RP:Sir Rorin, Larketian Hero

Part of the Larketian Fault Lines Arc

Summary: Rorin is awarded the Larketian Medal of Valor before a crowd of teenage boys. He gives an inspirational speech and is thanked by the Queen and various high-ranking Larketian soldiers. Afterwards, Josleen and Rorin discuss the witch problem and Josleen shows Rorin the evidence room in the Chapel of Pleasure. She tells him to seek out Eirik in Venturil to learn more about the witch problem there, which she believes is connected to events in Larket.

Youth Sports Center

Though Rorin had already been paid for his services and thanked by letter, Queen Josleen viewed Rorin’s recent success in clearing the drow camp as an opportunity to inspire the youth of Larket. She arranged for an assembly to take place in the youth center’s largest auditorium. While all youth are welcome to attend, and even some curious adults and reporters representing The Larketian Herald, she ensured that the time of the event would be most convenient for boys between the ages of 12 and 18 by scheduling it between teenage rugby and basketball games. There’s also free greasy food and sugary juice drinks to attract hungry teen boys from across the city like moths to a flame. Pizza? A small stage has been erected for the ceremony with several chairs arranged on it behind a podium. The chairs are reserved by name tag for the Queen herself, the guest of honor Rorin, the Commander of the Royal Guard, the Captain of the Cavalry, and the 2nd ranked General under Mythayus. Before taking the stage, Josleen greets and coaches Rorin. “Rorin!” she chirps with a smile. Gigi bounds over to Rorin, sniffs him excitedly, then trots away to beg sausages from the boys. The Queen waits until the customary bow-and-nod are exchanged before continuing, “I am so glad you agreed to do this. It’s so very important to inspire the youth with good role models such as yourself. And thank you again for clearing that camp. My husband says your mission was exemplary.” ‘Exemplary’ is more of a Josleen word than a Macon word, but she’s paraphrasing. “I’ll introduce you, then invite you to stand to receive the medal, then invite you to the podium to say a few words, something inspirational, then Captain Silva will give a short speech and then invite the boys to ask you any questions they may have. No more than 5. How does that sound?”

Rorin forfeited pay to the churches as always and the thank you letter was nice. He expected a small audience with the queen for whatever reason but this... this seemed a bit much. He had never spoken to scribes or held an audience, even Kreekitakas fashion show had been an accident and nearly a disaster, so this was all a bit whelming for the pilgrim. Rorin himself had tried to track off towards the food, perhaps out of nerves, yet someone deigned to fetch it for him, and still others wiped and dusted at his face with powders behind a screen. "Lady Josleen," Rorin attempted to reply over the many arms busy straightening things for him and increasing his chagrin. He fluttered them away with various waves of his hand and took a deep breath. His bow to her was accepted, and so he replied, "yes well I wasn't certain about the details of the ceremony, though I'd gladly accept any quest to quell the rising tide of Vakmatharas." He did not want to meet Macon again as the first time it has taken a great deal of Rorin’s strength to merely shake his hand. "Something inspirational," Rorin echoed uncertainly, glad it was difficult to see his flush. I've never given a speech before, he thought anxiously, paladin do give them some times but isn't that to rally troops before battle? How am I supposed to know what to say? He cleared his throat with some dignity, "yes, that sounds excellent." I hope this goes well... Rorin adjusted his formal wear one last time. White and blue wear, with the talisman of Arkhen as a sort of bolo tie around his neck. A small box sat in the inner pocket of his coat and he was planning the exact time to present it. With a peek beyond the curtain Rorin was astutely aware the guest seat was empty... where was she? Oline...

Josleen nods in complete and total agreement that Vakmatharas’s message must be stopped from propagation. “Absolutely.” Fun secret: The King until recently worshipped the God of Death, in his own, peculiar, foreign way, but Josleen convinced him to give up that religion. She is at times proud of her role in being the light in Macon’s life. “Hopefully the boys behave. You know how it is at that age.” She smiles fondly. The director of the sports center gets her attention and signals that he is ready to introduce them all by name. Soon the director is on the stage asking the boys to settle down, settle down. He announces first the 2nd General, then Captain Silva of the Cavalry, then the Commander of the Guard, each receiving a small applause and/or salute, then Queen Josleen, who receives first a bow then round of applause, then finally the guest of honor, Rorin, who is welcomed with a hearty applause as well. Josleen thanks the director, the military commanders, then addresses the room. She speaks eloquently of Larket’s military strength, and alludes to the eternal, world-wide struggle between good and evil, and Larket’s role on the side of the forces of good, the protectors of the light. Part of that struggle requires alliances with other vanguards of virtue such as paladins, such as Rorin, who recently led a mission into the eternal forest to vanquish a plague of drow who sought to spill their darkness and worship on evil on the surface. It is paladins like Rorin who help beat back the evil into their caves, and today they honor him. With a wide sweeping arm she gestures towards Rorin and asks him to step forward. She takes a large gold and ruby medal from a table and gives Rorin the Larketian Medal of Valor. She thanks him again on behalf of the King and Larket as a whole then gestures towards the podium so that Rorin can say a few words.

Rorin is that age, it dawns on him. Rorin only turned seventeen some months again and his half elves heritage made it show. Not a single hair besat his face though the wild white scar that cut down the right side and the eye patch there perhaps gave some maturity to him. Rorin smoothed back his choppy black hair and tried to fix the obstinate curl of the white streak matching his scar to no avail. Deep breaths. Josleen speaks well though briefly on the troubles of the world and the duties of paladin. Deep breaths. Rorin stepped out onto the bit of stage and his eyes swept the crowd. Most of the crowd were just like him. Young men in a troubles world. What would Rorin have wanted to hear at that age? As Josleen annoints him the words begin taking row in Rorim’s mind as he mounts the podium. "Good afternoon, Sons and Daughters of Larket. I am here today to humbly accept this medal of Valor from your gracious queen. May her beauty forever reign," Rorin would pause and bow to allow a moment for applause from the crowd, "I am also here on behalf of my god, Arkhen, without the power of whom I could not have driven out the drow. I did not do so alone either- and here I recognize my team mates from the field of battle," Rorin gestured to the give squad mates who he expected to receive similar rewards with Rorin noted here as captain, "not only was my god with me, but so were 5 brave men and women whose skill and strength of heart and mind I could not have won this without. I am here to show you, that anyone can be a hero." Rorin felt as if this was what he would have wanted to hear as a child, "no matter where you come from, or how you were born- we all have the potential for greatness. So follow your dreams, and take mind that every one you see is on their own journey, in their own way. We must forever stand for those greatest virtues passed down to us from our ancestors, and passed to them for above. Be faithful. Be honest. Have courage. And hold high the ways of a kind of heart for without each other, each of us here before you would have surely failed. Yet we did not. Despite how different we are, we still stood against the drow, some of Lithrydels greatest evils, who took villages in the night like spectre and ghosts, and only through faith, courage, and Reliance on eachother as well as ourselves did we win this-" Rorin removed a small box from his costs inner pocket saying, "I would like to present Lady Josleen with this token- a House Seal of the drow encampments priestess, the highest token they bare." Rorin would await for her to approach the stage before moving to kneel before her and open the box. Silvery silks wrapped the well won seal that had been purged of darkness where once it has been a a beacon of shadow before.

Josleen forgets Rorin’s age all the time as she associates heroics with older men. Reverse ageism! In fact, it is his half elf heritage that makes his age so confusing. Josleen herself is a half elf, and she’ll be rocking this baby face into her 90s. Who can judge a half elf by their looks? She graciously accepts the gift that symbolically represents the vanquishing of evil from Larket’s borders, then she leads the auditorium in a resounding applause of Rorin and his fellow heroes who are at that moment presented with gold badges marking them as respected allies of the city. Once the applause dies down, the Captain of the Cavalry approaches the podium and addresses the assembled. His speech reflects on how the new clearing in the eternal forest has been converted into a work camp from which those still unemployed and homeless after the earthquake may find honest work, room and board, and food as they work for the Crown is rebuilding the city. In this way, Larket’s soldiers not only protect the city’s military interest, further the global agenda of Good and Virtue, but also help pave a path to a better society and give back to the citizens of Larket and some soldiers dedicate extra time to community building efforts too, so there is a place for all kinds of people in the army’s ranks. Left out of the speech is the fact that many of Larket’s unemployed are witches, due to an ugly prejudice against them that has taken root in society. After a shorter applause, the Captain invites youth to asks Rorin questions. 1. Why did he become a paladin? 2. Is he from Larket or somewhere else? 3. Are the drow scary? They can turn your bones to dust, how did Rorin avoid that? 4. Has he ever kissed a princess? (this question is asked over a cluster of giggles and snickers) 5. Is he friends with King Macon and that’s why the King asked him to do this?

Rorin smiles dutifully. All is well. Drow are beaten, Larket is housing and working those suffering from the recent disaster, and everyone seems to be genuinely enjoying the commencements. As Rorin takes the podium again he attempts to sort out the questions of the gathered. "My career as a paladin began when I was a boy, and given to the church as a Paige. Afterword I was squired by another paladin, and now I am on a pilgrimage to receive full titles. That career began in my homeland of Gilead, where I served for a few years. Even there I fought no power as skilled in magic and sword as the drow. Only with the power of Arkhen and Cyris working together did we stand against their evil might." Rorin blushed at this next question and rubbed his nose, wars twitching nervously. "Uh, no, I have not kissed a princess, yet. Though perhaps my career may see me saving more damsels in distress," as for this last question it face Rorin pause. "I am acquainted through Frostmaw to Macons wife, your Queen Josleen, who once served as our proud and beautiful Thane. She has served Larket well since their marriage, and I pray she brings it prosperity for many years to come." A rather taciturn and serious answer perhaps but it was as a-political as Rorin could manage. "The Lady Josleen deigned this quest upon me and allowed me to gather native forces. I assaulted the encampment under the banners of none but my god, for it is under his light and on his path that he did guard and guide me. I began this journey from a place as simple as any of you. Every legend and myth has but the humbled beginnings. And so I ask you to remember this: Anyone, no matter if they are human, Or elf, or dwarf, man or woman, noble or beggar- anyone can aspire to greatness. Anyone can be a hero." With that Rorin would take a final bow and dismount the stage.

Josleen | The director of the sports center wraps up the assembly and encourages the teenagers to help themselves to the food bar and mingle with the military men and royalty who will walk among them and rub elbows. But before Josleen joins the soldiers and teenagers in the mingling, she approaches Rorin. “You spoke well. I cannot thank you enough for doing this, and for the gift.” She lifts the badge and smiles at Rorin. “By the way, do you know Sir Eirik? He’s been dealing with a witch problem in Venturil that is similar to what we are dealing with here. Well, there situation seems worse, admittedly. As far as I know, no witch has corrupted a child here… but… if the witch cells are connected, it may just be a matter of time. Would you happen to know anything about that? The witch cell in Venturil, I mean.”

Rorin had never been prone to mingling as the truth was that he despised a majority of the noble class in general. He was happy Josleen approached him instead of just wandering to aimlessly chat. "Thank you, I've never delivered a speech before," Rorin chuckled before he looked more serious. "I did know Eirik, yes. He was among the ranks of the warrior guild." He paused there as he inflected on this 'witch' problem. "I'm afraid not. Eirik has not been with the guild for some time now, and in Rynvale I could not keep up with world events. What can you tell me about the instances?" Rorin listened intently to analyze just what sort of threat they were dealing with. He'd never bought into this witch nonsense but if people were really in danger.

Josleen | Most of the teenagers here were not from the noble class, but instead from the lower classes. This was all free for Larket’s children, paid for by the Queen’s generosity. The noble children were too busy perfecting the ‘sport’ of dressage. “From what Eirik told the King and I, a coven of witches has been abducting and brainwashing children in Venturil. I’m not quite sure what their goal is, but Eirik and a companion of his rescued a child from the witches. Shortly after, there was a murder here in Larket. We don’t know who the murderer is, yet, but circumstantial evidence suggests a witch. We also believe the earthquake was caused by a witch, and have a couple suspects, but they have since vanished. The short of it, there is proof of witches committing heinous acts in Venturil, and some evidence of a similar operation in Larket, though we cannot identify who among our population may be embroiled in that scheme. They hide well. We’ve been taking precautions, such as registering all witches on a list so that law enforcement has a better view of our witch population. Anyway, I thought this might interest you as it seems the forces for good are again facing the threat of evil. You mentioned Eirik was in the Guild? He left? Why so?”

Rorin felt awkward for some reason. Maybe it was just the number of people. He wasn't used to crowds of his own age or anything like that. "That is an intriguing tale. I doubt the two are connected at such a difference unless they're sects of a cult." Rorin nodded thoughtfully. "Excuse me but I haven't been introduced to this concept. How are the witches different from other mages? Can you tell me about the evidence connecting them to the earthquake? You believe these witches are organized into a coven of some sort, what are their activities?" It was a lot to ask perhaps but Rorin needed answers. He'd been out of the loop since the earthquake but what he'd heard wasn't good and it certainly painted no golden portrait of Macon. It might be good to get in on the ground floor with information from the queen as long as she could be honest or forthcoming. In return Rorin was willing to answer, "Eirik had a dispute when he questioned Lionels leadership over an event with another warrior. He never said where he was going and no one told me but it seems he made his way to venturil if that's the case." Eirik had launched some sort of investigation? At least the man had a good cause even if Rorin had his own disputes with him.

Josleen‘s face lit up when Rorin asked how witches are different than mages. “Oh but they are. The Witchcraft Research Department in the Academy of Magic has been studying this since the earthquake. Not much is known about how witchcraft differs from arcane magic, but the differences do exist and need to be clearly defined. Larket is home to the world’s leading research in this field.” The Queen beamed with pride as she played a significant role in shoring up Larket’s academic bonafides with respect to witchcraft. “If you’re curious, I can arrange a meeting between you and Muzo, one of our leading researchers. He could explain things more thoroughly. As for the evidence connecting the witches to the earthquake…do you have some time now? I can show you the evidence so that you can see it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I am not quite sure what the witch coven wants, or who they are, and that is why I am telling you about this. You seem dedicated to rooting out evil. This seems right up your alley.”

Rorin took the information in quizzically. "I wouldn't mind meeting this Muzo." Rorin wondered exactly what kind of person that name lent itself to, "this was my only plan today. I'll analyze whatever you have, if you let me. This seems like an issue you're seriously dedicated in, and one that could use a paladins hand." Rorin wasn't exactly the sort who excelled in rooting out schemes but he was an intuitive lad and indeed his life was dedicated to stopping evil so perhaps he could be of some use here.

Josleen read in Rorin’s reaction that the name Muzo confuddles. “He’s a naga scientist,” she said in a tone that suggests Rorin should now be reassured and confident in whatever this ‘Muzo’ tells him. Josleen bought into the stereotype that all nagas are genius scientists, duh. “Good, let’s go then.” She signals to her guard to fetch the royal carriage, which had a gilded exterior and a crushed velvet, luxurious interior. “To the Chapel of Pleasure. This paladin would like to see the evidence room.” The Queen was helped into the cabin, then the door was held open for Rorin. The horses trotted across the northern Larketian Avenue westward to the Chapel of Pleasure which stands erect amid the rubble of fallen neighboring buildings. En route to the Chapel, Josleen explained, “This Chapel, despite being so close to the earthquake’s epicenter, withstood the disaster, while all of the neighboring buildings collapsed. That seemed to the King a suspicious coincidence, as did the timing of the earthquake, which took place during our wedding ceremony. A Chapel to Delisha remains erect after the worst natural catastrophe Larket has ever faced occurs on the wedding day of its new King? Too many coincidences, I say. And the King put investigators on the case. Professor Valen found a secret room in the chapel, which you will see now.” Josleen lead Rorin to the evidence room and remained silent as she watched him take it all in.

Chamber of Carnal Pleasures

Rorin did not believe all naga were genius scientists. In fact he knew a few who lacked that sort of intelligence but that didn't need to be said here. Neither would he mention that he knew exactly why the temple of Delisha stood during the quake or why Valen and Artia should be the main suspects in the first place. Instead Room would remain mostly silent for the approach and disembarkment. It was strange being so close the queen. He felt... trusted. He wasn't sure if Josleen was simply naive or there was another factor in play here. Rorin already had questions swirling as he inspected the hidden chamber where he felt as if the dark magic clinged to him under his clothing and slid tendrils across his skin. This temple had always felt cross to him. Just sort of dirty. He could see where the term 'witch' came for though to be honest any arcane study's room looked like this to Rorin. Somewhere between mages and druids followers of Delisha lay he supposed. The locations bore interest to him as well, "I suppose you've had these buildings inspected for hidden chambers as well?" Rorin asked the queen off to the side. Rorin’s hand hovered an inch from the vanity mirror. Yet where was this looking glass meant to spy?

Josleen does trust a paladin, especially one who helped clear the drow from her city’s borders. She nods at his question. “Yes, the room has been inspected and no hidden chambers have been found. Valen interrogated the priest here and he said the chamber was used by two witches, but he didn’t know what for. They rented the space and fled the city, though allegedly long before the earthquake ever took place, which doesn’t quite add up. It’s all very confusing, to be honest, so I was hoping you could help us get to the bottom of this. All evidence points to witches, at least that’s what Valen has uncovered. But nothing points to a specific witch conclusively. We need to catch who did this.”

Rorin sighs and pensively holds judgement. He doesn't wish to be presumptive. There are many truths in play and many lies. "I do not have the skills to sort out such things as some of my brethren have but I will put what I can to the case. As is we can only make conjecture and theory. We need harder evidence though this is a good start." Should I even be helping, Rorin wondered, what part of this is an elaborate ruse, and what is not? Where does the conspiracy end and the truth begin? With Macon... Not with witches. He counted the kneeling cushions and tried to guess how much the cauldron could hold. "Have you had this scraped for residue?" He asked as he swept his finger along the rim, not really wanting to know what had been in it. "Although it is a ritual chamber I'd find it hard to believe only two ever used it. I know the underground connects several places in Larket. Have you searched for tunnels or passageways from the marked locations?" Any connection at all would be a step forward. "If these places house anything like this... such public places. Are they historically important?" Rorin attempted to sense out where the dark magic was strongest in the room, hoping Arkhen would show him a sign, if what to do or where to look next, or if any of this connected to the crimes around town.

Josleen nods at Rorin’s question pertaining to the cauldron. “Yes, there was a trace of common witchcraft reagents, but nothing indicating in which spell they were used, or why.” With regard to the map, she shrugged, “Some are important, some are not. The Red Tower is, belongs to a lordship’s lineage, the general store is not. What more, the Red Tower sustained damage, but the store did not. As for connections underground… that’s a thought. I am not sure all of these places are connected, but then again… the fermin have secret means of which we are not aware. You think the fermin may be behind the earthquake? Why?” Arkhen seems to have nothing to say about the room. “I suspect the coven in Venturil will offer clues about what is happening here. Perhaps you could speak to Eirik about what is happening in Venturil.”

Rorin hummed deep in thought. "What can you tell me about the Lord of the Red Tower? I don't believe the fermin are involved, but those who take the tunnels may have way around them. It is not that I believe they were targets of attack, they may also have been places of practice or escape routes. Hidden rooms in plain sight. The owners could be involved, the caretakers, even if they were targets what if something was needed to be placed there to attack it- we can rule out no possibilities. We can not deny any theory, we cannot spare a single citizen of glaring suspicion. For we must discern the truth of this matter before things get any worse." Rorin had some things against Eirik though for the good of the people he would put up with the barbaric lycan. "I would pay a visit to the wildlands then. Do you know of any other authority or connections I could use there?" If Muzo lead the case of the witches here along with Valens good work then Rorin had a lot of separate leads to follow. A lot of foot work to do. "You need an Inquisitor," certainly Rorin had never been so deep into conspiracies before and it seemed this was one of a magnitude for the age.

Josleen | “The current Lord of the Red Tower is Sir Reinhardt Devereux, a loyal guard and soldier and of a long lineage of Larketian nobility. He is as close to being above suspicion as anyone could be. I highly doubt he would have caused an earthquake to damage this city, let alone his own home.” She eyes Rorin a bit suspiciously as he seems keen to turn over every stone in pursuit of evildoers, except the stones right in front of him which point towards witches. He seems determined to blame anyone, even knights, of wrongdoing before even considering the fact it may be a rogue coven of evil witches as the evidence suggests. It’s good to be skeptical of evidence, but this seems excessive. “The Venturili king has been abroad for some time. The current ealdorman fight for power. You would be better off seeking out Eirik. Also, the ice genasi Emilia is from there and may be useful to you.”

Rorin shuffled. He'd met Reinhardt once before. The man had nothing but absolute loyalty to Larket. "True, I wouldn't blame Reinhardt either, and surely he has enemies. I have no doubt he's searching for the perpetrators as well," targets then, yes, but the earthquake seemed so random. "I will seek out Eirik and perhaps Emilia," both hands of the healers guild interestingly enough, "I will send reports back to you and the team of investigators as well, of course. I'm afraid I can discern no more, I am quite sorry milady. I have no practice in magical theories and little in an investigatory nature. However, I will promise this: Justice will be done. In the name of Arkhen, I swear to you that whoever so endangers good people shall be brought to the light, and face holy retribution. Let us depart from here if you please, as I detest this foul chambers air. Perhaps you can set a meeting between this Muzo and I soon?" Rorin was leaving with a lot more questions than answers but he believed that anyone entering this room had felt much the same. Eirik, Venturil, Muzo, Valen, Artia. So many things wrapped up in this. Rorin sighed and offered Josleen a small smile. He prayed for it to come to it's resolution soon whatever that may be.

Josleen smiles at Rorin’s heroic speech and nods at his question regarding Muzo. “I will. I should take my leave. I have appointments. I can give you a lift in the carriage to wherever you need to go in Larket.” Once Rorin has been seen off on his way, Josleen resumes her daily routine of meeting with social ladies, planning charity events and putting together a new construction project. In truth, the problem of the culprits behind the earthquake doesn’t consume as much of her time as one may think, not because she knows who did it but because she has a grand capacity to press forward.