Assuming the party does as well, Nivel will go with the Captain right away, saying nothing as he does so.
For a "slight" dwarf, Morg eats voraciously. He produces some parchment and inkpen, reviewing a small book. He scribes, scribbles and diagrams.
Some of his paranoia seems to have left him for now. He's agreeable to the meet.
Kyra eats her breakfast but not as much as what she ate last night. The wine and company was great but she can do without the hangover. "May the Bright Lady forgive me. I slightly over slept and missed the rising sun." It is customary for those who whorship the Bright Lady to rise at daybreak and offer her thanks for another beautiful morning.
After eating her light breakfast she goes into her room and retrieves her belongings. She is not sure if they will return. Then she tells the captain to wait a second or two while she bid her farewell to the innkeeper. "Dear Pulgas, thank you for your hospitality. We are not sure if we will return." She skakes his hand and offers a slight hug. "May the Lady keep watch over you."
She says her farewell and prepares to go with the captain.
Puglas accompanies you outside the inn and says: "Please do come back sometime! It was a pleasure meeting you!"
Thanks to the indications of a city guard, you have no problem finding the garrison which serves as headquarters for Marshal Gavirk. It is still situated within the city walls.
Captain Walren tells the guards at the entrance of the garrison about his appointment and a few minutes later a woman in studded leather, who looks like she could be an officer, arrives and asks about everybody in your group.
Captain Walren explains the situation and the officer replies: "Ok, you can all see the Marshal, but I will have to ask you to leave your weapons here. You can pick them up later as you leave." She points to a small cabin near the entrance.
Griswald sighs Of course, no weapons But you always have me in an emergency...
Griswald removes all of his weapons and leaves them at the post.
When did I accumulate this armory? I use to be a simple lumberjack
Nivel obliges, though not terribly willingly, and removes his weapons. He carefully takes a mental inventory as he does, just to be sure.
Firyin gives a small grin to Griswald, laughing at the inside joke of the two of them being "disarmed".
Kyra removes her weapons and follows the woman.
The officer leads you to a large central building within the walls of the garrison. Inside there are several men and women, talking, eating, resting, playing games or cleaning their weapons.. Finally you arrive in a central space (60x40ft) with Marshall Gavirk (see pic) standing near a table with a large map, apparently discussing something with another officer.
He looks up and the female officer leading you here, walks over to him and silently tells him a few words before leaving.
The Marshal speaks: "Captain Walren? (as if not knowing yet who among your group is the captain) .. I heard you had some very unpleasant encounter before arriving at our town. I must congratulate you for bringing in those captives.
Captain Walren says: "I couldn't have done it without the help from my friends here. They handle themselves exceptionally well in combat!" He shows the document found on the 'pirate' vessel, signed by the Molthuni governor to which the Marshal says: "I see.. those are privateers working for our enemy.. I have to tell you that this is the first time this has happened, as far as we know.. Now, is there anything I can do for you?"
Nivel nods in modesty as the Captain lauds the exploits of the group. When the Marshall asks his question Nivel merely asks, What can you tell us about the Ranger's Lament and the cult of Razmir?
Marshal Gavirk seems slightly annoyed by your question, but he answers nevertheless: "The cult of Razmir appeared in Tamran about 2 years ago, first as a small band of missionaries. They soon raised the funds to build a temple, which was constructed over a year ago. Their influence in the city has grown ever since.. The Ranger's Lament is a tavern across the street from the temple. The cult actually organizes interviews for new applicants in that tavern.. hmm.. are you perhaps interested in joining the cult?"
No, not at all. Just interested in finding out more about them. Nivel elects not to pursue the line further.
Kyra moves forward to shake Marshal Gavirk's hand while introducing herself and her friends. She continues, replying to his question "Dear Marshal, we have no intentions of joining that rabble. The Bright Lady forbids it. My friends and I are here to investigate this so called cult and their influences. From the way you responded it seems that you do not approved off them. Do you have suspicions or have you heard any rumors pertaining to this cult?"
Kyra is forthcoming and honest on her intent to find as much information as possible.
Firyin remains quiet, sipping his drink and subtly listening into the conversation.
In reply to Kyra, the Marshal says: "I see.." He remains quiet for a moment, whispers something to the officer standing near him at the table with the map and then asks you to follow him into a smaller, adjacent, private room.
Once you have all entered, he closes the door and asks: "I do have some suspicions yes.. so you came all the way here to investigate this cult.. do you have any particular reason for doing this investigation?"
A man's got to pass the time of day somehow, neh? Cults are... interesting. Morg raises a brow, as if to indicate surprise.
He look at the others as if to say, What the frack have you all gotten me into?
Firyin gives a minute shake of his head to Morg, as if to say not the time for us to talk.
Kyra responds to the Marshal. "My friends here," Kyra introduces all members. "They have found certain clues about some grave robbers that was left behind. One....they were carrying coins from Tamran. Two...one of the robbers had a note mentioning the Ranger's Lament and lastly...their leader was wearing a mask. So, we were asked by my mentor, Father Rantal Prasst, to come and investigate on why these robbers were so interested in grave robbing in Kassen."
Kyra pauses for a while and then she states, "Well, I have shown you our hand. It would be polite of you to do the same.
Marshal Gavirk replies: "A mask? So you suspect the one carrying a mask to be a cultist? Yes.. well.. maybe we can help each other.. As you know, we are at war with Molthune and the last thing I want is some malicious cult to create problems in our capital. Members of the cult go out frequently to aid the poor and proselytize but there are also rumors that they are envolved with thievery, blackmail, and extortion. Not only that, but I have heard they might be building an army to conquer all of Avistan! The problem is that I have no hard evidence of this.. All cultists look alike. Most wear white robes, some gray, a few black, but you can't identify them because of their masks. They guard their temple by day and night and they hold no public services. The leader of the temple is said to be.. a medusa..
What I am looking for is one or more people to go undercover inside the cult as prospective members. Find out what you can and report back to me.
If you can bring me undeniable proof that the cult is up to no good, I will reward you generously..
"The reward is not my concern, I'm for stopping these cultists."
We must find those amulets from Kassen's tomb.
Kyra offers her hand to the Marshal, "I think we have a deal. We do the investigation on why they were interested in the Kassen tomb and uncover their true intents. It's a win-win for both of us."
The cleric pauses for a moment before asking her next question. "Dear Marshal, do you have anyone on the inside that can aid us once we are in?"
Wait, you want us to be... spies? Nivel looks at the party with a surprised look on his face. We might be able to sneak around a bit, sure, but to pretend to me cultists? I'm not so sure about that.
Nivel then looks at Kyra and says, And you'd be okay with it? Won't your god by angry?
"I am not keen on wearing a mask like that. Nor am I a good actor" Griswald looks around awkwardly "But I will do what I must."
Marshal Gavirk replies: "I don't have any one inside the cult for you to contact. We have had our hands full with the war and my best people are needed there. It seems you are strong enough to handle tough situations, so that's why I thought you would be able manage such operation. Of course it's up to you if you want to go undercover or not, as long as you can bring me evidence of their evil intentions. As soon as I have evidence, I can justify my actions towards the people of Tamran in bringing down this cult and their temple.
Obviously you shouldn't tell any one about this plan. The cult of Razmir is quite popular in Tamran, so telling anyone about it is a sure way to fail. That's why I didn't want to talk openly about this, even here in the garrison.
Kyra looks at her companions, then to Nivel. "The Dawnflower knows what is in my heart. She fully understands that our actions here is to thwart out evil intention....with the possibility that there may be some who wish redemption....and She will listen."
"Now posing as one of the cultist is probably the easier of the alternatives. Let them open up their arms and allow us in. Once inside then we can do whatever snooping we like. Unless any one prefers to break in like thieves."
Kyra then looks over to the Marshal. "What kind of people are the cultists accepting into their ranks? As you can see, I travel with a mixed group of companions. Are their standard so low as to accept dwarfs and half-breeds?" The cleric offers Morg a wink.
Griswald growls at Kyra's last comment
Kyra responds apologetically "My intention was not to insult present company. I just want to know the make up of those who side with the cultists." She looks at each of her friends. "Each of you will may have an influence with your own people. We will need to take advantage of that."
Kyra adds "Who would want to be influenced by a dumb human female when you have some strong young males like yourselves." Again, she offers a wink at the men.
Nivel seems quite uncomfortable with being called a "half-breed", even if it was true. Anyway, it seems that we should head to the Ranger's Lament if we want to find out more about this cult thing.
Morg chuckles, Looks like you hurt their feeling... Princes of Xian!
He spits mightily.
Marshal Gavirk notices Kyra's joking and tries to think positively about it: "I see the task at hand hasn't diminished your sense of humor.. I don't know.. I never heard about people being refused to enter the cult because of their race or gender or anything.. In fact I don't know about anyone who left the cult after entering it!.. The Ranger's Lament is indeed probably your best starting point. You can ask there about when they do the next interview.
I will let the guards know to let you through at any time, so you can deliver the evidence to me personally.
Captain Walren, in case you want to soon leave Tamran again with your next shipment, we will need a day or two preparing a patrol of war ships to secure the harbor and trade routes."
Kyra nod in acceptance. "Very well then. If there are any other questions then my friends and I will take our leave."
She walks over to the Marshal and shakes his hand. "'Till next time we meet Marshal....hopefully with the evidence you need. May the Sun shine upon you."
The cleric begins to walk out to gather her weapons.
I could use a drink. Nivel doesn't seem to care what time of day it is either. Might as well head over there now and see what there is to see. Of course, we could check out the cult's temple first if you'd rather.
Firyin follows Nivel. "I could use a drink as well. If they allow lowly half-breeds at the bar." His tone is unusually cold.
Morg waves them off dismissively.
Stop yer whining... Sticks and stones and shivs a needles, but not words. Words have a different power.
I survived over 20 years as a prisoner and slave to the vaunted Drow race. The words, they never bothered me. I listened and did so, intently. It's how I became a wizard.
He walks along.
The Marshal wishes you good luck and one of his officers accompanies you outside where you are able to retrieve all your gear.
The temple of Razmir lies near the center of town, surrounded by a number of local businesses and wealthy residences. As such, the city guard presence there is a bit higher than in the outlying areas of town. The temple takes up an entire block; busy streets surround it on all sides, making it difficult to approach without being seen (although during the day you can easily blend in with the crowds). The businesses that surround the temple vary widely, from coopers to cobblers.
The temple of Razmir is an imposing structure. Built of solid stone walls, the building stands two stories tall, with towers positioned every thirty feet along its circumference. These towers rise above the temple itself, each crowned with statues depicting some kind of godlike humanoïd figure. The temple has almost no windows, aside from a tall, stained-glass window on the east end depicting the typical mask as worn by its cultists. The west end of the structure seems to contain the only entrance through a sealed barbican. Masked priests patrol the wall tops surrounding the west side, watching those below with a baleful attention.
As you arrive in the neighbourhood, a group of mask wearing cultists seems to be holding a public speech in front of the temple, while a small crowd stands listening.
Across the street from the temple, sitting in its shadow, you notice a small tavern, named the Ranger's Lament.
It is now almost noon.
Nivel will try to ascertain what the speech is all about as they move toward the tavern.
Kyra whispers to the others, "I say some of us head to the tavern while the other half heads to get closer for a quick listen."
Kyra tries to listen in on the speech.
The speech seems to be about extolling the power and virtue of Razmir. Four acolytes move through the crowd to collect donations.
Stop yer whining... Sticks and stones and shivs a needles, but not words. Words have a different power."
"Words raise the sticks and stone to cast down those that are ill spoken of." He glares at the dwarf, and all the friendly edge is gone from his voice. A raw nerve has definitely been struck in him. "I will always be a slave to them so long as I wear this skin."
~Later~
Firyin watches the church for a minute. "We should give a donation, it would help cement our facade."
Something modest. We don't want to draw attention.
As you discuss about what to do, you catch some more about the speech. "Those who donate abundantly shall attract wealth and glory, while those who refuse to give anything, shall be struck by the ire of the living God Razmir!"
Nivel will donate a gold piece to the collection and give a slight smile, waiting to see if he gets any type of reaction.
Kyra has heard only a few basic things about the cult, nothing new compared to what you have been told by Marshal Gavirk.
Nivel gives a gold piece, which is collected by one of the cultists without any comment. As they all wear masks, you can't figure out if they like or dislike the amount.
Firyin says nothing, appearing to be distracted while he moves subtly to watch the two gray robes cultists, making sure nobody in the party gets pickpocketed.
Kyra eyes one of the cultists in the gray robes and whispers to the others, "Did you just see that?" She notices that Firyin and Nivel saw the same.
After seeing the event unfold she hold onto her coin purse a little tighter. She manages to remove a gold piece from her purse. She holds it in between her index and middle finger and waits for a cultist to come by.