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Itinerant: A Pilgrim Quest

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Hannz said:
[X] Stopped him so you could check the Book of Pilgrims traveling through the City of Grace can travel through without being taxed.
-[X] Persuade him that you go for the ford instead if nothing comes up.
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Also after some consideration (namely finding one Omicron and yelling at him somewhere along the lines of "oh god write-in how do I deal with that") I am adding this option to the main vote. I should have thought of it in the first place.
 
Omicron. Advice. Write-ins.

[:eek:] Jump off the bridge.

[X] Stopped him so you could check the Book of Pilgrims traveling through the City of Grace can travel through without being taxed.
-[X] Persuade him that you go for the ford instead if nothing comes up.

Reik is alright. Not the worst company we could have by far. If we don't pass the bridge, we should ask what's eating him.
 
Nevill said:
Omicron. Advice. Write-ins.

[:eek:] Jump off the bridge.
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What did I ever do to deserve this!

Oh, right, werewolf kick.


[X] Stopped him so you could check the Book of Pilgrims traveling through the City of Grace can travel through without being taxed.
-[X] Persuade him that you go for the ford instead if nothing comes up.
 
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1.7 Misdirection
  • Threadmarks
    • So, the write-in option about consulting the book and checking if you are not exempt from the toll won! Easily. Something something bandwagons? Not that it was a badwagon.


    1.7 Misdirection
    ​
    Before Reik could pay the toll, you intervened, asking the guards if it was in their view proper for them to collect the toll of the road from the people who do not belong to the temporal, for while it is right and just for the lord of the land to govern his domain justly, and to that end institute such a law that a traveller must pay for the use a road or a bridge, it is also a fact of common knowledge that the law of nations is separate from the law of the Saints. To prove that to them in full, you undid your sack, and presented them the Book of Roots, and from it you read to them a passage that seemed to you appropriate:

    All laws are either saintly or human. Saintly laws are based on nature, human law on customs. For this reason human laws may disagree, because different laws suit different peoples. Fas is saintly law; jurisprudence is human law. To cross through a stranger's property is allowed by saintly law; it is not allowed by human law.
    ​
    ***
    ​
    Next to that passage in the Book of Roots, you noticed a strange gloss seemingly written by a different hand than other notes on the book's margins. While you did not have the time to decipher it near the bridge, you remembered it location for the future.

    ***
    ​
    And while they pondered the meaning of the words, you explained to them more in full, inclining at the staff in your hand; that as a pilgrim, you were not beholden to human laws, such as the property of land (for one has to own something to tax it, from which you drew the conclusion that the bridge was the property of the bishop of Grace), but rather to the saintly law mandating that you do not stop until your task, that is your journey, is complete. To that, you also added, quoting from the book of Gospels a passage that had been passed to you by priest Ethal that he who bars the pilgrim's path stands in the way of the Saints, and you asked them if it is their will to stop what the Saints themselves have put on the road, and you also asked them, with great fire in your voice, if they do not think that the bishop to whom they are beholden, who carries not only the sword of a temporal rule, but also the ring of service that shows him to be but a humble servant of the Saints, would surely allow you to pass.

    Your words troubled them greatly, and in fact they considered you a witch for a moment, but Saint Odo, who surely watched over you every moment, dispelled such foolish notions from their heads, and they considered their deeds and actions and finally came to the conclusion that it would not constitute a break from their duties to let you pass, free of toll, since you were so obviously a pilgrim, and also possibly mad.

    All the while you made your discussion, Reik, who was well accustomed to such tribulations on the road, slipped by the guards as they listened to you read to them, and crossed the bridge, hiding behind bushes on the other end, and he joined soon after you yourself had crossed, his mirth renewed. He laughed in cruel fashion at the simpletons that allowed themselves to be befuddled so easily and thank you for saving him some money; he also voiced his surprise that you knew the letters so well. And that also seemed to put him in quite a good mood, and he remarked on several occasions that people such as you are the treasure of the world. Then, he grew silent and sullen once more, thinking heavily of some subject that he did not share with you.

    The night, you spent under the open sky; although thankfully the weather was favourable and you managed to set a low fire to burn, and therefore did not suffer much. And by the morning, Reik informed you that if the Saints were to permit it, you would reach the city of Grace in time of vespers. However, he also spoke of a different matter, which was less cheering; that if a toll was collect on bridges that were free for all to use before, then it must mean that the bishop of Grace had fallen foul of the worst greed, and he certainly imposed more taxes on the city gates, and entering the city of Grace could prove ruinous, not to mention all the thieves that certainly prey on innocent travellers within the confines of the mighty walls. And finally, that they would also be far less inclined to exempt honest pilgrims from the dues, for greed know no faith. And then he said:

    "But that, I can remedy, for I know a man who lives not far from the city of Grace, and who brings wine into the walls on the feast-days, and even the bishop buys from him; and he is a friend of my family and certainly, if asked, he will help us enter the city without paying, perhaps by hiding among the barrels he brings to the market."

    He then also explained that such trickery was common among the merchants who suffered the yoke of too heavy taxes and persecution from the mighty of the land. He voiced his regret that it would likely delay your pilgrimage by several more days, but asked you if you did not think it worth the money.

    You considered this plan and…

    [ ] Accepted it, seeing the value in it.

    [ ] Trusted in the privileges of a pilgrim, suggested that only Reik take that route…
    [ ] …after seeing you to the city of Grace.
    [ ] …splitting your paths now, and meeting back again in the city of Grace.
    ​
    [ ] Refused it, and insisted you do not dally on your way to the city of Grace.
     
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    • Gargulec said:
    All laws are either saintly or human. Saintly laws are based on nature, human law on customs. For this reason human laws may disagree, because different laws suit different peoples. Fas is saintly law; jurisprudence is human law. To cross through a stranger's property is allowed by divine law; it is not allowed by human law.​
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    ​

    Oh this is like the Themis/Dike dichotomy of ancient Greece, where Themis represents natural and divine law while Dike represents human mores and customs. Interesting.
     
    [X] Trusted in the privileges of a pilgrim, suggested that only Reik take that route…
    -[X] …splitting your paths now, and meeting back again in the city of Grace.
     
    [X] Trusted in the privileges of a pilgrim, suggested that only Reik take that route…
    -[X] …splitting your paths now, and meeting back again in the city of Grace.
     
    [X] Trusted in the privileges of a pilgrim, suggested that only Reik take that route…
    -[X] …splitting your paths now, and meeting back again in the city of Grace.

    For an "ignorant" girl from the countryside we are certainly quite the rethorican :) .
     
    Erandil said:
    For an "ignorant" girl from the countryside we are certainly quite the rethorican :) .
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    Ah, but you are not! You merely speak the words of the Saints, and of those who follow them; there is no rhetoric in them, merely the truth and piety, who are both superior to any scholarly art. At least that is what Saint Nebridius had to say about that matter.
    (Who totally is not Saint Augustine, honest!)
     
    [X] Accepted it, seeing the value in it.

    I'm not betting on the same trick working twice. Riek seems to know his stuff, so I'll follow his lead for now.

    Besides, I don't want to leave someone who's afraid of traveling alone until we finish our agreement which happens to be escorting him to the City of Grace. Let's keep our word.
     
    [X] Accepted it, seeing the value in it.

    Reik seems to be quite a rapscallion. I love it. Let's hope he does not cheat us out of our 140 denar cloak.
     
    1.8 Grace / 2.0 Resting Days
  • Threadmarks
    • So, with minimal vote turnout (I do not understand the ebb and flow of votes; it is a mystery), the option to split up and meet Reik in the city won. Well then! Onwards to Grace, and well, here's to first part of the story ending. In seven days, you managed to reach the city, only three days late compared to your original plan. Could be worse. Also, I apologize if the post is not up to snuff today, I found it difficult to write today.


    1.8 Grace​

    After some consideration, you refused Reik's plan; firstly, you spoke to him of honesty and loyalty: that while the scheme was cunning, it was also dishonest to the lords of the land, who by saintly privilege are given to rule, and until their injustice is proven, their laws were laid out iron-like, not for man to declare void. At that Reik scoffed, for it seemed to him a strange notion, and he called you a child that knows little of the world, and he also declared, his voice ripe with anger, that a mare such as you should be broken in with an iron bridle, and even that would likely be too much of a kindness on you. You engaged in an argument with him about that, but in the end it proved fruitless and so you finished your morning meal and departed for the city of Grace, Reik once again covered by a heavy shroud of melancholy; to your questions, he replied nothing at all, and halfway through the day, when you were at a crossroads, he declared that he will now leave for the accomplice of his, asking once more if you want to accompany him; you refused, and you bade each another farewell, and Reik promised to see you in the city in three days' time, and so that you should wait for him.

    Once more, you wandered alone and in silence; but the road ahead was straight and paved and forests around seemed thinner than on the other side of the river, and oftentimes, you would pass next to fields and clearings which bore clear signs of human use, and so the fear of solitude did not trouble you much.

    And finally, just as Reik had predicted, you emerged on a great clearing that was made in the woods, and instead of trees, you found yourself surrounded by fields (and since the hour was not yet that late and spring was in full bloom, there was some going on them), and beyond the fields, you saw a mound raise from the ground, and on the mound you saw the mighty city of Grace, and was awed by it.

    It seemed scarcely possible to you that its stone walls were raised by a human hand; truly they seemed as if the very bones of the earth were upturned and dragged to the surface, or as if the Saints themselves had made them from living stone; and you recalled the story of a great city that refused to open its gates to the Saints and was for it deprived of its walls, and you thought to yourself that it is how they must had looked before it incurred the wrath of the Saints. As you closed in (and the road by the city was busy with people, some dozens of them of returning from their work in the fields to the safety within the walls), a deep impression was also made on you by the fact that although the span of the walls appeared immense, and certainly a great host could be housed inside, it did not encompass all that was within the city, and outside the walls, there stood many houses of wood, as if they could not be fit in within, and had to spill outside. And among them, there was also a great multitude of people, and their voices, raised together in a bustle were like a mighty roar.

    Despite Reik's warnings, by your staff and general countenance, you were easily recognized at the gates for a pilgrim that you were, and directed to a hospice for strangers that was by the Saint Odo's Shrine, and entered the city without being hassled or harassed, and thus ended the first leg of your pilgrimage, and for the progress made, you thanked the Saints.


    2.0 Resting Day​

    The walls themselves appeared a great marvel to you, what was inside at first made another sort of an impression, far less pleasing; for you found that the streets were twisted and narrow, and that houses were built so close to each another that a meanest spark could cause a great fire; and finally that the crowd was even greater inside the walls than outside, and the bustle and hurry of people around you made you feel uneasy, for it was different from what you had known, as different as night is from a day. You moved from a city square to a city square of uncertain purpose, was called many a derogatory term by people that you did not know and who seemed intent on offending you just because you were in their, and through three different bridges, you crossed the river that was dividing the city in two, all the while the night was falling and lights around were going out, until only a few lamps remained lit. Soon, the crowd thinned, and its roar was replaced by drunkards' songs that rose from inns and taverns which looked to be more common in the city than actual homes. Finally, some fellow passer-by took pity on you (so obviously lost and alien you were) and showed you how best to find thethe hospice, and thankfully, he did so without mocking or insulting you further. Thanks to him, quickly you found yourself treading the shrine-grounds of the city of Grace.

    There was a great concentration of temples around you; and even in the poor light of the night, the great shrines of stone were to you a wonder just as a great as the city's walls, if not greater still; for walls were raised for temporal glory and protection, while the shrines and temples spoke of the glory everlasting that is the due of men of good faith and devotion, and which is more important than anything that passes in dime. Among them, you finally found the hospice and was received at the door by a monk who did not hesitate a single moment to let you in, and you were seated at a table and bread and wine was offered to you to lift your spirits and keep you strong. Then, you attended the compline, and after singing the prayers, you were led to a high-vaulted chamber with many beds, where other pilgrims were sleeping (you were informed that most of them did not travel past the city of Grace, because the city housed great many shrines with great many relics of significant holiness, prime among them being the miraculously preserved head of Saint Odo).

    In the morning, after prayer followed by a meal (for each pilgrim two of them were provided in the hospice; one after prime, and another after vespers), you asked some questions to the monks, who were all very eager to assist you, although they did warn you profusely that the city held many dangers to one's piety and virtue, and therfore discouraged you from leaving the shrine grounds where, as they assured, no ill will could manifest due to great number of relics and acts of faith committed daily. From them, you learned that the bishop, Gresius, was receiving petitioners daily in his palce, and that you could seek him out if such was your will. You also learned that it was the custom among pilgrims to ask for alms on the shrine steps, so that the people of good religion could assist them on their arduous way, and that you should not worry about staying in the hospice for too long; because while there had been cases of pilgrims living at the expense of the monks, they thought it but another test of their generosity and piety and did not protest that, for to tend to sinners is a virtue even greater than to tend to saints; you found it strangely forthcoming from the monk to declare that to you upfront, but you considered that perhaps he had little opportunity to distinguish himself yet and was searching for pious acts that could elevate him. Which in itself was a sin, you considered, but did not speak about.

    Besides the suggestions of the monks, there were many more things that you could do in a city such as Grace; and quite a bit of time, too. Reik had promised to return in three days, after all.

    For your first day in the city of Grace, you chose to: (pick three)

    [ ] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.

    [ ] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    [ ] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.
    [ ] …at the shrine of Saint Reus, patron of soldiers.
    [ ] …at the shrine of the First Saint.
    [ ] …at some other lesser shrine.
    ​
    [ ] Ask for alms at the steps of Saint Odo's Shrine.

    [ ] Go wandering the city, trying to learn more about it and what is there to be done in it.

    [ ] Ask about the nearby land and try to learn more about it.

    [ ] Go look if Ethal the priest had returned to the city, to learn about your father's health.

    [ ] Attempt to sell some of your possessions…
    [ ] [specify what]
    ​
    [ ] Attempt to buy something…
    [ ] [specify what]​

    [ ] [Write in]
     
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    • [X] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.
    [X] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    -[X] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.
    [X] Ask about the nearby land and try to learn more about it.
     
    Gargulec said:
    (you were informed that most of them did not travel past the city of Grace, because the city housed great many shrines with great many relics of significant holiness, prime among them being the miraculously preserved head of Saint Odo).
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    Now, this we have to see.

    Two actions seem to be a given. Thank the patron Saint for seeing us to the city safely (for our encounter in the forest must truly be a miracle), and seek the Bishop out as we were advised by someone wiser than we are.

    For the third action... hmm. Asking for alms might not be a bad idea, considering the state of our finances. That, or wandering the street and trying to get a feel of the city. But wouldn't that be dangerous without a guide? Perhaps looking for Ethal is a better idea?

    [X] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    -[X] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.

    [X] Ask for alms at the steps of Saint Odo's Shrine.

    [X] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.
     
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    [X] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    -[X] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.
    [X] Ask about the nearby land and try to learn more about it.
    [X] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.

    I refuse to beg. My pride doesn't allow it. We're a noble lady for Saints' sake, and we shall act as such!
     
    bookwyrm said:
    More like the daughter of a freeman/fyrd levy...
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    bookwyrm is observant. Ost mentioned several times in the opening posts is the term that was used among the Franks with a meaning very close to fyrd (although I admit that my knowledge of the social structure on the British Isles is subpar, the materials I use are mostly describing the continental Europe of that time); that is military service of free men to the king. I did leave the exact social position of the pilgrim's clan unspecified, though, because it is one of those things that is super-difficult to render into modern terms, and it is not like modern historiography can agree on how exactly social hierarchies of that time worked, either.
     
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    [X] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    -[X] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.
    [X] Ask about the nearby land and try to learn more about it.
    [X] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.

    Here's my vote.
    Looks like Reik's was too cynical on this one.
     
    [X] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.
    [X] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    -[X] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.
    [X] Ask about the nearby land and try to learn more about it.

    The way that the prose of this quest reminds me of some of the romances is really remarkable, I think. And now I've remarked on it, soth hit be!
     
    tricholysis said:
    The way that the prose of this quest reminds me of some of the romances is really remarkable, I think. And now I've remarked on it, soth hit be!
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    I am incredibly happy to hear that, because I am making a very concious effort to style the prose of the quest after some period appropriate sources (primary inspirations and occasional reference material being Bede Venerabilis Ecclesiastical History and Gregory of Tours History of the Franks), and it is very relieving to read that it actually shows, if only a bit.
     
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    [X] See the bishop Gresius as instructed by Ethal.
    [X] Pray in one of the large temples, hoping to earn a blessing…
    -[X] …at the shrine of Saint Odo, to thank him for safely delivering you to the city.
    [X] Ask about the nearby land and try to learn more about it.

    Gargulec said:
    So, with minimal vote turnout (I do not understand the ebb and flow of votes; it is a mystery),
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    I don't know that this would have a noticeable impact on your voterbase, but it is an anomaly weekend in Ingress...
     
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