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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: Playing Houses

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2006, 09:28 PM

Loranna's Notice: Yes, I know there are two sets of rules right now; we are currently revising the boilerplate intro section, and this is a work in progress.

(yes I know I'm being slow in the revision; please be patient

RP Rules:

Hello, and welcome to our Elder Scrolls Role Playing threads, where we adventure and socialize in the vibrant land of Tamriel.

Before we begin, we'd like to clarify a few things:

Loranna's Roleplay, while an open roleplay where everyone is invited to join, is not a limitless or unregulated game. There are rules we have set ourselves that make roleplaying easier and more enjoyable for everyone of us. Please take the time and read the following guidelines carefully and, more importantly, act according to them.

1. Have fun!

2. Fun does not mean you can do whatever you want, though.

Let us please clarify some points. While everyone is welcome to join in, they are NOT welcome to jump in and do big, world-changing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST. Let me be very clear about what cannot be done without permission:

Affecting other characters:
Any action that effects another person's character, for ill or good. Although most people realize they can't harm another person's character without permission, many don't realize that you can't HELP another character without permission, either. Many characters have flaws for a reason. Don't go healing, saving, or otherwise fixing another character without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the player involved.

Major Events:
Any event that would drastically change things that have been done to the world, whether the change is physical (rebuilding destroyed locations), political(converting a population to a new cause), military (killing off all the badguys) or anything else. Almost every situation, good or bad, that exists in the RP was done for some reason. Don't go changing or fixing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the group.

For the purpose of coordinating this RP, backstage fun and discussing current and future events, we have established a chatroom on chatspike.net, chatroom #Loranna_RP. We strongly recommend that you have a glimpse in there, since it is the easiest and most convenient way to discuss characters and settings, explain rules, plan and give you the background information you need to play in this RP. You can find information on how to join the chatroom ((((//HERE\\)))).

Here are various other rules, tips and information you should take time to read before joining this RP:

1. Background History:

Loranna's RP has accumulated a rich background history. Of course, no-one can know all that has happened in this RP, but it is important that you have at least an idea about the major events that took place during the last one-and-a-half years. There are a few posts of Loranna that explain the history of the RP from her character's viewpoint and a summary of the events in the RP is in progress, you can find them ((((//HERE\\)))). Another summary is available as text file from Nalion, please ask via our chatspike channel or per PM to Nalion for the time being. We are working on a more permanent solution to provide this information.

The chatroom #Loranna_RP on chatspike is probably the best and fastest way to get yourself informed about the RP, just ask the moderators and long-time players there if you need any information. They will gladly help you. It is also very advisable to read up on the most recent posts and threads to become a grasp of what is happening right now in the RP. This will significantly help you in finding a way to join the action and will reduce the probabiliy of mistakes.

2. Reading and catching up on the RP:

We're a dedicated lot of players, and we love this RP. This means we put a lot of effort in our posts, do a lot of planning and discussing to create our plotlines. This requires time and dedication. And we require this of you as well. This means, take your time to read the posts of the other players and take the time to catch up on the plot if it progressed while you were away. This simplifies your rejoin into the action. It is also a sign of respect to the other players. If you don't have the time to read their posts, why should they bother with yours, then?

Again, please let me repeat this, for it is very important. If you are not able or willing to put time and at least reasonable effort in this RP, think again whether you want to join this RP or not.

3. Gathering information

Gather information about the RP, be it asking in chat, by reading older posts and getting up to date on the history or by asking via PM. No-one can know everything, sure, but everyone can ask about what happened. We're glad to assist! Again, this can not be done without some interest in the ongoings in the RP, effort and a good bit of dedication.

4. Roleplaying

Roleplaying doesn't just involve making your character say something (in-character chat). It also has a descriptive element. Motions and emotions of your character, worries, joys, mimics, movements... we want to see them! Describe how your character acts, this gives you a better grasp of your character and will help your fellow players build up a relationship to your character. It's not only action and big fights we have here in this RP, there is a major social aspect to it as well.

5. Posting

Try to take your time to post. Yes, we are aware that there are hectic scenes, like in big combats, where some things move faster, but is it in general a good idea to look over your post again to check it. Yes, we know it sounds stupid and obvious, but please care about spelling, punctuation and grammar. They are not just things you learned in school once to forget afterwards. We are no decryption experts. Those grammar rules have their meaning, and there are tools out there to help you(word spell checker for example). Again, the chat is a perfect way to ask for
time and coordinate with other players if you have problems.

6. Character control / multiple characters

Once more, about controlling characters that belong to other players: You cannot control a character that is not your own (with a few exceptions, like having talked to the player of the character beforehand). This means most of the time the following:

* In combat, you can only try to attack another character, but whether you hit him or how much damage is inflicted is up to the player of the character, and only him/her.

* This applies to healing or helping the character as well; feel free to try and offer help to a character, but let the other player describe the effects of the healing/helping.

* Especially in combat, you have to work closely with the other players, the chatroom is the best and easiest method to discuss these things.

Another thing related to this topic is referring or speaking to other characters whose players are not online. If possible, try to avoid involving characters when their player is not present. It ties down your character while waiting for the other player to come back, and you don't know whether the respective player has other plans when he is back.

Additionally, avoid generating scenes where you involve a character, affect him with an action and finish the action before the player can react (stealing, attacking, casting spells or similar actions). Example: No running up to someone, rob him and run away to safety all in one post. This is a no go.

Controlling multiple characters. We have no written limits on how many characters you may control; the limit is you. In general, it is very advisable that you stick to one character when you are new to RPing. When creating a character, it is VERY important that you consider your character carefully. Again, this has something to do with effort and dedication. It is generally a bad sign if you join up, post a couple of posts and then say you are bored with this character and make a new one. Other players might get annoyed greeting and introducing their characters to a new character when it is obvious that this character will not last long because the player gets bored with the new character. This RP is a social RP as well, and it is very difficult to socialize with a character that is badly played, where you can see by the style of writing that the player is already bored with the character and will throw him away at the next opportunity. RPing is all about characters and your character is your "representative" in this RP, your voice, your arm, your mind. Please take this into account when creating and playing your character.

As a general rule of thumb, use only one character until you feel comfortable with him, can control him, have fun with him and the character is established in the RP. The rest will run automatically after a while when you get more confident and experienced in RPing.

7. Secret plans

Secret plans and surprises are seldom fun for anyone else. Before they're revealed they're boring, because nobody knows about them, and afterwards they're just annoying, because nobody knew about them. Examples: Your character suddenly remembers that he has a castles all over Tamriel and calls in troops to help. Or: Your character suddenly reveals he is a spy of the Emperor and knows everything.

8. Ingame consequences of character actions:

Morrowind the game was rather lenient when it came to direct consequences after a character's action. This is not the case in our RP. There are laws and local customs, and there are guards and other authorities that are there to enforce them. So, starting tavern brawls, stealing, murdering, open assault and all other related actions are very likely to be persecuted and punished (this can go up from your character ending up in jail, being banished or to be executed). This doesn't mean that there are no murders or thefts in the RP, but it does mean that if you do that, be aware of the consequences your character will have to deal with.

9. Additional helpful information:

Please make sure that you read the following posts of Allerleirauh ((((//link here\\)))), dealing with some of the above mentioned rules, as well as the hints on character generation done by Loranna ((((//link here\\)))). Please take the above mentioned rules and information into careful consideration, they will help you in joining this RP quickly and are useful to avoid problems. And more importantly: act according to them!

** Not following the above advice will only result in two things: your post is likely to be completely ignored by everyone else as if it did not happen and/or you are asked to leave the RP. This is obviously not good for anyone, so please, discuss major events before doing them and act according to the rules mentioned above. **
Thank you, and have fun!

Hello, and welcome to our Elder Scrolls Role Playing threads, where we adventure and socialize in the vibrant land of Tamriel.

Before we begin, we'd like to clarify a few things:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE NEW!!!

===

Newcomers, we ask you to http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737&view=findpost&p=2871855 before starting up; everyone will be happier for it. Also, http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737 as soon as possible; this will give you an idea of who is in the RP.

To help you get up to speed, here is http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rhod0091/lrp/temp.html. This summary doesn't cover everything but it sums up some of the bigger events our campaign has covered. Note: She will probably update and edit this summary as time goes on.

===

This is an 'open roleplay' and everyone is encouraged to join in at any time!

'Open' roleplay does not mean 'unorganized' or 'limitless', however. The events in this story are usually planned, and if something BIG happens, you can be certain that it is the result of much discussion between players, usually in the mIRC chat (#Loranna_RP, Chatspike server). This is not just a bunch of disorganized individuals doing what they think would be fun for their character at the time.

So, while everyone is welcome to join in, they are NOT welcome to jump in and do big, world-changing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST. Let me be very clear about what cannot be done without permission:

1:
Any action that effects another person's character, for ill or good. Although most people realize they can't harm another person's character without permission, many don't realize that you can't HELP another character without permission, either. Many characters have flaws for a reason. Don't go healing, saving, or otherwise fixing another character without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the player involved.

2:
Any event that would drastically change things that have been done to the world, whether the change is physical (rebuilding destroyed locations), political (converting a population to a new cause), military (killing off all the badguys) or anything else. Almost every situation, good or bad, that exists in the RP was done for some reason. Don't go changing or fixing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the group.

Everyone who is involved in the RP is welcome in the mIRC chat channel #Loranna_RP, on the Chatspike server. If you have a plot idea then you are encouraged to go there and discuss it. If you cannot get on the channel for some reason, or if the player whos character you would affect with your plan is not there, then PM them using this board's PM function. That's what it's there for.

If you do not have MIRC, you can http://www.chatspike.net/?p=javairc. Enter in a nickname where prompted and hit Submit. You'll be asked if you want to trust the signed applet. Hit Yes, and you'll be in the main chatspike channel. From there, type /join #Loranna_RP

You'll enter our chat channel and we can talk to you.

Not following the above advice will only result in one thing: your post is likely to be completely ignored by everyone as if it did not happen. This is obvously not good for anyone, so please, discuss major events before doing them.

Remember: Secret plans and surprises are seldom fun for anyone else. Before they're revealed they're boring, because nobody knows about them, and afterwards they're just annoying, because nobody knew about them.
Thank you, and have fun!

===

IMPORTANT: WE HAVE JUMPED SIX MONTHS INTO THE FUTURE; IT IS NOW SUN'S HEIGHT IN THE RP (i.e., July)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Shardie/mapofmorrowind2.jpg is a map provided by Shardie showing the current division of territory between the forces loyal to the crown and the rebels in Morrowind, pre-attack on Ald Raathim.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Shardie/MorrowindMap.jpg are the current borders, post-attack. Note; this map is a work-in-progress.
===

Summary for Loranna: Loranna is in Ald Raathim, having reciveved Anya's reports on the mysterious doings of Magister Zadion, and offered what comfort she could to the Bosmer vampiress regarding her increasing bloodlust. She was last planning on talking to the Magister about several disturbing developments ...

Gram Pyrel, on the other hand, is currently on a scouting mission to find Sivartus's grandfather's hidden study, and hopefully in the process discover a usable land route for Ald Raathim.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 28 2006, 09:31 PM

Vaan's Summary:

Vaan is in that very same expedition as Gram, scouting out routes and searching for the hidden study of Silvartus' grandfather.

As of this very moment he is standing over the smoking corpse of a Kagouti, one of the two that just attacked Vaan and Gram.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 28 2006, 09:34 PM

Summary for Erenius:

He is with Vaanic, Gram, and the others with Sivartus, searching for the study of the young Breton's grandfather.

Posted by: syronj Jan 28 2006, 09:35 PM

Summary: Shaka is with the adventurers searching for Sivartus' grandfather's cave.

Posted by: Aki Jan 28 2006, 09:37 PM

OOC Summary

Reichi Sari is with the others on the search for Sivartus's grandfather's study.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 09:38 PM

Summary

Nalion
Nalion has returned from Firsthold bearing the tome he found in the Royal Library. This book contained the hint that the contract between Morgiah and the King of Worms might have been voided.

Gistral
Gistral is with a party of adventurers around Sivartus, who seeks his grandfather's hideout in the forest west of Ald Raathim. On the way to this hideout, the group found that it may be a route for wagons to smuggle in goods for Ald Raathim.

Dana
Dana has joined one of the construction groups and she is now sharpening the end of wooden poles for additional palisades.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 28 2006, 09:40 PM

Summary: Anya is with the group that is helping Sivartus find the hidden cave.

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 28 2006, 09:41 PM

Summary: Sivartus is currently deep in the forest west of Ald Raathim, looking for his grandfather's study. He believes he has found it, down a narrow path between two rocks.

-----

Sivartus turned away, motioning to everyone to follow, and walked back through the bushes into the narrow path. He followed the path for awhile, around a couple of bends, and finally made his was to a cave with a door at the back.

"Hmm, there aren't any lock spells or traps on this door," he said, confused as to why it would be this easy to open. For a moment, the thought that someone had gotten here before him drifted across his mind, but he immediately dismissed it, not wanting to think of that. Opening the door, he walked in.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 28 2006, 09:42 PM

Summary: Slyvos is with the group that is searching for Sivartus' grandfather, now keeping quiet til needed.

Posted by: apocolipseLater Jan 28 2006, 09:43 PM

OOC: Summary
Dar'Tessir is in the Nymph & Noggin, having a conversation with the Imperial Valerius.

~~~

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 28 2006, 12:47 PM)

"True, there's always a war somewhere," Valerius replied bitterly, "but just becuase we have job security doesn't mean that we're safe. I mean look at you, there's always a demand for scribes and copiers. There's no shortage of work in your line either."

Dar'Tessir seems taken aback by Valerius' icy response. "Dar'Tessir meant only that Valerius' family line is lucky to have continued this far. With such a long military tradition his family must be very skilled warriors to have survived for so long."

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 28 2006, 09:45 PM

Summary:

Isidor, male nord, is in the Nymph and Noggin, doing something to keep it running well.

Ingmar is working to rebuild Ald Raathim, doing different things that need doing around the city.

Tsei is doing about the same as Ingmar.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 28 2006, 09:47 PM

QUOTE(Sivartus @ Jan 29 2006, 02:41 AM)

"Hmm, there aren't any lock spells or traps on this door," he said, confused as to why it would be this easy to open. For a moment, the thought that someone had gotten here before him drifted across his mind, but he immediately dismissed it, not wanting to think of that. Opening the door, he walked in.

Vaan wrenched his sword out of the beasts corpse. He had half a mind to advise cautiousness....but he was sure that Sivartus was already aware of all the possible risks.

Slowly, he followed the mage into the cave, his senses alert.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 28 2006, 09:49 PM

Anya shook her head distastefully at the lack of secruity, but kept her skeptic eyes open for hidden devices.

She followed Sivartus into the cave, anxious to see why he wanted to find it.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 09:51 PM

The door had been resisting a bit when Sivartus tried to open it, its hinges being old and rusty. As he and the others entered, they could see a long-stretched tunnel leading deeper into the cave, and as the group proceded, it opened into a more spacious antechamber. There was little light down there, but the party could see a crude wooden table and a chair, as well as an obviously hand-made rough bed. Something seemed to lie on the bed, covered by pieces of cloth, it somehow seemed to... move.

Farther at the back of the cave, there was another door, at the first glance in much better shape than the entrance gate.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 28 2006, 09:55 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 08:51 PM)

Anya cocked her head curiously at the moving blanket. So that's why there wasn't a locked door.

Without giving it much thought, she walked over to the moving figure, her sense tingling. She lifted an arm as if to poke the cloth.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 28 2006, 09:56 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 02:51 AM)

Vaan was naturally both extremely wary and curious as to what was...moving.

He held his sword close, but did not move yet. If things came to the worst, he could fire off spells from a distance.

QUOTE

Without giving it much thought, she walked over to the moving figure, her sense tingling. She lifted an arm as if to poke the cloth.

As Anya approached, he mentally prepared a spell, but still did not visibly act.

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 28 2006, 09:58 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 28 2006, 09:55 PM)

Sivartus stood off to the side, watching Anya approach the blanket. He was ready to cast any spells that he might need.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 28 2006, 10:01 PM

Erenius walks into the main area, and looks at the far door, scanning it for a moment before turning his attention to the rest of the room. He walks to the table and sits down, sifting through the stuff on it.

"Sivartus, any of the stuff on the table of import to you?" Erenius asks to the Breton mage, adjusting a few of the things on it to make it a bit more approchable easier to find anything the young Breton might need.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 10:02 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 28 2006, 09:55 PM)

The figure jumped up in surprise, ripping away the blanket and throwing it towards Anya, then backed away from the Bosmer. Only now the party could get a better look at who had slept there.
It was a Khajiit, obviously female and only sparsely clad in rags. Her eyes were wide and ripples went through her fur as she shivered, tail raised high. Her claws however, were stretched out towards Anya and she snarled.

Then, the Khajiit looked closer at Anya, and her gaze crossed over to Shaka. Her gaze softened a bit, as if in recognition. She lowered her clawed arms slightly and cocked her head.

"Toys?"

Posted by: syronj Jan 28 2006, 10:05 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 11:02 PM)

Shaka's eyes widened in recognition. "It's the Khajiit, the Sheogorath worshipper, we found near the Smuggler's Coast a year ago or so. . . . Poor cat, walking the Golden Road."

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 28 2006, 10:05 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 03:02 AM)

Vaan's arm shot up, only to lower again when the figure appeared apparently harmless.

He couldn't help but reply to the strange comment:

"No: A search party, actually....who are you?"

QUOTE

Shaka's eyes widened in recognition. "It's the Khajiit, the Sheogorath worshipper, we found near the Smuggler's Coast a year ago or so. . . . Poor cat, walking the Golden Road."

At this comment, Vaan became wary again....and a little uncomfortable, for personal reasons. Mad people could be dangerous.

Definitely NOT his Grandfather then...

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Jan 28 2006, 10:06 PM

Commander Slashes-With-Claws is glad to see that the army is getting back into shape. Although still much fewer in number than before the attack, organization and command structure are returned and morale is on the rise as the city continues the rebuilding.

Jei-Set is found to bne a good organizer and is helping out with the rebuilding.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 28 2006, 10:06 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 28 2006, 09:05 PM)

Shaka's eyes widened in recognition. "It's the Khajiit, the Sheogorath worshipper, we found near the Smuggler's Coast a year ago or so. . . . Poor cat, walking the Golden Road."

Anya laughed, "So it is, long way from where we last saw her though, it seems."

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 28 2006, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 28 2006, 10:01 PM)

Turning to look at the table quickly, Sivartus scanned it for anything important. He was surprised to see it organized, despite being cluttered when they came in. He suspected Erenius had rearranged a few things. Seeing nothing of interest, he answered with a quick, "No", and turned back to Anya and the bed.

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 10:02 PM)

Sivartus watched the khajiit, still ready to cast a spell if necessary. Not understanding why it had said toys, he looked around at the others questioningly.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2006, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 28 2006, 10:05 PM)

Shaka's eyes widened in recognition. "It's the Khajiit, the Sheogorath worshipper, we found near the Smuggler's Coast a year ago or so. . . . Poor cat, walking the Golden Road."

"I, see ..." Gram mutters, glancing over at Shaka. " ... So, um ... does she always ask for toys when you wake her up?"

Under his breath, he mutters "Was there ever a time when a Sheogorath worshipper showing up ever presaged good things?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 28 2006, 10:08 PM

Slyvos just blinked, trying to remember who this one was, before Shaka said it. "ohhh... what the hell is she doing here though?" He asked the obvious question, which was probably on all their minds.

Posted by: syronj Jan 28 2006, 10:14 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2006, 11:08 PM)

"We're the toys, Gram," said Shaka. "She kissed your daughter when we met her . . . and looked to be an exceptional one at that. Might be a priestess of the daM doG, for all I know."

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 28 2006, 10:16 PM

"Very well then," Erenius replies, stepping away from the table, and turning toward the Khajiit that they had found.

"This one have a name?" Erenius wonders aloud, not liking this Khajiit's presence for several reasons, the least of which being the situation. The second reason being the recognition of this being as a worshipper of Sheogorath by the others.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2006, 10:17 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 28 2006, 10:14 PM)

"We're the toys, Gram," said Shaka. "She kissed your daughter when we met her . . . and looked to be an exceptional one at that. Might be a priestess of the daM doG, for all I know."

" ... You kissed my daughter?" Gram's eyebrows knit together in a Nordic display of hirstute brooding ...

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 10:19 PM

"War has chased Alira far,
Alone, she was, long lost her home..."

She said in a familiar sing-sang voice, shaking her head sadly.

"Alira stumbled, peace she sought,
Away from island, but found naught,
Found shelter here,
Sleep without fear, no fire here, ..."

She had lowered her hands and hugged herself, but warily looked at Vaan and Sivartus, who seemed to frighten her.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2006, 10:17 PM)

" ... You kissed my daughter?" Gram's eyebrows knit together in a Nordic display of hirstute brooding ...

"Kisses giving and receiving,
Touching lips without deceiving,
Alira likes them, wants them much,
A kiss! It is her her dearest touch!"

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 28 2006, 10:22 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 03:19 AM)

Becoming suddenly and visibly agitated at the familiar scene, Vaan turned to Sivartus:

"Do you want to check the rest of the cave?" He motioned to the khajjit: "I don't think she's comfortable with us..."

He walked over to the other door, and waited for Sivartus.

Posted by: syronj Jan 28 2006, 10:24 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 11:19 PM)

"Alira . . . I had forgotten that name. Gram, we should probably try to have her come back to Ald Raathim, talk to the healers and refugee services. I'm sure they've dealt with far greater traumas and madness."

You're being too soft-hearted, lizard, he thought to himself.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2006, 10:27 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 10:19 PM)

"I ... see ..." Gram rumbles, looking somewhat out of sorts. He figits a bit, glancing around.

"Well, um, I'm sure she'll be happy to hear you've avoided a dire fate," he continues, chewing on his beard. "Nice to meet you and all that; I say, you wouldn't happen to know much about what lies beyond yonder door now, would you?"

He gives Gistral a "Is There A Polite Way To Get Rid Of Her?" look.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 28 2006, 10:28 PM

Erenius heads off with Vaanic, preferring finding the unknown ahead, than dealing with a mad Khajiit behind.

Posted by: Aki Jan 28 2006, 10:30 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 28 2006, 11:22 PM)

"I wouldn't be comfy if someone barged in and woke me up either," Reichi said. "Don't worry, she's harmless. Aside from her kisses. She was born under the sign of the lover, apparently."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 10:30 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2006, 10:27 PM)

Gistral was taken aback by the appearence of the Khajiit, obviously, he had not expected everything else but someone like Alira.
Recognizing Gram's expression, he answered.
"Uhm, I don't know, Gram. Maybe just say 'hello'? And then, let her sleep or something?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2006, 10:31 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 28 2006, 10:30 PM)

"I wouldn't be comfy if someone barged in and woke me up either," Reichi said. "Don't worry, she's harmless. Aside from her kisses. She was born under the sign of the lover, apparently."

"Of course," Gram mutters, shaking his head ...

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 10:30 PM)

"There you go using that logic thing," Gram rumbles, giving Gistral a mock mean Nordic glare. "Nords don't work well with logic; we're better at sweeping isplays of power and feeling and hoping for the best in the end. And it's gotten us pretty far in this world so don't knock it!"

Turning back to Alira, Gram says " ... Now then ... hello, nice to meet you; Gram Pyrel, called Gram the Bold and Gram IndorilBane. Forgive our someone exuberent and unexpected appearance in your bedchamber but it so happens this place was the study of good Sivartus's grandfather, and he's awfully anxious to see what his early beloved grandsire might have left. No harm meant there and all that ..."

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 28 2006, 10:33 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 10:19 PM)

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 28 2006, 10:22 PM)

Sivartus, realizing the khajiit was someone the others knew, left her with them, but still did not dismiss her as a threat.

He followed Vaan over to the door on the other side of the cave, replying "Yea, let's see what's behind door number two." Once he got there, he immediately started checking the door for traps and lock spells.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 10:35 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2006, 10:31 PM)

"Of course," Gram mutters, shaking his head ...

Listening to those still here to talk to her, Alira stepped down from the bed, but still hugged herself. She seemed a bit more ragged than the group remembered her from Vvardenfell all this time ago. She also seemed to have lost a bit of her confidence that she showed in the Sheogorath shrine when posing her riddle.

"Alira took shelter, she wanted some rest,
She figured this cave would serve her the best,
And Alira is hungry, hungry indeed,
If only she finds something, which she could eat!"

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 28 2006, 10:36 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 29 2006, 03:30 AM)

"I wouldn't be comfy if someone barged in and woke me up either," Reichi said. "Don't worry, she's harmless. Aside from her kisses. She was born under the sign of the lover, apparently."

Even this didn't shake Vaan's agitation. Clearly the mer had experienced insane folk before.

"I'm...uncomfortable. Let's see what's through this door."

he warily tried to open the door to the rest of the cave...trying to shake visages from his mind.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 28 2006, 10:39 PM

QUOTE(Sivartus @ Jan 28 2006, 10:33 PM)

The door was sturdily built of hard wood and it bore a heavy lock. Obviously, someone didn't want stray visitors to enter whatever was behind the door. The door also seemed to have a slight gleam to it if one looked at a certain angle.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 28 2006, 10:39 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 10:35 PM)

Hearing the Khajiit's request for food, Erenius searches through his satchel, slung across his chest and laying comfortably against his right thigh. Inside he takes out a loaf of bread, a small quarter-bottle of water, and some leaves, the variety unknown to him.

"Take these, Alira, if you wish," Erenius says, taking a sheet of paper from the table and placing the food on it before offering it in good will towards this stranger.

Posted by: S'reddit Jan 29 2006, 02:16 PM

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, ex-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin, ex-excise and export/import agent for the Duchess of Ald Raathim (and, secretly, her ex-Spymaster as well) is in bed. Bored. She is to stay there until the birth of her child with Isidor, in a few weeks time.

Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers, currently Gentlemen-of-Leisure (and secretly the Duchess's new Spymasters) are finally out of bed after sleeping in late. They're on the docks, inquiring after purchasing several warehouses, after paying Llana, a document authenticator (read: forger).

Zadion, Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is also awake and doing business at the Guild. He and his vampire-hunter comrade, Morvath Piquine, had tortured one vampire last night to find the location of a second. When they went there this morning, it was gone, so Zadion is notably frustrated.

Posted by: SpartanShea117 Jan 29 2006, 03:08 PM

Summary

Kratos has left Molag Mar, the men under his command loyally following by their decision. They should be hitting the mainland by way of the Inner Sea anytime.

Ivelaes is on his father's flagship.

Astien returned to the Mages Guild. He feels a hole in his heart without Maranda around.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 03:27 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jan 29 2006, 02:16 PM)

...

Zadion, Magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is also awake and doing business at the Guild. He and his vampire-hunter comrade, Morvath Piquine, had tortured one vampire last night to find the location of a second. When they went there this morning, it was gone, so Zadion is notably frustrated.

Zadion is approached by a courier from the castle bearing a message: "Her Grace wishes to speak with you, Magister." The courier bows and waits politely for Zadion's response.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 03:29 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 04:27 PM)

Zadion is approached by a courier from the castle bearing a message: "Her Grace wishes to speak with you, Magister." The courier bows and waits politely for Zadion's response.

Zadion left the letter he was writing unfinished, and left at once for Castle Daruhn.

Within a few minutes, he had been ushered to Loranna's office.

"Your Grace," he said with a bow. "You wished to see me?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 03:34 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 03:29 PM)

Loranna acknowledges Zadion with a somewhat strained smile; her immediate anger after hearing about the torture had faded and she had been up since fairly early, leaving her looking a bit fatigued.

Still, her eyes are alert as she says "Yes dear; some things have come to my attention that I find distressing, and I believe you could answer my concerns." She sighs a bit, and then gets straight to the point.

"Zadion, what do you know about the presence of vampires in my city?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 03:44 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 04:34 PM)

Zadion also looked tired, and at Loranna's question, he frowned a moment, as if not sure how to respond.

"Truthfully, I know, well, not enough," the Magister replied. "There are doubtlessly some of the traditional Morrowind clans present, and, more disturbingly, some infiltrating western tribes. I am trying to learn more to see what their aims and influences are, while I can, but time is running out. I wanted to talk to you about it when it was first brought to my attention, but that was unfortunately an impossibility."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 03:53 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 03:44 PM)

"Now seems like an excellent time to bring up what you couldn't mention before," Loranna points out. "Tell me everything you've learned so far, dear."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 03:59 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 04:53 PM)

"Now seems like an excellent time to bring up what you couldn't mention before," Loranna points out. "Tell me everything you've learned so far, dear."

"The most important discovery that I've made so far is one which won't come as a great surprise to you," Zadion replied quietly. "I discovered that the Duchess of Ald Raathim, unlike the Lord of Tel Dresori, is not a pawn of the vampires. That is why I couldn't bring this to your attention. I had to do my own inquiry to make certain that, frankly, you could be trusted, Your Grace. Other than that, most of our discoveries are fairly minor in importance or very preliminary."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 04:13 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 03:59 PM)

Loranna's lips pull into a thin smile; it would seem then that Zadion and his friend didn't know about Anya. On the other hand, if they did find out about her ...

Great, Loranna thinks to herself. Now I'm worrying about how to deal with Zadion if he should end up working against me. Didn't Barenziah warn me about becoming paranoid?

"I see," she says, her smile melting into a thoughtful frown. "I'm suspecting then that the bloody ship that crashed into our mangroves some weeks ago contained vampires, probably ones from the west. That would suggest that they haven't had much time to set themselves up, unless they had sent an advance guard of servants to prepare things for them. And they've probably been as thrown off-kilter by the attack as the rest of us, at least in terms of whatever organization they had been planning for Ald Raathim - though I imagine the past couple of weeks have presented other advantages to them."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 04:20 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 05:13 PM)

"I brought in an expert on matters vampiric," Zadion said. "Morvath Pisquine is his name. The thing he keeps emphasizing to me is the nature of the Immortal Predator. They are eternally patient with their goals, but they have immediate needs to be met -- for shelter and for food -- which how they can be defeated ... I am curious, though, Your Grace: did you hear me when I mentioned that the Lord of Tel Dresori is a pawn of the vampires? Did that not surprise you, or had you been aware of it for some time, and not sure if I could be trusted with that information?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 04:28 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 04:20 PM)

"I heard you; I was waiting to ask about it after I had heard what we collectively knew about Ald Raathim," Loranna says, looking more tired than before. "And I've been mentally tallying how many of my companions I haven't already asked to do other quests or are engaged in equally vital matters already to tell this to, and I keep coming up with the same answer; far fewer than I'd like."

"As for your expert, I know a tiny bit about him and I am ... disturbed by some of his methods," Loranna says, her frown deepening. "But for the moment, let's focus back on Tel Dresori; what exactly is their situation? Which vampire clans have infiltrated them and how do they control the Lord, exactly?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 04:48 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 05:28 PM)

"You've heard of Pisquine?" Zadion asked, surprised. He clearly interpreted Loranna's words to mean that the vampire hunter's methods were known to her, not that an agent of the Duchess's had witnessed last night's torture. "Well, I have witnessed these methods first hand, and I can tell you, they are disturbing. But they are also effective ...

"On the subject of Tel Dresori," Zadion frowned. "I went there the day after the invasion to see how they had fared. As you know, I have some history there with Dres Minsero. It seemed to be utterly deserted, but I found people huddling in their homes, afraid to leave. The estate, they said, had been overrun by vampires. I went to the castle, and found Minsero. He seemed to be in a kind of a daze, unaware of the horror that had come to Tel Dresori. As I tried to ask him questions, I missed how late it had gotten, and was not aware that the sun had set until I was attacked. Minsero aided the vampires in their attack on me, but did not seem to be a vampire himself.

"I managed to escape, though it was a deadly gauntlet through a town filled with vampires, some of whom seemed to be soldiers of the Redoran and Indoril who had apparently attacked Tel Dresori only to be killed and embraced into darkness.

"I've returned there several times during the light, and there are fewer and fewer townspeople left. They've either fled during the daytime, or been fed upon, or become vampires themselves. Minsero has also disappeared. I don't know his fate either ... I contacted Morvath Pisquine to aid me, and he suggested seeing how far the infestation had gone, and whether Ald Raathim was soon to fall to them."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 05:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 04:48 PM)

"You've heard of Pisquine?" Zadion asked, surprised.Â He clearly interpreted Loranna's words to mean that the vampire hunter's methods were known to her, not that an agent of the Duchess's had witnessed last night's torture.Â "Well, I have witnessed these methods first hand, and I can tell you, they are disturbing.Â But they are also effective ...

"On the subject of Tel Dresori," Zadion frowned. "I went there the day after the invasion to see how they had fared.Â As you know, I have some history there with Dres Minsero.Â It seemed to be utterly deserted, but I found people huddling in their homes, afraid to leave.Â The estate, they said, had been overrun by vampires.Â I went to the castle, and found Minsero.Â He seemed to be in a kind of a daze, unaware of the horror that had come to Tel Dresori.Â As I tried to ask him questions, I missed how late it had gotten, and was not aware that the sun had set until I was attacked.Â Minsero aided the vampires in their attack on me, but did not seem to be a vampire himself.

"I managed to escape, though it was a deadly gauntlet through a town filled with vampires, some of whom seemed to be soldiers of the Redoran and Indoril who had apparently attacked Tel Dresori only to be killed and embraced into darkness.Â

"I've returned there several times during the light, and there are fewer and fewer townspeople left.Â They've either fled during the daytime, or been fed upon, or become vampires themselves.Â Minsero has also disappeared.Â I don't know his fate either ... I contacted Morvath Pisquine to aid me, and he suggested seeing how far the infestation had gone, and whether Ald Raathim was soon to fall to them."

Loranna blinks, and a feeling of horror washes over her.

" ... Minsero?" she asks, moaning " ... Dibella, where the hell is my mind going ...!" She answered her own question immediately; her mind was on Goranthir and Mannimarco and keeping Ald Raathim from falling to the Redoran and Indoril and trying to find the time to relax before she collapsed like Kethiah did ...

"It seems some vampires have forgotten Balmora," she mutters darkly, "not that we can repeat Balmora right this moment, but still ... all right, all right, let me think ..." She looks to Zadion with worried eyes. "How many people do you think are still trapped there? And do you know of any places Minsero would flee to assuming he were in possession of his own faculties?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 05:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 06:04 PM)

"It seems some vampires have forgotten Balmora," she mutters darkly, "not that we can repeat Balmora right this moment, but still ... all right, all right, let me think ..." She looks to Zadion with worried eyes. "How many people do you think are still trapped there? And do you know of any places Minsero would flee to assuming he were in possession of his own faculties?"

"I had begun looking into that, but Pisquine thought it important that we make sure all is well in Ald Raathim first," Zadion nodded. "Minsero's estate is enormous, though, and whether he is control of his own faculties or not, there are many secret passages for him to hide in ... There is another issue that is forcing me to chose my battles. I have been resisting a summons to the Archmagister in Imperial City, telling him that I have work that I must finish before meeting him. I believe he will have me replaced here, as he did to the Magister in Mournhold because of abandoning neutrality during the invasion there ... Right now, I can use the Mages Guild to aid my research into these matters, but later, that may not be an option."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 05:21 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 05:13 PM)

"Oh great; has the Archmagister ever been in a city that was falling down around him before?" Loranna mutters. " ... Though, we just might be able to help you there, Nine willing. Have you heard about what happened in Firsthold yet?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 05:24 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 06:21 PM)

"Yes, I heard the gossip," Zadion nods. "The Mages Guild is, of course, very concerned about all matters pertaining to Mannimarco."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 29 2006, 05:30 PM

Summary for Reeds: Reeds is doing something he hasn't done reliably for awhile; running his store.

Valerius is currently talking with Dar'Tessir in the Nymph and Noggin.

QUOTE(apocolipseLater @ Jan 28 2006, 08:43 PM)

"Yes," Valerius responds, "We were."

He notices something behind him, and with a hurried excuse, leaves the Tavern.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 05:38 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 05:24 PM)

"Yes, I heard the gossip," Zadion nods. "The Mages Guild is, of course, very concerned about all matters pertaining to Mannimarco."

"So am I," Loranna says, "especially if he decides to try working through the vampires. Nalion has been following up on what leads we found out in the bay, and I think he might still find your assistance helpful - and so would others. But in the meantime, there's the matter of Tel Dresori ..."

She frowns again. "I'll be honest with you dear; what I've learned of Pisquine does not endear me to him. I'm not a big believer in the idea of the ends justifying the means; it never worked when I tried subscribing to it."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 05:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 06:38 PM)

"He's a frightening fellow, no doubt about it," Zadion frowned and nodded. "He's single-minded in his pursuit of the vampire. That said, there is nobody more knowledgable in the field, and I did not know when I contacted him how dire the situation was. Perhaps --"

There was a polite knock on the door.

"Pardon me for interrupting, Your Grace," Kallen said. "A gentleman by the name of Morvath Pisquine would like an audience."

"Speak of," Zadion smiled slightly. "I was going to say 'Speak of the Devil.'"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 05:56 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 05:53 PM)

"Behold the power of talking about someone behind their back," Loranna says, shaking her head and chuckling softly. "Let's see how this goes, shall we ..."

"Show serjo Pisquine in, please," Loranna replies to Kallen.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 06:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 06:56 PM)

Morvath Pisquine was as Anya had described him. Somber and serious, with flesh paler than white and the darkest of eyes. Suffering and anguish had marked him early in his life, destroying the features which would have otherwise been handsome.

He bowed to Loranna and nodded to Zadion.

"I heard at the Guild that Magister Zadion had been summoned here," Pisquine said. "It seemed an excellent opportunity to introduce myself."

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 29 2006, 06:04 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 28 2006, 10:39 PM)

Sivartus finished examining the door, finding a lock spell and a trap he didn't recognize, that made the door gleam from certain angles. He cast open on the door, and watched the heavy lock fall to the ground.

This should be a high enough spell, he thought, as he casted his highest Spell Absorption on himself. Sivartus reached down and twisted the handle, instantly feeling his magicka returning. Smiling to himself, he walked through.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 06:06 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 06:01 PM)

Try as she might, Loranna couldn't work up the anger she had felt last night when Anya spoke of the tortured vampire; the mark of suffering on Morvath moved her to a degree of sympathy. She would give him a chance to present himself before judging him further, or she would at least try to.

"It's a good time, yes; greetings serjo and welcome to Ald Raathim," Loranna says, motioning for Morvath to take a seat. "Magister Zadion tells me you and he have been busy of late ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 06:08 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 07:06 PM)

"It's a good time, yes; greetings serjo and welcome to Ald Raathim," Loranna says, motioning for Morvath to take a seat. "Magister Zadion tells me you and he have been busy of late ..."

"Yes," Pisquine replied, taking a seat. "We have been tracking down the undead in your domaine, and interrogating them to try to find how many there are, and what their aims are here. Zadion has allowed me to search the Guild for them, and I would like your permission to search the castle."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 06:13 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 06:08 PM)

He gets to the point rather quickly, Loranna notes.

"And how does one search for undead, if I may ask?" Loranna inquires, raising her eyebrows curiously.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 29 2006, 06:16 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 28 2006, 10:39 PM)

Alira jumped up and down in joy seeing the food.
"Alira's now happy, she's full of bliss,
This generous soul deserves a kiss!"

The Suthay-Raht Khajiit embraced Erenius and licked his face. Shaka had been right, Alira had been born under the Lover, and already, Erenius could feel paralysis creeping through his body.

Meanwhile, Alira let go of him and began eating with obvious hunger, muttering between the one or other bite.
"Food is good, it raises mood..."

QUOTE(Sivartus @ Jan 29 2006, 06:04 PM)

As soon as Sivartus had touched and walked through the doorway, a flash of light and flame slashed out at him from the doorframe, searing through the air and luckily, his protective spell seemed to hold.

However, this was not the only trap. The doorstep beneath his feet gave way a bit, and a flight of five darts were lauched from the opposite wall of the next chamber.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 29 2006, 06:22 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 07:13 PM)

He gets to the point rather quickly, Loranna notes.

"And how does one search for undead, if I may ask?" Loranna inquires, raising her eyebrows curiously.

"Of course," Morvath Pisquine nodded seriously. "I have a number of specialized spells at my command which allow me to detect and immobilize the vampires. They work best at close quarters, so it is also valuable for me to interrogate the ones I have captured, to find the general location of others. I use other spells at those times to get this information. Some vampires give up the locations of others easily, and others need to have the very stolen blood in their veins boiled before they can confess all that they know."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 06:23 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 06:16 PM)

Gram shakes his head. "Erenius, my lad, you've got a way with the kittens!" he says, chuckling. "Hang on a moment; I should have a scroll of dispelling on me somewhere ..."

Rumaging through his belt, Gram does not notice Sivartus's plight ...

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 06:24 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 06:16 PM)

The paralysis started as a tingle on the back of his hand, begging to be scratched. As Erenius tried to move to scratch it, it soon spread to the rest of his body, irritating everything as it quickly passed to the rest of it. Unable to move anything, the Imperial collapses to the floor, a loud thud being the only noise made as he crashed to the ground.

Trying to do something, Erenius suddenly felt completely helpless, regretting that he offered the food to the Khajiit. Or at least heeded the words that the Argonian had spoken not five minutes prior.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 06:28 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 29 2006, 07:24 PM)

Trying to do something, Erenius suddenly felt completely helpless, regretting that he offered the food to the Khajiit.Â Or at least heeded the words that the Argonian had spoken not five minutes prior.

"Damn it," said Shaka, failing to catch the Imperial in time. "Alira doesn't have conscious control of when to use the Lover's Kiss and when not to, I guess. . . ."

While Gram looked for his dispel scroll, Shaka said to Alira: "Can you wait for us while we investigate the cave, and then we'll get you some help in Ald Raathim?"

A part of Shaka heard the chuff of the darts, and knew that the mage had trapped his lair after all.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 29 2006, 06:33 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 29 2006, 06:28 PM)

Alira stopped eating for a moment and looked at Shaka. She shook her head, then sang again, however, with the food still in her mouth, it sounded rather distorted.
"Fities Alira doefn't like,
Too cramp't fey are, and streetf too tight..."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 06:38 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 06:33 PM)

"Admittedly, I can understand her point; cities are all well and good but the open road is a compelling mistress," Gram says, pulling out a dispell scroll at last. "All right ... hm; this one isn't a particularly strong one, but let's give it a try."

He reads from the scroll and points at Erenius, white light emenating from the scroll and following his finger to bathe the Imperial in a soft shower of sparkles.

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 29 2006, 06:41 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 06:16 PM)

Sivartus immediately realized he had set off a trap, and wondered why he had been so careless. He quickly cast Summon Skeleton, and ducked behind it, as it crouched and held up it's shield to stop the incoming darts.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 06:44 PM

Vaan's immediete reaction when seeing the darts was to duck back into the antechamber, avoiding their path of flight.

He would have pulled sivartus back too, but it was easy to tell that he was managing the situation well.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 06:46 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 07:38 PM)

I still don't want us to walk off from the caves and leave Alira, thought Shaka. She reminds me of the mad Argonian from whom I took the Fork of Horripilation; too far down the Golden Road to be able to take care of herself, even eat right.

Without waiting for Erenius' recovery, Shaka headed for the others who had triggered the traps, wanting to see how bad the threat was.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 06:46 PM

Erenius gave out a slight groan as the scroll's magic allowed him to release the air he had taken in just before Alira kissed him. Starting to regain his senses, Erenius stands and looks about, momentarily dazed. After standing, he proceeds to stretch his limbs. Even paralysis for a short duration did quite a number on the joints.

"Thank you," Erenius says to Gram before casting a glance to Alira and walking towarsd the door where Vaanic and Sivartus had just started to enter.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 29 2006, 06:53 PM

QUOTE(Sivartus @ Jan 29 2006, 06:41 PM)

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 29 2006, 06:44 PM)

With a loud THUD, four of the darts got stuck in the iron shield that the skeleton was carrying, however, one passed all the way through the boney ribcage. Unhindered, it flew over Sivartu's head, now on a direct path towards Vaan.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 06:59 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 11:53 PM)

"[censored]"

Vaan quickly thrust himself off to the side, which hopefully would be quick enough to avoid the dart, he noticed that the summoned skeleton had protected sivartus, but now was not the time to be breathing in relief.

He landed on the dusty cavern floor, some 3 metres to the left of where he had originally been.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 07:07 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 29 2006, 06:59 PM)

Gram raises an eyebrow. "Beseiged by the Darts of Unholy Slaying?" he asks, grinning a bit.

" ... Maybe we should let the heavily-armored guy go first, or else the best trap-sniffer," Gram suggests, looking to Sivartus as he offers Vaan a hand up.

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 29 2006, 07:07 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 06:53 PM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 07:07 PM)

Gram raises an eyebrow.Â "Beseiged by the Darts of Unholy Slaying?" he asks, grinning a bit.

" ... Maybe we should let the heavily-armored guy go first, or else the best trap-sniffer," Gram suggests, looking to Sivartus as he offers Vaan a hand up.

Sivartus, hearing the thud of the darts on his skeleton's shield, started to stand up, until one went flying by his head. Cursing, he crouched again, and heard another thud behind him that he suspected was Vaan.

He got up and brushed himself off, turning to see if Vaan was injured. Seeing Gram helping up Vaan, he started off into the trapped room with his skeleton trailing, turning once to reply to Gram, "Yea, next time someone else is going first."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 29 2006, 07:10 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 29 2006, 06:59 PM)

Again, the dart sizzled over a head and with another thud, it hit the cave wall and harmlessly fell to the floor.

The chamber that was guarded by the lock and the traps was a mixture of library and workshop. In the back of the room were crude bookshelves with severals scrolls, parchments and folios on them, but the spot that attracted the most of the adventurer's attention was a desk to one side. A withered corpse was bowed over the desk, clasping a soulgem in one bony hand. Various other soulgems and alchemical ingredients and items were lying on the desk, as well as a small book and ink and quill.
And to the side of the desk shimmered the menacing, but completely motionless form of a Storm Atronarch.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 12:07 AM)

Vaan took Grams hand gratefully. "Thankyou, and good advice, even if ignored." Mused Vaan, while watching Sivartus head on in, he shouted to the mage: "Er...be careful!?". He was slightly amazed at the bravery of the man.

Walking on in behind Sivartus, he first noticed the Atronach, which was the brightest thing in the whole room. He drew his sword for the second time this outing, preparing for any attack. In Vaan's experience however, Atronachs summoned by non-hostile people were (usually) equally Un-hostile. What's more, the summoner, if that was him, appeared long dead. Nevertheless, Vaan was alert.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 07:15 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 06:10 PM)

And to the side of the desk shimmered the menacing, but completely motionless form of a Storm Atronarch.

Anya laughed at the trap, glad she hadn't gone first.

Staring in curiousity at the desk, she briefly wondered if any of the soulgems had souls in them worth any value. Or if the desk was hiding anything else worth selling.

Leaving the desk be for a moment, she walked towards the Strom Atronach, her attention caught by it.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 07:17 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 29 2006, 08:15 PM)

"Careful, Anya; it might be another trap or guardian of some kind," said Shaka. He was poised to raise a Storm Atronach himself, with the Spear, in case it came to that.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 29 2006, 07:21 PM

Slyvos peaked his head through the doorway, noticing the Atronach. "... of course, no mage ever leaves their corpse undefended... wait, why is there a corpse there?" He said with a confused look on his face.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 29 2006, 07:23 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 29 2006, 07:15 PM)

The Storm Atronarch did not move at all, though Anya could feel a light breeze of wind surrounding it. At the desk, several soulgems seem to gleam and almost vibrate with power, among them the gem the corpse held in it's hand. The corpse itself was clad in rags, but obviously they had been sturdy clothes at the time the man died.

Gistral, having witnessed the events around Alira and the traps, felt a bit useless in the cave, there were enough people in there to deal with whatever there would come.
"I'll not be needed much, it seems, so I'm going to be useful outside. I want to follow the forest aisle further and see where it leads. Don't worry, I'll be back soon.", he said, mostly to Gram, then waved and left the cave.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 07:25 PM

Erenius gazes at the Atronach for a moment, contemplating what to do, before drawing his sword and tapping the atronach's arm cautiously with it, awaiting something from it in the way of a response.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 07:28 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 29 2006, 07:21 PM)

"This doesn't surprise me at all actually; I'd have been more surprised if there wasn't a corpse - and a little worried," Gram says. "Though this study makes a poor resting place for a man's grandfather."

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 29 2006, 07:23 PM)

Gram watches the Atronach warily, muttering "This looks like one of those daedra commanded to only act when something specific happens. My guess is whenever we touch the wrong thing; that's what's always happened to me before in these situations."

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 07:35 PM

After seeing the Soul gems pusling on the table, Vaan came to a decision.

"I bet that as soon as we do anything that could be considered hostile to that corpse, for example, stealing his possesions. That gaurdian will try to rip us apart."

He turned and looked straight at the Daedra. "There is only one solution to that problem, and it's best that we give ourselves the upper hand, by acting first"

"we should destroy it"

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 07:41 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 29 2006, 08:35 PM)

After seeing the Soul gems pusling on the table, Vaan came to a decision.

"I bet that as soon as we do anything that could be considered hostile to that corpse, for example, stealing his possesions.Â That gaurdian will try to rip us apart."

He turned and looked straight at the Daedra.Â "There is only one solution to that problem, and it's best that we give ourselves the upper hand, by acting first"

"we should destroy it"

Shaka eyed the desk and atronach warily. "The easiest solution is for me to call up a second atronach and we all back away until the battle is over. But it might destroy whatever journals and other evidence we can learn from. . . ."

"Golem, can you speak? Tell us of the human remains here."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 07:47 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 29 2006, 07:41 PM)

The storm atronach stares forward with impassive resolve; the winds swirling around it stir peoples' hair faintly.

After a moment, Gram says "See here, Daedra! If you can speak, do so before we all wither away from boredom!"

The Storm Atronach replies by continuing to stare forward, imobile.

"I don't think he talks," Gram says to the others. "I think I have an empty greater soul gem on hand if anyone wants to use it ..."

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 07:51 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 12:47 AM)

Vaan was mulling over Shaka's point about preserving the contents of the Study...

"If it's going to be done, it should be done quickly and cleanly...anyone here think they can manage that?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 07:53 PM

Anya shrugged, "Never found Atronachs to ever really have anything useful to say."

"Well, if it doesn't want to do anything, let's see what we can find." Anya walked over to the desk. It was obvious the soulgem in the corpse's hand held some value, otherwise he wouldn't have held onto it. She reached out to grad and inspect it.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 07:56 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 29 2006, 07:53 PM)

The moment Anya's hand closes around the soul gem, the Storm Atronach turns and brings its massive fists down to snap the little Bosmer in half like a twig, roaring in the chaotic tongue of Oblivion and the booming voice of the unleashed storm.

"What did I say!" Gram yells, Trueturner raising and Frostkiss angling back for a slash.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 29 2006, 07:59 PM

Slyvos reacted to the atronach attacking one of his allies quickly, casting a Soul Trap spell on it. "Yah, gram, give me that soul gem will ya? I have a killing thing to, er, kill." He said with a voice that said he was having trouble looking for the words to say that one without sounding stupid... and he still kinda failed.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 07:59 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 06:56 PM)

Anya laughed, and twisted with near inhuman speed, dodging the massive fist. "I thought that would wake him up."

She brought hand, hidden from view to the others by the Atronach's large body, claws extend nearly twice their normal length to stab it. He free hand dropped the soulgem and reached for a short sword on her belt.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 08:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 12:56 AM)

Vaan swore, again, and drew his sword out with some speed. Since the Atronach was busy trying to kill Anya, Vaan took the oppurtunity to move around and attack it from behind. He thrust his sword, aimed for inbetween the Atronach's Shoulder blades...

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 08:02 PM

Erenius turns towards Gram as the Nord raises his shield and readies his hammer. Erenius, in a split second, does the same, his sword out in a second, readied for combat.

"Bosmer...I thought you came to find and avoid these traps," Erenius says to Anya, cautiously approaching the atronach in a half crouch from its left side. "Not set them off!"

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 08:04 PM

Shaka decided against raising an atronach; it was already too crowded in here, too chaotic.

Most of the group didn't know Anya was a vampire, and could take care of herself. Shaka readied the Spear of Bitter Mercy and watched for an opening, running forward with the others.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 08:08 PM

The Storm Atronach gets stabbed, slashed, and caught in a soul trap; distressingly, however, it shows no sign of caring a whit about the parts of itself that just got broken off to swirl in its winds.

With a simple-minded effeciency, it elects to grab the hand stuck in its side and use the attached Bosmer to pummel everyone around it, its inhuman strength allowing it to do this one-handed.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 08:12 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 01:08 AM)

Vaan's mouth widens at this new threat...a flying bosmer club.

He quickly steps back from the area-of-threat, and decides to perhaps start pummeling the beast with spells..."Only, wouldn't that harm Anya?

He starts to form a Paralysis spell...

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 08:12 PM

Erenius approaches closer and scans his target, the arm of the storm atronach holding the Bosmer. However, having no clear chance of taking away the threat from the Bosmer, without a good chance of seriously injurring her, Erenius takes another target, the Atronach's leg which he seemed to be bracing almsot his entire weight upon.

With a swift, clean strike, Erenius aims for the ankle, hoping for the best as he swings with enough force to shatter the storm element manifested there.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 08:12 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 09:08 PM)

With a curse, Shaka leaped closer and raised the Spear, attempting to drive it into the golem's neck and hopefully decapitate it, either partially or wholly.

"Quit dancing with the damned thing and finish it," he shouted at the others.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 08:17 PM

Anya yelped in suprise as she was picked up as if she was a newborn. She lost her short sword in the process, but that didn't worry her unduly. What did worry her was that she was flailing about, "Arrgh! [censored]! Sorry 'bout that!"

Quickly, she used her other her other hand to rake her claws on it's wrist to break either it's grasp or it's entire hand.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 08:21 PM

Anya breaks the Atronach's grip, and she sails through the air, directly into Gram, who was coming up to help the others finish the Daedra off. Gram crumples, the force of the impact riving the wind out of him and leaving him sprawled on the ground with Anya on top of him.

The Atronach itself is badly wounded, but in one final act of defiance, it raises its remaining fist and unleashes a burst of lightning ...

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 08:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 07:21 PM)

"Sorry dear." Anya said hastily, before leaping up. She waved her hand, casting Sheild, and sprinted towards the Atronach, ready to slash at it one more time.

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 08:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 01:21 AM)

Anya breaks the Atronach's grip, and she sails through the air, directly into Gram, who was coming up to help the others finish the Daedra off.Â Gram crumples, the force of the impact riving the wind out of him and leaving him sprawled on the ground with Anya on top of him.

The Atronach itself is badly wounded, but in one final act of defiance, it raises its remaining fist and unleashes a burst of lightning ...

Vaan curses vehemently as the lightning burst fills the whole room room with an unearthly blue flash of light. Beautiful, if in other circumstances.

fortunately, his distance from the atronach means that the spell mostly misses him, but his body jolts as some sparks reach him. Quickly downing a healing potion, he raises his arm and retaliates with his most powerful ice-bolt spell.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 08:31 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 29 2006, 09:26 PM)

A mage had once estimated for Shaka that the Spear's reflection was between a fifth and a third of the force directed against it. It had saved his neck countless times, including during the battles of Molag Mar and Ald Raathim.

The Spear reflected once again, and some of the lightning was immediately returned against the atronach.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 08:31 PM

Erenius, due to his proximity, is picked up by the lightning and thrown back a ways, into the table which the corpse sat. He comes to a rest, one half of the table on either side, splinters caught in the back of his armour, soulgems scattered about on the floor. Somehow, the ragged skeleton survived intact, save for the arm holding the gem, which fell off and landed beside him.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 29 2006, 08:34 PM

Luckily for slyvos, he was not in the blast radius, but did feel his fur get a bit on edge from the proximity of the electrical currents in the air. "fuzzy... at least I didn't get hit."

He looked around a bit, seeing that the fight was pretty much over. "okay, well... everyone okay?" He took a glance at all the others around him, wondering why the hell this kind of stuff always happens to them.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 08:34 PM

Its energy spent, the atronach keels over, its body slowly disolving into a pile of void salts. The lightning dies away, leaving the room suddenly still.

Gram gets to his feet, shaking his head; something about Anya up close had struck him as odd, but he couldn't place his finger on it. Looking at the damaged table and corpse, he says " ... Ouch."

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 08:36 PM

Vaan slowly makes his way over to Erenius, to check if he is okay. He takes the Corpse's arm away and puts it back with the rest of it, and holds out a hand to Erenius.

"Are you okay?"

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 08:39 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Jan 29 2006, 08:36 PM)

Vaan slowly makes his way over to Erenius, to check if he is okay. He takes the Corpse's arm away and puts it back with the rest of it, and holds out a hand to Erenius.

"Are you okay?"

"Yea, I'm fine, Vaanic," Erenius replies, taking the hand and standing up, looking back. "Just a bit sore, maybe a bit singed somewhere, but I'm well enough till we get back and I can get a better view of myself."

After brushing himself off, Erenius calls out: "Everyone else alright?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 08:41 PM

Anya walked over to the soulgem she had dropped and picked it up. She stared at it, "So, what's this worth, so much that an atronach would gaurd it?"

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 29 2006, 08:41 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 30 2006, 01:39 AM)

Vaan hands the man a healing potion "this will help"

He turns, and inspects the shelves for damage.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 08:42 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 29 2006, 06:22 PM)

Loranna's eyebrows remain up, though her expression can no longer be described as purely curious.

"Boiling the blood of the captive ones ..." she says. "And what becomes of the vampires once you've interogated them? Even the ones who may have been turned against their will or come to regret their monstrous natures?"

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 08:45 PM

Erenius takes Vaanic's offered potion and downs it, feeling a bit better.

"Thanks," he says, returning the empty vial to the Dunmer.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 08:46 PM

Shaka healed any remaining burns on the adventurers, including on himself; the Dragonbone Cuirass didn't protect as well against lightning as it did against simple fire.

He met Anya's glance, both of them thinking How much did the others just figure out about your change? But if anyone was suspicious, he seemed to be keeping still about it for now.

"That was a true mess," he grumbled. "Sorry, elf. Maybe I should have tried to take out the atronach sooner."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 08:47 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 29 2006, 07:46 PM)

Anya shook her head, "I was counting on this waking it up."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 29 2006, 09:06 PM

pie

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 09:12 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 29 2006, 09:47 PM)

Anya shook her head, "I was counting on this waking it up."

Shaka nodded and squeezed her hand fondly. Addressing the other adventurers, who were glancing through the books and parchments curiously, he said:

"Can anyone tell what happened here? Did Sivartus' grandfather pass away from natural causes, or an accident, or what?"

"Regardless, we should gather the more important gems and parchments with Sivartus and probably head back to the city. . . . "

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 09:17 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 29 2006, 09:12 PM)

Gram walks over and picks up the small book that had sat on the desk, and flips through the pages.

"Hmm ... 'New summoning spell a failure; I fear I'll never master a long-term summoning ...', 'The gem is the key; I shoul have realized it long ago ...', " ... growing weak; I fear my time grows short ...' " he reads at random.

"I don't know if it was natural or not, but it seems he died working on his latest project,' Gram says, pointing to the gem. "I'd wager that there is the most valuable object in this whole study, along with this journal."

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 29 2006, 09:20 PM

Erenius says nothing, already having raided a bookcase near the table, shoving all the parchments into the bag rather haphazardly, the books being set down on the floor, bits of the skeleton's pants being used to bind the group of books together for easier handling on the return trip.

He then scans the room and sees a large wicker basket in a corner, full of dust and rotten foodstuffs. Emptying the basket, Erenius puts the books in there, leaving the shred of clothing used to hold the group of books together on the ground.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 29 2006, 09:24 PM

Slyvos looks over to his father-in-law, and then to the book in his hands, a curious look on his face. "Hey Gram, what else does that book say? It may shed some light on the more precise details of how this person died, if we knew."

besides, I think just flipping through and skimming is not going to help us any. he thought to himself with a calm look on his face.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 09:27 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 29 2006, 09:24 PM)

Gram shrugs. "Most of this is in mage-scrawl; those were the bits I could actually make out," he says, handing Slyvos the book. "You and Sivartus can probably puzzle out the rest."

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 09:31 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 29 2006, 10:24 PM)

"A way to keep a summons around for a long time, or permanently," mused Shaka. "Sounds like an interesting project."

Shaka wrapped the grandfather's corpse in several blankets as a makeshift shroud, out of respect. The adventurers would carry it back to Ald Raathim for some dignified rites and burial.

"We still have to figure out something for Alira. I don't want to force her to come with us to the city, I guess. Maybe we can leave her some supplies for now, and check back later."

If the forest paths prove useful for secretly supplying Ald Raathim, she will at least have people checking on her.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 29 2006, 09:37 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 29 2006, 09:31 PM)

"I'll hang back and talk with the Khajiit for a bit," Gram offers. "And see what help I can give Gistral. The rest of you can head back home, see Sivartus's grandfather gets a proper interment, figure out what these books have to offer."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 29 2006, 09:40 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 08:37 PM)

Anya nodded, and laughed. "Sorry for using as a cushion, I'm no cat in the air."

She pocketed the soulgem, and waited for the others to get ready.

Posted by: syronj Jan 29 2006, 09:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 10:37 PM)

"Thanks, Gram," said Shaka. "I think we're ready to head back now. Thank Gistral for me too."

A few hours later, the remaining adventurers gave the body to the Imperial Cult for preparation. The group split up for now, some going to update Loranna while others left for the baths, the taverns, or other means of rest.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 12:00 AM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 29 2006, 09:42 PM)

"There are a very few of them," Pisquine acknowledged. "I was once one myself. Chances are, we would never have to deal with them, because if they were so horrified by their monstrous nature, they would be spending their energy trying to track down a cure, not involving themselves in infiltrations of places like Castle Daruhn. But if they are caught, they must be disposed of. They may not be malevolent like their willing brothers and sisters, but they are dangerous nevertheless."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 12:19 AM

Anya wondered where Slyvos had gone, but his concerns weren't hers. She thought it probably had something to do with the book they had discovered. She had left the soulgem with the book.

She walked back to the ruins of the Druken Guar. Night would be coming soon, but right now Lahkbar would need a place to rest, to hide. As it stood, the Drunken Guar was the best place to look, even if to get an idea of his habits.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 12:19 AM

Vivec, the Stairs to the Palace of Vivec

A white wolf coat covered his blood red robe, his long sword sheathed at his side. Slowly he bent down and placed a hundred septims at the base of the pillar... and smiled. He turned and slowly walked down the stairs, 'thought so' he said to himself as he passed the many pilgrims. He looked into the sky at the Ministry of Truth floating above the city, where it belonged, and the large destruction on the Temple Canton, 'I shant forget' he said to himself once more... Leaning against a statue, he waited...

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 12:22 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 12:00 AM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"There are a very few of them," Pisquine acknowledged. "I was once one myself. Chances are, we would never have to deal with them, because if they were so horrified by their monstrous nature, they would be spending their energy trying to track down a cure, not involving themselves in infiltrations of places like Castle Daruhn. But if they are caught, they must be disposed of. They may not be malevolent like their willing brothers and sisters, but they are dangerous nevertheless."

"I see," Loranna says, thinking to herself So that's why he looks like a vampire himself ... Any sympathy she might have felt for Pisquine however was overshadowed by the cold anger she could feel growing in her breast; her next words are delivered in a cool, even voice, her gaze fixed on the former vampire.

"Let me be very clear with you, Serjo Pisquine. I appreciate the aid you've given Magister Zadion in identifying this threat to our city, and I respect your knowledge of vampires ... but I do not condone torture done in Ald Raathim for any reason, irregardless of the victim. Nor do I condone people taking such matters into their own hands as you have already done in this city."

She watches the vampire hunter, letting him react to her words before continuing.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 12:25 AM

Vivec

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 01:19 AM)

A white wolf coat covered his blood red robe, his long sword sheathed at his side. Slowly he bent down and placed a hundred septims at the base of the pillar... and smiled. He turned and slowly walked down the stairs, 'thought so' he said to himself as he passed the many pilgrims. He looked into the sky at the Ministry of Truth floating above the city, where it belonged, and the large destruction on the Temple Canton, 'I shant forget' he said to himself once more... Leaning against a statue, he waited...

A dozen skiffs, gondolas complete with sails marked with the emblem of House Ra'Athim, floated up to the canton. Muthsera Barreth, cousin of Helseth, and hopeful King of Morrowind, was at the head of the formation. His guards helped him out of his skiff, and grandly wrapped in the ancient clothes of the House, he nodded to Faryon.

"I believe we're a bit early, serjo Faryon."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 12:28 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 04:25 PM)

Vivec
A dozen skiffs, gondolas complete with sails marked with the emblem of House Ra'Athim, floated up to the canton.Â Muthsera Barreth, cousin of Helseth, and hopeful King of Morrowind, was at the head of the formation.Â His guards helped him out of his skiff, and grandly wrapped in the ancient clothes of the House, he nodded to Faryon.

"I believe we're a bit early, serjo Faryon."

'Indeed we are, Muthsera Barreth' Faryon stated, looking around the plaza, 'could you not have made a less grand entrance?' Faryon had come unescorted so he would not bring attention... 'Is Muthsera Hlaalu Mortillara on her way? I was expecting her...' he asked caution in his voice

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 12:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 01:22 AM)

"Y-your Grace," Zadion stammered. "How could I ask your permission before we knew whether you, like Minsero, were controlled by the vampires?"

Morvath Pisquine held up his hand. "Your Grace, I understand your ambivalence towards my methods. Truly, I do. I was one of the monsters once, and afterwards, I sought to bring them to salvation, not destroy them. It has taken me many years to become the man you see before you, devoid of the slightest sympathy for them. I could describe to you all the horrors I have seen, the cruelties that these creatures are capable of, but I know that I would not convince you."

He went to one knee. "I would beg you once more, humbly, to allow me to search your castle for the sake of your unborn child. There is a clan to the west whose members particularly crave the flesh of newborns, and if any are in the vicinity, waiting for you to give birth, and I didn't ask one last time, I would not forgive myself."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 12:44 AM

Vivec

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 01:28 AM)

"Indeed, she is," Mortillara said, coming over the bridge, also unescorted. "What is this, Barreth? You're trying to bring back the Ra'Athim?"

"'Twas something I wanted to discuss," Barreth replied, a little offended at Mortillara's casual tone. "Not a major object, but of interest to me."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 12:49 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 04:44 PM)

Vivec
"Indeed, she is," Mortillara said, coming over the bridge, also unescorted. "What is this, Barreth?Â You're trying to bring back the Ra'Athim?"

"'Twas something I wanted to discuss," Barreth replied, a little offended at Mortillara's casual tone. "Not a major object, but of interest to me."

Faryon said no word of objection, and continued to lean apon the statue. He personally did not think much of the king of the Alliance chooseing, proberly one of the topics in his meeting with Mortillara would be him... 'so Barreth, what do you have to say?'

His topics to discuss with the Chairmer were many, and he wanted to get it done with as soon as possible

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:00 AM

Vivec

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 01:49 AM)

"Well," Barreth said slowly. "I was thinking that since the Alliance is all about bringing back the ancient traditions of Morrowind, the House Ra'Athim, of which my family was a member, is one of them. Instead of being King of Morrowind, I might take the title Duke of Mournhold instead. I and my descendants will still be Morrowind's representative to the Empire, but there will henceforth be no more questions about whether House or King has authority, because there will only be Houses."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 01:04 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 12:39 AM)

"That's a seperate discussion Zadion dear and one I'll have with you in the Nymph later, preferably over some flin," Loranna says, turning briefly to look at the Altmer and flash a sympathetic smile.

Then, she turns and looks back to the genuflecting Morvath. "Serjo, during the Blue Dawn, everyone - mortal, vampire, werebeast - were forced to band together to resist the power of the Daedra Prince Azura. During those dark times I had the chance to work with the allied clans of Vvardenfell, before they foolishly decided to claim Balmora for their own and brought their own doom upon their heads. And I and others quested across High Rock to find a cure for vamparism, for one of our own had been turned against his will and was struggling to maintain his mortal humanity in the face of the blood hunger. Thankfully we succeeded and he is once again mortal. But I learned during those times that every monstrous vampire started as a human ... and I know first hand what it feels like to feel trapped and convinced that there is no way out, no matter what others keep saying."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 01:05 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 05:00 PM)

Vivec
"Well," Barreth said slowly. "I was thinking that since the Alliance is all about bringing back the ancient traditions of Morrowind, the House Ra'Athim, of which my family was a member, is one of them. Instead of being King of Morrowind, I might take the title Duke of Mournhold instead. I and my descendants will still be Morrowind's representative to the Empire, but there will henceforth be no more questions about whether House or King has authority, because there will only be Houses."

'That may sound like a good idea' Faryon said, 'It might be interesting to see how it would fare with the rest of the council. If anything, it would be a good propaganda message' Faryon himself didnt like it, but couldnt say so in front of the king. Although he did believe it would be good Propaganda

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 02:04 AM)

Morvath Pisquine stood up and bowed. "I sincerely hope there is not some terror lurking in the shadows of your castle which I might have helped you at the very least to find. I do not agree with you, Your Grace, but I have no choice but to respect your decision to spurn the help I offered."

He went to the door and bowed again. "I beg your leave."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:12 AM

Vivec

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 02:05 AM)

Mortillara was frowning too. "I don't know. There are issues to be worked out, and it is too soon to see them all before the war is over. Would Ra'Athim claim their ancient land, which is divided among other Houses now? Who would be a member of the House, any with a blood ancestor in the Dukes of Mournhold? I myself have one, am I to leave Hlaluu to join you? As Serjo Faryon says, it may be a good idea, but we must mull on it for now. I would not bring it up in the meeting."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 01:20 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:07 AM)

Loranna sighs mentally. "I sincerely hope so as well, Serjo, and despite our disagreement, I do honestly wish you well. Thank you for what aid you have provided; we will take our own measures thanks to your warning."

She nods. "May the Nine watch over you in your days, Serjo; it was good to have at least met you once." She glances over at Zadion, her eyes indicating she wants the Magister to stay.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 01:22 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 05:12 PM)

Vivec
Mortillara was frowning too. "I don't know. There are issues to be worked out, and it is too soon to see them all before the war is over. Would Ra'Athim claim their ancient land, which is divided among other Houses now? Who would be a member of the House, any with a blood ancestor in the Dukes of Mournhold? I myself have one, am I to leave Hlaluu to join you? As Serjo Faryon says, it may be a good idea, but we must mull on it for now. I would not bring it up in the meeting."

'That is a very good point, Serjo Mortillara, although it may be somthing to look at once the victory is ensured, we have far more pressing matters to attend with... The two most important are the passing of High Councillor Thedas, and the possible escalation of the war, the involvement of the Firsthold Monarchy, and increased Imperial recognition for the Hesleth Regime'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 02:20 AM)

Morvath Pisquine adds. "And you, Your Grace." before leaving, closing the door behind him.

Zadion frowns, but stays behind as Loranna's eyes had suggested for him to do.

"I wish you had allowed him to search the castle, Loranna," Zadion says quietly.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:32 AM

Vivec

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 02:22 AM)

"Very difficult subjects indeed," Mortillara agreed. "Made more difficult in our council's stubborn refusal to accept any outsider alliances. You will recall I suggested speaking to Helseth's other enemies, his step-sister and the Nords, but the practicalities of modern warfare hurts the Alliance's pride. So they form alliances, while we sit and argue."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 01:32 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:26 AM)

"I didn't refuse him," Loranna says, equally quietly. "I simply implored him to remember the mercy he once held in his heart. He heard that as a refusal of his aid."

She sighs. "No matter; it's done now. Dear, forgive me for getting curt with you over this." Loranna goes to pour a couple goblets of wine. "Here; these days are full of stress for us all, and enough threats to deal with to last three lifetimes. The Arena is living up to its name in splendid fashion."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:37 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 01:19 AM)

The whole area around the Drunken Guar was filled with buildings in various stages of disrepair. After a few hours of searching the old tavern and the surrounding buildings, she got her first cold touch which said he, or another vampire, was nearby. Anya was near the site of the former Mages Guild, the wooden barn which now a pile of rubble.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 05:32 PM)

Vivec
"Very difficult subjects indeed," Mortillara agreed. "Made more difficult in our council's stubborn refusal to accept any outsider alliances. You will recall I suggested speaking to Helseth's other enemies, his step-sister and the Nords, but the practicalities of modern warfare hurts the Alliance's pride. So they form alliances, while we sit and argue."

'I agree, athough I can sence that an Alliance with the Nords might have a chance of Backfiring, the population might turn against us if we allow the Nords in... and what would we offer them for thier assistance?' he paused, and an evil smile came across his face, 'Helseths Step Sister, however, might be a worthwhile ally. We could present Benzarith and Hesleth to her once we are victirous, although I would rather that king died than live on...

'Yet the issue remains Imperial Recognition for our cause. We have to convince the Imperials we are better than Hesleth, or risk Imperial Armies marching into Morrowind once more. And the question is, how do we do this?'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:43 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 02:32 AM)

"Yes, indeed," Zadion replied, glumly, taking a sip of wine. "I will never forget the sights I saw in Tel Dresori, the vampiric children ... I find it very difficult to think first of showing mercy to the undead above our own safety myself ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 01:43 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 12:37 AM)

Ald Raathim
The whole area around the Drunken Guar was filled with buildings in various stages of disrepair. After a few hours of searching the old tavern and the surrounding buildings, she got her first cold touch which said he, or another vampire, was nearby. Anya was near the site of the former Mages Guild, the wooden barn which now a pile of rubble.

Anya, with her pericing red eyes and ashen skin already in place, she made her way towards the ruin. Her senses were extended as far as the would go, her nose twitching every few minutes, her eyes searching all the dark little corners of the rubble.

She had her claws shaped too, hands by her side, canted and ready to strike. She called out, guessing at who this might be, her tone a little mocking, "Hello, little mutt. I just here for another social visit. There's no need to hide from me."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:45 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 02:37 AM)

'Yet the issue remains Imperial Recognition for our cause. We have to convince the Imperials we are better than Hesleth, or risk Imperial Armies marching into Morrowind once more. And the question is, how do we do this?'

"We flatter another of Uriel's heirs," Mortillara said. "Enman or Ebel. But if I even suggest speaking to the Empire, I will be shouted down as talking to an outlander group. Would you suggest it?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 01:52 AM

The Ruins Of The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 02:43 AM)

Where the foundation of the barn had cracked, she saw two bright red eyes gleam.

"Hello, sweetheart," Lahkbar voice floated up from the darkness. "As you see, I decided to take your warning after all ... I figured that sooner or later the workers would want to tear down the Guar anyhow, and this would be more comfortable. And it is very nice."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 01:52 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:43 AM)

"I never said putting their safety above our own, dear," Loranna says, taking a sip of her own wine. "If someone's trying to kill you, you defend yourself. If someone's commited murder, you hunt them down and make them answer for their crime, and if they try to fight their way free, what happens happens. I went into Balmora knowing that a cure was possible; 'Bella, I've had over a year to study the samples I have remaining and know who to contact to make more. And I didn't utter a single word about it when we confronted the vampires; it was obvious from their blatent taking over that they had no humanity left in their hearts."

She sighs again. "Tel Dresori needs to be dealt with, and it will be; my companions may not share Serjo Pisquine's level of expertese but we're no slouches. We'll clear the vampires out and if circumstances allow us to cure any of them, then we will - but the vampires there have already declared their intentions as monsters and they're going to find out what that leads to."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 01:57 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 05:45 PM)

"We flatter another of Uriel's heirs," Mortillara said. "Enman or Ebel. But if I even suggest speaking to the Empire, I will be shouted down as talking to an outlander group. Would you suggest it?"

'I believe it would be in my best intrest to do so. Kragenmoor, and hence, my hard won posessions have the most to loose if any Imperial Invasion occurs, as thier path would lead them right to the gates of my City. Once I make the nessesary arrangements, I can be gone as soon as possible. But... I fear by doing this I would weaken my position in claiming the position High Councillor Thedas has kindly left open,' Faryon looked worried, 'I fear, if the radicals win, then we will have little hope for gaining Imperial Support, and our chances for Victory will grow ever slimmer.'

'I could, if you wanted, drop by wayrest and see if the Queen would be willing to lend us support... and for what price...'

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 02:01 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 12:52 AM)

The Ruins Of The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
Where the foundation of the barn had cracked, she saw two bright red eyes gleam.

"Hello, sweetheart," Lahkbar voice floated up from the darkness. "As you see, I decided to take your warning after all ... I figured that sooner or later the workers would want to tear down the Guar anyhow, and this would be more comfortable. And it is very nice."

Anya outwardly smiled, but inwardly frowned. She would need to think of a way to force him out of his hiding spot. "Aww, and here I thought I wasn't making any progress back then. I'm sure you caught their scents though. You know I was right."

Her hand slipped towards he belt, a throwing star with an enchantment being picked up, as she was talking. Suddenly, she tossed the star, and several more of it's type, into the foundation. The area effect spell ignited, flooding the foundation with several fire spells. That should be enough to discourage him staying in his hole, the spells effectively creating an oven.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 02:52 AM)

She sighs again. "Tel Dresori needs to be dealt with, and it will be; my companions may not share Serjo Pisquine's level of expertese but we're no slouches. We'll clear the vampires out and if circumstances allow us to cure any of them, then we will - but the vampires there have already declared their intentions as monsters and they're going to find out what that leads to."

"I wish I could share your optimism, Your Grace," Zadion frowned. "I know there are hundreds of different vampire clans throughout Tamriel, and Morvath Pisquine would have been able to identify their powers and their weaknesses, while your companions -- for all their strength -- will have to improvise as best they can when they witness for themselves what they're facing. That lack of expertise may be deadly ... I just wish ... I knew what to do now ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:07 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 02:57 AM)

"I agree that the moderate faction should stay united, and if anything, find a way to send the radicals out of council, on other errands of state. " Mortillara smiled. "And yes, a visit to Wayrest would be very helpful. But let me suggest this -- Elysana should not think that she's doing us a great favor by this alliance. It should be understood that we are helping her out by foisting her hated stepbrother from the throne, and she should aid us to thank us for going to that trouble ..."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 06:07 PM)

'Very well. I know who I shall support in the upcomming leadership battle, an old friend of mine... Do we have time to speak of millitary matters? or is that best left for the next meeting of the council?' Faryon asked

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:13 AM

The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 03:01 AM)

Over the roar of flames down below, there came the piteous howl of a dog. For a moment thereafter, it was silent.

Then something burst from the wreckage some distance away. It was the dog, black from smoke, and as it ran across the square, more fire leapt from its crisped fur. A group of workers, spying it, cried out, "Oh, poor animal!"

It disappeared into the darkness of a smithery across the square.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 02:13 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 02:03 AM)

"We pick our battles," Loranna says, smiling grimly. "And you, dear, have a rather pressing one of your own to worry about. Tell me, how much longer do you think the Archmiagister will give you before he demands you show up?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:14 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 03:10 AM)

"Have you heard what happened in Tel Dresori?" Barreth asked.

"It wasn't a target of the invasion," Mortillara shook her head. "But I have heard rumors of a squadron getting lost near there and disappearing ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:17 AM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 03:13 AM)

"The letters from the Imperial City display a lot of impatience with me, taking too much time finishing my affairs here," Zadion said. "If I'm not there in a week, I can see the Guildmagisters coming here to collect me."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 02:17 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:13 AM)

The Old Mages Guild, Ald Raathim
Over the roar of flames down below, there came the piteous howl of a dog. For a moment thereafter, it was silent.

Then something burst from the wreckage some distance away. It was the dog, black from smoke, and as it ran across the square, more fire leapt from its crisped fur. A group of workers, spying it, cried out, "Oh, poor animal!"

It disappeared into the darkness of a smithery across the square.

Anya sprinted after the beast nearly right after she saw it burst forth. She kept the distance from growing, but wasn't able to catch him before the entered the smithery.

She slowed down quickly upon entering the smithy. Her Night Eye ability made peering into the darkness an easy matter. She spied carefully, looking for any exits he might have used, or places he might have hidden. "I'm sorry. Did I forget to mention I'm a terrible liar?"

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 02:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 06:14 PM)

'No I didnt' Faryon said, intriged, 'Tel Dresori is out of the way, so I dont pay it much attention. Do you think we should send someone to investigate? An entire squad going missing is not somthing to look over so easily' he looked unhappy, 'Tell me, Serjo Mortillara, where do you think we could make the most impact with our next attack?'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:20 AM

Smithery, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 03:17 AM)

The place was filled with ironworks in various stages of completion, surrounding an open fiery kiln, which belched forth smoke. It was difficult to differentiate a smoking dog in such a place. She was able to determine that there were no exits from the place, at least not on the first level. There was a loft, however, above.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:25 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 30 2006, 03:19 AM)

"We have the north, the south, the west ... Why not begin an assault to the east, in Necrom, for instance?" Mortillara replied. "Squeeze the royalist forces on all sides until they pop?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 02:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:20 AM)

Smithery, Ald Raathim
The place was filled with ironworks in various stages of completion, surrounding an open fiery kiln, which belched forth smoke. It was difficult to differentiate a smoking dog in such a place. She was able to determine that there were no exits from the place, at least not on the first level. There was a loft, however, above.

Anya lept onto the loft, aided with Jump magic. She once again scanned for exits, but she also kept a wary eye on the only exit below. Her body tingled, the unearthly air left by the vampire causing her to tingle. He had to be close.

She kept one hand on her belt, ready to throw another star or dagger at any potential targets.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 02:29 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 02:17 AM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"The letters from the Imperial City display a lot of impatience with me, taking too much time finishing my affairs here," Zadion said. "If I'm not there in a week, I can see the Guildmagisters coming here to collect me."

"Not much time," Loranna admits. " ... All right; few things come to mind. First off, you didn't actively get involved except to help Nalion with his impromptu plan to stop the warcrabs in their tracks. Those giant monstrosities were a threat not only to our soldiers but also our civilians, and the enemy's own soldiers as well. In helping Nalion, you weren't taking sides, you were helping to stem the loss of life on both sides by immobolizing war machiens that shouldn't have been stomping through congested city streets. We point this out, we point out how you've helped Nalion recover information of vital importance in dealing with the God of Worms. I suspect if we asked Nalion he would be happy to accept your continued assistance in dealing with the upcoming threat of Mannimarco; he knows you and trusts you. And of course the Guild has a vested interest in this as well."

"Meanwhile, I see what I can do as Duchess to help smooth things over. Yes, I understand, the Guild's nuetrality is important, you and I have talked and I understand I am not to look to the Guild to take a side in the war ... and you avow you've learned your lesson and we see if the sum of all these little things can't add up to a reduced punishment for you. We point out how you've also helped uncover a new threat from the vampires and how you've already consulted experts and gleaned knowlege from them of vital use in preventing an undead takeover ..."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 30 2006, 02:32 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 06:25 PM)

"We have the north, the south, the west ... Why not begin an assault to the east, in Necrom, for instance?" Mortillara replied. "Squeeze the royalist forces on all sides until they pop?"

'Indeed, it makes sence,' Faryon said, 'Although I know some who want to take out Ald Raatham, I believe it is a place where Hesleth can put his troops where they cannot help him,' he paused, 'I am sorry, Serjo Mortillara, but I must return to Kragenmoor. As soon as I can, I shall send you a letter and head off on the Diplomatic mission you have entrusted apon me, intill we next meet, Serjo Mortillara' He bowed and dissapeared into the crowds

(in other words, outta here, thanks Ted for the RP

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:35 AM

The Smithy, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 03:26 AM)

Anya's sense of the vampire's presence increased dramatically, and with a shiver, she knew what she was sensing: there was more than one vampire up here.

Something shuffled through the hay, and then something else. Scratches against bare floor board.

Lahkbar stood up. He was no longer in dog form, but his entire body was blackened and still smoking. His eyes were bright red and furious.

"Goodbye, sweetheart," he hissed.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:37 AM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 03:29 AM)

Zadion grinned, relieved. "Thank you, Your Grace. I confess, I thought you were angry ... I didn't hope to ask you for your help in this. Perhaps, I should ask the Guildmagisters to come here themselves, to see what the situation is, so they can appreciate it?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 02:40 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:35 AM)

The Smithy, Ald Raathim
Anya's sense of the vampire's presence increased dramatically, and with a shiver, she knew what she was sensing: there was more than one vampire up here.

Something shuffled through the hay, and then something else. Scratches against bare floor board.

Lahkbar stood up. He was no longer in dog form, but his entire body was blackened and still smoking. His eyes were bright red and furious.

"Goodbye, sweetheart," he hissed.

Anya, throwing caution in the air and relying on her supernatural speed even for a vampire, charged Lahkbar. She cast Shield and Sanctuary, and threw several more throwing stars, igniting as the hit the floor. This time though, instead of fire, Blind spread through the loft.

She lept at Lahkbar, hands ready to gut him.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:46 AM

The Smithy, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 03:40 AM)

The blindness struck Lahkbar just as he shot off a fireball. It struck the hay instead of Anya, and it quickly erupted into flame.

"You miserable (censored)!" he screamed as her claws dug into him. "You're no better than the rest of us!"

Something behind Anya scampered away, half-jumping and half-falling off the now-flaming loft.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 02:49 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 02:37 AM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Zadion grinned, relieved. "Thank you, Your Grace.Â I confess, I thought you were angry ... I didn't hope to ask you for your help in this.Â Perhaps, I should ask the Guildmagisters to come here themselves, to see what the situation is, so they can appreciate it?"

"It's more I really don't appreciate torture in my domain than I'm angry," Loranna explains, smiling reassuringly. "I think I'll have to keep an eye out for Serjo Pisquine for a littlebit, just to make sure he got the message. But yes, we can arrange to have the Guildmagisters to come here; let me speak with Nalion first so he appreciates the situation as well, and so he can ask you for your continued help in the Mannimarco problem."

"An in the meantime ...," she continues, her smile growing sympathetic, "I must ask you to let me pick your brain, dear, for everything you did learn in your brief time with Monvath, and sadly anything and everything you saw at Dres Minsero's doimain. Every little bit of foreknowledge will help."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 02:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 03:49 AM)

Loranna says "It's more I really don't appreciate torture in my domain than I'm angry," Loranna explains, smiling reassuringly. "I think I'll have to keep an eye out for Serjo Pisquine for a littlebit, just to make sure he got the message. But yes, we can arrange to have the Guildmagisters to come here; let me speak with Nalion first so he appreciates the situation as well, and so he can ask you for your continued help in the Mannimarco problem."

"An in the meantime ...," she continues, her smile growing sympathetic, "I must ask you to let me pick your brain, dear, for everything you did learn in your brief time with Monvath, and sadly anything and everything you saw at Dres Minsero's doimain. Every little bit of foreknowledge will help."

"Let me ask you something else then," Zadion gave a half smile. "I don't know quite the polite way to ask this but ... Would you know anything about anyone spying on me at the Guild? While I was traveling back and forth to Tel Dresori, a young Altmeri girl came to visit me, I was told by the Guild Guide who I believe was Charmed. And there was some signs that thing in my office had been looked over ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 02:57 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 01:46 AM)

The Smithy, Ald Raathim
The blindness struck Lahkbar just as he shot off a fireball. It struck the hay instead of Anya, and it quickly erupted into flame.

"You miserable (censored)!" he screamed as her claws dug into him. "You're no better than the rest of us!"

Something behind Anya scampered away, half-jumping and half-falling off the now-flaming loft.

"I never said I was!" Anya yelled, slashing at his stomach, followed by another at his throat. She nearly doubled the length of her claws, and punched him in a way as to jam them into his chest. She threw several more throwing stars at the entrance hoping to stop the other vampire with the fire enchantment.

She lost concentration, and her skin rippled back into it's pale but bomseri pink color, her eyes changing back to their green-hued glow.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 02:58 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 02:52 AM)

"As a matter of fact, I would," Loranna says, giving a half-smile in return. "The person responsible was sadly giving in to a paranoid impulse, having noticed you were acting somewhat oddly and unsure if it meant you were being manipulated by enemy agents or something even more sinister. The war has us all jumping at shadows and playing Spymaster, it seems."

"I think though I can convince that person that she need not continue worrying; doubtless she will be delighted and her mind will be put at ease," Loranna continues, her half-grin becoming a full one.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 03:00 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 03:57 AM)

As the fire bloomed up in the loft, Anya could see the bodies of several village children in various stages of decomposition. Lahkbar and his friend had been using this loft to store their prey for some time.

Lahkbar burbled up a last spout of black blood, and fell back, torn apart, dying the final death.

A group of workers ran in from below, yelling about fire.

The second vampire had apparently gotten away.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 03:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 03:58 AM)

Zadion chuckled, and drank the rest of his wine in one relieved gulp.

"You can imagine how that played on my paranoia," the Altmer grinned. "Coming back from a village overrun by vampires, unsure whether Ald Raathim was next to go, and then small, subtle signs someone was watching me ... Perhaps considering that frame of mind, you'll understand me bringing in Morvath Pisquine as soon as I could ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 30 2006, 03:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 02:00 AM)

Anya stared down the loft, and screached in anger.

Turning around, she stared horrified at the children's bodies as the flames began to lick them. She cursed, and fell to her knees. Anya vented her fustration on the remains of Lahkbar by repeatedly stabbing what she could, bloody tears streaming from her eyes, "I'm not like you! I can't be like you!"

She continued until the flames began to lick at her. Leaping from the loft, Anya flicked the blood from her hands. She stopped long enough to gain enough of a composure to hide her vampiric appearance, and trugded back to the castle.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 03:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 03:03 AM)

"I can understand, yes; Nine willing, we'll all be laughing about this in ten years time," Loranna says. " ... Anyway, there's a lot we need to do, and notmuch time to do it in ..."

She raises her eyebrows expectantly, awaiting what pearls of wisdom Zadion can offer.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 03:13 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 30 2006, 04:09 AM)

Anya stared down the loft, and screached in anger.

Turning around, she stared horrified at the children's bodies as the flames began to lick them. She cursed, and fell to her knees. Anya vented her fustration on the remains of Lahkbar by repearedly stabbing what she could, bloody tears streaming from her eyes, "I'm not like you! I can't be like you!"

She continued until the flames began to lick at her. Leaping from the loft, Anya flicked the blood from her hands. She stopped long enough to gain enough of a composure to hide her vampiric appearance, and trugded back to the castle.

Putting out the fire in the smithy took the efforts of several workers, and it wasn't long before the gruesome discovery was made in the loft. The rumors began to fly: something was hunting the children of Ald Raathim.

At the Nymph and Noggin, some hours later, even Kethiah, bed-bound as she was, heard the rumors. Immediately, she got from her bed to fetch Tyradil and Tilitalia, and could only be coaxed to lay back down when she saw the children with her own eyes, and knew all was well.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 03:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 04:09 AM)

"I'm afraid I know little more than I did when Pisquine first came," Zadion frowned. "We only captured one vampire, and Pisquine identified him as belonging to a tribe that hales from northern Valenwood ... What made me most nervous, however, was the threat of the tribe that is native to Cyrodiil ... They are the masters of subterfuge. Even other vampires do not recognize them if they are fully fed ... Pisquine knew a spell to ferret them out, but I do not know it."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 03:31 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 03:18 AM)

Just how many vampire clans have decided to come to Morrowind anyway? Loranna wonders, privately vowing to talk to Slyvos and the Cyrodiil Mage Guild chapters later - somewhere in between speaking withthe Queen Mother, buying more food for her city, and not doing anything because she's supposed to be resting.

"Charming; if I weren't pregnant I'd be the perfect person to help sous them out. I'm infamous for leaving people feeling hungry for more," Loranna says, winking to Zadion.

"As terrible as this situation sounds, it can't be as completely bad as it sounds; everything I know about vampires says they don't form long-lasting inter-clan alliances. They're doubtlessly competing among themselves for territory as it is, and the Dunmer HATE vampires. I'm surprised they were so brazen to take control of Tel Dresori so openly; all they've done is paint a nice big target on themselves once word gets out, and word will get out."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 03:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 04:31 AM)

"Pisquine said that vampires like civil wars because they hide much of the blood the undead spill, but you're right, the situation in Tel Dresori is unusually bad. Even Pisquine thought so," Zadion nodded. "There is something else. The vampire identified another one he knew of in the ruins of the Drunken Guar, but when Pisquine and I went there this morning, it was gone. It's possible that it was never there, and the first vampire lied, but I'm also afraid that despite our precautions, whatever vampires there are in Ald Raathim may be aware of our heightened awareness of them. Whether that means they are inclined to flee or attack, I wouldn't like to guess."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 03:45 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 03:36 AM)

"I'm going to assume they know about us knowing about them," Loranna says. "I've had reason to suspect vampires were coming for a while now, though in between everything else, there wasn't much I could do. Now, however, I can do something."

Under her breath, she mutters "Hopefully, the vampires here are not suicidally aggresive ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 30 2006, 03:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 30 2006, 04:45 AM)

"Obviously, anything I can do, Your Grace," Zadion replied, seriously. "Just ask."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 04:21 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 03:52 AM)

"Obviously, anything I can do, Your Grace," Zadion replied, seriously. "Just ask."

Loranna smiles grimly, and speaks to Zadion at length about various ideas ...

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 30 2006, 07:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 03:13 AM)

Isidor was worried too. Some of the children that had been found had been children Isidor recognized, decomposed as they were, as friends of Tilitalia and Tyradil.

He would ask Kethiah later if there was anything to put up on the message board.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 30 2006, 01:10 PM

QUOTE

*...Summary: Osa has recently gotten out of bed and is currently shopping for her own foodstuffs, and preparing to purchase a much larger book of Paper...*

*...Summary: after having spent most of her money and time shopping Osa finally returns to her room and begins to prepare a meal...her one disappointment is that she couldn't find Ciciliani oil...*

Posted by: apocolipseLater Jan 30 2006, 04:06 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 29 2006, 05:30 PM)

"Yes," Valerius responds, "We were."

He notices something behind him, and with a hurried excuse, leaves the Tavern.

Dar'Tessir wasn't surprised or offended. He assumed it was army business. Or just Imperial nature Humans allways rush. Why can they not slow down? With that Dar'Tessir endulged in one of his favorite activities... lounging and letting his mind wander.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 30 2006, 03:13 AM)

Dar'Tessir had fallen into a light sleep (a cat-nap you might say) at some point and was dosing in his seat when people began to talk of the horrific discovery. He listened to the conversations but did not join in and got the best information he could.
It disgusted and interested him all at once. He wondered what could be hunting the children and saving their corpses. He didn't bother to think of a lunatic or a murderer, his thought went almost strait to the more occult. Perhaps Daedric cultists? But why would they store sacrifices in a smithy? Or a necromancer who had recently taken the children from their graves? But why would he still have them and what use would childrens corpses be? He continued concocting and eliminating scenarios for some time

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 30 2006, 06:18 PM

Summary:

Sivartus, recently back from traveling to his grandfather's hidden study, was in his room at the Nymph & Noggin reading some of the books that Erenius had taken from his grandfather's library. However, his mind wasn't on the books that lay on the bed infront of him. He hadn't forgotten to place a mark at the hideout, so that he could return and study, but first he needed his grandfather's journal.

-----

Deciding it was time to get his grandfather's journal from Slyvos, he got up and put the books in a chest across the room. After setting a few traps and a powerful lock spell on it, he made his way down to the Nymph & Noggin common room, wondering how long it would take to find the khajiit.

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 30 2006, 06:21 PM

Isidor walked up to Kethiah's room, and knocked on the door.

Ingmar walked back into the main room of the Nymph and Noggin, for a drink.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 30 2006, 06:25 PM

Slyvos was of course, sitting at a table in the corner, reading that very same book that Sivartus was looking to get from him. He was nearing the end of the text, writing down notes of his own, and sipping from a glass filled with a substance that one couldn't tell the contents of without tasteing it.

He looked up when he finished up, taking a few more notes, before noticing Sivartus was in the room. "hey, over here. I just got done with the journal, you can have it back if you like." He said in a calm voice.

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 30 2006, 06:34 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 30 2006, 06:25 PM)

Sivartus was crossing the room, weaving his way inbetween the tables looking for anyone from the escort who might know where Slyvos was, when he heard the familiar voice of the khajiit. Turning to look in the direction of the voice, he saw Slyvos sitting at a table in the corner of the room, reading the journal.

"Hello Slyvos," he said, walking across the room to stand by the table. "Thank you, I was just about to go out and look for you. I hope I gave you enough time to read it all?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 30 2006, 06:40 PM

"not just that, but time to take notes from it. Well, here you go, it is rightfully your's after all. I think it's best I leave the discovery in the contents up to you to figure out though." He said as he held the journal out to Sivartus.

those were rather helpful actually, should come in handy later... wonder if I could actually duplicate the process without the same result as what happened to the man though.

Posted by: Sivartus Jan 30 2006, 06:48 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 30 2006, 06:40 PM)

"Well, I am glad I gave you enough time. I was worried alittle that I hadn't, but I couldn't wait any longer to read it," he said, taking the book from him and slipping it into one of the pockets on the inside of his robes. He spoke a word of magic and his grandfather's study flickered into view. He took a seat at the desk his grandfather had been in, took out a pen and paper for notes, and opened the journal to study.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 30 2006, 06:51 PM

Our fiftieth thread is at an end!

... but the plot of Playing Houses continues; find out all the details in part 51

Now though, it's time to ...

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna