Reboot The Universe

(Given ritual casting takes 10 additional minutes, I'll wait to see if anyone else wants to say/do anything whilst here.)

Ankor finally is able to get his boots off and enter the building, while the conversations between the priest, Zack, and Tefake take place. Ankor walks into the center of the chapel gets down on one knee bows his head and says a quick prayer with respect to this house of worship,  While Zack is examining the lanterns Ankor speaks up.  "Teachings are important to keep the tradition alive, How has this lesson of making these lanterns been lost? There surely is a story behind it, also what god does this house serve?  

Though confused by the boots request, Tefkae too had followed suit, if only to better look into the interior. And while tempted to follow in Zack's footsteps upon noting his interest, the warforged stopped partway to observe and listen to Ankor and the Priest for the time being.

Not sure if dogs are permitted inside, Victoria stays at the door... unless told otherwise.

Sailor the dog wants in apparently, possibly smelling something he enjoys, and the priest doesn't seem to mind the dog.

"There is only the tales of the origins of the lanterns." The priest mentions. "They are said the knowledge was gifted to the one who first became The Priest of this town. However, it is unknown why this information was lost during the generations." The priest lets out a chesty cough. "The Scholar is charged with the keeping of the records, and may have some information. However, The Scholar is also always sleeping on the job." The priest comments with a hint of bitterness. "This recently appointed scholar is clever, yes, but also a layabout."

Zack:

Zack notes these down in a part of his notebook. He says to the priest, "Does these phrases mean anything to you?" Zack then reads off the phrases he got from Comprehend Languages.

Victoria goes on inside then, holding on to sailor so he doesn't get into anything. "This is all very weird magic" 

Upon Zack's inquiry, The Priest nods his head. "Aye, this one is well known." The elderly man's finger points to one of the lines.

Devoted to Light

"This is part of the oath to the light that the guard swear upon accepting the role." The Priest informs the group. "My memory's not quite what it once was, but I think I can remember it all."

I am One Devoted to Light
I shall bear the Lantern's Flame
I will raise my blade and fight
I shall defend for neither wealth nor fame

We are the Guards, Defenders in Arms
We will Protect in Life to our Death
We are the Shield, We will take the Harm
We fight off the Wrong 'til our Last Breath

Zack raises an eyebrow and says, "Okay... then what do the other phrases mean then? Especially about the ones about being Lost in Faith and Eternity in Mists. Those sound like they're important."

(If anyone wants to make a Wisdom (Insight) check, or a flat Intelligence check, they may feel free to make either/or)

Tefkae's Insight: 11.

"Bear the Lantern's Flame... This is starting to remind me of the Silver Flame, and their devotion, to an extent. Which-..." She pauses there, and for a time began pacing back and forth, rubbing her chin plate in deep thought. Occasionally she'd offhandedly say things like "That explains the remains..." and "Is a sacrifice then required..." among other tidbits. There are times she seems to speak in another language altogether. Though even if Zack still had the spell going, the string of words spoken are a jumbled knot.

"Beyond being a layabout, is there more you can tell us about the current Scholar? Specifically, what notable interest have been known compel more fervent action in the individual. In addition, can you recall any passages containing the word color?"

Tefkae:

 "I shouldn't speak low of the others in this town." The Priest mentions, shaking his head. "It is not my role to judge such things. My role is to ensure the flame is never snuffed and that the light is spiritually strong to ensure the sanctity of this town." The Priest coughs again for a moment. "The scholar... she accepted the role not long ago, but has barely appeared from the home appointed to her role." He then scratches his scalp, his hand brushing through his wispy white hair. "I can't say I am familiar with that word, but perhaps The Scholar would know more."

Sailor wriggles in Victoria's arms, seemingly wanting to go and sniff the priest. Maybe the incense makes him smell interesting.

There is a knock on the door to the chapel, as it opens a few seconds later. The guard captain from yesterday steps in. "Priest, I, oh." He notes the party. "I didn't know you were busy in service, apologies."

The Priest shakes his head. "It is all well, Captain, please." The Guard Captain closes the door behind himself, wiping his feet before beginning to untie the boots. "How may I aid you today?"

"It is the usual, Priest." He mentions, bringing out his longsword and holding it out. "It has seen battle, so it should be cleansed."

The Priest looks to the party. "This is part of my role as The Priest." He explains. "Though dedication to The Light, I purify what has been touched by that which dwells in the mists."

"Most curious. Most curious indeed." The Living Construct mutters at one pause or another, but remained otherwise content to just listen. Even the guard captain's intrusion simply warranted attention over interruption. But unless the Priest cleansing of the blade wasn't all that an involved process, they wait until the end in advance of speaking up to both captain and priest. "Besides the Hunter, The Mayor, The Scholar, and Yourselves, are there any other notable... beings of interest in town. One's whose duties, in fact, might in someway be closely associated with your own duties, if albeit indirectly? Such as Smith, a Caretaker, or so forth?" They asked curiously after having folding their hands behind themselves.

"My reason for inquiry, in case you were curious, might help illuminate a possible avenue for creating more lanterns."

Zack adds, "On the topic of the lanterns, does anyone have the Identify spell? It might be worth casting it on this lantern to gleam what kind of magic is at play."

The Priest has taken the blade and headed over to the altar, speaking words in a language unknown to any of the group. He raises the blade up and to the altar, straining to get onto his knees as he prays at the altar, the lights of the lanterns glowing and getting somewhat brighter at the moment.

"We have The Blacksmith and there's also an apprentice." The Guard Captain mentions. "Everyone receives a role when they are of age."

Wait shouldn't Zack be able to understand the language since Comprehend Languages lasts for an hour?

Ah yes, good point. Forgot it lasted so long.

Zack:

"I do not have such a device prepared at the time. And unfortunately, it will take a great of it to re-purpose my current  devices to for such a function." Tefkae replied to Zack. "In the future, I will endeavor to keep that one prepared for such occasions." She then turns back on the Guard Captain. "Understood. That makes... six, possibly even seven so far.  If no other comes to mind, then perhaps the Inn Keeper or Tavern Owner are the eighth." They say mysteriously while thumbing their chin. "In any case, we have tarried here long enough. If noone else have inquires to make, then the scholar should be next on the agenda.However, if at this point people wish to divide into groups, I... would concur."

Zack says, "I second the motion to visit the Scholar next. However, I still think we should stick together. Strength in numbers and all that."

The Priest finishes his prayer, there is a flare of white light as fire flows from the two lanterns, The flames flow over the hands and blade of The Priest, then return to within the lanterns. He turns and passes the blade back to The Guard Captain, his hands unharmed by the flames.

"Well, as The Guard Captain, it would be in my role to escort you there should you so desire." The guard captain offers to the group, thanking the priest for his service.