Gathering of the Faithful

Vincens also nods in greetings to Servius, but defers the conversation to the more social of those present. His hands unconsciously run lightly over the strings as if following some unheard melody with a touch so light as to not give it voice.

Unfortunately, I have no proof, and indeed some evidence that this fortress may offer support for our own position within the Orthodoxy. We seek to save the souls of all mankind by proper worship of a unified pantheon, after all. The First Imperium, before its decadence, worshiped the gods properly, and any opportunity we have to study it must be taken.”

Servius looks gravely around the room at each of you.

“I’m sorry I could not help overhearing. I was trying to take a nap upstairs, but sounds travels too well here.” A very large cloven-hoofed Dark-Kin clomps down the stairs. He nods at Decios and Haakon as a zealous light fills his eyes.

“I’m glad you are finally concerned with the pursuit of a unified pantheon, the Inquisition is a corrupt and foul tool that will turn on us. The vision of the Church that they seek to protect is a mockery of the true faith, they would view us all as Heretics when in reality they are the heretics. I’m tired of being sent to do their dirty work when it doesn’t help us in our true mission.”

“We must find this information so that the Church can truly be rebuilt. The travesty that has become the Mother Church and this new pathetic Milandesian Orthodoxy must come to an end, we must rejoin with the Dark Trimvurient and show people the power of the True Pantheon. Once we do that we can move on all of the enemies of mankind such as the Elorii and Ssethric Empire. All Elorii should have been killed with their weak and pathetic gods, they are the knife in the back of humanity waiting to strike, their time can not come soon enough.”

Marcos’s eyes flit to Alessia’s as he raises a questioning brow before he turns his fervor filled gaze back on Servius.

“Also Servius what do you mean by our own position in the Orthodoxy? Are we not unified in our belief, do we all not strive to return us to true Pantheistic worship and the celebrate the glory of the the Pantheon? Or is there some division within the Orthodoxy that we are not privy to?”

Decios stands, excited, his large frame tense.

“Marcos, excellent to see you! I approve of your convictions. The elorii plan for all our deaths, we should never forget that.

“I too am willing to venture to this place and look for real truths. Reality to me is that all the gods have their place in the pantheon and should be honored by us mortals.

“What specifically would you have us do, Servius? What do you advise if we find evidence opposed to our beliefs?”

Decios listens to Vincens closely.

“You are a well versed man. Interesting theory that has merit. I agree that we should be cautious before we or others start to dig too deeply or ignore signs of what may best be left buried.”

Vincens looks at Haakon and nods. “I agree, it’s worth the risk. Still the more you know about what you’re likely to encounter the higher the chance of success. With Cadic’s guile, Larissa’s luck and Hurrian’s strength we should do well. Let us hope we are not asking for Beltine’s blessing in an untimely meeting for Nier’s judgement.”

Looking back at Servius, “Do you have any more information about this site, or possibly the sorts of threats we may come across? Also, since our two orders have worked in the past before, is there any chance of bringing the Followers of the Azure Way in to aid our efforts? While their motives are not identical to those of our Order, they also have a vested interest in maintaining the sanctity of the First Imperium.”

Servius frowns.

“‘Our’ position is the reconstitution of a fully realized Pantheonistic worship. Marcos is very correct in his blunt way: There are schisms everywhere. Even the Mother Church as it stands is in a state of complete schism, with each god having their own rites, their own priests, their own temples. The Matriarch has not taken up the mantle of Felician by any means; she truly is chosen of Illiir, including his inflexibility and pride. So ‘our’ position is that of Felician: Reunite the disparate churches. Reunify worship of all the gods, together.

Decios, I don’t believe this fortress will challenge our beliefs in that regard. Rather, I believe it will reaffirm them, and there are many out there who will oppose that. The clergy squabble for more power, and the tighter Elandre grips it, the swifter it will run from her grasp. The gods mean for us to be better than that, as we were in days gone by.

Vincens, you have a keen insight. It may be that you are right. I don’t know. For those of you going on this expedition, finding the reason behind the name of this place will be one of your missions.

Your second mission is to gain as much insight into the workings of Pantheonistic worship in the First Imperium that you can. Any information at all is useful.

If you would like to touch base with the Followers of the Azure Way, it might not be a bad idea. We don’t want to antagonize the Emerald Society though, so keep it subtle.

I don’t know what threats might be in this place. Presumably, everything living has long since died. You may need to defend yourself against unsettled spirits, and the First Imperium builders were always clever with traps.

There is one other strange thing though: A Larissan prophecy, uttered to Aulus years ago. He never could make heads nor tails of it, but… it might make some sense in the Vault.”

Servius pauses to compose himself, closing his eyes before intoning:
“A shattered eye watches itself/and waits with endless patience/for a chance to be released.
A thousand facets shimmer/a darkness clouds the soul/and the false will show the way to the true.”

Waiting for a sufficient break in the conversation, Vincens offers his thoughts, his voice quiet but intense. “I would not be surprised if the eye was a large gem broken into pieces. The line ‘a darkness clouds the soul’ makes me wonder if this is or was something like a dwarven soul shard,” he shakes his head dismissing the wild speculation, “likely not, but that’s what it reminds me of.”

“What assistance and cooperation can we expect from the Emerald Society? Am I correct in believing that we’d trade artifacts that are not of a religious nature for information and artifacts that are? As much as I might not like it, I would expect that trading a 1st Imperium Legion Banner to a representative of the Azure Way would be worth it for texts and artifacts relating to ancient worship would be the goal, correct?”

He looks at Servius, “Is there any way for us to identify a member of the Azure Way or Emerald Society?” He moves his attention to take in all those present, “What about representatives of the Sanctorum? Would we work with them? I’ve heard stories of Harvesters infiltrating past gatherings and putting knowledge and items in the hands of the Sorcerer-King. How much of a concern is this for us?”

“I can provide a safe place to stay and meet in the First City if needed,” realizing he may have overstepped his place he falls silent in deference to the others.