>>5380179To reach Derdriu Castle, where Claude holds court, the three of you make your way towards the center of the city. The square is the most active part of Derdriu, with various merchants lining the streets, working deals and shouting about their wares. While crowded, most people do their best to avoid your path, stepping out of your way with a squeak. The less-informed ones do so out of fear of your compatriots. Theo and Sebastian stick out amongst the crowed, standing several feet taller than everyone there and both sporting mean looks. The few more-informed ones amongst the crowd though are doing their best to avoid you specifically. Despite having fought for the Leicester Alliance on more than one occasion, many still regard you as a “Witch”. Something to be feared.
As you’re walking through the busy streets, you notice a crowd gathered ahead. The assembled masses are listening to the words of a robed figure, who you gather is currently in the middle of preaching on something.
“I say to you, repent! Repent, brothers and sisters, for the end is nigh! The Goddess is displeased with her creations, who would follow the words of the Whore of Fodlan, Rhea! See how she engulfs the world in bloodshed! As we speak, innocent souls are consumed by the flames of war, and twisted Demonic Beasts roam the land, consuming all who cross their path! This is not a world fit to inhabit! It is rotten and diseased, and soon the Goddess shall send a torrential flood to purify these lands, washing the nonbelievers and sinners away into the void! Only those who repent their sins and seek salvation, turning their backs on the false Church, shall be saved!”
While some in the crowd loudly hiss and shush at the speaker, you notice a non-negligible amount of people murmuring their agreement. The Orthodox Church’s teachings are spreading fast. It seems Corrine may have had the right idea after all.
“Admittedly, I was never much for the faith. But I can’t recall any priest from the Church of Seiros preaching anything so…doom and gloom.” Theo says.
“Orthodox bastards.” Sebastian hisses. “He dares preach on the loss of life when their Crusaders were content to slay anyone who wouldn’t renounce the Archbishop? And the way these people eat this drivel up. It’s infuriating.”
>“It can’t be helped. You must admit, these certainly do seem like the end times. Derdriu is one of the few places on Fodlan the war hasn’t come to yet, and even that’s starting to look like it may change soon. It’s no wonder everyone thinks the Goddess is displeased.”“Let us continue. I don’t like the direction this is heading.” Sebastian says, looking off towards the right. You follow his gaze towards a group of men who have been listening intently to the preacher’s words. Some of them appear to be staring right back at you.
>“Good idea.” 