The Body of Lancer Tafetha Freeshine

Log Info

• Title: The Body of Lancer Tafetha Freeshine
• Emitter: Cryosanthia
• Characters: Seyardu, Zeke, Tetrosabier, Aryia, Seldan
• Place: A10: Temple of Daeus, Morgue
• Time: Wednesday, July 14, 2021, 3:29 PM
• Summary: A Sunblade of the Iron Book summons Seldan, Aryia, Seyardu, Cesran, Merek to the Daeusite Morgue. Zeke, separately contacts his kin, Seldan. A body of a Serrelite Lancer has been recovered by Tetrosabier, one Tafetha Freeshine, who has been tortured to death and mutilated after. Among the injuries, are the violently carved names of the adventurers. Hubresk answers questions and gives advice regarding Erinyes, cautionning that this is an effort to bring them out, and likely a sign of their frustration. Zeke casts a dispell on the goat demon's body, and it is returned to its origin, obeying the normal rules of magic. It is speculated that the Ash Wing's mission is incomplete. Some details of the attempted theft at the Temple of Serriel are discussed, a seeemingly intricate heist involving a few charmed individuals who all played a minor role. Except the plan fell through. Merek and Cesran's involvement is wondered at, and the Sunblade warns that the Erinyes is no match for Seldan, so likely will focus on his weaker allies. He recommends a trap be set, and that they investigate further to determine what their mission was. A mission that appears to have lasted 10 months, and is missing leader. In any case, Seldan assures the others he will assist, now that he knows they are targetted.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Seyardu      5'6"     150 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint.
Zeke         6'8"     239 Lb     Sith-Makar        Male      A blue-scaled sith-makar in white Daeus vestments
Tetrosabier  6'8"     275 Lb     Eaglefolk         Male      A tall Eaglefolk dressed in fine blue clothes.
Aryia        4'8"     110 Lb     Shadow Elf        Female    A heavily scarred mul with a tired look about her.
Seldan       5'11"    187 Lb     Human             Male      Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=  NPCS of Note   =--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Hubresk 'Hubert'                 Oruch             Male      A Daeusite, member of the Iron Book
Tafetha 'Taffy' Freeshine        Hobgoblin         Female    A Serrielite Lancer, deceased
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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=  As the GM   =--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Cryosanthia  6'9"     291 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

The temple of the Sun Lord

Glittery, golden, presided over by a tall statue of the Shining Knight, his wife beside him, and smaller ones throughout the complex, of dragons holding mana lights. There is a main building, and several other smaller ones about the grounds, all beneath a deep blue sky studded with a close canopy of bright stars.

The smaller buildings serve many purposes. Residences, records, meeting spaces and places for certain rituals. One, is a morgue. A space for slain Dausites, waiting on their religion's rituals before their bodies are turned over to the Mourners.

And sometimes, it is used by the Iron Book when they have bodies that need further examination. Messages were sent out, very terse, requesting certain people who otherwise wouldn't attend on their own. A Sunblade waits outside the morgue as everyone assembles. He is an older oruch with what seems to be a permanent frown.

Seyardu was no mourner, but she was still a cleric of Althea, and the two gods were always intertwined with their teachings for the most part. So it was no surprise when she was there after being informed by a few at the Althean temple, able to devote some time to the request. She had been to the temple before, but it still felt strange. Despite everything, she could not help but feel the area did not feel right. Artificial. Still, there was work to be done, and the silverscale was talking to a few other nearby priests, while she waited for others to arrive.

It is perhaps no surprise that Zeke is already here. This is the temple of Daeus, and even with his long absence from Alexandria, his presence has not been forgotten here and thus his presence is almost if not totally expected. The blue-scaled sith-makar wears his usual white Daeus vestments, a quarterstaff held in his right claw. For those that do not know him, his left arm and leg are notable things. Crystal-made and beautiful in craftsmanship they are not hidden from view in the least. He stands now beside the Sunblade, waiting with endless patience.

Tetrosabier stood outside the doors to the morgue, pacing back and forth impatiently. His long blue cloak hovered just above the ground, and twirled dramatically when he switched direction. As he took each stride, his eyes seemed to scan each individual who passed, taking note of figures who stood out, such as Zeke with their crystal limbs. Tetrosabier seemed on edge, and even though he was pacing, did his best to make sure he didn't have his back turned to anyone around him.

Aryia was not happy to be called up to the temples. She was doubly not happy when she learned that it was a temple to the sun.

A scarred mul'neissa in simple clothing: a white long sleeved shirt, canvas brown pants and scuffed dark blue boots strolls in with her hands in her pockets. Despite her protests earlier, a set of darkened spectacles rest on her nose, and a light frown on her face. She eyes the sith-makar with strange limbs, but doesn't mention anything about it.

She gives a little wave to Seyardu.

Getting summons from almost any Temple is not an unusual thing for Seldan. Getting two at nearly the same time, from the same place, for reasons that are probably related if not one and the same, warrants caution indeed. Thus has he taken the time to fully arm, a thing that he seldom does if he plans to stay within the city's walls, and he strides over in the direction of the morgue now, his appearance not even a little bit concealed or toned down, as is his usual wont. "Kin," he greets Zeke first, "Sunguard," he greets the oruch with a formal inclination of the head, not even a trace of a smile. The Silver Guard is all business, and all formality. "You have both summoned me, and since you stand here together, I must guess that it is for the selfsame purpose. What would you of me?"

The Oruch Sunblade is a familiar glowering face around the Temple, Hubresk, or 'Hubert'. He is in his mid-thirties, so past his prime but not started into decline, and known as a strong and determined holy warrior that has faced infernals before. A known member of the Iron Book, he has experience with both demons and devils, and happily received wounds from both.

He greets each arrival with a glare and a curt nod of his head. Friends, or perhaps people he respects, get a stare or a grunt instead. Seldan received a grunt, Zeke a long stare, though the blue-scale's long absense was not remarked upon.

"Need to show you a body." Hubert says, with a deep and resonate voice. The voice of an orator, though he does not put it to that purpose. Like most Oruchs, he is terse with his words, wasting his gift. It would be reassuring voice in a fight, and a bad one in a dark alley.

"It's bad." The Sunblade stares at the ones he doesn't recognize, "enough are here. Follow me."

He leads the way inside the building, through to the main room. On a slab in the centre is a body, discretely covered with a sheet. Hubert steps up to the head, rests a hand on the cowl, stares at everyone. "You prepared?"

Zeke nods his head politely to Seldan, but flicks his tail and smells - to the other sith here - of embarrassment. "Thisss one wasss asssked to requesst you here. Thisss one did not know you would rescieve two missssivessss." When Hubresk suggests that they step inside Zeke stands to one side and waits for everyone else to pass through before heading into the room himself. He is clearly not unsettled by the body in the room. Perhaps he has seen this show before? Or perhaps he is simply not swayed by corpses.

Seyardu gave a wave to Aryia as she arrived, and as the Oruch began to speak, she peeled off and joined the group, giving Zeke and Seldan a nod, and another to the impatient looking Egalrin.

"I will be prepared, yes." They respond once they find a spot near the body. "Is it in bad shape, in that case? Or is there something else concerning about the body?"

Aryia has no clue who this oruch is, nor did she care too much, her just raising a brow as they acknowledged each other's existence. She puts her shades on top of her head as they enter properly, her stepping off to the side so she could get a decent view. A shrug is her answer to Hubert, followed by a nod. She'd seen a lot of corpses in her time. Surely this one wouldn't be so bad, right?

With The line of people walking into the morgue, Tetrosabier stood off to the side, pausing his pacing to allow the others to pass. He nodded to each person as they passed but remaining silent. The twitchy avian rested his hand on the empty scabbard resting on his side. His solemn expression seemed to contrast the nervous body language. Leaning against the nearby wall, Tetrosabier continued eying the space around himself.

GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d20+19: (17)+19: 36 (Seldan Sense Motive)

Seldan blinks at the terse explanation, but takes the greeting in stride, seemingly unaware of Zeke's embarrassment. "No blame attaches to you, kin. I am here, and that is enough. Come." He looks around at the others, inclining his head to those he recognizes, but follows the others without remark into the room with the body, waiting until all are assembled to speak. "This is not an ordinary body," he remarks, "else would the Mourners have seen to it. That you see to it suggests the work of evil."

"Lancer Tafetha Freeshine," Hubresk says, murmuring a prayer before removing the sheet. "Washed. Not restored."

There are spells to improve the appearance of a corpse, return them to a whole if unliving body. They weren't used here, leaving the full evidence on the Lancer on display. The cause of death is not clear, any number of her wounds might have killed her. She was tortured. Fingers removed. Teeth. Ears. Eyes. Each limb appears broken and the joints also broken and separated. There are a lot of puncture wounds, some with burns. Pieces of her face are sliced off. Her throat is cut. There is a hole in her chest and stomach.

It seems very meticulous, almost every part of her present... although detached. Most unsettling though, are the carvings. Names, all over Tafetha's corpse: Kanian, Fallia, Ti, Seldan, Merek, Sey, Scars, Cesran, little lambs. Names gouged with a clear anger, rough letters clawed into her skin. All over.

"A devil did this." Hubert says, facing everyone with impassive eyes, "Demons aren't precise. An angry devil, they don't usually lose control. It did, carving your names."

"Questions?"

Zeke does not react to the body other than to look at Seldan seriously. A measured gaze. "It ssseemsss that sssomething evil wassss greatly angered." He flicks his tail and gestures for Hubresk to cover the body again - unless someone has a reason to want to view it longer.

GAME: Seyardu rolls 1d20: (16): 16

Seyardu was normally okay around bodies, save for the obvious anger of someone going through what they did. Until she reached the names, seeing her own on it. In some way, again, this was her fault. They froze up, bracing against the wall behind them for a long moment, before they let out a long sigh.

"Celestial mother, give me strength." They say quietly to themselves, falling silent for another moment. "This has something to do with recent dealings." She notes. "One of the names mentioned is how one of the devils I saw previously spoke of us. Lambs." <draconic>

Aryia blinks. Then blinks again. Her gaze slide from wound to wound, only able to get halfway on reading names before looking away and closing her eyes. Her face turns a bit green. She didn't recognize the person, but she could at least recognize some of the words.

"Flying devil. With bow. Some of us fought them a bit ago," she gestures towards Seyardu, and anyone else that could understand her. Aryia keeps her gaze averted. Not because the body was in rough shape, but because it reminded her of that awful fight. <Handspeech>

Seldan stills, his demeanor and bearing taking on the cool, impassive mien of an alabaster pillar in armor, and he straightens. "The Erinyes. Not all were wholly slain, and they have not forgotten." An edge creeps into his tone. "They yet linger within the city." He turns to Zeke, gaze steady. "I spoke to you of the devils that sought Seer Merek. This is their work. Let them seek their revenge upon me, if they dare."

The Lancer's wounds seem the sort an Erinyes would make, though it appears some of those might have been made by with Barbazeu blades. Also, the torture implements aren't 'standard devil issue'.Whatever caused the holes in her, might have been Erinyes claws, but the cuts look too fine, suggesting they got some sharp knives and icepicks.

Tetrosabier stood beside Zeke, his nervous eyes purposefully avoiding the gruesome corpse. "If it helps, I found the body." As he spoke he seemed even more fidgety.

"The um- *body* was outside the city, and was clearly put on display. Whatever did this wanted it to be found, and had plenty of time with it."

"Ash Wings," Hubresk nods, covering the body. He looked over each person in turn, noting their reaction to the sight. He watches Aryia's hands, comprehending, "Erinyes." He looks at Seldan, "No match for you, Silverguard. Not in a fair fight."

His frown deepens, revealing more of his fangs. "Which they will avoid. Taffy could handle one, easily. Two, with difficulty. So she was ambushed. Serriel's Temple missed her nine days ago. She was found yesterday."

The Oruch gestures at Tetrosabier, "Yes"

"They had time with her. Whoever they were hunting before, you are on their list now." Hubresk warns.

Zeke nods once to Seldan, understanding, and having guessed this from their earlier conversation. He knows well Seldan's tone, and there's a weight in his eyes that suggests that he has the exact same reaction to this body. His posture is serious, his grip on his quarterstaff tight. "The bessst we can do, if we are hunted, is hunt thisss evil in turn." His name is not on the body, but this does not matter to Zeke it seems. "Thisss one offersss the aid of the Dragonfather, to put an end to thisss evil. Perhapsss... Merek ssshould be ssspoken to? If thesssse devilsss attacked him firsst, perhapsss he knowsss sssomething?"

"So be it." Seldan takes the news that he is being hunted by devils quite calmly, it seems, his tone even and cool. "It is in my mind that they desire the Shards," he remarks, folding his arms across his chest. "They remarked that we smelt of dead god." Cool, impassive, that alabaster pillar in armor. "The fey they worked for is no more, and yet do they persist. I would know why." He looks around at the others, from face to face. "Ware you. I think the Sunblade correct, and that they will not seek me. It is you they will seek."

"Yes, not much for you." Seyardu nods once the body was covered again, still leaning against the wall. "This one was in Mictlan without even thinking about it. And erinyes are looking for me in some form. They already attacked one temple from what I heard from Aryia."

"I was selfish, and careless. But I know not if I could fight them with such confidence."

Aryia shifts on her feet, glancing to the body once more just as it was covered up. She gestures with small signs, as if she didn't really want to speak up. "How... are we supposed to fight them? If they won't fight you Selday... if they fight us-" a finger bounces between herself and Seyardu- "they nearly killed us with a snap of a finger." The issues of that day come up in her visage, regressing a bit and sinking into herself. <Handspeech>

The shadow elf purses her lips at the mentions of the Shards. It always came back to that. Always, always.

Tetrosabier seemed to ignore Aryia's movements as he spoke. "So what's our next move." He shook his head as he glanced at the covered body. "An evil such as this can't be left unchecked, and with it hunting people... We have to do something." Tetrosabier glanced around the room as if judging others reaction to his comment.

"Have a good plan. Hunt them before they hunt you. They will target the weak." Hubresk says gruffly, resting his gaze on Seyardu, then Aryia, and finally Tetrosabier. "Be smart."

"Lancer Tafetha's equipment was not found. Magic armour, a weapon, other magic. They can teleport and turn invisible at will." He growls an exhale, resting his hand on the cowl over the Lancer's remains, looking at Seldan and Zeke. "They aren't acting typical. Devils appear with a purpose, do it and go. They don't linger."

"The bodies of the ones you killed. Those remain. They weren't summoned. They were here." He folds his arms and looks at Tetrosabier again, "Hiding. They don't have a way of finding you, or they would have. The Book has been looking and hasn't found them."

"This is a message to draw you out."

Something said perks Zeke's attention, and he looks from Hubresk to Seldan and then back again. "The devilss? Their corpssess did not vanissssh upon their deathsss?" He seems perhaps overly interested and invested in this concern. "Thisss one wasss not told thisss! Thisss one mussst sssee them right away." A soft thump of his tail as emphasis.

"Even so," Seldan agrees. "Such as they are cowardly and will shy from those they know they cannot defeat. They will target the weak." When Zeke speaks, he turns his head immediately towards the Sunguard. "I had seen that, kin, and thought it unusual. They should have returned. I would welcome your insight."

His eyes lower. "Perhaps it is that they linger because they have not yet accomplished their purpose. Devils may stay and wreak havoc, if they can do so without attracting attention, a thing they have failed to do." His gaze goes to Aryia. "You may wish to seek the company of others, where you may," he explains. "The Lancer was most likely caught alone and unawares, and they may attempt the same with you. It is as he says," he nods to Tetrosabier, "we must seek them out and see them destroyed. I shall aid you."

"Then they will target me, yes." The sith-makar notes simply, finally pulling herself off the wall and shaking her head with some form of resignation. "If they are invisible, then there is no way of knowing where they will show up, and until any such plan is put into action, It is not safe to be around. I will likely die, but that is alright, I feel."

Tetrosabier turned to each person as they spoke. He wasn't too knowledgeable on extraplanar creatures, and especially not in matters relating to demons and such. He didn't know how powerful these creatures could be, so he patiently listened.

"How does one hunt a creature that can turn invisible? Especially one that- from what I've heard- is smart enough to avoid groups such as a hunting party."

Aryia fidgets with the cold iron plates across her knuuckles and shifts on her feet. She knew all of that, she saw it all first hand. Unsure of what to add, unsure of what to do, and unsure of her safety. This now was a battle of knowledge and scheming, and the elf came unprepared.

Her grey skin pales to ash at Seldan's suggestion. To hide, so that what was on the table wouldn't happen to her. And she frowns, fists clenching. To do nothing again. Her lips move, and says something, but it didn't matter. "- -t t- -lp" <Undercommon>

"The bodies are here." Hubresk walks to the far end of the morgue, where there are two sealed corpse alcoves and a lingering infernal scent that spells can't fully eliminate. He opens the seals, slides out the rolling shelf that holds the bodies.

One, is an infernal goat, shorter than the Mul'niessa present. The other is beautiful even in death, with a cruel countenance and dark, feathered wings. Both, clearly dead.

The goat is curled up, a cowering position, covered in burns suggestive of a Holy Smite, teeth bared in pain.

The Erinyes was killed by lightning and holy fire, injuries that are clearly visible but don't detract from the appearance of her corpse. Her ashen wings are burnt more, her expression is a scowl of anger. Her eyes focused on emptiness, her will holding her dying thought on her attacker.

"Keep close," Hubrusk advises, a softness in his deep tones as he addresses Seyardu, "Allies that won't break."

To Tetrosabier, "Determine their goal. The Silverguard is right. They haven't achieved it. The rest of you..." he glances at the Lancer's body, "... are what they take their frustration out on."

"When did they first appear? At the Temple attack?"

Zeke steps close to the corpses of the devils. He fears none of these dead things, but the fact that a devil's corpse should remain even after its death rather than disintegrating or vanishing entirely is an oddity. One that worries the cleric greatly if his scent is any indication. He glances toward the female sith-makar and makes a soft sound of comfort to her. "Do not give up hope. We are sservantss of the light. Thisss one will aid you. If you need, sstay at the temple of Daeus, and thisss one will be scertain that you are sssafe."

With that the blue-scale returns his attention to the bodies, even going so far as to poke one with a claw as if to determine if it is an illusion or not. "Thisss one wissshess to try a thing. Which of the corpsssess can the temple mossst do without?" This question is for Hubresk.

"I can not have battle ready warriors and spellcasters around me at all times. Nor would I wish for them to be put at risk either." The silver sith-makar replies with another shake of her head, and a puff of air. "And anyone I see will be at risk outside of them. If I stay here, then those here are at risk."

She looks back to the covered body nearby, and bows her head. "There is a possibility that lancer was slain, and tortured due to association with myself. I am tired of death by association."

"It is even as the Sunguard says," Seldan agrees, turning his eyes to Aryia and Seyardu. "You are not alone, and you need not flee. We hunt with you. If you would end it, then join the hunt. I am no stranger to being hunted. Worry not for me." There is real sympathy in the quiet words, although he does not elaborate. "In this do we stand together." He turns his attention to Zeke. "They teleported out with one of the bodies. Daemila, Kanian tells me. A ruler of a minor principality in the Hells. They fled with her and left the fae to die. It is in my mind that either the fae was not among their goals, or they miscalculated. We must understand more of what the fae woman wanted."

Aryia turns towards Seldan as he reassures them. It has a mixed affect, her pursing her lips and looking to the ground. She nods, sighing silently and letting her shoulder sag. It wasn't the others she was worried about. It was herself. "Ok, I'll try," she lamely signs. <Handspeech>

Tetrosabier nodded to what Seldan said. Turning to Seyardu he smiled. "I would be more than honored to hunt this beast with you, and if association is all that's required for them to start hunting a person, then I am already at risk." Crossing his arms over his chest, he generally spoke. "So, where would we start a search?"

"Do as you wish, Sunguard, you have authority. The pain demon isn't needed." Hubresk points at the infernal goat. "It's weak, known. The Erinyes might have secrets."

The Oruch listens as Seldan adds further details, nods again, "they might come for it, if it was accessible. Bait. The book might know about that name. You'll be informed."

As to where to search, the Oruch has no definitive answers, "It's a big city. There are wilds around it. There are ritual sites, hidden in the sewers. They don't eat or sleep. Normally."

He snarls thoughtfully, "Erinyes might not be able to restrain their cruelty. It's like breathing, for them."

GAME: Zeke casts Dispel Evil. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19

The sith-makar nods and touches the corpse of the pain demon, his expression becoming one of thoughtful contemplation. A few words are murmured to the dragonfather, and he begins to glow with a white light that passes through him and into the corpse before him. With a flash the body is gone - returned to its own plane of existence as if it had never been here before and for a moment Zeke seems almost... disappointed. "It ssseemss that thessse devilss do not defy the lawsss of magic ass much ass thisss one thought that they might. They come from the Hellsss, and can be returned there given the right ssspell."

The blue-scale sith closes the body that remains back into its casket and turns toward the group. "Thisss one remainsss unscertain why their bodiessss linger, but they are still but devilsss, let thisss one and Sseldan aid you. We will do what we can to make you sssafe."

Seldan watches in silence as Zeke casts his spell. He seems to be quite familiar with the bluescale Sunguard, and says nothing, his faith in the sith evident. It is only when the body disappears that he speaks up. "I cannot say, but - they have been here for some time," He blinks suddenly, and looks up and at the others. "The Seer was first set on nigh on a full turn of the seasons past. He may be their goal, and it is certain that we should speak to him of this. But ... it is in my mind that the devils are muscle, not the masterminds. The fae enchantress ... she was there!" he snaps out, as if suddenly remembering something. "It may be that leaving the body where they can find it will set them an enticing trap, but they are not foolish, and they may not fall for it. Still is it worth the attempt."

The goat demon was weak. Aryia trembles and puts her hand to her face, biting a knuckle on her finger. She closes her eyes as the goat vanishes. That certainly shot her confidence in the foot about all of this.

But what about... "S-E-R-I-E-L. That temple. They tried to get in there before the river attack. Looked like a mul'neissa, the stupid goat. And they thought S-E-S-R-A-N was M-E-R-E-K. Did you all find something out about that yet?" she asks the oruch. <Handspeech>

Tetrosabier waited patiently as the conversation continued. He didn't know most of the people here, which made it difficult to join into the conversation, and on top of that, he wasn't very knowledgeable on the topic of discussion. Taking a step back, Tetrosabier listened on as others discussed.

"I did not find it weak." Seyardu says quietly, with a glance to the goat demon's body. And suddenly, it was gone after the magic Zeke cast took effect. Despite all the suggestions and the like, she shook her head. "I will not go out seeking death, that would be pointless. But if I am the most likely target, then I will not hide myself away, and I will not put others at risk." They they continue. "I would much rather that than be safe."

"Right." Hubursk says, an expression suggestive of an upset stomach crosses his face. There may be a lot to explain. "A minor artifact was in a scroll case, where it shouldn't be."

"An acolyte remembers putting the scroll case out. Putting a scroll in it. The artifact was in a locked display case, but the Lancer guarding it took an unexpected short break. A different acolyte remembers passing the area, going to the records room. All three reported being charmed, but couldn't remember what they were asked to do."

The Oruch continues, "The display case can only be opened with a key. The key is not missing."

He shrugs, "Cesran had legitimate business at the Serriel's Temple, unrelated to the artifact. Merek was not expected, nor questioned about it. I summoned them today, they haven't appeared."

GAME: Zeke rolls spellcraft: (16)+4: 20
GAME: Seldan rolls spellcraft: (20)+18: 38

Zeke nods sagely to Seldan, agreeing with his assessment. "Thisss one thinksss that sssuch a trap issss a good plasce to sstart. That, and ssspeaking with Merek." His green eyes darken slightly upon hearing that the man was supposed to be here, but had not shown up. "Perhapsss we ssshould ssseek out Merek firssst, to find out why he iss misssing... If he hasss not flown, been taken, or joined the devilsss already."

"Perhapsss..." Zeke shakes his head, suddenly dismissing the idea he'd just been thinking on and looked at Seldan. "Perhapsss he wasss even part of the plan to ssteal the item? If each of them remembersss being charmed..." His brow furrowed. "Then perhapsss even now he isss delivering it?"

"That could well be," Seldan nods, returning the look from the Sunguard. "Charms such as that depend on the request made not being threatening. Perhaps many such charms, meant to make it possible to retrieve the artifact. What artifact is missing from Serriel's Temple?" He turns his attention now to Hubersk, with only a brief glance at the others. "I would know if the artifact was their goal, or if it was another."

Aryia twiddles her thumbs. The names and people and places and artifacts and temples were lost on her. She knew them of name, but not their purpose. And not the history. Nor any magic they spoke of. It felt complicated, all of it. And she felt simple.

Tetrosabier followed suit with Aryia, and began literally twiddling his thumbs.

"How would Merek be part of it if they were looking for him there?" Seyardu asks, the accusation just confusing her more. "He could be busy, and does not seem welcome in many places. Though it is still a good idea to speak with him."

"I am sorry, perhaps my judgement is flawed. And I am likely not thinking entirely straight. I should take my leave, most likely."

"It's still there." Hubresk says gruffly, "Two guards now. Resurretionists wanted it too, for renewing the pact. Temple is holding onto it. A writing instrument. Serriel's, before she ascended."

He shrugs, "It's a fancy quill pen. Doesn't do anything, forge unbreakable contracts or the like. Just a pen. Still, Her pen. Ask the Resurrectionists what they wanted it for."

"If they had found someone to walk it out, it would be missing now. Plan wasn't perfect. That might help you. Ask the Seer what he knows." The oruch keeps his council on speculations about the Seer.

Seldan's eyes lower at the silverscale's words. "Nay. Please, do not go. It is not wrong to ask questions, for truly may fresh eyes see what those who have seen much may miss." His head remains lowered, and turned slightly away. "We know not if the Seer is even missing, although his case is - complex. Much lies between him and the Sunguard and I, and yet shall I defend him as I would defend any. I had hoped to seek insight from the Seer, to know if he knows why he is sought. That much is clear."

Zeke nods in agreement to Seldan's words. It is impossible to know what is going on with Merek until the man is found. "There isss much hissstory between thisss one and the ssseer." He offers to the silver-scale. "Thisss one thinksss that ssseeking him out isss wisse, ass well ass enacting Sseldan'ss plan."

Aryia shakes her head as everyone start to talk around her, going in circles. But then... something cross her mind. "Wait. Unbreakable contracts? Don't... don't devils write contracts??" she signs, squinting at everyone. <Handspeech>

Seyardu sighs after listening and seeing Aryia's words. "Then I will stay for now, I suppose. I agree with Aryia, perhaps there is something the devils could do with an artifact that belonged to a god. Objects close to someone can be powerful."

"As for the seer, Merek. At the river, the first thing they attempted was to capture him, and they fought them off. I doubt they were working together, at least willingly."

"Hrrrrmmm." Hubresk frowns and growls at the same time, a low bass rumble of thought, "They do. They might be able to do something more with it."

The oruch looks at Zeke and Seldan, "The Eryinyes corpse will be kept until you need it. All of you, be wary. Remember, Tafetha is a message, bait. Whatever you've been doing, you weren't an easy target, to find or safely attack."

A longer, lingering gaze on the Silverguard, where he chuckles, "Holy Warriors will take risks, can be lured, where most won't go. It's our weakness."

"Don't change your routine too much."

OOC

<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "this scene will be slow because it's large, so while it will be 3PR I may ask for pauses so some of the slower participants aren't steamrolled."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Also, everyone gets a free re-roll for being here at the start. Regarding rolling things, generally this will be 'pose what you're doing and if I think it's good' I'll ask for an appropriate roll, but you can also request and I may ask 'anyone got X'. I think that's all the pre-amble."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "The Temple of Daeus is, as I understand it, a complex, so big building, lots of smaller ones around it, so there's an 'outside' of sorts even though you're 'inside'"

<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "It is a bit big and I'm sorry about that, as it's the start of a mystery with a lot of missing pieces, so what I'm showing might not make a lot of sense. I've been trying to fill in things various characters would remember that you might not have known were significant at the time. You've all been doing really great."
<OOC> Aryia says, "it's okay Seldan, it seems like I'm not supposed to have all the pieces- yeah that"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Thanks for playing! I had fun. I hope it was intriguing. You've got a few different routes you can try. You can talk to Merek with or without me, with me I might be able to remind him things, but don't wait for me. There are other NPCs/NPC Groups you might talk to, and a couple PCs that weren't present, that know things also (Brael, Cesran, Baolei)"