Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

[Marullus]

The patrol followed a trail until it was cold and has returned. All in the hospice are dead now, including everyone known at the Herne statue encampment. The amulet a mystery - did it belong to the victim of Herne or was it picked up by him from the attackers? The attackers did not hunt. They slaughtered, as men, as bringer of death.

Raust leans on the shaft of their spear, mulling deeply on these matters. Sighing deeply, they respond to the Friar Marcel. "Search your archives; they will go with you when you are ready. Find what your books tell you. What of Set, Kali, and Orcus? Do they have provenance with snakes? The time is omened deeply, but we emerge now, past the equinox and into the light. Find what your gods speak - they cannot be blind to the same omens. Raust, Namma, or Carca will come to your gate each dawn - give word when it is time."

"Tell, what remains of those slain at the hospice? The followers of Herne must be given our rites... the burnt offering to Herne, not just left within a burnt building."

When they are finished, Raust departs, looking for the mill.

I don't want to assume any knowledge - is there something IC i mustdo to know of a snake/Set connection, or what to do about it?

[Spearmint]

Raust

The amulet was taken from a 'snake-man'. Snakes are not usually associated with Set or Orcus, the former is often depicted as a jackal-headed humanoid and the latter a goat-headed. There is another evil aligned deity in Impurax who appears in vulture-headed form. In the hierarchy of evil pantheon, Nergal is the chief power and God of Death and the Underworld. Though millennia ago his power waned and his sons, Set & Orcus fought to usurp his position and power. That threefold factional fight is still ongoing. Kali and Impurax are lesser deities but still vying for influence in the worldly realm.

This is the basic common knowledge for clerical classed characters.

You can conduct an evening remembrance taking the ashes of the Herne deceased to the Statue to be spread upon the Moor as an ooc action. Half of Helix still revere and follow the Angarach.

The Old Mill: home to Hendon and his wife Vina

Raust arrives at the mill. Just recently Old Basil the miller's wife's uncle, was repatriated to Helix and buried. His suspected murderer is the Sauron Soothsayer held prisoner in the Manse dungeon. Tomorrow they expect his execution. So while you might normally be welcomed as you bring news of the frontier and forest concerns (Hendon was a ranger of note until he settled down, his eldest son Tam occasionally ventures out), with the trial and building of the gallows in the market, things are at a sensitive time.

[Marullus]

This action at the mill moved to the other thread.

You can conduct an evening remembrance taking the ashes of the Herne deceased to the Statue to be spread upon the Moor as an ooc action. Half of Helix still revere and follow the Angarach.

I will also use that "general village" thread for a funeral pyre for the deceased of the Herne circle on 21 May, stopping at the tavern to involve Traeliorn as well.

Please let me know when the NPC is ready to go - I assume we are waiting OOC for the other group to return and mix in PCs.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus
May 22nd 1066

During his walk about the village, to and from various merchants, Moriartus learns about the lizardman shaman captured and held pending trial at the Manse for the brutal murder of Old Basil and his apprentice rangers. Given the resurgent cults, especially those of Kali and Impurax, he immediately questioned if the actual murderer was indeed caught, not just a convenient scapegoat to appease the outraged villagers.

As he continues to reconsider his relationship with Arcantryl, he recalls a key tenet of the faith: Truth.
Specifically, truth of knowledge and the application of logic and reason to attain that knowledge. Thoughts free from the influence of emotion or personal bias. If this shaman is indeed innocent, then perhaps he could be invaluable in seeking the truth behind the attacks at the logging camp and the faithful of Herne.

Moriartus approaches the Manse guards. "Good day. I am here seeking an audience with Lord Krothos. I speak the tongue of the captured lizardman shaman and could help with the interrogation, if it pleases his lordship."

Charisma (17): [4d6]=13

[Spearmint]

I will come back to this over the weekend.

[OGRE MAGE]

If possible....

When Sven sees his new friend headed towards the manse, he decides to accompany the man, unless he openly objects, of course.

"Hello again Moriartus. I have an interest in how this turns out for the lizard men as well, so do you mind if I tag along?"

If you would rather go alone, that is fine too. No problem either way from my end.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"Of course, I don't mind at all. In fact, I would welcome your input and thoughts."

[OGRE MAGE]

The younger mage smiles wide.

"I dont know about you, but I fear that this creature isn't exactly being treated fairly. But please don't tell anyone here I said that. I don't want to be stuck in there with them."

Sven lets the far more charismatic mage do the talking once we hit the manse.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"I share your concern ..."

"With the resurgent activity among the Death cults, this village can ill afford provoking open war with the saurian tribes."

"They may, in fact, be one of the few potential allies in the months ahead. There are storm clouds brewing on the horizon, my friend. I fear that the wisdom and leadership of Lord Krothos will be severely tested."

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven decides it might be best not to express his concern about the lord of the lands wisdom or leadership.

"Agreed. Wholeheartedly. Lets see how this goes in there. Once we have a bit more information, we can talk further about that business afterwards."

"Have you met Lord Krothos yet, or his aid? Ollis?"

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"I have met with Lord Krothos, yes. Of his aid Ollis, I have not, although it seems he is not held in high regard among other prominent members of the village ... or yourself?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven

“He’s said some things to me that were a bit…..unnerving. I will let you make your own determination about him and we can talk about that afterwards as well.”

[Spearmint]

The Old Manse

Moriartus and Sven approach the Manse guards. "Good day. I am here seeking an audience with Lord Krothos. I speak the tongue of the captured lizardman shaman and could help with the interrogation, if it pleases his lordship."

The two pikemen on duty note your arrival and you are both ushered into the porch by the Keep gates. Your request is forwarded and within a few minutes you are given access and escorted towards the reception hall.

Sven is a little more familiar with the place and can point out the stables, barracks and guard house where the Duchy Militia train. Above the Keep gates is a formal chapel to St Ygg and in the Manse proper, private quarters of Krothos and the main banqueting hall, administrative offices and kitchens. Your weapons and staffs checked in to security as you enter the Manse.

"You wait all day for a wizard to arrive, then two come along at once." Ollis says, greeting you both with an austere frown. The chamberlain at least seems to have heard of Moriartus even if not meeting in person.

"Walk this way.". He takes you down a corridor to an audience withLord Krothos who is seated on a large carved throne like seat. Before him are a guard captain and Vicar Othar who talk in hushes as you enter.

"You wish to advocate for this Soothsayer I understand. Has he no voice of his own? Hardly I understand Captain. You have not managed to loosen his forked tongue with my success."

Lord Krothos addresses you both and the Captain of the Guard who you may suspect oversees the detention and interrogation of the murder suspect.

actions please.

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven puts on his "I'm-in-over-my-head-again" smile and looks up to Moriartus, allowing him to begin the proceedings.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"My Lord." He says, bowing respectfully. "Yes. I speak the saurian tongue and am offering my services as advocate for the accused, as Saint Ygg, in his wisdom and mercy, demands in pursuit of justice."

"Though the saurian has his own voice, our ways are not their ways. He may simply fail to understand civilized justice and the opportunity to defend himself, choosing instead a silent martyrdom to their savage gods."

"As a follower of Arcantryl, I seek truth in knowledge. If you will allow me, I shall attempt to advise the saurian in his defense and in so doing, by Ygg's will, the truth and justice will be served."

He motions towards Sven. "I believe you already know my young associate. He has agreed to assist me with the interrogation by transcribing the words of the accused."

Charisma (17): [4d6]=16

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven bows low before pointing to his journal, waving his pencil in the air and smiling.

If he can get Vicar Othar's attention, he nods and smiles at the clergyman as well.

[Spearmint]

The Old Manse

Vicar Othar certainly does not take kindly to the mage lecturing on the the protocols of St Ygg whilst acknowledging the new age cult of Arcantryl.

"These soulless creatures are beyond redemption. Can one hatched from an egg be filled with the spirit of the divine. Does the breath of God flow through their lungs, from first breath as a new born to last when the spirit departs to his celestial embrace?

These infidel creatures know well enough and would be made to speak truly though it seems our Captain has lost his touch for interrogations."

"He can speak well enough though his pleadings fall on deaf ears. Have you not cast your judgement Lord Krothos? The gallows are built and the crowd grow restless. It will be a good show to erase the memories of the Hospice blaze and spate of murders." Captain Ness, the senior of the militia responds.

There is some debate between those gathered. Clearly the Captain and cleric see the trial as little more than a political theatre directed by Ollis to promote the profile and favour of Lord Krothos to the people of Helix.

"You have arrived to advocate? Well, I cannot decline the defendant has a right to due process. If you can garner testimony to balance the evidence then maybe a quick death over a protracted scene will be his reward. But listen closely. I will have heads on pikes to warn those who seek to endanger the settlements and Duchy.
Sauron or otherwise. Murder is murder and justice will prevail and be seen to do so."

The feudal Lord makes his declarations and decrees but agrees you can go to see 'the Soothsayer'.

The guard captain looks aggrieved but follows orders and you can follow him to the dungeon cells.

Below the keep barracks are some converted cellars. One has a small room which by the look has the hallmarks of an 'interrogation' room. Held up by chains fixed to the ceiling is a tall lizardman. His legs are shackled, his back raw with lashes from a whip. He has other discernible injuries. The Captain shrugs, to him it is all in a day's work and he revels in his duty. The Vicar is less pleased with the methods used but the Soothsayer has yet to either confess or tell much of what happened.

Some facts you do know:

Old Basil, poacher and ranger disappeared with two apprentices whilst hunting on the North banks of the Moorwash River. Their bodies were found days later, flayed and hung from the arched spans of the Old Dwarf Bridge.

Patrolling guards cornered the Soothsayer who had stayed by the bodies, conducting some ritual with them.

The Soothsayer is a form of tribal witch doctor - shaman, though strangely he was alone at the time.

The lizardmen traditionally are animistic in theology, not adhering to any of the Angarach or Futurus but rather worshippers of incarnations of Tiamat or Bahamut.

actions and questions please.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

Moriartus gestures to Sven. "I will attempt to speak with him in their tongue and translate his replies. Please record his testimony." He understandably is unaware ... or is he? ... that Sven also speaks saurian. To the Vicar and Captain, he asks, "Please refrain from speaking to it, although I can translate any questions you may have."

He then stands before the lizardman soothsayer and speaks to him in saurian. "My name is Moriartus. I have offered myself to be your advocate. In our culture, those who are accused have a right to offer testimony in their defense. An advocate assists the accused to ensure the truth is revealed and justice is served."

He pauses a moment for the soothsayer to process what he said. "If you will accept me as your advocate, by the will of Arcantryl, I pledge to help plead your innocence of the crimes for which you are accused. However, you must be open and honest with me if I hope to succeed."

"Do you understand and accept?"

Charisma (17): [4d6]=16

[Stirling]

May 13th 1066

Vann Hector approaches the guarded dwelling. He introduces himself and presents the letter.

"It is for an audience with the Vicar. These delicate requests concern a paladin in distress and the church's noble intercession on his behalf."

[Spearmint]

May 13th 1066

Vann Hector is escorted to the porch and made to wait, "The Vicar is at his prayers." says 'Enry, one of the guardian pikemen.

While seated on a bench you peruse the grounds, neat landscaped flowerbeds, a stables to one side, militia men drilling to marching orders, servants flitting to and fro. Eventually you are summoned and Vicar Othar received you in the private chapel of the Old Manse.

Stained glass windows filter the light into the chamber in colourful rays. Othar receives you and dismisses the attending guards.

"Highly irregular. I am saddened by the news of Sir Dewey's injuries. These barrows and expeditions bring retribution and danger to the village. Awakening undead to terrorise the village. It would be better to let such ancients lie.

So by all accounts you assaulted a mound dedicated to a Sauron cult. Seeking to resurrect the infamous Black Legionnaires of Nergal. That would be a swarm of inhumanity to plague us, plague upon plague assails the frontier it seems. Divine rebuke I say so that the faithless repent if their evil doing and we return to following God's statutes and commandments.

Have you taken confession? You should do so before returning to the Barrows lest you die in your sins."

The Vicar reads the note from the junior minister.

"I can summon some aid. It is not enough but I have one disciple here with some experience of the Moors. I will equip him with the requested aid."

He folds the letter into a pocket.

"And perhaps you could consider a reciprocal favour. You have a talent for keeping confidences and are witted enough to discern people's character."

He alludes to your rogue nature and offers you a commission to spy on someone and report who he meets in the taverns.

As to the aid to help repatriate Sir Dewey, he seconds one of Lord Krothos' squires, Leomane, a cleric of St Ygg who is being prepared for his first curacy appointment.

He also gives the cleric a potion of healing, taken from the Old Manse vaults. He wishes you "Godspeed and good favour." and passes you a pouch of +50gp for information on any of Ollis' indiscretions.