Arnickles Renodin/Maura/OS october

Roleplay from Jessica Gildre

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 11 days, 2 hours, 57 minutes ago

"Hold still."

Jessica squirmed.

"Dammit m'Lady," Bryant cursed, "HOLD STILL!"

Jessica held her breath. Sweat ran down her face. Her fire red hair was matted against her head. Bryant, wearing a peculiar pair of spectacles, was wiggling a set of tongs around inside an open wound at her side.

"Almost..." he mumbled distractedly. Jessica bit her lip, drawing blood.

With a wrench he pulled the tongs from the wound. Jessica collapsed into her self. He held the tongs up to the spectacles, "Yes. That should stop the festering. Seems the tip of the spear which struck you broke off..." He held the bloody tongs out for Jessica to see. She nodded without looking, waving them away.

A hand maiden arrived with a suture kit, and began preparing the wound. Jessica's head burned with fever. She stared at the ceiling, which was spinning. She closed her eyes, but immediately felt as if she were being spun around in circles. Her eyes flew open, and she leaned over the arm of the chair and threw up.

Bryant splashed some grain liquor onto her wound, causing Jessica to flinch in pain. She glared at him. He shrugged, "To sterilize."

She grabbed the bottle from his hand and took a long drink. It burned her throat. The room settled slightly. She nodded to the maiden, who began to stitch her wound closed.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 11 days, 1 hour, 58 minutes ago

No creature enters

"No creature can enter the Nexus. See it so. I will return momentarily, but I must check on Stheno."

With that, the Grand Templar re-entered the Nexus.

Looking over the blood stained stone, some of the living did not even recognise the dead. The Zealots had began to investigate the local area for more Daimons and fanned out in groups of 5.

Withdrawing back into his own thoughts, Ferdinand pondered the calamity that was before them. The eriee silence that filled the courtyard was unnerving to most.

"Sir!"

A voice had pierced the silence as one of Ferdinands scouts returned from surveying the city:

"Report scout. What is going on? How goes the Basilica?"

The scout hesitated. Her face became scrunched up and was almost unable to speak. With a deep sigh, she announced:

"Sir Grey Knight. I am unable to say this in a way that would make sense. So please, forgive my report."

Looking like she was about to be sick, the Scout turned the other way for a few seconds before regaining her composure:

"Sir, there was a undead incursion near one of the walls. However, when some of the Zealots came to meet them, they were ambushed by Daimons!"

Ferdinand became instantly concerned. The fact there was more than those whom attacked the Nexus started to create cold sweat down Ferdinand's neck. Fearing the worse, Ferdinand almost turned around to give out new orders. However, the tone of her voice did not sound right. Hence, with hesitation in his own voice, Ferdinand answered:

"Continue scout, the only error is inaccuracy."

"Instead of attacking our men, the Daimons completely ignored them and attacked the undead. Once finished with the horde, they simply moved on elsewhere into the city."

Sitting down on one of the steps that by some fortune was not covered in blood, Ferdinand contemplated the repercussions of the Scouts report as be played with one of the loose stones that broke away from the floor.

The Grand Templar needs to know this.

–

Roleplay from Divus Lancaster

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 13 hours, 56 minutes ago

Melegra was quiet this night, the only real sources of light being the lanterns on the boats in the harbor or the candles in the windows of the sea-side villages. From his vantage point on the peaks of Achlys Mansion, Divus Lancaster looked out into the sea. Often times, monsters and ghostly undead came from the depths, driven to extreme lengths to seek the prey of the townsfolk who made the shore their home. However, under his command, and the invaluable help of his fellow nobles, a number of militia groups were set in place that protected the region from the forces of evil, at least for a little while. Long enough, he felt, to give the armies of Obeah enough time to reach his region at the end of the island.

It was for this reason, then, that he gave only a passing glance to the sea and its unbound mysteries. Instead, he turned to look in the direction of the great city of Rines, the last true bastion of the Faithful. Typically, the city was almost impossible to see, minus a faint glimmer on clear nights. However, this evening, a violet glow emanated from the city, as if the gates of the abyss had opened before his eyes.

"Steward," Divus asked, not taking his eyes from the sight.

"Yes, my lord?" An older man in fine clothes answered, barely able to tear his sight from the violet glow himself.

"How long until the region is fruitful again?" The young lord asked, turning to face the steward. His hearing had not recovered, and he relied on the lips and body language of others to understand.

The steward hesitated, then held up two digits on his hand and shook his head.

There was a pause as Divus considered the lights. He could not be sure from this distance, but the light was cold. Not the warm embrace he would have expected from Obeah's favor. Two more days of maintenance and court in the region, it was an eternity.

"Inform the townsfolk," he said. "All petitioners will be given only a short time to speak their case. We muse return to Rines as soon as possible."

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 15 hours, 4 minutes ago

Rines. At the verge of the city, just outside the gates, on the cusp of calamity - there Maura stood, hesitant to walk inside and gaze upon the mess portal must've made of the capital.

"Daimons! Daimons! Save thyself!" - screamed a peasant as he zapped through the gates and ran towards Avengmil with senseless abandon.

I'll need one hell of a broom - she thought, stepping through the gates.

Just past the Great Moongate there was no apparent destruction whatsoever. Everything looked just the same as the moment she last departed. The first thing she could notice was the lack of the column of light shooting from Solarium - pity - she thought, since she enjoyed reading at night without the need to use the candles. The main street appeared clear, if unusually silent. Towards the Port of Four Cities several guards and dock-dwellers rushed, from the distance she could see that the Offices of the Inquisition were desolate - all Inquisitors were deployed, not a single clerk or guardsmen left idle. Towards the Templar Nexus... there! There was commotion. She made her way towards the Nexus in a cautious yet somewhat hurried pace, her hand on the hilt of sheathed scimtar. Daimons... bunch of dimwitts... - Grand Inquisitor thought as she passed the crossection and turned into smaller alley - must've been some monsters and panic over it, due to the whole portal ordeal. There's no way that... - she stopped dead in her tracks - a seven feet tall, crimson-skinned, two-tailed, horned being combining features of a man, a bull and a lizard in the most terrifyingly grotesque way stood in her path. The couple of seconds of surprise and hesitation gave her enough time for decent observation before her instincts kicked in and had her draw the scimtar.

The first impulse born in her psyche was fascination. An unhealthy one. She saw clay figures of beasts from beyond the veil back in Fatexna: diverse, intimidating, like works of art from an artist whose omnipotence was only matched by his wickedness. Seeing such creature in reality and up close for the first time in her life... it was only natural to feel some sort of fascinat... no, bad Maura, stop, get a grip on yourself, those are not your thoughts.

The beast seemed indifferent. Vigilliant, yet indifferent to it's surroundings, not dull or mindless, no - it's golden eyes flashed with intelligence - simply too preoccupied with... duty? to pay mind to anything else. It looked like a sentry, a gargolye at an ancient temple from times long gone, a sentinel. Oh yes, she knew all too well that very pose and that very stance. If only her mind was fast enough to stay her hand...

With scimtar unsheathed she was now looking at the daimon ready to fight, with his warhammer lifted high above his head, waiting for enemies to pummel into ground. Hm, bad idea - she thought as she launched herself at the mighty beast, she parried the dropping hammer just enough to sidestep it and jumped just in time to avoid the returning swing. She looked with shock at the amount of cobblestone a single blow of daimon's hammer ripped out of the earth. Well, at least even if it fails I will only get hit once, here goes...

She dropped her scimtar before the daimon recovered for another swing, she backed away one step and lifted her arms for daimon to see. She knew just how stupid of an idea it was the second she registered the hammer closing in on her face at alarming speed, and then... it stopped mid-air. She knew perhaps one man who could lift such a hammer, she was certain no man could stop it mid-air like that, suddenly she learnt the extent of daimonic strength. And their nature, or at least this one's - once she was no longer a threat, the beast returned to it's indifferent stance. It stood there ready, vigiliant, waiting.

She knelt to reach for her scimtar and the creature raised it's hammer, she sheather the scimtar and it became docile again. She reached for the pommel - deamon's muscles twiched, she let go - it relaxed again.

"Curioser, curioser..." - Maura said aloud, approaching the daimon, childlike wonder tearing through her usual mask of stern confidence. She approached it slowly, even slower she outstreched her hand and touched it's skin. It felt like leather tightly spread over metal rather than skin over muscle. The creature could tear flesh like vellum with it's bare hands, yet she was quite certain that it was perfectly harmless. At least at the moment.

"Daimon." - she said, stepping back - "In the name of the Holy Inquisition, the Sacred Obia'Syela, Obeah the Veiled Goddess, Her Heralds and Her Oracle Rania Eastersand JeVondair - I order thee - walk."

Nothing.

She tried several more times but it was pointless. The daimon would react to harmful intent, but to nothing else. Certain that she could not achieve much more in that place and time, she chose to continue onwards to the Templar Nexus.

"You there!" - she noticed a peasant pretending to be dead, not twenty feet from the imposing daimon - "Find me an Inquisitor, a proper one, not a guardsman, bring them to the Templar Nexus." - the peasant just whimpered and Maura rolled her eyes and added - "Do as I say or I will feed you to the deamon" - the face of the man went paler - "doesn't it look hungry to you?"

When she approached her destination the peasant she sent was already halfway to the Basilica. Clever - she thought, knowing that Inquisitors would more likely be there than in the Offices.

Approaching Templar's main quarters in the city, Maura passed over a headless, half-burned corpse of a daimon and was about to enter the Nexus when four zealots halted her. She was doubly surprised since she wore her official insignia. Proper Templars would never do anything of the sort, the fact that hastily called volunteers guarded the entrance to the Nexus spoke volumes about direness of the situation.

"Forgive us Inquisitor but the Nexus is under lockd..." - the gush of blood followed the few teeth that chased the consciousness out of the zealot's head, prompted by Grand Inquisitor's fist. The others quickly stepped aside and in a matter of second Maura yelled within the Nexus - "Fedinand! Vahanian! Ferdinand! Where on Obeah's grace are you?!"

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (33 recipients) - 10 days, 12 hours, 14 minutes ago

"Forgive us Inquisitor but the Nexus is under locked..."

The sound of gritted teeth and pain came out of one of the Zealot's mouth that guarded the entrance at the Templar Nexus.

Then, a familiar voice yelled through the halls of the Nexus:

"Fedinand! Vahanian! Ferdinand! Where on Obeah's grace are you?!"

Instantly recognisable, the Grand Templar emerged from the stone bench that was built into the wall and walked to the Grand Inquisitor. With a quick bow of the head, Ferdinand responded to the new guest to the Nexus:

"Grand Inquisitor. I am glad to see that you have arrived and are well. However, I must also caution you from attacking the new Zealots. They do not look like much now, but they will fulfill the same role that the Templar Vanguard did. They have great potential, perhaps a greater potential to serve Obeah."

The mention of the Vanguard abroad was a bitter reminder of what occurred abroad. Loyal men and women whom eventually had to part with grace due to the missions that the Grey Knight knew he had to complete alone.

Bringing himself back to the matter of hand, Ferdinand quickly followed up in attempt to hide the bitter memory:

"The Grand Templar is currently inside his chambers. I can show you the way. Quickly."

With a gesture, the Grey Knight guided the Inquisitor to the doors of the Grand Templar and then proceed to knock on its door:

"Grand Templar, the Grand Inquisitor has arrived."

The twosome then awaited for their response.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 7 hours, 2 minutes ago

Vahanian was kneeling beside Stheno's unconscious form when the knock sounded. He gritted his teeth. "10 minutes... 10 minutes respite is all I wanted..." he muttered under his breath. He pushed himself up and winced, the burns on his arms still throbbing with pain.

He turned towards the door, took a sip of water and a deep breath before opening the door just enough for him to slip out and closing it behind him. He did not doubt that Maura would catch a glimpse of Stheno as keen as her eyes were. But he would not allow the child to be disturbed. Not this day.

Vahanian nodded to Maura and said "Grand Inquisitor, or shall I say Grey Captain, seeing as we stand in this hall." He took note of a tooth caught in the bindings on her glove, it was distinctly human. "I take it that belongs to a volunteer we have street-side? Loathsome idiots, but loyal to a fault.."

Vahanian gestured for the three companions to walk away from the door to his chamber, he offered them seats and did not take one himself.

"What can I do for you today?"

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 3 hours, 48 minutes ago

Maura thanked the Grey Knight for taking her to Grand Templar. She felt the faintest inkling of pride. This humble servant of Obeah achieved great things without even knowing their gravity and stood to repeat those achievements tenfold in the future. His path was as great as it was difficult.

Through the half-open door Grand Inquisitor caught a glimpse of bedridden Stheno. Was the young woman conscious? She couldn't tell.

Offered a seat Maura declined, walking up to Vahanian instead and putting a hand on his arm, awkwardly attempting to offer comfort.

"This cannot be easy to you." - she said and withdrawn the hand a second later, feeling that social part of the meeting was satisfied.

"Grand Templar. We each have our duty, you protect the body of the realm I protect it's mind and soul. I learn and investigate, you act and enforce." - she noticed a tooth stuck in her glove and promptly plucked it out - "I am here for three reasons, firstly I seek to learn about the Oracle, is she safe? Why hasn't she intervened, yet? I figured due to your..." - she watched Ferdinand, careful not to divulge something that could be a secret - "...duty as a superior of the guardsmen in Basilica you would be best informed. Besides, if paladins got as paranoid as the volunteers out there I couldn't get past them this easily."

She walked to the window. "Secondly I wish to share what I learned. Daimons... are less of a threat when undisturbed" - she waited for the shock to sink in - "I do not suggest surrender. Defend if they attack, be ready, always. But do not attack them. Have them in bows reach, mark their locations, but hold off with the offensive... for now." - she looked at Vahanian - "You were there in Keffa, I merely learnt of Keffa. I cannot say it is the same, not yet, but I can ask you to keep an open mind." - she sighed, as if sensing disbelief in the room - "up is up, down is down and daimons are daimons - this we know. This we must also unlearn when dealing with portal magic" - she did not mention that for past several years portal magic in this realm was her charge, given to her by the Oracle, she did not need to, the fact was widely known.

Maura clenched her jaw knowing that this part will be the hardest - "thirdly I... have to talk with Stheno. Now, calm down I will not do anything that would harm the girl. But I have two more lines of investigation that will not move on unless I talk to her. Knowing what is going on can mean the difference between the city's downfall and salvation. I need but a minute."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 2 hours, 37 minutes ago

Vahanian appreciated the attempt at social comfort Maura offered. He appreciated the fact that she was awkward and attempted to overcome that for the benefit of others. He listened as she spoke. Doing his best to hide his outrage at her asking him to allow Daimons to roam the city. As she spoke it began to make sense, he hated it, but it made a semblance of sense and he was gradually becoming more and more willing to act as she advised. He was almost there when she mentioned speaking with Stheno.

His first thought and reaction was to grab for her throat and slam her into the wall, delivering a threat on her life. He suppressed that. The rational part of his mind he so coveted serving him well and allowing him to look at the situation not as Stheno's guardian, but as the Commander of the armed forces of the realm.

He pushed that problem to the side of his mind while he addressed her other questions. "The Oracle was in the Solarium when... events began to escalate.. She ordered me to take Stheno from the Basilica. The events were affecting her quite negatively. Stheno had some more of the.... stones.." Vahanian was choosing his words cautiously, Ferdinand knew not of what had previously transpired in the Solarium, and Vahanian would not divulge it unless the Oracle asked him to. "..in her pack, they pulsed and shattered." Vahanian raised his arm wrapped in black bandages. "If the Oracle was in the Solarium, I presume something similar has happened. I know she lives. I can feel it in the magic that runs through the city. It has her presence in it."

The words tumbled out of Vahanian's mouth before he realized what he'd said, it was only after that fact that he knew, in his heart he was right. "Antonia was with the Oracle before things began.. I know not of where she is now.. Believe me, I would ride with you to the Basilica if I could, but with her.." He looked back to the door that guarded Stheno..

He paused a moment and said "I have cared for her for almost her entire life, and will continue to do so until I draw my final breath." He turned back and looked Maura in the eye. His deep hazel eyes shone with a love and affection that did not often grace his face. He stared into Maura's eyes and for the first time truly saw her as she was. He'd always trusted Maura, even liked her. She was honest and direct, two things Vahanian respected in a commander. It wasn't until his mind was on Stheno's safety and his eyes were searching Maura's that he knew in his core, that Maura was his friend. "You will have you minute with her, but I will be joining you."

Vahanian stressed the 'I' hoping that Ferdinand took his cue to stay where he was. He knew the Knight was loyal, but there was a limit to what Vahanian was willing to allow when it came to Stheno.

Vahanian took a deep breath and said to Ferdinand "Grey Knight, if you would be so kind, instruct the Templar to acts as Maura has guided. Do not actively engage the Daimons unless provoked. Be on guard, but do not draw steel unless attacked."

Vahanian turned back to Maura and said "Come, it will take me a moment to wake her."

Vahanian and Maura disappeared into Vahanian's chambers, he knelt next to Stheno's unconscious form. Took her hands in his and muttered something inaudible under his breath. He pressed the back of his hand against her forehead and whispered "Forgive me, Child, this pain is necessary." He crushed some herbs into a bowl and poured steaming water over them. Stirring the mixture he was about to pour down her throat, he looked back at Maura and said "She will be in an inconceivable amount of pain. Please be as quick as possible." He poured the mixture into Stheno's throat and held her nose, forcing her to swallow.

She choked for a minute before swallowing the mixture. Seconds went by without event, and then Stheno sat bolt upright, and screamed. Vahanian grabbed her and pulled her into him. "Peace child, it's me. It's me! I've got you!" Her screaming slowed and she grabbed her temples in her hands, obviously in pain.

Vahanian stared into her eyes and said "Maura needs to ask you some questions, I know it hurts like hell, but I need you to fight through for me." His voice, soft and tender, unlike any tone Maura had ever heard from Vahanian before.

Vahanian turned back to Maura and said "Please ask your questions."

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 48 minutes ago

"Easy now, young Mistress, all will be good. Blood of the Oracle flows through your veins and Obeah shall keep you from harm." - Maura leaned forward, as close she could manage to Stheno's ear, without alarming her keeper. She spoke in the voice just a tone above whisper, in low and soothing pitch and melodic accent of a nomad of the Silhouettes, one she never before used on this continent. Ensuring that every sound, every syllable is heard and understood, she avoided any redundant words, in order to keep it as short as possible and save Stheno unnecessary suffering, she abandonded her usual act of knowing little too:

"The backpack you wore on your adventures in Shattered Vales, you had it with you when the portal storm struck. Before - you had portal stones hidden in it. Do you still have them? Is at least one of those stones still intact? Is it still there in your backpack?" - Maura cocked her head - "It is, isn't it? I must borrow it, the whole pack. I will not touch the stone unless I must, and I will not bring it out into the open, noone should, hence I need the entire pack. I will bring it back in one hour, completely intact, you have my word."

She stood back, crossed her arms behind her back in her ever-soldierly way and pricked up her ears awaiting response.

–

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 9 days, 22 hours, 43 minutes ago

"You there!" - she noticed a peasant pretending to be dead, not twenty feet from the imposing daimon - "Find me an Inquisitor, a proper one, not a guardsman, bring them to the Templar Nexus." - the peasant just whimpered and Maura rolled her eyes and added - "Do as I say or I will feed you to the deamon" - the face of the man went paler - "doesn't it look hungry to you?"

Mariana was strolling around the city, following closely behind a small gathering of the Daimons. Watching them, she couldnt help but feel more confused. Their movements were strange, not ones she had seen before in any beast. Nor could she imagine these as the same beasts that caused havoc in the past. None the less, she continued to watch and monitor them. Out the corner of her eye she caught sight of a peasant rushing around not looking where he was going, rushing past her the peasant nearly ran straight into the daimons, however Mariana caught him.

"Do you have a death wish? Cant you see what lies around the corner?" She whispered in hushed tones to the man, one eye still watching the shambling daimons.

"I... I was sent.... sent to find.... find an Inquisitor. The.... the Grand Inquisitor sent me..." The man clearly out of breath and fearing for his life stumbled on his words. Marina pushed the man to the side down a nearby alley.

"You have found one, where is the Grand Inquisitor? I assume this is urgent?" The man simply nods and points towards the Basilica, fearing having gotten the better of himself a small puddled began to form from under his clothes. Mariana stepped away, giving a man a sneer before nodding towards one of her men. "Take care of this man, seems he does not know how to act in from of a lady."

The nearest soldier nodded and a large smirk formed on his face, he led the man deeper into the alley as Mariana stepped away and towards her captain. "Valdric, change of plans. I must head to the Basilica. The Grand Inquisitor is calling for an inquisitor."

Valdric nods and looks towards the daimons. "Better take a few men with you, the streets aren't safe. We will continue to watch them. If anything changes, I shall send word to you." Mariana nods, taking the mans hand in a tight grip before making her way. Five men join her as she heads towards the Basilica.

---

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Upon reaching the Basilica, Mariana steps up to the men guarding the entrance, noting that they are looking a bit shocked and confused. "Inquisitor Mariana le Craint, I have arrived upon the request of the Grand Inquisitor."

Hearing that name, one of the men begins to shudder slightly before standing back at attention after Mariana gave the man a strict look. "The Grand Inquisitor is inside. She is meeting with the Grand Templar and Sir Ferdinand Greybrook."

She gave the man another look. "Very well, I shall head in and await a summons from the Grand Inquisitor. I do not wish to disturb their meeting. Alert the Grand Inquisitor of my arrival once she becomes available."

With that, Mariana stepped into the Basilica with both caution and interest.

–

Roleplay from Stheno

Message sent to everyone in Rines (20 recipients) - 9 days, 22 hours, 42 minutes ago

Stheno blinked back teas of pain as she sputtered and gagged to wakefulness. But with awareness came pain unlike any she had known. The pain was coming from everywhere and nowhere, yet her hands shot to her cheek, reacting as if the flesh their was being flayed from bone, all but blinding her with its intensity.

And yet, there was no mark there...

She tried to speak, but her throat constricted, barely allowing for airflow. In the darkness, she panicked, made all the worse when she heard Maura's voice. In her frenzied state, there was only her darkest memory of Grand Inquisitor...the way her face had contorted into a mask of rage and disgust before she'd nearly killed Stheno weeks prior. Despite Maura's best efforts to be calming, Stheno flinched and kicked away from the sound of her voice.

"Mother! Uncle!" She managed to gasp through gritted teeth as she flailed about for the Grand Templar. Instead, however, her hand landed squarely upon the pouch and its charged contents. In an instant, her back arched and her chest seized up, brilliant pain exploded behind her eyes and her muscles locked up as her body was ravaged by spasms. She screamed as she fell away from the pack and the rooms occupants, falling to the floor. When at last her next breath came, she screamed again. This time, though, there were words...

"The Aether roils! Too many portals have made it unstable! The backlash will-" but whatever she was going to say was cut off by a final climatic shriek of suffering before she collapsed weakly to the ground, leaving her ragged, shallow breaths as the only indication that she yet lived.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Rines (20 recipients) - 9 days, 21 hours, 22 minutes ago

Maura noted every word, every motion, every spasm. She stepped aside to give Vahanian enough space to tend to Stheno.

"Poor child" - she said in half-whisper - "Vahanian you can... I mean - Grand Templar, you can stay with her if you wish. Oracle has her paladins and Antonia should be in the Basilica. Ferdinand and I will tend to everything else."

She stepped between them and the bed, her four-fingered left hand grabbed Vahanian's shoulder firmly, yet harmlessly - "the city will still stand tomorrow, you have my word..." - her right hand grabbed the pouch, now hidden from everyone else in the room by her significant shape, the sensation was unmistakable, smallest of hairs standing on end, shivers crossing the skin, it was there - "... and tell me, have I ever failed to keep my word?" - before the question fully escaped her mouth the pouch was already safely tucked underneath her spacious inquisitorial attire. She should've asked permission and she likely would've if the matter wasn't so grave. Emotions can win against reason and not getting permission would be precarious not just for everyone in the room but for the entire realm. She would've felt bad for the trick, perhaps she still will feel bad for it after she returns it as promissed. But time for feeling: bad, good, anything at all; will be after the job is done.

She walked towards the chamber's door, leaving Vahanian and Stheno behind.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 9 days, 11 hours, 56 minutes ago

Vahanian took a deep breath and said to Ferdinand "Grey Knight, if you would be so kind, instruct the Templar to acts as Maura has guided. Do not actively engage the Daimons unless provoked. Be on guard, but do not draw steel unless attacked."

Ferdinand knew where his boundaries lie. Of course the Grey Knight would of preferred to be involved in situations such as this. However, he held full trust of Grand Templar's decision making regarding the woman whom held such importance to this city.

Awaiting the return of the two members of government, Ferdinand stood guard around a dozen feet away from the door. Enough so that he could not hear the discussions that were undertaken.

It was only a few moments before Ferdinand heard a voice coming down the hallway. Standing on guard with his hands on his swords hilt, he prepared to interrogate whomever attempted to involve themselves into this delicate and sensitive situation.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 9 days, 2 hours, 29 minutes ago

Storming out of Vahanian's chambers Maura noticed that Ferdinand is not there. She rushed down the stairs and through the hallway, there she saw Ferdinand approaching Mariana.

"Ah, you're here! Good" - she shouted - "Grey Knight Ferdinand Greybrook, Inquisitor Mariana le Craint. Save pleasantries for later. Walk with me." - she ordered and marched hastily towards the exit, not checking if they follow close behind she started giving instructions:

"Templar Legion has the Nexus secured, should they need help, local militia will provide it. Ferdinand, you go to Basilica, find Dame Antonia, with her - the named Lady of the Basilica - you should get past the Paladins. Go to Solarium, check on the Oracle." - She turned to Mariana and said:

"Inquisitor, have your men police the city. Even if daimons turn out not to be a threat - a madding crowd surely is. Bring them to sense, however you see fit." - and pulling her in close she added in whisper - "Once you're done, come back here with three of your most trusted men."

With everything said Maura left the two to tend to their duties and walked down the alley, where she met the daimon before. She felt for the pouch under her robes and seeing the silhouette of the daimon she more thought out loud than said: "hello again, beastie."

–

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 9 days, 2 hours, 8 minutes ago

Mariana was appraoching the man at standing outside the door, hesitantly, the current state of things have left her weary of unknown faces. Just as she was about to reach him, the door swung open and the Grand Inquisitor stepped out.

"Ah, you're here! Good" - she shouted - "Grey Knight Ferdinand Greybrook, Inquisitor Mariana le Craint. Save pleasantries for later. Walk with me." - she ordered and marched hastily towards the exit, not checking if they follow close behind she started giving instructions:

Looking at the knight who had now been introduced, she gave a slight sneer, not out of anger but simple due to lack of energy, before respectfully bowing before quickly following on behind Maura. Trying to keep with the pace she is setting, however even this proved somewhat of a struggle.

"Inquisitor, have your men police the city. Even if daimons turn out not to be a threat - a madding crowd surely is. Bring them to sense, however you see fit." - and pulling her in close she added in whisper - "Once you're done, come back here with three of your most trusted men."

"As you wish, Grand Inquisitor, I shall have my men sent to work immediately." She stepped in close, making sure Ferdinand was out of ear shot. "I shall see this done, I return to you once more."

As she finished her sentence, Maura continued off, leaving Mariana and Ferdinand to themselves. She looked the man up and down, trying to size him up. However, little could be gained from the facade he was putting up.

Out of courtesy, she bowed once again to the man now that they had time. "A pleasure, however our time seems rushed. A word of advice, the men you have stationed outside caused quite the problem for me, even after I told them of my summons. Next time, I may not be as patient. I wouldnt want to have to speak to someone about this and Im sure you wouldnt want that either." Mariana simply smirked as she finished her sentence beginning to turn around. However she stopped half way and turned back to Ferdinand.

"Before I go, I wish to invite you to my estate. I remember being told that you were part of the expedition that took place, I wish to hear more of this, more importantly I wish to hear about Shattered Vales. One of my men from my seaworthy days, whom I was needing to punish, escaped my grasp and last I heard he was heading in that direction. If you could be so kind, any information that would allow me to bring my possession back to me would be most welcome." She smirked once again, turning again and making her way to the alley. "Come to the harbour, my estate lies there. Its a modest home so Im sure you will feel quite at home there." She chuckled to herself as she continued down the path disappearing from sight.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 9 days, 38 minutes ago

Maura carefully approached the Daimon in the alley, staying just barely out of it's warhammer's reach. It was indifferent, same as before. Up until she reached for the pouch. When she took it out from beneath her robes the deamon's stance changed, not to an aggressive one, merely interested.

She reached inside and grabbed the portal stone, taking it out as carefully as she could manage. First sensation was odd, it almost burned her hand, it was certainly painful. With a shock she noticed the obvious difference as soon as she pulled it into view. Unlike any portal stone she saw this one had a violet tint, one that was almost glowing. "Aether roils?" - she recalled Stheno's chant, and raising her eyes she saw the same surprise on daimon's face. It struck her - daimonic face, as alien to a human as one could imagine, and yet reading emotions and intents from it was hardly difficult. If a portal stone looks odd to a daimon, then it most certainly is an odd portal stone. She decided that this phenomenon would have to wait it's turn on the list of things to investigate.

She raised the stone up high and ordered:

"Daimon! By the power vested in me by Obeah the Veiled Goddess and her Oracle Rania Eastersand, I command thee - walk!"

Daimon just sniffed the air and it's focus shifted from the stone to the pouch. That was the most surprising thing that could happen, the only thing Maura haven't assumed or planned for. She took a second to shake off the surprise and put the stone back. She searched the pouch - nothing, bunch of trinkets usual to adventurer's lot. A remnant of young mistress's life in the Vales. Nothing! Just an old, dusty, muddy, sweated over pouch, torn and patched up countless ti...

Her brows shot up. She grabbed the pouch with one hand, sunk her face in it and took a deep breath through her nostrils. Minutes she stood frozen, save for breathing there was no motion. When she finally moved, she gave the beast one more glance before turning on her heel and rushing towards the Templar Nexus.

Once she arrived she yelled to all gathered Templars:

"Rejoice! Obeah's power is great, and awesome are her miracles! There will be no more strife against the daimon in Rines. Ask no questions, for answers are not mine. Await Oracle's sermon. You two!" - she pointed to two Templars in grey armour - " you will escort me to Basilica, but first - Grand Templar's chamber."

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 7 days, 13 hours, 6 minutes ago

Eva stood in the grassy plains just off the cobblestone road leading from Avengmil to Rines. She felt the cool breeze brush upon her skin. The journey to this point had been eventful and her mind wandered through the memories of the last few months. At her weakest moment, when she was ready to give it all up, she pushed on and continued to fight. Success was found in many battles, loss of life was contained. During the journey many of the differences between Eva and Erich subsided. She even promoted the man she once despised to a position on her personal guard. They continued to spend many hours together as they traveled the lands. After a lost battle in Cjelegy, Eva tended to Erich's wounds. That night the unlikely happened, noble and peasant, delicate and coarse, merged together.

Eva let out a sigh and looked down at her right arm. The swelling had subsided but cut was still sore. "At least the bleeding had finally stopped," she thought. Her eyes raised to the horizon and towards the city of Rines. She would arrive by nightfall and a new chapter of her life would begin. What exactly that would entail she did not know, but she was eager to start it.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 7 days, 8 hours, 40 minutes ago

The Aftermath pt.1

Before Ferdinand could approach what appeared to be a Inquisitor in the Templar Nexus, he saw the Grand Inquisitor herself intercept the two members of opposite orders.

"Ah, you're here! Good" - she shouted - "Grey Knight Ferdinand Greybrook, Inquisitor Mariana le Craint. Save pleasantries for later. Walk with me." - she ordered and marched hastily towards the exit, not checking if they follow close behind she started giving instructions:

"Templar Legion has the Nexus secured, should they need help, local militia will provide it. Ferdinand, you go to Basilica, find Dame Antonia, with her - the named Lady of the Basilica - you should get past the Paladins. Go to Solarium, check on the Oracle."

Issuing orders which such intensity, Ferdinand immediately took heed of the Marshal's orders. As he was about to leave the triplet, he couldn't help but notice the secretive nature of the communication between the Inquisitors. Hence, Ferdinand hesitated leaving the duo alone. However, a moment later, the Grand Inquisitor left them. Realising his petty reasoning, the Grey Knight brushed aside such concerns and approached the entrance way to the Templar Nexus. There was no time for order infighting - the city was inhabited with Daimons, friendly or not.

Again, the Inquisitor, by the name of le Craint he thought he heard, fell into his line of sight and paused. Out of her courtesy, she bowed to Ferdinand and then spoke:

"A pleasure, however our time seems rushed. A word of advice, the men you have stationed outside caused quite the problem for me, even after I told them of my summons. Next time, I may not be as patient. I wouldn't want to have to speak to someone about this and I'm sure you wouldn't want that either." Mariana simply smirked as she finished her sentence beginning to turn around.

The Grey Knight had to bite his tongue. While he did only just recently recruit the Templar Zealots, he did not expect them to be so involved. Nevertheless, a mental note to personally take control the training of his men. However, he was not willing to divulge such information - especially to a inquisitor whom seemed to treat their engagement as a game. While Ferdinand had worked with both diligent, good, pious Inquisitors in the past, there were always some that truly knew how to get under his skin. Not wanting to give any satisfaction to the woman, Ferdinand was prepared to let her leave. However she stopped half way and turned back to Ferdinand.

"Before I go, I wish to invite you to my estate. I remember being told that you were part of the expedition that took place, I wish to hear more of this, more importantly I wish to hear about Shattered Vales. One of my men from my seaworthy days, whom I was needing to punish, escaped my grasp and last I heard he was heading in that direction. If you could be so kind, any information that would allow me to bring my possession back to me would be most welcome." She smirked once again, turning again and making her way to the alley. "Come to the harbour, my estate lies there. Its a modest home so I'm sure you will feel quite at home there." She chuckled to herself as she continued down the path disappearing from sight.

Once again, Ferdinand did not truly understand the Inquisitor's intentions. Before his time serving Obeah, he could of sworn that the woman just invited him to her home as a kind of flirting. One of the benefits of his position was that Ferdinand did not have to concern himself directly with the matters of the flesh and everything came with that. However, he was still a man in-front of Obeah's eyes. Taking a mental note, Ferdinand proceeded with his mission.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 7 days, 8 hours, 40 minutes ago

The Aftermath pt.2

Ascending the steps of the Basilica at pace, he was confronted with two heavily armoured and decorated guards.

"Halt!" one of them shouted out, instantly preparing a defensive position, "Declare your name and purpose or prepare to defend yourself!"

Ferdinand knew that any mention of the Oracle at this time would only create a hostile response. Hence, Ferdinand approached this encounter with the truth:

"My name is Ferdinand of house Greybrook, Grey Knight. I need to enter the Basilica to report to the Oracle under the orders of the Grand Inquisitor"

Taking a second to confer with his subordinate, the Paladin granted passage into the Basilica.

The grand display of architecture Ferdinand always appreciated. Perhaps on another day, he would attempt to understand the intricacy of the building. Turning to the winding staircase, Ferdinand ascended the staircase with pace, hoping to reach the office of the Oracle quickly. Protocol usually prevented anyone being admitted to the higher floors. However, the strict protection of the Basilica saw Ferdinand have to explain himself to every Paladin as he ascended higher into the Basilica meant that those on the higher floors were expecting him.

After what seemed like moments, Ferdinand had arrived at the Solarium. Completely ravaged by whatever transcended here, Ferdinand drew his sword in preparation for the worst that could be behind the broken doors. After taking a deep breath, Ferdinand opened the door and announced himself:

"My name is Grey Knight Ferdinand Greybrook. I am coming inside..."

Inside the Solarium, Ferdinand saw...

–

Roleplay from Eva Foote

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 7 days, 3 hours, 18 minutes ago

The moonless night left the empty marketplace of Rines a dark and ominous place. Eva strolled through the barren street with her cousin, Justin. In the darkness Eva could not make out much of Justin's features. His face was shrouded in the shadow of night and his height allowed him to tower over Eva. A howling wind came from the bay and echoed in the silent city streets. Eva looked up at the night sky, it was a deep black with little pinpricks of light shinning through. The majesty and wonder of the stars captivated her imagination. "When the tornadoes tore through the streets," Justin's deep voice filled the marketplace, "the noise of it all, the calamity. I don't know how to explain it. The roar of wind masking the faint screams of everyone in the city. It was surreal." "Must have been a sight behold." "It was terrifying but exhilarating, the lights, the storm, the chaotic aftermath." "I wonder what caused it." "I've heard rumors the Oracle made a deal with Mordok," Justin whispered, "she summoned daimons in order to defeat our enemies." The two stopped in the middle of the market and turned towards each other. "I think they might be right. I mean, look around, daimons are summoned and they fight for us. What else could it be!" "I don't know," Eva whispered turning her head away from the shadow laden figure, "why it happened, what it means, I don't know. The things that happen in the basilica, they're matters that only a select few are privy to. It's probably best to just keep our mouths shut, you never know what is in the shadows." "I suppose you're right," Justin turned and started walking again. "How is my mother handling this?" Eva asked as she walked beside Justin. "I bet she is a nervous wreck." "About that," Justin's voice softened, "no one has seen or heard from her since the storm. Hundreds disappeared that night, none have been found. She was one of them." Eva didn't respond and the conversation ended as they continued to walk. Eva didn't see eye to eye with her mother but that didn't prevent her from feeling the sorrow of loss. Perhaps Jessica was fine, no one really seems to know what happened that night. Eva doubted that her mother was able to survive, such naive hope quickly disappeared from her mind. She let out a sigh and accepted that she had no control over the matter. Her mind drifted towards what will come. Eva had decided on the road to Rines that she was done, she was going to lay down her sword.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 7 days, 45 minutes ago

Knock, knock, squeek... - the doors to Grand Templar's chamber half-opened slowly. Maura stepped through with but one foot and held out Stheno's pouch in front of her, she knew Vahanian was already aware she took it. The man might've been many things but a fool he most certainly was not. In apologetic tone she said:

"I promissed to bring it back intact, didn't I?"

She motioned to unconscious Stheno with her head - "I think I owe young mistress an apology. May I?"

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 6 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes ago

Vahanian didn't bother looking up from his perch next to Stheno. He knew that at this point anyone who was knocking on his chamber door either wasn't a threat or was stupid enough not to recognize the fact that Vahanian would happily kill almost anyone to protect Stheno.

Maura's voice echoed throughout the chamber. Vahanian still didn't look up. He brushed Stheno's hair from her face, having finally gotten her back into a dreamless sleep. It was an incredibly tender and caring image, that if painted and one might assume that it was father caring for his sick child, and that wasn't far from the truth.

Vahanian waved Maura into the chamber still not looking up, and still not speaking. As the Inquisitor stepped into the room she could clearly see that Vahanian looked tired, and haggard, he was tired. His beard was unkempt, he had dark bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. He moved with the stiffness of a man who'd been sitting in the same position for a long time. Finally he stood, stretching his back and arms and legs. Carefully moving each muscle so as not to induce a cramp. He looked at Maura, no longer trying to pass judgement on the young inquisitor. Simply looking at her for who she was.

His eyes flicked to the satchel in her hand. The shards of the Portal stone that exploded still scattered across the floor and in the bottom of the bag. Vahanian's arm, bandaged in black bandages still burned. He had no doubt he would have an unusual scar. When Maura spoke "I think I owe young mistress an apology. May I?" Vahanian looked back at Stheno's sleeping form and said "We both do, but I prefer not to wake her again just for that. She's been through hell. Let her rest, when she wakes we can make our apologies. Agreed?" Vahanian's voice was scratchy.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 6 days, 3 hours, 9 minutes ago

Maura looked between Vahanian and Stheno as if thinking of something intensely. Finally she nodded, laid down the pouch and departed.

She looked outside Templar Nexus for Mariana, but not seeing her there she decided she still has time. Perfect. To Basilica she went thinking only how to sneak into one of the elevators to save precious minutes on travel to the top.

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 6 days, 3 hours, 55 minutes ago

- An undetermined amount of time before Maura returns to the Nexus -

A soft knock sounded on the chamber door as a messenger was permitted entry, he handed Vahanian a sealed scroll that was addressed to the Oracle. Vahanian nodded his thanks and returned his attention to Stheno. The messenger just realizing who was laying on the cot and couldn't help but notice her condition gasped audibly and muttered. "By The Veil, is she okay?" Vahanian shook his head and muttered softly.

"No, she has endured unimaginable pain." Baldwin escorted the messenger out of the chamber, leaving Vahanian a moment of peace with his young charge. Vahanian read the message, he felt guilty opening the seal, but it was delivered to him for a reason and he would know what it said.

Letter from Thesseus Polytus

(Personal message to Rania Eastersand JeVondair) - 1 hour, 45 minutes ago

Good Lady Duchess Rania,

It has been along time since we last exchanged letters. Since my departure, Gotland and what it seems all of Beluaterra has fallen into a deep slumber. The spirit of mankind is already weakening and magical energy has increased tremendously again. Perhaps for most of Beluaterra there is already no hope left. When the daimons arive those alive will be better of dead. However I will not give up the fight non or the less and I know you wont either. As evil only seems to have spread you and I only have to work ever closer to fight it. Let me know how you believe we should approach the fight.

By the GG's Mercy,

Thesseus Polytus Royal of Gotland Knight of Gethsemene

Vahanian reviewed the information in his mind, piece by piece. This was a puzzle he would not solve alone, and he would need to talk it through with the Oracle. A task for another day he decided, tucking the scroll into his cloak.

Baldwin returned and stood, the silent sentinel in the room. Awaiting a command or request. Stheno's face contorted in pain as she slept. Vahanian stroked her hair gently as he whispered "Would that I could take your pain away little one..." Baldwin stepped forward, placing his hand on Vahanian's soldier, an unusually intimate and informal gesture from the man, but one Vahanian appreciated beyond words. "My Lord, there is nothing more you can do for her now, you must tend to yourself."

Vahanian didn't move, he wouldn't move. Baldwin knew his suggestion would be falling on deaf ears, but he had to try. He knew Vahanian was too stubborn and too loyal to leave Stheno's bedside. "Maura returns." Vahanian muttered.

Baldwin was confused, how could Vahanian possibly know that? Vahanian didn't wait for the confusion to voice itself he simply said. I can feel the stones in my arm. When she took Stheno's pack, the pain lessened, they approach and I can feel them, I can feel them pulse, I can feel them, Baldwin." There was a small amount of concern in Vahanian's voice, not enough for Baldwin to address it, but enough for him to know that Vahanian himself was tumbling this information in the maze that was his mind.

Baldwin had no doubt that Vahanian would pick up this information as one might a puzzle piece or a problem and turn it over in his mind. He would also lay it down and leave it be for several hours, letting other things occupy his thoughts. But he would always return to it until he found a suitable solution. He would not ask for help until he had answers to his questions. It was the way Vahanian's mind worked. It was infuriating and admirable at the same time. Vahanian was already starting to get that far off look in his eye, that look that told Baldwin, he was turning the sensation in his arm over and over in his mind, inspecting every aspect of it. It was, in a way, intoxicating to watch, here was a man who was able to rationally and logically investigate his own pain and discomfort, while feeling that pain and discomfort.

Vahanian returned to himself, obviously not satisfied with the results of his investigation. He dismissed Baldwin and returned to tending to Stheno.

–

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 6 days, 1 hour, 24 minutes ago

As Mariana reached the Basilica, she let out a deep sigh before turning to the men whom she had gathered. Among them was the captain and two very promising squad leaders. The captain, who was called, Valdric stood at a decent 6ft tall, standing over Mariana but only slightly. The other two were shorter than both of them, however they were still imposing figures. By this time, the new gear had arrived for the unit.

Accompaning their crossbows that hung on their backs and the swords engraved with the crest of house le Craint. They were now equipped with a leather overcoat that covered their steel chest piece. Their arms protected by a studded leather shoulder pauldrons. Rather than looking like an immediate threat they could easily be hidden within a crowd. Mariana was now wearing something similar however she had a ornate sword, a long slim blade with the handle wrapped with purple rope holding a small golden crest of house le Craint.

"Right, as have arrived I shall inform you more about the reason you have been chosen. The Grand Inquisitor requested I bring along my three most trusted men. As such, whatever is spoken within these halls must not be repeated. Come now, let us not keep the Grand Inquisitor waiting."

Entering within the basilica, Mariana passed the same guards as before. She glanced over to them, the one that spoke before met her eyes before standing up straight again. She smirked as she continued further into the building. Reaching the main hall, she made her way to one of the guards.

"Let the Grand Inquisitor know that Mariana le Craint has arrived and she is ready to meet with her."

The Guard nodded, Mariana looked around, making her way to her three men who were waiting for her in the centre of the room.

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 6 days, 16 minutes ago

Discovery in the Solarium

"My name is Grey Knight Ferdinand Greybrook. I am coming inside..."

Inside the Solarium, the room was a shadow of it's former self. What would be full of light was broken. Stepping into the room with a torch for light in one hand, and another with his sword, the Grey Knight looked around him. The curtains had been torn down, furniture broken but a foul stench in the air:

"Madam Oracle. I am your Grey Knight. Please do not be alarmed..."

Stepping further into the room, the light from the torch illuminated the stone underneath his feet. Looking to his right, he had found one of the pieces of curtain, draped across the floor. Upon further inspection, there seemed to be some form writing made by some kind of ink. With his curiosity getting the better of Ferdinand, he securely placed the torch between two pieces of broken furniture to allow the free use of his spare hand. Picking up the curtain for further inspection, Ferdinand felt a sense of dread call upon the back of his neck. This was written in no ink.

This was dried Daimon blood.

Distinct to Daimon blood was the black shimmer that Ferdinand had witnessed first hand only mere hours ago. Scanning the symbols that were haphazardly inscribed on the curtain, perhaps even by hand, Ferdinand began to put the events of the storm together. Tearing the part of the curtain that was inscribed, Ferdinand picked the torch back up and continued to survey the room. Scattered around the floor were dismembered pieces of Ferdinand could confidently assume were Daimon in nature. Perhaps they were a result of the portal that collapsed and exploded on itself. More Daimon blood was found next to other curtains which were inscribed in a similar nature to the first one. While he could not afford to lose his focus to properly discover the meaning behind the inscriptions, Ferdinand memorised how each symbol was depicted.

Putting together a story of events in his mind, he could assume that the Oracle perhaps saw something in her mania and the blood was the only way she could transcribe her thoughts and visions. By the ninth curtain, Ferdinand had entered the centre of the room, with many torn pieces of cloth stored away in his tunic, underneath his armour plating. Freeing up his hands once more, Ferdinand called out:

"Where are you!"

The silence followed was eerie. The was no sound apart from the flame from his torch. Out the corner of his eye, Ferdinand saw something. A body? Lurching out with such speed, Ferdinand jumped over a broken pillar and found perhaps whom he was looking for.

Suddenly, a noise seemed to come from a unknown place. Almost like a mechanism had been activated from somewhere hidden. Turning to the body, he knelt down to check for any signs of life, giving the woman a firm rock and checked for breathing.

Life.

Confirming that she was alive, without knowing the full extent of her injuries, Ferdinand turned away. Ferdinand stood alert, fully prepared to give his life in the defense of this room. With the noise of the mechanism getting louder, adrenaline pumped through his body with a focus that he had never truly experienced before. Perhaps through all of this, the Grey Knight never heard the woman stir from behind him:

"In the name of Obeah, the Oracle and my oath as a Grey Knight, devout in my faith, I order you to show yourself!"

Nevertheless, Ferdinand, with his sword and torch at the ready, awaiting the fate he was about to face.

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (33 recipients) - 5 days, 1 hour, 42 minutes ago

"In the name of Obeah, the Oracle and my oath as a Grey Knight, devout in my faith, I order you to show yourself!"

"Ordering a bit above your charge, Grey Knight, aren't you?" - unmistakable, emotionless voice of Grand Inquisitor could be heard a second before she did show herself. She scanned the Solarium, the ruined chamber, so different from what it has been during the ritual. Almost all looked more or less as she expected it, the single surprise she noted was the daimon blood arranged in elaborate patterns, but even that she hid behind the mask of calm certainty.

She pointed at the Oracle with a coiled scroll of freshly written report:

"Are you certain you want to meet Her Holiness for the first time by showing her your back? Go on Ferdinand, wake her, help her up."

The nonchalant approach to the Oracle's well-being might've been borderline heretical at the first glance, but Maura already knew that Oracle was mostly unharmed. Benign daimons could only be a work of Obeah and if Obeah worked through that portal, then her Holy Oracle, her strongest link to this world could not be possibly harmed. At least not more than the Veiled Goddess could allow.

She picked up a flipped table and placed the report on it, certain that Oracle would read it wheneve she comes to, then she approached Ferdinand, saying: "Come, I'll help."

–

Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (33 recipients) - 5 days, 22 minutes ago

There was a thread of embarrassment that crossed Ferdinand's face. In the mix of everything that occurred, simple matters such as this was his first meeting with the Oracle did not cross his mind.

Sheepishly accepting the Grand Inquisitor's help, they put the Oracle down on far safer standing as the two Grey Knights took to their task.

Once the Oracle was safely placed on a chair, Ferdinand then proceeded to ask a question of the Grand Inquisitor:

"The elevator was you I assume Grand Inquisitor. I feared the worst when I entered the Solarium. With Daimons roaming the city, what do we do now? I would rather kill the beings than let them roam."

–

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (28 recipients) - 4 days, 23 hours, 15 minutes ago

Vahanian was glad Maura had accepted his proposal of letting Stheno sleep. He was far too tired to put up much of a fight. He laid on a separate cot and closed his eyes, allowing sleep to overtake him for a few hours. He rarely slept more than a few hours at a time anymore. Most of the time his dreams were haunted by memories best forgotten. Tonight however, was different. He was happily dreamless.

Several hours later he woke, Baldwin was shuffling in carrying a tray of stew, bread, tea and water. The two men sat together and ate, Vahanian was unusually silent. "What vexes the mind, my lord?" Baldwin asked. Vahanian finished his meal and sat back in his chair, sipping the tea. "Many puzzles without clear solutions." Vahanian muttered. Baldwin cleared the table and deposited the tray off to a servant waiting outside. He returned with a steaming kettle and placed it on the table for Vahanian to refill his tea at his own leisure. He also pulled out a chess board and placed it in front of his master.

Vahanian raised an eyebrow at him and Baldwin said "Perhaps a puzzle the mind can solve will help?" Vahanian nodded smiling, he lit his pipe and the two men played. Vahanian clearly the better player trounced Baldwin 9 moves in. They reset the board and played again. Vahanian started removing pieces before they started, handicapping himself. Baldwin could tell, he loved the challenge. "This game suits you, my lord." Vahanian chuckled, "It suits, Leatho more." Vahanian exhaled the smoke he was holding in his lungs. "His mind is a wonder.. Devilishly clever, and utterly ruthless. He has a unique way of thinking.. one that makes him especially suited for his.. profession.." Vahanian said the word profession with a bit of disgust in his tone. Baldwin knew that Vahanian hated the idea that his own brother was an assassin for hire, he also knew Vahanian hated the fact that assassins for hire were useful and effective tools in war even more.

"You've beaten him, yes?" Baldwin asked. Vahanian nodded "Aye, only once. Never again since." Baldwin asked "Has anyone ever beaten him more than once?" Vahanian thought for a moment, "Aye, our father beat him twice at the game when he was 7. A week later our father swore to never play against him again." Baldwin looked confused "Why? He was just a boy.." Vahanian laughed and said "Clearly, you've never met Leatho. He was so upset he lost twice he spent 2 weeks outside, barely eating, just staring at a blank board." Baldwin's face showed his confusion. "He was playing the games he lost in his mind. From memory. At 7 years old. Our father knew he'd never beat Leatho again, and if he did manage it, he was scared of what Leatho might do."

Baldwin still didn't seem to understand. "Leatho hates losing, but he hates making mistakes even more. At 7, both he and my father knew that my father didn't win, Leatho just lost. That's how it was for almost all the games Leatho lost, he rarely was bested by a better opponent, just bested by himself.." Baldwin was beginning to understand, "He made a mistake that cost him the game? Twice?" "Different mistakes, but aye. He then replayed the games from memory in the dead of winter outside, until he was satisfied he'd found the best path to victory with each game. It was rather impressive."

"You said that was the case for almost all the games he lost? Did someone legitimately outplay him?" Vahanian nodded, puffing his pipe. "Aye, Andross, his son. Most brilliant game I've ever seen. Took them 4 hours to finish, and afterwards Leatho just stood, nodded at his son and muttered "Well played." Before vanishing for 3 days. I don't think Andross knew it at the time, but that was Leatho's way of showing pride. He wanted to let his son revel in the glory of victory without his own sour mood ruining the moment." Baldwin was enthralled "How did Andross win?" Vahanian shook his head "I couldn't say.. I memorized that game and replayed it mentally and physically and even I can't understand the victory. I don't think Leatho does either, which is why he won't play Andross anymore, at least he won't until he figures our how Andross won.."

Baldwin muttered: "It seems petty to take that attitude.." Vahanian responded "Not petty at all, he's not foolishly playing a better opponent until victory is assured. He won't ask Andross for an explanation either. That would ruin the accomplishment. They both know Leatho is the better player, but Leatho won't replay him until he understands how he lost. It's just his way. They both know it, and they both respect it. So do I."

–

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (33 recipients) - 4 days, 22 hours, 27 minutes ago

"Ingenious contraption of Obian scholars, blacksmiths and architects. If it weren't for Stheno I wouldn't even know it's there. I'm quite surprised it works still after the portal event..." - said Maura, wondering how far from consciousness the Oracle really is - "... as for the Daimons... all signs say they are but a tool of Obeah, a status they share - I'd like to remind you - with Templars. In your oath you're pledged to Obeah first and foremost. A smith will smith nothing if his hammer fights with his pliers. As a Grey Knight your duty is to fight daimonkind, yes, but there are more ways to fighting them than killing every single Daimon that enters your view. Noone knows the vastness of Netherworld and the greatness of daimonic hordes. I wager if they all lined up for you to cut down, you would die of old age before you got through the tenth of their number. No. Knowledge is our greatest weapon."

She smelled the air - rotten eggs and ozone. "We need to act smart, especially now..." - she thought out loud, barely above whisper - "... after all the Aether roils..."

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Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (33 recipients) - 4 days, 7 hours, 57 minutes ago

Listening to the Grand Inquisitor's wisdom, Ferdinand began to question the almost blood thirsty appearance he has seemed to leave in his wake:

"Grand Inquisitor, I acknowledge the teachings of Obeah - especially in reference with Daimons. However, there are those whom are particularly aggressive and would want nothing more than to see us burn. Along with the Grand Templar, I killed two mentionable Daimons today. Hence, when Daimons are concerned, I will take more thought, acknowledging your wisdom. However,Obeah has a purpose for all of us, death before duty is failure."

The smell of rotten eggs began to plague Ferdinand's nostrils. Looking back to the Oracle, whom stirred slightly in her state, Ferdinand inspected her. Despite the events in their surroundings, she was ultimately unharmed. Merely knocked unconscious by whatever force or magic took her.

Taking a second, Ferdinand thought through what he had gathered in before the Grand Inquisitor entered. Originally cautious, he trusted the Grand Inqusitior, more over any suspicions he held of the Inquisition as a whole. Hence, the Grey Knight took of one of many curtains he tore away and placing it infront of the Grand Inquisitor:

"Grand Inquisitor, upon my arrival, I acquired these writings, written in Daimon blood. By assessing the situation and taking some time to study the symbols contained, I realise that this could only be the Oracle's writings. She has named this collection - The Daimonomicon."

Taking a second for this fact to settle, the Grey Knight continued:

"This book seems to detail the Oracle's experiences with the Daimons and provides her own insight into their dealings and nature. I will take personal responsibility to ensure its distribution through the Grey Knight ranks and those deemed appropriate to ensure, like you previously stated,knowledge is our greatest weapon. I wish to confirm this with the Oracle. However, I do believe we should take her from this place and allow her to recover properly."

Ferdinand moved towards the Orcale almost to pick her unconscious form up. However, slowly realising the scale of etiquette he broke to check the Oracle, he retreated a step away when the Orcale stirred once again.

Hence, Ferdinand stood in anticipation to discover whether the Orcale had truly returned to consciousness.

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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (28 recipients) - 4 days, 3 hours, 56 minutes ago

Baldwin and Vahanian were nearing the end of a game of chess when Vahanian's arm felt strange. It tingled in a way he'd never felt before. He pushed it to the side, dealing with the problem in front of him first. A few moments later Baldwin toppled his king, indicating his defeat.

Vahanian nodded and smiled at his friend saying "You're improving. Still thinking too far ahead, but getting better." He turned his attention to Stheno who was stirring in her sleep. A thought hit Vahanian like a thunderbolt, he knew not of it's origin. He turned to Baldwin and said "Assemble the Legion. We go to the Oracle." He scooped Stheno's tiny form into his arms and carried her out of the Nexus. Surrounded by 40 battle hardened, and eternally loyal soldiers he marched to the basilica.

Upon approaching the steps, the Paladins initially barred the entrance, seeing 43 armed individuals approach could set one on edge. As soon as they saw the Grand Templar's personal standard they removed their blockade and saluted. Several of them even fell in, feeling honor-bound to guard and protect the Oracle's daughter. Vahanian need not speak as he ascended the winding stair of the Basilica's tower. He could have taken the lift of course, but for some reason he wanted to carry Stheno up each and every step. The tower was built as a crucible of sorts for a reason, and Vahanian would endure. Not even a quarter of the way up, he felt his arm muscles begin to start to burn. It was arduous enough when he wasn't carrying another person's weight. He set his face, ignored the pain and kept climbing. When he neared the last quarter of the climb he nodded to Baldwin who began instructing the Legion and Paladin's alike to station themselves every 7 stairs. Spacing them out so that none could approach from the stairs unimpeded. The rest of the forces were stationed outside the Solarium and guarding the lift. Baldwin moved to climb the ladder into the Solarium when Vahanian shook his head and said "No, my old friend. You must stay here." Baldwin protested. "We know not what waits on the other side." Vahanian was firm and said "True, but my decision is made. I will carry her in alone. That is all." Baldwin nodded, knowing protesting further was futile.

Vahanian ascended the ladder and through the trapdoor into the Solarium. The stench of magic permeated the air, He saw two figures in the depths of the room, their voices carried over to him. To their credit they readied themselves at the sound of his approach. He called out "Peace, friends. I carried this little one a long way. Where is the Oracle? They must be laid next to one another."

It was only when Vahanian stepped further into the room, when he realized that his bandaged arm was burning as intensely as when the portal stone had exploded in his hand and shot shrapnel through his flesh. He grimaced and almost dropped Stheno. He held her tightly, walked over to the Oracle, and laid daughter next to mother. Making the sign of Obeah over two of the most important people in his life, he stepped back and waited.

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Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (28 recipients) - 2 days, 5 hours, 18 minutes ago

It was a subtle thing at first, the shift that alerted the wary that something was happening. Side by side, mother and daughter slept on the bloodied floor of the Solarium. Their breathing slowed by degrees until both of their chests rose and fell in unison.

The Oracle stirred as though to wake, and in that instant a high wind gusted through the Solarium like a swiftly indrawn breath. Candles and torches alike guttered out like so many matches, knocking them over to roll and die on the ground, leaving only pale light of the crescent moon and its host of stars.

In the darkness, the daimon blood began to glow. Black as oil slicks at first, but shifting color as the glow intensified. From black to a fiery violet with flares of pink and an aura of lavender. The blood burned in this way like a silent, odorless fire, burning until the original black was scourged away, replaced instead with a deep cobalt blue that pulsed brighter and brighter, expanding to consume all the other colors as well, until the Solarium itself was bathed in a beatific blue light. Then, the blue pools seemed to lift from the ground, collapsing on themselves like sand castles in as strong breeze, swirling to coalesce in a shining, roiling ball of blue light in the center of the Solarium and directly above the Oracle. It spun and spun, flaring with increasing brilliance as its diameter shrank and its length extended until it was no longer a ball, but a single beam anchored on the Oracle’s brow and extending straight up through the glass ceiling to pierce the endless night beyond. As it did, the Oracle came to full wakefulness, arching her back with a dreadful indrawn breath, eyes screwed shut, struggling not as one who could not breath, but as one who seemed to have forgotten how. Yet more disturbingly, outside the aethereal light’s radiance, Stheno’s body mirrored her mother’s every movement in eerie silence, for where the Oracle’s eyes were partially open, Stheno remained firmly asleep. Then, just as suddenly, she collapsed onto her back again, her breathing nice and even. For a moment, it seemed as though she might have lost consciousness again, but then her eyes opened. In that instance, in the night-wreathed darkness of the Solarium, the Oracle’s eyes seemed aflame, burning with the seem blue intensity that had scourged the daimonblood.

Rania, fully awake and calm, smiled.

Without warning, the darkness was banished as though it had never been. The torches and candles within the Solarium were lit. They did not whiff or roar back to life, they were simply aflame again as though they had never been blown out with the sudden swiftness of a curtain being drawn to admit sunlight into a dark space. Those that had been blown about were instead right where they had been as though the entire mystical event had never unfolded at all. As Rania roused Stheno, the girl gasped in terror as though she expected to be in pain upon waking, tears streaming down her face amidst silent sobs, but Rania held her through it, humming a discordant melody. No power burned from her eyes, no terrible sense of awe or dread. Just an aging priestess cradling a young woman’s head in her lap. It was as though nothing had happened at all, and ever after that day none who witnessed it could reliably say that it ever had…

…Save for the piles and piles of curtains covered in Rania’s flowing script, still writ in the ink-black blood of daimons.

“Behold the enemy,” The Oracle sighed exhaustedly, her daughter weeping in her arms.

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (32 recipients) - 2 days, 16 minutes ago

Maura knelt before the curious pile. She read several lines, then several more. The Lexicon paled in comparison to the wisdom of the scribbled courtains. There were most certainly answers here. Ones of the veil and beyond. Perhaps the promissed ones as well, but... could she risk it? It took her a while to notice how long had she been preoccupied with the compendium written in daimon blood and how inappropriately ignorant to everything else.

She swiftly stood up and motioning to the pile she asked the Oracle: "Is there naught to be learned beyond this?"

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Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (32 recipients) - 2 days, 6 minutes ago

Rania shrugged, "I ran out of writing materials," she replied simply, her tone laced with disappointment. As Maura wrestled with her own internal thoughts, Rania got to her feet.

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (32 recipients) - 1 day, 20 hours, 38 minutes ago

"Forgive me Your Holiness, I misspoke. I ment only to ask if every last shred of knowledge about our Archenemy is finally ours? If our work is finally complete." - Maura said before looking around at everyone in the room and stepping towards the Oracle.

"I thought we may have lost you!" - she said and faster than anyone could react embraced Rania in what could well have been the most awkward hug in the history.

After letting go she stepped back just as fast and stood in soldierly pose: straight, head slightly bowed, hands hidden behind her back.

"If you have no more need of me, Your Holiness, I would like to resume my duties. The city below... there is much chaos still, my Inquisitors await the orders."

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Roleplay from Didrika Rugsus

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (27 recipients) - 1 day, 19 hours, 54 minutes ago

It jad been chaos. People were frightened, daimons had replaced friends and family members. Rumors were running faster than orders through the scattered mobs of peasants.

Didrika was a calm point amongst it all. Her great talent was a complete lack of expressiom in the face of crisis amd high emotion. It made her soldiers respect her and earned her a bit of fear amongst the peasants she encountered.

She had been perhaps a day in jer station, in her estate when the magic portals deposited daimins in their midst. She had aggressively cleared out any on her property and begun gathering those who could not protect themselves behind her walls.

It was due to this she met Captain Gabriela. The captain had been marching what was left of her core squad through the city. It seemed that mich like birds migrated, soldiers returned to command when there was a lack of orders. That is what Gabriela's goal was, to reach a point of contact with the command struture and be useful there.

Didrika made quick use if the new soldiers and began getting those who were still coherent and capable from the peasantry to starting scouting the city, working in a grid from her estate.

By the time actual orders came, Didrika was already a hub of information on sightings and movements. She was aware of the issues that came with not making an appearance upon reciept, but she had her reasons for not making a crisis her introduction at court.

As things seemed to be more organized and responsive, Didrika made attempts at following missives issued to those at her level. The attempt to catch a criminal did not go well, but it was a good learning tool for her unit amd the new recruits.

She made sure she read all reports on the local situation amd discussed it in depth with her Captain. And when rumors circulated that the Oracle yet lived, Didrika allowed herself a small smile. There was still hope.

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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (27 recipients) - 1 day, 19 hours, 21 minutes ago

Jessica launched an arrow into the maw of a monster, and watched it fall. It twisted gruesomely in its death throes. She nocked another arrow and pulled the string back to her cheek, deltoid flexing to pull the large war bow back.

They had held the ramparts of Irombro successfully for several battles, flinging the monsters from the palisades. The thrill of battle tingled within her breast, and she let loose her missile. The only feeling more thrilling than battle was winning battles.

That feeling was soon to disappear.

"Grandmistress!" on of her Soldats de Chance called to her. She glanced over to where he was pointing. Her eyes widened. A horde of undead had climbed the wall while they had been fighting off the monsters.

Quickly she held up a fist, dropped it down, and pointed her hand at the undead. Two of her men saw the hand signal, and yelled for the Soldats to shift their fire to the undead.

They were flanked.

Other units were still entangled with the monsters. She cursed herself. Being mute is not a boon on the battlefield, in any way shape or form.

Arrows launched into the undead, hardly making a dent. They kept coming.

A huge club smashed into two soldiers to her right. She let out a silent gasp as their lifeless bodies sailed through the air. An ogre of a beast had pushed through the defensive line, and took the opportunity to attack her flank. As the monster lifted its club and the undead closed in, panic set in. The soldiers, the few who still lived, scrambled back, forfeiting the rampart they had held up until then.

Undead moved forward and she danced backward, her assassin reflexes keeping her light on her feet. She smashed two with her heavy bow, and jumped back again as the monster slammed its club down. She needed men to take down the beast, but by this point a full retreat had been sounded across the defensive position. Angrily, she ripped an arrow from her quiver and launched it at the brute. It lodged in its chest, but seemed to have little effect. Shaking her head, she quickly fell in with the rest of the soldiers making their way back to a secondary defensive position.

Amen Iron was turning out to be a cruel mistress indeed.

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Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (32 recipients) - 3 hours, 10 minutes ago

Violet Whimpers

The spectacle that unfolded in-front of the Grey Knight was noting short of breathtaking. Ferdinand did not know what to think. As this was his first true engagement with the Oracle, why would he know? From the glowing Daimon blood, which one could see behind Ferdinands armour and on the other curtains, the silence of the flame and the blue light that eventually transcended onto the Oracle were mesmerizing. However, the look from the Oracle, eyes seemed aflame, burning with the seem blue intensity that had scourged the daimonblood, seemed to stare into Ferdinands soul.

It was over very quickly. As the Oracle eventually settled and started to console the young lady in her arms, she uttered:

“Behold the enemy."

As the Grand Inquisitor questioned the Oracle, and gave her a uncharacteristic hug and then requested her leave, Ferdinand believed it was time to talk with his Oracle. With a new surge of confidence, Ferdinand went to his knee and begun to speak:

"My Oracle. My name is Ferdinand Greybrook, Grey Knight and Obeah's warrior and in her service to protect the faithful of Obeah. I offer my deepest sincerity when I state that I forced my way to your Solarium. However, it was of a great necessity to check on your condition. Many of us feared the worst."

Taking a pause to look at the woman's reaction, Ferdinand hesitated to continue. He was not entirely sure how to continue. Thinking it might be best to keep his introduction short, Ferdinand summarised:

"I am at your service now and whenever you may need me. Just say the word and it will be done. I just regret that I did not arrive sooner to check on your condition. However, the The Daimonomicon, may I have your permission to study it's contents? It may prove vital in truly understanding the enemy that awaits us."

With that, Ferdinand awaited the Oracle's reply...

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (27 recipients) - 44 minutes ago

The great staircase of Basilica was most certainly symbolic. Whoever traversed the arduous stairway certainly got the metaphor. And the metaphor was not lost on Grand Inquisitor either, as she traversed the unending stairs for the first time in her life. Unlike anyone before her, however, her first experience with the great staircase was descending, not ascending. She walked down swiftly yet cautiously, but even her trained mind suffered from dizziness after several minutes of monotone dance of greys and angles and one step amiss she stumbled, regaining her balance barely in time.

Work of the Inquisitor is a perilous one - she thought as she continued to tread down the stairs. Putting more and more distance between the Solarium where the Oracle, Stheno, Grand Templar and Ferdinand must've still debated the chaos following the Aether storm.

Perilous is the work the Inquisitor - she continued her vertical travel. One mistake can mean your undoing, one misstep and you may find yourself falling trough the endless stairway, towards your certain death. Final things disallow for further narrative, no explanations follow certain doom.

Inquisitor's work is perilous indeed - she mused, taking one careful step after another, firmly squeezing something tiny, yet precious in her fist as she descended from the light of Obeah into the darkness of the Netherworld. Shadows of the staircase seemed dimmer still and torches on the walls less inclined to do their duty and burn brightly. Time ceased to matter amid her precarious descent and somewhere within that timeless space of countless flights of stairs her heart calmed down somewhat after the most dangerous thing she ever did.

Finally she reached the bottom.

She was alone and on a flat surface, yet she feared to open her hand, lest she would find it empty. Finally she mustered the courage and on the open palm there it was - a small lock of dark hair.

Maura exhaled, as if for the first time in her life.

"Now, if I were eight years younger, diligent Inquisitor, where would I be?" - she though out loud, searching for Mariana, as she paced the main hallway of Basilica. The entrance - she though, and walked forth with hurry and confidence, towards her goal. In passing she grabbed a red candle from a scribe's portable writing table, not slowing her pace she lit it from one of the wall torches. She twirled the dark strand around her finger, half-ashamed of the sacrilege and closed it with melted, red wax, pressed by the Grand Inquisitor's seal; not even wincing as she slightly burned herself. She reached the entrance by the time wax cooled off.

"Inquisitor Mariana..." - she noted three men placed about inconspicuously and murmured approval - "... walk with me..." - and as soon as they left Basilica she lowered her voice, so that only Mariana heard her say - "You and your men. Be ready to fight. But don't appear ready to fight. Don't appear anything at all. Remain hidden, and if the fight happens - keep yourself at range, do not get close. We will apprehend someone special, as peacefully and quitely as possible. Needless to say - whatever happens will be done before first lights of dawn reveal it..." - Grand Inquisitor suddenly stopped and turned around, her face barely inches from Mariana's, she whispered - "Whomever sees our holy work must not have the chance to tell the tale, do you understand?"

Maura waited seconds to note the Inquisitor's reaction and they were on the move again - they walked towards a certain alley, not far from Temlpar Nexus...

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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (32 recipients) - just in

(OOC: Prison RP between Maura and Apostate)

The cell you are thrown into is dank and dim. The faint light from beneath the door colours the black stones in blue-gray hue. The chains on your wrists and ankles could easily hold an ogre. At the other end the chains disappear in the holes in the floor, only wide enough for the links to fit through, but they are long enough that you can freely walk around the cell.

You recall how you were brough here. It is not the first time you visit dungeons of Rines, the vastness of them never fails to inspire awe and dismay. Without the map one could struggle to find their way out for days if not weeks, perhaps dying of hunger and dehydration before they can be found by Inquisitors and killed in a more creative way. This time however the dungeons were different. Some doors along the way were open and prisoners unchained, yet noone tried to escape. The rogues "locked" in seemed to accept their faith, the guards however... the guards were startled of the tiniest noises, their stares held panic and silent desperation. They did not seem as guards at all, more likely... were they prisoners too?

All in all cells, altough unusued or used in a weird fashion, seemed over-the-top secure. As if those walls and chains were not designed with thought of human prisoners.

A sound of crying from just outside the doors stopped your reverie. The sobs belonged to a man and they were very much audible, as were the deep breaths the person outside the door took to regain composure, a couple of seconds before opening the door.

As the doors opened in came a huge man clad in chainmail - clearly a prison guard - in low voice he bellowed: "Grand Inquisitor will be with you shortly."

Before departing and closing the door again he thrown a bota bag full of water on the ground. It took a little while for you to realise that it was not made of leather, or rather - that the skin for the leather was not obtained from an animal.

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