3. A public prayer

A public prayer


  • _Some hours before the battle begins, a public prayer of war is held at the south gates of Norwick. Wearing his armored ceremonial robe, his steel skullcap, and his battleaxe in hand, Hammer speaks up as a crowd of soldiers from all parts of Narfell gather.

    "Brothers and sisters in arms! Norwickans.. Peltarchans.. today, we are all Narfellans, and we stand together!
    A dark storm lies on the horizon, threatening to destroy everything that we know and love. You know it is powerful. You know it will not be easily beaten. But no matter what may come.. WE WILL STAND AGAINST IT!"

    At this, he raises his axe to underline his words, as some in the crowd cheers.

    "Some days ago.. I prayed to Tempus on this battle. And that night, a blood red sun set.. a good sign. Tempus will be watching this battle!
    We will fight with honour.. and we will fight with courage. And with that, we will earn His favor. And victory!"

    More cheers erupt from the crowd.

    "And though you may know fear, know you are not alone in this fight!
    And though you may feel pain, let the right of this battle give you strength! And should you die, know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten! On this, the future of our children, and their children is built!

    GLORY TO TEMPUS! VICTORY TO NARFELL!"

    As the prayer meeting comes to its conclusion, all those gathered feel strengthened. Their weapons seem sharper, their armors stronger, and their mind focused on the battle ahead. Those who felt doubt before, feel it giving way to confidence. And after more cheers from the crowd, the soldiers of all sorts return to their posts, to prepare for the coming battle._


  • _As the heroes stood before the south gate of Norwick, preparing to set out for the Lost City and battle, they saw a strange sight… two horses, one white, one jet black, being ridden by a unclear figure with one foot on each steed.

    Maya explained it to them... before a battle, Tempus will often send an omen. A white horse for victory and his backing. A black horse for defeat and his abandonment.

    More often, though, the omen is both... a sign that the outcome is in doubt, that the mind of the Lord of Battles is yet undecided... but that Tempus is watching as the fight is fought, and brave deeds or cowardly ones will not go unnoticed._