[Game Thread] Chapter I

[TCSilvermane]

Huffing, Maeva followed the pair and the canine through the streets, past dilapidated buildings, and finally to an ultimately eerie place that Maeva hadn't seen earlier. Statues of men and woman alike were scattered about, carved of some dark colored stone. Nearly indistinguishable from the near lightless gloom, they would suddenly spring forth from the darkness, their expressions forever frozen in a wail of pain, their death immortalized in cold stone. Similarly crafted buildings could be scarcely made out in the darkness, but no details could be seen. Unfortunately, she couldn't make out those she had followed here either.

Above all though, this place felt... wrong. Unnatural. Something had occurred here to give it this overwhelming perversion. Or someone was here to cause it. Either way, Maeva was starting to regret her decision. Coming to a stop, she knelt down to catch her breath, considering her options further.

Is this really worth it? Where ever this is, it gives me the creeps. I can't even hear them, let alone see them. Debating with herself, the answer was made for her in the form of a sharp-voiced command.

"Who goes there?"

Maeva froze. The origin of the voice was slightly to her right and no more than 30 feet away. They knew, roughly, where she was and she knew nothing of where they were. A very dangerous situation. Judging from the weaponry they had carried, it was more than likely that they would simply shoot her on sight if encountered. Guns. They make everything so unfair.

"Dragon's blood," Maeva cursed. Almost in response, she felt a tingle run through her, the arcane words triggering a bit of her inner magic. She really needed to stop cursing in Arcanae.

Straigtening, Maeva held both her hands above her head and slowly walked toward the source of the voice. Summoning her clever tongue, she spoke softly and non-threateningly with the slightest hint of hysteria in her voice.

"P-please good sirs! I saw how well armed you were back a-at the inn. You also s-s-saw through the disguises of... whatever THOSE were. I simply followed you, thinking you might be able to protect me." She sniffed, steadily increasing the panic she showed. "I run from the magistrate of Blackbark. He has put a warrant out for my arrest simply because I would not become his wife! I ran, not knowing what to do. You must help me!"

Rolls   Dice Roll: (as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code) d20+12: (11) + 12 Total = 23

[Greaven]

Blinking haggardly, Elizabeth's jaw slackens slightly as he asks, "Vell vell, one cannot be infamous everyvhere I suppose... Erm, Pardon good sir, I am Elizabeth, of the Order of Magdalen. My patrols have run long and I care nothing for spending the evening searching for vhat may or may not be ze road back to Command. I seek to shelter my poor horse in your barn, perhaps some vater vhile ve break till dawn. I vould be happy to compensate you, as vell as assist in any manner I may, plus, vhat could it hurt to have a knight first class at hand for a few hours?"

She smiles warmly, one gauntleted thumb tucked snugly into the length of her belt. She could do nothing for the waving red locks matted to her neck and she knew that she had to smell rather vile, a few smatterings of monster gore still clinging to her armor from a skirmish in the begining of the day. It vould be such a pain if he turned me down, but zen, It is not as if I have never slept in the woods before

As if remembering that such matters were a part of duty, she suddenly straightened and bowed her head respectfully, "Apologies, it nearly slipped my mind. In addition to the matters I have already listed, zere have been reports of fiends and fey spirits about, have you any complaints or concerns," as if expecting to hear little more than the random meanderings of yet another makings of a wild goose chase, she could not help but conjure up the thought of warm rice pudding with apples, and I nice hot mug of cider.

Scolding herself inwardly that she had to take her duties more seriously, she focusses directly on the weary eyes, noting that most people would be pleased to see a patrol, even of one, perhaps something was wrong here.

[copatt]

As Liz gives Sharimel a brief rundown on topics of which she is knowledgeable, her eyes wander around the armory, finally resting on a small, but apparently well-crafted crossbow. Liz walks over to the weapon and hefts it. Do you think I could take this as well? I suspect I'll be a better shot than I am hand-to-hand combatant.

[Davey Bones]

I personally don't see why not, there may be times I won't be able to protect you and you'll need to be able to make an escape. Certainly a ranged weapon is better than a dagger. She says, a bit impatient at this point.

OOC magic or masterwork?

I think that while we wait, we best look at this map and plot the best path to our destination.

Sharimel clears off the closest table and opens up the maps...

[copatt]

Agreed, Liz says adding the crossbow to her growing collection of travel gear.

Liz moves to stand over the table and study the map alongside Sharimel. As she traces the indicated path from the convent to the town of Goodson, Liz racks her brain for anything she might remember about the history of the area or the nobles who rule there.

[Cheaplaffs]

Elliot His straight, glum expression turns into a snarl as the girl reveals herself. While not outwardly a visable threat, his trained monster hunter instincts aren't clouded just by a pretty face. At least he had enough chivalry not to point a weapon at a lady, since he lowered the well-crafted revolver he held in his gloved hand and slightly turned away, growling out the response. "No. Go home. You're safe there." Patches doesn't agree. Wagging his tail and whining happily, is clear the dog has taken a liking to her. Perhaps this isn't so much a show of affection as it was an all-clear sign. Were the woman a vampire or witch, no doubt the trained hunting dog would be snarling and barking. Stopping for a second to regard his friend with a huff, Elliot shakes his head and starts towards the locked gates, mumbling, "Naturally..." Naturally such matters of diplomacy are best left to the other brother.

Lady von Drachen The farmer's eyes grow frightful as you announce your identity, rather than taking comfort in its security, as you may have expected. He remains stark silent as you explain your circumstances, nodding dumbly. As soon as you mention helping them out with anything that may be out of the ordinary, however, he gasps and slams the shudder closed. On the other side of the door you can hear him arguing loudly with a female voice. There's silence again, then in a moment you can hear locks being undrawn and bolts sliding away, and the door opens. Inside, a modest looking man and his wife look as if they've been through hell. Their faces are filled with fright, and their clothes are dirtied and torn, as if they've been in a fight. "My lady Knight...I beg you!!" The woman begins to sob, throwing herself at your armoured feet. The husband tries to comfort her with a hand on her shoulder, but her hysterical sobbing knocks it aside. "Have mercy upon us..!! Have mercy...!" The husband shakes his head, holding his heart in grief. "Please... excuse my wife, she's... we're both very frightened. If you would... I have something I'd like to show you." Something about this is very wrong, and getting scarier by the second.

[Cheaplaffs]

Ooc@everyone Make sure you read others' establishment and posts as well, since important information relating your character may be mentioned. That, and I always build on the world in each post, so the more you read, the more you'll understand.

Liz and Sharimel Liz is able to recall a vivid history of Goodson and the surrounding community, though there isn't much to tell. Nothing about the town has been interesting or exciting until today. A detailed description of the town and community can be found in the Welcome to Nightmares thread.

[Davey Bones]

Well, Liz, it would appear our work here is done, Sharimel says as a nun drops a couple of scrolls on the table. She looks them over.. we have a some detection spells and spells to make an area holy, and one scroll which will aid your armor. Let's get moving.

OOC Looks like Liz and Sharimel are on the road now. Heading towards Goodson. Are we on foot or do we have steeds?

[copatt]

At the mention of a scroll intended to protect her, Liz nods her appreciation. Thank you sister. You have been very kind to me during my time here. Liz trots along behind Sharimel, following her out of the armory, toward the stables and the gate. I wonder if we'll be walking or if the convent will provide horses. I'm not much of a rider. I wonder if Sharimel knows that. Maybe a carriage; that'd be the best of both worlds. I wonder if the convent would spare one.

[Greaven]

Their expressions and frightened nature was something entirely seen, so many, many sad times before. Her face became softer, and her smile gentler, "Meine fair lady, you have no reason to wish mercy for somesing yet, I am no threat to you and yours." Her stance was almost childish, trying to ease their tension about her intensions for this visit, and it was rather easier to pull off as she appeared rather young, if a little plump. Now, zere is a problem if zey were raising the dead, but other zan zat... she couldn't think of anything, but erring on the side of caution, she would have to try to detect evil, when they will not catch it.

But her smile never faulters as she bows her head to the man, "Of course I vill, zat is vhy I entered zis business, to help vere I can, do vhat I can. Please, show ze vay. I do hope zis vill solve your problems, but I can make no promises, miracles are yet out of my grasp." She desperately hoped, that what ever this was, it was something simple, that there are no children involved, but mostly, she hoped she would be of help.

[Cheaplaffs]

Lady von Drachen The farmer nods reluctantly, and leaving his wife's side, leads you through the modest dwelling to where a set of stairs lead to the second floor. From the base of the stairs you can already hear what sounds like barking and howling, but its like no sound you've ever heard from a human being. It sounds almost hysterical and feral, followed by a rythmic banging noise every now and again. Your heart beats faster with each step you take, and you can see the farmer's stance become visably shaken as he reaches to the top of the stairs. Along the hall is a series of doors, the one on the end marked with the name 'Mary' in childish letters. The noise was coming from behind it. "Whatever you see inside..." The farmer breathes, drawing closer to the door. "...please, I beg you look upon us afterwords with pity." A pang of fear hangs in the air over the word 'daughter'. How could a child be responsible for that racket? It sounded like a caged monster in there. Indeed, the door is blocked with a bolt over the latch. Refusing to draw any closer to the room, the farmer waits just behind you. As you look at the latch, another blood-curdling shriek can be heard from inside the room, sounding more like an animal than a person. Well. What are you waiting for?

[Cheaplaffs]

Liz and Sharimel Providing you both with horses, the church sets you quickly on your way to Goodson. For most of the way you have the road to yourselves and the journey is uneventful. You know you've reached Goodson, however, when you start seeing more and more people coming towards you on the road carrying belongings as if leaving - all coming from the town. Where are they all going? The town itself is deadly quiet for this time of the day, nearly noon. The only source of life around seems to be the local marketplace, where a handful of people still wander about. The people here are noticably uneasy, and everyone seems to be scrutinizing you both with mistrust in their eyes. The first place to start should be the local church, unless you had something else in mind. Perhaps like gathering a bit of information about town first. Let me know if you require any further establishment.

[Davey Bones]

Hmmmm, Sharimel thinks aloud. We have two choices as I don't think splitting up when it appears everyone is leaving the town is a good idea. She looks a bit agape at all the people. Do we gather information, or go straight to the Church? On one hand, we have our orders, but perhaps someone might have some information we could find useful...although I'm not sure they'd be too co-operative...

[copatt]

Liz pats the old, gentle mare that she had been riding since leaving the convent, a sad specimen compared to Sharimel's mount, but just right for her. Well sister, though I may not look far removed from these folk, I can assure you that I do not mix well with peasants. Unless you do, I think we should simply continue on to the church.

[Greaven]

Her mirth evaporates quicker than snow in a volcano as she turns to look dryly at the farmer, a knot welling up inside of her stomach, "You do not mean to say zis is your daughter?" Sighing as she turns and unbolts the door with mounting determination, sliding it open slowly as she casts an eye from left to right, trying to get a fix on just where the child may be.

A shiver jolts through her spine as she considers what may be occuring within, muttering under her breath, no wolves, over and over as her teeth clench. Frankly it may have been better for all if it were a werewolf, she might be able to help the girl, but she had never tried after a change before. Pushing her foot against the door to brace it, she raps her knuckles on the door to attract attention, and waits for it to show itself. Her free hand slips to her holy symbol as she whispers a prayer for those in this house, and finishes by casting Detect Evil, "show me ze shadows so zat I might light ze way."