The Shrine of Demmion (1) - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

The Shrine of Demmion (1)

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
shatteredtower
Jul 06, 2003 7:38:05 Demmion the Merciless, in his guise as a god of war, is worshipped quite openly by some soldiers and guards, and common folk who believe they have been slighted in some way may also come here to pray for retribution.

This small discreet building is in the south east corner of the city. It is tended by a lay preacher, Brother Luther, who dispenses (non-magical) blessings and offers advice, and can probably arrange other services.

Rumours abound that there is more to this shrine than meets the eye...

========================================

[The (1) in the title above indicates that it is the first Shrine of Demmion thread since the new boards were opened. To review the previous thread, click here.]
#2
shatteredtower
Jul 06, 2003 7:44:26 A ritual recalled...

Brother Luther lights a single red candle, leaving it on the altar. He and two others, two armored figures with faces concealed by fiendish masks, kneel in a vigil while it burns. When at last its flame has died, the priest speaks.

"So too do we all serve until the moment we perish. Thus do we acknowledge the passing of Conrad Drake into our master's hands, the flame returned to his eternal fire."

Luther stands and turns to the others.

"The Master of the Ziggurat's assistance in this matter is much appreciated," he says.

"The passing of a priest must be acknowledged," replies the one on the left, "even if his body is left as carrion on the battlefield."

"Has there been any word on another assistant?" asks Luther.

"There shall be one here within the month," comes the reply. "Try to instill a better sense of discretion in this one than the last two, will you?"

Luther nods, then produces a pouch, which he hands to his guests. The recipient receives it and unmasks, revealing feminine, elvish features and short, dark hair. Her companion is revealed to be a bald, apparently jaundiced man. Their masks are stowed within the temple, as they don heavy cloaks and head out into the night.

Luther bars the door, then clears the altar before retiring for the night.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Weeks pass, and then, one night...

Luther awakens, appearing troubled - but then, Luther often looks troubled. For once, he does not don his ceremonial armor right away, but intead hastens before the altar, carrying only the favoured sign of his deity, the two-bladed sword.

As the altar comes into site, he slows to a more respectful pace, then kneels, placing the weapon as in offering.

"As you will it, my Lord, so shall it be done."

(But what does this mean?)Oo. he asks himself.

For several minutes, he continues to kneel in silent prayer. Then he summons a young woman, who assists him in donning his armor.

"There have been changes" he says to her.

"Yes, blademaster?"

"That may very well have been one of them, you know?"

"Blademaster?"

"Never mind. Just get my cloak; I need to pay a visit to the Iron Wolf Armory today, it seems."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Today...

Luther stands over his assistant, prodding her with his boot. When she finally responds, it is to slowly roll away from the toe, staggering to her hands and knees. He shakes his head at her.

"I realize that you were not blessed, as I was, to know my sword as though it were the extension of my own arms. The Lord saw fit to reveal other secrets to you. But at least try to show some effort."

She coughs.

"Yes, blademaster."

"Since you're down there, the floor could use polishing. Consider it incentive."

"Yes-"

She stops as a pair of women enter the shrine. Luther turns and nods to them, then returns to face his assistant.

"Another time, it seems - something more important has come up. Bar the door and keep watch. Admit no one."

She looks surprised, but simply nods and goes to comply, as Luther escorts the visitors to his study.
#3
shatteredtower
Jul 06, 2003 7:50:43 Months past...

Kai Heishall entered the shrine, quickly glancing around.

.oO(It's quiet...)

He pulled down his scarf and threw back his hood, making his way down to the cellar.

.oO( Now where could she be?)

Kai turns when he hears a quiet voice from behind him.

"You have a way of vanishing for long stretches, don't you?" the woman asks.

"Yeah..." he replies. "So how have you been?"

"Managing," Martina answers "What have you learned?"

"Let's see... nothing."

He crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes.

"The job was a waste of time... there's nothing of importance to tell you. The only thing that came out of it is that Gamis now knows im in town.

"And how did he find out?" Martina asks quietly.

Kai grins.

"I showed myself to him. I saw no reason to hide from him any longer.

His jaw tightens before he next he speaks, preparing to place conviction within his words.

"I have nothing to fear from him."

"Do you think, then, that you've nothing to fear from failure?"

Kai waves her off.

"Don't patronize me, woman. Like I said... the job was a waste of time. The guild is crumbling and the members are idiots."

.oO( Except for her...)

He returns to crossing his arms.

"And the pay wasn't too enticing if you know what I mean...

Marina snarls "Then let this serve as your final payment!"

Her voice rises in unrecognizable words, and Kai feels his limbs go rigid. He tries to speak, but even his jaw fails him as his entire body is immobilized.

The elf feels his skin crack as she unleashes fire over him next, after which she lays into him with her nails, knocking him to the floor where she proceeds to kick him until, mercifully, he blacks out from the pain.
#4
tensek_vicar_dup
Dec 06, 2003 23:25:23 *Tensek slides into the temple and makes his way to the altar. Tensek bows to the altar and unshoulders his bow. Kneeling down Tensek places his most prized posession in front of him. The ranger bows his head to the altar and prays to the god of war.*
#5
tensek_vicar_dup
Dec 06, 2003 23:36:04 *After kneeling in silent prayer for at least an hour Tensek rises quickly taking his bow in his hand he turns on his heels and walks out of the shrine.*
#6
shatteredtower
Feb 13, 2004 14:42:58 A cloaked figure moves hastily through the streets at night, head bowed and profile kept low beneath a heavy hood. As he nears the shrine, he slows to a more careful walk.

He raps on the heavy wood of the door, then waits until he hears a reply. A few brief words are exchanged and the portal opens, shedding a soft glow onto the street. The figure swiftly enters and the door closes once more.

For a time, the visitor is left to his devotions, until he makes it clear that he wishes to speak to the head of the shrine.

"I am that," says the bald man who admitted him, "What do you want?"

"Tasks to be assigned to me by the church,' he replies.

"I am new to the city and must establish my faith here. I must do so, however, under false identity, given my other... social commitments."

"I see," says Brother Luther, absentmindedly grasping the medallion hung by a chain around his neck. He looks down and appears to dwell on the red flame painted on the symbol, which the visitor recognizes as the sign of retribution.

"Let us call you Eroteme for now," says Luther, then asks, "What abilities do you offer that would serve the Lord of Vengeance?"

Eroteme replies in a low voice, keeping his eyes focused on the elder man.

"Indifference, and a cooperative union. I shall do what is required of me, given my abilities, and in return all I ask is that my Lord grant me powers suitable to my stature in the church. Be you the head of my order, then I am at your charge, sire."

He bows low, holds his hand palm up. Luther hisses softly through his teeth.

"A moment," he says, reciting words the other recognizes from an orison to reveal magic in the area.

For several long seconds, Luther's eyes dart about the room, searching its corners for any sign of danger. When it appears that he can find none, he shrugs, then rests his gaze on Eroteme.

"We both know that you recognize no master save opportunity. Small wonder that you would have no name to give in exchange for the one you have received.

"You may talk freely for the moment, Eroteme, but this place is sometimes watched, and if you are recognized for what you are, it will not be by me. Even here, you must be cautious."

Luther pauses for a moment, then corrects himself, saying, "Especially here."

He leads his guest between rows of benches, standing behind the altar to address the man once more. Reaching down to a shelf beneath its surface, he retrieves a piece of parchment and while continuing to speak.

"I've nothing to say in response to your offer," he says, tapping pointedly on the sheet of parchment after he has unrolled it on the altar, "nor will others. If you seek guidance, ask instead to consult the writings of... uh... Saint..."

Luther appears to search his memory for a name, then, with a shrug, he provides one: "...Conrad."

He turns to a shelf set into the wall behind him, mail clanking heavily as he pulls a small volume from it.

Handing it to Eroteme, he says "Perhaps you may find nothing of interest in it tonight, but ask to see it another time and you may be surprised at what you will find between its covers."

Eroteme nods, but does speak as he leafs through the pages. The priest's words about the security of the temple have caused a visible reaction in the young man. Though he attempts to be casual about it, he cannot seem to help repeatedly looking over his shoulder.

"Are there passwords to gain admittance? My guise may differ during each visit and I do not wish to waste time with idle questions on who I am for those that may not recognise me."

Brother Luther looks quizzically at the other.

"This is a public place of worship," he replies.

"Anyone may make offerings here or request our Master's favour. We're not one of those reviled cults seeking the world's destruction, forced to plot within the shadows. We have nothing to hide.

"For the answers you seek to those other questions, simply ask for this book by name," the older man says, as his visitor hands it back to him. "That will suffice."

Eroteme nods his understanding. He leaves the shrine soon after, disappearing quickly into the night.
#7
shatteredtower
Feb 06, 2005 22:03:25 A short, squat fellow walks through the city streets after dark, moving briskly and keeping very much to himself as he makes his way toward his destination in a poorer part of town. He enters the building without a word to any of the others paying respects here. After a short prayer, he seeks out the attending acolyte and asks to be shown the writings of Saint Conrad. Scanning the pages of the tome one by one, his lips mirror the words silently as he goes over them, until he finds a simple message tucked within the pages:

"Several of the bricks have come loose in the cellar's west wall. Check them out and fix the problem."

The man raises an eyebrow, closes the book, and enters the cellar, checking the aforementioned wall when he comes to it. Beneath the loose bricks he finds a more detailed message, written in the Master's language. Once he has finished reading, he exits the cellar without delay, making his way out into the night streets. Heading for his dwelling, he huffs and puffs through the night, stopping a time or two to lean on a building wall and catch his breath.

.oO(Perhaps she lives here... soon I will know more....)

Returning home, he is pleased to discover that a package has been left for him. He gathers the rest of his things immediately, then leaves again. After stopping by a place or two in the market to make a few more purchases, he heads toward the city gates and out into the wilds.

Come the evening, he has found a good resting spot amidst a congregation of boulders.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredtower Jul 06, 2003 7:38:05	Demmion the Merciless, in his guise as a god of war, is worshipped quite openly by some soldiers and guards, and common folk who believe they have been slighted in some way may also come here to pray for retribution. This small discreet building is in the south east corner of the city. It is tended by a lay preacher, Brother Luther, who dispenses (non-magical) blessings and offers advice, and can probably arrange other services. Rumours abound that there is more to this shrine than meets the eye... ======================================== [The (1) in the title above indicates that it is the first Shrine of Demmion thread since the new boards were opened. To review the previous thread, click here.]
#2 shatteredtower Jul 06, 2003 7:44:26	A ritual recalled... Brother Luther lights a single red candle, leaving it on the altar. He and two others, two armored figures with faces concealed by fiendish masks, kneel in a vigil while it burns. When at last its flame has died, the priest speaks. "So too do we all serve until the moment we perish. Thus do we acknowledge the passing of Conrad Drake into our master's hands, the flame returned to his eternal fire." Luther stands and turns to the others. "The Master of the Ziggurat's assistance in this matter is much appreciated," he says. "The passing of a priest must be acknowledged," replies the one on the left, "even if his body is left as carrion on the battlefield." "Has there been any word on another assistant?" asks Luther. "There shall be one here within the month," comes the reply. "Try to instill a better sense of discretion in this one than the last two, will you?" Luther nods, then produces a pouch, which he hands to his guests. The recipient receives it and unmasks, revealing feminine, elvish features and short, dark hair. Her companion is revealed to be a bald, apparently jaundiced man. Their masks are stowed within the temple, as they don heavy cloaks and head out into the night. Luther bars the door, then clears the altar before retiring for the night. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Weeks pass, and then, one night... Luther awakens, appearing troubled - but then, Luther often looks troubled. For once, he does not don his ceremonial armor right away, but intead hastens before the altar, carrying only the favoured sign of his deity, the two-bladed sword. As the altar comes into site, he slows to a more respectful pace, then kneels, placing the weapon as in offering. "As you will it, my Lord, so shall it be done." (But what does this mean?)Oo. he asks himself. For several minutes, he continues to kneel in silent prayer. Then he summons a young woman, who assists him in donning his armor. "There have been changes" he says to her. "Yes, blademaster?" "That may very well have been one of them, you know?" "Blademaster?" "Never mind. Just get my cloak; I need to pay a visit to the Iron Wolf Armory today, it seems." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Today... Luther stands over his assistant, prodding her with his boot. When she finally responds, it is to slowly roll away from the toe, staggering to her hands and knees. He shakes his head at her. "I realize that you were not blessed, as I was, to know my sword as though it were the extension of my own arms. The Lord saw fit to reveal other secrets to you. But at least try to show some effort." She coughs. "Yes, blademaster." "Since you're down there, the floor could use polishing. Consider it incentive." "Yes-" She stops as a pair of women enter the shrine. Luther turns and nods to them, then returns to face his assistant. "Another time, it seems - something more important has come up. Bar the door and keep watch. Admit no one." She looks surprised, but simply nods and goes to comply, as Luther escorts the visitors to his study.
#3 shatteredtower Jul 06, 2003 7:50:43	Months past... Kai Heishall entered the shrine, quickly glancing around. .oO(It's quiet...) He pulled down his scarf and threw back his hood, making his way down to the cellar. .oO( Now where could she be?) Kai turns when he hears a quiet voice from behind him. "You have a way of vanishing for long stretches, don't you?" the woman asks. "Yeah..." he replies. "So how have you been?" "Managing," Martina answers "What have you learned?" "Let's see... nothing." He crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes. "The job was a waste of time... there's nothing of importance to tell you. The only thing that came out of it is that Gamis now knows im in town. "And how did he find out?" Martina asks quietly. Kai grins. "I showed myself to him. I saw no reason to hide from him any longer. His jaw tightens before he next he speaks, preparing to place conviction within his words. "I have nothing to fear from him." "Do you think, then, that you've nothing to fear from failure?" Kai waves her off. "Don't patronize me, woman. Like I said... the job was a waste of time. The guild is crumbling and the members are idiots." .oO( Except for her...) He returns to crossing his arms. "And the pay wasn't too enticing if you know what I mean... Marina snarls "Then let this serve as your final payment!" Her voice rises in unrecognizable words, and Kai feels his limbs go rigid. He tries to speak, but even his jaw fails him as his entire body is immobilized. The elf feels his skin crack as she unleashes fire over him next, after which she lays into him with her nails, knocking him to the floor where she proceeds to kick him until, mercifully, he blacks out from the pain.
#4 tensek_vicar_dup Dec 06, 2003 23:25:23	Tensek slides into the temple and makes his way to the altar. Tensek bows to the altar and unshoulders his bow. Kneeling down Tensek places his most prized posession in front of him. The ranger bows his head to the altar and prays to the god of war.
#5 tensek_vicar_dup Dec 06, 2003 23:36:04	After kneeling in silent prayer for at least an hour Tensek rises quickly taking his bow in his hand he turns on his heels and walks out of the shrine.
#6 shatteredtower Feb 13, 2004 14:42:58	A cloaked figure moves hastily through the streets at night, head bowed and profile kept low beneath a heavy hood. As he nears the shrine, he slows to a more careful walk. He raps on the heavy wood of the door, then waits until he hears a reply. A few brief words are exchanged and the portal opens, shedding a soft glow onto the street. The figure swiftly enters and the door closes once more. For a time, the visitor is left to his devotions, until he makes it clear that he wishes to speak to the head of the shrine. "I am that," says the bald man who admitted him, "What do you want?" "Tasks to be assigned to me by the church,' he replies. "I am new to the city and must establish my faith here. I must do so, however, under false identity, given my other... social commitments." "I see," says Brother Luther, absentmindedly grasping the medallion hung by a chain around his neck. He looks down and appears to dwell on the red flame painted on the symbol, which the visitor recognizes as the sign of retribution. "Let us call you Eroteme for now," says Luther, then asks, "What abilities do you offer that would serve the Lord of Vengeance?" Eroteme replies in a low voice, keeping his eyes focused on the elder man. "Indifference, and a cooperative union. I shall do what is required of me, given my abilities, and in return all I ask is that my Lord grant me powers suitable to my stature in the church. Be you the head of my order, then I am at your charge, sire." He bows low, holds his hand palm up. Luther hisses softly through his teeth. "A moment," he says, reciting words the other recognizes from an orison to reveal magic in the area. For several long seconds, Luther's eyes dart about the room, searching its corners for any sign of danger. When it appears that he can find none, he shrugs, then rests his gaze on Eroteme. "We both know that you recognize no master save opportunity. Small wonder that you would have no name to give in exchange for the one you have received. "You may talk freely for the moment, Eroteme, but this place is sometimes watched, and if you are recognized for what you are, it will not be by me. Even here, you must be cautious." Luther pauses for a moment, then corrects himself, saying, "Especially here." He leads his guest between rows of benches, standing behind the altar to address the man once more. Reaching down to a shelf beneath its surface, he retrieves a piece of parchment and while continuing to speak. "I've nothing to say in response to your offer," he says, tapping pointedly on the sheet of parchment after he has unrolled it on the altar, "nor will others. If you seek guidance, ask instead to consult the writings of... uh... Saint..." Luther appears to search his memory for a name, then, with a shrug, he provides one: "...Conrad." He turns to a shelf set into the wall behind him, mail clanking heavily as he pulls a small volume from it. Handing it to Eroteme, he says "Perhaps you may find nothing of interest in it tonight, but ask to see it another time and you may be surprised at what you will find between its covers." Eroteme nods, but does speak as he leafs through the pages. The priest's words about the security of the temple have caused a visible reaction in the young man. Though he attempts to be casual about it, he cannot seem to help repeatedly looking over his shoulder. "Are there passwords to gain admittance? My guise may differ during each visit and I do not wish to waste time with idle questions on who I am for those that may not recognise me." Brother Luther looks quizzically at the other. "This is a public place of worship," he replies. "Anyone may make offerings here or request our Master's favour. We're not one of those reviled cults seeking the world's destruction, forced to plot within the shadows. We have nothing to hide. "For the answers you seek to those other questions, simply ask for this book by name," the older man says, as his visitor hands it back to him. "That will suffice." Eroteme nods his understanding. He leaves the shrine soon after, disappearing quickly into the night.
#7 shatteredtower Feb 06, 2005 22:03:25	A short, squat fellow walks through the city streets after dark, moving briskly and keeping very much to himself as he makes his way toward his destination in a poorer part of town. He enters the building without a word to any of the others paying respects here. After a short prayer, he seeks out the attending acolyte and asks to be shown the writings of Saint Conrad. Scanning the pages of the tome one by one, his lips mirror the words silently as he goes over them, until he finds a simple message tucked within the pages: "Several of the bricks have come loose in the cellar's west wall. Check them out and fix the problem." The man raises an eyebrow, closes the book, and enters the cellar, checking the aforementioned wall when he comes to it. Beneath the loose bricks he finds a more detailed message, written in the Master's language. Once he has finished reading, he exits the cellar without delay, making his way out into the night streets. Heading for his dwelling, he huffs and puffs through the night, stopping a time or two to lean on a building wall and catch his breath. .oO(Perhaps she lives here... soon I will know more....) Returning home, he is pleased to discover that a package has been left for him. He gathers the rest of his things immediately, then leaves again. After stopping by a place or two in the market to make a few more purchases, he heads toward the city gates and out into the wilds. Come the evening, he has found a good resting spot amidst a congregation of boulders.