Pathfinder Hall RP

[Nomster]

Telia would be a little bit worried as Dorne goes on walks with Simon, although she would allow it and even approve, as long as no danger comes to Simon. She would still insist that Simon be kept in the office during the nights and when no one can watch over him proper in the lounge. There would be many pillow and blankets brought in there, for the old lion's comfort.

The sorceress can be seen, when she has time, with a brush and a comb. These would be used on Simon's fur and especially his mane, which would likely be a mess from Simon being so mistreated. If Simon would allow this treatment, Telia would keep on telling him what a good lion he is, how magnificent he is and other similar compliments.

A small, compared to the lion anyway, orange tabby would have crept downstairs and sat atop the dining table. When Telia is brushing Simon, the smaller feline watches Telia and Simon with narrowed eyes.

[kleomenes]

Ameris is seen returning from the temple and his duties most nights in the past ten-day, and seen leaving in the morning. It seems he has taken up residence there with his wife, no doubt living at her expense, and his nights away are when he has the night shift in the Temple.

Unlike the Steward, Ameris rises before or at dawn, to offer the first of his prayers to Ilmater of that day. This is done privately, within the Stewards suite, although he freely speaks of morning prayers if he is asked why he is up so early.

Ameris is also seen offering additional prayers daily before the Altar of Tyr on the first floor. Quiet words are said to Tyr, and also to Helm, before this altar. His stance is that of a penitent. He does not share the contents with others, only the bare fact that these are the recipients of his prayers.

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((if a character would try and listen in to these, please send me a PM!))

Ameris would take the breakfast offered by Michael willingly. He would ask, with interest, how easy these foods are to make and supply; and would ask Michael, if he was willing to answer, about how he learned such cooking. It would be apparent that Ameris' culinary knowledge extends little further than cutting vegetables at Sister Adolina's order, and porridge.

Usually Ameris would leave as soon as he had eaten, and would not return until the evening; sometimes late enough to miss dinner, sometimes not, the timing dependent on temple duties and the completion of any paperwork he has for the day. He would seem very grateful for any meals he receives, and expresses as much.

Ameris would visit Simon the Lion most evenings, either alone or with Telia, offering soothing words to the beast. When he visits with Telia, those observing closely may notice him casting worried glances at his wife's attachment to the lion. Perhaps disapproving, although for different reasons than Silvyr. He would offer words of encouragement to Dorne if he saw him taking Simon for a walk, commenting that the lead is a necessary evil and not one to feel guilty for, that Simon would understand if he could.

If his duties and the presence of visitors allowed, the last hour before bed would commonly see Ameris sat by the fire, reading a book entitled Daern's Burden - the Holiness of Althea the Abased, while sipping a small glass of spiced wine. Although, he'd be happy to be disturbed for talk during this time.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Michael, being asked of his cookery would respond along the tune of:

"Trial and error. Why do you think I'm so willing to feed the lot of you? Gotta practice on someone before the children show up. As for how easy? I'd say very easy. Mostly grilling, frying, and stewing. The lot of us are lucky in that Tarina knows the more complicated things."

[Touri]

Vendor Xon would visit the Pathfinders Hall for several hours. Most of the time he would spend with Simon the Lion. If others would watch them, it would look like they are having a conversation. The Lion's faces and bodies would show different mien like happyness, sadness or fear.

In the evening as they would sit together by the fireplace the ranger would tell them what he learned about Simon, "Simon is a very old lion, but it's still possible that he will be with us for some more years. He already has seen around fiveteen summers. I fear he lost his mother when he has been a kitten. Since that time he pobably lived in captivity. Sombody removed his claws and teeth at least five years ago, but he never lived in the wilderness and hunted his own food. I think he enjoys beeing here much more than being banged into a small cage.
Anyway he is still an animal and so we have to be careful and respect Simon. I have to tell you that he feels threatened by anyone near holding any sort of object that may look like a weapon. We should think about a better place for him."

[OdiumNostrum]

http://bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?p=635601#p635601

...With its champions' attention occupied by the great cat and the orphans left behind in the war's terrible wake, Baldur's Gate becomes the stage of yet another deed most sinister. Scant three days after Simon's arrival at the Pathfinder Hall, a dock worker is discovered floating face-down on the sea next to the pier. Judging by the bruising around his neck, the victim appears to have been strangled to death and although the modus operandi is not at all similar to that of the last murder, the same latent dark energy can be felt emanating from the crime scene.

For a coin or two, the local rascals might let slip that they caught glimpse of a furtive masked figure prowling the streets two or three candlemarks before dawn. Roughly around the same time the crime was committed.

[kleomenes]

Ameris leaves a letter made out to those at Pathfinders Hall on the table downstairs.

Merciful Lions

I attach a copy of Sister Juna's Letter to me regarding the basic expenses required for the children. This is for the children's upkeep, rather than appointing Pathfinder's Hall itself.

As you can see, some substantial sums are required. Luckily, the Ilmatari have collected donations to meet the first two months and Sister Juna is in receipt of the money and making arrangements as we speak. This would mean that soon after your own preparations are done the children can be moved.

The ongoing costs, to cover the forthcoming months, remains currently beyond the Temple's means, given other obligations. It may be that the donation drive that is forthcoming still, including at the upcoming celebrations sponsored by the Hunters of Vengeance, will meet this amount. If it does not, it may be that the Order of Lions end up recieving donations directly when word of their charitable intent circulates.

Either way we shall, I have faith, find a way.

Brother Ameris

Brother,

It took some time but the calculations are ready. It is based on what we usually spend.

36 children + 2 caretakers, lowest costs would include:

Food + some clothes + some toys + symbolic pay for the caretakers + basic hygiene toiletries = 4 bags per child.

Some of this can be reused. This way after the initial 2 month period, the cost monthly would be only 1bag.

Now:
[(36 x 4000) x 2months] + some transport costs = 290 000

Later:
[(36 x 1000) x 4months] + some transport costs = 145 000

For half a year period: 432 000

The first two months are most crucial therefore, this sum must be paid as soon as possible.
Once the Order of Lions has all the needed supplies and the place is ready for the children we could start preparing them for the relocation.

-Sister Juna

[TarnishedSoul]

A sealed letter addressed to "Telia Santraeger" arrives at Pathfinder Hall. A return address is listed as "Acolytes' Quarters, Candlekeep."

[Vandimion]

A sealed letter addressed to "Telia Santraeger" is left at the Pathfinder Hall.

[Nomster]

Telia can be seen writing replies to the letters and sending them off. She then sits with a lyre and practises a few songs, testing them on Simon the Lion to see if the big cat approves.

[Nomster]

Crates are being seen carried to the Pathfinder Hall and soon, a few children and a caretaker step inside. The noise levels increase immediately as the children explore their new home under the supervision of adults.

Telia would ask that the children be given some time to settle in first before so that they are not overwhelmed by guests. She would point any towards the Orphanage which has over one hundred children in a building near the Temple of Ilmater and mention that the children there need some love and care as well.

She places a note in plain sight:
Subject: Church of Ilmater RP

It would be clear that only those who have been vouched for are allowed to see the children, as the safety of the children is taken seriously. The doors to the quarters where the children are unless supervised by a caretaker or another adult, are always kept locked.

While the children settle down, Telia does not impose on them herself other than to greet them and tell them who she is. She also warns that they must be careful with any cats in the house, both little Silvyr and big Simon. Simon the Lion would still be kept in the office and when he is in the lounge, he is under supervision.


Telia herself, would then have gone to the Orphanage and told the children there some stories and sang a couple of songs.

[kleomenes]

Ameris seems to be burdened with paperwork in the evenings he spends in Pathfinders Hall after returning from duties in the temple and in the city at large. He is seen: poring over and making records in an Amnian style accountancy ledger; agonising over the wording of what looks to be a formal letter to religious superiors; drafting a difficult notice relating to some issue with donations; composing more casual letters that seem to be anecdotal recollections; poring over what seems to be a long and excessively distressing contract.

Clearly the arrival of the first of the orphans, a small group of children who can be fed and clothed with such supplies readily available at short notice, makes leaving papers scattered around more difficult. While this group is moving in, Ameris moves his paperwork into the suite upstairs.

Ameris would introduce himself to these first children and thier caretakers when he was able, wearing his skullcap and priestly robes in order to provide them some continuity. He would adopt gentle tones as he speaks; but his lack of experience with children other than as patients makes his delivery something between Ilmatari bedside manner and an address to a body of troops.

He speaks of how he was a priest of Ilmater and would be one of those keeping them safe and healthy here. He would say that if any of them ever needed to speak of anything they were concerned or afraid about, they should just come to him and ask. He would tell them not to be afraid if they saw men in armour around, that they were just to protect everyone, and that each and every one of them had good hearts.

He would tell the children of Simon the Lion; but say they should stay away from them unless an adult was present. He would explain to the caretakers that the children should be kept away from Simon the Lion as the old lion could be dangerous.

[Rhifox]

With some of the children now present, Tarina spends a significant amount of time in the kitchen, baking bread, pies, and other sorts of pastries for new inhabitants to eat.

Tarina largely tries to avoid the children, when she can. She doesn't have the energy for even small crowds, let alone large numbers of active children. She's moved her bedroll into the winery next to the kitchen, sleeping there so that the children can bunk in the upper bedrooms and the basement.

As an active shaman, it's possible that Tarina's spirit companions may create some amount of subtle 'fuss' in the Hall. This would likely be nothing harmful to the children, but they may notice odd and unexplained happenings around the building. This may include candles that refuse to be doused, faint and indiscernible whispers from the fireplaces, and the occasional object or shadow that seems to have a mind of its own.

[Touri]

A messanger arrives with a letter from the Elder Circle.


//pm sent

[Mendoza]

As the first group of children arrive, Dorne goes about assisting each one with their belongings, offering comforting words to the understandingly unsure arrivals. He makes sure to tell Andrew and Dannic, two of his pupils, that they should help the other children get their bearings since they would be slightly more familiar with the Pathfinder's Hall. After helping the children get settled, he goes to check on Simon and take the old creature outside for a short reprieve. He allows any curious child to accompany him and pet the lion. He makes sure to inform the children that the lion will not be staying for much longer, and that Simon will soon be reunited with Nature where he rightfully belongs.

[kleomenes]

As these first children begin to settle in, Ameris leaves a note for the Lions, and others caring for the children, in plain view.

The Lions have their first guests!

Here is the schedule forwarded by Anne, who works in the orphanage. It represents how the children have been living with at the orphanage. It is my thought we should stick close to this if we are able, to allow for some stability, although suggested changes are welcome.

Early Morning: Starts with prayer and hygiene, breakfast follows

Late Morning: Studies

Noon: Games and some free time

Early afternoon: Helping other children with their studies, start of chores

Late afternoon: Dinner, group discussions, continuation of chores and cleaning

Early evening: Games

Late evening: Small supper, prayer, bedtime

The Sisters have asked us to maintain a programme of two full meals (breakfast and dinner) and a small supper before bed. Healthy, reasonable portions and mundane food are requested in order to remain parity with the orphans in the wider orphanage.

I understand Michael and Tarina will attend to the children's meals; supplemented by the caretakers available. They might also be best placed to allocate chores. I would suggest the caretakers are best placed to handle hygiene and bed time, although I understand children welcome stories at bedtime to supplement the practical arrangements. I suspect there is need to provide entertainment and games beyond that which the caretakers can provide, and this will increase as more children arrive.

I myself to can see to the regular prayers. I am also going to try and make myself available during the group discussions, so that children can come to me with any fears, illnesses or the like.

Those who have volunteered to teach the children can see the relevant times are late morning and early afternoon. I would submit it is best to concentrate on academic teaching at these times and encourage this to begin as soon as possible. Those children receiving training in arms, I would suggest, should receive it in the late afternoon and evenings.

We can vary this schedule for trips out, including to the Theatre for a wider, colourful space, as and when appropriate.

Brother Ameris

With this letter circulated, Ameris would begin his own contributions to the routine.

Every morning before departing to the temple, the priest would lead the six children in prayer, clad in his Ilmatari robes. He would lead them to kneel before the altar of Tyr, although before it would be placed a candle blessed in the Shrine of the Suffering, the Temple of Ilmater in Baldur's Gate.

Ameris would keep the prayers short, and gentler in tone than his usual rhetoric, stepping back from his firebrand preaching. He cannot keep the didactic tone out of his voice though, its clear the children are expected to heed the priest. Indeed he might seem a little imperious.

"Ilmater, He Who Endures, we thank you for the mercy and compassion you show to us, for the roof over our head and the food we eat.

We promise we will be try really hard to be good, and we promise that we will be kind to each other so none of us have to hurt anymore.

We promise to work hard at all our lessons and be as brave as we can, so that we can all help each other. But we promise not to pretend everything is okay when its not, and talk to the grown ups if we are hurting.

Please do not forget the other little children when you are watching over us. Please do not forget all the people who are hurt in the world. Please do not forget everyone who is scared and alone.

We promise when we grow up we are going to try and be nice to others just like you are nice to everyone.

Please hear us, Ilmater, He Who Endures.

Tyr, the Just God, thank you for letting us pray here. We promise to be fair to each other and share all the toys and all the food properly."

He would go down to take breakfast with the children and any others, being sure to vocally thank those who prepared it, to set a good example. He would then head out to his daily duties.

In the afternoons, he would try and come back from the temple, or his other duties, to be present during the group discussions. During this initial time, he would make it a priority to try and speak to each child on a one to one basis. He would introduce himself, saying he was Brother Ameris, a priest at the local temple and a friend of Revered Sister Juna and the other Ilmatari. He would also say he was the husband of the Steward, and that he was going to help looking after the children here. He would say that there were lots of other people who were going to teach them all and kepe them safe.

During this talk Ameris would say he was the one to come to if they felt sick and that if anything at all worried or upset them, he promises to listen, whatever it is. He says they should feel they can talk to any of the grownups if there is something wrong. He would conduct a brief medical examination, with the intent as much at proving his credentials a proper healer as checking health. He would also ask the children to tell him about themselves, although would not press for such.

His manner in these one to one talks would be warm and kindly; akin to his practiced bedside manner. The didactic, and perhaps austere, elements from his group preaching would be absent. Perhaps he is more able to show such an aspect privately.

At evening prayers, the children would again be taken to the altar of Tyr with a single holy candle set before it. Again Ameris would lead prayers; in the similar manner as during the morning.

"Ilmater, He Who Endures, we thank you for the mercy and compassion you have shown to us today.

Thankyou for helping us learn and do lots of new fun things today. Please be kind to our teachers and help us be good for them.

Please keep us safe and warm while we sleep and let us wake up all ready for another day tomorrow.

Please do not forget the other little children when you are watching over us. Please do not forget all the people who are hurt in the world. Please do not forget everyone who is scared and alone.

We promise when we grow up we are going to try and be nice to others just like you are nice to everyone.

Please hear us, Ilmater, He Who Endures.

Tyr, the Just God, thank you for letting us pray here. We promise not to lie or hide if we have done something wrong."

He would then wish the children goodnight, completing the daily ritual.