Quest Twelve - feat. Underspy Ramoo
The peasants were revolting!...but Lady Redrum knew that already. When didn't the peasants have something to
complain about? What she really needed
was for someone to make their complaints go away, one way or another.
The message Under-Spy Ramoo received from Lady Redrum was brief: Resolve
the dispute with the peasants, and she would be well rewarded. She was free to do it any way she liked, as
long as the streets didn't run with blood.
It was time to get down to the square and see what all the fuss was
about.
Ramoo heads for the town square in the dead of night to see if the
commotion is still going on. She notices
a group of people hanging around and decides to ask a few nonchalant questions
to see if they know the situation. The
first peasant admits that he’s sick of the way things are being run, the second
is tired or working so hard for so little, and the third has had enough of Lady
Redrum and is wondering who elected her Queen anyway. Ramoo shakes her head and makes a plan to
just threaten the peasants to get the information she needs and to find the
leader. The first one cracks under her
threats, “It wasn't my idea, it was Alvin’s!
You can find him at the tavern usually.”
Ramoo sheaths her blade and walks to the tavern to find this annoying
peasant. She finds Alvin outside of the
tavern and confronts him about this revolt.
He puts up his hands in defense, “You don’t have to yell. We simply want enough food for our families
and soap to keep us clean. Taxes have
run us dry, and we can’t afford it ourselves.
Tell your master we need these things.”
Ramoo listens to the demands and goes in search of Lady Redrum to report
her findings thus far. The Queen listens, “Ah, so that’s what this is about…we
don’t have enough to go around, so you make the decision: Soap for everyone, or
food for half of them? Choose wisely.”
Ramoo thinks for a while and makes a decision. She turns to the Monarch, “It will be fairer
if I can give them all soap.” The Queen
nods, “Soap for everyone? Good
answer. A smelly peasant is a noticeable
peasant. Go now, give them soap.” She hands Ramoo a sack full of soap and the
spy heads back to the town square to dispense it. She meets with Alvin to discuss the
offer. The peasant responds, “The soap
is nice…but wait, what about the food?
This is unacceptable!” Ramoo
shakes her head. She would need to make
an example of this leader and execute him to make a point. She cuts down the peasant leader in front of
the whole group to make sure they start seeing things her way.
The peasants shake in fear as Ramoo wipes her blade and sheaths it at
her side. She pulls out the bags of soap
and asks if they are happy with this offer or not. One of the peasants bursts out, “Soap will be
just fine! Thank you! Oh thank
you!” Another one asks about the food
and Ramoo waves her sword towards his throat.
The man shakes, “We’ll eat the dirt!
I hear that tastes good.” She
nods her head and makes her way to the throne room to report her success with
the mindless peasants.
With a firm hand, Ramoo swiftly put down the peasant revolt. Lady Redrum
was relieved that most of the peasants were unharmed, and were able to return
to their fields. The town returned to
business as usual. In the end, the
peasants decided they were quite pleased with the soap, even if some weren't quite sure what to do with it.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014
Quest Eleven - Sacred Scrutiny feat. Shepard Speed
The Jacoban Church in uBs was relatively new and low in the Jacoban hierarchy. Funding from the central church authority ensured that the building was far from modest, but it kept the local church leader under pressure to maintain a high level of Jacoban influence in the kingdom. The Church was well maintained, but how would uBs’s Jacoban branch hold up to a surprise inspection?
High Shepard Speed had been working on building the Jacoban faith in uBs, but still felt there was much work to be done. One day, his attendant approached looking quite distracted…
Speed asks his attendant what is worrying him so. The attendant can barely spit it out, “Inquisitor Jesmaine is here to see you. She is waiting at the front gate and told me to run and fetch you immediately. She did not state her reason for being here, but she looked quite serious. I hope everything is alright.”
Speed walks down to the gate to meet her. She looks up as he arrives, “Ah. High Shepard Speed, you've finally arrived. I was beginning to think that perhaps you had taken an unscheduled sabbatical.” Speed lets the comment slide and asks what the Inquisitor was doing. She keeps a serious face, “As you may have guessed, I’m not here simply to have a friendly visit. Walk with me, High Shepard.”
Speed and the Inquisitor walk into the town square where some peasants are sitting around. A blonde guy looks up and starts laughing, “Well look who it is, the high and mighty High Shepard Speed. Hey, has the Watcher touched you recently? I heard you have a really close relationship. Nice costume, by the way. You should try out for court jester!” The Inquisitor shakes her head, “This kingdom is coming along nicely. It was a wise investment for the Jacobans to build a cathedral here. I’m sure you've been putting an appropriate amount of work into spreading the teachings of Jacob. And yet, you are openly mocked about your faith. Obviously it is MY OWN fault for coming at a bad time.” As they both walk more into the kingdom, Jermaine continues, “And what a lovely pit you have here. I’m sure it must be quite useful in reminding people what fate might befall them if they don’t fulfill their obligations…Come now, let us move on to have a look at your cathedral. I’m eager to see the work you've put into it since construction was completed.”
As the Inquisitor arrives at the cathedral she sighs, “I love the cathedral’s towering, pointed arches. They are a symbol of the higher authority to which we must subjugate ourselves. They remind us of our place. Do you feel your place in the order of things, High Shepard? I have some opinions on it, if you care to hear them.” Speed nods. She continues, “Your place, High Shepard, is to be the representative of the Jacoban way of life in this kingdom. Your efforts bring disbelievers to our righteous cause. Let us see now how well you are able to perform your task. I shall hear a sermon from you.”
Speed steps up to the podium and begins his sermon. He tells of the way of life and the troubles that fall upon the heads of the congregation. After an hour he closes his book and steps down. He goes to ask the Inquisitor how she liked it. Inquisitor Jesmaine shook her head and tutted impatiently. “Oh, Speed, I feel respect for The Watcher now, but am I terrified? I've taken stock of this Church and I find myself…disappointed. The Church demands that we grow and maintain our influence. It is the Watcher’s mandate that those who cannot do their part be investigated by the high council. It is not a pleasant process, High Shepard. Help me reflect on the Watch, that he may illuminate your path to salvation.” Speed bows his head and begins to pray with the Inquisitor.
Suddenly, she looks up, “I have heard the will of the Watcher! The following tasks are required for your redemption: bring more people into our faith, and bless your cathedral to cleanse it from evil spirits. You must also find a sacred relic that will draw people to the power of the church. Just those three little things, High Shepard, and the church will no longer doubt your devotion!” With that she walks away and leaves Speed to decide on his course of action.
After a few minutes, Speed decides that finding the ancient relic would put a jump start on the people coming to the faith. He reflects on the Watcher for a while and is overcome with a feeling. He feels that he must seek help from an unlikely source…someone who seems to be the cause of a problem rather than a solution. Speed walks down to the town square and on arrival hears someone talking to him, “Hey, Shepard Speed, how’s the religion business going? Nice and profitable? Converting a lot of new suckers today? What a pile of dragon dung!” Speed notices the man from earlier who was mocking him and sighs. His name is Ignacio and Speed must now ask if he has the relic.
The Shepard approaches the unruly peasant and asks him if he has any idea where the relic could be. Ignacio replies, “I don’t know nothing about any stupid relic. And even if I did, I sure wouldn't tell some stuffed robe from the church! Now leave me alone, I gotta go drown my sorrows in ale.”
Speed follows him to the tavern and serves him up a tankard of ale. Ignacio looks at him suspiciously, “Maybe you’re not a complete jerk. Doesn't mean I’m suddenly your best friend of anything. And a free drink ain't gonna give me religion either. What has the Watcher done for me? A fat lot of nothing, that’s what.”
Speed sweet talks his way into making Ignacio open up as he gets drunk. The man is having trouble standing but is blubbering to Speed, “You know, I can’t remember the last time I spoke with someone this openly. I’m sorry for being a jerk earlier. I just…I’m unhappy a lot and I don’t really handle it so well.” Speed asks him what’s wrong. Ignacio shakes a bit, “I…I did something bad a long time ago…I haven’t told anyone about this, I feel so ashamed now. You’re a priest, you can absolve my transgressions, right? I’ll do whatever it takes, just let me know what I need to do.” High Shepard Speed nods and invites Ignacio to come to the cathedral to be healed. The peasant agrees and makes his way there.
Once safely inside the cathedral walls, Ignacio confesses his story. “When I was young, I came across a man who had been stabbed by bandits. Before dying he pointed toward some bushes nearby, looked me in the eye, and said, ‘Take it to a priest of Jacob’. In the bushes was a sack holding a human skull. I was just a kid! I didn't know what to do…So…so I kept the skull. I know now what I must do. Here, Shepard, this rightfully belongs to the Jacoban church. Please forgive me and absolve my wrongdoings!” Speed absolves the man of his transgressions and Ignacio cries tears of joy and claims he will sing praises of the Jacoban church from this day forward.
With the skull now in his possession, people are flocking towards the church to be converted to the Jacoban faith. It seems the skull is a mighty symbol that people fear. After the skull is in its proper place, Speed brews some holy water to help bless the cathedral. After it is all said and done, Speed goes to find the Inquisitor once more. She looks around the cathedral, “I feel the difference already. You have blessed these grounds with holy water, and given this place a much-needed cleansing. And what of the relic? Had you any luck in finding one, hmm?” Speed shows her the skull he found. She gasps, “Is this…could it be? You have found the Skull of Davius! This is incredible, High Shepard. The church had believed this relic lost forever! This is a good omen that you should find it for your congregation. What power! Well done.”
High Shepard Speed’s dedication to the Jacoban Order was now beyond question. Thanks to his hard work, the uBs church received a glowing report from the High Council and Speed solidified his position as the kingdom Shepard.
The Jacoban Church in uBs was relatively new and low in the Jacoban hierarchy. Funding from the central church authority ensured that the building was far from modest, but it kept the local church leader under pressure to maintain a high level of Jacoban influence in the kingdom. The Church was well maintained, but how would uBs’s Jacoban branch hold up to a surprise inspection?
High Shepard Speed had been working on building the Jacoban faith in uBs, but still felt there was much work to be done. One day, his attendant approached looking quite distracted…
Speed asks his attendant what is worrying him so. The attendant can barely spit it out, “Inquisitor Jesmaine is here to see you. She is waiting at the front gate and told me to run and fetch you immediately. She did not state her reason for being here, but she looked quite serious. I hope everything is alright.”
Speed walks down to the gate to meet her. She looks up as he arrives, “Ah. High Shepard Speed, you've finally arrived. I was beginning to think that perhaps you had taken an unscheduled sabbatical.” Speed lets the comment slide and asks what the Inquisitor was doing. She keeps a serious face, “As you may have guessed, I’m not here simply to have a friendly visit. Walk with me, High Shepard.”
Speed and the Inquisitor walk into the town square where some peasants are sitting around. A blonde guy looks up and starts laughing, “Well look who it is, the high and mighty High Shepard Speed. Hey, has the Watcher touched you recently? I heard you have a really close relationship. Nice costume, by the way. You should try out for court jester!” The Inquisitor shakes her head, “This kingdom is coming along nicely. It was a wise investment for the Jacobans to build a cathedral here. I’m sure you've been putting an appropriate amount of work into spreading the teachings of Jacob. And yet, you are openly mocked about your faith. Obviously it is MY OWN fault for coming at a bad time.” As they both walk more into the kingdom, Jermaine continues, “And what a lovely pit you have here. I’m sure it must be quite useful in reminding people what fate might befall them if they don’t fulfill their obligations…Come now, let us move on to have a look at your cathedral. I’m eager to see the work you've put into it since construction was completed.”
As the Inquisitor arrives at the cathedral she sighs, “I love the cathedral’s towering, pointed arches. They are a symbol of the higher authority to which we must subjugate ourselves. They remind us of our place. Do you feel your place in the order of things, High Shepard? I have some opinions on it, if you care to hear them.” Speed nods. She continues, “Your place, High Shepard, is to be the representative of the Jacoban way of life in this kingdom. Your efforts bring disbelievers to our righteous cause. Let us see now how well you are able to perform your task. I shall hear a sermon from you.”
Speed steps up to the podium and begins his sermon. He tells of the way of life and the troubles that fall upon the heads of the congregation. After an hour he closes his book and steps down. He goes to ask the Inquisitor how she liked it. Inquisitor Jesmaine shook her head and tutted impatiently. “Oh, Speed, I feel respect for The Watcher now, but am I terrified? I've taken stock of this Church and I find myself…disappointed. The Church demands that we grow and maintain our influence. It is the Watcher’s mandate that those who cannot do their part be investigated by the high council. It is not a pleasant process, High Shepard. Help me reflect on the Watch, that he may illuminate your path to salvation.” Speed bows his head and begins to pray with the Inquisitor.
Suddenly, she looks up, “I have heard the will of the Watcher! The following tasks are required for your redemption: bring more people into our faith, and bless your cathedral to cleanse it from evil spirits. You must also find a sacred relic that will draw people to the power of the church. Just those three little things, High Shepard, and the church will no longer doubt your devotion!” With that she walks away and leaves Speed to decide on his course of action.
After a few minutes, Speed decides that finding the ancient relic would put a jump start on the people coming to the faith. He reflects on the Watcher for a while and is overcome with a feeling. He feels that he must seek help from an unlikely source…someone who seems to be the cause of a problem rather than a solution. Speed walks down to the town square and on arrival hears someone talking to him, “Hey, Shepard Speed, how’s the religion business going? Nice and profitable? Converting a lot of new suckers today? What a pile of dragon dung!” Speed notices the man from earlier who was mocking him and sighs. His name is Ignacio and Speed must now ask if he has the relic.
The Shepard approaches the unruly peasant and asks him if he has any idea where the relic could be. Ignacio replies, “I don’t know nothing about any stupid relic. And even if I did, I sure wouldn't tell some stuffed robe from the church! Now leave me alone, I gotta go drown my sorrows in ale.”
Speed follows him to the tavern and serves him up a tankard of ale. Ignacio looks at him suspiciously, “Maybe you’re not a complete jerk. Doesn't mean I’m suddenly your best friend of anything. And a free drink ain't gonna give me religion either. What has the Watcher done for me? A fat lot of nothing, that’s what.”
Speed sweet talks his way into making Ignacio open up as he gets drunk. The man is having trouble standing but is blubbering to Speed, “You know, I can’t remember the last time I spoke with someone this openly. I’m sorry for being a jerk earlier. I just…I’m unhappy a lot and I don’t really handle it so well.” Speed asks him what’s wrong. Ignacio shakes a bit, “I…I did something bad a long time ago…I haven’t told anyone about this, I feel so ashamed now. You’re a priest, you can absolve my transgressions, right? I’ll do whatever it takes, just let me know what I need to do.” High Shepard Speed nods and invites Ignacio to come to the cathedral to be healed. The peasant agrees and makes his way there.
Once safely inside the cathedral walls, Ignacio confesses his story. “When I was young, I came across a man who had been stabbed by bandits. Before dying he pointed toward some bushes nearby, looked me in the eye, and said, ‘Take it to a priest of Jacob’. In the bushes was a sack holding a human skull. I was just a kid! I didn't know what to do…So…so I kept the skull. I know now what I must do. Here, Shepard, this rightfully belongs to the Jacoban church. Please forgive me and absolve my wrongdoings!” Speed absolves the man of his transgressions and Ignacio cries tears of joy and claims he will sing praises of the Jacoban church from this day forward.
With the skull now in his possession, people are flocking towards the church to be converted to the Jacoban faith. It seems the skull is a mighty symbol that people fear. After the skull is in its proper place, Speed brews some holy water to help bless the cathedral. After it is all said and done, Speed goes to find the Inquisitor once more. She looks around the cathedral, “I feel the difference already. You have blessed these grounds with holy water, and given this place a much-needed cleansing. And what of the relic? Had you any luck in finding one, hmm?” Speed shows her the skull he found. She gasps, “Is this…could it be? You have found the Skull of Davius! This is incredible, High Shepard. The church had believed this relic lost forever! This is a good omen that you should find it for your congregation. What power! Well done.”
High Shepard Speed’s dedication to the Jacoban Order was now beyond question. Thanks to his hard work, the uBs church received a glowing report from the High Council and Speed solidified his position as the kingdom Shepard.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Quest Ten - Wedding feat Blacksmith Ordanos and Prior Useless
Anyone could marry in uBs…with the Monarch’s permission, of course. But while some enjoyed celebrating with their compatriots, others wished to do so away from prying eyes. And still others were perhaps not quite so sure they were making the right choice…Someone in uBs wants to marry, but still maintains relations with a secret lover. How will they resolve this love triangle?
Journeyman Smith Ordanos could feel it in the air. Today would be the day…or perhaps tomorrow. He and Adept Kestri would marry. Of course, arranging a wedding was a lot of work. Ordanos was glad he could rely on the friendship of Prior Useless. And there was the question of what to do about Marquess Kira, whom Ordanos still had feelings for…
The day started out warm and beautiful. Ordanos found Kestri in the grand banquest hall enjoying time to herself. He knew he should ask the question before he lost his nerve. He took Kestri’s hand and asked if she would marry him. She smiled, “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you!” With that, she went about to begin preparations. Ordanos had some to complete himself. He needed to convince Prior Useless to be his best man.
Prior Useless was honored, of course. But a nagging doubt lingered in his mind. “But, Ordanos, what about Marquess Kira? Everyone knows you still have feelings for her.” Ordanos paused to consider. “You’re right, of course. But how can I decide between them? Well, what do you think I should do, Useless?” Useless grinned. “I think I have a plan, let’s put the two of them to the test…” With that, Useless sends Ordanos to the village to buy two wedding rings. The Prior then decides to tell each lady a funny story to see what kind of humor they have. Marquess Kira is quite amused by Useless’ story and he marks that down in his notes, ‘interesting reaction.’ Next he seeks out Kestri to see her reaction. It is much the same. Now to report in with Ordanos.
Ordanos decides that a girl who can kiss well is someone he’d like to keep around. He can’t pick still so he convinces Useless to try and seduce them and see if they are faithful. Kestri was not fooled by Useless and pushed him away saying she had someone. Kira on the other hand reacts positively and leans in seductively to try and tempt the priest. Ordanos finally makes a decision, “I’ll marry my beloved Kestri. Useless can break the news to Kira.”
Useless finds the Marquess in the townsquare and tells her the bad news. She shrugs, "I knew things just couldn't last with him. Oh well, as the bards say, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. Are you busy this evening, Useless?" The invitation goes declined and Useless heads home.
The marriage is a beautiful ceremony in the town square with Lady Redrum officiating. The after party is held in Goeb’s tavern and everyone lives happily ever after...hopefully.
Anyone could marry in uBs…with the Monarch’s permission, of course. But while some enjoyed celebrating with their compatriots, others wished to do so away from prying eyes. And still others were perhaps not quite so sure they were making the right choice…Someone in uBs wants to marry, but still maintains relations with a secret lover. How will they resolve this love triangle?
Journeyman Smith Ordanos could feel it in the air. Today would be the day…or perhaps tomorrow. He and Adept Kestri would marry. Of course, arranging a wedding was a lot of work. Ordanos was glad he could rely on the friendship of Prior Useless. And there was the question of what to do about Marquess Kira, whom Ordanos still had feelings for…
The day started out warm and beautiful. Ordanos found Kestri in the grand banquest hall enjoying time to herself. He knew he should ask the question before he lost his nerve. He took Kestri’s hand and asked if she would marry him. She smiled, “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you!” With that, she went about to begin preparations. Ordanos had some to complete himself. He needed to convince Prior Useless to be his best man.
Prior Useless was honored, of course. But a nagging doubt lingered in his mind. “But, Ordanos, what about Marquess Kira? Everyone knows you still have feelings for her.” Ordanos paused to consider. “You’re right, of course. But how can I decide between them? Well, what do you think I should do, Useless?” Useless grinned. “I think I have a plan, let’s put the two of them to the test…” With that, Useless sends Ordanos to the village to buy two wedding rings. The Prior then decides to tell each lady a funny story to see what kind of humor they have. Marquess Kira is quite amused by Useless’ story and he marks that down in his notes, ‘interesting reaction.’ Next he seeks out Kestri to see her reaction. It is much the same. Now to report in with Ordanos.
Ordanos decides that a girl who can kiss well is someone he’d like to keep around. He can’t pick still so he convinces Useless to try and seduce them and see if they are faithful. Kestri was not fooled by Useless and pushed him away saying she had someone. Kira on the other hand reacts positively and leans in seductively to try and tempt the priest. Ordanos finally makes a decision, “I’ll marry my beloved Kestri. Useless can break the news to Kira.”
Useless finds the Marquess in the townsquare and tells her the bad news. She shrugs, "I knew things just couldn't last with him. Oh well, as the bards say, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. Are you busy this evening, Useless?" The invitation goes declined and Useless heads home.
The marriage is a beautiful ceremony in the town square with Lady Redrum officiating. The after party is held in Goeb’s tavern and everyone lives happily ever after...hopefully.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Quest Nine - A Wandering Prophet feat Minstrel Goeb and Lady Redrum
One day a charismatic stranger appeared in uBs, armed with a strong voice and a head full of dangerous ideas. His diatribes were an affront to the Watcher’s divinity and the kingdom’s authority, but they were beginning to catch the attention of an impressionable people. Something would have to be done…The blasphemous drivel from this ‘prophet’ was beginning to undermine the rule of the kingdom, not to mention the divine power of the Watcher! The instigator would have to be quieted…one way or another.
One day a charismatic stranger appeared in uBs, armed with a strong voice and a head full of dangerous ideas. His diatribes were an affront to the Watcher’s divinity and the kingdom’s authority, but they were beginning to catch the attention of an impressionable people. Something would have to be done…The blasphemous drivel from this ‘prophet’ was beginning to undermine the rule of the kingdom, not to mention the divine power of the Watcher! The instigator would have to be quieted…one way or another.
By
uBs standards, the day had been relatively peaceful. Lady Redrum prepared to go about her daily
duties as a ruler, oblivious to the growing disquiet beyond the throne
room. Thus, Her Highness was somewhat
surprised when she received an urgent summons from Royal Adviser Katrina. Meanwhile, Tourbadour Goeb was having a rough
time, ‘Lately my performances have not been thrilling my audiences like they
once did. Am I losing my touch? No, that is absurd. I just need to find some fresh inspiration to
wow the masses again.’
Lady Redrum finds her advisor and asks for the news. It appears that a stranger may be causing a few of the townsfolk to miss work and neglect religious services. The Queen will have nothing of the sort. She calls a meeting in the throne room of the court to find what is going on. The details come pouring in. There is a prophet of a new religion preaching questionable virtues at the forest clearing. The Monarch heads that way to see it for herself. In the clearing there is a group gathered but it appears the prophet is nowhere to be seen. Lady Redrum decides to demand answers from the crowd. The followers simply reply with “I’m being oppressed!” The Queen brews up some ale to help loosen the tongues of the so called followers so she can get her answers. After a few drinks, the guard of the prophet deems Lady Redrum ‘unworthy’ of seeing the prophet. This angers the Queen who then threatens the most recent convert with death. The man trembles, “The words of Prophet Brennan speak to my soul. Why shouldn't we live according to nature’s laws? He says nature’s truth undermines your fabricated reign of oppression.”
Meanwhile, Goeb is gathering inspiration to write a masterpiece to help win back the hearts of the people of uBs. He writes a poem using love and the sky and stars to help back up his witty word play. After he finishes it, he seeks out the Town Crier for a personal reading to see some opinions. She listens for a bit and then when he finishes looks troubled, “Yes, a very nice fable…Poem, you say? I apologize, I was only partially listening. Ever since I heard Prophet Brennan speaking near the forest, I've been a bit distracted. What an oration he gives. Almost makes me want to drop this damn bell and go live in the woods…” Goeb sighs and heads to the throne room to seek out the Royal Adviser to request a public performance. Her response isn't a good one, “I am sorry, Goeb. I cannot authorize a public performance right now. Trouble has come to uBs, and he is clouding the hearts and minds of the townsfolk. Lady Redrum is currently seeing to the issue herself.”
Lady Redrum returned to the throne room to confer with her adviser on the issue. Katrina had an idea, “Perhaps we need a more subtle approach here. Excuse me for saying this but you are fairly…conspicuous. I happen to know Goeb is idle, might you work with him on this?” The Monarch seeks out her trusty Troubadour and he comes up with an idea for a disguise. If the Prophet can’t see her, he won’t know she is there! Goeb runs off the village to begin preparing a disguise while Lady Redrum takes a stroll through the forest to prepare herself for this upcoming scandal. Goeb delivers the soiled rags of the commoners to Lady Redrum. The Queen thanks him and tells him to prepare to perform.
Goeb wanders home and restrings his best lute to be ready for whatever the Monarch expects of him. “My instruments are ready to compete against the words of the prophet. Let us see how his charisma holds up against my powerful melodies.” Lady Redum adorns herself with the clothing of the commoner and heads to the forest to listen to this false prophet and his teachings. The Monarch is furious, “This is the most traitorous, ignorant speech I have ever heard! How can anyone fall for this absurdity?! I shall show them how truly ‘oppressive’ I can be by outlawing this nature worship for good!” The Queen storms back to the castle and drafts a law immediately. She delivers it to the town crier to spread the word. After it’s delivered, the Queen goes to feed the pit beast a bit of a snack before he is needed. A few hours later the town crier rushes to the Monarch’s side, “Your Majesty, I was just coming to find you! The people are more under the prophet’s sway than you may have through, for they blatantly disregarded the new law. I had to dodge more than a few eggs to reach you.”
On the other side of the kingdom, Goeb is writing a masterpiece play about the greatness of the kingdom of uBs. It encompasses the kingdom and the royalty that lives there. Also, it incorporates the Watcher and the different religions that play a part. The final part is love, because who doesn't love being in uBs? With the play finished, Goeb gives a sample of it to the royal adviser. She absolutely loves it!
The morning dawns and the Monarch is already discussing the events with Goeb. “I need your help yet again. My royal hands are tied to officially outlaw Prophet Brennan. I ask that you travel to the forest path where the prophet is luring away my impressionable people, and use your charismatic performance to distract the crowd. Once you have captured their attention, you may be able to convince the Prophet that your intent was not malicious and that you’d like to make it up to him with an offering of the finest art.”
Goeb arrives in the clearing and starts playing his finest songs on his lute. The Prophet is upset, “You there, minstrel! These people came here to learn of nature’s bounty at my feet, not to be distracted by your clumsy pluckings. What is the meaning behind this racket?” Goeb apologizes profusely and personally invites the Prophet to the tavern for a performance.
Meanwhile, Lady Redrum had asked a disciple to take a nature walk with her to help her see the prophet’s ways. Deep in the woods, Lady Redrum was following her guide when a rustling nearby brush broke the serenity of the forest, and drew the hikers’ attention to the shadowy underbrush thick along the trail. The disciple froze, naively leaning down towards the rising noise. Lady Redrum stepped back to watch the scene unfold. The disciple bent down, cooing softly at the ruckus, when a great brown shape charged from the bush knocking the disciple to the ground in a cry of pain. Reacting quickly, Lady Redrum drew cold metal and swung at the dire boar as it prepared to bring its massive tusks to bear on the disciple. The blade bit deeply into the beast’s muscled haunch. With a blood-curdling squeal, the boar turned its beady gave on its attacked before quickly retreating into the brush. The Monarch helped the injured disciple up and half-carried the stumbling figure out of the forest. The Queen asked for a testimony from the injured man. He replied, “You saved my life in there. Of course I’ll speak on your behalf! I am ashamed of my behavior…nature is not divine, it’s wild and terrifying!”
The crowd gathers within the walls of the tavern to see the final showdown between the great Prophet and ubs’s very own Goeb. Goeb steps up on the stage and performs the play of his life retelling the adventures of uBs through the eyes of a hero. The crowd loves it and the false Prophet is overwhelmed with the magnificence of the play. He collapses on the floor of the tavern, never to rise again.
Lady Redrum finds her advisor and asks for the news. It appears that a stranger may be causing a few of the townsfolk to miss work and neglect religious services. The Queen will have nothing of the sort. She calls a meeting in the throne room of the court to find what is going on. The details come pouring in. There is a prophet of a new religion preaching questionable virtues at the forest clearing. The Monarch heads that way to see it for herself. In the clearing there is a group gathered but it appears the prophet is nowhere to be seen. Lady Redrum decides to demand answers from the crowd. The followers simply reply with “I’m being oppressed!” The Queen brews up some ale to help loosen the tongues of the so called followers so she can get her answers. After a few drinks, the guard of the prophet deems Lady Redrum ‘unworthy’ of seeing the prophet. This angers the Queen who then threatens the most recent convert with death. The man trembles, “The words of Prophet Brennan speak to my soul. Why shouldn't we live according to nature’s laws? He says nature’s truth undermines your fabricated reign of oppression.”
Meanwhile, Goeb is gathering inspiration to write a masterpiece to help win back the hearts of the people of uBs. He writes a poem using love and the sky and stars to help back up his witty word play. After he finishes it, he seeks out the Town Crier for a personal reading to see some opinions. She listens for a bit and then when he finishes looks troubled, “Yes, a very nice fable…Poem, you say? I apologize, I was only partially listening. Ever since I heard Prophet Brennan speaking near the forest, I've been a bit distracted. What an oration he gives. Almost makes me want to drop this damn bell and go live in the woods…” Goeb sighs and heads to the throne room to seek out the Royal Adviser to request a public performance. Her response isn't a good one, “I am sorry, Goeb. I cannot authorize a public performance right now. Trouble has come to uBs, and he is clouding the hearts and minds of the townsfolk. Lady Redrum is currently seeing to the issue herself.”
Lady Redrum returned to the throne room to confer with her adviser on the issue. Katrina had an idea, “Perhaps we need a more subtle approach here. Excuse me for saying this but you are fairly…conspicuous. I happen to know Goeb is idle, might you work with him on this?” The Monarch seeks out her trusty Troubadour and he comes up with an idea for a disguise. If the Prophet can’t see her, he won’t know she is there! Goeb runs off the village to begin preparing a disguise while Lady Redrum takes a stroll through the forest to prepare herself for this upcoming scandal. Goeb delivers the soiled rags of the commoners to Lady Redrum. The Queen thanks him and tells him to prepare to perform.
Goeb wanders home and restrings his best lute to be ready for whatever the Monarch expects of him. “My instruments are ready to compete against the words of the prophet. Let us see how his charisma holds up against my powerful melodies.” Lady Redum adorns herself with the clothing of the commoner and heads to the forest to listen to this false prophet and his teachings. The Monarch is furious, “This is the most traitorous, ignorant speech I have ever heard! How can anyone fall for this absurdity?! I shall show them how truly ‘oppressive’ I can be by outlawing this nature worship for good!” The Queen storms back to the castle and drafts a law immediately. She delivers it to the town crier to spread the word. After it’s delivered, the Queen goes to feed the pit beast a bit of a snack before he is needed. A few hours later the town crier rushes to the Monarch’s side, “Your Majesty, I was just coming to find you! The people are more under the prophet’s sway than you may have through, for they blatantly disregarded the new law. I had to dodge more than a few eggs to reach you.”
On the other side of the kingdom, Goeb is writing a masterpiece play about the greatness of the kingdom of uBs. It encompasses the kingdom and the royalty that lives there. Also, it incorporates the Watcher and the different religions that play a part. The final part is love, because who doesn't love being in uBs? With the play finished, Goeb gives a sample of it to the royal adviser. She absolutely loves it!
The morning dawns and the Monarch is already discussing the events with Goeb. “I need your help yet again. My royal hands are tied to officially outlaw Prophet Brennan. I ask that you travel to the forest path where the prophet is luring away my impressionable people, and use your charismatic performance to distract the crowd. Once you have captured their attention, you may be able to convince the Prophet that your intent was not malicious and that you’d like to make it up to him with an offering of the finest art.”
Goeb arrives in the clearing and starts playing his finest songs on his lute. The Prophet is upset, “You there, minstrel! These people came here to learn of nature’s bounty at my feet, not to be distracted by your clumsy pluckings. What is the meaning behind this racket?” Goeb apologizes profusely and personally invites the Prophet to the tavern for a performance.
Meanwhile, Lady Redrum had asked a disciple to take a nature walk with her to help her see the prophet’s ways. Deep in the woods, Lady Redrum was following her guide when a rustling nearby brush broke the serenity of the forest, and drew the hikers’ attention to the shadowy underbrush thick along the trail. The disciple froze, naively leaning down towards the rising noise. Lady Redrum stepped back to watch the scene unfold. The disciple bent down, cooing softly at the ruckus, when a great brown shape charged from the bush knocking the disciple to the ground in a cry of pain. Reacting quickly, Lady Redrum drew cold metal and swung at the dire boar as it prepared to bring its massive tusks to bear on the disciple. The blade bit deeply into the beast’s muscled haunch. With a blood-curdling squeal, the boar turned its beady gave on its attacked before quickly retreating into the brush. The Monarch helped the injured disciple up and half-carried the stumbling figure out of the forest. The Queen asked for a testimony from the injured man. He replied, “You saved my life in there. Of course I’ll speak on your behalf! I am ashamed of my behavior…nature is not divine, it’s wild and terrifying!”
The crowd gathers within the walls of the tavern to see the final showdown between the great Prophet and ubs’s very own Goeb. Goeb steps up on the stage and performs the play of his life retelling the adventures of uBs through the eyes of a hero. The crowd loves it and the false Prophet is overwhelmed with the magnificence of the play. He collapses on the floor of the tavern, never to rise again.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Quest Eight - The Beast Must Diet feat Adept Kestri and High Shepard Speed
The pirates and Guild Consortium aren't the only ones feeling the pains of war. Soon after the incident triggered this conflict, low rumblings began emitting from the Pit of Judgment. The Beast doesn't seem to be feeling well, and an upset Pit Beast can only lead to tragedy. Almost every doctor in the kingdom was tending to wounded soldiers on the front lines. The poor Pit Beast had no one to look after him. The war between the Pirates and Guild Consortium raged on. uBs, still considered a neutral party, delivered services to both sides. In fact, the Pit Beast was so busy with various prisoner executions that one had to make reservation weeks in advance if they expected to get in some Judgment time.
While enjoying her day, Kestri goes to retrieve the mail and finds an urgent letter with her name on it. It read: “I urgently request your aid and knowledge. My best friend, the Pit Beasty, is very sick. I fear he is not long for this world. Enclosed is the sum of $200 for your services. Sincerely, the Executioner.” With money in hand, Kestri goes back to her tower to gaze into the depths of her crystal ball and see what is going on. She sees images of the pit beast eating prisoners. The future in the crystal is very unclear. It looks like the pit beast will die without help. Kestri decides to go to High Shepard Speed to make sense of this prophecy. Speed is baffled, “The Beasty? Dead? Are you sure? That thing is extremely valuable to uBs!”
Speed heads down to the pit of judgment while Kestri returns to her tower to do more research on the subject. The Executioner sighs, “Well, Beasty has eaten a ton of Pirates and Guildsmen. You know, with the war on and whatnot. He’s been spitting things up lately, the belongings of his varicus victims. I’ve been burying them all over the Judgment Pit. It seemed like the right thing to do.” Speed gets a map and a shovel from the Executioner to see if he can literally dig up some clues. He first finds a gold bar that is covered in slime. It’s inscribed with Guild emblems. Speed asks the Executioner about it, “Beasty spit it out after eating that Marquis Andover of Tredony I gave him the other day. Maybe he doesn’t like the taste of Guildsmen?” Speed then finds a slime covered dagger and goes to the Executioner once more. “The Beast vomited it up after eating Peter the Pirate. Do you think his flesh was bad?”
Meanwhile, Kestri is doing research on the pit beast. Looks like it can digest anything except for metal. After Speed finishes his conversation with the Executioner, he goes to meet Kestri to see what she makes of all this nonsense. Kestri ponders it for a bit, “After multiple feedings this gold bar and dagger are all that remain? I wonder if all the prisoners of war being executed might be clogging up the beast’s digestion.” Kestri has a plan. She’ll make a potion to help the Beasty out with his problem but Speed has to jump in and survive the pit to heal him. Speed doesn’t want to agree but goes along with the plan. He decides to ask the Executioner how exactly to survive the pit. The Executioner recalls a story, “A squirrel covered in cinnamon jumped into the pit the other day! He must have gotten into a spice trader’s stash. In any case, Beasty sneezed and sneezed and the squirrel came up later untouched. You might try powdering yourself in cinnamon.” Speed goes to the village and buys enough cinnamon to cover himself.
Kestri finishes her potion and decides that before delivering it to Speed, she should convince the Monarch to stop feeding the poor beast so many prisoners. Lady Redrum isn't as happy, “The pit beast’s health must be protected at all costs! He is invaluable to uBs! So fine, we have to stop feeding him so many war criminals. So tell me, Adept Kestri, what do you suggest?” Kestri suggests to stop throwing in all the Pirates due to the daggers they wield. The Monarch agrees and marches off. Kestri makes her escape to deliver the potion to Speed.
Speed takes a deep breath and leaps into the pit to purge the poor Beasty of all the metal he’s eaten. High Shepard Speed jumped directly into the heart of the pit, pausing only slightly to pinch his nose firmly closed to protect it from the cinnamon dust. The courageous hero seemed more worried about that then Beasty’s iron grip and razor teeth. Villagers jumped back in terror, expecting the usual flurry of claws, tentacles, and tufts of hair/bone/flesh followed by the inevitable screams of pain. Several tense moments passed as uBs waited with bated breath. But instead of screams, it was unusual metallic clangs emanating from the pit that rang in their ears. The peasants worried for naught. Speed knew exactly what he was doing. Within minutes he climbed victoriously out of the pit covered in slime. The day was saved, as was the Beasty!
The pirates and Guild Consortium aren't the only ones feeling the pains of war. Soon after the incident triggered this conflict, low rumblings began emitting from the Pit of Judgment. The Beast doesn't seem to be feeling well, and an upset Pit Beast can only lead to tragedy. Almost every doctor in the kingdom was tending to wounded soldiers on the front lines. The poor Pit Beast had no one to look after him. The war between the Pirates and Guild Consortium raged on. uBs, still considered a neutral party, delivered services to both sides. In fact, the Pit Beast was so busy with various prisoner executions that one had to make reservation weeks in advance if they expected to get in some Judgment time.
While enjoying her day, Kestri goes to retrieve the mail and finds an urgent letter with her name on it. It read: “I urgently request your aid and knowledge. My best friend, the Pit Beasty, is very sick. I fear he is not long for this world. Enclosed is the sum of $200 for your services. Sincerely, the Executioner.” With money in hand, Kestri goes back to her tower to gaze into the depths of her crystal ball and see what is going on. She sees images of the pit beast eating prisoners. The future in the crystal is very unclear. It looks like the pit beast will die without help. Kestri decides to go to High Shepard Speed to make sense of this prophecy. Speed is baffled, “The Beasty? Dead? Are you sure? That thing is extremely valuable to uBs!”
Speed heads down to the pit of judgment while Kestri returns to her tower to do more research on the subject. The Executioner sighs, “Well, Beasty has eaten a ton of Pirates and Guildsmen. You know, with the war on and whatnot. He’s been spitting things up lately, the belongings of his varicus victims. I’ve been burying them all over the Judgment Pit. It seemed like the right thing to do.” Speed gets a map and a shovel from the Executioner to see if he can literally dig up some clues. He first finds a gold bar that is covered in slime. It’s inscribed with Guild emblems. Speed asks the Executioner about it, “Beasty spit it out after eating that Marquis Andover of Tredony I gave him the other day. Maybe he doesn’t like the taste of Guildsmen?” Speed then finds a slime covered dagger and goes to the Executioner once more. “The Beast vomited it up after eating Peter the Pirate. Do you think his flesh was bad?”
Meanwhile, Kestri is doing research on the pit beast. Looks like it can digest anything except for metal. After Speed finishes his conversation with the Executioner, he goes to meet Kestri to see what she makes of all this nonsense. Kestri ponders it for a bit, “After multiple feedings this gold bar and dagger are all that remain? I wonder if all the prisoners of war being executed might be clogging up the beast’s digestion.” Kestri has a plan. She’ll make a potion to help the Beasty out with his problem but Speed has to jump in and survive the pit to heal him. Speed doesn’t want to agree but goes along with the plan. He decides to ask the Executioner how exactly to survive the pit. The Executioner recalls a story, “A squirrel covered in cinnamon jumped into the pit the other day! He must have gotten into a spice trader’s stash. In any case, Beasty sneezed and sneezed and the squirrel came up later untouched. You might try powdering yourself in cinnamon.” Speed goes to the village and buys enough cinnamon to cover himself.
Kestri finishes her potion and decides that before delivering it to Speed, she should convince the Monarch to stop feeding the poor beast so many prisoners. Lady Redrum isn't as happy, “The pit beast’s health must be protected at all costs! He is invaluable to uBs! So fine, we have to stop feeding him so many war criminals. So tell me, Adept Kestri, what do you suggest?” Kestri suggests to stop throwing in all the Pirates due to the daggers they wield. The Monarch agrees and marches off. Kestri makes her escape to deliver the potion to Speed.
Speed takes a deep breath and leaps into the pit to purge the poor Beasty of all the metal he’s eaten. High Shepard Speed jumped directly into the heart of the pit, pausing only slightly to pinch his nose firmly closed to protect it from the cinnamon dust. The courageous hero seemed more worried about that then Beasty’s iron grip and razor teeth. Villagers jumped back in terror, expecting the usual flurry of claws, tentacles, and tufts of hair/bone/flesh followed by the inevitable screams of pain. Several tense moments passed as uBs waited with bated breath. But instead of screams, it was unusual metallic clangs emanating from the pit that rang in their ears. The peasants worried for naught. Speed knew exactly what he was doing. Within minutes he climbed victoriously out of the pit covered in slime. The day was saved, as was the Beasty!
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