Sunday at St. Mary's Church of the Living God, Father Brown holds mass. It's easy to tell something is unusual with him, as he stutters several times during prayer, and even drops the ceremonial wine during communion.
"Let us begin the recitation of faith."
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father.
God from God, Light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father, through whom all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation, He came down from heaven.
(bow)
By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. (end bowing)
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day, He rose again, in fulfillment of the scriptures.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and Son He is worshipped and glorified,
He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead;
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
Father Brown sets down his prayer book and begins his sermon.
"I have been in Gommora for a short period of time. During my stay here, I've heard strange and terrible rumors, and even seen evidence of the dead walking. I've learned that there are saints here. Make no mistake; canonized or not, a saint is a saint. But most importantly, I've learned that the Tribulations given in prophecy are here. I've learned a great many things." Father Brown pauses for a moment, and looks over the congregation.
"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse come. Famine, War, Death, and Pestilence were released in 1863 in an event some call the Reckoning. They are spilling their powers over the world as we speak, and they are only just beginning. With their coming, they spread fear as they harvest it and draw strength from it to bestow to their minions. As this happens, our world is changing around us.
There are people that gamble with demons; the chips are their souls and the powers of the inferno. These 'hucksters' walk among us, concealing the glowing green cards of sin as they influence us. Most do this for evil, and some surprisingly in an attempt to do good, though I wonder if they realize the cost will be their eternal soul.
And as these hucksters gamble with demons, scientists across the world receive the spark of inspiration from other demons and call it science. These scientists create a multitude of devices, some pleasant and useful, some inane, and many monstrously destructive and obviously evil to all but the fools. All the while, the world wonders why these scientists are driven to madness, or become confused when these new sciences only seem to lead to destruction.
Many of the Indian shamans know some of what goes on. Apparently, a shaman named Raven released the Reckoners from bondage. Some of these shamans serve the Horsemen; others, like John Two-Hawks fight them. John Two-Hawks is a good man and a hero, despite not being a Christian; he is the one who has opened my eyes. He can even perform wonders with his nature spirits; perhaps some of the angels hear his call.
Stranger things happen as well. Eastern monks and students of hand to hand fighting learn to perform incredible feats. People even receive power from strange spirits with the combined superstitions of voodoo. Sorcerers use the power of their blood to perform magic. And even some ancient heretics like the Aztecs use human sacrifice to dark spirits to receive power.
The dead are raised by demons and demon worshippers. The Harrowed- people who are denied salvation as their corpse is animated by a demon, in an attempt to damn their souls and cause pain and death for others- walk even this town. And other undead are released, along with a thousand kinds of terrible monsters to frighten, kill, and destroy God's children. Undeath is the Mark of the Beast!
But most importantly, there are those directly chosen by God and the Devil.
There are people, sometimes called witches, sometimes apparently called Black Magicians, that worship either Satan or these Reckoners (Horsemen) to receive dark powers to do their bidding. Apparently these black magicians have already shown themselves in this town...some boy named George. Even children can follow Satan! They will burn in hell for eternity, but if you're not careful, they may tempt you into following them. Do not! Martyr yourself if necessary! Revelations speak when the forces of the Antichrist will force some to choose death or to worship the devil. Choose salvation!
There are those Chosen by God as well though. I know this town is blessed to have a saint: Charity Rose. She was selected by God to perform miracles in his name. Now, to her credit, she does not seem to have the sin of pride, and seems to mostly keep this fact to herself. You have to understand, though, that you have a responsibility to God and to the rest of us, to show us what we're doing wrong! You should lead us! And, if there are any other saints out there- please, help us save our souls!
But before that, there's more I must tell! I know now this is my purpose!
Some have come from the future, after Armageddon. They told of the ghost rock bombs that destroyed civilization and befouled with cities with something called radiation. Ghost rock and new science shall be the engines of Armageddon, and then the Four Horsemen will openly walk the Earth itself.
Those from the future spoke of an evil named Stone who came back to kill Heroes who interfered with the plans of the Reckoners, as a representative of death.
Understand that these are the days of trials and tribulations. Before the Antichrist makes his war on the last of the righteous, steel yourselves! For God has a plan, and though it is terrible to behold, the plan ends with the Second Coming of Christ, the Last Judgement, and eternal salvation for the righteous.
Do not listen to the Lost Angels! Their 'Reverend Grimme' is Famine himself, and their inner circles of the cloth cannibalize their faithful. Though many of these people are likely good Christians, it is an attempt to pervert the faith and lead the righteous to damnation!
Fear not though. This is God's will. He created this world, and he will end it. Though these Horsemen and Satan and their followers wish to spite God, they do his will.
We must put our affairs in order. Famine, Death, Pestilence, and War come. We must put priority on the truly important matter- our souls and our salvation, rather than our lives. But the how of that is lost to me. I've spent my entire life trying to serve God and others, but he chose others instead of me. I'm not sure what my sins are- perhaps envy- but I know I am dedicated to atonement and salvation. I believe we should seek the wisdom of this town's saints to seek salvation.
For whatever they're doing; they've been chosen by God and we haven't. Seek Charity's wisdom! Seek other saints' wisdom! Seek John Two Hawks' wisdom! Their miracles and faith shall lead us to salvation! I thought I came here to teach you, Charity, but I was wrong. You need to teach us.
Posts: 58 Location: Northampton, MA Joined: 09.02.09
Posted on 03-25-2009 23:59
Father Joe is in attendance at Sunday's sermon, though sitting it out with one of his (frequent) cases of weakness and distemperment. As Father Brown speaks, though, Joe gets more and more nervous, glancing out the windows and looking around the room, one hand on his Bible, the other on the Holyoak pistol. When Father Brown is done, after a brief silence of awkwardness, Joe will look around, realize there are no immediate threats on the congregation, and call out with a loud "Amen!"
I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
- Langston Hughes
---------------------------------------------------------------
Joe, formerly Lin Fuqua, formerly Will Sawyer
Posts: 321 Location: Chicopee, MA Joined: 19.09.07
Posted on 03-26-2009 05:55
After the sermon, Clarence will walk up to Father Brown. "That certainly was a rousing if not controversal speech Father Brown. Now I'm a newsman by trade and I like to get my sources right. Now I can ignore some of the accusations as preaching against the dangers of new science and the sins of gambling, but outright declaring Revered Grimme as one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse? That we're living in the end of days? Where is the proof of all this? I've been around Father Brown and seen some strange things, but that speech would give just about anyone the willies."
Currently: Pending (Not Zack)
Formerly: Dr. Henry Watson, saw bones and howler
Formerly: Doctor Sylvester Woods, blind new scientist
Formerly: Clarence MacDonald, Reporter, Clerk of the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor
Formerly: Professor Qutaybah al-Surwad Saiq, Arab Scientist and Botanist
Formerly: Herman Yeager, Best Carpenter in the West
Player: Eisen, sometimes called Ben
"Well, Mr. Mayor, it was not my intention to upset people, but people have to understand what's going on; that they will be tested. It was Mr. Two Hawks who filled me in on all of this; he's a good man.
You should not ignore any of my sermon! New science and ghost rock will herald the end of times. And the gambling spoken of is the gambling of souls. Though poker is usually considered sinful, it has nothing on gambling with demons for supernatural power.
You should understand that the term Apolcalypse comes from ancient Greek meaning a revelation. You understand that the end times are spoken of in the Bible, in the Book of Revelations? Well the Revelation is that the ending of the world, the Last Judgement, and all the things that come with it are God's will. Now I believe that Mr. Two Hawks is attempting to stop this from happening, but I don't believe that will matter. What God wishes to happen, will happen.
As for Reverend Grimme....'And he opened his name in Blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle...and it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome..... And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men....And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast.' Revelations: 13:6-14. The Bible speaks of false prophets leading men to worship Satan. Grimme is famine; proof from me is not needed.
The world will have it's proof as the land is covered in War, Death, Famine, and Pestilence. From what I hear, this town has had it's share of supernatural signs already. I just want all of you to understand that your souls are at stake. But I want everyone to understand that the saints should lead us...they've been chosen by God! God has sent them to us to guide us through these difficult times. The willies aren't important; salvation is."
Ceci will be in attendance, listening attentively, and approach at the end. "Well, Father, for one thing I'm sure war, famine, pestilence and death have always been a pretty big part of this world, and certainly always will be, with a face and a name or not. For another, you be careful. Ain't many saints as I know them were called on to lead. Beware earthly governments and the corruptions of this world, and all. Except by example, there's no real leading a saint needs to do. Maybe Joan of Arc was a saint, but there are so many more who lived their quiet lives nearly alone, just them and God, and that's a saint for you. Can't go expecting souls to run up and down the streets declaring God's on their side and what they say goes, can you? Look what happened to folks that did that. Didn't go so well for Moses. 'Sides, I'm pretty sure there's a rule about not being called a saint 'til you're dead."
------------------------
Formerly Wulfie.
Formerly Ariah.
Formerly Little Vulture.
Formerly Ian Bianchi.
Formerly Cecilia Joy.
Formerly Kal.
Carlton is in attendance,, with his straw hat in his hands. He looks around nervously a few times during the sermon. Afterwards, he walks up to Father Brown and says:
"Father Brown, that was a wonderful sermon. Thank you." He looks around again.
"But Father, if what you say about Rev. Grimme is true, what are we suppposed to do with the folk from there who are here already?"
Formerly Cody Morgan, orphan.
Formerly Foolish Owl, an Indian with a feather fetish.
Formerly Father Ray, the fat preacher of Gommora.
*Molly will listen with a shocked expression, jaw dropped in a very unladylike manner. By the end of the sermon her shock has been replaced with anger. She'll rush out of the church as soon as Fr. Brown is done speaking."
Molly Packard - School Marm - 8/30/08, Deputized- 11/8/08, Sheriff- 12/6/08 - 5/2/09
Total time as Sheriff: 7.33 sessions
The 5th, and last sheriff of Gomorra.
Player: Chrissy
Rebecca has been playing her fiddle soflty along with the hymns. She listens politely, but does look slightly affronted when he mentions gambling with demons. After a a heartfelt recessional ("Will ya'll rise and sing together 'Nearer My God to Thee'" ) she packs up her instrument and leaves without any undue haste.
“We consider that any man who can fiddle all through one of those Virginia Reels without losing his grip, may be depended upon in any kind of musical emergency.”- Mark Twain
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle
And the merry love to dance:
Formerly Lucy Harris
Formerly Dr. Delilah Wilson
Edited by Rebecca Johnson on 03-27-2009 10:25
Charity will sit in on the sermon, looking quite stunned and rather pale. When Father Brown finishes she stands, seems to consider something for a moment, then just shakes her head and slips out as unobtrusively as possible.
John two Hawks will Stand and say "I will not run and hide from Evil of the Reckoners I have shared the Information with Father Brown and he Has wisely share it with you What you do with this information is up to you. Let it not be said that Twohawks had the Truth that could save us and Kept it to him self. If you will NOT Go quietly to your death at the hands of abominations, and instead decide to stand up and fight and scream in the face of Armageddon then stand with Me. For Stone Was sent for a reason the Reckoners can be stoped by Heroes.
(OOC: this posting is a bit of a special case. It was posted here early to allow the entire player base ample time to react to it, but in game terms it is happening essentially a day or two before next game. We realize this may cause minor confusion, but we felt it was important to give people a chance to react to it, as well as not diminish it's impact by having a lot of things happen because of it during downtime instead of at game.)
"Yes, well, regarding Saints, it is the doctrine of the Catholic Church that the Church does not make saints; it merely recognizes them. A saint is still a saint, even before canonized or beautified by the Church. Granted, as a representative of the Catholic Church, I should contact the Church and wait for canonization before my declarations, but I now believe that the Lord is trying to send us a message to this town with His servants, and that needlessly wasting what little time we have with canonization would detract from us hearing God's will through you, er the saints.
(Looks gravely. Then speaks loudly.) Yes, we must beware earthly governments and corruption!
Well, I suppose many of the paragons of the Lord did go forth and announce they were on the Lord's side. Yes, Moses, and Jesus, and others. Granted it didn't always turn out well for them, but they had a mission from God to complete, didn't they?
And Carlton, I unfortunately don't know what to do about these Lost Angels. I think many of them are good folks trying to do right by God, and do not see that they are following a false prophet. Perhaps you will know what to do...
Mr. Two Hawks. Before you go off and attempt to stop this, could we baptize you? You need to have original sin forgiven if you are going to go fight the forces of Satan and the Reckoners. If these nature spirits are truly angels, then you can follow them through the Catholic Church...."
In response to Ceci's comments, some of the Church goers interject.
"How can you not see? This explains everything?"
"Mary, she's new to town! Just wait and till you see all the kinds of monsters and things, and see bits of orphans strewn over your windows!"
"Oh, stop gossiping. We should be praying!"
As Charity attempts to step out, a dozen church-goers follow her. A cacophony of questions and requests are shouted and pleaded:
"Bless us, Miss Charity!"
"Tell us how to save our souls!"
"How can we escape the wrath of the Horsemen?"
"Why can't I look good in a Sunday dress?"
"Should we burn the Lost Angels church?"
"I think I'm coming down with something? Can you lay hands upon me and heal me?"
"Where are you going...?"
(um, james? if this is supposed to be only a day or two before next game, could one of you gm type people edit nicks origional sermon post above, and remove the, "Sunday at St. Mary's Church of the Living God, Father Brown holds mass." tagline from it? )
currently in transition..
recently 'grandpa' {shuffled off his mortal coil}
not currently Playing "Leaf Harlin",
(the artist previously known as 'Buddy' )
(OOC: no, this is a standard sermon taking place on a Sunday. assume that game takes place sometime around Tuesday in game. We feel that our players are capable enough roleplayers to be able to pretend that game takes place only a few days after this.)
Posts: 58 Location: Northampton, MA Joined: 09.02.09
Posted on 03-28-2009 02:07
(OOC: Wait, so you're telling me that I don't have a second Sunday to respond to this sermon? That really throws a wrench in most everything I was going to do. So you're telling me that when I write my sermon, it won't happen after his? When did we decide that game was taking place on Tuesdays? Prior to this folks have always referenced "last Saturday" when talking about the last game. This Tuesday decision seems very sudden, and very not fair to us as players, especially since you let it sit posted for 2 days (which were spent in all sorts of PMing back and forth to plan our responses) before letting us know "oh, by the way, this doesn't happen until after all your downtime actions, so you can't respond. Sorry... this sort of complaining probably belongs elsewhere...)
I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
- Langston Hughes
---------------------------------------------------------------
Joe, formerly Lin Fuqua, formerly Will Sawyer
Carlton goes up to the church goers who are accosting Charity. "Now, now, settle down! If Charity is too busy to talk to y'all, you'll just have to speak with Father Brown. He's the one who's got the book learnin', right? Didn't he say the bible will lead you on the straight and narrow? Let's all go back inside and maybe Father Brown can tell us more about how to save our souls. He's the preacher, right? Anyways, Charity will be back sooner rather than later, it'll be best to let her collect herself and talk to her once she comes back."
Carlton will pause for a moment to make sure he has the church goers attention for this part
"I know for sure that when the End Days come, I want my soul to be clear and pure as the first snow fall. I may be worried, and a little scared, but it sure is easier facing all that when you know that God loves ya and will bring you to Heaven when the time comes. So let's try to find that kind of faith in church, and not from poor Charity, ok?"
Carlton will remain in church and pray with anyone who wishes to join him for the rest of the day.
Formerly Cody Morgan, orphan.
Formerly Foolish Owl, an Indian with a feather fetish.
Formerly Father Ray, the fat preacher of Gommora.
Hi, I'm Jason Surprise!
Edited by Carlton Williams on 03-29-2009 02:12
"I'd let God assign those missions, Father, not you. Of course, I certainly don't know anything about monsters and horrors," Ceci says flatly, leaning heavily on her cane and shooting a scathing look over at the assorted townsfolk, "accidentally" pulling her scarf aside a bit while pushing hair out of her face, revealing a mess of ugly scar tissue where her eye once was for a second. "I suppose I'll see you later, preach."
((OOC: Yeah, an earlier mention of the timing would have been nice. I'll finish out the scene, but Ceci shouldn't even be present if it's the second week of downtime. She's occupied.))
------------------------
Formerly Wulfie.
Formerly Ariah.
Formerly Little Vulture.
Formerly Ian Bianchi.
Formerly Cecilia Joy.
Formerly Kal.
OOC: Downtime time is intentionally vague, it's purpose is to facilitate plot and game, not inhibit it. All forums are public or private, and any post in a public forum can be heard by anyone, that's why they are public. This is not a Text based MUD where we need to know exactly when you are logged on an exactly where you are at all times to send you only those things that happen right next to you. This is a forum for people to talk about things happening at game, while between games. It is here to facilitate communication.
Father Brown's sermon happens on a Sunday because he didn't call a special sermon for this. Father Brown's sermon happens only a few days before game so that people don't have to react to the newly formed angry mobs and or rioters during downtime (that plot is much more interesting to be run at game). If father joe wants to respond in his Sunday sermon, make a post reacting to it and say that is your Sunday sermon. If the lost Angels want to make a post about their sunday sermon they can do that too. The forums are not here to restrict the number of sunday sermons that can be given out between games, nor do we require that sunday sermons only be posted on sundays. Post whatever you want, react in any way that you want, and stop worrying about exactly which day game takes place on. It doesn't matter. If you want to hear about something posted in a public forum, you heard about it. If you don't want to hear about something posted in a public forum, you didn't hear about it. The forums are only hear to facilitate communication, not inhibit it. We posted this early so people could have time to read it, react to it, make plans, and talk about it. Read it. React to it. Make plans. Talk about it.
Tom 09/08/2010 21:14 hope is also quite comfortable in greenfield these days, in a largely gamer (and thus deadlands) safe place.
Mio 09/08/2010 15:49 I wish the forum were like Facebook. I want to "Like" everything. I would never have to have a genuine thought again.
Jorge Mantoya 09/08/2010 13:33 Hope dangles on a string, like slow-spinning redemption. Winding in and winding out, the shine of it has caught my eye...
Bish 09/08/2010 13:26 No distance is ever safe enough. The only distance that is remotely safe is six feet, and THAT if only chased by two bullets.
The Gentleman Masher 09/08/2010 13:21 I think so. That may almost be a safe enough distance.
Gidim 09/08/2010 12:11 Doesn't she live in Rochester now?
GM Doppelganger 09/07/2010 23:04 Per player request, Hope will be present at the start of Manhattan, how long Hope survives is up to you.
The Gentleman Masher 09/07/2010 17:48 I love tumblebleeds. They're some of the nicest of the things Deadlands can throw at you.
GM Doppelganger 09/07/2010 14:40 If the existence of tumblebleeds in the new town is enough to shatter your hope it wasn't going to last long anyway
Tom 09/07/2010 11:24 ..and it's over. So that's what hope felt like, I always wondered.
