Waroe Family/MardelRP/Religion and Wayburg

Religion and Wayburg Militia

Mardel is stabbed twice, and finds religion.

Seeing the Serpaent

20 Jul 2011
to all of Carelia

Miracle

You were bleeding, losing sight and consciousness, when faint litanies began to ring above your head, from somewhere up in the air. You couldn't make anything intelligible out of the chants, but you did feel surprisingly soothed. When you wake up, the healer informs you about your incredible recovering rate, and is perplexed by what you claim to have heard of. (OOC: New player protection.)

Roleplay from Mardel Waroe

Mardel explores the area of Atblane. Having defeated some undead, spent time with Count Malice, and had a particularly pleasant dinner of meat and cheese, he is feeling positive as he wanders towards the unassuming temple of Magna Serpaensism.

As his thoughts drift between his recent fighting, the great serpaent as described on a sign outside the temple, and the difficulty of locating a fruit crumble to supplement his dinner, he becomes aware of a sound behind him.

His thoughts of fighting become reality when suddenly he finds himself with a knife in his side... but as he moves to push it away, it's not there, and its owner is not there, and his balance is not there, and light is not there as the world turns dark.

The pain worsens as he drops to the ground, and then he is distracted by the light... not the dim light from the temple that was there before, but a bright light, twisting and swirling in his head, or in his memory, or in front of him... confused and hurt, he hears voices, musical voices, their melodies swirling in reaction to the light, and as the light and sound wind around each other and mask his pain, he falls unconscious.

[some time later]

Healer: Sir?

Mardel [waking]: Wh.. who?

Healer: Please, sir, do not move. You must rest.

Mardel [feeling the bandages with his hand]: How... what is it?

Healer: Sir, you were stabbed by the temple door. Some of your men saw a figure running towards the hills - it might have been your attacker.

Mardel: Is it bad?

Healer: It should be. It appears to have pierced your liver, yet through some sort of miracle, you are not dead. I cannot explain it; I only hope that you take advantage of it and come to a full recovery. Which means you'll not be leaving this bed.

Mardel [comforted by the thought of bedrest]: It wasn't a miracle... there was a light, a swirling... no, a whirling... a wavy light, and the sound - when they joined together the pain went.

Healer: Sir, you should sleep.

Mardel: The wav... oh my! Like a serpent! A bright white serpent, singing as it removed my pain! Perhaps... The Serpaent... perhaps...

The Healer shakes his head in concern as he leaves Mardel to sleep off his remarkably light wounds.

Healed

22 Jul 2011
to everyone in Carlian Shields army

Mardel: Are you quite sure?

Healer: Yes, sir, you really have completely recovered.

Mardel: Already?

Healer: A miracle indeed, sir!

Mardel: But I need a lot of rest to maintain my health?

Healer: Not at all, sir, you can be as lively as as you desire.

Lirth: And it would seem, sir, that your new Marshal would have you desire to be lively enough to travel to Strombran immediately.

Mardel: Did you not hear, Lirth? I am to rest for a while as the healer said.

Healer: But I sa...

Mardel [giving the healer a glare]: As the healer didn't say, but as the healer ought to have said and most certainly meant. We will travel in the morning; I do so dislike night marches. And besides, I need to oversee the works on my estate in the morning.

Seeing the Serpaent Again

22 Jul 2011
to everyone in Carelia

Miracle

You were bleeding, losing sight and consciousness, when faint litanies began to ring above your head, from somewhere up in the air. You couldn't make anything intelligible out of the chants, but you did feel surprisingly soothed. When you wake up, the healer informs you about your incredible recovering rate, and is perplexed by what you claim to have heard of. (OOC: New player protection.)

Roleplay from Mardel Waroe

Mardel, resigned to the fact that he must make a move to join his new army this morning, wakes shortly after dawn, and gets up and dressed. His wound from his recent attack has healed sufficiently to cause him only occasional pain, and he is by now convinced that it was the Serpaent that must have saved him.

Taking some fruit with him as a breakfast, he travels back to the temple of Magna Serpaensism, and startles a priest.

Priest: Oh my, good morning. I worried you were an attacker, good sir, my apologies. You know someone was attacked here on this very spot only a day ago?

Mardel: I know only too well - it was I that was attacked. But I was saved from serious injury by The Serpaent, I believe. I saw it as I was close to death, and it healed me. The healers were amazed by my recovery.

Priest: Ah, yes, you must indeed have seen the Serpaent! Come inside and I'll tell you more about it.

Mardel is led inside, and after a short discussion, ceremony, and parting of gold coins, he is signed up as a Convert to the religion.

He leaves and has gone only a hundred yards back towards his estate for another hour's sleep before getting up to rally his troops, when he sees a movement in the hazy morning light. He looks to his right where the movement took place, and pulls out a dagger, and then realises the figure is on his left. As he whirls round to face him, flailing his dagger with little skill, the attacker stabs him twice in his middle and is gone before the pain hits Mardel.

And it hits him quickly - he drops to his knees and as the priest, hearing Mardel's cry of pain, runs out to tend to him, Mardel passes into semi-consciousness, and once again the pain fades as he sees the bright lights and undulating sounds.

Mardel [as he loses consciousness completely]: It's back... the Serp...

Travel to Wayburg

24 Jul 2011
to King and Marshal

Mardel looks at the orders from King and Marshal and seems content with their contents. Then he reviews the map, does a quick addition, and sighs slightly.

Trun: A problem, sir?

Mardel: Marshal's orders. We are to set forth immediately.

Trun: Very good! To Craigmore!

Mardel: No, Trun; we head east. To Wayburg.

Trun: We do?

Mardel: Indeed so, and when we arrive, I will need you to take command of this troop of men - you are to be stationed as militia in the city. I have faith in your abilities to lead this group - you will have Runic as your second-in-command.

Trun: No fighting the Cagilans then?

Mardel: No, not unless they've already taken the whole of Carelia. But Wayburg is a city that has seen much fighting and disputes over its ownership in years gone by, so I shouldn't consider it any less honourable protecting that city than helping to takeover some fields in Craigmore.

Trun' [pausing to take on the information, and being convinced by the argument]: Very well, sir. I accept the position and the challenge. I shall go and ready the men at once so we can make a start before darkness falls.

Mardel: And miss the comfortable bed I have lined up for the night? We'll leave in the morning, Trun.

Trun: Did you not say we must leave immediately, sir?

Mardel: I did not finish my sentence. We must leave immedately after breakfast.

ooo

25 Jul 2011
to everyone in Carelia

Mardel: Ah! The Strombran coastline. Wouldn't this be a peaceful spot to sit for a while? I do enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore.

Trun: Sir, I do think that we should press on to Wayburg.

Mardel: Well, we've made it, what, all the way from the centre of the city to the Eastern edge. That's pretty good progress for one afternoon, eh? Time for a brandy on the coastal path, perhaps.

Trun: Indeed, sir. Fine progress for one afternoon, though it's actually taken us one whole day so far.

Mardel [with a tone of resignation]: I suppose you are right. Press on then, for now. But get me a brandy anyway.

ooo

25 Jul 2011

Mardel: Ah! The Scarbran coastline. A peaceful spot to sit with a brandy, I'm sure! I do enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore.

Trun: Sir, I do think that we should press on to Wayburg.

Mardel: Well, we've made it all the way here from Strombran. A long journey!

Trun: Indeed, sir. Though only about half a mile over the border from Strombran where we discussed this previously.

Mardel [with an increased tone of resignation]: Is it? Only half a mile? Oh. Press on then, for now.

ooo

26 Jul 2011

Mardel: Ah! The Kilbranba coastline. A peaceful place, enhanced only by a sit and a good drink! I do enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore.

Trun: Sir, I do think that we should press on to Wayburg.

Mardel: After coming so far? Your previous advice has, I admit, been quite proper, but do think is misguided in this case, Trun.

Trun: Perhaps, sir. Though we've completed only 6 hours of travel in a day and a half, given our slow progress through the farmlands.

Mardel [looking guiltily at his half-eaten roast bird]: I suppose we did stay quite a while at that poultry farm. Press on then, for now.

ooo

26 Jul 2011

Mardel: Ah! The Tarkhog coastline. A peaceful place; how pleasant it would be to sit here and marvel at the scenery! I do enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore.

Trun [tentatively]: Sir, I do think that we should press on to Wayburg.

Mardel: Why this time, Trun? Has our recent speed not deserved some relaxation? We spent no more than two hours at breakfast this morning, and I had barely nine hours' sleep last night.

Trun: Undoubtedly, sir. To your pleasure, of course. Mine is only a recommendation, and I shall halt the men if they have earned a rest.

Mardel [looking doubtful]: Well, continue for the time being. I may desire us to rest before we leave the region though. Huen! Prepare something good for dinner!

ooo

26 Jul 2011

Mardel: Ah! The east Tarkhog coastline. Such pleasing coastline, and a great spot for some dinner! I do enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore.

Trun: Sir, I do think that we should...

Mardel: Yes, yes, press on to Wayburg. I know. But I am hungry, and we can't march on an empty belly, can we?

Trun [under his breath]: Nor even a full one, it seems.

Mardel: What? Speak up, Trun.

Trun: Nothing, sir, I was just impressed by your capacity for dinner, given how recent breakfast was.

Mardel [getting off his horse]: Well, heavy marching does that to a man, eh, Trun? We shall stop here, have dinner, and get some rest. Then we can complete our march tomorrow.

Mardel stretches his legs and walks over to a flat patch of grass, pulls a chair off a wagon of equipment, and sits down.

Mardel: Huen! Dinner time!

Huen [rushing off to find the cook and get a fire going]: Yes, sir! Within the hour, sir!

Mardel: Trun, while you're here, kindly arrange for one of your men to dig me a three-yard-wide hole, twenty yards down the field, here, just to the left of that boulder.

Trun [making a familiar signal to one of his army members who rolls his eyes and rushes off to get a spade]: Yes, sir.

Mardel: And then I would be pleased if you would play a game of Pothole with me while we await the food. Give you one last chance to beat me before we part company in Wayburg, no?

Trun [with a wry smile, knowing his defeat is almost certain given his master's experience at the game]: Indeed sir, I shall unpack the balls.

Two hours later, as darkness falls, Mardel sits comfortably in his tent. Full of food, and having pulled off a particularly good shot to rebound his Malin off the boulder to sink Trun's Dodu in the Pothole for his winning throw, he is quite content as he sips a brandy and looks forward to a pleasant night's sleep.

ooo

27 Jul 2011

Mardel: Ah! The Chasnoff coastline. I do enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore. Or at least I would, if I could hear them. What on earth is that noise?

Trun: Sir, I do think that we should press on to Wayburg.

Mardel: So do I! But that wasn't the question, Trun. Trun! Were you even listening?

Trun: Erm... er... yes, sorry, sir. You... er... said we should stop for a bit, sir? ...soon? ...later?

Mardel: What an idea! But no, Trun. I have no intention of stopping with such a noise nearby. Now turn your brain on and here's the question again: what is that awful noise?

Trun: Oh, yes, sir. That will be the Suville troops, sir. Particularly one set there which is... um... Runic?

Runic: That's the Dark Guard, sir. Grand Justice Dakmar of Suville, also a Marquis and Marshal of one of their armies, I believe.

Mardel: Ah, yes. And what about the rest of these troops here? Whose are those?

Runic: His as well, sir. He has not far short of 200 infantry at his command, by my estimates. Then those over there are led by other Suville knights, and I believe there are some militia in the fields somewhere nearby as well, according to our scouts.

Mardel: My goodness. Well, certainly not a pleasingly quiet place to stop for a rest. Let us finish our march.

No Militia

28 Jul 2011
to all in Carelia

Mardel: Wayburg! Here we are. If only there had been more time to enjoy the coast as we marched. Never mind, we are here now. Huen!

Huen: Yes, sir?

Mardel: Please find me a quiet house to stay in - in the south-west by the shore. Ensure it is stocked with brandy.

Huen: Yes, sir.

Mardel: Trun!

Trun: Sir?

Mardel: Here we are, then, in Wayburg. From now on, this unit of men is to be militia, under your command. I am sure you will lead them well, as you have done so under my command these last weeks. They will be known as Trun's Wayburg Security Force, and I am sure Wayburg will be the better for having you here guarding their people.

Trun: Yes, sir. It shall be an honour. I shall go and make the arrangements.

Ten minutes later...

Trun [looking a little dejected]: There's a problem, sir.

Mardel: A problem? With what?

Trun: The men, sir. They refuse to be militia. Flatly refuse.

Mardel: Whatever is so bad about being militia?

Trun: Nothing, sir, they just don't want to be led by me.

Mardel: What nonsense! They already are led by you.

Trun: For most purposes, indeed, sir. But you are the figurehead.

Mardel: Well, now they have the Duke of Wayburg as their figurehead.

Trun: They say the Duke of Wayburg doesn't have their admiration, sir.

Mardel: The Duke?! He's a Duke! What's not to admire in a Duke?

Trun: Apparently he's never managed to sink a Dodu with a Malin rebounded off a rock, sir. They are spellbound by your Pothole talents.

Mardel: This is nonsense. Go and remind them of the honour of serving a Duke.

ooo

28 Jul 2011

Mardel: So, Trun, I trust all is now well?

Trun [gingerly]: If you mean are the men in good health, sir, then yes, indeed.

Mardel: Which means you've got nowhere?

Trun: Indeed not, sir.

Mardel: They still refuse to become militia under Duke Roderian?

Trun: Completely, sir. They prefer you.

Mardel: This is ridiculous. I am not a Duke, nor even a Lord.

Trun: No, sir, but, well, for a start, they know how badly you were injured and know how the Serpaent healed you. Twice. But the Duke, well, from what I know he is Evgenist, and Magna Serpaensism is barely followed at all in Wayburg. And more than that, sir, they just like you more. I don't know why, but...

Mardel [with a tone of rejection]: You don't know why?

Trun [hurriedly]: I mean, sir, I do know why they like you, I just don't know why they don't also like the Duke. I know nothing wrong with him, save for his choice of religion.

Mardel: This really won't do, Trun. I can't change religion, but I can perhaps change this nonsensical liking business. I am not here to be liked.

Trun: But the off-the-rock throw, sir... it was legendary.

Mardel: It won't be legendary if you stop mentioning it. Now. Here are my orders for tomorrow. Morning: training. Afternoon: training. Evening: training. Night-time: Dreaming about training. And the following day shall be this. Morning: training. Afternoon: In-depth review of training so far, and analysis of how to improve training in future. Evening: training. Night-time: Getting ready for more training.

Trun: Oh, sir! I don't think the men will appreciate that.

Mardel: Exactly why I plan to do it.

Trun: And it sounds exhausting, sir.

Mardel: And that is why you shall be leading it, Trun, while I explore the Wayburg coastline.