In reply to Oly (msg # 35):

"Well, if they don't like her, they probably will not be keen on me either..."

In reply to Aoife (msg # 36):

"Not sure we should be splitting up though...we should stay pretty close in case things go wrong."

"I've got this!" exclaims Jolinda when they find the begger.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:58, Wed 12 Apr 2023.

In reply to Jolinda (msg # 38):
"Alms, Alms in the name of the One!

In reply to beggar (msg # 39):

"Why do you deal with that liar? For years we gave charitably to him, for he said he was blind?, and it is obvious to all now that he can see."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Wed 12 Apr 2023.

Having approached the begger Jolinda offers a wan smile to the devout man then focuses and he drops from her awareness
She says to the feloow asking for alms, "Hello, begger, I'm Jolinda. What's your name?"

After listening to any reply, assuming nothing untoward, she adds, "I do have something for you, but we will start with a short prayer, <beggar's name>." As shes cast the spell 'Aura' she gently and unthreateningly lays as two fingertips appropriately on the begger (shoulder or head). While she looks at him she has her professional, unthreateningly warm smile. It's a nice smile: it reaches her eyes, not the cold mouth-only smile of a politician..

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OOC: 10:07, Today: Jolinda rolled 10 using 3d6.  Aura 15
-2FP for Jolinda

In reply to Jolinda (msg # 41):

"What did you do to me?"

he detects as non magical, not possessed,but is frightened.

Ardenas replies very quietly to the devout man: "We're here to find out what has recently happened to him.  We believe he may have been miraculously healed or come under some kind of spell -- which, of course, would not immediately give him a means of livelihood."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 43):

"It is true! I was blind for many years, and just a week ago my sight returned... and now I all I may plea is Alms, Alms for the Poor and Destitute, for the shadow is lifted and now I am merely underemployed. "

In reply to beggar (msg # 44):

"It is enough to drive the fellaheen from performing individual acts of charity and to fast instead!"

"So, you simply assume that when a miracle occurs, it is the culmination of a years-long fraud?  Would you feel the same if a beggar had managed to save his bits over all that time, perhaps getting one or two more a day than it cost him to eat and stay clothed, until he could purchase a spell from a healer to restore his eyesight?"

Ardenas turns to the beggar, his expression softening as he does so.  "Did the healing of your sight perhaps coincide with receiving a coin from a woman?"

"I was checking on your well-being," answers Jolinda truthfully. She looks puzzled then move back a pace or so.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 46):

"Now that you say it, I believe it to be so!"

The call to prayer begins from the minaret

"Excuse me, I must pray."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Sun 16 Apr 2023.

In reply to beggar (msg # 48):

"At least he has that right. Salaam."
the man also unfurls his carpet to pray.

Ardenas looks around as many of those in sight lay down their rugs, face in the same direction, and begin their prayers.  As a non-believer, he remains standing, but goes quiet out of respect.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 50):

Aoife likewise stays quiet while they pray.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 51):

The prayers continue for a timee, and Kalima politely  stepsback and out of the field of vision of the prostrated worshipers.

Jolinds spends a little time wracking her brains for anything she may have read, been taught or otherwise heard of in relation to demons that fits the pattern of events displayed here.
When others step back she then utters prayers in her own mystical language: a prayer for Mage Sight. She then looks around to see if she can perceive any nearby magic, in particular on or near the begger.

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OOC: 12:57, Today: Jolinda rolled 7 using 3d6.  Hidden Lore -Demons 14.
Succes, MoS 7

12:58, Today: Jolinda rolled 6 using 3d6.  Mage Sight 15
Success, MoS 9

In reply to Jolinda (msg # 53):

Demons apparently like the suffering and strife caused by acts of chaos, but more than that they like to see piety challenged by doubt.  The healing if this man's disadvantage has put him into a position where he is unskilled and no longer able to beg for sustenance and at the same time caused a number of religious folk to develop doubt or dislike for behaving charitably... none in the area appear possessed or ensorcelled, and whatever magics have affected the beggar are now finished...

When the praying comes to its natural conclusion Jolinda appraoches the begger and says, "I am Jolinda. What is your name, begger, and if I gained you an honest job, one with food and lodging, a job within your capabilities, would you work diligently at it?"

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OOC: 23:33, Today: Jolinda rolled 10 using 3d6.  Detect Lies 12

Ardenas turns to Aoife and lowers his voice.  "I think the damage has already been done here -- we may be able to help this beggar, but there may be nothing we can do to restore the charitable nature of those who have felt duped by him after his sudden restoration."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 56):

"Perhaps, but not entirely. We can publicize what has happened, so at least people will understand that it is a recent event...but those that make the announcement should be religious leaders. We should find someone to speak to the mullahs here..."

"As if you were reading my mind," says Jolinda back over her shoulder.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:18, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

Ya, God heard his prayerz an healed 'im ... dad zhould dwizd da demonz planz again' 'em

In reply to Jolinda (msg # 55):

once the prayers are finished, the beggar responds
"All I know is how to beg. I  cannot read, I know no labor, and I am advanced in age. What work could I have?"