Back to Basics Chapter 1: Where are we ?

[BigBadQDaddy]

Professor Huln looks to Dalorna with a somewhat lighter expression of shock and amusement, obviously finding humor in the young mans outwardly crass mannerisms.

"It looks like the young man has taken the noble task of appointing himself leader." He gives a smile before continuing."Foreign religions are somewhat of a hobby of mine. Could be fascinating really."

He then turns to follow Arnuf to the shrine.

[kintire]

Alia follows the group towards the shrine, looking around with interest

[ewancummins]

Dalorna turns to the professor and asks-

''Professor, in your learned opinion, are what one might call 'local gods' actually aspects of the gods of the common pantheon or are they seperate beings entirely?''

[BigBadQDaddy]

"Ah, what a question indeed. Sadly the answer is not entirely simple to answer and would require a modest amount of research. In some cases so called Local Gods could be worshipped by a sect of followers who branched off from larger organized religion do to a myriad of different reasons. In such a case the new sect would most likely recognize the Gods of which they chose to branch apart from but may not perform structured worship nor any real tribute.
"In other cases the Gods worshiped by a local populace may not have anything to do at all with another existing pantheon and would therefore be completely independent of any other belief structure.
"So I suppose that in short, the answer to your question would be that each case is entirely dependent on it's own circumstances and cannot be measured equally.
"The idea of Gods having differing aspects by region is a fascinating one, I must say. Any according to many texts certain Gods have certainly performed cruel tricks that would parallel with such reasoning. One would have to recognize that although there are so many differing cultures with some many differing beliefs yet so many different Gods share striking similarities whether in role or deed. For example most polytheistic religions have a God of Death or a God of Harvest or a God responsible for making the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening.
"I suppose that one may argue that we who populate the world may not know the True names of our Gods and may only be able to recognize certain facets of there true purpose.
I know such an answer must be unsatisfactory for a young and hungry mind such as yours. Take solace in that in matters of the Gods we are all but novices"

[ewancummins]

Dalorna nods.

''Thank you, Professor. That was a helpful explanation. I was taught to rely first on my own wits, but never to ignore the power of the gods to help or harm us. ''


The young redhead continues to talk as she walks-

''We should probably get some advice about making an offering- perhaps to Algor as well as other gods. Maybe Isidar can help us with that? She's a priestess of the Smith, you know- and gifted by her patron with magical powers."

[steveflam]

"Uh, is a smith like a person who makes things at a farge? Uh, forge..... yes forge! So he or she like makes stuff that is metallic in nature.
Like weapons or whatever. I can give one of my daggers if you guys think that is a good offering. Dwarves do that the best, don't they Lorna?"

[ewancummins]

"Uh, is a smith like a person who makes things at a farge? Uh, forge..... yes forge! So he or she like makes stuff that is metallic in nature.
Like weapons or whatever. I can give one of my daggers if you guys think that is a good offering. Dwarves do that the best, don't they Lorna?"

''Well, dwarves I've met claim that their kind are the best at such work.''

Dalorna chuckles a bit.

[steveflam]

"Hey Isidar, what do you think about a dagger as an offering? An Sir Huln what about you?"

[BigBadQDaddy]

"I believe it would be best to ask any of the worshippers what would be appropriate to make an offering of. Too often a poorly judged good intention has caused easily avoidable tensions between people."

[VAN]

Sara was following the group without talking but deides to speak when they started talk about offers to Algor.

"We don't know what we will run into as going to this cave Arnulf, so better keep your dagger and just give some coins as offer. The priests will use them as better as they can."

[BigBadQDaddy]

"An excellent suggestion, Sara. I have yet to run across a clergy who did not accept coin as tribute."

[steveflam]

Sara was following the group without talking but deides to speak when they started talk about offers to Algor.

"We don't know what we will run into as going to this cave Arnulf, so better keep your dagger and just give some coins as offer. The priests will use them as better as they can."

Arnulf looks back at Sara. "We're going to a cave? So they have their shrine in a cave. Well I don't have many coins, but if one or two can help them, I'll offer the coins to the priests there. I wonder if they really need coins.....What do they use them for? Doesn't their god help them? I wonder if... ah never mind. Oh look the shrine is here!"


As they arrive at the shrine, Arnulf walks up to the door and knocks hard three times. If there isn't a door, he clears his throat to announce his and the groups presence. If the door opens he presents himself.

[Lord Skybolt]

As the party comes up to hut . Arnulf's knock at the door goes unanswered . There is no sign of any religious decorations on the hut to point out that there is any kind of shrine inside it . But it is the same Hut that the man lead Dalorna to earlier .

[steveflam]

Arnulf looks back. "So do we go in? Noone answered. Maybe noone is in? But wouldn't that be weird cuz shouldn't there be a priest at a temple place thing all the times even in a small tiny hamlet like this?"

[BigBadQDaddy]

"Not necessarily. It is relative to the practiced methods of worship and could be affected by fewer practicing followers."
Professor Huln looks for an indicator as to whether or not the facility is open to casual visitors or not, such as a sign or if the door is locked.