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Post by Dal'Lumen on Apr 17, 2008 14:23:51 GMT -5
Ascending wood, 26
Having traveled for most of the last two days through the land inside the walls of this strange ancient place now called Imperveress.
Dal'Lumen was now nearing the immense central manse which grew larger and larger still as he neared... the isolation had given him time to think and prepare himself for whatever fate lay ahead of him.
It was some time later in the day, the sun was already beginning to start its decent as Dal'Lumen reached the heart of this Imperveress.
slowing out of his run he observed the scene "there seems to be some sort of event going on" as he looked around he saw that many people were gathered around an area outside the gates where a platform had been erected and a man dressed in magnificent garments was held in shackles.
worrying that he had come too late he waded into the crowd of angry faces shouting, screeching and spitting their insults to the man bound before them. Dal'Lumen began to receive angry, and fearful looks of his own... people that saw him clearly noticed he was an outlander.
Dal'Lumen looked down to see a man consoling his wife who was sobbing furiously into a rag... Dal asked "good sir, what has happened here?" The man startled by the sudden rumble of Dals' voice reacted by recoiling away from the towering man in front of him. "what do you want, outlander." - "Who is the man shackled over there? what has he done?" the man looked at Dal' as if he might explode in rage, and then looked down at his wife... and back up at Dal', his face twisted into a look of horrible sadness. "that man... that Anathema is the emperor, and he has murdered us! He killed my sons! who were playing outside when a rain of arrows fell on my home city, they were turned to grain! along with so many others... everyone that you see here has lost someone to that monsters magic!"
Dal'Lumen looked back up to the man in shackles, who seemed to have noticed this **** standing over the heads of the other people in the crowd ... and for a moment Dal'Lumens eyes locked with the Captive Emperors... Dal' Smiled slightly and tipped his brow discreetly, and then looked back down to the man beside him. "I must speak to someone in charge, friend. Where can I find them?" The man indicated towards the Imperial manse and said, "thats where the other Anathema loyal to this monstrous emperor hide behind their walls... by the looks of you they are the ones you want to talk to...
The man Scowled and looked Dal up and down briefly "but the man up there speaks for us now"
Dal' looked up again to see the Black haired man with the purple scarf that had been up on the platform shouting at the crowd and had been receiving a great many cheers from the audience.
Dal'Lumen looked back down at the man and beamed, which almost floored the little man with surprise. "Thank you my friend, I will be going now - my deepest sympathy for your loss..." Looking back up at the chained Emperor who had returned his gaze to the manse ahead, and then himself turning his sights on the doorway to the manse... Striding out of the crowd again, slipping gently between the people despite his size, he walked up and through the gates of the great manse which had been left open by the crowds...
"well, I hope that whoever I need to speak to will be able to find me..." he thought as he gazed up at the cavernous interior of the Imperial Manse.
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Post by Arachnia of the Hour on Apr 22, 2008 1:05:55 GMT -5
Ascending Wood, 26
*As Dal'Lumen entered the courtyard of the huge First Age manse, he would see that of the two women present, one definitely didn't seem to fit in in this Eastern part of Creation. It wasn't the woman's long straight black locks that signaled the difference, though black wasn't a color often found in the East, nor was it the pitch black eyes with no whites, only blackness that certainly wasn't normal, but the soft milky skin that managed not to burn and had only tanned a little in this new climate so that she had just a touch of real color to her. She stood with a single hand on her waist and the other was gesturing as she spoke to the other woman, swaying her hips now and again as she talked, her shapely behind filling out the flowing black gown that clad her body. Perhaps not the best wardrobe choice, but she obviously was willing to pay the price. As the tall bald man came within hearing and sight distance (which was a good space away for her) she tilted her head and fixed her half-lidded black eyes on Dal'Lumen, a small sensual smile teasing onto her lips as she realized who he was. This was the savior, hmm? Well, he certainly was tall and well-muscled. If it came to combat, he would be a delight and surely someone Ress would want to keep around. The woman let him walk closer before she took a few steps forward smoothly, the tail of her dress sliding along her shape without losing its grip and showing off her voluptuous curves and the cleavage that was accented by lace webs spread delicately around the neckline of the garment. Her words left her lips like silk on bare skin, seeming almost eerily at ease given the circumstances*
You must be the foreigner we've been waiting for. Please, join our meeting circle and be informed. It would be a pleasure to have you extend your thoughts on the matter as well....? What shall I call you, brawny man from outside Imperveress?
*the curvy woman's eyes remained only partially open, the result was an almost permanent expression of desire and interest, and they were fixed on Dal'Lumen at the moment*
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Post by Lirimana on Apr 22, 2008 1:21:44 GMT -5
Ascending Wood, 26
*Lirimana sighed as Ress was taken away and she looked to Towering Oak, who was a bit taller than her. Arachnia wasn't around at the moment, she had gone to check on her people and see if they were alright. She was rested now and had herself back at full health when those idiots took him away. She was imagining how Arachnia was going to take it when she saw her Mate in the stockades and decided that it was a bad thing for her to know.. bad but necessary. If she heard screams and dying, she would know that Arachnia was nearby. At least, that's what she figured, what with the viciousness of the threats that she had directed at Lirimana, she would assume that she would only extend the same courtesy to the ones who actually harmed him as opposed to just making a pass at him.. Obviously it hadn't been herself and she seriously doubted that Towering Oak was heartless enough to destroy his own people in an empire that had given him safety and a place to be important. Arachnia was still off the suspect list, it just simply wouldn't fit for her. Maybe Sentinel still.. he hadn't reacted in a way for Lirimana to place him on one column or the other yet*
What are your thoughts on the situation, Towering Oak?
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Post by Dal'Lumen on Apr 22, 2008 2:30:02 GMT -5
Ascending wood, 26
Dal' came to a stop, as the stunning and yet strangely alien looking woman neared him and began speaking to him, he could not help but look surprised. tearing his eyes up to her face as he attempted to take in what she had begun saying to him...
"Oh, why yes the man called Sentinel sent me in this direction..." His face jerked back into a friendly grin " My name as my people have entitled me, is Dal'Lumen - Forgive my presumption but you must be none other than Arachnia, Sentinel also told me of you." leaning over slightly to see the other woman she had just been speaking to, before returning his gaze down to the venomously seductive eyes that now looked at him.
*opening his arms wide and tilting his head down never releasing his eyes from Arachnias', he presenting a slight and gracious bow, to which he completed by clapping his hands together and saying*
" I am happy to see that I am not too late, though things seem to be getting a little rough outside for the good emperor!" leaving his hands clasped in front of him, he continued - " I have some experience in these matters myself, I would be glad to get to the bottom of this mess! I will join you and those with you in this meeting..." Looking around a moment Dal' noticed a man gently swaying as he walked, he seemed to have turned his attention towards the meeting of Dal'Lumen and Arachnia... "Hmm" he Rumbled quietly.
Dal beamed brightly and began to walk with Arachnia towards the other Exalted who seemed to have drawn him all this way for this exact moment in time.
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Post by Ress on Apr 23, 2008 2:43:24 GMT -5
ascending wood, 26
* Seeing that there were people coming in his direction. He began walking... then ran off in the direction of the imperial manse, meeting them half way. He gave a little nod, swaying as his center of balance moved a bit. He smiled as he stood back up, taking a sip of his wine*..... Hello............so..................you wanted to see me? * he looked to the bald man.... then the spider like woman*
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Post by Lirimana on Apr 23, 2008 3:46:57 GMT -5
Ascending Wood, 26
*Lirimana was discussing a few of their future plans and suspects with Arachnia until she realized that the spider-woman's attention had drifted onto something else. As Arachnia started to walk away, Lirimana sighed and turned to confront her*
Are you even listening to me?..
*first she saw the feet and then her eyes traveled up the legs and over his man-skirt and then his torso. Lirimana took into her mental notation that this man, whoever he was, was quite muscular... Continuing up his body until she reached his face, the Twilight grinned and was going to saunter over there, but it would seem that he was coming to them. She remembered Arachnia mentioning a "savior" so this was probably him. Slick spider... She's going to tangle him in her web, too... He seemed to be such a happy and kind person, no need for that insidious arachnid to get her hands on him. Just before Dal'Lumen was in their circle, Lirimana could see the swaying man approach and looked at him curiously. He knew both of them? But how? Smiling, she looked at the drunken man*
I apologize, but I don't think we've met. I'm Lirimana..
*the Eastern woman smiled, standing at five foot ten inches, she was taller than Arachnia, and her chocolate skin sent her in a different direction ethnically. Dark dreadlocks bounced a little as she shifted her weight. Lirimana wore leathered skins for a skirt and a top separately, the top having only one thick strap. Her feet were covered in leather sandals that had leather strings traveling up her calves and a necklace made of different types of exotic woods and sanded bone. They were drilled hollow but had gold caps on the bottoms, making it look like strange jewelry. On her ankle was an article of adornment that was made from various other exotic woods in small chunks and tied together. Ultimately, she looked like a barbarian, though her manner of speech suggested that she was actually a learned individual. In her right hand was an Orichalcum spear with a sash attached that was made of tiny stained metal links*
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Post by Dal'Lumen on Apr 23, 2008 4:33:51 GMT -5
Ascending wood, 26
The sounds of the roaring crowd outside seeming to fade away as Dal' prepared himself for this fated meeting, this was it - just as Dal was about to introduce himself to the tall, wild looking eastern woman he had just approached along side Arachnia, the man he had noticed before had staggered over to them and announced that he had at some point been summoned.
Looking down at the man, over at Arachnia, and then confusedly to the eastern woman who at this point greeted the man and said that her name was "Lirimana" ("hmm so this is Lirimana") he thought. Dal' looked back towards the man with a small expression of curiosity and intrigue, as he waited to hear the mans response.
Realizing his facial expression Dal' remembered his manners and his personal mission of redemption... He quickly relaxed and grinned warmly at the man who had nearly stumbled into him.
"Ah well... hello there" Dal looked back to Arachnia Searching her face for some sort of clue as to why this man had confronted them. For a moment Dal' waited and watched him closely, sensing that this man despite his appearance, might lead to some information... This man knew something - but Dal' would wait to see what would happen next before pursuing his suspicions any further... standing up very straight and tilting his head to the side a bit, Dal placed his thumb and index finger upon his chin where upon his lips a smile still gleamed.
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Post by Ress on Apr 23, 2008 18:58:10 GMT -5
ascending wood, 26
* The man took another sip from his clay cup, a goofy grin still playing about his lips. he swallowd hard, winced, then looked to each person within this small gathering* You didnt call me?... huh... it must be this stuff then * He shook his cup a moment, then chuckled* The names Boots... if we go back far enough, my name would have been Sesus Regin-....Boots. But its not..... but enough of the pleasentries...... wait!.. not enough just yet! * he bowed to Lirimana, but not low enough to cause him to stumble again* Thanks for that job helping to build the hospital... it put me in a really good way.... * he lifted his cup a moment, then scratched the side of his head with the corner of his cup, a puzzled look on his face*..... now where was I going with this............ oh yeah! I remember now!........ I know who did it!
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Post by Towering Oak on Apr 23, 2008 21:44:25 GMT -5
Ascending Wood 26
*Towering Oak watched as a tallish looking westerner approached, no swayed over to, Lirimana and Arachnia. He smiled and cocked his head off to one side and the stylized solar sunburst appeared on his forehead. Though he stood inside the manse he heard the man call himself Dal'lumen and say that Sentinel had sent him. His ears perked at that. So this was the savior... As he took a step towards the group he heard, then saw a man drunkenly stagger to the three and offer the name Boots as his own. Walking, he listened to the drunken man ramble on about himself and Oak's eye widened in shock as Boots gave his announcement. By this time Oak had more than halfway closed the distance between his starting point and the gaggle of allies and unknowns. A grimace formed on his face as he reached the the goremaul on his hip and pulled it free, placing it on his shoulder to rest. Knowing that there was no way for these people to miss a 7 foot 10 inch man walking into their presence, he didn't try to be stealthy or even silent. He just walked up to the group and stood there, waiting for the moment that he might be useful...*
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Post by Dal'Lumen on Apr 24, 2008 1:43:10 GMT -5
Dal'Lumen Immediately dropped his hand away from his face as this news was shared... he looked at the others to see what their reactions were, the rather huge man that had just come loping towards them with large hammers in his hand was now standing in the circle... ("something tells me this is Towering Oak".) once again returning his happy smile back towards the man who called himself "Boots", this was where Dal'Lumen would shine, this was what he had come here for and he intended to prove that he had not come unprepared.
"Oh, well it is nice to meet you, Boots. I am Dal'Lumen, might I ask who did what exactly?" Dal' Grinned with an intrigued glint in his eyes. He knew that the man was obviously referring to the events surrounding the Emperor, but what would this man say... he was clearly not entirely incapable of simply being confused.
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Post by Ress on Apr 24, 2008 3:02:20 GMT -5
ascending wood, 26
* Boots chuckled a little at the question Dal asked him. He sipped some more from his cup, before answering him* I believe you know exactly what I am talking about.. and as for who... or more apt " Whom"..... I can not say. * he sighed and shook his head, taking one more sip of his drink* Not because I want to be difficult... or out of fear.. its because I cant. If I said... who would believe me? I am a drunk... a drunk who was in the right place at the right time, but still, nobody would listen to me. It would be better for you all to discover the truth on your own... they will listen to you... and I will help... * he drank down the last bit of his wine, then smirked with empty cup in hand... before he smashed it with a simple squeezing action, sending clay in all directions* In any way I can..... because Ress did not do it... and no matter what.. you have to believe in him....... I would recommend investigating points of interest.. such as the manse here... or the food bearing manses... and do not forget why this is named.. "Imperveress"....
( 5 success social attack to rally the Exalts)
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Post by Dal'Lumen on Apr 25, 2008 1:45:07 GMT -5
Ascending wood, 26
Dal' looked at Boots with a sort of wincing grimace... and gave out a short laugh before he razed his hand up and moving it from left to the right indicated everyone that was in the circle... He smiled again and in his deep voice rumbled as he laughed a huge happy laugh that left the group around him looking rather startled...
"why my friend, clearly we all wish to get to the bottom of this, it would appear that this Emperor of yours has truly done something for each of you which insights so much loyalty! I am grateful to him myself for he as provided the people under my care a safe haven!" Dal shifted his weight forward and held his open palmed hands in front of him to emphasize his clear determination, and empathy... " We will surely all need to work together to find peace in this chaos, lest this Empire fall in upon itself!"
*Pausing a moment to observe the expressions on each persons face as they all looked at him.*
" A witness, is a witness my friend, drunk or not... Believing you will only be determined by evidence, and your advice seems quite logical - but if you have some information to share, then let it be heard - your obviously loyal to the emperor and withholding information about this heinous crime he has been accused of would betray that same fealty you demonstrate!"
Dal'Lumen gave boots a sympathetic look, and lowered his hands back to his sides causing an audible clank from the mysterious cloth wrapped objects tied to Dal's sash. the group had fallen silent for his sudden outburst of reasoning. Dal' held his big grin and gray eyes intently on boots, waiting to see how he would react.
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Post by Ress on Apr 25, 2008 14:03:58 GMT -5
Ascending wood, 26
* Boots smiled as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes, swaying as his lack of sight offset his balance* Maybe I was not clear... There is a twofold reason I cant talk.... 1 * he stumbled a little as he held out his left hand, as if holding the reasons in his hands. As he did though, a roll of parchment fell from under his cotton shirt and landed upon the ground before them.. a crude, yet effective, map of Imperveress*, Mr. "I lead the resistance", will try to discredit me to death, making you all look like fools and taking this empire one step closer to anarchy..... Reason 2 is a little more complex * he balanced out as his right hand came out, allowing him to center*. Even Ress himself knows exactly who did it... but he wants you all to solve this out of fear... he is too close to the truth.. so close that it is strangling him, cutting off his voice.... but you all are not... so maybe you can solve this and save an empire... I am too close to the truth as well. I'll tell you this. Every time a murder occurs, there is always "something" that sees it. Most of the time these "somethings" are unseen, but trust me, they are there. Also, if Ress really did do it... those arrows flew awfully far.... so far they would have to arc over "something" first before they could make it... also, if it was not him... what kind of person could do such a thing? Someone who could do it so perfectly, they could pin the slaughter of four towns on someone who just " happened" to be in the perfect spot to do it?....... Like I said, I'll help you as I can.... but just like Ress, I am being watched... * he opened his eyes and looked over each shoulder* I just know it...
(Wits+Awareness difficulty-1 to tell those 2 "somethings" are different)
(Wits+occult difficulty-3 to discover what the first "something" is)
(Wits+Lore difficulty-3 to discern what the second "something" is)
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Post by Arachnia of the Hour on Apr 25, 2008 21:22:18 GMT -5
Ascending Wood, 26
*The spider woman listened very carefully to the conversation that had started between this man called Boots and the one named Dal'Lumen. At the towering newcomer's happy barking laugh, she simply raised an eyebrow and smirked. He certainly was a hearty sort of creature, wasn't he? At least on the outside... such people are never as happy and carefree on the inside as they want you to believe. That's why masks exist, whether they are simply a piece of material with a particular face painted upon it or a well-tailored expression that is of the flesh itself, to hide the wearer's true inner feelings. This drunken-seeming man had specifically altered his "who" to a "whom" implying that there is more than one person involved in this.. Somethings? More than one, hmm? How utterly enticing... Of course she would have helped without a thought knowing that Ress was in trouble, even if he wasn't and had asked her to do it, she would have, but now this was adding a few more tricks to the table. Facades; even a drunken mask is still a mask...*
Of course Ress isn't suspect, Boots.. if he were, we wouldn't be here trying to save him... Don't you think so?
*following her words, Arachnia's lips curved into a coy smile as she looked at the newest arrival, her deep eyes giving off a slight twinkle of amusement at the man. A hand went to her hip and it rolled to the side as her foot slipped out from underneath the floor-length gown she was wearing and slid the map under her skirt, only partially trying to cover the movement with her speech, her other hand gesturing towards the stockades to further add distraction. Though in her mind, it really wasn't a problem if he did want it back, she simply wouldn't give it to him until she looked it over once or twice...*
These two "somethings"... I believe I know what they are. And how about you, hatchling, have you figured it out yet?
*she offered an expression that bordered on half smirking and half smiling, the look being directed at Lirimana, of course. The term "hatchling" held that very subtle undertone of taunting that it usually did when directed at the Twilight, or anyone else for that matter*
I'll give you the harder of the two, alright? There is a spirit that specifically watches over murders called the Bloody Hands. We need to seek out and inquire of these lovelies, the information specifically for those who died under the arrow's tip. And do you know the second?...
4 successes to notice that they are different (roll succeeded)
9 successes to determine the first "something" (roll succeeded)
4 successes to determine the second "something" (roll succeeded)
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Post by Lirimana on Apr 25, 2008 21:23:11 GMT -5
Ascending Wood, 26
*Lirimana felt Towering Oak coming, his footsteps not exactly the lightest feather on the bird, but the arrival elicited no surprised reaction, she simply moved to the side so that he could be included in their planning circle. This Dal'Lumen was a powerful presence, even if she hadn't known he was a Solar, she was impressed and a bit in awe of his genuine compassion for Emperor Ress since she didn't think that the two had even properly met. There was something strange about this "Boots" character.. something seemed off about him, how could he be so close to the truth that he was in danger and being watched? What made him so important? After all, she didn't remember ever hearing or meeting a man of importance by that name.. she would have remembered such a strange title to be sure.. That something just became plural, was this going to be a game of wits? If that's what he wants, then that's what he was going to get, two of the greatest historical thinker-Castes were in his presence, and there was a reason that they had Exalted into them.. He mentioned the title of Imperveress, but it was called that because Ress was quite proud to have acquired this place, thus thinking that he was a great and powerful man. And what had he done to get this place? Tricked out a very powerful, very angry Demon of the Third Circle, not even just any Demon.. Could it be? Could her dream be coming true already? That was one of the worst parts.. It would fit if Boots had angered him, it would explain the connection..The Twilight sighed a little and looked at Boots*
Is the Green Sun involved in this? Because, if you've made him your enemy this just gets even more difficult.
*at first, Lirimana had ignored Arachnia's usual snide and taunting remarks, but this last one couldn't be let go. She looked her straight in the eyes, involuntarily thinking about how eery those eyes were, and smiled*
Actually, I knew that just from listening to Boots, here, and of course, if you can't figure the second one out, Widow, you're useless. Of course the second "something" that we need to talk to are the Field Spirits. I hope I didn't ruin the surprise for you, hun.
3 successes to notice the two "somethings" (Success!)
6 successes to know the first "something" (success!)
3 successes to know the second "something" (success!)
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