This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jubal gave a friendly smile as Cailee approached, but then furrowed his brow as she started describing her experience and he read the parchment. He thought for a moment, and only noticed Xinq's presence when a sudden realization came to him and he quickly stood up. Catching himself, he started putting away his writings, but slowly and deliberately, so as to not cause alarm.
"I have no reason to doubt what you say, Cailee, so I will take you at your word." The bard spoke slowly, choosing his words with care.
"However, those words you heard are concerning. I suspect that the quarrel we saw among the elders is just a hint at the sorts of conflict headed this way."
He then turned to face Cailee directly. "Moreover... the proclamation was directed toward you, specifically. I have to wonder--" He cut himself off before speaking what he thought. The implications were profound; he didn't want to be reckless with his speech. Instead, he switched gears. "How well do you trust the elders here?"
@DM:
Jubal suspects that there will be a war, centered in part on the shrine they found, and that Cailee has been deemed the new warden charged with protecting it. Should I make a Religion or History roll to see if these thoughts seem sound? Just in case:
Jubal, based on what he's heard and learned so far, would...
find that his thoughts are very inline with what he'd expect. The fact that many of these shrines have been left unguarded seems not to be the will of the god Lugh and more from apathy and disinterest from his followers. Jubal understands that these shrines are very important to the faith though he isn't quite sure why. It seems that the shrine is a central part of protecting life in some form or another. He's not quite sure who is on what side in this war that's approaching.
Vallen looks at the tunes and taps his chin, “Very interesting...” he spoke to himself, he would then exit the shrine to find the others of his party. Hoping one of them might be able to assist with dispelling the runes.
Vallen begins to retrace his steps back toward where he had been before but doesn't find any of his companions. They all seem to have gone elsewhere. He finds himself outside of the elder's chamber where he can hear the elders yelling rather loudly at each other.
Vallen hears...
"If the relics are gone. Why are all of us still here? We should be out looking for them!"
"They're not ready yet. They haven't learned the ways."
"We don't have time for rituals. If the Godsbanes are missing, it's only a matter of time before they gain their full power."
"The only one we have to worry about is Shamara. She seeks the complete power over death. We can't let her get her necklace back."
"How did they get into the shrine in the first place? I thought that the runes had been disabled?"
"A mortal cracked the code and shifted the runes. I think she was helping him. She knew she couldn't come here herself."
"You're telling me a mortal broke into the chamber of the gods and just... just stole the artifacts? And then they just left? That's impossible. That area is guarded by your most senior monks!
"Like I said. She helped him. I found my monks dead several days ago when the artifacts went missing."
"And you're just now telling us about this? You didn't think we needed to know this?"
"The monks aren't ready yet. Merveille has not woken. Only then can we hunt down the artifacts. We can't rush into this or we'll lose everyone."
"If we don't address this issue, we'll lose this entire world along with all the living creatures on it. You pray to your god, we have work to do."
Vallen came to a dead stop as he heard the yelling and listened to the conversation. His head swirling once more with what he heard, "Worry about Shamara? Power over death? Merveille has not woken?" He shook his head, overwhelmed by this information. He debated for a moment pushing into the chambers, his hand moving to rest on the door, before he would pull it back and once more seek the others, preferably Cailee if he could find her.
Vallen wanders the hallways looking for his companions until he finally talks to a monk that says they believe there were guests in the library. She escorts you there and you find several of your companions gathered around including Cailee.
Vallen walks up to the group of his companions gathered giving them a quick bow, "Ah there you all are... I need to speak you with all... though I believe Cailee will be of the most help..." He looks about the library to see if there are others present, "And preferably where there are less ears to hear..." He whispers to the group, his face having a tinge of worry on it.
The library seems to have emptied of the other monks present. Jubal, Xinq, Cailee, and Vallen are all that are left in the large chamber of books and tomes.
Your time within this monastery has provided you with insights into the world and even more important into yourself. You've studied, conversed, and sought to understand the world around you. It is through these actions that you've become stronger yourself.
[Good morning everyone! You will find that an additional class has been added to your character sheets. This is a boon that has been granted to you by your time here in the monastery. You do not need to use any of the abilities or spells granted by the class if you do not wish to. This will not affect your future opportunities at level progression either. Please make sure to take any perks the class affords you and make sure to add the spells you can learn as well. Let me know if you have any questions. The class was chosen based on your actions within the monastery as well as what classes were available based on your attributes. Hope you enjoy this gift :)
I believe that we are down to 6 players now in the campaign which is right around the sweet spot I've found for pbp. I promise that combat will be coming soon so long as you all don't just completely avoid it like you've been able to do so far lol. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm hoping that this group has found some answers to questions they may have had here in the monastery and I'm hoping it provides a bit of direction on where the story is heading.]
Vallen would speak seeing the library clear of people in a hushed tone explaining what he heard from the elders. “I also took sometime praying at the Merveille shrine. While there I felt something call to me deep from inside the monastery. It was calling for help, almost like a wounded animal.” He looks about the library once more, “As result of trying to look for an way to whatever it was, I found there are runes on the shrine, I think for protection, I’m not sure but I think if we could dispell it... could help us find what needs help.”
Cailee pondered for a moment. She felt that the elders were still shrouded in mystery for her, despite spending so much time at the monastery, and hadn't even thought of whether she trusted them or not. Perhaps she thought that she shouldn't question her trust in the elders, or that she never had a reason until now to distrust them. Of course, she admittedly had a preference for the elders of Lugh, but had no ill will toward the elders of Merveille either. Regardless of how she had felt before, she knew that the elders were fallible mortals and had the capacity to make mistakes just the same as herself.
Finally, she answered Jubal. "I'm not sure, but this last meeting with the elders was certainly troubling. Why do you ask?"
When Vallen approached and told of the events he had experienced, Cailee cupped her fist in her hand, as though she had came to a revelation. "I also heard a voice call to me at the shrine of Lugh. This can't be a coincidence, right?"
Valynciapulled away from the tree shaking her head. She wasn't sure what the true nature of this apparent ritual before her was, but she began to feel uncomfortable with it. She turned around and made her way back into the monastery, intent on looking for the others. She began heading towards the Lugh shrine once more. As she walked the halls she stopped for a moment leaning against a wall. A strange feeling coming over her, like the pressure of a powerful presence coming over her. She found herself breathing heavy and could feel things shifting around her, the wind swirling around her, the scent of earth filling her nose, the sound of wild creatures running in the far distance. She shook her head once more and the sensations went away, to the point that she was left wondering if they even happened at all. Something felt different but she wasn't sure what it was.
After a moment she decided to put those thoughts away and continued searching for her friends. Eventually she would seek the help of a monk to direct her to the others.
Once she found them she would call out to them, "It seems the storm is passed. At least the worst of it. We can make our way back to town as soon as everyone is ready to leave."
After a bit of time Valyncia finds most of the others in the Library gathered in a small group discussing something. She relays that the storm has passed but the other seems rather engrossed in conversation around a table.
"Cailee," began the bard, still speaking at a lower volume than usual. "I think you have a larger part to play in this than perhaps any of us. It appears as if Lugh has chosen YOU to be the next warden to protect the shrines. If you trust the elders, then perhaps they can help explain your role in all this. If you don't--then I'd suggest we keep this to ourselves."
He paused a bit, not at all envying her position, but feeling a need to help out however possible. "For what it's worth, I'm not sure there's a right answer here. I'd support whichever choice you made."
Jubal turned to Vallen. "Your experience strengthens my belief. In fact, if Cailee is to be the next shrine warden, then it would make sense for the local shrine to be the one of particular importance."
It took a moment to register that Valyncia had approached and made a statement. Still somewhat engrossed in thought, Jubal could only nod. Things seemed to be getting bigger than they could handle--or at least so deep that the only thing he could really add further would be speculation. He turned to the others, eager to hear their thoughts now that he'd laid his out.
Valyncia quickly notices the way everyone is engrossed in their conversation, and quite a serious one at that given their expressions. She moves closer to listen in as she tries to understand why everyone is so concerned. As she listens to Jubal provide his thoughts a look of surprise passes over her face.
"Cailee has been chosen to be a warden?!" she whispers harshly, caught between trying to remain quiet and wanting to exclaim loudly due to the shock, "Sorry, I seem to have missed a lot. When did this happen? And what does this mean? I'm not sure what's going on, and I don't mean any offense with this, but I must say at the moment I probably wouldn't trust these elders."
Valyncia is always one to wear her emotions on her sleeve so its not hard to notice that something has disturbed her, even beyond the current discussion among the others.
Vallen tapped his chin, “Hmmm... this could be possible. Though I still does not explain the Elders mention of Shamara trying to take over death, or the mention of a necklace? And missing relics? As well as these Godsbanes?”
(Didn’t think before but can I do a religion check for knowing more on Shamara and the Godsbanes? Or history I guess depends?)
[All, you may do a religion or history check to see how much you know about Shamara.]
Vallen,
You'll find that any information about the Godsbanes is absent from your teachings and from anything you've read outside of perhaps the library here in the monastery. The complete absence of any mention of them seems very strange to you.
of The Mother and her bountiful gifts she's provided for the people of Koresica. She's cured blight and healed the sick. She's provided food for the hungry and shelter from the elements. She's known to have countless numbers of acolytes that travel between the cities spreading the good works and good will of The Mother through charitable soup lines and clothing drives. This is the reason that she is so loved by the citizens of the region. Her largest shrine is located in Holden Heights and many of the followers travel there at least once a year to pay tribute to her.
Valyncia would notice that there is a clear lack of any sort of mention of The Family here within the monastery except maybe in the library. All of the artwork and shrines are either dedicated to Lugh or Merveille. Valyncia would know that Lugh is one of the old gods that have been around since the start of existence. Merveille is something she's not very familiar with and only really started to know more about it as Vallen discussed his work at the shrine.
Jubal gave a friendly smile as Cailee approached, but then furrowed his brow as she started describing her experience and he read the parchment. He thought for a moment, and only noticed Xinq's presence when a sudden realization came to him and he quickly stood up. Catching himself, he started putting away his writings, but slowly and deliberately, so as to not cause alarm.
"I have no reason to doubt what you say, Cailee, so I will take you at your word." The bard spoke slowly, choosing his words with care.
"However, those words you heard are concerning. I suspect that the quarrel we saw among the elders is just a hint at the sorts of conflict headed this way."
He then turned to face Cailee directly. "Moreover... the proclamation was directed toward you, specifically. I have to wonder--" He cut himself off before speaking what he thought. The implications were profound; he didn't want to be reckless with his speech. Instead, he switched gears. "How well do you trust the elders here?"
@DM:
Jubal suspects that there will be a war, centered in part on the shrine they found, and that Cailee has been deemed the new warden charged with protecting it. Should I make a Religion or History roll to see if these thoughts seem sound? Just in case:
Religion Check: 12
History Check: 21
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Jubal, based on what he's heard and learned so far, would...
find that his thoughts are very inline with what he'd expect. The fact that many of these shrines have been left unguarded seems not to be the will of the god Lugh and more from apathy and disinterest from his followers. Jubal understands that these shrines are very important to the faith though he isn't quite sure why. It seems that the shrine is a central part of protecting life in some form or another. He's not quite sure who is on what side in this war that's approaching.
Vallen looks at the tunes and taps his chin, “Very interesting...” he spoke to himself, he would then exit the shrine to find the others of his party. Hoping one of them might be able to assist with dispelling the runes.
Vallen begins to retrace his steps back toward where he had been before but doesn't find any of his companions. They all seem to have gone elsewhere. He finds himself outside of the elder's chamber where he can hear the elders yelling rather loudly at each other.
Vallen hears...
"If the relics are gone. Why are all of us still here? We should be out looking for them!"
"They're not ready yet. They haven't learned the ways."
"We don't have time for rituals. If the Godsbanes are missing, it's only a matter of time before they gain their full power."
"The only one we have to worry about is Shamara. She seeks the complete power over death. We can't let her get her necklace back."
"How did they get into the shrine in the first place? I thought that the runes had been disabled?"
"A mortal cracked the code and shifted the runes. I think she was helping him. She knew she couldn't come here herself."
"You're telling me a mortal broke into the chamber of the gods and just... just stole the artifacts? And then they just left? That's impossible. That area is guarded by your most senior monks!
"Like I said. She helped him. I found my monks dead several days ago when the artifacts went missing."
"And you're just now telling us about this? You didn't think we needed to know this?"
"The monks aren't ready yet. Merveille has not woken. Only then can we hunt down the artifacts. We can't rush into this or we'll lose everyone."
"If we don't address this issue, we'll lose this entire world along with all the living creatures on it. You pray to your god, we have work to do."
Vallen came to a dead stop as he heard the yelling and listened to the conversation. His head swirling once more with what he heard, "Worry about Shamara? Power over death? Merveille has not woken?" He shook his head, overwhelmed by this information. He debated for a moment pushing into the chambers, his hand moving to rest on the door, before he would pull it back and once more seek the others, preferably Cailee if he could find her.
Vallen wanders the hallways looking for his companions until he finally talks to a monk that says they believe there were guests in the library. She escorts you there and you find several of your companions gathered around including Cailee.
Vallen walks up to the group of his companions gathered giving them a quick bow, "Ah there you all are... I need to speak you with all... though I believe Cailee will be of the most help..." He looks about the library to see if there are others present, "And preferably where there are less ears to hear..." He whispers to the group, his face having a tinge of worry on it.
The library seems to have emptied of the other monks present. Jubal, Xinq, Cailee, and Vallen are all that are left in the large chamber of books and tomes.
Your time within this monastery has provided you with insights into the world and even more important into yourself. You've studied, conversed, and sought to understand the world around you. It is through these actions that you've become stronger yourself.
[Good morning everyone! You will find that an additional class has been added to your character sheets. This is a boon that has been granted to you by your time here in the monastery. You do not need to use any of the abilities or spells granted by the class if you do not wish to. This will not affect your future opportunities at level progression either. Please make sure to take any perks the class affords you and make sure to add the spells you can learn as well. Let me know if you have any questions. The class was chosen based on your actions within the monastery as well as what classes were available based on your attributes. Hope you enjoy this gift :)
I believe that we are down to 6 players now in the campaign which is right around the sweet spot I've found for pbp. I promise that combat will be coming soon so long as you all don't just completely avoid it like you've been able to do so far lol. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm hoping that this group has found some answers to questions they may have had here in the monastery and I'm hoping it provides a bit of direction on where the story is heading.]
Vallen would speak seeing the library clear of people in a hushed tone explaining what he heard from the elders. “I also took sometime praying at the Merveille shrine. While there I felt something call to me deep from inside the monastery. It was calling for help, almost like a wounded animal.” He looks about the library once more, “As result of trying to look for an way to whatever it was, I found there are runes on the shrine, I think for protection, I’m not sure but I think if we could dispell it... could help us find what needs help.”
Cailee pondered for a moment. She felt that the elders were still shrouded in mystery for her, despite spending so much time at the monastery, and hadn't even thought of whether she trusted them or not. Perhaps she thought that she shouldn't question her trust in the elders, or that she never had a reason until now to distrust them. Of course, she admittedly had a preference for the elders of Lugh, but had no ill will toward the elders of Merveille either. Regardless of how she had felt before, she knew that the elders were fallible mortals and had the capacity to make mistakes just the same as herself.
Finally, she answered Jubal. "I'm not sure, but this last meeting with the elders was certainly troubling. Why do you ask?"
When Vallen approached and told of the events he had experienced, Cailee cupped her fist in her hand, as though she had came to a revelation. "I also heard a voice call to me at the shrine of Lugh. This can't be a coincidence, right?"
Valyncia pulled away from the tree shaking her head. She wasn't sure what the true nature of this apparent ritual before her was, but she began to feel uncomfortable with it. She turned around and made her way back into the monastery, intent on looking for the others. She began heading towards the Lugh shrine once more. As she walked the halls she stopped for a moment leaning against a wall. A strange feeling coming over her, like the pressure of a powerful presence coming over her. She found herself breathing heavy and could feel things shifting around her, the wind swirling around her, the scent of earth filling her nose, the sound of wild creatures running in the far distance. She shook her head once more and the sensations went away, to the point that she was left wondering if they even happened at all. Something felt different but she wasn't sure what it was.
After a moment she decided to put those thoughts away and continued searching for her friends. Eventually she would seek the help of a monk to direct her to the others.
Once she found them she would call out to them, "It seems the storm is passed. At least the worst of it. We can make our way back to town as soon as everyone is ready to leave."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
After a bit of time Valyncia finds most of the others in the Library gathered in a small group discussing something. She relays that the storm has passed but the other seems rather engrossed in conversation around a table.
"Cailee," began the bard, still speaking at a lower volume than usual. "I think you have a larger part to play in this than perhaps any of us. It appears as if Lugh has chosen YOU to be the next warden to protect the shrines. If you trust the elders, then perhaps they can help explain your role in all this. If you don't--then I'd suggest we keep this to ourselves."
He paused a bit, not at all envying her position, but feeling a need to help out however possible. "For what it's worth, I'm not sure there's a right answer here. I'd support whichever choice you made."
Jubal turned to Vallen. "Your experience strengthens my belief. In fact, if Cailee is to be the next shrine warden, then it would make sense for the local shrine to be the one of particular importance."
It took a moment to register that Valyncia had approached and made a statement. Still somewhat engrossed in thought, Jubal could only nod. Things seemed to be getting bigger than they could handle--or at least so deep that the only thing he could really add further would be speculation. He turned to the others, eager to hear their thoughts now that he'd laid his out.
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Valyncia quickly notices the way everyone is engrossed in their conversation, and quite a serious one at that given their expressions. She moves closer to listen in as she tries to understand why everyone is so concerned. As she listens to Jubal provide his thoughts a look of surprise passes over her face.
"Cailee has been chosen to be a warden?!" she whispers harshly, caught between trying to remain quiet and wanting to exclaim loudly due to the shock, "Sorry, I seem to have missed a lot. When did this happen? And what does this mean? I'm not sure what's going on, and I don't mean any offense with this, but I must say at the moment I probably wouldn't trust these elders."
Valyncia is always one to wear her emotions on her sleeve so its not hard to notice that something has disturbed her, even beyond the current discussion among the others.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Vallen tapped his chin, “Hmmm... this could be possible. Though I still does not explain the Elders mention of Shamara trying to take over death, or the mention of a necklace? And missing relics? As well as these Godsbanes?”
(Didn’t think before but can I do a religion check for knowing more on Shamara and the Godsbanes? Or history I guess depends?)
[All, you may do a religion or history check to see how much you know about Shamara.]
Vallen,
You'll find that any information about the Godsbanes is absent from your teachings and from anything you've read outside of perhaps the library here in the monastery. The complete absence of any mention of them seems very strange to you.
Valyncia tried to recall what her mother had taught her about Shamara.
Religion - 20
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Valyncia would recall hearing stories...
of The Mother and her bountiful gifts she's provided for the people of Koresica. She's cured blight and healed the sick. She's provided food for the hungry and shelter from the elements. She's known to have countless numbers of acolytes that travel between the cities spreading the good works and good will of The Mother through charitable soup lines and clothing drives. This is the reason that she is so loved by the citizens of the region. Her largest shrine is located in Holden Heights and many of the followers travel there at least once a year to pay tribute to her.
Valyncia would notice that there is a clear lack of any sort of mention of The Family here within the monastery except maybe in the library. All of the artwork and shrines are either dedicated to Lugh or Merveille. Valyncia would know that Lugh is one of the old gods that have been around since the start of existence. Merveille is something she's not very familiar with and only really started to know more about it as Vallen discussed his work at the shrine.
(( Jubal's History Check: 5 ))
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf