Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

kleomenes wrote: The noise level of the children,

DM Arrakeen wrote:During the day kids are creating the usual amount of noise, a group of them would do. During the night, after a fully packed with tasks day, they drop exhausted into their beds and do not disturb anyone. With the exception of Amanda that wakes up screaming every now and then. But Sylvi handles that quickly enough before it becomes a bigger disturbance.

Ameris would, after evening prayers one night, approach Amanda and ask her to sit by the Alatar of Tyr with him. He would speak some quiet words to her.

Ameris would approach and speak softly.

"Amanda, would you sit with me by the Altar for a little while, please?"

If she does not run away, he would lead her over and sit quietly. Noticeably, beside the altar, is an armour rack, upon which rests his suit of warplate with a lion symbol embossed on the helm, and a great towershield bearing on it an engraved Triadic knight.

"We won't let anyone harm you here." He says, softly. "Dorne and Sir Aaron and Michael and the Steward. And even me."

He gestures to the plate armour. "I will put that on, and make sure no one will get to you. Alright?"

He looks to the child, to see the reaction.

((Diplomacy mod 25, roll 33

And if its relevant, +4 saves vs Fear from Aura of Courage!))

DM Arrakeen wrote:Amanda hesitates but then she follows the priest picking up a spot that allows her to still keep some distance between them. Blue eyes look to Ameris, there is still some reserve in her every move but she listens to what the man has to say. A small frown forms on her forehead at the question asked and her expression turns pensive while she looks back and forth between the armor and the priest. After a moment Amanda nods in agreement.

kleomenes wrote:
Ameris smiles at the nod.

"If you are ever scared of something, anything at all, tell a grownup.

If you ever want to tell about something that scared you, you can tell me. If you want, I won't tell anyone else. When priests promise that, they have to keep it."

There is a moments quiet as Ameris lets that sink in. He then asks another question. "Would you like to see something magical?"

DM Arrakeen wrote:Amanda tugs gently at her sleeve while Ameris talks, casting a careful glance around. She doesn't look at the priest straight up, preferably stealing fleeting peeks here and there but it's obvious she listen quite carefully to what is being said. Little girl stays silent for a longer moment, considering her answer then she whispers quietly.

"This place has ghosts. I don't like it."

And at the question about something magical she shakes head sharply.

"No! Ghosts will come!"

kleomenes wrote:Ameris looks surprised, then frowns, at the mention of ghosts.

"Can you see...ghosts...Amanda? Do you see them in the Pathfinders Hall? What do they look like?"

Whatever her answer, he would look pensive a moment then speak gently.
"If you ever get scared, come to the altar. Tyr will look after you. Or come and find me. Priests are good at fighting ghosts."

He slips one of the red cords off his wrist, the older, faded one. "My Sister in Faith wore this once. Please take it, it will keep Ilmater close to you and protect you."

He would offer the cord to the child; then, if she was not upset, send her off to bed.

kleomenes wrote:
Ameris looks surprised, then frowns, at the mention of ghosts.

"Can you see...ghosts...Amanda? Do you see them in the Pathfinders Hall? What do they look like?"

DM Arrakeen wrote:"You can't see a ghost like a normal person! But you can hear them sometimes. I'm not lying." Amanda hides her hands into the small pockets of her dress.

kleomenes wrote:"Its alright. I believe you." Ameris would reply reassuringly.

kleomenes wrote:Whatever her answer, he would look pensive a moment then speak gently.
"If you ever get scared, come to the altar. Tyr will look after you. Or come and find me. Priests are good at fighting ghosts."

DM Arrakeen wrote:The child nods casting another careful glance around before she looks to the altar frowning lightly. "How can you fight something you can't see? Will Ilmater show the ghost to you?"

kleomenes wrote:"Ilmater can help me do many things, if I am doing them to be a good person. He can help me see things that are hiding, like ghosts; and he can help me banish ghosts with spells and prayers, if I need to."

He gestures to the Altar.

"But this altar is blessed by Tyr. He is always there, a little bit, so if you get scared just come and sit close to it."

kleomenes wrote:He slips one of the red cords off his wrist, the older, faded one. "My Sister in Faith wore this once. Please take it, it will keep Ilmater close to you and protect you."

He would offer the cord to the child; then, if she was not upset, send her off to bed.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Amanda hesitantly accepts the cord, rolling it gently between her fingers. She then pulls it through the hole where a button in her dress is missing and makes a small snick to ensure the cord will hold. "Thank you, mister Ameris." The little girl smile shyly before he sends her to bed.

kleomenes wrote: Ameris would smile at this, and then go and find Tarina when he next could.

sweetlikesplenda wrote:

DM Arrakeen wrote:

sweetlikesplenda wrote:Aaron would pick up the rook piece and examine it with visible appreciation. "Very well done, Quinn. A powerful piece that is used in many combinations. Do you know how to play the game?" He would ask, setting the piece down.

As he waited for the boy's response he would pull from under his collar a platinum necklace with a red colored, stylized knight piece that was made from stone with small diamonds in the eye sockets attached to it.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Quinn nods, a small, serious frown showing on his face. "My grandfather used to play with me when I was small."

sweetlikesplenda wrote:After the boy's response to his question of if he played Lanceboard, he would ask Quinn "Do you think you could make for me a wooden version of this piece, and the other pieces?"

DM Arrakeen wrote:The boy thinks a moment, glancing to his tools and the wood by the fireplace then back to Aaron. "I'd need a better carving knife and different wood sir Aaron. The firewood is not good for this." Quinn's pragmatism showing in his calm, thoughtful remark. "And they won't be pretty like the one you have." He points to the stylized knight piece in Aaron's hand.

The following day Aaron would be seen in the market area of the Eastern Gate district perusing the workmen stalls and laborer sections. After discussing with a few master craftsmen he would return to the Pathfinder Hall with a canvas bag of quality Rose Wood, varnish and a new carving knife. When Quinn was not under another's tutelage or in his studies, he would present the contents of the bag to him. The Knight would also offer the boy fifty gold coins for his work upon completion, telling Quinn that he values good work and believes in paying for services.

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Aaron would be a regular fixture in the Hall and with the children, taking up to three, four hour shifts of guarding the Hall as the children went about their studies, play time, meals, prayers, and other activities. As he would sit near the entrance on duty he would also be seen pouring over many books that he had brought with him. Next to him would be a paper, quill, and ink that he would use to take notes. Over the next several days the Knight would visit The Shelf of Many Books and any other book sellers in the city to gather copies of his history books he would be using for lessons with the children. He would pay for scribe work to make copies of any books that may be unavailable.

With an arm load of books, he would return to the Hall and prepare his first lessons with the children on topics of local history to Baldur's Gate and the surrounding region, given that would be the most likely to have an impact on their lives. A copy of the books used in the lesson would be available for each child. He would try to present the materials in a way that would capture the attention of the children, ending the first lesson with first-hand accounts of the battles he fought in during the Black Orc war from Doron Amar, to the Eastern Farmlands, and the Friendly Arm Inn and the heroics of the many that fought in the battle, some of which gave all. He would end each lesson a few moments early, taking a small amount of time to then discuss knightly virtues. Focusing on kindness to others, chivalry, honesty, and sacrifice, at first.

As he went about his lesson, given his understanding of each child after observing them now for some time, he would call on those he felt would be most comfortable with the attention. He would test this by calling on Amanda early on to see how she reacted. If the reaction was poor, he would refrain from putting attention on her for the remainder of the lesson. Taking similar action with Quinn, given his quiet nature. The other four he would keep an eye on, to ensure no one was out of line, over-active or picked on others for lack of knowledge or reading ability. For good behavior or volunteering to read or participate in the lesson, a small sweet would be granted. As he went about the lesson he would also take notes on reading comprehension.

Lions,
It is possible I will come by the Hall tomorrow to check on your preparations for the relocation of the rest of the kids.

Mercy's bless,

-Sister Juna

Mendoza wrote:After fetching Nerys at her campsite outside the city walls, Dorne and the emissary from the Greyfox make their way to the Orphanage near the temple of Illmater. The pair gather up the few Lion Cubs staying there before heading towards the Pathfinder's Hall. Once there, they gather up the remaining children. He makes sure to point out to Nerys the three potential trio who showed interest in the Greyfox.

Duster47 wrote:Nerys greets them all with a smile saying, "Cool winds, lion cubs". Her smile lingers a bit longer on the three children.

DM Arrakeen wrote:The whole group greets both Nerys and Dorne with waves, nods and smiles.

Mendoza wrote:When all the Lion Cubs are finally present, Dorne instructs them to stand at attention. He then introduces Nerys to them, "Lion Cubs, this is Nerys Greyfox. She will be joining us for our lesson today. You all will listen to her and follow her instructions as if they were coming from myself, is that understood? He patiently waits for a reply from the group before continuing.

DM Arrakeen wrote:"Understood!" There is no confusion among the kids.

Mendoza wrote: "Today, we will not be practicing. Instead we will be taking a small field trip around the Gate to visit the various monuments of those who bravely gave their lives to defend this city." After explaining today's lesson, Dorne commands the Cubs to Form Up and they exit the Pathfinder's Hall.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Lion Cubs assume their positions keeping the formation more or less. Nerys being there slightly confusing them in the first few moments.

Duster47 wrote:Nerys brings of the rear of the formation, gently guiding any who wander back to their place.

Mendoza wrote:The group makes their way towards Ragefeast's tower in the Palace District. As they get closer, Dorne steers the Cubs towards the black obelisk next to the tower. "This is our first stop." He lets several moments pass, allowing the children to examine the monument before he speaks up. "Can anyone tell me who this obelisk is meant to honor?" He patiently waits for one of the children to reply.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Neither of the little warriors has any idea. They look to one another, then to Dorne.

Mendoza wrote:"It is important that each and every one of you remember these brave men. They fought and died for something greater then themselves. Nobanion teaches us that we should protect those that are weaker than us. This memorial is honoring soldiers who did just that, and we must honor them by never forgetting their sacrifice."

Duster47 wrote:Nerys finally speaks up, "A death in battle is the most honorable death of all. This stone is a constant reminder of them. In my tribe, we share stories or songs to honor the fallen."

DM Arrakeen wrote:Some of the kids turn a bit sad, others thoughtful or even mildly irritated but they remain silent. War and the lost that comes with it brings different memories in everyone.

Mendoza wrote:The group then makes their way to the second stop in the Palace District near Mudd. Again, Dorne allows the children to gaze upon the monument before speaking. "Can anyone tell me who this statue is meant to honor?" He patiently waits for one of the Lion Cubs to reply.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Riley looks at the others then speaks quietly, "I think it's a priest blessing us."

Mendoza wrote:"You must know yourself and your enemy. If you do this, you will be in a thousand battles and will have a thousand victories. This memorial honors those who fell in battle. Those who fell did not know themselves or did not know their enemy, that is why it is important to train your mind and heart as well as your sword-arm."

Duster47 wrote:Nerys continues the thought, "What Dorne says is true, for true strength comes from your heart." She pats her chest. "Those with a fire in their blood can become warriors if that is the path they choose. Also, those we honor here are also the victims of the battle. Many citizens of this walled village died in the battle along with their defenders. It is not their fault. Sometimes the enemy is stronger. There is no loss in honor if you are defeated by a stronger enemy. Our spirits are all honored the same in that case."

DM Arrakeen wrote:Few of the kids turns somber for a moment, but the mood shifts quickly when they are abou to move further.

Mendoza wrote:After finishing at the second memorial, the group makes their way back to the East District. They steer towards Aello's shop and stop at the nearby memorial. Once again, Dorne asks, "Can anyone tell me for who is this statue meant to honor?" Dorne patiently waits for one of the Lion Cubs to respond.

"Last war." Anika looks to the group then to Dorne.

"The dead and the living from last war" Andrew adds.

Mendoza wrote:"It does not take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle. You must use your fear, Lion Cubs. Fear of the unknown, fear of failing... Use it against those that would seek to hurt you or those whom you fight for. A warrior's mind is his greatest ally, but can be his greatest enemy as well. Do not let your thoughts be clouded with doubt. Focus on your mission and remember your training."

Duster47 wrote:Nerys continues, "We practice being warriors so that we are better warriors, as Tempos, the Lord of Battle teaches us. The flag with the fiery sword is the symbol of Tempos. The red on my shield and sash are in honor of Tempos. The red fire represents the fire burning hot in my blood and heart, where my true strength is found."

Mendoza wrote:Afterwards, the group makes one final stop at the fountain-memorial near the Pathfinder's Hall. Dorne allows the children several moments to examine and enjoy the watery spectacle before speaking up, "Can anyone tell me who this memorial is meant to honor?" As usual, he patiently waits for one of the Lion Cubs to respond.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Nicholas speaks up, "Its a soldier with a sword and all, so it must be about them."

Mendoza wrote:"Never has a man who lived a life of leisure left a name worth remembering. These men have a name worth remembering as do all the men who are honored by the memorials we visited today. For they all headed Nobanion's words, and so loved the ones they sought to protect that they accepted death. Always remember my lion cubs, those that fell may be dead but they live on in each one of our heart's, and their names are engraved upon honor's crest for eternity."

Duster47 wrote:"No one builds statues for the soft and weak. Remember true strength comes from within. It is not how tall or strong you are. I'm not that tall and certainly not as strong as Dorne, but we are both strong of heart, which is what truly matters. It should matter for you, lion cubs, also."

Mendoza wrote:As the lesson concludes, he ushers the Lion Cubs into the Pathfinder's Hall.

Duster47 wrote:Nerys brings up the rear again, answering any questions the children might have for her.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Kids in rather serious and slightly grim mood stay silent, nodding their goodbyes. Even the rowdy trio seems much less laud and unusually thoughtful.

kleomenes wrote:Ameris seeks out Tarina to take her aside, speaking as follows.

"I think it best we go and talk to Sylvi together about Amanda; you can explain better than I, and I have seen the truth of what you do. If you can do anything to remove Amanda's fear, it would be welcome."

Rhifox wrote:Tarina does go with Ameris to speak with Sylvi, but she does not say anything unless spoken to. She goes only because she was asked, as she seems rather put off by Sylvi due to Sylvi's response to her original offer.

kleomenes wrote:Following this, he would go with her to speak with Sylvi in a free moment.

"Sylvi, madam, if we might have a moment of your time. We were hoping to speak of Amanda.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Ameris and Tarina find Sylvi buried in sorting laundry. Children produce an abundance of such. She looks up from her task and greets the Ilmatari and Tarina. "Evening Brother, miss. I figured we would talk about Amanda at some point." Caretaker puts down a dress she was folding turning her attention to Ameris and the shaman.

kleomenes wrote:The poor girl lives in fear, and has told me she hears ghosts; there's reason to believe these are spirits, akin to those which Tarina can speak to and see.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Sylvi nods, listening to the priest.

kleomenes wrote:It could be these spirits are seeking out Tarina, or instead, that Amanda has the same interest to them that Tarina does; that she will have the same ability as Tarina one day. Either way Tarina can be of aid; I have seen that she does indeed have substantial powers in terms of spirits, I'd go so far as to say that she may well have saved my life with her ability to rebuke them at one point; or certainly saved me a good deal of suffering.

Such practices are strange to us, it must be admitted. I was doubtful myself at first. But I believe Tarina wishes to help, she has been afraid herself before, and so she wishes to prevent Amanda from going through the same."

///Diplomacy 25, roll 7 - 32!

DM Arrakeen wrote:"Brother, if you think this woman and her shamanistic practices can help this child, far it is from me to object. I am but a simple teacher and know little about divine and spiritual powers. You are the one to decide the curse of any healing be it of the body or the soul Brother."Sylvi runs both hands down her frame to smooth her simple dress turning to Tarina. "Are you confident miss, that you can help this child without scaring her even more? And assuming Brother Ameris' suspicions prove true, are you sure and prepared to guide this child as long as need be till she can manage on her own with her fears and these spirits?" Sylvi's aging, scarred face bears neutral and inquisitive expression.

Rhifox wrote:"I'm confident I can, ma'am. It, it might scare her at first, maybe. When I first started-... when they first spoke to me, I was scared, I didn't know. But I learned, and I'm not scared no more. I'll tell her. She'll know, she'll know what it is. She'll know I can, that I can chase them off if she's afraid. I can guide her, yes I can."

DM Arrakeen wrote:Caretaker shakes her head gently "I'll be blunt. I always am. Miss, you do not strike me as a particularly confident, but I suppose it's how it is when one sees spirits." Sylvi looks to Ameris "These children all in a way have issues with abandonment. I need you to keep an eye on the process and make sure our shaman here will not abandon Amanda's care. If the child is really proven to see spirits she will need guidance, some structure, something that will remain a constant in her life for a longer period than just few days." She looks back to Tarina "And if the case of Amanda's nightmares can be solved just by getting rid of these spirits then it's even better and you will have my gratitude."

kleomenes wrote:Ameris would nod, and agree to this stipulation.

"I will make sure to see Amanda daily and talk with her. And I will speak with Tarina from time to time to ask how things are going."

He pauses, then smiles.

"I think it the right decision, Sylvi; it is why I asked to speak with you."

Rhifox wrote:Tarina just looks to the floor and says nothing else, letting Ameris finish the conversation with Sylvi. Tarina does offer the caretaker a quiet "thank you" before they depart.

Trickles of sunlight filter through the town of Beregost one merry afternoon as three Templars of Lathander sit on horseback near the edge of the settlement.

Knight-Commander Al'maire can be seen talking to each in a warm, amiable manner as he passes them each a rolled up scroll tied with yellow ribbon. The words Pathfinder's Hall can be heard muttered by him a few times before their conversation comes to an end.

One last command is uttered by the paladin as he brings gloved fingertips to the leading horse’s hindquarters to jolt it into a soft gallop in a northerly direction.

“Ride, my brothers!”

Three Templars, two male and one female, with softly billowing golden cloaks can be seen disappearing into the Pathfinder’s Hall; orders in the form of rolled scrolls with yellow ribbons are handed over to Stewardess Telia Santraeger. The holy knights look as if they begin to make themselves comfortable in certain areas of the building, moving into positions to stand watch, much like a silent but vigilant statue.

Touri wrote:Many people met at the farmlands to join the ritual which the High Druidess Nai would lead. The Call of Oak, Ash and Thorn is a prayer to Silvanus, wherein a priest gathers leaves of the three named sorts of trees, floats them on water, and entreats Silvanus to hear a prayer.

Hidden: show

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DM Arrakeen wrote:"You have my attention miss Keenan." The older woman nods, waiting for Alexandra to begin her presentation.

Miasmata wrote:Three Templars, two male and one female, with softly billowing golden cloaks can be seen disappearing into the Pathfinder’s Hall; orders in the form of rolled scrolls with yellow ribbons are handed over to Stewardess Telia Santraeger. The holy knights look as if they begin to make themselves comfortable in certain areas of the building, moving into positions to stand watch, much like a silent but vigilant statue.

Rhifox wrote:Once connected with her spirit guide in the dream state, she begins to explore the Hall's reflection in the spirit world. She moves between each of the floors, observing spirits both awake and asleep. With the hair of Amanda offered to the flame at the start of the ritual, she attempts to locate any spirit within or without the building that might seem to resonate with the little girl's spirit. Whether or not she is able to find such, she will end her journey at Amanda's bed and spend some time observing the girl's spirit, searching for any sign of imbalances or oddities.

Any occupants of the building who are awake at this hour might notice the shaman moving slowly throughout the building, peering at things unseen and being unresponsive to any attempts to hail her short of being strongly shaken.

Does anyone have knowledge of a journal we have apparently been safekeeping for a man known as Rufus..? Please speak with myself or another Pathfinder if you know anything of this.

Signed,
Telia Santraeger