Arnickles Renodin/Maura/OS may

Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair (30 days ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "Your Holiness"

Rania set her quill aside and accepted the report proffered by the young underpriest serving as her secretary. She read it once. Then, clearly bemused, read it allowed...

Report from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (16 hours, 18 minutes ago) message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Grand Inquisitor, and my liege, the most blessed Rania,

I hereby submit myself to your judgement and whatever punishment you feel just for my failures. While performing my duties combating the menace of both undead and monster in the region of Cjelegy, I discovered the whereabouts of the traitor Zacharie Moonsun. In my attempt to apprehend him, three of his men 'surrendered' and were summarily dumped in a shallow, unmarked grave. However, the arch-traitor Moonsun was able to escape capture and has thus far eluded my men.

Humbled before Obeah,

Adolphus Schwarzherzig Knight of Rines

"Do you have a response, Your Holiness?"

"Adolphus...he is one of the newer of my knights, is he not?

"He is, Your Grace. He's only been in the realm a short time."

"i take it that he is still in Cjelegy?"

"The underpriest nodded, "Hanging heretical rebels left behind by the Traitor"

"Hmmm..." Rania mused aloud. "Well in that case I suppose I have to respond to this letter then, don't I?" The words hung in the air as she turned and retrieved her quill. A few quick scratches and some sand to dry the ink, and the writ was quickly in the undersecretary's hands.

"Here's what I think of his failure...Increase the size of his estate."

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (29 days, 20 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus dropped the letter.

"She... What?!" He said aloud, the messenger puzzled by the look of confusion on the Inquisitor's face.

"Her holiness, the Oracle of Obeah has deemed it fitting to punish your failure by increasing the size of your estate, good Sir." The messenger stated in a monotone fashion. Adolphus shook his head.

"Surely this is a clerical error. A scribe has written the wrong figures or something..." Adolphus thought aloud.

"By all accounts Sir, she was amused." The messenger intoned.

Adolphus smiled.

"Blessed be the Mother. I suppose I have to apprehend the traitor now."

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (29 days, 19 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela As Adolphus sent his letter off, his captain stormed in.

"Sir! An apostate has been reported to be in the area!"

Adolphus looked at the man. "By Obeah, that was quick. Arrest him!"

An armed and ragged looking commoner was taken into custody and sent to the dungeons, and Adolphus was completing his report.

"What was the commoners name, Captain?"

"Apostate sir!" The captain cheerily responded.

"Really?" Adolphus muttered. "Who names themself that? Might as well run around with a name like Daimonworshipper McMurderandHeresy."

–

Roleplay from Astros Renodin (29 days, 7 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Prominent

Pacing about the deserted inn Astros couldn't believe his ears. Read it again! He barked at the young scribe holding the parchment containing the words of the Grand Inquisitor. Y.yy..yes Master.

The following Agents are hereby ordered to conduct investigations of the following prominent commoners, to provide orders to join the Heralds, and to report any failure to do so to the Offices of the Grand Inquisitor. Subsequently, arrests are AUTHORIZED.

4. Serena is assigned to Astros Renodin

Commoners?! A pause filled with rushing footsteps. Commoners?!! Strong hands grasped the cuffs of the young man's shirt. Commoners!?! I'll show you who's a Commoner! You ass faced little sh*t! Not long after the scribe knew every corner of the inn by heart. Having had closeups of every nook and cranny, even those his face was too small to actually fit into. Never again would he be called pretty or average looking for that matter.

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Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (29 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus was quick to act following the battle. His men had suffered no casualties, thanks to the fortification in Avengmil. Their weapons however, had sustained damage over the course of the battle, and those leading up to it. A smith and forge were quickly requisitioned, and their gear mended. After a brief respite, Adolphus had them on their feet again. There were monsters to hunt.

"I know you are weary. These past few days we have fought several battles, and we have spent many hours hunting our foes. We have slain beast, wight and man. Our foes however, do not rest, so we cannot. Every moment, they are out there, preparing. The beasts feast, and grow stronger. The undead rise, and kill more to be raised. The heretics spread their foul words. While you eat, they prepare to kill you; while you sleep, they prepare to defile your corpse; while you whore, your neighbor spreads heresy. So fret not for lost leisure. You will have plenty of time for that when you are dead. The pleasures of this world are fleeting. The rewards of Obeah, eternal. So be as me. My armor is contempt. My shield is disgust. My sword is hatred. In Obeah's name, let none survive." Adolphus's grim sermon had the effect he had anticipated, and the men broke into groups and with a grim enthusiasm set out to put down the scattered beasts.

–

Roleplay from Apostate (28 days, 23 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah " (27 recipients) Apostate cursed as the guards threw him to the ground. Begrudgingly, he picked himself up and walked to the Temple of Obeah. Scribbling his name in the Book of Names, he marched off to Avengmil.

After five hours on the road and a quick hunt he had arrived at his hut. It was near the Northern Hills, on the fringes of society. It suited him well. His position also allowed him ample opportunity to spy on the Attano Manor.

The hut, like its owner, was in a sorry state. A section of reed roof had fallen in, the hole patched with a spare tent. A weed choked garden sat by the door. Inside was a dusty, smoky mess. A pot of day old stew boiled over a campfire, a chair by it. Two tables were in the room, one for carcasses and the other stocked with old cutlery and plates. Three full kegs of beer sat upon it as well, tankards cluttered near them. The back wall had a hammock tied to it, also an extra tent. Odds and ends were littered around the hut, old books and interesting baubles. Herbs hung from the rafters amid potential spell components, items which were in reality useless to all but the wisest sages.

Apostate set the fawn carcasses upon the bloodied table, the smaller of the two he prepared the meat for the stew and set the other parts aside to be readied for the market.

He unstrapped his staff and bow from his pack, setting them by the door.

Hours later he had completed his toil. From the mouth of a hill cave hung bone chimes and scriptures made from deerskin. The skull hung morbidly above the macabre decorations. Inside, three bedrolls, discarded supplies, a crude Daimon Idol and a roaring campfire. He was pleased, this would serve as a nice distraction for his true endeavour.

Using his skill as a hunter, the disheveled former priest made his way to his hut. It would take time for the rumours of a cult base in the hills to pop up, but he was patient. Contentedly, he served himself up venison stew, his first hot meal in weeks.

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (28 days, 19 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Antonia sat in her tent, reading the recent orders from the Vice-Marshal. He mouth curled into a smile as she saw her position. She had been chosen for the position for highest honour. At last, she could prove her dedication to the Blessed Lady. She looked up as Rossitta entered, ducking low into the dim interior of the tent that served both as sleeping quarters and command tent for Antonia and Captain Balthasar. ‘Rosie, we have our chance at last. Everything we have dreamed of since hearing of the Blessed Lady and crossing to this continent is within our grasp’. She thrust the orders under Rossitta’s nose, who read them quickly, also beaming. She moved to hug Antonia, their joy akin to that of children. She broke off the hug after their excitement had subsided and was once more the stern and disciplined soldier. ‘I shall inform the ladies, I presume that lout Balthasar won’t be partaking’. Rossitta’s disdain for the man was clear from her tone ‘He shall be, actually, and you mustn’t take that tone about him’, Antonia said chidingly ‘How many more of your lovers are we going to have to suffer as captain of us, hmm? Not one of them have been any good, this last one is a plain coward, some posh boy from the university of Dwilight who thinks that war is some glorious game’ Rossitta stopped, knowing that she had gone too far ‘When I want advice on my love life, I will ask for it. Now, get Rebecca to polish my armour, I want everyone to be able to recognise who I am’ ‘That won’t be difficult, there are few who wear blood red armour, Ana’. She bowed, and left the tent Antonia shook her head and returned to her papers, at last plucking up the courage to read the letter from her cousin William about how Manfred was doing

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Roleplay from Jheda Orobar (28 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Late in the evening, Jheda was informed of the request made by Dame Maura, calling herself the Inquisitor. At first, he did not worry, no scrolls were in his possession. After a while though, he remembered the little secret inside his mansion, hidden away and almost forgotten. An acient piece of scripture, passed on by many generations until Jheda was trusted with its safekeeping. Although not very powerful, some believed it had to have come from the Gods in the Heavens themselves.

Jheda thus notified the Inquisitor, but when she replied, stating never to have heard of such scroll, nor its content, he started making preparations. One trusted servant was sent back to Rines, the man was given specific instructions enabling him to collect the scroll. An other was sent to the local market, ordered to buy some ingredients necessary to complete the ritual.

"Unbelievable," Jheda thought to himself, "how is it even possible she does not know about this. She must have been living under a rock. Well, she is in for quite the surprise."

Tomorrow morning, when both servants would have returned, Jheda would bake some pancakes following the age-old family recipe. He was certain Dame Maura would concur they tasted magical.

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (27 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica rubbed her temples gingerly.

Why do people keep arresting this poor wretch? she wondered to herself. She had been informed that Apostate had joined the ranks of the Heralds. What was his crime now?

Now amends must be made... Jessica thought. She stood and held out her hand for Bryant to lead her down to the dungeons.

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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint (27 days, 18 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela - Before the battle -

Vahanian stood at the head of his column. He wore his scale and plate armor, lighter than full steel mail, but not as flimsy as common leather armor. It afforded him his preferred balance of protection and maneuverability. He wore no cloak today, his men stood behind him, 50 strong. Hand picked and personally trained soldiers. They were every inch the soldiers Vahanian had trained them to be, and they had earned their right to stand under his banner and call themsleves knights of The Iron Legion. Today he had opted to wield shield and sword together.

He looked down the line and spotted his fellow Faithful commanders, his chest swelled with pride. Then he looked out across the field at the mass of enemies forming, he squinted a bit and did some quick guessing, he wagered they held over 2.5 times the combat strength of his own forces. He sheathed his blade and took a knee, and began to pray.

"Holy One, grant us your favor in this battle to come, strengthen our backs so they may not break under the force of the enemy. Strengthen our arms so that they may strike down those who seek to destroy us. Grant us favor of the wind, so that our arrows may darken the sky to make way for your light. We ask this in your name and in your service. Mighty veiled one."

He stood, drew his weapon and looked out at the ever approaching enemy. They weren't quite in archer range yet but they were fast approaching. He stepped forward and turned to face his men.

"Faithful, there may come a time when then strength of our arms and the depth of our faith fails us, but it is not this day. There may come a time, when we are no more and the foul beats of hell rule this world, but it is not this day. This day, we fight, this day they die." After each phrase his man slapped the front of their shields with their swords causing a drum like effect to echo across the plains. Vahanian continued, seeing the hope and fury rising in their eyes. "They come to take our homes, our lands, our family." *drum beat* "They come to take our lives" *drum beat* "Let us show them the mistakes they make" *drum beat* "Let us show them that we are the faithful" *drum beat* "Let us show them that we will stand and fight" *drum beat* "LET US SHOW THEM THAT THESE ARE OUR LANDS" *drum beat* "LET US SHOW THEM THAT THIS. IS. OBEAH'SYELLA. AND WE ARE NOT AFRAID!!!!!" *continuous drum beats* Vahanian returned to the front of his column and looked over at Baldwin, who nodded his approval. Vahanian nodded back and simply said "Unleash hell".

- The Battle For Avengmil -

"BREEEEAAACCCHHHH" The cry rose out from above the sounds of monsters dying and lines of archers firing arrows. Vahanian's head snapped to the side as he looked for the source of the cry. He found the soldier who was waving in a panic and pointing to a breach in the fortifications. He shouted to Baldwin "HOLD THE BREACH" His men surged forward cutting down the monsters that poured through the breach in the wall, Vahanian himself was in among the melee, swing his blade left and right felling beasts as they stepped into range. He was aware of his surroundings, but everything but the enemy in front of him was a blur, he moved with grace, speed and skill. He appeared to dance around the field, expertly. Baldwin was in awe, he'd never noticed the prowess Vahanian held on a battlefield. The man was mesmurizing to watch. Vahanian fell back a bit, went to one knee and raised his sheild above his head, stopping a monster from collapsing on top of him. He looked to his left and saw a monster creeping up on Astros, the blind, bald behemouth of a man was hacking monsters left and right, surprisingly he hadn't killed any of his own men yet. Vahanian reacted, without thinking. Thrusting his sword forward he felled the monster on his shield, he stood, spun and drew a dagger from his belt in one fluid motion letting the blade fly. He burried the dagger into the base of the skull of the monster creeping onto Astros. A cry and gurgle of blood spewed from the creatures mouth. Vahanian pulled his sword from the dead monster in front of him and returned to his dance of death.

The battle seemed to drag on for hours, Vahanian had lost count of the number of enemies he'd killed, he'd lost track of the number of allied soldiers he'd seen fall. He was blood spattered and gore stained, none of it his own. When at last he took stock of the situation, he noticed the last few dying monsters being put to death, and the crumbling walls around him. He breathed deep. They'd won. Thank Obeah they'd won. He cleaned the blood and guts from his sword on a nearby fallen monster, and sheathed the blade. He found Baldwin and began to take stock of the dead. He issued an order. "All fallen soldiers of the faith are to be retrieved and treated with honor. They are soldiers of Obeah. Honor them. Burn the rest."

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Roleplay from Erheas D`Este (27 days, 18 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Erheas couldn't help smiling after reading the orders of Adolphus. The inquisition never failed to entertain him.

Overseeing the work of his men he ordered his captain to continue burning the undead at their section of the wall, have a good nights rest and be ready for another wave come sunrise.

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (27 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Maura walked along the half-destroyed walls of Avengmil, contemplating the past battle. The retreat was unnecessary. Damn Ulli, what did I expect hiring thugs from the docks to the Inquisitorial Guard.

"You know why I chose you? Took you, crushed the iron of your flesh, melted it and forged again?" - the devil's voice from her past sounded in her memory. The things of the quality I desire don't exist in nature, they have to be made - the Daimon was right. - she chuckled at the irony. The mess of red hair flailing on the winds broke her out of her reverie.

"Lady Jessica." - she said not too loudly from a fair distance. She didn't think Grand Inquisitor would hear her, but to her surprise she turned her head and appeared to not only hear her but also recognize her voice immediately.

"My Lady." - she bowed soldierly - "The Oracle recommended that I make a request to you. I do not wish to make it. Not yet. I believe as long as reports are comming at a decent pace we can do it without the stick." - she confidentially handed a letter to Bryant.

The letter before Bryant's eyes read:

Letter from Rania Eastersand JeVondair (6 hours, 10 minutes ago) I appreciate these reports, Inquisitor. To aid your mission, I recommend that you make a public request of the Grand Inquisitor to consider leveraging fines against those who go 7 days without reporting in to you.

Remember, it is unwise and dangerous for those uninitiated in the arcane arts to hold such power. Remand them to the Heralds immediately.

Under Her Eye,

Rania Eastersand JeVondair Royal of Obia'Syela Duchess of Amen Keffa Margravine of Rines Priestess of Heralds of Obeah

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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint (27 days, 16 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Several of Vahanian's soldiers had loaded a cart up with 50 the smelliest undead and monstrous corpses they could find. They transported them to the camp of Sir Adolphus, and then they dumped them in front of the command tent.

The man in charge of Vahanian's soldiers bowed his head and said "For your investigation sir!" before departing with the rest of the men and the cart.

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (27 days, 16 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "Sir Adolphus is certainly energetic, m'Lady," Bryant said as he plopped down beside Jessica on the ruined ramparts of Avengmil.

Jessica barely heard him. Her legs hung over the edge of the ruined wall, swinging idly. She felt the destruction in her hands. It had been weeks since she could get repairs done. Daily raids had caused the workers to fear going out past the fortifications and they had refused the work.

Idiots. How much more would they fear when the fortifications were gone completely?

She clenched her fist, and bits of stone crumbled from the wall.

Adolphus. Yes, the young knight showed much energy. She didn't want to step on his zeal, but she made a mental note to make apologies to the Grand Templar and Grand Chancellor for his brashness.

And Maura... Jessica thought. She would need an audience with her as well. She was curious why the Oracle had charged her with this duty, circumventing the Inquisition's chain of command. That is to say, if Rania had even done such a thing...

What bothered Jessica more, however, was Maura's lack of foresight on her inquest. Jessica hadn't replied to the original missive because it seemed obvious she didn't need to.

She was blind and mute. What was she supposed to do with a scroll? Use it as a table setting? Any scrolls she had had had already been passed on to the Regent. He loved that mysticism stuff.

Jessica snorted. If old Goriad II actually knew the power of the Veiled Goddess...

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (27 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "I call upon all Inquisitors to assist in the halting of the destruction of evidence in Avengmil, so that we may gain a better understanding of our foe," Bryant read outloud.

Jessica snapped her head towards him, and shook her head furiously. This was getting ridiculous!

"An official document, m'Lady?" Bryant asked. Jessica nodded.

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Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (27 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus raised an eyebrow as cartloads of corpses were dumped in his camp. Apparently, the Grand Templar's men had hoped to test his fortitude with the most disgusting, rotted, bloated bits of flesh they could find. He smiled grimly. It would take a lot more than that to make him squeamish. His cursed bloodline had seen worse than this, caused worse than this, and he'd be damned if a little rot got to him.

"Strip them, take note of physical characteristics, and any anomalies. I am going to ensure no more shenanigans occur. I will have answers." Adolphus said, his tone detached, and he came to a sudden stop.

"Funny. Several of them bear the coat of arms of Caelint upon their gear and clothing. I wonder what else we'll find."

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Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (27 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "Finally..." Adolphus muttered. A simple formality, assuming command of an investigation, and met with fierce resistance. Couldn't they just understand all he wanted to do was his damned job?

"Templars, and their touchy pride." he mumbled under his breath. He didn't care about any of that, he just wanted to be an effective instrument. He stalked the battlefield, organizing men and carts, as the wights were stripped of their gear, and the bodies examined before being carted off to be burnt. He made a beeline to where the Grand Templar's men had been, and noticed with a tinge of disgust, some of the dead had been burnt before examination. The fires were guttering out, and he poked one of his swords through the ashes, and dragged it back out.

"By Obeah..." he gasped.

"Get 6 men, all of the Inquisiton. Bring them here, now!" he barked at his scribe.

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (27 days, 14 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Slaughter at Avengmil

Antonia waited patiently while Rebecca did the last few straps of her blood red armour. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the battle to come. There were reports of thousands of undead shuffling their way towards the motte and baily in which she found herself, alongside the other Enlightened. If it was her fate to meet Obeah this day, so be it. Rebecca handed Antonia her helmet, its visor moulded into a snarling fox. She looked into the mirror that Rebecca had somehow procured, ensuring that her armour was polished to a sheen. Satisfied, she turned to Rebecca

‘I am ready, fetch my blade’, Rebecca bowed her assent and handed Antonia reverently the blade of her forebears. It was known in the tongue of her people as a zweihänder, and took great strength and skill to wield effectively. It was over 80 inches in length, with a fox head carved as its pommel. This blade could cut a horse and rider in half if wield effectively. She knew this from personal experience. She had trained for this day her whole life growing up in Poryatu, sparring with her siblings and cousins. Especially William, who had supported her being chosen as the Scarlet Fox.

‘Are you prepared to give your life to our blessed lady, Rebecca?’

‘I am, my lady’

‘Good, let us depart’, and she walked outside to her awaiting followers. Each one was a woman dedicated to the service of the blessed lady. They had a mismatch of arms and armour, many of them having been recruited in the taverns and brothels of Rines, or brought with her from Dwilight where they had been little more than pirates. But they had all proven themselves good fighters, loyal to a fault, dedicated to the preservation of the lands of Obeah. She trusted each one with her life. Rossitta stepped forward, bowing briskly.

‘They are ready for you, Ana’

Antonia got up on a cart, though her height was already. She waited, all eyes upon her, until she had silence

‘Sisters, the day we have waited for is upon us’, hefting her zweihänder in one hand, she pointed towards the gate with the mighty blade, ‘out there is a horde coming to tarnish the sacred land of our most Blessed Lady. It stops here.’ A cheer rose up from the crowd as Antonia continued,

‘We are the will of Obeah, sent by Obeah, to protect the holiest of holy lands. But that is not the only way in which we are blessed. Rejoice for the Scarlet Fox walks among us. I am she, I embody the spirit of the founder of our house, her armour is mine, her will is mine, her strength is mine. With the blessing of the Sacred Lady, and the living spirit of the Scarlet Fox within us, we shall have victory!!!’ The cheer turned into a roar of fervent passion as the women felt the dual blessing of the Goddess and the ancient hero touch each and every one of their hearts.

Antonia heard the bellowed orders of the sergeants from atop the walls to begin shooting at the approaching horde. She could see other warriors of Obeah preparing to take their places atop of the walls, behind the fortifications. Not so for her warriors. They would meet their foe in the open, with honour, not cowering behind palisades. She placed the great helm over her head, her vision obscured to the world immediately in front of her. She could already hear her breath growing more rapid, could feel her pulse beating in time to the din of battle. She nodded to Captain Balthasar, who went over to the men guarding the gate, ordering them to remove the bar. From what Antonia could see, the guards seemed hesitant, even argumentative, but Balthasar gesturing behind him to fifty angry women armed to the teeth seemed to make up their minds for them. Seeing the gates slowly being pulled open, Antonia cried ‘Voluntas Obeah, Missus ex Obeah’ and charged out of the walls towards the enemy

Continued...

Slaughter at Avengmil Part II

The distance between the gateway and the enemy could not have been more 500 yards, but time appeared to slow down as the scarlet clad figure led her warriors towards the seemingly endless hordes. Nothing mattered now save the next few minutes. They would give the archers time to further whittle down the horde before it reached the walls. That was the theory anyway. She could smell the sickening rot now, could even taste the rancid flesh of the animated corpses ahead of her. At last she closed down the enemy she raised her blade, bracing for impact

After that it was all a blur of flesh and mud and blood. Her vision restricted, Antonia concentrated on what was immediately in front of her, hacking left and right, ignoring the pitiful screams around her. She would learn later that they were the sounds of her warriors being torn apart by the grasping hands of the living dead. She was clawed at, pounded at, even bitten at, but nothing managed to pierce her armour. Then she sensed something. A feeling that was as if her world had been turned upside down, as if her stomach had left her body. It was the feeling of being totally alone. She turned and saw through the restricted slit of her helm that her banners had fallen. She felt a heavy weight crash into her, but she pushed it off, stabbing quickly down, and looked again. She could see no living soul, only the dead. Panic coursed through her. It had only been a couple of minutes, where was everyone? Then she heard a cry of fear that she knew only too well

‘Rossitta, hold on, I am coming. I am coming!!!’ Antonia bellowed, her voice a mix of anguish and terror. She fought her way through the shambling mass, before feeling something grab her leg. She was about to chop down when she caught a glimpse of the all too familiar red hair of her oldest friend. She dropped to her knees.

‘Rossitta, what’s wrong, are you hurt?’, Antonia shouted over the cacophony, panic rising in her voice, her hands nervously moving up and down the woman’s body as if it might help make it all better, might stop this nightmare.

‘Ana’, a quiet voice answered, ‘the bastards got me. I am finished. Leave me. Let the lady take me in her loving embrace’. The distinctive sound of someone coughing up blood followed

‘Rosie, what are you saying?’Antonia shouted, her panic growing to the point of hysterics, refusing to accept this as true.

‘Just leave me’, the voice of her friend was distant, almost pleading, begging Antonia to save herself while she had the chance. Antonia made up her mind, her face set in grim determination. She shoved the corpse of another warrior off of Rossitta and pulled her friend up, flinging her over her shoulder in a fireman’s lift. She fought her way out of the masses, running back towards the gate where she could see guards anxiously watching. They waited for her to come through, before hurriedly shutting the gates. Antonia forced her way through the awaiting soldiers, placing Antonia on the ground near the entrance to the stables. She shouted for her healers, before tearing off her helmet, seeing at last clearly the bloodied mess that was her friend. She could instantly see that it was bad. Rossitta’s arm was mangled, her face cut to ribbons and worse still Anotnia could see a dark read stain spreading around Rossitta’s abdomen. The other woman’s eyes flickered open

‘Ana’, she gasped, her voice barely a whisper, gasping for air, ‘why didn’t you leave me?’

‘I will never leave you, I will never leave your side again’, the sheer terror in her voice rising as Rossitta’s eyelids began to close once more, ‘No, Rosie!!! Stay with me!! Stay with me!!!’ Antonia bellowed, then choked the words, pleading with the girl to hold on, to cling to life. Antonia felt hands grab her to pull her away. She resisted them, clinging onto the still quivering corpse of her oldest friend.

‘My lady, let us attend to her, we can still save her’, a distant voice reached Antonia’s ears. Some small part of her understood the meaning of these words, and she stood up, allowing the healers to do their work. She listened to the rest of the battle being fought around her, and then she caught a glimpse of herself in the same mirror she had used not half an hour earlier. She was covered head to toe in blood. Amazingly, not a drop of it belonged to her.

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Roleplay from Lucius Archival (27 days, 14 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela The letters and reports continued to pile in by the droves. Reports of victory, reports of death and reports of the subsequent conflicts of authority and demands. Lucius sighed softly; these were not matters for him to concern himself with. All served Obeah in their own way, and it was for him to ensure that the armies and the Inquisition's homes were kept maintained and the realm's many bureaucrats were kept thoroughly in check. With a gentle shake of his head, he returned to his quill and parchment - Ajitmon needed more work.

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Roleplay from Erasmus Soul (27 days, 14 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Erasmus ordered his men to set up camp; Secluded, just out of earshot from the rest of Obia's armies. The only time he mixed with the nobles of the realm, was in battle only.

He wandered to the imagined perimeter of his camp and looked out into the distance. smoke began to rise from one particular area amidst the sea of camps in the next field; the burning of dead flesh, he knew and inhaled the sweet acrid odour with glee.

"S-Sir!", a soldier appeared. "Umm-gift for you. Caught the man walking nearby, must be up to no good I thinks". The half-breed warrior cast the prisoner the Erasmus's feet with ease.

The scruffy commoner by the name Apostate looked up at the giant man. "Imbacile!" Erasmus cursed, "What do I want with this low-life peasant? Don't waste my time!" Erasmus picked Apostate by the scruff of the neck, lifted him and looked into his eyes. About to cast the puny man aside there was a moments hesitation. What did I just see? Erasmus fumbled in his mind whilst staring into the mans soul.

"Bah nothing" he shrugged it off and launched Apostate towards a nearby tree. The scruffy commoner cracked against the trunk and flopped to the ground. Erasmus simply huffed and headed back to his tent without any more thought on the matter.

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Roleplay from Astros Renodin (27 days, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

The Second Undead Army

The first battle had been rough. The men of the Mark had done as the Marshal had commanded. They were happy to stay behind the walls and gleefully swat down any of the undead horrors that tried to scale them. The large two handed weapons proved a boon then. Mauls, halberds and great big axes and swords all hacked and cleaved the unliving until they simply couldn't move to try again.

The second battle was worse. As far as the eye could see in the dawn's early light. First the shadows and spectres of the trickster grey known as the false dawn but then truly, the hordes were revealed. Unending were their ranks and bony feet crushed all life beneath them. Leaving only a trail of dew infused mud in their wake. Sightless eyes beheld them as they advanced on the walls of Avengmil. The very wooden walls that were shredded in many places during the first battle. Mounts of corpses had created veritable ramps against them, ready to be scaled by the new-coming dead. Fires burned bright as the bubbling, decrepit juices sputtered from many gaping wounds. The Templars had been busy trying to set ablaze as many of the rotting dead as possible. Their number was legion and their flickering, smouldering remains cast the word in an aura of fickle bronze that warred with the all enveloping silver that was the true dawn breaking through the spell of mist that had descended onto the earth.

Behind them and right below the walls Astros could hear them, were the makeshift healer tents. Where the wounded awaited dying. Townspeople had broken their nightly rest in an attempt to offer comfort to those that had protected them. A last straw before merciful release. Much to the surprise of the hulking, bald man, over forty of his men reported for duty that morn. Many of which displayed fresh bandages or sear marks where wounds had been hastily cauterized. He couldn't see them but their collective body heat was unmistakable in the early day chill. As were their noises. They grunted, cleared their noses and weren't able to keep their weapons still. They saw what Astros could not and it struck fear into their hearts. The kind that destroys hope. Defying fate not a day before and emerging victorious, today they were greeted by what seemed twice what they faced yesterday. The big, bull necked head of their commander turned around. His milky spheres gazing at the men while his mouth was unmoving. Sire.. A gruff voice proffered. We can't see an end to them. The warrior touched the scruff that existed on his chin. Undead, as far as the eye can see, in every direction. With that the man turned his eyes back to his compatriots of the Mark. Astros merely turned his head back again and faced the oncoming hordes. A single drop of perspiration running down his scalp the only visible response.

Continued.

prt 2.

The twang of bows sang their chorus. The order had been given. Marshal Boltgan albeit wounded attended the defence and his orders had been like the day before. Man the walls, to the last. In truth Astros had thought the man a fool and had made his own plans for when the walls would've eventually been overrun. A dastardly escape that never was required. Today perhaps, it would be different.

Akin to horizontal tears falling from the wooden clouds of men the arrows ripped into the ranks of the unliving. The dead marched on uncaring. The spitting steel of the archers mere decoration that added a little encumbrance at best. As the hordes drew closer and their numbers truly defied imagination the voices of brave captains rose among the masses. Hold firm! Remember, the Veil is with us! Under her Gaze! Stand together and you'll live! It annoyed Astros. They were lying, all of them. Well, maybe not -all- of them but most of them. Boys. His men looked at him. Cut them down. Every, single, rotting, one of them. With that he drew his own black handled greatsword. Took a step forwards as to gain a vantage point atop of the walls and steadied himself as the wind teased his balance. The words he had spoken steeled his men somewhat. They knew that their master was a formidable force onto himself but they could see what he could not.

The first of the walkers scampered up the mounts of their fallen. Like a legion of ants they abused one another yet found efficiency in their singular purpose. Arrows were now shot at will and at random. Brave men and women leaning in, letting loose their deadly shot and popping back behind the battlements. Look! One of Astros's warriors exclaimed as he pointed at one of the burning ramps of corpses. Some of the undead had pushed it and in doing so the mount sagged against the wooden walls like a gutted sack of potatoes spilling its contents. Embers danced and flames licked the precious barrier between the living and the dead. Morale took a hit right there but then a truly horrible spectacle revealed itself. Those very same undead clambered up the ramp made of their burning fallen. Their bodies igniting and busting into flame as the volatile oils and juices of their body caught flame. Creating flaming undead warriors whose skin peeled back with the excruciating heat, making their faces stand taut in awful grins as they hacked at the defenders with their ancient weapons.

There was no time to react for Astros for his ears and the other men surrounding him informed him of more pressing danger. The dead had reached his part of the wall and they were nearly upon them. Grasping bony hands dug into the splintering wood of the walls, teeth sought purchase and men began their desperate defence. Sensing rather than seeing, Astros knew he was in danger. Fear rushing through his body like a thousand, thousand mice running from a flood. His lungs filled and with all his might he roared in defiance. Raising high his inhumanely huge sword and began his reaping. Rending flesh unliving and crushing bone with every blow. If the undead sounded otherworldly the howls and roars of Astros could make one believe the daimons had already begun their next invasion.

Continued.

prt 3.

Men fell and died. Some gloriously yet many more were not so lucky. Grabbed by the ankle by a seeking and sneaky undead hand. Pulled off balance and tumbled to their death. A speck that vanished in the masses of undead that awaited the human drops like a churning sea at storm. It was there that Vahanian the Grand Templar shone his brightest. Dagger and sword in hand the man knew no dance but the dance of death. Final death in the delivery of his every stroke. Manic rage fuelled Astros and all around him came to ruin but what his eyes could not see was found by Vahanian whom darted in and out of reach as he dispatched the crawling threat to Astros that would've likely felled the huge man. A quick trust of his sword saw the corpse shutter and expire its unnatural life.

Moments stretched to minutes and quickly became hours. When Astros could hear no more voices sprung from the throats of men he again felt that tingle of fear at the base of his spine. His rage subsided as he strained to hear. Nothing. Only the crackling of fleshless bones. It drew close and he struck it with his mighty blade, covering himself in fresh specks of bonedust and dried up skin. He turned his big head left and right. Again, nothing greeted him that hinted at life. He could only hear more bones bumping into other bones. It sounded as if that was on the walls. A sickly crash deafened the soundscape. Parts of the wall had caved in under the combined weight of far too many bodies, unliving and dead. The fire had done its part and consumed copious amounts of the timber defences. Flee! An inner voice sang to him.

A willing follower, Astros turned around and tried to recall the path off the walls and towards safety. Wherever that might still be. Hacking, struggling and slamming his armored body through the throng of enemies he made it. Somehow he did and Astros of House Renodin survived. His tongue free to taste the air of life and his legs tired beyond reason but it mattered not. He lived! Not a wound marked his body but not a man in his company survived unscathed or at all.

–

Roleplay from Apostate (27 days ago)

Message sent to everyone in the region Avengmil (22 recipients) Apostate gasped with pain as he awoke, head exploding. He groaned as he felt around the back of his head, searching for the source of the white-hot pain. His fingers touched something wet. He staggered to his feet, gripping his staff. His vision was blurred and tinted with red. He stumbled forward and nearly fell.

Awkwardly and mumbling incoherently he took a few more steps, dazed. His staff saved him from falling, barely. Ahead was a large tent, he took another step.

The next step had him fall to the ground. Pain exploded in his head again and he cried. Blinking away the red, he saw more clearly. He saw the low dancing of a flame. He smelt death, smoke, burning flesh. He heard steel on steel. The sounds of war.

He rose to his feet, nearly falling again. He continued to the large tent, pawing at the chest of his robes. He mumbled.

“Gythrul, Gythrul...”

–

Roleplay from Jorvik Arial (26 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jorvik looked across the battlefield. Roting undead bodies where everywhere and the smell was almost unbearable. Suddenly captain Hildebrand returns to the palisades with his surviving landers. "Sign new orders came in! We must retreat to Rines!"

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (26 days, 13 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Third time is a charm - Maura thought as she reviewed the shape of her unit after their second retreat. Shouting a counter-order amid their flight would be a futile effort. She picked up the red-sealed letter from a table.

"Retreat to Rines!" - standing orders carried the sigil of Marshal's office, there was no signature that would be telling of the author - "All haste! Run! You shifty bellysliders!" - the language however...

"Not this time cuz." - Maura said, her mouth contorted in a subtle smile before she cried out - "RALLY THE MEN! March out to the alehouse immediately!" - she almost laughed at surprised faces of the Inquisitorial Guard - "I depart for Inquisitor's Adolphus camp, when I'm back an hour before dawn I want you ready to man the wall and defend."

She walked towards Sir Adolphus' place of stay, his letter in-hand. Let's see what is the matter that requires such urgency - she thought.

–

Roleplay from Apostate (26 days ago)

Message sent to everyone in the region Avengmil (5 recipients) Apostate shoulder barged the door of the local alehouse in. His head throbbed with pain every moment, a maddening reminder of his folly. He noted some rough looking thugs bearing the symbol of the Inquisition in the building. He groaned lightly, and touched the back of his white hood, the blood had dried, hopefully on the back of his head as well.

He staggered to the bar, wincing in pain before slamming a few silver pieces on it. “Ale. Now.”

Two empty tankards sat in front of him, a third half way. The alcohol had helped quite a bit, but his head still throbbed. He groaned and took another swig.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (25 days, 20 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in the region Avengmil (5 recipients) "Open up a couple o' kegs, wench!" - thundered raspy voice of Ulli, followed by a painful slap on the arse that drawn more than a couple of whistles from the company.

"But lady commander said we should be ready by dawn." - on of the Inquisition Guard soldiers protested.

"Shmady shmommander. Maura is a dick... hot piece of arse though." - Ulli allowed a salvo of laughter before continuing - "Noone counted my drinks in the docks and sure as Akkan's foreskin noone will now!"

Not a second later he noticed his level-headed comrade staring at a white-hooded man by the bar. Levers and counterweights of a tiny trebouchet of his brain started moving and a while later it launched a question:

"You know this fancy boy?"

"He's one of them, the talented ones Lady Maura sent requests to. I had the message fetched to this one. Know of no response though."

"Is that so?" - Ulli grinned at his comrade's answer - "what a poor sod ignores the Inquisition?" - he started walking towards the adventurer.

The reasonable guardsman caught his arm - "but captain, second comes the order, only when this too fails we intervene" - his plead only earned him a bruise or two as he got shoved aside.

"You there!" - the thug shouted, and stupidly so, since he was now standing precariously close to the white-hooded man - "You have been instructed to give information of your, uh... magical asses."

"Assets" - corrected the other guardsman, rubbing his sore arm.

Ulli paid it no attention, continuing instead - "Will you tell me here or the Grand Inquisitor in the Inquisition's dungeons? Or should I beat the spirit out of ya and see for myself how many magical asses do you have, ah?" - captain's grin slipped into more serious smile as he concluded - "Speak, you rogue, what is your name?"

–

Roleplay from Apostate (25 days, 11 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in the region Avengmil (6 recipients) Apostate growled lightly when he heard the blasphemy from the thugs. He chose to ignore it, he was in no state to fight a single man, let alone several soldiers.

It was when they approached him his mood fouled. He picked up his staff and waved it, grumbling. “Away with ye, your threats have no effect. Another visit to the cells would only annoy me at this rate.” He leant his staff against the table, putting his right hand in the folds of his robes, gripping the hilt of his short sword.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (24 days, 13 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in the region Avengmil (10 recipients) The man by the bar started waving his staff angrily and shooing the Inquisitorial Guard away. Ulli opened his eyes wide and put his arms up in feigned surrender: "Well forgive me noble sir! If that be the case we will leave you be now. Wouldn't want to annoy ye."

The thug grinned and hissed "HA!" through clenched theeth of his malicious grin so hard and loud his inquisitorial robes jumped up a couple of inches like a ghost struggling to depart his body. He grabbed two of his soldiers and as if wanting to clap his hands to congratulate himself theatrical performance, he brought his outstreched arms together shoving the guardsmen at the angry man with the staff.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (25 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "Sh*t." Adolphus breathed, upon seeing the nigh endless ranks of the dead arrayed before the palisades. He stepped forward, to take his place among his men, drawing one of two swords upon his back. A brilliant blade of blessed silver, all the better to send the dead back to their graves.

"Purge the unclean. Die a good death." Adolphus said calmly, as the dead breached the palisades. The ensuing melee was chaos. The bit of steel upon gobbets of rotten flesh, the screams of men drug down by the hordes, and the terrible sound of men being ripped apart. Adolphus fought, and kicked, and spat. He whirled about, and his blade flashing in a brilliant arc, taking the head off a particularly bloated corpse. He went to step forward and put down his next next foe, but felt something grab his ankle. His eyes went wide, and he gasped.

"By Obeah, not like this..." He whispered, and was abruptly pulled to the ground. His sword fell out of his hand, and he took to kicking and biting and shouting. He felt himself dragged along, and after a few moments he realized that he was not being torn asunder, but instead carried off. He struggled until he could struggle no more, but to no avail. Darkness took him, and when he awoke he found himself in the confines of a cell, completely intact. He had not even been relieved of his remaining sword.

Adolphus paced his cell, examining every inch of it for weakness. He found none. He made his way to the door, and stared out the bars. Two banners hung in the hallway outside of his cell. One depicted a skull beside a crescent moon. "Angmar..." Adolphus growled. The other was the unmistakable shield of Caelint.

The day drug on, and he could hear activity from near his cell. Men, and women being thrown in cells, some being drug out. The ones that were taken from their cells, he did not know what became of them, but soon after they were taken, screams would echo the halls. He lingered, for days, with no food. No water. He kept his sword at his side, at all times, waiting for his chance. It came. A man came, and after a whispered exchange, Adolphus handed him some gold.

"They will come for you soon. I will leave the inner and outer doors unlocked. From there it is up to you, Inquisitor."

Adolphus nodded, and readied himself. He pried a rock from the floor, and waited, sword in one hand, the rock in the other. Hours dragged on, and suddenly he heard the rattle of a key in the lock. The door creaked open, and Adolphus lept, smashing the rock into the face of the man on the other side, his sword thrust into the eye socket of a wight.

"Not today, bastard." He growled, and leapt to his feet.

Please Obeah, let these doors be unlocked. Let this stranger be true to his word. He prayed as he ran, and smashed into the door. It crashed open, and Adolphus shouted with glee. He sprinted down the next hallway, and his sword scythed out, laying open the throat of a guard, and soon he was at the next door, and he threw his shoulder at it... Only to recoil in pain as lightning arced down his arm, to his shoulder.

Bastard! Adolphus thought to himself, the cries of the guards and the thundering of their footsteps echoing not far behind him. He looked about, and noticed a window. It was narrow, but it lead outside. He darted towards it, threw his sword out of it, and them himself at it next. He became stuck, and squirmed. He felt hands on his leg, and he kicked with the other, pulled and strained, and was free! Freedom was not all it was cracked up to be, as he fell a good ways, landing upon his sword, luckily overly suffering a few bruised ribs and a nasty cut. He stumbled to his feet, grabbed and his sword, and staggered away from the tower as quickly as possible. He knew not where he was, but he'd be damned if anything stopped him now.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (25 days ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Of friendship and poetry

Antonia was resting in her apartments in the Holy Basilica of Rines. While her estate technically encompassed the entire Basilica and the surrounding streets and squares, she resided only in a small wing. The rest was given over to realm administration. Sometimes, she enjoyed sitting on her balcony that overlooked the main hall in which they worked, watching the bureaucrats buzz around like bees as fussy little courtiers in their finery oversaw their work. She understood the importance of such work, but she could not understand how anyone of noble birth would choose such a life over service in battle to the Blessed Lady. At other times, she liked to climb to the top of the Solarium and look out over the entirety of Rines and to the Sea of Four Cities beyond. She wondered how it had got its name, as she knew of only two cities on its coastline. Rines was easily the most beautiful place in which she had ever been. Considering that she had grown up in Dwilight, and had regularly visited Askileon, this was fine praise indeed. The white stone bridges, waterways and wide streets of the City of Moonlight were a glorious sight to behold. She never wanted to leave.

But on this day, she was sat in the small private library of her apartments reading a history of the former Republic of Riombara. It was an engrossing read, and was one of the many books she intended to devour in order to become more acquainted with the continent she was determined to call home, and one day bring her son to. At the thought of her son, she looked out of the window to the great square below, seeing the hustle and bustle of life below. Manfred! Sadness gripped her. She had not wanted to leave her son, but she had been chosen for this life and she could not bring him with her. William had forbidden it, and he was the head of their house. Besides, a bastard would not have helped her make a good impression on the priesthood of Obeah. She shook herself out of these thoughts and made her way down the corridor to one of the bedrooms. The corridor was lavishly decorated with art that she had brought on the voyage with her, and other purchases that she had made while in the city. Art and military service, the two interests of her family. Blood and beauty.

She knocked on the door, waiting for a voice to say enter before opening the door. Rossitta was sitting up in bed, her arm in a sling, but otherwise on the mend. Her face was lined with fresh scars. Antonia still refused her to look in a mirror, for fear of her being upset at the sight which she saw. To Antonia, Rosie was as pretty as she had always been, but she did not know whether the woman would see it that way.

‘How are you feeling, Rosie?’

‘As if I have been bitten and torn at by undead. Oh wait, I remember now, I have’, Rosie said, smiling.

‘Do you think you will be able to fight if the fiends reach the city?’

‘I would like to see anyone stop me, Ana, I really would.’ Antonia smiled broadly at this.

‘Well then for now, you need to rest. I have some poetry that cousin William has sent me from home. He knows how much I enjoy such things, he is a good man. I thought I would read some to you?’

The rest of the morning was spent together, laughing at the bawdy nature of some of the works, praising the literary techniques of others. Antonia wished that it could have lasted for eternity

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (24 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus rode ahead, his hood pulled down over his head against the beating rain. Hooves clattered down the cobbled streets of Rines, and he reigned in his horse before the residence of the Grand Inquisitor. It was a dark night, and the torrential downpour did not help any. He handed the reigns of his stallion off to his squire, and approached the doorway. He pounded heavily upon it.

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (24 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Bryant, Jessica's chief scribe, hustled towards the door.

Who in the name of Obeah could be calling at this hour? he wondered. Swiftly, he unlatched the bolt and creaked the door open. The light from the sconces inside illuminated the front step, and the man banging on the door.

"Inquisitor Adolphus?" Bryant asked in surprise, "I assume there is an urgent matter at hand, sir? Shall I rouse the Grand Inquisitor?"

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Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (24 days, 13 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

A fork of lightning revealed the Inquisitor to be a grim sight. The gold braiding that secured his black jacket over his breastplate was stained with gore, and Obeah knew what else. The breastplate underneath was likewise dinged and stained. The leather jacket signifying his station was torn in places, but likely do to the torrential downpour, fairly clean.

"Please, at once." Adolphus growled.

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Roleplay from Astros Renodin (30 days, 12 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Loud swearing could be heard from Astros's field tent as it collapsed onto the giant of man. A small group of young scribes completely incapacitated with wild laughter as they beheld their latest prank on their vicious Lord. Moving one of the main poles that held the tent upright never got old.

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (30 days, 8 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "The foreman just completed the repairs of the Palisades, m'Lady," Bryant said.

Jessica waited.

"He says upgrades will cost 550 gold, all in. Shall we proceed?"

Jessica nodded.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (30 days, 1 hour ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (28 recipients)

“Away! I warned ye! Leave me be or make use of yerself and deal with that cave!”

Shouted the man in a growling voice, as the two guardsmen shoved at him bumped their heads and stepped back, cowed by the unsexpected sight of an unsheathed sword, long before any of them even thought about reaching for their own weapons.

"Cave?" - asked a female guardswoman from the the other end of the alehouse, surprisingly picking up on the conversation.

"I'll cave your skull in!" - shouted Ulli, menacingly waving unstrapped mace, his face red from anger and embarrassment.

"You will do no such thing." - a calm voice from the alehouse entrance declared matter-of-factly.

At that all the Inquisitorial Guardsmen save for Ulli stood at attention and knocked on their chests with their fists in salute, uttering only acknowledging: "Inquisitor".

Maura entered the alehouse and continued in the same unshaking voice, as if informing of the turn of events that will transpire rather than ordering:

"In fact, dear Ulli, you will settle all dues this man may have with the tavern. Whatever food or drinks shall he order here, they will be paid for from your wage." - she turned to the commoner by the bar, mockingly acknowledged his drawn sword and beholding his features against the information in her head she continued in the same tone - "Apostate, I believe?" - hearing the word as a curse in a temple most of the guardsmen involuntarily placed their hands on the hilts of their weapons.

Maura called forward the guardswoman who made the original inquiry and turning to Apostate she said: "You will tell Anteria here all you know about that cave you mentioned. In fact I would be most glad if you would guide her to investigate it. Afterwards it would please me if you visited the nearest hall of the Inquisition and registered with the guild as an informant. In turn you will be offered protection, resources and whatever funds you might need to continue being so impressively useful." - assuming that there is surprise painted on his face, not bothering to corroborate her assumption she answered unasked question - "Well you are. You have been so far." - she pointed to the state of his face and clothes - "Those are fresh. You survived quite and ordeal, made fool of Ulli and provided Inquisition with valuable information - all in one day. Impressive. The Inquisition needs people like you to win the fight against the daimon worshipers. Even if they happen to own a most unfortunate name." - her eyes alone smiled.

Turning to Anteria she ordered: "You will take two men with you. No point in forsaking all caution."

Before departing the alehouse Maura half-turned around and said: "I haven't forgotten about the portal stones and magical scrolls. Those are most dangerous objects and the Oracle will know how many of them there are on these lands. The only variable is wether this information will be told, or screamed."

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (29 days, 21 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "Um... What are you doing, m'Lady?"

Jessica stopped, her bow in one hand and a quiver of arrows slung backwards on her shoulder, spilling arrows onto the ground.

"Said she wants to go fight," her captain shrugged.

"She said?" Bryant asked incredulously.

"Well..." the captain hesitated, "Not in so many words... but, m'Lady, you want to march to Ardmore?"

Jessica nodded at the wall.

"See?" the captain said, "Don't worry scribe! She will be fine with the Stalkers!"

"You muscle bound baffoon..." Bryant cursed, "It was under your care that she went blind!"

The captain laughed, "So what is there to worry about now? She goes deaf?" He laughed again and clapped Bryant on the back.

"M'Lady," Bryant turned to Jessica, "We just received a grand donation for the walls from Lady Janis. Shall construction commence?"

Jessica snapped her fingers twice and gave him a thumbs up. The captain laughed again, and helped lead Jessica from the barracks. Two archers followed behind, picking up the equipment falling from her person.

"Go then!" Bryant called after her, "You'll get yourself killed!"

Frustrated, he rubbed his forehead.

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Roleplay from Evin Coquard (29 days, 20 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela The sun had already set over the horizon as Evin made her way through the darkness. Darkness was her best friend, and it was in the shadows she had been living for the last three years. On the search for answers, she had traversed the lands many times, narrowly staying alive. After seventeen summers, it was time to be taken seriously, time to join a place and find a home. No one had wanted a child, even if they were skilled with bow and blade. Long ago she had chopped off her dark as coal locks to try to pass for a boy. At times it worked, enabling her to find some training, or even a hot meal. But sooner or later they would figure out she was female, and she would end up on the run, as battle worn soldiers usually only wanted one thing, the one thing she wouldn't provide. The last five years she played this risky game, and as she stood at the coast listening to the waves clean the shore she was glad to have survived.

Arriving in Avengmil, she made her way to the pub to inquire about a position. She was told they were looking for knights, and it didn't matter their gender. Her family name seemed to afford her a line of credit, and when the word was put out, three and thirty men offered to fight under her banner. "Not to shabby thus far," she muttered to herself, finding her way to the estate. She had high hopes for this adventure, either to make a name for herself or to make her name remembered. Either choice was a good one.

The orders were clear, they came with the men. Move at sunrise and head to the south. After all her traveling she wasn't sure if she would make it... but what better way for those around her to learn her name.... a battle in the morning light after she arrived.....

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Roleplay from Evin Coquard (29 days, 12 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Arriving at her estate in Avengmil, Evin frowned. The estate had no name, and it didn't set well with her. "Every land should have a name... an identity...." she muttered to herself. She supposed she would have to contact her liege about that. But for now it was clean, dry and safe. Evin could at least drop all her belongings there, before continuing on to Ardmore. Spending no more than an hour at the home, she didn't even have time to meet the staff before her and the men departed. Quickly she changed her attire, a pair of worn breaches, a clean tunic, overlaid with a hauberk. She had gotten a good price on the piece, and it had kept her from serious injury.

She rode alongside her men, always in the thick of things. Her family name afforded her respect, some of her men were her age, most were older. She ran a hand through her hair before shifting in the saddle. Her heart raced a bit, at the prospect of a battle. Minor skirmishes were one thing, but dawn brought the promise of so much more. Bringing her men around near the line, she stayed off to the side a bit. Everyone but her flew a banner, and she felt out of place. Evin contented herself with pulling her bow into her lap, checking the strings and then inspecting the arrows.

Plucking the string of her weapon, the resounding ping was a sound of music to the girl. The resistance on the bow was honed from practice, constantly fine tuned every day that it was used. A quiver of arrows was at her side, all handcrafted by herself. She was ready, as dawn approached. Lined up on the outside, she prepared to do what she could to prove herself.

As the hordes came into view, her and her men advanced under the volley of others arrows. Getting a bit closer she pulled an arrow out of the quiver and notched it firmly on the string. Taking a deep breath as she pulled the string back taught, she lightly touched her nose before exhaling, letting the arrow fly. As she watched her unit's arrows fly, she realized there was incoming. Calling to her men to raise shields, not everyone was quick enough. She watched four of her men fall, an arrow piercing an arm or a leg. She notched another arrow and let it fly, with more incoming as well. Five more men were hit, thankfully none were fatal wounds... as of yet.

Once the melee started, it was time to pull back. Evin gathered her men, the healthy helping the wounded. They had no healer, so it was going to be up to Evin to treat the men's wounds. Evin gathered random arrows as well, one could never have enough. Most could be repaired and some were in great shape. Getting back to camp she assessed the men. Nine of her men were wounded, though it seemed they all would live. Taking her knife she set to work, cutting the shafts and continuing to push the arrows through the fleshy parts of their skin. Whiskey flew freely between the nine,with Evin grabbing a sip or two when she could. The coppery stench of blood filled her nostrils, yet she continued till the last man was bandaged.

Once they were all attended to, she grabbed a bite of food before heading to her tent, finally taking time for herself to clean and make herself more presentable.

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (29 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

A toast to the Blessed Lady

Antonia got unsteadily to her feet, a metal tankard of ale in her hand, and climbed on top of a cart full of beer barrels. All around her, the Martyrs were drinking and celebrating victory, as well as toasting the dead. She looked at the crowd of peasants, nervously watching the soldiers that had come to their village.

‘Good people, the Blessed lady has liberated you from the tyranny of the monsters and necromancers that plague these lands!!! Bring yourself into her protection; join the most holy of realms, the most blessed land in the world, join Sacred Obia’Syela!!!!’

A small cheer went up from the crowd, but most did not join in, still looking at her placidly. Antonia continued, more determined than ever

‘We know that you fear battles that bring fire and ruin to your homes and crops!!! But the monsters do far more damage. We bring civilisation to the anarchy!!! We bring light to the darkness!!! We bring order to the chaos!!!! There will be more battles, but not right now!!!! Right now we drink!!!’ At this, to a cheer from her troops, she downed her drink and then picked up one of the barrels and threw it to land in front of the crowd

‘Join us in celebrating our Victory!!! Join us in celebrating freedom from the tyranny of the monsters that once controlled you!!! Join us in the light of the Blessed Lady!!! But right now, and most importantly, join us for a drink!!!!’At this last exultation, the crowd roared and surged forward. By the evening, the crowd had mixed completely with the crowd and couples were beginning to sneak off into the houses and nearby woods. Antonia turned to Rossitta

‘I think many a little bastard will be conceived tonight, Rosie’, Antonia slurred, raising her glass

‘Aye, Ana, and who do you think will have to pay for them?’

Antontia laughed at that and fell back onto the straw of the haystack that her and Rossitta were sitting on. She looked up at the sky, where the sun was beginning to set.

‘One village down, many more to go’, she thought to herself, before rolling off the hay stack and going to find another drink

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (29 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Sigmund returned to Goriad II after a while: "Milord, Divus is in prison and Rania travelled with the army to Ardmore"

Goriad II shook his head. "On to Ardmore it is."

–

Roleplay from Evin Coquard (29 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "M'lady I am sorry," one of her men came to her tent to say. Her head whipped around at the intrusion, and fixed her onyx gaze on the man. "What is it?" she said curtly, irritated that her rest was interrupted. The man bowed his head. "Geoff has recovered from his wounds and is ready to go back to the front," the man said. "Stephen was not so lucky and he succumbed to his wound.

Evin let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. Stephen's wound was deep in his chest, and without proper healers there wasn't much Evin could have done. With chest wounds it was hard to get the arrow out, so many important things inside, you couldn't just cut the shaft and push it out the back. Evin closed her eyes in a silent prayer before fixing her gaze on the man in front of her once more. "Send Geoff to the other men, and bury Stephen deep in the ground. Sunset is almost upon us, and I'm sure another battle looms over the horizon." The man bowed curtly and left her tent.

Death was a part of life, and whilst she felt sadness at one of men falling. Preparing for the next battle, she looked at her choices. This day she would put away her bow and pick up her sword. Hefting it in her hand, she tested the balance of the blade. Perhaps today blades would prevail over arrows. Rarely did she enjoy close combat, but Stephen's death would be avenged. Donning her battle attire she slipped out of the tent and head over to her men.

"Swords today not bows," she told them, and a collective sigh was heard. "Praise be, we aren't archers," she heard an errant comment. Evin grumbled slightly. She had asked for archers, how did she know they weren't as skilled with bow as blade. Perhaps Stephen would be alive if it wasn't for her mistake. There is no time for remorse, she told herself, saddling her horse. The sun was dipping below the horizon and the crimson rays were traveling along the field.

The horde was smaller, the battle short. The line was crowded, and it took time for Evin's men to get to the front. Once there though, there were still blows to be had. The stench of battle was heavy in the air, blades and bodies flying all around her. Evin's horse reared, and as the steeds hoofs touched back to the earth pain shot across Evin's cheek and the coppery taste of blood filled her mouth. Her ears ringing she turned to see her attacker. The creature had sword raised, ready to strike her down. Two of her men came to her aid, one tossing her to the ground with a jarring thud and the other engaging the creature.

Someone pulled her from the field, as it was almost as if she was drunk, her ears still ringing. The battle ended, two more of her men were wounded, one was Geoff again, pulling the well placed stitches out of his wound to come to her aid moments before. Her vision starting to clear and her ears no longer ringing, she went to work on the two men, cleaning their wounds best she could and binding them tight. Once finished she washed up best she could and changed her tunic to that of a clean one.

"Perhaps it is now time to find a drink," she said, tying her purse round her waist and looking for the nearest bar, the thought of a stiff drink propelling her forward.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (28 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica sat in a meditative pose on the ground while Bryant read her the daily correspondence.

"Several reports m'Lady," he said, "And we are now up to three knights in Avengmil."

She opened her sightless eyes and raised an eyebrow.

"Undoubtedly they will move to more profitable estates, but for the time being shall I send them some of the scriptures?"

Jessica nodded. She held up two fingers, then pointed them at her eyes.

"The Twin Prophecy?" Bryant guessed.

She nodded. She held up three fingers, then touched her Inquisitional badge.

"And the three factions..." he mumbled as he scribbled, "Consider it done, m'Lady."

Knights Ferdinand and Evin, and Dame Mercy,

On behalf of the Grand Inquisitor Jessica Gildre, I would like to wish you the warmest welcomes to the Sacred Obia'Syela. Your liege demands that you familiarize yourselves with the history of the realm, as well as the realm's laws. They are enforced with the strictest efficiency.

Obia'Syela

Also to be reviewed is the Twin Prophecy. It's importance is a discussion point of the Heralds and all of SOS.

Heralds_of_Obeah/The_Twin_Prophecy

She would also insist that you examine the three factions of the realm, so that you may assert yourselves effectively with one. It is highly recommended that one joins the Heralds as well, since the realm is a theocracy.

Heralds_of_Obeah

The_Inquisition

Obia'Syela/The_Templars

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to write to me. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to seek a personal audience with the Grand Templar at any time.

For Obeah,

Bryant Master Scribe of the Grand Inquisitor Jessica Gildre

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook (28 days, 21 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela After reading about this realm, Ferdinand had finally arrived. Obia'Syela. Is this the faith, realm and calling that he has been looking for all of time? Yes. It must be. After negotiating terms, Ferdinand had set up an estate on the Eastern Shore of Avengmil. A perfectly suitable estate that reminded Ferdinand of home. As he walked along the shore of his new Estate, he muttered the Greybrook motto as tradition whenever gazing upon the sea: 'Look beyond the horizon to find fortune.' Turning away, Ferdinand looked to the tattoo that scared on his left forearm. Pushing it out of sight and mind, Ferdinand set to work in finding his place in this new life of his. Away from his past and a new life that would dedicate himself to the faith that he had been calling for so long.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (28 days, 19 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus waited some time, was finally shown in to see the Grand Inquisitor.

"Forgive the late hour, your eminence." Adolphus gravely intoned.

"I bring dire news. My brief investigation, interrupted by my captivity, which I doubt was coincidental, has revealed some startling news, along with what I observed during my incarceration."

Adolphus gestured towards the pitcher of water.

"May I? The roads have left me rather parched."

–

Roleplay from Evin Coquard (28 days, 19 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Evin pushed the lengthening locks out of her face as she checked on her nine patients. Mostly were just scrapes and a couple deep wounds, and none seemed to be festering. Saying a silent prayer for their lives she went back to her tent to find correspondent there. Sitting down she slide her finger through the first smaller one. Reading over the first one, a frown crossed her face. "Knight? Who employs idiot scribes?" she muttered. She penned her fellow Knight a response, and dabbed it with a bit of wax. Sliding her finger through the official seal of the second, and multiple papers fluttered to the ground. Picking them all up she read through them all.

Grumbling slightly at the same slight as before, being called a knight and not a dame, irked her, but coming from her liege she tempered the emotion. Pulling out a clean piece of parchment she dipped her quill in the inkwell and started to write.

Grand Inquisitor Jessica Gildre,

Thank you for your letter of welcome. I am unsure who has been informing you, perhaps an errant scribe but I am actually a Dame, not a knight persay. Though I have spent most the last five years acting as such is most likely the reason for the misunderstanding. I have read most of the texts put before me, and will continue to study them until I understand them fully.

I will strive to prove my worth. Thank you for giving my home a name, as somewhere with a name means something. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

Warm Regards, Dame Evin of Avengmil

Her letter complete, Evin sealed it and gave it to her scribe to deliver. Evin liked writing her own letters, and only left the tedious ones to her scribe. "I really need some more help," she muttered to herself. She needed healers and scouts..... hopefully soon she could get a couple. She was sure sunrise would bring another battle, so she worked on refeathering her arrows and sharpening her sword. Evin always liked to be prepared....

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (28 days, 17 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela With Adolphus

Jessica felt her way forward until her hand touched a chair. Using it to guide herself, she slipped down onto it, and then gestured towards the empty air in front of her welcomingly.

Bryant sighed, grabbed the back of the chair and turned it while she sat, facing her towards the table and other chair.

"Inquisitor, please help yourself. Dry yourself and drink," he said, nodding towards the other chair, "When you are ready, the Grand Inquisitor shall hear your tale."

He bowed to the two of them, and stepped back.

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (28 days, 17 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Innocent had been living in the hospital for some months. Or was it years? He hardly knew. In fact, he hardly knew much of all. What he knew was what his nurses had taught him since he had been brought to the hospital and abandoned with a trunk of belongings. Little was known, his first name had been mentioned in a letter written from his mother, an Agnes, who mentioned a sister of his. It bore a northern postal stamp of a noble courier service. His clothes, enough to last for several years, were of the finest cloth. A map seemed to point to townsland upon a river.

With this meager understanding of the world around him, he announced his public career.

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (28 days, 16 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Innocent took in the last few days' missives and wrote notes for his first duties.

Bring soap Research local religious teachings Bring dancing shoes Bring ammonia Report to Grand Inquisitor

While penning the second note, Innocent had the thought that Ferdinand's family motto seemed rather inconvenient. Why not look for fortune a bit closer to oneself than the horizon?

After concluding the last note, he finished reading the Official Documentation and gasped. Looking at himself, he began to doubt. Did he exist? If he did exist, would he be allowed to exist further? He thought he'd do his best to cleanse monsters and purge heretics to make a good name for innocence, lest others possess these thoughts. The thought of researching the actual religious beliefs was soon forgotten in his zeal.

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (28 days, 16 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela A baggage train soon followed behind Innocent and his nurses on their way towards Ardmore: a wagon filled with bars of soap, three wagons filled with barrels of ammonia, and the medical supply wagon, with his trunk of belongings nestled amongst them. He'd rather forgotten to visit his estate first and was thus bringing all his worldly supplies with him into Ardmore in his haste to inquisite heretics.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (28 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus gratefully helped himself to some water, shrugged off his battered coat, and hung it upon the chair before sitting down.

"Your eminence. My findings, I do believe to be dire. I will refrain from speculation, and jumping to any conclusions." He paused to greedily gulp down his water.

"The majority of the corpses found upon the battlefield were determined to have originated from Angmar, based on style of dress, equipment and what could still be recognized as regional features in more well preserved examples. Smaller minorities of the corpses, still sizeable in number showed examples from Angband, and Caelint, and aside from one notable exception which I will come back to, the remainder appeared to be randomly gathered or simply were too old to determine. The units appeared to be organized by national origin, but what I found to be particularly interesting was that the leader of each unit of the deceased, not only showed the signs of experimentation, of surgical nature and in some cases, even darker experimentation still, but were exclusively dressed in the styles of Caelint, and in many cases, their equipment bore the coat of arms of the realm." Adolphus paused to let the Grand Inquisitor digest.

"As for the notable exception, that is the reason for the urgency." his voice becoming dark as he trailed off.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (28 days, 8 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela With Adolphus

Jessica leaned back in her chair slowly as Adolphus finished his report.

She could understand "groups" of undead all from the same place. If a bunch of soldiers from one realm were resurrected, it would be natural that they would be wandering in a group together, more or less.

These other abominations... these "surgically" enhanced wretches... she was unsure of what to make of them.

Someone was certainly reaching past the Veil, into time-space where they did not belong, stealing secrets of a power they could not control.

A necromancer?

Some sort of brilliant, mad, scientist?

Was this the doing of Caelint? Or was it a ruse to throw suspicion off of the real perpetrator?

She needed more.

She snapped her fingers and Bryant moved forward with a piece of parchment. They had prepared a series of questions for interviews such as this.

"You have concluded your investigation?" Bryant asked. Jessica shook her head.

"Ok, you must continue your investigation?" Jessica nodded. Bryant looked at Adolphus.

"Do you need additional finances?" Jessica shook her head, "Do you require assistance from more Agents?" Jessica nodded.

She then tapped her lip with her finger. She wanted to know more about the Caelint origins.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (28 days, 7 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in the region Ardmore (25 recipients) The Inquisitor strode through the village, patiently declining 'just one sip of wine' as the lesser nobles of the region tended to call the libation. She knew well enough that one sip could be all it takes to take her back to sleeping in mud puddles, fighting cutthroats hand to hand, bedding stable boys and partaking in all sorts of ignoble behaviours.

She knew equally well about loose tongues of the inebriated. So there she treaded, sly half-smirk on her face, agents of the Inquisition everywhere around, blending in, well... attempting to blend in, waiting for that one word of heresy from a local noble, that one suspicious behaviour of a talented commoner, trader, village elder that would determine degree of guilt.

But villages far and wide knew the motto of the Inquisition - "there is no innocence, only degrees of guilt", and the freedom celebration in Ardmore was the most uptight libation in the history of those events. Cautious conversations, strained laughter, paranoid glances.

Yet not all were cautious enough...

Nets stretched out in the air, sharp spearheads pointed precariously, maces descended upon the backs of unsuspecting heads and by the time sun decided to set - three dozen people were heading to the offices of the Grand Inquisitor.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (28 days, 7 hours ago)

Message sent to: Lyndis You are being accosted by a squad of Inquisitorial Guard. Nets stretch out in the air, sharp spearheads point precariously, one of the maces is sure to descend upon the back of your head in a matter of seconds.

"You had your chances!" - shouts one of the guardsmen - "Ignoring the Inquisition not once, not twice but three times! What did you think would happen?!"

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (28 days, 7 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica ground her teeth as Bryant read her the letter, as well as the report of the arrests.

"I can confirm," he said, "That one of the commoners she arrested is indeed a member of the Heralds."

What in the name of Obeah is she thinking? Jessica thought in frustration.

They were in Rines, exchanging bonds for gold to continue the construction of fortifications in Avengmil, but Jessica decided it was time for a visit to the Silent Basilica.

If everything said is true, why in the world would the Oracle be giving out Inquisition tasks to Inquisitors without even telling the Grand Inquisitor. Something was amiss.

She would seek out Rania.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (28 days, 7 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia regrets the night before

Antonia’s world was spinning as she awoke. A blinding shard of light was above her as she slowly opened her eyes and she quickly closed them again, raising her hand to shield her face. Her head felt as if someone had smashed her brain in with a lemon wrapped around a large gold brick.

‘How much did I drink last night?’ she muttered to herself, regretting it almost instantly as that noise alone sent a searing heat of pain across her temples. She tried to determine where exactly she was. The smell alone made her quite concerned of what she had got up to last night. It smelt of dung. The ground was wet, and when she moved slightly she heard a squelching. She groaned.

‘Please don’t be another pig sty, please don’t be another pig sty, please don’t be another pig sty’, she begged quietly to herself. It was at this point that she heard a snuffling and then a distinctive ‘oink’. ‘Bugger’

It was at this point that she heard footsteps and then heard the mocking voice of Rossitta

‘Ah, the beautiful princess stirs at last. None too soon, for today she shall be crowned queen of swine!!! All hail! All hail! All hail the Schweinekönigin!!!!’

‘Rosie, if you don’t stop talking, I will kill you’, Antonia muttered, trying to stand but collapsing back into the filth.

‘You will have to learn how to walk first’, Rossitta guffawed, ‘Anyway, no time for that, we have been summoned to battle’. At this, Antonia swore loudly in Poryatun. ‘Such foul language from the Schweinekönigin!’ Rossitta exclaimed, putting on a mock gasp. ‘Come on your highness, up you get’

Not an hour later Antonia marched back through the camp and collapsed onto her bedrolls

‘For that?’ she muttered, still holding her head, ‘you woke me up for that? That wasn’t a battle, that was a “let’s watch the archers do some target practice and then go have breakfast” session’

‘Talking of which’, Rossitta said still merrily chuckling to herself, ‘what do want for breakfast?’

The look Antonia shot Rossitta would have given an arch-daimon second thoughts about his life decisions up until that date

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (28 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "That isn't quite everything, Eminence. Most of the evidence was destroyed when the Grand Templar ordered destruction of the dead... But I was able to recover items which refused to burn." Adolphus unceremoniously dumped the contents of a satchel on the table. Blackened from the flames, they carried the stench of death and burnt flesh still. An amulet, commonly worn by the followers of Obeah, a badge bearing the coat of arms of the Grand Templar, and the twisted, rent remains of a shield, bearing the emblem of the Templars.

"Bryant, if you would so kindly describe the items I have laid out for the Grand Inquisitor. These were pulled out of a burn pile confirmed to have contained only wights."

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (28 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Innocent received a thick packet of the day's unread missives. Skimming them, he put them back in the envelope for later.

Why wasn't he served breakfast previous to the letters being provided to him? he thought.

–

Roleplay from Astros Renodin (28 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Old Habits Die Slowly

While in the past, where the world was a beautiful place and more so, visible to the naked eye, it no longer was. The eye was still naked but it didn't see a damn thing. That also applied to letters, orders, instructions and just about every imaginable text in existence. Sir?.. The uncertain voice came. What?! Can't you see I'm busy! Growled Astros at the young scribe. Yes, I can very well see you're busy. Busy trying rub coconut oil onto your bald head while in fact they've had you rubbing pig fat infused with cat piss onto your dumb head. The challenge delivered in that youthful tone of daring laced with barely contained fear of the unknown reaction it would garner.

Freezing on the spot with two arms in the air, Astros willed his hands to cease the light massaging they had previously been occupied with. A low rumble began to emanate from his throat. Seeing his words crumble before the wall that was Astros the young man decided to press the attack. Why else would they keep stoking the burners?! Doesn't it smell an awful lot of lavender inside here? Desperation made for high notes. Again Astros froze in mid motion. Halfway into stepping towards the direction of the young man's voice. He raises a hand to his nose and inspected the viscous substance that coated it. Smelling it he couldn't deny. It was, indeed.. Piss.

An erupting volcano unannounced so to did Rage explode in his heart. Furniture sailed through the air and crashed noisily onto the ground. Big hands all but plowed over the bald scalp of the man as he tried to scrape off every last drop of the feline urine scented pig fat. Bastards! I'lll! Another glob thrown. Kill them! A fat wad landed next to the young and daring scribe. Rip their Fingers off of their.. An unsavory spray of the stuff rained against the inside of the tent wall. .. soft little Hands!

The initial rage subsiding as defeat and shame pooled in the hollow created afterwards. Twinkling, like a tiny star in his mind Astros realized he wasn't alone in the tent. He remembered the young scribe. Boy? Said in the most tentative way ever since his own childhood. You still here? Instinctively he used a hand to feel around the upturned interior of the tent. I am still here. Came the scribe's voice. Astros turned his large head towards to source of the sound. He licked his lips ponderously. Wha.. what else.. Ponderous and withdrawn. What else they've tricked you with you mean? The young man easily finished. Confidence fully returning. You've been played quite the fool, sir.

Two steps forwards he took and his foot bumped into something hard. Let me get that for you. The words flowed easily and the young man moved gracefully as he picked up what remained of a broken, ceramic bowl. You're fine now. You can keep on walking if you like. That never had been Astros's intend. Having ventured closer and with the boy scribe speaking again, he was certain of where the youth stood.

Like a viper his massive arm shot out and clenched around the scribe's neck. Fingers wrapping neatly all the way around. Thumb touching index finger. Don't presume to patronize me you worthless little sh*t-stain! Danger given words as they were hissed through clenched teeth. Gulping for Air the youth replied. This Sh*t-stain is the only reason you stopped rubbing cat piss on your head! The youth croaked back. It was uncanny. Proverbial lightning struck his brain. Astros released his grip and let the scribe go. He heard him cough.

'Read me my letters. A hint of that tentative quality did not escape the words. Astros probed around with his hands and found some of the missives he'd been receiving from the Realm and its Nobles. He offered them to the young man. Read. He took them, an angry look upon his face. They were Astros's personal letters. They contained all that was meant for the Marshall and Inquisitor of Obia. Looking at the huge man that was his Master the youth decided something for himself. Fingers worked the seals and soon the letters were unfolded. Reading the content and repeating the words written in sound he gave them meaning to a blind man.

So Astros came to rely on a daring and brave young scribe. A boy who took a big risk in being honest with a terrifying man. The beginning of a most unlikely of relations.

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (28 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Innocent and his caravan had stopped for breakfast. Innocent and his nurses were each enjoying a bowl of fruit and oatmeal, some toast, and mugs of orange juice. Deciding it a fine time to sift through some of the day's correspondence, Innocent began reading the oldest first as he chewed on the toast, but quickly tired of the content. Sifting through the rest, he stopped upon a short personal letter from his fellow knight. Taking a drink of orange juice, he quickly read and composed a mental reply. Dictating the response to a nurse disgruntled at having his breakfast interrupted, Innocent began sifting through the next epistles.

Oh, but now a request! Reading with eagerness, this too quickly bored him to setting it aside and pausing to enjoy his bowl of oatmeal and fruit before resuming mail sifting.

Ah, but orders now! Official Documentation orders, how exciting! Innocent quivered with joy, at sight of his first orders. Oh, fancy that, the orders were about him! Embarrassment and pride filled him. Blushing red, but with a beaming smile, Innocent read on as he finished his orange juice. Whether the nurses noticed or were lost in their breakfasts, the narrator can't be bothered to decide.

A promotion! Innocent jumped up in glee, knocking the table and spilling several nurses' mugs. Upon reading orders though, he ran to the stationary wagon, found a pen and notepad and wrote another todo list.

Duty: Investigate abnormal lights, sounds, and sights at farmstead in western Ardmore along road to Grehk.

Make contact with male adventurer. Bring dancing shoes to farmstead. Bring ammonia to farmstead. Ascertain truth. Purge heresy and heretics. Destroy heresy and heretics. Forward evidence relating to undead army which assaulted Avengmil to Agent Adolphus. Report everything to Grand Inquisitor.

Innocent tucked the note close to his body and flipped through the remaining letters. Most of the nurses had now finished their breakfasts and it was nearly time to complete the journey into Ardmore. But oh yes, another personal letter from the Grand Inquisitor. And of great import. Folding it carefully, he tucked it next to the todo list. While doing so he thought it would be awfully great if there were some way of attaching those papers together as one.

An innovative thought that passed quickly as he began reading the next missive. Oh my! Another order? For him?!? With disappointment, he read Inquisitor Maura, yet kept reading, his disappointment soon turning into a mixture of relief and anxiety. He folded this order and put it with the others, as a reminder for himself.

Thinking certainly that that was all the orders to be had, he noticed a third, though less lengthy and formal and bearing a different heraldry than that of Jessica Gildre, his liege. It did seem somewhat familiar to some earlier important heraldry he had attempted to memorize, poorly. Soon he saw the title of Grand Templar ordering instructions to what seemed to be unrelated to himself, so he threw this letter on the smoldering cooking fire.

Another letter from Maura. They were all waiting on him now, so he didn't have time to enjoy the dramatic gossip for now. Repacking his letters in their envelope, he hopped up on a horse and continued the journey into Ardmore.

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (28 days, 2 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela The report of an execution crossed Innocent's eyes and he shuddered before breathing a sigh of relief that it occurred far to the north. He later learned of the executed's age and shuddered again at the thought of executing someone known to be over a century in age.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (28 days, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela With Adolphus

"Of course," Bryant leaned forward, pinching his nose against the assault of scents, and continued in a high pitch tone, "We have a pile of burnt refuse..." he poked around with a handkerchief, "What appears to be a Heralds amulet... a piece of the insignia of the Grand Templar... and, what is this? The remains of a wooden crate? It bears the same insignia."

Jessica breathed deeply. She smelled the charcoal scent. The scent brought her back to the crushing defeats in Avengmil, and the burning of the undead army.

Surely soldiers of the Templars could be risen to fight for the darkness, much in the same way other realms could? She would have to consult the Heralds on the subject.

And certainly the Grand Templar had fought in enough battles to leave an impressive amount of dead bodies, ripe for the picking...

She leaned back again and waited. She was growing increasingly interested in the direction Adolphus' investigation had taken.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (28 days, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica sighed as Bryant read her the letter.

What types of evidence? she thought, Literally any would be a good place to start. Witness testimonies, interviews, attempted spell casting...

What she didn't need was an array of dirty commoners stinking up her dungeon, instead of slaying monsters like they should be doing. She needed her Inquisitors to start ustilising these small folk. She needed a spy network, one that could root out heretics like that fool with the portal stones in Ardmore before they are able to unleash unholy hell upon the lands...

She clenched her fist a the thought of the blinding white light...

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (27 days, 21 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela A crate? Adolphus mused, the slightest of grins cracking his face.

"I'm sure even her Eminence can see that is the remains of a shield, Master Bryant." the faintest bit of mirth creeping into his usually icy voice.

"I do not wish to draw conclusions so early into an investigation, but I will share my working theory. Such a sizeable and organized force, for we faced undead armies, not mere hoards of unorganized wights, and organized by national origin and such is hardly the product of wandering hoards conglomerating into a larger force. This requires organization, funding, and structure that only a nation or several nations can provide. No mere nest of backwoods hermits practicing necromancy could raise a force that can challenge nations, surely. Caelint desires a fight with us, this can be certain due to their posturing concerning our first temple. We are at war with their allies, notably the Witch Kingdom of Angmar, whose use of black magic is well known, and even advertised. These are our likely culprits, but that does not explain everything.

How did they know where to land? Who helped coordinate such a thing? Why were the bodies of Templars among their number? Surely they did not have time to raise our dead so soon after landing on our soil, for our armies were waiting. Further disturbing is why would the Grand Templar pick a fight with a mere Knight on a minor issue, whilst he carries out the scope of his duties, and then burn a small selection of the Undead? I am not leveling an accusation at this point, as it could have been mere stubborn pride, an attempt to hide the embarrassment of Templars being turned to fight their own people, an attempt to conceal that our dead are not safe, treason most foul, or any number of other things. I understand casting suspicion at one of such a lofty station is unpopular, but I assure you it is not personal. It is professional. None are innocent, so what is her degree of guilt?

Furthermore, I was taken prisoner in the second battle. Why was I spared? Why was I not torn to shreds? Why was I of all people targeted for capture? I have not slept since, for those questions have kept me from obtaining sleep."

Adolphus paused, allowing his lengthy statement to sink in.

"I wish to acquire a few informants to put to work hunting the dead, some discretionary funding would be useful to build rapport, and perhaps acquire items of use. As for an additional Inquisitor, I would request one... Sir Innocent." Adolphus said, an almost malicious grin spreading upon his face.

"His purported innocence may prove useful. Barring that, the vats of ammonia he is said to drag around should be useful for drowning a few heretics."

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (27 days, 12 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Goriad II had made his way into the center of the military camps where a small square had been formed and told Sigmund to set up their tent there.

"Once you are finished, make sure Lucius knows where to find us." Goriad II said to his friend to which Sigmund replied "What about Divus?"

Goriad II grinned: "He wants to learn how to hunt right. If he can't find this tent, then there is no hope for the boy."

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook (27 days, 11 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela As Ferdinand watched his unit march in-front of him, he looked to his right to see the newest captain of the Infantry - Captain Fredric. The man, 6 foot in height roughly, averagely built and held nothing overally intimidating about him. After recruiting in the capital for additional men to go south, Fredric's small team of 5 were minding there own business, training. Ferdinand admired their commitment to their arms, whether he can trust the Captain yet is another conversation. The man held himself and his troop in high regard through a quiet confidence which he would not share. His courtier quickly established that the new Captain was not a conversationalist. Good. He could actually concentrate on personal matters rather than keep up pretenses.

The townsland of Avengmil was a calming sight to Ferdinand after spending uncountable days at sea. Having feet on solid ground in some form was good enough. The towns that they marched through, the farms they passed or the wilderness in between were a welcome. Ferdinand made a mental note to remember the calm landscapes. For he did not know what he travelling to. Nor did he know what the Grand Templar's greater purpose for him was. Nevertheless, the journey southward was pleasant. Probably a inversion of what he would encounter soon enough.

–

Roleplay from Astros Renodin (27 days, 9 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

A Different Kind of Swing

Let'em Swing! Raucous laughter followed the statement. The sharp and final noise of taunt rope the notes sung to all present. Strolling up and down the impromptu gallows Astros felt a bump against his shoulder. Ehm?! Instinctively he looked up but his eyes told him nothing. A solid something struck him in the temple causing him to deign a step away to preserve his face. Wrrraarrhh! Astros called out as he swiped with a mean right hook at whatever had struck him. A painful cough followed the impact his fist encountered. The surface gave way. It was soft and reacted to his assault. There came a brief whimper that was followed up by an awful gurgle. A hiss and then a violent struggle until it went quiet.

Curious as to what or rather, who he hit Astros explored with his hands. A thin arm? lower arm? no.. its bends the wrong way. A knee! The thought sprang into the light of his mind. Big hands continued and went down rather than up. Lace.. leather, dirt.. a shoe. His mind worked out. A small shoe. He established. A child's shoe..

Promptly he let go and turned away. Dark clouds appearing on his face. Hunched shoulders Astros roamed the gallow-line. Rafters, trees and even a street sign had been converted to the purpose. Noticing how the silence stretched Astros heard his men shuffle about. He turned towards the sound and spoke. Heretics! He tried to point at the now swinging corpses and only missed the mark a bit. None shall ignore the will of Obia and forgo devout prayer, worshiping false idols, harboring icons of the daimons from the former invasions and! Failing to make generous donations to the cause. He let the words sink in. Mighty Mighty Fine, Do-Nations! His face cut through the darkness as a big, malevolent grin in white appeared.

First they try to run from me and the words of the Veiled Goddess. A big finger imperiously points upwards.Forcing me to chase them and -Bring- them the holy scriptures! A pink tongue emerged from behind the ivory teeth and moist his lips. No, no that Will, not do! Running from the words of the Holy Goddess! Screaming to drown out the sacred words of conversion, of Repentance! He slowly shook his gleaming, bald head. Heresy. Heresy! How could they refuse her words. Her words! Those Mighty Fine, Holy Words! His eyebrows rose higher than they seemed possible. And then they used force. His voice slimy with incredulity. Force!? Against the Agents of the Inquisition?! Heresy! In a powerful gesture he pointed at the blueing, foaming and fat tongued corpses hanging from the gallows. That! is the price of Heresy. An entirely misplaced suave smirk started to form on his face.

Come now boys, there's words to spread. The Daimons, will -not- wait. No they won't! The tone sickeningly cheerful to a fault.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (27 days, 8 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia patrols the streets

Today was very different from the last few days. No longer was there drinking and laughter. Today there was only business. As she and the Martyrs entered another village, they saw a small group whispering to one another. Antonia held up her fist, ordering her soldiers to stop.

‘Rosie, Becca, with me. The rest of you, be ready’, the two women nodded and took their place just behind her as Antonia walked towards the group. The group stopped talking abruptly as they noticed her approach.‘Mind if I join you, gents?’

One of the men gave her a cold look and sneered, ‘Why would the likes of you want to sit with the likes of us? Your kind are supposed to be sitting at home, nursing babes and cooking dinner waiting for their men folk to come home. Go away, dear, the men are talking’

Antonia looked pleasantly surprised at his remark and replied sweetly, ‘Oh, you must forgive me, sir. I was unaware that such important business was being discussed by the big important men! However,’ at this last word her voice grew colder, ‘I am surprised that you would express such views when there are fifty women armed to the teeth newly arrived in your village. Such a situation would certainly have convinced me to be a tincy little bit more polite. But hey, what do I know?’ her voice becoming sweeter again, ‘I am but a simple woman, the nursing of my son has clearly addled my brain’

The man flinched as she leaned further in and whispered in a cold voice, ‘you know, despite your clear prejudices, one would think that when soldiers of the blessed lady come up to your table that you would at least try to hide seditious material’, her finger tapping a pamphlet calling for a rebellion against the recent occupiers. The man’s eyes grew wide at this and he reached for his dagger, but Antonia had already smashed his head into the table. She turned to face the other men, all of which had produced knives, clubs and one even had a crude back sword. Rebecca went to reach for her blade, but Rossitta grabbed the woman’s arm and shook her head

‘She’s got this, trust me’

Antonia smiled as she weighed up her opponents. Growing up in the family of Fitz Roberts had taught her a few things. Growing up with William as a first cousin and Marc Antonio as a brother had taught her a few more. She lived for this. The last few battles had been frankly dull. Time for a little fun at last. The first man lunged at her with a knife, allowing her to grab his arm and casually twist, smiling at the loud crack and the scream of pain that ensued. She turned to see two more coming at her with clubs raised. She ducked one, and rose up into the path of the other, grabbing the club and head-butting the assailant. She quickly turned to swing her newly acquired club at the other man, who was still unbalanced from her dodge. Both went down like a sack of potatoes. Finally there was just the swordsman. He was holding his sword out in front of him nervously, terrified of the large woman still smiling sweetly at him. He could not have been more than sixteen

‘Now, if I were you, I would drop it’, she spoke in a motherly tone

‘You won’t kill me?’he stuttered

‘Of course not!’ Anne gasped, as if affronted by such a suggestion, at the same time stamping on the hand of one of the downed men who was reaching towards a discarded dagger. The cry of pain was most satisfying. The boy, convinced, dropped the sword

‘Good lad’, Antonia smiled stepping forward and drove her parrying dagger into the boy’s belly, twisting it casually. The boy looked up into her cold grey eyes, betrayal mixing with agony on his face

‘But you said…’

‘I lied’, Antonia said cutting him off, still smiling sweetly. No one plotted against the soldiers of the Most Blessed Lady. Treason was heresy. Heresy was treason. She withdrew out the dagger, taking out a cloth and cleaning the blade. ‘Put this filth in a cart and send them back to the Inquisitors’, she said, casually stepping on the man on the man whose arm she had broken as she walked towards them, causing a small whimper to come from the quivering frame. ‘Find out who their families are and put them in the cart too. Treason is in the blood’

‘At once, my lady’, Rebecca nodded and began to bark orders. Rossitta smiled as her friend came alongside her and said simply ‘fancy a drink?’

They spent the next half hour pouring themselves ale from the terrified tavern-keep’s prize barrel as they watched the martyrs break down doors and drag off crying families to join their men on the cart. They were the Inquisition's problem now

–

Roleplay from Apostate (27 days, 6 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (30 recipients) Apostate steeled himself as the guard roared at him, he crouched preparing for an early sacrifice.

A calm voice made him pause. Inquisitor. He gulped. This made it complicated.

A light chuckle escaped his lips as the guard was ordered to pay his dues. “I am Inquisitor.” He sheathed his sword and bowed.

He nodded as the Inquisitor ordered him to take the soldiers to his false heretic cave. This would do nicely. He was shocked to learn that he had been requested to become an Inquisition informant. He took a moment to process it. The fresh clothes were a surprise as well.

A meaningful name.

“As you command, Inquisitor. I thank ye for the clothing.”

He turned to the female guard, Anteria. “The cave is in the Northen Hills. An hour from my hut. I saw three figures travel there. I checked it out, the entrance has nine chimes and deerskin with writing on it.”

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (27 days, 2 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Lounging within a farmstead in western Ardmore eating grapes, Innocent shivered at the reports of hundreds of rogue beasts. He got up to find a blanket and returned to lounging, eating grapes. Soon, his inquisition would pay off, but such things required patience. Or well, his nurses always referred to him as a patient, so he thought he should practice being patient as to not disappoint them.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (27 days, 2 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "Take them alive. They should confess before they're hanged." Adolphus's order hung in the air as he dismounted along with the group of hedge knights he had recruited. The Knights of the Sepulchre, the name brought to mind shining armor and gallant deeds. These men were dressed in drab attire, their armor lacquered to hide the shine of metal, and were as grim as the Inquisitor they served.

The farmer they had interrogated earlier had confessed that this farmstead was a hive of rebellion and heresy. The men descended on the place, kicking in doors, and dragging military aged men out, kicking and biting. The women screamed, the children cried, and Adolphus was in the midst, keeping his eyes peeled for trouble beyond that which was obviously expected. He held a man-catcher in his grasp, and whirled when he heard shouting behind him. A man was making a break for it. Adolphus sprinted after, and pinned the man to the ground with the device. He delivered a vicious kick that shattered the man's nose, and growled at him to stay down.

Shortly thereafter, 12 peasants, all military aged males, were hauled back to Adolphus's camp. Their screams echoed as they were put to question, and by morning, 12 bodies swung silently from trees, each with a sign attached to them reading "hereticus".

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (27 days, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Ardmore

When last Divus had seen Ardmore, it was little more than a wasteland. Green fields tinged in red, baptized with blood from both man and monster from a dozen battles. The region was seen as a large battlefield, a small piece of the Netherworld that had somehow made it to their world. Yet now as Divus rode his horse along the road, he was surprised to see some measure of order put to the region.

Sigils and flags of Obia'Syela's crest dotted the roads leading to the makeshift town in Ardmore proper. The road and the grounds surrounding it were thick with activity. Soldiers and families moving quickly to secure the region. As opposed to the first few times he had entered Ardmore, Divus found it to be a place of hope as opposed to fear and despair. Perhaps, this time, it would stick and Ardmore would finally be brought to the light.

Divus nudged his horse to pick up the pace as he rode for the center of activity in the region. There he would find the Regent, and his next mission.

–

Roleplay from Astros Renodin (26 days, 13 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Down to Size

Opening an official looking scroll container the young scribe, Santino, saw it was bad news. Sitting across from the bling Astros he had dutifully read all the man's other correspondence but now hesitated. Noticing the reluctance the Noble spoke. What? Lost your tongue? Santino steeled himself. Not at all, it.. its just that you won't like this one. Looking at his Sire the young man tried to discern any forthcoming reaction. Bah! I don't like half of them, read! The bald warrior commanded. Very well. Santino breathed.

Its from your own Liege, the Oracle herself. Astros sat up immediately. The woman had been cruel and favorable at the same time. Like.. eating egg pancakes, and while chewing the delicious food, biting on stray pieces of shell that had fallen into the frying pan during cooking. Ruining the experience and damaging your trust. She has reduced your estate, again. Color rushed to the big, cleanly shaven head. By her command it has been -Halved-. Astros shut up from his seat. His body quivered with barely contained fury. Where before the skin of his head was smooth it now bulged with veins. His jaw wordlessly worked as his hand pointed at Santino. What, Else. The young man looked back at the scroll. She.. She's given the Lordship of Ardmore to Alacrix. Santino looked up carefully.

Walking awkwardly Astros paced about. Every step a monumental effort of restraint. Leave. Like the promise of death spoken from the mouth of plague become man. Santino hurried out of the tent and not a moment after he did so a loud roar boomed from behind him.

So Astros took the news of having his estate cut in half and learned how his words had sunk in with the Oracle.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (26 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela With Adolphus

Jessica leaned back in her chair and absorbed the report in its entirety. Indeed, she felt satisfied that some results had been gained, yet these findings had opened other, more troubling doors.

She tapped her finger against Bryant. He moved to the desk and pulled forth Official Document stationary...

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (26 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica rolled her sightless eyes at the last set of orders read by Bryant.

Why would she, or any other Inquisitor, contact any foreign nobles? The Inquisition had always been directed at policing within the realm. Diplomacy was for snakes such as Goriad II.

She decided she would just let it go. No point arguing with the man at this junction. She would let him bolster himself around for now...

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (25 days, 22 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Ardmore:

Crack.

The scourged flayed flesh, and drew forth blood.

Crack.

A grunt, and a whimper. Not pain... Something else.

Crack.

Another grunt. Not pain... Shame. Adolphus knelt before the small shrine to Obeah in his tent, the only light, a single candle upon the shrine. Blood and sweat ran down his back, but the pain from his flagellation was nothing compared to the burning shame he felt.

What have I done to displease the Holy Oracle?

Crack.

His hands trembling, he placed the scourge down upon the altar, and called for a servant. He stood, and opened a flap of the tent, letting light pour in, his back a bloody ruin.

"A bucket, warm water. Soap. Sponge. Wash my back. I have too much yet to do to die of infection. Have my horse readied as well." He dictated to the servant. The bucket was brought, and he winced as the wounds on his back were scrubbed clean, and bandaged. He pulled on a tunic, and donned his breastplate, over which went his black greatcoat. He slung both of his swords over his shoulders, and stepped out of the tent. It was time to meet Inquisitor Innocent.

Innocent. What a name for an Inquisitor.

Adolphus swung himself up into his saddle, and touched his spurs to the horse's flanks. Riding through and around the various camps in Ardmore, he made his way to a farmstead, where Innocent was encamped. He looked about at the denizens of the camp.

"I am Sir Adolphus Schwarzherzig, Knight of Rines, and an Agent of the Most Holy Inquisition. I seek Sir Innocent."

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (25 days, 17 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Only a short time before, Innocent had felt unbridled excitement at duty. Now, as an Inquisitor, he still, of course, felt unbridled joy at receiving three orders in quick succession, adding to this todo list. Feeling this excitement as a duty-proud Inquisitor, upon concluding todo list edits, he jumped for joy, yelling out, 'yippee! Praise Obeah for duty!'.

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (25 days, 16 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Prior to Adolphus's Arrival at the Farmstead

The male adventurer had never been found, but it was difficult to miss this farmstead with the constant abnormal lights. Innocent had arrived and after his nurses had found and demanded the best building for their medical bay, Innocent had gone to work inquisiting by going undercover as a non-duty doer. Under the auspices of the Inquisition, he proceeded to ignore all orders, for following orders would jeopardize the mission.

Laying out a lounge chair and grabbing copious heaps of grapes, he began slack, savoring the moist juiceness of grape flesh. At first, it was relaxing. Then, it felt a bit guilt-inducing. Undercover work was not so easy, it turned out. And then came the boredom. And the sun.

Hours later, sunburned and nearly out of grapes, the heretics arrived, fresh grapes in hand. Phew, thought Innocent upon seeing their approach. After some brief discussion, the heretics led Innocent the Inquisitor to their den of iniquity. Innocent made sure he brought his dancing shoes. It had been said the bizarre lights were most visible at nightfall, which was just falling at this time. Upon reaching the coven of heresy, which happened to be a small roadside barbershop a mile and a half from the farmstead, they formed a square and chanted,

Familiarity is Law Credit is Courage The Abyss is Existence Father, Mother, Sister, Brother Bless Our Brave Call Them to Our People's Beginning

Innocent chanted along, so as to not draw suspicion to himself as he wondered how he'd get these sixteen heretics. He counted again. Fifteen. He counted again. Yeah, sixteen. He didn't bother to count again. Anyway, he felt quite puzzled at how to ever get the sixteen heretics standing in a square chanting back to the farmstead where they could be purged with his ammonia. He felt that standing in a square chanting something that didn't mention Obeah was probably enough truth ascertaining.

Soon, they finished their square-chanting, and took him down a dark tunnel. Innocent thought he was underground. It was cold. He didn't bring a jacket. Innocent mentioned this to a heretic and the heretic let Innocent hold the torch. Which didn't help that much at all, but Innocent didn't say otherwise.

Finally, they emerged into a vast room. It was a bit warmer, but Innocent was so disoriented he wasn't certain if he was underground still or above ground. The warmth could've been from the scores of hedonist heretic bodies engaged in all manner of pleasures. Innocent froze.

to be continued

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (25 days, 14 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Damn it. Damn it all to the Netherworld! - Maura cursed in her mind - You shackle someone - you're in trouble with Grand Inquisitor, you hang someone - you're in trouble with Grand Chancellor... "Grand" people, grand troubles.

Maura walked at the helm of her guardsmen through the plains of central Avengmil. If only I were a zealot - she thought, but indeed she was not. She found the Inquisition to be a suiting occupation for her. The Inquisition was ultimately an institution in service of truth - helping the Heralds spread the truth of Obeah and preventing heretics from spreading lies against Obeah. It was a ship built to sail the stormy waters of knowledge and information. But against it's intended purpose she had no intention in using it to patrol coastal areas, no - she was bound for greater voyage, one of discovery, and the only truth on her horizon was the ultimate one. But inch by inch and regulation by regulation that shore seemed further and further away, yet making her no less intent on destination.

"You must've 'inquisited' many people back in the docks." - She said to Ulli.

"Inquisited?" - he asked surprised - "No, before you hired me I was..."

"A thief! And a rapist. I know. Don't forget how we met. I ment your transgressions. I don't think you were ever imprisoned... how come?"

Ulli grinned - "Oh, I know what you mean." - he winked disgustingly - "I always 'inquisited' silently. When you're not caught 'inquisiting' - noone even knows that they should imprison you. By the Seacliff Lighthouse Tavern I once inquisited a fat fellow with a truncheon right 'n his ars..."

"ENOUGH!" - Maura exclaimed, cutting off her captain's story.

A dozen yards further - "That simple... ?" - she whispered in half-disbelief, considering the options.

Passing by a significant alehouse in Avengmil Ulli uttered - "I wonder how Anteria is doing. 'n that cave. That weird man made it sound interesting."

Devilish thoughts painted a mysterious smile on onyx black canvas, a sight most rare, for Maura's face usually remained completely motionless. Answering Ulli, she said through the smile:

"Yes... he most certainly did."

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (25 days, 11 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela When Divus arrived Goriad II was sitting in his tent. A table placed in the center now, with two chairs on each side facing each other. Two cups of wine stood lonesome on the table, nothing else visible inside the tent. He sat there, quietly, waiting.

When Divus finally reached his tent, Sigmund let him in and subsequently stood guard at the entrance leaving Divus and Goriad II alone.

"Here, you want some wine?" Goriad II asked, while gesturing at the cup in front of his guest as Divus sat down.

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (25 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela With but a single guide for company Lucius rode past the verdant farmlands of Ardmore. It had been a belated trip, beset by inconvenience after inconvenience, but he was there at last regardless. Fortunately, the forces of the Enlightenment were found easily enough.

With the White Chevalier of House Archival emblazoned proudly upon his chest, the young courtier found himself quickly directed to a large tent. It was home to Goriad himself, no doubt. With a few terse words, he informed a pair of guardsman of his identity and purpose; promptly they strode indoors to inform the Regent - or, failing that, whosoever was there in his place.

–

Roleplay from Alacrix Galar (24 days, 22 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Alacrix was in a foul mood as he marched back to his tent. His new recruits were just not getting along. After the "incident", he had to recruit a new force. Not for the first time did he lament raising a cavalry group. For the past month Alacrix had been praying for Obeah to show him his path and he thought that his role might be to serve her as a cavalier, hence why he picked up the cavalry group to train. He reached his tent thinking of nothing more than a nice snifter of cognac before bed. A quiet cough came from a chair he had in the corner of his tent. Alacrix was a little taken aback by the tone of the cough, it some how was able to convey that the speaker was sorry to interrupt while also being indignant that they had to wait. He turned around to find a very impressive priest waiting for him. The man looked fatherly until you saw his eyes. There was a twinkle that made him think of hellfire and damnation, Alacrix instantly felt like confessing his sins to avoid that twinkling damnation. "Alacrix Galar I come from the Oracle." The priest's voice was a soft, deep rumble. To Alacrix the voice was like someone was wrapping him in a soft warm blanket in the middle of an earthquake. "The Oracle has heard from Obeah and She has decreed you to be the next Count of Ardmore." Simply spoken the priest left without saying another word. Though the priest was gone his words remained. They kept coming back to the stunned Alacrix. He was to be the Count of Ardmore. He just could not believe it. The rest of the night he spent praying to Obeah to make sure it wasn't a mistake.

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (24 days, 16 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Divus had never been in the tent of a regent before, but still this surprised him. He expected statues, icons, maps scattered around and scribes running this way and that.

Instead he found a simple table, with unremarkable glasses and wine set out before him. The Regent sat, evaluating Divus as he entered. The young knight felt something like a young deer, who had stumbled upon a great wolf who hungered. The gaze was cold and seemed to cut away all but the deepest truths. It was easy for Divus to see how a man like this could once head the Inquisition and currently the realm as a whole.

Goriad II said something and gestured to the wine as Divus took his seat. Divus took up the simple cup and smelled the wine. He was a novice in such matters, but it smelled of a fine vintage. He took a sip, a bit deeper than he originally intended, and did the best to quell his nerves.

"Regent, thank you for the invitation. I hope the gold I have sent will be put to good use in Obeah's name," Divus said, placing the cup down. "But I have a feeling the work does not end with just Ardmore."

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (24 days, 13 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela As the lips of the young boy touched the glass of wine, a hand on the other side of the table reached within a sleave. A sip, a long sip en then the loud clattering of metal on metal as a knife slammed into the cup.

"Wake up boy! I don't know what you have been taught, but the first rule of the hunt is to stay alert! This poison," he said in a loud, harsh and unsettling tone as he pointed to the wine now covering both table, man and floor "It just slows.."

Before he could finish, Goriad II looked up and turned round his dagger ready to throw it. Then Sigmund opened a flap and announced "Lucius has arrived." He was met with a nod "Good, we'll be out in a second to meet him"

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (24 days, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Lucius fidgeted outside the tent. His boots were scuffed through travel and he could not smooth out one bloody crease on his cloak. It was not often that he was called to meet a head of state; particularly not one of such religious fervour as Goriad. It simply would not do to look unkempt, but such as it was, he would make the best of it.

"He will be out to meet you momentarily," called out the voice of the man who had first hailed him.

The young courtier looked down at himself. His house emblem was in fine condition, almost gleaming in the sun. His clothes, fit for horseback and not battle, was a largely bereft of finery, and instead comprised of expensive and comfortable leathers. It was not the Archival way to adorn oneself with unnecessary gaudiness when away from the courts of lords and kings.

He straightened up, wrapped his black sable cloak about him. It would have to do.

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (23 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Divus stared, mouth agape, as he looked from the spilled wine to the Regent, knife in hand. He reached into his cloak to grip his own weapon, when light cascaded behind him and bathed Goriad.

Divus kept his eyes on the Regent and the knife in hand, but read the lips to understand that a Lucius had arrived. The young knight though, it must have been Lucius Archival, another knight of the realm that Divus did not have the opportunity to meet yet.

The regent put his weapon away, and slowly Divus withdrew his hand from his cloak as well. Looking down, he noticed wine had spilled on his arm and he brushed off the droplets from this cloak.

Divus had to admit, he was off-balance a bit. He was used to the Regents gruffness in letters, but in person it was another matter entirely. He stood and looked outside the tent, to find a young man standing there with a fine black cloak and travel clothes, with a glossy emblem of a knight on horseback that beamed in the light. Divus thought of his own red cloak and light armor he wore beneath, no crest on his person at all that would identify him.

He thought he would do the young courtier a favor, and stepped out to meet him.

"Divus Lancaster, Knight of Melegra and Agent to The Inquisition," he said, not hearing his own words after the events in Ardmore a month ago. "And this..."

–

Roleplay from Kiki Raven (23 days, 21 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (30 recipients) Melegra

"It has been week, for Obeah's sake. Great Lady would not simply disappear without a reason." Said one priest to another. "Are we sure she simply did not travel to frontlines to kill boredom and fill her time by annoying Grand Templar?" other priest asked, without looking that worried. "Nay, as much as Lady Kiki dislikes Grand Templar, she would not visit front without her retinue and gifts to another great noble. She after all is generous and proper." second priest rolled his eyes and said to first "Sure, it is as you say. Go and prepare search party, I still have papers that need to be checked."

Kiki

It has been a week since she started her pilgrimage to Keffa. She has now arrived at her 1st stop Wudenkin, Golden City of Beluaterra and current capital of Bara'Thur. Arriving at the gate she is stopped by two guards. "Ten silver coins to enter the city," they demand. Kiki was not pleased. "To think these pigs, think someone as great and beautiful as I, as a common rabble," she thought to herself. She lifted her black hood, under the hood her pale skin, long hair and unusual coloured pupils are revealed. Skin like she has been sick for her whole life and was not permitted to leave insides. Hair as white as snow, it reached as far as her lower body and intensive care for it had left it thick and strong. Her eyes lied their focus on the two guards, who were rather stunned what layed under the hood. She putted on fake smile and said " As gatekeepers can see, I am a simple pilgrim, thus not a rich merchant and I would like to gain entry to golden city without paying the toll." "There are other ways to pay the toll, simple pilgrim," said one of the guards, as his eyes looked at her breasts. Kiki's smile quickly turned into her normal cold face as she was ready to verbally insult the guard, hand reached out from the side with twenty silver pieces in hand. "Passage money to city for both me and young pilgrim," said voice behind. "Tck.. Open the gates!" yelled the guard. Kiki turned around and saw merchant in her forties. As the two passed the gate merchant told Kiki " World is not like Melegra. Not everyone recognizes you like they do in holy realm, not everyone are as pure as those who follow you and no one here cares who you are. Sometimes it is easier to pay ten silver coins rather than let your pride get better of you. until we meet again, young butterfly of Melegra." As merchant finished, she quickly disappeared into the flow of the people.

In Wudenkin

"Who was she? She kept insulting great me, while she knew who I was. Who does she think she is? No matter." Kiki thought. "But if this is the golden city of Beluaterra, then Rines is pathway to Obeah. Streets are full of crap, city smells like fish and there are no one to enforce the law of the emperor. This is not city of Gold, but a city of fool's gold." Kiki walked down the main street, passing local guilds and blacksmiths. She went until she saw an Inn that was farther away from the poorer sections of the city. Streets here were rather clean and different from lower part of the city there was some order here. Kiki entered the inn and requested their finest room for few days. "2 gold pieces for a room, another 3 for food and water 3 times a day. There is also local bathhouse nearby and for the rich there is another further into the city" answered the innkeeper. "Here, I shall rent the room for 3 days." Kiki putted 15 gold coins on the table, took the key that innkeeper put there and made her way into her room. At the room she opened map of Beluaterra, where she began planning for her next stop.

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (23 days, 21 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela As Divus introduced himself, Goriad II stepped outside as well. Dressed in a relatively simple black cloack as he always did during summer times. He wore no crown, and the only jewelry he had upon him was a single ring. An omnious ring, laid with a black diamond. His dagger he had returned to his sleeve as if nothing had happened.

"Lucius aye?" He said with a small grin upon his face "About damn time, to see the man who sailed so far, wrestled free from his Daisha Lords. So, how have these lands treated you?"

He placed his hand on Divus' shoulder. Goriad II was not a particularly tall nor broad man, yet his movements still instilled some fear, much like a snake, although less as he grows older. "And you Divus remember your first lesson. We'll leave for the hunt soon and many more will come." A most vicious smile now rested upon his slender face.

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (23 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Lucius inclined his head into a courteous bow as Divus exited the large tent and approached. As he opened his mouth to respond, however, he took account of the man who followed him; Goriad, Regent of Obia'Syela. Unaware of any intrigue between the two, he deepened his bow still - it would not do to express any less towards such an important figure. The courtier's ruddy hair hung loosely down as he did so. There had scarcely been time to visit the barbers since his arrival to the theocracy.

"I am," he replied to the question with a brief smile. "Obia'Syela has shown itself to be somewhere I can do far more good, so I can say it has treated me well. Life becomes quite inert without a proper purpose to pursue."

Thereafter, he straightened up, adopting the archetypal posture of a soldier. It was clear, despite his trappings and choice in career, Lucius Archival was a man bred for life as a warrior and not a courtier; but there he was.

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (23 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Divus glanced around the city of tents and ruined buildings in Ardmore. The area was a bustle with activity, and it seemed like civilization would be returning swiftly to Ardmore.

"Regent, with respect, what are we doing here?" He asked, turning to Goriad. "The Templars and others have this under control, we would be better use elsewhere. You mentioned a hunt?"

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (23 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "You see, my lady, no matter how good the swordsman, they will always fall to the right application of SURPRISE!" - shouted the elderly instructor as he swung his dull sword at Maura, but she parried the blow, slid her own weapon down the blade all the way to the hilt guard, twisted it and with a strong knock of edge on side yanked the sword out of her instructor's grip.

The older man mumbled out - "right, very good" - trying to dispel the awkwardness. "As I, as I was saying - no matter how strong the opponent, he can be bested with the right technique."

He pushed on Maura's neck with both hands and kicked her knee. Like a column Maura remained where she stood, no part of her body giving as much as an inch to old man's attack. After a while she grew tired of the situation, grabbed the man by the front of his robes and lifted him up, his feet dangling above the wooden floor.

Noting her disappointment instructor rushed to the chest in the corner of the hall, exclaiming "wait, wait!", he dived into the chest and for a minute Maura worried that he might be lost there for good. But then he resurfaced with a enormous cloak. It was black but being made of the most shiny material she saw in her life it wasn't exactly inconspicuous. The old man ran toward her, the shiny tail trailing behind him, he croaked - "camouflage! The art of shadows!"

Maura firmly placed her face in her palm, mumbling through her fingers incomprehensibly:

"This is pointless. Where the f*ck is Goriad when you need one."

–

Roleplay from Innocent Nifelleisca (23 days, 2 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela continued from earlier

Innocent had awoken back on his camp cot with rather sore legs and still feeling exhausted from the night's events. The events he couldn't well remember. Which wasn't unusual for Innocent. But rather frustrating to the investigation. How was he to find heretics if he kept forgetting all the time?

When he emerged from his chambers, a nurse handed him an inch-thick file of papers that the nurse titled Transcript of Investigation.

"And the heretics have been purged with the ammonia?" The nurse affirmed with a nod. Well, perhaps he could find heretics while forgetting all the time.

"And the monsters you've been collecting to be cleansed, as the Oracle decreed?" Innocent pressed upon his nurses, with some trepidation in his daring.

"Well, monsters are awfully dirty, but we've been giving them daily baths with the soap we brought. We think the monsters are a slightly lighter color, but we lost a couple nurses establishing bathing safety procedures early on. It's still rather much for a nurse, are you sure we're best suited?" Not liking the manner of this question, Innocent had abruptly left, leaving the transcript locked in his desk. He was much more eager to inspect the heretics' cleanliness after their ammonia bath. It was then that Adolphus arrived.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (22 days, 22 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela The Camp of Innocent:

Adolphus swung off his horse, and made his way to where a bumbling servant mentioned his master was. Adolphus threw the door open, and glared into the building. An imposing figure, two bastard swords slung on his back, a black leather greatcoat, and a lacquered breastplate underneath, Adolphus cast an air of menace where he went. He stalked into the immaculately clean room, and turned his nose up at the stench of ammonia. He glared at a figure sitting in a chair near the fire. The man sitting there was small, and gave off tangible aura of... Foppishness. A servant no doubt, but to have the audacity to sit when he should be working?

"I am looking for Inquisitor... Innocent. Please, do direct me to him." Adolphus spoke, unaware that he was indeed speaking to the man he was looking for.

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (22 days, 9 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (33 recipients) Divus seemed to grow impatient as he spoke: "Regent, with respect, what are we doing here?" He asked, turning to Goriad. "The Templars and others have this under control, we would be better use elsewhere. You mentioned a hunt?"

Goriad II looked towards Lucius, "Yes, and you are looking at a new Templar here. One for which there may actually be hope," he looked at Divus and back at Lucius again. "You will prove your usefullness Lucius in time, although from you most of all I expect you to know the sermons of the faith inside and out..." he paused for a short moment "You will need it, you most of all," and without further explaining his words he turned to Divus again.

"Yes, we will hunt. Let us march to Rueffilo, I have heard that there is something which we must do."

---

On the Road to Rueffilo ---

The men rode calmly on horseback, on the main road from Ardmore and Rueffilo. The road was visited by some traders who would now trade food between the independent regions of the south and the Theocracy of Obia'Syela. "The first step in a hunt is to understand your pray." Goriad II said as he looked over to Divus, "You see that trader over there? He will be perfect," and as they rode towards a cart, escorted by 4 men, Sigmund called the traders to a halt and Goriad II dismounted his horse.

"Halt," Sigmund spoke loudly "In name of the Grand Herald I demand to learn where you are headed and what you have seen in Rueffilo."

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (22 days, 1 hour ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (33 recipients) A short but able looking guardswoman instructed the adventurer to lead the way and another two of the guards to follow.

They departed from the alehouse and talked heavily among each other as they walked. They talked about the Heralds, undead hordes and inquisitorial business. "It is as if she went crazy about those magical parchments, and ROCKS, don't let me get started about those magical rocks. We used to eat fresh apples at noble courts while the lady inquisited one noble or another, now we harass honest people like this one here for damned ROCKS. I tell you, something serious is brewing up." - said one of the guards somewhere along the way - "What do you think about it?" - he asked their new companion.

Not two hours later they passed a remote located hut, and an hour after that they indeed reached a cave in the northern hills.

The ground in front of the cave was a bit trampled down and the whole place appeared to be in use. She handed a torch to one of the guards and motioned him to enter, but then they noticed chimes and a deerskin with something scribbled on it. She turned to one of the guards - "You know your letters?" - both of the guards shook their heads, so she turned to Apostate and said - "How about you, you know your letters? Be a dear and read it aloud."

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (21 days, 21 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (34 recipients) The trader stood, dumbfounded. Goriad and Divus did not ride forth with many men from Ardmore, only a few hard men and a priest capable of relaying and reading messages from the realm and beyond. Still, this was a collection of some of the finest men Obeah could offer, at least in their given trade.

The traders themselves were ragged, even for the rogue farmlands that made up the areas between Grehk and Irombro. Still, the men looked more affluent than many Divus had seen on hi ride. Surly the profits from trading in the rogue cities had netted the traders a slightly better station in life, if they survived long enough to enjoy it.

An older man, clearly the leader given his slightly cleaner clothes, stepped up to Goriad and the retinue.

"Excuse me, my lord-"

"Grand Herald," Sigmund interrupted.

"Right, Grand Herald," the trader began again, clearly flustered. "We are bringing supplies from Irombro to Glongin."

"Supplies for what?" Divus asked, glancing over to the covered wagon.

"Fishing, Grand Herald," the trader responded. "Nets, tackle, and repair materials."

Sigmund cleared his throat, loudly.

"He is not the Grand Herald," Sigmund said, pointing to Divus. "He is," he said pointing to Goriad.

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (21 days, 10 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (34 recipients) Goriad II had now began circling the group, looking each member in the eye. "I asked you what you saw in Rueffilo!" he said somewhat aggitated now. "Have you ever heard of the "Traveler's inn in Rueffilo?" he continued as he moved towards the leader.

"Yes milord, everyone has, it is the largest inn of Rueffilo milord," the man replied, speaking more rapidly at each word. Goriad II now looked closely into his eyes "I hear stories of heretics in the inn, blasphemy to Obeah and the presence of statues of pagan gods, is it true?" The man, now slowly starting to realize what it is what's being asked of him took a step backwards "I am not part of that milord, I would never," and then Goriad II placed his hand on the man's shoulder and spoke in a surprisingly calm voice "Don't worry my friend, that is not what I asked. I asked if you have ever seen others do so in the inn?" ending with a warm smile.

The man started to nod "A few milord, although the innkeeper asks everyone be respectful to all religions, so I have heard little blasphemy. He would not tolerate ill words about any religion milord." Now Goriad nodded as well "Yes I see, very well, but you have seen it with your own eyes?" The man now felt more at ease and let go a glimpse of a smile "Yes milord, I have, we all have."

"Hmmm," it suddenly sounded from behind the man as Sigmund now stepped in between two of them. "So you've seen the open worship of pagan gods, yet did nothing to stop it and you only inform us once pressed directly on the matter?"

A silence now fell upon the entire group and a look was exchanged between Sigmund and Goriad II after which the latter gave a small nod. But a moment later Sigmund drove two daggers to the men's hearts he had been standing in between, with Goriad II slitting the throat of the third standing next to him. Only the fourth members, nearby Divus remained as both Goriad II and Sigmund looked at the two men.

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (21 days, 3 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (34 recipients) The last trader was shorter than the others, swaddled in a large threadbare cloak. A spray of blood caught his face as he watched his three compatriots fall to the ground in crumpled heaps. He looked nervously around, wordlessly moving his mouth as is if trying to plead for his life. The trader took a few steps back and bumped into Divus, who stood quietly behind him.

"There is only one way," Divus said, and the trader turned to look at him.

"Please-" the trader began, before grunting.

Divus' knife was buried hilt-deep in the trader's side, just above the waist, and he gripped the trader around the back of the neck to hold him in place. The trader himself had a look of confusion, as if he wasn't quite understanding what was happening to him at this moment. The man's mouth moved again, but Divus could not hear and could not tell if he was actually speaking. It made little difference.

"Rejoice, for you have a final chance before you leave this plane," Divus said, as he helped the man to his knees. "To who do you pledge your life?"

The man had started shaking and his face was a white, waxy sheet. "O-Obeah," he mouthed, though Divus doubted he had much air left in his lungs to make the pronouncement loud enough to hear for all.

"In her mercy, you are sheltered," Divus said, and ripped his arm and knife up towards the trader's shoulder, creating a cascade of dark blood on the dusty grounds. The man passed quickly, and Divus stood as Goriad II and Sigmund already began packing up to depart.

Divus cleaned his knife on the dusty cloak and sheathed it out of sight. His red cloak hid the sight of most of the blood, though a few drops had dotted his face. He wiped them away with a sleeve as he mounted his horse. Onward, Irombro towered in the distance.

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Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (20 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Rines:

Adolphus grinned behind the mask he had donned, and turned in step with the music, letting go of his partner's hand and stepping forward to change partners. The music was merry, the food exquisite, and the drink plenty. The minor nobility and great merchants sure knew how to flaunt their wealth. The song wound down, and Adolphus made his way to a table with a pretty young lady.

"So, who are you again kind Sir?" she asked, her blue eyes enraptured with the Inquisitor.

"I am Sir William Clover, Chief Mason of Athol Margos, and whom do I have the pleasure to make the acquaintance of?" he said, before tearing into a drumstick. She giggled before answering him in kind,

"I am Lady Jane Howard, and it is my pleasure to be the Head of my Lady Vahanian's household." she said, fidgeting with her own mask.

"Head of the household to the Grand Templar herself, your star has risen considerably my Lady." Adolphus said in false wonder. If the sarcasm of his statement was picked up on by the glorified highborn maid, she made no sign of showing it. Adolphus tossed the bone of what was once a drumstick on his table, and helped himself to a pomegranate, the juice spilling onto his chin.

"You have no idea Sir William. I owe many thanks to our host for recommending me for the job. He is such a wise man. He is fabulously wealthy too, made his fortune in spices, and he started with nothing! He is lowborn of course, but that should hardly stop anybody!" She prattled on, Adolphus suppressing the urge to throttle her.

"Indeed my Lady. He sounds like quite the man, but who is our host?" He inquired.

"You haven't met him? Oh my goodness, you must. He has taught all of us here so very much. Come, let us see if he will see us." She said, standing up. Adolphus stood, and offered her his arm, and let her lead on. The left the feast hall, and into a side passage, around a corner, and to a doorway flanked by a pair of guards, and an attendant.

"Would you please let Master Einar know that Lady Jane wishes to introduce him to a most fascinating individual?" She chirped at the attendant, who disappeared within the room behind him, and came back out shortly thereafter.

"He will see you now." The attendant intoned. Adolphus offered a slight bow of thanks, and a lady on one arm, his hand on the fashionable, but short, dress sword hanging jauntily off of his belt, he entered the room. It appeared to be a study, books lining the walls, and a desk with piles of scrolls laying on it sat off to one side. Sitting before a fire, was a short, greasy, balding man. He rose, and bowed.

"Lady Jane, who have you brought me today?" he said in a voice that made Adolphus feel greasy just by hearing it. The merchant stroked the wispy mustache that adorned his ratlike face, and wiped a little spittle from the corner of his mouth.

"This is Sir William, from Athol Margos. He is their Chief Mason." she said, letting go of Adolphus to hug the greasy little man.

"Sir William eh? Tell me, do you know how I was able to achieve all of this?" he asked, rubbing his hands together.

"No, but I suspect you're about to tell me, Master Einar." Adolphus said, looking about the room.

"I spent time in Agyr. A most fascinating place I found there. They taught me many things. They told us no one need think that the world can be ruled without blood..."

"The sword shall and must always be red and bloody." Adolphus cut him off, finishing the litany. The greasy merchant's eyes grew wide.

"A fellow faithful perhaps? It is rare in these parts to find someone with a broader perspective. So many dogged adherents to a single Goddess. Fools! Why worship one, when there are many! They can still have their Obeah, but they lack the envision to embrace the wider faith. Why their foo..." the man stopped, gurgling on the blade protruding from his neck. Adolphus felt a grim sense of satisfaction. Jane screamed...

Rines, continued:

Adolphus wrenched his blade free, as the two guards from outside the room stormed in, blades in hand. Adolphus grabbed a candelabra from a table, and slowly circled the edge of the room, short sword in one hand, candelabra in the other. The guards attacked. Adolphus parried one blade, and caught the other in the candelabra, wrenching the blade free, and they clattered to the ground. The now disarmed guard, furious, growled and threw himself at Adolphus. They crashed to the ground, a table and books being thrown about. The two kicked, and swore and bit.

"Bastard!" Adolphus yelled, bringing the pommel of his sword down on the man's head, again, and again. The 2nd guard had regained his senses and circled, not wanting to strike his companion. Adolphus hollered in pain, his hand being bitten. He reversed his grip on the sword and brought it down, piercing his foe's spine. The man went limp, and sighed. Enraged, his companion lashed out with his sword, Adolphus narrowly avoiding the blade thanks to the corpse atop of him. He rolled, losing his blade, which was stuck fast in the dead man's spine.

Adolphus glanced about as the first guard advanced, and he grabbed a crystal decanter, and began his own reckless charge. He hurled the decanter at the guard's face, who moved to block it. Adolphus used the opening to close the ground, bringing his knee into the man's groin. The guard doubled over in pain, and Adolphus seized the moment to wrap his arm around the man's neck, and with a swift motion, and a sickening cracking noise, the man lay dead.

Adolphus's eyes moved to the Lady Jane Howard, who remained standing over the corpse of the heretic Einar. Adolphus retrieved his sword, and noticed a black bound book, with gold lettering, spelling out Sanctus Sanguis. He scooped up a satchel, threw the book inside, and slung it over his shoulder. He pointed the bloodied tip of his sword at the Lady, and dug a seal out of a belt pouch.

"Lady Jane Howard, in the name of the Inquisition, I hereby arrest you on suspicion of Heresy." Adolphus growled, seizing her by the arm. He made his way out of the room, and down a side passage. He shoved her out of a door and into an alleyway. Dragging her down the alley, he fumbled about his neck, and finally brought a silver whistle to his lips. Three sharp blasts, and his Knights of the Sepulchre came down the narrow alley.

"Bind her, and take her to the dungeons. The rest of you..." Adolphus looked about at the men.

"Board all the entrances shut. Circle the building. You. Fetch oil." Adolphus said coldly.

A short while later, the work was done, and on a post outside the manner, Adolphus nailed a proclamation declaring the site a nest of heresy, to be cleansed with fire. His inquisitorial seal adorned the parchment, in blood red wax. Adolphus strode up to the building, and read his proclamation aloud.

"On this day, agents of the Inquisition observed the inhabitants of this manor engage in acts of heresy against the Holy Church of Obeah, and furthermore make use of practices known to be employed by the worshipers of Daimonkind. For this, you are all condemned to die in the cleansing fires. May your wretched souls find their way to perdition." Adolphus intoned, without emotion. He could hear the frantic cries of those behind the door, pushing in futility against it. Adolphus then heaved his torch onto the roof of the building, and walked away. He mounted his horse, and watched as the building went up in flames.

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (20 days, 2 hours ago)

Message sent to: Apostate, Aycanaro, Bobbo, Genny, Gilth II, Lyndis, Serena, Unending Skies, Zin A swift courser gallops through the plains and quite unexpectedly, with stressed neighing it stops next to you. The messenger from atop the horse hands you a letter, sealed with the sign of the Inquisition. Before departing he makes sure that you will be able to learn of the contents, offering his help with reading the message.

The letter reads:

"With the authority of the Inquisition, and by the request of the Oracle Herself, I bring you this order:

You shall update the Special Agent of the Inquisition, Maura Arnickles Renodin - the Inquisitor, about the amount of magical assets in your possession.

The assets in question will be: Primarily - magical rocks of otherworldly provenance, called portal stones. Secondarily - magical scrolls imbued with spells.

You are not obliged to relinquish those possessions, but should you wish to sell them, inform the Inquisitor Maura and you will receive a fair price.

I remind - only membership in the Heralds of Obeah will provide protection from potential mistreatment and only registered Informants of the Inquisition are above and beyond suspicion.

Signed, The Inquisitor Maura Arnickless Renodin"

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (20 days ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Blood and Rain

The rain soaked into the ground beneath the martyrs’ feet, trickling off their helmets and drenching their clothes, which clung uncomfortably to their bodies. Antonia stood at the front, peering over the lines of soldiers deployed in front of her. The fact that they were standing slightly further down the slope of the gentle hill on which they stood, coupled with her great height, allowed her to see clearly the incoming monstrous forms and shambling undead. Today, the monster packs appeared to be mostly trolls, but she could see other horrors scattered throughout their ranks. Behind her the bells of the small village that they were defending today from devastation were tolling in earnest, warning people to flee the oncoming tide. She smiled to herself: they would have no reason to run soon. She pulled her dripping blonde hair from her eyes and looked up and down the lines. She did not know how, but the battle line was a shambles. She was where she had been ordered to be. However, she could see infantry in front of her and archers to her left and right. That annoyed her. If anyone should be at the front, it should be the Martyrs. Were they not the most skilled, the most ferocious, the most dedicated warriors of Obeah? She guessed it didn’t really matter

‘Another day, another battle, eh Ana?’ Rossitta spoke cheerily, her longswords already out of their sheaths, moving her neck from side to side and loosening up her limbs

‘Aye, they’ve been rather boring of late. Maybe this one will prove an actual challenge’ Rebecca spoke in a gruff, low voice. Antonia was tall, as were all of her lineage, but still Rebecca towered over even her. The big woman had long been Antonia’s bodyguard and squire. Her loyalty was unshaking and her ferocity was unmatched.

‘It looks like they are moving at last’ Antonia said, her eyes fixed on the oncoming packs as the arrows began to fly from their ranks. She saw the enemy grow closer and the infantry at the front charge forward to meet them. She heard the thundering of hooves and saw the cavalry of Alacrix surge forwards into the fray. She smiled as she saw them scatter one pack, but then her eyes widened in horror as the horde of ghouls and zombies broke through the frontlines. She looked to the left and saw Sir Ferdinand order his Trident to advance. She quickly donned her helmet and ordered the Martyrs to do the same. The archers pulled back through their ranks as the Martyrs charged, flanked by the Trident to their right.

‘Acriter et Fideliter!!!!’ the war cry of the Martyrs rang out over the seemingly silent battlefield.

Then all was chaos. Antonia quickly lost sight of her companions and focused only on the problems immediately before her. She swiftly cut through the ranks of undead, several other Martyrs by her side. But already they were being overwhelmed. She could hear the screams of fear and agony as her soldiers were isolated and torn apart by grasping claws and biting jaws. She began a fighting retreat, her skilful swordplay keeping all foes at bay, as she glanced desperately around the battle. At last she saw the distinctive red head of her oldest friend, duelling with what looked like a Wightlord. She hastened to join her, bringing the weight of her blade down onto the Wight’s shoulder, giving Rossitta the time she needed to drive her sword into the face of the horror, before striking off its head with a swipe of her other longsword. Drawing from instincts of nearly a decade of fighting side by side, the two women went back to back, holding off the undead all around them.

‘Where’s Inge?’ Antonia bellowed over the din of the battle

‘Dead’

‘Susan? Vittoria? Guilia?’

‘They’re all dead, we might well join them soon’

‘Dead? Well, let’s just keep fighting then! Give the other girls time to withdraw’

‘Ana, there are no other infantry’, Rebecca said, running up to join her mistress, ‘we are the last, it is only archers left’

‘Bugger it, we hold as long as possible’ Antonia bellowed, striking a ghoul’s head from its quivering shoulders and ducking the filthy claws of another before burying her zweihander in its chest, lifting it into the air with her might strength and bringing its body down onto the head of a third. Antonia turned and saw Captain Balthasar, desperately trying to hold off the pressing foes with his rapier. The fool! Antonia had told him time and time again that a rapier was not suited to the battlefield, but his ego had meant that her words had fallen on deaf ears.

Blood and Rain Part II ‘Ana, there are no other infantry’, Rebecca said, running up to join her mistress, ‘we are the last, it is only archers left’

‘Bugger it, we hold as long as possible’ Antonia bellowed, striking a ghoul’s head from its quivering shoulders and ducking the filthy claws of another before burying her zweihander in its chest, lifting it into the air with her might strength and bringing its body down onto the head of a third. Antonia turned and saw Captain Balthasar, desperately trying to hold off the pressing foes with his rapier. The fool! Antonia had told him time and time again that a rapier was not suited to the battlefield, but his ego had meant that her words had fallen on deaf ears.

‘Balthasar, here!’ Antonia called out. The man looked up and fought his way over to the small group of fighters surrounded by a seemingly endless sea of death.

‘Good’, Antonia breathed a sigh of relief, ‘now if we can just get back to our lines we should be able to…’

She was cut off by a shriek of pain from Rebecca, who had fallen into the quagmire of mud below her, a bolt protruding from her shoulder. Antonia looked back to see that the lines of archers had started to shoot into the mass of undead that still surrounded her own fighters

‘There’s Templars still out here you bastards!!!’ Antonia turned to Balthasar and Rossita, picking up a fallen shield, ‘you two carry Rebecca back, we can do nothing more now!’ Antonia went first, using the large rondache to deflect the oncoming allied arrows. They reached the lines of archers, who continued to pour death into the screeching horde of ghouls, which fell to the hail of bolts and arrows. Antonia pushed through the ranks of archers and continued to retreat back to the village, Balthasar and Rossitta following close behind, but struggling under the weight of the massive form of Rebecca. Antonia forced her way through the first door that she came too, looking around to the see the startled family cowering in the corner

‘Help us’ she yelled, but pleadingly, as her companions pulled through her loyal bodyguard into the small and cramped room and placed her down on the table in the centre of the room. A woman stood up quickly and rushed over to the table, calling to her daughters to fetch herbs and a needle from her cupboard. Antonia, unable to watch as the goodwife worked on her friend, stumbled back out into the rain. She pulled off her helmet and tossed it to one side. She fell to her knees and spread her arms wide, roaring her anguish to the heavens. The other retreated Martyrs saw their leader, but none dared approach the figure, her blood red armour splattered in mud and the foul ooze of the undead.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (19 days, 22 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in message group "The Sacred Inquisition Court" (2 recipients) "Inquisitor Maura is correct, m'Lady", Bryant reported, "I must have been mistaken..."

Jessica nodded.

–

Roleplay from Apostate (19 days, 7 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (34 recipients) Apostate led his newfound companions through the hills, past his hut.

The conversation turned to rocks and he was pressed for an opinion. “Eh? Oh the magic stones. I reckon ‘tis because of that beam o’ light way back.”

He continued leading them, watching closely for tracks.

Eventually they came to his little set up. The earth was well trod, hours of pacing on his behalf. Bone chimes clattered in the breeze.

“I do know me letters, I was a priest of Daishi before them Daimon worshippers threw me in a cell for months. Let’s see; ‘We claim this place in the name of the Lords of the Netherworld.’ Crazy bastards. ‘Truth deliver, from the sins of man.’ Rest is just scrawl and odd shapes.”

He stroked his beard in false consideration. “Definitely a place of crazies and heretics.” He peeked in the entrance.

“Looks like there’s a fire in there.” He drew his shortsword.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (19 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela (OOC Please consider my RP's for the next while 18+, for mature audiences. Thank you)

"My lady," Bryant touched Jessica's arm to indicate his presence, "Interesting news. Inquisitor Adolphus has taken into custody an active agent of heresy. He awaits your presence in the dungeons. I have taken the liberty of collecting your purple and black dress."

Jessica nodded and stood. Bryant quickly assisted her from her evening gown, into the formal gown. How close they had become, she thought idly. Her entire life had been spent alone, and now she found herself completely dependent on a scribe to function in day to day life...

She sighed as he finished lacing the gown. She smiled and wished she could see herself. She liked to dress up for special occasions such as these.

"You look beautiful, m'Lady," Bryant told her, catching the wistful expression on her face. She held out her hand for him to lead her to the dungeons.

Bryant opened the door of the cell and led the Grand Inquisitor inside. She felt her way through the door, hand resting on the jamb.

"Agent Adolphus," Bryant announced, "And a Lady Jane Howard. Your tools are ready beside the interrogation chair, m'Lady."

Jessica heard a pitiful sobbing sound. With careful steps, she made her way to the sound until her foot bumped into the chair. She reached out with her hands, and touched Janes. She felt the manacles, securing her to the wooden chair. She ran her hands up the woman's arms to her neck, lingered, and then moved up until she felt the burlap of a hood.

She would never rob another of their sense of sight. Especially not on such an occasion in their lives. It wasn't every day that one had to opportunity to be purified in the name of Obeah. Jane would want to watch it, undoubtedly. Jessica pulled the hood from her head and tossed it to the side.

The sobbing intensified.

Jessica touched Janes face, wet with rolling tears. Gently, gingerly, she wiped them from the woman's face, and stroked her hair.

Poor, sweet summer child..." Jessica thought. Her heart went out to her, it truly did. Jessica had been on the other side of this event several times. She knew what came next. She took Jane's face in her hands and kissed her forehead.

"Please... please..." Jane mumbled through sobs.

Jessica needed to warm up. She felt cold and stiff. She reached to the tray and carefully felt across the tools until she found what she sought: 10 small, thin, shining spikes, sharpened to a very fine point. Much akin to little metal toothpicks.

She felt her way back down Jane's arm until she reached her right hand. She pressed it flat against the arm of the chair with her left and and drew a spike with her right. As she felt towards her fingernail, Jane shrieked and begged. Jessica found the fingernail, slipped the spike under the edge, and slowly inserted it underneath.

Jane howled.

Jessica silently thanked the Judge of Gothica for this trick. Who knew such an overlooked part of the body could be responsible for so much pain?

She self consciously rubbed her own fingernails, and then continued her work.

By the time she finished the right hand, Jane was drenched in sweat, sobbing and drooling. Jessica stood up, and indicated towards Adolphus.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (19 days, 2 hours ago)

Message sent to: Lucius Archival ♂ As you're walking out of your courtiers' office, you stumble into somebody. The impact is massive but neither of you fall. You feel a hand holding onto your arm, so you look to the person you collided with. You meet a predatory gaze of deeply seated dark eyes, framed with an onyx carving of a face. To your surprise it is a face of a female, and not unattractive one, even though stern looking. The surprise is even greater as you notice it's attached to a tall body, clad in imquisitorial robes.

The eyes scan you intently. Then looking to the place you departed from the woman says in low but pleasant voice:

"You look able for a quill-driver" - and squeezing your arm even tighter she adds - "very able even. Come with me. I got something to do I need help with."

She lets go of your arm and walks down the street towards the lower city.

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (18 days, 23 hours ago)

Lucius yawned. Studying economic reports from stingy bureaucrats was tiresome work; it was almost enough to make him yearn for the battlefield. At the very least, some kind of excitement to break up the monotony would be ideal. Meeting Goriad had provided it, if temporarily, but dull normality had swiftly resumed upon his return to Rines. Eventually, his day's work came to a fruitful conclusion and, stretching, he began to take his leave...

THUD.

The courtier blinked his eyes, flinching backwards at the unexpected collision... and then paused. It was not a face he recognised by any means, but the robes of an inquisitor - that he was certainly aware of. It was hard not for him to stare; the abrupt nature of the meeting, coupled with the fact that she was certainly striking caught his eye in a manner he did not anticipate. Not to mention that she squeezing his arm. And talking. Lucius straightened up; unlike his relatives, he was tall and lean, with a tangle of auburn locks. Courtier or not, however, he had a certain hardness his exterior, with a sharply angular jaw and those keen, grey eyes.

"You look able for a quill-driver" - and squeezing your arm even tighter she adds - "very able even. Come with me. I got something to do I need help with."

"I-- Ah, very well. I would be more than glad to be of assistance," he answered after a brief, stuttering pause. She was already walking away; Lucius hurried to catch up.

"By the way, what am I assisting you with?"

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (18 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica frowned.

What a big headed bastard... she thought. She was no servant of some pompous priest. This sort of entitlement was exactly why she protested.

She certainly hoped others would as well. Such measures were how one finds themselves in a tyrannical dictatorship...

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (18 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Walking down the main street of Rines, she heard the courtier talk behind her back.

"By the way, what am I assisting you with?"

It was amusing. The man clearly did not know her; she did not know him either, and not for the lack of ability. Even without asking straight, it's never too much of an effort for an Inquisitor to put a name to a face. Every self-respecting agent of the Inquisition had a network of scouts and informants who kept them aware of prominent nobles and even talented commoners. She did enjoyed the air of anonimity. No - she decided - I will not introduce myself... yet. To the question she answered:

"What are you assisting me with... there are things even an Inquisitor cannot do alone. We are nearing our destination..." - she said closing in at the door of the academy - "... I hope you are properly equipped."

As she finished talking she couldn't help but smirk at his perplexed look. She then started to properly answer the mans question and reveal the purpose of their stroll, she did so not with words but by opening the door of the building they stopped in front of, reveiling the interior of an academy, prepared for a noble training match.

Making sure that this morning's training partner of hers indeed is properly equipped, she didn't spent much time idle. As soon as the courtier picked up a weapon, the dam of Maura's composure broke, releasing a raging river of martial prowess and unrestrained fury. Amid feints, strikes, blocks and evasions she grinned with undisguised glee.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (18 days, 15 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela An Undisclosed Location in Rines (RATED M FOR MATURE):

Adolphus waited. The cold, damp cells were located in the myriad of buildings that composed his estate. Very fitting that he had occupied the Offices of the Inquisition. The door creaked open, and in walked the Grand Inquisitor and her scribe. Adolphus was taken aback. The Grand Inquisitor was... Dressed for the occasion.

"Beautiful" he mouthed, glad his face was hidden behind a mask. An expressionless mask of silver, made to alter the sound of his voice.

"Agent Adolphus, and a Lady Jane Howard..." Adolphus listened to Bryant announce, his eyes eagerly affixed on the Grand Inquisitor as she went to work. He was intrigued as to how a blind woman would manage such a task. The screams of Jane Howard were answer to his unspoken inquiry. His hand clamped down on the shoulder of the sobbing woman.

"Confess child, and it can end." His eerie, distorted voice rang out. "Such a group does not come to being without prominent backing. Give me a name."

The frail, sobbing form of the Lady Howard shook her head.

"Recant, and be welcomed back into the light of the faithful."

Again, a shake of the head.

"Your eminence, the heretic desires further purification." Adolphus, his voice even and calm rang out, and he gently placed another spike in the Grand Inquisitor's hand, his fingers lingering for but second longer than necessary upon hers.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (18 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Jessica felt Adolphus slip the spike into her hand. Thoughtfully, she felt the smooth metal with her thumb, and then reached out and placed it back on the tray.

If Jane made it through the right hand, she could undoubtedly endure the left. Perhaps she would revisit the fingernails later, but currently another approach would be more appropriate...

She felt across her tray of devices until her hand touched firm leather.

Yes... she thought, Please, impress me Jane..

She made her way to Jane's left side.

While she had learned many interesting techniques while on the table of the Judge of Gothica, she had learned much more about the physiology of the human body while she was a guest of the Daimon Prince Akkan...

She had learned that there was limits to the nerve systems. Continuing in the area of Jane's right arm would have diminished effects. The left arm was fresh, ripe for pain renewed.

Jessica felt for Jane's elbow. The device had two leather braces, one attached above and one below the elbow. In between the two was a small block of wood attached to a crank.

Jane whimpered as Jessica finished attaching the device. Without looking at her, Jessica softly stroked Jane's cheek with a finger, and began to crank. Jane made odd, panicky sounds, but Jessica ignored her until the cranked her arm straight to the point of slightly uncomfortable. Here she stopped. She leaned back and felt her hair, readjusting a pin which had slipped out of place. Satisfied that her fiery hair was proper, she leaned back in to continue.

She heard Bryant turn away as the arm started folding backwards. Undoubtedly Adolphus had a stronger stomach. She continued to crank as Jane screamed bloody murder until the elbow popped grotesquely out of joint. Jane drooped her head, hyperventilating, undoubtedly in shock.

She would have to pause here, and allow Adolphus his questions, and give Jane time to come out of the shock.

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (18 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela The doors of the Academy swung upon, and Lucius came to a swift conclusion as to the nature of his assistance. Uh oh.

It did not take long for him to prepare himself, at least. It seemed that the courtier - though a warrior he was clearly not - had an understanding of the processes of an academy and of such training matches. He outfitted himself appropriately and selected the armaments of his choice; a one-handed sword and a kite shield.

As he straightened up, preparing for the bout, he took a final few moments to observe his opponent of the day. Lucius still could not work out quite who she was, as it had never been his express duty to be able to put names to faces upon first meetings. He was a glorified bureaucrat... but only hoped he would not fight like one.

And then she came.

As the Inquisitor charged him, Lucius settled into a defensive stance, preparing himself for the onslaught. It did not last exceptionally long. He fought to hold every inch, every centimetre of ground; with every attack renewed, she claimed feet from him. I should have the advantage, a voice in the back of his head noted blankly as she beat him backwards.

For all his rustiness in combat, he performed as well as he could have hoped. Some of her strikes he blocked firmly, others parried and more still evaded with a natural instinct for the fight but never did he reclaim any lost ground. Eventually, his defence was not enough; with a final blow, he found himself falling backwards onto the ground, dazed and beaten.

As the ringing in his ears slowly subsided and his focus returned, he could swear for a few moments that the Inquisitor had split into three.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (18 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Ever since her childhood Maura learnt to fight with one weapon in particular. A one-and-half handed crossbreed of a scimtar and a falchion was more than a sword for her, it was extension of her own body. She was strong enough to wield it in one hand and she learnt to use her thumbless left hand to swiftly change momentum of the blade mid-slash. She had this sword copied precisely, with the exception of the edge, for the instances such as this one and a dull, training version of it was always ready and waiting for her in several of the Rines academies she frequented.

Towards the conclusion of the match Maura was surprised at how well the courtier fared. The defensive stance was a smart choice, but after some time Maura found an opening in his defences and delievered a merciless blow, knocking the man down.

As soon as the match ended Maura attempted to resume her facade of a sentinel, Inquisitor, guard of faith devoid of facial expressions, beyond the influence of emotions; but this time it wasn't quite working as well as it usually did and she found herself smirking as she offered her hand to the beaten opponent.

"I don't believe I've introduced myself properly. I am Dame Maura Arnickles Renodin, Lady of Port of Four Cities, Special Agent of the Inquisition, and I am quite delight... I mean I am glad to meet you, Sir..." - she looked at the man expectantly.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint (18 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Vahanian descended the steps of the Nexus of Rines, winding his way downwards into the depths of the Templar citadel. Weariness and sleep deprivation were written on his face. His hair and beard were a mess and had not been groomed since he'd been wounded. His wound's dressing was starting to smell, he needed to change it.

As he progressed through the halls, he finally arrived in his personal chambers, here he had some servants assist him in undressing, they cleaned and changed his bandages and helped him into a hot bath. He soaked in the hot water and closed his eyes, allowing his mind to wander over the events of the last few days. He finished his bath, stepped out of the tub and the servants materialized out of seemingly no where to help him dress and ready himself for the day. Baldwin entered as Vahanian finished dressing and bowed his head.

"Good to see you up and about my lord. You had us all worried for a bit.." Vahanian nodded his head back at his friend and said "I am fine now, Baldwin, and we have work to do. Assemble the-" Baldwin interrupted Vahanian, an usual act for him.

"- My lord, please forgive me, but someone is here to see you. I believe he is your -" Baldwin was interrupted by a strangely familiar voice. "-That's quite enough Baldwin". A cloaked and hooded figure entered the room. He pulled his hood back and said "Hello Father."

Vahanian took a moment to overcome the shock. Before him stood his son. Vahanian walked over to him and took stock of his flesh and blood. Then hugged him. "Valorian." he whispered.

The two men embraced and Baldwin smiled, happy to see his lord happy.

"Come, we have much to talk about." Vahanian said.

-pt. 2-

Vahanian and Valorian sat in Vahanian's chambers, and talked, they shared stories and memories and laughs, and finally Vahanian came around to his burning questions.

He took a sip of his tea, lit a pipe, and said "My son, tell me of your brother." Valorian grew quiet for a moment and then said "Have you any wine?" Vahanian shook his head and said "I don't drink... Not anymore. Not since... your mother..." He took a moment, and then said "Baldwin, fetch some wine for my son."

Valorian waited, and then finally spoke when the wine arrived. "Before we talk, I want you to know, I love my brother very much. He is hurting and lost and confused. He wants -" Vahanian interrupted, his face a mask of stone as he said "-To kill me.. and take the pendant.."

His son looked at him, the shock evident on his face. "Why..?" Vahanian took a deep breath and said "He blames me, and the wine, for that night in the Wailing Wood... And he resents the oath your uncle and I made to the JeVondair family, he thinks we don't belong among religious fanatics and zealots as he calls us. He wants us to return to the North. To Thalmarkin, and he would kill to take my seat at the head of this family."

Valorian looked like he'd been kicked in the stomach, repeatedly, by a horse. "...But you're not the eldest... Uncle Leatho..." Vahanian nodded and said "Passed it onto me some years ago. After he left the Xavax in the East and went into Exile, he passed the mantle onto me, with the stipulation, that in time, it would pass onto Andross."

Valorian grew angry and said "Andross? Andross is not your heir, he is not your direct line!" Vahanian matched his son's tone and then some. "Andross is one of the most capable commanders I have ever witnessed. He commands respect among the Nobles of RedHaven, and he has been fighting in a war nonstop for over 3 years, since he took his knighthood in Xavax at the hands of the Xerarch Selenia. The lineage is clear. He is the heir to the seat at the head of this family, and you will respect that."

Valorian looked at his father, fighting back the fury rising within him. Vahanian sighed and said "Son.. Andross has the right to lead this family. If he defers it, it will pass on to whomever he decides. That is the way this family has always worked. You need to respect that."

Valorian nodded after a moment, draining his wine and said "I need to go, I need to think." Vahanian nodded and said "Return to me after you've finished."

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (18 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Smiling breathlessly, Lucius accepted Maura's hand and raised back up to his feet. He was bruised and beaten to be sure, but the life of a courtier rarely offered him the exhilaration of a challenge. Even though he had fallen in defeat, the thrill of his exertion clung to him eagerly. Perhaps he had a warrior's soul yet.

At her introduction, bowed his head deeply in a display of deference and respect. Despite this, like the Inquisitor herself, he could not yet clear his expression.

"Sir Lucius Archival, Knight of Rines," he replied, voice still a little ragged from the bout. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance in person, Dame Maura. Even if our meeting did include you showing me just how out of practice I am... though I suspect I would not have come out the victor, even if I was still a warrior in profession."

Lucius finished his words with a soft gust of laughter, in good spirits and humour. Mirth fit him well.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (17 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance in person, Dame Maura. Even if our meeting did include you showing me just how out of practice I am... though I suspect I would not have come out the victor, even if I was still a warrior in profession."

"Don't be so harsh on yourself, Sir Lucius, I've crossed swords with the finest among Obian knighthood and still I say you posed enough of a challange. Certainly more than I would expect from someone who tends to courts more oftenly than to the fields of battle." - saying that she placed her hand on his shoulder in a way that was obviously unbefitting someone of her office - "Snap out of it Maura!" - she scolded herself in her mind, but the features of young courtier held a firmer grip on her than bulky arms of a lowlife brawler in an obscure alley of Southern Docks. That grip was broken immediately by a growl from behind her:

"Inquisitor!" - the unpleasant voice of Ulli brought back the stern look to her face and a trained stillness to her posture. The lance of her gaze violently pierced the air in front of her, as she felt the thug's stare switching between her and Lucius. Even minds as unimpressive as the one hid inside Ulli's cranium could make assumptions. Maura almost snarled - "You had something to report?" - disallowing her captain's chuckle to fully form. Ulli knew by now how rare it is for the Inquisitor to break her usual calm, emotionless voice into something other than matter-of-factly declarations, so he didn't push his luck.

"Anteria, m'Lady. No information." - he said.

"No information is also an information." - Maura declared to noone in particular and turned to her training partner - "Sir Lucius, forgive me but matters of the Inquisition can never suffer postponement. Untill the next time, I hope." - she said and with a soldierly nod she departed.

Meanwhile in Northern Hills of Avengmil

To be continued...

–

Roleplay from Lucius Archival (17 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela With more a stagger than a stride, Lucius had made his way home. A little bruised, a little battered and very taken aback, it had been a very strange end to the day. It was not every evening that he was challenged to a training match by an Inquisitor, subsequently beaten black and blue... and then become the recipient of their attentions. He supposed he would feel flattered before long... as soon as the ringing in his ears subsided and he could walk without wincing. The woman truly did not hold back, but that was exhilarating in of itself.

Perhaps the life of a courtier has some excitement after all, he decided.

...

Scarcely a day later, the monotony had redoubled its efforts to remind him of his task. An excruciating day's work had claimed his focus. Spending his hours travelling through the lands of Cjelegy should have been a treasure to enjoy, but instead he found himself inspecting its roads and criticising its local administrators. Why were commoners always so inept at managing their business without a noble overseer to keep a watchful eye over them? It reasserted the need for the nobility to lead and the peasantry to follow, but by Obeah it was aggravating.

Still, at least it allowed him the time to enjoy the much vaunted tavern-life of the region. Lucius had specifically paid for a room with a balcony and it was there he sat, nursing a glass of Gryphon's Blood (truly, a divine gift to mankind) and overlooking the Sea of Four Cities. Somewhere far ahead was Nothoi, from where he had arrived. There he had been a viscount, while in Obia'Syela he was but a knight. The nagging irritation of his ego was not pleased with the fall in position, but the sense of purpose kept it firmly in check. It was here he could do the most good; where he could serve his family's name best. Lucius wasn't sure if he was a true convert yet - certainly, he had not reached the zealotry of many of his peers - but he at least sure that Obeah was out there, somewhere, watching. It was comforting, and Lucius liked comfort.

As he reclined against his warm, cushioned chair, he wondered where the Inquisitor - no, Dame Maura - was doing now. She had left on some important business when they had parted. Would it be more exciting than his own work? Probably. Was it more pleasant? Probably not.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (17 days, 2 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Pop.

The noise of Jane's elbow snapping out of place would cause lesser men to cringe. Adolphus merely walked over to grab a bucket of frigid water.

"Your eminence, a step back please." Adolphus politely requested, and when she complied, Adolphus threw the contents of the bucket in the face of the heretic.

"Now, Lady Howard. Confess. Give me a name, and it can all be over with." Adolphus spoke gently.

"No one will doubt your resilience. Everyone talks eventually. It is just a matter of what you are willing to endure. Not just now, but for the remainder of your days. Confess, and give me a name and all will be forgiven." He was met with stoic silence, and he could still see the fire of resistance in her eyes.

I mistook this woman for a foolish girl. Adolphus amused admiringly. He reached down and gave a gentle squeeze on Jane's disjointed left elbow, eliciting a yelp.

"We can do this all day." Adolphus growled, his grip tightening. "CONFESS!" he shouted into her trembling face. Tears began to fall. "Just whisper mercy, and you shall have it!" He shouted. She managed to nod, and Adolphus grinned gleefully.

"The heretic desires mercy your Eminence." Adolphus announced, and leaned in towards Lady Howard.

"Do you confess that you are a heretic, having lost the light of the truth of Obeah?" Adolphus intoned. Jane nodded in confirmation.

"Say it." Adolphus spat, his voice cold venom.

"I confess to being lead astray from our Lady's blessed church, and helping lead others astray." she whimpered.

"Good." Adolphus intoned. "The sentence for such is death by burning... But Obeah has need of useful servants. Tell us who your patron was! Who imported these vile teachings?" Lady Jane remained silent, and Adolphus moved to grab her arm again.

"It was the Grand Templar! Your Master, Vahanian, whose household you attend! Say it!" Adolphus shouted. Still she refused. Adolphus squeezed her arm again, eliciting a scream. "Give me a name!" he roared over her screaming. Still he received no reply. He stepped back from the chair.

"You may resume, your Eminence."

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (16 days, 22 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Atop the Solarium

The two women sat on the balcony of the Solarium, their feet dangling off the edge of the balcony. Far below, Antonia could see the market stall sellers packing up their wears, preparing to go home to their families. She could just about hear the merrymaking in the taverns, many of its occupants likely her own soldiers.

‘I wonder where the regent will send us, Rosie’

‘Currently, Ana, I am more concerned with how much gold he will send us’

‘You are too serious, are you not happy to be serving our Blessed Lady?’

‘We have three gold coins. Three!’ Rossitta threw a tiny pouch onto the space between them, which made a pitiful clink

‘Let’s not think about that right now’, Antonia said putting an arm around her friend’s shoulder, ‘let us just sit and watch the sun set on this day together’

They looked out across the Sea of Four Cities, which glowed orange so that the city reflected in the bay looked as if it were ablaze. It was truly the most beautiful place that she had ever been. She could just about see the shores of the anarchic city of Grehk. She remembered that all the shores of the ocean that she could see outside of Obia’Syela were rogue lands, ruled by monsters or bandit lords. It was a humbling thought, the realisation that she lived in the last bastion of civilisation on the west of Beluaterra. It reminded her of the importance of her mission. The sacred lands of the Blessed Lady must be defended at all costs. She was shaken out of her thoughts by the sound of her companion giving a loud yawn

‘I could stay up here forever,’ the Rossitta said, resting her head in Antonia’s lap, ‘it is so peaceful, so beautiful’

Antonia looked back across the sea, pondering the coming days.

‘I do too Rosie, but our duty, our sacred duty is to the Blessed Lady and those that speak with her voice. But for now we await their orders. It is a still night, the stars are out. Let us sleep up here, it will be good to get away from the noise of the bureaucrats. Who knows why they work so late?’

Rossitta smiled at her friend’s suggestion, but said nothing, closing her eyes contentedly. Antonia herself lay back and stared up at the stars. She did not know how long she had been laying there when suddenly a flash made her sit bolt upright. Rossitta mumbled something about chicken and rolled over back into sleep. Antonia watched as a comet soared across the night sky before disappearing over the scenario. She frowned. She had seen many a comet in her life, but none quite like this. This comet was a deep, blood red. Was it an omen? Certainly? Was it for good or for ill? She did not know, only time would tell.

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (16 days, 21 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela "It was the Grand Templar! Your Master, Vahanian, whose household you attend! Say it!" Adolphus shouted.

Jessica frowned.

Fool! she cursed him to herself. She had not met Inquisitor Adolphus before she had lost her sight, but now she assumed him young and green. He had given up his suspicions to his subject! From here on in, Jane's testimony would be worthless to Jessica. As soon as she couldn't handle it anymore, she could simply scream the Grand Templar's name, knowing it will satisfy Adolphus.

She shook her head and sighed silently while he finished yelling at Jane.

There are always contingencies... she thought to herself as she stood. This simply meant that she would need to continue working on Jane after she gave up the Grand Templar's name, to see if any other names tumbled from her head in the presence of increased pain.

She slid her stiletto-heeled foot forward until it touched Jane's now shabby shoe. She tapped it with her toe a couple times, and an dungeon apprentice quickly leaned in and removed it.

Jessica then held up her hand, feeling for the heat of the brazier. It was off to her right. She reached out VERY SLOWLY until her hand touched a cool metal handle. From the coals she withdrew what appeared to be a large wine corkscrew.

Jane screamed at the sight of the red hot metal. The dungeon apprentice held her leg firmly against the leg of the chair, and Jessica knelt down carefully before her. She reached out with her left hand to locate the foot, then brought the screw to rest on top of it. Jane screamed again as the metal seared skin.

Grasping the handle with both hands, Jessica turned and turned and turned the red-hot screw slowly through Jane's foot.

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (16 days, 20 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (35 recipients) "To Irombro?" Goriad II replied "First a stop in Rueffilo," he said as he turned from Divus to Sigmund. "Sigmund, gather the 3 finest robes with the least of blood, wash them and return to us."

The sun was closing its peak of the day as Goriad II looked at the cart and the horses and simply nodded. It would do he thought as he sat himself on the cart. Some time later Sigmund returned, the blood stains far less visible than before. Without hesitation the black cloak was removed on the middle of the road, showing his now almost signature scars all across his body. He took some of the robes Sigmund had washed and put them on although they were still wet he was certain they would dry.

"Divus, tell your men to leave us and follow us at a safe distance, we are traders now and we trade..." he paused for a moment as he removed the cover of the cart, "Food it seems, very well." And so the three men rode towards the traveller's inn in Rueffilo.

Upon their arrival they had Sigmund secure the cart as Divus and Goriad II made their way to the Inn to get a place to sleep. As they sat down to eat, Goriad II was slowly looking around the place, inconspicuously taking note of all that happened. People praying before they began to eat, strange icons and even stranger greetings, he carefully noted them all.

–

Roleplay from Achelous Drakos (16 days, 20 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Achelous leaned back on the roof of the tavern observing the rich night sky. He was almost lulled into a sense of peaceful detachment when he heard soft gasps and mutterings from down below. He looked down and saw many of them pointing to the sky, as he looked to the sky again he saw the red comet, like a bloody scar, streaking across the sky.

In that moment he could have sworn he heard the clash of metal, the tang of blood, and the voice of his oldest brother bellowing orders, but it passed as quickly as he heard it. He staggered forward almost falling from the roof before catching himself and sitting down again.

"Was that a vision of whats happening or a warning of a similar fate".

He shook himself resolving it would probably be a bad idea to mention this to anyone else.

–

Roleplay from Godwine Axton (16 days, 18 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Always Suspect the Inquisition

Sir Godwine stood upon the keep’s balcony, looking down upon his men within the bailey. They sat around a fire, drinking and joking. Impious behavior, though he supposed it was unavoidable, given their common origins. Behind him, the other knights of the faith and their respective captains sat relaxing after the evening’s repast, trading old war stories.

He heard the foot falls, saw the movement of the shadows, and felt the shifting of the air currents. It alerted him that someone had approached him. That they awaited his acknowledgement confirmed to him the identity of the man, his own chief deputy.

“Captain Harbrand,” he greeted.

“Sir Godwine. Pleasant evening?”

“As well as it could be.” The captain considered his liege a moment before continuing.

“Milord is a man of piety and discipline, and this is known, and so I was unsure if you would wish to crush another cup this evening. Still, it is here, if wanted.” Sir Godwine nodded and held out his hand which was quickly filled with the goblet. He raised it to his lips and took a brief sip before lowering it again.

“A fine vintage,” Sir Godwine complimented. “I shall like to drink of it again, but on a later night. This shall be final drink of the evening. All things should be taken in moderation, Harbrand. A little wine brings much joy. A lot dulls the senses, kills the mind, and brings pain in the morning. Remember that.”

“Yes milord,” Captain Harbrand replied obsequiously, though he internally winced. He had marched upon campaign before and was well aware of the dangers of overindulgent corousing. Still, upon reflection, it was better that his liege be equally aware and alert to the subtle threat of the wine than utterly ignorant. Sir Godwine took another sip, then settled his eyes accusingly on some sinisterness within the night. “If milord will forgive, you seem ill at ease,” Captain Harbrand said carefully.

“There is an evilness to this county,” Sir Godwine spoke as a reply. “I know not what it is in particular. Some sin I am sure, perhaps a heresy or a great blaspheme. One evil is as good as another to me, and I know not the difference of their feel, unlike some inquisitor.” The final word was spat with some violence and malevolence.

“Milord does not trust the Inquisition.” It was not a question. It was a fact.

“I do not,” came the quick confirmation. “I know that I am free from sin. I live well and keep myself from evil. And when I see sin, I burn it at once. I do not malinger about it, allowing it to infect me. The Inquisition cannot claim likely. And I do believe that one cannot spend so much of one’s time rooting about in the blackness of sin and remain pure. They are each of them contaminated by the Daimon, and its corruption grips the whole of their order. And here we sit in the heart of it, in the very lands called home by the head of the rot. No, Harbrand, I will not be at ease while we dally here. I shall rest easily only when Avengmil is not but an unpleasant memory.”

“As milord say,” Captain Harbrand and turned to leave.

“Captain Harbrand,” Sir Godwine said, summoning him back. The captain turned and witnessed Sir Godwine crush the remainder of his cup then handed it back to him. “If any of my men are taken by Grand Bitch’s dogs, I am to be informed without delay, do you understand?”

“Yes milord,” Captain Harbrand acknowledge, then with a nod and a wave was dismissed.

–

Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (16 days, 18 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Adolphus waited until the woman's screams subsided, and leaned in close.

"Confess." he whispered.

The woman shuddered in her restraints, gasping in pain.

"V-v-v... Vahanian." she managed. Adolphus chuckled, and shaking his head stepped back. This was exactly what he wanted. He leaned in close again.

"The funny thing is, Lady Howard, and you should know better... Your Lord, the Grand Templar has been ill, and was confined to bed rest when this cult formed, and could not possibly have been involved. Plus, he's my favorite scapegoat. Now that we've established that you'll just say what you think we want you to hear in order to make the pain stop, perhaps we shall continue?" Adolphus said, his voice starting in a low whisper, and gradually becoming almost... Jolly. Adolphus grabbed a flensing knife from the table, and twirled it in his fingers, and with a sudden movement, the blade was hovering precariously close to Jane's eyeball.

"Now, shall I begin to explore how many nerves are in your eye? You'd be astonished..." The morbid curiosity in Adolphus's voice was chilling, the fear in Lady Jane's teary eyes palpable.

"The funny thing about torture, Lady Howard, is that nobody can withstand it. We are creatures easily broken. When the pain begins, we will say exactly what our captors want just to make it stop. Even better if it is a lie. Now, will I have to take your sight, or will you tell me the truth? I'm very good at knowing when people are lying Lady Howard."

Adolphus twirled the knife again, and the Lady Jane whimpered. Adolphus leaned in, and she whispered in his ear...

"Very good." Adolphus said, his tone akin to one speaking approvingly to a family pet.

"My line of questioning is complete for now, your Eminence. Unless you wish to continue?"

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster (16 days, 14 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (35 recipients) The inn was a rugged affair, not at all like the inns he was used to in the protected lands of his realm. Though there were certainly establishments in Rines and other regions that were less than reputable, one could expect a certain level of comfort and supply, not to mention class of peasant.

This inn made the seaside water holes of Rines look like the Basilica itself. Floorboards were uneven, a corner of the ceiling sagged near the wall, and the general place had the smell of cheap alcohol, sweat, and rotting wood. The chairs and tables were all mismatched, probably looted and sold from abandoned houses as the monsters and undead swept through the regions.

Divus, Sigmund, and Goriad II took their seats and were not bothered. Although they had shed their more auspicious clothing, the people in Rueffilo could still tell when a group of travelers were not to be troubled with. Divus thought that even if Goriad II was in the humblest of clothing, few would take him lightly. Something about the demeanor and his way he looked at the world, surveying all.

As Divus looked about the place, he noticed the icons on the walls. He could not identify them, but he could tell that they were pagan in nature. This far from the source of Obeah's light in this world, they had clearly forgotten the true path to their salvation. In their darkness, they reverted to worshiping petty gods of harvest and safe travel through the dangerous roads of the southern tip of Beluaterra.

There were some signs of proper worship to Obeah, but they seemed to have been thrown into disuse. Truly, the Veiled Goddess' light had turned from this place. Perhaps it was time to turn it back.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (16 days, 10 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (35 recipients)

“Definitely a place of crazies and heretics. Looks like there’s a fire in there.”

Said Apostate and drew his short sword, nearing the entrance of the cave and peeking inside. Anteria stopped him and motioned one of the guards to go first. They all drew their weapons, the guards had maces and daggers, Anteria had short sword, they only had one torch to share between them all though.

"Let's go" - Anteria said - "The Inquisitor will await our report." - and she followed Apostate and the guardsmen into the cave.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (15 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Blasphemy will not be tolerated

Antonia sat on a wide bench on her balcony in the Basilica, a glass of wine in one hand. Rossitta and Balthasar sat on either side of her. In the great wide room below her, the Martyrs had formed a circle. In the middle of the circle knelt two women, staring up at Antonia. Their faces were bloodied, their hands bound, and both had been relieved of their armour. Antonia’s face was masked by shadow, but if they could have seen it, they would see a cold and uncaring visage.

‘Martyrs’, Antonia called out, ‘these two have been found guilty of blasphemy against our Sacred Lady. The use of our Lady’s name in vain cannot ever be tolerated. Such a crime carries a sentence of death’ the two women started calling out their protests at this, begging for their commander to be merciful

‘Enough!’ Antonia roared, holding up her hand, ‘I am a merciful commander. One of you shall be spared, the other shall die,’ at this the two women looked up in hope and many of the other Martyrs started calling out their own protests, demanding the blood of the blasphemers be spilt. Antonia held up her hand for silence once more and took a sip of her wine before continuing

‘In this sisterhood, you are either for Obeah or against Obeah. If you are against Obeah, you are our enemy. Through your words, you have both demonstrated yourselves to be my enemy. Both of you shall fight to receive my mercy. The one that lives shall be free to go, free from execution by my hand. However, I doubt the Inquisition will let you get far.’ At this last, Antonia drew from its sheath her own parrying dagger and threw it to the centre of the ring

‘Well, get on with it then, I haven’t got all day’. The two women both dived for the dagger and a roar went up from the crowd, the Martyrs baying for blood. Already bored by the spectacle, Antonia turned to Rossitta

‘Walk with me, I am going to see what volunteers I can find by the docks. Balthasar, see that justice is done’. As the two women got up to leave, they heard the roar of the victor and Antonia looked down

‘Hmm, seems I was wrong, Rosie. I owe you twenty silver’

–

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (14 days, 8 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela In Rueffilo

Jessica drew back and let her arrow loose. Arrow after arrow rocketed into the air.

"M'Lady," Bryant called, coming up beside her, "Guards in Avengmil have put to death a wizard. A scroll was found on him. Shall I report it to Inquisitor Maura?"

Jessica quickly nodded and waved him away, to return to a safer area of the battlefield. She pulled another arrow from her quiver and launched it in the air.

Bryant turned and walked fifteen feet back, to where Jessica's captain was lounging under a tree.

"Good call on this Bryant," the captain said as he bit an apple. He watched Jessica fire arrow after arrow into an empty field, "She is as much a hazard to our own troops as the enemy, unfortunately..."

"Yes, it is a sad fact..." Bryant agreed.

"Hold fire!" the captain yelled from his lounging position, "The troops have entered combat!"

Bryant and the captain gazed out at the empty field while Jessica lowered her bow and smiled at a battle well won.

–

Roleplay from Apostate (14 days, 5 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (36 recipients) Maces. Must want to capture, not kill. Apostate stalked through the passage, alert. He thought he heard whispers.

He rounded a corner and stood, stunned. Three people knelt before his crude Daimon statuette.

They were not meant to be here.

He had no clue who they were.

This place was supposed to be abandoned.

They were asking for blessings, bountiful harvest, good weather, virility. The usual.

Apostate blinked a few times before turning to Anteria. He inclined his head towards the not-supposed-to-be-there cultists.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (14 days, 4 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (36 recipients) "The quality I seek does not occur in nature - it has to be manufactured." - such was the operational motto of the Inquisitor, borrowed from the craftiest devil she ever met, along with the trick that came with it; it was the leading idea for assembling her Inquisitorial Guard. She gathered the most heartless and brutal thugs from the Southern Docks of Rines, took them into the custody of the Inquisition, placing them in a state of ruthless awareness of their impending doom and all forerunning horrors. After that she delivered them from their terrible fate, promissing them not just life but also life better than they had so far. She taught them technique and discipline... well that last one was still a work in progress. Anyhow - the sight of Inquisitorial Guard incited overwhelming dread in most, and rightly so.

The two guardsmen armed in maces took to cracking bones of the three Daimon worshippers found in the cave. Each swing ended with an audible crack eliciting bigger and bigger grins on the guardsmen. When they took to aiming at the skulls of nigh-incapacitated foes Anteria had to shout: "Don't kill, you fools!"

Minutes passed and the heretics were already in chains and headed to Rines.

"Take that totems and deerskin with us, put a torch to everything else. Flames will purify that forsaken place. Knowing the Inquisitor, she was already on her way here - we tarried with the report." - said Anteria before turning to Apostate - "You..." - she grinned happily - "... you are one lucky bastard. The Inquisitor will want to reward you for this, you did good. And do register with the Inquisition as soon as you can, there's a guildhouse in central Avengmil... you wound't want to insult the Inquisitor by turning down her gracious gift. I think we all know how swiftly a lucky bastard can turn into unlucky one." - she ended with a wink.

The female leader of the group ensured that every item of interest is taken, and after putting torch to all the flamables she could find in and around the cave she bowed theatrically to Apostate and departed to the west, leaving the man behind.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (14 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Ascending to the Scarlet Fox Antonia knelt at the central shrine in the Grand Temple of the Veiled Goddess, holding vigil. Her blade was on the shrine in front of her as she bent her head in silent, constant prayer. Her dreams had guided her here. She was ready, all the signs told her so. She had been there for nearly six hours, and yet nothing had happened. But she knew that she must stay, must show her devotion to the legacy of her ancestors. Suddenly all candles around her blew out at once. Startled, Antonia looked up and fell backwards in fear. Before her were four ghostly figures, each wearing the armour that she wore. One face was eerily familiar ‘Mother?’ she stammered. One of the ghostly figures smiled down at her ‘You have done so well, my daughter. You have reached heights greater than any Scarlet Fox to date besides the first of our line. You have made the name of our family well known. You are ready’ ‘Ready? I do not feel ready, I am not yet worthy, I have not yet proven myself’ The woman in the middle, her face the only one masked, shook her head at this. ‘You have been found worthy, you wear our armour, carry our blade, now you shall embody our spirit. Our knowledge shall be yours, our skill shall be yours, and our legend shall be yours’ At this last there was a blinding flash and Antonia felt a rush of sensation. It was as if the spirits of her ancestors had entered her. Something was guiding her, telling her what to do. She grasped the hilt of her sword, picked up her helmet and staggered out into the bright light of the morning. She walked seemingly aimlessly through the streets, some invisible force pulling her ever onwards. At last she reached a tavern and felt the urge to go inside. Still in her blood red armour, she opened the door and blinked as her eyes adjusted to the gloom. The tavern fell silent as she entered and then she heard someone speak in her familiar Poryatun dialect ‘It’s the Scarlet Fox!’ All around, people began to point and stare. She saw looks of confusion on many of the faces, but a small core of people began to chatter excitingly in Poryatun. She smiled at this, they knew her legend, even if they did not know her face ‘I need soldiers to fight to the Sacred Lady’, Antonia spoke, somehow knowing exactly the right words to say, ‘How many of you are trained in the ways of battle? You will be richly rewarded, well-fed and join a band that puts sisterhood above all else. Who is with me?’ Before when she had done this, she had only ever managed to gather three or so women per tavern. She was utterly stunned to see over twenty women stand up in unison. ‘Well then’, she thought to herself, ‘I have all I need’ ‘Follow me to the Basillica! Those without arms and armour shall have them provided to them A short while later, Rossitta was working at her desk as she looked up to see near two dozen women standing patiently before her, waiting to be equipped ‘Blimey Ana, I expected maybe 5 more not twenty, I see your prayers were answered’

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (12 days, 22 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (36 recipients) Setting sun illuminated six silhouettes approaching Maura's marching unit. When they came within clear eyeview, Anteria could be recognized, as well as a couple of her accompanying guards and three additional men - battered and shackled. A simple nod of acknowledgement from the Inquisitor served as recognition of good work, reward for it and instruction of further actions. Not two hours later all gathered proof of daimon worship has been examined, reports have been heard and three men confined to a hut comandeered from a local peasant for this very purpose.

"Noone enters." - said Maura as she shut the door to the hut behind her. Walls creaked under the force of the impact and hinges of the door screeched lamentfully as if in protest of horrors they were about to witness. Things unknown and unimaginable had place within that hut. First growls could be heard, then manly shouts, genderless screams, weeping, panicked pleading and finally high pitched shrieks, as if the men inside were transmorgified into some sort of tiny hapless creatures, most predisposed to experience all things terrible and announce their experience vocally.

Evening passed, so did the night and the small hours. Soon after dawn silence was heavy, up untill it was pierced with the screech of door hinges. Inside the men could be seen, no longer shackled. Chains rendered useless, since they lost any will to resist, or escape, or exist; intent only on occupying the space of their bodies and nothing beyond. Maura walked out of the hut, small parchment in her hand, the mask of her face poorly hiding her exhaution. "Quill, parchment... and a scribe" - she uttered.

Sat at a small table outside of the hut the Inquisitor closed her eyes, dictating:

"Grand Inquisitor Jessica Gildre,

I report conclusion of an investigation into the matter of heresy in Northernmost parts of Avengmil.

Protocol of proceedings:

commencement of investigation at a testimony of informant Apostate, given willingly in southern Avengmil investigation of alleged site of daimon worship with the help of informant Apostate apprehension of heretics during the act of open daimon worship gathering of evidence cleansing the site of daimon worship with fire inquisition of apprehended heretics remanding evidence and suspects to the offices of Grand Inquisitor

Rationale - guilt of the apprehended was undeniable, and their confession was complete. Still, considering the scale and impact of this investigation I opted for remanding them to Grand Inquisitor's offices rather than utilising stakes and pyres.

Listing of evidence:

three daimonic totems two chimes made of bone deerskin with inscription "We claim this place in the name of the Lords of the Netherworld. Truth deliver, from the sins of man." and daimonic markings site of daimon worship - a cave in northern hills of Avengmil (not fetched to the offices of the Inquisition due to the size preventing transport by any means)

Confession:

We signed below admit to comitting heresy through daimon worship.

We found the cave that was a shrine to daimons and we made prayers in it. The cave was in place as we found it, we brought no totems or votive offerings of our own, we made no scrifices in the cave. We intended to make sacrifice at that shrine and we prayed to daimons of names known and unknown. We oppose the Heralds of Obeah and we recognize the cult of daimon overlords as the one true faith. We asked daimon overlords for gifts of physical health, wealth, good fortune, noble blood and literacy, as well as bringing plagues on our enemies and undoing the worship of Obeah in the southern lands.

We were not coerced nor compelled to make this confession.

Signed, Widar of Avengmil, X, 'Hoary' Harbard

Recommendations: I believe informant Apostate should be officialy commended and rewarded, and the usage of common informants in the investigations of the Inquisition should be proliferated. I recommend that apprehended heretics should be executed publicly, since open daimon worship is a heresy of the highest degree.

Signed, -The Inquisitor"

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (12 days, 3 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia lent on the railing of the larboard side of the flag ship, watching the gentle waves below her. Rossitta was beside her, looking to the horizon

‘You know I hate sailing, Ana’, she grumbled, her face pale

‘It’s only a three day trip, it’s not that bad’

‘Easy for you to say, I shan’t be able to eat for the whole voyage’

‘Well that’s a good thing, considering that someone forgot to load half of the food barrels’

‘Hey, do not pin that on me! That was the job of that peat-for-brains lover of yours!’

‘Ooo look, the waves are getting choppier. The ship is going up and down, up and down, up and down’

‘You cow’ Rossitta groaned, retching over the side before heading below decks for a lie down. Antonia laughed and looked over to where her cousin sat. She couldn’t believe that he was commanding soldiers, he was still a little lad in her eyes. In fact, he had only seen eight winters when her own son was born. Still, she had not seen her cousin since departing from Dwilight and could use the company of a familiar face. Refilling her tankard and a spare left by Rossitta, she strolled over the deck with the ease of an experienced sea woman

‘Enjoying the weather, cuz? What a perfect day for sailing, just feel that breeze’ Antonia smiled as she felt the cool sea air on her face, proffering one of the tankards to Achelous

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (12 days, 2 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (36 recipients)

• Continuing at the Traveller's Inn in Rueffilo*

As Divus looked about the place, he noticed the icons on the walls. He could not identify them, but he could tell that they were pagan in nature. This far from the source of Obeah's light in this world, they had clearly forgotten the true path to their salvation. In their darkness, they reverted to worshiping petty gods of harvest and safe travel through the dangerous roads of the southern tip of Beluaterra.

There were some signs of proper worship to Obeah, but they seemed to have been thrown into disuse. Truly, the Veiled Goddess' light had turned from this place. Perhaps it was time to turn it back.

Goriad II sat comfortably accross the table of Divus, his usual sly grin on his face. "Tell me Divus, what do you think we should do?" He leaned in now, "I'll make it easier for you, what do you think our options are to begin with, here."

He did not wait for an answer though "We could beat some people up, maybe burn this place down," he continued "but you are no Astros are you? The boy has merit, but his brains aren't it now are they." He shook his head for a second "A little bit of terror, 4 dead bodies, but what would we've accomplished? These sinners would go elsewhere and we wouldn't be the wiser. Fortunately for us, this innkeeper is much loved by his guests and even more so by his wife and children. 3 young and healthy boys between the age of 10 and 16, isn't that lovely. Perhaps we should," he paused for a moment "reason with him instead?"

He now leaned out again, "I enjoy these gettogethers, don't you? Learning who is who, where people hail from and so forth," he now spoke louder and stood up walked to the bar and ordered 4 beers. He then made his way to two men wearing strange symbols around their neck, most likely of pagan gods. "Here, I have heard good stories of this inn, a free place for all traders! So, where do you lads come from? You do not look likeArdmorians to me now eh." A quick gesture to Divus informed him to approach.

–

Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (12 days, 1 hour ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Goriad II walked out of his hut just in time to witness the events between Antonia and Rossitta, although he could not hear everything. "Humpff," he said to Sigmund as he turned around "If any of my family would have talked to me like that, I would've thrown them overboard." A smile now came upon Sigmund's face "Well milord, to be frank, you'd throw them over regardless." A small bit of laughter arose from the two men "I guess you are right, save Gilly perhaps, the rest of them can rot eternal damnation, now let's have a small chat with Antonia shall we."

Normally Goriad II would try to approach unconspicuously, but upon the ship that was nearly impossible and thus they simply walked towards the rails as well. "Enjoying the view I see?" he then looked backwards "Which of those ships carry your flag again, I don't quite recognize it." he said as he pointed to several ships that traveled alongside them, carrying the troops and supplies for the voyage ahead.

–

Roleplay from Astros Renodin (11 days, 23 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Noises on the Wind

Seated at a makeshift picknick table set out in one of the feasting fields he couldn't help but wonder. What in the nine hells was that sound? Thump. Turning his big head from left to right he tried to discern where it was coming from. Thump! Louder this time and followed by a small cheer borne from several throats. Hands pushed the massive body up from his seat and he really strained his ears now. Thump! Thump! A double, but a double what? Thump!

Master Astros? A young and pleasant voice came. What'daye want? Astros shot back at the boy scribe. Might I inquire as to why you're seated at the edge of the recruitment center? The briefest of pauses. All alone I might add. At the only table about in miles. Sarcasm was not kept from his tone.

Unseeing eyes locked onto the young servant and the face read dismay but soon it leaked anger. It seems they fooled you again. The scribe smirked, knowing Astros couldn't see it anyway. Thump! What is that?! Astros forgot about the insult and turned to the curious sound. What? The stone throwing? I believe they are called the Rock Hurlers, of Reufillo. Apparently a local tradition. Young eyes saw what brutish ones could not. Used, for warfare I believe. The words were neutral enough but the young man's demeanor was skepticism embodied.

Having ended their conversation and with the Master rediscovered, the Scribe and the Brute returned to the town center where celebrations continued unabated. Leaving Astros with a little bit more wonder than he had woken up with that very morning. Rock Hurlers, instruments of war. Feared to be sure.

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (11 days, 22 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Mistaken Identity

Antonia, still holding out the tankard to her cousin turned and saw a man whom she had never seen before

‘Alright Mate? Who are you then?’ She took a swig of her own beer, ‘mine’s the one there, see? The one with the black sails with the red fox on them? She’s built more for when we were raiding than for transport, but she will do for this trip fine’ She pointed using her tankard to ensure that the strange man knew which boat she was talking about, a swift galley with the black sails that she had described

‘Oh sorry’, she continued, ‘where are my manners? Rebecca, another drink if you please?’

‘But, Ana, that’s the…’ Rebecca tried to say as she came over

‘I don’t care whether he’s the Grand Herald himself, this man needs a drink!’ Turning back to Goriad once more she said ‘Sorry, what was your name again?’

–

Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (11 days, 7 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia turned to Achelous and then back to Goriad ‘Oh bugger’, at this she clapped her hands over her mouth, sending beer all over Achelous, ‘Oh bugger, I just swore in front of the Grand Herald. Oh bugger, I did it again. And again! I really need to stop talking’ Antonia took a knee, bowing her head. ‘Please forgive me, Your Eminence, I did not know you. I have never seen a portrait of you or anything’ ‘She’s also had a lot to drink’, Rebecca chimed in as if she was being helpful ‘Yes, thank you Rebecca’, Antonia shot a glance at her bodyguard before looking in desperation into the Grand Herald’s face

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Roleplay from Achelous Drakos (11 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Achelous wiped the beer off his face and looked down at his soaked clothes. He looked at Antonia's face and started busting out in a loud contagious burst of laughter, Throwing his head back continuing to laugh into the sky.

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (11 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Maura stood at the stern of Obian flagship. Sloop carrying her men tore through the waves a hundred fathoms behind. She regarded the scene at the main deck - a noble woman in deep genuflexion in front of Goriad II, she restrained a smirk - I'm sure ol' Goriad will appreciate this display of courtly manners, he so very cares for titles and pretenses - she thought, not sparing herself the sarcasm. Then another thought entered her mind - I was supposed to solicit him for some lessons, why not cut to the chase - she scanned the surroundings: men-at-arms and entourage are below deck, sailors on deck are heavily occupied with their own matters, that leaves nobles scattered around... none of which seem to pay much attention, there are the two ladies in front of Grand Herald, one apparently inebriated, and Sigmund - of course - thankfully he's facing the ladies, so both his and his lord's backs are turned on me...

She promptly started sneaking up on Goriad II, dull training dagger in her hand, nine yards away she thought to herself - so far so good. Five yards, three yards, two... two more seconds and I will just be able to...

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Roleplay from Adolphus Schwarzherzig (11 days, 2 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Ardmore:

Adolphus lined his men up, and noted with amusement as the Grand Inquisitor marched her men out in front of his. He began to bark orders, and stopped in his tracks when he noticed Ferdinand, and two soldiers take up position on his left.

"By Obeah, he did stay. Mad bastard." Adolphus muttered to himself. A horn blew, and his attention snapped back to the field.

"Move up!" He shouted, his men getting on line with Jessica's men as they opened fire. "Halt!" Adolphus barked, struggling to contain his laughter as he noticed the Grand Inquisitor firing her bow, her arrows landing well wide of the encroaching mob of monsters and undead. Her men however, managed to fell one beast.

"Draw!" Adolphus bellowed.

"Wait for it!" He shouted, letting the beasts and wights close the gap some. "Loose!" he cried, and the combined volleys of his men and Jessica's men landed among the advancing hordes, thinning their ranks appreciably. Adolphus noticed however, that Ferdinand and his duo of men were still advancing.

"WARE FRIENDLY INFANTRY. GIVE THEM COVER!" He barked. "Draw!" he followed up. "LOOSE!" Another volley hit home, monsters died screaming, wights crumpled silently to the ground... Too late. They had closed with Ferdinand's men, and he lost sight of them. "Fire at will! But carefully!" Adolphus barked, himself loosing a bolt from his crossbow, catching a wight in the eye as it swung a rusted blade at Ferdinand. He lost sight of the Knight in the scuffle, but could hear the moans of the wounded as the lines cleared, and the last beasts and wights fell. Adolphus marveled at the bravery of his fellow Knight.

"Healers! A damned hero lays out there! Bring him back, retrieve the wounded, and be damned quick, we're not done here." Adolphus yelled, and turned snarling back to his own men. "Draw!" he commanded, but could hear muttering... He could hear panic. The men obliged though, and with another command, they loosed. Next to them, as they loosed their volley, the Grand Inquisitor's men panicked and fled the field.

"NOT ONE STEP BACK!" Adolphus berated his men, beating at them with the flat of his sword as they tried to step backward. "DRAW ANOTHER BLEEDING ARROW!" and his men, checked by their commander's rage, obliged. "Stand your ground, and the day will be ours! Now loose!" he bellowed, praying to himself that they would stand their ground. A handful more wights fell, but the hordes were menacingly close now, and though he shouted, and kicked and spat, the men still broke and ran. Adolphus stepped forward to meet the foe himself, but was tackled and dragged off, spitting and swearing, by a pair of his own men.

"Cowards! I'll hang the lot of you!" he snapped, struggling against the men dragging him from the field.

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Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (10 days, 10 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Goriad II looked down at the bowing Antonia and smirked "At least that ale is gone now, look at what it does to you! Worthless drunk, down on her knees like some cowardly slave. I thought I had brought true wa..." and just as he wished to end his sentence he saw Antonia's eyes shifting from his face to something else and simultaneously heard some wood squeeking just behind him *Squeeek*. He turned his head slightly around over his left side only just in time to see a large figure coming his way with a dagger.

Quickly in reflex he turned round by stepping round his right foot to face Maura in an attack stance and as he made the turn he used his right arm to block her assault and stear her to his own right side. Although she was stronger than him, Goriad II still managed to parry the assault and as he steered her away with his right arm he moved it back slightly, so his left hand could pull a dagger from his right sleeve.

Because of the speed and strength of her assault, Maura was now several steps removed from Goriad II and it was only now that he noticed who attacked him. "If this is how you protected Jarra, there is no wonder!" he said with a strange grin upon his face. Considering the fact that he was just attacked, it must've appeared strange to those unknown with Goriad II to see him grinning rather than angry. "If you want to make up for the loss, repay your debt to me for taking my best student away from me, you damn well train harder woman!" he said, taunting the tall lady. "Perhaps you are too heavy to sneak around, I could hear you coming miles away and you attack with brute strength and lean in as you strike, completely off balance. You look more like the beasts you failed to slay than you do a trained assasin worthy of my time."

He now looked at Antonia again and shook his head "A drunk who can hardly stand on her legs and a tower without balance who has the same problems." He shook his head again "In time you may prove worthy of me, but there is much to learn for the two of you."

He then turned to Achelous, "You must be Achelous, the only other face I do not recognize. Tell me, what is wrong with you?"

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (10 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

As Antonia spied Maura coming for Goriad, she sprung immediately into action. All drunkenness was replaced immediately by her combat instincts. Jumping to her feet, her experience as a sailor allowing her to balance perfectly despite the alcohol, she drew her katzbalger and parrying dagger in the same instant. She went to defend the Grand Herald, but saw that not only could he handle himself but that he seemed to know his assailant. Still, she did not relax, her blades still out by her side ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation

At Goriad’s words she muttered under her breath, but still loud enough for Maura, Goriad and Achelous to hear, ‘he’s barely out of short trousers and is inadequate in that department anyway, or so I hear, that’s what’s wrong with him’. She winked at her cousin, but still kept a watchful eye on Maura. She doubted that she could beat the other woman’s skill, but perhaps she could bring her weight to bare and allow others to finish the job?

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Roleplay from Achelous Drakos (10 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Achelous glared at Antonia before leaping to his feet and dumping the remnants of his beer onto her head. He then moved swiftly back out of her reach.

"Anything The Queen Of Pigs says must be true, for the martyr of the Scarlet Hog can never be wrong"

He bowed to Goriad "In truth there is nothing wrong, just some good hearted ribbing between cousins"

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (10 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia felt the beer being tipped over her head and turned to look back to her cousin.

‘I swear to the Blessed Lady, I will write to your mother, Achelous’, Antonia growled, trying to hide her smile, putting her weapons away as she began to advance on her cousin, the warm beer dripping off her face, ‘I know for a fact that you’re still a little mummy’s boy, you wouldn’t want to get in trouble now, would you? She might send you to bed early with no dinner’

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Roleplay from Achelous Drakos (10 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Achelous backed slowly maintaining his composure.

"I may be sent off without dinner but atleast Ill have dinners for the next days"

He laughed again and discretely slipped a bow string into his hand.

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (10 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia stopped at these last words

‘That was below the belt cousin, I shall show you the same courtesy’

Saying this, Antonia advanced quickly and slammed her fist into her cousin’s groin. Darting back with surprising grace for one so apparently inebriated she curtsied to her other companions

‘You must excuse me, my lord and lady, I just need to teach my cousin not to mock the hungry’ she smiled sweetly at her groaning cousin

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Roleplay from Achelous Drakos (10 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Achelous staggered forward onto one knee groaning in pain but slipped the bow string around one of Antonia's feet lifting it and pulling it over his shoulder.

"And..If you would excuse me aswell my cousin must learn I am no longer just a child"

With the foot over his shoulder he dove forward onto the deck.

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (10 days, 5 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia slammed into the ground with an almighty thud. Laughing, she slammed her hand into the deck three times

‘Alright cousin, you win this one’ She groaned, the pain building in the small of her back

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Roleplay from Achelous Drakos (10 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Achelous groaned but held up a fist then scooted away a couple feet and flipped over.

"I really need a drink"

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (10 days, 4 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Maura suppressed a growl before it could form, deciding she won't give Goriad II the satisfaction. The man was even more insufferable than she could remember, how did he become the Grand Herald through a vote was beyond her. Most likely blackmailed all his supporters - she decided.

Before she could respond she was distracted by what was apparently a couple of syblings or cousins... brawling with eachother... in front of Grand Herald... and someone who attacked him with a dagger.

"Alright cousin, you win this one" - said the woman and Maura took the opportunity to introduce herself.

"Maura Arnickles Renodin, Dame of Rines, Inquisitor." - and waving the dagger in air she continued - "... don't worry! It's blunt, in case I overestimated Grand Herald's skill, which thankfully I have not. Speaking of which..." - she turned to Grand Herald - "Goriad, I decided to petition for a lesson or two and figured you would more appreciate asking you with deeds, not words. Should an opportunity present itself during our excursion..." - she let her voice trail off, only implying the obvious end of the sentence.

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre (9 days, 22 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela The following RP contains graphic violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Jessica sat on her throne in Avengmil on the raised platform in front of the common grounds. She wore a shimmering satin gown of bright blue, strung with bead work patterns around the cinched waist, and a string of pearls sparkled around her neck. The fabric of the gown clung to her lithe body, accenting the sinewy muscles of her back developed from the use of her longbow. Her fire red hair was braided back, but her head was unadorned.

Heavy is the brow which holds the crown... she mused to herself. She dipped a finger into her wine and touched it to her tongue, savoring the sharp woody flavor.

Bugles sounded, and two male prisoners were lead out to the three metal cages which sat secured on the common grounds. The bars had been fabricated in a cross pattern, leaving five inch by five inch squares. The two males were placed in their own cages, with their arms pulled through the squares and fixed with manacles outside the cage.

A third female prisoner was carried out to the last cage, obviously crippled, and placed inside in the same manner as the two men.

"Lady Jane Howard, Commoner Widar, and Commoner Hoary, you have all confessed your involvement of Heresy against the Veiled Goddess. The Grand Inquisitor Jessica Gildre has found you guilty of your wicked crimes, and has sentenced you to death," A scribe called out to the people gathered in the stands around Jessica's platform.

Jane wailed and sobbed, but the two men held fast.

A team of six horses were lead out to the grounds. Each pair was fastened together, and a length of rope 100 meters was then attached to a prisoner, so that each prisoner had their own pair of horses.

"At your command, m'Lady," reported Bryant.

Jessica touched the pearls around her neck and nodded. Bryant made a signal down to the grounds. The horse master took a whip, and viciously cracked it against the team attached to the horses connected to the first man. The beasts whinnied and stampeded away from the grounds, the 100 meters of rope vanishing quickly.

There was a snap, a crack, and screaming.

"It appears the left arm was severed at the wrist, the right at the shoulder..." Bryant reported. Jessica purred softly.

The horse master whipped the second team.

Again, the sounds of rending flesh.

"Two shoulders," Bryant reported. Jessica touched her lips sensually.

Finally, the horse master whipped Jane Howard's horses. The woman had broken down into a hysterical mess after watching the demise of the first two heretics, and began screaming at the top of her lungs. She pulled her arms back into the cage, imagining the strength to pull against two charging horses. This resulted in her hands getting caught against the square and broken backwards before ripping her forward to smash her face against the cage and have her arms pulled from her shoulders.

Jessica exhaled sharply and straightened her gown.

"Cleanse the remains!" Bryant shouted from the platform. At the command, several servants approached the cages carrying urns of oil. They doused the cages, and several other servants tossed torches onto the flammable liquid.

For unknown reasons, billows of bright white smoke rose up towards the Veil beyond the sky...

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Roleplay from Godwine Axton (9 days, 18 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

“And what is this?” Sir Godwine asked.

“Word from Lord Astros. The laws he is crafting for his holdings.” Sir Godwine nodded and accepted the letter from the messenger, who promptly turned and left. He checked the wax seal to ensure the truth of its origin, then opened and reviewed it. He scoffed, then handed it to Captain Harbrand.

“Shaved heads?” the captain asked. “Sir Godwine, do you intend-” Sir Godwine scoffed once more.

“No. If need be, they will keep their caps on their heads at all times, but they will not be bound to shave their heads. Save maybe if the physic commands it.” Captain Harbrand nodded. He wasn’t sure if such a potentially antagonizing move was wisest, but it would surely aid better his men’s morale. “We need a chaplain.”

“A chaplain, milord?”

“A priest to march with our men. And, more important, that can give sunday sermons separate from those led by Lord Astros’ hand-picked preachers. No one with ties to the Inquisition.”

“Do you think us like to find such as you require round these parts.”

“Like? No, but we must endeavor to do so anyways. I’ll have none of their corrupting influence among my men.”

“As milord commands.” Sir Godwine nodded.

“I’ll be in my tent,” he said, then moved off to leave his captain to his duties.

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Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook (9 days, 7 hours ago)

Message sent to everyone in "Heralds of Obeah" (36 recipients) Scars - Rines. Sitting by the fountain a few hundred yards away from the Templar Nexus, Ferdinand looked at his scars. Too many times he had been seriously wounded and survived. Too many times before that men had died in front of him and he had survived. Hence, with a wound that would of made a maiden weep upon it's infliction near his stomach, Ferdinand watched the traffic of people pass through the city. Ferdinand couldn't move as freely as he did before. However, he believed he would recover. As Ferdinand was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice one of his scouts sit next to him and began to speak to him: 'Sire, if I could be so bold, there are two things I believe I should point out to you.' He did not know his name. Even if he did, he couldn't bare to talk to him. He had saved his life already twice in the last month. 'I worry for your state of body sire. You really need to eat something and return to bed-rest at least for the day. Second, the 'Hero of Ardmore' should really be looking to obtain a new retinue. Something perhaps more fitting than your previous gathering.' Ferdinand paused for a second. Thinking back to the campaigns in the south, changes need to be made. Both inside and out.

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Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (8 days, 9 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Goriad II looked at the two brawling noblemen, but rather than intervene he let it play out. As they were finished Maura first spoke and as she turned to Goriad II he nodded "It was about time you came for help. We will start after we land this ship," he said, as he looked back at the cousins and then back at Maura again "For now, listen closely," and he walked towards Achelous who was still on his knees "Lesson one, if you're occupied elsewhere, you are vulnerable and as the young man tried to stand up to get himself a new beer, Goriad II put the dagger he had drawn with his left hand at the throat of the man. "You are dead," he said, "Well you would've been in any normal fight, if your cousin hadn't screwed up. You let a big tower like that surprise you? Pay attention at all times boy or you will end up dead and none will mourn your foolishness."

He then let go of the dagger and pointed it at Antonia "And you, you bloody fool. You surrender to a twat because he got you on the floor? In battle you do not have that luxury, nor do you have the luxury to stop before it is over," he shook his head and looked at Maura "Look at her," he said as he pointed towards Antonia "pathetic! She dealt out a good first punch and thinks she has won, no persistancy, no endurance, nothing. Let this be your second lesson Maura, you do not stop before you have finished your hunt. This goes for the lot of you!"

He looked at Sigmund who had remained quiet during the whole ordeal and just stood there with a stoic look upon his face, observing the entire situation. "Sigmund, have someone clean this mess up will ya, it reeks of beer and dead men."

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (8 days, 9 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

Antonia listened to the Grand Herald’s ravings, before smiling sweetly and replying

‘My lord, with all due respect, if I had wanted to kill my cousin, he would be dead. However, this was nothing but a friendly brawl. I do not kill my cousins over a minor insult, no matter how much I wish I could kill that bastard Franz. A Fitz Roberts never kills one of their blood’

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Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus (8 days, 8 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela As Goriad II walked away Antonia still said something and so he turned back his head, leaving his body pointing towards the door of his cabine. "You allowed him to jump you after you first struck. Even if you hadn't wanted to kill him, you should have left him unable to strike you back. Now the boy thinks he has a chance next time. If he ends up dead the first fight we have, that'll be your fault as well as his, remember that the next time you show weakness."

He turned his head again and turned to Sigmund "I was 5 when I learned this, and they still do not, what have we brought with us?" Sigmund simply smiled "Not all grew up in Ash'Rily milord, give them some time, they'll eventually learn, or die trying." Goriad II simply nodded.

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Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts (8 days, 7 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela

‘My lord, this was not a training match, nor was it a duel or a petty bar brawl. It was a friendly punch-up between childhood friends in which neither of us put our full effort, not an attempt to cause genuine injury. In a true fight I would never have stepped back or wasted time mocking him’ Antonia paused at this last, ‘and with all due respect, my lord, I grew up in a Fitz Roberts household, where weakness is crushed out of you. I suffered my first dislocated shoulder at four, my first maiming at eight’ she raised her left hand at this, where the last two fingers were missing, ‘I gave birth to my son at the age of fourteen. I recognise that you have boundless experience way beyond our own, but do not be so dismissive of us.’

All the time she had been speaking, Antonia had been advancing

‘But that if that is not good enough for you, perhaps you want to see me in a more lethal situation?’ At this she turned to Rebecca, ‘Signal to The Isabella and tell them to send the soldier we caught stealing food from her sisters’

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin (8 days, 6 hours ago)

message to all nobles of Obia'Syela Maura looked how Antonia walked towards Goriad, explaining the situation. "Silly girl" - she thought to herself - "don't you know by now that you don't speak to a sane man? You have to fish out the few useful gemstones from the thick mud of his madness." - but she ultimately decided against speaking out.

When Antonia showed off her hand missing a couple of fingers Maura felt a strange pinch of sympathy to the woman as she run her own fingers over the surprisingly small scar where her left thumb used to be.

Here she was, a silent sentinel humbly watching two nobleborn speak of rough childhood. She restrained a chuckle, a delightfully hysterical one.

She watched Grand Herald turn his head, his eyes shining with poorly disguised bloodlust... if disguised at all. "A madman? Perhaps he was..." - Maura thought - "... but then again - aren't we all?"

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Roleplay from Arterius Kye (8 days ago)

Message sent to all members of the Herald's External Force (5 recipients) After so long at sea it was good to get back on dry land and just in time to engage some fowl smelling monsters.

With the battle over Arterius ordered his archers to dig fortifications while the rest of the External Force rode about looting. Such an un noble like behavior of which he himself would not allow within his command.

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