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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2016 22:24:47 GMT -7
(Been vacant lately, this is my return. Feel free to join in if you like.)
In the hearth district, a large temple had made its presence known and welcomes all who seek a little rest, guidance or safety. The structure and relative decor seem inviting and appears well-maintained. Through the large doors, one enters into a grand and open hall filled with all manner of furniture and curiosities. People come and go through the myriad of doors and hallways off to the sides of this main chamber; people of all races, social class and disposition. It is here that the religious atmosphere is made apparent, as an altar sits at the far end of the room, and behind that a large fire is kept lit in an ornate bowl.
Arlen has kept to his seclusion inside the temple, rarely venturing out of the grounds not even to see his friends; only going for supplies and then making his way back, harried by the public or not. With the way past events have gone for the young warrior, Arlen couldn't find much willpower in himself to fight the good fight. You could say that his morale had been broken and twisted, for many of his friends do not look at him the same way... As if they can see the guilt in his eyes. It's not as if they had to be subtle about it, for Arlen is always an honest man owning up to his mistakes, but this time his mistakes have done grievous and horrible things to innocent people. Even those he sincerely wished to help/protect now look at him in disgust. Physical pain does not compare to the stress and ailment of his dampened spirits.
In front of this alter, overseen by Lyphion's eternal fire, Arlen prays in penance. His days would consist entirely of penance and service in the temple; when not being approached by visitors, the man would kneel before the alter in silence and spend most of his day there. Day-in-day-out it was the same, but Arlen couldn't tell if he was anywhere closer to finding redemption, or more importantly forgiveness. Truly, those demons that haunt his waking hours and plague his nightmares were truly laughing at his weakness and ineptitude. Chained by his morals and twisted upon a rock, the buzzards would feed on his torment. Clutching his holy symbol tightly, the armor-clad paladin continued his penance. Dawnfeather curls herself up beside Arlen; feeling his sadness and lamenting with the occasional squawk or cry.
... Would everyone he loved all look on him with shame?
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Post by bioa10 on Feb 6, 2016 22:46:01 GMT -7
Alby spots Arlen and proceeds to walk over to him. "Hiya!" she says cheerfully. "What are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while, where have you been?"
Alby then attempts to pet Dawnfeather.
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Feb 6, 2016 22:47:44 GMT -7
A robed female gnome with a skull painted on her face floats around the inside of the temple with a meditative posture at a consistent height, pausing to look at details of the pieces and whole of the areas from various perspectives.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2016 23:07:48 GMT -7
The hall is decorated with Lion, Fire and Demon-slaying themed pieces and motifs. The large chamber is made almost completely out of stone, but the warmth of the fire and the soft tones of the pew make up a lot of the comforting atmosphere. Free exploration is available except for a heavy iron door located in the northeast section of this hall. Throughout the facility, one can find an infirmary to have wounds treated, a small library as well as a large sleeping quarters with a nearby kitchen. The sleeping quarters is open to public and houses quite a few homeless people who have managed to make it here, and some of the guests are just travelers looking for a place to rest. The context of literature in the scriptorium is largely based on deific rumors and speculation, with other tomes and scrolls based on other general topics. One might be able to find a scribe or two copying notes in between scrolls. Rugs and carpets, as well as other various tapestries decorate the main hall and some of the other rooms. A few braziers and torches also line the wall; safely away from any flammable objects. The occasional groan can be heard from a room to the left side, which can be safely assumed to be the infirmary. The altar is engraved and carved with images depicting noble warriors slaying monsters, demons and other horrors of the like. The large, ornate bowl that sits in an alcove on its own is eternally kept lit; either through magic or through vigilant attendance by the few acolytes that roam the grounds.
The name Lyphion pops up occasionally in the decor as well as some of the religious items on display. While mostly empty of particular curiosities and relics that would prove the existence of a deific presence, it does seem to be accommodating for such. Perhaps over time, the influence and treasures will grow in abundance.
An unusually upbeat and pepper voice greets Arlen from behind, and it doesn't seem to cause alarm for Dawnfeather does not see the young woman as a threat. His curiosity peaked, he opens his eyes and stands up, to turn around and greet her with a bow. He recognised her... Alby, was it? He moves some of his lengthy red hair from his face and wipes his brow before standing at attention. Dawnfeather accepts the attempted petting, especially seeing Alby for someone of a gentle disposition, even more so that her presence has seemed to rouse Arlen from his silence.
"Greetings Miss and welcome to Lyphion's temple. I apologize if you have been looking for me, but I have been spending my time here... In erm... Meditation. Is there something I can help you with?"
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Post by bioa10 on Feb 6, 2016 23:25:15 GMT -7
"Nope, I don't need anything. I just spotted you and recognized you from that mining trip I went on. I was curious to find out more about you though! I always love learning new things." She says as she smiles. "Oh, and your pet is so strange, it's a griffon right? I've never seen one before!"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2016 23:37:04 GMT -7
"Dawnfeather is a Griffin, yes; great and noble creatures, she is a divine gift and a cherished companion of mine... One of few companions left i'm afraid."
He makes an idle wave of his hand in a dismissive manner. Dawnfeather ruffles her feathered wings and shakes, turning her attention to Alby and sniffing her hand. Arlen seems pensive and worried at this moment about something; his mind flashed back to the candle rack.
"Well, what would you like to know about me, Miss Alby?"
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Post by bioa10 on Feb 6, 2016 23:46:03 GMT -7
"What do you do? I saw you at the mines, are you an adventurer like me or just a miner? Also, you seem worried, did something happen?" Alby replies while seeming genuinely worried about Arlen now.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 0:05:23 GMT -7
Arlen scratches the back of his head, summing up a response in his head. Dawnfeather cocks her head at Arlen, then wanders over to a box and pulls out a candle with her beak, then gives it to him. The man lets out a heavy sigh with a smile, petting her on the head then returning the candle to the box.
"Part warrior, part holy man and part adventurer, yes. I do what I can to help people. And the other question? Well, a lot of things have me worried, and when you're fighting the good fight..."
He gestures to the display of lit candles off to the side of the alter. Many candles of different styles are lot, and judging by the lengths of wick, some have been there longer than others.
(a knowledge religion check to determine what they're for)
"... Many innocent people get hurt. Safe to say, a lot of my close companions have given up the fight. It's a thankless job really, but oh well. How is your adventuring career going, Miss?"
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Post by bioa10 on Feb 7, 2016 0:23:05 GMT -7
"Aww, well I don't really fight for good or evil, or law or chaos, I just want to learn more!" Alby says as she smiles again. "Though one of my allies had died during my last job... But we took him to someone that knows magic and he came back to life! Well, as a rat person though... Anyways, I joined a group called the Wayward Path, have you heard of them? They have a huge library that is full of books! There is so much to learn!"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 0:32:37 GMT -7
"Unfortunate about your fellow's circumstances of death; I have had my own brushes with the reaper itself, all not very pleasant."
Arlen doesn't seem phased about the mention of a library, mostly because he hadn't heard of it before.
"And i'm sorry, I haven't heard of this group. I have been keeping myself secluded to this temple. What are they like?"
Perhaps this Wayward Path might hold something for Arlen: potential allies, a source of archaic knowledge, or maybe a mutual friend. He gives Alby his full attention with consideration for these thoughts. Doubt and stress will always plague his mind however, as the breeze brought in from the door makes the flames of nearby torches flicker. It's a good thing that other chipper and friendly people like Alby might never know about the numbers of innocents that were inadvertently killed as Arlen's fault.
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Zen
Players
BooDoo PeoPle MurDur PeoPle
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 0:36:35 GMT -7
The female gnome calmly floats over to the inside of the infirmary, going to the highest temple worker and says, "Do you require assistance with curing the curses and wounds of the dhampir and other citizens of Freygate?" .
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Post by bioa10 on Feb 7, 2016 0:42:26 GMT -7
"Well, I just recently joined the Wayward Path, my friend Arenia showed me it. They are like a group of people that work together to travel the world and discover all of the knowledge that needs to be known. Aren't they wonderful? And I'm part of them now also! Though the head librarian is a bit scary at first. He wears this weird white mask all the time and looks almost like a jester, but he is really nice! Oh, I also got this book and anything that I write in here is automatically transfered to the version of my book in the library, and if there are facts in what I write they are also written in other books that go deeper into one subject."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 1:00:06 GMT -7
Startled by the emergence of a gnome woman from seemingly nowhere, the acolyte jumps and yelps, which disrupts his work. The gnomes visage seems mildly unsettling to the man, especially as she's floating above the ground and grinning at him. Taking a moment to collect himself, the acolyte looks at the woman with perplexity and curiosity, then responds. His robes flap and fumble about, his sleeves rolled up to keep them out of the way.
"Ehm, wh-who might you be, Miss? We d-don't really get many from Freygate, b-but as for curses we do get some citizens with the odd curse or two. I don't know you, but if you want to help, ask Arlen... He is the one that heads this small group."
The acolyte seems unwilling to trust the strange gnome with the livelihood of the patients here, no matter her genuine inclination to help. He gestures out of the door and up towards the altar where the man in question spends most of his time.
"Do you follow this temple's religion?"
Arlen crosses his arms and listens intently to Alby's little story/explanation. An association that gathers vasts amount of knowledge from all corners of the world... Hmm... That would be a valuable ally to have. Perhaps they might have information relative to his own causes. Either way, the Wayward Path seems like an organization that doesn't hurt anyone, so it's no problem to have them around. The city needed a lot more people out there to look out for its best interests, but the ratio of good-natured souls to the selfish ones seems to go out of balance. It seems that basic inductees from this organization get a powerful form of literature; for knowledge shared via arcane methods is useful in all aspects. Who knows how many are a part of this organizations?
"You have been active indeed, Miss Alby. I guess I am curious about this group afterall, so perhaps i'll give their library a visit one day. Hmmm... I'm sure you're not comfortable with standing. Perhaps take a seat and we can talk further? That is, if you want to ask me some more questions."
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 1:50:26 GMT -7
She turns her head to face Arlen and back to the man and sighs. "No, I am not a part of your religion, not that it should matter. I am called Joy, if you want to know."
The female gnome then proceeds to float behind him and tap him on the back of his neck on his spine to get his attention before floating backwards and leveling to see eye to eye.
Ygqm7B8Z+18 For the candles
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 2:36:30 GMT -7
The acolyte resigns from his line of questioning with a slight nod then gives her a slight wave as she floats through the doorway into the main hall. He returned to his work in the infirmary, disturbed by the eerily cold demeanor that was interpreted from her visage. Joy? Hmm... That name had circulated a few times in conversation... But where from?
Arlen's typical day of silent, pensive prayer would be interrupted by the innocent Alby, and now... An unfamiliar presence that tingled down his spine as Joy made contact. He shivered, but asides from that he didn't seem to flinch or yelp; another unfortunate side-effect of a guilty conscience would be the shivers. Turning around to greet the woman, he took in her appearance, especially the skull facepaint... But it seemed eerily real, so either it was great attention to detail, or something else mystical. Nonetheless he bowed to her. The steel-clad holy man adjusted his clothes so they wouldn't be in the way.
"Greetings Miss, and welcome to the temple of Lyphion. Anything I can help you with?"
The more time he took to look her over, the more familiar she seemed. He had noticed someone like the gnome woman before... Passing glance? Mostly likely, but on more than one occasion to be sure. Dawnfeather for the moment remained unsettled, but curious of her entrance.
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 2:54:26 GMT -7
"The worker in the infirmary directed me to you that if I wanted to help the dhampir and other citizens of Freygate and the cursed ones that come through here, that I would need to speak to you. I have the magic available to help them at no expense to me, so I figured it would only be beneficial to everyone if I offered to come by and offer my services whenever I could, although it would only not inconvenience me around midnight, when any adventuring jobs would be unlikely to come until dawn arrives. Do you find this acceptable?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 3:41:24 GMT -7
Arlen sighed lightly then hummed. Something like this sounded too good to be true and most often it has turned out to be a trap or some bait in which to cause him harm.
"You seem so straightforward with this and so willing, considering we know nothing about eachother... Though... I have seen your face around."
He pauses from the conversation and looks at his surroundings, taking in a deep breath. He would never refuse to give help or guidance to any individual, regardless of their malignant origin. More often than not, this has come back to bite him, but he can't change that part of his nature. It's a tenuous line to tread between his willingness to help others and trying to see the truth of the matter. People in this city are often quick to betray one another. Focusing his attention back to the woman, he attempts his best at a cordial response.
"I am not one to turn down assistance, especially when it comes to problems a little more complex like curses and those born of undeath... It is a shame, and some of those dhampir don't deserve what has happened to them. Also, there are only a few of us, myself included that are capable with cleansing others of their curses. I'll be willing to allow your assistance, but for the sake of safety in regards to other visitors, perhaps we can get to know eachother better? I assure you, you're most welcome here Miss."
Dawnfeather retires to a corner in the large, open hall and rests her head upon her paws. With one flap of her wings, she stretches and takes a rest, but still keeps her eye on the two. Arlen gestures for the two to take a seat on the pews, then takes a seat himself; flattening out his long red cloak. The hustle and bustle noise of the city streets slightly pervades the hall, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. In what seemed like a long time, Arlen's sigh seemed to be one of relief, as if he's been perpetually exhausted. He hunches, leaning a little forward and resting his elbows on his lap.
"First, might I ask your name, M'lady?"
(sorry forgot this bit: Joy will know that the candles are lit by loved ones or those in attendance, to remember those who have passed away: either through a long life, or something more tragic.)
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 4:28:17 GMT -7
"I am called Joy." She floats to the pew in front of him, resting her jaw on her small arms on the back of it, suddenly having a very relaxed posture. "So, what would satisfy you? Just thought that, chances are, a small group like yours wouldn't have access to the harm spell and a more powerful caster of remove curse than I. If I can help someone that doesn't cause any detriments to me, why not, right? I'll even allow you to cast all the divination you like if it satisfies you."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 4:54:54 GMT -7
Her relaxed posture made it better for Arlen to ease into his. At her comments, it seems if what Joy was saying is true, then she could cause all sorts of trouble if she so wished. Curious, he inquired further:
"Harm is one of those spells that shouldn't be toyed with lightly... Though if you can cast those spells and you're willing to help... Tell me, do you know Harm's counterpart? Or failing that, counterparts to any of the inflict spells? Oh, and another thing, but it's no offense intended towards you, Miss Joy..."
With a wave of his hand and a faint glow in his eyes, Arlen looks Joy over more thoroughly; humming, tapping his chin and making direct eye contact.
(consider this a "Detect Evil" )
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 5:14:06 GMT -7
Neither she nor anything she is carrying detects as evil.
She shakes her head no. "Unfortunately not, from what I understand about how I cast magic, I would never be able to cast harm without a lot of fundamental understanding about how the spell works, and heal is simply incompatible with me through my own power."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 5:18:54 GMT -7
She doesn't come up as evil, but she seems attuned to negative energy solely? He locks his fingers and rest his head upon them, looking at her inquisitively.
"Are you privy to necromancy then?"
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Zen
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 5:50:24 GMT -7
"Yeah, although anyone that knows about me could tell you that I use boneshatter, explosion of rot, and the occasional purge spirit very frequently when the situation demands the use of violence, and I can make the spells behave in a way that shouldn't kill whatever it is they're being used on. Alternatively I use chains of light, which comes from a good source by the way, to temporarily paralyze whatever it is that requires paralyzing if the risk is too great or would be a better option."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 6:18:35 GMT -7
Ponders her answers for a moment and tries to come to a better understanding of how things work. If anything, she doesn't seem to be the kind to raise the dead, despite her grim disposition and the way of retelling events. For now at least, Arlen has an expression of relief.
"Well, I suppose it depends on the magic user; some Necromancy spells aren't wholly evil-natured, like being able to preserve the corpse of a loved one for a funeral. I doubt you will need to use violence in the temple, so refrain from dark magic in here... Only use force if necessary or attacked please, and even then, I would prefer if you do restrain or knock them out. In consideration of the dhampir, we don't tend to get a lot of those visitors and if often makes others unsettled with their presence, but you're welcome to stop by when you can and help them out. You're welcome to put any mundane healing skills to work aswell, and if you have a talent for scribing, feel free to contribute to the scriptorium in a manner that you think would be useful... But our scribes will examine the work before hand. If you need rest, there's a public living quarters with an attached kitchen over there."
With that, Arlen stands up and dusts himself off, breathing another sigh of relief. He holds out his hand for a handshake and offers a warm smile.
"Consider this a probation period, Miss Joy."
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Zen
Players
BooDoo PeoPle MurDur PeoPle
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Post by Zen on Feb 7, 2016 6:52:26 GMT -7
She laughs behind a bone white and does her best in trying to shake his hand. "If it isn't too much trouble, could a sign be put up with some symbol by the entrance or something so I know whether or not I should even bother coming in?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2016 7:55:46 GMT -7
"But then, what if you could help other patients? If you can't cast a cure light wounds, you may perhaps be able to use non-magical methods of healing. It's quite viable nowadays... Especially when many of the populace are scared of mages or adventurers, and mages in particular have been targeted by kidnappers and murderers."
It dawned on him that he should be more hospitable to Joy, considering she showed a willingness to help. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch to accommodate something of the sort.
"Hmm... Do you have a residency? I would be able to send a messenger when we get patients of the kind that you feel comfortable assisting. If that fails, I'm sure I can leave some temporary sign, notice or marking... In fact, the Infirmary has a board for the list of current patients we're currently tending to, just outside the door. Should you stop by here, check the noticeboard. Any help you might be able to provide for those who need wounds treated or curses lifted would be most appreciated."
While there were some business aspects to it, only in the sense of supporting the acolytes and staff who work here, the temple is a place of kindness, warmth and charity. Perhaps Arlen could encourage her to do the same; after all she would be volunteering time and at such unusual hours. Fortunate enough that the temple is open 24/7, Arlen was lucky enough to have a few acolytes and staff to cover at least every hour of the day and night.
"Something I should say, Miss Joy... Don't feel you have to come in every evening. You would be after all, volunteering time to take care of citizens, so there's no expectancy to be here all the time. But thanks for coming to visit; it's been a trying past few months and I would appreciate the assistance. We shall sort something out to fit your requirements."
At that, his sighs become heavy. Dawnfeather seemed to lazily drift in-and-out of consciousness; the wings curled up but twitching, her feathers and fur rustling every now and then. Arlen gives Joy one more bow before heading back to the altar, only taking a slight detour to check on the candles; gazing at them forlornly, deep in thought. He breaks his own concentration to kneel before the altar once more.
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