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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 27, 2018 4:29:06 GMT 1
Septon Abelar kneels before the towering statue of the Father, a black cloak about his shoulders and his white robes pooling on the floor. Before him lies a single flickering candle, as well as a smoldering taper and a small bottle of oil. His head is bowed in prayer, revealing a shaved tonsure peeking out from his black and silvery hair. His wiry body sways back and forth, ever so slightly, his lips moving. The sept's towering stained glass bathes him in reds and greens, blues and yellows, and all the colors in between--as many colors as there are men. When you approach, he rises and the colorful rays fall away. He rises, a man of black and white once more.
OOC: I laid out Abelar's reputation in the Cast of Player Characters thread, but I can explicate on anything else you may have questions about. Abelar has the Famous quality, so a lot of people know of him and I'm happy to add more information. Basic reputation is that he's very zealous, serious, unyielding, and known for his ability to inspire a crowd.
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jun 27, 2018 14:47:05 GMT 1
The sun was high in the sky and the Sept was glowing in all its glory. Olyvar looked up and admired the amount of work and money that were put into its construction. "If you don't mind, I prefer to stay out." Ralf said. "It won't harm you to enter a sept every now and then Ralf." "These places are too quiet for my liking. Do you plan to get stabbed in there?" "Well, I don't think so." "Then I will stay here." "As you wish."
Olyvar entered the Sept and looked up. It seemed more magnificent from the inside, "Do the Gods really need this?" he wondered. He sat down and looked carefully around. He noticed the septon kneeling in front of the statue of the Father, "Would this be Septon Abelar?". He waited. After some time the septon rose up, as he turned Olyvar saw his face. Thin with strong lines and dark eyes that burn through your soul. His look made Olyvar's hair stand up. "It has to be him." Olyvar thought. He draw a deep breath and he stood up. "Here we go." he thought as he started walking towards the septon.
He stopped in front of him, he lowered his head and kneeled, "Your blessing, septon." he said. "If I am not mistaken, you must be Septon Abelar. As you know your fame precedes you." he smiled, " Do you perhaps have few moments to spare?"
OOC: Olyvar's objective is to befriend Septon Abelar. Does this have to be an intrigue?
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 27, 2018 23:31:29 GMT 1
The septon strides to meet the kneeling Olyvar. His voice is a deep baritone, and he speaks in a slow, deliberate manner. "Mother Above, I ask you to find this sinner prostrated before you, that you take mercy upon him and protect him. May the Smith strengthen his arm and the Crone light his way. And when his day comes, Father Above, may you judge his soul worthy, that he might ascend to your golden hall and feast for all eternity." He pauses for a moment or two; just the right amount of time for his words to finish echoing up among the high arches and the impassive sculpted faces of the gods. Once the blessing is finished, Abelar offers Olyvar a hand so that he might stand. "We are all humble sinners in the eyes of the Seven. I am Abelar." His tone is more conversational now, but he still speaks with conviction and poise. As he does so, his eyes sweep over Olyvar, taking in his soft appearance and manner. "Are you here for the tournament?"
OOC: I don't believe it needs to be an intrigue, but Abelar doesn't have a lot of friendships, which might make that goal difficult. Most of his positive relationships center around his religious station or his not-infrequent role as a Blackbriar surrogate. In the first category, the relationships revolve around confession, tutoring, or ceremony, while those in the second category are more transactional, though still subject to his religious zeal. Perhaps the best thing would be to try and win his respect? In the event that you'd like it to be an intrigue, I went ahead and rolled initiative. If it is an intrigue, Abelar's goal (upon learning Olyvar's house affiliation) will be to try and get information about Lord Levalle's possible Blackfyre leanings. Intrigue Initiative (Cloth and Coin): 6d6k4 15 |
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jun 28, 2018 0:40:41 GMT 1
"Amen, septon." said Olyvar humbly. "Thank you for your blessing." he looked up at Abelar, he seemed more friendly now. "Is he a dangerous person?" he wondered, his stomach definitely thought so. "I am here indeed because of the tournament, but as you can probably guess, I don't plan to compete." he smiled. "I am but a mere merchant from the Tear, a servant really. I come to such events and I try to see what people better than me want to sell and buy. Then I try my best to match those desires." He drew a deep breath and hesitated for a moment. "However, septon I am here, in the Sept because I am afraid I need help. I came hoping I could find you." He lowered his eyes again and said softly. "I am afraid my faith is flickering septon. I started doubting..."
OOC: OK, let's chat and see how it goes. If we need we can roll later. I rolled initiative since you did though (and the result is hilarious, but rather fitting).
A couple of things to note about Olyvar: He is dressed in simple yet good quality clothes. Judging by his look, there is no way anyone will think he is there to compete in the tournament. He is not handsome, but very likeable as a person (has the "attractive" benefit).
Edited "I am but a mere merchant, a servant really." to "I am but a mere merchant from the Tear, a servant really."
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 28, 2018 1:46:23 GMT 1
The septon's face remains impassive, but his fingers have become restless, toying with the frayed ends of his woven belt.
"There is no shame in confession, my son. You did the right thing by seeking out help. Tell me, where does your doubt come from?"
OOC: I'm fine with no intrigue here, unless you're planning on telling some really bald-faced lies that should require a roll to succeed at.
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jun 28, 2018 15:10:26 GMT 1
Olyvar's voice remained low.
"Septon, I am trying to be a good man. I am being honest in my deals, I respect my fellow man, I give alms to the poor, yet I cannot stop thinking that the gods do not seems to care about righteousness." "I used to be a happy man back when I was living in Riverrun. My business was doing well and I had a wife I loved deeply. This is but a distant memory now." Olyvar clenched his fist. "First it was the Ironborn, curse them. These bloodthirsty pirates destroyed all I managed to build until then. I was forced to move to the Reach. I started over again, but my lovely wife was there to support me." He pauses for a moment. "We begged the gods for a child and finally she got pregnant. It was just as I started trading again. I was the happiest person in the world. I remember..." His voice breaks, he pauses again. "I remember when my son was born. The agony I felt when I held him in my hands as my wife was bleeding to her death. She died the same night... I was lost..." "I found a wetnurse to take care of him. I do love my son septon, but I cannot hug him... when I do, I see the blood... I was never the father he needed..." His head drops in his hands. "I promised myself that I will never be with another woman. I kept that promise for 5 years, but the flesh is weak. I found myself a mistress. She is lovely and she wanted to marry me... I found many excuses, but the truth is that every time we are together I feel I am betraying my wife... I don't know, I guess a marriage will make this official. Now we have a daughter. A sweet little girl. I love her with all the power of my heart, yet I haven't married her mother... " He continues talking from between his hands. "My son left. He couldn't stand how close I was with his half-sister. I know where he is and that he is well, but I haven't see him for years now." He looks up to Abelar. "I am a failure septon. I lost my son... I do not marry the woman I love... because of my wife and the worst..." There are tears in his eyes.
"The worst is that I cannot remember her face any more... I can remember only the blood and the cries of my infant son..." "Day after day I was telling myself that there is a plan, that everything happens for a reason, that the Gods are merciful... but I just cannot see that anymore." He points at the door.
"I have my guard waiting for me just outside. He does not want to come into a Sept. He lost his father when he was 5. He was a roofer. He just slipped one day. He lost his mother when he was 7. She was a washerwoman. She fell ill one day, died before the fortnight in his arms. His lost his sister when he was 8. A drunken hedge knight took her one night. She was found 4 days later decomposing on a field of poppies. She was 6 years old." "No matter what happened to me, there are people much worse off septon.The injustice, the pain, the death. It is too much... I see it everyday. How can the Gods not see this?"
OOC: OK. He hasn't told any lies yet. Also he does not have a clear objective yet. He knows that Abelar is more important than what he thought and for now he wants to be on his good side and while doing that he decided to have a sincere confession.
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jun 29, 2018 4:47:50 GMT 1
Abelar's nostrils flare when Olyvar confesses that he thinks the gods may not care about righteousness, but he listens and holds his tongue for the nonce. This is a broken man. Best tread carefully.When Olyvar finishes, the septon steps forward and lays a hand on the sobbing man's back. For that moment, he is tender. "You have suffered mightily, Olyvar. Men have been driven to madness and murder by the loss of a wife. And yet, for all the weakness of your flesh and the rift with your son, you are here." Abelar steps back and sweeps his hands upward, toward the towering sculptures of the Seven. "Here is the beginning of your path back to the light!"Abelar begins to pace the sept, gesticulating with his hands as he speaks. "Every life is forged in the fire of temptation and weakness. Beaten down by blows of tragedy. Quenched in the suffocating depths of regret. The Seven cannot intercede to save us from this anguish." The septon's eyes get a faraway look as he pauses for a moment. "They could not stop Balerion from burning the Sept of Remembrance. No more than they could stop the rapers in the alleys of King's Landing, or the sellsword that despoiled his knight's vows to kill your guard's sister." He rushes back to Olyvar, now animated with zeal. "But they gave us something stronger--faith. Faith gives us the strength to shrug off the blows of fate and the temptations of hell. Strength to endure and survive. The singers speak of faithful hero-knights of old, of lords and kings, but it is so much more than that! It lies in the hearts of the humblest beggars and the simplest peasants. And in the end, those who follow the path of the righteous shall have their reward. Life is full of tortures, but the eternal thereafter is sweet indeed!" He paces away again, too excited to stand still. His eyes are alive with dark fire. "And those evil men that you speak of--all that wickedness that they wreak on the world--they will pay the price in the seven hells.""But there can be no righteousness without repentance!" Abelar spins back to face Olyvar, his robes swirling. His voice is booming now. "Repent for the lust of your flesh!""Repent for your wrath against your son!""In your penitence, you will find the peace you yearn for. Do not touch your mistress until she confesses to a septa and prostrates herself before the Maiden in apology. Only then may you marry her. Go to your son with a sack of silver stags, the last full measure you can afford. Offer him your forgiveness and his birthright. Now look up." He tilts the merchants chin upwards with one hand and pointing up to the statue of the Mother with the other. His voice softens. "You will know you have succeeded when you see your wife's face there. For the Mother represents all mothers, even those who have passed on from this life to the next. Know that there is no dishonor in taking another wife. So it is written--if a man's wife perishes, he may take another." Closing his eyes, Abelar finishes his improvised sermon. "When you see blood, chastise yourself. Bite your lip, singe yourself with a candle, or some such. I promise you will get through this. I can see the goodness in you, and if I can see it, so can the Father. He sees all. Every injustice, every pain, every death. His scales are sure, his justice swift."
His eyes snap back open. The septon is sweating slightly, but despite having spent himself on Abelar's confession, his wild energy seems to have only increased. He storms towards the outer door of the sept. "Now, you did well to identify another who is separated from the flock. No more." He flings open the door of the sept with all his might. Spotting Ralf, he seizes him bodily and begins to haul him inside. "You, get in here or perish in flame!"
OOC: Okay, he came on a little strong here. Let me know if I'm overdoing it. As for Ralf, the intent here is to use a simple intrigue--I have an effective Status of 6 for this, which I assume is double Ralf's. The goal of the simple intrigue is just to make Ralf come inside and not immediately leave. Cloth and Coin Persuasion (Intimidate) to get Ralf inside: 6d6k4+4 17 5 Influence/DOS |
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jul 3, 2018 4:41:50 GMT 1
Olyvar finishes talking, looks at Abelar and wipes the tears from his eyes. Even though he expects that will be scolded by the septon, the septon's zeal is so intense that he is stunned. The septon makes him feel completely helpless. He is relieved when finally the septon finishes. As he takes a moment to collect his thoughts, the septon walks away. "Where is this maniac going?" He wonders, then it hits him. "Oh no, I was stupid.""Septon! Please don't leave me."He manages to say, but Abelar ignores him and walks out of the Sept. Ralf is standing in front of the Sept idly looking at the people passing by. The door of the Sept opens. He looks. Just a septon. He looks back at the street. Moments later something pulls his left arm forcefully. Ralf yells "OI!", instinctively jerks his arm free and turns towards the threat. His now-free left arm is raised as a block between him and the attacker, his feet are now wider apart, hia legs are lightly bent, his body is turning towards the threat, his eyes have located the head and his right arm is cocked to throw a punch. Just before he throws flails his arm towards the head, he realizes that his "attacker" is the septon. He fights his instinct and he stops. He is visibly confused. The septon says something about death and fire, his voice was surprisingly loud but Ralf couldn't understand what was it. He mumbles. "Septon... What happened?"He is a bit taller than the septon but his shoulders are twice as wide. He could probably knock him out with one punch, but this would cost him his head. He looks around. Everyone is watching the scene. The septon looks angry. He wants something from him. "What have I done to him? Do I know him?"He looks around again. He sees Olyvar in the sept. He is walking towards them in haste but he seems equally confused and he has an apologetic look on his face.
OOC: Ralf is defeated. He could last one more round by taking some frustration but there is no point, he has no chance. So he will do whatever the septon wants (within reason), but his disposition will lower after this encounter.
Olyvar is angry with the septon for "attacking" Ralf, but he is not going to show this. He dislikes zealous people so his starting disposition was dislike (say -3) and now it dropped to unfriendly (-5). His goal is slightly changed. He wants to be on good terms with the septon but now he wants also to point out to the septon that he is prideful (and make him doubt himself). I would say that this is an intrigue, but it seems that somehow he has 2 goals, so I am not sure how to proceed.
EDIT: I think I'll go with the goal of making the septon reflect on his actions. He will try to avoid annoying the septon but I leave this to you. If you think at any point that the septon is insulted change the disposition accordingly. |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 3, 2018 20:09:43 GMT 1
Ignoring the much bigger man's cocked fist, Abelar drags Ralf halfway across the sept's gilded doorway. He is much stronger, but does not resist. Something inside of him cries out to be saved! Praise the Seven!
Addressing the bewildered Ralf, Abelar exclaims. "My son, your exile ends now! I cannot bring back those you have lost, but I can speak of the splendor they enjoy for eternity . . . and of the HELLFIRE that will consume the souls of those who wronged them. Lo, see the golden glass up there, a mere shadow of the Seven's glory, and the red glass there, waiting for the sinners." He points with one hand to the glass-work as he speaks. Lowering his voice, he continues. "Returning to the faith is as heavy a lift as any, my son, but there is strength still in those arms. Find your faith and you shall find yourself, your peace."With that, he releases Ralf and, without looking back, walks back toward Olyvar. "I understand you perhaps did not expect me to involve your hired man just then. I apologize for ministering to him so unexpectedly, though I cannot do the same with regard to the force of the Seven's will." The Septon straightens his unkempt robes, though his eyes remain hungry and wild. "Olyvar, your humble confession has dwarfed those of many a lord or lady. You would not believe the ducks and dodges they try to offer up. You honor yourself with your humility, so often lacking even among anointed knights." His praise is genuine, though it is clear that the septon has shared private moments with lords great and small.
OOC: Ralf is defeated. He could last one more round by taking some frustration but there is no point, he has no chance. So he will do whatever the septon wants (within reason), but his disposition will lower after this encounter.
Olyvar is angry with the septon for "attacking" Ralf, but he is not going to show this. He dislikes zealous people so his starting disposition was dislike (say -3) and now it dropped to unfriendly (-5). His goal is slightly changed. He wants to be on good terms with the septon but now he wants also to point out to the septon that he is prideful (and make him doubt himself). I would say that this is an intrigue, but it seems that somehow he has 2 goals, so I am not sure how to proceed.
EDIT: I think I'll go with the goal of making the septon reflect on his actions. He will try to avoid annoying the septon but I leave this to you. If you think at any point that the septon is insulted change the disposition accordingly. Got it. Feel free to have Ralf escape if he wants. Abelar just wanted to get him in a sept and yell at him for a bit. My opener: Goal: Get Olyvar to truthfully swear before the Seven that he will repent as Abelar has directed (the part about paying "all you can afford" is not meant to have an adverse in-game effect; interpret as you will) and also commit to bringing Ralf to a sept every seventh day. Free action: [D1 Olyvar] Free action Awareness (Empathy): 6d6k4+2 22 (1B per DOS v. passive Deception (Act)) Shield of Reputation: [D1 Olyvar] Shield of Reputation: 6d6k3+2 17 (improves Olyvar's disposition by one full step if successful v Status (Reputation)) Intrigue Defense: 14 Composure: 12/12 Disposition: Indifferent (rating 1, for the confession) |
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jul 4, 2018 4:25:31 GMT 1
Olyvar hesitates for a moment, the septon's apology surprises him. He considers carefully his options and finally he says, "I am impressed septon. I could never make him come into a sept. I hope today is going to be a valuable lesson for Ralf."He looks carefully at the septon. "What is that he wants?"
You can do more with Ralf if you want, he will stay and do as he is told there until released. So feel free to write what he is doing. Olyvar tries to read Abelar. Abelar's apology raises Olyvar's disposition to -4. Passive status: 8, how does shield of reputation work here? What should Olyvar's disposition be after that. Passive Deception (Act): 18, so this gives you 1 DoS. Intrigue defence: 9 + 1 from accommodation Composure: 12/12 Olyvar has the benefit attractive (so this may change Abelar's disposition) and the benefit charismatic (+1 to test, I assume this does not change the passive results, right?) Free action: [D1 Abelar] free action Deception (Act): 6d6k4+1 16+1 to intrigue defence per DoS Vs passive Awa(emp) (Since I really need the extra defence, can I use the attractive benefit to reroll 2 dice? Do I get to know the result of my roll before I decide?) Read Target: [D1 Abelar] Read Target Awareness (Empathy): 5d6k4+1 20Is the effect as described in the book? Edit: Olyvar's disposition towards Abelar is now indifferent (-1). [D1 Abelar] free action Deception (Act) reroll: 2d6 (6,6)This changes the test result to 21 and gives 1 DoS. Intrigue defence: 9+1+1=11 |
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Post by Father on Jul 4, 2018 10:32:49 GMT 1
(+1 to test does indeed not add to passive results
You can use attractive benefit there, unless the TN is stated you ordinarily won't know it when you roll, so decision must be made beforehand)
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 5, 2018 2:51:56 GMT 1
"All glory to the Seven," Abelar intones, declining to accept responsibility for Ralf's entrance. He has not agreed to repent yet . . . what is this merchant playing at?Staring into the merchant's eyes, the septon tries to pierce his facade; peel back the merchant's mortal mask and lay bare his soul. "I hope he was not the only one."
[D1 Olyvar] Read Target (bonus die): 7d6k4+2 19 (Success, result is +1D to all of Abelar's Persuasion and Deception tests for the intrigue; Olyvar loses the 1 point of Intrigue Defense that he gained from his free action. Abelar used his floating bonus die from his free action here) Intrigue Defense: 14 Composure: 12/12 Disposition: Friendly (rating +1 above normal, for the confession; Friendly due to Olyvar's Attractive benefit)
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Post by Olyvar Rowman on Jul 5, 2018 5:28:36 GMT 1
Olyvar looks at Ralf. He has kneeled as if he was to pray, but he seems completely out of his depth. The merchant clutched his teeth. "I will pay for this." He turned to the septon.
"I pray each day that he will see the light." He pauses for one moment as he considered his next phrase. "Septon if I may say,I have heard people saying that you have fire in your eyes. I certainly can see why. Not many men can boast that made Ralf kneel. Looking at you is as if I am seeing the Father himself."
He pauses once more. "Just and moraly strong! There is wisdom to be found in justice. However, I cannot but remember the Mother. It was Her that managed to stop the warrior. It was Her that forgave Her misled children. There is wisdom to be found in compassion too. Saint Gerold the Pious said that one honest prayer is more worthy than a thousand forced ones. How can we decide when it is better to force someone instead of showing him gently the way? How can we achieve the balance of following the Father, but yet not forget the Mother's teachings? How can we make sure that we are not driven to hate by our flawed sense of justice? How do you find your balance Septon?"
I just made up a couple of things about the faith of seven. I hope it is ok. So, Olyvar is trying to influence Abelar, but I am not sure what is exactly the test I should roll. Is it Persuasion (Convince) or Persuation (Act)? (If I understand correctly Deception is not used for influence, right?) Note that Olyvar is very cynical about religion, but he pretends he is devout because it is convenient. Once I know what is the test I will add the roll. |
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Post by Septon Abelar on Jul 6, 2018 0:41:49 GMT 1
The Septon's eyes narrow a bit at Olyvar's bit of opening flattery. This one likes me not, yet he compares me to a god. He remains quiet and allows the merchant to finish his questions regarding compassion, wisdom, and balance. "My son, the balance is found between right and wrong, heaven and hell, black and white. To live in that balance is to be mortal, but we can only do so if we REPENT when we fall to temptation. There is no true tension between the Seven's teachings--they are all aspects of the same Godhead, so no contradiction may lie. There can be compassion and wisdom in even the harshest of sermons, for it is in service of the soul that we punish and castigate the sinner." The septon mimics snapping a lash, his black cloak and white robes roiling beneath his arm. "Repentance is pain is punishment is mercy is justice!"
"Now do you understand? There can be no wisdom without reflecting on our own sin; no compassion without beholding our own frailty. Repent!"
(I just noticed that I should have kept more dice on the Shield of Reputation test, due to the Famous benefit. Doesn't matter, since it succeeded, but I don't want people to be confused.) [D1 Olyvar] Zealot drawback roll: 6d6k4 16 (success)[D1 Olyvar] Influence Persuasion (Convince): 7d6k5+2 23 [+3 due to Friendly disposition, which I forgot] = 26 (4 DOS v. ID 10; 4 Influence/DOS = 16 Influence -4 DR = 12 total Composure dealt) Intrigue Defense: 14 Composure: 6/12 Disposition: Friendly (+1 rating above normal) |
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