17 Takaramont

16 Takaramont- 17 Takaramont- 18 Takaramont (Back to Logs)

## Burrafirth

You stop in a pit stop town called Burrafirth to sleep. The next morning, you continue south.

[11:07 PM] DM: Can I get some perception checks?

[11:07 PM] Seirixori: ((14))

[11:08 PM] Urrak: ((4))

[11:09 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((15)) You see a man in very shiny armor, carrying a flag with some sort of symbol on it. You don't recognize the symbol as being one of the state symbols of major nobles or Tilman, or any of the religions you know. It's probably a lesser noble's family crest symbol or something like it. Behind him are other armored, mounted people, followed by *their* retainers- squires and servants and the like- on lesser horses and donkeys. All in all, it looks like some noble questing for glory ahead of his knights.

[11:09 PM] Brimeia: ((12))

[11:10 PM] Sariel: ((7))

[11:13 PM] DM: You all see a group of mounted people headed north ahead.

[11:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh continues to ride adventure down the road, quickly says, "I don't believe these people are threat, so just pass them in silence."

[11:15 PM] Urrak: "Gotcha." Urrak moves over a bit to let them pass

[11:17 PM] DM: As they get closer, the rest of you start to notice more about them. They're led by someone in very shiny armor who carries a flag with some sort of rune on it. Behind him are others in armor, also mounted, followed by unarmored people on a collection of nags and donkeys.

[11:20 PM] DM: Coming closer, the man in front raises the flag, then drops it back into place and his retinue stops. He continues riding ahead towards you. "Hail!"

[11:21 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh raises her hand in greeting. "Hello," she calls back.

[11:22 PM] DM: He pulls his horse to a stop in front of Ryleigh. "You look like a person of standing. What say you to a bit of glory under the Sun's Eye?"

[11:23 PM] Urrak: Urrak stops the cart and watches the two talk

[11:24 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia raises an eyebrow at how pompous the man sounds.

[11:26 PM] DM: Perception checks for those of you in the cart, please.

[11:27 PM] Urrak: ((9))

[11:28 PM] Sariel: ((19))

[11:28 PM] Seirixori: ((25))

DM to Sariel, Seir: His armor is *very* fancy and engraved with other metals inlaid. It looks more ceremonial than practical. And there's a sun symbol engraved in the chestpiece.

[11:28 PM] Brimeia: ((2))

[11:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The Lord of Light has other plans for me today, good Sir," Ryleigh replies, smiling at him charmingly.

[11:30 PM] Seirixori: Seir shuffles a little and snorts.

[11:31 PM] DM: He smiles back. "Do tell..."

[11:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh leans over, like she's going to share a secret with him. "It's been far too long since I've visited the temple in Aston. It's warmth, splendor, and beauty is unparalleled and I've missed it."

[11:39 PM] DM: "One such as yourself is obviously an expert in all things beautiful." He pauses for a moment, then continues. "I myself am leading these fine knights to spread the Light to places in need. Perhaps our paths will cross again." He puts his fist over his chest and bows slightly from his saddle.

[11:41 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Good luck," Ryleigh says, with a slight bow and a wink.

[11:43 PM] DM: He smiles again, raises his flag, drops it back into the cup attached to the saddle. The group behind him starts moving again and he trots off.

[11:44 PM] Urrak: Urrak gets the horses and cart moving again, "Well that was interestin'..."

[11:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Nobles," Ryleigh says with laugh.

[11:45 PM] Sariel: Sariel chuckles.

[11:45 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles. "I resent that tone."

[11:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I do apologize for my transgression, Lady Frostbeard," Ryleigh says with a teasing grin.

[11:50 PM] DM: Gunnloda chuckles again. "Call me that again and I'll have t'show you transgression."

[11:55 PM] DM: Continuing on, you reach another city, smaller than Arolis, but of decent size. Most of the buildings seem newer. There's a man-made hill in the center of town, and atop it is a huge temple with an enormous brazier at the top filled with flame. Ryleigh leads you all through town to a place that seems safe enough, a place called The Green Paladin's Fire.

5:51 PM] DM: When Ryleigh slips out from the rest of the group, leaving them at the Green Paladin's Fire, she heads to the part of town where the Whispers cell was located last time she traveled through here. She follows the signs and finds herself at a door in an alley behind a tailor's shop.

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh knocks at the door.

[5:55 PM] DM: A halfling opens the door, scissors in hand. "Eh?"

[5:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Good evening," Ryleigh says, showing the back of her shield to the tailor.

[5:57 PM] DM: "Another one?" He steps back and tilts his head for her to follow, then leads her to a trap door behind some mannequins.

[5:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There's someone else here?" Ryleigh asks, following him.

[5:58 PM] DM: "Eh?" He puts his hand to his ear to hear her better.

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles, raising her voice. "There's another one of us here?"

[6:01 PM] DM: "What? No, there's another visitor. Go on, now."

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She walks down the trapdoor without further questioning.

[6:05 PM] DM: Heading downstairs, she sees two women chatting at a table. One looks like a human with a touch of feline heritage, not quite tabaxi, but furry with sharp teeth and claws. The other looks like a very pale human, paler even than Ryleigh.

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hello," Ryleigh says to the two women.

[6:07 PM] DM: The feline woman narrows her eyes. "Not often we have two visitors in one day. Welcome to Aston. Name's Blossom."

[6:10 PM] Gayle Silbando: The other woman sitting across from Blossom also turns to the new visitor and gives her a head nod in greeting. "Gayle. Nice to meet you." She has a very pale complexion in contrast to being clad in dark clothing, dark hair, and gloves, and a hooded robe which is currently hanging on the back of her chair.

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes, that's what the tailor said upstairs. I'm sorry for any... inconvenience. I'm Ryleigh and I've been following the Moonborn rumors - all the way from Riverrun."

[6:15 PM] DM: Blossom: "That's pretty far away for rumor chasing."

[6:19 PM] Gayle Silbando: "That is pretty far from here. Blossom and I were just talking about any new information she has heard about the disappearances and atrocities as of late."

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It is," Ryleigh admits. "But if the Moonborn is alive, we'll need to know in Riverrun, it'd be possibly game changing news." She takes a seat. "That's actually why I'm here. I was hoping to get more information before heading to Kenbow."

[6:24 PM] DM: Blossom sighs heavily like she's annoyed at having to repeat herself. "Like I was just saying, Onyesha was from here in Aston. Laborer. Last time she was seen was on the 11th. The 'investigation' was about as useful as you'd expect."

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "But a body hasn't turned up yet?"

[6:27 PM] DM: "No."

[6:30 PM] Gayle Silbando: "As usual, investigation was stopped and swept under the rug like the others. No justice," she shakes her head. "I heard wind of Kenbow myself, but I've been told it's dangerous getting there for...some," she hesitates on the last word.

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Wait... what do you mean its dangerous to get to Kenbow?" Ryleigh raises an eyebrow.

[6:33 PM] DM: Blossom chuckles. "Maybe not for you. Though the Fytulk is always looking for stragglers if you're not wary. One of mine has been talking about grey cloaks fluttering at the edges of his vision, not to mention the reds patrolling the roads."

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods. "There aren't a lot of places someone like me can't go in Ascus." She pauses for a moment then says, "Are the guards patrolling for the Moonborn, or another reason? And what do you mean by the 'grey cloaks'?"

[6:39 PM] DM: Blossom: "There's always guards on the roads between the human settlements. 'Keeping the way safe for travelers.' But I'd bet my toeclaws that they're looking for her. If they found her, they'd probably take her straight to Thista."

[6:41 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle scoffs. "Safety, right."

[6:41 PM] DM: Blossom: "One of my associates, one who keeps his eyes on the streets, was talking about someone in a grey cloak around town, talking to people, but that he swore he saw others in the same colors flitting across rooftops and through alleys faster than he could track. Probably just nerves, though. He's kinda new to the job."

[6:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Do..." Ryleigh hesitates "...what would Whispers do if the Moonborn is found by one of us?"

[6:44 PM] DM: Blossom thinks for a second then shrugs. "Guess it depends on who found her. We aren't exactly a hive mind. We all barely know a handful of others. I haven't gotten any word from my contact about guidance. I'd guess we're all just to do whatever we think is right."

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I didn't know if there was some larger plan."

[6:50 PM] Gayle Silbando: "If Whispers found the Moonborn, she has the power to change a lot of things here. We want to protect her."

[6:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes and doesn't bother to hide it.

[6:52 PM] Gayle Silbando: "But as far as an official plan goes, I don't know if there is one. When you mentioned Riverrun, what kind of changes are they looking for if the Moonborn is found?" she asks Ryleigh.

[6:57 PM] Gayle Silbando: "If you don't mind me asking," she adds. "Sorry for asking so many questions," she turns to Blossom.

[6:58 PM] DM: Blossom shrugs.

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The Moonborn's power comes from their legacy - destined to change Vyon, prophesied to be more than just a figure head. Whoever they are, they're giving people hope and in a place like this, that's dangerous. If anything, they'd be indebted to Whispers for the rescue from Ascus."

[6:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Riverrun, for the most part, doesn't expect any kind of changes."

[7:05 PM] Gayle Silbando: She nods in understanding. "I'm following the rumors myself, so Kenbow is my next destination as well but people out there don't like it when too many questions are asked so it's taken longer than usual to travel."

[7:06 PM] DM: Blossom: "It's kind of our job to ask questions. Just not to the point of irritation... unless necessary."

[7:09 PM] Gayle Silbando: She smiles. "I might be asking the wrong people then."

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There are benefits of looking the way I do and being who I am," Ryleigh says. "Sometimes the guards don't realize they're oversharing until the information is already mine."

[7:12 PM] DM: Blossom: "Somehow I doubt it's just a costume."

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's expression stays carefully neutral. "I'm not the enemy, and whether you think I'm one of them posing as a double agent doesn't matter. I'm here to help, and I am a Whispers."

[7:20 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Speaking of costumes, sometimes I can get by, but if they stare too long, they start asking their own questions." She pulls her hair back to reveal a wig covering bright blue shoulder-length hair. "I know wouldn't be here unless you also wanted to help, there's no question in that."

[7:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking away from Blossom and at Gayle, Ryleigh says, "My group and I are heading to Kenbow tomorrow. If you'd like to travel with us, you'd be welcome to. Two minds are better than one in this instance."

[7:26 PM] Gayle Silbando: She pauses for a moment. "If you don't mind," she looks at Ryleigh. "That sounds like a much safer option than trying to do this by myself. I am glad you're not also traveling alone on this journey. Are you all planning on taking the roads leading to Kenbow, or do you think there is another way?"

[7:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Is there another way? Because until 10 minutes ago, I didn't know there were any problems traveling to Kenbow."

[7:30 PM] DM: Blossom: "You probably won't find any more trouble on the roads than you did coming down from Riverrun or from Arolis. There are parts where the Fytulk gets angry, but stay out of the woods and you should be fine."

[7:31 PM] Gayle Silbando: She nods. "I just thought with the plague rumors, the guards would be more hesitant about letting people in and out."

[7:32 PM] DM: Blossom shrugs. "Maybe. I don't know. We don't have any cells down that road, so I haven't heard anything."

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We're leaving at dawn from the Green Paladin's Fire," Ryleigh says to Gayle.

[7:35 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I will be there. Are you and your group all here for work outside of the Moonborn? And all...armor-clad?"

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh half chuckles. "No, we all aren't 'armor-clad' and they're here because I asked them to be."

[7:46 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I respect that. And it sounds like you have a good group on your hands."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "They're a bunch of idiots who are constantly getting into trouble, but they're loyal and I care for them."

[7:51 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle can't help but laugh at that description. "Well, Ryleigh, I really can't thank you enough for allowing me to travel with you and your group tomorrow. Safety in numbers." She sticks her arm out to be shook.

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands from the table and takes Gayle's arm. "I'll see you at dawn, Gayle."

[7:57 PM] Gayle Silbando: She firmly grasps Ryleigh's arm back as well. "And thank you as well, Blossom. Step in silence."

[7:58 PM] DM: Blossom nods at Gayle.

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She walks back towards the trapdoor, but before she reaches it, Ryleigh turns around and says to Blossom, "I'm sorry for what people who look like me have done to you. You have every right to doubt my motives, but its unfounded." And she leaves.

[8:01 PM] DM: After Ryleigh leaves, Blossom turns to Gayle. "You still need a bed?"

[8:02 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle clears her throat and nods. "Yes please. Just for the night."

[8:03 PM] DM: She nods and stands to show Gayle to a small room with a couple beds that are little more than cots. She pauses for a moment, then says, "Keep your wits about you. You never know what- or who- to trust."

[8:07 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Thank you," she stands at the doorway. "Do you think I was too trusting? She is a whispers after all. But I know to be careful once I'm back on the road."

[8:13 PM] DM: She shrugs. "It's your life. Just remember Astens are not your friends and what we do is treason. She could easily turn us in and suffer nothing. Maybe she's being honest. Maybe they're different in Vyon... but I'm not comfortable risking my fur to find out."

[8:18 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I guess I'll find out tomorrow. At least I'll have my ways just in case I stick out like a sore thumb with her group, but it's a risk I'll take for us, and for the Moonborn. Thank you again for the place to rest."

[8:22 PM] DM: She nods and leaves Gayle to her rest.

## Ryleigh at the Temple

Ryleigh's holding her sending stone in hand when she hears Urrak's voice, loud and belligerent. When she opens the door to her room, she sees Urrak poking at a red-clad guard. Before Ryleigh can even move, the guard draws his blade and runs it straight through Urrak. Her body falls to the ground, limp and lifeless, and he picks her up and throws her onto a cart with the bodies of several others. Ryleigh's feet pull her forward until she can see that the others bear faces she knows- Kizer. Brimeia. Avery. Gunnloda.

She hears a cry, "*Homashoc*!"

When she turns, there's a pink tiefling in a cage being pulled away by horse. *Clemency,* Ry thinks, but as she gives chase, she realizes the horns are too big, too wild. Seirixori's form shifts into bear, dinosaur, kitten, but no matter what she does, she becomes a tiefling again immediately, unable to maintain her transformations.

Ryleigh's feet are frozen in place, unable to move as she's taken away, until she hears another voice. "I got her, Your Radiance! The Moonborn."

A man in red and gold bearing the symbol of Asten kneels over the body of a woman in blue robes. Tilman steps forward. "Let's see it then."

He kicks at her body and she rolls, lifeless, onto her back. Her arm flops out, revealing dark leather bracers with a stone embedded on the wrist. The guard moves and Ryleigh can see Rukiya's familiar curls and her normally warm brown eyes are open, blank, cold.

Ryleigh wakes screaming.

10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Covered in sweat and breathing like she's run a great distance, Ryleigh sits bolt upright in her bed. She shakily gets to her feet, quickly apologizing to whoever's in the room with her. Staring at her armor, Ryleigh worries her lip. She decides to take the time to put it on, tucking the sending stone pouch down the front and attaching Dawnbringer at her waist. Ryleigh slips out of the room, exits the inn, and heads towards the brazier with the everlasting flame.

[10:11 PM] DM: It's late, the streets are mostly empty, and in no time, she's climbing the steps to a temple she hasn't seen since she made her way to Riverrun. The huge brazier sits atop a tower at the center of the temple, but there's a column of fire that travels upwards through the center of the temple to it, lighting the entire space  and the lower, interior levels from within. The few columns and archways cast stark shadows that cross over Ryleigh's eyes as she enters. The flame itself doesn't hold any heat. It's not uncomfortable to stand in its presence, even at its edge. It is not even bright enough to hurt the eyes of one who stares.

The temple itself is also largely empty, at least the upper, public portion of it. Ryleigh knows there are places within where those who serve Asten sleep, serve, eat, but this upper space is for prayer, seeking Asten's presence beneath the open sky. There are benches, seats, pillows set out in different places for different purposes as well as a series of pews facing a podium for structured sermons.

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh scans the area one more time, her nightmare having put her on edge. Satisfied that there's no immediate threat, she takes a seat on one of the benches and buries her face in her hands. After a few minutes of steady breathing, Ryleigh starts to sing a slow, mournful song. It speaks primarily of loss and is laced with pain. At parts, her voice breaks and by the end, there's silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

[10:33 PM] DM: A woman's voice, soft and unsure, comes from in front of Ry. "The darkness is only temporary. The sun will rise again, and his Light will always burn within you."

If she looks up, she'd see a human woman in white Asten robes, her blonde hair braided around her head like Lydia's. Her hands are holding one another at her waist like she's not sure if Ryleigh wants to talk or not.

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh huffs, the sound caught between a disbelieving and expectant laugh. "The darkness is only temporary for people like you, but for people like me its a constant fight."

[10:44 PM] DM: The corner of her mouth quirks up. "We all have darkness within us. It is what makes his Light so much more important and one day, the Light will extinguish the dark and we will be called to the Radiant Meadows where shadows cannot touch us." She gestures to the bench across from Ryleigh. "May I?"

[10:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Sure," Ryleigh says, carefully keeping her expression neutral.

[10:50 PM] DM: She sits on the bench in front of Ryleigh, facing her, but it's far enough away that she's not intruding on Ry's personal space. "People don't often seek his comfort in the middle of the night without cause. Do you seek assistance?"

[10:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not entirely sure why I'm here," Ryleigh admits quietly. "Which means... I'm not entirely sure you can assist me."

[11:01 PM] DM: "Lost souls often follow the Light here, like moths to a flame, sailors to shore... are you lost?"

[11:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at the woman. "I'm a paladin of Asten, how could I possibly be lost?"

[11:06 PM] DM: "Paladins are not immune to despair of purpose. In my experience, they suffer greatly, especially when they are unsure of the path ahead. You may know where your feet stand, but it does not always mean you know where you are going."

[11:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Tell me," Ryleigh says, gesturing for the other woman to give her name.

[11:09 PM] DM: "Lisbet."

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Lisbet... Asten is the god of truth and freedom, yes?"

[11:11 PM] DM: "Among other things, yes."

[11:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A small smile tugs at Ryleigh's lips, but it vanishes almost a quickly as it appeared. "I've met plenty of Astens in my travels, and many... they believe in another version of him. A version different from my own. Asten gave me power, so I know I’m worthy… but there are a lot of people in Ascus that I wouldn’t deem worthy and Asten gave them power too. So which version of him is true?"

[11:37 PM] DM: She's quiet for just a few seconds before she speaks. "Both. All. The Lord of Light is a powerful god with many domains, many purposes. Is it not possible that he might empower different people for different purposes? Perhaps your purpose is simply different from the others. I have seen people blossom under his watchful care, growing into a person worthy of his glory. When we see another with his symbol, we do not know their purpose, their struggle, or their distance along the path to their truth... only that he has seen something of value within them." She smiles a bit. "Surely you must understand, being dressed as you are, that what we see is not always what is within."

[11:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And what makes you think this armor doesn't represent me? I am not Asten's gentle caress, I am His vengeance."

[11:53 PM] DM: Her smile is soft and in this moment, she looks at Ryleigh with an almost maternal look, her eyes belying her youthful appearance. "You wear our Lord's symbol upon your back like a burden while you wrap yourself in the shadows he douses. You talk about fighting the darkness, but wear it like a blanket to comfort you in the night. Have faith... in him and his plans for you."

[12:00 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh audibly swallows, she looks torn between wanting to end the conversation and wanting to respond. After a few moments, she looks away from Lisbet and mumbles, "But... what if what I believe is wrong."

[12:06 AM] DM: "Follow his illuminated texts. Pray for understanding. Let the Light guide you. He will help you fulfill your purpose."

[12:13 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you..." Ryleigh says, still sounding a little lost, but making sure this woman knows her guidance isn't inadequate.

[12:17 AM] DM: "You're welcome, 'Paladin of Asten'. Perhaps next time we meet, it will be under his gaze, free of shadow." She stands, pausing for a moment as if to ask if there was anything else she needed.

[12:22 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "My name is Ryleigh. Ryleigh Alastair," she offers as a parting thank you.

[12:22 AM] DM: "I'll leave you to your thoughts, Ryleigh, but I will include you in my prayers." She tilts her head in a bow and leaves Ry sitting there.

[12:29 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Sit there she does. Minutes pass, possibly hours, but Ryleigh's not caught up in the time. As the silence around her grows too loud, she sings to fill the void, and when that doesn't work... she stands and walks to a more secluded section. It's a balcony of sorts and provides a view of the city. Ryleigh leans against the railing and takes a deep breath.

[11:42 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Asten... I don't know if you're there, but if you are..."  Ryleigh groans, her brows furrowing in mild frustration. "This is stupid," she mumbles to herself, her frustration mixing with anger. "You're a god... a god, so how can you stand by and let Ascus be like this?" Her tone turns accusatory. "The King, the guards, the people who make Ascus a place of terror and suffering - they all claim your name while they oppress the people here. And you don't stop it, you stand by and do nothing!" She slams her hand down on the railing, tears building in her eyes. "I don't know how to change things here and every time I try - I fail, but I'm only human... You're a god and where are you?!" Ryleigh's breathing heavy, tears falling down her cheeks.

[11:50 AM] DM: There's no response.

[11:54 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: She waits several minutes, the silence continuing to grow. When nothing happens, she closes her eyes and lets herself cry. Eventually, she mumbles to the night, "This place took everything from me once... and I won't let it take any more - with, or without your help."

16 Takaramont- 17 Takaramont- 18 Takaramont (Back to Logs)