To Scorn the Gods- Episode 7: Revelations

(7:17:22 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The group stands before the doors, readying themselves for the task before them... Whatever is behind there, the sheer force of its presence alone is more than enough to cause worry.
(7:18:18 PM) Ulyssa: "...This is it..." Shiver.
(7:18:27 PM) ***Kineth nods, taking a deep breath.
(7:18:42 PM) Artemis-XE: "No turning back now. Be careful, everyone."
(7:19:00 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle shifts back into human form, and draws a long, thin piece of finely carved wood. "...Before we go in, we should use this."
(7:19:02 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(7:19:55 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: She points it at each of the other party members in turn, who become surrounded by a barely visible, shimmering field of magic... "This should protect you."
(7:21:59 PM) ***Aelitethe blinks.
(7:22:07 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: She then drinks a potion before turning back into a wolf, somehow looking fiercer than before.
(7:22:17 PM) Zei-hime [~Ghalerion@Rizon-CA601469.dhcp.crtn.ga.charter.com] entered the room.
(7:26:20 PM) Ulyssa: MAGIC. That would be...pretty cool to learn. Can't learn it in a second though so this wouldn't be the best time to ask about that. But now... "...Everyone all set?"
(7:26:44 PM) ***Aelitethe nods.
(7:26:56 PM) ***Artemis-XE nods as well.
(7:27:03 PM) ***Kineth also nods.
(7:27:26 PM) Ulyssa: Does the good girl nod? DOES SHE? DOOOES SHE?
(7:27:59 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: She does! And nuzzles up to Aelitethe one last time.
(7:28:30 PM) Ulyssa: "Then...here we go." She decides to open the door herself, as carefully as she can possibly muster.
(7:35:39 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The door is heavy, but it swings open, to reveal a large, circular room. The door opens into a slight depression in its center. Ahead of you, you can see someone standing in front of a book on a wooden stand, writing and then scratching parts of that writing very quickly. Past him, there's an orb, glowing with black magic... That orb is the source of the dark presence. You can feel it. Around the room you can see four skeletons, each without equipment.
(7:35:39 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...However, there's something more shocking than all of that. Standing next to the figure and his book is what appears to be... Is that a dragon?! It's small, but its features are unmistakably that of the legendary beast... It's red, with relatively large wings for its tiny size, and a stinger at the end of its tail.
(7:35:53 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: It looks at you as you enter, and nudges the figure with the book.
(7:38:26 PM) Aelitethe: "A."
(7:44:29 PM) Artemis-XE: "Is that... no, it can't be."
(7:45:30 PM) Zei-hime is now known as kitsunearrowshooter
(7:45:57 PM) Ulyssa: ...There's something more shocking than a ORB THAT IS THE SOURCE OF MAGIC THAT MAKES PEOPLE TURN INTO ZOMBIES? ...THIS IS BAD. Then again, they signed up for bad, and she has commited to it. And she is STILL NOT SURPRISED AT ALL. She...does not have anything in particular to say about this, because most of what she could say wouldn't really be helpful in any way. Well, she does have
(7:45:57 PM) Ulyssa: one thing! "...Dragon."
(7:47:29 PM) Aelitethe: "Dragon."
(7:47:55 PM) Artemis-XE: "More like trouble."
(7:48:20 PM) Ulyssa: "Same thing!"
(7:48:47 PM) Artemis-XE: "Fair point. But we need to focus."
(7:48:49 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The figure turns, and looks down at you all, confused. "Wait... Who are you?" He's in dark green robes, matching his green eyes, and has shoulder-length brown hair. "This place is dangerous, you should-" He stares at Artemis. "No! No, this is not what I need! The church of all things getting involved!" His mild, confused demeanor instantly changes to one of hostility.
(7:48:49 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "So, the church sent you! No doubt you'll try and kill me without even trying to see what's really going on... But you can't stop this! I won't let you doom us all!" ...He's afraid.
(7:49:28 PM) Aelitethe: "Is there something more to this than what I initially thought...?"
(7:50:13 PM) Ulyssa: "...You're the one using the orbs to make skeletons and zombies, correct?"
(7:50:32 PM) Artemis-XE: "Us? Doom you all? What are you saying?"
(7:52:05 PM) Ulyssa: Orb, even. TYPO FUN!
(7:52:41 PM) Kineth: "...And how, exactly, is raising an army of undead saving anybody?"
(7:53:16 PM) Artemis-XE: "If anything, you're needlessly harming innocents."
(7:53:20 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Stop it! Don't even pretend you're trying to find out what's happening! It's people like you that drove him... No! I can't afford to waste time! This needs to end, quickly!" He seems panicked, not in a state to listen to reason. He draws a long, curved sword, and gets into a battle stance.
(7:56:01 PM) Ulyssa: "He's...being unreasonable..." Ulyssa decides to draw her swords. If she's going to be attacked, at least let her be ready for it!
(7:57:06 PM) Aelitethe: "Be careful, there's a d-d-d-d-d-draaagon!"
(7:57:58 PM) Artemis-XE: "So be it." He gets into his own stance, sword at the ready.
(7:58:11 PM) Kineth: Kineth says nothing, simply readying his greatsword.
(7:59:27 PM) Ulyssa: Well, the more Skeletons there are, the worse things will be. After all, they might have enough mind here to STRATEGIZE. So, she attacks one!
(8:03:33 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa manages to... Not do very much! All she does is cut off a small chunk of the skeleton's head with her shortsword. That might be great on a LIVING opponent, but here that's not much.
(8:03:50 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth!
(8:04:11 PM) Ulyssa: This is still very, very frustrating. She might as well be hitting the dragon to distract it. Still, she'll finish what she started! ALL OF IT!
(8:05:24 PM) Kineth: Kineth takes a deep breath before snarling, letting out a yell as he goes to tear into the dragon with his greatsword, possibly using his momentum to try and strike the mage as well! (Rage -> Power Strike -> Cleave if successful.)
(8:15:06 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...The poor, tiny little dragon doesn't even have a chance as Kineth tears right through it, his momentum slashing across the mage's chest as well, splashing blood everywhere. He gasps in pain, reeling back, before staring at the corpse of the dragon.
(8:16:27 PM) Ulyssa: Meanwhile, while Ulyssa has problems offing a single skeleton, Kineth kills a dragon in a single blow, and includes the mage with it.
(8:16:41 PM) Ulyssa: Guess who's feeling slightly inadequate at the moment!
(8:17:20 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I-Irthos... You... I couldn't protect you..." He looks up at Kineth, his face contorting with rage. "...You. YOU BASTARD! I will never forgive you... I WILL DESTROY YOUR VERY SOUL!" He screams with rage and anguish, before putting his hands forward, and chanting a spell! Colors spew out from them, fascinating. They threaten to seep into your very minds...
(8:22:32 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa feels her vision blacken, her mind nearly torn apart by the sudden spray of colors... However, she steels herself, and perseveres! Aelitethe and Bellezza, however, are unsuccessful in shaking it off... They slump to the ground, unconscious
(8:25:19 PM) Kineth: Kineth stands tall, sneering at the mage as his attempt to overload his mind with the barrage of colors surprisingly falls flat, waiting for his next chance to strike.
(8:27:20 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I won't let you... I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS!" The mage steps back, chanting another spell, before LEAPING down at Kineth, his sword crackling with energy. Kineth feels the blade bite into his shoulder, and energy course through him, paralyzing him!
(8:30:18 PM) Ulyssa: Nope. NOT TODAY. If she can barely hurt a skeleton, she is NOT going to be dropped the very next instant. That would be unforgivable! THIS ENTIRE SITUATION IS UNFORGIVABLE! WHAT HE JUST DID TO KINETH IS PRETTY UNFORGIVABLE, TOO!
(8:33:08 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The skeleton attacked by Ulyssa tries vainly to counterattack, but is deflected easily! ...The other three, however, gang up on Kineth, clawing at him. The pain is overwhelming, and his vision fades to black as he collapses
(8:35:15 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis! You need to do something here... But what?
(8:37:11 PM) Artemis-XE: "You. You filthy coward, hiding behind your toys... Die already." He says, pointing at the mage, before delivering a slash to his midsection.
(8:40:05 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis gets a hit in on the mage's arm!
(8:41:01 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The mage growls. "Toys?! I have no love for these abominations! And you of the church dare to call me a coward?! You destroy lives and oppress knowledge out of fear, and cause more deaths than any demon!"
(8:41:33 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa!
(8:45:50 PM) Ulyssa: ...Oh right, everything else. You know. "And in comparison, you might be better than them, but only a bit! But is it an excuse to kill anything and everything vaguely related to them?!" SHE MAD, and gone to attack the shit out of him now. SHE IS GOING TO OCCUPY HIM.
(8:49:25 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa charges in toward him at incredible speed! She seems almost to flash to the other side of him, both her sword slashing at once! His robes seem to be torn apart, blood everywhere. He gasps as he falls to his knees. "No... I... I can't save... This won't... end..." You can practically see the despair overtaking him with his last breath...
(8:52:06 PM) Ulyssa: "Your path...was a lot like theirs, I'm afraid..."
(8:56:28 PM) kitsunearrowshooter is now known as Zei-hime
(9:01:39 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The skeletons collapse into dust suddenly, and silence seems to overtake the room.
(9:02:53 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Briefly. Suddenly, however, dark energy springs from their remains, being drawn back into the orb! It then shoots out toward the crumpled corpses of the mage and the dragon, and they both twitch, before lurching to their feet...
(9:03:50 PM) ***Ulyssa had a distinct feeling that this was 20 tons too easy. Thus, she is still completely unsurprised as they come back from the dead, instead being sort of thankful the skeletons vanished for some reason!
(9:04:19 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "N-no... What is... this...?" The mage speaks, fear in his voice. "No... No, no, no, no... Am I just to be...? I can't... Kill me! Don't... A-AAAAH!"
(9:04:48 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: It's quite clear that this was NOT in any of his plans
(9:05:12 PM) Ulyssa: Dying usually isn't in anyone's plans. Unless they were AIMING to be a lich or something.
(9:06:50 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe finds a sudden moment of clarity... A brief thought  within the blackness. No... She can't go down! She has people defending her! With that determination, she snaps back into consciousness!
(9:08:28 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe rubs her head and eyes Kineth's fallen body. "Ah, no!" Aelitethe quickly attempts to bring the warrior back to consciousness by healing his wounds with Cure Light Wounds
(9:10:27 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe's hands emit healing light, which rushes into Kineth, closing some of his wounds and bringing him back to consciousness!
(9:11:06 PM) Kineth: Kineth slowly gets back up, panting, before looking at the now-zombified pair. "Seems like I've missed a lot..."
(9:12:15 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth! You have one chance to try and do something...
(9:15:16 PM) Kineth: Kineth lets out another loud roar as he quickly gets back into motion, going to repeat what he did the last time, attempting to lay into the zombified psuedodragon with a ferocious blow, again trying to use it as momentum to tear the mage apart some more as well! (Rage (Should be possible due to having Roused Anger) -> Power Strike -> Cleave on success)
(9:19:21 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth tears into both of them again, sending the dragon flying back, and tearing across the mage's chest once more. ...The only sound made in response, however, is the mage's tortured voice. "I can't... control..."
(9:21:44 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Suddenly, there's a flash, and a faint barrier appears around the mage, before he sticks his hands out and releases flames which engulf everyone briefly!
(9:24:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis manages to avoid the brunt of it, however!
(9:27:30 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The dragon unleashes two glowing missiles of force, which fly toward Aelitethe! They don't knock her out, but they hurt...
(9:28:36 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe gasps and cries out in pain as she's engulfed by flame and smacked about by glowing missiles.
(9:28:54 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis! You have a chance to do something!
(9:30:16 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis lunges at the now undead mage, attempting to stab it, saying absolutely nothing.
(9:33:01 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The sword bounces off of the faintly existing shield around the mage
(9:33:14 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ULYSSA!
(9:36:10 PM) Ulyssa: WOULD RATHER THIS END VERY SOON. Considering...everything. Everything ever. Though she can't really feel angry at the moment, it does not stop her from attempting to slay the dragon. Why the dragon? KEEPING A LESSER FOE OCCUPIED, THAT'S WHY! DISTRACTIONS!
(9:40:35 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Distraction? Pfff, who needs distraction when you can swing at half the speed of light and cut a dragon into ten pieces before anyone blinks? Certainly not Ulyssa!
(9:41:44 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Kineth!
(9:42:26 PM) Ulyssa: ...GETTING RID OF DISTRACTIONS. THAT'S ULYSSA!
(9:42:30 PM) Kineth: Kineth stares down the mage, drawing in a breath, before rushing him down, attempting to tear him apart with one more vicious swing of his blade! (Power Strike)
(9:44:48 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Once more, it slashes apart the mage's chest! ....You can actually see inside of him now. It's not pretty. But he's not quite going down either
(9:44:56 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe!
(9:56:40 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis!
(9:58:23 PM) Ulyssa: Where's the fluff? I can't see the fluff!
(9:58:58 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Oh
(9:59:53 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Aelitethe walks up to the mage zombie, trying to touch him while Artemis occupies him. She manages to touch him, and he winces, looking for a brief moment like he'll fall! ...But not quite
(10:01:55 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...
(10:02:37 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Then the mage chants a spell, and rocks  suddenly appear from thin air, battering everyone! Kineth and Aelitethe both go down!
(10:02:41 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: NOW Artemis can act
(10:06:45 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis looks around at his fallen, and injured companions. The very sight fills him with rage. The pent up anger manifests as a pair of claws where his hands once were. Fixing his sight on the undead mage, he starts swinging, mercilessly. "Die, die, die, die, die, die!" [Activate Bloodline Power]
(10:08:52 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Artemis' claws move in a blur, as he swings madly with them. Chunks of the mage's body go flying all across the room as Artemis slashes again and again with no mercy. Soon, there's little sign that there had ever been a mage. The pieces of bloody pulp scattered all across the room are so mutilated that the thought of them once being alive is almost horrifying.
(10:10:49 PM) Artemis-XE: The deed done, Art collapses to his knees. No, he isn't hurt... but.. are those tears?
(10:15:41 PM) Artemis-XE: ...He manages to regain his composure after some time, and heads over to the pillar holding the book in the center of the room.
(10:17:29 PM) Ulyssa: This all said and done, the first thing Ulyssa does is give her healing potion to Aelitethe, who has HEALING POWERS to make this less of a mess. Probably. No time to think about it, just the less dead they are, the better.
(10:19:07 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The book... The second page out of what is open is covered with indecipherable magical writings, but the other indicates that it's a journal!
(10:19:54 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Still can't deactivate the orb... I still don't understand why the abominations haven't killed me, but at least it gives me this chance... How many people are dying right now?"
(10:20:34 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe, now conscious and being able to DO THINGS, attempts to tend to those who are hurt - especially Kineth - through liberal application and castings of Cure Light Wounds.
(10:20:36 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...They're with the same basic style of handwriting, and you know that mage was writing on the second page.
(10:21:50 PM) Kineth: Kineth gets up afterwards, taking a few breaths as he goes to put his greatsword away, seeing as the zombified duo have been dealt with.
(10:21:51 PM) Artemis-XE: "Seems like this book is a journal of sorts."
(10:23:36 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Look at the earlier pages?
(10:23:58 PM) Artemis-XE: He looks at the earlier pages as well.
(10:24:07 PM) Ulyssa: "...what...does it say?" The amount of things that will surprise her is still nothing, but only if she's actually prepared for it!
(10:25:10 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe peeks at the journal-book-thingermajig. She's panting and looks tired.
(10:26:01 PM) Artemis-XE: "Well, the gist of it is, he was trying to find a way to deactivate this orb here. Perhaps he was trying to stop the undead as well."
(10:26:42 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: When you go far enough back, there's an obviously different, if similar, style of handwriting, though it's indecipherable. It looks like this book wasn't always his.  However, in the section that was his, you find... His name was Nekerr Solipsen. He was apprenticed to an older mage that lived in this tower, and the two managed well enough together. As for the dragon, they'd found him outside in the forest, and named him Irthos. Secret.
(10:26:47 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: As for the dragon, they'd found him outside in the forest, and named him Irthos. Secret.
(10:27:38 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(10:27:42 PM) ***Aelitethe sighs.
(10:29:07 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Apparently they'd had a number of interactions with the church, even though they'd avoided being found. They'd witnessed hunts to eliminate sorcerer bloodlines, and had grown bitter. The master especially had a powerful grudge against them... He sought a way to overthrow them. It drove him mad.
(10:29:53 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE:  Apparently... The orb you see in this room was potentially one of those ways. Nekerr had tried to dissuade the master, but the master had undergone a ritual, attempting to draw upon its power and become a lich... The ritual failed, and the master died, but just after, the orb activated and began raising the skeletons in the catacombs underneath the tower. Thus, the undead army began.
(10:30:23 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Nekerr tried each day, desperately to end it, fearful of the innocents that would die. However, he wasn't able to make much progress, until... It ends.
(10:30:53 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe facefaults.
(10:31:01 PM) Zei-hime left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(10:31:08 PM) Aelitethe: "Do you realize the implications behind this writing?"
(10:32:07 PM) Artemis-XE: "Yes. It looks like he was trying to stop this mess the entire time."
(10:33:15 PM) Artemis-XE: "He only freaked out because he saw me. This didnt have to happen." He shakes his head.
(10:33:55 PM) Ulyssa: ...And still, not even surprised anymore. "...None of this does..."
(10:34:19 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(10:34:21 PM) ***Kineth nods, sighing a little bit.
(10:34:29 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Aelitethe, something is nagging at you. Something seems a little bit familiar about the handwriting... Especially earlier in the book.
(10:34:52 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: You can't pin it without looking again, but it feels important...
(10:35:13 PM) Aelitethe: "Argh... Why...?"
(10:35:24 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe tries to read the journal again.
(10:36:09 PM) Zei-hime [~Ghalerion@Rizon-CA601469.dhcp.crtn.ga.charter.com] entered the room.
(10:36:50 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...It can't be. But... No, there's no mistaking it. Yet... How could this be?! Aelitethe pulls out the piece of paper from her father. ...It's the same handwriting. The same symbols, the same way of writing them...
(10:39:07 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Was the master... Her father?
(10:42:00 PM) Aelitethe: "..."
(10:42:59 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sort of... shivers in place. "Hmm...? Is this...? He... he worked with... father...? Is that... What...?"
(10:43:52 PM) Aelitethe: "I don't understand this one bit..."
(10:45:25 PM) Aelitethe: She continues to stay in place, veritably confused and lost upon this revelation. Her entire body is quivering.
(10:53:40 PM) ***Ulyssa can only sit in silence, now. She's seen/experienced slightly too much for a day! She wants a loving BREAK. For just a moment, she'd like the world to stop being a jerk to everyone that doesn't deserve it, and start being a jerk to everyone that actually does!
(10:54:15 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle walks up to Aelitethe, whining a bit, and nuzzles her hand.
(10:54:48 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe strokes Belle's head.
(10:55:58 PM) Aelitethe: "Belle...?"
(10:56:51 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "A-are you alright...?" ...So she CAN speak in this form
(10:57:09 PM) Aelitethe: "I'm confused, I'm so confused! This is my father's handwriting!"
(10:57:16 PM) ***Aelitethe looks like she could cry...
(10:58:15 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "So does that mean... He started this?"
(10:58:52 PM) Aelitethe: "I... I don't know!"
(10:59:03 PM) Kineth: "That... seems to be what it's implying. Though it'd probably be helpful if we knew what the other part of the journal said."
(10:59:55 PM) Artemis-XE: "Kineth's right. We shouldnt jump to conclusions just yet."
(11:00:51 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...The book actually does look like a spellbook, as well. Regardless of what the writing means, you might be able to study it and glean knowledge from it...
(11:01:12 PM) Aelitethe: "I'm going to take this book"
(11:01:15 PM) Aelitethe: "And study it."
(11:01:17 PM) Kineth: "Go ahead."
(11:01:30 PM) Kineth: "It'd probably be a good idea to do so, regardless."
(11:01:35 PM) Artemis-XE: "Do your best."
(11:01:37 PM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe takes the book and KEEPSIES IT FOR HERSELF.
(11:02:18 PM) ***Ulyssa nods. More power to her! To have the power to do SOMETHING about this...this everything.
(11:04:29 PM) Aelitethe: "So, what do we do now?"
(11:05:13 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The orb is still sitting there, though it doesn't seem to be active... You could try doing something with that?
(11:06:10 PM) Ulyssa: Like what? Since it doesn't seem active, Ulyssa eventually wanders over to it, just to see how inactive it or something. CURIOUSITY!
(11:06:11 PM) Aelitethe: "What do we do about this orb?"
(11:06:37 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...It won't react to touch. If there's any power left in it, it's not being released.
(11:06:40 PM) Kineth: "Good question."
(11:07:17 PM) Aelitethe: "Should we return with it?"
(11:07:17 PM) Artemis-XE: "No clue here... should we take it with us?"
(11:07:48 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The church probably will be wanting to get their hands on it... Magical artifacts aren't allowed to remain out in the world
(11:08:24 PM) Aelitethe: "I think so..."
(11:08:35 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: They'll want to investigate the area regardless, so unless you lie about where the source was (which is dangerous), they'll be coming here anyway.
(11:09:04 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Actually, there does look to be another chamber here. It's blocked by a VERY strongly visible barrier however, and you're pretty sure you couldn't knock the door apart
(11:09:39 PM) Ulyssa: THIS IS DANGEROUS. "...Well, it doesn't look like it'll revive zombies around us, but..."
(11:09:58 PM) Kineth: "I'd say to maybe use it to disable that barrier, but..."
(11:11:33 PM) Artemis-XE: "I think we should take the orb and let the church handle the barrier."
(11:13:26 PM) Artemis-XE: "They'll come back and investigate further anyway."
(11:13:49 PM) Ulyssa: "...letting them handle anything sounds like bad news, but I don't think we have much other choices..."
(11:14:08 PM) Kineth: "Unfortunately so, yes."
(11:14:16 PM) Artemis-XE: "Nnnope. We dont."
(11:14:34 PM) Ulyssa: "...and I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to kill us at the door, but we could still play dumb and maybe they'll try to kill us in some other way..."
(11:17:13 PM) Aelitethe: "Well, there's only one way to find out."
(11:17:43 PM) Kineth: "...Well, go for it."
(11:18:10 PM) Aelitethe: "We're taking this with us and headnig back."
(11:18:19 PM) Artemis-XE: He thinks to himself for a moment. Would they really do that? ...I didnt ask for this.
(11:18:32 PM) Aelitethe: "To be fair, if we leave it here, someone else might find it."
(11:21:55 PM) Genshuku [~Genshuku@Rizon-3227C6A1.hsd1.il.comcast.net] entered the room.
(11:22:19 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...During this time, Ulyssa notices something shiny! ...Very shiny. Magic sword shiny.
(11:22:35 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Albeit covered in blood
(11:23:06 PM) Genshuku: Her eyes are drawn to the shiny, clearly so shiny she can notice it under all this dark red. So, she...gets it! If it was his, best put it to good use!
(11:24:17 PM) Ulyssa left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(11:24:25 PM) Genshuku is now known as Ulyssa
(11:25:34 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: It's definitely a good weapon! Ulyssa can feel how well balanced it is. It feels like she could cut anything with it
(11:27:01 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Everyone may be realizing now that it's a good thing they got tunnel vision on the book. Wow, this place is really a bloody mess...
(11:27:42 PM) Aelitethe: "Let... Let's go back already, okay?"
(11:27:42 PM) Kineth: (Well considering that we killed two people twice)
(11:27:46 PM) ***Kineth nods.
(11:27:47 PM) Ulyssa: With a pained sigh (here she is, looting the dead without much of a care in the world after not really questioning the end result here, she didn't really get tunnel vision at all!), she takes it. She now has three different shortswords, and two different cutlasses. JUST TRY TO DISARM THIS AND HAVE IT MATTER.
(11:28:21 PM) Artemis-XE: Suddenly it dawns on him. He shouldve kept his cool. This mell of a hess can only cause trouble later on.
(11:28:44 PM) Artemis-XE: "Y-yeah, let's get going already."
(11:29:03 PM) Kineth: Kineth is already on the way out! No need to tell him twice.
(11:29:22 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Who's carrying the orb?
(11:29:49 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis has the orb in tow.
(11:30:02 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa is carrying enough as is. ONWARD!
(11:31:29 PM) Aelitethe: LET US GO BACK.
(11:32:47 PM) Ulyssa: Clearly, the carrying of a potentially temporarily disabled artifact of doom should be painless!
(11:33:57 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...The trip back feels longer than it felt the first way, with the cruel revelations had on this journey, and the presence of the artifact which caused it all. Each day drags on with a heavy feeling of dread, not knowing what's going to happen next, or what can be done about... Anything.
(11:34:48 PM) Ulyssa: Everything.
(11:35:34 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...However, eventually, the capital comes back into sight, and you know this adventure is almost over... Yet, you also know that it can only be the beginning. Whether the story even has a middle, or will go straight to a tragic end, however, you can no longer be sure. Certainly, Ulyssa fears it
(11:37:02 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...And then, the city is no longer merely in sight, but before you. Whatever reward the church sees fit to give you awaits, if you wish to visit the temple...
(11:39:35 PM) Artemis-XE: Artemis decides to get the uneasy feeling of reporting his findings to the temple out of the way. But does anyone follow?
(11:40:22 PM) Aelitethe: "...Maybe I shouldn't follow, Artemis."
(11:40:38 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle will stay near Aelitethe, whatever her decision. Though back in human form, to avoid suspicion, she remains as close as ever
(11:41:02 PM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa...currently cannot stomach being inside it. She'll let you know if you ask!
(11:41:15 PM) Artemis-XE: "...It would probably be best, given the circumstances."
(11:41:30 PM) Artemis-XE: "Ulyssa, are you coming?"
(11:41:57 PM) Ulyssa: "I...do I have to?"
(11:44:53 PM) Artemis-XE: "Well, it's your choice."
(11:45:55 PM) Ulyssa: "...I'd rather not, then. If you need the cutlass for whatever reason, let me know." MAGICAL ARTIFACTS! On a mage.
(11:47:10 PM) Artemis-XE: "And what about you, Kineth?"
(11:49:16 PM) Kineth: "I'm... not particularly sure, myself."
(11:50:03 PM) Artemis-XE: "I wont force you. Up to you."
(11:52:36 PM) Kineth: "...Yeah, I think I'll be staying behind as well. You can go it alone for a little, right?" He then goes to stand next to Ulyssa.
(11:53:31 PM) Artemis-XE: "Yeah, shouldnt be a problem." He says before leaving for the temple.
(11:57:03 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The city is the same as it always is. Bustling. Cheerful. ...Oblivious. They're all... They don't know about the damage the church has done. They don't understand the persecution and death that people like Artemis himself, and his family, must fear. It's... It's all wrong. And he's working for it. No matter his end goal, he's still working inside that cruel and twisted system... The thoughts come unbidden to his mind.
(11:59:09 PM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Eventually, he reaches the temple, still troubled. Its vast existence towers before him, and he must steel himself and sigh before he enters...
(11:59:56 PM) Ulyssa: These very thoughts also come to Ulyssa's mind, considering she was a prime example of one of them just moments ago! She is clearly uncomfortable here.
(5/20/2012 12:00:33 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe herself is very disturbed as she sees Artemis off to report the findings. "..."
(12:01:00 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: In the front chamber, Father Haisen stands preaching. "And so, we must dedicate our bodies and our minds to serve Corellus, and his holy purpose, so that-" He stops, his eyes widening as he sees you. "...You!" His voice sounds almost accusing, before he composes himself a little bit more. "O-oh... You have returned."
(12:01:22 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...The crowd is staring at Artemis now
(12:01:56 AM) Artemis-XE: "Yes, and the assignment has been dealt with."
(12:03:42 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I see, I see..." He looks over the crowd. "You may return to your lives now. I hope you will think on the truth of my words." He then looks back at Artemis, and beckons. "Come, come, tell me about it... Every detail you can recall."
(12:06:40 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The crowd leaves, slipping behind Artemis as he approaches closer to Father Haisen. The elderly cleric will lead him to a chamber in the back so long as he is willing to follow.
(12:08:36 AM) Artemis-XE: He follows. And begins recounting the important events.
(12:08:49 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Which specific important events?
(12:10:10 AM) Artemis-XE: (The near-abandoned church being attacked by undead, and the tower containing the artifact which was the source of the undead gathering)
(12:10:58 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: No mention of the girl or the quest for the cure, then?
(12:11:14 AM) Artemis-XE: (Nope)
(12:11:29 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Right then.
(12:15:13 AM) Artemis-XE: "As I travelled to the north, I came upon the village that was under attack from the undead. They seemed to be breaking into the church, but we fought them off without much trouble."
(12:15:43 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I see... And what happened next?"
(12:16:54 AM) Artemis-XE: "After a talk with the clergyman there, Saken, I learned that the source of the problem was not in that village, but further to the northeast."
(12:17:29 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Very well. I would assume that you left immediately, then?" ...There's a slight emphasis on the word "would"
(12:18:30 AM) Artemis-XE: "Yes, we did. There wasnt any time to waste in a situation like that."
(12:18:56 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...I see. What did you find in the forest, then?"
(12:20:16 AM) Artemis-XE: "A tower."
(12:20:39 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "What was within the tower?"
(12:22:03 AM) Artemis-XE: "Full of more undead. At the top, a mage was chanting near an altar holding an artifact. Presumably to summon more of the damn things." He holds up the orb to Father Haisen.
(12:22:41 AM) Artemis-XE: "This is the artifact in question. Inactive."
(12:23:13 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, I see... And this must have been his focus." Haisen takes the orb. ...And then, he laughs.
(12:29:16 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...You're a fool, Artemis. Did you think I wouldn't hear?" He looks straight at you, not even feigning warmth anymore. He looks... Quite proud of himself, actually. "About that poor little girl who was worth a week's distraction to your mind? About that pitiful little boy that had the audacity to call himself a cleric? No... I heard everything from him. Pitiful fool, thinking to lie to me... You didn't even notice that you'd never mentioned a forest."
(12:29:22 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Pitiful fool, thinking to lie to me... You didn't even notice that you'd never mentioned a forest."
(12:30:12 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "You are no paladin. Paladins do not let themselves be distracted from their mission, and they certainly don't get caught lying to their superiors."
(12:31:10 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I wonder how many more people died for that girl you were so intent on saving in the week you waited? Reflect on that, as you know you will never be able to serve the glory of Corellus."
(12:32:33 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis stands there silently, thinking. ...Idiot. how could I have forgotten that I didnt say anything about a forest?!
(12:35:22 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "You clearly cannot be trusted with missions like this, Artemis... Hiding things from your superiors is a sin. Perhaps those aren't the only lies, hm? No matter... I'm sure I shall discover in the end. Leave, and don't show your face again. You have forfeited all reward for your deeds, to yourself or your companions."
(12:38:49 AM) Artemis-XE: "Alright. I will leave. But know this. The job was done. And judging by your inital reaction, you werent expecting me to be successful in the first place."
(12:40:21 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, so you knew? Questioning the intentions of your superiors... Yet another point against you. I'm sure you will receive punishment for your sins in the afterlife." ...Smug bastard.
(12:40:38 AM) Artemis-XE: "You, you phony excuse for a Father, can go rot in the embrace of hell. He says as he storms out.
(12:42:41 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...There's someone outside the door. He gestures at you to be quiet as he follows you outside, ensuring the door is closed behind you. ...It's the same paladin you had an encounter with before you left. Sir Killis
(12:46:57 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Hey. I heard what happened in there. I'm sorry."
(12:47:08 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He says once you're outside
(12:47:14 AM) Artemis-XE: "Oh?"
(12:47:59 AM) Artemis-XE: "I guess you've come to look down on me again?"
(12:48:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "No, I haven't. I was never looking down on you. I just... Look, we shouldn't talk here. Why don't we meet at the Horse and Dragon? That way this shouldn't get back to him."
(12:49:44 AM) Artemis-XE: "...You'd understand if I were still skeptical. But i'll hold you to that."
(12:51:26 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Good. I'll go ahead, you do anything else you need to do." He pats you on the shoulder as he walks on by you.
(12:52:29 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe, curiously, is already at the Horse and Dragon.
(12:52:36 AM) Artemis-XE: Art thinks for a second. Is there anything else? Not really. He flips off the temple once more before heading to the tavern.
(12:53:00 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle is there as well, staying as close to Aelitethe as possible.
(12:53:29 AM) Ulyssa: And Ulyssa is right outside said tavern, attempting to not look like she wants to stab certain individuals that wear certain robes and whatnot.
(12:54:37 AM) Kineth: Kineth's also there as well, having just followed the others along.
(12:55:43 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis is already sitting in the corner of the tavern, with... Two drinks on the table already, one of them obviously not placed for his seat. He beckons at Artemis as he comes in.
(12:56:12 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Wait. Killis isn't alone, is he?
(12:56:40 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: It's hard to see, but... Someone else is next to him, almost slumped under the table. You can just barely manage to see a mug in the person's hand
(12:57:12 AM) Artemis-XE: Art moves in for a closer look.
(12:57:58 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Huh? Is that... Saken? Why is he here?
(12:59:00 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I'm a failure..." you can hear him muttering. "S'all my fault..." *hic*
(12:59:14 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Well, he's definitely drunk. You wouldn't think he'd even be able to stomach alcohol.
(12:59:18 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe is standing against the wall inside the tavern right by Saken, sighing. "I feel terrible for not seeing this."
(12:59:32 AM) Artemis-XE: "...Saken? What's wrong?"
(1:00:13 AM) Kineth: Kineth lets out a small sigh, sitting next to Saken, not really knowing what to say.
(1:00:28 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Oh, Artmis..." You swear there's an e missing there. "I'm... 'm so sorry... It's all... *hic* my fault... I told Haisen... And now we're both..."
(1:00:54 AM) Kineth: "Eh. He's a stupid piece of shit."
(1:00:54 AM) Artemis-XE left the room (quit: Read error: Connection reset by peer).
(1:00:59 AM) XephyrEnigma [~MobileXep@Rizon-76C5DD72.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com] entered the room.
(1:01:12 AM) Kineth: "Why care about what he even thinks?"
(1:01:23 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis looks up at you, shrugging. "He was pretty much like this when I got here. Telling him about what happened to you only changed what he was focusing on."
(1:01:32 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe simply sighs, shaking his head.
(1:01:33 AM) Aelitethe: *her
(1:01:34 AM) XephyrEnigma is now known as ArtemisXE
(1:01:58 AM) ArtemisXE is now known as Artemis-XE
(1:02:53 AM) Artemis-XE: "Kineth's right. You shouldnt worry about that old sod."
(1:05:27 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "B-but..." Saken is almost whimpering. "You got kicked out... And I... I'm such a disappointment..." He sounds like he's about to burst into a fountain of tears and flood the city. "H-how can I face father after being excommunicated...?"
(1:06:54 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe refrains from comment. She has very negative opinions regarding the church, but she doesn't want to say anything out of respect for Artemis' acquaintance, who doesn't seem half bad. "...The best thing to do is to calm down."
(1:07:07 AM) Kineth: Kineth goes to gently place a hand on Saken's shoulder, patting it. "Honestly, part of me wonders if you should even care? It's clear that he doesn't care about the good deed that was done."
(1:07:19 AM) Artemis-XE: "For one, lets just say it was better for me that that happened. And from what I gathered when I first met you, it sounded like your mind was set on more scholarly efforts."
(1:07:50 AM) Kineth: *.
(1:08:37 AM) Artemis-XE: "And yeah, lets not forget, he didnt give two shits about the people. Hell, the fool probably wanted me dead from the start. Why? No clue. Who knows whats going on with him.."
(1:08:40 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle interrupts. "...You don't get it, do you? It has nothing to do with how you performed. The old man obviously wanted you dead. Get over it and figure out how to move on." ...Well, she's blunt. "W-what are you saying...?" Saken stares at her with tear-blurred eyes.
(1:09:27 AM) Aelitethe: "Belle... Sigh. What she's saying is that Haisen set you up. He wanted you dead for whatever reason. It would be downright insane to send someone like yourself alone with no help without an ulterior motive."
(1:09:30 AM) Kineth: "Was that really needed, Belle?"
(1:09:31 AM) Artemis-XE: "A harsh way of putting it, but... them's the breaks."
(1:09:37 AM) Kineth: "I mean, we all know he's kind of an ass, but jeeze."
(1:09:51 AM) Kineth: "At least ease into it a little first."
(1:10:22 AM) Aelitethe: "...By the way, how's the girl?"
(1:10:35 AM) Kineth: "...A very good question, yes."
(1:10:44 AM) Artemis-XE: "Hope she's okay..."
(1:11:08 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "What? Being nice to him obviously wasn't working." ...It's almost surprising that the word is in her vocabulary.
(1:11:39 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken looks at Aelitethe. "O-oh, she's fine... Thanks to you. Thank you. A-and... Belle's right..."
(1:12:14 AM) Kineth: "Good to hear she's doing well, at least."
(1:12:51 AM) Aelitethe: "...Well, with that said, what do we do now?"
(1:13:11 AM) Aelitethe: "As for me, I'd like to try and get down to the bottom of this. I want to know if my father is related to what we saw at that tower."
(1:14:01 AM) ***Kineth nods. "I wouldn't mind helping with that, myself."
(1:14:22 AM) Artemis-XE: "I'd be glad to help you, Aelitethe."
(1:15:52 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis interrupts. "For now, you should lay low. Especially since, well..." He gestures at a small crowd that's entered in the tavern and is staring at Aelitethe and Belle. Not at the group. Just those two specifically.  "...I think altogether too many eyes are on you as it is." He then looks at Saken, who seems to shrink even more and stutters out an apology.
(1:16:27 AM) Aelitethe: "You know something, Sir?" Aelitethe raises an eyebrow in response to Killis staring at Belle and herself.
(1:16:45 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The crowd is staring. Killis isn't staring.
(1:16:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Except at Saken, with a raised eyebrow.
(1:17:17 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...The tavern's not normally this crowded. Ever
(1:17:17 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "..."
(1:17:44 AM) Artemis-XE: "Lay low? But where would we go?"
(1:18:02 AM) Aelitethe: "Shh, Arty. There are people looking at me."
(1:19:00 AM) Aelitethe: ...So, why is this crowd looking at Belle and Aelitethe again?
(1:19:18 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: You don't know! Though Saken apologized for it... Maybe he would know?
(1:19:39 AM) Aelitethe: "Saken, do you know anything about the crowd here? Taverns don't usually get this crowded."
(1:20:13 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "U-um, well... I kind of, uh... Let it slip that you and Belle were angels... And gave, um, a detailed description..." He's blushing quite madly.
(1:20:35 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe looks at Belle, and then she looks at Saken, and then she blinks.
(1:20:37 AM) Kineth: ...
(1:20:38 AM) Aelitethe: "Um..."
(1:20:45 AM) Kineth: Double. Facepalm.
(1:21:38 AM) Aelitethe: "...Should I sing a song?"
(1:22:18 AM) Artemis-XE: "It... could help. At least give them a less awkward reason to stare."
(1:22:24 AM) Kineth: "Yeah..."
(1:22:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis speaks up. "Yeah, that'd probably attract more. ...I wouldn't mind hearing it though."
(1:23:13 AM) Kineth: "May as well." Kineth grumbles a little, not really amused by any of this.
(1:23:20 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods and clears her throat, soon opening her mouth to sing her song. The song in question is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOoSCE_fEwY
(1:24:56 AM) Ulyssa: And maybe Ulyssa can hear it from outside! ;_;
(1:25:17 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The crowd continues to stare at Aelitethe, now in absolute rapture. ...The growing crowd. Was the tavern built to hold this many people?
(1:25:36 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Ulyssa even sees people gathering around outside
(1:25:38 AM) Kineth: Kineth... Just heads out to go stay with Ulyssa. She could probably use some company.
(1:27:10 AM) Aelitethe: The song was deliberately short!
(1:27:56 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe had picked this song to make a point, but she had doubted anyone would be able to understand its true significance.
(1:28:14 AM) Aelitethe: It eventually trails off once she finishes.
(1:28:31 AM) Ulyssa: With the crowd gathering outside (what is even going ON), she seems rather relieved to see Kineth there. She even cracks a small smile!
(1:28:42 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The crowd calls out for an encore. ...But then the bartender calls on the bouncer to remove anyone that doesn't intend to actually buy anything. Half the crowd disapppears.
(1:29:21 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle: "...Well, this won't make things easy..."
(1:29:33 AM) Aelitethe: "...Apologies. It appears word of me has spread far." Aelitethe bows to the bartender as she then shoots a glare at Saken.
(1:30:16 AM) Ulyssa: ...if you've been paying attention, there is a sore lack of smiles from her lately. Used to be so cheerful and upbeat. Much less so, now.
(1:31:11 AM) Kineth: Kineth returns the small smile, going to pat Ulyssa on the shoulder and... actually hug her. Honestly, the two of 'em have had a long... past couple of weeks and god dammit, they're, like... childhood friends so he should at least try and do something minorly comforting. Hopefully it'll help, even if only a little.
(1:31:25 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken winces. "Um... Maybe I could try and fix this...? Somehow... Or maybe I should just leave..." He starts to try to stand up, wobbling, before Killis pushes him down. "Siddown! You've done enough already, and with your luck a thieves guild will start existing just to mug you."
(1:32:03 AM) Aelitethe: "Calm it, friend. Thinking of it, it may not be such a problem."
(1:32:54 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe scratches her chin. "...Sir?" Aelitethe gestures towards Killis. "I'm not sure if we've met."
(1:33:38 AM) Zei-hime left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(1:34:47 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, of course, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Killis. I came here to try and talk with Arty here about what's going on." He scans the crowd. "...Though, it might be a little tough with this many people. Someone might hear... I don't suppose any of you have a home around here that we could talk at?"
(1:35:03 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...He's  not going to get any affirmatives. Even Artemis lived at the temple like the other paladins.
(1:35:11 AM) Ulyssa: And Ulyssa...returns Kineth's hug (a bit tightly, oop)! Her head is buried in appropriate area as she does so, and she decided this would be a good time to let a few tears flow, as well. Not a word is spoken.
(1:35:33 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe looks at the others. "...My name is Aelitethe, if you don't already know. In any case, judging from our motley crew here, I'd say... That's a no."
(1:36:58 AM) Kineth: Kineth doesn't mind the tightness of the hug, simply going to gently pat Ulyssa on the back as they stay that way for however long. ...Not a word spoken, indeed. Not a word spoken, indeed.
(1:38:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Ah, shame..." He looks at Saken. "...Hey, what've you been doing since you got back anyway? You must be staying somewhere, right?" Saken stutters, as always. "O-oh, um, yes... But, um... My mother is there..." Killis shakes his head. "...Yeah, I don't think we want the high priest's wife around for this. Not sure I can spare enough for rooms for all of you at an inn..."
(1:39:24 AM) Aelitethe: "To be exact, we technically just arrived. We have nowhere to go." Aelitethe facefaults.
(1:41:33 AM) Ulyssa: After what's probably several minutes, with the strength of the hug increasing slightly as time goes by, the deathgrip finally loosens. "...T-thank you. I...needed that..."
(1:44:13 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis sighs. "...You probably all have at least enough money to pay halfway for rooms for the night, don't you? Why don't I pay for half, and we can talk in one of those."
(1:44:40 AM) Kineth: After a few minutes pass, Kineth gently pats Ulyssa on the shoulder, nodding, a small smile on his face. "I-It's alright. I'm just glad you're feeling better."
(1:44:46 AM) Artemis-XE: "That sounds fair. How much will it come up to?"
(1:44:50 AM) Kineth: *After those few minutes
(1:45:20 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Should be about... 10 GP on each side? It'd have to be a place with well-insulated doors and walls."
(1:47:05 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...4 GP per person? This must be pretty sensitive.
(1:47:15 AM) Aelitethe left the room (quit: Ping timeout: 240 seconds).
(1:47:24 AM) Artemis-XE: "Fair enough." He pays his share for the room.
(1:47:39 AM) Kineth: (...Eh. We should have more than enough to cover for it. :v)
(1:48:11 AM) Artemis-XE: (I swear I have like over 300 myself)
(1:48:29 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: (Yeah, you all have plenty really)
(1:51:14 AM) Ulyssa: "...Thanks."  She takes a deep breath, then proceeds to actually look cheerful for once!
(1:54:04 AM) MotherCeres [~sylazento@13440A82.1D19BDE1.406CACD6.IP] entered the room.
(1:54:18 AM) MotherCeres is now known as Aelitethe
(1:54:21 AM) Kineth: "...Glad to have helped." He nods in response, actually looking a little bit more cheerful as well.
(1:57:11 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe silently pays her share.
(1:58:51 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Well, we can't shack up here... It's a nice tavern and all, but not a luxury inn. I know just the place though. Angel's Aviary. I'll take you there, c'mon." He gets up from the table and starts clearing a path to the door through the remaining onlookers.
(1:59:27 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe simply nods and follows Killis.
(1:59:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle follows as well, still doing her stalker/bodyguard thing
(2:00:14 AM) Artemis-XE: Art follows Killis as the others do.
(2:00:57 AM) Ulyssa: And if they're to go out the door with...hey look, him again, Ulyssa will probably follow as well!
(2:01:48 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...Killis drags Saken along as well, flipping a gold piece toward the bartender to pay for all the drinks.
(2:02:12 AM) Kineth: Kineth just follows along as well, helping Killis drag Saken. If'n he doesn't mind anyways.
(2:04:03 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He leads the group... Quite a ways, actually. It takes about half an hour to get to their destination. Granted, this is with Kineth and Killis both having to keep Saken walking, which isn't easy.
(2:05:16 AM) Aelitethe: "..."
(2:05:54 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: They finally reach their destination, a very, VERY large inn that's almost sickeningly fancy on the inside. ...You'd think the people who would be willing to pay for this would already have private rooms in the temple, in most cases.
(2:06:21 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Regardless, Killis books rooms for the group, in whatever setup they'd like. Belle obviously wants to be with Aelitethe
(2:08:28 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe eyes Ulyssa with some concern. Indeed, Aeli will be rooming with Belle~
(2:09:32 AM) Ulyssa: Ulyssa will find herself wanting to book a room with Kineth. Others if necessary, but definitely Kineth. Does she really want to ask why this guy is getting dragged along and they're hanging out with another paladin? Right now? Not really!
(2:10:34 AM) Kineth: Kineth would just as much like to book a room with Ulyssa as well, so hey! Hooray mutual agreement! And yeah other folks if need be as well, but def. Ulyssa at the least.
(2:11:09 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis will probably book a room with Killis. They prona
(2:11:18 AM) Kineth: (wat)
(2:11:27 AM) Artemis-XE: Probably have important things to speak of *
(2:11:38 AM) Artemis-XE: (Damn send key)
(2:11:51 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis is only buying rooms for the five. As a paladin, he rooms at the temple. Saken mentioned having a place of his own earlier as well
(2:12:08 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Or, well, not quite his own, but still
(2:12:33 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He wants to meet up in one of the rooms to talk, but he'll be leaving afterward.
(2:12:36 AM) Artemis-XE: He'll be booking a room with Saken, then.
(2:13:16 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...After a short discussion, it's decided that it would be best for Saken to stay here as well given his current state. His mother will understand.
(2:15:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: You're each shown where your rooms are before Killis takes the group into Artemis and Saken's room to talk.
(2:16:24 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Right, so. How do I start this. ...None of you like the church very much, right? You won't out me as a bad paladin if I say things against them?" He looks at Saken. "...Yeah I know you won't, whether you agree or not. At least, apart from just being bad with secrets."
(2:17:09 AM) Artemis-XE: "Well, to be honest, I felt the same way."
(2:17:23 AM) ***Ulyssa nods intensely! She certainly won't be!
(2:17:55 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle crosses her arms. "...I don't have much reason to like them."
(2:18:31 AM) Kineth: Kineth nods as well. "Nor do I."
(2:18:37 AM) Aelitethe: "I was honestly suspecting bad things from them to begin with, but I hadn't suspected you had similar sentiments, Sir."
(2:20:44 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Right, that makes things easier. In short, the church is corrupt, and Haisen is a power-hungry bastard who has been manipulating the entire thing and drawing support around him for years." He looks at Saken. "...I'm sorry to say, but your father is basically powerless. Haisen made his connections before Naless was even in the clergy."
(2:21:53 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken blinks. "Wha...? But, how can that...?" Killis doesn't let him finish. "You think your father would have sent you to die if he had any real choice?" ...Saken falls silent.
(2:22:09 AM) ***Aelitethe coughs.
(2:23:37 AM) Ulyssa: Learning! Listening! Though she should be happy she knows what's going on here more, it's still a reminder that the world is ten tons of why.
(2:24:13 AM) Aelitethe: "Now, the main issue is trying to figure out the motivations for it, I gather. As I suspected, he has an ulterior motive for his actions. But..."
(2:25:17 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...I doubt you'd be ready to trust me so easily though. So... Why don't I reveal something that puts more than myself in danger if it gets out, and clear the air entirely. ...My brother is a sorcerer. That's why I'm trying to change it all."
(2:25:35 AM) Aelitethe: "Hmm?"
(2:25:53 AM) Artemis-XE: "Oh?"
(2:26:22 AM) Aelitethe: "I... I am somewhat a practicioner of the magic arts, myself. I'm not incredibly good at it, but..."
(2:27:31 AM) Aelitethe: "Now I can see where you're coming from."
(2:28:03 AM) Artemis-XE: "Its a whole lot clearer now, yes."
(2:28:43 AM) ***Kineth nods.
(2:28:44 AM) Ulyssa: ...Yeah, she's definitely listening now! Nod.
(2:29:06 AM) Aelitethe: "You plan to expose this?"
(2:30:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...I've been in the church for years, and I was lucky enough to have a mentor that was able to help me steer clear of Haisen's attention. I've actually had my eye on you for some time, Artemis, since I had a feeling you weren't as blind as most of the other paladins... Unfortunately, Haisen saw it too, and I couldn't get close enough to warn you before it was too late."
(2:30:30 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: He looks away. "...I knew you were being sent off to die, just like my mentor. That's why... The entire conversation before you left happened."
(2:31:27 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken is just staring at Killis, wide-eyed. Belle, however, gets the point. "...And? Why are you telling us this? Do you want our help in something?"
(2:31:44 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe clears her throat. "So, you want to expose this, don't you."
(2:33:03 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis blinks. "Well... I want to expose it, but the truth  of the matter is, if I did so, the church would go into overt civil war. Haisen's side would win in the end. ...But, yes, I do want your help. And I want to help you in turn."
(2:33:39 AM) Artemis-XE: "Well, yes, we cant just put the
(2:33:54 AM) Artemis-XE: matter out in the open."
(2:34:35 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "How do we help you, and how will you help us?"
(2:34:54 AM) Kineth: "That would be excellent to know, yes."
(2:35:09 AM) Artemis-XE: "What do you propose?"
(2:36:26 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...That's part of the reason you need to lay low. I'll try and give you whatever information I can on what's happening in the church. ...And, if any of you are sorcerers, I can train you to direct your powers in a manner similar to the magic of paladins. In return, I... Want you to act on things which I cannot. Some things cannot be done within the system."
(2:37:02 AM) Aelitethe: "Fair enough. Such as?"
(2:38:52 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I... It's more than I feel I can get into right now. We will speak more on it later. ...However, I feel you should understand. The reason that Haisen has so much support is partially because he acts in the interests of what the church stands for. And... So far as I can tell, has always stood for. I've tried to find evidence that Corellus does not truly desire what's happening, if he even exists, but... There's nothing to indicate it hasn't always been this way."
(2:38:56 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: There's nothing to indicate it hasn't always been this way."
(2:40:15 AM) Ulyssa: She's definitely listening, here! It comes with a confirmation nod. He's totally not bad. TOTALLY. Hopefully.
(2:40:59 AM) Aelitethe: "I've always been wary against the Church. They don't take well to my kind."
(2:42:13 AM) Artemis-XE: "I've never agreed with their practices."
(2:43:27 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle sighs. "...I suppose it's something for us to do. If we can somehow change it, it'll become less dangerous for Aelitethe..."
(2:43:40 AM) Aelitethe: "Who knows, Belle? I may be able to find something about my father."
(2:44:05 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Mmm, perhaps..."
(2:45:35 AM) Aelitethe: "I am concerned, though."
(2:45:50 AM) Artemis-XE: "About what?"
(2:46:29 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis looks to Saken. "...And you? Can you bring yourself to rebel against Haisen, and the church?" Saken takes a moment to respond. "I... I don't know... B-but... If the church says that... That you should die... I can't believe that. You've always been... So kind. ...So I'll try and help you however I can."
(2:46:33 AM) Aelitethe: "You remember the crowd that gathered at the tavern. If word reaches the Church about my existence... I fear we have delved into a bigger plot than I had anticipated."
(2:47:53 AM) Artemis-XE: "Yes, that could pose a problem. Though, i'm not too sure how we'd deal with that..."
(2:48:37 AM) Kineth: "Yes, that's a bit of a problem in its' own right..."
(2:48:41 AM) Aelitethe: "Me neither to be honest. They may want me for their own purposes."
(2:48:59 AM) Aelitethe: "Which leads me to question what my own purpose is!"
(2:51:40 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis sighs. "Yes, I'm not sure how to deal with that... Frankly, your singing sounds like something from legends. Your reputation likely won't fade. All I think you can really do is try to build a following that will defend you, while trying to keep your public activities innocent.
(2:51:41 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "
(2:52:32 AM) Kineth: "That sounds like the best idea, honestly. May as well make the best out of what's already there."
(2:52:46 AM) Kineth: *sounds like a solid idea
(2:53:07 AM) Artemis-XE: "Seems like the only thing to do, really."
(2:53:20 AM) Aelitethe: "
(2:53:29 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe nods, but something seems to be nagging her.
(2:54:01 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Something wrong?" Belle asks, looking closely at Aelitethe.
(2:54:32 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. This...might have problems, but...well, a lot of things have problems!
(2:55:14 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighs. "My mother... and my father's role... Could they be related to what's happening? What is my reason for this...? Ah... So confusing..."
(2:55:51 AM) Kineth: "Hmm.. Maybe we'll be able to figure it out along the way?"
(2:57:06 AM) Aelitethe: "I hope so... I want to shed light on all this too!"
(2:58:28 AM) Ulyssa: "I'd...like to know that Corellus isn't bad, and put an end to all this." Nod nod.
(2:58:53 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis looks at her inquisitively. "...I'm afraid I know nothing of your father. Why do you believe he might have a part in recent events?"
(3:00:19 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe sighed. "The assignment. We went to the tower... And we engaged in combat with what appeared to be some sort of wizard and his dragon. After the matter, we took that orb and a book which contained writing very similar to my father's..." Aelitethe fidgets for the book and presents it to Killis.
(3:03:28 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "Hm?" Killis opens the book and glances through. "...Oh. This is troubling. All of that was because of the church as well... I see. So... You think the master that tried to become a lich might be your father?"
(3:03:53 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, their writing is almost the same! I need to know..."
(3:03:58 AM) Aelitethe: "I need to know the truth!"
(3:04:11 AM) Kineth: "Well, it's certainly implied at the least, but we're not exactly going to jump to that conclusion just yet."
(3:04:38 AM) Kineth: "We'd need to figure out what it says, in any case..."
(3:04:45 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...I see. I wish you luck in your endeavour. If I find anything that might be related, no matter how small, I'll let you know."
(3:05:52 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe shivered. Did he really try to become a lich? It was an idea beyond comprehension. She shook in place. "...Thank you."
(3:06:35 AM) Aelitethe: And then, that left the mystery of her mother. Who was last seen gallivanting off to unknown lands with an angel. Goddangit!
(3:07:42 AM) Kineth: "I...n any case. Is that all you wanted to talk to us about, or do you have anything else you'd like to mention?"
(3:08:25 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I think that's all for tonight... I'll visit the Horse and Dragon at least once a week, but I'll try to get there every night. Try to meet me there whenever you can, and I'll give you updates. If there's anything urgent... I'm not certain. I believe the lot of you will need to find permanent housing."
(3:09:08 AM) Aelitethe: "...Gee whiz, you think, Sir? Haha..." Aelitethe fumbled.
(3:10:00 AM) Artemis-XE: "...Yeah, we'll certainly need to start looking around."
(3:10:02 AM) Kineth: Kineth simply nodded in response. "May as well make that one of the first things we should do, then."
(3:11:03 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Saken speaks up now. "U-um... If you want, I could try... I might be able to convince my parents to get a house for you...  I-it's not much of a chance, but they are the wealthiest people in this city..."
(3:11:18 AM) Aelitethe: "You sure about that?" Aelitethe blinks.
(3:12:00 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "I-I just... I can try... I'm sure I can figure something out! There must be something I can do..."
(3:12:06 AM) Artemis-XE: "...What she said." He parrots.
(3:12:45 AM) Ulyssa: No parroting. Listening only. And nodding. But not right now.
(3:13:08 AM) Aelitethe: "Well, don't overdo it. We wouldn't want you getting into trouble on our behalf."
(3:13:36 AM) ***Kineth nods.
(3:13:37 AM) Artemis-XE: "Indeed. Do try not to take any unnecessary risks."
(3:14:12 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Killis looks at Saken.  "...Right, speaking of your part in this. There's... Something I need to ask you. I've been saving this for just such an occasion." He pulls out a scroll. "...Do you recognize this? It's a scroll of Mark of Justice." Saken looks up at him, and blinks. "What...?"
(3:15:21 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...You're bad at keeping secrets. If this gets out... All hope is gone. That's why... If you think to tell anyone, this will remind you. And if you still do so... You'll lose your voice. Do you understand why I need to...?"
(3:15:51 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe winces.
(3:16:54 AM) Ulyssa: ...Yeah, this is kinda needed! Ulyssa does not object in any fashion.
(3:17:08 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe can't argue with this decision either. Cruel or not, it's necessary.
(3:17:30 AM) Artemis-XE: Artemis does think its a little excessive, but a necessary evil.
(3:18:38 AM) Kineth: Kineth would pretty much share Artemis' sentiments on the matter.
(3:18:51 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: ...There's a moment of silence, before Saken nods. "I understand... You're right. I won't protest." Killis sighs. "Good... I really am sorry."
(3:19:37 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: The time seems to drag on for far too long as Killis chants the spell, and writes the mark onto Saken's forehead. As the spell ends, the mark glows golden, before fading into invisibility.
(3:20:05 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...It is done. I cannot express my apologies enough, but..." Killis looks away. "...I should  leave now."
(3:20:36 AM) Kineth: "...Yes, it'd be best to call this a day."
(3:20:59 AM) Artemis-XE: "Do take care of yourself."
(3:21:17 AM) Aelitethe: "Good tidings to you, Sir."
(3:21:24 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. She is definitely ready to call it a day.
(3:21:28 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: "...Be safe, all of you." Killis says, before leaving the room.
(3:21:29 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe has no words.
(3:21:39 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle just... sort of waves as he leaves.
(3:23:07 AM) Aelitethe: "...I'm going to be in my room. Please drop by if there's anything you need to tell me."
(3:23:19 AM) Aelitethe: "Or ask me, for that matter."
(3:23:36 AM) ***Kineth nods.
(3:23:57 AM) Ulyssa: Nod nod. Silent protag mode, it's in full force!
(3:24:23 AM) Aelitethe: Aelitethe moves to her room. She assumes Belle will follow.
(3:24:37 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: Belle does follow!
(3:30:45 AM) DEATH-INCARNATE: And so, the group sleeps, not knowing what the future holds...