Chapter 2 - Fragments of Sorrow

[BigRedRod]

With the dead gathered together Triren re-emerges in the dining hall, it seems a course of action has finally been decided.

Ielenia whispers something to the Elder, he gives a slight nod in reply and then stands,
"Guardians, I shall remain the temple while Luian attempts to locate the source of the madness. This temple is most likely the safest location in all of Andrion, I ask that you accompany my fellow summoner as she heads outside into the city itself."
In a quieter voice she looks directly at Luian,
"Good Luck"
And then strides past her and out of the dining hall

The Elder places his hands together on the table and speaks in his now mastered slow steady rythym to prevent loss of breath,
"You know what needs to be done. I simply wish to remind you not to put yourself in any more danger than you must, don't attempt to destroy the source, simply follow the magical field it must be producing and gather information."

[TheDruid20]

"We will find out what I can and return here"


To the gaurdians, "Kythrin are you able to detect magic this day? If so we may do best to split up by about 100feet to cover the most area of the city at a time. Erren will be with you so if sound cannot get to us his mental messages can get to me and we should be able to help the other in a matter of seconds if needed. Will you need to rest before we go up? I would like to but it is not needed. Do any of you have any ideas? Tririen your skills will likely come into great demand. Erren will also be of help in sensign living things inside buildings and around cornors."

Turning to the elder, "Do you know of any easily defenseable position in the city that woudl be a good place for asuch an item to be housed and protected? If not are there others here who know the city better then you, that might be able to reccomend a place to start or likely places? Are there maps of the city in the library what we can use to aid us in our search. Perhaps such maps and some supplies can be gatherd while we sleep. I need rest if I am to have any chance of finding this, as will Kythrin if he is to be of maximum use in this endevor. Although I hate to deley in this matter, we need to be prepared."

[tyckspoon]

Triren sits on the floor, which is the most available seating. "You need a scout now, you mean. Sure, that's my job. Rest sounds good too. I've done two heavy labor jobs within the day, and no food." To illustrate his point, he stretches himself out on the floor and tries to look asleep.

[TheDruid20]

Assumeing no one objects Luian finds a nice place to curl up and rest.

(Will edit my spell list)

[LuneMoonshadow]

Nodding to himself and casting glances about the room, Kythrin situates himself in a corner, nearest to Luian. Lately he has been having a feeling of tension between the party, split between Luian and Ielenia.

"If I must choose, I know my duty." Kythrin walks over to Luian and offers her a bedroll if she has none. Then deciding to get to sleep, he takes off his armor and attempts to get some rest, prayers pouring off his lips in whispers, asking for the guidance of tomorrow and protection from all things evil, and the power to sustain personal integrity in times of darkness.

"I know all my mortal power is derived from the gods. may they bless this party..." With that, Kythrin drifts off into the land of dreams.

OOC: Editting spell list on the morrow, when he awakens.

[TheDruid20]

"Thank you for the bedroll. Perhaps once things settle down I can repay the favor by helping you craft a wand of cure wounds."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"My thanks to you, Luian," Kythrin says form his corner, trying to remain quiet. "But I have wands of such nature. I'd reccomend using your talents to furthering yourself. I believe it'd be a much better investment."

[TheDruid20]

"Well perhaps then you can help me turn this into a more useful weapon with the addition of some spells you can cast that I can."
hefts her staff)

"Magic items are a specialty of mine, and many spells you are gifted could be of great use to a summoner."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"I would be glad to render my services whenever possible. Whenever you need the spells, just ask. And about tomorrow, should I pray for the strength to cast dispel magic more than once?"

[TheDruid20]

"I will prepare one copy of the spell but of that circle Fly will be very important to us. If I take dispel I cannot make us both invisable. Perhaps you should that it. I will focus on getting us to the source and back alive, you on destroying it if possible. We can be protected from minor spells if we need it."

[BigRedRod]

The Elder addresses the summoner's early questions,
"The city is a maze of buildings old and new and most are hybrids of both, there are an unlimited number of easily defensible positions where the source might be held. That is exactly why you will be following the lasting aura toward it rather than a more mundane search. As for maps, none exist of enough accuracy to help, the city changes too often, old buildings are torn down, and new buildings are created on their rubble, the size and shape of Andrion seems to shift each week"

.......

The group manage to rest within the hope-fully secure confines of the temple dining hall, resting on bedrolls as those recovering are. After eight or nine hours it seems best to make a start on the task, several of the afflicted are now at some level of conciousness and Sara and Mikos are handing out bowls of a soup and bread which fills the room with a mouth-watering scent, or possibly it's just been too long since you've eaten

[TheDruid20]

Luina thanks the elder for the information after he provides it.

Turning towards Sara, " is there enough to spare for us it smells wonderful?"

[BigRedRod]

Sara nods and hands bowls of it around along with bread,
"I don't claim to be a fantastic chef, but we did what we could"
She smiles at Mikos as they both reenter the room and sit by the Elder

[TheDruid20]

"Thanks you deeply."

Turning to Kyhtrin, "Are you ready? Have you ever flown before?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin takes a bowl and nods his thanks to Sara. He takes s ip and smiles at its warmth.

"No, I haven't ever flown before. Though I have had the chance of walking on air, I don't think it's quite the same. But I'll be ready as soon as this soup is gone.

With that, Kythrin gives thanks to the gods and begins his meal.

[TheDruid20]

Luian does her best to explain how it works and gives a brief little lesson.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods every once in a while while Luian gives him a lesson on flying. Though he finds it interesting, he figures experience is the best teacher. Placing his now empty bowl down, he rises to his feet and nudges his armor with his foot.

"I'll be ready to go soon enough. I need this armor on, though. Can you lend me a hand?"

[TheDruid20]

"I would be glad to help. One of us should be armored. (Luian winks) Fly wont last long but I also have a spell to allow us to run very quickly if needed after the fly spell. But I wont envoke either till we get closer to the source."

As she finishes helping Kythrin with his armor, "Ready?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods, looking towards the doorway to the room.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

[tyckspoon]

Triren silently glides into place near Kythrin, his equipment all in battle readiness. "Are we leaving now? This place is depressing me."

[TheDruid20]

"Yes we will need your skills at stealth to enter the place of the source and find out what is there. You have the best chance of doing that without being detected."

[BigRedRod]

Garland stands,
"I shall remain here, it is not right for a summoner to be without at least one of her guardians not matter what the situation. I shall see if I can aid Ielenia in any small way and ensure that no harm comes to any within the temple during your search."
The Samurai gracefully walks out of the dining hall

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin shakes his head, and lays a hand on the wands at his belt.

"Let's get going. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back." Kythrin begins walking towards the door, stepping out into the hallway.

[tyckspoon]

Triren slips out of the room after Kythrin and Luian, happy just to be getting out of the temple, even if the city outside is potentially dangerous.

[BigRedRod]

The trio re-emerge at the surface and are greeted by fading light and a biting chill. The smell of sewage remains, just as it did it did in the tunnel down to the temple. The area seems devoid of any of the afflicted, the scene seems to radiate wrongness, the great city of Andrion should never be as quiet as it currently is, with no other life in sight apart from a few birds whirring about high in the sky

[tyckspoon]

Triren breaths deeply, then coughs as the stench hits him. "Good old Andrion. They never were too good at cleaning this place. Which way do we go?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin grimaces at the smell, but makes no attempt to stop its permeation.

"Now, we use the cube to guide our steps." Kythrin looks over to Luian, nodding in approval.

[TheDruid20]

Luian will use the cube to try to follow magic aura.

[BigRedRod]

Gazing through the side of the cube as instructed by the Elder is quite disconcerting. It is only possible to look through with a single eye due to the size, and the overlaying of normal and enchanced vision is quite nauseating. Eventually the summoner settles on a solution invovling keeping the other eye closed.

The world through the cube is odd and mysterious, the landscape of the city appears as little more than a series of black outlines laced with silver. However, the view adds a few other details such as the odd ocean of blue-green which seems to permeate everything, tiny things which look like flower petals or possibly butterlys of a myriad of colours flitter through the landscape, seemingly moving away from Luian. The sight is quite different from the effects of a typical detect magic incantation, but it seems clear enough that the shifting ocean and the butterflys are both a representation of magical auras.

Following the gradient of the magical flow takes the trio into more densely populated areas of the city. There is however, no sign of any of the city-folk. Triren remembers the streets as they pass through, slthough seeing them so empty is quite odd.

The trio reach the end of a particualrly narrows alley and find they have reached the very heart of the city. Before them lies the huge Cathedral to the core, a truely impressive building that towers over most over Andrion but is rarely visible due to the narrow roads. The great square lies before the group, the site usually used to gather large amounts of the city-folk for mass. As it happens a vast majority oft he residents of the city are currently to be found in the square.

The afflicted almost entirely fill the area before the cathedral. Most appear to be sleeping in the open air despite the deathly chill, others sit staring at the cathedral looking deeply confused and pained. However, none of the gathered seem even remotely violent towards one another. The great wooden doors to the cathedral seem firmly closed, although the gathered afflicted also seem to have been somehow discouraged from touching any part of the building, the stairs are entirely clear of madmen, awake or sleeping.

[TheDruid20]

"I knew this wouldn't be easy but this looks like it could be worse then I expected. Tirien, if I make you invisable and flying could you go and examine the building and try to find a way into the building? They don't last long, only about 10 mins if that long. Don't get yourself killed or endanger us but see what you can figure out."

[tyckspoon]

"Been a long time since I was asked to case a place, but I think I can still do it. Is there some place you think it would be best to enter? I could look for ground level, window, roof..right now I'm thinking no ground, too many lunatics in the way." Triren starts stowing his chain and replaces it with a rope while waiting for Luian to respond.

[TheDruid20]

"Well if you are fast you might be able to fly in and out in the durration of my spell but your skills at remaining unseen and unheard may be very important."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Seeing the cathedral of the Core in such blasphemous circumstances infuriates Kythrin. He shakes his head and closes his eyes, letting out a sigh.

A simple prayer for control escapes his lips, and he turns to the party. "One of the main things we need to find out whether the thing doing this is a what or a who."

Once again, Kythrin turns to the awesome sight of the temple. Feelings of piety well up within him, his hand tightening around his spear. "If this is some foul work to blacken the name of the gods, I shall have my way with whatever it is," he mutters hunder his breath.

[TheDruid20]

"Now you understand how I feel when I saw the temple. We have both been wronged and shall both be vindicated."

[tyckspoon]

"This'll be scouting, then? Cast the spells any time, I'm ready to go." Triren stands with rope in hands, looking a little bored.

[TheDruid20]

"Yes I suspect that the source will be well gaurded even if it doesn't seam that way to you. If we can get an idea as to what it is where it is and what may be in there. See what you see and we will make some plans on how to stop it."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Be safe, Triren," Kythrein says, staring seriously at the temple. "You have my prayers."

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: I'll just assume you are gonna get this casting started then Billy]

Luian stamps her staff on the ground and gradually Triren feels the laws of gravity release him from their grip. Drifting high above the crowds of the afflicted he drifts toward the great Cathedral.

The building is a masterpiece of architecture, and it contains a number of large stained glass windows and balcony's which could offer access. The doors to these balconys are large, sturdy, wooden and currently closed. From his view through the small clear panes of glass which makes up the larger designs the rogue can make out the general layout of the building within.

The upper floors seem to be living quarters and offices for the higher ranking priests, with the majority of the building being given over to the great hall. The great hall takes up most of the ground and first floors, meaning it is accessible by the main door on the ground level and the lower balconies.

It is clear to Triren that something is not quite right with the great hall of the Cathedral. Before the altar there is a large rectangular object, exactly what it is isn't clear from this distance. What is clear however is the collection of dead priests occupying the central isle, and the lone figure in black staring at them casually sitting on the massive marble altar

[tyckspoon]

After scanning through the windows, Triren lands on one of the great hall balconies, hoping to be able to get a closer look at the scene there once inside. He gives the balcony doors the usual once over for traps, motivated more by curiosity than any real expectation of finding some. Before opening the door, he checks the condition of the ground near it and any hinges he can find, having known one too many-that is, one-thieves who were caught due to an excessively loud door.

[BigRedRod]

After a careful inspection the rogue finds the door to be locked, or possibly barred from the other side. No doubt the cathedral does not normally welcome flying thieves. With the exact mechanism inaccessible and unknown it seems the only way to open the door will be to break it open

[tyckspoon]

Why does everyone put the locks on the inside? As Triren remembers just how little time he has to fly, he decides to abandon caution for the moment. He hops along the balconies checking all the doors, trusting to his senses and his reflexes to keep him safe.

[BigRedRod]

The balconies are all near identical, as are the locks on each. All of which are currently being used

[tyckspoon]

"Second floor closed, first floor has too many bodies..keep going up, I guess." Triren starts heading further up to the roof before a short jolt through his body reminds him that the flying magic doesn't last all that long. He turns around and heads back to the others.

[BigRedRod]

Soaring over the heads of the afflicted once more, the rogue returns to the alley where his two compantions await him. About a foot off the floor the spell fails sending him sprawling onto the ground, luckily the thud seems to have been undetected by the hoards of cursed townsfolk

[TheDruid20]

"Nice landing, we will need to have you practise that one. Did you find anything useful?"

[tyckspoon]

Triren stands and carefully ignores his ignominious landing. "Second floor is all locked up. First floor looks like some kinda massacre, unless you know a better reason for a buncha priests to be laying down and not moving."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin leans back against the closest building and turns his attention to Triren. "Was there blood accompanying the unmoving priests, or just the bodies?"

[tyckspoon]

"I didn't notice any, but I was looking through one of the windows. It wasn't too good a view. There's also a person wearing black sitting on the main altar. Probably alive, but I'm not sure about anything in this place right now." Triren leans back against the same building Kythrin is on, hoping one of the other two will be able to figure out the next step.

[LuneMoonshadow]

"First of all, we need to get into that building. Second, we need a way to get out. I never trusted men in black cloaks," Kythrin says, shooting an apologetic nod to Triren, "And I doubt my preference shall change now. If we go in to find that this person has some link with this insanity, then we'll need a way out, because that horde of insane people in front of us could become a major obstacle. And by everything good in this world, I don't want to do anything but help them."

[TheDruid20]

"I certainly hope those clerics are truely dead, as opposed to what they could be. We will not be going in now, we will be going back to the Temple to report our findings and plan our course of actions. With a few simple spells we can get a better idea what we face know that we know something. The better prepared the less likely we are to end up insane or worse."

[tyckspoon]

"Sounds good to me. I thought the Temple was depressin', but this crowd..it's like lookin' at drugged fish." Triren shrugs his armor and gear back into place as he stands. "Anythin' else we should do here, or are we goin' back to the Temple right now?"

[TheDruid20]

"Unless you want to draw a map now if you think you might forget the layout I think we shoudl get moving before somethign realizes we are here and not infected."

[tyckspoon]

"It's a church. Big main room, benches, altar, bodies. Hard to forget. Lots of little rooms I couldn't get into or see into. Nothing to forget. I think I'll manage to remember."

[TheDruid20]

"Off then. We should begin thinking of how we can get into there. I suspect I will cast another divination that will drain me so we will have time to rest and plan. Perhaps some of the others will be healed by then and we can get some assistance in soem ways."

[BigRedRod]

As the trio trudge back through the deserted streets the remaining daylight flitters away, until they enter the sewer-passage at near enough full-darkness. Through the tunnels and the illusionary wall they are greeted by the sight of the Andrion Temple. Passing through the great hall they are greeted by Garland stepping from the shadows, he gives a brief bow, and speaks directly to Luian,
"Summoner, It is good to see your return safely. Summoner Ielenia is currently engaged in magical divinations and research about the curse, using the boy, Mikos, as a focus. With time, the Summoner will remove the fog that clouds this mystery. Those recovering in the dining hall also seem to be making some progress. And for myself, after extension searching of the temple I found it safe and impenetrable, so I stationed my guard here. Summoner, I assume you will need to speak with the Elder Summoner."
He gestures toward on the doors,
"Following the passage will take you directly to the Dining hall and the recovering temple residents"

[TheDruid20]

"Thank you." Luian heads off to the summoner with her companions in tow. She has the scout explain what he saw and makes a map as he does so.

[tyckspoon]

Triren gives as detailed a report as he can, attempting to forestall demands for better detail by opening with a description of the view he was able to obtain and the reason why he couldn't move in any closer. That old man is going to ask why I couldn't do better anyways, I bet.

[BigRedRod]

The Elder shakes his head,
"I had hoped we could call on the priests for aid... An organisation with such power falling..."
Silence fills the dining room, which now contains a little more life than previously. At least half of the cured temple-folk are now sat at benches rather than sleeping, although they don't speak often and when they do it's little more than a whisper. The Elder speaks up again,
"With the citizens amasing at the Cathedral we should face the reality that there isn't time to waste. It seems needed that we assume the figure in the Cathedral is connected with the rectangular object and the curse."
The Elder pauses again,
"The best course of action I can imagine is for the three of you to enter the Cathedral somehow and speak to the figure. I'd rather avoid a hostile assault, in case we have misread the situation in some way. Hope for diplomacy but prepare for combat. Meanwhile, I shall co-ordinate the efforts at the temple of divination into the Cathedral, the object inside, and the curse itself. Unless you have another suggestion?"

[TheDruid20]

" I agree about the diplomacy, but a few simple spells suh as detect evil could tell us if their intents are good or bad. It woudl not be wise to ignore the abilty to know if they are malevolent or not, before we enter its presence. A quick divination into how that object can be destroyed might be a wise endevor before we head up."

[BigRedRod]

"Divinations take time... Time we may not have. Rather than idly wait, it seems the best to directly address the situation. I will leave the fine details of your arrival up to you."
The Elder pauses for a moment,
"Perhaps, my mind drifted during your account, but why do you believe destroying the unknown object would give a positive outcome?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

"As far as we know, this object can only cause harm, and has done for the time being, hence the insanity. Such desecration of a temple cannot be tolerated, and even if the temple if not destroyed, it should not be used by any person, no matter what their intent may be."

Kythrin leans back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "And in the efforts of diplomacy, I'll try my best to make this guy more favorable, but my intuition says this may be a bit harder than it seems."

[BigRedRod]

The Elder looks puzzled,
"I'm sorry that I am being so slow, but I am curious as to how you managed to divine it's nature. And if it is as you say the object which created this terrible curse then you must understand that it is more than possible the object is a way to cure the population."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"I am not saying that the nature of this device is only for harm, merely that is all it has done thus far. And if this device does cure this plague, then getting it will more difficult than if it only caused the plague. So, either way, we have a predicament that is favorable for our enemy."

Kythrin nods, looking down at the floor, his own seeping into his concious. How is this going to be done with so many against us? I only hope there is enough faith within our mortal frames to aid in this journey.

[TheDruid20]

OOC: BRAIN OVERLOAD....

"Perhaps a divination is in order then, atleast about if destroying it will be good or bad. Something that simple hopefully will not take long. Trying to hold it if we can clear out the cathedral would be difficult. If it is in control of the townspeople we may need to kill them all to hold it long enough to figure it out later."

[BigRedRod]

"A hasty divination is most always a wasted divination. We do not have time to determine, in full detail, whether or not the object should be destroyed, or even if you possess the means to destroy it. Luian, I do not understand your concerns, the townspeople are safely outside the Cathedral and with the main door sealed they have no way in. The three of you should investigate the figure, while I coordinate divination efforts. Time is no on our side, and I would rather avoid any wait which is not vital. If we uncover urgent information we will ensure you recieve it."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Then let us be on our way." Kythrin stands at full height and turns to the door of the room. He pauses, waiting for the others, then takes his place beside his charge.

[TheDruid20]

OOC: If luian knows there are any clerics in the temple she says the following otherwise she stays quite. I think with a spellcraft of +15 she would know common cleric spells...

"Elder an Augary by a cleric would take seconds and would be a very good indication over weather we should destroy it and will give us something to go on. The townspeople are calm now but if that thing controls them and we take possesion of it. They may get very violent and even if we do our best many may die."

[BigRedRod]

The Elder sighs,
"Your talent for arguing over a meaningless detail rather than taking a postive course of action will never cease to amaze me"
The aged man gives a dismissive wave of his hand,
"Go then, endlessly pester the Gods and Forces of the world before you take a step toward the salvation of the city"

[ooc: if you want an augary scroll for Kythrin then all signs point to the scroll archive of the library]

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: you know how I feel about just posting an ooc comment in an IC thread]

The summoner leaves the dining room and proceeds with her entourage through the deserted passages of the temple and emerges once again in the familiar setting of the library. After a few moments Luian returns with a scroll and hands it to Kythrin. A moment later the cleric speaks,
"The answer is yes"

[tyckspoon]

Triren stands by fidgeting during the entire exchange between the Elder and the other members of the party. As the result of the Augury comes in, he heaves a sarcastic sigh of relief. "We're goin' back to the Cathedral, then? Unless you got some magic for opening doors, it looked to me like the roof was goin to be the best bet."

[TheDruid20]

"No I have nothing on hand, but I think a good old fashion rope ladder might be of use. Assumign you can climb up the walls." Turning to a temple summoner, "Where are the general stores, we will need a rope ladder or atleast a good knotted rope."

[tyckspoon]

"I already got rope and hooks, it don't pay to..be in my business without. But you're right 'bout the rope ladder, I guess." He turns to the same summoner Luian is addressing. "You know where to get some more climbing gear? I'm gonna want some more rope, maybe some harness if these-" he gestures at Kythrin and Luian-"people are climbing after me." Speaking to Luian again as the idea occurs, he speaks in a more deferential voice "Unless you think we don't have time to do that. Then I s'pose you can just take yer chances."

[TheDruid20]

"No a rope ladder or atleast a knotted rope. I am not a profiecnt climber, and I can enhance my ability but not by much."

[BigRedRod]

The summoner sat in the library shakes his head,
"...Not here"
He leans backwards slightly away from the book he was studying,
"I don't know the city well ... but there must be a general store nearby. It'll be locked, but I'm sure i nthe circumstances you can take ... liberties"
The man manages a weak smile

[tyckspoon]

"Very useful you are. Luian, I'm going to go out and find a store." Triren suits action to word and heads for the temple entrance, leaving Luian and Kythrin to do as they wish.

[TheDruid20]

"Well I tried, we will accompany you and go right from there to the cathedral."

[BigRedRod]

The trio leave the temple and set off through the moon-lit streets of Andrion. The air is cold and the streets are empty, the scene is both unnerving and tranquil. On enroute to the Cathedral they locate a small general goods store. The door is conviently wide-open and the store itself as deserted as the streets outside. A small patch of blood mars the floor but there is no other sign of the owner. The shop is well stocked, with shelves on every wall, a huge sliding ladder and a number of smaller racks of shelves arranged aobut the floor.

[ooc : pretty much anything mundane can be found here. Just bear in mind that you are looting a small business, let me know what you take and we'll begin the cathedral]

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin steps into the store and looks about at the shelves, nodding in approvement. He reaches into a pouch at his side and removes 5 gp, and places it out of view but in a place the owner might find it if he ever came back. As he sets the money down, he notices the blood and bends down to inspect it.

Lightly touching the dark brown smudge, he sighs. "I'm really hoping we can do this without too many people getting hurt. We need to be swift before something very bad happens."

He rises and moves back to the door of the shop, waiting for Triren to get what he needs.

[tyckspoon]

Triren rapidly moves through the store, looking for a rope ladder of sufficient length and some miscellaneous climbing gear. "Nice place. Help me find a ladder, would ya? Don't think there's anything else we really need." As he searches, Triren subconsciously cases the shop, although he has no real intention of stealing from a man who may well be dead.

[TheDruid20]

Luian helps him find a rope ladder and if none are around a nice long rope that can be knotted for easy climbing.

[tyckspoon]

Triren gathers assorted rope goods and returns to the front of the store. "Think I've got everything. You two done?" The thiefish trapsmith starts rearranging his equipment, trying to find space for the fairly bulky items he chose.


(Two rope ladders, an extra length of standard rope, and a spare grapple, assuming all such items are available.)

[BigRedRod]

The party leave the general store with their freshly aquired items and head down the narrow cobbled streets towards the great Cathedral. The moon-light gives everything a blue-ish hue adding to the eerie-feeling of walking through a city that sanity deserted. With Triren leading his Summoner and Kythrin through the urban maze it doesn't take very long until they arrive at the square in front of the Cathedral.
The mindless remain gathered as they were previously, leaving the entire square filled with the cursed citizens. The trio is disturbed by a sudden noise from above them, drawing their eyes away from the crowd.

Sat on a roof terrace around seven feet off street level is a little girl. An oddly familiar little girl. She clutches a doll and sings a nonsense children's rhyme. With her free hand she slowly points to one of her eyes and smiles at the summoner and guardians.

[TheDruid20]

"Stealth is not our ally any longer. We may be forced to fight or atleast create a distraction."

[tyckspoon]

"That girl isn't real, right?. So someone's watching us? Core, I want to get out of this city. Let's just get in the Cathedral, ok?" Triren's voice quivers slightly, his normally quiet steps sounding out on the deserted cobbles of the city.

[TheDruid20]

"Correct she is but a figment. But watched we are this night."

[LuneMoonshadow]

A shiver shoots down Kythrin's spine as he stares up at the young girl. He can't help but wonder who the creator of the illusion is, and why he chose such a child. His fingers grip his spear tightly and feet slid into a mose defensive position.

"Nothing feels right anymore." He pulls in a breath, exhaling a quick prayer. "But I'm sure as the Abyss is deep that I am not dying tonight. Let us walk with the light of righteousness and we shall be delivered success. The core watches over us."

[TheDruid20]

"We need to get into that cathedral, I could do it with the use of many spells that will greatly weaken me for later, perhaps it is best to just try to sneak through using a sphere of invisability."

[tyckspoon]

"Does your spell make us untouchable and silent, too? I don' wanna be the thing that goes bump in that crowd." Triren adds unnecessary emphasis with an emphatic gesture towards the sea of afflicted townspersons standing between the group and the cathedral.

[TheDruid20]

"Unfortuantly no but I am sure we coudl cause a distraction. If they are mindless or unobservant we may beable to sneak through without using up our whole arsenal."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin grips his holy symbol and shakes his head, staring at the temple silently.

"If you two have no other plans, I'm getting myself into that temple. Desecrating a house of worship is a sin that cannot go unpunished, and no mortal force will stop the justice dealt through my hand by the Core. Let us decide swiftly, for my patience grows thin and ire builds."

He looks down at his holy symbol, whispering his original prayer of oath to it he took so many years ago. They have never failed him, and he knows they never will. He only wishes he doesn't fail them... and doesn't plan to.

[TheDruid20]

OOC: its only been like 30 seconds game time...

"Yes I think I can get us all in by flight but one of us will need to be carried by the others."

[tyckspoon]

Triren gets out a rope as soon as Luian mentions carrying. He proceeds to tie it onto himself as he speaks. "I'm not doing that unless we're all tied together. Who's going to be carried? Kythrin's got too much gear..Luian, you're the lightest, aren't ya?"

[TheDruid20]

"Yes unfortuantly. Plus most likely the weakest but I will make you stronger just in case."

[tyckspoon]

Triren finishes securing himself and (assuming no objections to this safety measure) the other two with the length of rope. "Ok. I don't like this idea, but there's nothin' better I can see. Cast away."

[BigRedRod]

Roped together and magically flying, the tangle of Summoner and Guardians float, rather unsteadily, into the air and far above the heads of the cursed masses. The clusters of citizens waiting outside the majestic cathedral either don't notice the odd sight in the sky, or choose to ignore it.

The group come to a halt on one of the small balconys. To the left and right are huge stained glass windows, the thin windows start a dozen feet or so above the insanity filled cathedral square and continue upwards past the balcony to a height matching that of the great hall which waits the balcony door. The thick-coloured glass allows no view of what awaits inside the hall.

From this position on one of the taller buildings in the city it's actually possible to see the horizon to the east. A faint orange glow indicates the approaching dawn, but for now the city remains illuminated in the quiet silvery-blue light of a city abandoned.

[tyckspoon]

"I think there's probably a way in up on the roof. Guess I go up and set the ladder for the two of you? Or we could just go through these windows here." Triren unties himself from the other two and prepares to use the remaining flight time to head up to the roof. "Oh. You want me to leave a rope here in case we gotta climb back down?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin looks at his charge, impressed with the spell recently cast. he steps over to the window, peering inside, trying to see any figure or figured that might lend themselves to the hand of vengence.

"Be swift, Triren. We need to get in there as quickly as we can, especially if darkness falls upon us. I care not to be within walking distance of the mentally unstable once my vision fails me."

[tyckspoon]

"I understand. I'll try to get back here an' open this door from the inside." Triren floats up to the roof, stopping to hook on a rope and grapple at the edge. As he rises over the guttering, he looks around for a bell tower or open spire that may provide him entry.

(If there is one, just send me on in. I'll pick up once I'm somewhere I need to work at matching the outside to the inside paths. If there isn't, we'll have to bash down that door, I guess.)

[TheDruid20]

"Don't look so surprised, I am not that advanced along the path, wait till you see what I will learn."

OOC: need a ruleign on my buffing spells are they 3.0 or 3.5 cause ot significantly effects the duration, but in this case I will use it regardless.

"Triren, here this will help." Luian closes her eyes for a few secons then touched Triren with her staff, he feels is shirt tighten as his muscles bulk and his legs grow more nimble. (will edit sheet now)

[BigRedRod]

Gliding through the air the rogue sets his sights on the spire at the front of the majestic building. As Triren draws closer it becomes obvious that the spire is in fact a bell-tower, as such the spire contains a huge opening on each sound to allow the sound to travel throughout most of the nearby city.

Landing inside, the rogue can't quite get over just how big the metal church-bell is. Far taller than a man, and a little wider than Triren's arm-span. The decoration is typically ornate, this bell along with every other aspect of the building having to praise the core. The ropes used to ring the bell descend through two small holes in the wooden floor, clearly heading down to the ringing platform (Which by Triren's guess must be just above the entryhall). The holes far too small for the nimble rogue to climb through, however his eyes dart towards a trapdoor which bears no visible lock.

[tyckspoon]

Triren kneels down by the trapdoor to brace himself before attempting to pull it open. As he tugs on the ring, he offers thanks to Luian for her magic; the weight of the door would have strained his normal at best average strength.

[BigRedRod]

After putting up quite a struggle, the trapdoor finally opens sending the burglar spawling onto his back in the bell tower. Gathering his wits, he peers into the blackness beneath and sees a wooden ladder outlined in the moonlight. Any details beyond the rope parallel to the ladder are lost in the inky depths of the clearly unlit Cathedral

[tyckspoon]

As Triren takes a moment to stare down the ladder shaft, his hand drifts towards the Light wand at his belt. The reminder that he need not be blind unless he chooses to gives him the necessary courage to head into the unknown. The thief heads down the ladder, with his old trained reflexes taking over to quiet his steps and keep him hidden in the copious darkness.

[BigRedRod]

The ladder is suprisingly long, but eventually the rogue finds himself on a small wooden bell-ringing platform, at either side of the platform a staircase makes the Cathedral entryhall accessible. The area above the platform is rather less impressive than most of the cathedral, consisting of the ladder, a pair of dangling ropes and a bench. Beneath the platform lie the two great doors, the first marking the enterance to the Cathedral itself, and the second currently open and leading in to the great hall. Without travelling down the steps it's hard to make anything out of the great hall

[tyckspoon]

Move on. Got to keep moving so I don't stop.. Triren sneaks his way down the steps and takes the moment to stop and look around, making sure that he doesn't miss anything that may have been under the platform.


(If there's nothing of interest there, move me on to the main hall door..Moving Silently and Hiding the entire way, of course.)

[BigRedRod]

The rogue creeps quietly down the steps and positions himself to better see through the door into the main hall. The closer view affords him more detail than his peering in from the roof on the group's previous journey to the Cathedral.

Such a room would traditionally be used to hold the service, today however the picture is much different. The aisle between the two columns of benches is a blood-bath. Priests lie with vacant expressions in pools of sticky old blood in odd positions. They appear to have been distributed after their deaths rather than all killed in the same location. The bodies share no particular theme of death, some are missing most of their faces, having been torn at by something, others look to have had their necks or spines sapped, while further priests have had their bodies rended.

The large rectangualr object appears to be a sarcophagus, constructed from an entirely black stone while lacking any particular iconography that Triren recognises. The lid lies on against one of the carved wooden bences. Although from this distance the rogue cannot see within the object.

Still perched on the massive marble altar is the black figure. Staring at the piles of bodies and seemingly not noticing Triren peering around the door. The figure is clearly female and seemingly very attractive. Dressed in an odd black figure-hugging dress which contrasts her pale skin, her hands pressing against the later and her legs swinging gently.

[tyckspoon]

Triren fights down a strong urge to vomit as he sees the details of the mutilated bodies. He tries to ignore the gore displayed in front of him as he returns to his current task of getting to the room Kythrin and Luian are waiting outside of. In pursuit of this goal, the rogue looks around the upper levels of the hall, hoping to spot some stair or ladder that would allow access to the second floor walkway.

[BigRedRod]

With stealth more commonly associated with a shadow, Triren slides through the door and around the edge of the room to his left. The edges of the main hall are fairly dimly lit adding to his cover. Surveying the room, Triren sees the outer balconies (one of which his companions are now stood on) are all connected to a corresponding inner balcony no more than a narrow rectangle a few feet square. Enough room to allow access to the discreet ladders which exist next to each balcony.

Silently making his way up the ladder leading to the correct balcony he emerges to find the door is indeed barred. This time from the side he is on. However the bar itself is locked in position via a rather large iron lock which does look like it may have seen better days, but on the other hand locks of that size and nature never appeared to be free from a little battering and rust.


...

The High Summoner and her remaining guardian stand in the cold pre-dawn light awaiting any kind of sign from the rogue. After several minutes Kythrin hears a faint sound from the other side of the door, a sound too quiet to be made out but a sound none the less

[tyckspoon]

Triren slips a fairly generic pick from his set and goes to work probing the insides of the lock. Always these clunkers. I'd bet even the priests who worked here could pick this if they had to. Wonder if I could interest them in some better locks when this is done..Oh. I forgot to get oil. Hope they kept the inside in better repair than the outside.

[BigRedRod]

The lock opens within a few moments with a solid click. Grinning at his success Triren fails to notice the lock sliding from it's bolt as he puts away his lockpicks. A fraction of a second too late he swings a hand to catch the heavy lock, his palm pressed against the side of the lock and sends it spiralling over the edge of balcony.

After a second of tension, the rogue hears the impact beneath him. A solid pair of thuds as the lock strikes the carpetted floor and bounces a few inches away before coming to rest. Looking over his shoulder he can see the black-clad woman dismounting the altar with a swing and looking directly at him...

[tyckspoon]

Triren curses heartily as he scrambles to unbar the door and toss it open to admit the others, causing Kythrin and Luian to be greeted with a string of rough obscenities and near profanities remembered from Triren's days as a street gang member.

[BigRedRod]

The hall has remarkable acoustics and the pair outside even hear the black-clad woman speak from her position by the altar, her voice is flightly and light, making her sound very much like someone who has just emerged from an extended session with some of the more expensive herbs avaiable to relieve the stresses the real world
"The royal cousins are finally here, but they missed ... missed the whole thing"
A short giggle accompanies the odd greeting

[TheDruid20]

Seeing the thief throw open the door after the loud noise

"Stealth huh, and what thing did we miss? What did you do in here?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin tilts his head to the side and grasps his spear tightly. He takes a step past Triren and looks into the main hall and stares at the woman. He speaks to his allies without turning his head, "Is she talking to us?"

[tyckspoon]

"Dropped the damn lock. Get in and do your stuff, ok?" Triren dashes around behind Kythrin, so that the solid, reassuring bulk of the priest stands between him and the apparently insane woman. There goes the Shes the Unaffected Cause guess.

[BigRedRod]

The dark-lady beckons to the three stood on the balcony but says no more

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods to the dark clad lady and steps forth, making his way to her, from far away, he looks down at his hand, the gleaming silver ring a reminder of his cause. As he approaches her, he raises his voice, letting it reverberate throughout the defiled halls. (OOC: Diplomacy +29)

"Greetings, M'lady. What chance lends itself upon this encounter?"

He pauses, looking back at his comrades. Turning back rto the lady, he resumes. "My apologies. First meetings usually render introductions. I am Kythrin Maldune, follower of the Core."

[BigRedRod]

With the trio stood before her, the beautiful woman smiles,
"Chance? I saw you see me. Saw you as you danced through the quiet streets"
Her voice continues in the same manner,
"What is in a name? Each of you is a little present of talent"
She mimes opening a box and holds whatever was inside to her breast,
"One returning to his home. The blue streets preying. His hands for a-stealing"
After a short laugh she starts to rub her finger on her palm in a circle,
"Filling the words with talk, one secretly hungers for so much more"
The woman closes her hands and slowly moves in time to a tune only she can hear,
"Our last, the ungrateful, the undeserving."
After a slight pause she stops moving and continues,
"Oh yes there are more. Not for long. I do enjoy the games unfolding, don't you?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

"I know not of what you speak, for my skill lies not in riddles and rhymes." Kythrin shifts his weight onto his left foot, pausing a moment to think. "What do you mean when you speak of gifts and returning home? And what is of this game that is supposedly unfolding before us?"

[BigRedRod]

Ignoring the cleric's questions, she looks at Luian and tilts her head to one side

[TheDruid20]

Without blinking or saying anything Luian starts a slow chant as the heavens above open and a small ball of light decends and attacks the crazy woman.

::waits for next action::

[BigRedRod]

Exploiting the value of suprise the High-Summoner conjures a celestial to her aid. The glowing orb surrounds the combatants in a just-visible golden bubble as it arrives. The crazed woman shields her face as the archon gives out a pair of rays of heavenly light, the first goes far from the intended target, striking the altar harmlessly, and the second glances across one of her arms leaving no mark.

With the orb within reach the mysterious lady of the cathedral slams one of her palms forward, fully striking the archon and sending it to fall slowly to the ground, fading from this plane of existence long before it touches the red lavish carpet beneath. After the intense powerful movement, the woman drops back and smiles for a moment before a rather more sultery expression appears on her face and she excalims,
"I can't see whether it will be a suprise!"

Initative
???
Kythrin
Triren
Luian

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@-1 2o 60 rs 0 0 2o 5c 2o 60 -2o 60 *s -1 2o 5o rs 0 0 -2o 5o 2o
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@6o rs 0 0 -2o 6o 2o 6o *s -1 2o 6c rs 0 0 -2o 6c 2o 6c *s 8 5g
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@7d rs 0 *s 8 6d 8d rs 0 *s 8 63 9z rs 0 *s 8 5k dc rs 0 *s -3 5n
@37 rs 0 ? *s -3 48 3u rs 0 L *s -3 51 4f rs 0 T *s -3 4b 38 rs 0
@K *s -3 5p 26 rs 0 Altar *s -3 1p 55 rs 0 Pew *s -3 70 9t rs 0
@Pile of Massacred Priests *s -1 5o 10 rs 0 9zl6o 1o 10 5o -10 *s
@-1 2c 10 rs 0 9zl6o 2c 10 -1o -10 *s -3 4j 16 rs 0 Raised
@"Stage" (2ft) *s -3 by 2r rs 0 *s -1 39 3d rs 0 9y6tc 2g 20 2g
@3c 34 3c 34 20 2g 20 *s -3 6n 5t rs 0 Sarcophagus
*END -ag06g8

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin stays where he is, pulling a scroll (as a free action) from the Haversack and unfurls in swiftly. He reads the words, chanting loudly, "Magicus circulus contra Malus!"

He drops the emptied scroll and pulls a wand from his belt, praying silently that the spell succeeds in something.


OOC: I cast Magic Circle against Evil, and pulled out a Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.

[tyckspoon]

Triren steps up alongside Kythrin, and a little of his fear leaves him as he enters the embrace of the protective magic. He pulls his weapon free of its ties and stands ready, uncertain of the woman's intent but not wanting to be unprepared if she should attack.

[TheDruid20]

Luian raises a spherre of protection around herself (globe of invulnerability)

[BigRedRod]

As the now-blank parchment drops to the ground a replacement faintly visible shimmering bubble of glittering gold forms around the combatants. As the spell completes the cleric reaches into his belongings and grips a mytical wand tightly in his hand.

Gripping his spiked chain tightly the rogue waits for his opponent to make the first move

Luian holds a glass bead above her for a moment and mutters a few syllables, the bead shatters and a hemisphere of thick rolling blueness comes into being. The air inside the sphere also takes on a slightly blueish hue.

Remaining silent for a change the woman suddenly darts forwards toward the cleric. Fighting like a rabid bear, a powerful blow catches Kythrin on the side of the head, another blow is deflected by some unseen force. However the first blow lingers with the priest, he feels his soul fading slightly and his power lessening as an icy chill creeps through his body
[ooc: Kythrin just took two negative levels. Lost poison and status spells]

Initative
???
Kythrin
Triren
Luian

Map[/url]
Drop this text at [url]http://www.irony.com/java/mmee (http://www.irony.com/java/mmee)
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@(2ft) *s -3 by 2r rs 0 *s h 4f 32 4ey 2 *s h 4g 3n 4if 0 *s -1
@2z 3c rs 0 9y6tc 2o 20 2o 3c 3c 3c 3c 20 2o 20 *s -3 6y 5s rs 0
@*s -3 6j 5u rs 0 Sarcophagus
*END do8xft

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nearly doubles over at the blow, taking steps backwards away from his foe. He looks back up, his eyes fixing on the altar of his deities for a split second, and my mouth already forming the words. "May this house be blessed!" With that, he weaves his hands and fingers about, forming the spell, praying for safety.

OOC: Move back 15 feet, casting Consecrate. It has double effect because we are in the temple of the Core (+6 turn checks, -2 on her rolls, if she is undead like she seems to be)

[tyckspoon]

Triren follows along with Kythrin, placing himself between the lady and the decidedly unhealthy looking priest, with the lady at the outer reach of his weapon so he can strike in safety. He takes up a defensive posture as the chain swings out, preparing to defend himself and Kythrin even as the chain's barbs whip out to tear across the target.

(Expertise for +2 AC, -2 attack)

[TheDruid20]

Luian steps back (5ft) from the woman and summons a celestial dire badge on the opposite side of the woman.

[BigRedRod]

Withdrawing from the fiend stood before him the priest neglects his defense and is struck once again. His body and soul reel backwards in pain, his lips whisper a prayer to the myriad of Gods above and an additional larger shimmering sphere is brought into being.
[ooc: another two negative levels. Pick two of deeper darkness, bestow curse and daylight to lose. Currently -4 to pretty much all rolls due to this]

The rogue wheels around the lady and lashes out with his spiked chain. Snagging on flesh and clothing Triren pulls the chain free, bringing with it a torn section of black material and the pale skin beneath. Thick dark red blood wells up in the wound, bringing stark contrast the surrounding area of ivory skin on her arm.

Calling upon further extra-planar help, the High Summoner steps away from the lady as she completes the spell. In a single instant a hulking beastial creature appears with silver and gold fur and attacks. At first glance it's impossible to realise that this snarling creature could have any relation to the higher planes or a common badger. Twirling on the spot as the badger appears, it's two claw attacks miss the Mistress of the Temple, the bite however connects firmly with her upper thigh, tearing away a large section of the elegant black skirt but leaving no mark upon her beautiful skin.

Turning away from the summoned creature, the Lady takes a step forward entering the bubble of mystical exclusion around Luian. Remaining silent for the moment she lashes out with a series of blows which Triren only just avoids.


Initative
???
Kythrin
Triren
Luian




Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@-1 2o 60 rs 0 0 2o 5c 2o 60 -2o 60 *s -1 2o 5o rs 0 0 -2o 5o 2o
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@cf rs 0 *s 8 6b cp rs 0 *s 8 7g b2 rs 0 *s 8 6n b2 rs 0 *s 8 6l
@aa rs 0 *s 8 6w 8h rs 0 *s 8 5u 8h rs 0 *s 8 51 8k rs 0 *s 8 6m
@7j rs 0 *s 8 5v 7v rs 0 *s 8 5l 72 rs 0 *s 8 5l 82 rs 0 *s 8 6f
@7d rs 0 *s 8 6d 8d rs 0 *s 8 63 9z rs 0 *s 8 5k dc rs 0 *s -3 4c
@37 rs 0 ? *s -3 3m 4h rs 0 L *s -3 3m 3s rs 0 T *s -3 25 36 rs 0
@K *s -3 5p 26 rs 0 Altar *s -3 1p 55 rs 0 Pew *s -3 70 9t rs 0
@Pile of Massacred Priests *s -1 5o 10 rs 0 9zl6o 1o 10 5o -10 *s
@-1 2c 11 rs 0 9zl6o 2c 12 -1o -y *s -3 4n q rs 0 Raised "Stage"
@(2ft) *s -3 by 2r rs 0 *s h 2c 32 4ey 2 *s h 3q 4b 4if 0 *s -1
@35 3c rs 0 9y6tc 2i 20 2i 3c 36 3c 36 20 2i 20 *s -3 6y 5s rs 0
@*s -3 6j 5u rs 0 Sarcophagus *s h 2f 32 83i 0 *s -3 5j 38 rs 0
@DB
*END gehf5e

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin stumbles backwards, holding a hand over his heart. He kneels down in both desperation and weakness, and his lips form the prayer he hopes will save his own life, which seems to be slipping away too soon.

He raises both hands, the symbol of the Core in his right, and yells out at the top of his voice, "Lux lucis!" Centered on Kythrin's Holy Symbol of the Core, a bright outpouring of light emanates from the silver token.

OOC: Losing Deeper Darkness and Bestow Curse; Casting Daylight.

[tyckspoon]

Triren blinks as the light flares into being behind him, then watches it fade back into dimness as it hits the boundaries of Luian's globe. He firms his grip on the chain and keeps half of it back for defense while flipping the other end towards the lady in black again. "We're gonna die, aren't we?"

(Expertise +3)

[TheDruid20]

"Die you bitch."

The glowing circle around Luian falls away as she steps back 5 feet and chats an incantation as a dire celestial badger appears the other side of the woman from Tiren.

[BigRedRod]

The lady raises her arms protectively as the light pours from the holy symbol. After a moment, it becomes clear to both of them that only natural light would have any discernable effect.

Chain spinning and weaving in front of him, the rogue fails to grasp an opportunity to strike without forsaking his own protection.

Another beastial summon arrives in the cathedral and simultaneously attacks with it's brother. The beasts lash and bite at the mocking figure but come away only with shreds of well-tailored, expensive clothing. While the creatures attack Luian lowers her own sphere, allowing the holy protections of Kythrin to wash over her.

Looking up at the great stained-glass windows of the hall, the lady smiles and vanishes from sight in a dissapointing simple manner. A handful of words linger in the air,
"...towers of falling polished ivory are so very wonderful to see..."

Glancing towards the great coloured panes of glass, it becomes clear that the morning light is pouring throughout the city and has begun to spill into the great Cathedral of the Gods.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin, already kneeling on the bloodied cathedral floor, grasps his holy symbol firmly in his right hand and speaks. "The gods favor us, or find some use in us yet. May we not take their favor for granted."

He rises up slowly and laborously, slowly walking over to the altar, trying to find equilibrium with his new found lack of strength. Upon reaching the altar, he kneels, giving his deities a solemn and thankful prayer.

[TheDruid20]

"We should do what we can to end this curse as quickly as possible."

[tyckspoon]

"I'd give you at least even odds that-" Triren points to the ornate box blocking the main aisle "- is the source. Best place to start, anyway, it's the only thing in here that's different from what I remember should be here."

[TheDruid20]

"Kythrin move close enough for your spell to cover it. That may be enough to cancel it out."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin rises from his prayer, his eyes a bit watery from the bloodshed and turmoil the sacred cathedral had to endure. He nods to his charge and begins walking towards the oranate box in the middle of the cathedral.

[BigRedRod]

The first of the trio approaches the great sarcophagus of black stone. The heavy lide, leans against the box itself, covering the patterning on one side. Carved into the stone, and looking as if they were carved only yesterday by the sharp lines, are hundreds of pictograms. Not a language to the eyes of the priest, unless it is an extremely odd form of writing. The images are arranged in blocks, heavily detailed and cover almost all of the outside of the sarcophagus.

The central character of the carvings is female and appears in each block of images with an eye above her head, the exact details of each block are far too confusing to be made out with just a casual glance.

Reaching the stone coffin, Kythrin is granted a view to it's interior. Runes, familiar to the priest as being invovled with great magics of protection, sealing, warding and undead. Fixed inside the open coffin are four broken manacles, constructed from very sturdy, but short, lengths of chain.

Glancing at the lid, the servant of the core sees none of the runes, or pictograms. Instead, in small, simple engraving a short message in Celestial,
Ursula

The Corrupted Seer

The magical auras radiating out from Kythrin have no obvious effect on the sarcophagus

[TheDruid20]

Comming closer with Kythrin Luian studies the runes on the inside. Being careful if anythign looks out of place or dangerous.

[BigRedRod]

Closer inspection of the runes on the inside of the coffin confirms the observations of Kythrin. The mystic runes were part of a ritual of spell, the exact details of which are not possible to guess from mundane study. However, the runes used focus around protection, undead, sealing, warding and binding

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin grimaces and looks to the others. "Do we close the box and take it with us, or leave it here?"

Looking about the cathedral, he sighs, then back at the ornate box that is causing too much confusion.

[TheDruid20]

"It's a bit big for us to take with us, but I think we should see what else we find in here, as well as copy down their runes and images to take back to the temple to see if they can figure out better what was in there. That woman must have been in there, she is no natural being."

[tyckspoon]

Triren walks up alongside Kythrin and Luian and makes his own examination of the box. "These are..spells? I never got to practice much on magic. What sort of magic is this box supposed to have?" The rogue examines the manacles while he awaits his answer, those being the only piece of equipment he can readily understand.

[TheDruid20]

"They should tell you well enough. Something was in here to powerful for them to kill. The spells kept it inside and secure. I suspect we met what was inside."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Then let us search the cathedral for clues. I suspect we have until sundown to accomplish whatever task we set forth upon." With that, Kythrin steps away from the box and walks slowly over the the fallen priests. He looks at the solemnly, then kneels down to the closest one and says a quick prayer to the deities to watch over him. He continues this down the line, attempting to pay his respects to the priests who fell.

[tyckspoon]

Triren nods quietly as Kythrin goes about his business and turns his attention to a closer examination of the runes. He looks for chisel marks, burn lines, and the other damage that would be left behind if one of his trade had been used to damage the locking spells. As his fingers and eyes run over the carvings and drawings, his mind turns to trying to figure out how the sarcophagus got in the church. "They probably knew what was in this, so it would have been guarded, wouldn't it? Somebody probably either snuck it in with the spells already broken, or snuck in and broke the spells while the priests weren't watching..maybe the priests were about to redo the protections when she broke out."

[BigRedRod]

The rogue carefully runs his fingers around the edge, keeping his head at the same level as the top of the coffin. He pauses on the side opposite the resting lid and looks closer. A number of tiny marks, spaced almost evenly, line the edge.
Moving around the box to look at the lid, he sees what he had suspected, a series of matching marks on the great stone lid. Someone, or something at any rate, had chiselled at the lid. Whether this caused the spells to be voided, or was done before or after, Triren simply does not know. But at some point, someone tried to open the sarcophagus.

The carpet around the area of the sarcophagus is rather agitated, it would appear that the coffin arrived via cart and was pushed from it onto the floor of the cathedral. The ton of stone dropping has caused some damage to the tiles beneath the carpet, although it's hard to tell the extent of the damage without removing the lush red floor covering

Looking down at the swath of bodies before him, Kythrin knees before the first to begin prayer and notices something. Returing to his feet he stares at the bodies. The mixture of deep blue, green, and white robes. Not a hint of black.
In the church of the core, a Bishop and the layer of High-Priest directly below him would all wear a predominantely black robe to mark their rank.
The number of dead priests looks to Kythrin to be equal to all of the lower ranks of this cathedral. Everyone, but the Bishop and High-Priests, is dead in the central aisle.

[TheDruid20]

"Kythrin is something wrong? We should see if the people outside are still effected. Perhaps getting this woman to leave was enough to stop the curse."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin stops mid-prayer and rises slowly. Looking along the bodies his eyes narrow, and he spins about on his heel, cloak fluttering behind him in rapid movement. He looks about the cathedral and begisn to walk off towards where he suspects the chambers of the high priests are.

"Something very wrong is going on. These priests are the lower ranking officials. The Bishop and High Priests are missing. I want to see if I can find them."

[TheDruid20]

"Lets hope we find them. I fear they were sacrificed to cause this illness or where behind it. I will send Erren with a small note to the temple to relay the situation."


Note:
Undead Woman escaped from box ment to hold her. Still trying to cure illness"

Pulling Erran out of her backpack, "Please take this to the Elder, hopefully he will give you a note to return to me here. This spell will help you get their faster, try to avoid anyone you see, save the Summoners in the Temple, becareful my friend."
(cast expeditious retreat on Erren)

[tyckspoon]

Triren runs after Kythrin and settles in to walk alongside him. "Isn't smart to go in new places alone. The box was damaged, about where it would have sealed shut; looked like chisel marks."

[TheDruid20]

Luian runs up to the other two, "Yes let us stay together, it will be safer."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"I'm praying that either we find the bishops in a state of captivity or death. The last thing we need is a cathedral being desecrated by unfaithful bishops." Kythrin's hand grips the shaft of his spear, hoping dearly that his worst fears do not come true. He leads the three down the hall, towards the chambers of the High Priests.

[BigRedRod]

Abandoning the study of the sarcophagus, the trio march through the Cathedral, ascending a wide stone staircase at the back of the Cathedral's great hall.

With Kythrin leading, the party pass by various levels which serve as meditation chambers, lesson rooms, lower rank quraters. Eventually arriving on a rather more lushly decorated floor towards the top of the cathedral, the party are greeted by the same silence filling the rest of the city.
The nearest door stands open, peering in reveals a large reception room with a further pair of doors. No doubt leading to washroom and the bedroom of the High-Priest who occupied these rooms.

At first glance the room seems to have a disturbed air about it, it looks to have been carefully ransacked. As if thieves had arrived, knowing the general area of the items they wanted and had to find them in a great hurry. A chair is overturned, papers and books litter the floor and a few unidentifiable items lie broken on the floor.

Whatever happened, it happened very quickly.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin pauses at the doorway, staring into the room. He narrows his eyes and takes a slow step into the room. Looking about, he begins carefully walking towards the pair of doors across the room, watching his steps as he goes. Once he reaches the doors, he motions for the others.

[TheDruid20]

Luian tries to be as silent as and alart as possible while following the direction of her guardian.

[BigRedRod]

Moving through the room, Kythrin stops and stares in horror long as he moves behind the large desk. From his position at the doorway the desk had completely obscured the black clad priest.

Lying on his back, his face is a mask of pure agony. Both of his hands are coiled around a long dagger protruding from his chest. His simple long black robe now awash with blood. The man was in his middle-years, very young to have been chosen as a high-priest. His silver symbol of the church remains around his neck, his entire body seems untouched, whoever killed him either very carefully searched him or didn't at all.

[TheDruid20]

""Kythrin, we are lucky we found him, though alive would have been best, you may wish to search his body and his office. It would be best if you did it to make sure his body is respected properly."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods, his eyes watering in both anger and sadness such a talented young man must have died. But, Kythrin is sure he is with the Gods now.

Moving over to the body, he gently unwraps the man's fingers from the dagger, laying them by his side. Saying a quick prayer, he turns to his charge. "We will search and give these men the respect they need after we find the others. They may still be alive." A hint of doubt crosses his face, but he moves to the right door of the pair at the end of the room and opens it slowly.

[tyckspoon]

Triren stops in passing to pick up the dagger used to kill the priest. He wipes it off on the priest's clothing and puts it away to examine later before moving up to rejoin Kythrin.

[BigRedRod]

Brief examination of the body and the knife reveals little, the high-priest carried nothing on his person. The slender dagger was clearly forged with the goal of being easily hidden, but the rogue learns little else.

Emerging in the small washroom beyond, Kythrin notices little but functional simplcity. Aside from a latrine, a long bath and a wash basin there is little of interest. The windowless room is lit by several candles positioned around the washroom, the candles appear fresh as if they were lit seconds before the cleric-guardian entered the room. Another door stands in this room, clearly allowing direct access between bedroom and bathroom. It currently rests open.

The large bedroom beyond is simple yet elegant. A large carefully-made bed dominates the room, the thick golden materials remain closed allowing through only the barest hint of light. A bookshelf and wardrobe entirely cover one of the room's walls. A door opposite the bed leads back into the reception room/office of this particular high-priest

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin spins on his heel, a mask of despair and anger covering his normal visage of solemn patience. His cape snaps behind him as he briskly walks from the room and enters the hallway. He gazes to both the right and left, then walks off towards the other priests' rooms.

"Some of them may still be alive. We must hurry."

[BigRedRod]

Opening door after door, he enters near identical rooms. Each one as carefully ransacked as the last, but thankfully containing no further lost High-Priests. Each of the next six rooms is the same. The eighth and last, however, appears untouched with the contents being left exactly as the High-priest serving here would have kept them.

With every High-Priest's rooms searched by the trio and only one of the priest's found, attentions turn to the Bishop's cambers. Climbing the steps once again, Kythrin leads his charge and fellow guardian up another floor.

Rich tapestries hang on the walls, and symbols of the core adorn any empty spaces. The Bishop's office is large and splendid, far more so than the reception rooms cum offices of his High-Priests. A familiar but unwelcome odour greets the party as they step inside the room ... blood.

The light spilling through the rows of small windows on both sides of the room and the faint sound of birdsong clash with the growing stench, but the office contains no trace of either the source of the smell, or the Bishop.

This room also does not appear to have been searched, aisde from the large leather chair lying on it's side behind the desk, everything appears to be in perfect order. Two doors lead to the remainer of the Bishop's chambers, both identical-looking and currently closed

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin slowly walks up to the doors, hand enclosed around his spear. He motions for the other two to ready themselves. He waits for them to ready themselves for whatever is behind the door, then pushes it open.

[BigRedRod]

Clustered around the left-most door, the three prepare for what might greet them. A moment later the cleric pushes o nthe door with sudden force that send sit crashing open. In the same instant all three catch sight of the room contents.

The detail of the room beyond fades out of clarrity, whatever th bedroom might have contained is pushed far into the background from it's new centrepiece.

The stench of blood and death is over-powering, coupled with the view, it sends a wave of nausea crashing over the trio.

It's head is mere inches above the carpet, it's feet tied and suspended from the roof by a length of rope. Blood covers everything, and as the form slowly rotates on it's rope it becomes clear that not a shred of skin remains. The flesh is butchered and mutilated. The face a mask of blind agony, the eyes having been removed by someone unskilled at their work, the bone of the eye-sockets is clearly visible.

Not a trace of doubt lingers with any of the party, the skinned man hanging in the room is the Bishop of Andrion's great Cathedral

[TheDruid20]

Seeing the sight Luian coverd her mouth in a gasp of horror. With barely a thought or a word Luian taps her staff to the ground then to her head and her muscle visable grow.
"Here help me." Luian grabs a chair and uses her new found strength to get the priest down without him hitting the floor.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin stands there in blind fury, his pupils shrinking, but hsi body not responding. He looks down at the body, and turns away, putting a hand to his mouth.

"This cannot be. This cannot be." He walks off, nausea overtaking him. "This cannot be. What unholy force calls upon such an act?!" With that, Kythrin kneels down, catching his breath and forcing himself to calm down and push the sickness aside.

[TheDruid20]

"Hush up and help me and we can channel our anger in the right direction. Vengence and anger without direction is pure destruction. Now help me get this man down and try to do our best to corect the horrors that occured here."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin rises, taking a deep breath as he turns. He stares at Luian for a long moment before speaking, where he addresses both of his allies. "I mean no disrespect, but may I attend to this dishonor myself? Someone defiled a church of my cause, and I wish to stay here and clean. You two can go back to the temple and find out what to do with the coffin. I mean no disrespect."

[TheDruid20]

"As much as I would like to grant that request, we cannot split up it is not safe here."

[tyckspoon]

"Summoner stays, guardian stays. It's all or none this time. Sorry." Triren surveys the rest of the room, in hopes of finding a place to wait that isn't too bloody and doesn't offer a good view of the bishop's flayed body.

[TheDruid20]

If Kythrin allows Luian will help as much as is allowed in removing the body and trying to remove the evil taint, if not the blood.

[BigRedRod]

Unaided by her two guardians, Luian finally lowers the flayed bishop onto the blood-soaked carpet below.

The bloodied mess of the room is beyond a state which could be cleaned with any kind of success bar stripping most of the ruined items from the room.

Whoever tortured and killed the bishop in this horrific manner left little in the way of clues to how or why. The bed-chamber retains a good proportion of it's order and form beneath the sea of red, unlike the rooms of the missing high-priests, there are no signs of a hasty search. Seemingly the murderer was not to be concerned with anything other than the one act.

[ooc: deleted your last post Billy, there aren't any profane symbols or suchlike in the room]

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods to his Guardian's wishes. He takes the Bishop from his charge and lays him upon his bed. "I believe we should return to the temple and seek the Elder's wisdom before continuing. But we should also make haste, for these priests deserve burials, and I wish not to encounter the vampiress again at nightfall."

OOC: sorry for the lack of posting... had a packed schedule

[tyckspoon]

"Alright. We'll have to take our chances with the crowds, won't we? You haven't got power you're holding back, Luian?" Triren shifts from one foot to the other, ill at ease on the bloody carpet as the top layers crunch and the lower parts squelch under his boots.

[BigRedRod]

Leaving the desacrated corpse behind them the trio head of to deal with more immediate problems. The stairs down to the main hall of the cathedral are long and no speech fills the void of sound, none of the party members can find anything worth saying in such a situation.

Triren reacts just too slowly to the sound of voices below as enter the large central chamber of the cathedral containing the large stone coffin.

Six people stand at various positions in the room. A pair of elves, a male and a female, are crouched by the wave of bodies down the central aisle, a burly male half-orc stands near the altar looking upwards at the ceiling, a human woman leans over the edge of the coffin examining the interior, while a blue-skinned man examines the pictograms surrounding the edge. Looking directly at the trio, who have just emerged, is a man wielding a crossbow with a sour look on his face.

Each of the people in the room is clad in the lighest leather and chain armour combinations, carries a crossbow and a variety of other close combat weapons. All seem rather youthful, except for the man currently aiming his crossbow. Loudly he calls to the others,
"Look lively, we aren't alone"

The room turns to face the High Summoner and her two guardians, and the old sour man barks a series of questions at the party looking them up and down as he does so,
"Who are you? Why are you here? Stay still and answer!"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin takes a step forward, hand raised unarmed to signal he is speaking. he glances at his silver ring and prays. "I am Kythrin Maldune, cleric of the Core and protector of Luian," he says, motioning behind him to his ally. "We are here because the High Summoner has sent us here to gather information and help save the city from destruction. We mean no harm to you."

[TheDruid20]

"I am Luian, High Summoner, Here on orders to cure the Illness that effects these people. We were able with the use of much magic to heal those of the Summoner's Temple, but we have not enough magic to cure the whole village. We are here to find the source and stop it."

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: it's Elder High Summoner. Andrion is the biggest city there is, not a "village"]

The man nods and lowers his crossbow,
"My apologies, I did not realise you were a High_summoner Mi'Lady"
In a formal voice he continues,
"I am Quintus-Orsus Lowry, Dux of the third Riskbreaker company. I hold Lord Haustan's shark tooth. This-"
He gestures to the five others in the room, who all nod but remain silent,
"-is the third Riskbreaker company. We were south of the city on a mission when we recieved an urgent message."

The blue-skinned man smiles,
"We're here to sort this mess out too."

Half turning towards his company, Lowry tilts his head,
"Did I say take a break to have a chat with our new aquantainces?"
Rolling his eyes, the man chuckles and then manages a semi-formal, "Sir!", before turning his attentions back to the sarcophagus. Following his example the rest ignore the party and continue their work, except the half-orc who trudges over to stand beside his Dux arms folded.

Adressing the High-Summoner, Lowry continues,
"We arrived in the city as dawn broke. Then we caught sight of all the people out there, shambling around away from the cathedral. Everyone we tried to speak with was too confused to tell us anything, so we came in to have a look."
The large detail that the main door to the cathedral now rests open was previously overlooked by the trio due to the man aiming a crossbow at them,
"Anything you've learnt would put us one step closer to sorting this ... I don't even know the word for this. Dead in the streets, the entire city looking like they haven't slept in a year, and then the massacre of every damn priest in Andrion!"

[ooc: Quintus-Orsus sounds like a rank form the way he snapped it out, Dux a title of somekind. None of you have heard of the Riskbreakers. Although you all know of Lord Haustan, he's one of the heroes who killed the silver Lady fifteen years ago.]

[TheDruid20]

"Did you say the people were talking? Albiet confused, that is much better then we hoped. Apparently we managed to rid this city of the curse for now, But I beleive some fell beast was inside that coffin, we encounterd her. There has obviously been a good deal of duplicity in this city. I can only hope the culprits are among those who died."

[BigRedRod]

The Riskbreaker nods,
"Yeah, at the half of the city that didn't decide to have a nap outside the cathedral seem to be wandering the streets. Just talking gibberish for the mosts parts, hardly realised we were talking to them."
At the mention of a beast he tilts his head,
"Beast you say? Explains the straps I suppose. What was it?"

[TheDruid20]

"Wait, totally ignorant of you? Damn I had hoped we had cured it. Yes I beleive she was a Vampire. She fled the light of day, we were not prepared for such a fight. Given forwarning she would have been no match, but with spells selected to cure and explore fighting such an undead beast would be easy for us. Currently my Famaliar Erren is sending word to the Elder High Summoner, about what we found here. It looks like we might need to work together to find that Creature and cure this illness. Might I ask if you or any of your companions know much about vampires or can make out more of the sarchofogus then we could?"

[BigRedRod]

Lowry nods,
"It is reassuring to know that Anrion's Temple did not fall i nthe confusion. Mi'lady I need you to tell me everything you know about what happened. What the people were doing, anything you learnt about the condition, everything and anything. Hopefully, my company and I, shall be able to create a full picture of events which will provide the solution."

[TheDruid20]

Luian spills the beans about everything they know.

[BigRedRod]

The shock on the face of the Dux is clear when Luian explains that the Bishop has been both murdered and mutilated. The rest of the company who were casually listening, stop in horror at the words of the Summoner,
"That doesn't sound much like the work of the crazed masses you faced earlier. There's much to consider here ..."
Turning behind, he barks an inquiry at the two pouring over the sarcophagus,
"What do you know about this Ursula then?"

The blue-skinned man stands up and takes a deep breath,
"Long before the sealing, and the time of the High Summoners the world was divided into many kingdoms. More like groups of towns and cities accepting a leader to gain protection from the terrors that stalked the land, but they were called kingdoms. There was a kingdom known as Stolheart, whose King was served a Seer. The gift of sight was passed from mother to daughter within a certain family line, as such each daughter was required to serve. The sight, of course, provided a huge advantage to the kingdom"

His arms move in wide circles and patterns as he speaks much like illustrations in a book,
"This sarcophagus seems to come from Soltheart, towards the end of it's days in fact. The King had just died and his wife was to rule until their son reached maturity. During the first month of the Queen's rule the Seer was taken frightfully ill, antipating the death of the Seer, her daughter was sent for. The next generation of the Seer line was kept away from the capitol of Stolheart. Rather than the expected escourt arriving with the new Seer, a lone girl arrived, bloody and beaten. The travelling had been attacked by creatures of the night, somehow the girl had survived and escaped."

From time to time, the man points to a specific area on the coffin, the carvings on the side clearly contain much of this story,
"The daughter refused the attentions of healers and went directly to her mother's chamber. There she spent the night, in the morning, the mother was dead and the daughter became the next Seer. The daughter took badly to the task, being reclusive and never venturing outside or into any brightly lit areas. Around this time there were a rash of dissapearances amongst the servants of the Royal Palace. As is often the case, no one paid much attention. But the new Seer unnerved people, her visions were nonsensical to a degree making her almost useless and she would speak maddening gibberish to those around her. The young Prince came to visit the Seer and instead of recieving advice she attacked him, shrieking about a box. Guards and the Queen arrived to find the Prince staggering out of the chambers with blood pouring from his neck and the Seer advancing upon him licking the blood from her lips. As slaying a Seer, according to prophecy would mean the downfall of the kingdom, the guards were forced to attempt to subdue her. The vampress Seer however was strong and resisted, killing many guards before she was eventully confined to chains. The Prince later died. And as the corrupted Seer could not be slain, she was locked and sealed inside a Sarcophagus, this Sarchphagus."

With a shrug he finishes,
"The evil of Ursula, as the Seer was named, seems to have permeated her coffin. Making it a rather potent item. It's quite amazing what happens after an eternity. The Mad Seer had her insanity spread through the city when the box was opened, I assume. The fatigue is most likely connected to the seals, or some other aspect of it's prior contents. But I don't know of any tales concerning how to destroy the resting place of an insane Vampire-Seer, I'd hazard a guess that destroying the Vampire or the Sarcophaus might do it. But destroying this thing won't be easy, it was built to last."

From the dark recesses of the Cathedral, Luian spots her trusted familiar Erren the hedgehog slowly shuffling towards her. It clutches a small piece of paper in it's mouth as it had when it was dispatched back to the temple,
"Return to the Temple."

With his man having finished his story, Lowry nods,
"Best keep working on how to end it then."
Turning back to face the High summoner and her guardians, he notices the appearance of the note and waits expectantly

[TheDruid20]

To Lowry, "It seams the Elder summoner has something he wishes to share with us. (unless this would be wrong to do for cultural reasons) It may be best if you accompany us back to the Temple so we can better coordinate our attempts at healing this city. We should be quick however. This Ursala will be easier to kill durring the day and at nightfall I fear she may flee, then she may be impossible to find."

[BigRedRod]

Lowry shakes his head,
"As much as we would greatly appreciate being allowed inside the hallowed halls of the Temple, I do not believe it is our best course of action. We will continue our work here, studying, searching and guarding. We are honoured by your kind offer though, Lady Summoner"

[TheDruid20]

"We should however consolidate our efforts. It would be wasteful to duplibate the efforts of the other. Atleast do you have a way for us to contact you?"

[BigRedRod]

"We'll be here. Your familiar seems quite able to deliever messages, although if it's something more urgent I'm sure you will find a way. Good luck"
The Dux performs an act halfway between a short bow and a nod, and walks toward the sarcophagus to speak with his company in lowered tones. Leaving the party to follow the course of action requested in the note

[TheDruid20]

OOC: I SOOO don't trust this guy.

"That should work just fine, Is there anything else here your experts can tell us that I should relay to the Elder High Summoner? If not we will be on our way."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin looks down at the bodies below him, all the priests scattered about like a bloody mosaic. He turns to his charge and quietly speaks, "Luian, I need to give these priests the peace they deserve." He lowers his voice further, continuing, "I don't trust these men, and wish to undergo the task as soon as possible."

[TheDruid20]

"I understand and I am not sure I trust them, but as a cleric of the core, I am sure you realize that the people must come first. Would it honor their memory to bury them now when time may be an enemy. Perhap's we can simply gather them together in a single room bless then and lock the door till we have the chance to give them a burial."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Let us return to the temple and get some more information. We just need to be swift." Kythrin nods to Luian, gripping his spear and walking towards the great doors of the cathedral, leading the way.

[TheDruid20]

"Let us go with all speed then."

[BigRedRod]

Leaving the unheard of faction, the Riskbreakers, to further investigate the defiled seat of the church and protect it from any appearances by Ursula, the trio step outside into the blue morning.

The air remains icey, and the few clouds in the sky seem to have been tortured by the howling winds. The scene is much different from the pre-dawn gathering of citizens earlier. The number of people has halved, or possibly dropped to a third. Those that remain are mostly lying on the ground, although the ability to sleep seems to have deserted them. They lie with lies open, occasionally shutting them for a brief moment only to have them spring open once again. The rest aimlessly wander, although they seem more placid without any of the previously observed violence.

Striding across the huge square, the trio are largely ignored by the afflicted. A few pay brief attention, babble an incoherent stream of noise and then return to their wanderings. The journey to the tunnel system and temple beyond is made all the swifter by the biting wind, which fights an urge to stop or slow.

Passing through the illusion and emerging outside the great hall, the air is noticeably warmer. Moving up the steps and between the massive pillars, Luian reflects upon the deserted great hall. At any given hour, such an area would be a hive of acitivty, but no longer.

The maze of internal corridors delivers the party in the dining hall. Little has changed, a few of those previously sleeping in the makeshift beds now slump over benches on top of books. The Elder sits with Mikos and Sara, surrounded by a number of large books. All but Mikos seem exhausted. Garland and Ielenia are not present in the room which seems to contain all other temple occupants

The Elder nods a greeting and motions for the trio to sit and asks a question in the slow, breathless way you have come to expect,
"I welcome your return."
Noticing the rather drained appearance of the cleric, he continues,
"Perhaps you had best explain the events around your trip to the Cathedral."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin, the journey back to the temple much more of a labor than ever before, sits himself down against one of the walls. He politely smiles to the elder and decides to share the story, since Luian has already to it once, paying careful attention to the horrors done to the priests and cathedral of the Core.

[BigRedRod]

The Elder looks as if the news of the Bishop being flayed and one of the high-priests murdered had dealt him physical blows. Taking several minutes to consider the tale, he speaks,
"A story truely beyond tragedy, however, we cannot lose the city to mourning. It is good that the Riskbreakers have arrived, I had heard rumours of their formation but never actually heard any reliable reports of their activities or existence. Allow me to explain what we have learnt..."

Mikos taps the Elder on the shoulder and whispers something into his ear, the Elder manages a thin smile and the boy turns to the trio to fill them in on what has been learnt at the temple,
"Explaining would sap yet more our the illustrious Elder's strength,"
For a lad of such early years the boy speaks with eloquence, the sobbing wreck recovered from his room has been left in the past,
"Such an item as Ursula's prison is really two seperate entities. In this case, it seems that one is the enchanted sarcophagus itself and the other is the Corrupted Seer..."

Mikos trails off, clearly reflecting upon the new information brought to light by the trio, and then he begins a new at a quicker pace as the ideas and understanding reach him,
"Ursula is the key, without her presence the curse of the coffin is unfocused. The madness gripping Andrion is a reflection of Ursula, and when she is close to the sarcophagus she can channel the madness into a form of control. It all makes sense now, with what you have seen. Originally she musn't have realised and so her emotion flooded into those gripped by the curse. The citizens roamed the city, randomly fighting, cowering in fear and so forth. But she did notice her control, and she gathered the people towards her, they slowly closed around the cathedral. She ... She had an army at her fingertips. Your battle with her and the dawn-light drove her away and she could no longer exert any influence on the people. So they fall back to the base state of the curse, which must have been Ursula's state as she waited in the coffin, despair."

The Elder interjects,
"The vampire was trapped in that coffin until someone released her, inside the cathedral and the curse radiated through te city. Both aspects, the madness caused by her emotions and desires, and the fatigue.

Mikos nods,
"Yes, but she isn't causing the fatigue that everyone else seems to be under, that is connected directly to her prison for all those years. but none of that changes what needs to be done. While you were outside we cast several spells and we learnt a great deal. The coffin can only be used in this way once, the initial surge that occured when it was opened and tied it to everyone else in the city. If we move it far enough then the effects will all end, unless someone who was under it's curse goes back to it."

Placing a hand on his shoulder to slow hm down, the Elder nods as the boy speaks. Mikos blushes slightly and continues,
"If the coffin is moved out of the city, or destroyed then it'll all be over. Ursula alone lacks any of the powers it provided. And now we can-"

Interupting, the Elder speaks,
"Yes, we should ... be able to find out how to destroy the cursed artifact. Objects such as this are notriously difficult to permanently rid the world of, but there will be a method. With the information you three have gathered finding the method of destruction will be greatly eased."
Sitting back in his chair, the Elder awaits any questions from the trio concerning Miko's confusing explanation or the next step

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Elder," Kythrin says from his place against the wall, "should we move the coffin out of the city for now, or begin searching for a way to rid the world of the artifact immediately? And can we, or rather should we, trust the Riskbreakers?"

[TheDruid20]

"Yes they the leader was not the type to inspire trust. And if it is possible I promised Kythrin that we will return to see to the bodies as soon as possible. If we could arange the moveing of the coffin we would apprecate some help and a few hours to see to their remains."

[BigRedRod]

The Elder ponders the questions of the cleric,
"For now we shall search for a method of destruction, it should not take long. I believe the Riskbreakers are to be trusted, although I have heard little of them in any real capacity. Why exactly do you mistrust them? As for tending to the bodies of the fallen, Guardian Kythrin, I understand that this is your duty. Although Luian, I would rather you remain at the temple, aiding the search. Perhaps, Guardian Triren could accompany you?"

[TheDruid20]

"The promise was made by me. If I am to trust these people with my life, they need to be able to trust my word. I will leave Erren here, if it is urget he can send me a telepathic message. I will not allow my friend and guardian to attend to this alone. Besides, she is still weak from Ursala's attack I would not feel comfortable with her alone up in the city. I am not the best scholar and I do not feel my assiatnce will be ass useful as you obviously feel it would be."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin bows to both his charge and the Elder. "I am grateful of your respect for my duties, and I wish to complete them before night falls. Though I mean no disrespect, Luian, I wish to tend to the bodies alone. Though, accompanyment to the cathedral would be apreciated, especially with the Riskbreakers there. I don't trust them quite yet." If no one replies with a rebutle, Kythrin will return to the cathedral.

OOC: Kythrin is male.

[TheDruid20]

OOC: O M G I thought he was a she the WHOLE game!!!!!!!!

"I would not allow you back without a guard, You are not yourself, the stress and the attack. Without you I would be lost. What set out as a guard mission has become much more. As I do not consider you my guardian but my friend. If we are to live though all this I think that is a much wiser relationship."

[tyckspoon]

"I'll go back with Kythrin if Luian stays here, the temple should be safe enough. If she insists on coming..I'll still go back with her and Kythrin." Triren tries to get Luian aside for a private word. "I think you'd better do what the old man wants at least once. He already doesn't like us too much, and I don't want us to have that strong an enemy in this city. He's got a lot of influence that would be nice to have on our side with no strings."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin, leaning against the doorframe, silently waits for a decision to be made.

[TheDruid20]

OOC: I guess I never hit post last night...

"I guess that is the best solution. Erren will accompany you. If there are any problems he will let me know telepathicly and I will come running with help. turning to the elder Are there any in the temple that may or should know more about the Riskbreakers?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin bows to Luian, grateful of the decision made. He takes his leave with the Elder and makes his way to the temple.

[BigRedRod]

As the Elder frequently does in Luian's presence he sighs,
"Please try to focus on the task at hand, Luian."

[ooc: the next section is best thought of in terms of eighties power-ballad film montage]

Luian leaves the dining hall and heads down to the library, while the Elder and other semi-capable summoners continue to pour through the tomes already carried up. Simultaneously, Kythrin and Triren weave through the narrow corridors of the temple and emerge in the cavernous outside connecting to the sewer system. Erren, the hedgehog follows behind.

To Luian emerges in the library unheard and unseen by the two inside. Ielenia and Garland, working together, him fetching the books, and her paging through them searching for information. The Cleric, the Rogue and the hedgehog (a little further back) march through the city streets under the bright winter sky, from time to time a citizen of Andrion stumbles past, but they are far more concerned with their own insanity to pause or acknowledge the two.

Garland bows as he clambers down a wheeled ladder, acknowledging his second mistress. Ielenia turns to her fellow High-Summoner and gives her a cold look and few words. Approaching the two, Luian begins to explain what has happened and what must be done. Returning once more to the site of the defiled Cathedral, Kythrin strides confidently, with a look of eternal sadness upon his face, across the square and to the main gate. He raps on the door with the butt of his spear, as Triren sidles up behind, keeping his eyes on the citizens.

Nodding, the cold look fades slightly from Ielenia's face and she offers Luian a seat before asking more books of the Samurai. While their guardian clambers back up the ladder and pushes it around the bookcases, Luian sits and opens the nearest book. The next phase of research begins in earnest. The priest stands in the central aisle of the cathedral, with her back to the unhallowed sarcophagus, the Risk-breakers and Triren all stand wih their heads bowed as the priest performs the mass funeral for the massacred servants of the Core.

The blue sky darkens, as the sun moves below the horizon. In the library, Ielenia rushes to another table, Luian and Garland look over her shoulders as she traces with her finger across the map. All three nod. Once again all have their heads bowed in silent prayer, even Kythrin is wordless before the huge funeral pyre before him. The smoke further blackens the sky

[ooc: I hope that was a nice way of covering some fairly important but mundane activites. Should any of you wish to insist any details to be included, give me a heads up either via PM or OOC thread]

The scene is once again the great Dining hall. The two high-summoners stand with their three guardians before the Elder, Mikos and Sara. The Elder nods and speaks in his slow tired manner,
"Guardian Kythrin, your church would be proud of you. Sending so many of your fellows to the afterlife cannot have been easy. But, there is little time for relaxation, a new journey is waiting."
Taking a deep breath, he steels himself for a moment,

"High Summoners, I must inform you both that as of this time I will not offer either of you the teachings of the Andrion Temple. The time is not right for you, or for a period of such learning. Summoner Ielenia, you have demonstrated in your time here that you are governed almost solely by envy, one who recieves the teachings of this temple must be above such petty complaints-"
Ielenia visibly blushes and shuffles at her weaknesses beging broadcast to all
"-But with time, you will learn to overcome this. You would benefit greatly from spending additional time inside the temple and the city. You have bonded greatly with Guardian Garland, and as such you have distanced yourself from the rest of the. I do not criticise this action, but it seems you have selected which of your guardians will join you. Summoner, you and your Guardian will remain in Andrion, searching for the details of exactly what has happened here and why. You will aid in the reconstruction of the shattered dream of this Metropolis. And you will work towards the time when you will be granted the knowledge of this Temple"
Ielenia nods at her assessment and glance sideways at Garland who nods reassuringly

"Summoner Luian, you have fought almost every one of my requests and evn my advice. You are bull-headed and far from suitable for study of the Andrion Teachings, in time I am sure that you will see the folly of your ways. However, remaining at this temple will serve to do nothing but bring out such qualities further. As you are well aware, the sarcophagus must be destroyed. We have found the key to it's destruction, it must be dropped into the occhio del terrore, a volcano near Fire. You and your two Guardians, Triren and Kythrin, will travel towards Staton and then into Fira. From there you will travel to the volcanic opening and destroy this blashemy."

"The day is almost over and you must all rest for tomorrow it all begins again"

Chapter End

[BigRedRod]

Kythrin - 3,590
Triren - 3,527
Luian - 3,367

[ooc: I think that should push most of you into the next level. So go update your sheets]