The Church of Mystra RP

[Nyssis]

A relatively crisp, sealed envelope addressed to one Gruthek Khan is spirited into the safekeeping of the Temple of Mystra's attendant in the wee hours of the morning. The half-elfin woman who delivers it leaves the holy house almost immediately with no small amount of discomfort carved into her mien, no thanks to utilizing the many portals there, and she keenly avoids everything else that is obviously magicked in nature.

Khan,

I am in great need of anatomical and physiological codices related to fiends, as discussed in the afternoon past. The arming of my mind is just as important as the arming of my body, and I confess to having ignorance regarding the weaknesses of such vile creatures.

Marshal Nathan of House Darius has made mention of beasts known as 'erinyes' and 'brachina,' so I would prefer texts correlating to their unmake. Anything referencing the various strangelings we encountered at the Bridgefort yestereve would also be of use.

I know that my gratitude alone makes for a poor exchange, and enlightenment is a currency in and of itself. Although I do not share beliefs, I am prepared to donate either my service or monetary value to your House for this information.

It is my modest hope that I may be judged worthy, so I can wield this knowledge to protect both my comrades and those who cannot fight in these warring days ahead.

Honorably,
Batz. Borte-Suul

[Grendunor]

A small bundle of transcribed pages rolled up in a leather scroll tube rest in a sheepskin leather wrapping under a cairn of stones by the outskirts of the Watch's Camp.

(PM Pending)

*the notes describe the physiology of several types of devils and slightly outline the known environment of each circle of hell.*

[Camera9]

* After a long flight from a faraway land, a beautiful hawk stops on the ledge of Syndreth's double window at the tower of the Church of Mystra, carrying a little scroll around his talon. The bird of prey stares inside the room with shimmering golden eyes, apparently waiting for someone to collect the important message *



" Dear Syndreth,

I hope this letter finds you well and at a peaceful time. First of all, allow me to congratulate with you for the new position at the Church of Mystra. Only a brilliant mind can fulfill such an important role and it comes as no surprise to me that you are going to be the next in line.

Now, these words that I'm writing concern an important matter that me, you and Drezzan already discussed not too long ago, in the middle of the Forest of Wyrms and they are the fruit of long reflections and dangerous scouting expeditions.
Do you remember when I first mentioned that I had found myself wondering at the top of the Speartop Mountain and I had stumbled across what it seemed to be the lair of a White Dragon? As a matter of fact, the guardians at the entrance of the cave and the presence of a large number of Kobolds among those frozen rocks decidedly suggest so.

I am sure that you are aware of the boundless greediness and avarice of these evil creatures: the ultimate meaning of their existence is to amass treasures and gold in order to gain more influence and power among their species. For this reason and others that unfortunately I don't have time to unfold in this letter I do believe that the dragon probably got hold of some ancient elven artifacts that I am planning to recover and return to the Tel'Quessir!

Needless to say that this task could be potentially fatal to anyone who will approach the dragon but certainly unattainable without the cohesion and harmony of a group of heroes, supporting each other to reach this purpose.
If someone asked me I could not think of anyone more suited than you at evaluating the prowess of the potential members: you surely have more connections than I do and above all you have the power to keep your friends close and safe, which I believe to be the most powerful gift of all. So this is why I would like you to pick the best among our people as long as they are willing to join and well aware of the great dangers awaiting for them over the peaks.

Just one more thing I have to confess, Syndreth... I am not able to say how powerful these artifacts could be, for better or for worse. My heart wants to believe that whatever we find will be helpful for our people but I do know, however, that time and dark magic might have corrupted its nature. Therefore, if you will ever accept to do so, I would strongly suggest you to choose carefully who to bring along: a power that strong could be a great temptation for a vengeful or angry soul. Corellon forbid it should ever sway a good soul from the right path.

So please, kind sister, take all the time you need to think about the serious implications of this decision. In the end I am certain that you will choose wisely and with the interest of our people in mind...

Here my winged companion will take your response back to me, whenever you are ready. Worry not, he is docile most of the time. Just try not to let anything fly freely around your chambers because in that case I can garantee you an unwanted chase in the middle of your library. If in trouble, remember that a gentle whisper in Auran is enough to calm my young and vibrant friend down and drive him obedient again...

I will be eagerly waiting your response and I look forward to see you all again, very soon. In the meantime, be safe and take care of yourself. May Corellon always enlighten your spirit and guide your steps towards a bright future!

Warm wishes,
Helevorn "

[Cinta]

After a few days, the golden eyed messenger opened it's wide wings again to brace the long trip back to the blue haired elven knight of the Protector. On it's talon, Helevorn will find a small scroll case with the reply of the arcanist, written with neat and elegant Espruar handwriting.



"Dear Helevorn,

I am glad to hear from you, it warms my heart to know that you still stand strong against the dangers of the wilderness what you chose as your home for the sake of the People. Even if only a few of us know about your mission, you still serve all of us through it, and with faith exemplary to many of us.

I gave many thoughts to your request. I am sure you know the hazards of your plan, as if we fail to slain the dragon, we risk to hail it's wrath and vengeance on innocent people who live on the surrounding lands. But if you deem that those artifacts have to be retrieved even so, I will not question further your insight on the matter. I know your resolve towards the well-being of our People, and I have seen how the Preserver of Life guides your hands in your mission. All I can do is aid you and all others by the best of my skills.

Gathering the right people will take some time, but it shall be done. I look forward seeing you again, and in good health, friend!

Tel'Seldarine keep you and preserve that beautiful fire of passion in your heart.
Syndreth"

[Deathgrowl]

A blue robed man enters the temple of Mystra and presents himself to Lady Neela as Oryoon Archost, a fellow priest of Mystra. He asks her who he should talk to in order to register as clergy of the local temple.

[Cinta]

A blue robed man enters the temple of Mystra and presents himself to Lady Neela as Oryoon Archost, a fellow priest of Mystra. He asks her who he should talk to in order to register as clergy of the local temple.

A golden eyed cat followed the man with it's gaze from the shadows of the altar, then leisurely sauntered back to the inner chambers when the man left.

---

Deep within the temple, the dust stirred on the floor of the Keeper's chamber. The cat uncomfortably shifted in it's sitting, averting it's golden eyes to tend to the cleaning of it's fur instead. In the center of the chamber, a lean figure of an elf materialized, silvery white satin robe sitting smoothly on her form, silky dark brown hair collapsing down on her shoulders and back.

---

If Oryoon Archost visited the church again in the following days, he would be greeted by an acolyte, saying the Keeper wishes to speak with him.

[Cinta]

An acolyte hurries through the main square of the East Gate district, and pins a scroll on the bulletin board.

Looking for miracle workers!

Description of job: expect anything.
Payment: gold or other curiosities, based on discussion.
Warning: applicants will be thoroughly interviewed, no half-hearted loiterer will be accepted! Confidential treatment of any task is expected.
Her power lies in her secrets.

Apply for the job in the Church of Mystra.

Hidden: show

OOC: Aimed for low level characters. PM me here if you can't find me ingame!

[Tsidkenu]

A large crowd entered the Temple of Mystra yesterday, headed by a cleric of Helm and a well-known figure to the temple clergy, Darius employee Nathan Goldenmane. The fellow was carrying a small, metallic box and looked to be expending enormous amounts of energy in the task given the exhaustion on his features.

After the crowd was dispersed, the dangerous object was explained, restrained and locked away by the Dweomerkeeper, Neela Daren, awaiting further investigation by the temple clergy and its arcanists.

The Helmite Pryat promised to make a return to the temple after a few days to discuss a few other matters with their clergy.

[Cinta]

A large crowd entered the Temple of Mystra yesterday, headed by a cleric of Helm and a well-known figure to the temple clergy, Darius employee Nathan Goldenmane. The fellow was carrying a small, metallic box and looked to be expending enormous amounts of energy in the task given the exhaustion on his features.

After the crowd was dispersed, the dangerous object was explained, restrained and locked away by the Dweomerkeeper, Neela Daren, awaiting further investigation by the temple clergy and its arcanists.

The Helmite Pryat promised to make a return to the temple after a few days to discuss a few other matters with their clergy.

For a few days after the arrival of the group, the clergy of the Church seemed extremely busy, frequently running between the library and the laboratory. The most busy of all seemed to be the new ranger of the Shooting Star, carrying letters from and to the temple all day, for the visible relief of a certain hin priestess.

[Cinta]

The evening descends, when a leaden box is transported from the vault, back to the laboratory.
The Keeper accompanies the box, and she is followed by two acolytes, cheerfully chatting till they reach the portal door of the lab.

Not much later, the chambers of the Temple starts shaking violently, as a howling, otherworldly scream fills the halls...
People hurry out of the lab, aiding an acolyte to her quarters, while others run for the High Priestess.

The Keeper stands on the corridor, and the wind awoken by the opening doors strangely cools her hand.
She looks down, to notice the stain of the blood that wetted her gloves.
The blood of those who were trusted to her care.

[Cinta]

Since a few days now, the Innates of the Church excitedly whispered about an open class to take place in the Temple, for the four refugee children who showed potential in the Art.

In the morning, the children and their escorts were led to the Church. Though it was sunny outside, the altar chamber remained in dusk, the flickering light of dozens of candles projected twitching images on the high ceiling and walls. The tall stone pillars gently guided the flow of a large circle of twinkling lights, waking many-colored shimmering on the surface of the small pools around the pillars.

Inside the circling light flow, thick blankets were laid down in a semicircle around the center of the chamber. Other seats were prepared further out on the marble edges of the pools, for the Ilmateri escorts and other guests.

A tall elf woman in a green wizard robe and waist-length chestnut brown hair greeted the children, standing in the middle, with a warm smile on her face.

"Greetings, my children, in the temple of the Mother of All Magic."

She addressed the adults sitting on the side with a bow of her head, then focused her attention on the children sitting around her.

"Magic is the mystery that is discussed by many, but truly understood by only Mystra herself. Those who can weave spells are gifted by Mystra, and feared for their abilities by many."

With a sudden golden shine in her eyes, she reached her arms out wide, palms upwards, as a pair of sizzling fire globes lit up above them. But as abruptly as it appeared, the heat vanished, and the flame tongues dissolved into tiny sparkling ambers, growing fiery wings, and soon the chamber was lit by dozens of shimmer-winged butterflies, lazily flying up towards the faceted ceiling.



"But as much as Magic is feared, it is admired by many, because Magic can create wonders of never heard of magnificence."

Finally the apparitions were gone, but the hall remained illuminated as if some holy light shone down on those sitting in the circle. The Servants of Mystery chanted a blessing, which seemed to resonate with the twinkling of the circling lights. The Keeper swept her amber gaze through the children, and spoke on a tender voice.

"Magic can be terrifying, and Magic can be wonderful. You all have the gift of Mystra in yourselves, and you all could be able to weave spells to some extent in time. I would like to teach you how to recognize your gift, so you don't have to fear magic anymore."

She sits down then in the middle, her eyes curiously watching their every reaction.

"I would like to show you, how to find your greatest potential, because my Lady, Mystra is the Goddess of Magic who created the Weave, so mortals can use magic and create wonders."

The wizard dismisses her spell of invisibility, and three wooden toy knights appeared standing on the floor before her. The knights were all carved with careful detail, raising their mighty weapons to the sky.

"I believe you all have heard stories of mighty heroes who wielded magic in their fight, and you heard about evil, otherworldly creatures who wanted to destroy all what we hold dear."

On a gentle tone, she whispers the words of Arcane, conjuring first a tiny version of a stone wall before he knights, then a small, concentrated globe of darkness on the other side of the wall.

"Magic can cause destruction, tear down walls and tear apart families.."

The wizard weaves her hand, and a gust of wind wakes before her, knocking down the flimsy wall and the wooden soldiers to the ground.

"But on the other side, magic can aid and protect, magic can strengthen warriors or show a hidden way out when everything seems hopeless."

While the sun-elf speaks, her magehand lifts up the knights to their feet, and a short incantation weaves a warm, bright light around them. The darkness diminishes.

"You are here now because you all have the potential to weave spells. And just as you shouldn't be afraid of your own magic, you should not use your magic in a way that would make your surroundings afraid of you. You all belong to a new community now, that welcomes you and would aid your every steps. I would like to show you how to use your gift, the power of the Arcane, to the betterment of your families and your environment."

Her eyes jump up for a fleeting moment to the Ilmatari priestess, then her gaze returns to see how the children cope with the situation so far.

"Now, my name is Syndreth. How are you called?"

---

Hidden: show

((( The lessons held in the altar chamber or in the garden are usually open to visitors, anyone's welcome to join in the RP )))

[Winterborne]

Nathan arrives upon learning of the teaching taking place and sits out of the way to watch the lesson with a slight smile.

He even appears to be taking notes on the general teaching methods used and their effectiveness.

After the lesson concludes he stops by for a short hello to the instructor before going about his business in the city.

[Darradarljod]

A tall man in his thirtieth winters dressed and cowled in rich crimson robes observed the lesson. There was critical analysis in his sharp blue eyes as he tracked the speaker and her spellcraft. He seemed polite when engaged with by the public in the temple and had introduced himself to any who addressed him as Magi Belhagruz Odrenkh, a "quite prominent" Red Wizard of Thay belonging to the nearby Enclave - to which he returned, when curiousity was satisfied.

[RedLancer]

A little after dawn's breaking does a blond man come to the Mystrans. He is clad in dark mail, the face of the suit inscribed prolifically with gravitic sentiment and floral filigree. He trespasses until he finds one to speak to, and then his black-gloved hand produces a black feather unlike a bird's.

"I'd like to know everything you can tell me," he says to whomever, blue gaze patient, keen.

[DM Chant]

The High Lady of Mysteries pulls the man aside to converse quietly.