The middle ring of Lotringen was gripped by uncertainty. The people were caught between fear of Plaga's growing influence and the ever-tightening grip of their King and clergy. Whispers of dissent spread through the streets, but where rebellion lingered in the hearts of the poor, greed blossomed in the minds of the powerful.
In the shadow of Plaga’s rising power, the Church saw an opportunity to reassert its control—through the oldest tool it wielded: salvation, at a price.
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### **The False Promises**
It began with the priests walking the streets in pairs, their crimson and gold robes a stark contrast to the weary, tattered clothes of the people they approached. They carried with them holy relics and vials of water said to be blessed by the High Archbishop himself. They spoke of Plaga as the harbinger of damnation and framed the King’s inability to act as a test of faith.