Gildre Family/Jessica
Jessica | |
Status: | Alive. |
Continent: | Beluterra |
Realm: | Sacred Obia'Syela |
Previous Realms: | Nothoi,Gothica |
Current Titles: | Dame |
Titles Held: | N/A |
Class: | Warrior |
Honor: | 67 |
Prestige: | 21 |
Age: | 31 |
Eyes: | Green |
Hair: | Red |
Sword skills: | 50 |
Jousting skills: | N/A |
Leadership skills: | 40 |
Infiltration skills: | 75 |
Bureaucratic skills: | N/A |
Preaching skills: | N/A |
Unique Items: | N/A |
Unique Items Held: | N/A |
Jessica Gildre
Economic Sabotage | Military Sabatoge | ||
Taxes Stolen | 18,000 | Militia Murdered | 0 |
Taxes Counted | 10 | Troop Leaders Assaulted | 7 |
Food burned | 0 | Captured | 5 |
Production Sabotage | 0 | Escaped | 3 |
Caravans Raided | 0 | Bounties Collected | 0 |
Workshops Disabled | 0 | Fortifications Damaged | 0 |
Current Status | Opperational | Travel Disrupted | 0 |
Appearance
Bright green eyes and fiery red hair contrast delicately with her dark subdued clothes. Long limbs are wired with sinewy muscle. She stands tall, yet slim. Twin daggers rest on her hips. Her ivory skin seems to repel the sun's light.
Early Years
Jessica began her career in Gotland, however due to some creative differences with the Manstomper, she was sent as an envoy to Nothoi to the south. It was in Nothoi that Jessica spent most of her time fighting Daimons during the 4th Invasion. During the war, she began her training in the shadow arts.
Foolishly over confident in her skills, she set forth on a mission to slay the Daimon Prince Akkan. During the raid, she was captured, banished, and deported to the Colonies.
It was on the Colonies, in Gothica, that she honed her skills for a year. It was also in Gothica that she discovered dark, sinister forces...
Assault on the Dark King
The world had fallen upside down. The Dark Throne sat empty, and a mad tyrant had claimed power through a sham of an election. Praises to Daimon worship had sounded through the streets as the Dark King brought forth a new order. Gothica had been swept into disarray, there had been no Necromancer to lead the army for some time, no leadership to speak of at all. Jessica set down the report the scribe had brought her. The parchment revealed the outcome of the election. There was a new Dark King in Gothica. Inquisitor Altenahr had successfully run unopposed. Jessica crumpled the paper in her fist.
Later that night…
Jessica stood staring at the Dark Court. Wind pulled at her dark cloak and whipped her dark hair across her face. She touched the poisoned daggers sheathed in the small of her back. The monstrous building loomed before her, blocking out the night sky. She shifted her jaw and ground her teeth as she gazed at it. Inside was the newly crowned Dark King Godric Altenahr, and she vowed that tonight would be his last. Blending with the shadows, avoiding the flaming sconces lighting the wall, she raced under the open arches and into the court yard. Between her and the doorless entrance patrolled six guards. Ducking behind a tree, she came upon the closest guard. Her dagger flashed into her hand as she stabbed the man in the neck from behind. Swiftly, she set him down without a sound. She then skirted a bush opposite a pair of guards and reached the far corner of the courtyard. Another guard was huddled here, attempting to light a pipe with some flint. Finally a spark caught on the dry tobacco and it glowed red in front of him, casting a red illumination on Jessica as she thrust her dagger into his gaping mouth. The only sound from the strike was his pipe clattering quietly on the ground.
She timed her movement, avoiding the sight of the remaining four guards as she slipped through the entrance. Quietly, she slipped through corridors towards the Dark Throne. The building was quiet, save for the odd rustle of a servant or chamber maid. Jessica stopped at the last corner before the hallway which lead to the throne room. She steeled her nerves for the task ahead of her, and drew both her daggers. Nodding to herself, she rounded the corner at a dead sprint. Two guards flanked the door to the Dark Throne, armed with halberds. They gawked at the sight of the woman, clad in black, charging at them from the depths of the quiet structure. Quickly they hefted their pole arms and moved towards her.
The first guard raised and thrust his halberd at her chest. Using her momentum, she leapt and pushed off the wall, flinging her across the hall and away from the guard’s weapon. She rolled and came up behind the first guard, directly in front of the second. Thinking his partner would have the woman skewered, he was undefended. Rapidly, she thrust twice into his side with her right, and sliced his throat with a backhanded cut as she spun to regard the first guard. He stared in shock as his partner slid to the ground, bleeding out. With all her might, Jessica heaved a thrust kick to the man’s chest. He stumbled backwards and fell heavily to his back. Immediately she was upon him, stabbing viciously. Blood was everywhere, and Jessica heard the clamour of guards approaching to investigate the sounds of the battle. The time for subtly had passed. She dropped her cloak to the ground and advanced on the throne room with daggers in hand.
Jessica had achieved the aim of her self-appointed mission. Upon entering the throne room, she had discovered the newly coroneted Dark King. Having dedicated much of his life to priesthood, he put up a measly fight, and she put him down with a severe wound. They were not, however, alone. Dark King Altenahr had been meeting with the outgoing Royal Donagal Prestongreen at the time. Having surprise and shock on her side, Jessica had the opportunity to make her escape.
Looking at his surprised face, she instead turned to square up to him. It was his fault that everything was falling apart. He had abdicated and created the power void that the monster Godric had filled. If he had only kept his seat on the throne… She gripped her daggers in anger. She had often thought that the old king had seen too many winters already, and now she had him within reach. One on one.
She had grievously overestimated his age being an important factor. As she stalked towards him, he drew his sword and advanced as well. Quickly she became aware of how he had reached such an old age. Sensing he had already won the fight, Jessica attempted to break contact. She leapt back to no avail. An upward slash carved a slice into her right thigh and she dropped to the ground. Jessica had a little luck left to her name though. As Donagal stood over her, the throne room door crashed inwards. The old king spun to see ten castle guards flood into the room, spreading out and searching wildly for enemies.
Taking advantage of the lull in the battle, Jessica grabbed her daggers and forced herself to run towards the window.
“Stop her!” she heard Donagal shout behind her, and the scramble of feet as guards chased after. She was too far ahead. Mustering the last of her strength, she flung herself through the window. Her head made contact first, and she felt the concussion of the impact against her temple. The pane broke, and glass exploded around her. Shards sliced her bare skin as she passed through the opening and she fell into open air. Unfortunately, the drop was over ten feet. Jessica landed heavily on her side in a small garden. Air burst violently from her lungs and she rolled in the dirt, dazed and gaping like a fish out of water. After a few seconds, she was able to breathe in again, and gulped the air down. She coughed and forced herself to her knees. Blood flowed freely from her thigh and she began to feel light headed. Climbing to her feet, she looked around. She rolled herself over a small fence and onto the street which ran along the garden. Bells were already ringing inside the castle and it wouldn’t be long until the city watch began looking for her too. She hobbled into an ally and continued towards the harbour. All along the harbour were marinas, warehouses, and fish mongers. Behind a fisherman’s hut she stole a needle and fishing line that had been left unattended for the night, and carried on along the ally until she reached a large warehouse. Outside were a series of bins full of netting and other fishing gear. Quietly, she slipped into one of the crates and dug herself underneath the pile of nets. Cocooned and out of sight, she drew out the fishing line and threaded the needle. Then, biting her lip, she raggedly sewed the gash on her leg shut with four barrel stitches. It certainly wasn’t the best case scenario, but at least the bleeding would stop until she could get to someone who could clean and suture it properly. She took a deep breath. The air smelled of salt and grime and fish. She nuzzled into her nest and let her eyes close, content that she would be safe until morning.
With the rising sun, she would have to move quickly. They were coming for her.
Capture
She had not returned to her estate. Undoubtedly guards had taken the place over and were waiting to arrest her. She had taken up refuge at an old inn along the waterfront. She laid sprawled on the bed, occasionally taking a swill from a bottle of a gods-knew-what concoction fermented by the inn keeper. She kept herself busy by lamenting in her self-loathing. Two days had passed since her assassination attempt, and she had not left her room since arriving.
The inn keeper had come to her room twice, to see if she required food. The first time, she had demanded the liquor, and the second time she had flung the empty bottle at him as he retreated from the room. She had not seen him since. She sat up on the bed, wobbling drunkenly. Her hair had come undone long ago, and it frizzled wildly where she had been laying on it. She glanced at the wash basin beside the bed and reluctantly splashed cold water onto her face. The cold smashed her back to a sense of sobriety, and she put a hand on the bed to steady herself as her brain tore itself in half. As the moment of clarity struck her, she frowned. Where would she go? She had neither networks nor contacts with which she could seek asylum. Damn her incompetence. If she had been able to kill Godric and put down Donagal, everything would be fine now. It was during this moment of future reflection when her door exploded inwards in a storm of wooden shards and a flood of armed men filled the room.
She cursed her drunkenness. With a clear mind, she never would have been found unaware. She sprung to her feet and turned towards the window. It was a futile move, however, as four of the men were already upon her, throwing her to the ground and holding her limbs immobile with their full weight. The last thing she remembered was a sharp crack against the back of her skull and then darkness.
Prison
Jessica groggily regained consciousness deep in the dungeons of Gothica. Her vision was a blurry haze, but slowly it began to focus. She tried to move, and found that she was restrained to a table. Leather straps bound her wrists and ankles to the surface, and her forehead was lashed down. As her vision sharpened she struggled to look at her surroundings.
A torture chamber. Racks of glistening instruments adorned the walls, and in the corner of her vision she could make out mechanical contraptions. Torture. She could face torture. A sound at the far end of the room. A door opened and someone entered. She gazed sharply at the man as he entered her field of vision. The Inquisitor smiled down at her.
“Jessica, my dear,” he purred as he stroked her cheek softly, “You have been very, very naughty. Are you aware that Godric lives? I thought maybe you should know that, before we begin our activities. Thank the Portal that Lord Donagal was there to cut you down before you could finish off our new Dark King. He has instructed me to ensure you never forget your lessons here, beautiful Jessica.” “Get away from me you filthy cretin!” Jessica cursed at him and spit up into his hovering face. Blustering, the Inquisitor wiped the spit from his face, which had turned completely red.
“You wretched slut!” he growled through clenched teeth and he picked up a pair of pliers, “Gothica has endured enough of your cursed prattle!” Jessica tried to lash out, but she couldn’t move an inch. Tightly she clenched her jaw shut as he tried to wiggle the pliers into her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled, and finally he pushed with enough force to push one of her teeth free. She yelped in pain for a brief second, long enough for the Inquisitor to catch her tongue with the pliers. He pulled her tongue from within her mouth slowly as she whimpered her protests. Dramatically, he twirled a serrated knife above her head, ensuring she could fully understand what was about to happen. Slowly, he cut through the base of her tongue.
When he finished, she lay still, crying, trying not to choke on her own blood. Such a fool she was, thinking she could cope with torture. There were so many types of pain that she couldn’t even imagine or fathom. She watched him collect long, thin, metal needles in fear.
There were fingernails.
Journey to Beluterra
“Throw her in the water!” the captain gave the order to the two soldiers carrying Jessica between them. Her arms were draped across their shoulders, her feet dragging on the ground. Blood dribbled from her face as her head lolled back and forth in semi consciousness. “Aye sir,” one soldier nodded. He shifted Jessica to take her by the wrists, and the other lifted up her ankles. “One, two…” the captain called out as the soldiers swung, “Three!” They released her, and she tumbled from the wharf and splashed into the dark, cold water below. A deck hand on a moored merchant vessel watched the soldiers retreat back towards the castle, laughing and slapping each other’s backs for a job well done. “Poor death, that one…” he grumbled to himself. Left to drown alone in the brackish waters seemed a terrible fate. Gothica had never struck him as a realm over encumbered with morals, so he made up his mind and called over a few other deck hands. While they pulled out some rope, he dropped down to the water and swam over to the woman. He flipped her onto her back and she coughed out water, gasping for breath. She didn’t move or struggle as the deck hand draped an arm around her and started swimming back to the ship. A long length of rope splashed into the water in front of them. Quickly, the crew on the boat pulled the two onto the deck. Jessica lay still, unmoving. The sailors stood around her, wondering what to do next. “What are y’all gawking at instead of getting us ready to be under weigh?” the merchant captain demanded as he came up behind the hands. “Sir,” the man who had gone into the water replied, “Some Gothican soldiers tossed’er into the drink.” The captain looked down at the broken figure of Jessica. She looked like a sodden, disfigured wretch. He rubbed his eyes in annoyance. The gods certainly wouldn’t favour his voyage if he sent the girl to her death, but at the same time he held reservations about harbouring a criminal of Gothica. In the end, their next destination port made the decision in the captains mind. They sailed for the Sacred Obia next, and if there was anywhere that was safe for an enemy of Daimon worshipers to go, it was into the embrace of the Veiled Goddess. “We take her with us,” the captain said, “Johns, you fished her out, so you take care of her. Get her into a bunk. Figure out if she is even going to live. When we reach Obia, she leaves.” The sailors looked at each other, then picked up the crumpled form of Jessica, carrying her to the infirmary.
A Swingin' Gildre Affair!
A messenger approaches you and hands you a black and red envelope.
Nobles, Lords, and Ladies of the Sacred Obia'Syela,
It is my esteemed pleasure to finally introduce to you, the Lady Jessica Gildre of Rines.
You are cordially invited to a courtly evening at her Lady's estate in the Grand Temple District of Rines.
A dress code shall be in effect. Personal weapons are permitted, however, nobles are restricted to a one-man entourage. Security of the event is guaranteed by the Gildre Estate!
Lady Jessica will be most honored to reveive your attendance!
Please have your scribes direct any questions to myself.
Bryant, Master Scribe and Chief Attendant to Lady Jessica Care of, Lady Jessica Gildre
Roleplay from Alacrix Galar
Tonight was the night of the party. Alacrix was excited. The past two years have become a blur of swords, blood, death, and some fell monstrosity trying to eat him. It's been to long since he last went to party. Lately, during the quiet moments he found that he often reminisce about his former lifestyle of being a wastrel. He missed laying around and not worrying about defending people, or seeing good men being masticated by one horror or another.
With that Alacrix vigorously shook himself. Tonight was a night of celebration and being in a joyous mood. He dress in his finest. A cream colored jacket with a wine red vest and a matching large wine red hat with a even larger cream feather. Looking at himself in the mirror he had to admit that he looked stunning. With that he left for the party.
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Bryant stepped onto the balcony, dressed in a fine burgundy coat with a frilly white shirt poking out from underneath. His hair was slicked back and his goatee trimmed cleanly. He placed both hands on the railing and looked down at the nobles and lesser nobility which had gathered in the courtyard of Gildre Estate. The Temple of the Veiled Goddess loomed adjacent to the estate, dwarfing it in it's magnificence.
The buzz of conversation slowly died as nobles began to notice Bryant on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. As silence fell, he stood up straight, and took a deep breath.
"Nobles of the Sacred Obia'Syela," he enunciated loudly to the gathering below, "It is my personal pleasure, after several weeks, to finally introduce to the court of nobility, the renowned Lady Jessica Gildre!"
Theatrically, Bryant took a step to the side and backward, bowing with a regal flourish of his arms. From the darkness of the balcony, Jessica stepped forward and delicately rested a hand on the railing. She wore a midnight black gown which gave off the odd sparkle as light glinted it in the right way. The dress followed the shape of her body to the floor and trailed. Her neckline plunged to her waist, and sleeves reached her wrists. Her fire red hair was pinned back from her face, and shone brightly with her green eyes in the light of the wall sconces.
Silently, she raised one hand and nodded to the assembled crowd, and then withdrew back into the manor.
Buzzing talk resumed immediately from the nobles as two servants pulled the large double doors open, allowing access to Gildre Estate.
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
You have been informed that Gildre Estate consists of the following areas:
The Dining Hall - A magnificent great hall with a massive oak table running along the length of it, down the center. Chairs have been removed for the purpose of the party, but the walls are lined with benches. The table is laden with delicacies, and servants port carafes of wine to and fro. There is much room for mingling, and a minstrel plucks at a lute in the far corner.
The Parler - A great room with a roaring fire. Plush chairs, couches, and chaises fill the room. One wall is dedicated to bookshelves, and a large tapestry depicting an ancient battle adorns the other.
The Gardens - A well manicured garden lies out the rear of the estate. Lanterns are hung throughout, and servants patrol the pathways to quickly serve thirsty guests.
The Training Room - Jessica has had the cellar converted into a training room. There are racks of blunted weapons, a padded section of floor for grappling, and various bags for hitting.
The Kitchen - Where the food is prepared. It is dirty and full of commoners. A noble would have no interest in such a room.
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
Goriad II decided it would be interesting to'speak' with Jessica again. Afterall she never did answer his last question and he had become curious.
As such he called Sigmund to make his way to the manner. Even though he was regent and once more the Grand Herald of Obeah, he did not wear any fancy clothing. In stead he put on a black cloack, a thin one considering the time of year, but still concealing two of his curved sandblades and some daggers.
Some hours later he finally arrived at Jessica's manner and when the guards first saw him they almost wanted to stop the brigant untill Sigmund walked ahead of him "The Regent of Obia'Syela," and when Goriad II lowered his hood they decided to announce him with full title. Goriad II didn't bother to wait for them however and simply walked in "They know me, no need for the shouting," he said halfway through the titles, interrupting the announcers. "Now where is Jessica?"
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Jessica sipped from a glass of scarlet wine, listening absentmindedly as several highborn merchants prattled on about some sort of invested interest that they thought Jessica could profit greatly from. She didn't pay them any heed. She had little doubt she was already the richest woman in Obia anyways. The pompous merchants could probably learn a thing or two from her, although she assumed from their large waistlines that they could not accomplish the feats she could.
"The Regent of Obia'Syela, Lord Goriad II Gabanus!"
Jessica heard the porter call out the introduction, and looked towards the entrance. She saw Goriad II entering, wearing a simple dark cloak. Whatever her other feelings, she at least appreciated his style. It seems she shared more... traits... with Goriad II than simply a style sense.
Rudely, she turned her back on the conversation the merchants were having, and plucked another glass of wine from the tray of a passing servant. Her dress shimmered subtly in the torchlight as she strode towards the Regent. She offered the glass of wine to him as she idly pondered whether a Priest of Obeah consumed alcohol or not...
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
When Jessica arrived with the whine Goriad II smiled for a moment: "I don't drink my dear, I leave that to the fat pompous nobles and the fools. I do quite like wine though, I find it often loosens the tongue and also makes for far easier targets."
He then accepted the glass and took a step closer to Jessica and softly whispered: "I've been in for but a moment and already learned that that fat merchant you were talking to over there has a rather 'playfull' wife and he doesn't know. It also seems she controls most of his spending. If need be I'm sure you could 'convince' her to pay for some of your expenses here if you provide her with some discrete entertainment."
He grinned as he made a step backwards. "Now you still owe me an answer I believe from the palace. How did you lose your tongue?"
Roleplay from Jessica
"I've been in for but a moment and already learned that that fat merchant you were talking to over there has a rather 'playfull' wife and he doesn't know. It also seems she controls most of his spending. If need be I'm sure you could 'convince' her to pay for some of your expenses here if you provide her with some discrete entertainment."
Jessica looked at the merchant Goriad II spoke of and frowned. She looked back to Goriad II and smirked and shrugged. She held up a hand and rubbed her fingers together, and then patted where her pockets would be.
"Now you still owe me an answer I believe from the palace. How did you lose your tongue?" he prodded.
Jessica's smirk faltered, and she took a long drink of wine. She placed the empty glass on a table and looked at Goriad II. She held her hands in the shape of a triangle on top of her head for a moment, then made a quick stabbing motion. She then closed her eyes and frowned, and opened her hand to let the imaginary dagger fall. She then held her wrists together in front of her. She made quick cutting motions across her body, then made a pinching motion in front of her mouth and drew her hand away from her mouth slowly, and with her other hand made a slow sawing motion in front of her mouth. She then threw her hands in the air, and swept them broadly before her.
Finishing her tale, she looked around. She had acquired a small audience. She looked back to Goriad II and raised an eyebrow.
Roleplay from Goriad II
Goriad II had also noticed a small audience gathering about them. He had put his host in a delicate situation but he didn't care much about it. Maby may belief however that he did as Goriad II responded by placing himself in a most delicate position. He gave the still full cup of wine to Sigmund and proceeded by removing his cloak. Underneath it he was wearing little on his upper body other than two shoulderplates and a strange looking breastplate shaped like a triangle with two circles on his breast with some sort of rounded sticks pointing to each other.
It was only when Goriad II took hold of both handles and pulled them that it became clear what the purpose of his armor was. He pulled out two curved blades, one with a red diamond and the other with a blue one worked at the top of the hilt which had been hidden. The could took a few steps wondering why he would draw blades at this party, but he gave one of them to Sigmund and used the other to draw attention to what was a large scar running from his bellybutton to his right chest. As the blade hit the old wound Goriad II bled slightly and smiled. "My first on this island. The Templars could not hold the line, so we had to hehe, didn't we Sigmund." His companion laughed as well "It was a good hunt milord."
Goriad II then moved the blade to his left arm which was filled with scars and other signs of old wounds. "My uncle, he raised my sister and me and was rather strict with our training. The Great Warlord King against two kids, it showed me the cowardice in 'great' man. His smile went to a grimace shortly only to return to a vile grin as he moved his sword to the back and turned around. It showed a back filled with uncountable scars. So many it became difficult to determine what caused them. "I still aim to repay him for it," he said with that same grin.
"None of these scared lambs understand true power, they think it resides simply in the sound of a title and the tip of their swords. They don't understand true strength, but you do don't you my dear?"
He now pointed his sword, still covered in his own blood at her mounth: "Strength is in what they took from us and put in its place."
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Jessica locked eyes with Goriad II for a staying moment. Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly, and she breathed a quiet, sad, sigh. She brushed the blade away with the back of her hand, and as she did so she painted a smile on her face and turned to face the gathered crowd. Quickly she curtsied, then bowed theatrically.
She spared one somber look back at the Regent, then allowed herself to be absorbed into the chattering throng of nobles.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Unmoving shape stood before the Book of Names in the Temple of Rines. A dark statue with eyes transfixed on a particular page. However magnificently the temple has grown since her last visit, however the city has changed - it was all meaningless. The creature in the temple had a habit of focusing on one thing at a time and the thing that had her undivided attention at the moment was the line in the book: "Maura, Desert of Sillhouettes, Dwillight" with a blank place for the family name. She was pondering if she should complete the signature or strike it through entirely. Her shadow moved quarter of a circle as she remained motionless in deep thought, all the time not daring to bring her eyes one verse higher.
A couple of cautious coughs behind her back seeked her attention.
"What is it?" - she asked. "My lady, there is an invitation for a celebratory event in the manor of Lady Jessica."
As if waiting for a proper excuse Maura dropped the quill on the book, not making any decision.
Later in the evening
Managing to slip past the gates without much of an introduction and attracting any more attention than the necessary minimum, Maura went straight to one of the servants with the wine cups. She immediately downed one cup and grabbed two more. Then meeting a displeased gaze of some fat highborn merchant she took a measure of the surroundings for a brief moment and blinked with satisfaction when she decided upon her destination.
A while later she entered the kitchen and sat on a stool, sipping from one of the winecups. Startled household servants looked at eachother, when Maura said to noone in particular:
"I will sit here."
One of the kitchen wenches said with a trembling voice:
"My lady, I-I, d-don't think..."
"I will sit here." - Maura cut her off, ending the 'conversation'. The kitchen staff resumed their work, altough in this situation unwillingly they paid more attention to a noble in the room than to the job at hand, in effect working more slowly and causing many minor mishaps, like mixing up some drinks and miscooking some dishes.
Roleplay from Alacrix Galar
Alacrix was chatting with a rather sweaty merchant. The man was telling him how much he enjoyed the party. Apparently he had arrived early and proceeded to enjoy the fine wine that Was provided. The man was telling about one very fine wine that sadly was finished when he saw Regent Goriad II and Dame Jessica in a conversation. He politely excused himself and made his way over to the increasingly growing crowd.
Regent Goriad was bare chested and displaying countless scars. Alacrix was rather fascinated by them. He did not know much about the new Regent but he was shocked at the impressive sight. Then the Regent withdrew one of his daggers and proceeded to slice open an old wound. Alacrix heard several gasps and seen many looking very interested in their drinks. Alacrix though called not look away. There was a lesson here. Some sort of insight to a man he knew almost nothing.
Alacrix saw and listened to everything the man had to offer. He talked about true power and wondered if he meant Obeah or magic. As the Regent pointed his blood covered sword at Dame Jessica, he knew that he had to talk to the Regent. Alacrix had been meaning to talk to him for some months now on the nature of magic and possibly get another pamphlet from him. Alacrix still had the first that was given to him by the man when he first became a lord.
Alacrix stared at the scene and also resolved himself to talk to Dame Jessica. She is a very interesting woman and she was kind enough to invest in him for the war. He would have to thank her for that. With the downing of his cup of wine he fortified himself to meet the most unsual people he would probably ever meet.
Roleplay from Gythrul
Gythrul made his way to the Gildre estate. He wore his battle plate, burial mask and a black cloak. He took care to disguise a few of the Daimonic symbols he hadn’t removed from his armour with his cloak.
The Gildre estate was finally reached, and Gythrul quietly cursed that he had received the invitation late. He entered and took in the dining hall. He quietly cursed again when he recognised Goriad. And again when he remembered that Goriad was Regent.
The porter opened his mouth to ask Gythrul his name. The Wraith shook his head and walked straight past.
He saw Goriad pointing a bloodied blade at woman, with a open wound on his torso.
It was interesting for the Wraith. The whole affair was. He stood just behind Goriad, silently observing.
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Jessica leaned against... some odd decoration that Bryant had placed in her parlor while several nobles of lesser station chatted away. She nodded with pathetically-veiled interest, not even bothering to look at them. Two of them, recognizing that they were being ignored, abruptly picked up their drinks and stalked off. A third remained, standing awkwardly next to Jessica. She looked at him and made a drinking motion with her hand, then waved him away.
As the man left, Jessica felt cool glass press into her free hand. Bryant, having appeared from nowhere, let her take the glass of wine. "Maintain your composure, m'Lady," he chastised into her ear quietly, and then continued on to supervise the servants. She made a grotesque face at him as he disappeared into the crowd again, but none the less she stopped leaning and stood up straight.
She took a welcome sip of wine and looked around. Boring people doing boring things and... She narrowed her eyes, glimpsing around a woman to see a man in a black cloak, wearing some sort of wrappings on his face. That was certainly a bizarre outfit.
Curiosity lit her eyes.
Roleplay from Alacrix Galar
Alacrix sees Dame Jessica walking away from the Regent. He was unsure who to approach. Since the Regent was right there he decided to approach him. With great respect and a little amount of fear he approached the Regent. "Regent Goriad II, I am templer Alacrix. I want to thank you for that pamphlet that you gave me a couple years ago. I was hoping you may be able to answer a few questions. If you are not to busy."
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
Jessica seemed to look Somber to Goriad II's surprise. "It seems she has not yet accepted faith, Gilly would have put her lips on the blade and drank the blood" he thought to himself as a smile appeared: "Then again she is the most wicked one I know. Where would she have gone?," he continued to wonder.
Then suddenly a young nobleman who looked familiar approached him and introduced himself as Alacrix. "A Templar seeking my guidance? Interesting," he thought before he answered him. "Ofcourse, my knowledge of Obeah is yours. What questions do you have?"
In the meantime Goriad II took his cloak again and once more covered his scars.
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul watched the red-headed woman walk away. He now knew where he recognised her from, she was Jessica Gildre. He recalled seeing her at the Astros incident.
He went after her, trying to track her through the group of nobles. He had almost given up when he saw the sparkle of her dress.
He navigated his way through the group, seething with resentment at the pompous crowd. He would have put them to the sword had he the influence. He would have punished them for their blindness to Truth. Would have.
He was stopped by a woman. She looked forty winters old and wore finery that marked her a wealthy merchant. He murmured a curse that would have caused the Inquisition to drag him to a cell had they heard it.
The Wraith clenched an armoured fist in anger.
“My Lord, I don’t believe we’ve met. I am Alyianna, a member of the shipping guild. And you are?” The woman asked, Gythrul opened his fist and clenched it again.
“The Last Tongue of the Gods.” He rasped, quiet enough to be unintelligible, but loud enough that the woman could hear him say something.
He began to turn, annoyed.
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul contemplated speaking to Goriad, but decided against it. If he wanted to continue where he had left of, the Regent would have to come to Gythrul.
He made his way to the parlour, glaring at the lesser nobles and merchants trying to get his attention. They were pompous creatures, though some had the look of warriors. These nobles received a polite dismissal.
A large tapestry caught the Wraith’s eye and he moved to it, studying it intently.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Sitting in the kitchen Maura downed one cup after another, getting more drunk with every passing quarter-hour. From time to time the sounds of the party and chatter of the kitchen staff found their way to her ears: laughter, music, gasps of shock, "... half naked...", "... bloody dagger...", "... magnificent dress...".
Then - on a verge of drunken stupor she heard an all too familliar voice - sitting on a kitchen stool, really Maura?
"You... I... I am perfectly fine right here." - Maura replied.
Getting drunk on wine in the kitchen?
"It's a perfectly good wine."
I could hazard a guess that it would taste much better when shared with a fellow noble.
"Fellow nob- you see? I don't belong here, I can't mingle. I would make a fool of myself."
You silly goose! Of course you won't belong anywhere just hiding in the kitchen! Now stop moping and get out there! You at least ought to introduce yourself to the hostess. Besides, I think I saw batter-dipped lychee in the dining hall, you had a face of a ten-year-old the first time you tasted it, remember?
"Our experiences of being a ten-year-old are vastly different." - Maura said with a hint of a mocking smile on her face and continued - "I'm still not convinced, I... I don't think I deserve it."
Well, now you have no choice dearie - you've been talking to yourself for the past five minutes. It will be much more embarassing for you to stay here than to go out there.
"Akkan's arse!" - she cursed in half-whisper and seeing the servants even more confused than when she arrived, she swiftly stormed out the door, bouncing off both sides of the door casing in her drunken gait.
"Pay compliments to the host..." - she thought to herself when scanning the room. It took her a little while to identify the noble most oftenly consulted by the master of ceremonies - a red haired woman in a magnificent black gown. Maura's eyebrows involuntarily rose half an inch when she compared it to the rusting, fur-padded chainmail she was wearing. The pinch of embarassment sobered her up a little bit. She took a couple of seconds to pull herself together and begun a slow but intent walk across the parlour, towards the lady in the black gown.
Roleplay from Divus Lancaster
Divus had never really been one for parties. Large crowds not all pointed in the same direction overwhelmed him some, and the thought of having to converse with his peers in the realm was a daunting thought. While he certainly had something to say about military fortifications, or the best position to set up an ambush, the thought of discussing art or music or whatever the other nobles of Obia'Syela was a bit frightening. In truth, he most likely would have skipped the party if his path didn't lead him to Rines anyway on the way to Avengmil.
While his captain Luitpold secured provisions and a few extra men, Divus decided to venture over to the Temple District in the city, invitation clutched in his hand. While he did not know the host, he surmised that most of the nobles of note in Obia'Syela were given similar invitations. Once more, a new Regent had been chosen, and he felt it would be rude to ignore the event altogether. Perhaps stay for a drink or two, he thought, as his horse trot up the cobblestone road.
Already night had fallen in the city, but there was a lively and joyous atmosphere. While on the road to Rines, Divus had wondered how those nobles who were more religious than those in his home country would party. To his surprise, the din of the party grew as he approached. The sound of minstrels and laughter floated down the lit streets, commoners idling outside their homes and shops trying to soak up the atmosphere. They parted for him quickly enough and before too long a servant was taking his horse as he stepped into the party itself.
The initial room was so bright that Divus stood there frozen, blinking quickly in an attempt to adjust. All around him were other nobles in various states as they spoke and danced. Although no one was paying him with any significant interest, Divus still felt as nervous as he did on the eve of a battle. Adrenaline coursed through him as he entered the party in earnest, nodding at those who met his eyes. He had no idea the proper social courtesies in a situation like this in Obia'Syela. On the road, and in the small towns, things were much simpler. Mercifically, a servant walked up to him holding a tray of cups.
"Wine, my lord?" The servant asked, not meeting Divus' eyes.
"Thank Obeah," he replied, before taking a cup and downing its contents in a single gulp.
Divus grabbed another cup before the servant departed, but this time elected to savor its contents, at least for a little while.
Around him were some of of the minor members of the nobility, dressed in colors he did not recognize. Every once and a while, though, he spotted someone or a group from a great houses. Their clothes a shade finer, or their entourage a few people larger. In an effort to get a closer look at what he thought were some of the high ranking Templars, a woman dancing bumped into him. The wine threatened to tumble out of his hand, but he quickly recovered before more damage could be done. The woman had fortunately not fallen, but had stopped to catch her breath. She wore a green dress, with red hair tied in a tight bun behind her head. Her cheeks were rosy, and Divus could tell she barely saw him through the fog of the drink.
"I am so sorr-" he began, before the girl was off again, rejoining the dance. Divus sighed and finished his drink before looking around for another servant.
"Obeah, help me," he thought, as the minstrels played on.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Pushing forward through the hall in unnaturally straight line only a drunken man can be determined to maintain, Maura narrowly avoided bumping into an imposing knight clad in full-plate armour. 'So I'm not the only one to wear armour to a social event' - she thought to herself, regaining some of her composure. Her optimistic train of thought was cut short by disturbing gaze of the knight slowly creeping up from behind his mask, prompting her to continue on her way sparing no haste.
Finally she reached who she assumed to be the lady of the manor. "LADY JESSICA!" - she said a fair bit louder than she intended and bowed in exaggeratedly ceremonial way, nearly losing her balance. "Maura Arnickles Renodin, at your service."
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
"LADY JESSICA!"
The shout made several guests jump, and Jessica quickly turned in surprise. Before her stood a young warrior she had never seen before, clad in armor. Quickly, she spared a glance back at the masked man who was currently admiring the massive tapestry on the wall, then turned back to the loud woman just as she continued.
"Maura Arnickles Renodin, at your service."
Jessica broke a small smile and inclined her head towards the woman, but paused and raised an eyebrow at the warrior when she spoke her family name.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Seeing her interlocutor's surprise at the name, Maura just waved her hand in the air and doing her best not to slur the words she said - "Yes, there is some relation, but forgive me, the ins and outs of our pedigree are a bit too hazy for my not entirely sober mind."
Careful not to make any blunders, Maura adopted a tactic to swiftly change subjects, not allowing for any of them to linger for more than a minute. A socialite trick she learnt from the most adapt courtly noble lady she knew. That particular trick never failed her, altough admittedly it wouldn't have much chance to fail her, since she never used it before.
After a quiet couple of seconds Maura said, noting Jessica's wordless welcome: "Person of few words, I see? I don't mind, I'm a taciturn creature myself..." - and raising a cup of wine she commented - "... takes a couple of these to get more than one sentence at a time out of me."
Proud of her social skills she changed the subject again:
"Quite a gathering of peculiar characters you have here, my lady." - she half-whispered in conspirational tone and subtly indicated the masked knight with her eyes.
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Jessica nodded, and also looked towards the masked man. Her brow narrowed slightly. Was he familiar to her? How could he be? He was wearing a mask. Still... there was something...
Quickly, Jessica looked back to Maura, smiled, and raised her glass towards her. Then she took a long drink of her wine.
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul was aware of being watched. He turned slightly and saw two women out of the corner of his eye. Lady Gildre and one he had run into earlier.
He turned on his heel and walked over to them.
“Lady Gildre.” He rasped, bowing slightly. “It is an honour to meet you under more favourable circumstances. I am Gythrul Attano.”
He turned his head to regard the stranger.
“I don’t believe I am familiar with you, My Lady. You are?”
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
“Lady Gildre.” He rasped, bowing slightly. “It is an honour to meet you under more favourable circumstances. I am Gythrul Attano.”
Jessica's eyes widened as the masked man spoke his name. She stumbled backward away from him and spit on the ground. Frantically, she looked for a weapon, silently cursing the dress.
Desperately, she pulled a fire poker from a rack beside the hearth and spun back to point it at Gythrul. She heard Bryant let out a shout at her disturbance, and within a moment several guards charged into the parlor. They looked for an enemy, confused, and only found Jessica pointing the fire poker at Gythrul, her hand shaking visibly.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
"Lord Gythrul, I am pleased to meet you. My name is Maura Arnickles R..." - she got interrupted by the hostess of the evening pointing an improvised weapon at the newly met knight. She swiftly unsheathed her scimtar only to be reminded that the handle lacks a blade, making it completely useless in fight. She immediately sobered up, internally cursing the lapse of attention. Even unarmed she still instinctively stood next to Lady Jessica in defensive stance and asked: "M'Lady are we in peril? Is there an assassin behind that mask?"
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul chuckled as Jessica brandished the fire poker. It was an unpleasant sound, a skeleton laughing.
“Lady Gildre. My reputation appears to still be strong. I wonder if it’s Keffa or my actions in general that has provoked you.” Another chuckle. He turned to Maura.
“A pleasure to meet you Lady Maura. Fear not, I am only the Last Tongue of the Gods, Defiler of Keffa and Apostate. I served the Daimons during the ‘Invasion’.” He explained, eyeing off the guards.
“This show of force is quite unnecessary, My Lady.”
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Jessica looked around frantically. The guards just stood there, not moving. Other nobles were looking at her with odd expressions.
What was going on??
"Cousin!" a voice from the crowd commanded, "Settle your arm. Danger does not face you here tonight."
From between several nobles Sir Lavitz entered the room. A hush fell on the room, and Jessica stared at her cousin, mouth agape in surprise, exposing her stump of a tongue. Lavitz had not been seen for months, since before Jessica had landed on the shores of Obia. He had been locked away in his estate, deep in meditation and prayer. He had grown a long, unkempt beard and wore simple brown robes. He moved forward to stand next to Gythrul.
"There are forces at work here of which you have no knowledge, cousin," he said to her, "The Oracle and the Inquisition have their own affairs in his matter. Trust that is taken care of... even if I do agree it is troublesome to have one as Damned as he in our midst."
Jessica shook her head. She wanted to scream. Her face was red, and tears welled in her eyes. She grasped the poker with both hands, trying to stop her hands from shaking.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
'A daimon servant in the holy realm? Is he mocking us?' - Maura thought.
"Sir Gythrul, a splendid joke, as we both know if that were true statements you would be enjoying Grand Inquisitor's hospitality by now." - Maura said, not entirely convinced with her own words. There 'was' something disturbing about this man but she couldn't really put finger on it.
She said: "Good jesting knight, why don't you take off your mask, so we can all feel more comfortable?"
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
After finishing his conversation with Alacrix (Ooc, hope we can finish it. Long live time warp) Goriad II was drawn to a scene elsewhere in the room. Guards were rushing in and there was talk of a fight.
He arrived just after Lavitz did, in time to see Jessica's shaking hands pointing the rod at a man in armour and a mask. He was about to interfere untill he saw Maura's large posture. It was unmistakable as there were few women of her size. "You!" He said as he gazed right into Maura's eyes "I searched the whole south for the two of you, where is she?"
He did not pay heed to the man Jessica was pointing a weapon at and as such was even unaware of who he was. With all the guards he figured the man could be no real threat.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Shifting her gaze from Gythrul to Jessica and back again a couple of times Maura was oblivious to the gathering around them and whom it was composed of, until a certain voice shifted her attention entirely. A voice that also shifted her posture from battle-ready to completely defeated. "You!" - a shout sounded, shortly followed by the sharp sound of the bladeless handle of her sword hitting the stone floor. Maura knew to whom the voice belonged and whose stare will her eyes meet. "Grand Inquisitor" - she whispered looking straight at him.
"I searched the whole south for the two of you, where is she?" - said Goriad II.
Maura failed to hold his gaze as her eyes fell on the floor and she said in complete surrender: "she's with the Veiled Goddess now."
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
Maura did not meet his gaze and said: "she's with the Veiled Goddess now."
Goriad II shook his head "Impossible, none of us can reach Obeah's world, not untill we weaken the veil between our worlds."
He paused a moment to let his words sink in and then continued: "What happened to her?"
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Jessica looked disbelievingly between Lavitz and Goriad II. She then turned her glare back to Gythrul, threw the fire poker on the ground, and stormed from the room.
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
"Impossible, none of us can reach Obeah's world, not untill we weaken the veil between our worlds,” said Goriad II. A moment later he asked: "What happened to her?"
To the theological remark Maura replied - "That may be so..." - and shook her head, whith her eyes still motionlessly transfixed at the useless clunker of a weapon dropped to the floor, and continued - "... after all she was the one to read all about our faith, not me."
She calmed her voice before answering the question - "On our way between Bolkenia and Cagamir... Jarra died." - the name of her friend was heavier than the cornerstone of the building in Maura's mouth and her vocal chords were heaving it with equal amounts of shame and pride.
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
Goroad II heard some noise beyond Maura but did not pay attention to the other conversation being held.
"On our way between Bolkenia and Cagamir... Jarra died." She had said. "She died?" he said, "She died how?" He continued and before Maura could reply he went even further "She died and you survived?"
He moved further towards the tall women and lifted her chin with his hand. It was a strange site as the women was taller and bigger built than he was. "Look at me," he finally said "HOW?"
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
"She died?", "She died how?", "She died and you survived?" - Regent's questions were increasing in intensity. To the last one Maura only thought 'I'd prefer I didn't' but chose against saying it.
She reached back into tormenting memories from over a year ago and winced from non-physical pain as she started telling the story:
"We were scouting south, en route from Bolkenia to Cagamir. We were just passing by the ruin of a bridge to sunken Eno when we got into an ambush. It was only a group of bandits hoping to get easy profit, they likely mistaken us for trade caravan. When they realised their mistake we've already dispatched two thirds of them and caused the rest to retreat. The fight wasn't challanging, but it was enough to distract us, enough to realize a minute too late that a greater foe scented us out. A pack of beasts not unlike wolves, just bigger and fiercer charged us. We barely had time to form a phalanx. We were holding our own but unlike us the beasts weren't tired and their feral stamina could have them going all day. Jarra looked at me, I shouted an order to pull back to the ruin of the bridge. With twenty feet of fall to the water surface behind our back we wouldn't get surrounded. It was a good plan for that situation. The fight took much longer but we had the numbers and the formation, we were set for victory. The leader of the pack was the biggest and toughest of them all, it moved on two legs. I squared off against it, the fight took all the wind out of me but ultimately I sliced off it's paws and saw it bleed out. Before the battle ended the day became a night. Seeing that we prevailed, exhausted I fell to the ground, darkness intensified further in my eyes and I felt every vein in my body pulsating. I thought we were safe. But with the night came the darkness and with the darkness came the undead. I was slipping out of consciousness in terror, trying to will my limbs to move and my body to stand... then I heard her..."
Maura clenched her teeth and took a deep breath before continuing:
"The sweetest voice of our Jarra. She said - "Don't you worry Maura, you protected me since I was just a kid, now it's my turn. We faced worse odds before and prevailed." But I knew how bad our situation was. Our ranks were thinned out and our warriors exhausted with two previous fights. And the bridge... the bridge was the worst place possible to defend against undead. The raised dead, they just push forward mindlessly, not minding our spears and swords. When I heard Jarra shout to form wedge, a spark of hope was the last thing I felt before blacking out."
She took another couple of seconds to calm her voice and said:
"A spark extinguished so violently... rays of first sun and masticating sounds awoke me. The first thing I saw was a blue glove streched out towards my face, the second thing was her beautiful pale face, calm and half-smiling to me, then I saw her dead, motionless eyes and locate the source of the sounds - a ghastly, animated corpse chewing on her ribs, her body was... she was not all there.
The undead were few by then - I killed them all. Burned all the corpses - our men, the beasts, the undead; except for her. I burried what remained of Jarra right by that bridge. I embedded a blue gauntlet on the headstone, it's unmistakable."
She held Goriad's gaze, as if deciding something, but the look she had was not fear, it was surrender. She finished her story saying:
"I know I failed her. I failed to defend her..." - she squeezed a scar where her left thumb used to be - "... I was supposed to be a shield. But I failed her more than that. She underestimated every threat she ever faced, because I let her underestimate them. Because I was always there to save her. But when I finally wasn't there, she wasn't ready for it... The fault is mine..." - she looked at the man before her and intently looking him in the eyes added - "... and mine alone."
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
The fault is mine... and mine alone."
He looked at her for a moment, his eyes piercing hers. His silence spoke a thousamd words, although any and all would interpret them differently.
As she told her story, Goriad II had taken one of his knives in his right hand and slowly started tapping its tip in his left hand. When she finished he lifted up the knife and pointed it into her direction amd waggled it up and down. "She had great potential Maura and you lost her. You allowed them to take her," he said in a strangely calm voice. He shook his head "a shame Maura, she wasn't ready yet. Maybe one day you will be." As he spoke a small grin appeared on his face at the end and suddenly he made a small cut into his hand." After he had finished speaking he took his bloodied palm and placed it on Maura's right cheek as he padded it a few times.
He then turned around only to see Jessica had left and only Lavitz and Gyrthrul remained. "What in Obeah's name happened here?"
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
“No joke, Lady Maura. Truth be told, I am surprised Lady Jessica has reacted this well.” He glanced around, that fire poker wouldn’t do too much against his armour, but the guards could give him some trouble. “If I took off my mask... my current condition would not make anyone more comfortable.”
He turned his head to the voice. Gythrul did not recognise the man, but he was apparently Jessica’s cousin. He listened to what he said.
“Why do you defend me?” He asked the newcomer, he was wary.
He cursed, loud enough for the man standing beside him to hear as Goriad approached. It was a curse born of annoyance.
His glare towards the Regent was interrupted by the loud clang of metal against stone. He turned his attention just in time to see Jessica storm off. He considered going after her, but decided against it. He slowly picked up the fire poker, and handed it to a guard.
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Lavitz turned to look at Gythrul, "I don't defend you, Daimon Lord. I defend the decision of the Prophetess Rania. If it was up to me, I would skewer you atop a lofty post to decorate the ramparts. Fortunately, that is not the responsibility of the Templars, and I have no authority in the matter. As long as you have the favor of the Prophetess and the Inquisition, you will see no harm from me."
He turned slightly, noticing the Regent as well. Momentarily, he shared the feeling of dislike with Gythrul. The feeling of sharing anything with that souless wraith made his stomach turn.
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul had hold back laughter at the irony of the situation. He and Jessica’s cousin, both men of faith, both with a hatred of each other’s theologies, sharing dislike toward the same man.
“I have no doubt you would.” He whispered in a raspy voice. “But I doubt there is much left of my body to skewer.” He chuckled lightly at this.
He cocked his head to the side, curious about the Regent’s actions. What was his interest in this woman?
“See to your cousin. Family is important. I will occupy Goriad.”
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
"What in Obeah's name happened here?"
Lavitz gazed in the direction his cousin had departed, then turned to Goriad II, "Been a long time, Goriad. Or should I say 'Regent'?" he said unappreciatively, "I don't think Jessica is ready to forgive those who aided the Daimon Princes. Seeing as Akkan tortured her and cast her from the continent to the Colonies, I can understand her hostility. I do not know what horrors she faced on that continent, but I do know she left here with her tongue..." He sighed, "Undoubtedly, it only compounded her hatred of him," Lavitz cocked his head towards Gythrul.
"What is your scheme here anyways Gythrul?" Lavitz asked the wraith.
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
Lavitz looked at him as he replied: "I don't think Jessica is ready to forgive those who aided the Daimon Princes..."
Goriad II was confused as he was uncertain of what this Templar spoke of. He knew little of Jessica he realized, but slowly he learned more and more.
"Who aided the Daimon Princes?" He asked after which he looked to Gyrthrul "You were once a servant of the daemons?"
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
“Scheme? Speak to the Oracle, discuss a few things then consider the future.” Gythrul rasped, before turning his attention back to Goriad.
He considered being a smartass about the Regent’s question, though it would probably not end well for him. “I.... was. I served as the Harbinger of Spearhold, the Last Tongue of the Gods and I defiled your temple at Keffa.”
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Maura touched her bloody face. She wasn't surprised with being covered in blood at the end of this conversation, she was surprised that it wasn't her own blood.
Dumbstruck she thought - "I guess I was misinterpreting their relationship all that time", as she retreated to one of the benches beside the wall, from where she continued to observe the developments regarding the masked daimon-worshipper. She made a mental note to talk to the charming devil-spawn later on.
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
“I.... was. I served as the Harbinger of Spearhold, the Last Tongue of the Gods and I defiled your temple at Keffa.” the masked man said.
Goriad II smiled for a moment "Good," he said as he nodded "I have been meaning to speak with one, let alone one with such a title. The last tongue huh? Then you must know all they spoke off, good."
Unknowingly Goriad II continued to tap with the dagger as he spoke as he had never returned it into his cloack.
"Now last Tongue, you will no doubt be dying to tell me what you learned," a vile grin appeared on his face as he quickly looked at the surrounding guards. "Let's start simple. The daemon Overlords demanded human worship as it gave them strength. Did they have the power to steer the energies of willing human souls to weaken the veil between our world and the Netherworld or did they use it to strengthen the magical flows of the world? To clarify, the human worship power, did it effect and help control the magical flows or did it effect the veil directly?"
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul put his hands behind his back and stared the Regent in the eye.
“I am not dying to tell you anything, My Lord Regent. Threaten me all you will, I will discuss what I deem acceptable with the Oracle.” How Gythrul wanted to strike that grin from Goriad’s face. He clenched his fists. He was slightly regretting not bringing his sword.
Worst case scenario, he was killed again, best case was he made a powerful enemy. “What do you plan to do now? Kill or arrest me?”
Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin
Hearing Gythrul's response Maura knew what was to follow. Not feeling in a mood for beholding a slaughter she decided to make her leave. She sought out Master of Ceremony, Bryant was his name, and asked him to bid her farewell to Lady Jessica, after which she departed, hurling her broken weapon into the bushes outside Gildre Manor, so she would remember getting a new one.
Roleplay from Goriad II Gabanus
Gythrul finished his tensed words: “What do you plan to do now? Kill or arrest me?”
Goriad II just grinned and shook his head: "If I threathen you, you'll know it," and he chuckled briefly "Since you seem to claim continously you have a deal with the Oracle and will tell her what we need to know, we'll take a short trip to go see her." He then made a short gesture towards Sigmund "Sigmund, tell Jessica that both Gythrul and I have to leave, but that I look forward to seeing her again."
He then turned back to Gythrul: "Now you can join me to the Oracle by choice, or I will have them take you into custody by force and will have them cut off your feet so they can more easily drag you along," he then turned his back to the man and moved away from the crowd. He turned around for a brief second and said: "Now that was a threat my dear friend."
Roleplay from Gythrul Attano
Gythrul clenched his fists harder. He wasn’t surprised that the Regent has decided to bring that up. “Yes we shall, our meeting has been long overdue.” He rasped, taking a step forward.
The Wraith hissed lightly at Goriad. “I am no friend of yours, My Lord Regent.” He put an angered emphasis on the title as he followed Goriad, cursing.
Roleplay from Jessica Gildre
Lavitz followed the Regent and the Wraith. He was heading back to the Basilica anyways to resume his meditations.
As the men left, Bryant cleared his throat.
"My fair nobles," he called, "Her Lady Jessica is humbled at your presence, and thanks you for making the time to attend. Should you need a carriage, please do not hesitate to request one from the porters. Please have a wonderful evening."
Slowly, party goers began to take their leave from the estate.
The Twin Prophecy
A Portal in Ardmore; Jessica's Blindness
Sweat beaded on Jessica's brow and rolled down her cheek. She launched arrow after arrow into the dark night. All across the battlefield were torches, providing pockets of illumination. The infantry was embroiled in violent melee with the hordes, although it was evident that they were losing. Jessica's archers continued to let loose volleys at the monsters, but with each beast taking nearly a volley each, it was not going to be enough.
"The line is breached!" Jessica heard her Captain, Tita, call from down the line, "We need to pull back! We can't survive toe to toe with these pig-dogs!"
Jessica took a step back to give Tita a nod, then stepped forward again, notched an arrow, and let loose. The arrow planted into the shoulder of a beast, having no visible effect. Next to the trained archers of her unit, she was a wretched shot. She glanced over to see three archers hit a monster simultaneously in the neck, bringing it down. Excellent cohesion.
She heard Tita's shrill commands, and the Night Stalkers prepared to move. As Jessica was about to fire one last arrow, she was knocked aside by the body of a dead soldier. She recovered and turned, shocked, to see monsters smashing into the ranks of archers. Panic consumed the forces of OS, and the withdraw turned into a route. She turned to escape, but found two more brutes had smashed into her unit. Two archers were killed outright, and Jessica was flung backwards. She landed hard on her back, dazed. She felt something grab the back of her cloak and begin dragging her. Her senses flooded back to her, and she quickly raised her arms to slip from the cloak. She leapt to her feet, but they were on her immediately, pulling her backward as she struggled pathetically.
The ground pitched. Everything stopped. A moment of silence, as man and beast looked awkwardly at each other, and then the ground erupted violently. It rolled and swelled, great fissures opening into nothingness. A great beating sound started, deafening her. Stumbling in the confusion and rolling ground, she dodged between monsters, making a desperate break for freedom. Light blazed upwards from somewhere, piercing the sky like an arrow.
Jessica remembered the Prophecy, and paled as she recalled the breached Veil. Were they too late?
She continued to run, seeing humans ahead of her. Tita! She saw the captain trying to maintain some sort of order amid the chaos.
"By the Goddess!" Tita exlaimed, "We thought we had lost you m'Lady!"
Jessica waved a hand rapidly, and pointed in the direction of the retreat.
"Aye," the captain agreed, "I would say our welcome has run out. Night Stalkers! Get moving!"
Freedom would have been within reach, if the pillar of light hadn't burst into a nightmare storm of light. Jessica screamed silently as the storm blazed across her eyes, turning her vision to white nothingness.
She felt the whipping wind slowly die down, and she cautiously lifted her head from where she huddled. She opened her eyes, and blank whiteness greeted her. She moved her head around, surprised, and nothing changed.
"M'Lady, let's go!" she heard an urgent voice to her left. Tita. Jessica held up her hands. All she could see was white nothingness. She heard a gasp, and Tita whispered, "Your eyes... they..."
Jessica didn't need her to finish her statement. The realisation was dawning on her.
She was blind.
F*ck...
– Roleplay of Jessica Gildre
With the portal stones set deep underground, the earth had been pierced with the beam of light. With Erasmus' ritual underway for several days, the earth began to rumble, collapsing the flimsy peasant hovels. Nearby, humans had fought unnatural creatures upon trembling ground.
But now, in the dead of night, all intensified. The buzzing and crackling that accompanied portal light beams shifted into the pounding of wardrums, deafening all else. What had been merely a shaking ground now erupted into a full earthquake within Ardmore, collapsing monster dens. Which just so happened to release Jessica and Tom from their rogue imprisonment. The normally pure white beam of light darkened to a crimson red.
Deep underground, visible only to Erasmus, the ring of portal stones had lifted from where they had been set and rotated from horizontal to vertical. Within the circle, a portal to another world became visible. Several flashed by, fertile lands of green, black endless emptiness, pastel wonderlands.
Yet when Erasmus dramatically completed his esoteric ritual, the world beyond flashed into a hellish nightscape that swirled with black smoke. One could nearly smell the acrid air, when a claw shot forth from beyond, followed by a flaming foot. Erasmus dropped to his knees when a daimon stepped forth. Placing a claw upon the chest of Usul and Gythrul, daimonic words spoken, their eyes widened awake. Stepping back, the daimon admired his work as the two arose once more.
Above, unaware of the horrors occurring beneath their feet, many rejoiced at the cessation of the intolerably-deafening wardrums, that had occurred once the daimon had crossed over into Beluaterra. However, Arterius, Divus, and Vahanian failed to rejoice upon realizing they were permanently deaf to all sound. More visibly comforting, the light column had lightened from crimson to a relaxing blue hue, calming the panicked wildlife, and then back to its typical pure white. Yet not all was over yet, as without warning the light column exploded outward, forming a whiteout blizzard of lightflakes upon all in the region. Even that didn't seem all that bad however when the wounded discovered that they were not only healed, but felt a bit more youthful as well.
Back deep underground, none had spoken since Usul and Gythrul had risen. Inspecting them as one might expect a military doctor inspects a recruit, the daimon then, without a word, turned towards the portal. Usul and Gythrul followed, seemingly understanding that they were to follow the daimon back into the Netherworld to retire, being no more for this world. As they crossed into the portal and their new afterlife amongst daimonkind, the portal snapped shut, the portal stones having poofed into dust clouds that now floated to the ground.
It was now that the whiteout lightflake blizzard aboveground abruptly ceased, plunging Ardmore back into night's darkness. Except shortly, it was realized that it was not merely night's darkness that blocked their sight, but that Astros, Jessica, Jorvik, Lyndis, Radzik, and Serena found themselves permanently blinded from the intense light-blizzard they had just survived.
– The Event