Marcus's Faith Journey

Shortly after turning 20, Marcus realized he was working much harder trying to sell his products now that his father wasn't around to pull in business from the contacts he made over his lifetime. Marcus needed to find a way to connect to more people to sell his potions and elixirs. Store traffic was just not enough to make a good living.

Marcus pondered how he could branch out to reach more people. Some time went by where Marcus asked his patrons, "Where do people go to get potions, magical oils, or ointments?" In general, his customers told him that most people either go to a specialty shop like this one or to a temple. So over many tenday, Marcus visited Temples throughout Cormyr asking if he could supply their temple with candles, herbs, potions and the like for their needs or for visitors to purchase. Very little hapened at first other than the polite, "Thank you for offering, but no thank you." After visiting nearly all the temples in Cormyr at least once, Marcus had all but given up when a priest of Ilmater walked into the Enchanted Elixir asking to purchase a batch of healing potions. Elated, Marcus jumped to fill the order with enthusiasm that caught the priests eyes. The desperation, humility, and thankfullness Marcus extended struck up a conversation.

The priest, Ian, asked Marcus how business was. Marcus's eyes sank a bit low as he said that it could be better and thanked Ian for the purchase. "You stopped by our temple a few tenday ago," Ian explained, "and asked if we needed any of your wares." Marcus nodded and explained that he had been all over Cormyr making the same call at nearly all of the temples. Ian smiled at this impressed with Marcus's drive.

"How would you like to supply us regularly?" Shocked, Marcus graciously said that it would be an honor.

Over the next 2 years Marcus established relationships with 7 temples in Cormyr becoming, as those business relationships developed, a major supplier of alchemical goods. Business was thriving and more temple relationships were sure to develop. Marcus had to hire help to keep up with all the business he was bringing in.

Marcus made his usual delivery of goods to Ian one morning (to the Temple of Ilmater) when he saw a woman who caught his eye. She was good looking, yet plain somehow. Simple yet so attractive as she knelt and prayed. Marcus simply had to meet her. So after the delivery was completed Marcus asked Ian, "Ian, what time are your worship services?" Ian who knew Marcus well at this point realized that there was more to his question. He replied smilingly with the time of the service and said it would be a pleasure if Marcus would come.

Fourteen months later Marcus was married to Clarissa, the woman he saw that day praying. He had gone through the education one needed to be a member of the temple and was officially a follower of Ilmater. Clarissa insisted that if they were to get to know one another, Marcus must be a member of the temple. Marcus agreed blindly and pursued the matrimonial customs of the temple.

As a follower of Ilmater, Marcus prayed at least 5 times a day. At first this seemed very awkward. Over time, however, praying became routine, a peaceful time, a time for guidance and discernment. After his boys were speaking, Marcus realized that he was no longer being fed beliefs and structure from those around him, but he was leading others in their faith journey. Marcus began leading temple activities and donating more of his time and income to the temple and the needy.

One evening late in his shop, Marcus was extremely tired, but needed to complete a batch of healing potions to be delivered the next morning. He prayed to Ilmater, "Ilmater I need your help, please. I need to complete this potion order for tomorrow's delivery, yet I'm so tired. Guide my hands and help me make these potions well I pray."

a few days later the man who placed the order returned to the shop and thanked Marcus for the wonderful potions, yet he didn't want to cheat Marcus. The potions that the man paid for were ordinary healing potions, yet the potions the man received were of amazing quality. Half a potion healed twice the injury. Marcus thanked the man for his business and said there was no extra charge.

Marcus tried creating the healing potions using the same ingredient sources, processes and equipment many times, yet could not produce the amazing quality potions that he had for the order. The puzzle was driving him mad when he prayed, "Ilmater, I don't know what I did that night. Please help me see what was so special about what I did the night I made those healing potions."

What happened next shook Marcus deeply... He had his first vision. He saw himself struggling trying to create healing potions as he had that night - fighting back sleep with all he could. He then saw himself pray, "Ilmater I need your help, please. I need to complete this potion order for tomorrow's delivery, yet I'm so tired. Guide my hands and help me make these potions well I pray." The vision ended as Marcus suddenly realized he was sweating and trembling.

He and Clarissa spoke about the events in awe. Clarissa encourage Marcus to speak to the priests and get their guidance. Marcus did.