Ivan and the temple of Gorum

We arrived in Ullerskald last night and today headed off to see the temple to Gorum.  It was fascinating to see that in the template of Gorum they honor great Ullerskald warriors by hanging the corpses of their combatants as trophies. I had never thought about doing this but it does send a clear message. The others moved on past the display but I stood there enjoying the moment. With the smell I am not sure if I would want to eat lunch here, but it is still interesting.

Kali seems to like the tree and the water. It is cool that there seems to be some type of magic keeping the tree green year round even in the cold of the northern winters but I found myself caught up in the enjoyment of learning more about the beliefs of those that follow Gorum. Walking through the gallery with the portraits of hero’s it was quickly obvious that all of the hero’s had impressive armor (a lot of them with spikes) and metal weapons. I expected an axe here or there but did not find anything with a wooden handle. Some guy in fancy armor and fancy clothes was walking by so I asked him why everyone is using swords and what is up with the armor.

He very politely said “The iron god and those the follow this path view strength and determination over fame; battle is the true calling of those that follow Gorum. The true believers forsake non-metal weapons and armor.”

I said “I have been having these dreams about going into battle in a breastplate and carrying a glowing greatsword that was adorn with a symbol that until today I had not realized was the symbol of Gorum. Actually the sword looked just like the one in the picture.”

The man said “Well the greatsword is the favored weapon of Gorum. Maybe you are destined to be one of us.”

I said “I tried to get a longbow made from metal in Magnimar but all of the bow makers just told me it was not possible. Do you have people that can create a longbow out of metal?”

The man said “I am not aware of anyone ever asking for a longbow to be made out of metal. Following ones true path is not easy and sometime sacrifices must be made.”

I said “So I get the whole metal armor thing now but what is up with the spikes”

The man said “The metal spikes are part our devotion to Gorum. I can arrange to have one of our priests initiate you into the faith. Clearly Gorum has guided you too us. Not everyone has the great skill to be a warrior or a cleric but I am sure there is a place here for you.”

I started speaking without thinking “I could never be a cleric. The whole having to decide each day which spells you can cast. I prefer to just cast the spell when I need it rather than having to decide in the morning which spells I am going to use today”

I stopped talking when I noticed that the man was looking at me with a surprised look on his face.

I said “I have to go and for the record Kali is the one who guided me here”

The man said “Clearly you are not ready yet. We will be here when you are ready”

I headed back to the Caravan and waited there for the others to return.