The World of Layonara
In-Character Forums => The Dragon Storm Campaign => Topic started by: Eorendil on September 13, 2009, 06:05:10 PM
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This is an IC thread for those involved in the impromptu capture of three cultists this weekend. RP anything you wish between yourselves, make plans, state intentions, etc. We'll get to the interrogations.
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*Daniella continues to oversee the capture, to make sure that all prisoners are kept contained, separated, and unable to cast any magic. She posts guards outside each cell, and discusses the details of the capture with those that need to be informed. Having had experience previously with the Cult activity, she informs all to proceed with the utmost caution, and to show no lenience or mercy if they should attack or attempt to escape. Otherwise, she sees that the prisoners are not mistreated so long as they are behaving.*
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*When an opportunity presents itself Richard speaks to Daniella*
"Paladin Stormhaven, the tracer magic I detected on them is inert like I said. But I was thinking, this might be by design also. If it was active they could be used as a beacon to get a location on whatever was tracking them as well as beign able to be tracked by other individuals, such as us.
For instance if it was an active magic you could have these individuals studied and their tracking magic investigated and understood. And then we could take that knowledge and track other units like these, we would be able to track all of their units and prepared for them or disable them. But by leaving it inactive we would be forced first to activate the magic. Possibly activating other latent magic meant to protect the units against just that. Magics that could kill the mage attempting such or simple destroy the unit and those near it. And in any case I imagine some other force would recognise the magic being activated and thus knowledgable of our location, intents and loss of units.
And if we did manage to activate the magic, we might be able to use it to track whatever placed the magic upon them. But I do doubt we would be able to use it to find other units as those unit's tracking magic would be inactive still.... But depending on the magics involved in may be possible to activate all the tracking magic in all units and then track and disable them or it may be beyond our abilities.
I have heard rumors from the other soldiers that there is some Green Dragon involved and something called a Drach? If this is indeed true, it is possible this is a form of dragon magic. If that is true, then this may be even more dangerous, I will not pretend to understand dragon magic to any degree. I would consult someone more knowledgable than myself.
I am not sure I was helpful at all, but you could risk activating the magic on an unit for the reasons I listed with the risks I mentioned plus many I have not even yet considered. I wish I knew more *shrugs a bit helplessly* and if I learn more I will of course inform you."
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*Daniella listens to Richard and then thanks him and asks him to please pass that information along to the clerics, pointing out key persons to speak to that would be knowledgeable in that area*
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*Richard timidly approaches the individuals pointed out and informs them of his field findings. Shaking off his timidness if not brushed off or shut down, Richard expounds on his intial theories, risks, and potential rewards. All roughly outlined in the previous post.*
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*In the process of burying the body found off the road near where the cultists were aprehended, Valanca searches the remains for a small, personal item that might help to identify the individual when shown to others who knew them. (Something like a ring, or other piece of jewelry, or a stylized personal effect like a fancy comb, or snuff-box, or whatever) If she finds such an item she'll finish burying the remains and then return to the nearby town passed through on the way and show the item to the townsfolk. She'll also ask if anyone's gone missing recently and if the item might belong to the missing individual, or who their next of kin may be. If anyone seems to reconize who the item belonged to she'll kindly and gently inform them about the demise of the individual and where their remains may be found if anyone wishes to pay respects, or set up a gravestone or whatnot. If she has no luck in helping to indentify the person, she'll continue on her way back to Hlint after returning the item to the gravesite.*
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*Idoran attempts to gather as much knowledge on the divination, an art somewhat foreign to him, though not unpracticed. If Richard is willing to, he discusses possibly theories as well. He makes mention that Richard was recommended on the arts of divination.*
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Aarcus ends up following around Daniella for a while, listening to those she talks to to better understand what he has heard about the Cult. At the same time, he often asks her if he can help in any way, sometimes seeming very insistant that he wants to do more then stand watch over the three cultists.
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*After the third time that Aarcus insists on helping Daniella, she sends him to one of the field commanders to send him on a duty outside where he can get rid of some of his energy*
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With a sigh, he goes off to the field commander, happy at least to be doing something. He reports to the commander with a smile, asking what his duties are to be and how he can perform most effectively.
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*Lance returning from one of the serach himself mounting Avenger notices the movement, as he learns of the events related , he moves near where Daniella is as fast as he can, he made a greeting to her.
Milady Daniella . *he nods with a smile as he looks at her* My .. you bring good news to this sore eyes, Congratulatins on this success. *his gesture turning a bit more serious as he looks at the prisioners held then back to her*
*he particularly observes if the cultists has been removed of any armor they were wearing and the helm*
*he moves near her and speaks in low voice *
Milady I've dealt in the past with their measures of control and tracing, the magic used for this regard are placed as tatoos.overt he bodies , not all of the marks holds power to actually do something, but I'd look for a design like this
**he shows her a dragon head design *
This are usually tatooed near the ears of the people who actually could know something, I'd be wish to look for this mark directly, this very mark has used in the past as scrying , and as a measure so the enemy makes themselves sure they have not to deal with traitors. This mark serve to kill instantainly to any one who bears them. So. It would be wise to look for them.
*once done this he instructs his own patrol to join to the contingent and dispatch scouts to the area around the place the group and the prisioners are, scheduling a hourly scouting patrols . once this is done he walks rejoins Daniella and the other officers *
// Lance observed this and has reported as posted here
Incoming invasion (http://forums.layonara.com/toran/218502-incoming-invasion.html)
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*Daniella looks concerned at Lance while he talks and pulls him aside away from any prisoners to talk to him in a low voice.*
Lance, they have the tattoos. Is the magic simply in the marking or is the marking what casts the magic on the whole? With that being said... should we remove the marking? If we are to gain any information from them, it won't do just to have the cult kill them to get them out of our hands.
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*Lance return the voice to Daniella speaking to her in Low voice, his hood up so only she can see his lips *
The mark *he shows the draw of the dragon head again * This one is located just near the ear, and usually its magic is spent by provocing a burn into the tatoo, leaving scorched skin on the wake, As for what does it perpetrated , That i would not know in my past experience has been used by distance, this mark has done the dirty work, but of course Scrying was used to know the prescice moment of the doing, I'd instruct to our priests and diviners to see if we are under the effects of any scrying before puting the prisioners on a definite place and of course before the interrogation.
I can only confirm that this mark *the dragon one" has something to do with the actual kill , i suspect it has to do with the scrying , but i am no weaver, Thanks to Toran..
I don't think removing the mark would be as easy as that, if magical means were used to bound them to the will of their masters we could only fanthom what wicked methods they used.
We must act with caution, we need to be sure that our enemy does not know of our movements first, we need to be sure we are not being observed first. Then on base at that knowledge we must decide before the actual interrogation.
We must extract information from them,. If not on ourselves, then we must handle them to the Trelanian kindgdom. I know .. I know ... the lucindites. But The queen have the duty of this realms and all the people we are protecting. Kill them won't do nothing to our cause.
**he return his sight to her*
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*Daniella frowns as she listens to what Lance is saying. She paces back and forth a few times, her expression growing more grave as she does, and she pauses to look at him a few times at different points in his explanation. Finally she stops her pacing and looks at Lance, a very tired and worn expression that is worn just above what looks like a simmering rage*
I'm not willing to leave this up to the Lucindites. Not yet. For all I know they'll simply want to learn how to do this form of magic themselves and care nothing for the lives at stake that the information these people have could help us save. Instruct everyone not to try to force or even cooerce any real information unless freely given from any of the prisoners, and let's see if we can find someone knowledgeable within our own following. Lucindites do not have a monopoly on wizards. If we have to go outside our church, we'll check one of our friends first. I'll send a message to Huangjin, please make sure that this information is passed on to the appropriate people. I do not want these people to get out of here simply because those who holds their chains decides to yank them back. Toran knows we can not afford for this evil to continue. It is time we gained an upper hand here.
Lance, I want our best men and women on this job, and I want them to be paladins who are used to following their instinct.
I have a letter to write, and I'm sure that anytime dealing with the cult, time is not on our side.
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*Daniella emerges from trying to write a letter after a short while and gathers up a small group of paladins and asks them to ready their horses. They leave immediately for Huangjin*
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*Richard hopes to be included on any theorizing and magical testing, studying or probing. He will go with whoever is willing to have him along and looks like they will be studying said. Or whoever seems to have the best theories. Richard does nothing to shun Idoran and responds to any legitimate theories. However Richard makes it clear to him he has no official capacitiy to do anything without granted permission.*
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When next he sees Lance, Aarcus asks him to tell Champion Stormhaven that he vaguely remembers mention of children having been kidnapped when they were chasing the original three 'Snakes.' He does not, however, recall the exact context of what he thinks he heard, and just asks that a message be conveyed that those held are checked to see if they are instead enslaved initiates to the Cult, especially considering that they were stuffed into barrels for transport.
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*Daniella frowns as she listens to what Lance is saying. She paces back and forth a few times, her expression growing more grave as she does, and she pauses to look at him a few times at different points in his explanation. Finally she stops her pacing and looks at Lance, a very tired and worn expression that is worn just above what looks like a simmering rage*
I'm not willing to leave this up to the Lucindites. Not yet. For all I know they'll simply want to learn how to do this form of magic themselves and care nothing for the lives at stake that the information these people have could help us save. Instruct everyone not to try to force or even cooerce any real information unless freely given from any of the prisoners, and let's see if we can find someone knowledgeable within our own following. Lucindites do not have a monopoly on wizards. If we have to go outside our church, we'll check one of our friends first. I'll send a message to Huangjin, please make sure that this information is passed on to the appropriate people. I do not want these people to get out of here simply because those who holds their chains decides to yank them back. Toran knows we can not afford for this evil to continue. It is time we gained an upper hand here.
Lance, I want our best men and women on this job, and I want them to be paladins who are used to following their instinct.
I have a letter to write, and I'm sure that anytime dealing with the cult, time is not on our side.
*Lance Speaks to Daniella before she leaves *
I think you are getting me in the wrong sense milady. I am not saying we should entrust them to them. I am saying that we must be wary and cautious , over this , I know that we can't trust them and you should know me better when speak of this to me.
What i am saying is that a clever observation must be used , and we must make sure they hold no threat to reveal information before a final desitnation for them can be assigned.
With that said. you are the one who capture them, so their fate is in your hands and the wisdom that Toran might instill in you.
I am just giving my advice. And just pointing that Lucindites or not, We have in the end to inform the queen of the activities regarding here.
yet *he shows her the draw again* Look for this tatoo, if someone has been done the research this far . . it must be found *he uncovers his right side on his head of any hair, pointing over the upper part of his ear * here.
It could serve us to figure if they actually know something.
I'll keep vigilance on your absence ..
Safe travels Milady Daniella, May toran's light bring safety to your pass, and fleet to your feet .
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When next he sees Lance, Aarcus asks him to tell Champion Stormhaven that he vaguely remembers mention of children having been kidnapped when they were chasing the original three 'Snakes.' He does not, however, recall the exact context of what he thinks he heard, and just asks that a message be conveyed that those held are checked to see if they are instead enslaved initiates to the Cult, especially considering that they were stuffed into barrels for transport.
*Lance looks at Aarcus concerned at the news , he ask him to make an effort to remember, because maybe this could uncover some more information regarding this, he ask him where did he heard that and from where ? and who else was involved on hearing the said thing about kidnapping, he waits for the answer *
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*When Daniella is collecting paladins to ride with her, Jillian volunteers for the job and rides off with her.* //player of Daniella agreed Jillian would have been welcome.
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Thank you everyone for your participation. I will be scheduling something in relation to this very soon.
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//Just checking on this. Do we have a date yet? Thanks!
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Looking at the calendar now.
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//Alright, folks, given the late nature of this we're working backwards a bit using a narrative rather than doing an in game session(s) that would likely be lengthy and unnecessary since this technically will have already happened. Please, your input and actions are important and could have a significant effect on the outcome.//
Champion Daniella Stormhaven set out to travel to Huangjin with a small compliment of volunteers and faithful seeking additional assistance in order to unravel or at least defuse the tattoos that had heretofore thwarted any attempt at extracting information from the very people that might hold the cult's more intimate confidence. The tattoos had seemed inactive when they left but there were layers and wards well beyond the devising of any of those present. All they could be sure of was that they weren't sure what, if anything, would happen during interrogation or tampering. And so the prisoners were restrained, guarded at all times and kept barely conscious by various means in anticipation of Daniella's return.
Barely two week's time had passed since their departure and word began to spread amongst those gathering and present that an official letter had arrived from the queen, spurring animated discussion within Toran's blessed halls. Rumor crept and changed as rumor does but not a word from that parchment was passed beyond or spilled from careless lips. For, on that bit of parchment the Queen's instructions were quite clear.
Many were surprised as to the speed with which the instructions had been sent though few questioned their authenticity. As the cult was now deemed a direct threat to the kingdom the prisoners were to be made available, immediately, not least of all to those with more intimate knowledge of the Al'Noth. Additionally, they were to be moved to a secured and neutral holding area within Fort Llast, designated and acquired by Her Majesty's representatives. Curiosity evaporated as the representatives showed up several days later bearing the official seal and accompanied by a contingent of Trelanian soldiers. Three more days passed and the prisoners were moved. The queen's people not only accepted but made known that the presence and oversight of those from the temple were welcomed.
Two days from that time a number of unremarkable hooded figures entered Fort Llast and approached the building where the prisoners were being held. Words were traded with the guards, sent along the chain, and they were bid enter. Once inside they removed their outer garments and revealed that they, faithful of Lucinda, were answering a request for assistance. And so began a week long, intense study of the tattoos the cultists bore.
Daniella and her troop returned the day before they were to attempt to unravel the first prisoner's tattoo, quietly redirected by the church to their current place of holding. Their mage, informed of what the others had gleaned and allowed her own time to examine the magics at work, joined the study although the trepidation was thick on both sides.
Finally, they were ready to make an attempt. It took some time, seven hours to be exact, but near the end the voices became sharp. Alarm mixed with surprise only to be followed by a hail of derision. Hastily, everyone poured out of the room, nearly tumbling over one another as a green gas billowed from the throat of what was left of the prisoner's wilting corpse. One mage received a great deal more tongue lashing from two others that looked to be many times his elders. Reluctantly, he took a much less active role from that point forward and although disappointed did so with humility.
After rest, recovery and a review of what had gone wrong (next day) the next prisoner was brought in and work was begun. Five hours only did it take that time when quiet cheers and words of congratulation were exchanged. That prisoner's tattoo was only a tattoo when they finished and those that looked upon it said that it no longer possessed the vibrance and clarity it once had. With that prisoner moved to a cell and interrogation preparations under way the third prisoner's tattoo was unraveled. Later, however, after cursing us in several languages she bit off her own tongue in staunch defiance.
Everyone of even slight importance was summoned into a meeting to discuss how to proceed. Some opted for more extreme measures while others followed more conservative philosophies.... The information that they wished to acquire ranged greatly but had to be prioritized in case things took an unexpected turn.
//Additional people will have had the opportunity to join in and be heard but those involved (churches and the kingdom) are very very careful about who gets in or even near the building at this point. If there's anything you wish to address with me directly please feel free to PM me. Imagine you're in this building in Fort Llast with a large group of people in a room cementing how to proceed. Some are subtly supporting torture.. others more persuasive methods... what does your character endorse or offer up? Thank you.//
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Just bumping this. Deadline for input or inquiries will be Monday.
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*passes by and bumps*
//Alright, folks, given the late nature of this we're working backwards a bit using a narrative rather than doing an in game session(s) that would likely be lengthy and unnecessary since this technically will have already happened. Please, your input and actions are important and could have a significant effect on the outcome.//
[/B]//Additional people will have had the opportunity to join in and be heard but those involved (churches and the kingdom) are very very careful about who gets in or even near the building at this point. If there's anything you wish to address with me directly please feel free to PM me. Imagine you're in this building in Fort Llast with a large group of people in a room cementing how to proceed. Some are subtly supporting torture.. others more persuasive methods... what does your character endorse or offer up? Thank you.//
[/B]
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Daniella remains present to receive any information gathered in order to plan for the next battle. She speaks with advisors and commanders to compare information and strategy. She seems to let those around her do what they do best, and utilizes the size and strength of the Toran churchmembers in order to delegate when necessary, but without having to interfere too much in peoples' jobs and what they do best.
//mostly just waiting on information, if any, and pm sent to Eor.
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Through methods not entirely clear but rumored to include illusion and less invasive coercive techniques they were able to acquire some information. Though the individual was helpful and freely so in the end there is still much left to uncover.
The following is the information they were able to glean from this opportunity.
The location of their main stronghold is still unknown to us but we were able to acquire locations of fortifications, training grounds and defenses on Belinara, primarily with the kingdom of Kuhl. No information leading to further insight into the corruption was acquired. Though, they seem to regard the entire process with no small amount of mysticism and faith.
The center piece of this faith is a great green dragon for which we could not exact any sort of name. It is, as far as the prisoner is concerned, nameless and said to direct its loyal followers in a righteous effort to bring all of dragon kind together under it in order to avert a calamity. A calamity not unlike ages past when dragons fought openly and warred with the races of Layonara as their minions and puppets, though much much bloodier. Any statement to the contrary only agitated him and made work more difficult so his views were not countered so long as progress was made.
Those among what we can only assume to be their religious leadership are designated as Drach Ori... or what we have loosely been able to piece together as the Dragon's Eye. This group is thought to commune directly with the Dragon and has some rapport with the other dragon-like creatures that comprise some of their most fearsome troops. He called them Myr'Drach and with great reverence. It seems that those of great faith and skill are sometimes honored by the Dragon to undergo a final test. Those who possess the strength and resolve survive and are blessed by becoming more like it in form and one of its most sacred of servants. These creatures usually deal with the more troublesome challenges, such as the demon cullings in Kuhl and its neighboring lands. Occasionally the prisoner made reference to them in routing fortified positions of resistance.
These Ori are also the ones who administer the tattoo to those who have proven their unwavering loyalty. The prisoner had no knowledge of its construction or capabilities save that he believed any who's faith wavered might be struck down or found.
He was also asked about a name that has come up repeatedly: Molvaren. There is no doubt he is a figure of some kind, very central to their beliefs... The prisoner referred to him as "most sacred" and "Dragon's Voice" implying that this person's connection with the nameless Dragon may be greater in nature than any others.
The individual acquired was of a sect he called the Drach Garra or Dragon's Claw. From what we can tell it seems to be the militant arm of the cult which answers to a General by the name of Jaedon Siphe. Allusions were made to another arm of the organization but he became unresponsive and fearful when pressed.
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*If these prisoners remain, Daniella would return to them and those that questioned them, and asks questions in regards to Drach Tesak or Dragon Fang and Cyn Chen. Daniella would wait around to hear the results.*