Posted by Gamemaster CockRoach (GM) in Main Sim - Alien Planet - Landing Party 1 Entering Krezk

Posted by Ensign Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in Main Sim - Alien Planet - Landing Party 1 Entering Krezk

Posted by Gamemaster CockRoach (GM) in Main Sim - Alien Planet - Landing Party 1 Entering Krezk
[snip]

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 filled 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

Rand glanced back at her companions while she waited to speak to the man. She was sure Haadok would have a unique perspective on the village and people. Despite the satchel being closed to hide their technology, she knew her tricorder was still scanning and recording. She was curious what it was picking up. She also didn’t want to get too far separated from the group. She was relieved to see one of the security officers still close by. She also assumed everyone in their group had different approaches on how to get information. The briefing they’d had before transport had mentioned a strong religious influence even if not completely accepted. Rand wanted information but didn’t want to have to go inside. Not yet, not till they knew more. Turning back to the man she was careful to make sure the hood of her cloak covered her head. The guard, Miriam, had said red hair was rare and would be noticed. She didn’t want hers attracting attention.

The man smiled to Rand, turning to her. “..Ah greetings this blessed morning to you milady.” he said. “..Indeed, I could be of help to you perhaps. I am Sun Acolyte Alin Vanda. It is rare one of the militia would be open to sending someone to us for aide, but no matter..” he seemed to muse with a smile. “..How might I help you?” he asked. The man named Alin up close seemed like many of the local village stock. Tanned white skin, indications of a hard life of labor and work in some form or another. His golden-pink robes were obviously different garb then anyone else they had around them or had seen, but it fit with the model of garb the faithful seemed to have. His eyes were a dusky brown color, warm and inviting. His personality seemed polite and decently mannered too, open minded and happy to help.

GM CockRoach

Rand smiled at the man and spoke respectfully with a hint of nervousness, “A blessed morning to you as well, Sun Acolyte Alin.” There was tension between the guards and the religious members. So what was the guards purpose in sending them there? It made Rand’s stomach churn wondering if the guard had an ulterior motive. “I am looking for my brother. It has been weeks, months actually, since my parents and I have heard from him. He sent word he was coming north, and then nothing. I am hoping someone has seen him.”

Yeoman Rand

Alin seemed to think a moment, “..A missing family member? I am sorry to hear that my dear. Could you perhaps describe him in more detail? What did he look like? What might he have been wearing or his purposes going through here? Not to mention his name obviously.” He asked in a genuinely friendly concerned manner.

GM CockRoach

“About 5‘10”, slim, red hair, grey eyes. He always has something to say, no matter what the topic. Last time I saw him he had the beginning of a mustache and goatee. My parents and I have not heard from him in the longest time. The last we heard from him, he said he was coming north. I was hoping he had come here or one of the nearby villages. The village two weeks south of here said he passed through 2 months ago. I don’t know if actually made it here.” Rand told the Sun Acolyte what she had told the guards. “I honestly don’t know what he might be wearing. He might have had a piece of clothing in a similar pattern to this,” she pointed at the tartan sash around her waist. “My mother made us each one years ago, but I really don’t know.” She clasped her hands in front of her, waiting anxiously for his response.

Yeoman Rand

Alin seemed to listen attentively to Rand’s description, after her words finished he turned to the other Acolyte both finally shook their heads. Turning back to Rand he replied. “..I am sorry miss. But no one by that description has been through here within the past two weeks to our knowledge. We shall however, keep an eye out for them and offer them Sanctuary if they need it or aide for that matter. Is there somewhere we might be able to send word to you if we do come upon them?” he asked.

OOC: Kelpie i’m assuming this brother is just something made up for her cover right? You arent actually expecting to find someone by that in the sim? I haven’t kept up on your side sims so I wasnt sure if you expected me to fill in something here from those to the main sim. Please let me know :)

GM CockRoach

OOC: Nope she made it up as a cover to get into the village. She’s actually describing Randy but he’s not on board anymore. She will probably use it as a way to talk to people and try to get info about the area, but there isn’t really anyone to find.

A question though I remember reading somewhere there was an explosion. Does that apply to this thread? I couldn’t find it to make sure.

Jenn

OOC: No the explosion is only for the Valiki team who are checking it out atm. Otherwise you’re looking to gather information on a ‘warp pulse’ that drew you here.

GM CockRoach

OOC: Thanks
IC:
Rand sighed and nodded accepting the news. “Tell him to send word home. If I do not find him soon, I will have to begin my own journey home. Are there any farms or homesteads near here where someone might find work? Perhaps he went there instead of coming to the village. I could, perhaps check there?” They were looking for evidence of a warp signature. Rand had no idea what to look for or what to ask, but she was hoping that by asking about out of the way places she might stumble upon something or someone who might give them a clue.

Yeoman Rand