Lochwar Temple - Thrall's Gate

[Minuvas]

Minuvas entered the building, the neophytes already tending to the structure.

"Who is the Priest of this Church?"

"It was recently constructed Father, we haven't even held our first public procession. This church began its constructed around when this small outpost was first established, maybe 15 or 20 years ago"

A man taught to grasp at the very straws that presented himself Minuvas took no time asserting his authority "As the Senior Imperial , and Church Ranking member here - I shall take charge until another is appointed in my place. Open the temple to the Public, have one of the Neophytes scribe a copy of my certificate of Imperial Recognition and place it in the back office."

"Yes...of Course Father"

"I noticed you all took a diligent amount of effort in constructing this building, and as we know - Lochwar blesses the discipline and the strong. I shall make sure the Church is informed of your good deeds here, leave your names on the desk in the back and I shall write recommendations if you are to seek Priesthood.I am especially fond of the Inquisitor holding cells in the back, should any Inquisitors visit nearby - we shall probably be put on special duty to hold the faithless in these cells for Questionning"

"Let Lochwar guide us to find our next actions, we shall hold a private procession tommorow night where we will discuss the actions of the future. It is good that Talon hold is a few leagues from here, we overlook Cear to the South - which I fear might become a bed of Heresy. I will personally be overseeing the matters there as well. For those looking to convert or join the Church, leave their names posted for me in the back room as well - and I shall get to them when I have time."

"Until then, Lochwars blessings upon us all"

"And with you Father"

To which Minuvas smiled, his armor now gleaming with dark red.

[lockethrowsknives]

The clank of heavy greaves clunking with an echo throughout the sanctuary was a sound to which the neophytes had already become accustomed. Regardless, the one nearest the door looked up from the bookcase he was skimming to greet the visitor. The man, without making eye contact, brought a tight fist up to his own chest in greetings to the attendant, but his gaze was clearly held by the altar at the back of the room. The slow, rhythmic beat of his step conveyed the enchanting affect of the church on the man. As he reached the back of the chamber, he stopped just a pace from the altar and dropped his head. In this way he silently prayed for some time.

The rattle of his armor startled the near neophyte as the man suddenly turned on his heal and stepped briskly off through the retaining cells to the back office. Producing a a sealed letter from his belt, he set it neatly on the already cluttered desk. Moving back out to the main chamber, he finally engaged the neophyte on duty.

"Faithful, do you allow members to take quarters in the church, somewhere out of sight, perhaps?"

The attendant regarded the man carefully. "Your name, sir?"

The man's expression did not change. "I am Zadrithurn Norentun. The Father knows me well, and I should like to catch him as the sun rises. You all have done fine work here."

[Minuvas]

Minuvas could hear some clanking in a far off distance, not the typical soft-padded shoes of the neophytes in the church. He got up and left his room, when he emerged he saw a familiar face.

Without so much as a glance to him he recognized the man's posture, and the sound of his footsteps gave away all too much. "Citizen Zadrithurn. Welcome, you are friend hee. We unfortunately do not have quarters built for us, let alone the faithful just yet - but in due times perhaps. When we do, you can consider a bed saved for the faithful indeed."

[baby1111007]

A young girl enters the temple. She wears full armor, a mace hanging from her belt. She wears no adornment, but a small amulet with Lochwar's crest on a leather thong at her throat. Her armor and weapon are carefully cared for, polished to a sheen that reflects the flickering light. Cold emerald green eyes travel over the temple, before she kneels silently at the alter to pray.

[Minuvas]

Minuvas leaves Zadrithurn to browse the books now cataloged neatly into the Archives.
He looks over to find a woman praying before the altar. Not wishing to interrupt her silent prayer, Minuvas slowly approaches behind her.

He caught a glimpse of the ankh lined across her belt, and at this assumption - knew she was no wayfarer simply looking to pay their respects to Lochwar in their travels. No she was one of Lochwars enlightened - he decided to watch from a distance waiting for her to finish her prayers.

It wasn't very common for Women to be seen in such full armor adornments, and lined with Lochwar ankhs. This was no normal woman...

[baby1111007]

The young woman rises, turning to face Minuvas. She lowers her red hood, her pointed ears and green eyes alluding to unfortunate parentage, although the rest of her features are decidedly human. She bows deeply in front of him, graceful in spite of the half plate she wears. Her eyes remain lowered, a testament to her training, as she waits to be addressed.

[Minuvas]

"You may rise, my child.
What brings a woman such as yourself to the temple, is your husband or compatriot not at your side?"

Pauses for a moment, feeling the question might be out of place. "No wait, you aren't one of the barbarians raised on backwards Daris culture. You are more refined then that. My name is Father Minuvas, what brings you to this temple?"

[baby1111007]

The female regards him with hard green eyes for a moment, then speaks softly.

"I thank you for the welcome, your grace. I am called Valeria of the House of Feir. I have been sent here by the Matron Syllca to aid the faithful here."

Her emerald gaze never wavers, although her proud little chin rises almost stubbornly. Her posture is military straight as she awaits an answer.

[Minuvas]

*Ponders for a moment*

"The Matron you say?" at this point Minuvas is pacing around the woman, as she does not follow him with his head. Her stance is one of training, of a military style-esque.

"Very well. Write to the Matron and have her forward the appropriate paperwork here, I don't want any mess-ups. Valeria is your name? This is a recently established Temple, It most certainly would not hurt to have a..Maiden in our establishment. There are rogues, villains, and even heretics in nearby Cear. Disgusting, I know. But I have a way of dealing with Heresy, it is my duty as a Priest - our duty as faithful of our Lordship Lochwar."

He continues to pace, his hands now placed behind his back. His right hand holding onto the wrist of his left, his head up as he continues to talk and motion to the void of the temple. His voice echoes, as only the shuffling feet of the Neophytes - and the passersby paying their respects can be heard.

"We shall speak in private matters, to speak of this issue further". Minuvas was both concerned, and joyous. If the Church and one of the Matron's authorized a Maiden to be dispatched to the local area, it means that their concern is no longer spiritual , religious, and philosophical in nature. The Church was having concerns, physical ones. Maiden's usually aren't sent to curtail simple nay-sayers and questionable citizens. No , where the Maidens go - there usually isn't an Inquisitor too far behind.

To say the least, the Church has turned one more eye on the province of Daris, stepping up its involvement. Some of his reports to the Church of outspoken heresy to false gods must have reached the Church.

[lockethrowsknives]

The following note, neatly folded but baring no seal, finds its way to Father Minuvas’ desk after being passed to a Neophyte from a passing Guardsman on patrol:

Father Minuvas,

Do excuse the brevity of this message, and its indirect delivery. I have been kept quite occupied in the barracks these past few days as I endure the processing of Guardsman assignment.

I have recently come into possession of a peculiar hand and half blade. There are runes of the old manner inscribed upon it, and though worn I was able to decipher them with much dismay. It is a relic of days past, bearing a blasphemous prayer to one of the Forbidden. After my initial disgust had passed, it occurred to me that rather than to cast it aside, it may be far more prudent to bring such an article to yourself in the hopes that it may be re-dedicated with the blessings of our lord Lochwar. Perhaps a program of blasphemous relic retrieval and blessing might be established to cleanse this “adventurer’s” province of such filth.
I must bring the yet loathsome item to you at first opportunity. We shall speak further then.

With reverence to Lochwar,

Guardsman Zadrithurn Norentun

[Minuvas]

The Mumblings of many of the people in the Church silence as Minuvas makes the long walk down the aisle, into the front of the Church Sermon.

"Good People of Varana. Blessed Children of the Empire. I see that look upon your face, and as any true man of Lochwar, I take a challenge with grace."

"I shall preface my story with this. Here in my left hand, I hold Letters from the Order of Scales- Friends, amongst the Imperial Court. Who are worried about me, and offer their support. Here also I hold the letters of concern from Guardsmen, ranging anywhere from the Lowest Grunt to the High rank of Captain - who warn me of brewing troubles in the city, and too offer their support."

The crowd seems to shift a bit, "I grew up in a temple. I have been raised on Lochwars glory, for over twenty seasons. I am Certified and Employed by the Empire itself, in the name of our Glorious Church of Lochwar. In my short time in Cear, I have brought justice to Three Heretics, and Five enemies of our Empire. I have even assisted in the pursuit of criminals with the Guards, who have personally asked for my help.

I have assisted the city by holding onto all Criminals who committed Divine Crimes, and have even gotten them to confess further crimes - and for them to report other Heresy within the City. I served on the Citizens Watch, of which ALL of its members save for myself and a lawful dwarf known as Kaz, became Guardsmen. I speak of course of loyal Guardsmen Zadrithurn, Guardsmen Tren, and Guardsmen Raymond Carth."


"So than what is it my friends are worried about, why do they ask me to find a problem and root it out. I shall tell you why.Now, a Woman, and yes I will repeat that, a Woman - has decided that my work here is wrong. The work of Lochwar is wrong."

Some in the crowd shift uneasy unsure of what is to come, some gasping.

"This woman, judges her law on a book I have hand written for her. This woman has no achievements of which she can proclaim great honor to the Empire. Let me show you how women falter,let us list some of these charges she has "Written" to me."

"She calls me guilty of attacking property, The Guardsmen and by this I mean the ones who are out on the streets, dealing with criminals - not behind a desk - praised my good work in removing Wild beasts from the streets. She based a criminal report against my Character, by a KNOWN heretic!" *points to a name on his List*

The sermon group laughed for a moment, but is quickly silenced when Minuvas draws his hand back at the crowd.

"Yes, it is funny. Yet somehow - she has become disillusioned. Furthermore, after receiving the Paperwork by the Imperial Tracker, and with support of the Imperial investigator to bring in GUILTY and wanted heretics, she wishes the Governors signature upon a Church document? Praise unto the Emperors servants, but a Governor does not sign Church Documents, especially when the money to be given out is by the Church - and not by the City Coffers."


"So why does a woman, allow Heretics - and if we look to the Prophecy of Lochwar to Canas we may call them Traitors as well - to escape capture by all Legal means necessary? Is she offended by the Extremities as to how much I will go to protect our Empire, to Protect you the Citizens - the faithful our Lord God. The timidness of the female spirit is one that cannot handle the ferocity of the hand of Lochwars men, of Authority. For Lochwar rises like a sweeping tide upon all that escape his judgment! Praise be to Lochwar!"

The group returns with a loud "Praise be to Lochwar!"

"All in this room are Loyal Citizens of the Empire, and to Varana. How could one believe the words of a woman over an Imperial Priest of Lochwar, who has a long list of accomplishments in the glorious name of our God and Emperor. Does Heresy spread amongst our own Guards? No, do not believe it. I believe our Guards to be god fearing men, faithful to our Lords. The door of Lochwars Church is open to all, including this woman. She has the option to confess her misdeeds, and to speak with me on matters. Before she continues to charge me on crimes based on Rumors and misinterpretations, perhaps she should choose to hear it from the source. Or will she continue to take reports written to her by heretics?" Minuvas Chuckles.

"Again, this woman says that I "mistreat" Prisoners. Is she looking after the safety of the Criminals of our Empire? and not just any Criminals, heretics! Let me assure you, I have done nothing but use all legal means neccesary to prosecute heretics. And who does she get this account of crimes from. Well, heres no surprise - the heretics from the Gaol itself.Twice now she charges me with crimes assaulted against me by HERETICS."

"Be assured Citizens, I shall fight the good name of Lochwar - and for Glory of our Empire. I shall let none stand between our greatness. For it is we as proud Varanites, we know the weaknesses of women. We cannot allow them to become false, for they are tender and must raise our children proud. I ask you, the many here who attend this Church, say an extra Prayer for this woman when we silently pray today of our sermon, for she needs our help Citizens. Let us not turn away from our Flock. She has proven that she wishes to serve true to the Empire, by joining the Guard. She is just misguided into thinking that a woman belongs in such an Arena"


"Praise be to Lochwar!"

The crowd returns "Praise be to Lochwar!"

[-Roque-]

"Praise be to Lochwar!"

[Mensha Khaine]

Iosephus stood behind the pew, preferring the devoted servants of Lochwar take the seats.

“I grew up.. I have been raised.. I am certified.. I have brought… I have even.. I have assisted.. I served…”

You certainly like to talk about yourself now don’t you, but I expected no less.

”..a woman – has decided that my work is wrong. The work of Lochwar is wrong. This woman, judges her law on a book I have hand written..”

And yet again a servant of Lochwar tries to assert his authority into area’s he shouldn’t. Why was she not given guidance of the law by a priest of Etoth!

“She calls me guilty of attacking property…..She based a criminal report against my character against my character, by a known heretic!”

Priest or heretic, it matters not IF the law was broken. Perhaps she has little information to go on, but why is this matter not being handled by the brotherhood of the scales?

"Praise be to Lochwar!"

You are fill with a passion most only dream of. They will and are drawn to you like a moth to a flame. I can see how much effort you have been making, and any disproval will be a great insult

This woman guard, like all guards of Varana strives to bring law and order to lands. By their very duties they are serving Etoth. If she is dishonouring her role, she dishonours Etoth why isn’t this matter being handled by a priest of Etoth?

Iosephus remained standing down the back as the crowed slowly made their way out. He hoped the Maiden had past on his wish to speak with Minuvas.

[Minuvas]

*Minuvas looks upon the letter he has personally received by the Governor of Cear on his Desk. He places it in a binder he has cataloged in his back room*

[Minuvas]

Looks to the crowd who has assembled in the Church, only a few days after a torch was thrown in it.

"Welcome, I welcome you all. It is a testament to our faith that you continue to prove to the Lord Lochwar, that we shall not be shaken by assailants to our Church, and I shall use the term - Rebels"

The crowd gasped lightly "Aye, I did say Rebels. One of the Talon Guards will attest that the assailants challenged the Emperor, and the Faith of Lochwar. I'm sure there are many rumors go around, so let me give you a true and righteous account of what had occurred that day..."

He pointed to his Neophytes, tending to the overflowing Church tithe bins "These proud men and women fought off , and valiantly, I might say - those who attacked this Church. Lochwar must have been with them, for none of them were slain. They fended off the attackers.

When our cowardly and weak assailants realized that they could not kill us, they decided to set aflame our Church as they fled!"

The crowd seemed to be listenning intently, yes - he had them now.

"I saved the Neophytes in the Church , I placed them on my back - carrying them one by one outside. The Church was mostly of stone, but the Archives were causing a tremendous amount of smoke that could of choked me at any minute! It is by Lochwars will that I carried on!"

"Then, when I could see all the Neophytes were saved, I carried out all the precious books and documents to our Lord Lochwar."

"When I got outside, I healed up the wounded - and tried to put out the fire. It was only a matter of time before the very brave and very loyal Talon came and extinguished it!"

The clapping spurred in the room, and Minuvas blushed as he smiled "Yes! Praise be to the brave Imperial men in the service of the Talon so overcome with duty and faith, that they would risk their lives to save the Church..."

"But not all is good news. Four of the men held in the Gaols in the back, men who just the night before came to me and said. Minuvas, I have seen the way of Lochwar - I wish to atone, for I have done misdeeds. Men who were now upon the path of Lochwar, did not survive the fire.

Slain by these Rebels."

One of the women cried to Minuvas "Why Father! Why"

The crowd cheered, and said louder "Yes! Why Father Minuvas"

He made a slicing motion with his hand to silence the crowd "I shall tell you why!"

and they grew silent, their complete and utter attention now looked upon Minuvas. If someone were to breathe too loud, it would disturb the silence that enfolded.

"Because - they lack faith. Because they stand for everything we are not. Where we believe the Emperor is the reason we have food on our table, and a warm fire in our homes - and Guards to keep us safe. It means we are not doing our duty as Citizens. We must report all crimes, we must make sure our neighbors are reporting crimes. We must make sure Citizens who break the law before our eyes, we must make sure the authorities are reported to them immediately!"

"We must be the focus of Lochwars rage, redemption shall come to these Rebels - from the Empire. I encourage you, those faithful of Lochwar - Enlist in the Army, join the Guard, or become a Priest! Perhaps you will join the Citizens Watch? It is about Duty, and we need to do our duty. Half-breed demons walk amongst our street without care, lawful Citizens who catch villains in the street are harassed when they advise them of the law!"

"Stand up, let him hear our praises. Give unto Lochwar, and he shall deliver our redemption upon the Enemies!"

"Praise be to Lochwar!" Minuvas rose his hand, with mace in hand. The cheers from the crowd shook the stone building, as the Neophytes neatly dusted the ash from the burned archives.

Returning only with "Praise be to Lochwar!" As they walked out, he smiled as they filled the Church donation box as they left.