Second Recess Thingy - Citadel Edition

[Grey Wolf]

Days rolled by and Citadel lived on, its collective breath held while the citizens awaited the next spark that would set off the powder keg the city seemed to rest upon. That spark never came. As days passed the tension in the streets lessened, and the City Guard’s presence in the streets went down to its normal levels. Life was as it had been for yahren, even though the city lacked a figure who would restore the balance of power in its alleyways. And it was the alleyways and the secret and bloody war waged in the dark that interested the majority of the citizens the most. Politics on a global scale touched them only barely.

The political arena was in turmoil as well as news of the events from afar reached the city. Kona of Trothgard was dead, rumors saying she was slain by a rebel male and dark forces at his beck and call, and after little discussion, the Council agreed to send a military expedition to restore order. The core of this army came from the ever swelling Imperial Guard, the unit that had grown to nearly 700 men under the able command of Captain Preston Summers. The man himself led the two thousand infantry and five hundred riders, and established a fortified base in the ruins of Rimmerhold. Bolstered by a few priests of Mother and a single battle mage the soldiers buried the dead and sent out patrols. It was not before Captain Summers left the Icy Isle that the attacks started, though the casualties were still light. Men and strange creatures would strike at patrols, but they died under the blades and spears and bled when struck.

With the new Caesar crowned, new expectations rose and if rumors were to be believed, His Majesty Andolin Azarin was looking for a wife, or rather for several of them. There would be but one Caesarii and many a lady wished to be the very one to bear such a title. Candidates from all over the Empire were to be expected and if some of the rumors were to be believed, even the adhiel of T’aquar and some of the noble houses of Western Kingdom would send a candidate. The Empire grew more stable and with its former allies and enemies brought low by recent events it was expected it would continue to rise.

It was a few weeks after the events came to pass that rumors about the fall of World’s Mouth came to the city. In an explosion aboard one of the flying ships a total of four Magisters met their death, along with the High Inquisitor, and cries for justice went up high. For a while chaos ruled and someone wise ordered the lock-down of the city, lest information leak out to its allies. By the time the city was opened, the order had been restored under new Magister Primus Rineault Gabrielli, those who opposed him crushed under the combined might of all nine legions under unified command of High Justice Michael Octavio. Blame fell squarely upon the shoulders of the Constanza family as the evidence pointed out they had the most motive. Due to their involvement in aiding the agents of House Constanza during the bombing, the Union of Laborers and Teamsters was hard pressed for a while and put under stricter government control, Councilor Severo Lo Russo overseeing their workings. The famous Snake was acquitted and released from prison after it became clear that evidence that linked him to the Marchland Riots was fabricated and untrue.

With the order in the Mouth restored and contacts with that city reestablished, the balance of power that had favored young Michael Crane in the shadowy war shifted towards his father’s side. The mysterious Simalde of the World’s Mouth sent aid, both financial and more direct and Thomas’ newly established business ventures in Dort bore fruit. Weakened by the clash between his men and the Imperial Scouts during the assassination attempt on Silk, Michael was forced to go on the defensive. He had all but disappeared after one of his man tried to kill him, and it was rumored he was no longer alive and that his crumbling empire was held aloft by feeble hands of one of his cronies. With Grey Fox no longer aiding him, young Michael was likely better off dead that alive.

It was a calm few weeks and when no new bodies emerged in the harbor, the city though that perhaps the Seaside Slayer had indeed been slain, but such was the luck of the people that not only did he return, but also gained a competition of sort. Not as often as before, but young women, poor and mostly foreign were found floating in the harbor, their bodies drained of blood and skin carved with mysterious symbols like that of the slayer.

More sinister were the other bodies. Those of young man of quality, many of them seen as handsome and attractive. There were found in the sands and not the water and their skin bore not a single mark of blemish. All their faces bore an expression of intense pleasure, or at least most who saw them said so, seeing how every single body was little more than a dried out husk, with most liquid missing from it. And each smiled broadly and only its manhood did not look like it was sucked dry, swollen erect and as hard as a piece of wood. There was at least one found each week, and some times two or even three were found together, each in the same state as his companions.

With the University of Magick gone, the ground would have normally reverted back to city, but the single spire still standing over it, served to bolster the mages’ claim and the entire area was left to them. Wards were placed and guards assigned to guard the area and over time, the vaults and basements emptied of all thing valuable and dangerous, save a few trinkets that had gone missing before the official order to lock it down came. The Spire of Divination saw itself occupied once more and Professor Clearwater took permanent residence, the permanent portal to Sierra enabling him and any new students wishing to enlist to travel to the site where University now resided. Relaxed negotiation continued on what the new situation meant for the mages and their students as common practice had been for the government to pay the tuition for promising students in exchange for the University’s aid when it was needed. Especially the University trained battle-mages in times of war.

With Silk returned another figure came back too, General Stacco of Muchislie Marines having proven his innocence to Lady Marie of Muchislie. Having been accused of working against his nation, or rather of consorting with Silk, he was recalled to his home island to explain those rumors. Thus it came that Count de Besnie no longer held two votes, but only one, the other going back to the aged veteran turned Ambassador Stacco. With his return whispers came that a new Imperial Admiral might be named and that Stacco, with his naval experience could be just the man for the job.

From Kislovan came rumors of terrible atrocities performed by the Firelords, which lead to an uprising of human population in the south regions. As it had done so many times in the past, Royal adhiel forces were sent and like before they quenched the rebellion in blood, only this time the blood kept on flowing as the peasants kept on fighting. Humans died in throngs and for every fallen adhiel half a dozen humans died, but with so few of the long-lived race left even such odds amounted to staggering losses and for the first time in history, the Queen was forced to plead for peace with humans. The fighting continued to rage, albeit at a reduced rate, while the adhiel searched for a leader of human rabble with whom they could negotiate.

In the far T’aquar a different rebellion brewed, as adhiel saw an opportunity to regain their freedom from the Kingless West. With so few of the former rulers of the land left, the war was of low intensity after the initial uprising was crushed by the infantry and knights bearing the sing of Eye of Dominicus. Yet, the adhiel did not take their defeat as final, and soon the forests became deadly place for humans. Unseen foes would strike at caravans and patrols, raining arrows upon them, only to melt into the woods when the humans pursued. More and more people talked of burning the entire forest of T’aquar to the ground, and finishing what Commander Michel and his troops started some months ago.

It was near the summer solstice that the news of disaster at Amun Rah came. Some said it was the final act of the battle between Dominicus and Pan that had played out on that desert island, but whichever the case, the devastation was terrible. At high-noon a mere dozen days before solstice the waters of lake Mu-At began bubbling and then a geyser erupted from its depths, followed by molten rocks and choking ashes. An enormous mushroom of smoke and ashes rose above the Amun Rah, obscuring the sun and making men and women tremble. The rocks rained upon the city of Abu’Sahir, the great city burning for days, along with the crops around the great lake. With ashes covering the ground, most of the coming harvest was ruined and with the most of grain-stores burned, famine looked like a likely prospect. Rafao Ionis knew nothing could be done of it and sent call for help to his neighbors and allies as well as the Imperal capitol. It would be a true test of Lady Isis’ diplomatic skills and the entire island held their collective breath, as lady was well known for her beauty, but not her wits.

[Ssinith DIllil]

The Gulanadur Ambassador had become a busy man, indeed.

In hopes of allowing Gulanadur culture to flourish into the surface, he requested more skilled artisans, particularly that of clothes and luxuries. His tactics were to create a fashion invasion, allowing his culture to be less feared. He had hoped that Sapphire Dust would become the new rage for women, and he would not mind getting back into the clothes of his own homeland. He also hoped to get the Temple of Pan some of the "good stuff" for his rituals as there were few narcotics as rich as Gulanadur. As promised, he would give Ketch his contact to Sca'mur, also to act as the go between for the offer of the Gulanadur army should the Army of the Ascent be approved to help bolster the defenses of Citadel. Unfortunately, this was a double sword in which he learned that invitations to do business could also turn for the worst... some of the black market side of Gulanadur also decided to bring their wares to Citadel and start making claims in the streets, bringing more powerful drugs and poisons into the mix.

As an aside for the Gulanadur Embassy, he also finishes Lady Vlast's personal room so that she may reside at the Embassy in comfort and safety. Though he knows not the precise measures of getting her desires to wed the Caesar to fruition, his determination to bring glory to Gulanadur for the sake of his love for the Queen keeps him going through better or for worse. Lady Vlast even finds a few notes of his with advice about being a good Gulanadur husband after he fell asleep at his desk one eveningtide.

He also makes space to build his "Arcane Sanctum" piece by piece. Little more than shelves for supplies and tables for alchemy equipment with a little more room for meditation and casting spells. He will add more later, and he keeps all of his personal study notes and books in his chambers.

Meanwhile, the request for some Moltenite Pilgrims to monitor the situation had been made, fearing the possible consequences of what Raevyn and Jadmai may do if they misrepresented their people in the West. He had also hoped to build the first true pagan temple there, finding the irony that the first true Molten temple would be in the territory of those who tried to destroy the people almost satisfying. If they truly had freedom of religion, he would work to bring Molten about.

The news about the Volcano in Amun Rah, however, disturbed him. Jadmai had gone to Pax and wondered if the former Ambassador had done something to incur Molten's wrath upon the Oasis. To investigate the matter, he sent a plea to the Clergy of the Moonlady in order to offer aid to the place as well as investigate news of their former Ambassador. He did, however, keep his inquiries about Molten's hand in things to himself.

His true dilemma, however, was the Fire creature found in the basement who had a death wish for some high members of the Council. He would send word to Caldera about the situation, explaining how he feared that this creature would have spread destruction if he was freed and his fears on what this creature might actually be. He pondered what Caldera would have done in his instance, considering the creature was everything Molten was. He tried to err on the side of mercy and it might have cost him dearly, but at the same time, saved a lot of lives.

One way or another, he would send a detailed account of the incident (including the fact that he tried to prevent a brigand from looting the place entirely, and the idiot girl that he had dragged with her, but not mentioning any names). He also told them about the deal he had made with the brigand to sell things to Hadvin's so they could start looking for the missing trinkets so that they might be able to find a few of them. He also makes the argument that if he didn't do what he did, then they could have potentially let the creature run wild and the trinkets would have likely been sold on the black market never to be seen again. If they doubted his intentions and story, he would be more than happy to have his mind searched by a mindcrafter and given a trial by the Council since he did trespass and had to make a deal with the trinkets to find out what had happened to the University. If the nature of the creature was unable to be determined, he would also submit himself to testing to see if he was duped by a demon.

In lieu of this; he also made a diplomatic offer to the University of Magic, considering the land was being contested as well. Considering other safety issues which may occur, S'sinith would keep his mouth shut about the incident to the Caesar because of the potential chaos that would cause in the contesting to the land. In exchange for his silence and willingness to resolve the issue privately, he would aid them with his position in persuading that the land still be under control of the University. Because of his contacts with the shapers, he would also request that he be placed in charge of rebuilding the land around the Spire and allowing the new use of the land to become an academy of learning which would benefit both Citadel and the University, teaching non arcane skills. This would get the University more learned freshmen (perhaps earning a discount should they graduate) and offer more jobs to those who have been displaced by the recent chaos. It would also become a hands on learning opportunity for students wishing to learn how to become a professor or even sharpen their skills with an exchange program in learning important skills outside the arcane such as reading or math (or fighting for the battlemages). For those not of the University, it would stimulate the economy by giving knowledge and allow Citadel to rebuild itself a little more quickly.

Politically, he already had too much on his plate; as tempting as the free positions were at the UoM. Should the school idea pass on both sides, however, he would offer to be an affiliate of the University without actually being a part of it; thus being a neutral being away from the University politics and being able to hear both sides of the argument "without favoritism". This way, he could help to deal with their remaining ties in Citadel and Sierra if they needed a politician who knew the intricate nature of magic without being buried in the Universities' problems.

It would also give the seven that he had to face in his promised duel a reason to try and keep his life intact. Knowing that it would be a grueling battle, he would put his trust in his faith in Molten rather than his raw skill. He knew that even practicing magic and strengthening it would be a worship to him, but he was also a priest. He would seek the wisdom of Caldera in the matter, wondering if there was a better way to handle the situation despite his lack of experience in both faith and arcane skill.

(Diplomacy 3- Apprentice)
(Vestments (Molten) 4- Basic ****)
(Negotiation 3- Apprentice ****)

[Jack Farrell]

To say that it had not been a good spring for Jack did not tell even half the tale. For all his effort and sacrifice in the world’s mouth, Jack found his dreams in ruin. Any chance of him joining the Condotierre was quickly dashed by the political manoeuvrings and upheaval of the ruling houses as they fought to control the vast City State, leaving one lonely soul in a basement of the Nashorn to rot. It had taken him a fortnight to extricate himself from the cells and bargain his way back to the Estates of Badar in Terra Incognita. The cruel irony was only to learn there that his investment in the coffee of Aveas had simply disappeared. Be it either pirate action, or the sabotage of the Thorns was open to debate. Yet, regardless, his gold drifted aimlessly on the tides now and all hopes that he had for a comfortable life seemed to drift away with them.

Desperate and determined to track down the source of his loss, Jack purchased a ticket to the Empire of the Seven Isles and found himself on the stony shores of the Citadel whilst he waited for a boat to the colony of Aveas. Arriving in midst of turmoil and strife he was intrigued by the sheer chaos that surrounded him as the city's underworld waged its not so secret war. To a keen mind like Jack's, opportunity was sure to follow strife and such potential could not possibly be ignored. So, to this end, he resolved to spend a little time on the isle; telling tales in the taverns and the bawdy houses of the docks, listening to rumour and earning his coin in back-yard brawls and prizefights. Perhaps in time something would come up.

Still, opportunities are few and come infrequently. For every step taken must be fought for and so it was with no small trembling of the heart that Jack heard the first stories of the Imperial Scouts and their role in the war to control vice in the City of stone. Hearing this, Jack felt something new... a calling, he would make something of himself or die in the attempt.

Tales turned to rumours, whisperings that Jack recorded and studied. Slowly a picture began to emerge as he chased down one source after another. Sometimes information was gained willingly. Sometimes not. In a City steeped in crime and decay Jack saw an opportunity to make a difference here, to himself not least of all. Investigation pointed towards a long abandoned Abby and, as Jack steeled himself for the coming challenge, he found himself alone in his room fearing how dull his edge might have become. For only the sharpest blades could pierce this veil.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Martial arts +4 (apprentice)
Story telling +1 (apprentice)
Intimidation thuggery (new)

(If wealth is exempt from the points cost - could jack advance to basic please? I seemed to miss that skill when it was doled out :p)

[Morg]

(OOC: On the advice of the Wolf, I'm posting this here as well as in Sierra.)

The last week of Chyril passed by in a flash for Morgan. When he wasn't helping Octava establish a new network of wards around the University complex, he was carting priceless relics back through the portal from the Citadel to Sierra or ferrying messages to and fro between the University High Council - or what was left of it, which amounted to Professor Peckerton - and the Imperial authorities. Since Morgan had been the first to carry the news of the move, it naturally fell to him to keep acting the messenger. He didn't have much say in what was decided, of course, but the duty was not too burdensome. If nothing else, it gave him a useful excuse to travel to the Citadel by portal.

These trips continued throughout Jaym and into Jygust, even though the messages to the Citadel had become less frequent and everything of value had been salvaged from the vaults. Morgan's desire to find the Liber Maleficarus had matured into a compulsion. He spent much time on the streets and in the public places of the Citadel Isle, keeping his ear to the ground, or, as Danomel had put it, "working the rumour mills". Asking direct questions wasn't his style - he wasn't keen to become known as a nosy person. He simply engaged in conversations while admiring a suit of clothes, or listening to a public proclamation, or buying a kebab. If Morgan felt that his interlocutor might have something to offer, the subject would gradually be turned to something nearer to his interests.

Much of his efforts were spent around the Patricians' Ring, trying to find out what he could about Verleaux Manor, its owners and inmates. However, he didn't neglect the lower areas of the city either. The Seaside Slayer was always an issue he'd left well enough alone; Morgan didn't want to get between a madman and his killings. However, the new corpses that were being found on the beaches aroused his interest. Their manner of death - shrivelled, but seemingly in ecstasy - had a cultish, ritual feel to it which brought to mind thoughts of the Liber. Morgan was too sensible to wander the beaches of the isle at night, but he did venture into the Hapenny Mermaid and visit the docks to try to establish whether anyone had seen anything that could provide a further lead.

Morgan didn't spend all his time at the Citadel, though. Most of his time was still spent in Sierra, where he quickly discovered that the humid climate tired him out quickly when he moved. It wasn't a major problem, as a sedentary lifestyle suited the magus well. He continued diligently working under Professor Octava, learning yet more warding methods and scraping together details of the summoned creatures against which wards were required, elementals and daemons. As a side project he had decided to learn the Adhiel language. Ever since he'd been unable to thank Thorn properly for saving his life and then patching him up, he'd felt he owed it to them. The end result was Morgan poring through a lot of linguistic primers and then ambushing Thorn, Elvin and other adhiel he knew around the University, accosting them in abysmal pidgin Adhiel. He was a good and steady learner, though, and slowly but surely he was able to piece together a basic understanding of the language.

Becca wasn't spared Morgan's foreign language blatherings, but he did try to make it up to her in other ways. For a start, when she was around he was often unable to speak Adhiel, as his mouth was too busy kissing her. For another thing, the surroundings of Sierra provided new random trinkets for him to present her with. Fragments of masonry would end up at her door, or prickly plants, or occasionally colourful little reptiles held in place by a miniature warding circle - although the reptiles stopped after Morgan had to report to Mender Abagail after being badly poisoned by an innocent-looking frog. On Jaym 23 his 20th birthday rolled around, and to celebrate he took Becca out to Sierra's finest venue, the Only Tavern. In typical Morganic style he forgot even to mention that it was his birthday beforehand.

On the whole, however, with those few who were close to him, even Becca, Morgan was becoming ever more distracted and distant. It wasn't at all that his attraction to Becca was beginning to fade. His determination to find the Liber was simply sucking the life out of him. The project had dragged on for too long, and was starting to have ill effects. Only Danomel and Elvin knew of certain of his activities, and neither had the full story. One way or another, Morgan resolved to have the Liber Maleficarus in his hands before the month of Jygust drew to a close.

Skills:
***** - Language [Adhiel] ~ Basic
* - Meditation (to Basic+***)
* - Knowledge [Elementals] (to Basic+****)
* - Literacy [Human] (to Apprentice+***)
* - Magickal Rote [Sorcery] (to Apprentice+****)
* - Persuade (to Basic+***)
and please update my age from 19 to 20. Thanks!

[Ashari]

Chyril

The end of Chyril saw Ashari's plans unfolding, of which there were several. The most important of which was her guild - remaining un-named and called only the "Former Red Rose Guild" in her general speaking on the topic. She'd secured a financial endowment from Rosalie Mercada, though it remained one in secret, monies which she pointed toward the remodeling of Thalas Manse. It was an endeavor which she planned to attract much attention. She'd ordered the fixing of several rooms on the first floor as well as work on the roof to make sure it maintainted it's integrity. During their time in Thalas Manse, the four newest, and only, students would find themselves in an increasingly opulent house that was swiftly moving from merchant class gaudiness into the elegance of something greater. It encouraged growth and the end of the first month was spent with Ashari moving about the house and spending little time on her students, allowing them the chance to get to know one another and involving only occasional dinners and other meetings overwhich they would discuss etiquette and other simple matters.

Ashari's attempt on Michael Crane's life had gone unsucessful, but she pressed onward. It had destablized him, and it gave her momentum which she swung toward assisting Tom in anyway she could. Occasionally she housed members of his gang so that they could remain safe, and she assured the mob king that they wouldn't be harmed by her over-zealous redhead nor by any of her salacious students.

Jaym

Spring pushed forward, and with it came the actual lessons for her few students. In the first true month of classes Ashari gave introductory lessons in numerous subjects, and spent much of her energy determining what her students were most proficient in - things she would encourage them to pursue in their free time as well as their school time. Classes took place in the mornings, held until noontide. Although she didn't require it, Ash suggested each student search out a job or if they couldn't find one that she'd provide one. Her first student, Aerin Penna Seleratus, had worked at Simple Pleasures, a place Ashari owned interests in, and thus was connected to, and Ash mentioned that it might be good to speak to Claire in regards to getting her job back unless she were more interested in some of the jobs Ash found for any of her other pupils.

The positions she was able to find were low-level internships in Embassies in the city. Generally speaking, it was easiest to put them in the Embassy of their home country, though there was also the World's Mouth Embassy with an opening provided by Ambassador Rosalie Mercada with whom Ash continued to keep contact with and foster friendly relations. From Andolin she was able to gain the opportunity for students to work in the Citadel proper as pages and assistants - delivering messages and being alert to all customs of being in the palace. It gave the students a wide variety of things to chose from, and where they would be interested in following their futures.

During this time another relation was established with Claire Owens, the proprieter of Simple Pleasures, inwhich Ashari asked that the young woman keep an eye out for interesting persons coming into her coffee shop that might make good companions for the newly established Rocky Isle Guild and School for Young Men and Women. It was a perfect arrangement seeing the afluent clientel the cafe attracted.

Thus, it was no wonder that as the month came to a close Ash hadn't even realized that she'd grown paler from all her time indoors. She'd not spent any time in the spring sun. Darkening circles around her eyes suggested poor sleeping habits. Pain in her lower back made sleep uncomfortable, and she often felt nauseous, all things she confided only in Ashtillion during his visits to the Citadel. (She offered him a job in the Guild after hearing his news regarding the moved school, saying he could help with warding the building to make it more safe, but requirements at the University prevented it.)

Jygust

Morning classes continued for the companion students each day excepting for Firstday and Rasday both of which she gave them off. Ashari asked after the Temple of Pan and Bardic College for interested mentors for her students. She, of course, would provide monetary compensation either to the Temple or to the person depending on situation. Fialessa Valenstri, in particular, was sent a personal letter after Ashari heard she was a dancer.

Priestess Fialessa Valenstri,

I thank you in advance for your time in reading this letter. Undoubtedly you are a busy woman, but I have an proposition that may begin to reinstate the name of followers of Pan. I offer you a job - a part time one, to teach students at the Rocky Isle Guild and School for Young Men and Women to dance. It is my understanding you are quite proficient, and in styles more broad than those found in only in ballrooms. Perhaps a meeting is in order to discuss details? I have an opening Jygyst the 30th at first mark tradetide. Should you be available, return word.

May Pan watch your path,
Ashari

Andolin Azarin and she spent the free time together that they could. Both were busy, but she managed to find the time for meetings in the office as well as late night snacks in his private chambers along with a number of other satisfying situations. Generally, it benefitted them both. They got to be in one another's company - something Ash enjoyed a great deal, as well as her silence on their intimacy and his assistance with her Guild. Pressure increased in reference to his picking a caesarii and with it came Ashari's dawning realization that he might not pick her, something which left a coldness in her. She was no longer naive to love. With Iorn she'd believed love to overcome anything, and his death had been all it took to rob her of that innocence. Now she knew that it was in Andolin's best interest to take some noblewoman as his bride, and it was a fact that hurt, though she couldn't bear to withdraw from the charming ruler's company as though there remained a chance.

Work on Thalas Manse was complete, and attention had been turned toward the garden which bordered those of the Citadel. Ashari poured money into procurring interesting specimens, most brought in from distant islands. She turned the garden room, with it's large windows, into a foreign green house with flora of Amun Rah alongside those of Pan's Isle. It became her early morning routine to visit the space and attend to the plants. The monotony of it gave her distraction from her increasing illness, of which she could find no source, though it wasn't until the end of the month that she began giving actual thought to how long she'd felt out of sorts.

"Ashtallion," she said, over a cup of tea while sitting in that very garden room. "I think.... I think I might be pregnant." She had told no one, save the mage, that she'd been with the Caesar, and she didn't have to tell him about Ketch, for the two had met and he understood the nature of their relationship, "and I'm not sure who the father is." Summer was blooming, as was Ashari.

-=-=-

SKI-ZILLAHS

Business Perception: +** (Apprentice +****)
Streetwise: +** (Apprentice)
Knowledge [Citadel Underworld]: +* (Apprentice)
NEW! Skill: Gardening - Basic
NEW! Skill: Native Craft [Knocked up] - Basic

Also looking to up my "wealth" skill. Ashari's had plenty of income and already owns the sort of house described in the next level up. Thanks!

[Langredoc]

The meeting with Michael Craine had been both disappointing and encouraging, it also mend making decisions. To find Payne he needed both money and information, and those were in short supply so he talked with Paige about their options. Michael Craine had said that she had been in the Citadel. Langredoc decided to accept a job as well...bouncer in Craine's army of thugs. Using the money he got he rented two rooms inside the darker parts of town, both under different names. One were he could stay, the other for meeting Paige, to talk and have interesting times...

Being a bouncer in brothels was not really a bad job, it actually brought back many a fond memory of his early days. While he did grow up his mother had spent most of her time around or in those joints, and although most of the women were not, well.. very beautiful or even handsome, most of them seemed nice and willing to have a chat with the handsome warrior. Even some wondered why he did not have a girlfriend...and that annoyed them, boyfriend maybe ? Langredoc made sure that was a well kept secret.

The rooftops of Citadel became one of the favorite places of Langredoc, it was like the city was more open and less crowded when he watched the moon or sun from the high places.
It was a great place to train his swordsmanship and other arts of war withouth being watched. A added bonus was that he could watch the harbor and see ships depart, as such he watched Hex leave for her ice hearted country, with a army following her. He had send a message wishing her good luck and expressing his wish to see her again, some day, somewhere. Preferable somewhere warmer then Trothgard.
Some of the best time with Paige was also spend on the rooftops, talking about love and the future. Paige would tell him about her plans and how she collected skills, experience and was building a network through beds and minds of men. It did not make the warrior really happy knowing her around all those men, or worse some women he did not trust, still the freedom of his love to achieve what she wanted was important to him, sex was cheap in his eyes... but love precious above all.

After a few weeks he already collected some information about Payne, he shared it with Paige when he met her. Also things became ugly for the people related in some way to Michael Caine. The information was that Payne had been working in some of the brothels, until she had suddenly disappeared, that was all her “friends” could tell the young man. Until that day It had not been clear to Langredoc what Craine was doing on a daily basis, actually he had preferred it that way, but after a while, the streets had turned into a nightly war zone. Fights broke out between a rival gang and Craine's, whispers telling that it was a father and son feud being fought and paid in blood and it went not well for the son.

Now it did not help very much that Langredoc in his own nature had a bit (warning: understatement) of a revengeful streak, so when “friends” of him got beaten up, and even some of the girls and thugs later got killed, he finally got involved. While the first kills were made and Langredoc ended up getting into the picture, something he had tried to avoid before. In the many days and even some moths that followed life got more violent my the day. His wolf saved Langredoc several times by waking him up before the dagger found his heart, changes had to be made in his life. So soon after the first attack he gave up both rooms and started to sleep on different places, sometimes just on the roofs. Mostly in brothels, the girls did not mind.

Because of this new situation Paige and Langredoc worked out a sign system to contact each other, and by day they would ignore each other if the met. Just using some hand signals that told each other the basics, I am fine, follow me, somebody is watching you, I love you.. etc. The man hated to be away from the woman he loved, but he knew the that it was the price of the dangerous and the task that he had promised to forfill. He had sworn to do it by the Red Warrior, a God that who not think lightly about oaths, nor would he fail his lady. So time they had, to spent with each other was precious and few, still being with her was for Langredoc as natural and needed as breathing air. He always worried about her, while he barely worried about himself. Still he trusted that Paige was able to handle her life and was skilled enough to evade danger, otherwise he knew she would come to him. She had a knack for staying alive and getting what she wanted, something Langredoc admired in her, one of the many things.

The killing fights at night brought one unexpected bonus, not a nice one though. A heavily wounded thug of Craine was pulled away by the warrior and returned to one of their hideouts. There the man died of his wounds, but not before he had revealed that the woman Langredoc was searching for had been sold to someone unknown. Even before Langredoc started searching, Craine had, according to the man known this, but he loved the money that the girl would provide by being sold more then anything else, so he sold her to someone.
Anger and despise ruled the heart of the young warrior, it also filled with fear for Paige, who looked so much like her sister so in anger and frustration he called for the Red Warrior to give him strength to take the man's head but not before he would have told everything he really knew.

It took him the best of two weeks to find out were Craine was, straining his contacts, using his new skills to investigate. After making a plan based on observation of the hideout he went into action, he carefully entered the place, knowing that only Craine and his two bodyguards would be there. So he just greeted the two men that guarded Craine and told them that he had a appointment. Caine was as usual in his own room and when the other thug went away to tell that Langredoc was there, the warrior killed the first crony with a swift unsuspected and merciless blow of his blade. Langredoc saw the man drop to the ground with almost no sound and watched without any interest then making sure that he was dead, this man had killed enough innocent people to make Langredoc feel that he had done justice. He quickly moved to a position that would make it easy for him to strike, so when the man returned he would have no chance.. it was odd though, the man had seemed to be so in panic that when he dashed out of the door he almost plunged himself into Langredoc's blade, the warrior just extended his arm and made it a reality. The last words of the thug gurgling in his own blood sounded like “Craine..dead..” or “Dread” whatever.
It would have been logical to Langredoc that a experienced person like Craine would now come out in full force or start to run and escape.. but all was quiet, too quiet. So holding his weapons ready for anything Langredoc explored the place, room for room, finding one room that seemed to belong to Craine but filled with so much blood that the warrior had a hard time believing it would be from one man, still no Craine, no other bodies. With a meaningful curse Langredoc backed off and left the place to disappear back into the city.

The next weeks Langredoc stayed low, running from those who would mean him harm, it turned out to him that more killings happened in those weeks according to his sources, so while he tried to figure out what happened to Craine and preferable while staying alive, he investigated what actually was killing those people in such a bizarre way, drained from liquid, or blood.. This city was spooky and clearly not save.

Now a man and his wolf were roaming the rooftops of Citadel at night, watching down on the streets. A dark knight, a doomed warrior, or even it could be a lovesick puppy, whatever he was, he would find the woman as he had promised to his love, and probably he would find more then he had ever bargained for. So while Langredoc scratched behind the ears of the wolf, it started howling towards the moon, and far, far away a Grey wolf answered its call. Times, they are changing.


Skills:

***** - Streetwise ~ Basic
* - Grappling ~ Basic + *
* - Seduction / Woo ~ Basic+***
* - Conversation ~ Apprentice + *
** - Swords, One-handed ~ Apprentice

and also please update Langredoc's age from 17 to 19. To make up for some lost time, Thanks!

[Paige]

Upon entering Thalas Manse as an overly cautious student, Paige found herself immersed into a new world. A world that looked to harbor a number of opportunities, as well as being both exciting and scary. The young beauty wasn't sure what to expect, and found part of herself feeling like she had rushed into this new life. With things getting off to a sluggish start, Paige spent the latter part of her first days alone in her room and attempting to get to know her fellow students. As the days passed by, the adhiel realized more and more that she enjoyed the company of her new 'family', for each was unique and therefore captured her attention. However, it was with Yelena that she was able to quickly form a friendship. It was odd, but Yelena almost instantly felt like someone she had known for many yahren. Any hopes in getting to know Ashari were quickly whisked away, for the only time Paige got to see her was over an occasional dinner and meetings, with brief discussions involving etiquette and other matters. It was with etiquette that Paige took a real interest in, seeing that she was probably the only one who knew the least about it, and so she took it upon herself to learn all she could in this, for she didn't want to be a disappointment. With the remodeling of her new home, Paige couldn't help but marvel as the atmosphere quickly went from gloomy to beauty. Life was taking on a different direction for the beautiful student, whether it would be favorable or not, it was far too early to tell. So Paige tried her best to stay positive, while at the same time keeping up her defenses.

As Chryil came to a close, Paige watched from what she believed was a safe distance as various men, who appeared to be thugs, came in and out of her new home. Not sure what to make of them, the curious adhiel decided to keep to herself at this present time and focus on more important matters. It was with how Langredoc was fairing in his search for Paige's sister, that the woman was the most concerned with. With Langredoc's word being given that he would help her find Paiyne, Paige was a bit skeptical of him at first, but later began to trust him shortly after their first secret meeting. It came to pass that the two were starting to become very close and the more they met up with each other, the more interesting their meeting became. Little did she realize, but the young warrior was starting to touch her heart. A place that had once been cold and dark, was now starting to become warm and inviting. Problems in the future were sure to surface if they kept up with each other the way that they were, and Paige knowing this potential trouble, didn't seem too concerned about it. What did concern Paige, however, was the fact that Langredoc had started working for Michael Crane, and that worried the hopeful Paige, for she could feel that trouble was brewing and it would only be a matter of time before the lid blew off of the kettle.

While spending her days at Thalas Manse, sometimes wandering the city, Paige spent most of her nights, well what few marks she could spare out of the evening, with Langredoc. Marks that started to feel all too short after awhile. The more Paige thought about this, and the sadness she felt when saying their goodbyes until next time, the more her blue eyes were opened in a way she never thought possible. Was Paige falling in love with Langredoc?

With the blooming of the spring season, Paige found her mornings busy with lessons. Lessons that Paige found herself waking up before the crack of dawn, getting ready for. She had never had opportunities such as this, and well, the young woman was excited and found herself craving that knowledge more and more. She didn't know what it was, but life here was beginning to stir something inside the young woman. Yet, she knew all too well that she was risking everything by keeping up with her secret romance with Langredoc. Should Paige care? Well most would say that she should get her head out of the clouds and do what she set out to do in the first place, and there would be those odd few who would tell her that love conquers all. Love was something Paige never thought she could believe in, and she often cursed herself for letting her heart get the best of her these days.

It was when Langredoc gave Paige the news about Paiyne, that Paige 's mood began to shift from hopeful to pessimistic. To know that her sister was in the Citadel working in the brothels and then had suddenly disappeared, greatly bothered the raven-haired adhiel. The sadness could very well be seen in her eyes, even around her mistress and fellow students. During this time period, Paige only confided in Yelena about her sister, and mentioned nothing else about Langredoc or other matters, for she had so much to lose if her romance were to get out into the open. Around that time frame is when things started to get out of hand, for a bloody feud involving the man, Michael Crane, had broken out. It was rumored that the man had fallen to his death, but by the way Langredoc had spoken to Paige, the man must be alive and he would have his head. One way or another. All of this, causing the pretty adhiel many sleepless nights worrying about the man who held her heart and fretting over her sister.

Soon, the mention of finding employment came about, and Paige wasn't sure what to make of it, for she hadn't the slightest notion in what to choose from. After thinking it over thoroughly, she decided that working in the Citadel proper as a page would suit her for the time being. It didn't sound like too hard of a job and it would give her a chance to spread her wings a bit. Keeping these things in mind, Paige was determined as ever to begin while keeping the humor of the potential job and her name, to herself.

Forced to overlook Langredoc during daylight, Paige had grown accustomed to their life of secrecy and went along with the silent form of communication they made up during the course of two secret meetings which were now held on various city rooftops. Although, deep inside, a longing was forming within her and she found herself thinking of a day where the two wouldn't have to hide their love any longer. Of course, Paige knew that day held itself somewhere in the far future, along with the hope of seeing her twin again. Both of which may never happen, and the Rocky Isle Guild student was forced to realize that scenario as well.

As Jgyust had finally arrived, Paige continued her life in the Rocky Isle Guild alongside, Aerin, Trevyn and Yelena. She had now found it easier to spark up a conversation with her fellow students than in the previous month, and slipped into a feeling of comfort whenever she was around them. The adhiel watched as the garden of Thalas Manse turned into a thing of radiance, finding herself staring dreamily at the plants, especially those from her homeland. However, Paige didn't spend a lot of her time in the garden for when she caught sight of the flora from Amun Rah, a feeling of despair and anger coursed through her veins. There was also this sick feeling in her stomach whenever she heard of the disaster that took place in Amun Rah. She had the strangest, yet powerful feeling that Paiyne may have been caught up in that catastrophe.
With nothing but hope to get her through the days and Langredoc to get her through the nights, Paige watched as time kept its steady course.


Skills:

***** - Etiquette- (Basic)
**** - Seduction/Woo - (Apprentice)
* - Conversation - (Basic)

[Yelena Kintessia]

Chyril

After achieving her initial goal of becoming a Rose and meeting Ashari. Yelena really did not think too far into what she would do next. That was of course, what she wanted to do in between the lessons and activities of the guild. She spent most of her time outside of her room, helping with the cleaning and other chores whenever she could. Her spare time would be used to stroll the lengths of the Citadel. It was refreshing whenever she went outside into the city, so see some familiar faces and even some not so familiar. Many ideas sprung into her mind when she went about, and she was quick to pen them into scrap papers or into her journal when she arrived back at the Thalas Manse. A lot of her time was spent writing, as it mostly was.

Ashari had informed the four that they would have to share one of their own skills with the other. With no hesitation Yelena chose writing. Story writing to be more specific. She was interested in what Paige, Trevyn and Aerin would come up with, considering that they all were from different backgrounds. The bond that she was forming with the rest of the girls (and Trevyn of course) was becoming very strong, and she felt a really strong connection to Paige.


Jaym

This month was finally when Ashari began to start her classes with her respective students. Yelena was pleased that they had started, but she didn't feel that there was any lost time because of the sharing and bonding with the others. And of course Ashari was busy with her own duties. Besides the classes Ashari also proposed that the students should look for jobs. Yelena was delighted because she did not experience much of any job. After some careful consideration and researching the options that Ashari presented, Yelena decided to take up the offer of becoming an assistant in the Citadel proper.

As the days passed Yelena noticed a slight change in Paige's behavior because she did not seem lively at all. Something must have happened to the adhiel but Yelena had no clue what it was. Not wanting to pry into the problems of others, she comforted Paige whenever she could.


Jygust

With the coming of the new month the atmosphere in the Thalas Manse was back to normal to Yelena's standards. Classes were still going on and Paige was back to her more friendly self which suited her more than depression did. The reconstruction of the building was finally through, and the end result was magnificent. What Yelena noticed the most was the garden that Ashari had spent a lot of coin and time on. The garden was a great place for the adhiel to write as the plants, although foreign had her thinking of her homeland. She had also gotten the news that was spreading about the current T'aquar, and their continued effort to keep fighting. The situation in the Western Kingdom had her slightly disheartened and she hoped her parents were still safe.


Skills:

***** - Ettiquette to Apprentice
** - Creating Stories + 2
** - Counseling +2
* - Inner Calm +1

[Aerin Penna Seleratus]

Aerin sat cross-legged on her small balcony, her favorite meditation spot in Thalas although she had a few, the gentle summer breeze rippling through her hair and tugging at the loose cotton clothing that she wore – her ‘meditation outfit’ that Hadvin had called a kanthar when she had searched his shop for something soft but exotic. A calm, placid look was on her face as she stared off into nothingness – into memory – into what she hoped was the Aether, the visions of tiny copulating people a blur because it was not them that she was seeking…but rather the memories of the prior two months.

As Chyril had come to an end, Aerin had found herself resuming the role that she had held in her own home as she grew up, silently watching over her younger ‘siblings’ while their ‘mother’ was indisposed only this time it was a voluntary task. She felt responsible for Trevyn, Paige, and Yelena in Ashari’s frequent absences and watched over them as a mother would without interfering, her attention to subtleties picking up on Paige’s bouts of melancholy and the fact that Paige and Yelena seemed closer to each other than to herself, which Aerin found to be fine as both silent and spoken promise to Ashari not to seduce her fellow students had driven an unfortunate wedge between Aerin and the others although she had hoped that they would not take it as narcissism or the redhead growing weary of them too quickly.

Aerin breathed in a deep breath and slowly released it. She had done well, from what she could tell, in the motherly aspect, watching over those around her in silence and, on rare occasion, following them to make sure that they were safe. Paige, it seemed, had a secret lover in town, Aerin respecting Paige’s privacy enough not to pry too deeply into the matter for, if Paige had wanted her fellow Guild students (and teacher) to know about Langredoc, then Paige would have certainly introduced him around. It was healthy, Aerin thought, for Paige had seemed to slip in and out of sadness and, in the end, seemed to be returning to a happier state.

Yelena, as well, seemed to be doing well, from what the redhead could gather, both Yelena and Paige having taken up positions within the palace as aides while Aerin, herself, had resumed her post as a waitress at Simple Pleasures, her aspirations there laced with more motive than just money as she kept her eyes and ears open (without knowing of Ashari’s alliance with Claire along similar lines) for possible new Companions for the still budding Rocky Isle Guild and School in order to bring as much living beauty into Ashari’s home as her mistress had brought purchased splendor. She was unsure about Trevyn’s details, however, as her previous letdowns in love had combined with both the wall of chastity and the scare that she had encountered with Wrinkles to form a larger space between the Guiild’s first male and herself than that which existed between Aerin and the others. Of the three, it was Yelena whom the redhead had learned the most from, using the blonde’s storytelling/writing lessons to supplement her skills as a fledgling con artist to learn how to make small fibs more believable or less detectable. It was probably not what Yelena had borne in mind when teaching it, but Aerin found the small lessons helpful nonetheless.

Chyril flowed neatly into Jaym, Aerin’s days spent with lessons, work, and Cicero, for the most part and her evenings spent in deep meditation, study, or (when time and opportunity presented itself on one or two occasions) in the arms of a woman with similar tastes whose body was well known to the redhead while their minds stayed strangers. Upon the balcony, Aerin took and released another slow, deep breath. She was fine with their arrangement, neither the woman nor herself wishing for their relationship to become anything more than that, which began to really help as Jaym began to shed its invisible skins and reveal Jygust below. Aerin’s quiet attentiveness had not only been on the students but, like she had with Paige, Aerin kept silent about what she had observed – or thought to have observed – occurring with Ashari.

After all, Aerin had spent most of her childhood as the eldest child of many and had noted that any time that her mother had spread her legs, it was either to let Aerin’s father in…or to let another child out. Aerin took another calming breath, reviewing the symptoms that Ashari had gradually begun to show and compared them to the same symptoms that her own mother had borne time and time again with matching conclusions. If Ashari were, indeed, pregnant…Aerin was sure that the girl would tell them all until the time was right. Until that flicker came about, however, Aerin had kept her suspicion well under wraps and dealt with Ashari as if her ‘illness’ were nothing more than adaptation to the change of seasons.

Another breath came, and then another as her mind turned to Cicero. She had been working with him often, not only teaching him not to foul up the house, but also as far as the signs that she had learned when she had bought him, the girl trying to attain the level of subtlety that Cicero’s previous master had reached while, at the same time, passing along basic information to her companions as to his care, feeding, ticklish spots, and so forth – not a true set of ‘lessons’ per se as Ashari had suggested, but lessons nonetheless as Cicero may have been ‘her’ monkey but Ashari had already put it into his mind that he was everyone’s pet.

Or perhaps we are his… she thought with a calm smile as she spread her thoughts outward from Thalas and into the city. The disappearance of the University of Magic had been a shock to her, as she had ventured there in late Chyril to return the book on Alchemy to Professor Pralix as Ashari had strongly hinted that Aerin’s magick training would be focused on Mindcrafting instead, although those particular lessons had yet to come. The airship explosion and subsequent city lockdown, as well, had caught the redhead off guard but, as it had little to do with her, had passed slowly as more of an inconvenience than anything else as she had sent a letter to Murrelbuck in the hopes that Rat would receive it and reply, the lockdown bringing additional stress to the waiting, much to her dismay.

When a reply had come, at long last, worry had truly begun to set in about her safety as both rumors and reports of bodies turning up had made her late-night jaunts into the city all but a thing of the past, her secret hope being that Rat would have forgiven her, been proud of her progress, and decided to announce a forthcoming arrival upon Citadel’s shores as a reward. This, however, was not to be as she had read his words of well wishes and announced to her that he was about to embark on a job in Roque d’Ancourt and would be out of communication for some time to come. Instead of letting fear and anger overtake her, however, Aerin poured her energy into maturing quickly, her focus on meditation doubled in an effort to stay calm in a chaotic world.

“Aeris…” she whispered, a near-prayer to the Swanmaiden who had died the very night that Aerin had practically been reborn, thanks to Ashari. “Amun Ra still stands where you are, and will stand forevermore in our memories…” Aerin promised the non-existent ‘ghost’. Mistress Ashari has planted beautiful flowers from your homeland in the guardens and I, without her knowledge, saved a feather from the day that we found you. As soon as Hadvin informs me that he has managed to get me a jar of Amun Ra soil, I shall place both soil and feather in a box below the plants in your memory. I do not know what caused the accident, my friend, but I find peace in knowing that Amun Ra still stood when you fell and that this recent tragedy was not in your memories when you died.”

Aerin gave a small nod to the most recent of memories and rose, turning back to her bedroom with a smile in her tearing-up eyes at Cicero as he lay fast asleep in his bed – his own bed – a small reward from her months of subtly practicing seductions and flirting on customers and construction men alike in order to get better tips at work, further hone her skills as ‘bait’ or a companion, and to see what little favors that a smile and sweet nothings could bring. Their tryst had been non-sexual, the construction worker spending time with the young redhead mainly because she reminded him of his sister, as he constructed a small monkey-sized bed on a pillar for her furry roommate out of scraps that were left over from the remodeling at Thalas and making it look, in the end, like a bed fit for a Caesar.

She had heard, via chatter in Simple Pleasures, that the Caesar was seeing a Ceasarii and Aerin fully hoped that it was not that particular position that Ashari was grooming her for as she reached out and scratched Cicero behind the ear, making the diminutive monkey purr in his sleep. “If any Ceasarii sleeps in this room, my friend, she will sleep in your bed and not mine.” Aerin joked softly before changing into more formal attire and closing the window.

With a sigh, Aerin’s tranquil time came to a close as she stepped out of her room and into the last day of Jygust.

Skills:

Meditation (Add ***)
Seduction/Woo (Add **
Animal Handling (Add *)
Con Artist (Add **)
Inner Calm (Add **)

[Hex da`Bergliin]

Ahem, lets try this again. I was given some information that made me change my previous post.

````

There was little for Hex to saw or do when it came to asking the council to send troops north into her homeland. Part of her wanted to vomit at the thought of these warm soft people making such important decisions, decisions that would have ramifications on the entire nation of islands. These were the leaders? Thank the Ice Queen that they were not going north and they were going to send some hard men and women in their place. Hex could not be too ungrateful though, they were after all going to send someone.

Hex healed quickly in the time before the departure, she was also able to replace her battered chain mail for a new suit. Other than those simple tasks she kept to herself and focused on her training, meditation and prayer. All the while she was here, in this city, people looked upon her like some freak. Everywhere she went she felt eyes upon her and all it did was make her that much more twitchy and unpleasant to be around.

As the army prepared to move out Hex visited the tavern that she had left Langredoc at what seemed like so long ago. The young waif that delivered the message from Langredoc was almost snapped in two before the message was delivered. Hex left her full meal and pitcher of mead as a thank you.

Langredoc had been right about one thing, Hex’s heart had gone as gold as the north that she longed to get back to. As she left the city she cast a glance back wondering why a woman of the Ice Queen was so drawn to men of the Red Warrior.

The arrival home was to bodies half covered in snow, empty homes and nothing but the sweet music of the wind to sing the blood cold.

The first weeks of spring led to the establishment of the base camp and the organization of the forces. Slowly some of the stragglers that remained behind returned and some that fled came with the force. Somehow Hex found herself fulfilling the traditional role of the priestess and giving the people hope and leadership. She became an emissary between the natives and the military. The role was not easy as she was not smoothed tongued, pretty and diplomatic. No Hex was a monster with a passion and a cause. Things went smoothly enough though and soon Hex was able to take small groups, made up of both native and soldier on long range patrols to scout out the “who and what” of any opposing forces.

While the others in her party were good, strong and tough people, hand picked for this mission, they reacted the way Hex expected them to. Hex on the other hand was looking for signs not of Skaali’s band or the man himself, rather she was taking note of the monsters that came in the night, the movements of the animals and meditating on the rhythms within the magic of the land.

Hex found that she was able to gain the respect of some of the forces from the Citadel, and she had much of the respect of the natives but it was not going to be that easy for her. Many of the native men challenged her on trying to restore the “old” ways, The stories of her cruelty and cannibalism spread like the spring thaw and Hex had to constantly remind herself that she was not going to make any new friends by killing off those that were supposedly here to help her and her people.
As the months passed Hex was also able to notice some subtle things about her. The cold no longer bothered her and she found that her cloak was enough to keep even the coldest winds at bay and the pupils of her eyes seemed to become lost in the crystal blue while the flecks of white swirled on unseen winds. She found that she healed quicker than before and she truly understood the implications of her change. She would see the world as she knew it come and go and she would be there until the end and in the end she would be alone.

As the spring months waned to an end Hex found herself seeking more moments of solitude deep in the mountains. She did not know if it was because she had come to the realization that she was going to be alone or if it was because she no longer wanted to have the contact with people, to experience their warmth and laughter in a world in which she only knew cold and pain.

Hex spent a few weeks taking out her frustrations on what ever came across her path. She tried to do new things with her magic, to reach out in ways she had never done before. Sometimes it worked but often it did not, she knew she would need much more time and more practice. It would have to wait though. Even deep in the mountains she could tell that something was stirring and she would be needed.

Arriving back at the base camp she learned that Captain Preston Summers had left and that they were being tested more regularly now. Hex wondered if there was an assault brewing or if the influence of evil from beyond the wall was growing stronger. Hex knew, and had known that all the answers lay there.

There was a warm wind on the night as Hex took her self to the mead hall. She sat mostly alone and drank her drink looking at all the foreigners on her land. Their influence would last longer than this battle and their mark would never leave the land. It was a strange thing to feel concurred by those trying to save you. Hex tossed some scraps to her wolf the little thief and amused herself by chilling her mead in its mug. There was an ill omen upon the wind, she hoped these people were ready for it.



Skills:

New skill: Leadership (5 *’s)
New Skill: Diplomacy (5*’s)

[Claire Owens]

Two months after he had entered a coma, Keros still had not awoken. He could breathe and swallow, and sometimes he would twitch and mutter, but showed no awareness of anything around him. Claire visited him every day and watched sadly as his condition slowly deteriorated. He had lost all control of his bowels and bladder. Over time, his muscles wasted with inactivity and he began to develop necrotic sores whenever he was left in any one position for too long. She often found herself wondering if it would be kinder simply to end it all.

Inevitably, the grisly fate of the proprietor took its toll on the business at the Simple Pleasures. In the absence of Keros, the coffee shop lost much of its verve and brio, Claire simply unable to bring the same warmth of personality to the establishment. She found herself avoiding the floor, relying on Aerin, Florence, Dawn and the other waitstaff to attend to the customers and devoting more time to cooking with Thoman and management behind the scenes. Her expertise in making new beverages and sourcing new varieties of teas and coffees grew, and proved a welcome distraction from the increasing depression and alienation she felt from the loss of her most trusted associate. Ironically, as her soul languished, the achadhiel’s body began to blossom. Soft living and adequate nutrition worked their wonders – she put on a few pounds and some extra curvature – and to her simultaneous relief and dismay, at the end of Jaym, a very special guest made the first of its monthly visits.

Although it maintained its reputation for quality, the Pleasures lost some of its shine and promise as a hub of gossip and high society in the Citadel, and its patronage and profits dropped noticeably. Fortunately, after the Synkaaros wedding, the catering side of the business was expanded with limited success, offsetting their losses enough to break even for the next few months. However, by Jygust it was clear that a shakeup was needed if the small business was to turn a profit again. Under increasing pressure from her lenders, the achadhiel began searching for ways to reverse its fortunes.

In times of darkness many people find a great comfort in faith. While few would think to find deep spirituality in a Pecunian cultist, Claire drew a surprising amount of strength from the purpose that the church's principles gave to her life. She spent a great deal of her spare time reading publications from the Temple of Pecunia and reflecting on the meaning and the use of wealth - and of course, the ways of obtaining and keeping it.

She also began spending more time in the cafe again, making small talk and listening to the chatter of the customers; at first simply trying to ascertain what drew them, or turned them away. Slowly, she started to connect with the world and the people around her once more, and gained the confidence to make minor changes to the way the cafe was run - increasing the efficiency of service by having customers order at the counter instead of waiting for one of the staff to approach them, running small promotional offers to try attracting more customers, building a small platform next to the counter so that gnomes, Halflings and dwarves could see to the top. She also added some new features to make the establishment more than just a dining place for its patrons, such as a public noticeboard where individuals and organisations such as the Rocky Isle Guild could place notices and advertisements.

But as she listened, tales from beyond the shores of the Citadel began to reach her ears - of a dark adhiel trading post in Dort, of exotic wares from Sierra and the Eastern Empire - and before long, bigger changes were on her mind.

Skill stars:
Streetwise - *
Cooking - *
Business perception - *
Literacy - **
Herbal Lore [tea/coffee] - *****

[Motley]

Dear Angelica,

I look at the sea and I think of you. Both happen often here, for the Citadel is on an island, and once you get to a high place, or out of the city, or down to the harbor, the ocean is everywhere you look. It reminds me of times we spent time down in Old Towne, looking at the Mer. It seemed we barely had a chance to enjoy your new freedom together. I promise if we are able, I will make up for this lost time with you somehow. Even though your situation is dire and dangerous, I truly hope there are at least glimpses of that precious freedom in your life right now, and that you and Alazandra are at least getting along and faring well. I sincerely hope there are more than just a handful of opportunities to smile.

As for me, I’m getting along fair enough. I cannot tell you when I shall return, my goals here aren’t defined quite so clearly. I know I won’t be here a flicker longer than I must, but I can’t yet say when I’ll know its time for me to return home. I want to learn more of what this power is in me and become adept with it before I can come back and earnestly fight those that would harm us.

Things are better here since I wrote to you last. I have been exploring this vast city, and as I have done so, I have learned better ways to survive than when I wrote to you last. In my continuing performances around the city, I have made a decent amount of coin so that I can continue my pursuits. Towards that end I have met some very interesting people. I’ll share a little about a few that are helping me and that I find quite interesting;

The first is a woman that heads up the Rocky Island Guild. Her name is Ashari. I met her after performing in front of a large crowd at a fine little inn called the Burpin’ Dragon, and then again in a comfortable little place called the “Simple Pleasures”. One of her associates (they are many) came up to me after I performed and introduced us. There is something about her that I can’t quite put my finger on. I feel drawn to her, much as I did to you and Alazandra. There is something special about her and the other members of her Guild. There is one that I’m somewhat wary of however. A red haired woman called Aerin. She keeps a monkey as a pet which by itself is stranger to me than I shall ever admit to her, and I find her sense of humor rather odd. I’m sure she means well enough, and I’ve never seen her be outright mean or cruel, but something in my gut tells me to keep her at arm’s length. Perhaps it is just my uninformed impression of her and nothing more, I'm still unsure. The other members of the Guild I have not had a great deal of contact with yet, but they seem eager students and good citizens. I still haven’t decided if I want to join as a full member or not. It seems like something that could be very beneficial, but I simply can’t give away my loyalties or allegiances too easily, lest I find myself bound by chains to causes I don’t fully believe in. I am trying to stay on good terms with Miss Ashari and her Guild, and perhaps there will be a benefit to joining as a full member in the future. In the meantime, I will play the lute and sing at events for them, and stay in contact as much as possible. Perhaps Miss Ashari might even hire me to teach them to play music or sing. Many of their classes seemed to be in the arts, so perhaps that is a way to further acquire money for me.

I also at long last met the man I came to find in the first place, Professor Elvin Motrice. He is an instructor at the famed University of Magic. Strange occurrences recently happened to the university that I don’t think I can properly explain here in this note, but suffice to say that the buildings aren’t the same as they were before here in Citadel. Somehow something moved or shifted, perhaps due to the mages that were training there or something else went horribly awry. I’ve never heard an exact account of what happened as it all happened before I arrived, but it’s been an interesting prospect in spending time there. Master Motrice is a remarkable man. He is quite the dutiful professor, asking much of his students and seeking excellence in them as a stern and demanding teacher, and yet at the same time, there is something fragile and sensitive in him. I have learned a great deal from him already in our short time together. He could see the power in me, and he is helping to nurture it like a gardener tends a crop. The weeds of my ignorance are difficult to remove, but all the work will make my harvest that much more bountiful. I’ve been spending a great deal of time studying and training with two of his students, Becca and Morgan. They have both been very helpful and supportive of me. When I first discovered I had some sort of ability or talent, I was fearful that I would forever be trying to both develop on my own, and hide from the rest of the world, but all three, Elvin, Becca and Morgan have shown me that there is reason and cause to embrace and master it, not fear it. They are new friends that so far, I trust implicitly.

In contrast with the new friends that have come into my life, I have also surprisingly been in contact with an old friend of mine. A man named Rhoddin that I knew from my time in Dragonskeep. He and I have performed many shows here in the city together. He is perhaps one of the finest musicians that I have had the honor of performing with. He has a strong voice, and plays well. We have had many invitations to perform at various inns, taverns and even in the streets at times. When I bumped into him not long ago, he was in a bit of a strange situation and a bit of a mystery on his hands that bore need of investigation. I am endeavoring to help him to solve it when I can. He introduced me to a priest named Vanir not long ago. This priest seems keen to solve the mystery as well, so perhaps the three of us can put our heads together and reach the solution. I will share more details of this whole thing in my next letter. Right now there are too many questions and too few answers to write much about it. I fear I’m confused as to some of the details myself, and it would be senseless to try and explain them right now.

So be at ease. I’m studying, discovering, and spending my days and nights getting stronger and learning a great deal. I know time apart is hard, but each day here is another day closer to the day that I will return home.

Sincerely,

Motley


Skill Advances;

Manipulation of Energy: Sorcery = + ****
Manipulation of Energy: Mindcraft = + **
Communication with Spirits = + **
Playing Musical Instrument: Pipes = + **

[Rhoddin]

Half a yahren had passed since the young bard had made his way into the Citadel, only to stumble on the assassination attempt on Silk’s life.

In some ways it had been a mundane time. Rhoddin had found and accepted work as an entertainer; singing and playing his lute as required entertaining those who chose to frequent his place of employment. It was not brilliant money, but it met his needs and left him the days free to roam around the city.

Although Rhoddin had not openly been employing his use of the Bardic Voice during this time, he continued to experiment with weaving this subtle bardic magic into his songs and music, imbuing them with an emotion of more than just the words and the melody that held them. As to be expected his skills in these areas continued to grow with ongoing use.

He had taken Motley up on his offer to visit the temple, and between them they had found the temple of the Mother, tucked away as it was from the other often more ostentatious temples of the other gods. It seemed his smaller colleague was right and he had learned the nature of the Thufu feather, although in truth it had not solved the riddle left to him by the dying scout.

As for Barrett, well it seemed although he might have been known to the elf Vanir, he was no longer to be found, it seemed anywhere in this world anymore, and Rhoddin could only surmise that the priest had passed onto better things.

Still Rhoddin had managed to figure out the politics of Silk and the Scout (and stay clear of both warring parties!), and now understood a bit more of the antipathy they both had seemed to feel for each other.

Rhoddin had kept in contact with Motley during this time, and had even performed with his smaller friend on occasions. Whilst he was often in his company as they explored the Citadel together. During these outings he had spied Reise on occasions, but had been unsure of how to approach his former lover and companion, unsure as he was of her goals here in the Citadel. Yet he was content that she was well and seemed to be thriving.

He managed to avoid being roped into anyone’s army again, but felt he had done little but mark time for some months now. The young mans mind had begun to seek adventure again, looking for another challenge that he might become involved with, but exactly what he was not sure.

Creating Lyrics - * (raised to apprentice)
Creating Music - *** (raised to apprentice)
Instill Tranquility – Mindcraft ** (raise to apprentice)
Manipulation of Energy – Mindcraft ***
Public Speaking - *

[Elsor]

EDIT:

There is a time when all children are required to grow up and leave their fantasy worlds behind. At the turning of the seasons, Elsor had certainly gone through a little growing up of her own.

Since the commotion at the seaside with the dead bodies making their debut on the shores of the Citadel, Elsor had begun to think twice on her actions. Evantually, the achadhiel was spooked into giving up her underwater adventures to a more sensible life in a tailor's shop, running errands, sweeping the shop floor and even sewing a few patches and buttons here and there.
Life may have returned to it's original monotony, but at least it was safe. A part of her still yearned for adventure but the lust for life on the edge had become an unrealistic ideal. Instead, Elsor decided to save for a house.

The entirety of Jaym was spent working at multiple jobs, sometimes helping the dwarf receptionist at the inn she was temporarily residing in, delivering items and running errands for the guards at the Harbour Gates. It was back-breaking work for a lady from an easygoing childhood but the want for a house was more than want for rest.

Through money-hoarding and night after night of collapsing into bed with exhaustion, Elsor finally saved enough for the rickety house she had been eyeing. Once she had moved in, Elsor noticed that the inside was...empty. Completely bare save from a mattress on the floor, a table complete with some stools, a cauldron hanging over a barren hearth and an overgrown garden inhabited by a handful of fat chickens.
The achadhiel began by tying her hair into a short ponytail, tying the sleeves of her spare tunic around her waist as a makeshift apron and scrubbing the place until it sparkled...metaphorically.

Returning to the month of Jygust yet again in the circle of life, Elsor awoke to a position that was almost exactly back to where she started.

Skilling:

Native Craft - [**]
Animal Handling - [New Skill *****]
(Now I have a few stars I don't know what to do with :3 )

[Grey Wolf]

OOC: And then he let loose the hounds of hell.

Thufu feather was a peculiar thing. Bright red and colorful it was such a nice ornament, but ground to a dust it had potential to be turned into a deadly poison. One only needed add some alcohol to the mixture death would be slow and painful. Some even attributed mystic properties to the concoction, saying it would resist magical remedies and stay in the body of afflicted. It was a knowledge hard gained, as thufu was not well known outside Amun Rah and even there only a select few knew of its more sinister uses. Perhaps not knowing would have been better as poking through thufu properties was bound to draw some attention to Rhoddin.

For a man in Rhoddin's line of work it was not hard to learn where Reise ended, and a few discreet inquiries later he managed to learn that she was now a member of the Western Kingdom Embassy staff and lived in the compound in Patrician's Ring. It was mostly due to his and Motley's performances gave the pair something of an reputation within the city. Not quite famous, they were recognized and people for the most part approved of their presence. It was little more then free drinks and friendly pats on the back, but it was a start and given some more time they could become more than just locally known musicians.

While Michael Crane still lived, Ashari may have well turned the tide of the shadow war with her strike against the brutish crime-lord. He was on decline and his father's empire on the rise, and with it came the added support to the renamed Guild. Unfortunately the location of her home made it near impossible for Christopher and through him Thomas to keep an eye on Thalas Manse, as beggars and low lives had little chance of lingering nearby. Still, no new attacks came and the small community prospered, the workers that Ashari hired proving themselves to be a bit slow, but very good and most of all trustworthy.

Whilst Ashari's contacts in high places enabled her to give her students opportunity to try their hand at Embassy work, not all Embassies were open to them, and it was Lady Isis of Amun Rah Embassy that openly worked against such a concept. While people did not believe her outright, the students found themselves relegated to menial tasks of little importance at least in the Embassies, and only once they have proven themselves trutworthy were they allowed to become part of the actual staff. The only Embassy that did not close its doors at least partialy was that of Nipponar the short and mustached gnomes accepting the students with their usual hospitality, though it needed to be said that working there was a tad dangerous as explosions and noxious fume contaminations were a daily occurrence.

While they have been discrete, it was impossible to avoid rumors and soon Citadel was abuzz with talk of His Majesty Caesar Andolin and his olive skinned friend Ashari Gywien. Rumors ranged from outright claims that they were lovers to less shocking, but maybe more sinister claims that Ashari would be the next Ahren, much like Andolin will be Anochrim. Luckily, most of the rumros were between these extreme points and merely commented upon the closeness of the pair and how it would likely be reflected in Ashari's rise in position in the future. She was one of the Heroes of the Demon Hunt and already something of a celebrity.

Jack found that Citadel was much more than a city in conflict, as most of the so called battles took place in the night and on a very limited scale. All a person had to do to get involved is seek out a tavern and strut his stuff and one side or the other would approach him. Sadly for him, he failed to read much of the signs that were flaunted and conflict raged past him. Yet, there was some good to be gained from all that story-telling and rumors of secret orgies held in various locations around the city and in the fields outside the walls reached the young man's ears. Tales told of scores of men and women dancing naked in wild abandon and making love to each other until they could hardly move from exhaustion. Simple red string around a person's wrist was the sign of those in the know and the mark of identification, though Jack had yet to see someone with that mark.

OOC: Added wealth and you still have a skill star. PM me where you want to put it.

Citadel part of Morgan's wanderings were fruitful though the duties that University staff asked him to perform did not leave him with that much time for personal research. As it turned out his inquiries regarding the ritual murders bore no fruit as people in the Mermaid and around docks merely heard of them, the victims usually being young men from better families. City Guard was as always helpless and investigation lead nowhere. They patrolled the streets at night and arrested criminals, but murders continued and number of victims rose.

Evacuation of University property went according to plan though a rather large number of items and speciments was missing from the vaults, the resourceful citizens of Citadel using the time before the site was quarantined well. The greatest loss was that of a being Professor Moore called Xandar, and which was missing from its enchanted cage. THe staff refused to tell more, but the being was aparently extremely dangerous and its disappearance was dubbed a great loss, as the studies performed upon it had brought great results. As to its exact nautre the Professors were strangely silent. Of Verlaux Manor there was little to be found, the house belonging to impoverished nobleman and that one wing was used by one Armand Tussauf as a private hospital. Rumors told that patients were mostly insane individuals from good families who were kept there to hide the disgrace with slim hopes that Doctor Tussauf would be able to heal them of their affliction.

OOC: Skill increases are left to Tristam please see about those with him

While Langredoc might have had his ideas about what his role in Michael's organization was, the truth was a different matter. Since Red Banner had been torched to the ground, the whores in Mike's employ operated from a number of smaller houses and as a newly added member, the mercenary spent most of his time guarding one such house. The girls were friendly and quite grateful for his protection and very willing to show their gratitude with free service should the soldier want it. It was easier that way and if your guard cared for you he would do a better job.

Paiyne was a different matter. Michale was true to his word and bits and pieces of information kept trickling Langredoc's way, though it was a slow process. Paige's sister had indeed been in the Citadel and was bought by one of the gangs that managed whores and thus Paiyne became one of the ladies of the night. She had changed several hands and from what Michael learned acquired a white mist addiction that made her easily manageable by her masters. The trail grew cold in late Jaym and the best Michael could learn was that she was seen in the Patrician's Ring, apparently going there to see a customer who had a weird taste in ladies.

His involvement came with an added benefit of rising in the organization and while he still had to guard the so called brothels, Langredoc found himself part of small groups of thugs that struck at Michael's enemies and escorted the smuggled goods from the harbor to various secret warehouses around the city. It also meant more money for the young warrior, though he would need to work more before he became well to do.

OOC: Remember what I said about assuming success and plotting. I will assume Langredoc did not try to kill Michael and is thus still alive, if you still wish to do it, PM me and I can change the post easily. You have three stars left as your Swords skill is already at Apprentice level, so make a choice and PM me

Paige's quiet and silent observations showed that the men coming and leaving Thalas Manse were not always thugs and a few figures kept appearing time and time again, often enough for her to remember their faces. A short-haired lithe blonde kept coming during the night and rarely stayed for more than a mark, and almost never spoke to the students, save for Aerin. The old wrinkled man that smelled of sea was a more common visitor and he even spent a few nights at the house, always poking fun of Aerin and how she tried to kill him, though he never explained it further. By far the most common visitor was the lithe man called Ketch and he appeared to be an old acquaintance of Ashari, always teasing the olive skinned girl.

That women could be working as pages in the palce spoke volumes of how open the Impeiral society was and Paige found herselfattending social functions and helping various nobles and digntaries that flocked to the castle now that new Caesarii was about to be selected. She did little to nothing practical, but by simple observation she managed to learn quite a bit about proper etiquette and protocol.

OOC: Feel free to PM me so we can discuss the exact position Paige got in the palace.

Yelena found her days filled with work as she was assigned as one of the scribes under Sir Stephen Mattiro, Lord Advocate of the Empire. Though he presided only over the most serious cases Lord Advocate's duties included overseeing the City Watch as well as keeping an eye on judges and lawyers and making sure nothing illegal went by. As it were, Yelena spent quite a bit of her time exchanging correspondence with a woman called Macy Fets, though the two had never met in person. The lady in question was Secretary of the Watch and took care of all paperwork concerning the Blues and their operations.

OOC: Please read the rules regarding the skill stars. You can only assign four stars per skill. Thus you have five stars left and you need to PM me how you want to space them.

Aerin found that very little came from her actions regarding Jemmy, as the two months after the seduction nobody came looking for her with intent of planting a dagger in her spine. That was not to say such a thing would not happen in the future, but the condensed thug fell for her charms, then had his brain mushified by Ashari and all but disappeared from the face of the world. With the number of people popping dead in the city every week, one mutilated corpse was easily overlooked by authorities.

The work at the Simple Pleasures bore fruit, though most of the people who sought to join the Guild were of the same cloth as the current students, young folks lacking a direction in life and looking for a way to make a name for themselves in the wide world. While the change of name distanced the new organization from the bad reputation following the disbanded Red Rose Guild it also robbed them of the good things that people linked to that place. They had no reputation whatsoever and had to build it from scratch, especially if they were to draw new students from the ranks of Imperial merchant elite and especially nobility.

OOC: I assume the woman mentioned as sharing bed with Aerin is some unnamed individual, and will keep her at that. If you wish to build up more on it, we can explore it IC.

It would seem Hex saw only the top layer as those warm and soft people she saw were still some of the most powerful people in the Empire if not world, though for some it had been yahren since they were hard and strong. Time caught up with all, and in its merciless march trampled over all, even the likes of Erwin and Silk. One person sat at the Council and even the Witches of the north spoke of her in awe still, as Lady Sosa was still in her prime, though as of late she showed signs of bearing a child, the soft white robes of her order unable to hide the bulge as months went by. Then the army left and Hex left with it.

OOC: Please contact Meridiuz and Vanadius regarding the rest of your recess. They will be running the Trothgard side of things.

Priestesses of the Mother had spent much time and energy trying to help Keros, but the man refused to awaken, and in the end they had to give up and focus on the others, those they could actually help. Something in the smoke had damaged his mind and at times Claire's partner did recover to an extent after a while. He was a puppet to be molded by any who would bother with him. He would stand or sit, and even eat, but all was done mechanically, his eyes remaining distant and glassy. It was as if his mind was somewhere else and he only did those things by instinct. If pinched he would pull back, but other than grunts and moans, he uttered no words.

Things were not as bad as they seemed, and where business went as usual in the front room, the background buzzed with activity. Someone was watching over the establishment and every week a finely dressed gentleman who gave his name as Jason Whitesand would come by and inquire as to the state of Simple Pleasures and offer his assistance. He said he was Keros' old friend and a business partner and that he and his associates have supplied part of Keros' initial capital. They asked for nothing, merely that the Pleasures keep on working and that a third of Keros' share be given to them. Jason even showed a contract signed by Claire's partner. On the other hand, each time the business was in trouble Mr. Whitesand provided Claire with an interest-free loan to help her get everything in order.

OOC: Added a Wealth skill as you have been skipped when it was given due to a hiatus. If you think this to be unrealistic PM me and we shall see about adjusting.

While his looks would never make him popular with the air-headed girls that had it in for artists, they served a purpose and Motley became well known in the city after his performances in the taverns, both with Rhoddin and alone. People recognized him and were often willing to buy him a drink or invite him to their table for a light chat. Tavern owners all but asked him to perform, quickly agreeing on the pay, offering terms that were more than fair, bordering on generous.

OOC: Please refer to Rhoddin's review and discuss with him how much of the thufu and surrounding information Motley would know.

Hadvin kept true to his promise and provided Elsor with thing to do each and every time she came to his shop and putting a word in for her here and there. It was not much, but it kept her out of the water and relatively safe, and the odd shop-keeper even warned her to keep out of the dark alleys at night and to tell him if she saw or heard anything strange. He mentioned something about making it worth her while, as people were willing to pay well for any information regarding Seaside Slayer. Somehow the shop-keeper heard that she was trying to purchase the hut and the previous owner became real polite and lowered the price when Hadvin sent word that Elsor was a friend of his.

OOC: You need to tell me what native craft Elsor knows. It needs to be something specific, like embroidery or something. Also, no rush in picking the skills. Just PM me when you have made your pick. Added a Wealth skill for you at Basic.

Soon after the announcement came that Caesar was looking for a wife, word came from Gulandur's candidate would be Lady Vlast, and the beautiful noblewoman accepted the honor with poise and a smile. It was a few weeks later that her position shifted from just another candidate to an almost certain winner, when Dort Embassy announced that Lady Vlast would be their candidate as well. Duke Erwin was a relative of House deVir and thus a distant relative of Lady Vlast, which made his support of her logical.

Word came from Amun Rah that the desert nation was at the moment not interested in anything else but aid to its people. They needed food and raw material to rebuild all that the volcanic eruption had destroyed. They made it clear that any aid the dark adhiel sent would be appreciated and that his kin would have Rafao's personal gratitude, as well as the gratitude of all his people for their assistance. Ssinith was directed to seek out Lady Isis and discuss ways to help through her.

It was hardly surprising that Sca'mur and Ketch alliance was mostly interested in the less legal of goods and soon things were well out of Ambassador's hands, the dark adhiel and Ketch's friends trafficking on their own. Things were not as bad as they could have been, but dark adhiel became more numerous upon the streets and people became to accept them like other races. There was still some fear and hostility, especially since rumors of adhiel assassins working for crime syndicates of the city began to surface, but people did not shy away from Ssinith's kin as they had just after his arrival.

OOC: Please contact Guido and Tristam regarding the UofM and Pax sections of your recess. I will be happy to enforce any and all consequences they assign. Have them PM me the bits they want included and I will handle the rest. PM Fialessa regarding the Temple of Pan as she and Vanir run that place.

[Gotham Devoue]

Gotham had left the library in World's Mouth with a needed bit of information. Milanas, the master librarian, had told him of a demon named Righteous and where to find him. He had set out to find this demon but to no avail. While on his expedition he heard rumors of the Citadel being a breeding ground for the darker arts. In normal times, evil would be fought by good, but in times like these, one needed all the help you could get.

With the assistance of Milanas, Gotham was able to get to the Citadel using the portal system. Once he had arrived, the portal operators interrogated him for several burns before allowing him to be on his way. The crusader didn’t expect anything less since he had appeared there armed and ready for anything. Once he had exited the building the next best place to find information was the local tavern.

He had unknowingly directed himself to the Burpin’ Dragon. He had stayed there for approximately three months gathering intel on the area and its immediate denizens. All the while he was polite to the folks who owned the structure, lending them a helping hand. It wasn’t until one eveningtide where the tavern was at its peak that he overheard a conversation that led him to a name Lucienda Marcada. Gotham was at a loss of words for this new information and sat at his table for the rest of the night contemplating ideas of how to approach such a person. As the tavern turned tides and customers began to filter out, he had retired to his room and slept long and hard.

While staying at the Burpin’ Dragon for three months Gotham made the bond with his fluffy friend stronger. The white knight walked with the red squirrel, his only friend in the Citadel, and trained him in the way of tricks. From the tavern he selected foods in an attempt of knowing what Dynmori prefered and completely shot down. The red squirrel ate mostly the seeds of trees, neatly stripping conifer cones to get at the seeds within. Fungi, birds' eggs, berries and young shoots were also at the top of his food chain. Spending a solid chunk of time with his pal, he learned much more of his behavioral attributes.

Due to traveling so heavily since they had met, he assumed that sleeping during the day was common from exhaustion. Realistically he was avoiding the heat and the high visibility to birds of prey that are dangers during these candlemarks. Gotham noticed that Dynmori was more active in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. At night when they slept Gotham’s head would rest on a pillow and the squirrel would curl itself upon another.

As their last night turned to day, the man awoke and headed down to the tavern for his breakfast.

---

Skills:

Animal empathy - ****
Animal handling - ***
Language (squirrel) - ***

[Meridiuz]

The squirrel didn't really felt at home in a tavern, but as Gotham kept bringing him new foods every day, Dynmori noticed that the food was getting better, or rather, Gotham didn't bring home any of the bad stuff anymore. That and the attention he got from his big friend made him feel quite comfortable after a while.

Although Gotham's stay at the Burping Dragon gave him some good leeds to Lucienda, staying at one place for that long made him being noticed by some other figures as well. For some people don't want to be found. They find you.

And on the morning of the 30th of Jygust, she found Gotham.

OOC: Skills rewarded. You can start a thread on the 30th of Jygust in your room in the Burping Dragon.

[Danomel]

Danomel considered the many unresolved issues and unanswered questions that had been plaguing him for the past several months. A swirling morass centered on the stolen and still missing liber. The book still remained elusive. This very elusiveness was troubling in and of itself, as the book had let its presence be known before.

What possible information there was led Danomel on a hunt down the many byways and alleyways of life in the city that he had deliberately been avoiding , hiding within the walls of the Archives. Unusual occurrences and events demanded investigation. Unfortunately, this meant poking around the underbelly of city life. A process, that if one valued ones own life, had to be approached in a slow, careful, and inconspicuous manor. Cultivating information resources was of paramount importance.

It was something of interest that the search seemed to bring Danomel more and more in contact with the various criminal elements in town. Unfortunately conversations of this nature tended to be held over a tankard of ale at one of the less reputable establishments. And he was finding it somewhat disturbing that he was starting to look forward to theses outings, especially the drinking part. Drinking had never been a big part of his life, but in point of fact, he found himself doing much much more of it than he liked.

The dead man in the sewer was another puzzle that left him frustrated. Not that he really owed anything to the nameless corpse, but an initial interest in the identify, and reasons for his demise had piqued his curiosity. And strangely or not, looking into this incident seemed to parallel the search for the book. At lest possible leads were found in the same areas.

And lastly, there was Verleaux Manor. He still had to determine the best way in. As such he spent considerable time in the area considering the layout, watching who came and went, and identifying those who worked there. While it might be reasonable to ask to visit an inmate there, it also seemed reasonable to have a way in if such a request were refused.


Streetwise - **
Con Artist - **
Hiding Camo Urban - **
Interrogation - **
Detect truth/deception - **

[Rosalie Marcada]

1) Politics & Business
Rosalie supported the minor military commitment in Trothgard, but with words only. Meanwhile she brewed on how she could get her hands on those crystals. Any opportunity to gain an advantage she would take.

Rosalie did not miss an opportunity to point out the cruelty of the Firelords and the outcry that was Kislovan. If offered an opportunity Rosalie would arrange funding for any human rebels that could be reached. Her campaign to promote Roque Wines continued.

Funds also went into shares of Simple Pleasures and of course the Rocky Isle Guild. More practical help for that latter institution also included accepting apprentices in the Embassy, glad to train them on matters of etiquette, personally if must be. She was stern, but fair.

Contacts with all ambassadors and the important officers of the Empire was maintained, with emphasis on the Caesar, whom she ever offered council (though a bit cheek in mouth) regarding the issue of wives, advising a spread over all the races but that his Caesarii be human. She was of the opinion that he would do well with a less powerful wife.

2) Home Affairs
Rosalie immediately relinquished her hold over the World's Mouth Embassies as soon as a new councillor in charge of them was appointed, quoting a sense of duty and patriotism for her actions. With her father on top of matters she hoped to avoid any charges of treason. Her increased contacts with the other embassies, notably that of Terra Incognita, she tried to use to arrange business deals with her family.

She did not relinquish her hold over Aveas, making sure that the Aveas Export Company was in full control of the isle, through her brother, though she expected him to be called back to the Mouth at any moment. Rame was told to deal harshly with any rebels, while at the same time Rose offered an olive branch to the Ambassador of Gulanadur. She expressed interest in the narcotics and made sure that an introduction to the mysterious crime leader of World's Mouth was arranged. To ensure that the relationship with Dort remained good she also encouraged cooperation with Thomas Crane who was of course a clear friend of the leaders of Dort. Other than arranging meetings however, Rosalie carefully declined to know anything about the business deals that were involved.

3) Friends, Acquaintances and Family
Rosalie was overjoyed to enclose her father in her arms, crying many tears together with her mother. Only for Severo would she be his little girl. She swore her loyalty to him, which of course she had proven by deeds as well. Then of course she sweetly told him how he could return the favour and increase the family influence there by. No longer was his little Rose naive and it showed in everything.

Rose spend some time talking with her father about the family Constanza, knowing it was breaking her brother's heart he could now not marry the love of his life. She felt personally sorry for Prima, a woman she had admired. She wanted to know what proof there was of their involvement but could not but agree that the situation was likely unsolvable. It remained a regret. Of the ULT Rose was glad to hear nothing at all, ignoring Severo's guiding hand. Never having met the mysterious founder of the union she had taken an instinctive dislike and as always she savoured her ill feelings.

Ashari was more than a business contact. Increasingly the young woman became a friend. Rose saw her own ambitions mirrored in the girl and they shared a background to some degree. There simply was a click. Rosalie was aware she made her self vulnerable thus and yet she continued to show Ashari and her business favour.

Back at home matters were somewhat tense under a blanket of domestic bliss. At long last Rosalie's marriage was consummated. Rose could not bring herself to lie to her husband about the state of her non existent virginity. It was a matter simply not discussed between them. While he was not the most exciting male, Rose was suitably grateful for all that Illish presented and she sought to be a good wife. His daughter, Lucienda, increasingly worried her, cocky as the girl was. She knew that sooner or later more measures were needed. While mages had send up wards in the Marcada Mansion Rosalie still feared for her life every day, hating magic and all that it involved with a passion.

Skills:
Buying new skill: Bribing & Embezzling
spend rest on: intimidation & thuggery

[Reise Silverskye]

(OOC: Information about NPC Gerard Molyneux provided by Meridiuz.)

Despite all her planning and efforts, Reise would be the first to admit that things really haven’t gone her way. First there was the fiasco in King’s Court, where she was nearly killed by Jaxis, and then forced to flee the city when it was invaded. Then there was Aveas and the “War of the One;” she’d learned valuable skills there, but ultimately, it had been for nothing, as her side had lost and she once again found herself on the run. Then there was World’s Mouth, which had been a complete waste of her time, with the exception that her current employer had found her there. Throughout it all, she’d only come away with two things that mattered to her at all: one was her life, the other was Rhoddin – and she had no idea where he was at now.

In Chyril, Reise found herself in an entirely new location once again: the Citadel. The only difference this time was that she was working for someone who had some power, and who seemed to know what he was doing. Posing as a secretary in the Western Kingdom’s embassy to the Citadel, she was, in reality, siphoning information back to World’s Mouth and her secret employer. But before this new job could start to pay off, she needed to establish contacts and get settled in. She set about doing both tasks with enthusiasm.

Shortly after arriving in the Citadel, she met the contact through whom she would be communicating with her employer. She narrowly avoided getting caught up in the violence of an attack against a man named Silk before she was able to carry on with her own business. The next person she met that would prove important in her new life was Justine, a young acolyte in the service of the One.

Although Reise was not religious at all in any sense, her experiences with Jaxis in King’s Court had taught her that religion could be a powerful tool or even a weapon. Recognizing a potential valuable asset in Justine, Reise made every effort to befriend the girl and learn about her religion. As the next two months passed and Jygust drew to a close, Reise became close friends with Justine, gaining her trust and her confidence. She used the acolyte to learn what was going on within the Church of the One, and how the Church was affecting day to day life in the Citadel, and indeed, the world. In the process, she learned much of Justine’s faith itself, and although truthfully, she herself professed no faith, she could pass as a moderately faithful Oneist, if she so chose. In return, she provided the young acolyte with much needed friendship and companionship. As roommates, they spent much time together, and Reise used this to great advantage. She used her knowledge of the outside world – of friends, of gossip, of society, of cultures, even of sex – to bait and lure Justine deeper into her confidence. Although she did not openly seek to corrupt Justine or draw her away from her faith, she used these forbidden fruits as temptations to keep the girl in her control, to keep shaping her according to her will, so that eventually, when the time came, Justine would hopefully do anything for her, in return for experiencing any one or more of those fruits.

Justine was a faithful girl, and her faith made her hard to manipulate, but after two months, Reise felt that she was making significant progress. Justine trusted her completely, and counted Reise a true friend and confidant. The girl wasn’t ready to hop into bed with Reise – either figuratively or literally – but she was close, at least, in Reise’s opinion.

Reise felt she was making significant progress in the professional aspect of her life as well. After checking in at the offices of the embassy, she was assigned as the new secretary to Gerard Molyneux, a rather handsome man in his late twenties. Having come from the Western Kingdom at the age of nineteen, he was supposed to have learned about politics and then returned home. However, he soon found life in the Citadel – and the potential position and power – too good to give up, and he’d never left.

Reise was surprised to discover that she was Gerard’s third assistant in a single yahren. That seemed strange to her, and she discreetly started to ask questions of others who worked in the offices. All they could tell her of the two previous assistants was that they both had been very attractive women, like Reise, and relatively young. But what had happened to them, no one could say. This led Reise to be cautious in her dealings with Gerard, but as with Justine, she sought to gain his confidence. She worked hard for him, often spending long hours at her desk in the embassy, and she made sure that life was as easy as possible for him. She spoke with him as much as possible, learning everything she could from him about politics, as well as news and information from both the Western Kingdom and the Citadel.

During the last month or so, Reise began to notice a slight change in Gerard’s attitude toward her. His flirting with her was subtle at first, but has gradually become more pronounced. Reise, ever aware of the power that a woman’s attitude and body can have over a man, has started to respond in kind, equally subtly, of course. She started by returning his flirtatious comments, and has begun wearing clothing that is a bit more suggestive, for his benefit. She is uncertain where all of this is going with Gerard, but she’s convinced she can use it to her advantage, so she intends to find out.

Aside from gaining the trust of both Justine and Gerard, Reise has been devoting some of her scant free time to trying to find out what happened to Rhoddin. Although she won’t admit to anyone – even herself – that she still holds a great deal of affection for him, she recognizes her need for a friend that she herself can trust, and he has always been a potential resource for her. And then there’s the fact that the times she spent in bed with him were some of the best in her life.

Taking all of this into account, there’s no doubt that Reise has her work cut out for her. She only hopes that this time, the results will be worth all the effort.

Skills to Update:
Seduction/Woo: +**
Literacy[Human]: +***
Rote Memorization: +*
Conversation: +*
Wealth: +**
Streetwise: +*

(That should be 10!)

[Andolin]

Chyril - Silk imposes on Andolin to name his puppet to be the head of the Scouts Guild and he declines. Andi does honor his promise to name Silk at Clerk of the Chamber (the position just under the Chamberlain). Silk tells him that there will be trouble if Andi doesn't place his nominees on the Council. Stalling for time, Andi looks to line up other support on the Council.

Negotiations with the various ambassadors occur about wives. Trothgard, in no position to negotiate, agrees that Aesa (Kona) will marry him; but, in a setback to him, she is free to take other husbands if he takes other wives. In return, she waives her right to be First Caesarii (since she cannot stay permanently in the Citadel and may take other husbands). Reluctantly, he agrees, but gains agreement that any daughter of their union will be the next Kona and that he shall be given lands in Trothgard to award to his faithful. The lands are largely worthless tundra and barren rock, but they would provide a basis for title creation of many baroncies.

Negotiations continue with Kislovan, Dort and Amun Rah.

The fathers of Kitlanya ("Kitya"), Etain and Ygraine arrive, urging his marriage to their daughters. All offer substantial dowries. To marry one would be an insult to the others, so Andolin stalls, offering to make them ladies in waiting at the palace.

Ashari keeps Andi warm at night. Sezja had died under mysterious circumstances, so she was no longer there to warm him. In her absence, Andi continued to practice his ability to shape-shift. [He gains 3 stars to take him to Apprentice level.]

To make Ashari happy, Andolin shows open support for the Rocky Island Guild, including accepting its students to serve at the palace as pages. The most promising students would be considered for higher positions. Through his support, he hoped to add legitimacy to her guild (unlike the disfavored Rose Guild) and to aid her enrollment. He offered to invest in her commercial enterprise as well.

Kitya comes back into his life. He had thought her dead or insane when he took up with Sezja and Ashari; but, she recovered from the demonic possession at last. She reaffirms that she loves him, but is not going to share him with anyone. She does not want to be Caesarii or a lady in waiting. She was more interested in wearing pants, wielding swords and seeking adventure anyway. This effects Andi and he decides to manuever her to be the new head of scouts, knowing that she would always look out for him, given her feelings for him. Together they practice scrying with her godfather Amchi. [He gains 2 stars that take him to apprentice level.]

Andolin travels with the Imperial army to Trothgard, where he meets and weds Aesa (the Kona) according to Trothgard and Ice Queen ceremony. He becomes First Consort of Trothgard. The wedding is consumated.



Jaym - Andolin travels back to the Citadel after a week stay in Trothgard, leaving Aesa to stay and fight for her land.

Upon his return, Andolin learns that Kislovan offers an adhiel princess, but she is out of favor with the Queen for having a human lover, much to the shame of the Queen. Finding her [daughter] tainted already by humans, she is the one that is offered. Andi accepts her when the dowry includes tracts of land of marginal utility in Kislovan and a series of ancient scrystones is included in the dowry. The master stone is given to Andolin and one is given to the Kislovan Queen so that they can immediately communicate. There are six other stones.

The adhiel princess almost breaks the deal as she refuses to marry him, wishing to marry her love instead -- a dark-skinned Amun Rah human mage named Ahmedtep that Andi thinks has cast a powerful glamour on her. To buy her support (and ultimately his), Andi promises to make the Mage a member of the new Imperial Order, and to send him to Sierra to be his liaison with the University of Magic there (plus receive a sum of money). Andi finds he cannot trust her, as she is a creature of the mage, but the relationship to the Queen of Kislovan and her dowry are too enticing. He tells himself that he will find a way to break her glamour, but the sorceror is a master.

The princess [TBD] is due to arrive in the Citadel soon to meet with Andolin's approval.

Etain throws herself at Andolin in an attempt to be named a Caesarii (encouraged by her father), but Andi resists. The same is true for Ygraine. Fearing that her "friend" Etain will succeed in becoming a wife to Andolin, Ygraine "helps" Etain appear naked in a palace bedroom to await the Caesar. Instead, Ygraine's cruel brother Agravaine appears and rapes her. It had been his father's plan to have Agravaine wed Etain anyway (to get access to the Clos du Bois fortune), so the Haut Ledoc plan was to taint Etain so that Andolin would not marry her, leaving only Ygraine (of the three Citadel ladies) to vie for the shared throne with Andolin.

Andolin is unhappy but makes the most of a bad situation. He makes peace between the two rival families by giving Lord Clos du Bois and his two sons membership in his new Imperial Chivalraic order and brokers the marriage between Etain and Agravaine. Agravaine gets the rich dowry, but Etain is to stay at the palace where she will be Andolin's Mistress of Protocol, reporting directly to Andolin and under his "protection." The marriage will be mostly in name only as Agravaine would continue his wenching anyway. Lord Clos du Bois could take solace that Etain's son would be the heir to the House Haut Ledoc (so that the two Houses would be joined under his grandchild. Lord Haut Ledoc was forced to agree to fund Etain's needs and support Andolin's bid to take control of the underworld of the Citadel away from the Cranes. Lord Guihelm accepts that his daughter, Ygraine, is not to be Caesarii (in part to punish her and to calm the upset Lord Clos du Bois), but Andolin offers to keep Ygraine at Court as a "Lady in Waiting" and not so secret Imperial Mistress, to the extent she pleases him. Ygraine, though thwarted in becoming Caesarii, accepts that she might wield considerable influence through Andolin to further her own schemes.

Erwin refuses Caesar's request to wed his daughter. He encourages the new Caesar to wed Lady Vlast Devir (who is a kin to him). Andolin is disappointed and states that he should marry the Gulandur Queen Serra' Quine instead.

The Rafao sends word that he has no female relative, other than Isis, so he has no one to offer as Caesarii. However, he makes the Caesar a gift of his favorite pleasure slave [Eshemei?]. Not able to decline, the disappointed Andolin is left with accepting an Amun Rah spy into his household.


Jygust -

Lady Vlast comes to Andolin to make her case. Knowing of her dark background, Andolin challenges her that if she arranges the deaths of three persons he shall name to her that he will take her as a Caesarii, rather than her Queen. Taking it as a way to send a message to the Caesar, she agrees. The first two names are Lucinda and Eisolf Mercada. They know of his past and needed to be eliminated.

Council Politics


Silk is led to believe that Andi will name Silk's puppet as the new Head of Scouts. Thus, he does not oppose Andolin's naming himself as Admiral of the Empire. Already the Head of the Army, Andolin argues that greater efficiencies would be gained by having one voice over both the army and the navy. The Council does not object and Andolin picks up a new office and a second vote on the Council, Naming the obvious Silk candidate for Head of Scouts causes a planned backlash. The Dort, Gulandor, Kislovan, and Trothgard votes side against the Candidate and then support Andolin's candidate Kitlanya. Gaining the votes through marraige and his new office as Admiral, Andolin is able to secure Kitya the position. She is pleased, as it will get her out of wearing dresses and hanging around court. Her intelligence gathering, and her vote, will also favor Andolin in future Council meetings.


In foreign policy, Andolin summons ambassadors from the Western Kingdom and the Eastern Empire to sign treaties of peace and trade.


Skills:

Scry +2
Polymorph +3
new skill Poison Lore

EDIT: Actually, Andi will have 3 votes I think (1 as Caesar, 1 as Lord of the Chamber and 1 as Admiral). Also, Ygraine is assigned as a lady in waiting to the adhiel princess, in which she is to prove herself useful by being Andi's spy on the Caesarii and her sorcerer lover.

EDIT #2: I just learned that Sezja died in another thread before recess. Whoops. Edited to reflect that.

EDIT #3: (Still finetuning things).

The Kona agrees (because she can wed others and because she needs to stay in her homeland) that she will be a wife of Caesar, but not the First Caesarii. The adhiel princess will come to the Citadel, but their wedding ceremony will be delayed.

[Meridiuz]

The more time they spent together, the more Justine trusted Reise. She enjoyed showing Reise the ways of the One and while doing that she showed Reise more and more of herself. Reise returned the favor by telling her about all the things that she would never learn in the Church. At first she felt very uncomfortable when Reise would bring up stories of other cultures, societies and most of all, sex. Yet she felt the urge to listen, she really was curious, even though it felt wrong. Over the months the acolyte found herself wanting to know more and more about the forbidden fruits and yet the more she heard, the worse she felt deep inside. The feeling that she was being torn apart became stronger, but she did not tell anything to Reise about this.

One night in late Jygust, they were having another one of their girls talk in their room when Justine suddenly felt the irresistible urge to touch Reise. Hesitantly she brushed her hand against Reise's cheek, letting her fingers slide over her face, touching the soft, red lips. Suddenly she retracted her hand and the shock of realizing what she had just done was clearly visible in her face. The acolyte jumped into her bed, rolled over and did not say a word. Now, two days later, she still hadn't said anything to Reise.

Her work with Gerard took up most of her time and little freedom was left, yet she made quite some progress in her relationship with her new boss. Gerard had gained confidence in her, she was definitely putting more energy into her work than the other assistants had done. On the other hand, she seemed to be more..distant..than the others had been when they had started working for him.

It was only in the last month that Gerard couldn't resist himself any longer and he had pushed up the flirting a notch. He was pleased to see that she responded well to his flirting and it was for that reason that he had invited her to dinner on the 30th of Jygust.

As Reise looked for information on Rhoddin, she found out that he was in the Citadel, but she couldn't track down his exact location or for what business he was here. What was certain was the fact that she was drawing attention to herself by other people who had started to take interest in Rhoddin.

OOC:

Skills granted!
I put the stars you put into the wealth skill into Literacy[Human] and Rote[Memorization] since the Wealth skill is totally separate. I did put 3 stars into it because Reise is now in service of the Embassy.

You can start posting anywhere you like on the 30th, whether it be in her room with Justine, the office with Gerard, or somewhere else:)

[Fialessa Valenstri]

The remaining days of Chyril and into Jaym, Fialessa considered Hagen's advice, and tried to map out the logical steps to aiding her faith on the larger scale he'd suggested – a seat on the council. As for Hagen himself, she kept tabs on his and the western kingdom's progresses and failures and strove to remain in contact with him to further their budding 'friendship'. She remained mystified as to what it was and what benefits the association could possibly bring to her and those of her faith.

Her days were split between speaking with those Panlings who came to the temple regularly or those just passing through, and reaching out to those people she met who seemed to have a favourable disposition to the teachings of Pan. She made herself a gentle and visible face of the temple everywhere she went – even in places where it might not be so welcome. While in the evenings she focused on meditative yoga and dance, after her sprain she wished to restrengthen her body and further her abilities – and even if she'd not planned to go into dancing on a more professional basis, the practice brought her joy.

Early in the month of Jaym Fialessa began to see a need for balance both within herself and the church. She found that each aspect of Pan could and did have a favourable affect on the others. And that if each was mingled well within each of Pan's followers it would go a long way towards healing and fulfillment. This was not a new idea but one she'd long held as the correct one, now she gave it voice. In her discussions with Vanir and other Panlings she brought out this ideology. Fia placed herself in as supportive a role to Vanir in all temple matters, though she began exerting her opinions further within temple discussions with Vanir, Noland, Naomi and the new priests and acolytes Vanir brought on. Too she worried over the state of the still dormant Altar of Joy and of Pan himself, and proposed small festivals dedicated to the three twined paths of Art, Joy & Blood. Stressing that all should be celebrated together rather than separately to dispel any of the long held prejudices based on the more 'joyful' festivals of the past or from calling the wrong attention to a singular 'blood' festival. She desperately wished to shed the reputation Panlings had for being little more than salacious twits who cared for nothing but their own pleasure. Fia desired the temple to become a place where the faithful could come to receive answers and advice beyond just the carnal.

Not that Fia denied or looked down upon the need for pleasure and the way that Panlings in general expressed themselves – freely and without regret. She'd always promised herself that she'd not deny herself if she'd felt any particular interests but she was always and continued to be a bit reserved and not very demonstrative in that fashion and certainly not nearly so promiscuous as her brethren. Fialessa was clear in the knowledge that far off in the future she'd find love or something like it and was content enough in the friendship and attentions of Vanir and time taken up with her duties not to go seeking out such a greater destiny for herself for now. Perhaps when her time was less divided or should she or Vanir tired of each other. Knowing how glaringly out of balance she was herself in Pan's graces she tried to explore those paths beyond art within which she had always been most comfortable in. Though always taking a small part of the day near the setting of the sun to play the pipes that Pan gifted her with so that she might feel closer to her deity and honour him. Fia knew that exploration of the joy and blood parts of her nature required nurturing.

How Jaym finished off Jygust continued. Only seeing herself more deeply immersed in the vocations that she'd chosen earlier on. Seeing Hagen and finding herself more immersed in the politics of the Citadel – politics was not something she'd wished to involve herself in but she saw the necessity of (a necessary evil perhaps) – secure in Vanir's support of this she pressed on in the best interest of the Faithful of Pan. She found herself interested in the concerns of Kislovan, where her own family now resided – her mother's birthplace, hoping that the terrible rumours did not mean suffering for them. Though still she was torn hearing of the atrocities against the humans by her own kind. Many times she wondered if Adhiel and human would ever come to an accord truly on any soil or if prejudices ran too deep. Surely the human suffering there was racial karma for the atrocities perpetrated upon non-humans elsewhere – though she never said so aloud...

Jygust too added more projects, she and Vanir had been collaborating on over the past few months, a bathing sanctuary on the grounds of the former Rose Guild that abutted the Temple. Fialessa was tasked to find someone to handle the day to day workings of the spa. Her search brought out a gifted masseur by the name of Gilder. Tall, muscular and pleasant looking, he was an achadhiel with an authoritative air. She worked closely with him and Naomi as the building was nearing completion and setting it up to be ready to receive guests. As well as the spa which she'd applied herself to wholeheartedly she'd received a letter from Ashari Gywien about a post teaching dance to her students at the Rocky Island Guild. She'd given the idea some consideration before replying...

Mistress Ashari Gywien,

I am honoured to have you consider me for a teaching position within your guild. I find I am greatly in favour of the idea, and I shall set aside that time so we might discuss this idea further in person...

May Pan bring joy to your heart...
- Fialessa

It was good she'd kept up with her dancing after all...

**
Skills
Creating Music* to Basic +***
Dancing *** to Apprentice +****
Theology ** to Basic +****
Yoga **** to Apprentice

[Zenith Persimus]

ooc- Sorry Im so behind on this, just got back and def. missed the memo until now. Im sorry that I kinda screwed up the system.... Forgive me!!! Let me know if I did something wrong, I did what I could but since I was gone for so long (sick and all) I dont have much to report so I tried to fill in the blank. .

Chryil had brought a massive change in the already disappointing life of Zenith Persimus. Three years prior her father was brutally murdered by a firelord upon his visit to Kislovan. And only one month before she left her mother, the beautiful Adhiel Selom, had died from grief a the death of her lover. Suddenly Zenith was alone, with only an elderly grandfather who worried about the wrath of the evermore violent firelords. He asked her to stay indoors but Zenith refused, she stated it was time for her to seek her destiny.... And that her destiny was best served elsewhere. Grudgingly, her elderly grandfather rode with her to the edge of the forest, into the large city near her home and to the docks where her transportation to the Citadel sat. She said her goodbyes to grandfather and horse, and left with a brave strength set into her features.


The moment she entered the gates of the Citadel she found herself accosted- people pushing and shoving as they struggled their way into the city. She spent a good two burns standing in line before turning to speak to a pretty young woman behind her ; Areana Coufot. A woman who was very much alike her in colour and breeding. They spoke kindly to one another, and she always meant to talk more to the woman, but she was then accosted by a particularly disgusting looking man at the entrance of the city.

But the hardest of her times were soon to follow, while she did have coins she did not have enough to find herself suitable living arrangements. So instead she found a crappy room on top of a noisy pub that was little larger then a closet. She had no employment and no idea where to look, so instead she offered to help out occasionally at the pub below her. She was not much of a waitress, nor a cook, but she did well enough to be paid a small pittance that gave her money to spend on food, and drink. It turned out that her proficiency in Adhiel was of use to the owner, who was commonly serving Adhiel. So as soon as Zenith had enough money to pursue her next job interest she quit working in the pub, and with her small bag of coins she resumed her training.

For two hours every morning she did target practice outside the city limits, working on long distance targets and speed work over shorter distance targets. She would then run for upwards of another hour around the city, working at interval speeds so she can practice both speed and endurance. Usually around that time she would nap and eat before going out once more to practice her throwing daggers. Without a fighting partner she found it hard to practice fighting one on one, so instead she decided to focus upon physical fitness. Every afternoon she would go and try to find a guard to direct her to the appropriate person who she could speak to about a job. Most of the time the men would laugh at her, sometimes she would be ignored, and others they would simply direct her to the wrong person who would pay her no heed at all. Standing only five foot three and under one hundred pounds, they found it hard to believe she was any good in combat.

Suddenly it was Jygust and she had spent the last month doing nothing, once more her reserve of coins was short and she found herself wishing for another option. Needing to do something with her life, something her parents could have been proud of but finding no options. She still trained every day to maintain her superior fitness but was soon struggling for food and facing the boring and terrible job in the pub once more. Something she hated beyond all description. Then, out of the blue, she runs into a young waitress named Aerin with an interesting proposal that may just change the life and plan that Zenith had for herself. A change that may alter not only her destiny, but also her personality forever.


------------------------------------------------

Can you please change my skills to the following:
Long Bow: from Basic --> Basic ***
Language (Human): from Basic -->Basic- ***
Running: from Basic --> Basic **
Throwing Weapons: From Basic --> Basic **

[Vanir Alfheim]

Vanir rested and healed after the trying events in the alleyway against Silk and his minions. He wished he had the strength and skill to have chased after the murderer and sent him to the gods, but the day was not his. However the day had not been a total loss with the information that Scout had given him, information about the murder of the Caesar. The mention of the thufu feathers reminded Vanir of the strange message that had been left on his pillow and a conversation with Barrett that has been long overdue. Rhoddin introduced him to Motley, a strange fellow with very similar goals. Their bardic friend did not have much interest in searching for Silk and the truth, but Motley and Vanir made a quick alliance. They sought out Barrett to find out everything he knew and hoped that between the three of them it would all start to make sense.

Vanir devoted a small bit of time in the mornings to practicing with the knife hidden in his boot. He did not wish to be caught lacking again when Silk was in his reach. It would take more than simple skill with a blade to end Silk, but Vanir had every intention on twisting the knife personally to end his life. Pan’s Blood seemed to course through his veins every time he thought of Silk and how much the old man had caused his people. The devotion of his craft also meant working on his other skills, those granted to him by Pan. He studied hard to shield his mind against the enemies of Pan. It was his most important defense against those with power to destroy him. He focused hard to keep his mind hidden and his body sharp as the blade he wielded.

Time and devotion became Vanir’s greatest weapons, especially when it came to the Temple. The gardens needed to be rebuilt and cared for, yet Pan provided what was needed for his Children. The priest met a young lady from Pan’s Isle that had fled during the war, who took a great love of gardens and flowers. Erel spend most of her time to planting new flowers and making the gardens flourish again, gaining help from anyone that was willing.

Vanir found others ways to rebuild the Temple, through its followers. The adhiel took his sermons from the Temple to the streets, preaching to those that might hear the word of Pan. He spoke to the masses about Pan and all His aspects, showing them the love and acceptance that Pan offered. The priest welcomed any into his Temple that wished to learn more of Pan, even gaining help from his new acolytes and new priests. He sought help most often his from his favorite priestess and lover, Fialessa.

Things had begun to flourish at the Temple, bringing in new followers and new life to the empty halls. Vanir kept his word to Pan by preaching balance among the sects and focusing once again on Pan’s Blood. He preached the Blood open in the halls as well as the streets, but private ceremonies were also held to teach the true ways of Pan’s Blood. The priest remembered his teachings by Otha as well as Pan himself. He showed the way to those that were willing to walk the Path. It was clear that the Temple was not filled with helpless priests and servants, but those that would defend it against any enemy of Pan. He even found some that would seek their enemies out under the cover of night if asked to do so in the name of Pan.

It was over the course of these events as well as the absence of Eilish that Vanir became known as the High Priest of Pan. He did not take well to the title at first, yet it seemed destined for him. He had been filling the role until Eilish returned to the Citadel, but she had not returned and the people needed a leader. If it was meant to be, he would accept his path as well. He even prayed to Pan to seek acceptance in his new path.

The destruction in Amun Rah opened a whole new avenue to the clever priest. It changed the dynamic of Amun Rah’s power in the Empire and created new work for the lovely Lady Isis. She would need allies and help in these trying times. Vanir would be first to answer her call and sent word through private courier that he would be willing to help in whatever ways he could. He asked for a time in which they could meet in private and discuss what could be done in such disastrous times for sake of Amun Rah’s people.

The end of Jygust saw more than the summer solstice, it saw the beginning of a new bathing sanctuary across the gardens where the Red Rose Guild once stood. The idea had been Fialessa's and she spearheaded the construction. The land came easy after the fire that destroyed and Vanir’s political connections. Repairing did not come as easy for the panlings. Supplies were not as cheap nor easy to come by, yet Vanir managed through public donations from the faithful and less public donations from the ambitious. However labor came from the Temple itself and the refugees that were happy to repay the kindness of the Temple. The new centre would be ready for the public at the beginning of Samheen, hoping for modest donations to the Temple for use of their facilities.

Skills

Counseling ~ Apprentice+** added ** to Apprentice+****
Shielding [Faith] ~ Basic+* added **** to Apprentice
Smaller Blades ~ Basic+* added **** to Apprentice

ooc- A few notes for you to decide on. 1. I named Vanir High Priest and suggest that his wealth skill be changed to reflect it. 2. Fialessa is offically a priestess of the Temple and suggest her wealth skill be changed to reflect it. 3. I will send you a list of NPCs and the write-up Fia did for the Spa, which should be opend on the 1st.