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

A meeting with Grand Inquisitor Kethan D'Espana

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

It had been quite some time since Mariana was last in the city. She never stays for too long. Stops by the bank, visits the Grand Temple and leaves again. She wasn't one for staying in one location for too long, let alone a city. This time she had an important task. She rushed her way across the city, setting her sights on the Holy Basilica. She made no effort to slow nor to dress herself in a proper fashion. Pushing her way through the crowds of people enjoying the afternoon sun. Reaching the grand doors of the Holy Basilica, she pushed her way past the queue of people lining up outside and the guards keeping watch. She marched through the large halls, passing the many offices of government before finally arriving outside her destination, The Office of the Grand Inquisitor. She breathed in and out slowly, smoothed down her blouse and brushed her hair back. She raised her hand and gently knocked upon the hard oak door. "Grand Inquisitor Kethan D'Espana, I have come to report in." She waited a few seconds before reaching for the door handle and entering in.

Mariana le Craint

Roleplay from Kethan D'Espana

Kethan was well into his daily duties of report reading and letter answering as the afternoon sun lazily bathed Rines. A moderate amount of light came through the windows of his office, covered in moderately thick curtains that he had ordered to be used when the sun was high outside. A luminous room was always desirable when one had to work inside, but he believed that symbolism was important. Light had no business uncovering the matters of the Inquisition, for shadows and dusk were as much the refuge of chaos and evil as they were the hunting grounds of the inquisitors. That was part of the reason why he had ordered to temporarily move the main hub of the Inquisition to the vast structure of the Basilica. The long-standing offices of the Inquisition, a separate building, were currently undergoing reforms to approach its symbolic nature to the idea that Kethan had for the Inquisition as a whole. Open and clear spaces were being replaced by small rooms and oppressive hallways, tall and wide windows were being covered and dressed in curtains and the previously well-lit palace was transitioning to a realm of suffocating silence and permanent twilight. He was sure there would be complaints against the gargantuan amount of candles he had ordered, but the cost would be well worth it once the project was finished and the atmosphere of the nexus of inquisitorial guild had been converted for good. He was making a brief pause when he heard a gentle knock on the hard oak door. A female voice he did not recognize spoke right after that. - "Grand Inquisitor Kethan D'Espana, I have come to report in." Wondering who could it be and why his secretaries had not informed him of this visit, he audibly hawked and spoke as well. - "Come in, visitor. Do announce yourself in your way inside." Mariana waited a few seconds before reaching for the door handle and entering in. Kethan had never seen the woman before, or at least was not able to remember her. He was good at judging people, and he noticed immediately that her demeanor was that of a noble, moving with surprising grace and dexterity. She wore a blouse, though it was obvious that she had not made any particular efforts to dress to impress. Her hair and eyes, though, were significantly more interesting. Beautiful long silver hair flowed down her back, matching the color of her eyes closely. When he stood up to greet her, he realized she was significantly taller than he was, since he stood just shy of 5ft 1". He knew most noblemen he had met always thought he was taller when exchanging letters, and it was a significant source of insecurity and shame every time he tried to appear imposing. He was, however, decently skilled in the art of reading bodily signs and expressing himself non-verbally, and could very well be surprisingly intimidating or persuasive when the occasion was right. His eyes, slowly but surely returning to their original hazel color after Stheno's sacrifice had healed him of his curse and blindness, met Mariana's as she approached his desk, and he subconsciously straightened his mostly grey medium-length hair as he evaluated her. She did not seem to be older than low thirties, though her silver hair made it harder to judge her age. He himself was in his mid-forties, though the many wrinkles and pale skin that still remained of his illness made him seem significantly older than that. If Mariana was used to read people, she would notice the way he held most of his weight with his right leg, his entire posture indicative of a recent wound somewhere on his left side and back. Putting together everything he had seen in her and smiling inquisitively, he asked in a soft voice: - "I do not seem to have been notified of your arrival, milady. You say you have come to report in. May I understand I am talking to a certain Special Agent of the Inquisition?"

Kethan D'Espana

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

- "Come in, visitor. Do announce yourself in your way inside." Taking her first few steps into the darkened room, she took a moment to look around. Normal procedure she followed wherever she went. She then turned to Kethan, politely curtsied and then stood at attention. - "I do not seem to have been notified of your arrival, milady. You say you have come to report in. May I understand I am talking to a certain Special Agent of the Inquisition?" "Grand Inquisitor, I am Special Agent Mariana le Craint. I have just returned to the city, the ship docked less than half an hour ago." She stood square to the desk, looking over the man before her. Someone she had heard about but never met in person. She took this time to try to read the man. "While my mission to the north was not a total success I was able to gather information once again. The temple still thrives however there is more mobilisation. One of the priest, the lord of the region, seems to have taken up the sword again. My presence did not go amiss, however I did not stay for long enough for them to catch me. Additionally, during my journey back, I managed to pilfer a few extra gold from the pockets of the rogue barons." She took off a heavy backpack, gently lowering it to the floor, and began to bring our small satchels. Soon the desk was covered in these small pouches. "While I was not able to bring about justice on the vile heretics, my return was more successful. I have managed to accumulate 2300 gold of which a portion shall be sent to the Grand Templar to fund the army. The rest, I shall use myself to return to my training once more." She took out a few coins and began inspecting them before handing them to Kethan. "I came to report my safe return to the city and inform you of my intentions for the coming days. I shall be within the city should you have need of me. I believed it would be important, as a special agent, to introduce myself. As the newly elected Grand Inquisitor, I imagine you are quite busy. I did not wish to cause to much of a disturbance to your work." Her posture held straight. Her face was motionless and still. She showed no signs of weariness nor strain, as one would expect when returning from the wilds.

Mariana le Craint

Roleplay from Kethan D'Espana

"Grand Inquisitor, I am Special Agent Mariana le Craint. I have just returned to the city, the ship docked less than half an hour ago." While Mariana tried to read Kethan, he tried to do the same with her. He had already been notified of her particular situation and assignment by Lord Inquisitor Divus Lancaster, and he did not try to hide his curiosity about the woman. He nodded in satisfaction with what he saw in her, her correctness and ability to mask her thoughts and feelings, the mark of a true inquisitor. Once she was satisfied with her own scan of the man, she continued her report. "While my mission to the north was not a total success I was able to gather information once again. The temple still thrives however there is more mobilisation. One of the priest, the lord of the region, seems to have taken up the sword again. My presence did not go amiss, however I did not stay for long enough for them to catch me. Additionally, during my journey back, I managed to pilfer a few extra gold from the pockets of the rogue barons." He watched her as she covered his desk in small pouches, all obviously clinging with the sound of a plentiful bounty. That should be at least a couple thousand gold coins, he noted. "While I was not able to bring about justice on the vile heretics, my return was more successful. I have managed to accumulate 2300 gold of which a portion shall be sent to the Grand Templar to fund the army. The rest, I shall use myself to return to my training once more." She took out a few coins and began inspecting them before handing them to Kethan. He also inspected them as well while she finished her report, carefully noting their origin through the marks imprinted on them. "I came to report my safe return to the city and inform you of my intentions for the coming days. I shall be within the city should you have need of me. I believed it would be important, as a special agent, to introduce myself. As the newly elected Grand Inquisitor, I imagine you are quite busy. I did not wish to cause to much of a disturbance to your work." He took his time to finish inspecting the coins, letting her wait more than it would be considered polite as a way to test her demeanor and reaction when presented with an awkward situation. Her posture held straight. Her face was motionless and still. She showed no signs of weariness nor strain, as one would expect when returning from the wilds, as he was pleased to discover. Once he understood she could stand there the entire day and still not break her facade, he put the coins back inside the pouches and finally motioned to one of the armchairs in front of his desk. "You may take a seat, Special Agent le Craint. You are very right, it is important for me to meet those that are working for this Inquisition I now preside. You already know that, of course, but I am Kethan D'Espana, Lord Inquisitor of our institution and Grand Inquisitor of our realm. I am pleased of your success, even if only partial. I have no doubts that the Grand Templar will put your gift to good use, and I concur that raising your skills is a most appropriate use for the fruits of your mission." He gave another look to his desk, subtly praising Mariana for the gold she had brought back, which had completely swarmed his table and covered the many documents on top. "I have been busy indeed, particularly due to this trial currently ongoing. I am also preparing a revision, clarification and improvement of Obia'Syela's laws. which some of younger knights seem to need in order to not commit self-explanatory crimes. It is a task I did not think I would need to take care of this early in my term, but one I take pride in nonetheless. Three other noblemen have already spoken to be part of the clarification effort, and I am currently waiting on their initial feedback and impressions." Pausing for another little while, he observed Mariana again, trying to see if he could get any glimpse of what was going through the woman's mind. She was good, that for sure. "Do not worry about disturbing my work, for this is an important aspect of it. Knowing my agents, what they are capable of, what do they think of me and the Inquisition as a whole is as fundamental, if not more, than taking care of my other duties. For I am not only the judge of the Sacred Realm, but also the head of the Inquisition and the ultimate responsible nobleman for the overall health and efectiveness of the inquisitorial agents of Obeah in this world. Speaking of which, Special Agent... What do you think of the Inquisition, and what do you believe could be improved? Your experience may have provided you with a different insight, after all."

Kethan D'Espana

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Mariana pondered for a moment. Contemplating her answers. She hesitated in taking a seat but reluctantly sat down on a nearby chair. "The body of the inquisition is unique in its own right. While the Grand Inquisitor applies the laws of the realm, individual inquisitors as of late serve a different purpose. A suggestion would be to provide clarity to the role. I was lucky to be taught by Maura during my early years of training. However some newcomers may not be able to experience this. Inform aspiring inquisitors of agents of note they could come to for guidance and teaching in our ways." She waited for a moment, considering the response of the Grand Inquisitor. "Another suggestion would be to promote intercommunication between members of the Inquisition. The life we have chosen is lonesome. However, I imagine there are some that would benefit from connecting with fellow Inquisitors. Before the disappearance of Maura, we had planned to go hunting together. This is something I would like to see." She raised an eyebrow, arms still folded, she leaned slightly into the balls of her feet. "I would be lying to say that I am not curious about yourself, if you don't mind me speaking out of character. You are an relatively unknown entity to me. Only recently have you come to my attention, with this whole debacle. Have you ever spent time in the wilds? I believe that when you are out there, you learn a lot about yourself. I have felt that solitary living has enabled me to understand Obeah's will more clearly. Im honesty, I would recomend it to everyone but I do know that it is not suited for everyone." She smirked slightly before returning to her upright position.

Mariana le Craint