The Procession of Priests

401MoTPrOPr

The party greet the guards politely as they move on foot through the large gates. The smells of people, animals and refuse greet them first as they enter the Grand City of Oakspire – not an uncommon occurrence they muse. The buildings beyond the gate are lively. Stables, inns, bars and merchants that focus on goods for travellers line the street.

The alleyways and street are hurriedly being shovelled and mucked by street sweepers as they seek to earn their copper for the day cleaning refuse from horses and people. The alleyways are busy with people rushing through or into with goods to side doors and hatches. But beyond the busyness of commerce the din of the lesser districts can be seen with tall, thin, worn down buildings nearly stacked upon each other. The city itself sprawls outside the gates with farmhouses and poorer housing outside the wall but it’s evident to see that it spills out from nearest the wall at some stage.

Seeking directions to the church of Kelemvor was met with a knowing nod and kindness from all in the city. Even the roughest of people bowed their heads with respect and gave the party directions, offering a blessing that they find the peace they seek. As the party wove themselves deeper into the city they were greeted by the gradual change in the buildings as it evolved to business of better repute, mercantile and the merchants seemed to live here between the houses of the workers of the city, and those who were born rich.

Here guards were posted at several street corners sporting black cloaks, their weapons sheathed but not out of reach as they watched all those who walked by with calculating stares. The merchants here did not holler and call to the passers by but smiled and bowed politely to those who crossed in a nearly sombre way. Their expressions a mixture of welcoming and sympathy which the party were beginning to see on the looks of all but the guards faces.

As they were pointed away from the noble-born district by a pair of guards who saw them approaching they were nearly surprised to see that the Church of Kelemvor was away from the nobles houses and sat, alone, next to what appeared to be the barracks, the cities wall and the edge of the working districts houses. But that did not shock the party as much as the hundreds of people that lined the street towards the church.

Movement was slow through the crowd but the people of the city merely bowed their heads and wished that they find their peace as they progressed, painfully slow to the church. Many people were dressed in black and sported the symbol of Kelemvor on their clothing or as an amulet, ring or other accessory. Some merchants and noblemen and noblewomen held books which appeared to be prayer books to Kelemvor. As they stood and muttered prayers in the streets everyone, poor, wealthy and noble alike, took small steps when they could to get closer to the church.

As the party approached the church a ring of guards prevented people from walking up the large grey stone steps unless in single file and only the letter they had received from their employer let them pass as a group. Everyone bowed respectfully as they walked the steps that were covered in a large dark carpet that cascaded down from the large, heavy oaken doors of the place of worship.

Entering the doors the party was stopped by young guards dressed in black robes who took their name and one look at the letter before moving off to seek out a brother of the order. The party could see a hall lit with hundreds of candles within and at the far side of the church lay an altar, surrounded by imagery and symbols of Kelemvor. Upon the altar a body lay draped in black cloth, candles surrounded the altar and with every visitor another candle was placed upon the steps leading to the deceased. Within the minute the guard came back with a priest of Kelemvor.

“Welcome, blessings upon you and thanks for travelling. I would wish that you find the peace you seek but I must ask you to follow me first.” The man’s face was kind and welcoming but there was a pain behind his eyes. As they followed him through the church the man greeted other people paying their respects to the deceased but didn’t answer any questions the party had. All he provided was “Follow me if you will, we have much to discuss and I trust that I will be able to answer all your questions in due time.”

As they walked past the altar a human man appeared to be in his eighties lay there amongst the black fabric and candles and the party began to feel a weight settle in their stomach. Passing through a door that the priest held open for them the party found themselves in a small room, big enough for them to sit or stand but not much else.

“Now before you ask any more questions I have to ask for your forgiveness as the letter you have, the job detailed within is no longer required. But I have another for you if you are willing.” the priest said, his face still unreadable mixtures of emotions. “During the initial rituals to sanctify the church the entire congregation was visited by an image of Kelemvor. Our lord then proclaimed that the High Priest Richard Spiritbane would not be granted another year of extended life by our lord and within the hour he died.” The priest moved to the door and checked outside quickly before returning.

“As you can imagine it was quite shocking but as it was the will of our god, the guardian of the living and the dead of this city his word is lore. But myself, and a few other brothers and sisters, do not believe that we were visited by our lord. In all the recordings and teachings of our order never has the decision of the extension of his grace to his followers been declared prior to the day of the rituals, which is two days from now. We few believe that there is a foul ploy at foot and I pray that you can help uncover the truth. Only myself knows about this deal, for the rest of the city you are just once-bodyguards but now you join the mourners.” he finished as he licked his lips.

“What say you, will you be able to assist us and help us find the peace that the high priest deserves?”

---