The Water Queen's House – Church of Umberlee Role-Play

[Carski]

The sea is a savage place, and those that travel it had best be willing to pay the price of challenging Umberlee's domain. Any port or harbor that prospers by the sea, knows that such is only gained with the Water Queen is satiated with tribute—Her temples are vehicles for sailors and merchants to make offerings of service or coins to appease Umberlee...even the most righteous and benevolent of seafarers and coastal cities are known to pay tribute, for the nature she commands can cleanse as well as curse. All should know the Bitch Queen and respect her, for the wind and the wave can reach everywhere if sufficiently angered. Fair offerings bring fair winds to sea travelers and the merchant vessels that prosper upon them...but those that do not pay their respects will find that the sea is cold...and deep. Spread the word of the might of Umberlee, and let no service be done in her name without gained tribute. Make folk hear the wind and wave, show them the power of nature that exists within her domain...and guide them to the Water Queen's House, where collected tribute is taken in order to protect them.

Within the Harbor District of the city of Baldur's Gate resides the Water-Queen'’s House, known temple of Umberlee, within the cities religious grouping. Storm-Priestess Jalantha Mistmyr guides the flock of those that prosper from the sea. Under her are known to be eight priestesses and sixteen followers of name.

Along the Sword Coast, many shrines of smaller-but-recognized importance are known by the faithful to exist. It is rumored that the village of Ulgoth's Beard and pirate's cove of Roaringshore maintain strong tribute to the Water Queen.

The Water Queen's House

The small temple in Baldur's Gate sits on the western edge of the city, too far from the harbor, many of Her followers believe.

"All hail the Queen of the Depths! Umberlee! The Bitch Queen!"


This thread is focused on roleplay related to the church of Umberlee, including correspondence to and from the Water Queen's House.

// Information on the guild can be found here. In general no metagaming this unless you are a member of the church. To be sure, please add disclaimers to the top of your post if actions within are not considered public knowledge.

///PM to add to this informational first post.

[Carski]

Subject: Baldur's Gate / North 1351 Campaign Thread

Storm

A heavy winter storm descends into the city, blowing in from the water into the docks and out to cover the entirety of Baldur's Gate. The rain is cold and fierce pummels the Gate, sending many of the citizens to find shelter inside. The homeless flock to the Temple of Ilmater or into the sewers to escape the chilling bite. Many of the rats perish or are forced away from the population to escape the storm. Mindful citizens remember and whisper of the drumming of a certain man through the Gate and his proclamations regarding Umberlee.

Yet is this a blessing or the wrath of the Sea Queen...

[Carski]

As the storm continued within the Gate, the drummer played to the faithful—and those that would be come so—a beat that lulled them towards the Temple. And so the Church grows....

[Carski]

A drummer who has spoken publicly to the poor, the desirous, the families of the sea that have made a statement against the powers of this city which send their Fist upon them to keep them in poverty, in their place...

...the drummer walks the streets of the Harbor and in the Eastern District, his voice performing with greater skill than ever before:

• 
  
  Beware...
  You, the salt of the sea
  The salt of the earth
  To the chains that rain from the sky.
  
  Beware...
  You, true souls of life's hardship
  The true souls of pity
  To the chains that WILL rain from the sky.
  
  ....
  
  You, beware.
  They, hark.
  You, eyes open.
  They, smiling lies.
  You, RISE....
  
  

It is a powerful speech that has been given over weeks...and damn the Lords who do nothing to heed the will of the people...and damn those that support those Fists and the Word that sends them.

[Carski]

A small hin walks around the docks.

A man in bardic fashion leans upon the facade of the Water Queen's House, adjusting his drum.

Ckal:Oh... *says the halfling as he approaches the Temple facade*

A bard under the flags of the Water Queen's House, appears to be rubbing oil upon his drum skin.

Ckal: Hello again! *he smiles as he approaches the drummer*

The bard looks up from his drum, and says nothing.

Ckal: You may not remember me. We had a duel of sorts.

Lusca do Pavoroso:: *he lifts his eyes slightly from the drum....and stares at the halfling...a small recognition in his eyes* Aye.

Ckal: I now work with the Baldur's Gate Herald and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions. I could make your voice heard in the paper.

Lusca do Pavoroso: My voice is already heard by many, halfling. But you may ask your questions....and if I feel like answering them, so be it.

Ckal: Wonderful! Mind if I write things down?

Lusca do Pavoroso: We all do as we wish.

Ckal: Wonderful! *he pulls the feather from his cap and unrolls what looks like thick parchment or thin bark. He scratches into the surface briefly* I'm Cal by the way...or Kal, either which way.

The bard says nothing.

Ckal: *he looks at the Water Queen's House behind* So you're a worshipper of the Water Queen?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Yes.I drum to the beat of her power.

Ckal: She has gifted you. You nearly knocked me unconcious when we played last. *he nods and scrathes* Tell me about the Water Queen if you don't mind.

Lusca do Pavoroso: That is not a question, halfling.

Ckal: Will you tell me about the Water Queen?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Ask me what you wish to know.

Ckal: What does she desire? The Water Queen, what does she desire?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Do I look foolish enough to speak the desires of a God?

Ckal: No of course not. *he scratches a line* What do you desire?

Lusca do Pavoroso: I desire...to see that all give tribute to the Queen...she that domains over this City.

Ckal: *he nods, then scratches into his notes*

Lusca do Pavoroso: Alas....so many fail to do so....and at a peril of their own choosing. So be it then!

Ckal: *he nods and scratches some more*

Ckal: Rumor of your drumming has spread across the city.

Lusca do Pavoroso: By my own choosing, I would say. *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: *he glances at the Drummer* Do you feel you have swayed many people to your cause?

Lusca do Pavoroso: It is not my cause to care. I am a voice of power, a song born on the power of the storm....and what happens when the direction of the storm is not read correctly?

Ckal: *he scribbles and says* At best, we go off course. At worst. . .

Lusca do Pavoroso:: *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: *gulps*

Ckal: Have there been people who have tried to stop you?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Not a one....but how could they, even if they tried? Who can stop the storm from coming?!!? And that is what I transmit.... *he grins, wildly*

Ckal:The guards have no problem with your work?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Their are many ways to offend the Water Queen....beyond simply failing to give tribute. I suspect the true Baldurians know this..... *he alludes*

Ckal: *he scratches away* And who are the false Baldurians?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Those that fail to give tribute....of course. *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: *he nods* I . . . *he looks around* *he leans in and murmurs* I heard there were some who tried to stop you. By force....

Lusca do Pavoroso: Lies. Do you see my drum? It continues to send an undulating beat upon the salt-sea air... *he gives a few taps, to emphasize his point*



Lusca do Pavoroso:: *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: *he clears his throat uncomfortably* I heard some of the Fist tried to stop you.

Lusca do Pavoroso: When I am stopped...then I will be dead. Would you not say that is a truthful answer, should any ever be given?! *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: You speak plain truth. *he nods and scratches at his notes* I've found an old note here in the docks.

Lusca do Pavoroso:: *says nothing*

Ckal: Something about burned bramble and some kind of soil. It's a dumb question but I'll ask it, did you write those? *he pulls out a sad, crumpled note; he uncrumples it and shows it to the Drummer*

Lusca do Pavoroso: Halfling...do not let your size match your wit. Does a singer of the storm, the Drummer of the Undulating Beat...does he speak of things that are of the earth?!? Or..does he sing of the glory of the wave, the salt air...the <i>fury</i> and power given from his Queen...the Queen of Baldur's Gate?!?

Ckal: He sings of the Great Queen. *he nods* You're right. Do you know who wrote it?

Lusca do Pavoroso: I may well say...they that would know, would have a thing of....<i>value.

Ckal: *he looks confused and curious* They?

Lusca do Pavoroso: They. *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: I understand. *he nods and scribbles* Are you allies with these people? These Soil people?

Lusca do Pavoroso: I devote my will to the Water Queen.

Ckal: *he nods and scribbles again* If I could take a step back in my questions. . .

Lusca do Pavoroso: *says nothing*

Ckal: Have the guard ever physically attempted to capture you? *he murmurs, then he glances back*

Lusca do Pavoroso: Guards.....*he laughs*

Ckal: So they have? *he looks curious*

Lusca do Pavoroso: I would never let a "guard" take me. *he grins, wildly*

Ckal: That's very evasive. *he grins...then he scribbles*

Lusca do Pavoroso: I am the Drummer of the Undulating Beat!

Ckal: Is there anything you would like me, as a reporter, to know?

Lusca do Pavoroso: Yes....that your endeavors will all fail...unless you give tribute to the Queen. *he says rather directly*

Ckal: *he nods and scribbles* Wonderful!

Lusca do Pavoroso: *he begins to play his drum*

Ckal: Well, I have quite a lot to. . .Thank you for your time!

Lusca do Pavoroso: The Water Queen's House receives those that give tribute....those that give tribute are protected!

Lusca do Pavoroso: *drums an undulating beat*

Lusca do Pavoroso: Pay tribute to the Water Queen...before it is too late.... *he half-sings in spoken word*

/// As this meeting took place outside the Water Queen's House, it is with possibility others over heard some or all of the conversation.

[DM Dialectic]

Rumor may be heard that the faithful of the Water Queen's House are heard to be preaching to the established School—as well as to those undedicated—that the reason the Harbor district and docks remained intact and without the suffering of other districts in the Gate, is because the Queen heard the prayers of the membership, grown larger in the earlier part of 1351, during and after The Rotting from Within, as the plague was to be known.

This conscious steering of the storyline could be interpreted by some as a means to empower the already faithful, as well, entice more of the Harbor District population—the sailors, dockworkers and their families; the crude and low-dwelling peoples; even the merchants that rely upon the Sea of Swords in which to increase their wealth.

Some who pass on this rumor, seem to know even more, in that: the faithful to the Water Queen's House say it is to be a year "...of the Sea Serpent...," said as maybe metaphor, or, as maybe, simply an interpretation of a title-in-the-making.

The apparent growing voice from the faithful who lead the Water Queen's House is timely, in that with a rebuilding Baldur's Gate, the trade that is made upon the Sea is best protected and secured...by paying tribute...or, witness the terrible fate that would befall any who did not bring a sacrifice.

*With the events of the past year, there seems to have been moderately increased attendance at Umberlee rituals and ceremonies at the temple in the docks. Some gossip that the somewhat increased popularity was due to Umberleean aid and explanation offered during the plague, others say it is only to stave off new cataclysmic disasters for the city. Whatever it is, the faith of the Sea Queen seems to be more popular in Baldur's Gate than it has been in years. Will the trend continue? Average folk about the city seem to have a hard time guessing the answer.*

[Carski]

Subject: Religion in Baldur's Gate (Player/DM IC RP)

Tis Winter...cold, hard, dark months where sometimes, even the far edges of the seas freeze up, as elemental power beyond the Mortal's grasp shapes the perceived World. For the sea-born and the sea-employed, it is heavier than for most—great care must be taken to be wise to the wealth in the waters, or, not. For some...it is only with great faith and tribute, do they reason with the tide, and know a good sign and time, from the bad, from which to set out upon the water.

Furthermore, with the Gate possibly half or more in ruins of the aftermath of the Battle of the Undead Horde, there is a lingering view on the destruction, the burning undead bodies, the homeless, the bewildered...those of poverty, those with idle hands, those weak of will in depressing times...they may linger closer to the centers of divine guidance.

One door always remains open. Peering beyond the portal, to deep within the black-green shadow recesses of that Temple, of the Water Queen's House, comes a calling, sometimes of prayer, sometimes bolstered by the luring tempo of a deep drum...the depths within call out to the lost, the orphans, those that question their sense of existence....

This call is simple, it is direct—words of truth are described by the Faithful to any that are within ear shot, that to give Tribute, in object and in soul, returns safe travel, fair trade upon the seas and near waterways, work, sustenance...a life. A...Great Calling.

The words used by the Faithful of the Water Queen's House express time and time again how the Temple and the Harbor District remained untouched by the death, by Evil that was brought to the Gate by the Adventurer Class, by folly and ill-made decisions of the Ruling Classes.

The Faithful express...how the Water Queen offers immunity through faith, offers the children a safety through dedication, offers a conversion to reality: Baldur's Gate is a sea trade-based city...and if any citizen wishes to see its security, its economy, rise...then pray deeply into the black-green embrace, and lay Tribute upon the altar.

Every lost child brought into the House is given bountiful amounts of fish soup, sea weed crackers and later, a strewn hammock upon which to lay their tired bodies.

As night falls, the temple closes its door shut, and tight...all the innocents closed snuggly within the embrace of the Bitch Queen.

[Xorena]

The Water Queen's House

The small temple in Baldur's Gate sits on the western edge of the city, too far from the harbor, many of Her followers believe.

"All hail the Queen of the Depths! Umberlee! The Bitch Queen!"


This thread is focused on roleplay related to the church of Umberlee, including correspondence to and from the Water Queen's House.

// Information on the guild can be found here. In general no metagaming this unless you are a member of the church. To be sure, please add disclaimers to the top of your post if actions within are not considered public knowledge.

[kkrazlite]

Rumor would soon come into play about a man dressed in all blue bearing an insignia of Auril making is way down the slopes of Roaringshore with 4 or 5 of his clergy behind his steps . . . Those who got a good look at the man would say that he wore a mask made of pure sapphire and onyx and on his sheath of his belt lied the fabled sword. . . The Holy Excalibur. . . Known to only be in the possession of the most revered of paladins. . . But judging from the man's presence many know he was far from a paladin himself. . .

The sounds of whispers can be heard as he makes his way to one of the docked ships along the harbor. . . One of his clergy seem to leave behind a note on a town notice board. . .

The Maiden of winter and her subordinates grant their greetings. . . The winds grow strong and the coming storms even stronger. . . There is a presence here. . . A storm that we of the Maiden have not yet been introduced properly too. . . We leave behind our blizzard here and hope that those of the eye of the Fury's mighty storm will unveil. . . If you are to be reading this letter it would be proper if your storm's would begin a proper communion. . . We shall be awaiting those who wish to speak with us within our temple atop the mountain of the Cloud Peaks. . .

Be mindful of the Giants. . .

~Lord Cold Circle~

[CrimsonMist]

Untaken Maire Whitecrest was washing the cobbles in front of the temple when she heard sailors speaking of the sapphire-masked man leaving a message for the church on the notice board.

She hurried to retrieve the notice and deliver it to Dread Wavecaller Perle as soon as she returns to the temple.

[Xorena]

The Dread Wavecaller examined the correspondence, raising a hand to pinch the bridge of her nose between forefinger and thumb.

Now the Church of Auril? When will the requests for alliances and meetings cease? Probably never. She heaved a sigh of irritation.

The man's arrogance and inflated self-worth were noted, but what way to better know an adversary than drawing him ever closer? Yes, she would grant an audience, but traveling to the Cloud Peaks was absolutely out of the question. Perle believed being near the sea fueled her faith and power. The mountains would not do at all.

In a flowing script, Perle penned a terse response:

"Lord" Cold Circle,

We will not travel to the Cloud Peak Mountains, so far from Umberlee's domain. We ask that you leave the mountains once again and instead join us at the Water Queen's House in Baldur's Gate.

A commune with our goddess is not an action we take lightly. We wish to know your purpose before committing to anything.

Signed,

Dread Wavecaller Perle Wynn

The priestess sealed the letter with wax, pressing an emblem into it to leave the crashing waves of Umberlee's depths upon it. She placed it into the hands of her most trusted messenger and ordered her to deliver it to the frost temple.

[electric mayhem]

Those on the docks would see a water genasi, bedecked in very little garb, comprised of sea kelp and other oddities, surface and climb onto the jetty. She would then walk off and eventually enter the House of the Water Queen.
Some time later she would leave and return to the ocean.


For those inside the Water Queen's House.
The genasi would reveal her name, Wouveir, to the First Mate and ask for the Storm Priestess. Informed of her absence, Wouveir would leave note for any other active clergy to contact her in Roaringshore, care of the Broken Goblet.

[stev]

From foreign ports a new Priest has arrived in Baldur's Gate, a hulking brute hooded and heavily armoured in mottled green cloths and sea creature chitin; those who've seen her in Hooded can plainly see her aquatic Genasi heritage, a true daughter of the Wavemother. She's been making herself known to local adventurers, sailors and even mercantile houses, calmly reminding many of the dangers of paying less than proper respects to she whose body they sail.

Within the House itself, she has been making inquiries with the First Mate as to the Church's ever-absent leadership. She calls herself Whitecap, a clergywoman of ambiguous rank, with instructions left to contact her at the Blushing Mermaid.

[Steve]

A silver cloaked figure in light armor arrives to the Temple of Umberlee this day, his arrival unexpected and uninvited, yet, he is not unknown to some of the Temple that worship and work there.

Arriving and entering, the doors to the temple close, and after some minutes time, even shut up to the outside nearby within the Harbor District, a commotion and raised voices is heard to those that lingered or past by the Temple in this moment. The commotion is ebbs in unruly expression, it would be perceived, but not for long. There is a following quiet that deeply contrasts the recent turbulence.

Sometime soon after, the doors to the Water Queen's House open—as is usual, open and inviting for those to come give praise and seek her sea-oriented blessing—and a servant of the House, doe eyed and facially passive as if calmed or charmed, begins to hang up next to the entrance a scroll with written declaration upon it.

To those that enter or come near the Temple, and over the next few weeks as the declaration lingers, would have the chance to read it:

Let It Be Known...

That until a time forthcoming when a devoted of the Water Queen shall take position in power to control the domain of Storms and Wrath...

The Temple of the Water Queen is now guided by the Herald of the Fury, under which greater powers we all serve.

.
.

Hidden: show

/// If any player with a Priest or Cleric of Umberlee wishes to "take over" the role of "Guide" to the Temple, please get in touch. I'm not interested in taking the sole role of representative of this Church with the Gate OOC, but it provides a resource that I can us IC, for the time being...thus I'll be RPing as a Temple rep. for the near future IC. And, I simply wish such an important Church upon the Sword Coast to live. So if you want to take up and bring some Storm/Chaos/Water/Wrath RP to the Temple, please do! Cheers.

[Steve]

A charmed atmosphere emanated from the Temple of the Bitch Queen this day. A sermon was overseen by a servant to the storm, igniting the faithful to invoke the Water Queen to provide calm seas and mercy to the people that call to Her, empower Her...and ill tiding and harsh tides to those that show Her, the storm and the Fury, no fear....