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Creative Corner => Current Games => Play By Post => [D&D 3.5] Krevborna => Topic started by: Skyrock on April 25, 2019, 02:55:07 PM

Title: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on April 25, 2019, 02:55:07 PM
(https://files.catbox.moe/3tyl9f.jpg)

12 minutes to midnight of St. Fyodor's Eve. About two miles north-east from the outskirts of Chancel lies Holtertkniezen, an uncanny elderberry grove with a dolmen at its center.

Spring has finally hit its stride, and yet shadowy spots still provide protection to the last snowy patches of winter so close to the mountains. A light breeze brings cold mountain air with it, making an extended stay uncomfortable. At least the weather and the unholiness of this night should deter any casual observers.

The grove lies in remote wilderness no pious person dares to enter, although a suspicious beaten path between the city and the the grove would make it possible to guide a mount or small wagon there if desired. And even from here, the twin clock towers of Orpheum Cathedral can be seen looming in the distance, sending a visible reminder of the power the Church holds in these parts. You await their bells to toll, signifying the start of this meeting...
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on April 25, 2019, 05:30:47 PM
Despite walking along towards the grove in full darkness, Mist can't shake the feeling that she is being watched. Frowning, she quickly does her hair and cleans her clothes with magic, as well as adding a touch of warmth to the fabric to fight off the chill of early night. If either the grove-keepers or those beyond this world's fragile bounds were watching her, then she had better humor them and look her best, yes? She smirks at the thought, before looking at the small creature on her shoulder. Hazy had it's docile appearance at the moment, appearing as a faint specter of a cat Mist had once possessed as a child. Its form and size would vary depending on her mood, as the illusory creature was nothing more than a fragment of her own will. It returns her look, mimicking her smirk with a smile of its own - a comically wide smile displaying a row of long, jagged teeth. She patted the non-creature, momentarily overwhelmed by its adorableness.

Returning to the moment, she realized she was a tad early and halted her approach, choosing to stop  and sit next to a large oak still some distance from the grove proper. She would let others arrive first. After all, she was merely an uninvited guest...
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on April 25, 2019, 07:05:49 PM
Also walking along towards the grove, keeping a watchful eye and ear for anything out of the ordinary, were two foreigners. Though their countenance may have been obviously alien to these lands, their clothes were not: tailored, clean, and obviously in-fashion in Chancel. The more stunning but perhaps less out-of-place of the two, with dark hair, was motioned to continue onwards to the designated meeting place. The one with white hair affected a nonchalant air and a meandering path into the darkness.

Only to quietly come to a halt behind the mysterious watcher, eyebrow raised at the odd creature. "I did not know others were invited tonight. Come, follow us. Anyone might wish to prevent spying."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on April 25, 2019, 09:05:44 PM
Mist nods in appreciation. "A person of talent. It seems my trip here is not wasted."

She stands and follows their lead. Perhaps this makes her an invited guest now? "As we are at a boundary, forgive me if I must exercise some caution and only introduce myself as Lady M. I can assure you that there are more eyes on this place tonight than little old me. Some of which will remain hidden to even your expert vision."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on April 26, 2019, 12:14:42 AM
A statue of a warrior-saint (You could swear this is true, even if the specific saint is unclear to you), wearing golden-trimmed armor of heavy steel, is standing in the grove, and has been for several days.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on April 26, 2019, 11:45:40 AM
Yuki cocks her head, "Of course there are those watching that cannot be seen. This place would be of no consequence if there were not." It was as close to an invitation as the assassin would give, introducing herself briefly as she further returned to the grove, "Fujimura. Hiding my name would be meaningless."

Standing behind Fuyuko, she places one hand reassuringly on the entertainer's shoulder and assesses the others already there. Individually, they don't seem too much a threat, but as a group--well, she was an assassin. Fighting fair wasn't her job. Besides, some common fighters were hardly of interest compared to the statue dominating the grove.

"Am I not the only one that finds this statue out of place?" This was, after all, a place of the kami--not one of the country's revered ancestors. A heavy and armoured statue could hardly fit less.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on April 26, 2019, 01:25:59 PM
A young looking woman with green hair, wolf ears, ministry clothes, shield and sword arrives, surrounded by two floating runed circles, its words gently vibrating and changing with every word and movement in the area.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"Ah, sorry I'm late, had to finish some paperwork. Did I miss anything important? No? Are you going to be my coworkers for this assignment? Ah, where are my manners. Lobinha, from the Ministry of What's Right and What's Wrong. I hope we can all work well together!"

She's followed by a trio of slow flying fairies, two carrying books and taking notes while the smaller one just surveys the area with a smug smile, breathing confidence and status. Slowly after there's a pair of red haired woman with a cloak and a small satyr girl, all with shortspears and darkwood shields at their backs. Then there's a blonde woman calmly carrying a finely crafted scythe.


"Am I not the only one that finds this statue out of place?" This was, after all, a place of the kami--not one of the country's revered ancestors. A heavy and armoured statue could hardly fit less.
(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"Excellent observation Lady M! Clearly this is what we've been gathered here to investigate. Be careful and do not touch it, it may be some kind of trap. Do any of you have any experience with checking for such dangers? If not, I'll try to trigger it from a safe distance so please stand back just in case."

Then Lobinha carefully approaches and appears to sniff the air around the statue.
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Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on April 26, 2019, 02:11:30 PM
A man approaches, dressed for the cold in drab clothing. He seemed especially ill-equipped, with no visible weapons, armour, or other tools on his person. It was not so much his appearance that was nondescript, so much as the way that he carried himself that caused him to seem to blend in to his surroundings, even though he was plainly visible. Especially so, given the present company gathered at the grove. The man shows a brief look of surprise, as he sees the group. You see as he lifts his head that behind his spectacles, his eyes are unnaturally dark in colour, including the sclera, contrasting with his blond hair.

"Are you all here for the same purpose? I was invited here after speaking of a personal matter, and I did not expect so many to be here."

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Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on April 26, 2019, 05:09:01 PM
Mist looks between the Attention Squad and the Strange Crew from Beyond, wondering if their talents will overall compensate for their lack of discretion. She then notices a less conspicuous man approach and focuses on him as he speaks, noticing something similar to...Abjuration? Or Conjuration? A voice suddenly whispers in her head, leaving her with more questions than answers. What was sigh-on-nicks anyway? Well, in any case, it was clearly a defensive technique from outside traditional magic. Good. Cautious types won't die off while they are still useful.

"So it would seem. Though I am uncertain about that one." she says, turning to the 'statue' and approaching it step by step. "Construct, do you serve a master or are you fully aware?"

Looks similar to an angel? Whoever designed it has peculiar taste. If I wasn't certain that the Church would rather hang it's creator rather than employ them, I would be more cautious.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on April 27, 2019, 12:44:45 AM
1:1"I am fully possessed of free will, as are all intelligent being under heaven."

The statue is still holding still, but that seems to be a matter of personal preference, not an attempt to pretend inanimateness.

1:2"I see that that what was preordained has come to be. I hope that our work together will be auspicious."

Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on April 27, 2019, 11:24:50 AM
"As much as I have experience with checking traps, either a statue is animate or it isn't. There is little more to it, other than identifying their weak points," is Yuki's answer, "Though this one seems to redundantly have armour."

Where did a massive warrior statue get armour? This was a very strange continent.

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Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on April 27, 2019, 11:52:57 AM
1:3"Are you ignoring me?"

The statue looks at Yuki quizzically.

1:4"I assure you. The divine has granted me my fair allotment of both motion and cognition."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on April 27, 2019, 07:11:54 PM
As the clock approaches 5 to midnight, the starry sky seems to get much more crowded with cold blue lights. As you watch closer, you realize that these lights aren't stars - they are moving and flittering, high above you in the sky, though too far away to make out any more details. A faint sound of baying hounds, galloping hooves and jingling bells emanates from them, slowly coming closer and closer and getting louder.

Fuyuko looks up and nervously adjusts and re-adjusts and re-adjusts her courtier dress and jewelry again and again, visibly distressed.

The air around the dolmen gets much colder, culminating in a thin layer of rime on the ancient pagan stone construction. Soon it spreads out the grass around it and the rest of the grove, covering the elderflower blooms with sparkling but cold rime. It is soon followed by a gentle, slow snowfall eminating from the dancing blue lights above.

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Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on April 27, 2019, 07:39:16 PM
Yuki puts one arm around the fretting Fuyuko, not blinking at all the oncoming paraphernalia of winter. She of course, naturally, didn't respond to the talking statue: you had to be mad to talk to inanimate objects and she wasn't going to be the first one to start acting like the unmoving scenery was starting a conversation. If she was going mad, that was going to stay to herself.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on April 27, 2019, 09:29:02 PM
Mist feels a brief shiver pass through her that is more than the temperature, as if something is peering into her very soul. Beneath her she feels Hazy hiding in her shadow, shivering from more than just the cold. It seems some part of her, be it wise or foolish, was considering running.

She dispels the Sight from her eyes, knowing it will do her no good. If she was your average intruder of questionable moral character, then perhaps she ought to be on her knees begging for mercy now. Instead, she pulls out an old electrum coin and flips it once casually in the air, knowing the proxy's senses won't miss it. The sooner the Archfey stopped trying to intimidate her, if that *is* what they are doing, the sooner she could start warming herself up, after all.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on April 27, 2019, 11:05:31 PM
Maxim meets the eyes of the statue and nods, as the snow begins to fall. He looks around at the others, noting their body language. He had learnt to act as a (mostly) functional member of society by mirroring and reacting to how others saw strange phenomena, though in this specific instance, it did not seem like acting normally was of the highest priority. There was an obvious tension in the air.

More out of habit than anything else, Maxim makes a gesture with his hands to invoke divine protection, and glances upward. He stands in what is almost, but not quite a trained combat stance, as his left hand seems to be ready to reach for something.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on April 28, 2019, 10:27:16 PM
1:3"Are you ignoring me?"
(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Oh, hello. I see fire in those eyes!"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"Apologies for our confusion. Some of my favorite superiors are statues."

1:4"I assure you. The divine has granted me my fair allotment of both motion and cognition."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Indeed, you seem to have a strong sense of duty, just standing there waiting for so long."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"...What divine are we talking about exactly if you don't mind me asking?"

Then when the air around the dolmen gets much colder:

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"Don't worry, this level of power can only mean the avatar from an archfey. Certainly a simple show off before they tell us the reason why we are gathered here. Still be prepared everybody."

With a wave of her shield, all of Lobinha's minions run and fly to hide behind whatever's cover is nearby.

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Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on April 29, 2019, 02:05:55 PM
Fuyuko leans into the embrace. She is still anxious, but the company of Yuki helps her to keep her composure.

Slightly puzzled, she looks over to Lobinha. "Just an avatar? It is not Fuyushogun, the Lord of the Winter Court himself?"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on April 29, 2019, 08:24:20 PM
"Even so, a messenger should be treated as one would treat the sender... to do otherwise would be a grave insult." And nothing needed to be said about the cost with insulting this particular entity.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on May 01, 2019, 07:50:58 AM
The whirling blue lights circle closer and closer, until you can make them out as sprites, most of them just frolicking around, ringing tiny bells, laughing and chattering in their high-pitched voices, while others with the gift of mimicry howl like baying hounds or mimick gallopping horse hooves. What all of them have in common is a pale blue light aura that already feels cold just from looking at it.

As the bell of the distant cathedral finally tolls, they suddenly descend on the grove in a wild gaggle and make it hard to see. When they scatter again, you spy a green-clad hunter sitting on the dolmen, his feet loosely dangling from the top stone. His hat is  adorned with antler pieces, and a green neckerchief covers his face but for his almost luminiscent icy blue eyes.

"I see all I have called have come to Lord Tserbero's court." He snips his fingers, and crimson dancing lights mark Mist, Yuki and Zadkiel. His cyan eyes shine like rays of frost on the three. "And then some. Explain your business here!"

An excited chatter goes through the sprite swarm. "May I prick her finger?" - "May I pull her hair?" - "Huh hey, let me sink my teeth into her buttocks!"

Fuyuko finally loses her nerves and throws herself to the ground, kowtowing in front of the green-clad figure.

"F-forgive me, Fuyushogun-sama! Please! She is my wife, and I thought... it would be acceptable invite her, because she is my wife... and she is better at this than an me, and... Please don't punish me! Or her!"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 01, 2019, 12:47:13 PM
Yuki doesn't flinch at the fey apparition, taking a step forward to stand between it and Fuyuko--but giving q deep bow nonetheless. The kami need all due respect.

"It is as she says; I am in many areas more skilled. But I have no goals of my own, consider me as you would any other sword, with Fuyuko as the wielder."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on May 01, 2019, 05:18:06 PM
Mist says nothing at first, instead casually tosses the coin given to her by her patron into the air, the coin coming to a stop mid air halted by her pointing finger. She slowly moves her finger, sending the coin forward towards the avatar, where it is playfully intercepted by a pixie who giggles and brings to the avatar.

"My business is His business. I would join this Hunt of my own will and leave at its conclusion. With that the old debt will be settled."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on May 02, 2019, 03:19:32 AM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"Lobinha, initiate Yama 3rd degree. As per decree 72676BH, section 17716YF, page 1787GF, paragraph 4, line 81, I am here for payment of past winter fey services rendered from  archfey Lord Tserberon to the Ministry of What's Right and What's Wrong."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Anoitecer, luna rank Marshal from the Moon Court, here to assist Lobinha. To be more precise, Lobinha's paying with her body, since they really didn't give us anything else that may be of your interest, oh winter Lord Tserberon."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png)"Ahem, I stand ready to perform any services you require of me, and deepen the mutually profitable relationship between the Ministry of What's Right and What's Wrong and the Winter Court."

Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on May 03, 2019, 09:56:40 AM
Zadkiel bows moderately, probably not bringing his head below the level of other people's normal standing.

1:5"I am here through the will of the divine. I do not wish to cause more disruption is strictly necessary. I intend to provide aid to your endeavours, as long as they do not endanger your (perhaps hypothetical) souls."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on May 03, 2019, 05:38:39 PM
The minion looks at the three uninvited guests one after another.

"You have done well, Fuyuko. Finding and entreating one better suited is the wiser thing to do then to throw yourself away in reckless abandon. Now would you kindly stand up again?"

He takes a good look at the electrum coin, then turns to Mist with a sigh.

"We have no idea what interest the Mad One takes into this one or why, but the Lord of the Wintercourt honours his debts and tokens. Feel as welcome here as decorum makes it necessary for us."

Finally he turns his attention to Zadkiel.

"An errant angel walking this earth, tossed here and there like an autumn leaf by the four winds, now driven towards the same target as the Wild Hunt. What an interesting turn of events. We shall allow your presence, the idea of seeing a very celestial reduced to the bloodthirsty state of the hound is greatly amusing to us."

Only when he has confirmed to his own satisfaction that there are no unwelcome witnesses within earshot, he does turn to Lobinha, waving off Anoitecer's suggestion.

"As amusing as that idea may be, we don't waste the favours of the Ministry on such frivolous trifles. No, our plans are quite different.

One of our followers of the blood of the Wintercourt, a certain Zilla Gravesend, has petitioned us to bring the nobleman to justice who has once gravely dishonoured her, only to leave her behind with a a broken reputation and a bastard child of unconfirmed pedigree to fend for herself.

Normally we would just impale the wrongdoer on a glaive and make him watch how the hounds eat his entrails dangling from his sliced up belly, but as amusing as that always is it wouldn't help to restore Zilla's child to her rightful inheritance - and without that inheritance there wouldn't be the rich sacrifices promised to us. - Ah, I can see in your eyes that your interest is piqued. Don't worry about that part, we are certain that there will be enough riches to be handed out from this windfall even after accounting for what is due to His Lordship.

Now, where were we? Oh yes, we will need some helpers of a more subtle and suave bend to build up the proof for the claim. Although we are certain that the nobleman will fight it with both legal and extralegal means, giving you plenty of opportunity to turn the ground red."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 03, 2019, 11:13:33 PM
Yuki helps Fuyuko to her feet, then thinks over the task ahead. "Infiltration, observation, and persuasion. Find any diaries this man may keep, determine his habits, and learn his actions in advance. I believe I can do this, but pulling information out of his friends and staff is better left to others. It would be hard to think of someone more distinctive and out of place in this country."

The assassin's mouth splits into a grin: "Let him try to stop us all he likes. Greater houses have learned how much weapons and wealth pale before skill."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on May 04, 2019, 12:31:42 AM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png): "Oh my, a defiled innocent maiden seeking righteous retribution, how exquisite.  This job is gonna be even better than I expected.”

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "A man who makes a girl cry and a parent renouncing their child are indeed Wrongs that should be made Rights. I’m quite glad the Winter Court is willing to pursue a peaceful settlement first, since every sinner slain before they repent is just another demon or devil we need to deal with later down the road. I’m ready to use force if absolutely necessary, but I’ll prioritize using non-lethal means of disabling any mortals interfering with this assignment. "

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png): "Indeed, sharp implement impaling and feeding their insides to the dogs may provide for a few moments of amusement, but it will be pretty shortlived. Whereas if we slowly strip this deceitful noble of all his power and titles and let him live in regret and shame, his agony shall provide a sublime entertainment for years if not decades. And that’s before taking in account all the sacrifices this innocent maiden shall provide us after her  honor is restored.”

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Yes, and then after justice is done we’ll be able to cash in the sacrifices-Wait, sacrifices? Ahhh, I’ll worry about that later...” "

"Infiltration, observation, and persuasion. Find any diaries this man may keep, determine his habits, and learn his actions in advance. I believe I can do this, but pulling information out of his friends and staff is better left to others. It would be hard to think of someone more distinctive and out of place in this country."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): : “If you’ll take care of finding physical evidence and surveillance, I’ll gladly take care of interrogating any possible witnesses and collecting testimonies to support our case. I’ve been trained in 784 different ways of detecting lies and discerning the truth from what people say.” "

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png): "But you better not be thinking about pocketing any shinies you find during your infiltrations for yourself, is that clear? We’ll fairly share any valuables we run accross to promote an harmonious team spirit.”
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on May 04, 2019, 02:24:41 AM
"Subtlety of this sort is not one of my strengths, and I do hope that this matter can be resolved without bloodshed beyond what is strictly necessary. That said, I would be quite capable and willing to lend an extra blade, so to speak."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on May 04, 2019, 03:22:33 AM
1:6"Pretending that calling me a hunting-hound is anything more than an aesthetic change to to my task at hand would be foolish, and to object would be foolish pride."

1:7"I can see why I have been sent here. No doubt this situation is more complex than you present it. We will persevere."

1:8"My own skills are best lent to combat and rhetoric. While I am more subtle than one might expect, that does not make me an truely skilled infiltrator. However, of our little group, I suspect I am far and away the most durable."


Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on May 05, 2019, 09:37:59 AM
"Ah, I see you are already thinking ahead. Wonderful, wonderful.

We'd suggest that you talk to Zilla first, she has a few leads. She lives in Old Chancel, Scarlet Women Lane 37. The east gate into it is as usually guarded by the Red Guard, so you should find a way in if you are as crafty as we hope you to be."

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Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on May 06, 2019, 08:12:35 PM
"Doesn't sound hard, for those that can keep a low profile. And I bet the gate guards are paid more to keep out the Good and Righteous than some of us." Mist looks purposely looks at Yuki. As they had walked here, Mist had noticed her trained movements and had been unable to hear her footsteps.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 07, 2019, 11:24:56 PM
Yuki, meanwhile, appeared to have somewhat misunderstood something through the language barrier... no matter that the woman could be considered more of an omniglot than most locals: "What is this Red that they guard...?"

The comment on her ability scarcely seemed acknowledged, aside from a slight smirk. If only she knew how far it went... no matter.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on May 08, 2019, 12:26:38 AM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "It's the 37 scarlet women that guard Old Chancel?"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png): "Sigh, I'll explain it.

There's thrree law enforcement organizations in Chancel, the Red, White Guard and Blue Guards, it's easy to tell who's who because they dress by those colors, such imagination.

The Scarlet Guard duties include watching over the Old Chancel which is the fun part of town. As in naughty, dirty fun, not pure clean fun.

Their boss is Cardinalesse Artemisia, who in turn is the spymistress of the Church, and are renowed as fine exemplar crooks.
The boss of the  Azure Guard is some Hierophant Lazarus, and they're basically boring model guardsmen.
The boss of the Pale Guard is Capitan Almeric Dalloway of the Sacretta Carnifexa, and is well known as a jolly good fanatic.

Scarlet Women Lane contains the cabarets, private theatres and most entertaining flavours of Chancel.

The Ruby Guard follows the Cardinalesse's wishes because she shares her shinies directly with them, and she's more generous than the other guard bosses which gathers an excellent selection of talent - like thieves and scoundrels, some even actually good at their work. They'll do basically anything for their boss, reporting everything they see and hear in the funnier parts of Chancel and often help her private parties and events.

The Saphire Guard is a goody-two-shoes guard that mostly restricts itself to the dullest parts of Chancel, especially in the Cathedral Ward. Their bounty is coming out of the population theft and rich extorsion vaults, and both only every blue moon and still too good for their like. The Saphire Guard somehow likes it that way, as it keeps to limited membership to the boring clans of Krevborna, who consider a term of slavery in this band as a tribal totem.

The bulk of the Ivory Guard consists mostly of novice priests, dumb knights- and crusader-newbies, with old warrior and fancy NCOs herding them on the streets. It serves mostly as a learning class of the Carnifexa Sacretta, and what its numbers lack in cunning they make up in sheer stubborness and love to show off.

But I didn't get to the juicier part yet! For you see, Scarlet Women Lane is basically under Cardinalesse Artemisia and her Red Guard's fingers, and would've been wiped out from the theocratic town long ago if not for her. Many fancy names and business people owe something to the Cardinalesse, who enjoys to cash in such favors to play and screw over with those who look at her funny.

Recently some White Guards have put it into their empty heads to purge Scarlet Women Lane of its fun. Hunts between Red and White Guard have become pretty regular, not rarely escalating into brawls in the middle of the roads."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Eeerrr... Any chance we can just skip the gates? Like I could summon an hippogriph for getting over the walls although it'll only last a minute."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Can't you just climb over the walls, Lobinha? I recall you being pretty good at it."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Hahaha, yes, I've trained pretty hard to be good at climbing, how could I forget that? Not like I'm talented or natural at it, no, just hard work, hahaha..."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 08, 2019, 12:43:22 AM
"Ah, I see that I misunderstood," she says, moving slightly closer to the yuki-onna and muttering under her breath, in a language that none of the others could speak: "Dear, if any of these guards cause you problems, or the Red come to a misunderstanding, then tell me immediately so that they might be set straight..."

It was perhaps unsurprising that the promise to "deal with" problematic guards did not make the already-anxious performer any calmer.

"If we all have money... aside from the statue... is there any reason that the guards would not simply let us pass?" Yuki asks, assuming that the strange pair can muster a disguise, "Rejecting potential clientèle would be problematic for them."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on May 08, 2019, 05:40:02 PM
"Bribing the guards is the simplest method, though if they see any hints that we are authority figures, it wouldn't work." Mist says while looking at the statue. "Does the heaven-sent have a method to look less...heaven-sent?"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on May 08, 2019, 11:01:17 PM
1:9"Somewhat"

The Angel-Statue glows with light and shrinks down. When the light fades, it reveals a unearthly beautiful woman with ivory skin (what little of it you can see), wearing the same incredibly heavy steel armor and weapons. 
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on May 09, 2019, 08:05:53 PM
"We are still on the more conspicuous side as a group. Perhaps it would be advisable for us to draw less attention?" Maxim shifts his glasses and adjusts his hat to hide his eyes.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 09, 2019, 10:12:04 PM
"Better to disappear after we get inside. Step one of any infiltration is not to creep somewhere that you can legitimately be," the ninja says, "Pose as a guest or be hired as work. The most attentive guards for intruders are those watching the perimeter."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on May 09, 2019, 11:11:39 PM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "But thing is, those red guards are already paid pretty well to not only guard the gates, they'll report everything they see and hear to this Cardinalesse Artemisia. They may be bribeable, but certainly they won't be cheap, and they'll report any guests to their employer. Who is also the spymistress. Even if the red guards aren't suspicious, she will be. It's her job."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"So what else do you suggest?"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "The White Guard is already at odds with the Red Guard and aiming at fixing the wrongs in the city. Thus we should seek the support of the White Guard first. If we tip them about our case, they'll certainly support us in doing the right thing."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"If you put things that way, we could also use this White Guard as a distraction. Get them at each other's throats and then slip in the middle of the confusion. Or even better, double-cross them! Set up a brawl and help the Red Guard against the White Guard, that'll get us in their good side!"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Hmmm, maybe we can just talk things out at the gate after all. "
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on May 13, 2019, 05:05:07 PM
Mist begins to walk out of the grove. "A believable lie then. We're looking for work. Should we go with mercenaries? Most of us are ladies. What about dancers? That would likely get us in without many question. And Mr. I-can't-do-subtlety can be our bodyguard?"

A shadowy feline emerges besides Mist. "This is my 'familiar' Hazy. And you may call me Mist. I am a user of the arcane arts. And no, not the kinds that throws Fireballs. I am particularly good at weakening magics, though I am not without means to fight more directly."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on May 13, 2019, 10:47:13 PM
1:10"You *are* mercenaries, surely? Why would you lie when the truth can serve as elegantly"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on May 15, 2019, 01:00:34 AM
Maxim begins walking out of the grove as well.
"Whatever degree of truth is required, I would not be opposed to claiming something that is not an outright lie. At this moment, I would consider claiming myself to be a bodyguard closer to the truth than if I were to claim to be a mercenary."
He hesitates, for a moment, before speaking again.
"I am Maxim, and I have previously had combat training by the Church, though I am capable of using a power beyond what the Church teaches."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on May 15, 2019, 01:47:38 AM
Lobinha starts moving out too.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Hello Maxim, good to see a worker from the faith. But we should prepare our case and presentation, whatever story we tell, we need to make sure all the pieces fit together, leave no room for doubt to those who listen to us, make everything as clear as black on white."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"It'll be simpler if one of us plays the role of some important, rich noble or mechant looking for entertainment and the others be their bodyguards, maids, lovers, pets, whatever. I volunteer myself for the dangerous position of important person, which will surely make me the main focus of attention, giving you the openings for doing dirty stuff."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on May 17, 2019, 11:15:24 AM
"Mercenaries take all types of jobs, I have a little more discretion than that," Yuki quibbles, frowning at all of Anoitecer's suggestions, "If I were to play a role in this deception, I would rather be considered an associate or friend than your subordinate."

She thought it was a well-founded concern: neither her general attire nor her preparations for battle screamed "for hire". That she had some difficulty operating in polite society hardly changed that she was still a step above the peasantry... and accepting a position to pose as this fairy's subordinate would mean allowing Fuyuko to work for her too. That simply wasn't acceptable. Indeed, as she followed along, the assassin had taken the yuki-onna's hand in hers. Quite the worryingly charismatic bunch...
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on June 15, 2019, 05:51:17 PM
You march on, taking your preparations as you see fit.

Soon you arrive at the gate, getting a better sense of your bearings. The gate itself is shut with a portcullis, behind it waiting two Red Guards with muskets at the ready and a middle-aged NCO watching over them in turn. There is a guard house in plain sight behind the three, and some of the civvies mulling about behind them are obvious plaincloth guards to the more street-savvy among you.

Anoitecer, being appointed as the noble leader, takes point speaking to them and requesting entry.

(https://files.catbox.moe/q2c6ks.png) "Regularly, the gate tax would be 8 copper kopeks per head."

(https://files.catbox.moe/q8uxrw.png) "However, after some incidents we no longer take in strangers after sundown."

(https://files.catbox.moe/4b59fl.png) "Incidents that have been very costly for our meager widows and orphans fund, I would like to add."

(https://files.catbox.moe/q2c6ks.png) "Of course, we sometimes make an exception for individuals who have proven their well-meaning nature, and as you, fair lady, seem to be both of a charitable disposition and to be the kind of person who doesn't hate widows and orphans, we might be able to make an arrangement that makes the world a better place overall."

(https://files.catbox.moe/q8uxrw.png) "An arrangement that will bring a little ray of sunshine into the lifes of a few widows and orphans."

(https://files.catbox.moe/4b59fl.png) *coughs and visibly eyes Anoitecer's disguise as a rich noblewoman* "Of quite a few widows and orphans, I'd rather hope, considering the sizeable depth of your purse and the great need those very poor wretches suffer from. You are not the kind of person who hates orphans and widows, are you? A person of such sinful and hate-filled nature wouldn't be welcome in our town anyway."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on June 20, 2019, 11:04:14 AM
While Lobinha discretly pulls down her hoodie to hide her furry ears and focusing on projecting out her dragon blood to relax the situation, the moon fairy smiles brightly, almost glowing.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"I had heard about the exceptional morals of the Scarlet Guard protecting the Old Chancel, but truly the stories don't do you enough justice. Indeed it would be an insult to donate only copper for the orphans and widows you watch over, so I shall offer you bright silver instead. No, no need to thank me gentlemen, I'm the one who should thank you for offering me such a valuable chance to help those in need. Well, let us be off everybody, and I'll make sure to spread the word about your hard and good work."

While speaking, Anoitecer pulls out a dozen silver coins and hands them to the red crooks.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "My fairy Lady is so generous."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Why yes I am, hohoho!"

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on June 20, 2019, 02:20:48 PM
The guards eye the meagre "donation" with some obvious disappointment, but are impressed enough by Anoitecer's silver tongue to lift the portcullis anyway and let the strange procession in.

(https://files.catbox.moe/4b59fl.png) "Enjoy your stay, though as a word of advice you won't find the sellers of amenities as cheaply satisfied as the hungry orphans and widows just yearning for a loaf of bread."

As soon as the street bends out of sight of the guard house, Scarlet Women Lane shows its true face. It begins with seemingly innocent taverns, inns and "healers" hiding their juicier offerings in their backrooms, but the offered entertainments become soon more blatant and explicite.
Red Guards become a much rarer sight, and more concerned with chasing away beggars harassing paying visitors and taking away drunkards ruining the experience for all.
Plenty of unlit alleys and backyards line the street, offering a place to do any preparations unseen if anyone should feel the need for them.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on June 27, 2019, 04:29:04 PM
As you approach Scarlet Women Lane 37, the streets become emptier, save for some entertainers and patrons hurriedly scurrying away from the general direction you are going. As soon as you get around the bend that brings #37 within sight, you know the reason why.

With glee, a middle-aged nun spurs a group of white-robed teen girls to take rotten vegetables and eggs from a handcart and throw it at house #37. One of the teen girls, with some white highlights in her very fair blonde hair and hints of pointed ears that might betray Snow Fey ancestry, is sobbing and obviously unwilling to take part. The nun smacks her backside with her mace and turns her full attention to her:

"Tanya Gravesend, you must finally put out of your mind the lies your mother told you about having been fathered by the Baron. She is just a gold-digging strumpet trying to smear an upstanding pillar of the monastery for a few quick coins. Besides, you will have to sever all your ties and claims to the mortal world once you enter your noviciate - and being given the opportunity to enter the noviciate is your only chance to cleanse your sullied soul from the sinfulness your have inherited and be spared from the fires down below. So now go on with it!"

Threateningly, the nun lifts her mace, announcing a harder and more hurtful smack this time. Still sobbing and fearfully eyeing the mace, the half-elf girl grabs a moldy carrot and throws it at the house, with little enthusiasm.

Four White Guards of short but stocky build carrying greatswords and burning torches overlook the scene, obviously just itching for an excuse to rough up any sinful harlot, or anyone else getting into the way of this holy quest to make Old Chancel a better place.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 27, 2019, 11:49:28 PM
Wonderful, the person they needed to speak with--and perhaps the title claimant they were meant to assist--was being forced into a nunnery. That wouldn't do at all, and these weren't simple gate guards who would be talked out of it. They were fanatics. Fanatics who just so happened to regularly get into brawls with the red guard for spoiling their fun. The talking could come after.

"Fuyuko, get back. Everyone else... let me get the drop on them..." Yuki mutters, turning the corner, and immediately going for the stealthy approach--disappearing into shadow and then attempting to appear in the one spot nobody would think to look. Under their own cart.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on June 28, 2019, 01:18:08 AM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Wait, I'm sure we can talk things out... Or we can start with the punishing right away, sure, why not."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"My, how lucky, we've seen to found our target right away. Shall us save the fair maiden with due speed?"

Lobinha sighs and discretly pulls her rod of remorse and starts scribbling on it while eyeing the mace nun.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Let's see, for Sin #1, dirtying the street.... For Sin #2, wasting perfectly rotten food that could be turned to compost or fed to pigs or something... Hey Anoitecer, get ready to make me wet, ok?"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Oh you want me to get you all wet? Right now in public? Have you got no shame?"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "You know what I mean. Just get that water ready."

The moon fairy discretly flies up giggling so she's floating over Lobinha, pulls a waterskin and opens it, pretending to take a sip but holding it precariously so it will spill over Lobinha should Anoitecer drop it.

(click to show/hide)


Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 29, 2019, 02:11:38 PM
Yuki unfolds from beneath the cart, stepping up to the nun and lashing out with a single strike--though a misleading shadowy second strike appears to mislead the target's defence. Without saying a word, of course, better that they try to work out what was going on themselves.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on June 29, 2019, 02:18:07 PM
The nun gets hit hard in the stomach and staggers back - reeling and with a flimsy grip to consciousness, but still well enough to fight even if barely so.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on July 05, 2019, 10:07:42 PM
Zadiel steps forward in light and glory. She takes her longsword and goes to attack the nun. Nonlethally. Hopefully if she's defeated, the others will cower. Or just, the nun won't keep getting stabbed. Or, at worst, people will attack Zadkiel over squishier opponents.

"May the heavens forgive me for this violence I am about to inflict" she mutters under her breath as she swings the pommel of her longsword into the nun.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 06, 2019, 10:02:12 AM
The nun topples like a heavily pushed bag of potatoes, leaving her unconscious on the ground.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on July 07, 2019, 03:17:31 AM
Lobinha takes a deep breath, subtly changing stances from somebody ready to act to somebody react to talk, then suddenly rushes forward while speaking:

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Do you even have any idea how wrong you are? A child is not guilty of her mother's sins, and that's assuming the mother is indeed guilty. Did either receive a fair judgement? I demand to see the papers. Blahblahblah do the right thing blahblahblah Don't do the wrong thing."

Then she throws her rod of remorse at the closest guard in sight, the hard piece of wood suddenly surrounded by fire and electricity yet mostly just inflicting pain before bouncing back to Lobinha's stretched hand.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Actively picking up good news. This is the good deed you can do right now."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 07, 2019, 08:18:41 AM
One of the White Guards gets hit hard by Lobinhas rod, and the smell of burnt flesh fills the nostrils of Yuki and Zadkiel. He is still up in fighting shape, but visibly hurt.

The girls are the first to react to the sudden attack and scream frightfully. The tallest and possibly oldest one of them, a human with raven tresses, grabs the mace that the nun dropped, holds it up awkwardly in a way that makes it clear that she has no idea what she is doing, while using her free hand to urge the other girls towards a corner away from the violence.

The wounded guard is the first among the White Guards to snap out of his confusion, and shouts "Bog vult!" while charging at Lobinha. His wide swing wildly misses, but it helps to get the others into action. Under more shouts of "Bog vult!", Yuki easily evades another clumsy swing, while a much better aimed one barely misses Zadkiel.

Only one of the guards keeps his coolness and positions himself between the attackers and the teen girls. He frantically waves at the raven girl to follow the others. "Sophia, get away! Those thugs want to kill you!"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on July 07, 2019, 09:01:31 PM
White fire encircles both of Maxim's hands as he brings them up toward the guards. Six projectiles of solidified light speed toward the guards.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 08, 2019, 01:55:14 PM
The White Guard threatening Lobinha comes under a hail of soul arrows. While two arrows whizz past him and he knocks another to the side, the fourth one hits him in the throat, downing him and leaving him instantly dead in a growing pool of red, slick blood.

The remaining two soul arrows go at the White Guard standing alone waiting for something, but whizz by.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 08, 2019, 02:33:29 PM
Yuki follows up her initial introduction with a concentrated strike at another guard.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 08, 2019, 02:43:40 PM
The guard zigs when he should have zagged, and takes a heavy hit to the solarplexus.

Yuki could swear that he should be lying down dying and bleeding out after such a mighty and well-aimed blow, but somehow, he still manages to stand on his feet, keeping up the fight as his life ebbs away.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on July 12, 2019, 01:50:18 PM
Mist takes a step forward and stabs her index finger with her thumbnail and makes a simple heathen gesture, her tiny wound already closing from the energies granted to her by her pact. With careful control she consumes the speck of blood to empower twin curses on the guards by Zadkiel and Yuki, which threaten to weaken their energies.

She then chants a few words of a nearly-forgotten tongue and points, and from the space near the guards and the extremely brave (foolish) girl a strange dust swirls in the air, filling the area with a brief shimmer as if the stars had come to play, before landing on anything and everything in the area, being most particularly unpleasant on the eyes.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 12, 2019, 02:02:11 PM
The wounded guard in his death throe rage shrugs off the curse through sheer fanaticism and will power, but his comrade is less lucky.

The glittering dust not only makes the clothes of the three more fabulous-looking, but also clogs up their eyes. Sophia not only tears up, but also begins to sob as from one moment to the next her eyesight is taken.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on July 14, 2019, 05:04:17 AM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Hmm, they're going down a bit too fast, not really getting me in the mood. No sense in making Lobinha wet now, not when we would need to give her a hot bath afterwards. Now how did mortals say? Ah, yes. Finish them!"

Anoitecer casually muses as she flies a bit forward to keep up above Lobinha, shadows spreading from her wings while pointing her left index finger at the guard that looks most weakened. There's a loud sound kinda like thunder, and the air ripples as something bright and loud shoots out.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 14, 2019, 07:57:36 AM
The thunderous emanation hits the dirt, putting a new pot hole into the alley and tossing shingles, manure and earth through the air, but not doing one bit to defeat the guards.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on July 16, 2019, 07:11:50 AM
Zadkiel continues to pull her punches, refusing to kill innocent (probably. Maybe) guards, even as they attack her.


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 16, 2019, 03:01:00 PM
One of the guard goes down under a heavy pommel strike by Zadkiel, losing consciousness as he sinks to the ground and his life blood keeps ebbing away.

Cursed, dumb and blind, the only remaining guard on the frontlines showers Zadkiel with a frantic flurry of slashes, but none of them comes even close to hitting home.

Still sobbing, Sophia stumbles away from the fight towards the other girls. A redheaded one hurries towards her and guides her to the other girls in the corner, who form a huddled cuddlepile in order to affirm each other in the face of the bloodshed.
Tanya takes the mace from now blind Sophia and takes a stand 5 feet ahead of the pile. Unlike Sophia, Tanya holds it competently, and now that she is no longer cowed by the nun, her poise has something naturally aristocratic and heroic. If nobility truly runs in the blood, she has it.

The guard who has stood back holds position, still holding his sword protectively in front of the girls. "By the love of all that is good and holy, why are you coming for such innocent maidens? Even if you are knavish enough to pluck young girls off the streets, can you spare enough mercy to at least leave virgins alone?"

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on July 19, 2019, 12:53:16 PM
Lobinha turns to face the guard that spoke and slowly walks towards him.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Innocent? They were littering the street and houses. You're  guilty of that if nothing else. Not to mention wasting food. Even if rotten, there are plenty of more virtuous uses than what you're doing."

She pauses just outside the reach of the guard's sword, holding up her rod of remorse high, fire and lighting crackling over the painted wood that remains pristine.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Besides even whores have as much right as virgins. You are guilty of shaming honest workers providing a valuable service to society. But that's only the start of your sins, because Tanya here is being foced to take a career she didn't choose when she clearly has talent and will for something greater. Just look at that mace stance. Prime noble warrior material. Tanya has been wronged, and we're here to set her right. Tanya has been wronged, and we're here to find who and why. Let Tanya go, and we'll let you go. That is the good deed you can do right now."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 19, 2019, 01:42:33 PM
"Whores having as much rights as virgins!? Tanya's naive youthful wishes being more important than the course of action her betters have already determined for her!? That is heresy. Oh green-haired devil, why are you trying to lead my soul astray from the truths of the Church and into the fires down below, by pitting it against the future of these young maidens? If I cannot survive your assault, and neither cannot protect them from you turning them from virgins into the whores you consider as equally worthy, then so I shall die on my feet fighting to my last breath for their innocence and upholding my White Guard oath. BOG VULT!"

The last guard still standing up on the frontlines against Zadkiel and Yuki joins the cries of "BOG VULT!" as he slashes for Yuki, but his cries come coughing with fatigue, and he wildly misses.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Arccosecant on July 19, 2019, 02:41:47 PM
Lost in the rhythm of battle, Maxim launches another volley at the guard standing at the back.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 19, 2019, 03:01:58 PM
Briefly after having re-affirmed his oath to defend the girls to his last breath, the guard in the back is forced to stand true to it. He deflects the first soul arrow with his sword, but the next two take him down.

"I am sorry", he whispers to the huddled pile of girls with his last breath, "that I couldn't do more for you."

With that, he exhales the last bit of his life under Maxim's last soul arrow, and expires. The sobbing and cries of the girls intensify as their eyes switch back and forth between their protector and the green-haired girl who exclaimed that being whores would be as good for them as being virgins. The only one of them keeping her composure is Tanya, still holding aloft her mace.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 19, 2019, 04:30:47 PM
"... we're not here to hurt you girls," Yuki says, looking askew at the lecture before cocking her fist and doing her best to brain the remaining guard, "The nun's behaviour and the fanaticism is just... how shall I put it... deplorable and obstinate."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 19, 2019, 04:41:21 PM
The final guard drops down dead. Only one is left to slowly bleed out unconsciously.

The girls cry and sob even other as in their minds they are the mercy of random brigands just itching to hand them over to the next brothel for a few gold pieces. Only Tanya keeps her cool, still itching for someone to step within range of her mace.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on July 19, 2019, 05:00:31 PM
Mist steps forward, with no weapon in hand. She makes a polite bow. "Lady Tanya, we apologize for frightening you. Those men wished to harm you. Even the nun believed you were damned, but we believe you're a good girl. That's why we have been recruited by higher powers to aid you. And I suggest you let us explain to you and your mother our plan to restore the dignity of both you and your beloved mother."

By the time she had said the magic word, a cute little misshapen kitty had made it's way right beside Tanya, making her a bit uncomfortable...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 19, 2019, 05:15:29 PM
Tanya lowers her mace.

"Very well. Just guarantee me that you will let these other orphan girls leave unmolested. They have never done anything that would justify them being forced into the fate of my mother, if any girl ever has done such a thing that would justify it. They deserve to at least be able to try for their own path of happiness, rather than to be sold against their will for the benefit of someone else."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 19, 2019, 05:18:12 PM
"Why would we be selling anyone...? This can't be the only time that some overzealous White Guard have wandered into this part of town and met some... accident."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on July 19, 2019, 11:49:06 PM
Zadkiel assumes her true, angelic form.

2.1:"Do Not Fear. We will see you *all* safe from harm, and from this fallen place. Learn this lesson well - faith cannot protect those who would use it to destroy others without cause.

(I will back this up with a diplomacy roll to convince people of my true holyness or w/e, if so needed)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2019, 07:55:00 AM
The girls are awed at witnessing a true angel and calm down, although they still stay huddled together and eye their environment fearfully. Old Chancel is not a safe place for them to hang out or travel through without their protectors.

Tanya turns around and knocks at the door of No. 37. "Mom, it's me, Tanya!" A pretty white-haired woman in her 30s dressed in a night gown opens the door, and the two celebrate their reunion with a long, tearful hug.

"Mom, these strangers say that what you said about my father is true! Ever since they separated us and that anonymous benefactor paid to have me enrolled for the nun career, everyone kept telling me that those were just lies and I should forget about it. I stopped believing in what you had told me, but there was something so, hm, so re-affirming in the words of that raven girl."

Zilla looks over the group of strangers, gives the angel an especially wide-eyed look, then lets her eye wander to the white-robed girls.

"It is probably for their best if you send them off before the Red Guard arrives to investigate the ruckus. This will not end well for them, and some things we need to discuss are not for their ears."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2019, 01:09:55 PM
"Perhaps the angel would be the best escort away from this area?" Yuki suggests, eyeing the still-breathing nun. It would be easier to dispose of the bodies without a holy do-gooder hanging around.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on July 21, 2019, 02:03:15 AM

2:2"Indeed. Do not let the situation ... get out of hand. I will be most displeased if I return to ... any trouble"

Zadkiel will pick up the (at least two? That's how many I did non-lethal to, I think) still-living bodies off the ground, and direct the girls to take her to their home.

2:3"Do not fear. I will protect you in the absence of your guards"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on July 22, 2019, 03:42:48 AM
(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Wait just a moment please. Before you take them away, need to take their goods for inspection. We should recover as much evidence possible."

Lobinha will make a quick search of the guards for any valuables. Including stripping them of their armor and weapons.

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Yes, 'recover evidence'. Now be good girls and go with mister angel here, ok? Unless you feel like being a nun isn't the life for you, in which case feel free to hang around, hohoho."


Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 22, 2019, 09:10:27 AM
"Where do you think you're taking those? Carrying bodies around... it's like you're looking for someone to attack you."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 22, 2019, 12:14:11 PM
Lobinha works through the bodies. Aside from some loose coins and mundane banded mails and greatswords, she finds a number of potions, all of them conveniently labeled in Krevbornski.

The nun carries a silver holy symbol around her neck, depicting a "St. Haralamb" according to its inscription and depicting a handsome young man with a feathered beret, playing an ornate traverse flute. There seems to be something special about it.

Searching the nun for smaller valuables Lobinha notices a growing patch of green scales on the right arm of the nun, sprinkled with a noticeable number of golden scales.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: oslecamo on July 24, 2019, 09:31:37 PM
"Where do you think you're taking those? Carrying bodies around... it's like you're looking for someone to attack you."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "Those being carried are still breathing, they're not bodies yet."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Indeed, meaning they can make for great meat shields."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "...So this is what they were carrying. I think it would be better to spread it around among us so we're all carrying the same burdens. Also in case of emergency I think it's fine if we use this ourselves. Also don't suppose one of you would be able to identify this strange silver holy symbol of St. Haralamb?"

Lobinha organizes the loot "evidence" neatly so the party can have a good view and take their picks.
(click to show/hide)

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"What about that mace Tanya took for herself?"

(https://i.imgsafe.org/3a/3a53f82705.png): "It belonged to her superior, but since said superior is unable to to wield it right now,  Tanya's its rightful wielder at the moment."

(https://i.imgsafe.org/65/65c74b2252.png):"Ah well, doesn't seem like it's worth much anyway. Wait, are those scales in the nun? Seems like she wasn't that pure either."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on July 27, 2019, 07:09:37 PM
"One moment." Mist says as she takes a look at the loot and the nun. Hazy paws lightly at the nun's head while Mist observes the scales, recognizing their significance almost immediately from a tome of her father. "Green with envy and gold with hypocrisy. Less of a saint and more of a sinner...hopefully that means no one will miss her."

Turning her eyes to the loot, she observes them for several moments with her mage sight. "The potions are genuine. Divide them as you will. Whatever can be discretely carried should be pawned for coin unless someone desires an extra armament. As for this...Evocation?"

Sensing only a faint aura, she carefully studies it's intensity. Then she turns the item towards her left hand, experimenting. Saying a magical phrase, she frowns and scratches her head, before saying another, slightly more confident this time.

After study, she concludes, "Useful only to the clerics of a certain god...I will keep it safely in my bag. Keeping it in the open might cause... misunderstandings to happen."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on July 27, 2019, 11:16:12 PM
As the other's offer to carry the unconscious bodies, Zadkiel immediately and none to kindly passes them the nun.

2:4"She was ... unpleasant to touch"

Her load lightened, she returns to her mortal form.

2:5"Perhaps some subtlety will be called for, if the church is truly home to such heretics"
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on July 28, 2019, 12:00:15 AM
Zadkiel guides her flock through Old Chancel. A couple of times, she has to chase off prospective pimps making very immodest proposals to her virgin wards, but other than that the trip is uneventful.

Eventually she reaches the guards to Cathedral Ward, where the Blue Guard takes over the flock of teenage girls she has been watching over.

"Hm, weird that the White Guard has failed to keep watch over them. But at the same time, thank you, lady, to keep watch over them guiding them home. We will contact the Red Guard keeping watch over Old Chancel to learn what has happened to their original convoy. You are free to leave and go your own way."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Archon on August 03, 2019, 10:40:14 PM
2:6"They attracted unfortunate attention in Scarlet Woman Lane, leading to the deaths of several guards, despite my best efforts to prevent such deaths. After the fight, it came out that the nun leading the girls was spiritually corrupt, explaining their unwise behavior. Thank you for your service."


Zadkiel will thereafter leave and return to where the other PCs were.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 10, 2019, 12:14:32 AM
"Yes, hopefully no-one will miss her... quite the hypocrite," Yuki says, looking at the nun, only blinking once before striking down , "Sinners pressing others to confess to imaginary crimes... a child has a duty to their parents; it would be worse to ignore that."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on August 10, 2019, 11:58:10 AM
The nun dies very messily, leaving behind a bloody pulp on the cobblestone where her head used to rest.

"We should really be off the streets by the time the guard arrives."

Zilla invites you into her humble abode - a single room with very little furniture but for a large bed, a fire place that serves double purpose as a cooking niche, and a make-up table with a large mirror. After having pushed the furniture as good as possible (and Zilla also hastily throwing a cloth over what appears to be a pagan altar in one of the corners of the room) and offering you the bed to sit on, it is still barely possible to fit all 12 of you in. The hostess opens a closet door to provide more room to lean in, revealing a large collection of racy clothes and lingerie. She turns a bit red as she sees your looks and explains: "I earn my living as a burlesque dancer at The Naughty Nymph. I would rather do anything else, really, but it is not as if a sullied woman like me has much choice in this town. At least I haven't yet stooped down to do, uhm, that, although the Red Guard is leaning on me to do some more than dancing if my tips continue not keeping up with my debt..."

Fuyuko gets visibly interested at the mention of 'dancing' and 'tips'.

"Bureseku? Is that a local dance? Can you teach me it, and does this Nochi Nimya have open spots for performers?"

Zilla looks very surprised.

"That is something you better talk to me about another time when there isn't a guard patrol about to arrive.

Speaking of which, I should better tell you what I know while we have yet the time to. Tanya's father is Baron Csanad Hieronymus Friedrich von Szepreszyl. He tricked me into sharing my bed with him through a private marriage and the promise to marry me properly later, only to leave me back with a broken reputation and little Tanya. Later people of the Church took Tanya away from me because they considered me a bad influence, and some anonymous benefactor left them a sizeable donation to enroll Tanya as a novice nun. I don't have proof, but I can only think of one man who would have the means and the motive to force my baby girl to swear off all earthly ties and possessions...

Now, for hints...

We got married by an old hermit called Father Szandor residing in the Tiefling cave, nearby to Teufelsgrossmutter peak. I don't know if he still lives there, or if he lives at all yet as he was already quite old, but he should be able to testify the marriage ceremony if you can find him. Or have some way to make his dead cold body talk.

My good friend Nadja Ovlova has been my bridesmaid at the ceremony. Sadly she died three years later, having fallen down the dry well shaft in Chandler Street nearby to St. Nephemias' cemetery in Cathedral Ward. Foul play could never be proven, as the body couldn't be recovered. Or maybe the Blue Guard simply was too lazy and cowardly to risk climbing down, useless fair weather guard afraid to sully their polished boots that they are.

The Baron had also given me a golden seal ring of House Szepreszyl as marriage ring. Around the same time that I was expecting Tanya's birth, a masked man with a club forced his way into my house and forced me to give it to him. I think that man has been Ottmar the Brute, a locally well-known thug, but it is not like I had any witnesses at that time to confirm what I have seen. Nor have I alerted the Red Guard - knowing them, they would have seized the ring for themselves and then gone on to accuse me of and fine me for theft to drive me deeper into their debt."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on September 15, 2019, 04:09:56 PM
"Cathedral Ward isn't too far." Mist offers. "Might as well get going. We don't have all year."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 18, 2019, 07:52:52 PM
Yuki looks askance at her companion's interest, surmising from the profession of Zilla that it would hardly be appropriate... or at least inappropriate to share.  "I agree with visiting the Cathedral Ward. Scaling down a well is scarcely difficult to me."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on September 20, 2019, 12:33:21 PM
Fuyuko seems a bit puzzled at Yuki's disapproval. Her innocent naïve mind is too unspoilt to grasp that this is a bit more than some local dance.

Tanya looks a bit concerned. "Should I accompany you? Or do you have a safe place where I can stay? My mother's house is going to be the first place to be searched for me."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on October 11, 2019, 07:28:55 AM
"It would be our pleasure, miss Tanya." Mist says.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on November 01, 2019, 07:11:28 PM
Taking Tanya with you, you make your way across Scarlet Woman Lane to Cathedral Ward. You are greeted by Chancel's inner wall, and a portcullis barring your way with a small number of Blue Guards waiting behind it.

"We are not letting any of the riff-raff and harlots of the Lane in at this time of the night. You are most likely just looking for an opportunity to steal the jewelry out of our churches anyway. Go away and return at a time appropriate for honest people."

One of the common guards seems to take an interest into Tanya, and shines a torch into a her face to examine her more closely.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on February 05, 2020, 09:19:13 AM
Mist gasps, then looks at Yuki. "My, it seems like he doesn't know who we work for. Can you believe that? If Reuben van Peperzak hears that his parcel has been delayed, I can assure you that he will be most unhappy." Mist says.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on February 24, 2020, 04:53:36 PM
"Why didn't you mention that you work for van Peperzak earlier? He is an important sponsor, and an exception certainly can be made for his agents. Just step in quickly, you know of all this low-life riff-raff wanting to get into our part of town."
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: skydragonknight on March 11, 2020, 02:35:58 PM
Mist urges the rest to follow her through the gate. They had business to take care of.
Title: Re: Chapter 1 - The Sacred Elderberries of the Winter Lord
Post by: Skyrock on March 14, 2020, 04:10:42 PM
Continued here: http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=19208.0