Renewing Friendships, Chyril 27th MT

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Danomel
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Renewing Friendships, Chyril 27th MT

Post by Danomel »

Located on the Inner Ring of the Citadel, it is one of the few known temples of the infamous god, Pan, blossoming in the tolerance that used to be so typical of the capital. Though there are altars for the sects of Pan's Blood and Pan's Arts this temple is mainly devoted to Pan's Joy: the wild enjoyment of drink, sex and music to the abandonment of everything else. And surely it’s no coincidence that this temple is located right between the former Rose Guild and the Bardic College. The sounds of revelry have died out with the raids in the town, a sudden silence that seems almost eerie.

The whiter than white marble columns are invitingly covered by green vines, almost pulling the visitor inside. The entrance of the temple is formed by a set of large marble stairs that give a sense of awe, but the creeping plants manage to give the atmosphere something intimate at the same time. The great redwood doors stand open to welcome all who wish to worship the Threefold God.

Entering the sanctuary and crossing the marble floor accented with inlaid lines of black mica, one quickly realizes that the vast chamber is divided into three areas, each containing an altar to an aspect of the deity. Huge columns rise up to the vaulted ceiling, each entwined with lush vines, giving the sanctuary a feeling reminiscent of a garden.

Acolytes are present to greet visitors, dressed in loose robes.

[hr]

Danomel nods toward the Acolyte. "Could you tell me if Noland is available?" he asks.

Glancing around, Danomel can not help but feel a little bit uneasy thinking of some not so recent history in this buiding.
[/hr]
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
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(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

As it turned out, the man sitting behind the desk was just the man Danomel was looking for, the blind acolyte of Pan, smiling as he recognized the aura of a man before him, rising from the chair and extending a hand in greeting. "Though I can not see, I was not aware my face was so easily forgettable. I should start gambling and borrowing money, and use that to get away from creditors." He chuckled and motioned towards a chair he was using, moving to fetch another for himself. "It is good to see you. As you can see outside we have had a bit of a fire here recently. Sadly I was busy at the Coronation, but Pan watched over the temple and saved it from burning."

OOC: I'll move this thread to Inner Ring later on. Just so you have a warning that it was not deleted.
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Danomel
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Post by Danomel »

“A bit of a fire?” Danomel replied. “Might be a good thing you were away at the time. Not that I am much for the crowds and pomp of such events. A fire versus long winded speeches, that’s a tough one to call, but I can see how one might prefer the fire.” Danomel concludes with a smile. “Speaking of which, how are Naomi and Christine doing?”

With a slight sigh, Danomel takes the chair Noland had pointed too. “It has been a bit hectic the last couple of days. And likely to be a bit more so this evening.” Danomel considers Noland for a moment.

“Wish I could say I was here just to relax for a bit, but there is a bit of information I feel you should probably know about, especially considering some recent history.” Danomel frowns as he considers for a moment, then lowers his voice. “Unfortunately, something under the safe keeping of the University has managed to wander off.”

Danomel frowned again. Boy that really sounds so cryptic.
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

Noland shrugged and glanced over his shoulder at the wall, pointing with a thumb towards it. "The building next door burned to the ground. A rather nice lady reopened the Red Rose Guild there, but..... I can still see the remains of spells they used to extinguish the flames. Someone put a lot of effort into it." His eyes went towards the back of the Temple, where the rooms of the priests and acolytes were. "The girls are okay. Naomi was inside, but slept right through the most of it. Christine and I were at the coronation helping with the ceremony, while Vanir and Fialessa were there as guests. None of us was harmed."

The mention of the University got Noland's attention, the young priest turning his empty eyes towards Danomel and arching his brows. "One of the prisoners escaped? Are they looking for him? Or her? Or it? They have quite a menagerie down there. I always wondered why they keep those creatures down there alive, when it would be safer to execute them. Pan knows they all deserve it."
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Post by Danomel »

Danomel considered a moment. Yea, he had probably been overly cryptic. But then some people seemed overly jumpy about the subject.

“Ahhh… Uhhh… Actually I meant an inanimate object. A book specifically, thought some consider it to have some form of pseudo life. I must apologize, when people treat something as sensitive or secret, it tends to be contagious. Specifically I was referring to the book that caused all those problems for the temple a while ago.”

“I figured you should probably know, and no one else would be likely to tell you. Not that I expect it would return here."
Last edited by Danomel on Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

Where the mention of the possibility University's prisoners had been freed managed to get Noland's attention, Danomel's explanation made him almost jump out of his seat, the young priest managing to stop himself from grabbing the archivist's shirt and shaking him. "WHAT? They lost the Liber?!?!" He was visibly excited, a muscle in his cheek twitching as he took a deep breath in a futile effort to calm himself. "When did this happened? Are they looking for it? How, in the name of Pan's hairy butt did they manage to lose it?" Growling he gazed towards the still dormant Altar of Joy and glared in the general direction of the University, the walls preventing both him and Danomel from noticing that the spires of the University of Magick were gone save for one that stood all alone and empty. "They were supposed to destroy it. High Priest Vanir was with them and he did not say anything. Sweet candied nipples of Pan, I should have asked Simon to take care of it himself. He would not have allowed it to happen like this."
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Post by Danomel »

Danomel reaches out and gently squeezes Nolands shoulder. “Settle down, please. While I question the secrecy with which some are approaching this. However creating a spectacle is not a desired behavior either. I will try to relate what I know about the event.”

Danomel takes a breath as he gathers his thoughts and thinks about what he should and should not say. Though he trusts Noland, he is also sure that they have diverging ideas on what should be done with the book if it is found.

Lowering his voice so that only Noland can hear, he relates some of what he knows. “Well it seems there was a plan to destroy the book. Six people were supposed to be involved. Vanir Alfheim, Archivist Tabeann, Mother Abeaja, Professors Moore, Peckerton, and Motrice. They are also the six primary suspects. Anyway, they did destroy something. Obviously the book had been exchanged for a clever fake beforehand. I gather that it was obvious after the destruction; Danomel can not keep the distaste from his voice. Anyway, no one seems to know what happened to the real book. There have been some attempts to scry for it, but they have proven futile.”

Danomel leaned back in his chair. “So I and a representative of the University are going to be trying some more mundane methods to locate it.”
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

Though he was relatively quiet, Noland's face remained reddened and he had trouble keeping his breath steady, gasping and wheezing excitedly, fists clenching with each breath. He kept glancing towards the private chambers used by the priests and acolytes, and when he finally spoke, it was in a hushed voice meant only for Danomel. "If I get this right, one or more of six of them switched the real book with a fake one and they destroyed the copy? And the real Liber is Pan knows where, being put to Pan knows what use?" The priest sighed and rubbed his forehead, fighting back a headache. "Do you need my help? I don't want anyone else to suffer through what we had to endure. People eaten alive by that abomination of a spider."
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Post by Danomel »

Danomel meet Nolands sightless eyes for a moment, considering his response. “Yes, I welcome your help. I did not come here seeking it. Considering the history, I felt you should be aware of what is going on. But I am glad of the offer.”

Danomel sighs. “Unfortunately I am afraid it is a bit more complicated. While the six are primary suspects, they can not be counted as the only suspects. After all, the book was stored at the University, and there were certainly more people who knew about it than just the six. It must also be considered that the switching might have been just coincidental but unrelated to the attempt to destroy it.”

“On the plus side, there does not appear to be any overt supernatural indications that whoever has it has used it. Also assuming it is still in the city, whoever has it must have some means of protecting it from scrying eyes. At least I have been told some are scrying for it without success.”

“Later in the day, I am going, with a representative of the University to find out how and if it will be possible to speak with Kitlanya Redault. Apparently she may be able to shed some light on the issue, though I here she is not in her right mind. I am not sure what we are suppose glean form the meeting.”
Last edited by Danomel on Fri Apr 11, 2008 1:27 am, edited 2 times in total.
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

Danomel's calm manner served to relax Noland a little bit, though the priest was still tense and clearly upset, but his voice remained calm when he at last spoke. "Thank you, Danomel for thinking of us. We would not survive another catastrophe like the one Liber thrust upon us." The young man listened to the archivists words and nodded silently, pausing to ponder for a flicker. "I will keep my eye out and let you know if I see anything out of ordinary." He chuckled and took a calming breath. "And when I say that, it has a slightly different meaning than when most people do."

The name Redault did not seem to mean much to Noland and he furrowed his brows in puzzlement. "I have heard of this girl, but I can't remember what it was, nor do I see how she is related to the tomes disappearance. Was she part of the effort to destroy the book?"
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Post by Danomel »

Danomels brow wrinkled in thought. “As I understand it the girl was possessed by a demon several months ago. She might also have some form of connection to a cult. Unfortunately she is currently suffering a degenerated mental state, maybe due to the possession. The thought here being that because of her experience, she might have some knowledge of either persons or group involvement in the occult, who might be the sort of people interested in acquiring the book. I do not hold out much hope for this line of investigation. But one never knows, it might point back to someone who had access. And there is also the small chance her experiences have left her sensitive to such objects.”

“Even though we know the book is out there, I fear it may be difficult to locate, at least until someone tries using it.” Danomel concludes with a sight.

The mention of occult groups suddenly reminded Danomel of something else he had promised himself to look into. A slight shiver ran through his body as he recalled the man in the sewers beneath the remains of the Red Banner who had been tortured to death. Which meant a trip to the HaPenny Mermaid before meeting with Morgan. Talk of occult activity made him wonder at the final state of the body.
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

"Ah, yes I remember hearing something about it. The girl lost her mind and slauthered her father's servants." The logic behind that particular line of investigation seemed sound, though Noland was not expert in such a thing, as investigating a crime required a person to be able to see the actual crime scene, where he lacked such an ability. "It sounds like a good plan, though I am surprised how nobody tried to seek out the other demon-worshipers through her. Just shows you how dark and dangerous this city has become." He sighed and for a flicker closed his eyes. "If I hear anything about strange events I will let you know. Is it possible that this book is linked to the crimes of the Seaside Slayer? His or hers murders look like they were ritualistic, though I have never taken a deeper interest in them. As inept as they were, I know the City Guard was trying to find that bastard. Or that bitch."
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Post by Danomel »

“Unfortunately, such things do not tend to be high on most peoples priority lists, at least as long as they stay in the shadows. Money and Power seem to be the demons most would rather deal with.” Danomel answers.

“Through I must confess to not paying much attention to this Seaside Slayer. You said there was a ritualistic element about the crimes?” Danomel sighs. “Maybe I should pay more attention to current events. Unfortunately current events also seem to involve endless speculation and gossip.”`

Staring off into space for several flickers Danomel considers the current state of affairs. “I am trying to speculate on how much skill it would take to use the book. I understand that it has its own sort of intelligence. And obviously to purloin it from the university would require a good deal of ability. But would anyone who comes in contact with it be able to use it?”
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

“Not everyone is willing to go after demons and city had its share of troubles lately, and it could have been that the girl’s father found some way to protect her. They are an old noble family and have many connections. I even hear she was close to His Majesty Caesar Andolin.” There was little Noland could do for Danomel other than provide him with a stream of rumors and advice, the precarious position the Temple was in still tying his hands as any wrong move could endanger the future of Pan’s faith in Citadel. “I don’t know much either, but I heard the bodies of his victims had been cut in intricate patterns and that nobody has been able to decipher the true meaning of the marks. It could very well be the work of a demon worshiper, though I think by now we should have had another Netheric invasion as he killed more than two dozen women.” The last question Noland found easy to answer, simply because he had no answer to give. “I honestly don’t know, Danomel. I am a Priest of Pan, and you would do better to ask Aurelian, rather than me. Perhaps you should visit the Repository and ask there? R someone at the University of Magick, though that could be a wrong move.”
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Post by Danomel »

“Yes I am somewhat loath to be dealing in innuendo and secrecy, but I guess there is no help for it. To much potential for much bigger problems with the University. Or maybe I am just becoming too much of a cynic?” Danomel responds.

“Well it looks like I got some shoe leather to pound; need to check on both the young lady, and the slayer. I did ask for guidance from Aurelian, but so far he has been mute on the subject.”

Getting up Danomel glances towards the door. “I will check in with you later, if I find anything interesting”
By all the Dodos! these are thoughts of weight,
Most venerable, wise, and out of date.
(from [i]The Paradise of the Birds[/i], by [i]W. J. Courthope[/i])

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Post by Grey Wolf »

"I am sure you will manage. Just be careful as you go about it. Perhaps if you made it sound like you were trying to help her get better her father might be willing to cooperate? That would not be too far from the truth, as the Libre's removal might actually work in clearing at least a bit of the taint she bears." The mention of Danomel's God, did little to upset Noland, the young acolyte hardly a zealot, and definitely not a follower of Dominicus. "It is not always easy for a person to keep his or her faith, but I see even those periods of silence as a sort of test. You pass it and you prosper, though prosperity may come in many ways. Knowledge that you overcame an obstacle alone may be the sole reward at times. One should not rely on power of Gods for any little thing, but ask for assistance when it is truly needed and necessary. Then it shall be granted." Noland rose and moved to escort Danomel to the door. "And I will keep an eye out, though that may sound strange coming from me. If I learn something I think could help in your search I will let you know. Thank you for keeping me informed.
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Post by Turi »

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[size=75][i][b]"If it were clear in my mind, I should have no incentive or need to write about it. We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand." -C. Day-Lewis[/b][/i]

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