As mentioned last night, Ray handled his visit to the Ark Cathedral via chat in between sessions. Here is the transcript of that encounter:
DM: Okay … So, after entering High Town, you set off to look for the Temple Plaza. A few blocks in, you see an alleyway with a makeshift roof to your right as described by the innkeeper at the Twelfth Knight. Passing through the narrow passage with Thorfus, you can hear a low murmur from the apartments above that sounds like various overlapping (but fortuitously complementary) chants. When you come to the end of the alley, you are in a large plaza with a large fountain in the center and several religious edifices around the perimeter. Thorfus parts ways with you, pushing past the gaggles of pilgrims and acolytes in search of the Temple of Merendur. You set off towards the largest building, which has an elaborate anchor (the symbol of Baldric Evenkeel) carved above its wide doors.
Upon entering the cathedral, you find yourself at the foot of the shank (the central area that runs lengthwise up the anchor-shaped building). There are more pilgrims and clerics here and you stand for a moment unsure where to go. As you stand, a middle-aged priest with thinning hair and a tall, lanky frame approaches and greets you. “Welcome to the Ark, traveller. Do you require assistance?”
You ask after the Order of the Celestial Dragon and the priest thinks for a moment. “Let me check with Patriarch Galen. Please wait here.” With that, he sets off towards a door at the end of the right-hand fluke and disappears. You wait fifteen or so minutes until he returns.
“My apologies for keeping you waiting. Patriarch Galen is indisposed currently but wishes to extend the Ark’s warmest welcome to one of the followers of the Celestial Dragon. He would like you to know that one of your brethren, Rostom the Immaculate, was recently in Vargen but left to investigate rumors about an old imperial fort above Giant Falls on the southern branch of the Khelwater. Patriarch Galen asks that, per your Grand Master’s instructions, you leave an address where you can be located in the city by others of your order unless your intention is to move on immediately.”
Ray/Chuq: “It was no bother to wait, thank you for taking time away from your duties to help. Please send my regards to Patriarch Galen. My plans are as of yet uncertain, but for now I am staying at the Twelth (K)Night in the Wall District. Before I leave, is there anything you can tell me about the rumors Rostom is investigating or about the Giant Falls area?”
DM: “I’m afraid Rostom did not say much about his plans or what inspired him to head upriver to that old fort. My guess would be that your Order’s longstanding interest in imperial matters had something to do with his choice; although I suppose it is also possible he considered the location a candidate for your new monastery. You could try asking at his former lodgings … a place called ‘The Badger Club’ located in the Sink. Please be careful if you inquire after him there — while I’m not familiar with that particular establishment, the Sink has a bad reputation and not without reason.”
Ray/Chuq: “I’ll be careful. You are most helpful. I am new in town and have heard of some interesting happenings. Have you heard of the Gremlins in Wall District, the Kobolds loitering about the fjord or graves emptying in Newton?”
DM: “My apologies, but the ‘Gremlins’ are only a vague rumor to me and I have not heard tell of these kobolds. Regarding Newton, however, we have received an urgent message from a priest of our order reporting that a fissure has opened northwest of town where new fields were being cleared. Apparently some restless corpses have issued forth from this opening and are threatening the hamlet’s citizens. We have sent a more experienced cleric and some acolytes to investigate and put the tortured souls to rest … although I’m sure she wouldn’t mind aide if you decide to visit Newton.”
Ray/Chuq: “Many thanks, I will take my leave now” If their are no further encounters, Chuq will exit the Temple and look for Thorfus around the temple of Merendur.