Le Craint Family/Mariana le Craint/The Life of an Inquisitor

The Case of Daimon Worship of Bolkenia

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Work was underway. Mariana took this time to relax. The evening sun was descending below the horizon. The gentle coastal breeze blew through her hair. Walking along the coastal pathway, she followed the coastline with her eyes. Seeing the ruins of civilization resting just below the waters surface. Passing by a ruined tower, she approached out of curiosity. Its crumbling stones, covered in vines, seemingly creaked with every passing breeze. A large oak door was all that stood in her way. Its hinges rusted, a simple push caused the door to fall to the ground causing a cloud of dust to erupt in the room. Once it settled, she took a careful step into the room. The still air hung heavy in the room, rotten furniture was piled up against the side wall. A picture frame hung on the wall, the painting having been torn away left fragile yellowing edges clinging desperately to the edges. The room had not seen sunlight in years. Mariana reached for the floor, taking a table leg of a table that no longer remained, she wrapped it in a piece of fabric and lit it. The room was then engulfed in the orange hue of the firelight. With the room lit up, she could not see the mess that was the room. The furniture showed signs of being thrown against the wall, shards of wood littered the floor. However, what caught her attention however was a large red stain leading towards a hatch. Mariana drew her blade and approached the hatch. A rusted iron lock, barely holding together, kept the hatch down. Without much effort, Mariana hit the lock with the pommel of her dagger, releasing the latch. Immediately she was greeted by the smell of decay, the hatch was covered in scratch marks made from the inside. Mariana took a deep breath before climbing down the ladder. The air was heavy, like a mist filled the room. Carefully she continued in, her dagger now pointed forward and the torch held high. She same to a large basement, manacles and chains hung from the walls. However, the more disturbing part was within the centre of the room. A deep red circle, made from the same stain as seen upstairs, of strange symbols and a language she did not know. A single plinth in the centre of the room made of a dark stone. Resting on top was the partial skeleton of a person, marks implying it was gnawed at by rats. This was enough for Mariana, her brow furrowed she took a step back and returned up the stairs. She closed the hatch and placed the remains of armchair and dresser on top and left the tower. Once she left she began to run back towards the stronghold. She murmured something under her breath as she went. "The Grand Inquisitor is going to want to hear about this."

Mariana le Craint

Letter from Mariana le Craint

Grand Inquisitor Divus Lancaster, This is a formal request to open an investigation into the villages around the coastal region of Bolkenia. Recently I came across a place that implied some more of Daimon or monster worship. I wish to investigate this and put a stop to it. Should you allow it, I shall begin the investigation and provide reports at key stages. May Obeah bless you,

Mariana le Craint

Letter from Divus Lancaster

Countess, Bolkenia has, for a long time, been an area steeped in chaos and renegade factions. Several times I traveled to the south in an effort to secure funds for the realm, and each time I was met with signs of depravity. Just because Obeah's Light has been brought to these lands, does not mean that there are no longer shadows in its corners. You have my full support. If you find any taint of heresy, you are empowered to use all your skills and resources to root it out. These are to be the lands of the Inquisition's duchy. Any stain is an affront to us, the Oracle, and the Veiled Goddess herself. If you require any assistance or additional resources, please request them. Keep me up to date on your progress. With faith,

Divus Lancaster

Letter from Mariana le Craint

Grand Inquisitor, I shall see that it is done. I shall drive the heresy from these lands and cleanse the filth that remains. I shall begin my investigation at sunrise. There is much to be done. May Obeah bless you,

Mariana le Craint

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

The first of the villages that she visited was normal. Farmers and simple craftsmen, nothing out of the ordinary. Disguised, she was able to wander the streets undetected. Allowing her to explore most of the village. What concerned her was a discussion she had with a very drunk bar patron, who talked about a very tense atmosphere in the village over. He had only visited once but he did not like it there. This piqued her interest and Mariana set off for the village in question. Initially when she arrived, all seemed normal. It was coming towards the evening and many of the workers were begining to head home. It was during this time that she noticed what the man has said before. None of the villagers spoke to one-another, the air seemed very stale. She visited the tavern within the centre of town however it was barely full unlike the last. She sat at a table and took out her map, studying the distance between the village and the tower. It was during this time she was approached by one of the patrons who sat at her table and watched her for a moment. "I haven't seen you 'round 'ere before. what are you 'ere for?" He cocked his eyebrow and stared deeply into her eyes. Mariana did not hesitate and simply stared back at him. "I am just a traveller round these parts, wanted to stop in for a drink." She noticed his brow began to furrow. Seemingly as if he was trying to intimidate her. "Well you better leave. This ain't a place for you." Mariana could now feel the hostilities arising from other patrons. She looked around to see a couple other men began to approach her. As to not blow her cover, she folded her map and began to stand. "Very well, I shall leave then." She memorised the features of the men and left the tavern. Once outside, she looked back. As she predicted, the men had began to follow her. She made her way to a nearby alley and began to speed up. Once the darkness enshrouded her, she hid behind the corner and waited. First came the man that had spoke to her, followed by three others. Before she acted, she simply listened to what they were saying. "We have got to find her. The boss wont be happy to 'ear that someone came snooping around. You three, head to the chiefs place. I shall deal with her." The three men rushed out the alley once again. Presented with a golden opportunity she dipped out the shadow, drawing her blade, and made for the man. Silently, she wrapped her leg around his, causing him to fall. She quickly placed the blade up against his throat, placing pressure on his back and whispered in his ears. "We are going to have a little chat. So remain calm or this shall end quicker that you would like."

Mariana le Craint

Report from Mariana le Craint

Grand Inquisitor, This is the first of the reports I shall send based on my findings. The past few days I have been mostly watching and noting any suspicious people. However, I did take one commoners in to interrogate based on the information I have found. Below is the report based on the interrogation: Interrogation Report: Name: Gylan Melcher Job: Blacksmith Assistant Age: 17 Has there been any illicit worship of Daimons: Yes Who led such events: Elderman Tancard. What was your role in this: Collection, I was part of a group that found the sacrifices. Where you a part of the activities that occurred at the tower along the coast: No, that was before I was involved. However, from rumours I heard the Elder led that too. Do you know of any documentation regard these events: The Elder always kept a journal with him. I cannot read myself so I do not know its contents. This concludes the report. Sufficient evidence has led me to suggest that the Elder of one of the villages has been participating in daimon whorship and its has been going on for quite some time. Therefore, I believe the best course of action is to seek the arrest of the Elder and have him stand trial. I believe with my best intentions he is guilty. However, should more evidence be needed, the journal mentioned should provide sufficient evidence. My next action is to infiltrate the Elders house and find this journal and any other damning evidence. The man interrogated has been locked up within the dungeon awaiting his punishment. After that is done, I shall send another report based on my findings and then begin moving on the Elder. I have him under careful watch to ensure he shall not leave the village. If you have any other suggestions, I would be open to hearing them. May Obeah bless you,

Mariana le Craint

Letter from Divus Lancaster

Inquisitor, Excellent, keep me up to date on your progress. If we need to rally additional Inquisition agents, we shall do so. Of course, I leave it to your discretion. I trust you to get the job done. With faith,

Divus Lancaster

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

The air was still. The moon was high in the sky. The town below has settled and began to close up for the knight. Mariana however was hard at work. Towards the outskirts of town sat a large and opulent house that overshadowed the town bellow. Smoke bellowed from the chimney however the rest of the house was quiet. Mariana carefully approached the house, her hood drawn and a mask covering her face. She had scoped the house out before and learned that a back window was normally left open. This was how she had planned to enter. As she approached, like usual, the window was open. The room within was lit up but no sounds could be heard within. Carefully, Mariana climbed through the window into a large dining room. A painting of the Elder rested precariously on the wall. The creepy picture unnerved Mariana slightly, however her determination kept her going. She stepped carefully over to the door and peered through the keyhole. It opened into an empty entry hall. She smiled and opened the door. Faced with two choices, another door or up the staircase. Placing her ear to the door she could hear a slight muffled voice. Therefore, she made her way up the stairs, careful to make sure not to make a sound. The upper floor had three more rooms. One by one she examined each door carefully. Two doors were open, leading to a bedroom and storeroom. She quickly went through each but found nothing of importance. The final door was locked, however peering through she found the Elders office. The lock was rather intricate, opening it would require the key or breaking the door. Deciding that the key would be a better option she made her way down the stairs once again, assuming that the Elder must have the key. She came to the door towards the final room, the one with the voice, she looked through the keyhole again and spotted a man standing before a hearth. She quickly analysed her options, trying to come up with the best solution. Suddenly, inspiration came to her. She wrapped her knuckles against the door and hid herself towards the side and waited. Before long the door swung open. Mariana proceeded to leap through, drawing her blade, pushing the man to the floor. As she suspected, this was the Elder. "Please... don't hurt me. What do you want?" The man pleaded, sweat forming on his forehead trying to break free from Mariana's grip. Mariana did not reply, instead reached into his pocket, finding the key she needed. She then began to laugh manically. "There is nothing you can do, you deserve the fate you have brought upon yourself." She brought the pommel of her blade down onto the head of the man, knocking him unconscious. She dragged the man out of the room and tied him to the banister of the staircase. She returned to the locked room. As she suspected, the key unlocked the room. Within was a plethora of objects and books. Flicking through the books and letters on the desk, she found a few that interested her. She placed them within a leather satchel and continued to search. However as soon as she opened the desk draw she stopped. Rage began to fill her. A small idol, similar to those she found in the tower. She placed it in her satchel and stormed down the stairs. At this point, the Elder was beginning to wake up. However, as soon as he saw Mariana he began to panic. "Whatever you want, I can get it for you. I have connections. I can make you very wealthy." Mariana laughed again and took out the idol from her bag. The Elders face turned white. His squirming stopped, his moth agape with shock. He tried to form words but nothing could come out. "You cannot escape your fate. You will receive your punishment." Once again, she hit him with the pommel of her blade and the Elder fell unconscious. Taking a rug from the room with the hearth, she wrapped the man and dragged him outside. Before she left however, she took some of the flaming logs from the fire and spread them around the house. Taking great enjoyment from setting the painting alight. Just as she arrived, she silently left the village. In the distance, larger smoke clouds began to form over the village with panic beginning to spread among the few who were still awake. The light from the burning house lit up the sky. Mariana smiled before turning and heading back towards her stronghold for more... interrogation...

Mariana le Craint

Report from Mariana le Craint

Grand Inquisitor, I have conducted a raid on the residence of the Elder. As we suspected, he was both the one responsible for the actions at the tower but also for continuation of such heresy. As such, I apprehended him and began interrogating him. Additionally, I have reclaimed an assortment of documents and letters that incriminate himself and a few others from surrounding towns. From an investigation of this it seems he was trying to expand the influence but was having troubles against many of the loyal followers of Obeah. Follows is a report of the Interrogation: Firstly, do you admit to commiting heresy and speading filth among the realm: Yes. How far did you spread this heresy: Not very far, my efforts to a few villages were not effective. Who else commited this heresy with you: The original group that committed the act at to tower are mostly dead, only 3 of use remain. Name them: Edmund Rainald, Malina Mylecent, Owin Galot. Did you reach out to others in different regions: I could not expand further than my own village, attempts beyond Bolkenia was met with great threat. We did not expand further due to this. This concludes the report. I shall follow this with a mass interrogation of the town eventually cleansing the remaining filth so that none remains. Along with this document I shall include a copy of all the letters and journals I discovered at the Elders home. I shall continue to monitor the situation here. Should you wish to come and inspect the town to ensure that the heresy has been purged, I invite you to do so. May Obeah bless you,

Mariana le Craint