10. Temple of Umberlee

Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.

May 30, 2024 4:29 pm
Having decided on a diplomatic approach first, the party enters through the temple's main thoroughfare. Though far from the grandeur of the Temple District, this edifice dedicated to the Wavemother is awe-inspiring in its own way. Pillars and walls are inlaid with mosaics of waves and clouds and creatures of the sea. The side closest to the ocean is open to the elements, wet with the spray of waves crashing against rock.

Despite Umberlee's fickle reputation (or perhaps because of it) there are many visitors tossing coins and other offerings over the rail and down into the ocean's depths. Common fishermen, sailors, and decorated sea captains alike pray for safe voyages and bounteous nets.

The priestesses stand out among the crowd with their billowy clothes and ribbons that stir in the salty breeze, and their faces are painted with blues, whites, and greens reminiscent of currents and winds.
May 30, 2024 4:37 pm
High Priestess Greyhelm is easily located, a purple octopus perched on her shoulder. The dwarf woman's sea-green eyes pick the party out long before they reach her.

"Welcome!" Greyhelm's warm voice bears a curious accent. Her smile doesn't reach her eyes. "How can this servant of the Wavemother be of assistance today?"
May 30, 2024 5:57 pm
"We have come to retrieve the body of the boy you executed yesterday," Aiwë replies, making no effort to hide her words from passers-by. "It's time to release him to his family."
May 30, 2024 6:39 pm
Greyhelm strokes an arm of the octopus on her shoulder. "Ah yes, the trespasser we caught last night. Regrettable, how the son of even a Grand Duke can turn to crime." She doesn't make any attempt to lower her voice. "We would have let the tides that flood that entrance claim the boy, but, being the son of Duke Belt, we intervened and spared him that fate."

(Insight: The dwarf's trying very hard not to smirk.)

She raises an eyebrow. "I had hoped that the Duke himself would come to thank us for our mercy."
May 30, 2024 6:44 pm
"We represent the Duke’s interests, give us the body" Dieter replies.
May 30, 2024 6:56 pm
Aiwë's face is hard and expressionless. "Your mercy earns no thanks in a society where mercy towards children is the expected norm. With that expectation we have come to retrieve the child's body."
May 30, 2024 9:17 pm
"And because of our leniency, there is a body to retrieve." The dwarf's eyes are too wide to be sincere. "Be sure to inform Lathander's Favorite Duke how much we wished to see him here."

A few minutes later, the party receives the wrapped body of a dragonborn child. High Priestess Greyhelm herself ushers them out of the temple. "Be sure that I'll remember you in my prayers. May Umberlee speed you on your way, whenever next you're out on the water."
May 30, 2024 9:39 pm
"Because of your leniency I am here to carry the boy home rather than hold his hand. Mercy, no doubt." She speaks for the sake of the people around them more for the evil priestess. In her, she speaks to a wall. Aiwë cradles the body and gives the barest bow in farewell. "Likewise, I will pray to Torm that you might have justice in all your endeavours."
Last edited May 30, 2024 9:46 pm
May 30, 2024 9:47 pm
Dieter takes the body from the clergy. Gently he pulls the wrapping enough to see the face of the boy. Once he gets a good look he returns the wrapping to its place and prepares to carry the body back
May 30, 2024 9:49 pm
Golden scales catch the light as Dieter pulls the wrapping back. From the look of the horns and facial structure, it's more likely to be Belt's child than not.
May 30, 2024 9:51 pm
Dieter gives Aiwë a nod.
May 30, 2024 10:01 pm
Somber package in Dieter's arms, the party heads back to the Temple of Lathander.
OOC:
Adventure continues here!

You do not have permission to post in this thread.