In the Temple of Oghma (RP Thread)

[Raven Credale]

As day passes into night, Aella can be seen scouring the bookshelves in search of something. Murmuring under her breath the titles of books that graze the pad of her finger, the young monk searches.

What she is sesrching for only a few individuals know. If asked, she may yield the answer.

[Runa Rothgar]

A Priestess of Oghma makes way into the door.  Instead of her usual dismal battle armor, Runa is in her more clerical garb of black, white and gold.  

"I am going to assist a little with organizing, Notten.  Just need a little time away from politics for awhile. The days grow long as your beard with so much talk.. and we are Oghmanytes!"  Runa jests with the elder man before noticing Aella in the distance perusing the books." 

Runa approaches quietly and extends a friendly smile. 

"Aella.. good to see you. Something I can help you with?"



((Sorry I didn't catch his!

[Raven Credale]

((It's alright :]))

The young monk looks over and returns the smile. "Hello Miss Runa. I was actually searching for a book that might hold a list of curses." She pauses for a moment while glancing off to the side.

"I uh...well to put it bluntly I've got this strange mark on my back between my shoulder blades. I don't remember how I got it but I feel like it's been tied to a few moments of unthinking wrath. Thankfully I was traveling alone when they happened. Anyway, I was curious if there was a specific ritual that may dispel the curse. I have gone to see Miss Brodac in Shallybrook but...the mark is still there."

[Runa Rothgar]

The Oghmanyte dips her head as she listens, eyes focusing on the floor.  Pursing her lips after the Monk explains herself Runa asks,

"Unthinking Wrath?  Would you be able to elaborate on this for me?  I know you may be a little embarrassed.  Embarrassing or regretful times
leaves out important details because one fears that another may think differently of them. As you know, I can be quite blunt and crude, yet I sincerely wish to help you on this matter.  I am impartial to your actions and if you wish, you have my confidence."


The Priestess sweeps hands behind her back, fingers wrapping around her opposing wrist as she awaits a reply.

[Raven Credale]

With a soft nod Aella takes a breath before elaborating on what she meant.

"When I mean Unthinking Wrath, I suppose you could think of it like how a Barbarian enters a rage. But without the added help. I guess you could call it a Blood frenzy but I know that spell also adds some added benefits with a small draw back." She purses her lips for a moment. "Actually that just sounds more confusing when I put it like that. So...uh...it's like a Blood frenzy but with more draw backs than benefits....does that make sense?"

((This is what she's trying to get at.))

[Runa Rothgar]

The priestess chuckles and nods. 

"I have Utghardt blood in me..  That Barbarian in me lingers and that rage, although subdued, has a tendency to show itself in battle." 

Runa leans in for a loud whisper. "That rage is saved for the battlefield, but no one has yet to see it, nor do they know about it. In time Oghma may reveal such a weakness of mine."  The priestess relaxes. 

"I understand what you mean.  You believe there is a tattoo or rune that drives this curse of yours, one on your back? It has always been there, or just birthed at an undefined time?"

[Raven Credale]

Aella nods a bit. "I wasn't born with the mark but at some point it appeared on my back. I am missing two years of my Childhood between the ages of six and eight. So I have a theory that somewhere in that missing time frame this mark was put on me...and tested multiple times."

The young monk soon lowered her voice down to a whisper. "I know that I was kidnapped as a kid from Highmoon's market and brought to Cormyr. My kidnappers had symbols similar to The Elder Eye, and that I was held in an arena like place somewhere undergeound. I have asked Sylus to help me with this but from what his grandfather has reported on and what I can remember, we're at a loss for any sort of tangible lead." She rubs the back of her neck a bit. "This probably all sounds like it's hog wash and just the product of an overactive imagination...you wouldn't be the first to tell me that this couldn't be possible."

[Runa Rothgar]

Runa listens intently to Aella's words, grasping her words in that Oghma blessed mind. 

"The Elder Eye.. that is the Slime Lord?  And you were held underground you say?"  

The priestess  narrows her eyes, "I believe my replies may seem redundant because I will be trying to catch up to suggestions that may have already passed your ears." 

Her green eyes flit to Aella a moment, pausing before she explains,

"Highmoon to Cormyr is quite the travel.  I am not fully familiar with The Elder Eye, but I do know the Slime Lord is an underground style cult.  Sometimes the drow worship this deity.  Quite the coincidence since the drow seem to be rising up these days." 

The priestess quirks her lips, pausing a moment once again, 

"I suppose you spent time in this Arena as entertainment?  And you believe that perhaps this cult may have marked you?" 

[Raven Credale]

The young monk nodded a bit. "I wouldn't really call it entertainment. When ever I was made to fight I'd black out in the cell they kept me in then find myself infront of a corpse, covered in blood." She softly spoke, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach as she vaguly recounted the memory. "But yeah...it felt like a life and death situation." She paused a held her head for a moment "I...I feel like this mark was something else aside from being a possible cause to the black outs...like it held some sort of importance to the cult....but anytime I try to remember, my head feels like it'll split open."

[Runa Rothgar]

The Oghmanyte dips her head as she listens while her leafy green eyes peer out into the shadows of the Temple,

" Do you believe you were alone during this time of being kidnapped?  As in the only one with a mark? Obviously, your mark could easily be something of a method bringing in coerced followers, mindless soldiers or even willing converts."

Runa lifts her finger,

  "In addition, to travel so far to kidnap others reveals their resourcefulness. I doubt they would travel so far to hide their crimes of kidnapping, because you know of it and others now know. Lastly, you are alive and not in this underground cult realm no longer, which begs another question to be answered." 

The prestess' eyes narrow curiously to Aella. 

[Raven Credale]

Aella part her lips for a moment then shakes her head. "I wasn't the only with a mark like this. I will admite thst when I was kidnapped from Highmoons market I was with my elder sister who was buying some things cor my mother. I felt compelled for some reason at the time. As for the cult, I have theorized that this mark is capable of compelling others. Be it a mindless soldier or. Willing sacrifice to the Lord of Slime."

She took a moment and had a feeling what the next question. "How did I manage to get away from a cult after being in a setting like that for two years? Well, that's thanks to my first master from the Old Order. Master Lin-Shouhan. She managed to find me and get me out of the place. She tried to save others but it was already risky just getting me out." She answered. "Thus began how I became apart of the Old Order. But that's a whole different tale."

[Runa Rothgar]

"Curses are wide and far in terms of their antidotes.  Goodness, if you haven't heard from Sylus, the Curse remains in Zorastryl keep because it's power is that of dead gods and primordials."  Runa glances to Aella. "Also, a tale for another time.  However, my point being, curses can be very particular in the way they must be handled. If a Remove Curse from a cleric cannot handle the curse, than the bestowing of the curse was not weak or instantaneous. "   


The priestess pauses a moment as she considers her next words, 


"The marking on your back could of been something birthed by a God that could be considered more ancient than Oghma himself. Nothing is impossible, but even if the Deity backed the Curse, the power of the Curse is also something to consider.  How much time it took , who created the ritual and what was used.  Details even, from the candles , markings , ink.. time of day.."

[Raven Credale]

She sighed a bit. "Ah this is true. And without those memories I don't really know the process of how this mark came to be. I do remember reading at one point that the Elder Eye was also known as Ghaunadaur. Still part of the drow pantheon but supposedly unpredictable."

Aella frowns a bit as she let out a sigh with a soft chuckle. "I came in hopes of finding a lead and I'm left with more questions."

[Runa Rothgar]

"Ahh.. Aella.  You did find a good lead.. You found me." 

The priestess smiles assuredly,    "Who better to help you than one who's Lord is full of endless knowledge.  My boast is only because of who I serve." 

"More questions  will always be the path to any end.  Everyone wants the easy answer, yet it never ends that way.  We carry on, and remain diligent in our search.  I am sure your old order ideals of discipline will help you carry the burden of your investigation.  The more questions, the more answers, and the more knowledge you gain with every step."

Runa traces a finger over a spine of a book as she speaks,

"Take this opportunity to learn of your own history, you may end up knowing more than you wanted and have answers to things that you never had questions in the first place."

That index finger raises once again, 

"We know who the Slime Lord is.. we can now venture deeper into how such cults work, their mode of ideals, their methods, and ultimately reasons and avenues of ritual curses. I am grateful for parting this knowledge of you to me.  Allow me to assist in any way I can." 

[Raven Credale]

She nods and gives Runa a friendly smile. "Thank you Runa, I'm glad to have you help me figure this mystery of mine out. Hopefully when things are said and done I can get this mark off my back." Aella smirked a bit as per her usual habit.

The young monk soon paused and looked to the spines of the books level with her eyes. "Perhaps I should meditate and reflect on thing. Maybe I can find a clue." She softly chuckled to herself. "Now all my personal inquisition needs is another guy and a talking animale mascot. I jest of course."

[Runa Rothgar]

"Aella?.."  

The priestess glances over to the Monk,

"When you go through those unmemorable experiences, do you ever feel it coming first?  Is there an indication of the curse arriving?"


Runa then lifts her hand a moment as if not to answer yet,

"Also, has your Sylus ever watched you go through this?  Does he even know about it?"

[Raven Credale]

Aella think. "Not that I can really recall. I mean when it does happen my head feels fuzzy. Like I'm here in my body but I'm not in control of it while everything is black. Also Sylus does know of my mark and thankfully he's not seen me have these black outs...other wise...well...I don't really want to think of what might happen should he or anyone else be around when they do. I've got a desent will to stave off the marks influence most days. Just...the days when thst isn't enough are the days my gut says 'Keep away from other's." She paused for a moment. "Guess I do have a feeling when the mark might be active."

[Runa Rothgar]

"You realize that we will need to see you in this state? " 

The priestess extends a brief sympathetic smile.


"Perhaps when your gut feeling returns, bring your love along and we will find a way to contain you.  We must see what happens to have a better understanding.  Blacking out is not going to be enough knowledge for us to comprehend this hex."

[Raven Credale]

Aella nodded. "I had a feeling you were going to say that. Let's just hope I don't get my gut feeling during a muster for the reserve."

[Runa Rothgar]

Runa nods to Aella and turns to her,

"Talk to Sylus and when you both have time, and are ready.  We can find a suitable spot to do this.  But first, is there a pattern?  Is it random?  And the next question is, what thoughts are occurring before this curse triggers. You may not recall now or remember, but these are details we should focus on." 

The Priestess smiles to Aella, canting her head. 

[Raven Credale]

"I usually get the feeling in combat. Sometimes I just feel so...angry. When I get surrounded by enemies I just want to lash out and take everything down before they get me. And...when I'm in a conversation with someone I dislike, Slate for example. I feel my own hatred just rising on its own. And my mind starts thinking of all the dark twisted ways I could end that persons life." Aella shuttered for a moment.

"Most of them involve being in town...while others are more...extream. I know Ving and Sylus have heard the things I've said and what I wanted to do in that sort of state. Thankfully neither encouraged me to act on the impules."

[Runa Rothgar]

The priestess nods solemnly as she ears the words.

"I understand your fear of lashing out in a way that degrades your own character."

The Uthgardt blood quirks her full lips, sympathetic eyes resting on the monk.

"We should set up a time for you to perhaps unlock this inhospitable part of you. If you wish Ving and  Sylus to assist you in this while present I have no reason to disagree."

That pointer finger lifts once again to speak her last words,

"Find yourself a top that reveals the marking and yet holds your modesty. Oghma understands the need for such mysteries. By observing the marking during this situation, I might be able to conduct a sense of it's divine power. The accursed mark could glow or react as your mind fills unwanted thoughts."

[Raven Credale]

The young monk gently nodded as she listened to the priestess. "Okay. When I have things in order I'll let you know Runa. Hopefully my breakthroughs in training also help rattle some memories free."

[Runa Rothgar]

The priestess gives a silent, yet polite nod with an reassuring smile. 


(( OOC:  However you want to set this up you can, either another open RP thread/ continue here with others is fine :3.  Just lemme know. 

[Raven Credale]

After a tenday has passed, Aella returns to the Temple of Ohgma and leaves a message with Notten for Runa.

((PM sent))

[brinckotron]

*A message for Runa Rothgar*

(Left to Notten, along with a 100 lions tithe).

It has been brought to my attention that you are a scholar of high renown and interests in the discovery of ancient relics, forgotten knowledge and secret halls. I am myself trying to piece together some clues of an ancient Mulhorandi occupation or partnership in the southwest, more precisely the reign of Y'ele Dran. I have searched in libraries across the south and have not found the knowledge that I seek. Perhaps you might be of help. I am but a humble hermit monk and seek to learn as much as I can in my travels, maybe even help in the recording of ancient history. Please feel free to find me near Greatgaunt or Valkur's Roar, or to leave a message to old Notten here so we cab arrange a meeting. I am excited to meet you and discuss many things. My deepest thanks in advance, and may you shine the light of knowledge in these dark times.

Gerhart Holinook.

[Runa Rothgar]

The Oghmanyte takes time to visit the Temple and notices the note.  Runa reads it over and purses her lips in thought.  

"Ancient Mulhorand... hmm.. would that be during the Untheric Era?  I will have to pick his brain more before manifesting assumptions." 


The priestess turns to Sage Notten, "This note here is left for Gerhart. It will just state I will be in contact with him soon."

[Raven Credale]

From time to time Aella stops in at the temple and purchases some books or ink before she either departs or stays and works on writing a book of sorts.

She doesn't stay to long if she does, only a few hours before she leaves. It should also be noted that when ever she visits the temple she prays and tilths Oghma at lest 1000 lions.

[Runa Rothgar]

The Oghmanyte comes through the door in her usual cloth garment.  Her eyes veer over to Sage Notten with a sweet smile as she holds a folded cloth over her arm.  Cutting and trimming utensils rolled up in a leather case. 

"It's that time of the season, Sage Notten. Let's get you prim and proper!"

Regardless of sighs or protests, Runa would gently place Notten on a seat and toss a clean cloth about his neck. 

"That beard will be finely trimmed and your hair looking so sweet that even Siamorphe herself will mistaken you for a noble."  Runa reassures the Sage with a playful smile.

Soon scissors, brushes and combs work their magic as Runa begins to trim the long beard that Sage Notten has grown for so many years.

"Handsome as can be, Mister Notten."  Runa smiles to him as she faces the Sage's prized beard.

The Oghmanyte then works upon Notten's hair, trimming about his ear and even tapering his neck.

"Wooo... I wager if you had any ole girly owls out there looking for company, now would be the time. You are all set."  The priestess smiles and cleans the ole priest up, brushing him off and soon following up with a quick sweep of the floor. 

After the small labor, Runa would then make tea and assist the Sage with any administrative duties to ease him closer to rest those ole bones.

[koffie]

Sister Siphanien enters the temple, looking around a moment, then asks one of the scholars, archivists or loremasters where she might be able to find more information of the healing arts, with a focus on the healing of trauma to the mind.