Getting Back Together

[Thomas Fulmer]

OOC: For the sake of speed as I've made everyone wait long enough, I'm
bringing the group back together. If anyone from the fast group
decided to run off towards town or something, let me know and just
assume you aren't part of this discussion

IC:
The fast group works its way back up the hill to the slow group.
Ragnar looks like he took a wound but most of the group looks fine.
When they get back to the slow group though, things look different.

Ekie is leaning against a tree and looks like she ran a marathon in
the last half hour. Violet is on the ground, barely breathing and with
a lot of party members looking after her in an amateur-ish medical
fashion that seems to say, 'we don't know how to fix it, but it needs
fixing.'

--GM / Thomas
--
"Do not imagine that, if something is hard for you to achieve, it is
therefore impossible for any man: but rather consider anything that is
humanly possible and appropriate to lie within your own reach too." --
Marcus Aurelius

[David Bofinger]

OOC: As I recall that magic-enabling bracelet of Wodin's didn't help a non-mage use an Aid ring. But if I'm wrong about that then Vesser will ask for them so she can transfuse 8 fST into Ekie. Otherwise she'll join the slow team in looking worried and ineffectual.

"Maybe after she's been physicked we should get her into shelter somewhere? Is there a farmhouse or the like nearby, anyone know? Did any of you scouts notice a trail?"

--

David for Vesser

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[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim puts down his equipment, holds his seiding staff with both hands and then slowly dances around Violet.

First he chants in a language long forgotten by mere mortals, then he finally calls out, "All Father, All Father, All Father, you who quenched your thirst at the Well of Wisdom, you who fill our dreams with meaning, you Spearwielder who defends our borders, give us aid so that we can fight again in your honor."

"Keep the fouling spirits away so that our wounds can close and our hearts grow strong again. Show these brave strangers the true strength of the wodinfolk, make us all strong enough to follow you into battle yet again, and cleanse the night of jottuns and other filth!"

(OOC: Grim is a priest, but still one IQ point away from the Heal spell. But we are on a holy quest from Wotan himself, so asking can never hurt. :-) 

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius asks: "How long to get a healer here from the city? Or does anyone have a healing kit? Or we need to move her to where she can get assistance. Who can carry her gently?"

Ooc: best senario is getting a healer while we question the giants.

Good Fortune,
Richard/Sirius

[Neal Setchell]

Figol steps over to Kevlon and describes in brief "Violet has done battle with our dragon-riding 'friend' and is in need of healing. Ekie has performed her healing; please come chexk on her-is there anything you can do too?"

Figol

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/8/14, David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:
> OOC: As I recall that magic-enabling bracelet of Wodin's didn't help a
> non-mage use an Aid ring. But if I'm wrong about that then Vesser will ask
> for them so she can transfuse 8 fST into Ekie. Otherwise she'll join the
> slow team in looking worried and ineffectual.
>

OOC: One could probably transfer strength successfully with the
bracelet, but energy transferred by aid spell (and the rings) only
last for two turns to allow the person to cast. Since you'd have to
transfer the energy, rip the ring off, hand it to the caster so they
could cast and them put it on, you effectively can't use the rings to
aid a caster. You could transfer the strength but since it would go
away almost immediately it wouldn't do much good.

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 Ivy:  The  elf  searches the Giants as they wait to move, then remains , with his bow ready, as the Groups get back together."...Since we are altogether, Might  we head towards the town, and  aid them , by attacking from behind? Our  wounded can hang back, since we need to return to the town anyway...and we got a prisoner to turn over as well?"

---

From: "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, November 8, 2014 10:18:42 AM
Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim calms down after his call for a divine intervention. He then mumbles to himself, "Hmm, the gift of wisdom to help oneself, could it be that simple? And there was that prophesy of saving someone too." He smiles a toothy grin and quickly nods to the sky.

"Can I try one of the Aid rings? And Ekie can you hold on to the relic bracelet that lets you pierce the veil of the Wodinland mist and be ready to heal."

Grim will then undo the straps of his leather armor with quick well practiced moves and try to give Eckie the strength needed for more healing (10 fST with the help of the Aid ring). He shouldn't have a need for the bracelet himself so no need to switch back and forth.

While he drops his armor, he says, "Oh and the nearest shelter is that away, about four stenkast. But the closest healer lives over yonder but that is another sevenish langkast."

(OOC: Grim knows these parts very well, especially any wise women that are good healers or even wizards. How long a "stenkast" or "langkast" is, is up to GM ofcourse. :-)

   

[Kelley Wheeler]

Ekie would look over at the others to see who was hurt. She rested there against the tree and would speak. "I want to get Violet's breathing a little better then what it is before we move her."

She would take hold of the bracelet after hearing Grim. She will repeat the amount used if needed to heal Violet.

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

--

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "We could try practising the handover. If we had three people - one casting Aid, one casting healing, one pulling the bracelet off one person's hand and putting it on the other's - and we practised and practised until we had the handover running fast and smooth - then we might get fast enough we could do it all before the Aid expired. What do the mages think?"

OOC: More important, what does the GM think? :-) Two turns is a while, it seems to me it might be possible. Or not.

--

David for Vesser

[David Bofinger]

> the closest healer lives over yonder

OOC: I may have forgotten who's where. Do we have our own healer present?

---

David

--

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/8/14, Nils Lindeberg <018.5...@telia.com> wrote:
>
> "Keep the fouling spirits away so that our wounds can close and our hearts
> grow strong again. Show these brave strangers the true strength of the
> wodinfolk, make us all strong enough to follow you into battle yet again,
> and cleanse the night of jottuns and other filth!"
>

As with many priestly arts, it is unclear if anything has happened as a result.

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/8/14, Sirius Mason <sirius...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Ooc: best senario is getting a healer while we question the giants.
>

The giants are likely not waking up from the dismembering that took
place, at least not without some sort of help putting their pieces
back together. Hogni, Ragnar, Grim, and Runa all assure you that Frost
giants don't answer questions, they just go back to fighting.

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/8/14, Neal Setchell <heys...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Figol steps over to Kevlon and describes in brief "Violet has done battle
> with our dragon-riding 'friend' and is in need of healing. Ekie has
> performed her healing; please come chexk on her-is there anything you can
> do too?"
>

Kevlon runs over to Violet and uses his physicker talent to do some
diagnosing. ((Not sure if Greg is actually here at the moment, so I'll
speak for Kevlon for this post))

"She's alive, but still badly hurt. The Magic seems to have restored
her more vital organs to allow her to be alive, but she's still very
much in danger of death." Kevlon uses his talents to stop blood loss
and deal with the most critical wounds. He steps back, "Anything more
requires magic or time. And it's possible she doesn't have a lot of
time."

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/8/14, Nils Lindeberg <018.5...@telia.com> wrote:
>

> While he drops his armor, he says, "Oh and the nearest shelter is that
> away, about four stenkast. But the closest healer lives over yonder but
> that is another sevenish langkast."
>

Hogni looks to the shelter that Grim is indicating, "They'd have
evacuated the slave cottages when the alarm was sounded and brought
all the slaves into town for protection."

When the healer is indicating Hogni gets a grip on his Thor's hammer
pendant he wears around his neck, "You can't be serious? You'd take
them to the Angel of Death? She won't even let men go near her home,
you think outsiders would be allowed in?"

"I'd be allowed in" Runa says from where she's taken a position near
Violet, trying to be helpful.

"Aye" Hogni says with a glance, "But you can't carry Violet, assuming
the witch would let her in to begin with."

"Maybe everyone could wait outside while I go in to ask permission?
It's better than trying to carry her while we fight through a line of
frost giants to get back to the village, and the healers in town
aren't as powerful anyway." She points east, "And the next village is
a three hours at sail."

Hogni and Runa glance at Ragnar as if expecting him to chime into the
conversation at some point.

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/8/14, 'Kelley Wheeler' via Mithras

<mithras...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
> Ekie would look over at the others to see who was hurt. She rested there
> against the tree and would speak. "I want to get Violet's breathing a little
> better then what it is before we move her."
>
> She would take hold of the bracelet after hearing Grim. She will repeat the
> amount used if needed to heal Violet.
>

Grim tries out the ring, but the foreign magic item doesn't seem to be
working. Hogni contributes, "Most of the captured magic items we have
from the sheeplands only works once we get away from our lands. The
ones with useful magic on them like unbreakable weapons and reverse
missile and such that help get us into single combat are taken with us
on raids sometimes, but we don't bother using them when fighting Frost
Giants or other Wodinfolk."

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/9/14, David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> OOC: More important, what does the GM think? :-) Two turns is a while, it
> seems to me it might be possible. Or not.
>

I may let this happen as a 3 person/3 dex roll type challenge with a
little bit of practice.

[Greg Thorne]

Kevlon will tend to Ragnar’s wounds. He will then take a look at Ekie and see if there is anything he can do for her.

-Kevlon / Greg

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar waves Kevlon off:  "You just been sayin' Violet's very life hangs in the balance.  Mine doesn't.  And with her the mission stands or falls.  We get help for Violet now.  You can tend me when we've delivered her."  

Ragnar will not accept physickering at this time.  

Ragnar / Eric

[Nils Lindeberg]

"Hrmph, this ring is next to usless", Grim tosses it back to the giver.

"You probably need the bracelet as well to make it work."

"I am strong enough to carry Violet, and the Angle of Death might speak to me, we have had some dealings before."

"As soon as Kevlon is done with Violet he picks her up, come on Runa you lead the way. Eld, get back in the fire box again, darkness will make it easier to go unnoticed." It seems that he will have some trouble carry her very far in his arms like that, but he seems sure of himself.

(OOC: When Grim gets tired he will call on the strength of the wolf and under cover of darkness he should be able to get Violet through the woods, he knows them well. Hopefully Runa won't panic and give them away.)  

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/9/14, Greg Thorne <Greg....@sas.com> wrote:
> Kevlon will tend to Ragnar’s wounds. He will then take a look at Ekie and
> see if there is anything he can do for her.
>

For Ekie, Kevlon would prescribe about 10 hours of sleep.

For Ragnar, he needs some work done on his wound, but it's not
remotely life threatening. He is declining service at the moment
though.

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

ooc:  I'm assuming here that Hogni is noticeably stronger than Ragnar.  If the difference in ST is minimal, then Ragnar himself will carry Violet.

IC:

Ragnar grimaces at the dilemma:

"Alright, we'll take her to the Angel of Death.  For now, Hogni, you carry Violet until we get closer.  But lift an' carry her as gently as if she were Runa herself.  See to it."  

"Vesser, if you're still seein' in the dark, tell Hogni where the smoothest path is.  Don't want any tree roots or burrows jarrin' the handwaver."  

"Darc, if you start hearin' Joetnar, Nidhoggspawn or any other monsters comin' our way, let us know.  I may ask you to take Violet further to safety while Hogni and I stand an' fight.  Then again we may be so close to the Angel's by then that, as a male, it won't be you carrying her."

"Runa, I know the border the Angel has laid against us men - we'll not cross that - but what of our womenfolk?  The Allfather spoke to both Vesser and Thariania a few hours ago.  If you think Vesser, Thariania and Violet can pass a bit further in as women, then maybe we can figure out a way that you, Vesser and Thariania can carry her somewhat closer - maybe on a stretcher?"

Ragnar / Eric

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/9/14, Ragnar Ivarsson <ragnariv...@gmail.com> wrote:
> ooc: I'm assuming here that Hogni is noticeably stronger than Ragnar. If
> the difference in ST is minimal, then Ragnar himself will carry Violet.
>

Ragnar is a very strong character for his age. One sizing them up
would assume they are about equal strength (say within a point of
strength or so). Hogni looks more the part of the hardened veteran and
has a bit more subtlety to his weapon work.

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/9/14, Ragnar Ivarsson <ragnariv...@gmail.com> wrote:
>

> "Alright, we'll take her to the Angel of Death. For now, Hogni, you carry
> Violet until we get closer. But lift an' carry her as gently as if she
> were Runa herself. See to it."
>

Hogni doesn't find it strange to be doing the heavy lifting and
quickly picks up Violet, holding her body out in front of him and
rolled slightly against his chest.

>
> "Vesser, if you're still seein' in the dark, tell Hogni where the smoothest
> path is. Don't want any tree roots or burrows jarrin' the handwaver."
>

Vesser has about 20 minutes of Dark vision remaining.

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Hearing Grim's proposal that he carry Violet, Ragnar grunts an acknowledgment but says:

"Save your strength for the second leg.   Hogni will carry Violet until we get to the Angel's border - once there, then, yeah, maybe - maybe - you are the best way to bring Violet in.  But just to be clear - when you've had these dealings with the Angel - you had them at her home?  She let you approach?  Because if not, Runa has that kind of access."

Ragnar / Eric

[Nils Lindeberg]

"If all of us are going the carrying will be easy. I'll take over if you tire Hogni. When it comes to the Angel one can never be sure of anything", says Grim while he pulls on his armor again.

(OOC: Background wise Grim might know her very well or hardly at all. Rivals of sorts with a professional curtesy towards each other would be my best guess. Living alone out in the woods might have made us allies or sorts too. And according to Ragnar Grim is hardly a man at all. ;-) ) 

[Nils Lindeberg]

After a while Grim raises his hand to stop the rest. He nods at a runestone and says, "Her domain begins here."

"I usually have no problems visiting her, I have been tested and was not found lacking. But then again, I usually do no bring strangers or come after nightfall. But I will be fine, I think. I wouldn't recommend others to follow me, unless they have visited her home before. Her wards, wyrds and seidings are strong and might sap your strength, strength better spent against the jotnar and nidhugspawns. If you want to wait I will be right back after I have given her to the Angel's care."

Grim will carry Violet if none of the stronger men have been here before and wants to do it. He will then proceed with his usual caution making the secret signs placating the spirits, saying a prayer to Old One Eye and then he focuses on the path ahead as he crosses into her misty domain.

/Grim "Garm"

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

> Vesser follows Ekie. "Ragnar, I've gone to guard Ekie, because the Angel doesn't like men. You watch Violet."

Ragnar looks oddly at Vesser: "Whaddaya mean?  I can't watch Violet from out here anyway.  Garm is carrying Violet in because VIolet's the one who is close to death,not Ekie."

Ragnar / Eric

[David Bofinger]

OOC: I missed a message,  sorry.

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  IVY:  Listening to  all the plans being made and the women gathering themselves to go in. "..should  we  scout the area, or  just stand  guard at this point?"

---

From: "David Bofinger" <bofinge...@gmail.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, November 9, 2014 5:16:24 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius does not allow Violet to leave his presence without first removing her magical things.  He uses the bracelet to know what to take off.

--

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim walks back and forth between the cottage door and the rest of the group outside closer to the rune stone, trying to keep an eye on everyone. He seems impatient and looks worried when there are tracks of jotnar so close by. He mutters to himself, "Should we hunt them down, or wait for word on Violet?" He then starts to pick up some stuff from his bag, some sort of drum and a smaller bag of bones. He starts to chant and throws the divination bones, they land on the different symbols on the drum. He silently contemplate their meaning for a spell. Then he starts to pace back and forth again. 

As soon as he gets word he joins the others waiting outside. "It seems like Violet will make it, but she is still in bad shape. The heal seiding won't take properly. Time and rest will have to do the rest. Maybe we should go and see what we can do for the village? Or maybe see if we can track down those resposible for this? Or will you be staying here guarding Violet the rest of the night?"

Grim "Garm"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

Ivy  still watches the tracks  as if they were not there, he says"..Viplet is our charge, we were to protect her, the best we mat...Ragnar here..Myself  when...if..we get to the lands of my people...I do not know if it would be right to leave her?"

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2014 8:30:18 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

Grim walks back and forth between the cottage door and the rest of the group outside closer to the rune stone, trying to keep an eye on everyone. He seems impatient and looks worried when there are tracks of jotnar so close by. He mutters to himself, "Should we hunt them down, or wait for word on Violet?" He then starts to pick up some stuff from his bag, some sort of drum and a smaller bag of bones. He starts to chant and throws the divination bones, they land on the different symbols on the drum. He silently contemplate their meaning for a spell. Then he starts to pace back and forth again. 

As soon as he gets word he joins the others waiting outside. "It seems like Violet will make it, but she is still in bad shape. The heal seiding won't take properly. Time and rest will have to do the rest. Maybe we should go and see what we can do for the village? Or maybe see if we can track down those resposible for this? Or will you be staying here guarding Violet the rest of the night?"

Grim "Garm"

--

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "Before we decide, it might be helpful if someone from the rear group could tell the front group what happened. This dragon-rider you fought, he got away? What chance is there he might come back and take a second shot at Violet?"

"Our fight was pretty straight-forward. Three giants, three big corpses, I think only Ragnar got hurt. And Ragnar always gets hurt."

To the angel of death: "How confident of your defences are you, if he does come back?"

"This attack seems to be something unusual. It would be good to take some giants alive and let Ekie or Violet sieve their minds for information."

---

David for Vesser

--

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/15/14, Nils Lindeberg <018.5...@telia.com> wrote:
>
> As soon as he gets word he joins the others waiting outside. "It seems like
>
> Violet will make it, but she is still in bad shape. The heal seiding won't
> take properly. Time and rest will have to do the rest. Maybe we should go
> and see what we can do for the village? Or maybe see if we can track down
> those resposible for this? Or will you be staying here guarding Violet the
> rest of the night?"
>

In the distance, it sounds like the battle with the frost giants is
calming down. There are sounds of seeming victory coming from the
village. Some celebratory cheers, some instruments playing, etc. Those
with sensitive ears can hear it easily enough.

[Thomas Fulmer]

On 11/15/14, David Bofinger <bofinge...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> To the angel of death: "How confident of your defences are you, if he does
> come back?"
>

To Vesser and the others inside, and relayed to the rest of the group
at some point. The older woman says thoughtfully, "The defenses of
this place have held for many generations. But no defense is perfect.
The real question you should ask yourself is, if this man you fear
struck down this powerful mage and can overcome the defenses of my
home, what do you plan to do to stop him if you stay?"

[Ragnar Ivarsson]

Ragnar grunts, "Ivy's right. Violet's our first duty. I ... we ran after those Joetnar - and then the cowardly Nidhoggridin' bastard attacked Violet while we were away - and with - with Southern magic?  Here?  In Wodinland?"  

"Anyway, Garm, do whatever you want - but we know exactly who did this to Violet - like Figol said, we've met him before, west of Menii in Mithras - he's the lord of the Nidhoggkissers - that's the same crew of cowardly handwavers behind looney Caela here an' the apeps.  The bastard's as big as Papa, rides a giant red Nidhoggling that guards 'im like a wolfhound, he can raise the dead an' he tosses enemies around like ragdolls with just handwavin'.  His tricksy minions in black also have these nasty pain sticks - none of 'em fight fair.  An' it galls me to say it, but there's nothing much we can do against him at the moment.  In fact, that's a big piece of why Violet and my friends are here in Wodinland."  

Ragnar / Eric

[Thariania]

Thariania speaks up, "It's pretty simple. You guys left, he walked up, we were hiding but he seemed to know we were around. Maybe detecting life or something. In any event, he calls out Violet, Violet takes the bracelet, they exchange words for a minute, then they square off for a duel. They both were seemingly doing protective spells, then the big guy starts preparing some attack."

"He starts preparing his attack, then Violet freaks out and just launches probably the first spell she got in her head. But his spell basically seemed to wipe her magic out. So her lightning bolt just sort of got absorbed or something. So then he blasts her with his funny magic blast and she falls over seemingly dead. Then he made some smart ass comments while Ekie was healing Violet and left."

Thariania shrugs, "I don't think he's coming back, at least not for a while. He saw Ekie healing Violet and didn't seem to care. He even said something like to give his regards to Violet if she recovers."

"I think like with us before, he's mostly trying to send some message. Probably to be afraid of him. Now he's just sending it to more important people. Otherwise he could have just blasted Ekie and they'd both be dead as there was no other way to heal at the time since Kevlon was gone."

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim answers, "So if he wanted Violet dead he could have killed her on the spot, but did not. If he wanted to capture her he would have done that after killing Ekie before Ekie got to the bracelet or even after if he is that powerfull. So why would he come back and kill her now when she is protected? What is your purpose up here? What is he trying to scare you away from doing? And is the message for you or for others? Violet was part of some mage council down south right? Either way I think she will be safe here as long as we don't stir up a hornets nest close to the Nidhoggkisser."

/Grim "Garm"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

Ivy looks a Grim as he speaks, there is some thoughts going on as he slowly answers, as the idea forms,"..We..Our group, are trying to to gather  as many forces together to face this threat as we can Muster. It is, on no level...easy. It would take a special type of Dwarf, to allie  with My people, and My people's deep hate for them is not a small thing."

" slavers, and such are  not good for any country or race,..the list goes on and on...this 'man'..is using that..By beating  up on Violet, without killing her, stops  us from going forward. We need her skills, as much as we need her Voice... The dragonriders and the Apep followers are either one-in-the-same , or they Dragonriders  are using the  gullible  Apep folks to help spread terror."

 

  Then he crouches down  to look in the direction of the giants' footprints once more,"..they tried to get some of us to join them, and....at very least...quit our  quest. So, they at least fear us...or fear that we might...accidently topple their apple cart...They are powerful, of that,. there is no doubt. But they have their Limits, elsewise, we would all be dead...it must gall them, that our group has killed so many of their pets..."

 

 His head turns to look at Grim,"..that is just my musings...."

 

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 11:44:16 AM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim speaks in a growling and angry voice, "Well I don't think they fear you, they fear what you can accomplish. And they probably think that by killing you, they will make it easier for the next group to continue your quest to unify the opposition against them. There is a fine line between creating martyrs that enflame the hearts and mind of people and binds them together and making an effective example out of someone to scare off any other attempts. So my guess is they go for the alternatives, delaying, hindering, corrupting, back-talking, misleading and maybe scapegoating and down playing the threat they represent of course. Nidhögg has been chewing on the roots of Yggdrasil for a long time and just like Fenris the Wolf he is a sly bastard that hopes people will forget what he really is. Sly creatures of the shadows, borth of them, not to be trusted and definitely not to be given a helping hand. You wont get it back..." Grim ends with wolfish grin that could be interpreted as a laugh.

Grim says, "So what are you up here in the north for, recruiting warriors, making allies, searching for artifacts, vengence or knowledge gathering?"  

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  Ivy nods  as he listens to Grim. He has  heard some of the tales about the Wolf, though he is  not familiar with the Nidhogg. When Grim asks his question , Ivy  shrugs,"..we ..well...most of us, Were  recruited, because of  certain Skills, and  as I look back, perhaps because of links to certain areas of the realms. We stumbled  Upon the Apep lair, almost passed it  up, except a few of us would not be deterred, we Killed  an Apep, and found the Cult had a ...temple ..of  sorts there. It solved  the question, of what happened to a few Missing  young  ones, in that area...As we traveled, we ran afoul , with a dragon...we killed on near Annadin's home...since that time  we have been Hunted, By her people,"..he points to the captive,"..and the Dragonriders. Though I do not  pretend to know the real reason we were sent forth, I believe  we are supposed to try and Gather, if not Uninte...the peoples of the realms to face the threat of the dragon Riders, and their lackeys who worship the Apeps..."

 

 then he smiles  slightly as he looks into the trees where the Giants had  come from,"...of course, vengeance does offer some enjoyment  along the way."

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 9:09:44 AM

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim sniffs the air when Ivy looks at the giant's tracks and says, "It might be that the Cult is working in many different parts of the world simultaneously. You traveling from one land to the next might help the good people of this world to put two and two together. Something they wouldn't have done on their own. Your mission might be more important than I thought. Old One Eye told me that my mission would become apparent and maybe it has. It might be time to travel and see the rest of this world, finally. But for that decision I need to ask the bones, and we don't have time for that now. We can ask Father of Wisdom some other questions too. Maybe at dawn, that is always a good time for seiding."

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "The more I hear of this guy the more it seems that he's frightened of nothing except prophecy. We've been a nuisance, and he'd probably like to kill us, but he doesn't dare to because he's been told we're important."

"Something I forgot about the giants - they started the fight by hurling boulders at us. So if we see them again you might want to keep an eye out for that."

--

David for Vesser

[David Bofinger]

> why would he come back and kill her now when she is protected?

Vesser: "Indeed, why would he do any of what he's done? Not much of it makes sense to me."

"He seems to enjoy showing off by using his power. If so, a strong defence may make us *more* likely to be attacked."

"I'm guessing he attacked Violet out of curiosity, maybe he'd never fought an apprentice magus before. But that's just a guess. Perhaps Violet will tell us when she feels better."

To the Angel of Death: "Have you told Ragnar's father our situation?"

----

David

[Brenda Fredrick]

Darc was pensively silent, chewing on a claw. He was concerned about Violet of course. He was also worried about his clan. Did they know? "He asked me if I was ready to join him and said he liked spirit in his slave warriors." His lip curled in a snarl. "I am concerned about my clan. They likely do not know about this, since we keep mostly to ourselves." Darc/Brenda Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

From:"David Bofinger" <bofinge...@gmail.com> Date:Tue, Nov 18, 2014 at 10:26 AM Subject:Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Neal Setchell]

"This cult is more prevalent than we expect. It is up to us to document and report as much as we can, to the Council and to others who ciuld be our allies. It is good that Violet survives, her words will carry much with the Council, if these people are to be stopped."

Figol

[dpo...@comcast.net]

Ivy:  The elf  Nods," perhaps  yo are right, It may not be...US...getting the people together...but it might  be for us, for the people to see...that they NEED to work together..."  then he chuckles a bit,"..Cannot  say , I can see my people  working with the Dwarves...but who knows?"

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 9:38:01 AM

[Sirius Mason]

Sirius has been very silent for a long time.  He finally says something.

"We need to find a champion, or assemble a force to rival what we have seen.  It is possible that even our rival desires this.  In ancient lore, I have read of men who reached great heights in magical skill, and talent at arms.  In these stories, having ascended to the very peak of the mountain, they would look around and see nothing to rival them in the world of men.  Naturally, they would then turn to legend and myth for rivals.  They would start by shouting at the wind and sky.  But predictably, they would receive no reply.  Angered by the ambivalence of the gods, he would next seek out the places and things that the people believed to be sacred, and despoil these shrines.  Still the villain would be ignored.  Next he would seek out hidden knowledge, looking for a secret that would open a gateway to the world where he could find someone to equal his might.  Presumably, this is where he would learn that all heroes and gods alike have a weakness in prophesy.  Immortality can only be found through eternal worship.  So finally, armed with this last insight, he would attack the innocent people of the land seeking to wipe out the worshipers of a known deity of his choice.  And this is what would succeed in stirring the wrath of the gods."

"Of course, scholars will tell you that the wrath of the gods is an interpretation of events.  In almost every case, someone actually defeats the villain.  The stories always attribute the victory to their deity.  Or, the villain disappears, usually in a storm, and this is interpreted again as a victory for the great deities."

"But today, standing here in the snow, after having seen what I've seen -- I'm at a loss.  Maybe there was more truth to those stories than the sages admit."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[dpo...@comcast.net]

IVY:  " We all have seen a lot of odd things , since we stepped forward on this  course. Mermaids..of  sorts...fighting and Killing little demons...Dragons  slain...by us...
  he shrugs,"..It seems  that  nothing that is unreal///is ...unreal..."

---

From: "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 10:04:52 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Thariania]

Thariania sighs, "The dumb elf has a point. If he'd vaporized Violet, we'd have moved on by now. We'd either be going home and carried out our own efforts or we'd be moving up here to try and finish hers. By leaving her nearly dead and with something that makes magic healing less effective on her, he keeps us here, not moving. Waiting who knows how long for her to recover."

[Thariania]

Thariania says dismissively, "I prefer the night. Easier to hear in the silence."

[Thariania]

Thariania looks to Vesser, "He perhaps has the advantage of knowing what part he plays in the prophecies. We still don't know who any of the players are. We're at a distinct disadvantage at present if knowledge of the future is the measure of success."

[Thariania]

Thariania smirks, "You most certainly proved you are unable to work with dwarves."

[Kelley Wheeler]

Ekie looked to Darc, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps you can send a message to your chief about this. Warn them of what this bastard is planning."

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

'Brenda Fredrick' via Mithras <mithras...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Darc was pensively silent, chewing on a claw. He was concerned about Violet of course. He was also worried about his clan. Did they know? "He asked me if I was ready to join him and said he liked spirit in his slave warriors." His lip curled in a snarl. "I am concerned about my clan. They likely do not know about this, since we keep mostly to ourselves." Darc/Brenda Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

From:"David Bofinger" <bofinge...@gmail.com> Date:Tue, Nov 18, 2014 at 10:26 AM Subject:Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

> why would he come back and kill her now when she is protected?

Vesser: "Indeed, why would he do any of what he's done? Not much of it makes sense to me." "He seems to enjoy showing off by using his power. If so, a strong defence may make us *more* likely to be attacked." "I'm guessing he attacked Violet out of curiosity, maybe he'd never fought an apprentice magus before. But that's just a guess. Perhaps Violet will tell us when she feels better." To the Angel of Death: "Have you told Ragnar's father our situation?" ---- David

[Kelley Wheeler]

Ekie glanced to Sirius as he at last spoke. There was a troubled look that came to her eyes before she nodded.

"That is an interesting take of this situation. I think you may be right. Violet wasn't strong enough to defeat him and it amused him. We have to find someone that is strong enough to take him on single handedly. Perhaps the Angel of Death can help with that question."

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

Sirius Mason <sirius...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sirius has been very silent for a long time.  He finally says something.

"We need to find a champion, or assemble a force to rival what we have seen.  It is possible that even our rival desires this.  In ancient lore, I have read of men who reached great heights in magical skill, and talent at arms.  In these stories, having ascended to the very peak of the mountain, they would look around and see nothing to rival them in the world of men.  Naturally, they would then turn to legend and myth for rivals.  They would start by shouting at the wind and sky.  But predictably, they would receive no reply.  Angered by the ambivalence of the gods, he would next seek out the places and things that the people believed to be sacred, and despoil these shrines.  Still the villain would be ignored.  Next he would seek out hidden knowledge, looking for a secret that would open a gateway to the world where he could find someone to equal his might.  Presumably, this is where he would learn that all heroes and gods alike have a weakness in prophesy.  Immortality can only be found through eternal worship.  So finally, armed with this last insight, he would attack the innocent people of the land seeking to wipe out the worshipers of a known deity of his choice.  And this is what would succeed in stirring the wrath of the gods."

"Of course, scholars will tell you that the wrath of the gods is an interpretation of events.  In almost every case, someone actually defeats the villain.  The stories always attribute the victory to their deity.  Or, the villain disappears, usually in a storm, and this is interpreted again as a victory for the great deities."

"But today, standing here in the snow, after having seen what I've seen -- I'm at a loss.  Maybe there was more truth to those stories than the sages admit."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim picks up on Thariania's line of thought, "That is a very likely situation. I tend to forget that prophesy and divination is not only a guide for the forces of good in this world. But how can we exploit this? He obviously doesn't want to kill Violet, but doesn't mind hurting her. Maybe he is has forseen a battle with her at the end of times and as long as he thinks he will win that fight, he doesn't want to change things too much." 

"Or maybe Violet is destined to make a serious mistake or inadvertantly help him in some way. I think a week of fasting, purging of both mind and body, and some serious divinations can shed some light on this, especially if we work out the questions together and maybe even share our strength with the bracelet in some way, " Grim adds as an after thought while he fidgets with his scrying bag that rattles rather omniously.

[dpo...@comcast.net]

IVY shrugs at the thoughts,"...most elves  trust in their weaposn, spells  or will power. if there is such a thing as a Prophesy?..we should all just go to the Longhouse and drink wine, until its all over, because we cannot  change anything? I think not...Maybe...maybe  we could use that against them? We  could have someone act out a summoning of sorts...quote a  'new" prophesy , that says the Dragon riders  will Lose, as Long as One APEP worshipper still lives? MAybe that will set them against each other, and we can make a move..."  he looks around and Nods,"...we must be frank here? People will believe in anything, if you make enough smoke and fire  as you say it..."

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2014 12:18:48 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Thariania]

Thariania rolls her eyes the way she tends to do for Ivy, "Or maybe we and Violet are totally irrelevant to the whole thing and he just enjoys torturing us. Or maybe Violet was supposed to simply be near death for some prophecy to some to be that he is trying to force from a fork. Or perhaps he's trying to lead us into a trap. Or perhaps the sky is going to fall tomorrow and he just said the hell with it, might as well fight someone powerful. As I've tried explaining to the others, guessing at prophecy won't get you anywhere but lost. It's like in the story of the three little piggies."

"So if you want to purge yourself and starve feel free. I'll probably go about things my own way though."

[Thariania]

Thariania turns from Grim and rolls her eyes at Ivy, "There are prophecies and there are forked prophecies. A prophesy is something that is going to happen. A forked prophecy is something where several things might happen. What we've been given are forked prophecies, they go more than one way. So you can go sit in the longhouse and drink all you want, but be sure to take the blame when the bad forks come about."

Thariania taps her foot a few times and mumbles, "You said you'd be nicer...Try to be nicer...try to be nicer..." 

Looking back to Ivy she says with a forced calm in her voice, "Let me explain. Let's say I get a prophecy that says, 'tomorrow Ivy will trip over a rock.' That is something that is going to happen, and no matter how much you try to avoid rocks and walking, somehow it will come to be."

"Second example, a prophecy says, 'tomorrow, Ivy will trip on a rock or he will get stabbed in the back with a sword.' in this case, the prophecy is forked. That means one of two or sometimes more things will happen. It might mean you trip on a rock, hurt yourself and decide to go to the doctor. By doing so you miss a fight you would have been killed in. Or it might mean you trip on a rock and while you are falling a sword misses you. Or it might mean you take the wrong path, miss the rock and get stabbed in the back. Or maybe you want to get stabbed in the back and avoid a rock that would have kept you from battle. You have no way to know, so the best you can do is to do what's good and right and hope for the better path."

"Of course, the risk is that things can easily be misinterpreted. So maybe the prophecy says, 'Tomorrow a boat will sink' and because of that you don't go out on a boat. But a boat sinks anyway, and since you didn't go out on your boat, no one is there to save all the people in the sinking boat and they die."

"THAT is the danger of deciding your actions based on prophecy. You never know what it means until it happens. But normally if the spirits tell you something, whether it is forked or not, they are telling you for a reason. Why would they tell you something that you can neither change nor assist with. What good would it do to tell you that tomorrow the world will be over and everyone will die? Unless there is something to be done to help, influence or change, it makes no sense to tell you the prophecy to begin with."

She says with a sort of annoyed teacher voice, "Is that more clear for you?"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

Ivy smiles, it  grows into a grin the further  she talks, near the  end, he cannot keep from laughing," You have, Just said, What I have said, but it took you longer."  He points  in the direction of Annadin's homeland,"..that Large Dragon we killed. supposedly , we were meant to kill it. So? had  we went  100 miles in the wrong direction...would that dragon have flown over to attack us, only to die? Or would it have been at ease, since we were not there and continued to eat people and Burn Homes?"

" everything you have  just said, points to everything  I have been saying, Prophecies , only  come true, after the  fact..then people  point and say', Oh. look, it was foretold!' " Once more he shrugs,"..the Mission we were selected  for is our cause, if some one wants to point and say'it was foretold'..so be it. If  you think about the  Mutterings   of some long past sage? You will go Crazy....oh..wait..." he  chuckles  once more.

 

---

From: "Thariania" <thar...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras-TFTRPG" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2014 1:45:26 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Thariania]

Thariania throws her arms out, "No, that is not remotely what I said. It's nearly the complete opposite of what I said. But obviously you either don't want to listen or are incapable of understanding even the most simplified terms. So I suppose I shouldn't bother."

"This is what I get for trying to be nice to people." Thariania says looking annoyed, "I should have gone with Wodin. He'd understand."

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim looks at Ivy, "The power of a prophesy lies not in the hands of the tool, but in the hands of the tool maker. It is in the telling that events are really changed and most prophesies are never told, since the seer is happy with the predicted outcome. But if you are an expendable tool, forewarned is fore armed and personally I would rather be alive to see the outcome than ignorant and dead. Take the prophesy that brought me to you all earlier today. Had I decided to sit on my arse drinking instead, I am pretty darn sure you wouldn't have shown up on my doorstep and then carried me to the clearing just to meet the rest of you. Guesses and predictions about the future can be bad and incomplete, but we stake our lives on them every day, just to get by. When a wise neighbour share their wisdom you better listen, and when a god decides to share a piece of their mind, you would be a real fool not to listen. Hidden agendas, sure, unclear pictures, absoulutely, but any glimps of future danger to you and your own should be taken seriously, just like a howling in the woods will make you pile on more wood on the fire."

"Saying that you can't change anything and therefore you won't try is the coward and lazy persons excuse, you seem to be neither, so why do you need an excuse to not do the right thing, when it is obvious that you will try to do the right thing like the rest of us? Wounded pride in case we fail, humility in case we succeed, maybe you find it entertaining to rail up Thariania, a general contrary behaviour and a need for independence or perhaps a deep rooted lack of common sense? Bah, it doesn't matter, if the spade doesn't want to dig, in the right hands it will dig none the less." Grim shruggs his shoulders and seems to think about what to do next.

/Grim "Garm"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

The  elf  chuckles  a bit  more,"...just once? I want  a prophesy told, BEFORE we act, and sit in come to be as fortold....By the 9 hells? I  can predict things  if I wait until they are over as well..." looking around   to make certain there are no Giants   about as he speaks,"..what is important?...and Unanswerable, by those who speak of it thus far?  Is this...These random glimpse..these...these....foretellings? Can they be changed? That, is the whole heart of the matter...Not pointing at something after  it happens  and say...'see!'....it comes down to, if  the  path can be turned, and the danger be stopped?"

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Friday, November 21, 2014 1:58:21 AM

[John Garden]

Annadin coughs.

Annadin / John

---

Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 22:04:59 +0000
From: dpo...@comcast.net
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[Thariania]

Thariania stares blankly at Ivy, "Considering I answered all your questions in my speech a moment ago, I'm going to take that to mean the reason you don't understand is because you don't listen. That's not a problem I can help. I can simplify it to the point a 2 year old would understand, but your lack of listening means you'll never learn.

[Nils Lindeberg]

Grim continues in a practiced lecturing tone, "Of course things can be changed, but not everything all the time. It is usually the things that are very hard to change, things that are almost set in stone and bound to happen, that are the easiest to foretell. But sometimes you don't have to stop the storm itself to save your ship, you just have to find shelter before it hits and weather it. No matter, I will throw the bones and listen to Wodin's Whispers when daybreak comes and we will have some answers then. The trick is to come up with the right questions and there I would value advice from all of you."

/Grim "Garm"

(OOC: He can get a good answer to about one yes and no question per four hours (on average - less if people help him regain fST). So the questions better be good, well formulated and important ones or he will waste a lot of time. Sacrifices doesn't hurt either, hehe.) 

[dpo...@comcast.net]

With a Tilt of his head, as he thinks on Grim's  words, he  then nods,"...I look forward to to his words then, at least it will come from a recognized god."

---

From: "Nils Lindeberg" <018.5...@telia.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2014 1:03:59 PM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

Grim continues in a practiced lecturing tone, "Of course things can be changed, but not everything all the time. It is usually the things that are very hard to change, things that are almost set in stone and bound to happen, that are the easiest to foretell. But sometimes you don't have to stop the storm itself to save your ship, you just have to find shelter before it hits and weather it. No matter, I will throw the bones and listen to Wodin's Whispers when daybreak comes and we will have some answers then. The trick is to come up with the right questions and there I would value advice from all of you."

/Grim "Garm"

(OOC: He can get a good answer to about one yes and no question per four hours (on average - less if people help him regain fST). So the questions better be good, well formulated and important ones or he will waste a lot of time. Sacrifices doesn't hurt either, hehe.) 

--

[Sirius Mason]

"None of this matters. All that matters is how you react to events when they occur.  If you predict a bad event, and do nothing to alter your course, then you deserve what you get.  For example, if you know you are building a house near a river that floods its banks, then you deserve to watch your house float downstream.  But maybe you did not know that the river would flood.  Either way, how you react when you see your house floating away is more important than anything else.  The wise may seldom be surprised by life, but the enlightened see opportunity in everything."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[Thariania]

Thariania's eyes go wide, "A RECOGNIZED GOD?!?" She just stares open mouthed at Ivy for a minute.

"You recognize Wodin but not the spirits? You are an elf, your gods ARE the spirits. I've never heard of an apostate elf before, and I've been around a long time. I should probably write a book about this for posterity."

On Sat, Nov 22, 2014 at 6:46 PM, <dpo...@comcast.net> wrote:

[Thariania]

Thariania points at Sirius, "Exactly, wise old man Sirius gets it. Just because an event is unavoidable doesn't mean you don't benefit by knowing about it in advance."

[dpo...@comcast.net]

" My people follow the gods who command the spirits...to me? The spirits are just handmaidens  for our  gods. to worship them, would be  likie worshipping  a Maid in the king's  castle. It is far bad, that you continue with your 'signs"...do not  presume to tell me of my people..."

---

From: "Thariania" <thar...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras-TFTRPG" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 4:40:01 AM

[Thariania]

Thariania didn't know her gaping mouth could get any wider. Finally she recovers from the stun of the statement, "Apparently someone has to presume to tell you about your own people. Are you totally ignorant of your own people or just their religion?"

She turns to Annadin and Ekie, "One of you tell him about his own culture. He won't listen to me. Despite the fact I've pretended to be an elf far longer than he has."

[John Garden]

ooc:  From the Mithras Wiki.  This isn't Thariania presuming to tell Ivy what Elves think.  This is the GM's world.  Ivy can certainly be different, but the GM has already established that Elves as a people focus on spirits and the balance of nature, not gods.

Nature Worship

The elves brought with them a system of nature worship that emphasizes the balance and harmony of nature. While there are no particular gods in this system, it is nonetheless a complex maze of spirits and balances that the elves see as their duty to maintain. Drakyrs, hobbits, centaurs, and goblins sometimes follow this religion, but it is almost unheard of for other races.

From:

http://www.theempireofmithras.com/w/index.php/Religion_of_the_Elves#Nature_Worship

Annadin / John

---

Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 09:48:58 +0000
From: dpo...@comcast.net
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  OOC: Ahh..well..Ivy follows the Goddesses  of Luck, Good and Ill , Most of his people  have leaned towards the gods, since the spirits  seemed to have abandoned his people at their time of need.

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 11:58:36 AM
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Kelley Wheeler]

Even Ekie was shocked hearing Ivy. She gave him a hard look "Say that you were meaning something else Ivy..."

Ekie/Kelley

Sent from my Cricket smart phone

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "My beliefs aren't those of most other humans, why should Ivy's be those of most other elves?"

"Though I admit a Wodin-worshipping elf would be a story to tell, on a boring night becalmed. Say on, Ivy."

--
David for Vesser

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 With a Grin to Vesser, Ivy has an Easy Grin,"..Nay, Good Vesser, I do not follow Wodin, but will recognize his spot in the  way of things. I have  found that the Sisters of Luck, seem to grant me more aid...Either  Ill luck towards my foes, or Good  luck to my comrades and Myself. Those  most elves , seem to, pay homage to the spirits, I found they seem less worried  about their followers. "

 

 He holds Up a finger and adds,"...and this, may be, what we face in our foes...The Apep followers also follow a Minor...'god'..for want of a better word. We have yet to know who the Dragonriders  worship. I am thinking, If we fins  the god, or gods the Riders worship?..that will give us an area to attack them, whether  we destroy temples and shrines to cut down on their power, Or , perhaps  show, their god is not as mighty as they seem to think?. The leader of the Riders is full of confidence. Either in himself, or what ever power backs him. If we can take away the power, or cause it to loose favor in him?...he will weaken."

 

  He shrugs,"..For all we know? That is how this might have started. Some power Hunger fool attacking other  lands, weakening other gods, so his God  can gain standing in the realms of the Deities. Shgould we do the same to his God, and he cannot stop it, or...even if others  follow in our ways?>..he would be busy trying to put out all those fires..." he shakes his ehad aat his own thoughts,"..That is  but the Musings of  a Scout and a Hunter. It may simply be The Leader of the riders  is pure Evil, and does what he does, because it pleases him."

---

From: "David Bofinger" <bofinge...@gmail.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 1:21:08 AM

[Sirius Mason]

"Do not mistake a lack of concern for those people and things you value for 'evil'.  If a person adopts a philosophy of strength through independence, or pack culture, that person's actions may seem evil to another 'nesting' culture who raises their children in a protective setting.  Ragnar here is an excellent example.  The more you know about his culture, the easier it is to see a coherent philosophy in his choices."

"But, to address your larger strategy suggestion... we are outmatched by these dragon riders.  The 'power' or 'deity' supporting them would blot us out of existence with a wink -- if such a power or deity exists."

"I return to my earlier statement.  We must seek out those who could intervene on the behalf of the status-quo.  This might be an individual, or it might be a coalition.  If Violet survives, I think we will have someone who can accurately appraise the strength of our adversary.  Our next step, in my opinion, is to return to the library."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

On Mon, Nov 24, 2014 at 9:56 AM, <dpo...@comcast.net> wrote:

 

 

Ivy:  "... It may simply be The Leader of the riders  is pure Evil, and does what he does, because it pleases him."

[dpo...@comcast.net]

Ivy Listens to Sirius  and  nods  with a thoughtful shrug"...aye, that could be. But, for most folks, sacrifice of  a living  person to some creature-god, does not come off as ...'good'."  He  adds,"...let us think of the gods or beings  these Riders worship..thinking of them as a water wheel that powers their Minions. But..if the  prayers and donations are destroyed, cut off from this...'water wheel'..then the power  will begin to fade, and with each use of their remaining power, they become weaker. You should  Think, that Vilot's people  would have an idea already....sicne they sent her forth with us?"

---

From: "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 10:51:38 AM

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[Sirius Mason]

"I'm inclined to believe that what you call the 'water wheel' works in reverse of how you described.  Imagine a god.  The god has no need for worshipers.  It would likely ignore you as you might a stray cat who minds its own business.  But, if the stray comes begging, adoring you, bringing you gifts -- or what it believes to be gifts -- you might give it some attention, right?  I think it likely that the gods feel the same about us.  Superstitious actions performed by those who worship are a part of a reflective dialogue between the worshiper and themselves.  Any interaction with the gods is likely random and misunderstood by the worshiping masses."

"Regardless, you can't interfere or prevent a godly force from interacting with us.  I sense that you believe that there is some item, or nexus that allows the riders to concentrate and use their godly power.  I also sense that you think we can somehow isolate that item from its source."

"If this were true, then we are dealing with artifact parameters, of which I am well versed.  However, you may have noticed that the items we have encountered being wielded by our foes are of a caliber much higher than our own skills to interpret.  As such, if we were to identify an item at the nexus of the rider's power, the best we could hope to do is separate them from it.  Destroying the item, or removing its power -- or the source thereof -- is beyond us."

Good Fortune,

Richard / Sirius

[dpo...@comcast.net]

   " Aye, that is close to my meaning. I cannot say of what power the Gods have, or....how they keep or receive their power. But it always seems, the Mighter gods have the  most followers. " then the  Looks down for a moment  , then back to Sirius,"..or...do they have the most followers, because they are the Most powerful?"

  " as to the items that they carry, objects that  they use? The Old Ones used to say...'if it can be made, it can be unmade'...Perhaps  something as simple as Ragnarr whacking it with a Very large Hammer. Or..something as dark as a summoning, and Giving it to Demons to spirit away? I do not know. I do know this. No plan, no person is  unstoppable, unless people fail to try and stop them."

 

 

---

From: "Sirius Mason" <sirius...@gmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 3:54:22 PM

[Thariania]

Thariania looks to Vesser, "I don't care if Ivy conforms to the norm or not. What I care about is his insinuation that I'm wrong about elves and shouldn't be allowed to talk about 'his people' when he is the one who doesn't seem to know his own people's religion. He can worship himself for all I care, and quite frankly that seems to be what he does do. But he better start learning some basic facts before he tries to call me or as being wrong"

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  Ivy Grins, " You will notice , that per person talking about worshipping  one's self, is the one who has to tell us, constantly, how important  she..i mean..it..is...She knows she is wrong, perhaps she was even sent her to help cause our downfall? I stand  by my Words..MY PEOPLE..perhaps other Elevs are still clinging to the spirits, but until I talk with one that aids us?..I shall stick to  real gods."

 

---

From: "Thariania" <thar...@gmail.com>
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 9:34:09 PM

[John Garden]

Annadin has been doing his best to ignore the interchange between Ivy and Thariania, listening to the surrounding woodland instead.  But at this last pronouncement by Ivy, Annadin hisses and writes on his slate to Ivy via Ekie:

"You cannot have it both ways, Ivy!"

Annadin continues:

"Wodin appeared first to me, then to Vesser & Thariania"

Annadin continues:

"To me he foretold 'talking wolf' & we met Garm in wolf's pelt"

Annadin continues:

"He gave Ves & Thar Mist-cutting bracelet for our mages"

Annadin continues:

"Now you declare Wodin real, yet dismiss his appearances to us?"

Annadin continues:

"Why would Wodin entrust bracelet to Thariania if she's our foe?"

Annadin continues:

"You think a real god doesn't know her intentions?  Ridiculous!"

Annadin continues:

"Only last night Thar bought Calima's freedom, your kin by marriage"

Annadin continues:

"Why can't you do anything else but insinuate her alleged evil intent?"

Annadin throws up his hands in disgust.

Annadin / John

---

Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 02:42:42 +0000
From: dpo...@comcast.net
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[dpo...@comcast.net]

 If Ivy has  any interest in  the words  being written, he does not show it . His eyebrow goes up slightly" Kin by  MArriage?" he is confused  by that." I said he was recognized..." he waves the slate away,"..You all have your beliefs, I have mine. And  I trust very few folks, whom I do not know. It is a simply way to live. The  Wodinfolk know this way as  well as me  and Mine do."

  Then he grins with a chuckle"..besides, what matter is it to you? After all, the Gods has talked to you, you are in its favor, are you not? why worry about anything I say? For the Most part I am ignored anyway...had I not been, this woman would have been dead weeks ago, and we would not have to deal with her up here."

 

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 11:14:17 PM
Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

[John Garden]

Annadin shakes his head and writes to Ivy via Ekie:

"Injustice irks me, whether dealt to you or by you"

Annadin continues:

"Just now you crossed the line toward Thariania"

Annadin continues:

"Yesterday Thar bought Calima so you could free her"

Annadin continues:

"Calima is cousin to Kree's wife, surely both grateful"

Annadin continues:

"But all you think to do is suggest Thariania's an enemy"

Annadin continues:

"She's fought bravely alongside us and freed Calima,"

Annadin continues:

"she deserves better from you than garbage insinuations"

Annadin / John 

---

Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 04:27:17 +0000

[Thariania]

Thariania listens carefully to Sirius's analysis. "Old man Sirius is often wise, this is a good example of reasoned statements."

[Thariania]

Thariania rolls her eyes, "You are amazing, Ivy, every elf here says you are wrong about elves and you take that to somehow mean I'm wrong and just won't admit it. Your people are the elves, and just because you and some inbred cousins worship randomness doesn't mean the elves do. Get over yourself."

[Thariania]

Thariania listens to Annadin's slates being read, "Just now he crossed the line? I thought it happened long ago. Although saying he'd have had me killed is a whole new level of pathetic. Can't win a battle of wits or a debate of facts, so time to resort to violence. His hatred for me is born of racism. He liked me into he found out I wasn't an elf, then he hated me. If he is an example of 'his people' I fear for the future of the elves."

[John Garden]

Annadin smiles wryly at Thariania's remarks and writes on his slate:
 
"No, not for the first time he's crossed. I'm speaking of today."
 
Annadin continues:
 
"But I think 'woman' he'd have killed isn't you, but Caela here"
 
Annadin continues, concluding with a frown as his words are read:
 
"Wanted cut her throat in Cwald. You he calls 'creature', not 'woman'" 
 
Annadin / John
 

---

Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:21:12 -0500

Subject: RE: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

From: thar...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "Is buying a slave out of captivity a good thing to do? Or does it just give the slaver more means and motive to go out and collect more? I'm sure the purchase was well meant, but I'm far from sure it was wise. Or that doing it should make someone immune to whatever criticism it is Ivy was trying to state."

"I didn't see any 'insinuation', and probably no threat - even if he is talking about Thariania then remarking you would at one time have wanted to kill someone is not quite the same thing as saying you intend to kill them now - but I often find Ivy hard to understand so who knows."

"Perhaps we could just try to get along a little better? If Ivy is a religious ignoramus, well, does that really matter? Is it cause to get angry? Why not just let his remarks slide rather than making such a big deal of it? This all seems a waste of energy."

"We have to decide what we do next. Violet won't be healing until we get her home, if then, and probably isn't capable of producing a gate. Maybe the Angel of Death can do something, or maybe a team of Wodinfolk women can provide enough Aid that Violet can cast. Failing that there's always the sea. I guess the main question is whether there is anything we feel we have to do before we leave."

"One idea, and believe me this hurts, is to talk to Ragnar's father. We seem to have enemies in common, we could try to turn that into an alliance. Though it's not obvious what our alliance would do."

"A second possibility is to investigate these attacks - sieve the mind of a captured giant, if we still have any of those, backtrack where they came from and look for how they were organised, look at their targets and try to figure out from that what their objectives were, I don't know, something like those things. And search the giants for artefacts that might have increased their intelligence, there must be a reason they fought smarter than usual, that could be it."

"I'm at a bit of a loss. It seems silly to come all this way and then run home again, but I don't see anything especially clever for us to do here. What ideas do others have?"

--

David 

[David Bofinger]

Vesser: "Sirius, if you are saying that a person who has a coherent philosophy can't be evil then I think you're wrong. If someone makes a habit of going out, attacking innocent people, stealing their possessions, enslaving them and killing anyone who resists or isn't valuable, then I call that person evil. If they are led to do this by their beliefs then I call their beliefs evil. If they have no concern for the things I value, such as human life and happiness, then I call them callous."

"There are plenty of ways to be strong and independent that don't require preying on those weaker than you."

--

David for Vesser

 

[John Garden]

Responding to Vesser, Annadin writes to the group via Ekie:
 
"If you heard no insinuation, Vesser, then you've not been listening."
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Ivy said Thar may've been sent by our foes to cause our downfall"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"He's laid such baseless charges before.  Thariania deserves better."
 
Annadin continues:
 
"As for Calima's purchase, Vesser, you're muddying the water."
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Ivy appreciated it enough yesterday eve to thank Thariania openly"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Ivy had expressed desire see Calima free, and Thariania acted on it"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Calima is kin to the wife of Ivy's leader.  Taking that with Thariania's"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"courage in battle, Ivy should finally shut up about her being an enemy"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Whether practice of buying slaves is wise is irrelevant to Ivy's incivility"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Otherwise, though, I'm as weary of their argument as you are."
 
Annadin / John
 
 

 

---

Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:47:32 +1100

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

From: bofinge...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[John Garden]

Annadin turns to Thariania and Ekie:
 
"Is Vesser right?  What exactly did Angel tell you Violet's condition?"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Mightn't she just recuperate naturally? Is she still unconscious?"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"Might she be brought to consciousness to drink healing potion?"
 
Annadin continues:
 
"In her absence, I believe we still have duty cultivate alliances here."
 
Annadin / John
 

---

Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:47:32 +1100

Subject: Re: [Mithras][Q2:TheCult] Getting Back Together

From: bofinge...@gmail.com
To: mithras...@googlegroups.com

[dpo...@comcast.net]

  Ivy: Just shrugs,"...I must point out, that i did not start this recent  debate,  She did, she never misses a chance to do so..."  He shrugged"..It  matters Little to me, I stand by  My beliefs as you do yours. Curry her favor all you wish, It is hard for me to trust something that harbors  secrects  from its  comrades.". he points  with his bow  towards  the  snow where the Giants  passed,"..I think I will get some freah air, and study the tracks a bit."

---

From: "John Garden" <vertra...@hotmail.com>
To: "mithras...@googlegroups.com" <mithras...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 11:52:53 AM

[Thariania]

Thariania shrugs, "Perhaps, how silly of me to think he at least knew a proper gender for me after all this time."

[Thariania]

Thariania turns to Vesser, "I've been trying to let it slide for weeks, ever since I decided to try and be nicer. I've now spent a huge portion of my money trying to be nice to him, money I could have used to help deserving people. I've been sharing more prophesy than with any group ever in my life and doing things that out my own future at risk. In return I get nothing but constant insults against my person and ability, accusations against my character, threats against my life, and am referred to as creature amongst other demeaning comments."

"So until one of you decides to prevent these attacks on me, I quite frankly think I have every right to point out his behavior as often and as loudly as I choose from now on. Because so far, the only person speaking up for me is Annadin. How ironic, the only person speaking up is mute and my harasser is illiterate."

Thariania gets slightly more chipper, "On a more engaging conversation, I highly doubt my pocket change will even be noticed by Ivar, let alone encouraging him to go out and take more slaves. I think he had wealth and motivation enough. If anything, he seemed inconvenienced by the whole affair and just wanted it to be over."

[Thariania]

Thariania turns to Annadin, "Magic healing is not healing her as much as it should. The witch woman thinks she'll have to mostly heal with time. She doesn't know why healing isn't working properly on her."

--

[Thariania]

Thariania looks back to Vesser but points to Ivy, "You heard him, Something"