Velyra stops and turns, lowering her voice. "I'll be here in the temple...Just elsewhere, somewhere quieter for a bit. I have a question I need to ask of my god."
As she thinks on how they could get a real lead, the beginnings of an idea form in her mind. "I need to make a quick stop a shop somewhere, then we should head to the temple. I may be able to get some answers there while you all investigate Clayus."
Ah, OK. I thought that was a reference to the shopping expedition. Again, reading comprehension failure.
I guess Silthras missed it too. I just assumed you were going to do an Augury or something! Look forward to hearing/seeing/reading what you are planning!
You enter through the archway into the temple, immediately met with the sight of a dazzling crystal floor, with large white marble pillars holding up the roof above. Silver braziers burn with magical flame around you, lighting the entire space. Large statues of each prime deity of Ravere stands tall in a half circle around this main hall of the temple, with altars at their base where worshipers can make offerings. There are closed doors on the far wall(opposite ends of the room), and open hallways to the left and right.
There are easily recognizable robes of all faiths about, and you're able to quickly flag down a young tiefling woman with robes that identify her as a priestess of Amah. "Yes? How could I be of assistance?" She asks as you approach.
For Velyra, you're familiar with temples like this. Perhaps not one this grand, but you've been in a fairly large one that had private prayer rooms before. You have to stop and ask to be lead to one, but it doesn't take long. Though there is an offering bowl outside the door to the room with many silver coins in it. The priest who helped you has an expectant look as he holds the door open for you.
Silthras smiles at the tiefling's offer of help, "We are seeking Clayus. Like you, he serves Amah. He suggested we could meet him somewhere here, but did not specify exactly where."
Velyra raises an eyebrow at the man, but drops a silver coin into the bowl regardless. It had been a long time since she was guilted into a tithe. Once inside the room, she sets up and begins burning her incense, starting a ritual casting of Divination. Where the spell calls for a sacrifice, she reaches for her dagger and cuts a thin line across her forearm, murmuring to herself, "thunder in my veins..."
When the spell finishes, she asks her question of Sandail: "Howling Lord, it has been long since I've had the opportunity to pray. Your domain has come under peril recently, from a foe you should know well. My companions and I are seeking answers. I fear a grave threat lurks in this city, and that we may be too late to find it on our own. We're going to be searching the tunnels beneath Sonatide tonight...Can you give me guidance on where our search should take us?"
There's a flicker of recognition in her eyes, and she nods. "I haven't seen him for a few days. But it's possible he's just been squirreled away somewhere in the temple. Please wait here, I'll go take a better look around." With that, she turns to walk off, heading for one of the doors at the back side of the temple. The minutes begin to roll by as you wait for her to return...
Velyra The man gives a satisfied smile and bows before turning to leave as you take the prayer room for yourself. It's a small little area, about five by five max. There are candle and incense holders on the side walls, as well as a small offering bowl on the end wall. You sit down on the floor in front of the bowl, beginning your ritual.
As the drops of blood from her arm drop into the bowl, the air around you crackles with electricity, with sparks arcing off the bowl. You feel the atmosphere in the room become thick and cloudy, and feel the cold chill of moisture. Your eyes roll into the back of your head, and a vision takes you.
You hover above the city of Sonatide, the buildings small and inconsequential beneath your feet. A large storm approaches from the horizon, lighting up the sky with flashes of lightning. As the thunder booms in the distance, you see the shadow of a gargantuan wolf in the clouds with each flash of lightning. Above the thunder, you hear a howl, as something dark stirs beneath your feet. Tendrils of darkness move through the streets of Sonatide, swirling about in a vortex. At the center of this swirling mass of malevolent energy you see the Crystal Sanctum, marred by a deep corruption. You look back up to the horizon, just as the storm front slams into you.
The vision ends, bringing you back into the room. The air is normal again, and your incense seems to have burned all the through. Gathering yourself, you leave the room to find the others...
The rest of you have been waiting for about twenty minutes when Velyra rejoins you. About five minutes after that, you are approached by a different figure. A halfling woman with long curly brown hair and brown eyes has crossed the room from the same door the tiefling disappeared into. She wears light blue robes underneath a dark tabard with the symbol of Amah embroidered on front. The sleeves of her robes end in silver braces with intricate patterns on them. By their quality and detail, you can tell she clearly occupies a much higher rank.
"Greetings. As I understand, you were looking for one of our priests, Clayus." She says in a soft voice, regarding each of you carefully. "I'm afraid he's been missing for a few days now." She pauses for a moment, then says further, "Do you know him well?"
Silthras tries not to react outwardly to the news. Dead or fled already? And is this his High Priest standing before us?
He bows low, "I had not meant to trouble you, your eminence. But, to answer your question: No, we did not know him well. We only met briefly, and he seemed troubled."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they enter the temple, Usul, not having been here before, nor knowing much about the priest for whom they are trying to meet, wanders around the main area somewhat aimlessly touching statues he likely shouldn't, purely out of random curiosity. ((think bored kid in church :D)) Once the high priest comes out, from the background, he watches closely ((28)) always distrustful of those in positions of power.
Velyra lets out a gasp as she comes out of the vision, drawing shaky breaths as she looks out of the small room. An omen? The danger was here? Cognizant of the fact that she had just walked her companions into the worst place possible, she hurries from the prayer room, casting suspicious glances around as she finds her friends again.
When she reaches them, and before they're joined by High Priestess, she says quietly. "This place is dangerous, don't say anything to give us away."
As Usul starts messing with things, a few of the temple members throw disapproving looks his way, but none intervene.
The woman lets out a short laugh, waving her hand in front of her face. " 'Eminence' is a title by people with far too high of an opinion of themselves. Esmee is my name. You can precede that with Mother if you're feeling particularly formal, but I won't hold you to it." You recognize the name Esmee as who Jalen had named as the High Priestess of Amah, but she's not quite what you expected. To most of you, she comes off as very warm and grounded - not at all what you would expect of someone occupying such a high position.
Whispers Insight check results to Kev ;)
"There is no trouble. We were just worried about our Brother as well. When I heard someone was here looking for him...Well I thought you might know something that could help us." She lets out a small disappointed sigh, shaking her head. "You said he was troubled? Do you know what ailed him so?"
At Velyra's quick revelation, Silthras nods but does not think that now is the time to ask details. Clayus may arrive at any moment. "I'll try to buy us time, then." As the minutes pass he wishes that he know more, and once again wishes he was able to communicate confidentially with Velyra.
(( Now ))
Silthras shakes his head to the question from the High Priestess, "That is why we came here. He would not speak of it. Some of us felt it was our duty to help a priest of the temple, others of us..." he offers a faint grin, "...saw an opportunity to earn a little money."
He looks around, disappointment plain on his face, though the cause of that disappointment may be unclear. He turns back to the High Priestess, a slight frown on his face. He speaks slowly at first, then speeds up as his enthusiasm for the idea grows. "Though perhaps...perhaps we could help find your lost priest? Did you know him well? Maybe, if you know his favourite haunts we could make some discreet inquiries, and save the Temple a little embarrassment -- especially if his concerns are...how to put this delicately...of a more...ah...prosaic kind? Would the Temple be interested in such assistance?"
"I see, that is disappointing," the priestess says slowly, eyes downcast. Esmee seems to mull over the proposal, then nods. "I can speak to some of the others in the temple to see if they know of such places. It will take some time though - we do still have our duties to attend." She glances up and to the left, thinking for a moment. "Could you return in a few days? That should give me time to figure out as much as I can, and perhaps scrape up enough donations for a reward."
Esmee smiles warmly upon hearing her name, confirming the question with another nod. "That would be the way. I recommend closer to the evening hours, things begin to wind down, and you're less likely to catch me in the middle of something else."
"Wait, what? I thought we planned to stick together?"
Velyra stops and turns, lowering her voice. "I'll be here in the temple...Just elsewhere, somewhere quieter for a bit. I have a question I need to ask of my god."
Silthras frowns, "Would have been nice to know earlier." Conscious of the limits of his own magic, he nods. "See you soon, then, I hope."
With that he moves off to find someone to direct them all to Clayus.
As she thinks on how they could get a real lead, the beginnings of an idea form in her mind. "I need to make a quick stop a shop somewhere, then we should head to the temple. I may be able to get some answers there while you all investigate Clayus."
Post#2173
Ah, OK. I thought that was a reference to the shopping expedition. Again, reading comprehension failure.
I guess Silthras missed it too. I just assumed you were going to do an Augury or something! Look forward to hearing/seeing/reading what you are planning!
You enter through the archway into the temple, immediately met with the sight of a dazzling crystal floor, with large white marble pillars holding up the roof above. Silver braziers burn with magical flame around you, lighting the entire space. Large statues of each prime deity of Ravere stands tall in a half circle around this main hall of the temple, with altars at their base where worshipers can make offerings. There are closed doors on the far wall(opposite ends of the room), and open hallways to the left and right.
There are easily recognizable robes of all faiths about, and you're able to quickly flag down a young tiefling woman with robes that identify her as a priestess of Amah. "Yes? How could I be of assistance?" She asks as you approach.
For Velyra, you're familiar with temples like this. Perhaps not one this grand, but you've been in a fairly large one that had private prayer rooms before. You have to stop and ask to be lead to one, but it doesn't take long. Though there is an offering bowl outside the door to the room with many silver coins in it. The priest who helped you has an expectant look as he holds the door open for you.
Silthras smiles at the tiefling's offer of help, "We are seeking Clayus. Like you, he serves Amah. He suggested we could meet him somewhere here, but did not specify exactly where."
Velyra raises an eyebrow at the man, but drops a silver coin into the bowl regardless. It had been a long time since she was guilted into a tithe. Once inside the room, she sets up and begins burning her incense, starting a ritual casting of Divination. Where the spell calls for a sacrifice, she reaches for her dagger and cuts a thin line across her forearm, murmuring to herself, "thunder in my veins..."
When the spell finishes, she asks her question of Sandail: "Howling Lord, it has been long since I've had the opportunity to pray. Your domain has come under peril recently, from a foe you should know well. My companions and I are seeking answers. I fear a grave threat lurks in this city, and that we may be too late to find it on our own. We're going to be searching the tunnels beneath Sonatide tonight...Can you give me guidance on where our search should take us?"
There's a flicker of recognition in her eyes, and she nods. "I haven't seen him for a few days. But it's possible he's just been squirreled away somewhere in the temple. Please wait here, I'll go take a better look around." With that, she turns to walk off, heading for one of the doors at the back side of the temple. The minutes begin to roll by as you wait for her to return...
Velyra
The man gives a satisfied smile and bows before turning to leave as you take the prayer room for yourself. It's a small little area, about five by five max. There are candle and incense holders on the side walls, as well as a small offering bowl on the end wall. You sit down on the floor in front of the bowl, beginning your ritual.
As the drops of blood from her arm drop into the bowl, the air around you crackles with electricity, with sparks arcing off the bowl. You feel the atmosphere in the room become thick and cloudy, and feel the cold chill of moisture. Your eyes roll into the back of your head, and a vision takes you.
You hover above the city of Sonatide, the buildings small and inconsequential beneath your feet. A large storm approaches from the horizon, lighting up the sky with flashes of lightning. As the thunder booms in the distance, you see the shadow of a gargantuan wolf in the clouds with each flash of lightning. Above the thunder, you hear a howl, as something dark stirs beneath your feet. Tendrils of darkness move through the streets of Sonatide, swirling about in a vortex. At the center of this swirling mass of malevolent energy you see the Crystal Sanctum, marred by a deep corruption. You look back up to the horizon, just as the storm front slams into you.
The vision ends, bringing you back into the room. The air is normal again, and your incense seems to have burned all the through. Gathering yourself, you leave the room to find the others...
The rest of you have been waiting for about twenty minutes when Velyra rejoins you. About five minutes after that, you are approached by a different figure. A halfling woman with long curly brown hair and brown eyes has crossed the room from the same door the tiefling disappeared into. She wears light blue robes underneath a dark tabard with the symbol of Amah embroidered on front. The sleeves of her robes end in silver braces with intricate patterns on them. By their quality and detail, you can tell she clearly occupies a much higher rank.
"Greetings. As I understand, you were looking for one of our priests, Clayus." She says in a soft voice, regarding each of you carefully. "I'm afraid he's been missing for a few days now." She pauses for a moment, then says further, "Do you know him well?"
Silthras tries not to react outwardly to the news. Dead or fled already? And is this his High Priest standing before us?
He bows low, "I had not meant to trouble you, your eminence. But, to answer your question: No, we did not know him well. We only met briefly, and he seemed troubled."
As they enter the temple, Usul, not having been here before, nor knowing much about the priest for whom they are trying to meet, wanders around the main area somewhat aimlessly touching statues he likely shouldn't, purely out of random curiosity. ((think bored kid in church :D)) Once the high priest comes out, from the background, he watches closely ((28)) always distrustful of those in positions of power.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Velyra lets out a gasp as she comes out of the vision, drawing shaky breaths as she looks out of the small room. An omen? The danger was here? Cognizant of the fact that she had just walked her companions into the worst place possible, she hurries from the prayer room, casting suspicious glances around as she finds her friends again.
When she reaches them, and before they're joined by High Priestess, she says quietly. "This place is dangerous, don't say anything to give us away."
As Usul starts messing with things, a few of the temple members throw disapproving looks his way, but none intervene.
The woman lets out a short laugh, waving her hand in front of her face. " 'Eminence' is a title by people with far too high of an opinion of themselves. Esmee is my name. You can precede that with Mother if you're feeling particularly formal, but I won't hold you to it." You recognize the name Esmee as who Jalen had named as the High Priestess of Amah, but she's not quite what you expected. To most of you, she comes off as very warm and grounded - not at all what you would expect of someone occupying such a high position.
Whispers Insight check results to Kev ;)
"There is no trouble. We were just worried about our Brother as well. When I heard someone was here looking for him...Well I thought you might know something that could help us." She lets out a small disappointed sigh, shaking her head. "You said he was troubled? Do you know what ailed him so?"
(( Earlier ))
At Velyra's quick revelation, Silthras nods but does not think that now is the time to ask details. Clayus may arrive at any moment. "I'll try to buy us time, then." As the minutes pass he wishes that he know more, and once again wishes he was able to communicate confidentially with Velyra.
(( Now ))
Silthras shakes his head to the question from the High Priestess, "That is why we came here. He would not speak of it. Some of us felt it was our duty to help a priest of the temple, others of us..." he offers a faint grin, "...saw an opportunity to earn a little money."
He looks around, disappointment plain on his face, though the cause of that disappointment may be unclear. He turns back to the High Priestess, a slight frown on his face. He speaks slowly at first, then speeds up as his enthusiasm for the idea grows. "Though perhaps...perhaps we could help find your lost priest? Did you know him well? Maybe, if you know his favourite haunts we could make some discreet inquiries, and save the Temple a little embarrassment -- especially if his concerns are...how to put this delicately...of a more...ah...prosaic kind? Would the Temple be interested in such assistance?"
Silthras Deception: 21
"I see, that is disappointing," the priestess says slowly, eyes downcast. Esmee seems to mull over the proposal, then nods. "I can speak to some of the others in the temple to see if they know of such places. It will take some time though - we do still have our duties to attend." She glances up and to the left, thinking for a moment. "Could you return in a few days? That should give me time to figure out as much as I can, and perhaps scrape up enough donations for a reward."
Silthras bows, "Of course, Eminence...ah...Esmee. When we return, should we come here and just ask for you directly?"
Esmee smiles warmly upon hearing her name, confirming the question with another nod. "That would be the way. I recommend closer to the evening hours, things begin to wind down, and you're less likely to catch me in the middle of something else."
@DM: Does Esmee seem upset at the news of our ignorance, or relieved? Or something else?
Disappointed.