Greybrook Family/Ferdinand/The Violet Storm
Contents
Buildup
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Ulrika, Apostate, | |
| On route to the Basilica:
Apostate It was with extreme reluctance that Apostate gave the stones to his contact. They sang to him, humming promises of the Daimons’ return. He wanted to be the one to tear the veil and bring them forth in multitudes. Still, he gave them away. Heaviness in his heart at his failure. As instructed, he stalked off to the Grand Temple.
Ulrika at last accepted the final stones and set off for the Temple. She was ready to do the Oracle's bidding, whatever it might be
Maura arrived at the Grand Temple to the sight of two of her agents sitting on a bench by the temple's wall. "What are you doing here? Her Holiness prepared quarters for you in Basilica, not Grand Temple. You will eat and sleep like nobles today. Follow me." - she beckoned them to follow and as they did she looked pointedly at Ulrika - "Do you have it?" - not uttering the name of the objects of interest.
Ulrika tapped the pouch that she had hung around her neck and nodded 'Aye m'lady, they are here' They rounded the corner and the familiar sight of the Grand Basilica came into view
Ferdinand Greybrook It was only a few hours before sunset before Ferdinand returned from training to private study. He did not believe he would be gone for as long as he did. Nevertheless, the Templar's Vanguard are growing stronger as a unit with each passing day. With their higher levels of training, Ferdinand himself needed to be sharper than before to get the very best of his soldiers. As a pastime while the Sun was in the middle of the sky, Ferdinand maintained his military wear after training as if he was on campaign, a good habit that he had picked up since joining the Enlightenment. Despite his best efforts, Ferdinand was not the most patient man and is passionate about his strong beliefs. Hence, awaiting new orders from the Marshal was somewhat agonizing. Hence, time was either spent on self improvement or military drills with the Vanguard. He did not want to neglect his duty for petty reasons such as fashion. Contradictory, perhaps most to Ferdinand himself, the Templar maintained a sharp black beard, as typical of Greybrook's, while assuring that his embolden equipment of his family's crest was constantly maintained. Opening the letter that a scribe gave him upon his arrival to his resting quarters in the city, he immediately tucked it inside his cloak and sent off towards the barracks. With the Captain being paid this morning, Seviana was more tolerable to deal with and acted with more intuition - while continuing high discipline when he was not present. Striding up to the Captain and the 44 other soldiers of the unit, whom were taking a break for the evening sun, Ferdinand ordered: "We have direct orders to stand guard by the Basilica! We move out in one minute!" Ferdinand was met with a large grown by his fellow soldiers. Despite their only momentary respite from training that morning, they are hard workers whom do not hold a grudge. Travelling to the other side of the city, Ferdinand had gave discrete orders to stand guard by the Basilica and to stay alert. Unfortunately for the Vanguard, they are not very subtle in their approach, considering that they march in formation with precise paces. Hence, even with Rines' large proportion of militia, the relatively lighter armour infantry caused a bit of a stir. With the Templar's Vanguard stationed outside the Basilica, Ferdinand ascended the steps and opened the large decorative door into what he presumed to be the main reception hall. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Ulrika, Apostate, | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Apostate | |
| The Wait
Maura Arnickles Renodin Arriving at Basilica with the two companions Maura immediately frowned at Templar's Vanguard stationed conspicuously; as if ready for battle. Curious stares and whispered questions from the gathered crowd couldn't be more obvious. The Inquisitor approached the crowd and said: "The templars gathered here await consecration of their weapons from priests in the Basilica, so they would better rid our holy lands of the undead scourge! You ought to be thankful to your indentured protectors!" The whispers intensified but the mood slowly changed from fearful to cheerful and soon crowd started to offer the warriors food and drink. Maura walked past the gathered soldiers, tapping one of them on the back, and entered the Basilica, motioning for her companions to follow. The Holy Basilica of Rines, house of the Grand Council, next to Grand Temple one of the two main offices of the Oracle; estate under the care of Antonia Fitz-Roberts - it was the very epitome of magnificence, splendor and architectural prowess. The vestibule alone looked as if it was a throne room of some ancient empire, and with a magnificent archway it led to a lofty hallway, that in turn ended with three gateways. On one end there was a passsage to the residential part of the Basilica, where surely Dame Antonia had her chambers, on the other end one could find clerical and administrative offices, in the middle however there was a short flight of stairs, leading to a set of highly decorated doors. Behind those doors one could find even more overwhelming surroundings. The main reception hall, or simply main hall could've been the biggest room on the ground level of Basilica, it could've fit another building inside it, high rib vault was supported by marble columns wider than centuries old oaks. Maura rarely had occasion to visit Basilica but always thought that the hall is furnished depending on the occasion, most usually however it was simply an imposing amount of empty space surrounded with an ellipse of benches and scupltures, crowned with a decorative double-spiral of stairs that led to another set of halls and chambers placed on top of this one. Few are allowed up the stairs and most likely imagine that they lead all the way up to the Solarium. Maura never learnt if that is indeed the case. Locating Sir Ferdinand was a bit time consuming and before she could greet him, she herself was found by a couple of servants instructed to show Ulrika and Apostate to their chambers, she considered for a while and then nodded in confirmation and then caught the arm of one of the servants with an iron grip and uttered in lowered tone: "I am most certain that Dame Antonia got used to having guests of both Royal and Heraldic bidding in her house, however it would not sit well with me if she weren't informed who occupies the chambers in her own estate. Inform her that my agents are extension of my own person and as such I hope they will be provided the same hospitality and security I would." Watching them depart she slowly approached the Templar and said - "Sir Ferdinand... walk with me" - and leading him through the hall she continued in half-whisper: "Grand Templar speaks well of you. He does not speak a lot of you, but the little he does speak is spoken... well..." - they walked a longer while until the silence grew uncomfortable - "... and that speaks volumes, Sir Knight" - she finished her sentence as if long minutes haven't passed inbetween. "Of course I will not tell you why you're here, that is not my thing to tell. I can't even say with certainty that you will be told at all. I do can say that you may be needed. One must always prepare for everything and you, my dear Templar friend, are a part of that preparation..." - she scratched her head - "about that, have you had time to study the Lexicon recently?" They stopped walking in front of an incospicuous looking door, Maura said - "Anyhow, I said enough." - as she knocked heavily on the door. A young woman in priestly garments opened, she didn't need to speak, her stare was articulate enough and Maura answered the question in young priestess' eyes: "The Inquisitor for the Oracle." The door were shut, Maura sat at the bench by the door and looked at Ferdinand, saying: "Now we wait."
Awaiting the arrival of the Marshal forced Ferdinand into a awkward nervousness he had not felt for some time. The clear grandeur of the Basilica was simply magnificent. Having never truly visiting the monuments in Rines, Ferdinand took the time to study his surroundings. The lofty hallways, highly decorated doors and the marble columns were notable pieces of what could be accomplished architecturally. There was always a few administrative clerks or various religious figures briskly walking through the hallways. However, one particular statue of the most dazzling white stone caught his eye before the Marshal found him. The Marshal oozed a presence of calm and authority. Yet, Ferdinand learnt quickly that this was not the place for conversations suited for the Barracks or otherwise. He made a mental note to ask the Marshal later of these. While the Marshal spoke sporadically, Ferdinand was quietly pleased with the complements that the Marshal gave him. While he did not seek recognition, the praise justifies the work that he had worked upon recently and now can continue to do with some confidence. The Marshal turned to ask him: "about that, have you had time to study the Lexicon recently?" "Marshal, the Lexicon has been a great use to me. Arguably, it forms a precise concept of what humankind and ultimately Grey Knights need to accomplish. Templar's seek to protect life. Hence, I will continue to study our resource and learn the lessons of those whom fought before us. Though I have learnt a considerable amount, there is always more to learn." Ferdinand stepped back and allowed the Marshal to converse with a young woman behind the looking door and awaited the events that were due to unravel.
They sang such sweet melodies. All eight of them, a beautiful choir to Apostate’s mind. The door, humming commands, demanding to be opened. He had to stop himself from reaching out and taking them. They sung of tearing the veil, of bringing his master and Lords back, of a new era. His breath quickened. He was lost in it, that fell soul song. So lost he nearly bumped into the Inquisitor when they stopped. He didn’t listen to what she said, only the song. Just the song. Its chaotic and orderly beat, its cruel and sweet words, its demands and begging. He reached out and quickly withdrew his hand like he had touched flame. No, not here. Not with the Templars. They moved again and he found himself lightly humming the song. So close, but so very far. The Basilica would have awed him if he did not belong to the song. It’s architecture and glory paled in comparison to the song. His hand went to his short sword, it would be so easy. Just ope- no, no. Not now. Not yet. Rooms? In the Basilica? Apostate was shocked, enough to drag him out of the songs embrace. He blinked in disbelief. Now his situation struck him and he was filled with fear. What were their plans for the stones? What if? No, he had to hope for the best. The song danced at the edges of his thoughts and he caught it. Absentmindedly he followed the servant to his room. He didn’t pay attention, not until the song went away. His mood fouled instantly. He paced, worried. He paced and waited.
Maura sat motionlessly next to Ferdinand, awaiting further instructions from the Oracle. Minutes slipped to hours as some of the passerbies likely wondered - "what sort of strange stone is this life-like statue made of?"
Ferdinand had not anticipated the situation that he had found himself in. Minutes had past into hours - just waiting. Devotion to Obeah would not hinder Ferdinand's determination. The Marshal did not even flinch or grow tired of waiting for the appointment that was beyond these doors. A few times, Ferdinand did stand up and wonder the small corridor that they waited in. At times, Ferdinand would of begun conversation with his superior. There was much that Ferdinand would of liked to engage with the Marshal. However, the tense nature of the situation as well as the anticipation of the oncoming meeting prevented such occurrence. The occasional wandering eye landed on the Marshal to anticipate her next movements. She was perhaps roughly the same age as Ferdinand. If one could anticipate her life history, he would be interested to compare his own. After all, his life had only truly began in his eyes when he devoted himself to Obeah. Nevertheless, while there was a sensation inside of Ferdinand to talk to the Marshal, Ferdinand mirrored his superior and was like her - a life like statue.
Maura shifted on the uncomfortable bench. She always preffered marching to riding and standing to sitting, so her buttcheeks were not used to staying in firm contact with a firm surface for extended periods of time. The agent of the Inquisition appearing in the doorway at the far end of the main hall was a salvation and she stood up as soon as she spotted him. It took the man over a minute to traverse the hall and approach the Inquisitor, such was the size of Basilica. Hushed voice reported from lips nearly pressed to Maura's ear. All but the most clearly pronounced words fell out of the earshot of anyone except the Marshal. Single shadows of names like "Adolphus" and "Vahanian" and words like "murder" and "fire" fell on the verge of audibility. Maura inclined her head in thought: "Inquisitor's work..." - she then quickly shook off all swither, stating - "... as long as it's done well..." - not ending her thought out loud. The agent of Inquisition could barely leave before scouts and clerks of the Enlightenment took his place. Reddled parchment nearly flied around in Basilica as verbose lists of personal and general orders were given. Those who only knew Maura through letters would never have guessed how terse she was in person. As soon as orders for the day were all carried out she sighed with relief, thinking - works of Marshal and of Inquisitor do not go well together - as she noticed that she now had the attention of entire hall. Turning to Ferdinand she saw that he was given a copy of the orders as well, she waved her hand in air: "It goes without saying, Sir Ferdinand, you are exempt from all orders." - she looked at the Templar beside her and trying to think of an excuse not to sit down she waved her finger in air, pointing at the general outline of the knight's shape as if she was enquiring about a course of exotic food she was served - "Uhm... speak." - her eyelids shut forcefully, scolding her for improper choice of words.
"Uhm... speak." - her eyelids shut forcefully, scolding her for improper choice of words. With the Marshal's poor choice of words, Ferdinand, not matter how inappropriately, let out a small laugh regarding the Marshal's antics. "I must apologise Marshal, I did not meant to laugh." Ferdinand was fairly shocked at the Marshal's actions. Yet, at the same time, he was pleased and relaxed slightly. Getting up from the bench with his orders within his cloak to observe one of the statues nearby, Ferdinand replied: "Marshal, please indulge me while we await our predisposed meeting. Please, tell me about yourself? While I serve blindly for Obeah's sake as a Grey Knight, perhaps to serve our goddess in a better fashion, I need to understand the orders and perhaps interpret them with considerations of the sender. One tutor long ago told me that a soldier would fight better to protect his family and friends rather than another soldier in the rank and file. A friend could interpret another's actions even before they had thought it themselves. What do you think of this?" | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ferdinand Greybrook, Apostate | |
| Roleplay from Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ulrika, Apostate, Ferdinand Greybrook | |
| New Arrival, Route to the Top
Stheno The Journey from the Shattered Vales had been as long and arduous leaving as it had been arriving. Leagues and leagues of roguelands infested by both beasts and undead. She'd lost count of the times she'd stubbed her toe on the road or through the rough, only to find bones or broken arms instead of errant stones. It was even worse on the Sea of Four Cities. She'd always loved the sight of the sea as a girl. but as a young woman she had learned well that beneath its glassy surface was a world of gliding monsters. More than a few times she had been awakened from troubled sleep by screams as careless sailors found their fates in the claws, teeth, and tentacles of the nightmare. Still, anywhere was more interesting than Rines. Nevertheless, when the Oracle's summons had found her, Stheno was compelled to return. Relieved as she was to be offship, she was not looking forward to whatever the Oracle had in mind. Though young, Stheno had already had more than her fill of magic. It scared her. And the Moonlight City, home to the Heralds who acted as keepers of magic, scared her badly too. Regardless, her traitorous feet navigated the thoroughfares of Rines without error and before long she was at the Basilica itself. But things had changed since she'd been gone. Templars guarded the main entrance into the palace, turning away all those without official business or passes from the Powers That Be within. Stheno, having neither, was in no mood to bother. The Basilica had been a second home to her for a time, and in her girlhood she'd explored all of its secret ways...like Cookie. Head Chef Rasa, affectionately known among the palace staff as "Cookie" was an original Keffan immigrant. One of the few to survive the horror of Keffa's fall and the subsequent Pilgrimage to Rines. More importantly, he was the first and only friend she'd made on her own. Stheno had a quiet, introspective way about her and her sleep was often troubled. When she couldn't find rest, she'd wander. And one day she wandered right into his kitchens after they'd been shut down when Cookie found her. He'd yelled and blustered about servant waifs making a mess for him in the morning, but one look at her had been enough for him to see that her case was different. She'd been young then, and had forgotten to look down and away to hide her black and gold eyes. The bluster went out of him in one whomping breath. Almost resignedly, he offered her some soup and bread. Stheno, frightened, shook her head in refusal, but she hadn't realized how hungry she was and when her stomach growled a loud rebuke, Cookie smiled knowingly, thrust the food into her hands, and guided her to to a low seat near one of the many fireplaces. He didn't ask her any questions, merely went on about his closing tasks, grumbling to himself when he found something unclean. Before she knew it, she'd fallen asleep right there. She awoke the next morning to find Cookie's dress-apron tucked around her like a blanket. From that day until the day she'd struck out on her own from Rines, Stheno remained in that man's shadow. following him, learning how to cook, running errands and memorizing a bevy of interesting curses. She hoped he was still here.
"Hey, you there!" Stheno froze, not realizing her mistake until it was too late. The Templar that had called hadn't even been addressing her directly, she was just waiting to see who stopped first and Stheno had drawn the short stick. "Yeah, you'll do. Look, I just got orders to go hunt the grounds for some commoners. Apparently they have passes from the Oracle herself. but I can't leave my post and my replacement isn't hear yet. Do you think you can find them?" "Uh, sure thing," Stheno lied, "Did you need them back here?" "No, they're to report to Marshal Maura first. Something about seeing the Oracle if you can believe it." "You're telling me that some scrubs get to see Her Holiness when us grunts that work here don't?" Stehno complained convincingly. "I know right?" The Templar agreed, relieved to pass the burden to another. She was distracted by the arrival of another Templar that, from the way she greeted him, Stheno could tell was her belated counterpart. While the Templars spoke to one another, Stheno melted away. She'd have time to say hello to Cookie later. For now, she'd be better able to avoid more direct questions or too many intense stares in her direction by performing the task the Templar had given her. The Marshal, she knew, wouldn't be hard to find. She'd just follow the ant-trail of couriers bearing messages marked for the Enlightenment. She'd discharge this duty quickly and then be off about her own business.
As Stheno had guessed, the Marshal had not been hard to find. A few questions to passing servants had been enough for her to learn enough about Maura's appearance and personality for Stheno to recognize her even at a distance. Even without a physical description, Stehno would have marked her as a native of the Desert of Silhouettes. Though she'd never been their, the Desert marked its people, and that same heat flowed through Stheno's own veins. While the architecture was no doubt impressive, Stheno had always hated crowds, and there were a great many people, form parishioners to military officials, here. The sooner she could finish her business, the sooner she could leave. There was a line of messengers, courtiers, and favor-seekers already formed in front of her, each wishing to petition the influential Margravine for this or that. No longer in any rush, Stehno took her place at the back of the line and kept her head down as it slowly inched forward. As soon as she discharged her inconvenient duty to the Templar, she'd be on her way.
Stheno was a young woman, barely more than a teenager, though fairly tall. Dusky skin and dark hair clearly denoted her sandborn heritage. She wore a hood over a black gambison cinched at the waste by a thick black leather weapons belt (empty) and soft leather boots. Fingerless gloves protected her palms but revealed calluses of sword and bow. Her face and unbound hair seemed recently washed. Indeed, she seemed unremarkable in every respect, if rather furritive. Understandable behavior for a commoner visiting the Basillica and near to so many highborn nobles. "I am on a mission for the Oracle, milady, " she explained, "and as part of that, I've been tasked to find a pair of commoners in your employ, milady. Though I know not there names or descriptions. I understand they are to join you and be brought to Her Holiness directly? I hope you can assist me."
Brief laughter from Sir Ferdinand was not unexpected. It was a natural reaction, really, even though most would be afraid to react this way to the Inquisitor. "Marshal, please indulge me while we await our predisposed meeting. Please, tell me about yourself? While I serve blindly for Obeah's sake as a Grey Knight, perhaps to serve our goddess in a better fashion, I need to understand the orders and perhaps interpret them with considerations of the sender. One tutor long ago told me that a soldier would fight better to protect his family and friends rather than another soldier in the rank and file. A friend could interpret another's actions even before they had thought it themselves. What do you think of this?" He said and Maura thought briefly on the answer, noticing another batch of scouts and scribes steadily closing in on her brief respite. "It doesn't matter, does it?" - she saw in her companion's eyes the need to clarify, so she continued - "Templars are soldiers fighting alongside you but they are also your friends and family. In fact Templars are the only family that's worth a damn thing in this Obeah forsaken land. Monsters and undead creep up in the wildlands and the threat of daimons, altough concealed, is ever-present. Being a member of both the Inquisition and the Templars - a privilage shared by so few members of our realm I can tell that fraternity within Templar Order is unmatched. Members of the Inquisition are full of devotion to Obeah... much less to one another. That is not to say inquisitors are without qualities unique to their kind, in fact their unique qualities are the reason why the contents of the Lexicon, while studied by the Templars, are tended to and provided by the Inquisitors. For instance..." "Marshal Maura?" A young servant interrupted marshal's speech. It was a girl perhaps in her late teenage years, maybe early twenties. Her bowed head suggested that she was a commoner, yet her unique features and complexion drawn a bit more of Inquisitor's attention. It took barely a couple of seconds for Maura's inquisitive gaze to take stock of servant's characteristics and make proper mental notes. "I am on a mission for the Oracle, milady, and as part of that, I've been tasked to find a pair of commoners in your employ, milady. Though I know not their names or descriptions. I understand they are to join you and be brought to Her Holiness directly? I hope you can assist me." The young woman continued and Maura barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes. She looked at the door by which they were waiting for a priestess to carry Oracle's summon and instead they had what looked like a scout carrying Her Holiness instructions through the main entrance. Things sometimes do happen without a reason... - she thought - but not things that have anything to do with the Oracle. "I hope so too," - Maura answered - "There are hundreds of commoners in my employ. Even when you count just the ones directly under my control at this very moment you'll end up with a number much higher than two." Marshal's motionless face betrayed nothing as silence followed her reply. She beheld Sir Ferdinand's lack of reaction before she turned to the servant and clarified: "I jest. Of course I know who you mean. Walk with me." - Maura started to walk but stopped mid-step, turning to Sir Fedrinand - "Wait here, in case priestess comes back with another word from the Oracle. We shall be back once I fetch Ulrika and Apostate. The Oracle's offices are supposed to be..." - she pointed at the high ceiling and whatever chambers rested beyond the reinforced vault - "...there." She offered her companion a soldierly bow and departed towards residential part of Basilica, not looking back if the young woman keeps up; assuming she does. Halfway through the main hall Maura asked: "So, tell me - how does a warrior end up doing a peon's work? Miss..." - Maura pointedly awaited servant's name along with the answer.
"Wait here, in case priestess comes back with another word from the Oracle. We shall be back once I fetch Ulrika and Apostate. The Oracle's offices are supposed to be..." - she pointed at the high ceiling and whatever chambers rested beyond the reinforced vault - "...there." As the Marshal left with the courier, Ferdinand sat back down, staring at the reinforced vault. The two nobles had been waiting for some time now for these summons. Yet, Obeah's will is seen in a multitude of ways. If he is needed, Ferdinand will answer. It is only a matter of time. Taking out his notebook, Ferdinand began to write down some thoughts of the Basilica and it's wonders. In this process, Ferdinand also noted to see if any estates in the Capital were available. At least through this manner, he would be able to answer any summons with ease - compared to the days ride from the East. Every so often, Ferdinand did see some priests or other clerical works wonder the magnificent halls of which he waited. At times, there was a great urge to ask one of them questions about faith and their view. Nevertheless, Ferdinand continued to wait and studied some of the resources that he brought with him, waiting for the Marshal's return.
Maura offered her Ferdinand a soldierly bow and departed towards residential part of Basilica, not looking back if the young woman keeps up; assuming she does. Halfway through the main hall Maura asked: "So, tell me - how does a warrior end up doing a peon's work? Miss..." - Maura pointedly awaited servant's name along with the answer. "Stheno, Excellency" Stheno hesitated for only a moment before replying. It wasn't that she wanted to be deceptive, its just that Stheno lacked the social confidence that came so naturally to others. Adding to that, few ever asked for her name, and rarer still from a highborn. Moreover, they were in the Basilica proper now, a Palace by any measure and where she personally had rarely ever ventured. Stheno was uncomfortable, out of her element, and it showed. The weight of all the stone above seemed oppressive to her. Small wonder the Inquisitor had noticed so quickly. They walked in silence for a while longer with the Marshal a step ahead. Messengers constantly trotted up to the pair, asking the Marshal to sign this or that before vanishing. All the while, Stheno stole furtive glances at her. Sandborn were rare outside of their native lands. Even more so on continents so far from Dwilight, and as the journey went on, curiosity burned brighter within her. Her desire to know what Maura's birthplace was like warred intensely with her desire to get out Rines and back to the woods where she was most comfortable. Instead, she decided to ask something else. Like about why Maura was here in the first place instead of out leading armies. The answer was obvious before she even asked, however. Only the Oracle had the sort of gravity to hold the likes of Maura in place when there was a war on. But every minute Maura was here not fighting the monsters and undead outside the city was a minute that Stheno's job, and that of all the local adventurers, would become that much more difficult. That won't do, she thought to herself. "Marshal" Stheno asked with a whisper, "have you been waiting on the Oracle very long?
"Marshal, have you been waiting on the Oracle very long?"
They walked, humble doors on each side of the hall led to chambers obviously occupied by Dame Antonia's entourage and closest servants. Marshal recalled a blue ghost of her lady speaking of truth, magic and purpose in inhuman voice, freeing her from drunken haze forevermore and starting her pursuit of the faith - no, not then. They walked and Maura could see through half-open doors an armour stand with a plate-mail so big it would leave room to spare even on her imposing physique - clearly those were Dame Antonia's quarters. The Inquisitor recalled long months of danger and humiliation, all the knaves she fought and bedded, all kegs of ale she downed, carnal desires and ailments, failed attempts at nobility and service in the Inquisition, being haunted by delirious phantoms and etheral shapes. She recalled interviewing Gythrul the Defiler, learning of the most dangerous creatures from the best informed source, all the while getting hammered on Thalmarkin Red - no, not then either. They walked and Maura noted several sparsely located doors to more spacious singular rooms - clearly guest chambers; however doors were closed and door handles gathered varying amounts of dust, informing inquisitive gaze that those chambers were unoccupied. The smooth scar tissue where her left thumb used to be throbbed with familiar pain and the warrior recalled the inhumane torture that made her a guard and subsequently a captain that followed her lady to Obia'Syela - and n... since before then even. They walked and the marshal noted a couple of recently used doors opposite eachother, smell of incense coming from one of them and ominous aura made hairs stand on forearm when nearing the other. They slowed the pace. She remembered her life among the endless sands. Rare days of elation separated by long months of famine and desperate survival. She remembered happiness she found in this bare, quintessential existence and how abruptly it ended - the metalic taste of blackness that accompanied the instant pressure of pernach on her skull - and not since then? She stopped in front of one of the doors and not turning to the woman that followed her all the time, she exhaled as if she was holding the breath all the way here. "That is a good question, Stheno..." - Maura said, unsheathed her broad scimtar, turned it upside down and finished her answer before knocking on Ulrika's door with the sword's handle - "... and the answer would be - all my life."
Maura stopped in front of one of the doors and not turning to the woman that followed her all the time, she exhaled as if she was holding the breath all the way here. "That is a good question, Stheno..." - Maura said, unsheathed her broad scimtar, turned it upside down and finished her answer before knocking on Ulrika's door with the sword's handle - "... and the answer would be - all my life." "That's... a long time." Stheno mused aloud after Maura knocked. Stheno was unfamiliar with this wing of the Basillica, the pervading scent of incense assaulted her sensitive nose and she thought she could here movement on the otherside of the door. Soon she will have completed her favor for the Templar and could then be on her way. Rather than relief, however, she couldn't help but wonder at the gravity of the Marshal's words, lending a palpable heaviness that tugged at Stheno's heart. It wasn't quite pity, even without her titles and accomplishments it would be difficult to 'pity' such a physically impressive warrior. Rather, it was a sense that whatever this woman sought or needed, Stehno's gut said Maura deserved it. Then her mouth ran ahead of her thoughts. "Milady, would you like to go see the Oracle right now?"
Heavy knock on the oaken door subsided. "Milady, would you like to go see the Oracle right now?" Stheno asked and Maura in her haste thrown en passant - "That's what we're here for, no? Ulrika! Get your arse off the bed this instant! Her Holiness expects you." She moved to Apostate's door, saying - "We just need to get these two rascals first" - she thumped three times with her fist and before the forth blow met the oaken surface her hand froze mid-air. She turned around, her gaze gained intensity as it studied the girl before her. Stheno's hood made only half her face visible and Inquisitor's stare almost pierced the black fabric. Marshal knew things, knew how to come to know them; even back as a simple captain she shown great talent for gathering information, reading people and situations and felt it very important to always be the best informed person in the room. With positions in the Inquisition, Military Command, Templar Order and Court of Lords her resources steadily grew and it has been quite a while now since she felt genuinely surprised. Indeed she could not recall the feeling - simmered in the daily routine of the expected. The young, female, black-clad puzzle in front of her was a very welcomed refreshment. Maura smiled and it was likely the first time Stheno saw her face moving, showing anything other than motionless, calm certainty. Through the now fully-formed grin she said: "I would... I would indeed..." - she spoke inclining her head towards Stheno, slowly seeing more and more of her nose, all the way up to the bottom rims of her eye sockets - " Would you?"
Ulrika, having spent her time enjoying the lavish apartments and struggling not to pocket everything that wasn’t nailed down, heard the rapping of knuckles on the door and slowly got up off of her bed and went over, yawning slightly. ‘Shouldn’t’ve had that last bottle of wine’ she muttered, before stumbling out of her door. She spotted Maura and waved, but as she went to walk towards her she collided with a solid mass of muscle. ... A shape barrelled into Antonia as she walked down the corridor of her estate, looking for where Balthasar had got to. ‘Watch it!’ She gasped as she was forced to take a couple of steps backwards and bash her head on the lintel. ‘I am so sorry m’lady, are you hurt bad? Should I fetch a doctor, should I…’ She stopped as she saw the height of the woman she had potentially pissed off, her jaw near hitting the floor ‘It’s quite alright, I wasn’t looking where I was going either’ Antonia said stiffly continued down the corridor ‘Marshal’ she nodded at Maura as she passed, and then stopped, turning to look back at Ulrika ‘Do I know you from somewhere?’ ‘Erm, don’t think so m’lady’ ‘Hmm’ Antonia said, thinking hard, ‘it’s like looking in a mirror, what a coincidence’ Antonia then continued down the corridor, calling out her lover’s name Ulrika brushed herself off and hurried over to Maura ‘Is there something you needed of me, m’lady?’, she said as she curtseyed
Maura smiled as Antonia passed her in the Basilica corridor after bumping into Ulrika. ‘Is there something you needed of me, m’lady?’ Ulrika said, curtseying. "You can fetch... the thing you were supposed to fetch. We're going to the Oracle..." - Maura eyes Stheno cautiously - "... are we?"
"The sooner the better, Milady" Stheno said, excitement now inflecting her voice. "If this is the one-" she motioned to Ulrika, inspecting the other adventurer up and down from beneath her hood. "-that I was charged to find and bring to you, then I am happy to see my duty completed. Let's go?" As she voiced the question, Stheno moved to the other side of the hall to make room for Ulrika. Everything in her body language suggested that Stheno was eager to depart.
Maura ushered them both forward. Normally she would lead the way to discourage any overzealous guard from questioning "who goes where", but much to her regret she had never been above the second floor. Besides, Stheno must've known the way - Oracle sent her, after all - Maura thought. She would also not allow for the other adventurer to walk behind her. Marshal had to keep an eye on Ulrika and more importantly - Ulrika's backpack, which was at that moment the most valuable object in the enitre realm.
Stheno thought the Marshal's behavior toward Ulrika was...strange, to say the least, and she found herself wondering what could be in the other adventurers knapsack that so captured the Margravine's attention. With that on her mind, Stheno stepped in front of the pair and lead them. The Oracle lived and dwelt in the highest levels of the Basilica when she was not preaching in the Grand Temple. Traditionally, those that sought her out whether by invitation or decree would have to climb thousands of steps that wound around the Basillica's central spire. In the days of Riombara, this Great Staircase was an engineering marvel in and of itself, boasting the most steps of any building on any continent. Upon entering the Basilica form either the East or West main entrances, one would see the great flights of stairs flanking the interior foyer almost immediately, which then curled up the Basilica Walls to the next flight and repeated concentrically all the way to the royal apartments. The palace, a rather austere place under the Oracle's rule, was exceptional here. Tapestries lined the walls between windows and paintings depicting storied events like Obia'Syela/ The Founding and others. Every canonized sermon was represented. relics carried from Keffa were interred here like treasures in a museum. For Obians, the Grand Staircase was designed to force all comers to consider the grand history forming in the Sacred Realm. The long journey (for journey it surely was) was itself envisioned as a path through life as a member of the Faith towards the Veiled Goddess, with the Oracle herself at the end. Some poets described the ascension as representing the struggle through life, under Her Eye, with Obeah herself waiting at the end, beyond the veil, to greet you. The Physical exhaustion was meant to encourage petitioners to overcome and forget their physical discomforts in favor of contemplating their spiritual goals and well-being. Stheno, in the interest of timeliness, opted to skip all of that. Rather than take the Grand Staircases, Stheno lead the pair deeper into the Basilica itself. Past the rooms where nobles and visitors usually roamed and into the backworld of servants and Basilica Staff. Servants, the Oracle believed, should not be constrained in the performance of their duties, particularly when doing so would leave many resident nobles and guests with slow service. The palace itself is massive structure that required a complex system of internal architecture to support its mountainous weight. The original architects were far-sighted enough to rig systems of pulleys and platforms in central shafts within the support structure to allow for relatively swift travel to any level of the Basilica. Servants used these to transport food, furniture, and other difficult items with haste, taking pride in the fact that the Oracle allowed only this privilege to them only, even over Templars and Inquisitors. Critics called it favoritism, which it wasn't technically, because thanks to it the Palace staf were motivated, happy, and loyal; giving them a sense of solidarity that the Oracle herself, Obeha's own representative, supported them so directly. Competition among commoners to serve in the Palace was higher now than it had ever been under any previous ruler. Stheno explained all of this aloud, as well as a bit of her past working among the staff, as they made their way. And so it was that the small party found themselves on one of these "elevators" ascending rapidly upwards towards the Royal Wing and the famed Solarium that sat atop it all. Creaking ropes and oiled gears marked their ascent as floor after floor, door after door, fell away beneath them...
Ulrika looked and listened in awe as Stheno explained about the system of pulleys. She had never been in a building so tall, let alone been taken to the heights in what felt like magical boxes. She was nervous. Nervous of meeting the Oracle, but even more nervous of what she carried upon her. She had been using the evening to research what she could about the stones in her possession. The servants had been most accommodating, though one had been surprised that she could read. As she flicked through the pages of a hefty tome, she had been horrified at the destruction that could be wrought by such stones. She was prepared to die for her faith, but she was now wondering how many innocent lives she might be expected to take with her
"So...what's in the bag?" The question escaped her lips before she could clamp down on the impulse, but she really did want to know. Uncle Kethan had always encouraged her inquisitive nature, and it had gotten her into trouble on more than one occasion; completing the Templar's task of finding Ulrika being the latest in a long list. She was glad that she'd at least managed to keep her voice blasé. They were nearing the Royal Apartments. It wouldn't be long now...
Maura's fingers started to pet the pommel of her broad scimtar absentmindedly at the question. "Well, dear Stheno, you ask more questions than I, one would think out of the three of us you are the Inquisitor." - Maura looked between the two women - "I would assume it holds all the things crucial to the adventurers trade. In any case I don't think you should find there that would interest you in particular." | |
| Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin, Ulrika, Apostate, Ferdinand Greybrook | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint, Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Arrival
Vahanian Blint Vahanian had carefully and meticulously crafted a network of spies and informants throughout the sacred realm. They infested all areas of the sacred realm at all levels. They passed along all sorts of information ranging from who was meeting with whom to whispers of gossip and bits of rumors that were muttered in hushed tones around the realm. Most of it was meaningless information, things he either already knew or didn't care about. But he kept the pipeline flowing regardless. It was through this pipeline that word reached him of his former charge, Stheno, being seen moving about the palace with the Marshal Maura and an adventurer that wasn't known to him by name. Whispers of Stheno leaving the safety of the city reached his ears, and further rumor of her venturing beyond the borders of the realm were passed along to him. He read this report several times before burning the letter. He was disturbed by this news, there was a special place in his heart for Stheno, he'd spent a long time with her as her protector and mentor and grown very fond of her. He stood abruptly and grabbed a cloak from a peg on the wall. Baldwin fell in behind him. Vahanian hurried through the halls of his estate grabbing a writ he kept in a drawer in his desk and a pouch of coins from a safe. As he crossed the courtyard towards the stable he turned to Baldwin and said "Bruiser, where is he stationed?" Baldwin thought for a moment and then said "Current rotation has him stationed in the basilica, a posting in the Templar Hall. His next rotation puts him on archive guard in the nexus. Vahanian nodded as he mounted and said "And the twins? Roark and Lyra?" Baldwin barely thought about this question and said "The same rotation." "Good." Vahanian's horse thundered into the stables at the Basilica moments later he dismounted and handed the reins to a stablehand before ascending the outer stair of the Basilica. He caught a glimpse of Stheno and an unknown walking into the servant's elevator and thought about calling out to her. He pushed the instinct from his mind, it didn't serve a purpose just yet. He navigated through the Basilica until he arrived between the thick oaken doors to the Templar Hall. The two guards outside saluted him and bowed. He nodded his affirmation of their reverence and continued through the doors. He saw Bruiser across the hall and walked over to him, he said "Bruiser, with me. Baldwin, find the twins, meet me in the watch commander's office." Baldwin nodded and vanished. Bruiser stood and followed Vahanian without question. A fact that Vahanian couldn't express in words how appreciative he was of this man. He'd trained him and the twins personally since they were 6. He'd practically raised them, and trusted them implicitly. By the time Vahanian arrived in the Watch Commander's office Baldwin and the twins were outside. Vahanian motioned for them to stay put and for Baldwin to follow, the two men entered the office and met with the watch commander. The man stood upon Vahanian entering and bowed "My Lord High Templar, what can I do for you?" Vahanian handed him the writ and said "I am commandeering three of your guards, I have a special need for them. This writ transfers direct command of them to me until such a time as I deem them ready to return to rotation." The watch commander nodded checking the paperwork as a formality, he had no question that it was accurate. He stopped when he read the names. "My lord, these are my three best soldiers.. You're taking all 3?" Vahanian nodded and said "I am. They are needed, for what is not your concern. Do we have an issue captain?" The man shook his head, defeated, and said "No my lord, thank you for the notice." Vahanian left the office and barked "With me." the three soldiers followed him again, without question. He drew a letter from his cloak and handed it to Bruiser. "Details of your assignment, memorize them and burn the letter." He also handed him a coin purse. "To cover expenses, keep what you don't spend." Bruiser read the letter and handed it to one of the twins, after each had memorized its contents they tossed it into a fireplace they passed and paused a moment to ensure it burned entirely. The three soldiers split off from Vahanian as they returned to the main foyer, waiting by the servant's elevator as Vahanian ascended the stairs, heading towards the royal apartments. He needed to speak with the Oracle. Vahanian ascended the familiar steps of the basilica with ease. Despite their length and number, he had traversed them so many times that they no longer took a large physical toll on him. He arrived at the royal apartments and was halted by the guards outside. He didn't recognize them, which concerned him a little, but a matter he would have to investigate later. They didn't seem to recognize him at first either as they demanded he relinquish his weapons before trying to lie to him by saying that the Oracle wasn't in the basilica. He leveled them with a blank stare from his hazel eyes, before saying "First of all, I have been afforded the privilege and honor to bear arms in the Oracle's presence, and secondly, lie to me again and your next posting will be a stable in Ardmore. I know the Oracle is here, I am here to see her. Either let me in or step aside, because option 3 will be far less pleasant." The guards nervously looked at one another, to their credit they kept their hands on their weapons in case Vahanian did in fact mean them harm. The seconds seem to stretch on for hours until a more familiar guard to Vahanian walked by and greeted him with a stiff salute saying 'My Lord Grand Templar, pleasure to see you my lord." Vahanian returned to the salute and offered warm greetings to the man. The two guards outside the Oracle's apartments relinquished as soon as they heard Vahanian addressed as Grand Templar. They knocked on the door and announced his arrival, and Vahanian stepped into the foyer of the apartments. For the briefest of moments he felt his stomach start to turn, he quickly suppressed the nervous feelings before they took hold. Mentally reprimanding himself. 'Nervous?! Nervous?!! Really Vahanian?' He squashed the feelings once and for all and resumed his professional demeanor, awaiting the Oracle's greetings.
Maura's warning barely registered before the lift claaaanked to a halt on the top floor: The Royal Apartments. Stheno turned away from Maura and her inquiry into Ulrika’s package, switching her attention from the two women to the door. Gears beneath the elevator locked into place, stabilizing the platform on which they stood, causing mechanical sounds to echo down the liftshaft as the doors were pulled open from the otherside by a pair of Paladins. These were the well-armed, highly-trained special forces that served as the Oracle’s royal bodyguards. Their Obian-blue robes hid blackened-steel armor beneath, matching the full crested-helms that hid their faces and contrasting sharply with the silvered warglaives they carried. Beyond them was a large open space that served as the only ‘public’ area in the Royal apartments. An impressive mahogany dining table that could seat 12 functioned as the centerpiece. A chandelier, unlit and shimmering in the afternoon sunlight, hung from overhead. The lift door was in the center of the northern wall. Directly opposite, the Grand Staircase that lead all the way from the floor of the Basilica finally terminated. To the east, a closed door hid a hall that lead to the Oracle’s personal living space and sleeping quarters. To the west, another set of stairs led upward towards a simple trap door in the ceiling, beyond which was the Basilica’s final and highest level: The Solarium. Light glinted as the impressive bladed weapons crossed before the new arrivals to bar their progress. “In the name of the Veiled Goddess and Her Holy Oracle, state your business.” Said the Paladin on the left. Her voice professional and clipped. Stheno lowering her hood for the first time since she’d entered the palace. A moment passed between her and the Paladins, the latter two straightened perceptibly, but did not uncross their blades. “…presenting Marshal Arnickles Renodin, Margravine of Rueffilo, and her assistant Ulrika.” No one missed that Stheno did not bother introducing herself. “We are here at the request of the Oracle,” she continued. The sound of steel on steel chimed through the air as the Paladins uncrossed their weapons. One of them, the female paladin that had challenged them, placed a gauntleted hand on Stheno’s shoulder. It was a familiar gesture, which made it all the more out of place as the Paladin whispered something into Stheno’s ear. Neither Maura nor Ulrika could see Stheno’s brow furrow. “Would you please go to the apartments and bring Un…the Grand Templar-” Stheno corrected, “-to the Solarium while I go and wake her?” The paladin nodded and motioned a quick command to her counterpart who then pent to pull a large leaver on the wall, locking the lift in place so they could leave their post without fear of anyone else coming up. Then they were gone, leaving behind only the echoing sound of their heavy armor clanking with each footfall. Stheno herself continued on, heading straight for the Solarium rather than the bedrooms. She did not look behind to see if the others were following. Instead, she placed her hand flat on the trapdoor above her and pushed, cracking the heavy wood ajar. When she did, the sound of a woman wailing in terror filled the lower room. Stheno heaved the weight of the trapdoor at our her way and ascended into the Solarium without a moment’s hesitation, leaving Maura and Ulrika staring in her wake as sunlight and screams poured down through the Solarium’s now-open trap door.
As the platform ceased to move and door opened to show the two paladins, Maura studied the doorkeepers attentively. Her eyes sliding from their fine helmets to the crossed blades of their glaives. One could almost see the shadow of a nod - an ephemeral testimony to Marshal's content with Oracle's security. The highest level of the Basilica - save for legendary Solarium - seemed lighter than the ones she saw closer to the ground. Walls seemed strong but not thick, tough but not heavy. And the interior was certainly spacious, as if the same science made it float on top of the Basilica as the air in pig's bladder makes it float on top of the water. Maura looked to the west, at the stairs that led to marvel she never had the opportunity to witness. How would it feel - she thought - would it feel? Brief moment of absentmindedness turned into a moment of rapt attention as Maura's reverie was cut short by a sudden change in guards' stance. Their training was formidable as they done a splendid job hiding it - whatever it was - but to inquisitive eye the change and gravity of it was obvious. A split-second later Maura located the cause - young woman that led her here lowered her hood. She stood in front of Maura and Ulrika with her back turned to them, so the Inquisitor couldn't tell what exactly got the paladins so rattled. From her point of view she could only tell that Stheno had pretty hair, in a rugged sort of way - not enough to cause such a reaction. For a moment she wanted to grab Stheno by the arm and turn that crafty servant around, read into her face like into a stolen book and tell what's the matter in a matter of seconds. Perhaps everyone else would do just that in her position. But everyone else wasn't in her position - she was. And she was where she was not because she acted like everyone else. Not a flick of her eye not an irregularity of her breath betrayed her stream of thoughts, as she stood at attention, watching, listening: “…presenting Marshal Arnickles Renodin, Margravine of Rueffilo, and her assistant Ulrika. We are here at the request of the Oracle” Maura heard the adventurer saying and immediately the way was made clear, the glaives uncrossed and the female paladin was getting familiar with their guide. Much too familiar. “Would you please go to the apartments and bring Un…the Grand Templar to the Solarium while I go and wake her?” Vahanian. Good. - Maura thought as she noted that the servant's command was immediately followed... by Oracle's chosen guard. Before she knew it she could only see Stheno's heels climbing the stairway to the Solarium. As Maura heard the hinges of a trapdoor at the top of the stairway squeak open the sound was closely followed by a disturbing scream from above. The cogs and wheels of decision moved and turned in the trebuchet of Maura's mind, balancing weights and counterweights as her eyes darted from the Solarium stairway to the direction where paladins went to fetch Vahanian, to Ulrika with her precious backpack and then back again. Finally the lever released the projectile of her hand towards Ulrika at alarming speed. She grabbed a fistful of Ulrika's clothing and pulled her along, not trusting words "follow me" to be said, heard and followed nearly fast enough, as she launched herself after Stheno in a speed noone would suspect her being capable of, all the while hauling the precious adventurer.
A heavily armored Paladin knocked briefly and entered the foyer where Vahanian stood. He turned at the knock and greeted his armored guest with a small incline of his head. 'My Lord, she, asked me to fetch you to the Solarium." Careful emphasis was placed on the word 'she'. Vahanian knew all of the Paladins personally, having hand-selected each class of them for the Oracle's protection. In return they were all well aware of his relationship with Stheno. Vahanian stifled a smile as the emphasis on the word 'she' could only be minor annoyance that one might here in an older sister's voice when told to do something by the younger sibling. He walked briskly with the Paladin exchanging few pleasantries but keeping the conversation mostly professional. He rounded the corner and saw Marshal Maura and her counterpart a woman he didn't quite recognize. He nodded and smiled warmly at Maura greeting her. "Marshal, a pleasure to see you again, it has been too long." He hadn't always liked Maura but in recent years her wit and character had won him over. As he slowed his pace and approached the pair he could faintly hear a woman screaming, a voice that seemed familiar but he couldn't be sure at this distance. Absently his hand dropped to the hilt of his sword, and the party started to approach the sounds of screaming a little closer. | |
| Vahanian Blint, Stheno, Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
Event
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| Nightmares
From the Solarium came the sound of something delicate and probably very precious shattering against an unrelenting floor. As Maura and Vahanian neared the entryway, they were able to discern clear words in the sobs coming from above. "NO! STOP IT! Get away from me, daimon. GET AWAY!" It was, without doubt, the voice of the Oracle... | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Nightmares
In any other situation Maura would have took precious time greeting Vahanian properly. This time however the sounds from above were too alarming and she was in so much of a rush to get to the Solarium, that she barely registered Grand Templar's greeting. She traversed the stairway in a blink of an eye and the second she was through the trapdoor her trusty scimtar was already in her hand. She looked around to take in the scene only to see... | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| Nightmares
As soon as the Oracle's voice became distinct, Vahanian's blade was in hand and he was through the trapdoor an instant after Maura. The paladin's didn't hesitate either, they were hot on Vahanian's trail weapons drawn. Upon entering the room, Vahanian's eyes scanned the room for threats, quickly, efficiently, and expertly, his body coiled like a waiting viper ready to strike. He saw... | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| Nightmares
Maura tore up the stairway, Vahanian tight on her heels as both ran to the sound of the Oracle's distress. Maura's muscled form burst up through the trap door as though it weighed nothing at all. But it was nearly high noon and, in their haste, neither of them had taken care to shield their eyes, forcing them to stop and blink rapidly to adjust to the brilliance, forcing blurry details back into focus... The Solarium was the architectural marvel of the Basilica of Rines. Placed at the pinnacle of the large central tower, the Solarium was the highest room in southern Beluaterra. It's ceiling and walls were a latticework of bronze-plated supports and pains of clear glass forming a dome over a room about the size of a dining hall and ringed by a circular balcony that afforded a better view of Rines to those that were brave enough to walk it. An impressive altar to the Veiled Goddess rested against the Easternmost wall to greet the sun. A low, comfortable couch sat atop a thick blue carpet set along the western edge sat facing the wooded hills of Athol Margos, poised to welcome the moonrise. Vases and hangings filled with exotic plants were spaced regularly throughout. Arcane symbols had been painted in intricate golden patterns across the stone floor. A circular table of hasty but solid construct had been arranged in the center. Curtains of sheer white linen hung from the supports like banners, billowing with the slightest breeze, protecting occupants from the blazing daylight. Maura's younger eyes were the first to adjust as she scanned back and forth. She inched foward as details came back into focus. As she did, her foot crunched on a letter. It took a split moment for her to look down and see that it was a note addressed to Stheno herself, and from none other than the Emperor of the Shattered Vales, Ehrich Weisz, himself. Just then, a stronger wind gusted through the Solarium, flapping the hanging curtains within, briefly revealing two figures, one on the floor and dressed in white, the other wearing the dark cloths of a hunter, struggling on the floor near the couch. All Maura could make out was Stheno's back as the adventurer fought to pin the Oracle to the ground before the curtains once again obscured her view. Vahanian could make out Stheno's voice, but not the words, the Oracle's screams reached a fever pitch before, just like that, they stopped. For a moment, the only sound was the wind outside. Then there was a gasp, the Oracle's voice, followed by Stheno's muffled whispering. The creak of leather boots followed scraaape of wood against stone. Maura and Vahanian moved east toward that sound. When they passed through the final veil, the found the Oracle reclined on the couch, her chest shuddered with unshed woe. Her eyes were watered and her cheeks were flushed red with strong, tormented emotion. The Oracle, wracked by silent sobs, held Stheno to her breast like a drowning sailor clutching at driftwood, burying her face in the young woman's hair as Stheno patted the Oracle's shoulders in a calming, circular pattern. The motion disrupted the fabric on the Oracle's shoulder, briefly revealing the tips of tremendous scarring that easily visible despite decades of fading. "It's ok" Stheno said to the Oracle as the pair of them rocked back and forth. "It's Ok!" Stheno sang louder, obviously for Maura and Vahanian's benefit. The young adventurer of the Shattered Vales looked up at their approach. "It was bad this time, Uncle" She said to Vahanian. "I've never seen it so bad." Stheno's hood was still down, and for the first time, Maura was able to clearly see what Stheno had been hiding. Her face, sporting an impressive new bruise from the scuffle, was not dissimilar from Maura's own sandborn features, further, they noticeably similar to that of the Oracle. Neither of these, however, were what held Maura's attention. Her eyes, Stheno's eyes. Twin golden irises floating in orbs that were black as pitch like lamps in the darkness. Then Mauara noticed a knife on the floor near one of the broken vases...right near Stheno's booted heel... | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Fight
Maura inched forward towards the two women joined together in tender embrace, not loosening the grip on her weapon. Before the paladins she pegged Stheno as a steward, after the paladins and all the seconds it took the Inquisitor to get to the Solarium - as the Oracle's ward or bastard. The former would be easier to hide, the latter would provide more reason to hide. Not that someone as powerful as the Oracle would have any trouble with keeping even the Inquisition unaware of her royal misbegotten. Now, seeing them like this, she had no doubts about Stheno's nature... up until the woman turned her head up and looked Maura in the eye. The sight drowned out whatever words came from Stheno's mouth and whatever notes inquisitive part of Maura's brain made about adventurer's features. "Neither kinly love nor noble duty but daimon sorcery was at place here" - was the only thought in her mind. An impulse, a primal instinct implanted in the deepest part of her consciousness all those years ago took over and she was once again a guard dog, a creature of singular purpose designed to do one thing and one thing alone - defend. She squeezed the handle of her sword, bared her teeth... and charged. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| The Fight
Stheno had lived her entire life being hated, being hunted, being protected.When she could finally take it no more, she'd run away to be on her own. She'd learned to protect herself. And so it was that she read the thoughts warring across Maura's visage plain as day. She saw the lager woman's brows furrow as her knuckles whitened around the hilt of her sword. She saw the snarl that twisted the warrior-woman's visage even as the spark of reason left her eyes. All of this in the space of a few heartbeats. Stheno, unarmed, went for the knife... | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Fight
Maura got to Stheno just as she was getting up, knife in hand. Young woman stabbed forward during her rising motion, catching some space beneath marshal's sword risen overhead in preparation for a mighty slash. Inquisitor 'half-caught' the small blade with her left hand before it found soft tissue to sink in, second not passed till it broke free in mighty slash that whistled through air. Surely it would've taken a thumb if Inquisitor's left hand had one to begin with. Stheno's strong motion left her open, with her back exposed. Although Maura missed with initial slash, she thrusted her left hand into the side of her sword, moving the broad side of her scimtar towards Stheno's back, delivering a painful slap that would leave bruises on a bull. Adventurer stepped away, wincing in pain and Maura followed with a mighty kick. Force of it launched Stheno forward too fast for her legs to keep up, as she rolled with it, dissipating most of the impact with the floor. Maura closed in on the prone adventurer, her very skin vapoured rage as she bellowed: "what sorcery have you used to shroud the Oracle's mind, deamon?!" - Stheno showed no weakness, not even as she lied on the floor. "Have you glamoured the paladins as well?! Is that why you look like a Sandborn to me? You hoped to put spell on my mind as well? Great Samum take ye!" - Maura yelled, slashing at the place Stheno rolled away from just barely fast enough - "I will send your bones back to the Netherworld!" Stheno slashed fiercely with her small blade but Inquisitor's greaves deflected and knees avoided all attacks. Her towering opponent eventually trapped the blade under her boot and kneeled to deliver the final blow. But as Maura took aim and stared at the head she was about to detach, the look on Stheno's face - unyielding even in the face of obvious defeat - seemed all too familiar to the warrior and the features that bordered inhuman eyes found path to the single vulnerable place in Maura's heart. The heavy pommel of the sword fell on Stheno's head, knocking the consciousness straight out of it. Maura looked back to Oracle and Grand Templar, still wary of unconscious adventurer, her scimtar still at the ready. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Fight
Maura's pommel slammed down on Stheno's head driving consciousness from her body. Vahanian had watched the whole fight unfold, it had last very few seconds. Vahanian's own blade was still drawn, his eyes flickered to the coiled Maura to the unconscious Stheno. Something flickered across Maura's eyes, something that made Vahanian incredibly nervous. He stepped forward and in her rage she raised her blade in defense. With incredible speed Vahanian slashed his own blade through the air, the clang of steel echoing throughout the chamber. The force of his blow would have shattered bones in any untrained swordsmen and disarmed most trained ones. It spoke volumes to Maura's skill with a blade that she kept her sword in hand, and bones intact. Vahanian raised his sword, point aiming towards her jugular vein, though not close enough that he could hit his target without giving her time to respond. He breathed and said "Stand down Marshal." fury and lethality dripping off every syllable in his voice, rage and battle-sense shinning in his eyes. Without taking his eyes off Maura Vahanian commanded "Paladins, you're dismissed. Secure the ladder and let no one else up." Nobody moved for a brief moment and Vahanian said. "That was not a request. The Oracle's safety is now my concern. Dismissed." The Paladins weren't willing to argue with an armed and angry Vahanian, so they shuffled out of the room securing the base of the ladder and blocking anyone else from entering the room. "Marhsal, there is no demonic sorcery at work here, sheathe your blade so we can attend to the Oracle." | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Fight
Maura still felt vibrations from Vahanian's blow on her blade seconds ago. She could not think of a more dangerous opponent, if he was bewitched by daimon magic they were all ears deep in a month-worth of mammoth's excrements. She stepped back from the pointed blade, looked and listened, allowing the rational, inquisitorial part of her mind to regain control. If he had malicious intent he would have pressed the advantage, if the paladins were under the same spell he wouldn't send them away. No, this was still Vahanian. His mind was too precise in both his fighting and decisions to be shrouded by magic. Maura carefully stepped out of Grand Templar's immediate reach and very, very slowly sheathed her blade. "Then what IS happening here?" - she had no idea, she could not recall when was the last time she was this much in the dark about something. The Inquisitor, always so intent on being the best informed person in the room now found herself to be the least informed one. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual
Vahanian's eyes analyzed every movement that Maura made, he allowed himself a small breath of relief when she sheathed her blade, he did likewise, but kept his hand close by it's hilt. He walked over to Stheno knelt next to her, put his hand on the side of her neck and ensured her pulse was still beating, his hand moved up to the side of her face and caressed her cheek the way a father or uncle caressed the cheek of his daughter or niece, it was remarkably tender and loving gesture. He murmured something that only Stheno could hear - were she conscious - but it sounded like an Obian prayer. He finally turned his gaze back to Maura and said "It is not my secret to share, though it is one I will die protecting." He stood and abruptly walked over to the Oracle as if remembering that she too needed tending to. He knelt by her, took her hand in his and said "Holy One, are you alright?" his hazel eyes shimmering with concern. | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| The Ritual
"Yes" Rania answered. It was the first time the Oracle had spoken audibly since waking. Indeed, it was one of the few times Maura had ever actually heard the Oracle’s voice, and never before this near. She was still on the couch, but was fully upright. The Oracle was tall and slender of frame, with the handsome face of a once beautiful woman now grown into her age. Her voice was calm and cool as a spring breeze, which was utterly at odds with her appearance. Her white robes were disheveled and visible scratches from the tussle with Stheno crisscrossed over old scars. Her chocolate-brown hair was unbound and mussed from a fitful sleep, its silver streaks in disarray aged her. Dark, almondine eyes, rimmed with red, were streaked by the passage of dried tears and ruined makeup marring the dusky panes of her face. Rania made to rise, and the strained slowness with which she did so made her seem older than ever. But Maura could discern no physical tells as to what ailed the Oracle so; there were no deep cuts or bruising that she could see, and yet the Oracle winced as she moved, as if from half-remembered pain. Rania, however, did not so much as look at Maura, having eyes only for Stheno as she knelt down and placed the girls head in her lap. Gingerly, she checked the area where Maura’s pommel had connected. The girls’ lip twisted with hurt; she was already coming to. Rania reached aside to place a hand on the back of Vahanian’s calf. He looked down at the touch and something wordless passed between the two. The Grand Templar visibly relaxed at her reassurance, and Maura was reminded that these two had known one another for longer than she’d been alive. “Vahanian, bring forth the stonebearer.” Vahanian’s only reply was to glare at Maura just a second longer, but Rania pressed his leg as if to say that his warning was unnecessary. “It will be fine,” Rania promised, still stroking Stheno’s hair as the girl started to moan with what was sure to be a headache for the record books. He resisted only a moment before stomping off. “Grand Inquisitor” Rania addressed Maura formally. Maura straightened in response, but Rania was not even looking at her, she only had eyes for the girl. “Go behind the altar and bring back what you find, please.” Though her voice was phrased as a soft request, Maura recognized it as an order and, content for the moment that the Oracle was indeed safe despite the bizarre situation, turned and proceeded to the Obian altar that dominated an entire side of the Solarium. The Altar itself was a great pedestal upon which stood a facsimile of the Veiled Goddess wreathed week-old roses. Maura had never seen such delicate marble-work. The face was, of course, veiled in stone and the figure itself was shrouded by a hooded crimson mantel. It was a striking piece, made more so, Maura realized, by the red color of the garment draped upon it. Obeah was traditionally associated with the color blue. It was ubiquitous across all of the artwork that was starting to be produced as the faith spread, harkening back to the day Obeah first touched the world in a blue explosion of magical energy. The story of the founding. There was nothing else on or around the altar that Maura could carry and her natural pragmatism won out. She could here Vahanian bellowing for Ulrika. So she grabbed the mantel off the statue and turned back to the Oracle. As she strode back to where the Oracle sat on the floor with Stheno, her boot crunched onto paper. Looking down, Maura saw that it was a letter addressed to Stheno…from none other than the Emperor of the Shattered Vales himself. Perhaps it was the heat in her blood, or perhaps any number of things, but Maura was compelled to pick up the letter and, when she realized the seal had long been broken, scanned it as she returned to the Oracle. "Letter from Ehrich Weisz (Personal message to Stheno) - 18 days, 14 hours, 48 minutes ago Dear Stheno, Indeed you are remembered as a ward of the great Kethan D'Espana, a dearly missed friend. Alas, as I was judge only so briefly I do not have a contact for this judge. By all means show him the following Imperial endorsement stamped with our seal. When you find your way free seek me out and perhaps you could undertake a task for me that may benefit Obia'Syela. The Imperial throne recognises the adventurer Stheno as a valued agent, a warrior against rogue forces and of proven good character. If this adventurer can be allowed to conduct her business unimpeded it would be personally appreciated. Faithfully yours, Ehrich Weisz Emperor of Shattered Vales Royal of Shattered Vales Duke of Iato Margrave of Iato"
Maura obliged by kneeling, but what concerned her most was what she saw in the Oracle’s eyes, rooting her to the spot. Every inquisitor could recognize the tell-tale signs of fear. Maura had known from the shouts that her earthly and spiritual liege had been in distress, but in her haste, Maura had assumed Stheno was the cause. A theory which had been strongly reinforced when Maura had seen the two grappling. Now that she was thinking rationally, however, Maura realized that the screams hadn’t been caused by Stheno, they’d drawn the adventurer to burst into the Solarium just as they had drawn Vahanian and herself. “Sit with me, Maura.” Rania requested. Maura obliged, unsure of what else to do. “Your Holiness...” Maura began, “What happ-“ “-A miracle, Maura, one that saved countless lives and may yet save countless more. The cost was…very great.” The Oracle looked at Maura then and Maura saw her as if for the first time. The Grand Inquisitor could see in the Oracles eyes and recognized with a shock an emotion she’d never expected to find here in the very heart of the heart of the faith and the realm…The fading vestiges of bitter, hapless anger…and abject terror. “Sometimes,” Rania continued, “when I sleep, the memories come. When they do, I seek refuge here. Sometimes for hours, sometimes days, sometimes longer. The dreams, they-“ Rania gulped, visibly taking control of herself by measuring her breaths. “Years ago, I was captured by daimonic patrols. It was the height of the Sixth Invasion. For reasons I would not learn until much later, my incarceration merited the personal attention of the Archdaimon Akkan…the Netherworld’s chief torturer and high priest. Over and over he brought me to the brink of death and beyond, only to heal me with his vile magics so that he might feed on my suffering again.” The Oracle’s chest rose and fell with the effort of the admission, the hint at what she went through. Maura had never seen her so vulnerable. “-the dreams seem very real, but they’ve always been just that, dreams. They have never woken with me before, never this badly. Not before today. The stones…the dreams are always stronger when the Veil wanes, and the Veil is at its weakest in the presence of the gathered stones. She-” The Oracle looked down at the girl in her arms, “-she was only trying to wake me, you see.” Before Maura could consider this new revelation fully, the trapdoor entrance opened once again to admit the Grand Templar with the stonebearer Ulrika in tow. The noise of their approach caused Stheno began to stir to wakefulness, eyes fluttering open, then immediately squeezing shut against the pain just as Vahanian knelt down next to her himself, lifting a flask of something to the girl’s lips, which she gulped with grateful relief. “Bloody OW!” Stheno exclaimed as she cracked an eye open to see three of the most powerful nobles on the continent looking down at her. Three sets of eyes held three vastly different emotions. Maura’s was confused or perhaps overwhelmed. Vahanian’s was alarmed and concerned. The eyes of the Oracle, however, held nothing now but love as she regarded the moaning teenager. Love…and a deep sadness that neither Maura nor Vahanian could understand. “She is my daughter.” | |
| Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual
Vahanian hated leaving the oracle alone, hated leaving her in the presence of someone who misunderstood, hated leaving her period. At the Oracle's reassurance he stormed off, shouting at Ulrika. In the distance it could be heard him relentlessly laying into the paladins for not intercepting Maura's assault sooner. He ensured their failure was known to them. He returned a few minutes later and tilted Stheno's head up and fed her a cool liquid. As soon as Rania said "She's my daughter." A pervading silence slammed into the room. Stheno's eyes opened fully as she looked around, groaning and bringing a hand to her head. "She's a good fighter uncle.. and I failed in combat.." Her voice was laced with sadness at the thought of being bested, Vahanian squeezed her hand and said "Little one, you're alive, and she is one of the best fighters in the realm. I'm not sure I would win if she and I fought." Vahanian left the unspoken words hang. His concerned gaze said: "If she wanted you dead you would be dead."
| |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Ritual
Maura's throat went dry. Familiar kind of dry, the kind that could not be quenched by water. She tried to swallow some saliva but there was nothing there. The facade of invulnerable certainty, mask of a stone-carved sentinel chiseled out of her face well over a decade ago barely ever cracked. Now however her shock and confusion were obvious to everyone in the room. She looked at the peculiar trio, the connection between them was palpable. She wasn't entirely wrong - there was magic at work here. A different sort of magic. It took a while for the curious contraption in her head to start working again. The cogs of the windmill of her mind moved as fast as ever, grinding the grain of facts, there were just too many of them this time and it would take quite a while for the sustenance of realization to flow. She pointed all the hints of the day she either missed or failed to connect, scolding herself inwardly for each of them. She made notes of things now clear, unclear and conveniently omitted. The letter from the Emperor for that matter was the last thing anyone would pay attention to at the moment, she committed the contents to her memory and entertained the foolish idea of tucking it away for longer than it deserved. All the things Oracle revealed... both with her words and with her body. Things she was yet to learn about the unfortunate creature wincing in pain on the floor. Maura knew the purpose of her journey, she knew it was soon to be done ever since the Oracle tasked her with finding the stones, but she never knew the destination, she never knew where would the ultimate truth be found. She always assumed the Oracle would know but looking into the golden eyes of her recent opponent glaring back at her she pondered if she had not happen upon the 'navigator' sooner than she hoped for. Things finally started to make sense again, everything resolving just right, and the stones, THE STONES! She looked feverishly to Ulrika - it was there, the backpack nonchalantly tucked between her arm and hip. She didn't know if she should slap or kiss her agent. Perhaps she would do both later. "The other one." - she turned to the paladins - "go fetch the other one, he goes by the name Apostate..." - she rolled her eyes saying it - "and make him walk the stairs, perhaps exercise will wake him up" - then she turned to the Oracle, handing her the letter from the Emperor as casually as she could manage and said in equal parts asking for confirmation and explaining - "he has the irritating knack for just happening to be just the right instrument at the right moment. I can't rightly explain it." | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Ulrika | |
| The Ritual
Upon seeing the scene unfolding before her, all Ulrika could think was ‘help’ and ‘oh sh*t’. She knew that she had overheard things that were more than enough to have her killed and dumped in the canals alongside the other usual victims of murder. She had the stones. That was all that was keeping her alive. In the end all she could do was give a slight curtsy and say ‘Milady’ | |
| Ulrika | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual Vahanian studied and memorized Ulrika's face, he made a mental note to have her followed and if she seemed to be meeting with anyone or discussing the events she'd overheard he would have her murdered. There was nothing he wouldn't do to protect his charges and their secrets. | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Ritual
Maura just placed a hand on Ulrika's shoulder in answer, the hand was still heavy from the recent fight. Her stare said - "you did well". Grand Inquisitor turned to the Oracle, hand still on adventurer's shoulder: "I present agent Ulrika of the Inquisition..." - she made sure only the four of them were within earshot, compelled to protect her mission even here - "... our stonebearer." Then again her head turned to Stheno, some odd mixture of remorse and fascination furrowed her brow briefly as she looked at beaten girl, before unreadable mask of stillness and certainty returned to her face. Considering the circumstances regaining her usual composure was an arduous and masterful act. She walked one step forward and offered apologetic hand to help her up. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| The Ritual
It happened fast, and it happened hard. Even though Stheno saw it coming, the Grand Inquisitor had knocked Stheno out like it was nothing. "Bloody OW!" She repeated, the expression was as much an announcement that she was indeed ok as it was a heartfelt curse. She reached back and gingerly explored the painful bump at the base of her skull as she opened her eyes to find herself on the floor with her head propped on Rania's lap. The Oracle was fully awake now and her gaze was worried. Stheno blinked back the pain and waved off Rania's concern. Before she could do ought else, an armored boot entered her immediate field of vision. Stheno righted herself, lifting her head from the Oracle's lap to see to whom the boot belonged. As she craned her head, squinting against the Solarium's brightness, she saw a hand held out towards her and took it. The hand gripped hers and pulled, lifting the teenaged adventurer gently to her feet. Stheno's vision was still adjusting when she realized it was Maura who had lifted her. A spike of adrenaline-fueled fear ghosted across Stheno's features, but she was not one given to dramatics and just managed to conceal her flinch with a deep breath. She bit down on all of her reactions. This wasn't the first time she'd been beaten out of fear and ignorance, but for it to happen hear, of all places, and right in front of Rania was as unexpected as it was unacceptable. Stheno's shoulders slumped with the realization that there was no where on earth that was truly safe for her, not even in her mothers' own quarters. | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| The Ritual
Rania watched as Stheno got her bearings; the love she had for her flesh and blood was palpable...as was her rage at Stheno being struck. But swift on the heels of that emotion was the half-dreamed memory that still lingered. Had she not just screamed Daimon at her child AND struck her as well? The marks on Stehno's face and arms weren't from Maura, they were from her. SHE did that and- Vahanian, seeing that Maura had extended her hand to Stheno, moved closer to Rania as these thoughts cavorted through her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture that would be unforgivably familiar from someone else. Imperceptibly, by degrees, Rania leaned against his hand. The touch from the world of the real was enough to ground her more firmly in the now. Rania reigned in her own emotions, just as she had taught there daughter, although the expression on the Oracle's face assured all that today's events would be long remembered, good and ill. Taking a deep breath, Rania cleared away the mental miasma and stood, commanding the attention of the others. "Daughter, come." she said, and Stheno presented herself obediently before her mother. Juxtapose up close, their tied lineage was undeniable. Rania placed her hands at Stheno's temples, pulling her close, and looking directly at the Grand Inquisitor as she kissed Stheno on the brow. Message sent and received. Then she smiled and mussed the girl's hair. "I am sorry I lashed out at you, child. It was another nightmare, and I was not myself." Her eyes took in all assembled, lingering this time on Ulrika. This is the stonebearer, Maura?" Both Maura and Ulrika nodded their confirmation. Rania reached out toward Ulrika, her hand stopping just an inch away in a gesture of benediction. "You have struggled long, little one. Thank you. Please give the stones to Stheno. The Veil is at its weakest when the sun is waning. We haven't much time to prepare." Rania did not say another word about Maura or Stheno, or the condition the tow had found her in. The Oracle was wholly consumed by her task. She asked them to assist her by taking down all of the white banners that had been hung to block out the sun, setting them around the perimeter of the room and revealing for the first time the amazingly intricate glyph painted in gold covering the entire floor of the Solarium. Seen whole, Vahanian and the others could clearly make up the mysterious symbol Rania had chosen to represent the realm and the faith as a whole: The Arcana. When at last she seemed ready, she assembled the others around the altar, which itself, as could now be seen, was oriented at the pinnacle of the obian arcana on the floor. At her direction, each of the portal stones were placed at points upon the pattern and in an order only Rania seemed able to discern. When this was done, she ordered Stheno to the altar. The young woman obeyed as if it were routine, leading Maura to wonder privately just how many times this or similar experiments had been attempted, and to what end. As if in answer, Rania spoke. "In ages passed, the enemy of man has benefited from our ignorance, manipulating the energies of the vale via their portals and these stones and doing great woe upon us. Today, we will use that power to our own ends. We will now peer into the void beyond the Veil, borrowing the stones' power scry what mortals may not see. Stheno, I will guide you thorough the spell. Follow my words and remember, don't open your eyes." Stheno nodded and reclined upon the Altar. "Vahanian, her shoulders. Maura, her ankles. Ulrika, bring her the final stone, please." Rania looked overhead; the sun was nearing the horizon now. "It is time. Let us begin" | |
| Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Roleplay from Vahanian Blint | |
| The Ritual
Vahanian stepped in front of Stheno and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders. He held her gaze for a moment and an unspoken word passed between them. It was a look that screamed volumes between the two and was unmistakably noticed by Rania.
Vahanian's eyes flicked up to Rania, concern poured forth and was washed away at her own look at him. There was a love between the two of them. Not necessarily romantic, but a love all born of an unbreakable bond and common suffering. Before the spell was about to take place Vahanian muttered "You have me, always, little one." Vahanian tightened his grip on Stheno's shoulders, said a prayer to himself and waited. Knowing that what came next would be unpleasant. | |
| Vahanian Blint | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| The Ritual
Maura grabbed the ankles of Oracle's daughter. "Hm" - she thought as she felt the toughness of the muscles. Holding the legs of the most interesting creature she met she could not help but notice a curious thing... The great bond between the three: The Voice of Obeah on this world, the lethal daimonslaying grandpa, and a girl with pretty eyes. What she looked at was more than just the Oracle, Grand Templar and an adventurer, what she looked at was a family. Even though she stood in the room with someone touched by goddess, someone with his soul mutilated by daimons and someone not entirely human - in this particular room she was the odd one out. She considered her reason for being here... no not that, she knew HER reason for being here. She considered the Oracle's reason for her being here. Perhaps she was but a tool here. No, not perhaps - she was a tool here. Bring the stones, bare witness and if things go wrong... well, she knew her duty. She nodded at Ulrika reassuring her to follow the Oracle's instructions to the very detail. Her agent was clearly shocked by the entire thing even though she kept her composure well. Bearing the stones and meeting with the Oracle alone are a lot to take. The ritual and the commotion before it were another thing entirely. For a second she worried Ulrika being able to do it. But instantly she scolded herself inwardly - the agents of the Inquisition do not fail, and most certainly not when led by the Grand Inquisitor herself. She beheld the ritual. There ought to be a lot on her mind, from the official business all the way to the trouble she was in for hitting the Oracle's child. There wasn't. On her mind was but one thing - a string of words uttered by a ghost from the past, repeating on and on like a chant, speaking of magic that does not enhance or alter the nature but break it altogether, rips the strands of cloth that weave the very reality: "Find them, read them, perform them and The emptiness you shall fill, The purpose you shall find." Was it a delirious vision, a phantom of drunkard's illness or was it a ghostly message from beyond the veil? Well, in moments she was about to find out... | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| The Ritual
Stheno, laying atop the altar, was struck by a sudden series of thoughts. She wasn't ready. She wanted to be anywhere but here and now. She had no choice. She had tried to run away, but her mother's voice had followed, dwelling within her heart and mind to venture forth when she least expected. The potency of Rania's lessons, the righteous surety that she was somehow special, had gotten Stheno through the darkest periods of her young adult life. The single, cornerstone of thought telling her that no matter what, she had to survive, for the role she'd conceived for herself would never equate to that which fate held in store for her. These were the things the Oracle had said to her, day after day, year after year. And even if Rania werent her mother, the word of a duchess in her own domain was to law as air was to lungs in this world, to say nothing of the weight of her holy status. In private reflection, Stheno always velt vain to think of herself as special. And yet the notion that she could be had helped her find the will to survive alone. Now, Stheno employed that same will to keep from yelping in terror at the firm press of hands that suddenly pinned her shoulders and ankles to the cold stone of the altar. She blinked, doing her best to keep her emotions in check. She new that her mother needed to focus, or they would all be in terror. Stheno was drawn from her inward thoughts by the cool weight of dread Ulrika dropped into her hand: the last Portal Stone. It was uneasy to hold and worse to contemplate. Stehno swallowed visibly, her throat suddenly dry. Her chest rose and fell as her breathing increased, signalling her panic to the others when just as suddenly, a warm hand covered hers, curling over her fingers and staving off the unnatural cold of the stone. "Everything will be all right, my darling." Cool water appeared by Stheno lips as Rania encouraged her to sip. When Stheno had aleviated her thirst, Rania set the vessel down out of the field of Stheno's vision. Smiling and squeezing her daughter's hand once more she said "Remember, my darling, don't open your eyes." Then the Oracle began to chant... | |
| Stheno | |
Column of Light
| Roleplay from Stheno | |
| Column of Light
You put the portal stones into a magic circle. They lock into place and magic flows, shooting a column of light into the sky and causing a strange buzzing sensation near the magic circle. You wait for something more to happen... (OOC: The effect will be manually resolved by a GameMaster) | |
| Stheno | |
| Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Column of Light
Rania's chant dissolved from clear words in to a melodious, yet chaotic humming. Power pulsed from the portal stones on the arcanis, as well as the one in Stheno's hand. As the magic did' its work, Rania's hair stood on end. Energy realesed from the stone pulsed into Stheno, who convlused and cried out as though in pain. Vahanian shouted his alarm, but the Oracle shouted over him. "SHE IS THE BREAKER AGAINST THE STORM!" Her eyes were closed, and when she spoke, it was through gritted teeth. " We must keep her grounded t the cost of her life, and ours. The spell is already begun. If she can direct the power of the stones into the Arcanis, it is possible that I may bend some degree of it to our will." Stheno began to squirm and cry out at the unnatural magics writhing around her, but she did not falter, and her eyes remained shut. "We pray to you, O veiled Goddess of Magics and Mysteries, our Obeah, Our Mother and Protector. The First and Final Light. We beseech you to lend us your aid that we may better serve your Will." It was a short prayer, It almost didn't feel like eulogy... Suddenly, the power of the stones pulsed to a climax. Waves of energy flowed in a cyclonic torrent about Solarium, emnating in a great beam piercing directly into the sky from the very heart of Rines. Stheno screamed, her pain sympathetic to the light's brilliance. The overwhelming mystical energy flowed second -hand into the Grand Inquisitor, Grand Templar, and the Oracle herself. All three stood their ground, refusing to lift so much as a finger from Stheno'snow-thrashing form. "Prepare yourselves." The Oracle said solemnly, and then began to hum anew as Rines itself held it's breath... | |
| Rania Eastersand JeVondair | |
| Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Content:
All calm demeanour left Maura's face as the unnatural light tore into her eyes and magical energy numbed her hands where they held Stheno. She willed her body to remain a stone locking the girl in place, but her face... Here eyes pierced as deep they could into the light. Her face contorted with a different kind of desire, lust even. She lusted truth, knowledge and above all - purpose. | |
| Maura Arnickles Renodin | |
| Roleplay from Apostate | |
| The Late One
Apostate Apostate has overslept. This was, to say the least, not good. He leapt out of the bed, quickly changing. He sprinted from the room, following the quiet notes of the song tugging at the edge of his mind. He had no clue where to go, only to follow the song. Louder and louder. Closer. Quieter, he turned, louder. He uttered a near silent prayer to the Lords of the Netherworld. “My Lady Inquisitor, forgive me.” He pleaded breathlessy.
The song. He heard it again. Loud and clear, boring into his skull. He got up. He followed its command. It led him out. To the streets. He roamed as the sing willed, into an alley. Turn. He complied. And there it was, a beam of light emitting from the “Holy” Basilica. He had been given another chance. Absentmindedly, he reached for his dagger. Pain blossomed across his left palm. He droned prayers that he had not said in years. Words of the Gods taught by a greater man. Halfway through praising the last Lord on the list, Akkan, the believer was crippled by a coughing fit. He doubled over, blood flowing from his mouth and nose. He straightened himself, wiping the blood from his face and beard as best he could. “From the sacrifice of lifeblood unto a the salvation of a damned world, we bring the Truth, the Hope of Man, the acknowledgment of something greater. From the pain of the blade we call upon you to open the Veil, so that the Truth may spread and those who choose to remain in Ignorance may burn.” | |
| Apostate | |
Roleplay from Mariana le Craint
Mariana stepped out from her tent, covering her eyes as the moon shone brightly this night. Her arm wrapped up in a bandage, she limped across the ground where camp had been set up. Most of her men were not up and active, a few prepping a fire, others setting up more tents for the night as more men recover from their injuries. The mood had recovered, seeing their commander recovering from her wounds and more importantly conscious. A pair returned just as Mariana stepped out from her tent, hung over their shoulders was a selection of hunted animals ready for the evening meal. Their smug attitudes got them a lot of attention from the men preparing the fire.
Mariana looked down at herself, she had most of her armour removed apart from her greaves and sabatons. Her mail undershirt remained mostly intact with only minor breakages, however her breastplate had been torn off and lost on the battlefield. Looking around she could see the scraps of armour that had been destroyed in the battle, it seemed the men had hired a local blacksmith to work on, as best as he could, the partially damaged sets. It pleased Mariana to see that the men had taken the initiative in her absence.
Stepping towards the campfire, the sat on a tree that had been felled to be used as a bench. Looking over her arm, she could still feel the pain where a claw had torn through most of the upper layers of muscle and skin. She looked around for a drink to soothe her pain, to which she could not find one. She looked towards the men that were setting up the fire.
"Cedric, grab me a drink. Something strong mind you, none of that swill you find in a peasants tavern.."
Before she could finish, a man came behind her holding out a mug.
"Ah Waldor, it seems you read my mind. I am glad to see you have recovered from your injury."
The cup she was offered was filled with a colourless liquid, which gave off a strong stench of alcohol, like the kind that would be used to disinfect wounds. Without a moments hesitation she downed the drink, the men that were neardby were stunned into silence, many of them had tried this but none had survived more than one cup. Mariana reached the bottle of the mug, letting out a sigh of relief she sunk into the comfort of the bench.
"It seems you never cease to surprise me, bringing my favourite drink, you must have hunted around for quite some time to find that."
The captain laughed, his thick black goatee bouncing up and down with his heavy laughter.
"Only the best, its the reason I signed up with you. Never met another who could handle this drink, to find someone who enjoys it as much as me is more than enough reason to carry a bottle round with me at all times."
Mariana followed this comment with a laugh, wiping the sweat from her brow as the hot summer evening was coming to a close. The fire was not lit, while only a small flame, the men were pleased and ready to begin roasting the meat that had been caught.
"You better bring the rest of that bottle, now is the time to enjoy this while we are given a bit of peace. Additionally, since you seem to know me so well, I imagine you wouldnt try to withhold this drink from me."
The captain smirked, he produced the bottle from behind his back. The blackened glazed glass gave off a mystery to the drink, a simple label with little to no decoration with bold lettering 'Black Death'. Before two long the pair of them was pouring out their second mugs, the smell of the roasting meat accompanied the drink. Men now gathered around the fire, their mouths watering as they awaited their food.
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Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook
The Portal in Rines
It had been some hours since Ferdinand was left to his own devices. The expected meeting was never going to happen. He had held some restraint up until this point. However, even one's patience wavers thin.
Moving into the hallway that Ferdinand saw the Marshal vanish into, there was a large tremor and a unnatural light outside.
Shock was quickly replaced by zealous determination.
With one of the aides that stood beside him, Ferdinand demanded to know what was going on.
Without uttering a word, the aide pointed to the sky and then to a staircase passageway.
With his hand on his sword's hilt, Ferdinand darted towards the before-mentioned staircase and ascended the stairs. With the magic in the air, Ferdinand looked to the ceiling and confirmed the source of the magic was from the highest levels of the building.
Hence, Ferdinand sprinted, then ran, and finally paced as fast as he could with his armour on over the thousands of steps that wound around the Basillica's central spire - the marvel of Rines itself. The Grand Staircase was no mean feat.
Knowing that he was invited by the Marshal, or even a higher power, Ferdinand grew in his conviction.
Something had started - he was determined to discover what that was.
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 19 days, 1 hour, 58 minutes ago
Vahanian sat in the marbled chamber of the Grand Council listening to the proposals being thrown before this ruling body. When the time came for military proposals and leadership changes he kept his face impassive.
The Oracle's proposal made sense to him, it was a sound proposal, but something was off. As he listened with half his attention to the minor details, with the rest of his attention he was picking up each piece of the proposal with his mind, examining it, and placing it back down. His mind was whizzing through all the possibilities. He made mental notes on portions that he wanted to examine further in private. He rolled up the scroll on which the Proposal was written and placed it in a pocket beneath his cloak.
He would decide it's fate in the coming days.
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 18 days, 20 hours, 24 minutes ago
Baldwin shuffled through the manor on Vahanian's estate, the house was quiet, most of the inhabitants were asleep. He approached a large thick oak door and knocked twice before opening the door. The room was dark, the curtains had been pulled tightly shut and only the embers of a fire crackled in the fireplace on the far wall. Baldwin didn't see Vahanian in the large four post bed, but he saw some blankets that had been cast onto the floor in between the bed and the fireplace. Baldwin moved further into the room and saw Vahanian laying on the floor under the blankets, his room slave lay next to him Vahanian's eyes looked like they were closed. Baldwin was about to clear his throat when Vahanian spoke softly.
"I'm awake." Baldwin shuffled closer a little embarrassed at the fact that he had walked in on his lord and master after the man had obviously shared his bed with his room slave. "What is it Baldwin?" Vahanian stood and the blankets dropped away revealing that he was entirely naked, just as Baldwin's eyes started to adjust to the dim light. Baldwin looked away and cleared his throat. Vahanian rolled his eyes and said "Robe." Baldwin handed the robe to his master and Vahanian turned away from him to put it on. Baldwin's eyes danced across Vahanian's back and chest and his voice caught in a gasp in his throat. He'd known his lord was a seasoned warrior and had been tortured more than once, to see the scars first hand was an all together different ordeal than hearing the stories.
Vahanian pulled the robe on quickly after hearing the gasp and turned. Baldwin still had a quizzical look on his face as his eyes flickered between the makeshift bed on the floor, Vahanian, and the four post bed that was unused. Vahanian threw another log on the dying fire and mumbled "Spend 16 months at the hands of daimon torturers and see if you can sleep on a mattress again.." Baldwin said nothing.
Vahanian walked over to him and said "What do you want, Baldwin?" irritation creeping into his voice, he obviously didn't care to be disturbed during the few hours of the day that he had to himself. "My Lord, a guest awaits in the parlor." Baldwin put an odd emphasis on the word 'guest'. Vahanian nodded and said "5 minutes, pour yourself a whiskey, do not offer him one. I want him off balance." Baldwin bowed and shuffled out. Vahanian dressed quickly and took one last look at his room slave who hadn't stirred during Baldwin's time in the room. He then left without saying anything.
5 minutes later Vahanian entered the parlor and Baldwin stood from his seat and immediately poured a cup of steaming tea for his master. Vahanian sat and lit his pipe, not addressing the man standing in the middle of the room. "Harrdun." Vahanian said, the man threw back his hood and knelt, saying "Father." Vahanian smiled briefly and then wiped the grin from his face. Vahanian gestured for the man to sit across from him and then said "Well?" Harrdun took a deep breath, shot a hateful glance at Baldwin and said "Uncle Leatho thinks me his son, he tested me in some way, forced me to play him in chess." Vahanian nodded and Harrdun continued "I only won once." Vahanian took a deep puff on his pipe and said "Liar."
Harrdun looked at his father, and Vahanian said "You played him, but you didn't win. Leatho is an exceptional chess player, it suits how his mind works. Even I've only ever beaten him once. He stared at the board for a week before congratulating me." Harrdun looked confused and asked 'Why?" Vahanian shrugged as if it didn't matter and said "He needed to know where and how he lost, and how he could have prevented it. He makes plenty of mistakes, but he rarely makes the same one twice, and never three times."
Harrdun nodded as if he understood but he didnt. "And that's how you knew I didn't win?" Vahanian chuckled and said "No, if you'd won you'd be dead." Harrdun couldn't tell if Vahanian was serious until Baldwin confirmed it. "You'd be dead young master."
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 18 days, 20 hours, 20 minutes ago
- Cont -
"But why aren't you dead? If you won..?" Harrdun asked. Vahanian took a moment to answer but finally said "Two reasons. I beat him before he knew he was better than me, and secondly, he likes me more than you." Harrdun couldn't believe it at first. Vahanian chuckled and said "Don't take it personally there are maybe 5 people he actually likes. Only 2 of them are in the family."
Harrdun still couldn't believe it. Vahanian brushed past it and said "Does he think you're his son?" Harrdun nodded and said "yes, I think so, but I don't know why you wanted me to make him think that.."
Vahanian said "You don't need to know. All that matters is he keeps believing it.."
–
Roleplay from Augum conDoin
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 18 days, 37 minutes ago
Sir Augum enters his command tent, scanning the latest missives and coming to Lord Jorvik's.
A small grin on his face, Sir Augum dictates a reply to the realm, "I will allow the lady to characterize the nature of the duel."
Sir Augum exits his tent to see to the training of his men, the small smile still on his face.
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Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 15 days, 19 hours, 48 minutes ago
"Grandmistress!" Bryant exclaimed as he opened the door of her mansion in Rines. Her entourage was busy unloading her effects in front of the large building, and Bryant ushered his Lady inside.
"The foreign expedition went well?" he asked, "We weren't expecting to see you for another week or so..."
Jessica nodded. Unfortunately, she had cut her mission short. However, she had achieved her primary goal, and a large temple now stood in Ete City. Nothing to bother Bryant about though.
Instead, she smiled a rare smile and gestered towards him. He laughed, "I am well, m'Lady," he said, "Of course, I would much have preferred to accompany you on your journey..."
She shook her head at that, and waved her hand at the mansion.
"I know, I know," he held up his hands, "I just think there are others who could run your household for you just as effectively. As always, though, what I interpret as your wish is my command," he gave her a wink.
Jessica gave him a crooked grin and shook her head.
"What is next, m'Lady?" Bryant asked as they walked towards her chambers, "Shall I organize a gathering in the square for you to preach to? I never did understand how you are able to do that..." he trailed off, pondering.
She shook her head. Instead, she made the movement of drawing a bow.
"Surely you jest."
She folded her arms and shook her head.
"The battlefield is no place for the Grandmisstress of the Sacred Obia'Syela!" he stated firmly. He looked at her again and she folded her arms across her chest. He sighed.
With a snap of his fingers, a servant appeared beside Bryant. He turned to her and said, "Fetch the Grandmistress' war bow from the armory. And her battle dress. Have them brought up to her chamber..." he turned back to Jessica, "For now, m'Lady, I shall draw you a bath so that you may wash the travel from yourself."
Jessica nodded, clapped Bryant on the shoulder, and followed him into the chamber.
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 15 days, 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
(OOC: I wrote this with JeVondair's permission to hijack Stheno for a bit! It helps that Stheno is almost as much apart of the Blint family as she is the JeVondair! Enjoy!)
Vahanian leaned against a large boulder as he watched some of his men spar and train. He puffed on his pipe as he studied the movements of his men, his mind calculating the next best strike for each opponent. He was good at that, good at anticipating fighters movements. He heard grass rustle a bit away from the fighting pit, he slightly and subtly shifted his weight and right as a young woman was about to jump out in an attempt to scare him he whipped around the edge of the boulder and grabbed her by the ear pulling her from shadows.
"OW! Uncle! Let go!" Stheno yelled at him. Vahanian grinned at the girl and pulled her into an embrace. "Little one." he said lovingly. "Your skills need work." She stuck her tongue out at him and Vahanian laughed, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. Stheno noticed and regained some semblance of seriousness. "You weren't just talking about today were you...?" She said meekly. Vahanian sighed and said "No Little One, I don't fault you for losing to Maura, she is one of the best fighters I've ever seen. What I fault you for is how you fought.." Stheno looked at him puzzled and he said "You weren't fighting to win, you were fighting to not lose. In the game of life play to win or don't play at all." She rolled her eyes at his old man wisdom and proverb. He chuckled a bit and then called out "Bartok, take her through forms 1 and 2" A mountain of a man jogged over, bowed low and said "Yes my liege. Come this way little lady." Stheno protested "Uncle, I know those forms like the back of my hand!"
Vahanian thought for a moment and said "Show me. Any blade you want, only use those forms, Score one touch on me." Stheno walked over to the weapon rack and selected her blade, Vahanian handed his cloak to Bartok and took his position in the middle of the pit, still smoking. Stheno asked "What weapon will you use?" Vahanian smiled and said "I'll borrow yours when you've finished with them." Stheno readied herself and Vahanian nodded to Bartok who called out "FIGHTERS.....BEGIN!"
Stheno charged forward and slashed at Vahanian he dodged and evaded her easily, spinning around the pit with the grace of a ballet dancer while Stheno fumbled a bit. She lunged and he spun and rapped her on the top of her head with his pipe. Her ears burned hot with embarrassment and she rushed again, swinging wildly and blindly. Vahanian feinted a kick to her knee and she moved to avoid it and he grabbed her, spun her with her own momentum and disarmed her. She landed in the sand on her back, He landed with his feet on the ground and her weapons in his hands. Nobody around the ring stirred. Vahanian tossed the weapons to Bartok and offered a hand to Stheno she took her, still embarrassed and he pulled her chin up to meet his eyes "Failure is growth, why did you lose?" She grumbled and said "Because you're better than me." Vahanian held her gaze and said "Yes, but that's not why you lost. You got emotional, and then you got reckless."
He stood and said to her, "Dawn, every morning forms 1 and 2 until Bartok says you're ready." She nodded and said "Yes Uncle..." The rest of her sentence unsaid, Vahanian finished her thought and said "I will deal with your mother. You focus on training."
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 15 days, 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
Vahanian was walking through his camp distracted, his mind playing out the conversation he was inevitably going to have to have with Rania about how he not so gently put her on her ass in front of 60 trained soldiers.. While Stheno wasn't a landed noble, she was still the Oracle's daughter.. He winced as his mind played out the conversation in which more than one breakable object was flung and Rania's voice reached that shrill pitch that made Vahanian want to squeeze his eyes shut so hard they popped.. He'd only ever heard that pitch once and never wished to relive it.
"Maybe it won't be that bad.." he thought to himself.. and then the rational part of his mind kicked that thought into hell and said "Yes, and tygre-wolves make lovely house pets until they pee on your rug and eat your face while you sleep.." Vahanian sighed fiddling with his pipe as he entered his tent. Baldwin noticed his mood and offered him a cup of tea and said "Perhaps a letter would be best?" Vahanian almost shot tea out his nose and looked at Baldwin.
"I have no doubt that she would exact her revenge in some devilishly cruel way.. Perhaps cutting the groin out of all my trousers, or intentionally shrinking all my tunics in the wash... No i'll hand her this news face to face and pray that her array of pottery is not close at hand..."
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Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 14 days, 20 hours, 24 minutes ago
"Ogres took Alacrix?! And you allowed it?!" - Maura bellowed at her captain - "And why pick Alacrix of all the people, my hide would fetch a grander prize and my meat a grander meal. Same could be said about several of the other commanders here in Rueffilo."
"Grand Inquisitor, those appeared to be female ogres." - Captain Sophia explained calmly.
"Ah..." - Maura fell quiet, deep in thought - "... ogres too must have their needs."
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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 13 days, 3 hours, 26 minutes ago
Ch.2 Stheno's Lessons pt. 1
Vahanian walked around the training sands as Bartok and Stheno sparred, trading blows and scoring points from each fighter. Vahanian allowed himself a brief smile as he realized, Stheno was learning Bartok's fighting style and adjusting hers to beat it. "smart girl." he thought to himself. Stheno scored the final point and Baldwin called a halt to the match.
Vahanian walked out into the sands and said "Mind your footing little one, never sacrifice it for a killing stroke." He nudged her shoulder slightly and she tumbled into the sand and Vahanian grinned at her. He turned to Bartok and said "She's learning, take a rest." He turned and called out "Harrdun, you're up." Vahanian's son ambled onto the field and threw off his cloak. He was handsome, average height, sparkling blue eyes with flecks of green in them and the auburn hair that Vahanian had in his younger days. He was built the same way Vahanian was, a clear resemblance between the men. He muttered something under his breath and Vahanian raised an eyebrow at him. "Never underestimate her, or anyone, but especially her. I've taught her nearly everything she knows."
"That's because you were a father to someone who isn't kin." Harrdun muttered, a mixture of shame and fury rippled across Vahanian's face but he said nothing. He nodded to Baldwin who called the fighter's to their stances and ordered the match started. Vahanian barely watched it, wrestling the shame and fury, that was boiling in his gut, into submission was taking most of his attention. Bartok came over to him and looked as though he was about to try to console him, Vahanian muttered "Don't." and Bartok remained silent. Vahanian said "Fight them both, back alley techniques, they need to learn to not fight fair." Bartok nodded and picked up a cudgel and entered the ring. About 30 seconds alter both Stheno and Harrdun were in the sand moaning at the bruises that they would share tomorrow. Vahanian began to walk away before calling out "3 hours each day until they reach the bell." Vahanian nodded to a small brass bell that was staked to a post at the edge of the pit. Bartok nodded and readied himself and Vahanian left them to their training.
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Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 10 days, 20 hours, 15 minutes ago
As one of the men was about to knock on the door, it opened. Long and rather large man came out from the cabin. "What is all this ruckus? Are we having another drinking competition already?" "No sir Chubiske, not this time, our spotter has spotted land ahead and I was about to call you to give us instructions how should we act next?" reported sailor. "Then there is no time to waste!" Chubiske grabbed his glaive from the cabin and rushed to ship's bow, holding on to his heavy glaive with one hand he rose it over his head and pointed it toward the land and yelled: "Start rowing your sloths we shall land today! Do not stop until our queen Tempress is stuck in land! If any of you dare to take it easy, I shall personally make you clean our boots for 3 weeks!" "Aye sir!" roared the men. "Row..Row..Row! Row till our rows break!" yelled the quartermaster. After hours of rowing, men were starting to get tired. Some of the men turned their head to see how far till the land, but they did not see the land, all they saw was captain, who even after hours was still holding his glaive as the way he had from the start. It was a battlecry for the men. They did not dare to stop now and be perform less than their lord. Suddenly large shock wave went through the ship. Chubiske lowered his glaive and said: "We are here you poor sods! After a year we have landed again on land. No more fish, now we eat real meat! Now clear the ship, it is time to give our old queen rightful goodbye." "As you command, captain!" After getting the supplies on the land, crew pushed Tempress back to the sea. After 10 minutes Chubiske drew his bow string and shot flaming arrow into the sail. He dropped the bow, put his left hand on the his chest and said: " It is time to say goodbyes old girl, as you guided us here go and guide our dead brothers to their final resting place. Go in peace Tempress!" after finishing his goodbyes Chubiske took his glaive and started moving inland to find a new home.
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Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 10 days, 5 hours, 1 minute ago
Moving more into inland, Chubiske soon found large farm fields and local villages. He stopped in one of the village inns, in order to order some warm food and ale for himself and his crew. As Chubiske was sitting down, he took out his ink and piece of paper to write to the local lord. "Here is what you ordered, my lords." As the waiter was turning around Chubiske said: "Wait" waiter stopped and was shivering a bit "I have a question for you. What is the name of your lord?" Waiter sighed with relief and turned around "Count Boltgan Starck, sir." "Thank you, for answering." said Chubiske. "My lord, women are nice here, why won't we take fe..." as one of the crew members was about to finish his sentence Chubiske hit the table with his fist so hard that it shook the whole inn. "One more word and you will end up as woman!" Man who said that, instantly was covered in fear, as he knew his lord was not kidding around. "I am sorr..." "Get out! Now!" ordered Chubiske "Yes my lord!" Man stood up and left the inn as fast as he could. "Quartermaster go punish the fool, I will not have kidnappers and rapists in my company. He may keep his manhood for now, but if he dares to fight back cut it off!" "As you wish sir." Chubiske took few deep breaths to calm down and then continued to write his letter to local lord.
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Roleplay from Boltgan Starck
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 9 days, 10 hours, 17 minutes ago
During a morning walk contemplating the motte and bailey of Avengmil, the Count Boltgan received a letter with the seal of a noble family unknown to him. Once he finished reading it, the Count said loudly with some surprise. "A young knight named Chubiske wants to set in Cjelegy!... this has not happened for a long time." Then the Count began to retreat to the main watchtower of the wall. "Definitely will be interesting to meet him" - Count Boltgan thought as he entered the watchtower.
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Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 8 days, 20 hours, 17 minutes ago
After 2 days Chubiske had finally made it to Avengmil, from small letter exchange between himself and his lord Boltgan, he was informed that lord Boltgan was currently in Avengmil and more specifically in it's main defences' tower. However due to being completely new to the surroundings Chubiske had no idea where such tower might be. Thus all he had left was to ask from the locals about the local towers. After a while asking around in the local town. All he was told that the tower lays between the town of Avengmil and old ruins of Ardford, so he had no other choice to travel toward the old ruins. After few hours of marching there it was rather rundown old tower. On the top of the tower there flew 3 flag, at the top of highest pole flew Obia'Syela flag, below it was duchy's flag and local lady's flag flew on the 2 sides of the tower. Guards defending the tower entrance were in shook when they saw, to their eyes a giant had appeared before them. One of the guards whispered to other: "Is that what you call mythical creature cyclops?" "No you fool, Cyclops does not wear an eyepatch!" shouted the other. "Ohoo, I am a cyclops now am I? asked Chubiske in front of the two, now deeply in fear guard. One of the guards, with fear still in his eyes, took a deep breath and then asked: "What is you business here? Only military personnel allowed!" "I am Knight of Count Boltgan. Leader of Tempress crew and hail from noble family Von Weiss. My birth name is Chubiske Von Weiss, named after my great grandfather who was know as a great warrior, once killing a bear unarmed! If you do not believe me, here is my family's seal and personal letter from Count Boltgan Starck. Unless you two are interested in a duel with a cyclops, in which I happily fight both of you. Otherwise I would like to see lord Boltgan."The soldiers looked at the seal on the letter and the seal which Chubiske handed to them. After a while one of the guards said: "Sir, we apologize for our rudeness before, these seals are clearly real, as their quality is outstanding. However I must request that your retinue stay outside while you are visit the tower. It is nothing more than orders from highers." "Very well. Men you are released from duty until I return, you may wait me here or in the inn that we passed before. However quartermaster, should we have same problems as yesterday, you are free to punish them as you see fit!" After finishing his orders, Chubiske took his glaive supporting 1/3 with his right shoulder while 2/3 with his right hand and stepped inside to finally meet with his new lord, Count Boltgan.
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Roleplay from Boltgan Starck
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 8 days, 14 hours, 27 minutes ago
The Count Boltgan was reviewing Cjelegy's income and expenditures for the next tax collection. He had recently recruited a considerable militia to defend his region. Necessary after a large horde ravaged it and tried to turn the region into rogue. Suddenly a small tumult is heard outside. The sound of a heavy walking was followed by the appearance of a tall warrior. His youth counteracts with his eyepatch. A huge glaive lies on her shoulder while a hand holds her."You're finally here, do not take it the wrong way, but you're not what I imagined you to be." - said Boltgan while trying not to stare much his eyepatch. "Take a seat, make yourself comfortable." - He said indicating to Knight Chubiske a chair. "Some Gryphon's Blood (red wine)?" - Boltgan offered him. "Seems you want to tell me something."
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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 8 days, 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
Vahanian stood by and watched Harrdun and Stheno rush at Bartok and try to reach the brass bell behind him, they failed. Bartok was tall and strong, but deceptively quick. Vahanian had been watching them go at this for 2 weeks. He shouted "Enough!" anger seeping through his voice, he strode out onto the sands and stared at his two charges. "You've yet to grasp the point of this exercise, and that is why you fail! Stop blindly attacking and think. The stronger swordsmen doesn't win, the smarter one does!"
Harddun's eyes lit with rebellion and he grumbled "Easy for you to say old man, you don't work at this each day." Vahanian surpressed the fury quickly and said "Bartok hold nothing back." Bartok nodded and readied himself.
Vahanian approached him and readied himself and Baldwin shouted the start command. Bartok didn't hesitate and launched himself at Vahanian, who sidestepped and fired a kick at Bartok's knee, Bartok blocked it spinning Vahanian, who allowed the spin to happen and use the momentum to coil and snap out another kick aimed at Bartok's chest, his foot connected with power and speed enough to knock Bartok off his feet and the wind from his lungs. The man lay gasping on the ground as Vahanian strode over and rung the bell.
Harrdun wasn't convinced, he grumbled out "Loyalty of everyone but family.. typical" Vahanian walked over to his son and let loose with a backhand that made an audible crack as he struck his son's face. Harrdun went sprawling in the sand spitting out blood and phlegm. His eyes snapped to his father with furious rebellions burning through them. Vahanian stared down at his son and said "You think I am a disappointing father. You're mad I wasn't there for you while you were growing up. We get it. Your point has been made. Now what are you going to do about it? Keep whining like a petulant child or grow up and act? You think you can lead this family better than I? Then take your shot boy."
Bartok had recovered and Baldwin had inched closer and closer. Stheno looked from son to father with worry and anticipation on her face. Harrdun had become her friend, her training partner, but Vahanian was family to her. He'd been the closest thing to father she'd ever known.
Harrdun stood and with surprising speed drew his sword and slashed at Vahanian who brought up his arm and the sound of steel clanged through the training ground as his dagger blocked the sword. The three spectators moved forward and Vahanian called out "Nobody move! Nobody interferes." His tone brokered no argument and he pushed back against the sword readying himself.
"Come boy, kill me if you can." In what can only be described as an emotion fueled aggressive attack and a technically perfect, masterful defense, father and son fought. Harrdun was strong, spurred by his emotion and anger, Vahanian was calm, and experienced. In a matter of moments the fight was over. Harrdun overextended himself with a lunge and Vahanian cut his arm, not deeply, but enough to loosen the boy's grip on the blade and then he punched the wound, causing Harrdun to drop the blade. Vahanian grabbed Harrdun's throat and swept his legs from under him, landing with his knee on his chest and his dagger at his throat.
"Yield. You live because I allowed it." Harrdun nodded his submission and Vahanian didn't move yet. "I don't care if you don't like me. I don't care if you hate me. You think your hatred makes you stronger? Fine. But if you ever question me like that again, I will kill you. I am trying to teach you something. But you're either too stupid or too arrogant to see that. If you can't abide my training, leave. I will find someone else to train with her." He nodded to Stheno. "We all get it. You hate that I was more of a father to her than you. Fine. But she's been more of a child to me than you. She's learned when to listen. She knows how to show respect, and she understands that sometimes gratitude will get you further than mouthing off."
Vahanian stood and let Harrdun up. He said "Take the rest of the day. You start again at dawn. Or not. But if you don't show up tomorrow, you never show up here again. Either accept my training or renounce my name." With that Vahanian strode off the training ground leaving the rest stunned and silent.
–
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 7 days, 19 hours, 4 minutes ago
In the shadow of Basilica one could think that Rines was a levelled city - a peculiar illusion. In truth the city was full of high towers, tall spires and all sorts of elevated buildings. Grand Inquisitor enjoyed one such vantage point, beholding a training yard about three hundred feet away and four stories below her current level; the figures placed upon the arena could hardly be identified if she didn't know their identity in advance... in that regard she also enjoyed being the Grand Inquisitor. It wasn't that she ment to hide or had to observe from afar - she simply didn't want to intrude, especially not after the ordeal with young Stheno.
The big man - apparently one of Vahanian's retinue - schooled two smaller figures: Stheno - one of the main reasons she observed the spectacle, and a boy - a young member of house Blint. There - she thought as she saw Vahanian step in to instruct... nay - to illustrate how it should be done. Even with the advantage of perspective she could just barely keep up with the flow of the battle and sneer knowingly just a split second before the final blow happened. She could almost swear she heard the kick connect, even from this far.
The old wolf certainly still has it in him, he could... oh - she lost her stream of thought as young Blint fell to the ground from Grand Templar's blow. Maura leaned forward, she knew it wasn't unrestrained temper or deliberate punishment, no she didn't knew Vahanian to the core, but she knew him enough to know what it was - a challange; or more preciesly - an incitement of one. Even though she knew the young pup doesn't stand a chance, she was somehow more fascinated by this fight than by the last one.
The boy attacked with blind rage - a mistake - not that it mattered, old Blint would prevail through sheer force of experience even if the boy did everything perfect. Several swings in the air, several sparks of steel on steel and there - the boy was on the ground and at his opponent's mercy. Vahanian's canines flashed as he spoke something that elicited submission from his opponent.
The crest - Maura almost shouted in her mind - the coat of arms. She suddenly understood the wolf in the Blint family heraldry, the comparison was now apparent and the paralleles started to sprout in her mind faster than she could count them. You may find alliance, kinship, even loyalty in the pack of wolves, much less oftenly love and indulgence - she thought - a weak wolf is a liability to himself and to the entire pack. A tiny smile would've crept up on her face if it was not her face, trained to remain untelling, always.
As the alpha left the arena the pack remained in that meaningful kind of stillness. She watched him stride the cobblestones a while longer until he disappeared from her view as well. Watching the troubled figures in the distance she let out a sigh - part envious part wistful - and quickly looked to see if anyone was there to spot it.
There wasn't.
–
Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 7 days, 2 hours, 45 minutes ago
As Chubiske entered the room, he quickly found man sitting behind table looking surprised. As Chubiske was offered a chair to sit on, he left his glaive next to the door and sat on the chair in front of him. As he sat on the chair Count Boltgan offered some wine to him. "I'll gladly have bit of wine, as it has been long time since I had time to enjoy some quality wine." As Chubiske tasted the wine, he noticed how Count Boltgan could not look away from his eye patch. Instead keeping to himself, he raised his eye patch with his free hand, showing the empty eye socket and lot's of scars around it. "It has been at least 10 years since I lost my eye and got these scars. If it is fine with your Lord Boltgan, I wouldn't mind sharing the story on another day, as it has been a while since I had chance to share it. However today I mostly came to meet with my liege and give you my vows of loyalty. After this I shall travel further south to aide our allies in fight against the forces of evil." After Chubiske had finished his sentence, he stood up, took the chair he sat on and lifted it up to place it further away. After doing that he pushed one of his knees down to hard wooden floor while supporting his upper body on his another knee. After in position Chubiske said: "In the name of Von Weiss family, I Chubiske Von Weiss, second son of Izain, vow on this day to protect lands, honour and house of Count Boltgan Starck, until you are my lord I shall not allow any to harm your life . Your enemies shall be my enemies. I vow this pledge of loyalty on the honour of my name and my house!"
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 7 days, 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
Vahanian sat atop a boulder leaning against an even larger bolder smoking his pipe, the sun was setting and Vahanian watched it begin to dip below the horizon. Stheno climbed up beside him, but sat across from him. She looked troubled. Vahanian waited silently, she would speak when ready and pressing her wouldn't expedite that.
"...Uncle...I..." Stheno looked as though she couldn't find the words and Vahanian could see tears starting to well up in her eyes, he placed a hand gently on her ankle and said "Take your time little one." A single tear leaked down her cheek at his touch and voice, in that moment Vahanian's heart shattered as it had many times before. He longed to reach out to her, pull her into a loving embrace and cast away whatever was troubling her mind. He almost gave in to his initial reaction, but hesitated, and knew that she needed to speak first.
"Is Harrdun.. my f-....f-....fault?" she managed to mutter, quickly wiping the tear from her cheek, but not yet brave enough to look him in the eye. Vahanian said gently "Why are on earth would you think that?" Stheno didn't hide the tears that streaked down her cheeks now, her voice trembling, but still her own. "He hates you, because you were with me, protecting me.. if I hadn't been helpless, you'd have a son who loves you.. it's my fault.. If i'd never been born-" Vahanian didn't let her finish the sentence, he pulled her into his chest and hugged her as a father would his daughter and whispered. "It was nothing you did." She sobbed into his chest, her tiny body convulsing against his form. He held her and let her cry.
She took a deep breath, wiped the snot and tears from her face and looked up at him with red eyes and a quivering lip. "Little one, it was my choice and mine alone. I have to live with it and so does Harrdun. It is not your fault." She looked as if she was about to protest and Vahanian said "If you'd never been born, I still might not have been the father I should have to him. Before you, before your mother, I was a nomad. Lost. The one good thing in my life had been ripped away from me and I didn't know how to come back from that. You showed me how, Little One. I may have been your protector, but you saved me. Never forget that." She hugged him again, trying to convey all her emotions through one embrace and Vahanian hugged her back.
"Go now, Little One, go clean up, rest, you have training in a few hours.." She nodded and jumped off the rock and sprinted away.
A few moments later Vahanian blew out a puff of smoke and said "Don't skulk in the shadows, come on out and say your piece." Harrdun emerged from behind the cluster of rocks Vahanian sat on. He climbed up a smaller one and stood a bit apart from his father. "Was all that true?" Harrdun asked. Vahanian nearly leveled the boy with a stare. "I would not lie to her about that for your benefit. The fact of the matter is, she means more to me right now than you do." Before Harrdun could speak, Vahanian continued "And that is not a reflection on you as a son, but rather me as a father. I know her. I practically raised her. I sired you, but wasn't around for your childhood. A fact I will eternally regret. But because she means more to me, doesn't mean I love you less. You will always be my flesh and blood and she never will. But that doesn't mean she isn't family to me." Harrdun didn't know how to respond, he just stood there silent, stunned.
"Look, I know you had a rough childhood without me around. Ours is not an easily family to be born into. But however tough you think you had it, she had it worse. I guarantee it. So don't you dare blame her for any of your hardships." Harrdun still stood stunned, finally after a few moments, mustered the energy to speak and said "You meant it when you said you loved me." Vahanian nodded and said "I did."
Harrdun replied, "But you also were serious when you said you'd kill me." Vahanian nodded, somber and said "I was." "Why?" Harrdun asked. Vahanian looked at his son and said "The lone wolf dies but the pack survives." He let that hang between them for a moment. "You're my son, but you're not a Blint. Not yet at least. You need to earn the right to be apart of our family. Nothing is Given, Everything is Earned. Those are our words, and you will learn their meaning before taking my name. Or you won't."
Vahanian stood and left his son on the rocks to contemplate what he'd heard.
–
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 5 days, 13 hours, 43 minutes ago
Jessica could feel the blood pounding in her temples, and a red hot heat rising in her face, as she read the letter. A single drop of blood ran down her hand and found its final resting place upon the parchment, her nails cutting her hands from the fury of her grip.
Rage consumed her face, and she opened her mouth in a silent scream as she ripped the letter in two.
"By Obeah!" Bryant exclaimed, leaping back from her sudden outburst, "What has happened m'Lady?!"
Jessica breathed heavily, calming herself. Blood covered her palm. She tried to secure her fire red hair with her unwounded hand and gain some sort of composure.
The absolute blasphemy, she thought. She motioned for something to write with, and a servant hustled over with a piece of parchement and a quill. She scribbled four words, and handed it to Bryant without a glance, storming from the room.
Bryant looked down at the note.
Grand Templar. Diplomats. NOW.
–
Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 5 days, 5 hours, 57 minutes ago
Antonia rushed through the corridors of the Basilica, constantly mouthing ‘bugger, bugger, oh bugger it!!!’ More than one servant was knocked over as she pushed past, one girl clattering off a balcony into the canal below.
‘Oh, sorry!!!’ Antonia called over her shoulder, not bothering to check whether she was okay.
At last she reached the door to the ante-chamber of the Oracle’s inner sanctum and stopped for a moment, her hands on her knees, breathing heavily
‘Vice Marshal…’ she gasped, ‘come on old girl, breathe, Vice Marshal Antonia to see Her Holiness. I apologise for my tardiness, but getting stabbed in the very recent past really wrecks your fitness, you know’
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 5 days, 3 hours, 59 minutes ago
Baldwin moved through the streets of Rines and some of the neighborhoods of lesser repute, he moved with confidence and without fear. Mostly people who would accost him immediately backed down when seeing the sigil of office on his shoulder and/or his face. Being recognized as the Grand Templar's right hand had its perks. He found the estate he was looking for and with some quick words to the guards at the gate was admitted. He waited for Sir Ferdinand's house staff to announce him and then waited still while the young lord prepared himself.
Baldwin despised the niceties of nobility but would suffer through them when representing his master's interests. Sir Ferdinand opened the door to his solar and stepped out. Almost immediately recognizing Baldwin Sir Ferdinand looked as though he was about to speak. Baldwin held up a hand and said "Not here, young master. We will go to him if you're ready." He turned on his heels and led Ferdinand through the city back to the Templar Nexus. The two men wound down the descending stair into the heart of the city's underground.
Vahanian sat in the Hall of the High Templar, alone. Smoking his pipe he waited. Baldwin led Ferdinand into the hall and Vahanian nodded to his man. "The doors Baldwin, I wish for our conversation to be undisturbed." Baldwin bowed low and Vahanian offered Ferdinand a seat. The man looked a bit overwhelmed, but in a way that was the point.
"Welcome home, my friend. Tell me, how was the journey?"
–
Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 23 hours, 45 minutes ago
"Welcome home, my friend. Tell me, how was the journey?"
The honourable templar sat unfazed by his surroundings. Slowly puffing on his pipe, small clouds of smoke left his mouth and slowly rose out of sight. While Ferdinand had been in such surroundings before, it was practical elements of such ornaments that the Grey Knight practiced.
"The journey overall took far longer than expected if I am going to be fair. While the mission itself was a success, I spent my fare share of hard nights in beds which were hastily made either in a run down Inn or out in the wilderness."
Sitting down opposite the Templar, Ferdinand continued:
"Baldwin found me with ease, which I am grateful for. I am glad that I can sleep tonight without having to be on edge for a horde to scar the paths of which I must tred for days to come not and to kill me in the middle of the night."
Putting a hand to his chin and stroked his untamed beard, which had grown substantially since his last visit to Rines, the urge to cut it off had grown substantially in the last few days and became a great priority in the evening to come.
Focussing on the Grand Templar, Ferdinand finished his account:
"However, through all my difficulties, Obeah has guided me well. I believe that she was looking over us as we carried out her will. Could you assist me on two counts friend? First, while I have been briefed on the situation regarding the realm in the recent month, I would like to hear your account of events. Second, over our brief correspondence the last month, you seemed to have a topic that you could only speak of in person. What was this?"
Ferdinand leaned back in his chair and listened keenly to the conversation to come.
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 22 hours, 53 minutes ago
Vahanian hid his pleasure well, but underneath his mask he was grinning from ear to ear at his young charge. Efficient report and right to the point, laying out his desires as if they were part of the plan. It was exactly how he would have done it were their roles reversed.
"I am sure her eye was always on you. In terms of what has transpired in recent months, much. Through Obeah's work by the Oracle's hand the Holy Basilica is emitting a steady beam of Her light. We have conquered the southern expanse and are making preparations to fortify it as well as the rest of our regions. Two former Grand Inquisitors have been...disposed of... in one form or another." Vahanian paused for a moment to inhale more of the smoky sweet tobacco he burned in his pipe.
"Yes, I did have a matter I want to discuss with you, that is best done in person. Marshal Maura will be stepping down from her position as Marshal of the army. Vice-Marshal Antonia will take her place. Marshal Maura is stepping down with full honors and the support of this chamber." He said gesturing to the hall where the two men sat. "Antonia will be looking for a new Vice-Marshal, I want that to be you. Make no mistake, this will be a test, and your future depends on how you perform during this test."
Vahanian intentionally left the open-ended statement a bit ominous. Here sat before him, one of the most dedicated men he's known in a long time, and he wanted to see what he'd do when his fate and future were ripped from his hands.
–
Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 19 hours, 27 minutes ago
The open ended statement left a ominous feel to the air. A man that he saw as close to a tutor and guide in his time in Obia'Syela sat across from him with a challenge that he did not expect. Initially throwing him, Ferdinand began to gather his thoughts.
Ferdinand sat in thought as more smoke from the pipe filled the small area of the room of which they sat for a few moments - watching the smoke rise above them and away into corners where the light did not shine. While Ferdinand never smoked, he didn't shy away from the smell of the tobacco.
"Grand Templar. I must humbly show gratitude for such a declaration and offer. It is something I never would of expected."
With that, Ferdinand bowed his head and then continued:
"First and foremost, I am a Grey Knight of Obeah. Whether my sword is needed or my mind, I am prepared to serve to my full capacity. Some may say that my nature is zealous and direct. It is perhaps not showing correct etiquette. However, my commitment to the cause and our religion cannot be questioned. Hence, without hesitation, Grand Templar, I accept your offer and will demonstrate to you my capabilities to lead Obeahs army's as a Grey Knight should."
As soon as the last words left his lips, Ferdinand went down on one knee infront of the Grand Templar and bowed his head once again.
–
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 4 days, 19 hours, 13 minutes ago
(OOC: Disclaimer - strong language. Cursewords.)
Small lantern enlighted Maura's bedside table as she scribbled messages. She would never entrust a scribe with Grand Council letters - paranoia was always one of the Inquisitor's tools of trade. She hesitated a bit, thinking about the contents and looked anxiously at the empty space in the corner of her bedchamber. There was no blue dress; the first thing she saw was an outstretched bloody palm and a dark-haired shape of avarge height. She waved it aside. The next thing that appeared was a disturbing daimonic mask, covering something that would likely prove to be even more disturbing, whatever it was. Another wave of hand dismissed that counselor as well. A gloomy tome promissed answers, but not the ones she sought. Finally a flash of empty, soulless eyes announced the visitor and glee of inhumane pleasure filled the room. The image could almost be seen, the voice could almost be heard.
Tsk, tsk, tsk, that blue dress, kid. To a hungry man lack of an apple is more obvious than an apple. The hell do you torture yourself for?! You have me for that!
The filth of that self-satisfied grin would not be scrubbed away by a wagon of soap and an ocean of water.
Seriously now - he was on the bed, sprawled like a cat - you know what to write. Why do you need me for?
The half-shut eyes of Grand Inquisitor tore into the parchment - wrathful, impatient - her tongue produced no words however, for mares of the night are frightful creatures and quick to flight.
Or perhaps you know too well, and you don't want to admit it? - he cackled and upped his pitch by an octave - oh no, the Earl did it! - then dropped the act with a laugh - if you tried to appear less like her you would quickly recognize how much more like me you really are.
He was by the window, bowing ceremonially - Very well, you know me, happy to serve. Where do we start?
He pointed at the letter - You know how it goes: first you take away something superficial, say - confidence, you make them think that's all... but there's more - He was sitting on the bedside table - then you lull them into the false sense of security by taking away their food and water, perhaps the light of day, make them think that's all - he was leaning forward, speaking seductively, moaning every odd word - then you up the ante and take away something personal, like a thumb. Shock! All things crumble, how can I not have it?! Certainly that's all, that's the worst it could get, isn't it? Isn't it, love?... he he he.
He was behind Maura, whispering in her ear:
But there is more, you and I we know it intimately - it is a war of imaginations - there is always more.
The sharp set of teeth on her earlobe could almost be felt the second before she shot up from her chair. Standing straight she screamed, her eyes still half-shut:
"The fat lot good it did you! Daimon of Vorstadt. What a joke! You ain't no daimon, you ain't nothing anymore, you dead f*ck. And I, here! I am Grand! F***ing! Inquisitor!"
Yelling out the last of sounds she was certain he would not be there, once she opened her eyes, but he was. His lips were not moving, yet the words were somehow there, not coming from the almighty sneer of the hellish Earl, rather from somewhere within:
"Yes, you came so very far from the kennels... tell me, when you dream of me, and I know you do... do you still growl?"
She tossed a jar of ink right at his smug face, her aim was never good but that time the projectile flew right to it's target and... passed through it, shattering on the wall.
Figments of imagination, however real, are always incorporeal.
"M'Lady? Do you need anything?" - a startled voice of a servant rung outside her bedchamber."N-no, stay out!" - Maura growled - "Wait! A new jar of ink. Swiftly."
"And a new servant" - she thought to herself, knowing that this one heard way too much.
–
Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 1 day, 23 hours, 35 minutes ago
Today Rania was not in the Solarium. As with most of her days, she spent them in court addressing the concerns of the citizenry and reassuring them that their faith would one day be rewarded. Rines, though mighty, was kept on minimum rations by necessity. It was difficult enough to keep morale high due to the constant rogue attacks on the city, but even more so when the captial's inhabitants suffered from hunger. Indeed, the only thing that kept Rines from rebelling was the constant and personal attention of the Oracle.
So, instead of the royal apartments above, Antonia was directed to an office in one of the bayside towers of the Basillica that Rania used to administer her domain. Blue-robed Paladins escorted the warrior woman into the Oracle's presence, admitting her into the office and closing the door behind her. Instinctively, Antonia appraised her surroundings. In an instant, it was clear that Rania herself had little to do with the decoration. Where most of the Basillica was spartan and pristine, this office was anything but. Flowering plants hung from the walls, sweetening the air with their blossoms. Scrolls with arcane symbols occupied the same tablespace as legislative agendas from the courts. A single ash tray, no doubt an accomodation for the Grand Templar, sat upon small table next to a decanter filled with something dark and sumptuously red. D'Haran bloodmoon wine, no doubt imported from Port Raviel. Floor to ceiling windows admitted to a balcony overlooking the bay and the hustle and bustle below where all manner of folk could be seen streaming to and from the Basilica in a living river. Heavy, sumptuously stuffed leather-bound chairs allowed for seating, the greatest of which was situated behind a massive and ornately wrought desk with wood stained so dark with age that it surely predated the founding of Obia'Syela itself. In the back of her mind, Antonia wondered if she wasn't standing in the former offices of some senator or higher-up from fallen Riombara, but her wandering mind snapped back to when her host arrived behind her.
"Thank you for coming, Antonia. Especially on such short notice. I understand that the campaigns in the south have consumed a great amount of your time." The Oracle sat behind the desk and gestured for Antonia to take a seat. "I have asked you here with specific purpose, of course, but first I'd like your opinion on the current state of the Enlightenment now that Grehk has been taken. Your brutally honest opinion, please, as though you were speaking to the Grand Templar. I was a general myself, in years past, and I've no need of honeyed words."
Before Antonia replied, a thought struck her: The Oracle had dropped the royal "We." She'd also neglected to use Antonia's title, both of which, she realized, was a first. Meeting's with the Oracle were rare enough, but informal ones were virtually unheard of and offered to a very select few. As such, these waters were entirely new to Antonia, and she wondered not for the first time what the Oracle's intent was behind summoning her here...
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 1 day, 22 hours, 34 minutes ago
Vahanian's interest peaked when Ferdinand took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Good, not as rash as I would have thought at his age." He thought to himself.
When Ferdinand dropped to a knee in a position of submission and fealty, Vahanian stood and said "Rise." He waited for his charge to stand and then took full measure of the man. "Walk with me, Marshal." Vahanian put an inflection on the word Marshal, there was a tone of approval in his voice.
The two men wandered the halls of the Nexus, discussing intricate details of Ferdinand's journey abroad. Vahanian was simultaneously playing back the conversation they'd had in the private chamber in his mind. Vahanian stopped and said "Your dedication to this order is absolute, that has never been a question, neither has your devotion to the faith. But I must caution you. There is a fine line between a pious zealot, and blind devotion. I offer this council, Live by Her word, not for it." Vahanian paused and took a breath.
"I was not always a man of faith. In fact for a time when I first arrive in the Sacred Realm, the gift of faith was one I had not received. I have always been a man that believes in what he sees and what I can touch. Until Obeah deemed it necessary to show me something...personal.. I did not take her word as law. I haven't changed all that much, but don't mistake my words. I believe in Obeah, I believe in her word, and her hand. But most of why I believe in Obeah stems from my belief in the Oracle. I've known her for many years, had I not seen her do some of the things she's done I'd not believe them." He paused again and thought for a moment before continuing on.
"Just as I do with each law, I read each sermon carefully. Weighing the words of the pious and preachers against what I know to be true. There have been false priests before, Goriad the betrayer is an example of that. So again, I caution you. Listen for the word of Obeah, but do not take the world to be black and white. It is very much every shade of grey." Vahanian placed a hand on Ferdinand's shoulder and squeezed gently. An unusual sign of affection from the Grand Templar.
"I must take my leave, but we will speak much more in the coming weeks." With that, Vahanian turned and left Ferdinand alone in the Nexus. He was walking up the winding stair with Baldwin who asked "My Lord, why share so much of your history with the young Marshal?" Vahanian chuckled and said "What did I teach you about a good chess player, Baldwin?" Vahanian's oldest friend said "A good chess player plays 3 moves ahead..?" Vahanian nodded and said "He does, but a great chess player only plays 1 move ahead, but it's always the right move." Baldwin nodded for a moment as if he understood before saying "Am I to understand what you meant by that?" Vahanian laughed and said "No."
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (30 recipients) - 1 day, 22 hours, 4 minutes ago
After his meeting with Ferdinand, Vahanian strode onto the sands of the private training grounds in the Basilica courtyard. Stheno and Harrdun were warming up and stretching, Baldwin took Vahanian cloak and stood off to the side, Bartok was going through a sword form alone, using a two handed blade in one hand. Vahanian waited for Bartok to finish his form, the man did hate leaving tasks unfinished. "Bartok." Vahanian commanded. The man grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from his brow and jogged over to Vahanian. Vahanian said "Who is the better fighter?" nodding to Stheno and Harrdun. Bartok sighed and said "He is stronger, but she understands fighting better than he does, it makes sense to her, and she's faster but she lacks confidence."
Vahanian nodded and said, "Keep score, privately." Bartok nodded and Vahanian called Harrdun and Stheno over. "Harrdun, pick a weapon, we spar." Harrdun didn't say a word and picked a weapon he favored and readied himself. Vahanian picked up the same sword and took his stance, before they began he looked at Stheno and said "Count the mistakes we make." She nodded and sat in the sand facing them.
Vahanian nodded to Bartok who called the match to a start and Vahanian launched an aggressive attack. Harrdun was caught off guard and barely got a defense up in time. In a matter of seconds Harrdun was on the ground and yielded. Vahanian commanded "Again." This time he switched weapons to a scimitar. Harrdun launched the attack this time, but Vahanian was ready. He won the match again easily. Twice more after that the two men sparred. Each time Vahanian picked a new weapon, each putting him at more of a disadvantage, and each time we emerged victorious.
Stheno gave a short summary of the biggest mistakes she saw and Vahanian looked to Bartok who nodded and added on several of his own. Harrdun was starting to steam with anger. Vahanian looked at him and said "Swap with Stheno, score our matches." He sat still fuming. Vahanian let Stheno pick her weapon and he chose a whip chain. They began and she held her own, for a time. Using her speed to her advantage. Then when Vahanian rushed inwards with a ranged weapon she got confused and lost her footing. He helped her up when she yielded and he turned to Harrdun. "What was her biggest mistake?" He faltered realizing he hadn't been paying attention to the fight, but was reliving his own in his mind. Vahanian looked at him and simply said "Think on failure enough to learn why you failed. Then move on. Dwelling on it any longer will only be detrimental." Harrdun swallowed his retort and nodded. Vahanian placed his weapon back on the rack and motioned for Bartok to continue their training.
Vahanian glanced upwards and thought he caught a glimpse of Rania leaning over her balcony, watching her daughter train with him. But she was gone in an instant, and Vahanian wasn't even sure she'd really been there..
–
Roleplay from Antonia Fitz Roberts
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 3 hours, 41 minutes ago
Antonia took the proffered seat, wincing. Her side still hurt from the duel. She knew that she shouldn’t be aggravating it, but her duty always came first. She pondered the Oracle’s words for a while, as she was a bit confused, before deciding to honour the Oracle’s request and be blunt. It felt odd at first, and then she grew more and more comfortable in speaking her mind, as she was wont to do with most others that she met
‘I presume you mean Iombro? Grehk is still ruled by the anarchists. Honestly, I think we might be overstretching ourselves if we aim to take any land west of Grehk. I think also that we need to get back to a time when the army was more responsive, we have had too many people failing to comply or being too slow in response. I am tired of having my cousin boast of the effectiveness of Perleone’s army. He’s an irksome little sod and as I am too far away to knock him on his skinny little arse, having a better army than him will have to do. I am also getting fed up of whiners in the realm, in particular His Grace Erheas D’Este. Either take an active role and help provide solutions, rather than passive aggressive “ooo, I wouldn’t have done it like that”, or shut the hell up. If he weren’t my social superior, if I met him in person I’d probably punch him until he resembled the meat in a butcher’s window.’
Antonia, deciding to test just how informal the Oracle was willing to be, leaned back in her chair in a very relaxed manner, gazing about the room. ‘I love the décor. Not quite on a level of my own apartments, but we could almost be sitting in the study of a Fitz Roberts. Did you select the furnishing’s yourself? Sorry, I’ve gone off on a tangent, I do that a lot. I hope that you can forgive me, Your Eminence’ Antonia added the last word on the end just in case she had gone too far. However, it was quite difficult to concentrate under the gaze of the older woman. When she had seen the Oracle in more formal settings, she had been too struck by awe and majesty to notice, but now she was beginning to notice the woman in front of her and realizing she liked what she saw. She snapped out of such thoughts, for they were surely blasphemous. She hoped that the Oracle hadn’t caught her staring.
‘What was it that you wanted to see me about, Your Eminence?’ Antonia asked, trying to avoid the Oracle’s stare
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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
Vahanian was walking around the training grounds of the Basilica with Stheno and Harrdun, when the air changed. There was some violet lightening crackling around the pillar of light from the Basilica's peak. Vahanian stopped mid-sentence, instinctively dropping his weight and entering a ready stance, hand on the hilt of his blade.
"...Uncle?" Stheno said, her head in her hands, her voice shaky. To his credit, and Vahanian's pride, Harrdun had followed suit, and was covering Vahanian's back. Hand on blade. He said "Where do you need me?" If Vahanian wasn't so concerned with Stheno's safety, tears might have welled in his eyes from pride. However, his concern didn't stop his chest from swelling, and his eyes shinning with pride and approval. Harrdun noticed, and his features softened for a moment. Receptive to the moment father and son were sharing.
Vahanian said "Find Bartok, tell him it's time and I need the Legion in the Basilica. Then find Baldwin. Command of the Legion is his until I return. After those are accomplished. I need you at the estate. My study, top drawer on the left. False panel in the bottom of the drawer. Bring me what you find. If you are stopped or harassed on the way, use lethal action if you need be. But hurry." Harrdun nodded and sprinted off to do as he was bade. Vahanian moved through the courtyard towards the Basilica-proper. Bartok met him with Vahanian's 40 soldiers. The Templar Legion.
Vahanian looked at the man and said. "You have the foyer, Baldwin comes with me. Search everyone that enters." Ever the soldier and man of action, Bartok nodded and saluted. Directing the soldiers. Vahanian turned to Stheno who was still shaky, and looked into her eyes. "Uncle.. what is it? You're scaring me." Vahanian stared deep into his charge's eyes, his own hazel eyes reading everything he saw. He wished his eyes weren't matching what his gut was telling him. Something was coming.
"Come Little One, we must find the Oracle." Vahanian ascended the Basilica steps two at a time, Stheno hard on his heels. He arrived at the private office the Oracle was in, he hated interrupting her meetings, it was disrespectful. But this was important. The blue veiled paladins blocked his passage and he placed a hand on his sword-hilt. "You know me?" he asked them. They nodded their affirmation. "Then step aside or die. It will be regrettable to kill Paladins in the Basilica, but do not think my faith will prevent it." Stheno stepped from behind Vahanian and placed a hand on his forearm. Through his tunic she could feel the knotted muscles of a tensed warrior ready to cut down the obstacle in his path. She said "Uncle.." Then looked at the paladins and said "You know me?" They nodded once more and she continued. "I must see my mother, step aside by order of the Oracle." The paladins stiffened and withdrew their halberds barring Vahanian and Stheno's passage.
Vahanian burst into the office and said "Oracle, please forgive the intrusion, I would not make it were it not important. But something's changed..." His voice clearly distressed and his other senses on high alert, he scanned the room with ruthless efficiency. Identifying Antonia, but paying her no mind other than that recognize she was not an immediate threat.
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Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
Rania held Antonia's gaze as though weighing the younger woman, stretching the moment just a heartbeat or two longer, then she allowed herself to smile.
"Don't let me catch you saying such things about an Obian duke in public, Antonia..." She said in a glibe tone. Candelight danced in her eyes. "As for why you are here, perhaps it is Obeah's will, rather than my own..." Rania turned her attention from Antonia to a drawer in the desk and came up with an official-looking, decidedly non-magical vellum scroll that she held out for Antonia to take.
Antonia did, and noticed immediately that the scroll was sealed by four wax stamps denoting the heraldry of the Oracle herself, allowing with that of the Grandmistress, the Grand Inquisitor, AND the Grand Templar. It was most likely a council decree, but there had been so few of those that Antonia had to struggle to recall if she had ever seen one. At a nod from the Oracle, Antonia broke the seal and read the surprisingly brief contents within. Then she read it again for good measure. And then a third time on top of that.
Rania wated patiently, but when Antonia seemed ready to read it a fourth time, she cleared her throat and interjected. "Some weeks ago, I petitioned the Grand Council for the authority to found a new army based out of Rines. A small, elite strikeforce comprised of my prized special forces, my Farseers, who's recruitment center is also based here in Rines. This army, which will hold the same name, will be tasked with rapid tactical response across the Sacred Realm and beyond, with supplementary duties in continued support of the Enlightenment. Furthermore, I will personally direct the first and best of Amen Keffa's resources and revenue toward making this force the most feared and respected on the continent."
It was dawning on her, Rania could see it in the other woman's eyes. "I should hope that what I want is obvious by now, no? I want you to lead this special task force as its Marshal-" The Oracle stopped mid sentence and in an instant her body language changed from congenial to what struck Antonia as that of apex animal that had just detected prey. Rania muscles went tense, her eyes scanned the room and she cocked her head as though listening to a familiar sound. Then, slowly, she looked up at the cieling. Confused, Antonia followed suit. She had already been remarking about the decor, had she perhaps offended her hostess? No...that wasn't it, nothing presented itself that could warrant that sort of reaction. So what was-
Before Antonia could finish her thought, there was a loud knock at the door and a urgent "Your Holiness!" muffled through the wood before it opened. The sheer nerve one would need to walk in on a closed sitting between the Oracle and one of the realms highest military officers was beyond audacious. Antonia's hand darted toward her weapon belt, sped by muscles that had been trained for years to react in an instant. So it was with some surprise that as she did, the Oracle's own hand closed upon hers in a staying gesture. The briefest thoguht flitered across Antonia's mind that before her Holy Revelation, the Oracle had been a warrior much like herself, and had trained with the blade for longer than Antonia had yet been alive. She looked back at Rania, surprised, but the Oracle's whole attention was no focused on the intruder.
"Enter" she commanded, the word somehow chilling. At the order, a blue-gauntleted hadnt pushed the door the rest of the way open, revealing a panting Paladin of Obeah, another of the Oracles special forces, struggling to come to attention over his heaving lungs. With sudden clarity, Antonia recognized him as one of the guards protect the Oracle's private sanctum, the Solarium atop the Basilica whom she had met some weeks ago during the Oracle's "failed" experiment with Stheno...
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Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
Before he could report a word, Rania was already up and moving toward the door, pausing only briefly to gesture for Antonia to follow. Fortuantely, Rania's administrative office was still in the Royal wing of the palatial Basilica, and so it only took the two women a few moments to arrive to the trapdoor entryway of the Solarium. Before going up the stairs, Rania spun around.
"Marshal," she said, resuming her authority as though putting on a mantle. "Send a guard to raise the Grand Templar, he is to take my daughter to the Nexus, or as far from here as he can manage, and keep her safe until further notice. Dispatch runners to the Grandmistress and the Grand Inquisitor, i may have need of them both. I need you to take command of my Paladins and ensure that no one enters, or leaves, the Solarium unchallenged. I must evaluate the situation, if I need you, I will call for you, but for until I know what is happening, only Heralds, with their training and understanding of magic, are to be permitted beyond this point."
And just like that, the Oracle was gone, vanishing up through the trapdoor and into the Solarium. For an instant, the foryer was filled with light so bright Antonia was all but blinded. When she recovered just a moment later, the light was gone, the trapdoor was closed, and the Council Writ to form a new army with her at its head was still in her hands...
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Roleplay from Stheno
Message sent to all full members of Heralds of Obeah (28 recipients) - 1 day, 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
But the Oracle's offices were already empty. Stheno and Vahanian cast confused glances at one another. "Uncle, I-" she swayed on her feet. "-I don't...feel so..." She never finished her sentence, the gold of her eyes rolled back into her head, leaving nothing but pitch black as she collapsed to the study floor.
And then she started screaming...
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Rising Tension
message to all nobles of Obia'Syela - 1 day, 38 minutes ago
As the hours pass, the flickers of light become more intense, more urgent. The crackles of violet energy become more frequent. The air in the city becomes oppressive, as if a terrible storm were coming, but there isn't a cloud in the sky. Around the city, animals become restless—dogs whine to go out, then immediately want to get back in and hide under beds; tomcats set up a caterwauling like the city has never heard; rats begin scampering away from the Basilica; birds take to the air en masse and begin circling the column of light unceasingly.
Within the Solarium of the Basilica, the violet lightning is flashing nearly once every second or so now, and it is beginning to outline a shape in the air like a cat's slitted pupil, twice the height of a man, with its bottom point around knee height.
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Roleplay from Rania Eastersand JeVondair
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 1 day, 20 minutes ago
Alone in the Solarium, Rania fell to her knees. The aura effecting the city beyond the Basillica was nothing compared to the intensity in the very eye of the storm. Blinded by light and buffeted by immaterial winds, Rania fell to her knees to keep from loosing her footing altogether. Though she could not see the shape forming before her, she could sense it, the sensation was similar to tracking the heat and light of the sun through closed eyes, only magnified beyond her ability to describe. The energy in the rivaled what she had experienced in her past. Magic, wild and awesome, flurried about her as the power of the stones burned byeond the cieling and into the sky above.
Face with such power, all of the carefully laid plans and backup plans that Rania had prepared for this experiment burned away from her mind, blasted away as the lightning flashes increased in pace. It was all she could do not to lose herself, her very soul, to the Maelstrom's edge upon which she teetered. Unable to do ought else, the Oracle withdrew into herself, divorcing her mind from the sensations of her body as best she good, grasping with practiced desperation to grab the reigns of mystical energy that spiraled about her like cyclonic melodies. At first she hummed, struggling to find a single tone amid the discordant chaos to cling to, like finding the single strand that when pulled could undo a massive knot. She could feel it there, beyond her sense, roiling like the untouchable horizon of the Sea of Four cities. No matter how she reached, it remained beyond her. Her nails bit into her palms as her body convulsed as she desperately tried to bend even a modicum of that terrible power to her will. She could taste blood in her mouth. Her skin weather fluctuating temperatures int eh extreme that jumped from scorching to freezing with each flash of light. But she did not give up, her hummed melody crescendoed into a wordless song, adding her own harmonies to untangle the symphony of power erupting from the stones.And in that power, Rania directed her will. She searched, struggled to see, struggled to hear, struggled to find...
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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 23 hours, 44 minutes ago
Vahanian caught Stheno with practiced ease before she hit the ground. Her screaming started and her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Fear gripped him. Immobilizing him. Suddenly a wave of purpose washed over him. He scooped Stheno up into his arms and sprinted. He sprinted through the Basilica and down the stairs, barreling into servants and courtiers alike. He was shouting to his men. They formed a protective wedge around him and Stheno, like a spearhead being thrust through armor, the group of men thundered through the holy tower.
"TO THE NEXUS." Vahanian shouted. 43 souls sprinted through the city, a phalanx of urgency. Vahanian arrived at the entrance to the Templar Nexus and descended the winding stair into the depths of his domain.
He turned to Baldwin and said "Issue the summons now. Any Templar in Rines that is not here within the hour is to be excommunicated from this order and hunted as a traitor. The ONLY exception is if the Oracle has issued superseding orders." He stopped and turned to the guards of the Nexus and said "Anyone who is not a full Templar is not permitted beyond this point. Should they attempt to enter, kill them." Vahanian descended into the depths of the Nexus until he reached the High Templar's Chamber. He flung the door open and stationed his own personal soldiers outside. 40 men, weapons readied stood guard. They would all die before letting anyone into the room.
Vahanian placed Stheno onto the cot in the room, she still convulsed but her screaming had subsided somewhat since leaving the Basilica. He draped his cloak over her and brushed her hair from her face. He held her hands in his own and began muttering prayers under his breath. He felt a presence in the room and spun drawing his sword facing the empty chamber. His eyes scanned the room, inspecting each inch for threats. A voice echoed in his mind, a calming soothing voice, that spoke a single word. "Peace." Vahanian relaxed, even though he wanted to remain tense. He knelt once more by Stheno and began praying again.
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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 24 minutes ago
Vahanian felt the explosion ripple through the city. It was a raw magical power that flooded through his veins reports were streaming in of Daimons kidnapping and taking the place of people throughout the city. He gripped his sword tighter, he hated this part. Waiting. Wondering. There was nothing to be done, nothing save for keep Stheno safe and away from the Basilica until the Oracle deemed it safe for her to return.
He would give anything to have been in the solarium with her, he despised leaving her alone, especially when he was convinced there was an immediate danger to her looming. He slammed his fist onto a table in frustration, his hand landing next to Stheno's pack.
Vahanian noticed a strange vibration coming from her pack, and when he opened it to look, he saw that the portal stones she had in there were humming and glowing with an eerie violet glow. The sound and the glow increase in frequency and intensity until it is almost unbearable and then there is a horrible cracking sound. Half the stones have shattered, and any that remain retain an oddly menacing violet tint.
The shattered stones threw shrapnel up at him scoring his right arm with burn marks. Though the cuts themselves were not deep they burned with excruciating pain. He screamed in pain, his mind being flung back to time spent on a Daimon torture rack. He dropped to his knees blinking away tears and blurred vision as he cradled his arm, his mind begun rifling through memories long buried. His arm burning in physical pain while his mind swam in emotional torment. He saw her face, vividly her image came to mind, perfect, beautiful. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a smile that could simultaneously root him in place and pull him across worlds. Her voice, soothing, calm, gentle, loving. Vahanian screamed in torment before blacking out.
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Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 20 hours, 19 minutes ago
He awoke, his cheek was pressed against the cold stone floor. Baldwin knelt next to him, concern clear on his face. Vahanian sat up, his head swimming, his vision blurry. Slowly he stood against Baldwin's cautions. His arm still burned, but the pain was less intense, more of a dull throbbing now. He couldn't have been unconscious for more than a few minutes.
He looked over at Stheno, she was still passed out on his cot wrapped in his cloak. He waved away Baldwin's concern and care and said "I'm fine. Leave me be."
Baldwin refused to move and asked "Whose Kassandra?" Vahanian whipped around and asked "Where did you hear that name?" Baldwin looked at his master, concern still painted on his face and said "You screamed her name just before collapsing..."
Vahanian's intensity wilted a bit, when he finally spoke, sorrow and pain beyond words was thick in his voice. "She was my wife." Baldwin knew better than to press for more information. Vahanian rarely talked about his past, and never about his wife. "Really Baldwin, I'm fine. Just some water and tea, and some bread for her." He nodded to Stheno.
"Also, bring the latest reports from the streets."
–
Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook
Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 17 hours, 8 minutes ago
The Violet Calamity - Pt. 1
((OOC: Disclaimer - RP depicts violent scenes, which include vivid descriptions of blood and gore.)
Listen for the word of Obeah, but do not take the world to be black and white. It is very much every shade of grey." Vahanian placed a hand on Ferdinand's shoulder and squeezed gently. An unusual sign of affection from the Grand Templar.Once the Grand Templar departed and left Ferdinand in the nexus, it gave the Grey Knight some time to think. The advice that he was given was something that Ferdinand had already contemplated, debated and was torn over. Where was the line between a pious zealot and blind devotee? He knew he was neither. Yet, the grey of the world and the trust in people are perhaps opinions and views that need to be learnt over a lifetime. Pondering over this, Ferdinand retreated into his thoughts, for an undetermined amount of time.
Suddenly, through the windows of the Nexus, violet flashes of light began to rain down near the Basilica. Instantly reacting to the danger, the Grey Knight drew his sword and ran through the hallways of the building he resided in. Seeing what appeared to be the Grand Templar's personal guard swarming into the Basilica. Sprinting forward into the entrance-way of which they came, Ferdinand looked outside of the main entrance. To the guards of the Nexus, Ferdinand demanded:
"I am Sir Ferdinand, Grey Knight of the Templar Order. Guard! Tell me what in going on here?"
In response, the guard spoke with confidence as he gestured to the Basilica, where a violet energy surrounded the Basilica:
"Sir Grey Knight, look to the..."
A second later, where the portal was, a vortex of violet energy twisted and shrieked. Taking cover with the guard he had just held conversation with, the Vortex seemed to hover and prod at the Nexus building. With great surprise, Ferdinand saw that the building was not damaged by its contact. After a few moments however, violet energy came crashing down at great speed. Ferdinand could only watch as a some of the militia stationed nearby the Nexus were caught. Within this vortex, voices shrieked, bodies distorted and vanished, being replaced by what could only be described as Daimon soldiers, armed with imposing pikes and hammers.
The significant critical danger that the realm was in, Ferdinand took charge and began to rally:
"All militia, soldiers and Templars! Rally to me! Send word to the Zealots! We shall send this Daimons back to the realm which they came. In Obeahs name, these beings shall be banished!"
With a triumphant shout from local soldiers whom had rallied to the entrance way of the Nexus, Ferdinand dove into battle with the Daimons. Significantly taller than the bodies of which they replaced, the Daimons crushed nearly all whom opposed them. With the training that the Lexicon gave him, Ferdinand was the best equipped to deal with the threat they faced. However, one Daimon stood out above all...
Cont...
–
Roleplay from Ferdinand Greybrook
Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 17 hours, 8 minutes ago
The Violet Calamity - Pt. 2
((OOC: Disclaimer - RP depicts violent scenes, which include vivid descriptions of blood and gore.)
One Daimon, which possessed one eye and a mouth that within itself was a sentient being within itself. Inside it's gaping mouth, while posing as a tongue, there was a smaller mouth which took a life of it's own. The grotesque, used it's hammer to smash numerous soldiers into the nearby wall while taking little pleasure in the action. Taking a second to think, Ferdinand moved to the entrance-way to grab a torch that was mounted on the wall and attracted the attention of the Daimon. Using the torch to create distance between himself and the grotesque Daimon once it committed into engaging the Great Knight, the creature bellowed an unnatural sound that pierced all ears that heard it.
Using a specific style from the Lexicon, Ferdinand tempted the Daimon into a charge against him. Opening himself up, he prepared his plan. With enough taunt, the Daimon came charging forward with a speed that was unnatural for a creature of it's size. The ground shook, and the stone broke with each step it's lumbering feet took. Ferdinand continued to evade until an opportunity to attack the unholy being was apparent. After a minute of avoiding and frustrating the creature, Ferdinand saw his opportunity. With all the momentum Ferdinand could muster, he threw the torch at the creature to force it to dodge the flaming piece of wood or parry it away. Seeing the movement coming, the Daimon battered the torch away with it's hammer and towered over Ferdinand with only a few feet separating them. Preparing to strike down on the Grey Knight, Ferdinand tumbled aside and prepared another swing with his sword to counter the hammer blow that just shattered the stone below them. With some fortune, a stream of crossbow bolts came flying and pierced the Daimon whom howled in reaction. Using this distraction, Ferdinand was able to bring down his sword onto the creature's hammer wielding arm to remove it from it's body. Following through, the Grey Knight then used the over-sized hammer that was just dropped as a platform to leap into the air a few feet to give him the momentum to bring the sword down on the Daimon, catching the creature in it's foaming mouth and slit the being into two.
Taking a second to breath, Ferdinand looked around him. The vortex had come down and warped numerous individuals into Daimons of varieties that Ferdinand could not name. The defenders of the Nexus were able to hold the line against the increasing Daimons, but were in desperate need of reinforcements. The stream of new Daimonic soldiers never seemed to end. However, the Vortex seemed more occupied with searching around the building than to make more minions. Charging into the fray once again, Ferdinand supported his fellow knights for what seemed to be a lifetime while awaiting the arrival of the Zealots and other noble's retinues. No battle that Ferdinand had ever participated in before could compare to the brutality or bloodshed that had occurred in such a short time-frame this night. Blood had begun to form puddles and paint the streets in it’s image. When larger Daimons appeared, the force of numbers by the Nexus’ defenders and Ferdinand’s leadership ultimately began to defeat the creatures. It was only till the noticeable violet light from the vortex came back into view when Ferdinand realised the scope of the events that were occurring.
With another scream, Ferdinand turned to the entrance where one of the Daimons had replaced one of the bowmen near the entrance before the vortex dissipated. As a result, the overpowering strength of the creature slaughtered the unfortunate soldiers whom resided nearby. Fighting his way through the battlefield outside the Nexus, Ferdinand could tell that the creature was attempting to gain true access to the building. Hence, breaking free of the melee, Ferdinand charged up the Nexus’ steps and caught the Daimon unawares by slashing down the deformed back of the creature.
With a greater sense of the overarching situation slowly unfolding, the Grey Knight rushed through the Nexus, with most of the fighting continuing with the arrival of Captain Caspar and the Templar Zealots out of the corner of his eye. Navigating the hallways of the Nexus, Ferdinand had found himself outside the Grand Templar’s Chamber. Outside the room, the Grand Templar’s personal retinue resided. Feared soldiers and worthy members of The Templar Legion, Ferdinand attempted to communicate with the Legion, hoping to discover the Grand Templar’s location and perhaps a greater clarity to the situation.
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Roleplay from Chubiske Von Weiss
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 16 hours, 32 minutes ago
As Chubiske rode toward Rines, he saw strange lights "What is that??" asked his companion. "I have no idea, however whatever it is, it can't be good." Chubiske unmounted his horse took out piece of paper, pressing it against back of his horse and wrote:
Count Boltgan,
There is something happening in city of Rines. Please send help if you can.
Knight Chubiske Von Weiss,
After that he quickly sealed the letter and pushed it against his companion. "Today, I shall free you from military service.." "My lord..."tried the man to complain, however Chubiske did not listen and continued "You are to take my horse and ride toward Cjelegy now! This must reach Count Boltgan, even if it costs your life! "But.." man thought and then said in loud voice: "Yes, sir!" putting his fist on his heart, taking the hastily written letter. Mounted Chubiske's warhorse and began his ride toward Cjelegy.
As his companion got further and further, Chubiske took his glaive from his back, removed the cloth from edge and began running toward Rines. The Scales on his armour making huge noise helped him to more or less stay concentrated. As he got closer to Rines he noticed how huge being started to descend from heaven. "Bloody Hell, did they manage to summon a real god into this world?" However by the time Chubiske got into Rines he saw that it was no goddess, but devil himself. As people around him disappeared he kept rushing toward nearest barracks to gather number of brave fools. As he opened the door all he found was a group of old and young men who were terrified seeing huge man hitting door open. While most of the guard had rushed toward the Nexus. "Where are the warriors? Why are here only old and young? Where are able guards??" Chubiske demanded answers from the people left behind. "Most of them have been gathered by Grand Templar to defend Templar Nexus or out on the streets, while we older and too young were left here to defend population and say that all templars are to gather in Nex.." as man was about to finish his sentence huge scream outside. Disappeared people either changed into daimons or they were summoned in their place, who were now going wild. Slaughtering anyone on their path. Chubiske threw his gold pouch on the table and said: "If any of you is brave enough and foolish enough to join me, in the hunt of few monsters take 5 gold coins and grab a weapon and follow me!" About half of them took the coins saying that at least it's better to die fighting than hiding. As his new unit was ready to march out of the barracks Chubiske yelled: "Today we meet death itself, let us see if we are able to beat it!" Chubiske hitted door open with his leg and rushed outside.
Looking around he saw twisted beings that he had seen books before. "So these are daimons, they look damn uglier in real life. Those with shields shall take outerside while me and those with spears shall take vanguard, others stand behind them and do not break formation, unless I allow! We shall be moving toward Grand Temple!" "Not toward Nexus?" asked one of the men. "I am no Templar, I have no need to protect their headquarters. What is important is to defend people, thus we shall be moving toward Grand Temple." As Chubiske got slowly toward Grand Temple, he noticed woman with some of armoured soldiers covered in deep layer of blood and fighting off hordes of daimons. "Break up and help fellow humans against the blight of this world!" Chubiske charged ahead, not looking if his men followed him behind. "COME AND MEET YOUR DEMISE!" Warcry which was heard all over the place. Smile on his face, rushed past the woman and her band of soldiers. Chubiske then stopped took huge swing into daimon ahead, getting his glaive stuck halfway in the body. While he was pushing his glaive through the body, he had overextend again and was soon surrounded. Daimon from Chubiske's right took a swing with his hammer and was sure to crush his left knee, if it was not for a young man who jumped in front of hammer with his shield. As shield deformed and his bones in the arm were breaking he looked up at his lord and said "My lord please do n..." suddenly he froze up as he saw his eye, it was not the look of a man, but instead a look of a animal, living only to fight. The pain of his left hand getting crushed quickly brought him back to reality and he yelled:"Those with shields, join me and let us protect our lord, before he get's himself wounded." All Chubiske had right now was to fight for his life and hope that his letter got to his lord, Count Boltgan.
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Roleplay from Eva Foote
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 15 hours, 19 minutes ago
Eva and the soldiers under her command had set up camp in Obeah Meadows near the popular inn called Pablo's EsciBar. The candle flickered as it lit up her tent, she quietly read through the scout reports she recieved. One report was of a small group of monsters heading from Ardmore to her location in Avengmil. Eva tossed the report down on the small table and unfurled a map of the area. It was decided that Eva's archers, the Arrows of Obeah, would meet the monsters at the bridge and tactically retreat to the walls of the town of Avengmil. This would allow the military in the region to be unified behind the fortifications. The road was crucial to allowing this fast retreat and should make the battle much easier. The flap of the tent was thrown open and Eva's eyes jolted to the opening. A messenger stood out of breath and held out a scroll for the young dame. She took the scroll and broke the seal as the messenger left to wait outside. Eva gasped and dropped the letter before walking outside. The wind ripped through her thin nightgown chilling her skin. Blue silk floated away from her bare knees and out into the air to her side. "What did they do..." her voice shook as she looked at the night sky to the northwest. Various shades of violet and deep blue swirled through the skies towards the city of Rines. Her heart sank as she was enthralled by the lights. A warmness fell upon her shoulder and she felt a gentle grasp. "We should go," a firm voice came from behind her. "There are hundreds of soldiers in Rines, they will be able to handle it. We need to stay here and keep an eye on the town." Eva couldn't look away from the black, violet, and blue sky. She felt the warm leave the top of her shoulder and travel down her back before leaving. "As ya wish lil dove."
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Roleplay from Boltgan Starck
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 8 hours, 15 minutes ago
Accompanied by some scouts, the Count Boltgan spent the night on one of the Central Hills. The route that he followed was towards Avengmil, to start a mission that he had recently obtained approval to carry out. The first rays of the sun began to bathe the low pastures of the hills. The Count could not sleep peacefully that night, some violet flashes that came from the west horizon were the cause to keep him awake a good part of the night. Maybe it was some Rines' beam anomaly before vanishing, thought the Count.With the beginning of this new day, Boltgan decided to postpone his trip to Avengmil, and change his route to Rines instead to see what was happening exactly there. While he was going down the hill slopes, a rider could be seen unloading his liquid load while his horse was grazing nearby. It was something very suspicious. Stealthily the Lord and his scouts surrounded him without the rider realizing it. Once close, his rider's armor was recognized, and then the warhorse made obvious the deduction that it was a Knight Chubiske's soldier.
"It seems that you are looking for me" - Boltgan spoke as he approached the soldier.
"Count Boltgan... I did not expect to find you here" - the surprised soldier replied while bowing his head.
"I bring an urgent message for you, from my Lord." - continued the soldier as he handed the letter to the Count.
Boltgan took the letter and read it quickly. It is not that it contained many words, but these were serious to the Lord.
"Thank you for your loyalty, rest as much as you wish." - The Count told the soldier.
"Let's hurry up, something serious has happened in Rines" - The Count Boltgan ordered his scouts and they resumed their journey to Rines at a brisk pace, while one of them was ahead at full gallop.
–
Roleplay from Mariana le Craint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 6 hours, 36 minutes ago
Walking through the street, the early morning sun cresting over the skyline of the harbour buildings, Mariana remained vigilant. Her personal guard joining her as they patrolled through the city, armed with an assortment of finely crafted longbows and an array of crossbows, they wandered the streets closely monitoring the movements of the undead, clearing out as many as they could. Mariana herself had replaced her previous set of armaments with a masterpiece of a sword and a finely crafted crossbow on her back. One of her scouts returned to her side and handed her a small piece of parchment, a simple drawn map of the streets with key points highlighted. Of key importance was the path the Daimons were seemingly taking.
The events of the day had confused her so far, without a warning the arrival of said Daimons and the battle that followed where the Daimons seemingly assisted in fighting against the undead. She pondered to herself, What does this mean? What will happen to us now? What caused this to happen? Mariana turned to the scout.
"Good work, continue monitoring them. Should they make any further aggressive moves I wish to hear about it." Without a moment of hesitation, the scout disappeared once again.
Mariana continued down the street, taking care to keep off the main roads through the city. For a moment, she heard a scream coming from a nearby alley. The sound of a young girl, a bloodcurdling scream that could only mean one thing. She darted down the street towards the direction of the scream. Before long, she found herself confronted by a small gathering of undead, surrounding a body seemingly feeding off the corpse. She drew her crossbow and took aim at the beasts.
"Take aim.... FIRE." A ricochet of bolts and arrows from the Vigilants rippled down the alley piercing the fleshy mess that was the undead mound. Before long, there was not movement left. Drawing her sword she went over and examined the corpse. A young commoner girl, her face now barely recognisable however the feeling of fear still gripping her face. Mariana grabbed a nearby scrap piece of cloth and covered her body, by now a small crowd was gathered. "Call for the city guard, this needs to be cleaned up."
Mariana wiped the blood off her swords and stepped out from the alley, pushing past the gathered crowd who seemed to recoil in fear and respect, many bowing their heads to hide their faces. Walking quickly, she returned back to her route and awaited more news.
–
Roleplay from Apostate
Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 5 hours, 31 minutes ago
Apostate awoke from his stupor, lying in trash to a violet storm. He waited it out, cowering in his tattered robes. When it ended he looked to his palm, it was crisscrossed with several more cuts and his dagger was nowhere to be found. His stomach growl and he crawled up. The former priest stole bread from a nearby bakery, halfway through his illegal meal he heard s cry of alarm. Curiosity got the better of him and he searched for it’s source.
People fled from an imposing figure, standing six feet hunched over. It’s skin was a deep crimson and it hurt the eyes to look at. Apostate’s heart soared. His Masters has returned! Truth had returned! He sprinted to it and quite literally fell to his knees.
“I-I have waited! I have been faithful! I gave my blood to pervert their rituals! I called you! I serve, I serve, I serve! My life is, it has always been, yours!”
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 3 hours, 14 minutes ago
The Nightmare's Beginning. Pt. 1
Vahanian tended to Stheno's unconscious form, dripping water into her mouth and laying out some bread and cured meat for her when she woke. He ground some herbs into a powder and mixed it with water, creating a tonic that would help ease her impending headache, and help her sleep a dreamless sleep.
He then tended to his own needs. Binding his arm in black cloth to hide any burns or blood that formed, he then ate his own portion of bread and meat. Drinking water and a hot cup of tea to clear his mind. He washed his face in the basin and then left his chambers. Locking the door and handing the only key to Baldwin. "Your life for hers, if you must." Vahanian said, noticing his Grey Knight Sir Ferdinand conversing with his men.
Baldwin bowed his head and said "My soul for hers, always." The two friends clasped arms and Vahanian turned taking his personal guard with him and leaving the Nexus guard to assist Baldwin. Vahanian and his soldiers walked through the depths of the Nexus, and Vahanian motioned for Ferdinand to follow.
"Grand Templar.. what-" Vahanian placed a hand on the young knight's shoulder and said "I know. Something went wrong in the Basilica, the Oracle is doing everything she can to rectify it with her magic. We must keep the Nexus safe." He said glancing back towards his chambers. It was no secret that Vahanian favored Stheno. "Come, let us survey the streets once more."
The group of men cautiously stepped out of the safety of the Nexus and onto the bloodstained, and magic scorched cobblestone streets. An eerie calm had settled over the city. One man sighed and commented that it must be over. Vahanian drew his sword and said "No, it hasn't really started yet.."
A shrill shriek echoed across the stone walls of the nearby buildings. Vahanian looked up and saw a Daimon with four arms, each wielding a blade of bone and a bone carapace. A single tiny black jewel rested between it's eyes and seemed to pulsate. The creature leapt from the building and landed in front of Vahanian in a ready stance, sending cracked cobblestone flying from the force of the landing. A handful of lesser creatures showed up and swarmed to the Daimon's cry. Vahanian threw off his cloak and called to his men "Kill the minions. Sever their heads. We'll deal with this one." He said, before glancing at Ferdinand who'd already readied his weapon.
"Circle the left and don't charge him." Vahanian commanded and the Grey Knight did as he was bade. Vahanian made the sign of Obeah over his sword and chest and began muttering as he started to circle the opposite direction of Ferdinand "Veiled One, great strength to my arm and force to my blade. Grant peace to my mind and light to my heart. Grant me the tools necessary to vanquish your foes and send these creatures back to the Hell from whence they came." Vahanian said the final sentence through gritted teeth as he charged forward, a warcry passing through this lips. He stabbed at the creature but his blade bounced off the carapace of bone. The creature turned it's focus to him and unleashed a furious assault with all four arms and blades. Vahanian blocked, parried, sidestepped, ducked, and dodged. Narrowly missing being severed in two. His face was a mask of calm. There was a light in his eyes, that one might interpret as joy. He was a virtuoso with a blade, and combat was his song. Ferdinand rushed in also, trying to distract the creature, and did so for a time. The creature split it's attention between the two Templar. But each blow that was struck against the creature did not cause any harm. Vahanian's mind was searching for a weakness in the armor, scanning, searching, frantically.
Finally it dawned on him. There was none. His mind snapped to a singular focus at that point and he yelled out. "THE JEWEL."
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 3 hours, 14 minutes ago
The Nightmare's Beginning. Pt. 1
Vahanian tended to Stheno's unconscious form, dripping water into her mouth and laying out some bread and cured meat for her when she woke. He ground some herbs into a powder and mixed it with water, creating a tonic that would help ease her impending headache, and help her sleep a dreamless sleep.
He then tended to his own needs. Binding his arm in black cloth to hide any burns or blood that formed, he then ate his own portion of bread and meat. Drinking water and a hot cup of tea to clear his mind. He washed his face in the basin and then left his chambers. Locking the door and handing the only key to Baldwin. "Your life for hers, if you must." Vahanian said, noticing his Grey Knight Sir Ferdinand conversing with his men.
Baldwin bowed his head and said "My soul for hers, always." The two friends clasped arms and Vahanian turned taking his personal guard with him and leaving the Nexus guard to assist Baldwin. Vahanian and his soldiers walked through the depths of the Nexus, and Vahanian motioned for Ferdinand to follow.
"Grand Templar.. what-" Vahanian placed a hand on the young knight's shoulder and said "I know. Something went wrong in the Basilica, the Oracle is doing everything she can to rectify it with her magic. We must keep the Nexus safe." He said glancing back towards his chambers. It was no secret that Vahanian favored Stheno. "Come, let us survey the streets once more."
The group of men cautiously stepped out of the safety of the Nexus and onto the bloodstained, and magic scorched cobblestone streets. An eerie calm had settled over the city. One man sighed and commented that it must be over. Vahanian drew his sword and said "No, it hasn't really started yet.."
A shrill shriek echoed across the stone walls of the nearby buildings. Vahanian looked up and saw a Daimon with four arms, each wielding a blade of bone and a bone carapace. A single tiny black jewel rested between it's eyes and seemed to pulsate. The creature leapt from the building and landed in front of Vahanian in a ready stance, sending cracked cobblestone flying from the force of the landing. A handful of lesser creatures showed up and swarmed to the Daimon's cry. Vahanian threw off his cloak and called to his men "Kill the minions. Sever their heads. We'll deal with this one." He said, before glancing at Ferdinand who'd already readied his weapon.
"Circle the left and don't charge him." Vahanian commanded and the Grey Knight did as he was bade. Vahanian made the sign of Obeah over his sword and chest and began muttering as he started to circle the opposite direction of Ferdinand "Veiled One, great strength to my arm and force to my blade. Grant peace to my mind and light to my heart. Grant me the tools necessary to vanquish your foes and send these creatures back to the Hell from whence they came." Vahanian said the final sentence through gritted teeth as he charged forward, a warcry passing through this lips. He stabbed at the creature but his blade bounced off the carapace of bone. The creature turned it's focus to him and unleashed a furious assault with all four arms and blades. Vahanian blocked, parried, sidestepped, ducked, and dodged. Narrowly missing being severed in two. His face was a mask of calm. There was a light in his eyes, that one might interpret as joy. He was a virtuoso with a blade, and combat was his song. Ferdinand rushed in also, trying to distract the creature, and did so for a time. The creature split it's attention between the two Templar. But each blow that was struck against the creature did not cause any harm. Vahanian's mind was searching for a weakness in the armor, scanning, searching, frantically.
Finally it dawned on him. There was none. His mind snapped to a singular focus at that point and he yelled out. "THE JEWEL."
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 3 hours, 6 minutes ago
The Nightmare's Beginning Pt. 2
Vahanian and Ferdinand dueled the creature for some time, trying to cut out, or smash the jewel that rested between it's eyes. The intelligent warrior he was, Ferdinand grabbed another torch from a nearby sconce and used it in conjunction with his sword. Drawing the eye and ire of the creature. Vahanian rushed forward and with all his might slashed his sword into the back of the creature's legs, hamstringing it. Black blood sprayed out and hissed and sizzled as soon as it met the air.
A sound of unimaginable horror echoed from the creature's mouth. Vahanian used the momentum of his hamstring strike to spin his whole body and rotate his grip on sword. Bringing down at an angle his blade with all his might he slashed the jewel from the creature's forehead. It hit the cobblestone and shattered the nearby stones. The creature crumpled to the ground and Vahanian ran over to the stone, cutting a strip of cloth from his tunic he wrapped the stone in it before smashing it under the heel of his boot in the cloth. tying the cloth off to make a pouch for the stone's shards he tucked it away into his tunic. Grabbing the torch from Ferdinand he severed the head off the Daimon from it's crumpled form and set it aflame. Turning now to survey his surroundings he saw the lesser creatures has crumpled when the stone left the Daimon's forehead.
He took a breath and rallied his men to him. Looking to Ferdinand he said. "No creature can enter the Nexus. See it so. I will return momentarily, but I must check on Stheno."
–
Roleplay from Vahanian Blint
Message sent to everyone in Heralds of Obeah (34 recipients) - 3 hours, 6 minutes ago
The Nightmare's Beginning Pt. 2
Vahanian and Ferdinand dueled the creature for some time, trying to cut out, or smash the jewel that rested between it's eyes. The intelligent warrior he was, Ferdinand grabbed another torch from a nearby sconce and used it in conjunction with his sword. Drawing the eye and ire of the creature. Vahanian rushed forward and with all his might slashed his sword into the back of the creature's legs, hamstringing it. Black blood sprayed out and hissed and sizzled as soon as it met the air.
A sound of unimaginable horror echoed from the creature's mouth. Vahanian used the momentum of his hamstring strike to spin his whole body and rotate his grip on sword. Bringing down at an angle his blade with all his might he slashed the jewel from the creature's forehead. It hit the cobblestone and shattered the nearby stones. The creature crumpled to the ground and Vahanian ran over to the stone, cutting a strip of cloth from his tunic he wrapped the stone in it before smashing it under the heel of his boot in the cloth. tying the cloth off to make a pouch for the stone's shards he tucked it away into his tunic. Grabbing the torch from Ferdinand he severed the head off the Daimon from it's crumpled form and set it aflame. Turning now to survey his surroundings he saw the lesser creatures has crumpled when the stone left the Daimon's forehead.
He took a breath and rallied his men to him. Looking to Ferdinand he said. "No creature can enter the Nexus. See it so. I will return momentarily, but I must check on Stheno."
–
Roleplay from Alacrix Galar
Message sent to all nobles of Obia'Syela (29 recipients) - 57 minutes ago
The day before Alacrix had seen the beacon in Rines start acting strangely. He knew he had to ride back to Rines and check on the Oracle.
When he arrived in the city he heard of cries of daemons and undead attacking the city. With his men he ran to join the battle. Daemons were fighting undead and ignoring the men around them. What twisted world had this become. The daemons are fighting on Obeah’s behalf! The world had truly become strange.
After the battle Alaytook his men and went to seek the Oracle. She must know what needs be done. To the Holy Basilica!
–
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --
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..."
–
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.
–
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.
–
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.
–
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?"
–
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.
–
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."
–
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.
–
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.
–
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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