Church of Ilmater RP

[Genuinely Spurious]

A young messenger arrives at the Shrine of Suffering, a folded piece of parchment in his grasp. Taking a breath, he steps through the doorway of the shrine and looks about. He nervously clears his throat and asks for Sister Ashenie. He sits at one of the benches and politely waits for her to arrive so he can place the letter in her hands.

The letter is sealed with red wax, the impression left within it is that of a rearing stag.

[unbrokenwishbone]

In the early hours of the morning, a young looking half elf girl enters as quietly as nearly broken plate armour allows. She does not seem to be of any particular order, but it is obvious she serves ilmater. Her eyes look tired and weary, beyond the expected level of exhaustion. Some who had been around for a long time would recognise her as an orphan who grew up nearby, but most recently her name is beginning to become well known throughout the faith, as a paladin of redemption and rumours had started to spread about her being a chosen, although it is not fully known if this is true or not.

She sits by a shrine, her shoulders look like the entire world has been placed upon them and quickly falls asleep for the first time in a long time, her head resting on the shrine of her god. Her soft snores can be heard for a good while. She doesn't even have a single backpack with her, and her clothes look as though she had been unable to replace them for some time. The injuries across her body are obvious, even to the untrained eye. The moonlight shone through the windows the entire time she was snoozing. It has been a long journey, but Beatrice has finally come home.

[Ashenie]

A long night agitated the Shrine of the Suffering. More and more people gathered inside, and talks about sacrifices, death and miracles happening at Boareskyr Bridge filled the small room. While some seemed for a moment to cry, or feel lost, all were offered tea. The whole tale of the event covered the silence, stealing almost every attention.

One by one, all those who shared the weight of the moment returned to their tasks, leaving a crying bardess and a quiet Sister in the chapel. Between prayers, the two of them could be seen talking and supporting each other with sisterly care. The whispers were silenced as heavy armored footsteps and low baritone voices sealed the return of the Paladin-Knights of the Triad. Welcome in warmth, their appearance is said to have wiped the sadness of the chapel.

Once all departed to their task, the quiet Sister turned, without a word, to the symbol of Ilmater. It is sad that the silent contemplation lasted all night long, way past Revered Mother Juna's watch, and that she looked almost absorbed. While her lips moved, no sound came, the silent litany repeated again and again. Her eyes filled with unspoken gratitude only left the symbol with the first lights of dawn, and the cries of orphaned babies awaken in the Orphanage. "Thank you" were the words that sealed her departure.

[Ashenie]

Quiet in the night, while Moondark Heart begun to cover the deepest part of the night, a single candle burnt within the Shrine of the Suffering. A litany of prayer, a lullaby of care and hope for those watched by The Eye of Ill Omens, is sung with care until the first lights of dawn pierce through the windows of the chapel. The endeavor seems turned toward a spiritual penance, one that is said to "Take on the dark omens of others", united in spirit with the dogma of Ilmater sung within the Shrine.

As dawn comes, cinder from the hearth of the shrine, and wax from the single candle are mixed with holy water. Gray ritual paintings adorn the hands of the priestess. As she leaves for her daily task, she places a flower of angelica upon the altar, symbol of the path that leads where the skies cry for the stillborn and the murdered infants.

[Ashenie]

Upon the boards and near the door of the Shrine of the Suffering, a message has been pinned. A fresh flower of Angelica is usually attached to the message. Sister Ashenie can be seen replacing them. It is said that the same message has been taken to Baldur's Mouth, in the lower city.

Mercy's Grace

If darkness comes, misfortune strikes, murder comes at your door and agony tries to reap the lives of your friends or family, do not hesitate to reach The Shrine of the Suffering, in Heapside. "What was done can be undone", reported Saint Merielle Silene. Prayers, sacraments, blessings and healing are offered for free by Sister Ashenie, of the Sisterhood of Saint Jasper of the Rocks. Do not let fear and sorrow hold onto your heart. Much can be done, if only for the dignity of those who might be prey to suffering, torment, and death. They do not have to face all this alone.

For those who seek solace from the relentless stalks of Murder, do not hesitate to reach The Shrine of The Suffering, and we shall try to help you.

Find peace, and do not remain alone in the darkness. We walk in this life all together.

"Never in fear, never in pain, never alone"

Mercy's Grace

[sweetlikesplenda]

The Grand Knight, Lord Lyonaler, steps quietly into the Temple of Illmater. There, he leaves a letter to an attendant addressed to Sister Ashenie.

[Ashenie]

Crimson Spice : Compendium of Risks

Following the distribution of Crimson Spice and the recent troubles bound to dependency, the Temple of the Broken God wishes to host a public meeting for interested organisations interested in helping recover from this deep suffering. A complete analysis of the risk shall be shared to further mitigate the potential effects of dependency.

The public meeting will be held on the tewenty-seventh day of Hammer (27th), in hope that the organisations involved can make time. The Temple of Ilmater wishes to further shield the population by preparing proper treatment. In such, the Temple will be in need of the following herbs :
- Bloodpurge
- Saint John's Wort
- Hypercium
- Juniper Berries
- Elf Hazel
- Ivy Leaf

Finally, the Temple of Ilmater wishes to adress to call to all who suffer, for the doors of the infirmary, of various shelters, and of the Orphanage remain open. Help in those dire times is not only needed, it is vital for families, and for those who suffer.

For further questions, Sister Ashenie can be reached.

"Never in fear, never in pain, never alone"

Mercy's Grace

[Ashenie]

The growing dependency and decadancy in the Lower City has, it seems, not discouraged the endeavors of the Ilmatari. Enduring the weight of another crisis upon the population, one inducing wounds and traumas over lifetimes, it is said that the Ilmatari continue their holistic approach to heal any who fall in the cycle of dependency.

Many adventurers, nobles, citizens and even the General Moruene and the Flaming Fist were seen entering the Shrine recently. The diversity of people seems united around a common cause : the resolution of the suffering induced by the substances. As the interest in undeniable, the many projects to adress the suffering begin to take shape.

Sister Ashenie seems to continue to dedicate much time to healing, mending, devising documents and researches, and helping citizens and families struck by the crisis. Prepared for a lifetime of healing, it does not seem to alter peace and resolve found in the Sanctuary of The One Who Cries, Ilmater. The rumor states that Ashenie spends much time helping children, helping the Orphanage, and mothers and expectant mothers. Her endeavors seem coordinated with Revered Mother Juna.

Recently, cases of severe afflictions have been brought by the Flaming Fist to the Shrine of the Suffering.

[selhan]

A Pirate's Visit to Ilmater



*Members of the church of Ilmater would had mention of a man described as Sel whom arrived to meet with Sister Ashenie upon her own very request. With interruptions, only one of them a man of blonde hair would likely know what was the meeting was in regards too. For the first interruption, a woman with white hair and dark features was seen making a donation to the church before walking out making a praise to the dead God Bane.*

I wished to share with you what we have found, and also as you are a bartender, and serving if I am not mistaken in the Undercellar, you might meet people that could be under the influence of the Crimson Spice... or the Golden Augury. It is important to say that... the Crimson Spice is highly addictive, and the Golden Augury is deadly. We are not charged of the investigations here...

"I try to avoid letting that stuff within the doors. But beyond the Festhall " *He shakes his head* thats out of my domain...." *He blinks* "deadly?"

Yes, the Golden Augury can be deadly. And I suppose both substances can be deadly with an overdose in any case.

"Well if you hold another meetin with the them others..'*He twitches his nose* "Lords and wot not or whom ever leadin' the investigation, do make it a point for them to think about the time of the spices arrival."

"Generally, when someone wishes to help, they help, instead of speaking in riddles. If you know something, you should go tell them. Or go tell -someone- at the least."

"Spice aint been around fer years in the city, It came about a month ago. I'm sure theres some notable figures to look at." *He looks to Nathan* 'Sometimes tellin something they shouldnt gets a person in a hurtful situation"

"The people dying deserve better than to have their lives depend on a game of folk seeing who's cleverer, no?"

"With the current matter at hand, its not even any of my business."

"If you believed that you wouldn't be here, I wager."

"I am here because she asked to talk. She asks that I send anyone I notice under the influence, and I've given her my word, I will see it done."

"Then I have misunderstood the purpose of the visit, I apologize."



If there ever was a single true humbling soul that prayed for the sick, prayed for all victims , it was surely Sister Ashenie from the Church of Ilmater. I've never seen a more humbled soul. Her care for the people, the worry of the children, the foretelling of those that would likely sale themselves for the addictive drug , was surely genuine. She cares not for titles, nor cares for reputation. She simply cares overall. As I left and made my way down the maze streets of the Heapside, my thoughts recounted the meeting. My words to the blonde man was sincere enough, telling things that I shouldn't would indeed not be beneficial to my health. Yet the sisters words admittedly stirred my very black guts. I will need to come to a decision, I'm not even sure this issue is even bloody rewarding enough to get involved in.

[Fire Wolf]

The Eldathyn druid Teris can be seen spending a lot of time in the temple of Ilmater; supplying medicines made from his collection of herbs and helping Ashenie to investigate samples of the drugs currently plaguing the city, in the hopes that they might be able to help the people affected by them and find clues to try to stop those who are responsible for their spread.

Afterwards he can be found seated in the altar room, working on a simple project involving a small flat stone attached to a red cord, and some paints. He can be heard quietly whispering over the stone as he works, likely prayers to Ilmater, though he tends to quiet abruptly at different times as he has trouble focusing on painting and praying at the same time. He does his best, though.

[Jen Joy]

A woman clad in grey robe and carrying a rucksack is seen entering the Shrine of Suffering over the span of a couple of days. She is first seen speaking to Mercy's Blade Nathan, whom she appears to be well acquainted with. On another visit, words with Sister Ashenie are exchanged, seemingly in good will. Finally, she appears before Reverend Mother Juna herself, offering her services as a healer, both of the mundane and the divine kind, to the Shrine whenever her feet may be in Baldur's Gate in these upcoming times.

If asked whether her motiovations extend beyond pure altruism, she pulls out a broken piece of red thread of from her left pocket, a knot still present where it once used to be tied around a wrist. "It was a promise made."

[Ashenie]

Healing Donations
An anchor of light in the darkness

Citizens and Nobles, Adventurers and Helpers,

The Shrine of The Suffering endures the long lasting pain by the side of the people. Unmet needs have yet to be mended, and we shall offer all we have to reduce risks and pains among the people. Healing and Care have been increasingly needed. Vigilance and support have been treasure of hope to cherish, for a safe haven to be offered to the people. To all those who contributed, to all the institution, the individual, the Temples, and the people who helped, our gratitude is immense. It is with sadness that we contemplate that this path is yet crowded with shadows and pain. The Shrine of the Suffering seeks to collect donation for those following causes :

~ Childcare and Abandonments
As the dire situation in the streets of Baldur's Gate, in the south in Amn, and with all the struggles and pain that winter leaves behind renews, the Shrine of the Suffering wishes to anticipate the rise of abandonments, so absolutely no children in Baldur's Gate would have to suffer from lack of healing, lack of care, or lack of attention. Abandonment leaves unvisible scars in the mind and soul, often shaping a path for a lifetime. For those children who suffer, for those babies who seek the chest of a mother, and to paint a smile upon children lips, the Shrine of the Suffering begs for donations. Among them, specific herbs are sought, especially in relation of prenatal care, and immediate care after birth :
~ Birthwort
~ Chamomile
~ Almonds
~ Lavender
~ Blue Lily
~ Ginger
~ Motherwort
~ Raspberries Leaves

Any alternative donation to help us acquire more of these plants, or any donation directed to the need of the children are most welcome, and most needed.


~ Healing and Dependencies
The situation is Baldur's Gate is mother to traumatic blooms, blossoming in people's lives as they continue their discension into despair. In many ways, the unmet need will leave scars upon body and minds. While scars and wounds can be mended, experciences and memories have to remain, as ghosts in the mind. The Shrine of Suffering would accept any donation to help sustain healing needs. Among them, specific herbs are sought :
~ Bloodpurge
~ Dathlil
~ Beorunna's cure all
~ Feverbalm
~ Ivy Leaf

Additional herbs to treat the wounds and the indirect consequences of dependency are needed.
~ Juniper Berries
~ Saint John's Wort
~ Hypercium
~ Betony
~ Saint Jonh's Wort
~ Woundwort
~ Fleshwort
~ Elf Hazel
~ Bloodflower
~ Aloe Vera
~ Vrukhweed

In hope that unity and care will prevail when darkness never ceases to torment and harm. Upon this path of healing, help is needed.



"Never in fear, never in pain, never alone"

Mercy's Grace

Sister Ashenie
Caretaker in Mercy's Orphanage
Sisterhood of Saint Jasper of the Rocks
Ilmatari Church

[zhazz]

Earlier in the day during a visit to the city Adrian Baker stopped by the Church of Ilmater. There he spent some time speaking with Sister Karin about the needs of the church to care for the sick and suffering. Leaving the church while scribbling in a notebook he bee-lined for Mercy's Orphanage. Here he likewise spent some time speaking with Sister Abigail about the needs of the orphanage.

Amended list in his notebook he was prepared to leave when Sister Ashenie greeted him. Together the two spoke about the needs of the children. Recalling an earlier arrangement of Adrian helping the children discover an outlet for their emotions through art, Ashenie inquired if he would be willing to do so again on a more regular basis. Nods were given, and promises made to follow up on it pending the two working out a schedule for visits.

Later in the day, having visited the markets, Adrian returned with two horse-pulled carts, each filled-to-the-brim with supplies to be shared between the church and orphanage. For the church mainly basic medicine, linens, and food-stuffs. For the orphanage child-sized clothing from toddler to teenager, toys, and art supplies on top of the basic medicine, linens, and food-stuffs. Anything mentioned on the list of sought-for herbs on the donation list was, however, absent.

After another hour of labor to get everything sorted and moved inside, Adrian paid one last visit to both places to leave monetary donations.

[Ashenie]

The rumor goes that various bodies and remains, from strange murder cases on display in the city of Baldur's Gate and the Trade Way, have found their way to the Shrine of the Suffering. Washed and cared for, honored and restored, it is said that none of those who suffered such fate would be left untended.

The rumor goes saying as there are divination attempts and other blessings to gather information about the circumstancs of these mysterious deaths, so they can be shared with the relevant authorities. It is also said that there are several attempts to reform the body, and reincarnate the dead, and offer blessings and care to completely undo the harm done.

The rumor goes further and invites those victims or witness of such actions to help, to gather the bodies and offer them decency within the shrine, so complete folders can be prepared and no information would be omitted. The Shrine of the Suffering is said to care for all suffering, and would not let any fall un the abyss of murder and abandonment, offering in the ossuary a place of decent sepulchre if any other mean to bring back the dead have failed.

Among the Ilmatari, Sister Ashenie seems to have gathered herself several of terrible remains on display, and cared for them with tenderness.

[ree]

Ree makes her way to the Shrine of Suffering looking for 'Ashenie' to complete her task at hand. Unsure of who this Ashenie was, or what she looks like, she wanders into the establishment and begins talking to the first people she sees. Whether by shear luck, or staff had overheard her inquiry, moments later Sister Ashenie appeared from one of the side doors to greet her.

While in somewhat of a hurry and purposely keeping her details a bit vague, she explained to Sister Ashenie that she had a donation to make on behalf of the White Mask Theatre. This donation was part of an agreement to a deal that Ree and Isang had worked out amongst each other. Isang had a painting in her possession that the little Hin needed. Earlier that day, Ree and her best friend Terra Tosscobble originally sought the painting out by tracking down the artist. It was the artist himself, a man by the name of Vhaan, who condoned the purchasing of his 'masterpiece' and made the suggestion of donating a portion to the Illmater Temple-- he told the two Hins that the painting was in Isangs possession and to work it out with her. It was then Isangs suggestion to give 'all' the coins to the Temple.

All in All, Terra and Ree's tracking paid off with the trail ultimately culminating in the temples donation pot growing 50,000 coins richer. It wasn't immediately clear on why the two Hin's sought such a painting but... Hins will be Hins... Now all that's left is for Isang to hold up her end of the bargain and deliver their new painting