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  #106  
Old Oct 20th, 2019, 12:24 AM
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Jonathan Rawncer
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It takes all of the will in all of creation to stop Jonathan from springing like a mountain lion and pouncing on the petty goons that now bind Kallev in shackles...

In the midst of the screaming, frantic citizens, Jonathan stands tall like an ominous sentry, towering down on the disturbing sight that now unfolds before him. The manhandling of poor lady Kallev is excruciating(!) to bare witness....
...All he can do is stand and watch. All he can do is grind his teeth with aversion, his eyes peering through deep shadows from beneath his lowered and menacing brow...

As Kallev now screams in fright during the rough detainment, Rawncer can only utter some lurid words, Justice-- will-- find-- you-- Luris...

For justice always returns order... as justice will never relent.

Mark-- my-- words.

 
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From the ashes a fire shall be woken/a light in the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken/the crownless again shall be King."

Last edited by WhiteStag; Jan 8th, 2020 at 11:10 PM.
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  #107  
Old Oct 21st, 2019, 01:52 PM
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Judgment Day
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xian View Post
"In spite of the repugnant knowledge in your head, it at least appears that your heart is in the right place." Judas nods with a slightest hint of admiration at Aurelius' response. "As I have said previously, I do respect the loyalty to your friend and your consideration of the welfare of others even at the expense of your own. I am even more convinced the justness of the sentence of eradicating only the foul knowledge, but sparing you as a man...a man that may have yet more good works left within him."
....
Aurelius blinks in surprise. He cleans his glasses to give himself a pause to digest (and steer clear his mind away from the words of Dr. Mendela). Replacing them, he offers a civil reply to the somewhat antagonist. "Thank you, inquisitor, I suppose. That is an appreciated sentiment, coming from you."

The good doctor squeezes gently the shoulder of his friend. It seems rather meager for a comforting gesture, but it is a genuine reassurance all the same. "Well, then ... mayhap, that has been enough excitement for now, and we should just return to-"
Quote:
It is at this moment that Kallev deigns to materialize out of the crowd and next to the Inquisitors, Jonathan, and Aurelius. The voice that she admonishes in her head merely quiets though unheard laughter is felt through their connection.

"Clearly, you are delusional, mad, confused, or simply ignorant of how punishment actually works." Judas says flatly to Kallev's demand as he snaps orders to the adjacent inquisitors. The inquisitors descend upon Kallev and begin to restrain and secure her. "For what meaning could such a punishment if it could be so easily subverted by magic and the guilty simply could be revived after their execution and exonerated? Preposterous. Do not confuse the execution as the sentence. The execution is but the means to the end... to the sentence. It is undoubtedly clear that end was not achieved. Were it not for the Queen's command that you be brought to her... unspoiled... that you are saved from summary execution. Seize her and 'bag' her so that she will not be able to bedevil us... the captain of the Royal Guard awaits."
Dr. Alymer starts with a frown. "Wait, the queen asked for her? When, how? We were just with her not moments ago where she was confronting that specter," he replies in confusion. 'Has she already taken care of the wraith? What does she want with the girl now?' Aurelius' head fills with questions, but precious few answers suggest themselves. He exhales with a sigh and rubs the bridge of his nose. The girl has not ceased to be a vexing puzzle since he met her.

Standing tall but resigned, Dr. Alymer asks, "So, inquisitor, if you have to escort Lady Littleton to Her Highness, is this where we part ways for the Sanatorium?"


 
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  #108  
Old Oct 22nd, 2019, 03:21 PM
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Kallev LittletonKallev steps back and holds up her hand before they can get close enough to attempt to grapple her. Glancing at Judas, It's called double jeopardy. I'm surprised you do not know that. Besides, if you sentence someone to death who cant be killed, then your justice does not work, poor thing.

Relax, I am willing to go with you peacefully, but I will not be thrown in chains or some bag for trying to cooperate. You know I do not control that monster, you have an option, to allow me to accompany you peacefully or your actions will cause that monster to reappear and neither of us want that to happen. So I beg you...

If you do not want to cause another massacre, then please play nice and we can work things out together peacefully. The choice IS yours. Will you choose to accept my submission and willingness to work with you or not?
she offered to go with them she will surrender if respected like she should be.. but will not allow them to force her into gag's and chains. as Judas might think she has no choice, he fails to realize, yes she does and its up to him to make his choice on how he wants the event to unfold. She is dolling the responsibility unto him to choose the right path. He can still carry out justice etc, just how he chooses to handle it is the question peacefully with dignity.

 
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Sorry all, but thing still crazy and I'm going to go on a hiatus for a bit. Hopefully be back on in a few months at this rate. Feel free to replace my characters. Thanks for all the fun thus far, I'm looking forward to coming back soon and hope to game with you all again.

Last edited by kaylara; Oct 22nd, 2019 at 03:40 PM.
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  #109  
Old Oct 24th, 2019, 03:20 AM
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Bound by Law...again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan
"Justice will find you, Judas. Justice always returns order. Justice will never relent. Mark my words."
"No truer words could have been spoken, Jonathan... it is a pity you don't really know what that means. You speak of justice that I would receive and do not even mention or consider what is just for those massacred in Hofstra. It is why you failed to become an inquisitor because you judge with your feelings and not The Law. Do you even... truly... know who it is you are so passionately defending?" Judas retorts sternly and coldly to the raging Jonathan unmoved by his declaration and his raging demeanor. Judas had witnessed Jonathan's dragon rage and dealt with it before... it seemed so long ago. Judas now contemplated his decision to spare Jonathan that day. That perhaps it would have been a greater mercy to have executed him then and there. The truth of his beloved Cyranda, should Jonathan learn of it, was by far a crueler punishment. But, at the time, Jonathan was his friend and it was the one time that he had allowed his emotions to influence his judgment. So Judas spared Jonathan from both death and the truth... even if it cost their friendship. That was in the past now and it was time now to turn to the present... to his duty. "Whether she is a good person or had the best of intentions does not change the FACT that her actions directly resulted in the destruction of over half of the township, then she willfully attempted to murder a Royal Inquisitor in the execution of his duties to hold her accountable for those actions by The Law. And then the means she conjured to perform the murder... my murder... then massacred nearly 900 men, women, and children in quite possibly the most horrific and gruesome manner than I have ever witness in all of my years. All of the evidence and proof of these FACTS in court proves this beyond a reasonable doubt and even your friends that bore to witness that butchery that day could not deny it and affirmed her culpability... her guilt. Yet you, not having even witnessed the horrors of that day in person, purport to know better than those who were and even to say SHE is the one being wronged? And that I am responsible for some perceived injustice... for what? Doing my sworn duty to uphold the law? Telling the truth? Can you not even realize how nonsensical that even sounds? Perhaps some time with Doctor Alymer in the Sanitarium will help you in this regard."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aurelius
Dr. Alymer starts with a frown. "Wait, the queen asked for her? When, how? We were just with her not moments ago where she was confronting that specter," he replies in confusion.
"Perhaps your perception or the passage of time was distorted by the teleportation used by the Queen. The word had come from the Captain of the Royal Guard about five minutes ago to all of the inquisitors on duty." Judas answers honestly to Aurelius confusion. "From the time we last saw you teleport, we had been searching the area for at least 15 minutes following that event. If the Queen ordered away her Royal Guard, then this specter or whatever it is poses no actual threat to her"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aurelius
"So, inquisitor, if you have to escort Lady Littleton to Her Highness, is this where we part ways for the Sanatorium?"
"Yes. A guard force will escort you and Jonathan to the Sanatorium to ensure your safety and the safety of the citizenry. Good fortune... perhaps we will meet again under ... better... circumstances. "

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kallev
"It's called double jeopardy. I'm surprised you do not know that. Besides, if you sentence someone to death who cant be killed, then your justice does not work, poor thing."
"Insolent and ignorant to the last... and highlighting that you have no idea about the law or how justice is supposed to work." Judas says nonplussed and shaking his head at the very obvious attempts to provoke him. Judas was beyond that point now and it was clear that Kallev was playing backyard lawyer and throwing around terms that she did not truly understand. "Firstly, that particular legal clause double jeopardy is the prosecution of a person twice for the same crime... clearly not the case here."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kallev
"Relax, I am willing to go with you peacefully, but I will not be thrown in chains or some bag for trying to cooperate. You know I do not control that monster, you have an option, to allow me to accompany you peacefully or your actions will cause that monster to reappear and neither of us want that to happen. So I beg you...
If you do not want to cause another massacre, then please play nice and we can work things out together peacefully. The choice IS yours. Will you choose to accept my submission and willingness to work with you or not?"
"What next, will you threaten to hold your breath, if we do not accommodate you? No actually, the choice is actually YOURS... as it was in Hofstra. While it is true that you were not able to exercise control over the creature's actions once it is summoned, there is one truth I learned that day in Hofstra about creatures such as yours... they do not come unbidden. If it did, then it would have come already. So if it comes, it will be because you bid it to do so, and any blood will be on your hands and no one else, just like Hofstra." Judas says unmoved by Kallev bluff as he directs those grappling Kallev to put her in chains and begin the process of gagging her. "You are not being chained and gagged for a failure to cooperate. You are being chained and gagged because you ARE a convicted murderer and a spellcaster going to see my Queen. For your crimes and attitudes you did not deserve any sort of accommodation to start, now it is even less so when you threaten an inquisitor... again...by trying to negotiate your treatment by threatening and holding hostage the innocent people in this city with your dark creature. Now the truth of your character comes out for all to hear... and now we shall all see if you will show us as well."



OODMOODM: Onward!



 

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Last edited by Xian; Oct 24th, 2019 at 12:46 PM.
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  #110  
Old Oct 24th, 2019, 03:21 PM
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Kallev LittletonKallev glances at Judas before being bagged, Wow you believe that crap? You do realize that binding and gagging me, or trying to magically or not magically subdue me will not stop my abilities. But you're right, I was pulling your leg with what I said earlier, trying to lighten up things a bit. I plan to cooperate regardless of your inabilities to forfill your duties, so you can save face/reputation.

May my actions speak louder than words...
she comments as she cooperates, letting them do was they please.

 
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Sorry all, but thing still crazy and I'm going to go on a hiatus for a bit. Hopefully be back on in a few months at this rate. Feel free to replace my characters. Thanks for all the fun thus far, I'm looking forward to coming back soon and hope to game with you all again.

Last edited by kaylara; Oct 24th, 2019 at 03:24 PM.
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  #111  
Old Oct 24th, 2019, 04:01 PM
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Judgment Day
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xian View Post
.... "Perhaps some time with Doctor Alymer in the Sanitarium will help you in this regard."
Dr. Alymer glances between his comrade and the inquisitor, two old friends with palpable history between them. Whatever this resentment, it was entrenched over many slow years. While never claiming himself a psychiatrist, even the good doctor knows that wounds like this are not cleansed but slowly. It is certainly something bearing asking after they return to the calm of the Sanatorium. The hand gripping on Jonathan's shoulder shakes him gently to draw his attention way. "C'mon, Mr. Rawncer. There is nothing left for us here."
Quote:
"Perhaps your perception or the passage of time was distorted by the teleportation used by the Queen. The word had come from the Captain of the Royal Guard about five minutes ago to all of the inquisitors on duty." Judas answers honestly to Aurelius confusion. "From the time we last saw you teleport, we had been searching the area for at least 15 minutes following that event. If the Queen ordered away her Royal Guard, then this specter or whatever it is poses no actual threat to her"
Aurelius does not argue against the inquisitor's assessment. Teleporting and the press of crowds are certainly unfamiliar and disorienting enough to explain his misperception. His take of the queen's safety, however, that does not nearly reassure Aurelius as intended.
Quote:
"Yes. A guard force will escort you and Jonathan to the Sanatorium to ensure your safety and the safety of the citizenry. Good fortune... perhaps we will meet again under ... better... circumstances. "
Dr. Alymer nods civilly to Count Luris. "Thank you, inquisitor. I would not mind better circumstances for a change," he hazards a light jest.

Before the groups are parted, Aurelius regards Kallev. He extends a sad smile to the afflicted girl. He is unsure what to say at first. His own indecision about the girl reflected on his expression. He finally states, "Good luck, Lady Littleton. May you meet the trials ahead worthily." He gives a final nod before being led away by the guard force.


 
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  #112  
Old Oct 28th, 2019, 01:56 PM
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Jonathan Rawncer
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The hand gripping on Jonathan's shoulder shakes him gently to draw his attention way. "C'mon, Mr. Rawncer. There is nothing left for us here." Jonathan's eyes still remain fixed and deathly stern on Judis even as Aurelius goes to usher him away. Jonathan then subtly shrugs off the hand from his shoulder as if he were not at all too pleased with the his friend's overly agreeable behavior towards the rivaled Inquisitor.

No other words are spoken from the hardened Dragon Disciple for the rest of the confrontation. He moves quietly during the following proceedings.

 
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From the ashes a fire shall be woken/a light in the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken/the crownless again shall be King."

Last edited by WhiteStag; Oct 31st, 2019 at 03:34 PM.
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  #113  
Old Nov 1st, 2019, 12:14 PM
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Transitions
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kallev
"May my actions speak louder than words..." she comments as she cooperates, letting them do was they please.
"Perhaps there is no more ironic a statement that has ever been uttered by you, Lady Littleton." Judas said coldly to Kallev's proclamation and obvious disdain at Kallev's casual and cavalier attitude in regards to summoning a dark creature and threatening of innocent lives. Judas nods to the inquisitors to finish chaining and then placing a gag upon Kallev's mouth as they then placed a cloth bag over her head that obscured her vision completely. "...how ironic that you should say such a thing knowing what your actions had wrought in Hofstra and your subsequent words. Indeed, your actions did... and have... spoken much more loudly and truly than your words ever could."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aurelius
Before the groups are parted, Aurelius regards Kallev. He extends a sad smile to the afflicted girl. He is unsure what to say at first. His own indecision about the girl reflected on his expression. "Good luck, Lady Littleton. May you meet the trials ahead worthily."
"We can all hope... " Judas says with no small amount sarcasm with a smirk at Aurelius urging of Kallev to meet the trials worthily. "...as worthily as she met them in the tribunal."

So again the companions find themselves walking on separate paths as Jonathan and Aurelius are escorted to the Sanitarium and Kallev to Queen Renier.

To the Sanitarium - Jonathan and AureliusJonathan and Aurelius is escorted through the throngs of frightened civilians. Again, it is evident the respect... or perhaps it is fear... that the Inquisitors demanded as even in their panic and fear, once the people recognized the inquisitors complied and gave the vanguard the berth that they needed to move without undue hindrance. Once they have moved for several minutes, the crowds of people began to thin as the group moved further from the site and they were able to move at speed. As the somber procession made their way through the streets, people looked on them with a mixture of wonder and pity, but as the group began to close to the Sanitarium, even these faces became rare and eventually the procession found themselves seemingly alone as they arrived at the entrance to the somber and sterile front of the Sanitarium. During this uneventful procession, Jonathan's fuming thoughts were intruded by flashes of memories. In these flashes, Jonathan saw the broken and brutally mauled bodies of the dark creatures he fought that night when they came for Cyranda. Then it flashed again and he saw Judas' face and eyes locked with his also from that night and he could also feel Judas' ebony blade just below where it pierced his chest and recalled also the burning sensation in his head that followed shortly thereafter that made the world go white. Jonathan recalls the sensation of falling.... or was it kneeling... but the next flash took him to the image that had haunted him since that faithful night... the dead, pain contorted face of his dear Cyranda... and the blood... so much blood...

Jonathan is snapped back from his reverie as the group arrives at the gates of the Sanitarium. There, Doctor Mendela's orderlies were waiting for Aurelius and Jonathan to escort them inside. As they went inside, Jonathan a thought occurred to the rager, in spite of his doubts and skepticism, with all of his works with the minds, could this Mendela help him to piece together some of the mysteries of that night. When inside, the pair are ushered back into the inner room where Doctor Mendela was waiting with refreshment.

"I trust that the puppet theater that is rolled out for the sonambulant masses was as pointless a spectacle as I presumed?" Mendela asked as he swirled a blood red glass of wine before taking a sip from it. "Please come partake of some refreshment and rest before our works begins... and for you too, Mr. Rawncer."



In the Hall of the Mountain Queen - KallevKallev was taken through the crowded streets for several uncomfortable minutes as they made their way through the crowds of people. Kallev could hear the bustling of people, the crisp and firm commands from Judas as he instructed the people to move away from their procession. In a few more minutes of this jostling transport, Kallev through listening would learn that Judas had met the captain of the Royal Guard to whom Judas was delivering her. With a exchange of respected salutes, Kallev heard the men parting ways and she being remanded into the captain's custody who now took Kallev. With a rough transport that made the trip with Judas' inquisitors seem like a day at a spa in comparison, Kallev was taken for a few more moments before being thrown roughly to the ground. The hood was removed from Kallev's head and the light was nearly blinding to her as her vision came back into focus as she saw Jacqueline Renier atop of her throne looking down on Kallev.

"Leave us." Came the firm and familiar voice of Queen Jacqueline Renier.

"But your majesty..." came the voice of her captain, but he soon silenced as Jacqueline gave him another withering stare. "... yes, majesty."

Soon, Kallev found herself alone with Jacqueline. She felt her gag and her bonds fall away from her and she was free. Jacqueline smiled and regarded with something akin to amusement, like a cat toying with its prey before pouncing, but said nothing and just continued to beam at her as if waiting to see what Kallev would do.


OODMOODM: Onward!

 

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I have taken the Oath of Sangus.

Last edited by Xian; Nov 1st, 2019 at 12:16 PM.
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  #114  
Old Nov 1st, 2019, 02:08 PM
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Kallev LittletonKallev was tired, tired of it all. She had always wanted to do the 'greater' good, even if it meant doing something bad. But for that she has been used, abused and sentenced to death. Even trying to help the queen was a fruitless attempt that showed just how powerless she was, no matter the illusion that she holds power of summoning a knight. It all seemed like smoke and mirrors...

Then after being thrown to the ground and unveiled before the queen, Kallev squints her eyes as they adjust to the lighting. Looking up at the queen's feet, she feels the restraints disappear. Now could be the time she could take out the queen and abdicate the throne, all she would need to do is call on her knight, but Kallev knew better as she began to form her own understandings albeit regardless if they were right or wrong.

With the display of submission, Kallev kept her eyes at the queens feet as she moved to kneel before her. Your majesty... she simply states, waiting for a response/permission.

 
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Sorry all, but thing still crazy and I'm going to go on a hiatus for a bit. Hopefully be back on in a few months at this rate. Feel free to replace my characters. Thanks for all the fun thus far, I'm looking forward to coming back soon and hope to game with you all again.

Last edited by kaylara; Nov 1st, 2019 at 02:09 PM.
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  #115  
Old Nov 1st, 2019, 06:07 PM
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Return to the SanatariumDr. Alymer follows along with the guard and Mr. Rawncer. It does not take much insight to glean that Jonathan is far off in his thoughts. The press of crowds and eyes melts before the stern inquisitors. Still, Aurelius feels inopportune to mention anything in so public a setting. Wherever Jonathan is, it is a most delicate, private corner of his mind. He wants to assist, but the surgeon and chemist feels out of his depth.

Aurelius does not break the silent trek until they arrive at Sanatarium gates. With a cordial nod to their parting escort, the good doctor now follows the orderlies inside with his companion. Away from the civil guards, Dr. Alymer finally lets his Free: spontaneous healing for 4 hpsurgical enhancements restore the last of his strained joints. He then pulls out his CLW infusion (d8+5 hp)last healing tonic. "Here, Mr. Ranwcer. I see that you're still limping a little," he offers in his warm bedside manner. "This might ease the rest of that backlash." Walking down the hall toward the inner rooms, Aurelius cleans his spectacles uncertainly. He hazards an offer, "Mr. Ranwncer, I do not know all that you have been through. It must be a lot and quite the history. If you need a friendly ear, I would not gainsay lending it."


Entering the room, there is a slight frown he cannot avert at Dr. Mendela's greeting. While Dr. Alymer would hardly regard himself as a spokesman for the unwashed masses, to say nothing of his own quarrels, it must be saying something if Dr. Alymer reckons Dr. Mendela a little too elitist. Dr. Alymer proffers a civil nod to the physician. "Pointless is a matter of debate, Dr. Mendela," he says with a shrug, "but it certainly did not go as expected. The convicted was spared death by some specter. The specter then went to confront Her Majesty. Last we saw, the convicted was being escorted to an audience with Her Majesty. Queer business all of it."

Aurelius rubs his eyes behind his spectacles with a sigh. "Indeed. Refreshment sounds wonderful, Dr. Mendela. Though, what I would not give for my pipe right now after that ghastly scene." His attention alights at the mention of work. Aurelius regards his colleague with practiced reserve belying his excitement. "All is still on track?"


 
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-G.K. Chesterton, Tremendous Trifles (1909), XVII: "The Red Angel"
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  #116  
Old Nov 4th, 2019, 01:55 PM
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Jonathan Rawncer
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A grim countenance masks the Dragon Heart's true and turbulent thoughts as he and his friend are escorted through the throngs of bewildered citizens. His stern eye never leaves Judas' backside during the entire return to the oh-so remarkable Sanatorium... until, in that moment... a WHITE FLASH BLINDS HIM, and he falls to his knees, right then and there! The painful thump of cold ground meeting his quivering knees... is a curious and strikingly familiar sensation that bombards his memory in his sudden recollection...

"GET UP YOU FOOL!"-- one of the guards blatantly blurts out, and swiftly extends a kick to his side. But Jonathan does not feel it, as he has left the scene entirely, completely retreated into his mind, and now witnessing some grave sights that he thought for certain, had left his consciousness thankfully, forever... but not so.

IN A SPLIT SECOND(!), the vacant man fallen to his knees, SNAPS BACK to realization, turns quickly to the goon that thwacked him, displaying the most grievous and visceral tremble-- rattling through his body like a panicked creature on the brink of predation. His eyes wide with torment, BLOODSHOT, and thunderous!

NNN-OOOOOOO!!-- He rises from his knees furiously-- AND POUNCES the assailant goon with all of his crazed might! The two fall to the ground right there on the perches of the Sanatorium. Jonathan, sweating and screaming, eyes fixed down on the bewildered goon under him as though he were wrestling for his very salvation... or the salvation of another...

RAGE BEGINS TO BUBBLE AND SPROUT!-- Golden horns pierce and then protrude from his skull, a snoutted maw takes shape from his wild mouth, roaring like a lion. The frightened victim can only reel with absolute astonishment under the weight of Jonathan's lightning furry. The grappled goon is quickly falling under the onslaught, and he knows it as well, "Inquisitor Luris! DO SOMETHING!! PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!"

In that moment, Judas does snap to intervention. He staggers over swiftly and pummels Jonathan to the back of the head with a brute and commanding crack! Jonathan falls lifeless instantly, and collapses onto his struggling victim...

This time, Blackness overtakes him, not the curious white flash as before, and no memories follow this time either...
~*


Jonathan awakens to the sounds of Dr. Mendela's snarky voice. Aurelius is there as well, and greets his returning friend with another timely drought of sweet mending. Jonathan jolts awake still quite disturbed and panicked. He shots a vigorous look to Aurelius as he holds out his hands to receive the restorative vial. He downs it ferociously as if it were the only bit of water to be found in the middle of a vast desert.

Mendela smiles upon the two, and his smile is strikingly sincere, come to notice. Jonathan gazes up at him then with a sudden idea and sensation in that moment that he never felt before. Thank you Doctor Mendela, he accepts the glass of wine as well, all the while looking softly on him further as though this man may have some needed insight, some sought-after answers. Doctor! I was struck! I have to say. Just before my return to you here, I had a blinding flash of light that brought me back to a time… A time I thought I had long forgotten.

Demons, Doctor… That’s what it was! He’s then hit with a sudden and striking realization! IT WAS HERE! Right on the Sanatorium steps!

With this he quickly staggers to his feet in sudden fright, eyes reeling in remembrance, as though the pieces, the clues, are all finally coming together now. Doctor Mendela! He doesn’t want to continue. He's too frightened to ask! …But he must!

Doctor… What do you know about Judas Luris, demons on the steps… and with painful tears in his eyes… and my wife, Doctor, my wife Cyranda!?

Actions
Dice Drink Aurelius' potion offered:
1d8+5 (2)+5 Total = 7
Dice Diplomacy:
1d20+9 (5)+9 Total = 14

 
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Last edited by WhiteStag; Nov 5th, 2019 at 02:03 AM.
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Old Nov 7th, 2019, 10:52 AM
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Transitions
In the Hall of the Mountain Queen - Kallev
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kallev
With the display of submission, Kallev kept her eyes at the queens feet as she moved to kneel before her.

"Your majesty..." she simply states, waiting for a response/permission.
"What's this? Humility? Truly? Let it not be said that you aren't a very pretty liar." Jacqueline laughed... almost giggled... as she watched Kallev prostrate herself in front of her. The act itself seemed very amusing to the Queen who seem to lounge in her throne watching Kallev. "I see the denial to accept who you truly are and what you are becoming. You struggle against it, you fight to deny it, but it is of course pretense, it is a lie. A lie that has been told to you so much that it has now become indistinguishable from truth. Even before I ever heard you speak, I could see the delusions and lies you tell and keep telling yourself to convince yourself that you are still the "good" and pure little princess that you had been raised to believe."

"But it does not have to be this way... your lies and delusions hold you back Kallev. No matter what, you have been sullied and there is blood on your hands. There is no way to become pure ever again, so why fight it?" Jacqueline continued as she lounged in her throne and looked down haughtily at Kallev before taking a deep draught of her wine. "You are one of us now... embrace it. Do not deny yourself. You can't run from the darkness that has always dwelt within you and your family. Embrace the truth... it will set you free. Then you can truly begin to walk the path to power... you can choose to be powerful instead of one of the powerless, as you are right now... not being able to do a thing, but just be pulled along by the whims of others."

"The arrogant fool! She believes you to be an insect, not worthy of any consideration!" Came an excited and triumphant voice in Kallev's head. "In her hubris, she has let her guard down... now is your chance! Strike before she realizes it... we may never get such an opportunity again!"


To the Sanitarium - Jonathan and Aurelius
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aurelius
"Pointless is a matter of debate, Dr. Mendela," he says with a shrug, "but it certainly did not go as expected. The convicted was spared death by some specter. The specter then went to confront Her Majesty. Last we saw, the convicted was being escorted to an audience with Her Majesty. Queer business all of it."
"That's why I never get involved in politics..." Mendela says blandly as if the entire affair was beneath him. "More nameless pieces being shuffled in the game played by so called "nobility", only satisfied in maintaining their safe, materialistic, and utterly pointless lives."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aurelius
"Indeed. Refreshment sounds wonderful, Dr. Mendela. Though, what I would not give for my pipe right now after that ghastly scene." His attention alights at the mention of work. Aurelius regards his colleague with practiced reserve belying his excitement. "All is still on track?"
"I can have a pipe fetched for you, if that is your desire... and you will not have to give anything for it... yet." Doctor Mendela said in a deadpan manner in what Aurelius supposed was a version of his humor. "As for the other matter, let us just say that the object in question is well in hand... I am a man of my word..."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan
"Doctor! I was struck! I have to say. Just before my return to you here, I had a blinding flash of light that brought me back to a time… A time I thought I had long forgotten."

"Demons, Doctor… That’s what it was! He’s then hit with a sudden and striking realization! IT WAS HERE! Right on the Sanatorium steps!"

With this he quickly staggers to his feet in sudden fright, eyes reeling in remembrance, as though the pieces, the clues, are all finally coming together now. Doctor Mendela! He doesn’t want to continue. He's too frightened to ask! …But he must!

"Doctor… What do you know about Judas Luris, demons on the steps… " and with painful tears in his eyes.
"… and my wife, Doctor, my wife Cyranda!?"
Doctor Mendela looks upon Jonathan's outburst with a look that is mixture of both contempt and interest and his eyebrows raised quizzically as he looks to Aurelius for perhaps an explanation or information on this particular rant.

"Mr. Rawncer, I have been the director of this Sanitarium since its founding and keep meticulous records of all that has transpired here in the nearly half century of its operation. I do not recall you... or your wife... or anyone named Cynranda... ever being on the Sanitarium grounds. Certainly no instance of any so called "demons" on our steps..." Doctor Mendela says blandly at Jonathan's outburst with look of contemptuous pity written on his face. "The only time Count Luris had ever come here was to put you and Doctor Alymer into my care not two days hence."

"It appears that whatever affliction Mr. Rawncer is suffering from is much more severe than I had initial diagnosed... certainly no indication of delusions of this degree and veracity. Could this be a side effect of the behavioral medications that I had administered to him previously?" Mendela asks as he turns to Aurelius briefly as he begins to assess Jonathan visually and taking in his countenance. "What is your medical opinion on the source of such an... outburst, Doctor Alymer?"

"Mr. Rawncer, while I cannot offer you answers to delusional questions, what I can offer is an opportunity for surgical treatment options that may improve your ability to recall these memories properly and separate the real from the delusional." Doctor Mendela offered flatly to the distraught Jonathan. "I can supplement the surgical treatment plan for dealing with your rage issues, but there are associated risks with such treatment. Normally, when memories are blocked like this, either through denial or delusion, it is usually a coping mechanism for a traumatic experience and what impacts undoing it may have upon your sanity is... difficult... to predict."



OODMOODM: Onward!

 

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Old Nov 7th, 2019, 12:26 PM
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Return to the SanatariumAurelius quirks a brow in no little surprise at Dr. Mendela's seeming nonchalance to the specter. "I'm not sure that I want to know any more about local politics, doctor, if a ghost appearing is business as usual."

Dr. Alymer can't help chuckling at the promise of a pipe. "You can? Most generous of you, Dr. Mendela!" But the smile in his eyes twinkles with excitement at the promise of his own returning to him. The only reason the surgeon is not more giddy is the sobering memory that his arts proved useless the last time he tried to revive his Yana. Yet, the very chance for another go or if only closure, what would he not give for that.

Matters no less serious but far more immediate take center attention. As is becoming customary this point, Aurelius looks largely confused by his comrade's outburst. He frowns in concern but frustrated at being unable to do more. "I caution that I am little familiar with mental maladies and am little acquainted with more than snippets of Mr. Rawncer's actual history." He takes a sympathetic gaze on Jonathan. His address turns as much to the man in question as the consulting psychiatrist. "I can say that some long quarrel with the inquisitor is quite real. From just watching them interact, some painful history is obvious. Certainly, stress may blur details of traumatic memory, but he definitely endured it. More than that, I hesitate before having all the facts." Dr. Alymer clasps Jonathan on the shoulder with earnest solicitude. "I said before, Mr. Rawncer, that I would blithely lend an ear to your story. I am no less willing to hear it now," he offers.


 
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Old Nov 7th, 2019, 06:59 PM
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Kallev LittletonKallev nodded in agreement. Humility, yes. Tricked and now tainted, yes. she comments, then runs her hand over the mark. This scar serves as a reminder of the delusion of power. I was so gullible to think it would do good, do my bidding. Then I lost my temper and look what happened.

I've been thru a hellish time, tricked, swallowed and fed upon. The horror of reality...

I don't know of the "dark power of my family" or how to "embrace" the truth. I'm pretty sure I've just faced it.

The way I see it, our only power we truly hold is the power to say no to these powers.
she humbly states, ignoring the voice in her head telling her it is the perfect time to take out the queen.

In the grand scheme of things, we all get pulled along at the whims of another, either it a being or force. Though there does seem to be a pecking order...and I'm a bit lower on that pole your majesty.

Maybe she refers to the executionthis time, I can for-fill the justice that's been dictated and die with the dignity of knowing that I will never succumb to the darkness again. Unless my queen wishes something else, perhaps a way to redemption?


 
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Old Nov 10th, 2019, 02:25 PM
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Jonathan Rawncer
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Judas and I are old friends, Aurelius, as I am sure you have noticed. With this, as if just by mention of the name Judas, he winces and cups his underside with a subtle shot of pain. A striking reverberation from a time long ago... The recanting of my past is just too unbearable at the moment Aurelius. I can not revisit. He speaks these words with a slight and detectable frustration with his friend as though Aurelius' authenticity and... loyalties were in question.

Not on these steps, Dr. Mendela...? He's at sudden loss. For sure his memories illustrated the harrowing event taking place on these very steps.

Jonathan then listens to Mendela's proposition further with talk of correctional surgery to help restore further details to his troubled and hazy memory... The bereft man sits quietly in thought, intense deliberation, sweet still dripping from his brow, weighing the outcomes of this helpful surgery according to the confident surgeon.


Doctor! I will go through with it!-- He finally snaps to a conclusion. I must know more!

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Dice Sense Motive of Mendela's words:
1d20+10 (6)+10 Total = 16

 
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From the ashes a fire shall be woken/a light in the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken/the crownless again shall be King."

Last edited by WhiteStag; Nov 10th, 2019 at 02:27 PM.
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