Posted by Gamemaster CockRoach (GM) in Main Sim - Alien Planet - Landing Party 1 Entering Krezk
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Haadok caught the feigned distress in Rand’s voice and pondered whether to contribute to the act. Though she understood enough about human expressions to emulate sorrow or empathy, she didn’t trust her delivery. She wasn’t a thespian, nor a good ‘pretender’. Resigning to a bowed head, Haadok instead watched her periphery for anything that might disclose more about their culture and mannerisms.

The first burly guard chewing the tobacco like weed in his mouth spat on the ground to the side before replying to Rand, “..Your brother huh? Lots of folks come through here though. How long ago did he come through here and what does he look like?” The guard inquired.

Rand opened her mouth to answer the first guard when she was quickly cut off by a more surly guard than the one who addressed them.

The second guard nearer the gatehouse looked bored with the man’s concern. “..Oh cry me a river, Marian! You are too bloody soft hearted to folks in need. If that woman lost her brother, they can go cry their case to those saps in the Sun Cult temple four blocks down, so hurry it up. We got better things to do this morning.” He said, though the fact no one else was queued up in line behind the landing party it wasn’t like they were holding up the line or anything.

Rand nodded to the second guard, “Yes sir, thank you.” Seriously though they asked what their business was in Krezk. If they didn’t want to know they shouldn’t answer. Things like this just left Rand confused and unsure of what people actually expected.

Haadok wavered, pensive wrinkles gathering at her temples at the guard’s mention of a ‘Sun Cult’. Though belief systems pervaded many societies (especially those classified as ‘pre-warp’), they existed on a spectrum of doctrine, structure and influence. Ultimately, they enabled individuals to navigate corporeal existence. The people of Krezek appeared to value agriculture; was this Sun Cult a reflection of agrarian values? An earlier exchange between landlords and workers implied a distinct hierarchy; where did the Sun Cult fit? Were they akin to clergies in ancient Terran societies or priestesses on Vulcan? Haadok explored the possibilities while maintaining what resembled a distressed grimace… or an unquenchable urge to sneeze? It was hard to tell.

The first guard evidently called Marian and like the second guard said ‘soft hearted’ compared to the second being a more ‘cold hearted’ person just scowled, but then turned back to Rand with a slight shrug. “..Anyhow ignore my partner, what can you tell me about your brother? Though he does got a point if anyone could help you more accurately it would probably be those Sun Cultists at their temple down the street..” he added.

GM CockRoach

“Red hair, grey eyes. He’s tall, 5‘10”, but slender. And he always has something to say, no matter what the topic. The village two weeks south of here said he passed through 2 months ago. I don’t know if actually made it here.” She glanced down the road toward where they said the temple was. “Thank you for your help.” Gratitude went a long way. Once the guard cleared them, she made her way in the direction of the temple, just so the guards knew they were serious about finding her brother.

Yeoman Rand

The first guard Marian seemed to think a moment at the description give to him by Rand, “..Red hair? Haven’t seen anyone like that around Krezk for over two years. Red hair is pretty rare around these parts of Barovia. So if someone trapsies in with that on their head we usually notice. Sorry I can’t be of more help..” he replied.

Bowing, Haadok adjusted her satchel and trailed after Rand. Marian’s amicable attitude and his companion’s general distaste for the Temple offered a degree of warmth or charity. But that didn’t imply their concepts of charity aligned. Curious, Haadok chose to reserve judgement until they encountered the temple and its cultists.

Once they got waved through the gate to the village slid shut behind them on head iron railings. A few people of the native local stock gave them weary looks, though a few here and there seemed warmer by a few degrees. Still like the farms they had past it seems outsiders were something to be distrusted to some degree until proven otherwise. So in short they were given a wide berth by most.

The street ahead of them was a rough rocky cobblestone setup, about 30 feet wide give or take with a 2 inch high sidewalk on either side. Due to the rain obvious puddles were scattered about. A local guard or two in passing it was seen were going up and down the street with a large pole to put out the covered oil lamps on posts now that daylight had fully come to the village. Shopkeepers were already opening their doors, and windows, and homes were having their shuttered windows equally opened to the morning dew. “..Come see my wares! Finest vegetables in Krezk here!” Shouted one store owner as he finished setting up a stall about half a block down from the team. Most of it were root or below ground based like vegetables. Potatoes, turnips, carrots, etc of some sort or another. Ahead though off to the left by three more blocks rose a red bricked fairly well off temple like building. A ringing church bell seemed to herald services for the faith was soon to start. It probably was the ‘Sun Cultist’ temple that the guards had indicated.

GM CockRoach

The bell. Haadok recognised its dissonant ring from the hillside. It was distant then and barely discernable from nature’s din; now it was unmistakable and offensively loud. Haadok reasoned it was the soundest way to reach a community decentralised from the heart of Krezk, though she nearly pitied the person responsible for its ring.

Dismissing her thoughts, Haadok slowed as they neared the temple and observed the civilians around them. Did they stroll into the temple or gather outside? Did they engage in purification or offerings before entering? They were already running on a false narrative, the last and perhaps worst thing they could do was disrespect Krezk tradition.

— Haadok, CMO

Watching the comings and goings, Haadok to notice a few takeaways regarding the ‘Sun Cult’ temple. The first was its construction. The red bricked building was likely of more recent construction then many in those around that they had seen so far. Further, the members of the ‘cult’ seemed equal measures made up of men and women. All official members seemed to wear a golden-pink like body length robes, with a small simple pendant around their necks of a gold colored (though not gold made up of) disc. It had the emblem of a rose laid over a bright golden sun behind it.

The entrance to the temple was on a three tiered step leading into the main doorway, at its base on either side were two men dressed in the same golden-pink robes, but each held a small pan on which were offerings of some kind of cracker topped with thing slice of some kind of cheese. These two it seems had the direction of offering this simple food to those passing by who seemed to be the most in need of some kind of food/charity. In this case those who would be homeless or very poor. Despite this offering of charity even these downtrodden often seemed to avoid the offerings, or even attentions of the cult members. Those of peasant stock who seemed a bit better off even sometimes spat to the side as if in distrust or disgust of the cult’s charity. Mumblings of ‘stupid weak hearted sun kissers’ or some slang there of was often heard. Despite the negativity the members of the church did not seem disauded in their attempts to help others.

The other takeaways Haadok could see was that those who were not official members of the church wore either simple peasantry garb like themselves. Or a simple white-golden robe atop their peasantry clothes. Either type seemed accepted. Looking at the total of those gathered around the temple waiting to come in, Haadok and the team could see 8 official members and about 10 members who likely were simple ‘followers’.

Overall the feeling the team could take away from this brief observation was that the beliefs of those ‘sun cult’ seemed to imply a charity towards helping others in some way. These beliefs seemed distrusted or unwanted by the majority though present in the village. The takeaway here was that at best the cult was tolerated by those in power and at worst was hated/distrusted as a house of ‘crazies’.

As this all got taken in the oaken doors to the temple opened, and two people came out. One was a quite elderly human man in his late 70s or maybe 80s. A likely true rarity from what they had seen so far for this society. He walked heavily on a strong looking oak staff. He smiled though to the assembled crowd below him on the steps. His eyes though aged shown with great wisdom and sharpness, while his body no doubt had decayed with age, his mind it seemed was still quite sharp and his personality seemed approachable and friendly. Next to him a much younger woman in her probably early-mid 20s stood ready to support him if he stumbled. Unlike others present she seemed the only one who gave off a more ‘disciplined’ attitude. Her garb was also unique. Some kind of golden-pink colored chain armor overlaid a deep brown layering of cloth and leather. Upon her back was a finely cared for large double-handed spear. She was clearly some kind of temple guardian or such.

Spreading his hands after steadying himself and setting his staff aside, the elderly man cleared his throat and again showing an inner strength of body despite his worn age, spoke clearly and loudly. “..My friends! My children! Once more a blessed day rises across our fair village. To those who pass by hearing my words, I wish you the best in your travels. May they benefit you and you remain safe..” he said, this earned him some various glares, spits to the side, and other mutterings of annoyance or semi-hostility. Undaunted the priest smiled and continued, “..to those who wait, please come inside! I will be presenting our morning sermon soon enough!” he said. Then turning to the young warrior like woman he said. “..Dawnspear Ana-Maria, please see that everyone has what they need and are comfortable. Once everyone is seated inside please come get me in my office..” he stated.

Bowing her head in obvious respect, the woman nodded, “..Of course Father Daniels. I will ensure everyone is well cared for..” she said. The elderly priest then obviously carefully went back inside with his staff. The woman then began in a friendly manner belying her professional and disciplined nature and attitude greeted everyone with hand shakes and well wishes as they one by one filed in.

GM CockRoach

Rand watched and could easily identify with the woman Dawnspear Ana-Maria. Her role to the priest seemed, at first glance, similar to her role to Rogers. She thought back to her diplomacy and first contact protocol classes at Academy, and the advice from Admiral Zuweki during her senior year assignment. She kept her voice low, so that only Haadok and Rogers could hear her, “They don’t seem well liked, but religious groups often have more significant influence than what is first perceived. Sometimes in our favor and sometimes not. It may not be in our best interest to attend the service just yet. But the guards did direct us here to ask about my missing brother. It would seem odd though if I didn’t take the guards’ advice.” And it would have to be Rand to ask. There were plenty of stalls and shops and passers by to speak to and investigate as well. She scanned the surroundings and decided to try and speak to one of the members passing out food to the needy. Taking a deep breath, cautiously, nervously, seemingly unsure if it was safe to approach, Rand moved toward one of the men. “Ex…excuse me. The guard..at the village gate said you might could help me.”

Yeoman Rand