A Million Miles-A Dungeons and Dragons RP (IC)

[Luminesa]

The Temple of Holy Peace was a work of poetry, an ode to the magnificence of waterfalls, the snow-white gleam of clouds on a snowy day, and the resurrection of a city of immigrants from a terrible war. The complex, which was surrounded by artificial waterfalls powered by aqueducts, was dedicated to Eldath, the goddess of peace and healing. Inside, people of every background came to receive healing and comfort from the temple's priests and priestesses. Others came to pray at the beautiful shrine of Eldath, which stood behind the beautiful white-gold-and-sapphire altar, smiling and holding out her hands to those who came to receive her aid. Yet not everyone felt the peace of the temple on this bright, sunny day in the Kingdom of Barrfhionn.

High Priest Wilhelm, an eminent and grey Cleric who had run the temple for decades, had an old brow furrowed with fear. As he walked through the corridor from the side-chapel to the main temple, he had a letter in his hand. One of many letters which passed through his hands, but this letter was of especial importance. A dangerous mission was entailed, one that involved a long and terrible journey. He could not leave the temple to complete this mission, as he had to stay and defend his home and his flock from any incoming threats. Yet he knew that a group of adventurers had recently arrived in Barrfhionn, and were visiting near the temple. He called one of the other priests, a much younger and far more skittish Cleric by the name of Seamus, and he ordered him to place a notice on the outside of the complex, in front of the other notices on the notice board outside the temple.

Eleanora Windwheel was one of the adventurers who had recently arrived in Barrfhionn. Tired from a long journey through the wilderness leading to the Kingdom, she had come to the temple to rest, to read about some of the lore of the city and its deity, and to receive healing. She also needed to buy supplies to take on her travels. Dressed in a blueish-black, feather-decorated cloak, a short black dress, and black boots, she definitely stood-out from the Clerics dressed mostly in sapphire-blue and egg-white robes. Yet she paid her appearance little mind, and so did they, as she approached the temple. She looked at the notice-board, and was surprised to see what the quest entailed:

"SEE HEAD CLERIC WILHELM
QUEST OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
GREAT REWARD WILL BE GIVEN FOR COMPLETION."

"...Head Cleric Wilhelm...well, I have no idea who that is, I'll have to search for him inside..." Eleanora muttered. Scratching her long, blue-black hair, she stared toward the temple and wondered what sort of mission called for such urgency.

[The Supreme Magnificent High Swaglord]

BALTAZAR JANEK
Outside of the Capital City of Barrfhionn

Baltazar had travelled along the Great Road for a few weeks, and he had begun to grow weary of his long journey beyond his cloister within the hallowed and illustrious halls of the House of Wisdom; but his voyage had not been in vain, and he uttered an incantation of praise to the goddess Ioun for guiding him safely to the majestic capital of the Kingdom of Barrfhionn. His scholarly robes were beginning to show tatters, and his spectacles had become clouded and scratched by the elements, and his muscles were weary from nigh-constant walking, but he endured nonetheless; and now he was outside of the city gates. He calmly approached a watchman, showing an amulet worn around his neck bearing the symbol of his sacred order, the Knights Mentor of Ioun. The watchman made a gesture with his hands, and the massive gates opened, and Baltazar entered the vastness of the city, a place he hadn't been since he left his previous life as a noble at the age of fifteen to devote himself to Ioun and the discovery and preservation of knowledge.

The scents and sights and sounds of the city were overwhelming, especially in comparison to the calm and quiet cloistered life as a Sacred Archivist he once held; but Ioun chose him for this quest, to join the esteemed ranks of the Knights Mentor and journey to make right that which is wrong and discover new knowledge to preserve and distribute, and it would be most unwise to disobey the commands of a divine being. Baltazar was in need of rest and healing, so he journeyed to the Temple of Holy Peace, a sacred place dedicated to Eldath, a respected ally of Ioun. As he approached the temple, he found a notice board, declaring:

"SEE HEAD CLERIC WILHELM
QUEST OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
GREAT REWARD WILL BE GIVEN FOR COMPLETION."

"A quest? An omen? Perhaps the divines are calling out to me; it would be in accordance with all that has transpired such far... I must investigate further; may the light of Ioun discern the proper path which is to be taken..." Baltazar pondered, oblivious to his surroundings. But he quickly snapped back into reality. There was a person standing nearby, a cloaked half-elven woman staring at the temple...

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Arnaud Mitarashi
Temple of the Holy Peace

The peaceful and complex architecture of the Temple was indeed a pretty sight: the sound of the running water filled the corridors and open spaces of the temple, where the clerics walked, only hurrying their steps when a healing session was needed. However, among the clerics, a man with long black hair, loosely flowing along with his calm steps and long, white robes. The sound of his quarterstaff could be heard knocking against the floor's tiles, as he patiently asked around for directions to the High Cleric's office.

Eventually, he neared a room at the back of the complex: the High Cleric's office. The two clerics that guarded the door informed the monk that the High Cleric actually waited for a party to arrive before he gave more information on the quest he was about to give. Patiently, Mitarashi walked to a nearby room, where he was told to wait for more adventurers to arrive. With his usual calm, he sat at a nearby chair, crossing his legs and letting the quarterstaff rest on his lap, before he closed his eyes and started to meditate. With a whistle, his owl came through the window, resting at the nearby chair, guarding the door like it was a winged guard dog, while her owner rested and waited.

[UniversalCommons]

Oak Leif was talking to the spirit of his grandfather in his head. "Look at that giant gate. Wow." He was astounded. He had never seen a gate that big in his life. It was big, the biggest gate he had ever seen. His mouth hung open. There were so many people around him. All kinds of people. He looked around. He was muttering to himself in Minotaur.

During the last three weeks he had been traveling in a caravan. He did not particularly know where he was going. He had simply gone in what he thought was a straight line. His being in the caravan was an accident. He had walked out of the mountains and found a caravan being attacked by goblins. Something irritated him about the goblin magician summoning huge rats. He did not like rats. He charged out of the woods and cut the goblin magician in half tossing one half high into the air with his horns. It caught the goblins by surprise and scared the rats. He chased the rats around the battlefield bellowing and roaring at anything in the way. The battle turned in the favor of the caravan guards.

The caravan offered him a job protecting the caravan. He traveled with them, demonstrating his strength by pulling the wagons out of the mud when it rained, helping carry chests of iron bars and trade goods, and talking to some of the huge oxen who pulled some of the wagons in minotaur. They did not talk back. He ate the oats, carrots, and apples which the horses ate. He was happy when they gave him a few silver pieces on the road. It was more money than he had ever had in his possession. Oak Leif hid it in a pouch underneath his kilt.

Eventually, he reached the city. He was not even sure what the name of the city was. One of the caravan guards had fallen and broken his leg and he was carrying the guard to the temple to get healing. Another guard was escorting him. They had given him a workmans chit to work at the docks so he could enter the city.

He followed the caravan guard to the temple. He was amazed at the waterfalls, they were pretty to look at. He was thirsty so he took a drink of water. He began to glow slightly accentuating his huge muscles. A priest took away the wounded caravan guard.

A priest asked him, "Are you an adventurer?"

Oak Leif, "What is an adventurer?"

The priest, "Someone who seeks to do great deeds."

Oak Leif, "The king sent us to seek treasure."

The priest, " They are seeking adventurers. Adventurers sometimes find gold."

Oak Leif scratched his head, "Then I will be an adventurer. Does it pay more than being on a caravan?"

The priest, "Yes. Please follow me."

Oak Leif wondered why he was glowing and seeing sparkles on the waterfalls.

He followed the priest and handed the priest his work chit for being a dock hand. "Then I am working for you."

[Chrominus]

Kesse Venefico walked calmly and slowly towards the Temple of the Holy Peace, seeking healing for a wound acquired on the long road in. She was touring the countryside, seeking to aid those who needed it so as to better serve Helm, still seeking a company of her own to protect. The streets were open, crowded, loud in a way that sat well in the brain, knowing that this loudness was where it should be. Kesse meandered slowly towards the temple, stopping here and there to look for a problem she could be of help solving. The only major occurrence was the falling of a cart, where she had been able to pick up the cart while its owner quickly repaired the wheels, just enough to drive home.

The Temple itself was a thing of beauty, and Kesse found herself staring at the many waterfalls, each one catching the sun beautifully. She was taller than most of the priests, bare-chested and scarred, out of place in this soft, beautiful Temple. Kesse walked, and the crowd parted before her. Ignoring the notice board (for those things could wait until after she had been healed, Kesse wandered in, glancing briefly at a dark-haired stranger as she passed. Her face was unreadable as that of any dragon. Kesse sits down in one of the many rooms of healing, quietly asking the priest in her rough voice for assistance with the wound on her backside.

After Kesse had been healed, with magic and a rubbing of salve, she sought out that woman from before, the one with the cloak of feathers. She seemed interesting, perhaps another adventurer, and a contact would always be good to have.

[Luminesa]

A priest gladly assisted Kesse, showing no distress at her large size and intimidating appearance. The Temple of Holy Peace granted healing to anyone who sought it, and had served as a safe haven for many an orphan, a refugee, an immigrant, a runaway, or an adventurer. Once a priest had healed her, he bowed as she left and went back to the front entrance.

Eleanora, in the meantime, did not feel comfortable with people staring in her direction. A human wizard and a Dragonborn, both of whom she had never seen in her life, were each eyeing her as she stood in front of the notice-board. She shifted her eyes toward both of them, then took a step back. She did not like unwarranted attention, and she had a bit of a fear of Dragons. She hid her dread, however, and just frowned. “Uhhhhh okay...why are you two looking at me? Who are you? Are you two...friends?...” she inquired.

[Pax Dracon]

As she wandered the streets of Barrfhion for the first time in months, Valyassa smiled softly at the familiar sights of the shops and stonework that dominated its many districts. With no small amount of pride did the behemoth of a Dragonborn smile at the quality of the masonry that comprised the Temple of Holy Peace, recognizing the handiwork of her clan alongside the other stonemason guilds of the capital. Normally, the Paladin would have gladly visited her clanmates, but a call had been sent out by the Temple's clergy, and she was honorbound to answer.

As she approached the temple, her scales and plate shimmering in the sunlight, Valyassa looked over at a half-elf woman in a blue-black cloak and smiled politely. "Bahamut's blessings upon you, fair lady! How are you on this fine day?"

[Luminesa]

As she wandered the streets of Barrfhion for the first time in months, Valyassa smiled softly at the familiar sights of the shops and stonework that dominated its many districts. With no small amount of pride did the behemoth of a Dragonborn smile at the quality of the masonry that comprised the Temple of Holy Peace, recognizing the handiwork of her clan alongside the other stonemason guilds of the capital. Normally, the Paladin would have gladly visited her clanmates, but a call had been sent out by the Temple's clergy, and she was honorbound to answer.

As she approached the temple, her scales and plate shimmering in the sunlight, Valyassa looked over at a half-elf woman in a blue-black cloak and smiled politely. "Bahamut's blessings upon you, fair lady! How are you on this fine day?"

Two Dragonborns. They had just come and approached her without warning. She almost hopped in place as the second one addressed her, but she calmed as she realized the stranger meant no harm. Nobody here knows you, dummy. They’re not after you to try and hurt you. Relax! She noticed that this woman was also a Paladin, based on her outfit and her holy aura, and Paladins usually meant no harm. “...Uhhhh...I’m doing well, thanks...ummm...hm...Bahamut, you said?” The Father Of Dragons...interesting...At least he wouldn’t try to tear me apart...though I heard he was dead...or maybe that’s just a rumor?

Eleanora was always rather curious to hear about the lore and the myths of others, as she had partially come to this temple to study about Eldath. Even as she seemed to be afraid of the Dragonborn, her eyes twinkled a little at the mention of Bahamut. He was known to be a good god, one who was not cruel to his followers, and one who did not ask cruelty of his followers either. This she felt a little more safe around the Paladin. “I’m...I’m alright I guess...could be better...I haven’t slept in two days...got a crick in my neck and back from sleeping against trees and rocks...” she explained, rubbing her neck as she remembered the dull, throbbing pain which still clung to her body. She decided to strike a conversation, as her current company did not seem to be hostile. “Sooooo who would you three happen to be, then? I guess I should start. My name is Eleanora, I hail from Branwen. And you?”

[Chrominus]

As she wandered the streets of Barrfhion for the first time in months, Valyassa smiled softly at the familiar sights of the shops and stonework that dominated its many districts. With no small amount of pride did the behemoth of a Dragonborn smile at the quality of the masonry that comprised the Temple of Holy Peace, recognizing the handiwork of her clan alongside the other stonemason guilds of the capital. Normally, the Paladin would have gladly visited her clanmates, but a call had been sent out by the Temple's clergy, and she was honorbound to answer.

As she approached the temple, her scales and plate shimmering in the sunlight, Valyassa looked over at a half-elf woman in a blue-black cloak and smiled politely. "Bahamut's blessings upon you, fair lady! How are you on this fine day?"

Two Dragonborns. They had just come and approached her without warning. She almost hopped in place as the second one addressed her, but she calmed as she realized the stranger meant no harm. Nobody here knows you, dummy. They’re not after you to try and hurt you. Relax! She noticed that this woman was also a Paladin, based on her outfit and her holy aura, and Paladins usually meant no harm. “...Uhhhh...I’m doing well, thanks...ummm...hm...Bahamut, you said?” The Father Of Dragons...interesting...At least he wouldn’t try to tear me apart...though I heard he was dead...or maybe that’s just a rumor?

Eleanora was always rather curious to hear about the lore and the myths of others, as she had partially come to this temple to study about Eldath. Even as she seemed to be afraid of the Dragonborn, her eyes twinkled a little at the mention of Bahamut. He was known to be a good god, one who was not cruel to his followers, and one who did not ask cruelty of his followers either. This she felt a little more safe around the Paladin. “I’m...I’m alright I guess...could be better...I haven’t slept in two days...got a crick in my neck and back from sleeping against trees and rocks...” she explained, rubbing her neck as she remembered the dull, throbbing pain which still clung to her body. She decided to strike a conversation, as her current company did not seem to be hostile. “Sooooo who would you three happen to be, then? I guess I should start. My name is Eleanora, I hail from Branwen. And you?”

"I am Kesse Venifico, seeking out the company of fellow wanderers, as you appeared to be. I hail from Naaji, trained by a master at the Intisaar Monastery." Kesse gives a rough hand to shake to each of the group in turn. She notes Eleanora's slight fear, and resolves to be more careful in the future when approaching her. To Valyassa, Kesse gives a special greeting, extending her gauntleted hand palm down, showing Helm's symbol plain to the world.

[Pax Dracon]

Valyassa smiled warmly, making sure to keep her teeth concealed as she politely bowed to Eleanora. "Yarjerit Valyassa, at your service, Lady Eleanora. The Yarjerit clan has been established in Barrfhion as stonemasons long before I hatched. 'Unyielding as the mountains our work shall ever be,' as our great ancestor Bharash declared." The Paladin chuckled softly. "He... may have been a bit hyperbolic."

[Bycrest]

Roric stared down the magnificent temple that lay just down the street. He had heard through the streets that there was a cleric offering an award for assistance. In Roric's mind there could only be a few things that a cleric would need help with, some of those tasks would be menial but others could be worth the time. The bounties had been slow coming as of late so he was really just looking for an easy job to pass the time and pay off some expenses from the last one. Donning his mask, Roric approached the temple and ascended the stairs to the entrance. When he arrived to the entrance of the temple, Roric told a priest his business and was lead to High Cleric's office, where there were other adventurers already waiting.

"Great, that means I'll have to split the pay and probably work with amateurs." Roric thought to himself. He picked a clear wall and leaned against it, waiting for the High Cleric to arrive and tell the mission.

[UniversalCommons]

Oak Leif entered the waiting room for the high cleric.
The priest said, "Wait here."
He looked around the room. There was a man in a mask, an owl and a seated man. He looked for a chair, but they were all a bit small for him. He sat down folding his legs under him in the classic Japanese style, then took out an apple from his sack and began eating it. When he finished eating the apple including the core and the stem, he took out a smooth stone and began sharpening and cleaning first his handaxes, then his long handled woodsman's ax in smooth practiced motions. He took a cloth then polished the handles until they shone. He checked the leather wrappings to make sure they were tight. It was a ritual that made him calm.

[Luminesa]

Valyassa smiled warmly, making sure to keep her teeth concealed as she politely bowed to Eleanora. "Yarjerit Valyassa, at your service, Lady Eleanora. The Yarjerit clan has been established in Barrfhion as stonemasons long before I hatched. 'Unyielding as the mountains our work shall ever be,' as our great ancestor Bharash declared." The Paladin chuckled softly. "He... may have been a bit hyperbolic."

“...Ummm...nice to meet you then, Valyassa...” Eleanora answered, feeling more at ease as she saw Valyassa was much kinder and friendlier than she had thought she would be. Of course, in her mind, any good adventurer could put on a show and could make themselves look trustworthy, but this woman’s behavior was genuine. She took joy in introducing herself to the young Wizard, even as Eleanora was still a little intimidated by her. Of course, she tried to polite in return, fumbling to do a bow herself and then giggling awkwardly. Ohhhh boy...this is why you don’t hang around people too much... she teased herself. “...Stonemasonry sounds hard. I’m just your average nerdy wizard-girl I guess...”

Kesse was not quite as genteel as Valyassa, but she seemed to be just as friendly. She had come a long way, from Naaji, and Eleanora’s eyes widened. She had always wanted to see distant lands such as the Kingdom of Naaji, which was so exotic and different from anything back home, that her parents had sometimes used tales of the country as bedtime stories when she was little. The Dragonborn woman had been trained at one of the famous monasteries at Ao, as well, another interesting experience about which she wished to hear. She nodded and bowed to Kesse as well, repeating her name as Kesse grappled her hand in a tight handshake. “...Yeah, I’m...from far away, but not that far away...That’s pretty crazy that you’d come all the way here to find fellow adventurers...but okay...” she answered.

She then turned back toward the notice board. All three of them, and possibly others, had come to perform this quest. They had to find the High Cleric, however, and two of them were not from this city. Valyassa had said she hailed from Barrfhionn, however, so perhaps she knew about the temple. Eyeing the Dragonborn Paladin, Eleanora questioned, “...So, um...Val...since you’re from here...Do you know where the High Cleric likes to spend his time?...Or is he somewhere in this complex?...” she inquired.

[Nuridia]

“So...this is Barrfhionn, eh?” Two travelers, one tall and brightly attired like some exotic bird, the other dressed in short purple traveling robes and trousers had entered the city, the shorter figure seemed to get lost in admiring the beauty of the new temple they were approaching. “Yup.
Isn’t it an absolutely gorgeous place, Cy? There’s probably tons to learn here, I wonder if we’ll meet any new spellcasters!” Diomeda adjusted her round glasses, snapped out of her reverie by giggling. “I just can’t get over how ridiculous the name is! I mean, lovely city...but Barrfhionn sounds a little like...barf, don’t you think?”

“Ciril, don’t do it. Don’t you dare laugh, you’re smarter than that!” She sighed, leaning on her staff. “Sorry Dio, can’t help myself sometimes, y’know?” A look from her quieter him and they made the rest of the trek in silence. “Y’know, the temple is even prettier from close up.” Ciril muttered, before his eyes caught sight of a sign with bold letters.
“Di! Look babe, there’s a quest!” She was startled out of her thoughts and walked over to wbeee he was gesturing. “Well this is as vague as all out, and we were supposed to come here to relax.”

“Yeah, but you gotta admit that we’re low on gold, Dio. We need a payday...and it won’t hurt to at least check it out.”
“I don’t know, babe. Thinking about it, but I don’t know. I mean, we’d probably get to learn new magic if this bears any fruit.”
“And we’ll get to vacation in style. Don’t that sound awesome?” He put an arm around her shoulders and she grinned up at him. “Well, it would be nice to be able to buy a nicer room. Let’s go for it, why not?”
“Ha! There’s the adventurous spirit I love! Let’s go!” As they headed toward the temple’s entrance there was a group gathered there and some had already headed inside. “Looks like we got company.”
“And the pay will be thinner.”
“We don’t even know what the pay IS yet.”
“Let’s go speak to this cleric...that sounds like the best option right now.” And the two followed a couple of people inside the temple where a motley group was already gathered. A girl with a feathered cloak and black hair, a Minotaur like creature, and a Dragonborn female among others. ”Well...varied crowd. I like that.”

[Luminesa]

“So...this is Barrfhionn, eh?” Two travelers, one tall and brightly attired like some exotic bird, the other dressed in short purple traveling robes and trousers had entered the city, the shorter figure seemed to get lost in admiring the beauty of the new temple they were approaching. “Yup.
Isn’t it an absolutely gorgeous place, Cy? There’s probably tons to learn here, I wonder if we’ll meet any new spellcasters!” Diomeda adjusted her round glasses, snapped out of her reverie by giggling. “I just can’t get over how ridiculous the name is! I mean, lovely city...but Barrfhionn sounds a little like...barf, don’t you think?”

“Ciril, don’t do it. Don’t you dare laugh, you’re smarter than that!” She sighed, leaning on her staff. “Sorry Dio, can’t help myself sometimes, y’know?” A look from her quieter him and they made the rest of the trek in silence. “Y’know, the temple is even prettier from close up.” Ciril muttered, before his eyes caught sight of a sign with bold letters.
“Di! Look babe, there’s a quest!” She was startled out of her thoughts and walked over to wbeee he was gesturing. “Well this is as vague as all out, and we were supposed to come here to relax.”

“Yeah, but you gotta admit that we’re low on gold, Dio. We need a payday...and it won’t hurt to at least check it out.”
“I don’t know, babe. Thinking about it, but I don’t know. I mean, we’d probably get to learn new magic if this bears any fruit.”
“And we’ll get to vacation in style. Don’t that sound awesome?” He put an arm around her shoulders and she grinned up at him. “Well, it would be nice to be able to buy a nicer room. Let’s go for it, why not?”
“Ha! There’s the adventurous spirit I love! Let’s go!” As they headed toward the temple’s entrance there was a group gathered there and some had already headed inside. “Looks like we got company.”
“And the pay will be thinner.”
“We don’t even know what the pay IS yet.”
“Let’s go speak to this cleric...that sounds like the best option right now.” And the two followed a couple of people inside the temple where a motley group was already gathered. A girl with a feathered cloak and black hair, a Minotaur like creature, and a Dragonborn female among others. ”Well...varied crowd. I like that.”

More people. Sure, they were human, but now Eleanora felt like too many people were crowding her. She turned toward the young couple, a little spooked as they appeared behind her. "...Uhhhhhh...hi..." she muttered. As she noticed that all of them seemed to be focused on her for some reason, she decided to try and take the pressure off herself. Looking back at the notice-board, she continued, "SOOOOOO! Why don't we go inside and look for this High Cleric? You know, the man who probably has the answers about this super-important quest, which is much more important than me, right? Right? Yeah, let's go in! I've got to find someone who can heal my neck, too..." She then proceded to lead the ground inside, hoping they would follow, but maybe not ask her too many questions in the meantime.

Plenty of clerics were walking around inside the temple, so she had plenty of options about whom she wanted to address. She found Seamus, Wilhelm's messenger, with whom she was not familiar. However, she saw that he had an anxious expression, something most of the other clerics in the temple lacked. Maybe he knows what's going on... she thought. She walked over to him and caught him, grabbing his hood as he walked by her. He was not much older than Eleanora, if he was older than her at all. "Excuse me! Hi, my name is Eleanora. I'm here with some other adventurers and we're looking for the High Cleric," she greeted him, pointing her thumb toward her new companions. She then put a hand on her neck and added, "Also, can you heal me possibly? I've had the worst ache in my back and neck."

He nodded, and put a hand on her neck and back. Immediately the young wizard felt better. Seamus then approached the other adventurers, curious to see them. Two Dragonborns and some humans, along with this young half-elf woman. They were an unusual sight, but he did not show fear toward them. Rather, he bowed and smiled to them. "Welcome! My name is Seamus, I'm a Cleric-in-training here at the Temple, and also the secretary of the High Cleric. Would you like to see him? I can lead you to his office. Are you all here perhaps because of the notice outside?" he inquired.

[The Supreme Magnificent High Swaglord]

“So...this is Barrfhionn, eh?” Two travelers, one tall and brightly attired like some exotic bird, the other dressed in short purple traveling robes and trousers had entered the city, the shorter figure seemed to get lost in admiring the beauty of the new temple they were approaching. “Yup.
Isn’t it an absolutely gorgeous place, Cy? There’s probably tons to learn here, I wonder if we’ll meet any new spellcasters!” Diomeda adjusted her round glasses, snapped out of her reverie by giggling. “I just can’t get over how ridiculous the name is! I mean, lovely city...but Barrfhionn sounds a little like...barf, don’t you think?”

“Ciril, don’t do it. Don’t you dare laugh, you’re smarter than that!” She sighed, leaning on her staff. “Sorry Dio, can’t help myself sometimes, y’know?” A look from her quieter him and they made the rest of the trek in silence. “Y’know, the temple is even prettier from close up.” Ciril muttered, before his eyes caught sight of a sign with bold letters.
“Di! Look babe, there’s a quest!” She was startled out of her thoughts and walked over to wbeee he was gesturing. “Well this is as vague as all out, and we were supposed to come here to relax.”

“Yeah, but you gotta admit that we’re low on gold, Dio. We need a payday...and it won’t hurt to at least check it out.”
“I don’t know, babe. Thinking about it, but I don’t know. I mean, we’d probably get to learn new magic if this bears any fruit.”
“And we’ll get to vacation in style. Don’t that sound awesome?” He put an arm around her shoulders and she grinned up at him. “Well, it would be nice to be able to buy a nicer room. Let’s go for it, why not?”
“Ha! There’s the adventurous spirit I love! Let’s go!” As they headed toward the temple’s entrance there was a group gathered there and some had already headed inside. “Looks like we got company.”
“And the pay will be thinner.”
“We don’t even know what the pay IS yet.”
“Let’s go speak to this cleric...that sounds like the best option right now.” And the two followed a couple of people inside the temple where a motley group was already gathered. A girl with a feathered cloak and black hair, a Minotaur like creature, and a Dragonborn female among others. ”Well...varied crowd. I like that.”

More people. Sure, they were human, but now Eleanora felt like too many people were crowding her. She turned toward the young couple, a little spooked as they appeared behind her. "...Uhhhhhh...hi..." she muttered. As she noticed that all of them seemed to be focused on her for some reason, she decided to try and take the pressure off herself. Looking back at the notice-board, she continued, "SOOOOOO! Why don't we go inside and look for this High Cleric? You know, the man who probably has the answers about this super-important quest, which is much more important than me, right? Right? Yeah, let's go in! I've got to find someone who can heal my neck, too..." She then proceded to lead the ground inside, hoping they would follow, but maybe not ask her too many questions in the meantime.

Plenty of clerics were walking around inside the temple, so she had plenty of options about whom she wanted to address. She found Seamus, Wilhelm's messenger, with whom she was not familiar. However, she saw that he had an anxious expression, something most of the other clerics in the temple lacked. Maybe he knows what's going on... she thought. She walked over to him and caught him, grabbing his hood as he walked by her. He was not much older than Eleanora, if he was older than her at all. "Excuse me! Hi, my name is Eleanora. I'm here with some other adventurers and we're looking for the High Cleric," she greeted him, pointing her thumb toward her new companions. She then put a hand on her neck and added, "Also, can you heal me possibly? I've had the worst ache in my back and neck."

He nodded, and put a hand on her neck and back. Immediately the young wizard felt better. Seamus then approached the other adventurers, curious to see them. Two Dragonborns and some humans, along with this young half-elf woman. They were an unusual sight, but he did not show fear toward them. Rather, he bowed and smiled to them. "Welcome! My name is Seamus, I'm a Cleric-in-training here at the Temple, and also the secretary of the High Cleric. Would you like to see him? I can lead you to his office. Are you all here perhaps because of the notice outside?" he inquired.

BALTAZAR JANEK
Temple of Holy Peace

Baltazar began to speak calmly to Seamus in a formal, somewhat restricted tone, in accordance with the proper behavior and etiquette expected of a guest, especially as expected of a guest in a sacred place.

"It was not my intent when I set out on my journeys to come and fufill such a quest; but Ioun, the Truth-bearer, guided me to this place, and I am such obligated to obey her command. While I cannot speak for the others, I would be honored if you were to take me to the High Cleric of this most hallowed temple," and while speaking, Baltazar bowed his head slightly in polite deference to Seamus.

[Chrominus]

“So...this is Barrfhionn, eh?” Two travelers, one tall and brightly attired like some exotic bird, the other dressed in short purple traveling robes and trousers had entered the city, the shorter figure seemed to get lost in admiring the beauty of the new temple they were approaching. “Yup.
Isn’t it an absolutely gorgeous place, Cy? There’s probably tons to learn here, I wonder if we’ll meet any new spellcasters!” Diomeda adjusted her round glasses, snapped out of her reverie by giggling. “I just can’t get over how ridiculous the name is! I mean, lovely city...but Barrfhionn sounds a little like...barf, don’t you think?”

“Ciril, don’t do it. Don’t you dare laugh, you’re smarter than that!” She sighed, leaning on her staff. “Sorry Dio, can’t help myself sometimes, y’know?” A look from her quieter him and they made the rest of the trek in silence. “Y’know, the temple is even prettier from close up.” Ciril muttered, before his eyes caught sight of a sign with bold letters.
“Di! Look babe, there’s a quest!” She was startled out of her thoughts and walked over to wbeee he was gesturing. “Well this is as vague as all out, and we were supposed to come here to relax.”

“Yeah, but you gotta admit that we’re low on gold, Dio. We need a payday...and it won’t hurt to at least check it out.”
“I don’t know, babe. Thinking about it, but I don’t know. I mean, we’d probably get to learn new magic if this bears any fruit.”
“And we’ll get to vacation in style. Don’t that sound awesome?” He put an arm around her shoulders and she grinned up at him. “Well, it would be nice to be able to buy a nicer room. Let’s go for it, why not?”
“Ha! There’s the adventurous spirit I love! Let’s go!” As they headed toward the temple’s entrance there was a group gathered there and some had already headed inside. “Looks like we got company.”
“And the pay will be thinner.”
“We don’t even know what the pay IS yet.”
“Let’s go speak to this cleric...that sounds like the best option right now.” And the two followed a couple of people inside the temple where a motley group was already gathered. A girl with a feathered cloak and black hair, a Minotaur like creature, and a Dragonborn female among others. ”Well...varied crowd. I like that.”

More people. Sure, they were human, but now Eleanora felt like too many people were crowding her. She turned toward the young couple, a little spooked as they appeared behind her. "...Uhhhhhh...hi..." she muttered. As she noticed that all of them seemed to be focused on her for some reason, she decided to try and take the pressure off herself. Looking back at the notice-board, she continued, "SOOOOOO! Why don't we go inside and look for this High Cleric? You know, the man who probably has the answers about this super-important quest, which is much more important than me, right? Right? Yeah, let's go in! I've got to find someone who can heal my neck, too..." She then proceded to lead the ground inside, hoping they would follow, but maybe not ask her too many questions in the meantime.

Plenty of clerics were walking around inside the temple, so she had plenty of options about whom she wanted to address. She found Seamus, Wilhelm's messenger, with whom she was not familiar. However, she saw that he had an anxious expression, something most of the other clerics in the temple lacked. Maybe he knows what's going on... she thought. She walked over to him and caught him, grabbing his hood as he walked by her. He was not much older than Eleanora, if he was older than her at all. "Excuse me! Hi, my name is Eleanora. I'm here with some other adventurers and we're looking for the High Cleric," she greeted him, pointing her thumb toward her new companions. She then put a hand on her neck and added, "Also, can you heal me possibly? I've had the worst ache in my back and neck."

He nodded, and put a hand on her neck and back. Immediately the young wizard felt better. Seamus then approached the other adventurers, curious to see them. Two Dragonborns and some humans, along with this young half-elf woman. They were an unusual sight, but he did not show fear toward them. Rather, he bowed and smiled to them. "Welcome! My name is Seamus, I'm a Cleric-in-training here at the Temple, and also the secretary of the High Cleric. Would you like to see him? I can lead you to his office. Are you all here perhaps because of the notice outside?" he inquired.

"We are. More information would be greatly appreciated." Kesse sounds terse, uncomfortable for some unknown reason. Her thoughts are not on this scenario here, but of the past, her time within the monastery of Intisaar. The past was the past, and yet she struggles to shake it off of her mind. As the priest goes she follows, and as she walks she turns to her companions and looks them over. Another dragonborn, clan powerful and well-known. One Cy, unknown to her. And a pompous, if properly deferential, human, of unknown name and kind. Kesse thought that perhaps these would do, for now. She could remember her mentors urgings to follow the teaching of Helm, and if these are those who she should guard, so be it.

[UniversalCommons]

Oak Leif finished sharpening his axes. He then took some red cords and knotted them into tassels. He attached the tassels to the handles of his weapons. He put back his weapons. He took a look around the room again. Then he rummaged in his sack and took out a drinking horn made from his grandfathers horn. He held it in his hands. Then he began to talk to himself in Minotaur, "Grandfather what do you think of this place?" His voice changed, "Son, it is place where you can learn much." His voice changed back to his own, "Do you think this place will bring me good fortune grandfather?". In a deep voice,"Yes, it will bring you many adventures." Back to his own voice, "Thank you grandfather." He held the horn in his two hands for a while then put the horn back in his sack.

[Luminesa]

Seamus nodded, and smiled at them. "Well then! I shall bring all of you to him. I hope that you'll bear with me as I lead you to him. He may be a few minutes as well, he is often quite busy. If I explain that you wish to complete the special quest, however, then I believe he will probably answer you more quickly." He then turned and began to lead the group through the temple, down one of its vast hallways. Priests, clerics, scholars, and even some who looked like Wizards and such walked down the halls. As one of the biggest temples in the entirety of the world of Karthus, it was a marvel and an attraction for many. Eleanora found herself watching the passersby, though she ducked her eyes if she suspected anyone else was looking at her.

In the meantime, a priest informed Oak Lief, Mitarashi, and Torac that more adventurers had arrived with the High Cleric's secretary. As the other adventurers came down the hall, Eleanora noticed the others and raised an eyebrow. She did not expect to see another Elf, and she gave a small, knowing smile as she noticed the ears. She also noticed Mitarashi's snow-owl, and gasped. The small white owl was beautiful, and she almost got distracted from her original goal as she approached it. "...An owl...inside a building?...Is it someone's pet?" she inquired.

As she spoke to the owl, Seamus knocked on the door. "This is Seamus! The adventurers have arrived for the important quest on the notice-board!" he called.

A soft pause followed, and then the tucking of an old wooden chair against a wooden desk. "Give me a moment," Wilhelm called from inside. After a few seconds, he opened the door, and eyed the group. They were an odd bunch, but he was used to variety in the temple, and nodded. As they entered, they would have noticed a large, elaborate office. A detailed and orderly study lined the wall, with many ancient texts about a variety of scholarly things. His writing desk was covered in parchments, quills, and ink, as he had been busy writing letters and announcements. The furniture was grand, with a fanciful velvet rug, an enormous, elaborately-carved writing chair, a large, heavy, oak table, and paintings on the walls of various scenes from ancient texts about Eldath. Overall, the white, light-blue, ocean-blue, and midnight-blue colors in the room were soothing and peaceful, and one felt the presence of the goddess of peace in the room as they entered. "Come in, come in, and tell me of yourselves. I'd like to get to know all of you before I give the quest!" he requested, as he closed the door behind the large group.

[Theyra]

Kingdom of Barrfhionn
Temple of Holy Peace
Krytun Sianri

"So this is what the Kingdom of Barrfhionn is like," Krytun thought as he wandered through the city. He had never seen a proper city since leaving his home in the Skull Ridge Mountains. He had only heard of stories that his parents told him, and he was not quite prepared for experiencing it first hand. Walking around in his robes and holding his quarterstaff just above the ground. He navigated his way through the capital and enjoyed the sights immensely. Though he did notice that some people did take notice of him, a started a bit. Which as a Tiefling in this place, he was a sore thumb sticking out but, he did not take much mind to it. Once he had soaked in enough, he ventured to the Temple of Holy Peace to see the temple. He spotted the notice board, "Hmmm a quest of utmost importance, that sounds they need all the help they can get." Krytun said and walked inside of the temple.

This was the first time that he had entered a temple and was careful not to make a mess in it. Not that it was easy not to, he still made precautions. As he observed the temple, It was clear the Temple of Holy Peace architecture was different from his parent's temple. He stopped to pull out and looked at a medallion. It was his father's medallion, and he thought that Krytun was worthy to have it. The medallion that bore Kiri-Jolith's symbol overlapping the temple's symbol. He held it tightly before putting it back. He will uphold the code and perhaps make the ones at his parent's former temple remember what this symbol means.

That was for another time, and he asked a priest where to meet the high cleric and was showed where to go. Krytun entered the waiting room and arrived just in time as the High Cleric's secretary was leading the group. Following silently along to the room and observed a bit of the room before speaking. He was momentarily surprised by the grandness of the room. Snapping himself out of it and stayed silence till he was called upon.

[UniversalCommons]

Oak Leif stands and follows Seamus into the study. He looks around. The books look strange to him. The lettering is unfamiliar it is not like home. He is big and broad. He steps forward and thumps his chest. "I am Oak Lief of Maple Hollow from the Skullridge Mountains. I came here by the way of the great road guarding a caravan that had been attacked by goblins. I traveled for a full cycle of the moon to get here. I brought a sick man here and your healer said you were seeking adventurers. Is it true that adventurers earn gold? King Ferdinand II, sent many of us out into the world to seek and bring back gold and goods to him. I am a fifth son and there are many mouths to feed in Maple Hollow. The sons of the lizard, the minotaurs, the kenku, the goat men, and the shell people are many more than I can count on a hundred hands in Maple Hollow. I would be home guarding the maze with the sons and daughters of the ax, standing with the spirits of my ancestors, but I am to prove my fortune before I can return home. This place is a place of stone, with square roads. It is not round like the maze or green like the forests. I am strong, quiet like the mouse, I can dance the bulls dance, am swift on my feet, and can swing the great woodmans axe. Tell me of this quest? I have not heard the word before. Your marks are strange to me and I cannot understand them, they are not like Minotaurs marks."

[Chrominus]

As the person last to speak stepped back, Kesse quietly steps forward. Her iron brown scales shine in the light gently illuminating the room, making her scars just a little bit more prominent. Kesse offers a rough hand to Wilhelm. "I am Kesse, and I am likely to be the guard of this group. I was trained in a temple in a land far from this one, in Naaji. I will protect the task I have been given, for Helm." Kesse grins, awkwardly but sincerely. Turning back to return to her place along the wall, she stops for a second. "I am a Veneficio, if that is what is important to you. I am afraid i do not know the legacy of the name." Kesse shrugs roughly, and returns to standing.

[The Supreme Magnificent High Swaglord]

Seamus nodded, and smiled at them. "Well then! I shall bring all of you to him. I hope that you'll bear with me as I lead you to him. He may be a few minutes as well, he is often quite busy. If I explain that you wish to complete the special quest, however, then I believe he will probably answer you more quickly." He then turned and began to lead the group through the temple, down one of its vast hallways. Priests, clerics, scholars, and even some who looked like Wizards and such walked down the halls. As one of the biggest temples in the entirety of the world of Karthus, it was a marvel and an attraction for many. Eleanora found herself watching the passersby, though she ducked her eyes if she suspected anyone else was looking at her.

In the meantime, a priest informed Oak Lief, Mitarashi, and Torac that more adventurers had arrived with the High Cleric's secretary. As the other adventurers came down the hall, Eleanora noticed the others and raised an eyebrow. She did not expect to see another Elf, and she gave a small, knowing smile as she noticed the ears. She also noticed Mitarashi's snow-owl, and gasped. The small white owl was beautiful, and she almost got distracted from her original goal as she approached it. "...An owl...inside a building?...Is it someone's pet?" she inquired.

As she spoke to the owl, Seamus knocked on the door. "This is Seamus! The adventurers have arrived for the important quest on the notice-board!" he called.

A soft pause followed, and then the tucking of an old wooden chair against a wooden desk. "Give me a moment," Wilhelm called from inside. After a few seconds, he opened the door, and eyed the group. They were an odd bunch, but he was used to variety in the temple, and nodded. As they entered, they would have noticed a large, elaborate office. A detailed and orderly study lined the wall, with many ancient texts about a variety of scholarly things. His writing desk was covered in parchments, quills, and ink, as he had been busy writing letters and announcements. The furniture was grand, with a fanciful velvet rug, an enormous, elaborately-carved writing chair, a large, heavy, oak table, and paintings on the walls of various scenes from ancient texts about Eldath. Overall, the white, light-blue, ocean-blue, and midnight-blue colors in the room were soothing and peaceful, and one felt the presence of the goddess of peace in the room as they entered. "Come in, come in, and tell me of yourselves. I'd like to get to know all of you before I give the quest!" he requested, as he closed the door behind the large group.

Baltazar genuflected as a sign of respect towards the High Cleric, bowing his head while he did so. When he arose, he began to speak in a similar tone to that which he used around Seamus.

"I am Baltazar, Warrior-Priest of the Knights Mentor, formerly of the Noble House of Janek. When I was fifteen, I renounced my noble heritage in order to devote my life to the service of Ioun, the Goddess of Knowledge, and for many years I served Her faithfully as an Archivist of the Great Library. But a few weeks ago, She willed for me to take up arms and venture beyond the hallowed halls of the Temple in order to right wrongs and discover new knowledge to preserve. For reasons I know not, I suspect that this urgent quest is related to why I was called from cloistered life into the wider world... please forgive me if it isn't my place to ask, but is my intuition pf the current situation at all correct?"

[Allied Wessex]

Torac had only recently arrived in Barrfhionn’s impressive capital city, and had just dropped a package of at the head quarters of the Messenger’s Guild. With some time to kill and a few silver coins in his belt pouch he had decided to explore his surroundings.

Turning a corner he had come upon the overwhelmingly beautiful sight of the temple dedicated to Eldath, the goddess of peace and healing. As well as possessing an interest in legends, lore and ancient artefacts, the rogue (well, that’s what people pigeon holed him as, even though he hadn’t committed a crime in his life. He just happened to have developed some roguish skills during his career as a Messenger with the Guild) had an interest in enlightenment. It was one of the three pillars that he aspired to building, the other two being physical and mental.

Jogging quickly but respectfully up the temple steps he had stopped as a sign of the top caught his eye.

"SEE HEAD CLERIC WILHELM
QUEST OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
GREAT REWARD WILL BE GIVEN FOR COMPLETION."

That could be of interest. He didn’t have any immediate messenger contracts outstanding, and besides, quests of this nature often opportunities for travel and adventure.

Entering the temple proper, he had caught sight of a group of adventurers, varied to say the least, crowding behind one of the clerics who was leading them into the temple proper. Putting two and two together and hoping that he hadn’t made five he walked quickly, yet unobtrusively in order that he might catch up with the assembly. Catching the eye of the others who turned as he tagged onto their group he flashed a smile, which both cheeky and apologetic at the same time. ‘Sorry. Traffic was murder.’ He hoped his light hearted quip, mouthed quietly and intended to break the ice with a little humour, wouldn’t be taken literally.

[Pax Dracon]

Seamus nodded, and smiled at them. "Well then! I shall bring all of you to him. I hope that you'll bear with me as I lead you to him. He may be a few minutes as well, he is often quite busy. If I explain that you wish to complete the special quest, however, then I believe he will probably answer you more quickly." He then turned and began to lead the group through the temple, down one of its vast hallways. Priests, clerics, scholars, and even some who looked like Wizards and such walked down the halls. As one of the biggest temples in the entirety of the world of Karthus, it was a marvel and an attraction for many. Eleanora found herself watching the passersby, though she ducked her eyes if she suspected anyone else was looking at her.

In the meantime, a priest informed Oak Lief, Mitarashi, and Torac that more adventurers had arrived with the High Cleric's secretary. As the other adventurers came down the hall, Eleanora noticed the others and raised an eyebrow. She did not expect to see another Elf, and she gave a small, knowing smile as she noticed the ears. She also noticed Mitarashi's snow-owl, and gasped. The small white owl was beautiful, and she almost got distracted from her original goal as she approached it. "...An owl...inside a building?...Is it someone's pet?" she inquired.

As she spoke to the owl, Seamus knocked on the door. "This is Seamus! The adventurers have arrived for the important quest on the notice-board!" he called.

A soft pause followed, and then the tucking of an old wooden chair against a wooden desk. "Give me a moment," Wilhelm called from inside. After a few seconds, he opened the door, and eyed the group. They were an odd bunch, but he was used to variety in the temple, and nodded. As they entered, they would have noticed a large, elaborate office. A detailed and orderly study lined the wall, with many ancient texts about a variety of scholarly things. His writing desk was covered in parchments, quills, and ink, as he had been busy writing letters and announcements. The furniture was grand, with a fanciful velvet rug, an enormous, elaborately-carved writing chair, a large, heavy, oak table, and paintings on the walls of various scenes from ancient texts about Eldath. Overall, the white, light-blue, ocean-blue, and midnight-blue colors in the room were soothing and peaceful, and one felt the presence of the goddess of peace in the room as they entered. "Come in, come in, and tell me of yourselves. I'd like to get to know all of you before I give the quest!" he requested, as he closed the door behind the large group.

Baltazar genuflected as a sign of respect towards the High Cleric, bowing his head while he did so. When he arose, he began to speak in a similar tone to that which he used around Seamus.

"I am Baltazar, Warrior-Priest of the Knights Mentor, formerly of the Noble House of Janek. When I was fifteen, I renounced my noble heritage in order to devote my life to the service of Ioun, the Goddess of Knowledge, and for many years I served Her faithfully as an Archivist of the Great Library. But a few weeks ago, She willed for me to take up arms and venture beyond the hallowed halls of the Temple in order to right wrongs and discover new knowledge to preserve. For reasons I know not, I suspect that this urgent quest is related to why I was called from cloistered life into the wider world... please forgive me if it isn't my place to ask, but is my intuition pf the current situation at all correct?"

Valyassa smiled at the High Cleric politely and put a clawed fist over her heart, inclining her head as a means of bowing. "Yarjerit Valyassa, formerly an apprentice stonemason of Clan Yarjerit, now a Paladin of Bahamut. I took up the mantle of this path a few years back. As for why I chose to become a Paladin, I... well... I will admit to being enamored with not just stories of my people's greatest warriors and heroes, but also the knights and champions of the other kingdoms whilst growing up. I wished to live up to the ideal they inspired, to help those in need as best I can, and what better way than to do so than through this mission? Though if I may be as so bold, Your Grace, what is it you have summoned us for?"

She looked over at the recently arrived Torac and chuckled. "City streets can be... difficult to navigate atimes, can't they?"