Templars go to Tempus's Hall of Heroes.
CJ holds off after tieng up his horse and waits for the
others.....from his sack, he pulls out a cloth type material and puts it over his
head covering his face. Hiding it, he is still able to see through it........
"I AM Knightshadow."
CJ pulls out his Claymore and looks at all of you....."What we do here
we do together. Protect Darrin. But if this is what he wants....we
can only support him."
"We all know the path we must travel. Our first task should be to find
Darrin, and with as little bloodshed as possible," Methos saids, as he
places his hand on Knightshadow's sword arm. "I personally do not want
to be on the War God's wanted list, and besides, I'm a lover, not a
fighter. Let's just find Darrin and Clavel, and see what our current
situation is." Methos loosens his weapons just before he enters the
Temple.
"OK Methos....but I still wil protect either or no matter the cost!!!!!!"
(putting Claymore back into it's sheath and unloosens his battle axe)
As you make your way up the steps, a man greets you at the door. He
says softly, "How may we help you, good sirs. Do you wish to make
an offering to Tempus the Mighty, or would you like to join our
membership. You both look to be hale and hearty fighters."
KS walks up to the gaurd and says...."We have friends here that we have come
to see. I came in with Lord Clavel Blueheart last night. He sent me to
fetch these fine gentleman and we have returned....if you wish...tell him
that CJ has arrived with the party he has requested..."
"I will attend to that immediately. Please give me but a moment." He bows
politely and heads upstairs. After a minute you see him make his way back
downstairs, but he continues past the main floor here and heads even deeper into the
bowels of the temple. It is only a few minutes and he returns to lead you forth.
"Please follow me. He has asked me to lead you to the Training Hall to await word
from him." With that he leads you down two levels and into a thin hallway lit
by lanterns spaced down it's length. There is only one set of doors that you
can see sitting right in front of the stairs, and without knocking he opens
the door and ushers you inside. You see benches all around the room, resting
beside the walls. The floor is dirt packed, and Christian stands inside speaking to a
lithe young redhead, who is wiping the sweat from her forehead, while holding a
wooden practice sword in the other.
Christian is winded, but as you come in he greets you, "Good to see all of you
again. This is Milady Vanessa, one of Tempus' priests. These are Lord
Blueheart's companions, Milady," he presents you.
The redhead smiles warmly and welcomes you to the Practice Hall.
CJ pulls of his mask and smiles and with little hesitation...leading his way
over to shake Christian's hand in his return. "As you can see my friend, we
had a safe journy in our return." He then looks over to young Vanessa and
smiles. "And I see this young lady here seems to be keeping you on your toes
Christian!"
"Aye, she is quite a fighter, though she is better with her axe, than that
sword. She walloped Darrin quite a few times as well," Christian grins
at the lovely Priestess.
Methos gives Christian a slight nod, and eyes the redhead suspiciously
(it has been several days since he has been with a woman).
"Tis a shame we did not arrive here earlier to see your prowess in
battle, milady. Seems you can teach each of us a lesson or two."
"I have been fighting for many years, but, I never presume that I
can teach anyone something,... until I have seen them fight of course.
I would like a break however. Christian's young friend and I had
several go arounds under the watchful eye of your companion." She
walks casually towards the bench nearest the door, and setting her
weapon down, she leans over and picks up a towel... She is a definately
fit and trim and yet seems not to notice her effect on any of you.
To Christian, "By the way, where is Blueheart anyway?"
Christian is startled from his pleasant viewing and sputters, "Well. I
can not say for certain. He assigned me to watch over Darrin, but when
Darrin left here in a rush... seemingly upset by something, Lord Blueheart
went after him and bid me stay here with the Lady. Something is going
on, but I have no idea what."
Vanessa turns back around, and toweling dirt off her arms, she says, "How
much do you know of the ceremony?"
"Not much, I'm afraid. Can you enlighten us about the purpose
of this ceremony, and why is it sometimes referred to as the Rape
of the Virgin?" Methos answers, as he walks up to Vanessa. "Please,
allow me to dry you off, milady," Methos suggests as he reaches for
another towel.
"Watch yourself Methos....Christian said Darrin got Walloped!"(smile)<>
Vanessa clears her throat and taking a small step away, says softly,
"I'm the virgin this year, good elf. And your young friend, Darrin
is the other virgin... though he seems a bit reluctant. Nice kid
though, and like myself chosen by the God for the ceremony. In the
past," she says hurriedly to forestall any questions, "the virgin was
from another priesthood, but this year we are making a change and
I think for the good. It is also called the Spring Ritual of Renewal.
I'm sure I don't need to tell you that many Gods feel that sex or
sacrifice brings them power, and this ritual usually combines both
and grants much power to Tempus for the coming year which is used
for battle magics and such."
She smiles grimly and says, "I am ready to die for my beliefs and
perhaps travel to the realm of my God, so do not fret for me."
Something suddenly catches CJ in a daze as he looks again at the
priestess...Something that Christian just said. An eery feeling if that. But
why or what? No clue. "Christian...did Darrin just like suddenly become
upset or was it something said?"
"It was sudden, but nothing to do with battle. Rather we were talking, and Vanessa
and I were about to spar under Milord Blueheart's watchful eyes," Christian says
with a shrug. "I forget..."
"I believe you were discussing my beauty and that perhaps he was distracted in
battle with me," Vanessa says with a grin. "He was upset, but I trust, his Lord
will know how best to deal with him. It is a Lord's duty to his new squire."
"But a ritual that still is not right. For what I remember of the place I
was from. This was more of a dihonor of onnes self. And I beleive this. I
don't see why these foolish Gods need something of such a dispicable manner.
There are other ways of drawing power..........and for such a lady as
yourself....*sigh*"
CJ turns away from the group and rest on the handle of his Batle Axe...
Andrew the mage awakes from his long silence and says:
"Do not say that about the Gods, specially inside a god's temple. We are
their creations and must do their biddings the best we can. I am sure
Vanessa here would sacrifice her life for Tempus, as I would if I were one
of his followers"
"My God has called me for a great purpose. I fully expect that at the end,
I shall be granted a place at his side. How could I decline this great gift?
I shall be the first woman from our Brotherhood to take up this honor... before
it was virgins stolen from other temples and used against their will. Thus the
rape of the virgin. But times change, and now asked, I will gladly serve the
Mighty Tempus," she says calmly.
As you speak a messenger comes to the door and once he ascertains your names,> he hands
you a message...
Friends!
Due to urgent business, I am terribly sorry to not be able to make it. Ye may stay and
explore the temple and its halls a bit, or do as thou seemeth fit. I would however
suggest that thee sell the weapons today, for prices shall begin to fall within the
upcoming festival days. Hope to see thee at tonight's ceremony.
Many apologies,
Clavel Blueheart @CBH@
The man bows and quickly departs.
CJ smirks a bit....."I wonder what he is planning on doing today?" He then
continues to speak...."I understand then on this ceremony.....just feel odd
about the entire thing you understand? I mean....to rape....but then not
to......Aye I'll never understand I guess....as long as you both feel honor
by doing this....so be it."
"Since both parties seem content to be a part of this ritual, it is not
our place to interfere. I suggest we sell the weapons we obtained on
our travels, and see what other interests there are in this city. I
believe we are out of work as of the moment." Methos suggests.
"Well...I could use some fresh air....and a look around. Anyone interested
in joining me?"<>
Christian says with a grin, "Perhaps if we asked someone to accompany us...
someone who is more familiar with Waterdeep, and might know where we could
find a good price for our Orc treasure." He turns towards Vanessa and
says, "Can you be spared from your duties to join us, and show us around
a bit?"
"Of course," she replies. "Let me change quickly, and I will take you to
a friend I know. Wait for me here, if you will?" She nods farewell and
is quickly gone, out the only door.
You do not have to wait long, and she returns in well worn leathers, a
longsword belted to her waist. Vanessa leads you back out front and to
your horses. She takes a look in the cart, and with a nod, mounts up
and leads you on your way towards the southeast of the city. She points
out the mercenary's guild, just in case you want to register at a later
time, but she doesn't seem much interested in guide duty at the moment.
She pulls up and dismounts in front of a small shop tucked on the corner
of an alley, and motions for you to pull the wagon into the alley and
park it next to the shop. She knocks once on the door, a sign in the
window marked closed all you can see besides tightly drawn drapes.
After knocking a second time, a little louder, the door opens and a short,
stout, barrel chested dwarf opens the door, and grunts, "No respect for the
quiet of a fine morning." He peers upwards and with a scowl, he says, "I
might've known it'd be you, Vany. Day 'afore festival, and you got to come
this early in the morning."
"It's not early Maeg, it's getting close to 10 am," the priestess grins.
"This is Methos, Andrew, Christian and CJ. They have some merchandise they
would like a fair price on... and none of that pre-festival nonsense."
The dwarf scowls up at each of you, saying, "Now, Vany, don't be tellin' me
my trade. What I buy today at such a fair price, I couldn't unload at all
for the next ten days and even break even. Unfair to be asking me for this."
But even as he protests he grins up at her, and seeing the tail end of the
wagon, he steps towards it.
Methos takes a quick look inside the shop through the opened door
so see what type of shop it is, and what contents are stored inside.
Then he asks Vanessa, "You and Maeg seem to be old friends. How came you
to know him? And is he a good supplier of adventurers' items?"
As you peek inside the shop, Vanessa grins and says, "Maeg's shop carries
some fine stuff if you look sharp enough amongst the junk. For more years
than I've been alive, Maeg's been a favorite amongst the warriors of Tempus
for selling stuff they've picked up on the battlefield."
CJ steps back and looks around the street as the other three do buissness
with the dwarf.
"So, how much are you willing to offer, or if you have something we find
useful, we would be willing to trade." Methos explains to the dwarf.
Maeg gives you this rundown in a matter of fact tone:
the weapons you found were decent iron
23 daggers 5sp per = 11 gold 5 silver
20 spears still useable 10 gold and that's a good bargain
6 short swords 42 gold at 7 gold per
1 long sword 12 gold
6 short bows 120 gold at 20 gold per
60 sheaf arrows 10 gold
total 205 gold, 15 silver
"Now if you are wanting to come inside and tell me what
you are interested in, or if there are any items you didn't
stash in your wagon, let's go inside and have a seat, maybe
a cup of spiced apple tea for all of us." He nods towards
his doorway as he invites you into his shop.
Methos opens the door, and politely holds the door for Vanessa.
>
> After everyone is in the shop, Methos asks the dwarf, "Do you know of
> any items, or have any items reputed to enhance a fighter's prowess
> in battle? I have heard that dwarfs are the greatest forgers of
> weapons in the Realms, and would like to hear any tales you might
> have involving dwarven weapons."
"Interesting that an elf would even be interested in something like
that," the dwarf scowls. "I ain't a smith or nothin' like that.
I'm a businessdwarf, you understand. I got me a few daggers that
are fine blades and well crafted, but they're more fer show and nothing
to enhance yer fightin' prowess."
He reaches underneath the counter and comes up with two daggers, their
handles done in inlaid pearl and onyx combined. They look quite
pretty, and very lethal.
He continues with a grin, "As to anything else, I'd sell to a
friend of a friend," he winks at Vanessa. "I've got this small
ring here. It's supposed to protect from evil, but I ain't
letting it go for cheap."
"May I inspect the ring?" Methos asks the dwarf as he reaches for the
> ring. "How much are you willing to let the ring go for? Perhaps
> we can have an exchange, the ring for a future service. I am not
> a rich elf..."
>
> DM: Methos will study the ring, looking for any inscriptions or
> other identifying marks.
"What could an elf do for one such as I?" grins the wily dwarf.
Vanessa gives his a playful slap on the shoulder and says, "Just the
other day, you said you needed someone to retrieve something from
the Widowmaker Mineshaft to the east of town."
"Elfy, here ain't gonna want to go under the ground." He says handing
the ring to Methos to look at. Methos spies two scratch marks... two
wavy lines and a half moon, on the inside of the ring. Perhaps the
wizard's mark that made the ring. "And there's time enough for that
after the festival. Supposedly, some ancestors of mine, used the
Widowmaker for a temporary home a long time ago. Of course, there's
probably plenty of folk been down the mine since, and anything of
value is probably long gone," he says wistfully. And Maeg looks quite
wistful, especially for a dwarf.
"Ye be surprised the things I be capable of when I am provided with
> the right motivation." Methos remarks to Maeg as he hands the ring
> back. "What is of interest down in the Widowmaker? Given the right
> directions, I would be interested in 'visiting' this former Dwarven
> establishment."
Vanessa says, "You're going to need some friends. It's not called
The Widowmaker for nothing."
Maeg scowls and says, "Now, don't be frightening anyone, m'dear. I'm
looking for a lost sword that belonged to a great Dwarven hero, Thagtri
Greyshale. Very few dwarves use a longsword, but Thagtri was a little
on the tall side and liked the reach it gave him. I have an old map
around here somewhere... a partial map," he adds starting to search under
the counter. Scowling he looks back up and says, "I'll find it. I'll
find it. How about it ears? You up for a little treasure hunt? It
might take me a day or so to find this map, but when I do... I'll let
you borrow it."
"Sounds good to me, if retrieving the longsword is worth that ring.
And of course, we be getting to keep are other items we may find
in the Widowmaker." Methos responds, with a wink to the rest of the
party.
"Of course, lad," the dwarf says offhand still peering under his
desk. "Oh, where is that map." He looks back up at you and says,
"Come back in a few days and give me sometime to find that map.
Been hectic here getting ready for Greengrass, and Widowmaker's
been there for a long time, she'll still be there for a few days
more."
Vanessa says with a grin, "Besides after the Spring Festival, I
may be able to join you as well, Methos. For now, let's return
to the House of Heroes and see if Clavel and Darrin have returned
home."
With that she nods to the dwarf and after allowing a few moments
for goodbyes, she leads you outside and back to the wagon. As
she mounts her horse, she winks at Methos and says, "He's been
talking about the Widowmaker since I first met him four years
ago, and others have told me, it's been more like decades. And
yet there are no others who seem to have heard of this place,
good elf. And he has never had a map when asked for one."
As she laughs, she leads you through crowded streets back towards
her God's temple.
Methos shrugs at Vanessa's comments. "No harm in asking," he saids
as he also swings onto the saddle and follows Vanessa to the Temple of
Tempus.
Upon arriving, Christian is quick to lead your horses away, while
Vanessa offers to guide everyone down to the rooms that Clavel and
Christian had been placed in upon arriving, to see if Clavel and
Darrin had returned.
Down narrow hallways and single file stairs, Vanessa leads you past
many closed doors, and stopping over halfway down the corridor, she
knocks lightly on the door. There is no answer, so she goes to
the next door and tries again.
----------
The Return of Valimar
> You ride up to a magnificent three story church, ringed around
> by a gated fence. A chainmailed warrior, nods you to the side
> where you see other horses tied to a post. As you disembark
> you hear from behind you:
>
> Darrin calls out cheerfully, "Hoy! Valimar. It's good to see you
> again."
>
> With the youth is the priest Clavel Blueheart astride his black
> charger.
>
"Indeed! We have missed thy company," Clavel smiles. "To what may we honor thy
presence?"
> Valimar turn to his back as he heard his name being called."Darrin, your sure a
> sight for sore eyes.How long have i left you?You seem to change quite a
> bit,"Valimar answers as he scrutinised the young man.Valimar offer his hand
> toward the young man hoping to shake his hand.
Darrin bows and then also grasps Valimar's hand firmly. "I haven't
changed that much," he grins wide.
>
> "My dear Clavel its nice to see your face after so long,"Valimar says when
> noticed Clavel is with the Darrin."Where are our friends Andrew,Methos and the
> rest???What have you all been doing in Waterdeep since you all
> arrived??"Valimar continued."I'm a bit tired Clavel is there somewhere we can
> rest and talk?"Valimar streches his hand and leg."I've been on the road since
> early this morning.By the way is there anything that i can eat i'm a bit hungry
> also"Valimar say as he rubbed his stomach.
"They may be inside the compound..." he gestures to the Hall of Heroes, "...or
perhaps they went to sell the... 'merchandise' we seized in battle, as I
suggested they do," Clavel replies. "Please, follow me friend. We'll find ye a
bite to eat. But try not to torture Darrin," Clavel winks the boy's way. "He's
fasting for tonight's ceremony." The priest dismounts, leading his horse to the
gate, greeting the guard.
"Ceremony???What ceremony???"Valimar said in a confused tone."You must tell me
more about this later.A lot seem to have happened since i left."
"I'm to become one of the Mighty Tempus's warriors, Milord Valimar," Darrin
says with a gleam in his eye.
Clavel nods in agreement, handing his horse over to a stableboy.
"I'll take a quick look at the arena to see if any are there, Milord,"
Darrin addresses Clavel. "And then meet you in the dining hall."
Clavel leads Darrin and Valimar into Tempus's Hall and then immediately
down one flight of stairs, while Darrin continues down another flight.
Down a narrow hallway with doors set about every ten feet on either
side, Clavel goes, until he turns into a small cafeteria area. The
room is extremely crowded with warriors and many robed lay brothers
of the order.
After getting your food, Darrin enters and standing at Clavel's side,
he reports, "No one is downstairs and neither CJ nor Christian are
in their room, Milord." You can see his gaze heads towards the sandwich
on Clavel's plate, but that once he notices where his eyes are, he
ducks his head and peers carefully at his boots.
"Well, I guess they've gone," Clavel says, his eyes quickly scanning the cafeteria.
"Let us take this meal to our room, where we may have some privacy. Then we shall go
look for General Rhebbos."
"Who is CJ?"Valimar says as Valimar takes a big bite out of his sandwich.Then
he offer his sandwich to Darrin pitying his predicament.
Clavel looks at Darrin secretly out of the corner of his eye.
"I am truly grateful, but... I really shouldn't," Darrin says with mouth watering.
"Well, I guess they've gone," Clavel says, his eyes quickly scanning the
cafeteria. "Let us take this meal to our room, where we may have some privacy.
Then we shall go look for General Rhebbos."
"I think its a good idea.We can't really talk here.Its too noisy"Valimar
remarked as he takes another bite."We do have a lot of catching up to do.I
would like to know what has happened to you all since i left"Valimar added.
"CJ is someone we met here in Waterdeep," Clavel answers. "He seems to
think I am Khelbin Arunsun, the Blackstaff. Hope he checked out that
bump on his head," he comments with a chuckle, shaking his head. He then
smiles warmly at Valimar and stands. "Our room is right down the hall,"
he says softly gesturing for the two to follow.
"Poor Christian to be stuck chaperoning the crazy fighter," Darrin says with
a grin as he lets Valimar and Clavel go before him. "Milord has sent the others
to obtain a good price on the loot we got off the Orcs, and they should be back
soon." Only a few yards away, Clavel opens the door of a small two-bunk
apartment with barely room to squeeze in between the two bunks. Darrin yawns,
saying around the yawn, "Milord, if you need a nap, I'll wake you later when
the others get back."
Clavel laughs at the boy's yawn... and is suddenly surprised as a yawn
> escapes him, too. He laughs. "Well, heheheh. We've been both without
> sleep for... well, quite a while," he grins, yawning again. "A long
> night and day. Heheh. Best we both catch some shut eye. Eh?" He pats
> Darrin on the shoulder.
>
> "I'd ask ye Valimar that ye please guard over our sleep. Lord Tempus had
> warned me that we are in some danger here. If there is a knock upon the
> door, or noises outside of our room, wake me first, before ye do
> anything," Clavel says, his expression serious.
>
> "Hmmm. Let us rather move to Christian's room. We'll be safer there," he
> explains. "I wonder if Christian's with Rhebbos in preparation as he
> should be," he adds with an afterthought. "Maybe they've left a note for
> us." His eyes go to their night table.
Heading to the room next door... a room that is purely identical to the
previous room, you see that there is no note awaiting you.
"Well... wake us please, in four hours, Valimar. And remember what I
said about the danger," Clavel says once ready for bed. With a nod to
both he kneels by his bed whispering a prayer to Tempus and then lays to
sleep. His armor and sword placed by his bedside.
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