, thankfully, quite small. The temple is almost entirely wooden, having pink, shingled roofing, and its chimney being the only stone-made part. It does not betray the sort of luxuries that one can see in churches that adorn larger towns and cities. There are no guards or the like outside, so you walk in unopposed.
The interior is rather austere as well, with several icons of saints who you do not recognize hanging from the walls. In the middle of the back wall, there is an icon of a rather elderly woman, who you assume must be the titular Old Finch. The temple is lit via candles, though most of them are put out, with only a couple of them being alight, and the lighting mostly coming from the open door and windows. There are several rows of benches inside, with a couple of people sitting upon them, clearly praying. The only person who resembles a priest is a slightly severe-looking old man with a very long, white beard and a round hat upon his head. He looks like this:
He notices you, clearly not knowing who you are. So, he approaches you, performs a ritualistic blessing towards you, and speaks up:
"Welcome to the Temple of Saint Layla, also known as the Old Finch. We always greet newcomers with open arms. Are you, perchance, here to join our congregation?"
„Oh thats on me. I thought we were talking about the temple putside of town“
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
„We are not unfortunatly. We wanted to do some research about the wizard that once lived in town. We heard that it is impossible to get into the tower and that many have tried before. So we wanted to try our own luck.“
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
The priest deflates slightly, clearly disappointed: "Oh, that would be Mithras. He's one of our founders, along with Saint Layla. He died a long time ago, though, and his ashes are kept here".
The priest walks you towards a wall, in which an alcove is carved out. There are iron bars separating the inside of the alcove to the outside of it, as if to deter people from putting their hands inside. Within this alcove, there is a bronze urn, which does not look like much and has no real decorations, fitting for the church it resides in.
"That is what remains of him, after his cremation. As for his tower, yes, it became inaccessible, unfortunately, as Mithras did not bother to include a door. The man was quite good to the town and its denizens, but, between you and me, he was also very much full of himself. Calling his house the "Mithraeum", for example, that is frankly arrogant. And the lack of a door was also not the nicest of moves. It was assumed that there would have been a "back door" of sorts into the tower, but none was found after his death. At least none that the adventurers and their ilk found. I have my guesses, but that is just speculation... Why the interest in Mithras, anyway?"
„we have a little bet going with some friends. And we dont want to loose that.“
ferdinand makes an insight check to find out if the priest is lying: 18
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Ferdinand is quite sure, that the priest is being honest, if a bit short with providing additional information.
Father Odo's Insight check - 13
On the other hand, the priest seems not to have realized that Ferdinand just lied to him.
Id like to argue that ferdinand should make a deception check: 6
doesent matter anyways
that was a back to back nat 20 followed short by a nat 1
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
"What is it you speculate good sir?"
Ferdinand tries too hard to hide that he is lying, which makes the priest slightly confused, but does not tip him off to the lie.
(OOC: I like to use the rule, that if the insight check performed by an NPC does not produce more than 10+Charisma Modifier of the target, I do not even ask the players to roll for deception. Catching someone in the lie, it it is non-obvious and non-outrageous, should be a difficult thing, so a 10 on the insight check or the like should not usually mean that I have a serious chance of realizing I am being lied to. So, Thanks to his high charisma, Ferdinand did not need to roll deception. And next time, take the win if you get one, don't tempt fate :D)
Then, turning to Gedyr, Father Odo speaks, quite cautiously: "Well, this might all be ramblings of a senile old man, but my grandfather, who, in his youth, used to squire for Mithras, swore that he saw some items that were left within the Mithraeum upon the wizard's death, being used by the Barons and their men, well after Mithras had died. That means, that the Baron, or, at least, the current one's grandfather and great grandfather, knew how to access the tower. Also, it would make sense, why nobody else could go in - The protective spells are still extremely powerful, it's just that there is a back door, which only the Baron knows how to find. Though I would rather not talk about the Baron, as, when I was a child, my mother told me, that if I could not say anything nice about someone, I should say nothing. So I never really say anything about the Baron".
Bala takes an arrow from his quiver and hands it up to Odo. "Don't say anything, then. Just tap the pointy bit where you'd like that arrow ending up in the Baron."
"My Feline friend there is perhaps a bit aggressive, but the truth is we are not friends of the Baron." Gedyr will try to speak quietly as to not attract attention. " We are indeed looking for a stolen item. It is important for us to get into the Mithraeum now. Did the Baron return here recently? Did you perhaps see where he went?"
Father Odo pales at Bala's actions, quite visibly scared of the violent implications. After all, he's just a priest and, unlike Brother Girael, that means the non-magical variety. He composes himself and returns the arrow to Bala. He says:
"I am sorry, I am a priest of the Light, I cannot condone murder, whoever it may be regarding. Moreover, I am a citizen of Chilton, meaning that I cannot go against its lord, the Baron".
Then, he thinks a bit more, clearly calming fully, and continues:
"Considering what I have said, I cannot offer you any aid. I cannot tell you, that, if the Baron does indeed possess a way into the Mithraeum, he will never admit it, as such a thing will be proof of him and his ancestors hoarding extremely powerful magics that do not belong to them, which is a major crime and could see him removed from power, especially with how bad his relationship with the Count has become. I also cannot tell you, that, if you wanted to act against the Baron, you would be able to find allies in the town. Of course, I am also unable to explain, that these prospective allies include Egris, the highly respected local blacksmith, whose husband "disappeared" recently, Kumaglak, the owner of the Sweet Pine Inn, whose brother was killed about a year ago on some trumped-up charges, and Portmaster Hadred, Who feels about our feudal laws and customs very strongly, and, therefore, considers the Baron siding with the Duke against the Count a form of high treason, which is, essentially, true. Finally, I will most definitely not be able to tell you, that you should steer away from the RIver's Welcome, the other and far larger inn of the town, as it is often frequented by the Baron's men and, rumors say, is used as an illegal detention and execution center, exclusively for the Baron's enemies. In light of my inability of saying all these things, I am afraid there is nothing else I can do for you. Farewell, and may you walk with the Light".
As Odo kept speaking, somehow, Bala's toothy grin got wider and wider, to the point where it almost took up half his face. When the priest says farewell, Bala gives him a two-fingered salute. "I like you."
„Its a shame you cant help us. But i thank you none the less.“ ferdinand throws the priest a gold piece.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
The priest first responds to Bala: "I cannot say, that I share the sentiment, yet I do indeed". Then, he catches the gold piece and puts it in the Tithe Box, saying "The temple thanks you for your offering to the Light". He nods to you, and goes inside his room within the church. You notice that the other two people that were praying have left as well, which means you are left alone within the temple, giving you all a chance to converse and decide what to do next.
„I still think its a good idea to go to the temple out of town. Thurzon also doesent want to talk unless i am there“
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Bala shrugs. "Sure, why not. I'd say we got enough info to pull this off."
Insight on Odo: 5
Bala is certain that Father Odo was lying in saying he could not tell them the information he provided. Besides that obvious bit, however, the priest was being entirely honest.
Dihek'nir says, "To be honest, I feel like murdering a whole bunch of them."
"But lets start with the temple even if we just get it over with and can focus on the main task."
When they move about town, Dihek'nir will try to count the number of Baron's men they come across as well as try to estimate their total number.