Kailina and Janusa exited their tents meekly, looking to Beranhond as they tried to decide whether or not to let their fear and hesitation show. There would be no singing this day, it seemed.
“Greetings, fair elves. My name is Beranhond, cleric of Narath. I wish you peace”
Beranhond's Diplomacy Roll:
Roll(1d20)+10:
11,+10
Total:21
"Greetings, Beranhond," the tall woman in the middle said. "Please come with us. The council will see you now, and decide what is to be done with you."
“Of course. Lead on.”
The tall woman led, and the other two elves, one with tanned skin and bright white hair and the other with a ruddy brown complexion and dark brown hair, followed the group of three. A guard went in front of the entire group, and two flanked them as they walked through the camp. In the early morning light, many were moving about, and Beranhond saw that the camp was a hodge podge of different styles of shelters and living arrangements grouped organically, as if each small cluster of shelters was a different type of flower and each had somehow found a way to coexist with the others in a beautiful, chaotic way.
The group walked out of the camp, and around one of the main hills that surrounded the encampment to a small natural amphitheatre, where roughly 20 people of various races and ages were seated on a hillside facing a small flat area, where the three were led.
Standing in the flat area was Sifuhn and the other two from the night before.
"Welcome, Beranhond, Kailina and Janusa," said Sifuhn as they approached the small staging area. "As your captors, it is our duty to see that the council knows your intent in this land. You are to be questioned here, in their presence. As part of our training as stewards of the land, we are asked to gather the information they seek, and our advancement will be judged based on how well we handle things. Please help us, and we will do what we can to see that you are sent safely on your way."
Sifuhn's Diplomacy Roll:
Roll(1d20)+1:
4,+1
Total:5
Beranhond smiled. "So, your advancement is in my hands? Well, I have no problem helping you, however you will certainly have to make a more convincing case - for you shall rarely find someone as helpful as I am wandering about the plains. Make your case more strongly so that the council can see your true abilities."
Sifuhn swallowed, but nodded.
"I shall of course divulge all my information to help you in the end, but as we are in negotiations now that will certainly not do."
It was the other man with them the night before who began the proceedings, however. He stepped to the front of the small flat area as if it were a stage, and began speaking. "Council, know that I am Pelannin Treemane, and along with Sifuhn Lee and Gabrielle Finore we will be questioning these three witnesses who have wandered into this area that is smitten with war and strife. We will attempt to divulge from them exactly what they are doing and why they have been traveling with our enemies: those allied with Torm and Lathander."
Pelannin turned to Kailina first. "Please state your name and what brings you to the Goldenfields badlands at this time for the council to hear."
Kailina took a deep breath, "my name is Kailina, I am originally from Balder's gate and was recruited by Beranhond to be a crewmember aboard the Lady Narath. When he asked for volunteers to join him in searching out the Druids of Goldenfields I volunteered."
Gabrielle continued the questioning, turning to Janusa, "Please state your name, and explain to everyone present why you would be searching out the Druids of Goldenfields."
"My name is Janusa. I am also a crewmember of the Lady Narath, and honestly I have no reason why we are searching out the druids. Beranhond is the one who had that in mind."
Sifuhn took his turn finally, gesturing to Beranhond, "Please speak your name very loudly, and tell us, why were you so worried about finding us?"
"My name is Ethelred Beranhond. I am a follower of Narath and was told to come here by her. I am seeking information as we both fear that dark deeds are happening in this region."
Pelannin walked over to Janusa. "Is Beranhond your leader, then? How long have you been traveling with him and why do you follow him?"
Janusa smiled to calm her nerves. "Beranhond is our spiritual leader, but not our captain or the owner of the ship. When he was told to find a crew he searched for those pure of heart and good hearted, I answered his call because women are rarely found on ship and he bore no prejudice towards us. I have been travelling with him only a short while now; however he is well known in Balder's gate as he healed the masses after the earthquake and he and his company defeated the wererats that had been causing turmoil in the sewers."
Gabrielle asked Beranhond, "How did you make sure your crew was "pure of heart and good hearted? And who was the captain and the owner of the ship?"
"Well, the captain of the crew is a bit of a romantic and is off chasing after the "love of his life" up in Silverymoon. She happens to be the owner of the ship and is a half-elf from the High forest." He laughed slightly. "We are quite an odd crew as another of a crew is a half elf monk of the old order."
"As for how they were pure and good hearted... of course such things can be hard to tell, but I interviewed them, talked to them about their faith, and had them sign a pledge to not drink or use substances. They also join me in prayer in the morning."
Sifuhn asked Beranhond, "Who is this Narath you follow. What is her portfolio? How would we know her? Does the entire crew follow Narath as well, then, since you are leading them in prayer?"
Sifuhn's Diplomacy Roll:
Roll(1d20)+1:
17,+1
Total:18
Sifuhn's Diplomacy Roll:
Roll(1d20)+1:
17,+1
Total:18
"Narath is a fairly new God, I would be surprised if you knew her." He paused for a moment trying to decide how to explain it.
"I am her first prophet and first follower. There are a few others who have joined me in Balder's gate... but the crew do not follow her, I lead them in ecumenical services that embrace personal choice of faith."
"As for her portfoilio... you might say that her ultimate interest is in life and in experiencing life."
Pelannin: "Kailina, when would you turn to Narath? When you are looking to make money? When you are interested in finding a husband? Your companion Beranhond just told us her interest is in 'life.' That sounds as if she is against the undead. Is she allied with Lathander, then?"
"I can't really answer you about Narath. I don't know if I would turn to Narath I am quite happy with my faith. I can't quite understand the question..." Kailina responded.
Gabrielle returned to Kailina. "Chauntea is the earth mother. I follow her because I hold growth and those who tend the land in high regard. She also represents life. A deity's portfolio is all of the things they hold dear, and most people try to find a deity they respect and who holds the same things dear. If you donow pray to Narath, who do you worship, and why?"
"I follow Selune, my parents have before me and my parents before me. I follow her because of her emphasis on navigation, a useful thing for one at sea."
Sifuhn asked Janusa, "Would you please explain to us how you feel about your former companions, the paladins of Lathander and Torm, who traveled with you to within 10 miles of the Goldenfields abbey before finding their end."
Sifuhn's Intimidate Roll(+5 Circumstance bonus due to being in enemy hands):
Roll(1d20)+5:
14,+5
Total:19
Sifuhn's Intimidate Roll(+5 Circumstance bonus due to being in enemy hands):
Roll(1d20)+5:
14,+5
Total:19
Janusa grew a little nervous. "How I feel about them? Well, the Paladins have always striven for good and righteousness and it was really sad to see them dead upon the road? I search for life so I mourned there passage." She said.
Pelannin spoke. "At this point, we will begin questioning each other back and forth. You three may take turns asking us questions, and we will take turns asking you questions. By tradition, generally each person takes a turn questioning, but as you are not of our beliefs, you may choose to ask the questions however you wish. Do you have any questions about the process before we begin?"
"Is there any limit on the question we can ask?" Beranhond asked.
"You may ask any question you wish of the three of us. You may not ask a question of any member of the council seated here, but we will be as honest and thorough as we can be in answering your questions and expect you to do the same." Pelannin replied.
Beranhond licked his lips and turned to the three questioners. "Please explain how followers of a God of life can justify the killing of Paladin's? I held my tounge last night and spent the morning praying for their passage. But perhaps you can illuminate me on why they needed to be butchered in such a cold hearted manner."
Beranhond's Diplomacy Roll:
Roll(1d20)+10:
15,+10
Total:25
Beranhond's Diplomacy Roll:
Roll(1d20)+10:
15,+10
Total:25
Gabrielle answered, "Chauntea teaches us that death is a part of life. The wheat dies in the autumn to make way for the fields to be planted anew. We killed those men because we are at war with them. You do not wait for your enemies to come and have a chance to kill you. You strike before they are able to strike you."
Gabrielle continued, "They knew they were entering into hostile territory. We have been engaged in battle for weeks now, and have been sending them messages for weeks before them to ask them to stop their attacks on us. Why do they ignore us? Why do they continue to press the attack?"
Beranhond: "They made no mention of a conflict with the Druids. They agreed to accompany me to find you without any mention of a conflict with you! In fact, they said that they hadn't heard from you in quite some time."
Beranhond: "Who has been attacking you? They say they have been attacked by the undead lately that has decimated their ranks."
Pelannin responded. "There are many different kinds of attacks. We have been under attack by Lathander for months now. Sacred places have been desecrated withLathander's symbol left behind, creatures being brutally mauled and left wounded for no apparent reason, branded with the symbol of Lathander, and finally, after these undead attacks began, we were able to capture a man who we thought was behind it, he turned out to be a priest of Lathander. We have sent our emissaries, and they have gone missing. So we have started defending ourselves. The priests of light will find they have plenty to fear once they step foot outside their cities."
Pelannin nodded to Sifuhn, who continued the questioning. "Did they make any mention of their attacks on our people? Their 'scouting parties' that are tasked with keeping us under their heel? Do your 'friends' at the temple in Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep sleep well at night knowing the evil they are spreading in the world?"
Pelannin nodded to Sifuhn, who continued the questioning. "Did they make any mention of their attacks on our people? Their 'scouting parties' that are tasked with keeping us under their heel? Do your 'friends' at the temple in Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep sleep well at night knowing the evil they are spreading in the world?"
"What evil are they spreading in the world?" He decided to take a slightly different approach. "Naturally, they did not mention any evil. Do you have any idea who is causing the undead?" Beranhond said curiously - Narath had warned him about someone trying to raise a dark God.
Pelannin stepped in. "You were asked a question. Please answer it before you take your own turn. This is our tradition. Thank you."
Beranhond: "My appologies. They mentioned that their scouting parties were designed to keep the undead in check and that the animals had gone mad. They did not mention that they were attacking you. They only said that they hadn't heard from you in weeks. As for my friends in the temple... they naturally did not mention how well they were sleeping or whether they were causing any evil. Indeed the temple in Balder's Gate was destroyed by an attack from an Earthquake spell."
Sifuhn replied to Beranhond's question. "Did you not hear the first time? They tainted and destroyed many locations and creatures that we consider holy and do our best to protect. They have begun destroying farmland, poisoning water supplies, and doing their best to bring decay and rot to our lands. If that is not evil, I'm not sure what is." Sifuhn let Pelannin take over once more.
"Beranhond, you say that you are Narath's first propthet and follower. How long have you been devoted to her? And were you a follower of a different deity before that?" Pelannin asked.
"Beranhond, you say that you are Narath's first propthet and follower. How long have you been devoted to her? And were you a follower of a different deity before that?" Pelannin asked.
"Well, in all honesty that is a difficult question to answer. In pragmatic terms I have not been following her publically for too long. However, in another way I have always been following her. She first spoke me to me around a decade ago and her voice spread doubt about my former beliefs." He paused for a moment, bit his lip and began again. "I technically followed Torm before her. Yet, my faith was never strong, nor did I find his message all that interesting. I joined his order for the upward mobility being a Paladin of Torm can provide. Yet, I was often in trouble with the schoolmasters for my questions and I was the last of my cohort to pass the rite of muckab before I fled under Narath's encouragement."
"When did the relations between you and Lathander's followers first go sour? Were there any events that brought about this war?"
Gabrielle answered. "There was no one event that began this war. It began about a year ago, when several owlbears were found cruelly experimented on, killed and reawakened as undead. They were branded with Lathander's seal, and we though this was a jest, or at least an attempt to make us question our onetime allies, but every attempt to find out who was really behind it yielded an answer ofLathander's priests and warriors. We tried to ask the priests about the undead, and they scoffed that such a thing could be done, and then, when we showed them evidence of the act, they claimed we had fabricated the thing. They refused to help us or even acknowledge it as a concern. Shortly after that, things began escalating. They stopped receiving our emissaries, they started attacking their former allies on sight, and things turned bitter cold between our two groups rather quickly. They haven't accepted an emissary in the past 3 months, and we haven't seen a follower of Lathander or Torm in that time that hasn't attacked us without provocation if we have not attacked first."
Gabrielle smoothly transitioned into her question. "I request that you channel your healing powers to heal an injured member of our group. In this way, you will show us that Narath is, at the least, not an evil goddess, since you seem to have so little to say about her other than that 'her ultimate interest is in life and experiencing life.'"
Gabrielle smoothly transitioned into her question. "I request that you channel your healing powers to heal an injured member of our group. In this way, you will show us that Narath is, at the least, not an evil goddess, since you seem to have so little to say about her other than that 'her ultimate interest is in life and experiencing life.'"
"Certainly. Where are they?" He paused. "As for your second point - part of the reason that I have 'so little to say' is that she sent me, as her First Prophet, to articulate her emphasis and interests. As a result, I am still finding out what exactly she stands for. If you are interested I could talk to you more about her revelation 'evolution.' But it can be a little dry."
Gabrielle gestured, and a young halfling woman stepped forward. She walked with a slight limp.
Beranhond raised the shield, which drew some odd looks from people. Calling forth healing energy he let it flow outwards from the shield. The blue light shot out from the shield and bathed the crowd and the halfling in its light.
Healing:
Roll(2d6)+2:
3,4,+2
Total:9
Healing:
Roll(2d6)+2:
3,4,+2
Total:9
The halfling woman took off her boot and sock, unwrapped the bandages, and scowled. To herself, and half to Beranhond, she said, "I liked that scar . It was a good lesson learned. I suppose I can get another though." Turning to those assembled, she announced, "It's healed." and walked back to where she was.
Beranhond: "You mentioned that you caught a Lathander Priest... what did he reveal under questioning? Did he mention any new alliances?"
"We caught him, but were unable to discover anything about him other than his name. He... escaped," was Pelannin's response. "His name was Ishmael."
Sifuhn stepped up to ask the next question. "Janusa, is it possible to have integrity but not honesty? How about duty but not compassion?"
Sifuhn stepped up to ask the next question. "Janusa, is it possible to have integrity but not honesty? How about duty but not compassion?"
She looked awkwardly at her for a moment. "I don't see why not. Integrity is maintaing your own personal convictions and honesty might not be one of them. Duty and compassion can be quite separate. But I am not really the one to ask about metaphysics and philosophy - I am a servant of the sea and the sea doesn't ask nearly such difficult questions."
Beranhond: "How can you be sure that some group isn't playing both sides against each other? Are you certain that Lathander, being historically such a good force, has turned towards evil?"
Pelannin answered. "That was our original thought, as well. It seems much more logical that there is someone else trying to make us attack each other, but every attempt we have made to find out who is at fault has led us to Lathander. We have already waited too long and lost too many for us to turn back now."
"I have no more questions. Sifuhn, Gabrielle, do either of you have any more questions?" Both of them shook their heads, and Pelannin continued. "Then, per tradition, you have 3 more questions you may ask of us before this questioning is ended."
"I have no more questions. Sifuhn, Gabrielle, do either of you have any more questions?" Both of them shook their heads, and Pelannin continued. "Then, per tradition, you have 3 more questions you may ask of us before this questioning is ended."
Beranhond: "What about Torm? Have you figured out what role Torm has played in this region?"
Gabrielle answered, "No. We don't know why Torm is involved. Any help you could provide to help us find that answer would be appreciated, but I don't really expect you to have any valuable knowledge, being away from Torm for all this time."
Beranhond: "All I know is that the Paladins of Torm have been in this region for quite some time. One of my friends was sent here a few years ago on some special assignment."
Beranhond: "Second question, from your perspective why would the Lathander order send Paladins as an escort for me on my quest to seek you if they are at war with you?"
Sifuhn answered, "They were a scouting party, trying to find where we are camped and how many we are so they can be more informed for their next moves. You are the oddity in this situation, not the paladins with you."
Beranhond: "My third question requires some background. Narath sent me here because she fears that a dark God is being raised or summoned. I suspect that this has something to do with the earthquake spell cast upon the Temple of Lathander in Balder's Gate. Further, one of the Priests of Lathander in Balder's Gate appeared to be attempting to create undead creatures. He mentioned that "they are sending me bodies now." Within all of these elements do you have any insight you could provide, or a suggestion of where to search for more information?"
Pelannin answered this last question. "I have no idea what raising a god would entail, nor do I know anything about sending bodies. However, there have been rumors about a conflict between the Temple of Lathander in Baldur's Gate and a druid's circle in the area. We don't have much commerce with other circles, but we have heard of another group that took much stronger action against the priests there."
Beranhond: "Thank you for your answers, they certainly help to illuminate, and confuse, the situation."
Pelannin turned to the assembly. "Now we must decide whether these 3 remain our prisoners or become our guests. For those wishing to let them become our guests, please show a sign of your goodwill."
ReplyDeleteRoughly 2/3rds of those seated raised some sort of branch, stick or staff with a glowing end to signify their approval of being hospitable.
Pelannin gestured for the three to follow the three women who had led them from their tents to the circle. "Please follow these three ladies, break your fast, and we will discuss what you have said."
As they turn to follow, Beranhond notices that Kailina and Janusa seem relieved.
ReplyDelete"Certainly not what you expected, is it?"
They nod in agreement.
The three are led to a small depression around a fire where they are fed oatmeal and some local fruits and vegetables, as well as a bit of jerky.
ReplyDeleteBeranhond partook of the fruits and vegetables, though he let Kailina and Janusa have most of the jerky. As he ate he reflected on the situation and waited for his hosts to appear once again.
ReplyDeleteIt was about 30 minutes before the 3 maidens returned for Beranhond and his entourage. "Are you sated, and prepared for the journey ahead?" the tall woman asked, obviously waiting for a response.
ReplyDeleteBeranhond looked at the other two and saw them shrug.
ReplyDelete"Fortunately Beranhond, we don't have to make decisions here - you do." Kailina said. Beranhond nodded.
"Certainly, but might I ask where we are headed?"
"Only back to the council. The first meal as our guests is a ceremony that goes back quite some time, and as you have now broken your fast with us, it is our custom that we may not strike you in anger or hate. You are now our guest, and as such, a member of our family. Any member of our family is protected in some ways by the rest of the family. This does not mean you cannot be punished for wrongdoing, as any child knows, but it means we must deal with you as one of our own instead of as an outsider with no rights or say in matters." The tall woman answered.
ReplyDelete"Please, come with me."
"Certainly." Beranhond said as they followed along.
ReplyDeleteAs the group walked back to the council, they saw that it generally looked exactly as they had left it, but many of the people on the hillside had moved to different spots. Beranhond supposed they must have walked around to talk to each other or cast votes or something and then sat down in different positions.
ReplyDeleteThey stopped beside Sifuhn, Gabrielle, and Pelannin once more, and Pelannin addressed them, "The council is not convinced that you, Beranhond, are not here as a spy for the Lathanderian priests, as you say. This is the equivalent of being called a traitor, and for those within our ranks, the accused normally undergoes a ritual to prove their strength of body and mind and their purity of soul and spirit. When dealing with outsiders, there is an alternate ceremony that you may choose to participate in instead.
The ceremony for outsiders is much less of an onus, but is also therefore less binding. If you perform this ceremony, it will show the council whether or not you are a traitor. The ceremony for those within the fold is much more baring, and will give the council insight into your soul and showing them not only whether you are a traitor in this, but in whether you are worthy of our trust and support.
You may choose which ceremony you would like to undertake, but only you and your companion," he said gesturing at Tigrisclawu, who was rubbing against Beranhond's legs, "May take part in either ceremony. The others have not been accused of any wrongdoing, and will be our guests if they wish while you are being tested, but they will not be allowed to watch or assist in any way. Which ritual would you prefer? Once you have chosen, I will tell you the words to speak, and you will begin your preparation for the rite."
"I do feel a little distraught that my having answered questions truthfully and honestly and the signs of my good energy and my healing abilities is not enough of a statement of my intentions. However, it is clear that trust in this region has been damaged as a result of the conflict - as a result, I understand the reasoning behind such a request
ReplyDeleteHowever, being that I am an outsider to this region I endeavor to remain neutral. Thus, I will choose the path of the outsider, for that is what I am, and shall ever be to this region."
"Very well. The three of us shall be your escorts throughout the camp until the preparations have been made. The ritual will take place this afternoon." With this, the council slowly stood one by one and began making their way into the camp.
ReplyDelete