The city of Logis is peaceful in the morning when everyone wakes up. They get some breakfast from the inn, but it isn't very good. The meat is similar to the rations they saw for sale in Roth, and the bread is a dried roll that is really tough to eat. They force the food down with quite a lot of water. It helps with the saltiness of the preserved meat, and makes the bread almost edible.
"So you're off the temple, Palmer?" Lucy asks, drinking some water from a waterskin she took from a bandit.
"Yeah, do you want to come with me?" Palmer turns to the brunette rogue. "It might be kind of boring."
"I don't know…" Lucy looks towards Vryce. "It might be better if I help you search for Rabu."
"Oh?" Vryce chuckles. "Do you think I need a babysitter so I don't start killing random people?"
"No, that isn't what I meant at all," Lucy says, looking rather offended. "But now that you bring it up…"
"I'll be okay on my own," Vryce scoffs. "You should probably go with Leone. He's the one who will cause a problem if he takes off his hood or tries to talk to anyone."
"I was planning to do more listening than talking," Leone looks to Lucy. "But if you'd like to come with me, I'd love the company."
"Awesome, thank you." Lucy says to Leone before flashing a glance of disappointment at Vryce.
Lucy and Leone walk towards the main part of town, where most of the finer shops are located. Vryce trails behind them for a ways before splitting off on his own, intending to interrogate a few people if he finds someone who may know something about Rabu. Palmer gathers what he needs and finds a guard that is patrolling the area.
"Good morning," Palmer says cheerfully. "I'm looking for the Temple of Grath. Do you happen to know where that is?"
"If you're looking for a temple, your best bet is to check in Piety Square," the guard says, pointing to the south. "When you get to the bridge, you'll be able to see the Temple of Ra. It's the largest."
"The Temple of Ra?" Palmer blinks in surprise. "People worship Ra here?"
"Of course," the guard replies, looking confused. "He makes the sun rise every single day."
"Right…" Palmer still seems perplexed. "Thank you for the information. I appreciate it."
"Anytime, citizen." The guard beams a smile. "By the way, we've had some trouble in Logis lately, and someone was attacked nearby in an alleyway a couple of nights ago. If you go out after dark, keep your wits about you."
"I will." Palmer nods. "Thank you again."
With the information he needs, or at least a lead, Palmer sets off on his journey to Piety Square. Just as the guard said, when Palmer gets to the bridge, he can see a large temple in the distance. As he gets close to Piety Square, he sees a few shops and several people in the street, each with a cup near their feet. They appear to be beggars, and most of them have visible problems, like missing arms, legs, and a couple that are blind.
"Please sir," one of the men leans forward. "If you could spare a few coins…"
Palmer looks around with a sigh, and then digs into his coin purse. The group took all the gold they could reasonably carry from the bandits, so Palmer has some to spare. He drops a couple of coins in each cup, getting a round of gratitude from the beggars.
"Could any of you point me towards the Temple of Grath?" Palmer asks, hoping his generosity will be rewarded.
"Grath?" A man with missing teeth and a rag tied across his eyes leans forward. "The last time I was able to see it myself, it was in pretty rough shape. It's on the eastern side of Piety Square."
"Yes, that's right," another man says, pointing with the only arm he has. "Follow the main road until it splits, then go east."
"Thank you." Palmer briefly nods to the group before continuing on.
Palmer follows the main road, hoping that when he finally does find the Temple of Grath, it'll lead him to Malakai. He isn't totally convinced, but there was no sign of Malakai in the field. If by some chance, Malakai was also picked up by someone when he woke up, then it would only make sense that he would eventually make it to Logis, and likely seek out the temple as well.
When Palmer gets to the place where the road splits, he gets a much closer view of the Temple of Ra. It's an incredible sight to behold. He feels like he's briefly stepped into Ancient Egypt, when the wonders of the world he knew before Bryconia were still at the peak of their grandeur. The temple has a white-gold pyramid on each side, two sphinxes that appear to be plated in the same material sitting by the entrance, and an enormous temple that looks like it could hold thousands of people.
Six Flags over Jesus, Palmer thinks, chuckling a little as he remembers what he used to call the megachurches back home.
After admiring the Temple of Ra, Palmer continues through Piety Square, seeing a lot of smaller temples along the way. Some of them have a few parishioners around, and others appear to be closed. He carefully checks the crest on each one and compares it to his tabard before moving on. Towards the end of the street, a lot of the temples he sees are in disrepair and neglected.
Finally, he sees the Temple of Grath, but it looks like it has seen better days. It's not a large temple by any means, but it does seem to stand taller than some of the others.
"Well damn," Palmer says, staring at the broken down structure.
This part of Piety Square doesn't have any parishioners, and it doesn't look like people come here often. Nonetheless, Palmer feels like he should at least look inside the temple since he's come this far. He ascends the broken steps with purpose, pushing the doors open when he gets to the top of the stairs.
The inside of the temple appears to be maintained better than the outside. Palmer sees banners with Garth's crest, but they are quite faded. There are a few books stacked in some of the pews, but even those look like they've been there for a while, and there are signs of age on them. Ahead, Palmer can see an enormous statue that he assumes is Grath. He walks closer and feels a slight buzzing sensation, similar to what he felt when he was in the presence of Rendaz.
"Excuse me, sir. Can I help you?" An older, almost feeble voice calls from behind.
"Uh, hello," Palmer says, turning to see a bald man with a long white beard who is wearing a robe.
The man's face immediately registers shock when he sees the crest on Palmer's tabard.
"Why are you wearing that?" The man moves closer, much faster than Palmer expected, considering the man's age. "Do you worship Grath?"
"Aye," Palmer nods in confirmation. "I am a Cleric of Grath, and I'm searching for my friend, who also worships Grath. He's a paladin."
"A cleric? A paladin?" The older man looks bewildered. "That's impossible!"
"Why?" Palmer asks, his expression beginning to match the one on the older man's face.
"Because…" The man says. "Grath stopped answering our prayers almost fifty years ago, so unless you look very good for your age, then you're way too young to have ever faced the trials. Those stopped as soon as Grath stopped answering."
"Then why are you here in this temple?" Palmer asks, tilting his head inquisitively.
"I ask myself that question all the time," the older man admits. "But truthfully, I don't even know where I would go. For many years, after Grath stopped answering, people would come here seeking answers. I never had any to give, but I did try to comfort them. There's a certain hollowness you feel when your god completely abandons you."
"How long has it been since you prayed?" Palmer asks.
"I prayed almost every single day for…" The man sighs. "Longer than I'd like to admit. But it has been a while."
"Are you familiar with this mace?" Palmer asks, removing it from his back.
"Yes," the man says. "I don't know where you got it, but those used to be awarded to clerics before they faced the trials."
Palmer nods and closes his eyes. He concentrates on the prayer that he saw in his book, but has not used yet.
"Sanct Rel Grath," Palmer prays, not opening his eyes until he feels something surge from within him.
"What?" The older man looks confused, taking a few steps back, and cowering as Palmer's weapon begins to glow with holy power. "How!?"
"Like you, I have no answers to give." Palmer shrugs. "But perhaps it is time for you to once again consider praying to Grath."
"I…" The man walks closer to the statue of Grath. "I wouldn't even know what to say after all these years. If he's been there and I simply stopped praying... I'm not even worthy of his forgiveness."
"What's your name?" Palmer asks.
"I'm um, Fitzgerald," the man says, looking back to Palmer. "Once upon a time, I called myself a Priest of Grath."
"Then let us pray together, friend." Palmer walks up and puts his hand on the priest's shoulder. "I'm sure Grath will be happy to hear from the one person who held onto to more faith than most."
The two men walk to the front of the church. The priest kneels and Palmer does the same. Palmer quietly prays for his friends and safety on their journey. He doesn't know what the priest prays for exactly, but a couple of seconds later, the statue begins to glow.
"He answered!" Fitzgerald says in shock. "He's returned to us!"
"Aye," Palmer says with a smile as he opens his eyes.
"You must face the trials!" Fitzgerald turns to Palmer, his voice filling with excitement. "For some reason, Grath has chosen you, and if you are to be a true Cleric of Grath, you must be ordained!"
"How do I do that?" Palmer asks.
"Wait here!" The priest comes to his feet and starts walking towards a door to the right of the statue. "I'll be right back!"
The priest appeared to be feeble and weak when Palmer arrived, but restoring his faith seems to have shaved years off of him. Perhaps it is just adrenaline, or a burst of hope, but it's clearly noticeable. Fitzgerald opens the door, and Palmer can see tomes, along with an assortment of weapons behind the door. A few seconds later, the priest emerges, holding a shield and a rather old book.
"You already have your mace, but you'll need a shield." Fitzgerald starts to walk, but then hesitates. "Actually, this is quite heavy. I may have overestimated my strength."
"I got it," Palmer says, walking over to take the shield from the priest.
"Thank you." The priest nods. "Now, return to the statue and kneel. I will say the prayer that begins the trials."
"Is there anything I need to know before we begin?" Palmer asks.
"No, let your faith guide you and remember the core principle." Fitzgerald replies. "Only engage in combat when it is honorable to do so."
Palmer walks over to the statue and kneels, holding his mace and shield. The priest begins a prayer that Palmer doesn't recognize, but the statue quickly begins to glow, and Palmer can feel the glow coursing through him. His eyelids get heavy. He feels like he's sinking into a dream, then he finally gets the strength to force them back open again.
Palmer is no longer in the temple. He's kneeling in what appears to be red clay, with a battle raging in the distance. He tries to get up, but then he sees a man approaching who looks eerily similar to the statue in the church.
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"Grath?" Palmer asks in hesitation.
"No, I am his Avatar." The man says. "Grath no longer has the power to make a personal appearance at the trials."
"What are these trials exactly?" Palmer asks, rising to his feet.
"A test of your judgement," the Avatar says with a nod. "There was a time when you would have taken these trials when you were much younger, but your circumstances are different. You are not actually from Bryconia."
"No," Palmer admits. "I asked to be an old cleric and I guess I got what I asked for."
"It doesn't matter," the Avatar replies. "All you have to do is prove your worthy of the power Grath has bestowed upon you, and if you do, then you will be trusted with more."
"I understand." Palmer nods.
"Then let us begin," the Avatar says.
The Avatar of Grath moves his hands and prays, then Palmer sees two beds rise from the red clay. On one is a young boy, and on the other is a man wearing similar attire to Palmer, but he has chain mail underneath his tabard.
"Before you are two people in need of healing," the Avatar motions to them. "One is an orphan boy from the streets with no family and he gets by stealing from the local merchants. He was attacked by a shopkeeper while trying to steal food, and his injuries will claim his life soon enough. Beside him is a Cleric of Grath, who was injured in battle, fighting for his god. He has mere minutes to live. You only have the strength to heal one of them. Make your choice."
Palmer walks up to the orphan and the Cleric of Grath, looking down at them both. He contemplates his options and lets out a sigh before closing his eyes. He kneels beside the orphan, placing his hands on the child's hands.
"In Mani Grath," Palmer prays, opening his eyes as the blue glow emanates from his hands and heals the orphan.
The orphan coughs a couple of times, then sits up. Palmer immediately turns his attention to the cleric but finds that he has already died. The Avatar of Grath waves his hands, and both beds sink into the red clay, disappearing as quickly as they appeared.
"An interesting choice," the Avatar says. "Tell me why you healed the orphan over a Cleric of Grath."
"The cleric fell in honorable combat. The orphan did not," Palmer answers.
"But if you healed the cleric, could he have not healed the orphan?" The Avatar tilts his head slightly.
"There was no way to guarantee that," Palmer says. "The cleric was weak and near death. There was not enough time to ensure that the orphan would be saved as well."
"I see." The Avatar nods. "For your second trial, you have now saved the orphan. What will do you with him? How will you ensure that he doesn't meet a similar fate the next time he gets hungry?"
"I will take him to the Temple of Grath. I will make sure he has food, shelter, and one day, he may also be a follower of Grath," Palmer replies.
"A wise choice." The Avatar nods again. "This scenario actually happened. A wise cleric, such as yourself, chose to save the young orphan. He went on to become a Paladin of Grath. His name… Is Malakai."
"Malakai!?" Palmer blinks in confusion. "We came to Bryconia with someone named Malakai and he was a Paladin of Grath!"
"I am aware," The Avatar replies. "But your friend did not arrive at the same time as the rest of you, nor was he a man when he got here. That was almost two hundred and fifty years ago."
"Then he's…" Palmer looks down, the realization registering.
"He was lost in battle, I'm afraid." The Avatar says. "But he was a mighty paladin and one who commanded a lot of respect from his peers, including the wise cleric who saved his life."
"So is he in heaven?" Palmer asks with some hesitation in his voice. "Is that a thing here? The afterlife? You may not be familiar with the concept."
"There are a variety of beliefs in Bryconia, so I understand what you mean." The Avatar nods. "Like all honorable warriors, Malakai has joined the Eternal Battle. It is an honor given to those who truly believe in the power of Grath."
"Was he happy?" Palmer asks, feeling quite shaken by the news. "Did he have a good life?"
"Ask him yourself," The Avatar says, stepping to the side.
Palmer stares in disbelief as a beam of light shines down and man appears. He's wearing a suit of radiant armor with Garth's crest and carrying a sword that crackles with power. It takes Palmer a second to process what he sees, but there are enough features for him to recognize his friend.
"Palmer!" Malakai smiles and sheathes his weapon. "It's been… So long!"
Malakai walks straight to Palmer and embraces him with a hearty hug. Palmer is caught off guard, but returns the embrace.
"We seem to have gotten separated," Palmer says. "We only arrived in Bryconia a few days ago."
"Days?" Malakai asks as he takes a step back. "I searched everywhere for you guys. I thought maybe you had come back as children, just like I did, but I could never find you."
"I guess that means you never found a way home." Palmer sighs.
"Home?" Malakai chuckles. "I can barely remember where we came from. I always wondered if I would go back there when I died, but thankfully, I could continue serving Grath, even in death."
"Malakai, there are things that Palmer must discover for himself," the Avatar says. "Remember your own journey. Palmer has not yet completed his trials."
"Of course." Malakai nods. "I must return to the Eternal Battle, Palmer. I wish you luck in your trials. Always remember the principles of Grath. They will guide you every step of the way."
Palmer wants to ask more, but he sees the beam of light appear again, and Malakai steps into it.
"Farewell, my friend." Palmer lifts his hand to wave as Malakai disappears.
"Grath felt you should be free of this burden," the Avatar says. "Consider it a gift for completing your first and second trial."
"I would have never stopped searching for him," Palmer admits, then looks up to the sky. "Thank you."
"Now, for your third trial." The Avatar moves his hands and the red clay begins to form a line of men wearing a crest Palmer doesn't recognize, all of them with their hands and feet bound.
"These men are prisoners of war," the Avatar says. "The blood of those who fought beside you is fresh on these men's blades. You must decide their fate."
Palmer looks at the men. Their ages vary. Some appear to be old, battled hardened soldiers. Some appear to be barely more than teenagers. A couple of them are so young Palmer would still call them children. On the ground nearby, are a number of bloody weapons, and Palmer can see dozens of fallen followers of Grath behind the prisoners.
"Did they fight honorably?" Palmer asks the Avatar.
"Yes," the Avatar replies.
"We will keep them as prisoners, and we will treat them well." Palmer says, motioning to the men. "If they fought honorably, then they have done nothing wrong except fight for the wrong side."
"An interesting choice," the Avatar says, moving his hands, and all the men sink into the red clay.
"Was it not a wise one?" Palmer asks.
"No," the Avatar replies. "This scenario happened just like the other one, and these men were spared. During the night, they escaped, and killed several dozen more of Grath's followers before they were finally stopped."
"So I failed the trial?" Palmer asks with a sigh. "I should have just executed them?"
"You made the right choice, whether it was wise or not," the Avatar says. "Executing them would not have been honorable, but there were other options."
"What other options?" Palmer tilts his head inquisitively.
"It doesn't matter. Are you ready for the final trial?" The Avatar walks closer to Palmer.
"Yes," Palmer says, trying to show confidence, but still mulling over the previous trial.
"This will be a test of strength." The Avatar begins moving his hands.
In the distance, a village begins to form from the red clay, and then people are formed as well. Palmer hears a shriek from the air, and he sees a red dragon flying overhead.
"This dragon will destroy the village and kill everyone in it." The Avatar says. "Unless you do something, but you have to act quickly."
Palmer watches as the dragon lands, and the villagers begin running around in a panic. Palmer picks up his shield, removes his mace from his back, and charges forward, his stomach twisting into a knot as he does.
There's no way I can beat a dragon, he thinks. This is absurd.
As Palmer gets closer, he presses the spot on his wrist, hoping to look at his character sheet and see if there is anything he could use. Unfortunately, the character sheet does not appear.
"Everyone, run!" Palmer yells as he gets to the village. "Go through the front gate and don't look back!"
Palmer has no idea what to do, exactly, but keeping people alive seems like it should be his first priority. The dragon lets out a mighty growl and Palmer sees a glow in the back of its throat.
"Fire!" Palmer yells as the dragon's breath engulfs part of the village.
The dragon stomps forward, obliterating several huts as he does. Palmer thinks about his options, then remembers one of his prayers. He holds up his mace, closes his eyes, and repeats the prayer from the temple.
"Sanct Rel Grath," Palmer prays, feeling something surge from within him, and when he opens his eyes, his weapon is once again glowing.
Palmer holds up his shield and rushes towards the dragon, preparing to strike with his mace. The dragon's attention is on the cleric in a moment. It swoops around, right as Palmer swings his mace, connecting with the side of dragon's leg. This causes the dragon to shriek and unleash his breath. Palmer holds up his shield, and then suddenly, something flashes in his mind. A prayer!
"Flam Sanct Grath!" Palmer yells the prayer, closing his eyes, and bracing his shield.
Palmer can feel the heat of the dragon's breath as it hits his shield. He's sure that he will be dead in a matter of seconds, but as he opens his eyes, he sees that he's protected by a dim blue glow. The glow begins to fade, so Palmer lowers his shield to look over it.
Instead of the dragon, Palmer sees the Avatar standing in front of him.
"Did I fail?" Palmer asks, looking around as the village collapses into the red clay.
"No, you engaged the dragon in honorable combat, used Grath's prayers, and were gifted with one that would save your life." The Avatar walks closer and offers his hand. "Rise now, Cleric of Garth. You have passed your trials."
Palmer takes the Avatar's hand, and as he does, he feels an overwhelming surge go through his body, similar to how he felt when he leveled up, but it's a lot more intense. It causes him to cry out, and makes his head spin, then his character sheet appears in front of him.
Palmer – Level 1 +2
Character Class: Cleric
Race: Human
Hit Points: 65 +10
Mana Points: 35 +10
Power – 55
Speed – 45
Intelligence – 70
Affinity – 75
-Mace – Level 1 +1
-Divination – Level 1
***
Equipment:
Book of Knowledge – Cleric
Dagger
Mace of Grath
Shield of Grath
92 Gold Pieces
Before Palmer can process what he sees, more words flash.
You've unlocked new prayers!
Palmer blinks a couple of times and then the message about his prayers is replaced by another.
You've passed the Trials of Grath! All attributes increase by 5.
When the second set of words disappear, Palmer is no longer with the Avatar. He's back in the church with Fitzgerald standing nearby.
"You did it!" Fitzgerald says, shock echoing in his voice. "You truly are a Cleric of Grath!"
"Yes," Palmer says, still somewhat stunned when he rises to his feet. "It would seem that I have."
"You look… Different." Fitzgerald says as he approaches. "You weren't an old man when you walked in here, compared to me, at least. But now it looks like your youth has been restored!"
"Really?" Palmer asks.
"Come." Fitzgerald motions to Palmer and leads him to a dusty mirror.
Fitzgerald wipes away the dust and Palmer leans forward. In the reflection, Palmer sees that the years have indeed disappeared. In the real world, he was almost forty, and his character was even older. The face that stares back at him looks to be in his early twenties, possibly even younger.
"I'm glad they don't ask for ID at the taverns." Palmer chuckles, admiring his youthful appearance.
"I don't understand," the cleric replies.
"Sorry," Palmer says apologetically. "That's from another lifetime."
"Well, you've got a new life to live now, cleric." Fitzgerald smiles. "I will pray for Grath to make it a long one."
"Aye." Palmer nods. "With any luck, I'll have as many years as you."
"If you need anything from the temple, it is at your disposal. We have a few suits of chain mail in the back, if you would like to take one." Fitzgerald motions. "Unfortunately, that's all we have left, other than a few weapons like the one you carry."
"I will take you up on that offer," Palmer says. "What will you do now that Grath is answering your prayers again? Will you rebuild this temple?"
"If I can," the priest replies. "It is a day for rejoicing, but it will not be easy to convince people to put their faith in a god that once abandoned his followers."
"I'm sure he had his reasons." Palmer sighs. "I found out what happened to my friend, which was the main reason I came. I should let the others know."
"Do you travel with other followers of Grath?" Fitzgerald asks, a little excitement in his voice.
"No," Palmer replies. "But perhaps one day, they will be."
"If you meet others who follow Grath, or if you convert anyone to our cause, please send them to the temple," Fitzgerald says. "I will keep it open day and night, just in case."
"Do you need gold?" Palmer asks, removing his coin purse. "This is all I have currently, but I will donate it to the rebuilding efforts."
"Thank you," Fitzgerald says, taking the coin purse. "I will make sure it is well spent."
"I will bring more when I can," Palmer pats the priest's shoulder. "But for now, I must take my leave."
"May Grath protect you on your journey." Fitzgerald smiles.
"Thank you, and I hope he does the same for you, friend." Palmer gives the priest a polite nod.
Palmer goes to the back of the church and collects a suit of chain mail. It's too cumbersome to transport, so he has no choice but to wear it. He's surprised to find that it is not only a perfect fit, but also doesn't feel as heavy once he has it on. He's able to attach his shield and mace to the back of his armor, and once he puts the coif on, he feels like a proper cleric.
After leaving the church, he looks at his character sheet again, mostly out of curiosity.
Palmer – Level 3
Character Class: Cleric
Race: Human
Hit Points: 75
Mana Points: 45
Power – 60
Speed – 50
Intelligence – 75
Affinity – 80
-Mace – Level 2
-Divination – Level 1
***
Equipment:
Book of Knowledge – Cleric
Dagger
Mace of Grath
Shield of Grath
Chain Mail of Grath
I definitely feel more powerful, Palmer thinks. Or maybe it's just because I'm younger.
Palmer takes out his Book of Knowledge as he walks, flipping through the pages took at his prayers. He's surprised to see that not only does he have new prayers, but his two original ones have changed as well.
Prayer of Healing I: In Mani Grath
-Heals 10 Hit Points
-Mana Cost: 10 Mana Points
===
Prayer of Holy Power I: Sanct Rel Grath
-Imbues target weapon with the Holy Power of Grath for one hour, which allow the wielder to draw the attention of one enemy, as long as the wielder's intentions are honorable.
-Mana Cost: Free
===
Prayer of Fire Protection I: Flam Sanct Grath
-Negates one fire attack.
-Mana Cost: 25 Mana Points
===
Restore Life I: Res Mani Grath
-Brings one humanoid who has been reduced to 0 hit points to 1 hit point. This will not heal their wounds, and they may still succumb to them if they do not receive additional healing.
-Mana Cost: 50 Mana Points
Huh… Palmer thinks, briefly checking his character sheet again. I don't even have enough mana to use the last one.
Palmer decides not to dwell on it, since his previous prayers changed after leveling up. It seems only logical that his new ones will as well. As he walks through Piety Square, he takes a moment to look at the newer temples, hoping that he'll see the Temple of Grath one day restored to its former glory. It still weighs on him to think about Malakai, but his friend seemed happy, fresh from the Eternal Battle.
Silently, Palmer prays it will be a long time before he joins Malakai on that battlefield, especially with his youth restored.