[RP] Scar-Cross`d Brothers

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Scar-Cross`d Brothers
The priest of Laanx stood atop the Windowless Tower, usually a spot of calm contemplation for him. Somewhere from which he could watch the city contentedly. But not today.
In his hands he gently held a book. The spine was broken, yellowed and torn pages almost falling out. He had found it whilst looking through the temple archives. It both intrigued him and worried him, deeply.
This was not something he could resolve by himself.
He headed back toward the Iron Temple in search of aid...

Within the temple Giroum continued to review the old diary, eventually met by his colleague Aarnir of the priests of Laanx, and shortly after the xacha who goes by the name of `Kisau` (Dalgin). Recent events had brought Dalgin to the temple to pray to Laanx, to give thanks, and in this Giroum saw the work of his lord. Aarnir and Dalgin could aid him in identifying the book. At that point the three were joined by Mellas.
Mellas, Dalgin and Aarnir…

Giroum proceeded to show them the book, `The diary of Naen`, that he had discovered in the archives…a book which appeared to recount the life of a Laanx priest more than three centuries earlier, and which ended most ominously. Giroum requested their aid in identifying the writer and discovering his fate. From the text itself it was clear that this `Naen` had been a priest of Laanx and a member of the Vestru branch of the priesthood, with a brother who had entered Sempetor. Seeking more information he dispatched them to Hydlaa library…

Upon their return…
(11:50:16) Aarnir pulls out the Geneology, "We are in luck! Lori helped us locate some old genealogies, and I believe we've found something, here have a look."
The Apero-Nel family tree…


 (11:51:30) Aarnir says: Seems the Priest Naen, is Naen Apero-Nel.
(11:52:05) Giroum nods, tracing the lines of the tree, "Naen Apero-Nel....brother of Keyl."
Examining the family tree they discovered that both parents, Keyl and Naen: the apparent author of the diary had all died in the same year, 424AY…though there seemed to be some mystery surrounding the deaths of Naen and Keyl.
Now knowing the full name of the diary writer, Aarnir lead Dalgin and Mellas to the archives of the priesthood within the Windowless Tower seeking further information.
At the temple archives…

They finally returned to Giroum with three tomes, noting the induction of Naen and Keyl Apero-Nel into the priesthood by Noctar Calertia (upon finding the two youths cavorting atop the Scar of Laanx) and their placement in Vestru and Sempetor after instruction, their fellow recruits, and a plague (mentioned also in Naen`s diary) which spread from the sewers beneath Hydlaa and claimed the lives of their parents. And with the deaths of their parents the family riches were noted as passing to Naen and Keyl…though found to be currently missing from the temple coffers.
Examining the books from the archive...

Dalgin was the first to point out the mention of fungal spore being present on the corpses of the plague victims…
(12:44:44) Giroum frowns, "Your comment about fugi..." Giroum`s eyes strayed to the diary once more. Is there any other mention of this plague?
(12:47:00) Aarnir says: ahh, yes. One in the tunnels led Naen to a crop of funfi
(12:47:19) Dalgin raises his eyebrows
(12:47:24) Dalgin says: That must be it
And found an entry in the original diary…..
(12:48:27) Dalgin reads "Enlightened me to a crop of various fungi down here and from him I learned their uses"
 (12:48:55) Giroum reads `The Plague of 424AY`, "It says here that Naen was told of the plague and bidden to return. It appears he did not."
(12:49:12) Dalgin nods. "Wrapped up in his job."
(12:49:30) Giroum says: While his parents died of the plague.
Giroum shakes his head sadly
(12:49:50) Dalgin stops
(12:49:50) Mellas looks up from the books. 'Could the fungi have been the cure to the plague?'
At this point the four were joined by the Dermorian warrior Zephan Cystennin who was asked to join in their quest…
(12:50:02) >Giroum Duphra greets Zephan Cystennin.
(12:50:10) Dalgin turns to Mellas. "I think the fungi IS the plague"
(12:50:36) Giroum then looks to Dalgin, "You think that...Naen...?"
(12:51:08) Aarnir looks to them both, seems I may be confused...naen was in the tunnels prior to the plague....found some fungi....then a fungi plague ensued...
(12:51:17) Dalgin turns to Giroum. "Isn't it odd? Naen finds some fungi, a plague breaks out, and Naen gets inheritance through his parents' death."
(12:51:30) Dalgin says: And then, he doesn't attend their funeral
(12:51:48) Dalgin says softly. "Perhaps it was foul play..."
(12:51:53) Mellas frowns, a rather shocked look on her face.
(12:57:30) Giroum says: So....you believe Naen was reponsible for the plague in the sewers...which got into the city..and felled his parents?
(12:58:05) Mellas has a hard time believing that someone could do such a thing.
(12:58:10) Dalgin nods. "It doesn't seem to match what others thought of him, but it does explain why he didn't attend their funeral, and why the funds are missing
(12:58:49) Giroum's brow furrows, "That a priest would turn his back on his faith and release such a disease....!"
(12:58:58) Mellas nods. 'It makes sense, though the thought of such an act scares me.'

Whilst duty drew Aarnir away, Giroum, Dalgin, Zephan and Mellas continued to work on the mystery…it fully appeared that Naen Apero-Nel, assigned to charitable works in the slums and sewers of the city might have known of, if not unleashed, a plague which claimed his own parents. And it appeared that his inheritance had vanished without trace.

(13:01:29) Giroum frowns, "There were mentions of a meeting, annually between the brothers...yes?"
(13:01:35) Dalgin nods
(13:01:38) Mellas nods. 'Aye.'
 (13:01:56) Giroum says: But...where?
(13:02:13) Mellas scans the books.
(13:04:35) Dalgin says: Wait... Laanx's Scar?
And thus they found the next step in their quest…an annual rendezvous between the brother priests. They had been first caught and reprimanded for playing atop Laanx`s Scar by the priest Noctar Calertia as youths…and had maintained their tradition of meeting their on the anniversary throughout their training. The last entry of the diary, as Naen appeared to descend into madness, indicated a lasting desire to maintain that tradition…
(13:05:04) Giroum looks over the books once more....yes...yes, you may be right.
(13:05:09) Dalgin says: I'm looking at the Record of Noctar Calertia, and it says that Noctar found Keyl and Naen playing there
(13:05:39) Zephan nods. "If my memory serves me right, I know where it is..."
And so they set out for the Scar of Laanx..
Giroum takes on a serous expression, "The Scar of Laanx is a hill near Gugrontid...."
Dalgin says: Ironic, Gugrontid is the mark of Talad, is it not?
Mellas looks at the trio curiously. 'Why is it called a scar?'
Dalgin turns to Mellas. "Well, Laanx used a mask to cover the scar that Talad gave him. That much I know."
Giroum swallows audibly, "It is also the burial place of Konroran. The first Kran."

And upon arrival near the Scar of Laanx the four found, stood upon the mound, a Kran…
Unexpected meeting with Gernst on the Scar of Laanx...

It took much time for them to trick Gernst into leaving the hill and not to ask too many questions about their business, gifts of kindness from both Zephan and Dalgin, along with the xacha`s persuasiveness eventually saw the kran on his way…and not a moment too soon for Giroum, who was loath to begin digging on the burial mound of Konroran with one of the first kran`s descendants watching!

After some digging with shovels Giroum had brought with them they unearthed various items….a xacha skull within a battle helm, an ancient short sword and a gem-encrusted longsword and a platinum holy symbol of Laanx: the remains of Keyl Apero-Nel. And the remains of his brother, author of the mysterious diary, Naen Apero-Nel: another xacha skull, an ancient dagger…and most alarmingly a second diary, a scroll containing a poem…and a single black glass bead, confirming Giroum`s worst fears.
The four proceeded to consider and examine their finds.
Digging atop the Scar of Laanx/Konroran`s grave...


The four examine the buried poem scroll...


The poem was a piece of blasphemous filth, a work of heresy, but the diary worse…it was identical to that which Naen himself had sent to the temple, presumably just prior to setting out to meet his brother, though filled with the fallen priest`s true thoughts. His growing jealously and hatred for his brother, his concoction and releasing of the virus which felled his own parents, his loss of faith in his god and his intention to slay his brother to acquire their complete inheritance…ending with a coded message, an alphagram which Mellas succeeded in deciphering…
“bdeiru eehrw eht aben fo achmonrs dhot gorw, illw fo eht ehiprsw be deno.”
“Buried where the bane of monarchs doth grow, Will of the Whisper be done.”
Bane of monarchs…
(14:08:20) Giroum rubs his jaw, "Yliakum has no king..never has, that I know of."
(14:08:49) Mellas ponders quietly.
(14:09:32) Dalgin says: Is it an herb?
(14:10:00) Giroum remember something and takes out the diary once more. Giroum opens the diary and flicks through the pages
(14:10:40) Zephan says: Aye, he mentioned some herbs in there...
(14:10:51) Mellas says: kingsfoil..
(14:10:58) Giroum says: Naen joined Vestru....learned about pl- YES!
(14:11:00) Dalgin looks up
(14:11:07) Giroum says: Mellas, you genius!
(14:11:08) Mellas says: 'Where kingsfoil grows?'
(14:11:08) Dalgin says: yes, monarchs, kings
 (14:11:15) Zephan says: Fantastic.
(14:11:15) Mellas blushes.
(14:11:30) Dalgin says: so, where does kingsfoil grow?
(14:11:47) Giroum nods, thinking and relights his pipe
(14:11:48) Zephan says: I've seen them growing in the Derghir village. Anywhere else?
(14:11:59) Mellas says: Wasn't that near the green... consumers?
(14:12:16) Mellas taps her chin. 'Something grew there.'
(14:12:26) Giroum nods to Mellas enthusiastically again, "My dear, what would we do without you?!"
(14:12:44) Dalgin says: Well, let's go

Their journey, and quest, finally ended in the dead-end valley inhabited by a trio of consumers, the beasts having to be slain before they could uncover Naen`s treasure that he had hidden away over three centuries earlier…

 (14:33:56) Mellas says: 'Incredible!'
(14:34:02) Giroum says: This treasure...my friends...it is yours.
(14:34:12) Dalgin says: Really?
(14:34:17) Giroum nods solemnly
(14:34:21) Dalgin says: But.... it was you who called for us
(14:34:34) Mellas blinks with disbelief
(14:34:38) Giroum shakes his head, "Not so that I could recover valuables.  If I might make one request...?”
(14:34:53) Dalgin says: Of course
(14:35:14) Mellas nods. 'Certainly.'
(14:35:31) Giroum says: The records from the archives....the diary and that accursed poem...might I have them?
(14:35:45) Mellas says: Aye!
(14:36:09) Dalgin nods
(14:36:37) Giroum says: And perhaps it would be best if I buried Naen and Keyl`s skulls properly.
(14:36:44) Dalgin nods
(14:37:17) Mellas nods in silent agreement
(14:37:39) Giroum says: Their swords and equipment are yours also. Use them well.
(14:41:55) Giroum says: You have the blessings of Laanx....and my own personal thanks.
(14:42:18) Zephan nods to Giroum.
(14:42:19) Mellas feels little respect for Naen's actions, but sighs.
(14:42:35) Mellas inclines her head gratefully to Giroum
(14:42:46) Dalgin says: Thank you, Giroum

(14:44:07) Giroum is about to turn and leave when a thought occurs...
 (14:45:11) Giroum says: This here...I believe it accounts for *Naen*`s share of his inheritance. He would be unable to withdraw his brother`s...but that share is missing from the treasury also....
(14:45:24) Zephan frowns, tilting his head?
(14:45:35) Dalgin raises his eyebrows
(14:45:36) Mellas ' eyes widen.
 (14:45:48) Giroum says: I may have need of individuals such as yourselves once more, some day...if I discover a lead on this remaining mystery.
(14:45:55) >Dalgin Xawanda lets out a hearty laugh!
 (14:46:15) >Giroum Duphra lets out a hearty laugh!
 (14:47:57) Giroum lights his pipe once more from the candle atop his staff and wanders off back toward the temple.
(14:48:00) Giroum bows his head, hands together in prayer
(14:48:00) Giroum says: May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path.

Giroum, Mellas, Zephan and Dalgin discover the treasure...



[The event ended up lasting far longer and had far fewer participants than expected...though if we`d had more we`d have probably taken even longer. I was very pleased with how it went, thanks to Aarnir, Dalgin, Zephan and Mellas for taking part. A sequel is in the works...]

[Dalgin Xawanda]

Thank you so much for setting up this event, it was a lot of fun.  But next time, could we do it at a different time? 

[Thoss]

Had a really great time!  Very well thought out event Tadano!  I really liked this format for a player-led event.  Enough structure and guidance to keep things flowing, as well as open enough for the participants to feel they made some discoveries themselves.

Thanks for letting me partake!  I look forward to the next!

[Dajoji]

Old school! I love it. We used to have this kind of plot all the time back in the day. Somehow, the frequency of these plots diminished but I'm glad to see players go at it again. Will be following how this evolves.

Congratulations, this proves once more that players have plenty of resources to make do and have great plots unfold. Keep it up.

[zoran]

Wow, glad to be able to read about it if not attend. I wonder, how do you set something like this up? I take it you write a background story, a script of some sort, prepare the props (letters, documents) etc. But how did you handle:

a) some character finding information in the archive? (tell, or give them a document at that time in the story?)

b) giving out clues (did you have an outline of what you gave away somewhere, if the plot didn't advance, or make it up)?

c) inviting people at start - OOC or IC?

d) handling the treasure (how to prevent it being stolen if it was distributed beforehand)?

I find it an intriguing idea to set something like this up player-to-player (not wanting to slight GM-led events at all), but would need a lot more pointers to get an idea of how to handle this in game. I am sure many would profit if people would share their tricks in setting up player-led events.

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Wow, glad to be able to read about it if not attend. I wonder, how do you set something like this up? I take it you write a background story, a script of some sort, prepare the props (letters, documents) etc. But how did you handle:

a) some character finding information in the archive? (tell, or give them a document at that time in the story?)

b) giving out clues (did you have an outline of what you gave away somewhere, if the plot didn't advance, or make it up)?

c) inviting people at start - OOC or IC?

d) handling the treasure (how to prevent it being stolen if it was distributed beforehand)?

I find it an intriguing idea to set something like this up player-to-player (not wanting to slight GM-led events at all), but would need a lot more pointers to get an idea of how to handle this in game. I am sure many would profit if people would share their tricks in setting up player-led events.

Well, this adventure was born from a few points...
firstly I`d always wanted to use the Skull quest items in an RP event, and since they are xacha skulls that suggested a Laanx-based adventure...which tied in well with my Laanx priest character Giroum. I`d also been making a detailed map of the Dome and had noted the Scar of Laanx (and the intriguing fact that it`s also allegedly the burial place of Konroran: good for religious friction). From there I came up with the story of two xacha youths being caught playing on the Scar by a senior priest, them entering the priesthood, one into charitable work, one into the militant wing, their separation and one`s growing jealousy. Since the story took place over three centuries ago I wrote out a timeline with various events, from which I could them write the various diaries, archive records, family tree etc.

a. As for the archives and library: alts. I have two clients, one with my main character one, and a second with various other supporting-role characters. One was placed in the library with the family tree, ready to drop it and log off as soon as I noticed the players enter the building. Another stood in the Windowless Tower with a closet on top of themself (both to hide themself and ensure no one could steal the closet itself). A third was positioned in the final valley with the treasure sacks. He dropped these and lured the three consumers with magic as everyone was making their way from Gugrontid.

b. I only had to have Giroum give out hints or make part of a connection to the next clue once or twice. The other players did a good job of getting from one clue to the next and I hope, from their perspective, it didn`t seem to railroaded. If they had had problems then I would`ve had Giroum give bigger and bigger hints as necessary.

c. Of the five players who took part to some extent or other, all but one had been asked OOC to have some excuse to come to the temple on X day at Y time. I basically invited players I knew were good roleplayers and (mostly) who had connections to Giroum. The other player hadn`t been OOC invited but had met Giroum once before and happened to be there at the right time.
If other characters had wandered into the events they would`ve been most welcome to join...the only problem would`ve been explaining what had happened so far. The hook itself mean reading a diary before you knew whether the event was for you or not. Hopefully in the second part I can make it easier for others to join partway through (I`m thinking of a more open invitation too...perhaps advertise here on the forums. Perhaps).

d. As I mentioned above, most of the documents and the final treasure were all held by alts until the last moment before being dropped and the alt logging off, to minimise the chance of anything being `stolen`. In the case of the buried items on the Scar of Laanx everything was of course actually carried by Giroum. Since digging doesn`t work we equipped the shovels and RP`d digging, used rolls to determine if anyone found anything, then Giroum gave them their discoveries which they then RP`d finding (one point worth noting is that we Grouped all the players for OOC communication).

I hope that helps!

[zoran]

Thanks for the thorough explanation, which surprised me in quite a few respects. 

I hadn't thought of the use of alts for this, and the trick with the closet (can you buy those somewhere?) and the alt is clever. Luring monsters with magic is also a good solution to an obvious problem.

In any case, I guess the players were aware that you were running the event (seems like you made that clear beforehand), and expected some kind of moderation of events (resolving the digging and handing out the items found).

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Yes, closets and other furniture can be bought from a merchant in the Winch area of Hydlaa (though access to the Winch requires the completion of several quests). You could always ask someone who does have access to buy the stuff for you though.

And yes, I`d spoken with most of the players in the weeks beforehand that I was planning to run the event. I hadn`t specifically stated that I`d be moderating some parts (hence the OOC Group to explain things as we went. If there had been any issues, we`d have resolved them there).

Planning the follow-up is going well and I hope to hold it within the month.

[MellasFenixxes]

Wonderful to be able to re-read this event online, I really had a great time and I'm still amazed at how
masterfully you put this storyline together! Very inspiring!!
Have you asked the Knowledge Seekers to add your stories of the two brothers to Jayose's library?
That way we can all enjoy reading about the mysteries!!

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Thanks Mellas 
I`ve submitted "An Account of the House of Apero-Nel" alongside "The Rise and Fall of the Masked Lords" (an account and poem of a past adventure involving Giroum and a good few other players) and another poem.
Fingers crossed!

And...you`re interested in taking part in the follow-up event?

[Tadano Hitoshi]

Scar-Cross'd Brothers Part II: Where there's a Will...

Within the Iron Temple
Giroum sat, as he often did, on one of the pews within the temple thinking and waiting. All the books and materials they had uncovered, including Naen's blasphemous poem, were safely locked away in the archives. Giroum was ready to take Naen and Keyl's skulls to the burial well to be interred...only one last thing was on his mind.
Keyl's inheritance.
His fallen brother Naen had secreted away his own share of the family fortune (after killing his own parents) and seemed to have been intent on murdering Keyl too for the rest...but the two brothers had died, killed each other in fact. Giroum, Zephan, Mellas and the xacha Kisau had uncovered Naen's wealth, lest it fall into the hands of other evil-doers...but what of Keyl's?

Thus Giroum, devotee of Laanx, had sent a messenger -a Klyros, for who would expect a priest of the masquerade lord to employ a Klyros?- to the Forge to discover what he could of Keyl's wealth.
Giroum nervously adjusted his pipe and puffed away on it nervously, looking to a notched candle to check the hour.
The Klyros should be returning at any moment...

The Hydlaa Winch
Jarexia breathed a sigh of relief as the platform came to a halt, though he still kept a cautious hand on the satchel at his side and the scrolls within. He stepped off and onto one of the walkways toward the winch building itself and Hydlaa beyond. He had an appointment to keep...



(09:59:20) Jarexia says: What`s this?
(09:59:23) Outlaw 1 says: Be stopp'n'ere wingy...
(09:59:33) Outlaw 2 clears his throat, and addresses Jerexia. "Good evening, sir."
(09:59:51) Jarexia says: Might I remind you that weapons are not permitted to be unsheathed in the city...?
(10:00:07) Outlaw 3 examines the Klyros and grins
(10:00:12) OL2 nods. "We are fully aware."
(10:00:30) OL2 says: Laws.... so distant.... not very helpful to you or me.
(10:00:34) OL1 says: N'me may be remind'n ye f'ye ain't shutt'n da trap ye may nay op'n it 'gain.
(10:00:52) Jarexia nods in understanding, "I see. Then what is this about?"
(10:00:55) OL2 sighs, and gives OL1 a look
(10:01:11) OL1 spits before Jarexia's feet.
(10:01:26) OL2 turns to Jarexia. "You have been put in an uncomfortable position my friend, and for that, I must apologize."
(10:01:33) Jarexia looks down at the spit, "A charming habit you have there, my dear."
(10:01:42) Jarexia raise a hairless brow at OL2
(10:01:50) OL3 stretches his head to the left cracking his neck
(10:01:50) OL2 turns to OL1, giving her a harsh look. "Cool it."
(10:02:16) OL1 shrugs and spits before OL2's feet, too.
(10:02:29) OL2 turns back to Jarexia. "You see, you have just been sent by Giroum to look for some paperwor-Please!"
(10:02:29) OL3 says: I think flappy would make a nice toy eh ?
(10:02:54) Jarexia stares at OL2, "What do you know of my work for the priest?"
(10:03:00) OL2 rubs his nose, and kicks at the ground with is boots covered in spit.
(10:03:13) ROL3 looks at OL1 , "Can I play with that thing ? "
(10:03:32) OL1 turns to OL3. "Wut'thin'?"
(10:03:38) Jarexia scowls at OL3, and taps his axes, "Just try it."
(10:03:51) OL3 points a saber at Jarexia , " THat blue thingy"
(10:03:51) OL2 tries again. "That isn't as important as this; were you successful? Did you find what you were sent for?"
(10:04:25) OL2 says loudly. "Friends, I suggest you cool it."
(10:04:25) OL1 shoots OL3 a brown grin. "Dem wings be mine, ah."
(10:04:33) Jarexia holds up a bag, seemlingly containing scrolls, "I have. But it will not be yours. Never."
(10:05:08) OL2 turns back to Jarexia, with a sad look. "Well, how much are they worth to you?"
(10:05:49) Jarexia narrows his eyes at OL2, "Unlike you three, I, sir, am not for sale. I might ask you the same?"
(10:06:21) OL1 gives Jarexia a glare, loosing her patience again, her feet shifting.
(10:06:24) OL2 shakes his head. "That isn't what I meant. How much is it worth to you? What Giroum is paying you? Double? Your life?"
(10:06:49) OL2 says: This pieces of paper... is it worth getting hurt, or worse?
(10:06:56) Jarexia says: To hand over such documents to...curs...like you, would be an offense to my honour.
(10:07:00) Jarexia draws his axes
(10:07:16) OL2 looks hurt. "I do hate that word, 'curs'."
(10:07:31) OL2 says: Perhaps it hurts more than those axes would.
(10:07:54) Jarexia says: Then you shall have to find out. One at a time or dare you try all at once?
(10:08:24) OL2 shakes his head. "Please, try to work with me. I really hate violence. Honestly, I do."
(10:08:42) Jarexia says: Then I fear you`ve chosen the wrong career path.
(10:09:00) OL1 looks at OL2 for a moment, then back to Jarexia, walking towards her with her swords raised. "Trash talk ye be giv'n. I's sick'a ye, ah."
(10:09:09) OL2 smiles. "You'd be surprised how powerful words can be."
(10:09:20) Jarexia nods to OL1 and takes a stance
(10:09:56) OL2 says: Now, wait just a minute....
(10:10:05) OL2 steps forward
(10:10:17) Jarexia hesitates, unwilling to be the first to strike at a lady
(10:11:00) OL1 stops her swing right before lowering her sword. She turns lightly to OL1. "Whuss da'eck, ah?!!"
(10:11:24) OL2 glares at OL1. "You just don't get it, do you?"
(10:11:40) Jarexia swings a kick at OL3 in the confusion
(10:12:13) OL3 takes a hit in his gut and grunts.
(10:12:14) OL2 looks up, startled
(10:12:22) OL2 shouts: Hold him down
(10:12:46) OL2 swings one of his blades at Jarexia from above
(10:13:06) OL1 has time to roll her eyes before swinging her sword finalyl towards Jarexia, her left one raised as if to cover herself.
(10:13:09) Jarexia is cut through the webbing of his right wing and cries out
(10:13:16) OL3 swings his right sword at Jarexia's back while holding his left sword up defensively.
(10:13:30) Jarexia takes OL1`s cut across the chainmail of his right forearm
(10:13:46) Jarexia is cut by OL3`s blade across his back
And then Jarexia`s Guildmate happened to show up!
(10:14:03) OL2 is surprised to see Tenwyn
(10:14:17) Tenwyn hefts his staff: what is going on here?
(10:14:36) OL2 is dumbstruck for a moment
(10:14:46) OL2 then tries to move around Tenwyn
(10:14:48) Jarexia tries to headbutt OL1
(10:15:02) OL3 snatches a bag from Jarexia and attempts to back away
(10:15:04) Tenwyn follows OL2`s movements with his staff
(10:15:19) OL1 pulls the sword out of Jarexia, but is surprised by his move and falls back on her butt.
(10:15:21) >OL1 takes a seat.
(10:15:22) Tenwyn sneers: don't play me for a fool
(10:15:42) OL2 raises his eyebrows. "A fool? And what would I be decieving?"
(10:15:53) Jarexia staggers, injured, and raises his axe at OL1, "Give me back that bag or she gets it!"
(10:16:00) OL3 lunges towards Jarexia with his right sword pointed at his mid section
(10:16:20) OL1 rolls back, taking distance to stand up.
And OL3`s blade slid deep into Jarexia`s belly...
(10:16:28) Jarexia shouts: Aaaaarrrgh!

(10:23:16) [NPC] Death Guardian says: You have died, it may be in your best interest to unburden yourself before crossing into the land of the living again. Dakkru curses those who pass through her realm as a reminder of the value of caution.


Within the Iron Temple
Giroum looked at the candle again, the flame having eaten down further. Too far. Jarexia was late and, if his reputation was anything to go by, this was not normal. Had he been delayed at the Forge or on his way there or back? Was the winch broken, forcing the Klyros to come up the long way?
Giroum refilled his pipe and lit it from the candle.
There was yet one path available. Keyl Apero-Nel and his fellow Sempetor priests had been at the Eagle Fort just before his fatefull meeting with his brother. Perhaps something could be found out there.
Giroum summoned his pet yulbar, Rectitude, and began writting letters to those he knew he could trust with such a quest. Aarnir, Zephan, Mellas, Kisau...

[Rigwyn]

Wow.. this is a gem!  I have enjoyed reading this story so far and look forward to reading the rest as it unfolds. 
I think the idea of hiding inside a closet as described is hilarious !

[Tadano Hitoshi]

With Jarexia still missing, Giroum summoned the Dermorian warrior Zephan to assist...
(19:16:42) Giroum lights his pipe from the candle atop his staff
(19:16:57) Giroum says: You remember I told you that the messenger I sent to the Forge had been delayed, yes? If not killed, in fact.
(19:17:18) Zephan looks to Giroum, "Yes?"
(19:17:37) Giroum says: Well, I fear I must call on you to perform a similar duty...I had hoped for more aid, but it appears you are the only one present and capable.
(19:17:59) Zephan raises his eyebrows and nods. "What do you need me to do?"
(19:18:36) Giroum says: I have sent a request to the Squadrons of the Eagle Fort, where Keyl Apero-Nel was once stationed...asking if they have any information about him and the other Sempetor priests. Would you do me the service of going to the fort and retrieving what they have discovered?
(19:19:51) Zephan nods again. His fingers tense around the strap of his traveling pack. "Yes, of course I will."
(19:20:01) Giroum smiles, relieved "Thank you and bless you, Zephan."
(19:20:32) Zephan says: You're welcome, Giroum - and I am always eager to be of service to the temple of Laanx.
(19:21:09) Giroum says: I pray that your journey will be better fated than that of Jarexia. May Laanx speed you on your way and protect you.
(19:21:26) Zephan says: I pray the very same thing.
(19:22:09) Zephan bows deeply, before striding towards the door.
(19:22:28) Giroum bows his head, hands together in prayer
(19:22:28) Giroum says: May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path.

Thus Zephan set out for the Eagle Fort only to be told upon his arrival that whilst Giroum`s request that the fort`s ancient records be searched had indeed uncovered two documents mentioning Keyl Apero-Nel`s presence at the Fort some three centuries earlier...the papers had been stolen the night before, along with a set of recently-acquired interview forms. The thief was thought to be in league with the Dark Circle rogues, a distinctive ring having been spotted on the fleeing scoundrel`s hand by a sentry.

"Red Beard" Dailon Kesert hiding out


Zephan confronts the thief

(20:02:53) Dailon ears prick up
(20:02:59) Dailon shouts: What?!
(20:03:16) Dailon says: Who in Dakkru`s name are you?!
(20:03:43) Dailon says: I said: who are you?!
(20:04:07) Zephan shrugs, "I came to pick lake mushrooms."
(20:04:29) Zephan tilts his head, "And who are you?"
(20:04:37) Dailon says: Oh you did, did you? In that platemail? Yeah....those lake mushrooms can be pretty tough customers!
(20:04:49) Dailon says: Me?
(20:04:54) Dailon strokes his beard
(20:04:57) Zephan says: Aye, that's what I asked.
(20:05:13) Dailon says: You`ve never heard of Red Beard Dailon, the fearless bandit?!
(20:05:27) Zephan says: Can't say I have. I don't get out much.
(20:05:35) Dailon sneers
(20:06:06) Zephan says: As for the platemail, I heard there were some nasty people living around here, so I thought it'd be wise...
(20:06:17) Dailon says: How`d you get past my accomplices for that matter?
(20:06:19) Dailon frowns
(20:06:40) Zephan says: Didn't see a soul on my way in...
(20:07:04) Dailon swears a blue streak, "Cowardly bastards....that`s the last time I work with them..."
(20:07:15) Dailon says: I knew I shoulda went to the Onyx Daggers instead.
(20:07:33) Zephan says: I don't know about cowardly, I heard they pulled quite a heist on some papers from the fort near here.
(20:07:51) Zephan chucks his thumb in the general direction of the tunnel he just came from.
(20:07:59) Dailon can`t help but grin, "Oh, I wouldn`t know anything about that."
(20:08:17) Dailon puts on an innocent look, "I`m just here for the mushrooms too."
(20:08:37) Zephan says: A fearless bandit looking for mushrooms.
(20:09:08) Dailon shrugs and smiles, licking his lips, "They`re my weakness, what can I say. Promise not to tell everyone, right?"
(20:09:48) Zephan puts on a silly grin, "Of course not, if you'll tell me what you know about that robbery, because I'm curious..."
(20:10:05) Dailon casually walks a little onto the pier.
(20:10:19) Dailon says: Me? I don`t know anything....
(20:10:29) >Dailon Kesert dropped 15 Lake Mushrooms.
(20:10:50) Dailon says: Want these mushrooms? They`re yours if you want them....just come and get them.
(20:10:55) Zephan says: Hmm... a fearless bandit... with accomplices... doesn't know anything.
(20:11:15) Dailon cracks his neck, tiring
(20:11:36) Dailon says: What`re they worth? It was a worthless robbery....pointless job.
(20:11:40) Dailon curses again
(20:11:55) Dailon says: Just a bunch of bloody papers!
(20:12:17) Zephan shrugs, "Well I didn't steal them, your people did... so..."
(20:12:51) Dailon says: No loot! No platinum...gold...not even weapons. What kind of bloody fort is that!
(20:13:49) Zephan crosses his arms, looking just slightly amused.
(20:14:10) Dailon draws an ornate broadsword
(20:14:20) Dailon says: Hows about I wipe that smile offa yer face, eh?!
(20:14:50) Zephan says: Let me take those papers off your hands and I'll stop smiling, deal?
(20:15:12) Dailon takes his shield from his back
(20:15:27) Dailon says: Winner gets the papers.
(20:15:54) Zephan draws one saber. "Fair enough."
(20:16:07) Dailon grins and loosens his shoulders
(20:16:25) Dailon motions for Zephan to come forward
(20:17:17) Zephan stands before him, sword lowered at his side.
(20:17:25) Dailon crouches, his shield up in front of him, sword raised to stab over it.
(20:18:02) Dailon says: Argh, c`mon elf! Show me whatcha got!
(20:19:22) Zephan says: Well, move faster!
(20:19:37) Dailon charges forward, stabbing over his shield
(20:20:22) Zephan sidesteps and aims the butt end of his sword at the back of Dailon's head in an attempt to disable him.
(20:20:46) Dailon cries out as the butt smack him in the back of his head, sending him sprawling
(20:20:57) Dailon quickly brings up his shield
(20:21:31) Dailon swings his sword wildly as he gets his balance again
(20:21:51) Dailon says: Sneaky move, elf....sure you`re working for the right people?
(20:21:55) Zephan dodges, leaning back, aiming a sweeping kick for Dalgin's shin to put him off balance.
(20:22:11) Dailon grunts as the kick connects
(20:22:28) Dailon pushes his shield at Zephan`s face
(20:23:03) Zephan brings up an arm in reflex to block the shield, the force of it sending him rolling to the side, nearly falling off the dock.
(20:23:21) Dailon advances onto the dock, grinning
(20:23:42) Dailon flourishes his broadsword and raises it high
(20:24:46) Zephan smiles, "You have no idea how sneaky I can be," and suddenly casts a spell of Dazzling Light in Dailon's face...
(20:24:53) >Dailon Kesert dropped a Wheel Shield.
(20:24:55) >Dailon Kesert dropped an Ornate Broad Sword.
(20:25:08) Dailon shouts: Aaaarrrghhhh!!!!
(20:25:20) Dailon drops his weapons and clutches his eyes
(20:25:30) Dailon says: I`m....I`m blind...BLIND!
(20:25:37) >Dailon Kesert takes a seat.

(20:26:57) Zephan calmly sheaths his sword and takes the dropped weapons into his hands. "So."
(20:29:26) Zephan slides the sword into his traveling pack.
(20:29:30) Dailon rubs frantically at his eyes
(20:29:38) Zephan says: Where are the papers, then?
(20:29:48) Zephan says: Tell me and I'll give you your sight back.
(20:29:52) Dailon says: Argh, you, you bastard. You want them?
(20:30:12) Dailon takes out five documents and tries to throw them into the water....but they land on the pier.
(The Log of Sempetor Adbiel, Poem of Keyl Apero-Nel, Zak's Application Form, Taulim's Application Form, Sinto's Application Form.)
Zephan quickly picked up the documents
(20:31:14) Zephan picks them up, "Ah thank you. You missed."
(20:31:20) Dailon says: Wha- no "sploosh?"
(20:31:32) Dailon hammers the deck in anger
(20:31:56) Zephan steps off the deck and back onto stable ground, waving his hand over Dailon to cast a Healing Flash.
(20:32:19) Dailon leaps up as soon as he can see, charging forward...and falling into the water

(20:33:05) Dailon spits out water, coughing as he drags himself onto the shore
(20:33:11) >Dailon Kesert takes a seat.
(20:33:22) Zephan waves, "If you're nice, maybe I won't tell the Squadrons about you hiding down here. And that you mentioned your name to me, too."
(20:33:43) Dailon opens his mouth to retort...curses and closes it.
(20:34:21) Zephan gives him a casual salute and marches out the tunnel.
(20:34:23) Dailon says: May Dakkru grant me revenge on you, elf. Mark my words!
(20:34:32) Dailon shakes his fist at the leaving elf.

And Zephan returned to Hydlaa triumphant...

He met with Giroum once more and told him of the theft and his subsequent battle with the thief.
(21:00:37) Zephan says: I defeated him for the papers. I can only think that whatever courage drove me came from Laanx.
(21:01:01) Giroum says: You did the god`s good work, Zephan. Good work indeed.
(21:01:04) Giroum nods
(21:02:01) Zephan nods, eyes misting over as he looks to the papers again.
(21:02:08) Giroum raises an eyebrow at Zephan`s shield "A souvenir?"
(21:02:36) Zephan realizes he is holding it. "Oh dear. This must belong to that Dailon fellow."
(21:02:52) Zephan pulls the ornate broadsword out of his pack as well. "And this..."
(21:02:59) Giroum smiles, "You did well. I`d say you earned them."
(21:03:28) Giroum says: Now....these documents, you have already examined them?
(21:03:58) Zephan says: Only for a bare moment to check that they were what you needed.
(21:04:19) Giroum says: Well, let us see what enlightenment they contain.
(21:04:27) Zephan nods quietly.
(21:04:27) Giroum opens the old log book
(21:05:09) Zephan peers over to look at it.
And then, by chance, Tenwyn of the Klyros Junction happened to enter the Temple...
(21:06:18) Giroum says: Greetings, sir.
(21:06:34) Giroum says: May I be of assistance?
(21:06:45) Tenwyn inclines his head: greeting master Lemur
(21:06:56) Zephan nods his head in greeting to Tenwyn, seeming unusually subdued and solemn.
(21:07:04) Tenwyn says: just stopping by the temple
(21:07:21) Giroum says: Sir...you wouldn`t happen to be of the Junction, would you?
(21:07:33) Tenwyn smiles: I would
(21:07:46) Giroum's face changes to one of concern.
(21:08:02) Giroum says: I happened to have employed a member of your guild some time ago...
(21:08:17) Giroum says: an errand to the lower levels, but he has not yet returned.
(21:08:32) Giroum says: In all honesty I fear the worst.
(21:08:36) Tenwyn nods: I see....what is the name of this Klyros?
(21:08:44) Giroum says: Jarexia is his name.
(21:09:31) Tenwyn blanches visibly: Jarexia was in a confrontation in the winch....I tried to save him but was overwhelmed
(21:09:48) Giroum says: What? My god...he...he perished?
(21:10:03) Tenwyn nods
(21:10:06) Zephan frowns, his brow furrowing deeply.
(21:10:26) Giroum says: Then for sure there is someone working against us.
(21:10:27) Tenwyn says: I did all I could to save him....but there were three of them you see
(21:10:38) Giroum says: None would blame you, sir.
(21:11:27) Giroum says: What can you tell us of his assassins?
(21:11:41) Tenwyn nods: he was brave...the thieves, if that's what they were, took something from him
(21:11:57) Tenwyn says: a book....or some papers maybe?
(21:12:02) Zephan listens closely, still quiet.
(21:12:26) Giroum hammers the pew, "Curses. It must have been the records I sent him to retrieve."
(21:12:50) Tenwyn tilts his head: my memory is foggy...there was a diaboli, or Ynnwn...and maybe a dwarf
(21:12:59) Tenwyn sighs
(21:13:36) Giroum nods as he listens, "Thank you. At least with this knowledge we can progress more carefully....and I pray that your comrade finds his way from Dakkru`s Realm."
(21:14:15) Tenwyn nods looking palid: "and I hope your task...whatever it may be, sees it's end."
(21:14:36) Giroum says: Yes...we are now, I believe, nearing our goal.
(21:14:50) Tenwyn bows to Zephan and Giroum
(21:14:58) >Giroum Duphra makes a bow to Tenwyn Daw.
(21:15:00) Giroum bows his head, hands together in prayer
(21:15:00) Giroum says: May Laanx frighten the shadows from thy path.
(21:15:09) Zephan likewise bows to Tenwyn.
(21:15:36) Giroum says: So...it is true that Jarexia fell. May Laanx guide him to the light.
(21:16:04) Zephan sighs, "Aye... and if we could get more information on his attackers..."
(21:16:24) Giroum nods and turns back to the book, "We must proceed with caution."
(21:16:33) Zephan twitches when he sees Naen's name in the log.
(21:17:03) Giroum says: If only this Adbiel knew the truth about Naen....
(21:17:07) Giroum shakes his head sadly
(21:19:08) Giroum says: And Keyl went from the fort to meet his brother before his love....if only it had been the other way around.
(21:19:26) Zephan looks from the log to the poem. "I wonder who this woman was."
(21:19:40) Giroum says: Let us check the poem...
(21:19:57) Giroum says: It seems Keyl, as with his brother, was keen on poetry.
(21:20:21) Zephan says: Aye, but this one is a much better read.
(21:20:34) Giroum nods and can`t help but smile
(21:21:20) Giroum reads, "...forth from ston -e labyrinth." Giroum frowns
(21:21:34) Zephan scratches his head. "Hmmm..."
(21:21:58) Zephan jumps a little. "Oh... oh my. I've seen something like that before."
(21:22:06) Giroum says: What do you make of it all?
(21:22:38) Zephan points at the first letter of each line of the poem. "Does this look like... a name?"
(21:23:11) Giroum says: What makes you think so? S-e-e-r-a-h M-a-y-a-t-t?
(21:23:52) Zephan says: The displaced 'E' of 'stone'. Surely that wasn't a mistake... his command of language is good otherwise.
(21:24:40) Giroum frowns "I suppose it`s possible, yes...."
(21:25:01) Giroum reads, "Across sticks..." "A strange phrase there."
(21:25:45) Zephan's brow furrows, "Sticks?"
(21:26:25) Giroum says: Perhaps a reference to the bridge....or...across sticks....acrossticks...!
(21:26:43) Giroum clicks his fingers, "I think you were right!"
(21:26:54) Zephan's eyes widen in question?
(21:27:33) Giroum says: Across sticks...acrossticks....acrostic. A poem or puzzle with a meaning written *down* the lines.
(21:27:58) Zephan nods slowly, with an expression of realization. "Ohh..."
(21:28:26) Giroum nods to Zephan with a smile, "You`re the one who found it."
(21:28:38) Zephan says: I never knew that's what they were called. I once knew someone who liked writing things like these.
(21:28:53) Zephan smiles sheepishly at Giroum in return.
(21:29:13) Giroum says: Well, now we have a name. Seerah Mayatt.
(21:30:32) Giroum says: So...presumably Seerah is long gone...she lived three centuries ago...but perhaps a descendant?
(21:30:53) Zephan says: Perhaps. I do hope we can find whoever it may be.
(21:31:16) Giroum nods
(21:31:35) Giroum says: Especially if Jarexia`s assassins may also be searching for him or her.
(21:32:01) Zephan says: Then we have to find her first...
(21:32:13) Giroum nods determinedly


With Keyl`s will now in the hands of Jarexia`s assassins, and his poem identifying his beloved in the hands of those faithful to Laanx, both were now in search of Seerah Mayatt`s descendant.....

[Zephan]

This is immensely fun - having elements I personally love in RP. Problem-solving, free form combat (not hack'n slash PvP ), and great opportunity for character development. Thank you so much for involving me in this story (and for making my character look good, too I discovered quite a few things about him)! I look forward to participating in more as time permits!

[Tadano Hitoshi]

To those who are going to be in the final chapter: I`m hoping for 7am GMT Sunday 12th. Available?