Exploring the Chapel
Where one would expect pews and alcoves for prayer and reflection, the chapel instead contains several shallow pools empty of water and instead filled with barbed wiring, thorns, glass, and other materials. Towards the front of the chapel, dozens of half-spent candles in unadorned sconces stand in two long rows just far enough apart for an individual to pass through with their shoulders grazing the wax.
"We find freedom in the willing whip. Lashes received of another’s malice or ambition, while a welcome pain from the Maiden herself, is but slavery of ones suffering to another. Yet here, we find freedom in our flagellation. We seek strength in earnest that we endure even more. That we might further aid one another in our pursuit of pain. We pray for the pleasure of knowing Loviatar knows each of her children by our cries. Those who are willing, walk through the wax and wick and welcome the whip."
Parchment found in the chapel of the monastery
"In her embrace all names are in vain
For we are known by the Maiden of Pain
By the cries we send forth in petition and prayer
Shown by devotion in scars to bear"
Found scrawled in a journal
"The world is filled with pain and torment, and the best that one can do is to suffer those blows that cannot be avoided and deal as much pain back to those who offend. Kindnesses are the best companions to hurts, and increase the intensity of suffering. Let mercy of sudden abstinence from causing pain and of providing unlooked-for healing come over you seldom, but at whim, so as to make folk hope and increase the Mystery of Loviatar's Mercy. Unswerving cruelty will turn all folk against you. Act alluring, and give pain and torment to those who enjoy it as well as to those who deserve it most or would be most hurt by it. The lash, fire, and cold are the three pains that never fail the devout. Spread Loviatar's teachings whenever punishment is meted out. Pain tests all, but gives strength of spirit and true pleasure to the hardy and the true. There is no true punishment if the punisher knows no discipline. Wherever a whip is, there is Loviatar. Fear her—and yet long for her."
The Whipmistress, a reading from morning prayers
Exploring the Feathered’s Camp
Unfinished Letter from Wingbearer Caltha to Malus
Nestkeeper Malus,
I must once again bring Vicna’s erratic and volatile behavior to your attention.
I know you told me to settle it myself, but given his foul mood and his insistence that we are equals despite my being his elder and he more recently receiving his feathers grey than I (to speak nothing of my far superior grasp of the powers granted by our patron), there is little within my grasp to change.
Just two days ago upon the elf escaping (I presume you have already read my previous update about the intruder who followed our hunting party here), I saw Vicna slip some Crow’s Cough into Brother Iberis’ cup. Now I understand the position letting the elf escape puts us in, but sleeping through a patrol shift is hardly grounds for a week of coughing fits. I know you are quite busy but I must implore you to
Excerpt from a Reading by Wingbearer Caltha
"Let us not forget the Truth of the Many Tentacles: our Nest Mother holds many threads in her many tentacles and when one thread tears there is always another to weave into the tapestry of her manifested desires. We are those threads, brothers and sisters. And you have been woven into place for a purpose, for this purpose, so that we might draw closer to our patron and protector."
Note Found Near An Empty Vial
“Three drops and their tongue never stops.” That’s what Wingbearer Fraxinus said about it. Like most of the others, I just assumed this was smoke and mirrors. After our initial test, it looks to be an accurate, if not uninspiring account. Certainly, the dragonborn rattled on for a full minute, nearly forgetting to breathe. Directing the conversation or getting any semblance of truth from him was another question all together.”
Letter from Malus to Wingbearer Vicna
Vicna,
You must not be so hasty to abandon our purpose in the Nether Mountains. I am most disappointed in the news of your recent letter. How is it that you were unable to garner any information from the Dragonborn as for how to retrieve the gem? You have been granted many gifts in the ways of extracting information, put them to use against this retired busybody!
You have brought no small shame upon us for requiring another lesser God’s followers to fulfill your responsibilities. Hopefully the humility of the position you have put us in will serve you well and cool that rampant temper of yours which so obviously blinds you to the greater tasks at hand. We are expected to fulfill our roles, not make a tale of it writing home every time something doesn’t go according to plan.
The next time you feel the compulsion to send a raven, consider whether the news you pen is worth my reading.
Journal Entry
I can’t wait til we get the fuck out of this place. I know our people are peculiar, but these masochistic freaks are unbearable. They make a whole show of their whipping themselves with these disgusting screams and cries that go on through the night. How I long for my regular bunk back home. Or even just my bedroll in the hills below, away from all of this constant screaming. Or a cave full of trolls. Even they would make better company than these weirdos and their whips.
Exploring the Library
Without the adrenaline of combat pulsing, you notice a previously overlooked nook in the small library. Behind a bookshelf a small writing desk sits with a simple map unfurled.
Map: https://worldanvil.com/w/forgotten-realms-phork37/map/69bba0f5-dc3a-4acf-9e9f-537d5b9bac11
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