[Nexus Plot] To Exonerate a Monster

[Morty]

On a small, gloomy world on the edges of the multiverse, the summer is in its peak in the once-glorious kindgom of Martenia. It's harvest season and the peastants toil in the fields under the blazing sun. The roads are mostly empty on midday, when the sun seems to roast the earth and everyone on it. Someone, however, seems to be travelling straight towards the capital.
This someone is, of course, Czcibor the paladin-inquisitor with his retinue of soldiers, paladins and priests, escorting an extremely original negotiation party. They're currently riding along a dusty, long road stretched over hills, zigzagging between villages and small towns. All soldiers and paladins are riding in grim silence - perhaps it's their company they mistrust, perhaps it's the heat. Czcibor stays close to the neogiation party, as does one of the priests - the small, bearded one. The tall, bald and lanky priest is ostentatiously staying away from them.

[iElf]

Yamako marches along , munching on a ration, really missing her motorbike

"how much further is it?" the net addict is feeling kind of annoyed

[Morty]

Czcibor had paid for horses for everyone.
Not much, he responds. We'll probably see Martendor before sunset.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna has the urge to follow up on Yamako's query with a "Are we there yet?", but manages to resist. And, so, she just heads along with the group...remaining totally silent the entire time.

[Darkcomet]

DC, for his part, has taken off his jacket thanks to the heat. Those present will probably be able to see the gun holster and dagger sheath at his sides. Oddly enough, the shortsword used previously seems to be completely gone, with no signs of it visible. The jacket, meanwhile, is visible, slung over the psychic's shoulder.

He's silent as well, though it'll probably be noticed that he's looking around an awful lot. Probably expecting an attack at some point.

[Morty]

Some of the soldiers glance at DC's gun holster curiously, thinking it to be some sort of small crossbow.
No attack comes, unless you count mosquitos. The only people who can be currently seen are some merchants on a wagon on the road ahead and peasants on the fields. Some of them look up at the armed convoy, but their worries are put to rest by the symbols of Perun. Shawna's hair attracts some attention, though.

[horngeek]

Karuka continues to carry her katana, as she takes off her cloak.

She looks around curiously.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR doesn't bother taking off her coat. She can stand the heat. Any mosquitoes that try to bite her, however, may get the sudden and inexplicable urge to redirect their offenses to the antagonistic priest.
...
Petty? Perhaps. But hilariously so.

[Morty]

The puny minds of the mosquitoes succumb easily to KR's mind-tricks. Not used to this kind of powers, neither Czcibior nor the paladins or priests notice any foul play as the bald, thin one starts trying to drive them away furiously. The small one intones a midday hymn to Perun, and the other priest, the paladins and some of the soldierers join him, although the priest is the least enthusiastic. Czcibor also sings along for a while, but stops to adress the negotiation party:
Our little troupe certainly attracts some attention. As soon as we reach Martendor, I will send most of my men away, and I advise you to stay inconspicuous as well, at least until we stand before my superiors.

[iElf]

Yamako is almost unaffected by the heat. the year 2080 in japan had hardened her. global warming meant that the temperature in summer rose up to 45°C in the shade, without accounting for the cramped atmosphere that came with the flooding on most of the coastal regions with over 70 million people living door to door in the greater new tokyo region.the leather jaket stayed on, but one could still see the shotgun strapped to her back, and the guns at her waist. the only thing that discomforted her was the backwardness of the place...the wide open field were a strong contrast to the concrete jungles of Tokyo

[Ashen Lilies]

"Inconspicous might be difficult." Says KR, glancing meaningfully Yamako's shotgun, and the other firearms and blasters of the group. Thankfully, her own is easily hidden in her coat, and has been from the start.

[Morty]

Czcibor sighs, following KR's gaze. Nonetheless, I advise you to try. Contrary to what you might think, there are many forces that would seek to undermine the church of Perun's authority by pointing out their connections to such suspicious-looking people. I think hiding your strange weaponry and lady Shawna's... original hair will do for a start.
Yep, the party will get involved in politics.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna has been noticing the...attention paid to her hair, and sighs a bit at hearing Czcibor's words.
"I must confess, I am not used to being...for want of a better term, discriminated against on the basis of my hair color. However, I believe that I may be able to resolve this satisfactorarily."

She pauses, and...after a moment...her hair color starts shifting.
Until, instead of its tricolored pink/white/green, it is an even, lustrous red. (Just barely within the 'normal' range of redness for humans.)

"Would that be more suitable?" she asks, eyebrow raised.

[Morty]

Czcibor nods. Yes, it will. Thank you. Now there's the matter of your strange weaponry...
It would also be advisable to give them some basics on the situation and customs of the capital. Otherwise, they'll stand out, notes the short, bearded priest, leaving his taller and mosquitoe-bitten colleague to finish the midday hymn.

[The Bushranger]

"That would perhaps be wise, yes," Shawna agrees with 'Beardy', even as her technological-appearing wristbands reshape themselves into more...traditional...looking gauntlets, each emblazoned with a coat of arms (http://www.heraldique-europeenne.org/Regions/Allemagne/Blasons/Prusse_FR.gif).

[Morty]

Very well. You may start, reverend Biedrzysław.
The bearded priest nods. So be it. We are currently in the kingdom of Martenia, the greatest of the human kindgoms on the plains. We are headed to Martendor, its capital. The people you are going to speak to are high officials of the church of Perun, who is the Mighty Thunder, the Eternal Flame, the Unconquered Sun and our one and true god. The priest pauses, noticing that he seems to have spoken like a missionary, but also to catch breath and allow the others to ask any questions they might have.

[Darkcomet]

DC doesn't say anything, but does seem to move his jacket over the gun holster for a moment, and there's the sound of digging through pockets until he puts it back where it was, with the holster and gun completely gone.

Odd.

But hey, the 'strange weaponry' is gone.

[Morty]

Good enough, mutters Czcibor. Biedrzysław the priest is still silent, waiting for any questions and such.

[The Bushranger]

"The 'Unconquered Sun'? That sounds somewhat...familiar," Shawna ventures. "From your comments, it seems that despite being the 'one and true god', there are those who would question your authority, yes?"

[Morty]

Quite so, Biedrzysław responds. There is the church of the Old Trinity, the three other gods whose worship is allowed in Martenia. Weles, the god of underworld and magic. Jarowit, the god of war. Marzanna, the goddess of winter and death. Their followers claim their false gods are older than Perun. He frowns, disgust evident in his voice. They are most likely to try and work against us, but there is also the Council of Mages who has strained relationship with us Perunites and the Black Company, mercenaries who recently came from the Free Cities to the east and can be hired by our opponents. Alchemists' Guild will most certainly deny any connection to us, as was agreed.

[horngeek]

"Joy. Why do I get the impression Weomir's case has political implications or something?"

[Morty]

It doesn't, Czcibor responds. At least, not yet. But if the word gets out the Church of Perun is employing alchemically created hybrids of man and demon, one of them got loose and strangers from faraway lands are now in the capital trying to defend him... well, I think you get the picture.

[horngeek]

Karuka cradles her head in her hand. "Yep. Got it. Great big bloody mess. My favorite kind."

...really, why Karuka's Zanpaktou doesn't have something to do with sarcasm, I have no idea. Possibly because I can't figure out a way to make it a Shonen-themed power. :smalltongue:

[The Bushranger]

"Cliche as it is, I do have a bad feeling about this," Shawna mutters, shaking her head bemusedly. "I do understand your point though.

...perhaps I would blend in better in a different uniform?" she asks.

[Morty]

That is not quite how I would put it but accurate all the same, mutters Czcibor in response to Karuka.
Meanwhile, Biedrzysław adresses Shawna. You probably would, but it is not a very pressing matter. Martendor is a capital after all, you see all sorts of people there.

[The Bushranger]

"Ah. In that case, I will remain as I am," Shawna says, looking happy at that. "You mentioned the Council of Mages. Is all magic regulated?"

[Morty]

You can get away with using arcane magic without the Council's approval unless you do it often, try to earn money using it or plan on settling down in the city. Of course, a powerful display of magic is going to attract the mages' and others' attention regardless. Even though their stay in the Nexus was short, Biedrzysław noticed that magic is treated much diffrerently there.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR registers the conversation silently.
"Would anyone notice if I tried to magically disguise that as a sword or crossbow?"
She points to Yamako's shotgun, which is of course, hard to simply shove under a jacket.

[Morty]

It would probably go unnoticed on the streets, but in the chambers of the church hierarchy it might be detected.

[Ashen Lilies]

"Hmm... better not risk it then, unless it's the only solution."

[Morty]

I agree. Czcibor nods. Perhaps it could be disguised as some new goblin invention... or hidden in the saddlebags. Saddlebags being magical, convenient storing places thorough the multiverse, as everyone knows.

[The Bushranger]

"Alternatively, I could place it in my extradimensional storage," Shawna offers, helpfully.

[Ashen Lilies]

"That sounds like a good idea." Says KR, nodding at Shawna.

[horngeek]

Karuka looks at her zanpaktou.

"...how rare are katanas here? Rare enough to draw notice?"

[Ashen Lilies]

"From the general theme of things around here, I'd say that it's foreign and unusual, but at least it's recognizable as a sword."

[horngeek]

Karuka nods. "You never know, though. I've had people several worlds attack me for carrying a katana.

Or rather, what the katana implied."

[Morty]

Czcibor looks at Karuka's weapon. It is an unusual weapon, but it should not draw attention. As for the extradimensional storage... if you believe it will help, be my guest. Czcibor has, of course, no idea what it is.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna nods in agreement, and reaches for KR's shotgun, to place it in XDS...
...which will consist of the shotgun seeming to vanish into thin air as if it were slipping through an invisible portal next to Shawna.

[Morty]

Czcibor and Biedrzysław are both impressed and cautious. ...well, that's one problem less.
Shall I continue? Asks the priest.

[The Bushranger]

"Yes, grace," Shawna says, nodding, clearly using 'grace' in the sense 'please' normally would be.

[Morty]

Right then. The city is governed by the Council, consisting of twelve influential, wealthy men as well as representatives of the important organizations. The king, who resides in the palace complex in the centre of the city, also has a say in it. Law and justice are enforced by the City Watch and, when needed, the Order of Paladins and the army as well as militia raised by the guilds.
As Biedrzysław finishes speaking, the sun is low over the horizon and the group begins approaching the city gates.

[Darkcomet]

DC remains mostly quiet, not asking any questions so much as quietly commenting. "Military law enforcement. Sounds familiar..."

[Morty]

As the group approaches the city, they can take a very good look at it.
Martendor is a huge, sprawling city spread on four hills, the central one being occupied by a mighty keep, obviously the oldest part of the city. While the whole of Martendor is obviously old, parts of it have been demolished, burnt and rebuilt across the ages. It is surrounded by a ring of walls, with one additional ring dividing the city in two. As with most such cities, a river flows across it, becoming considerably dirtier as it leaves the walls. And as all such cities, it is surrounded with the smell of a sick cow.
When the party nears the city, they become mingled with the crowd leaving and entering it, but the crests of the church of Perun allow them for a relatively quick passage. Here we are. Martendor, the heart of Martenia and of Mankind, Czcibor announced in a booming voice.
The gates themselves are guarded by tired soldiers in leather vests, armed with spears and shields, organizing the stream of people who seem to be mostly peasants leaving the city to reach their villages before nightfall and late travellers seeking shelter in the capital.

[Ashen Lilies]

Shawna nods in agreement, and reaches for KR's shotgun, to place it in XDS...
...which will consist of the shotgun seeming to vanish into thin air as if it were slipping through an invisible portal next to Shawna.

It's Yamako's shotgun, actually.

KR looks around at the city cautiously. Not that she expects trouble to arise while being escorted by a bunch of Paladins and Priests, but hey. You never know.

[The Bushranger]

Whoever's shotgun it is then. :smalltongue:

Shawna stays quiet, although her eyes take in every little detail possible...and probably record it, too.

[Morty]

The party passes through the gate and enters the city. Beyond the gate there is a large plaza, filled with people of various races - although humans dominate - ethnicities and professions. Next to the gate waits a large number of beggars, trying to scrounge some money from the people leaving and entering the city. The priests and paladins toss them some coin as Czcibor speaks: Well, we've made it. I doubt the high priests are expecting us so early... not to mention getting you to see them isn't going to be straightforward. I suggest we find a place to stay for the night and make plans. I will send the soldiers and paladins away.

[Ashen Lilies]

"Very well. What kind of place do you have in mind?"

[Morty]

A good inn on the outskirts of the town where we could discuss our futher movements without drawing attention.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna mentally debates for about 0.25 nanoseconds, before deciding that it has to be said.
"We will be starting our mission here in a tavern, then?"

[Ashen Lilies]

KR shoots a glare at Shawna. A glaaaaaare.

[Morty]

Um... yes. That's what I just said. Confused, Czcibor dismisses the soldiers, who leave and disappear in the crowd. Let us go. I know where we can stay He leads the party, along with the two priests through the city. At some point, they have to go through a rougher district, where they're subject to many glares. There's a lot more nonhumans here - specifically, halflings and hobgoblins who tend to stick to themlselves.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR guards her pockets as they walk through. Anyone brave enough to try and pick them will have their fingers broken without her even looking down.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna, noting the glares, does not return them, instead walking with her gaze straight ahead, not paying any attention to around her...

...well, no visible attention, anyway.

[Morty]

Well, the party gets through the city with no trouble. Noone seems to be keen on mugging a dangerous-looking group led by an inquisitor. Some of them, however, might get an impression they're being followed.
Eventually, Czcibor leads them to a fine-looking inn in a relatively sparsely built-up section of Martendor. The inkeeper immediately greets them, bowing to the inquisitor and showering him with praise and promises of service. Wait here for a moment, the inquisotor says. I'll talk to the owner and your horses will be led to the stables.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR nods, wondering where she got a horse and why she's suddenly sitting on one, despite having made most of the journey on foot. She decides not to question it. Silly Nexus. Seems its influence reaches even here.

[Morty]

It's a fantasy land. Ergo, everybody will be riding on horses even if they weren't near a horse in their entire life. That's a fact.
The party is left alone as Czcibor and the priests go inside and some servants take their horses.

[The Bushranger]

They can only ride on a horse, of course!

"We will wait, I suppose," Shawna says, nodding, as she dismounts and stretches the kinks from her muscles.

[Morty]

After some time, Czcibor and the priests come back. The rooms are satisfactory. There's one three person room and one two person room. Make yourselves comfortable. Meet us downstairs latter for supper.
Servants will lead the grounp to their chosen rooms.

[The Bushranger]

"So, which room will be chosen by whom?" Shawna inquires of the others. "I am comfortable with either arrangement, and any combination of partners and genders."

She pauses, then continues. "Hopefully in the morning, we can set about clearing Wenomir's reputation in a proper fashion."

[Morty]

A servant cleaning the room in the hallway the party is standing in scurries off rather quickly.

[Darkcomet]

"Hopefully..." After his rather unconfident-sounding comment, DC glances at the fleeing servant. "What was that about?"

[The Bushranger]

Shawna looks around as well.
"That is a good query. Perhaps I should pursue?"

[Darkcomet]

"Good idea. Better get on that before they get too far away." DC will do just that, though is just walking fairly quickly, not wanting to draw too much attention to himself by running or floating. Whoo.

[Morty]

The servant, who is a thin, red-headed young girl, quickly disappears into what looks like a broom closet or something similar. Meanwhile, guests in the whole inn begin to congregate downstairs for supper.

[Darkcomet]

DC lightly knocks on the door to the closet. Not much point hiding in a closet if the door's open, so DC-the-player assumes it's shut, anyway. "Hello? We're not going to hurt you."

[Morty]

The girl leaves the closet with a new broom and a bucket. Uh, excuse me, sir? I was just fetching a new broom...

[The Bushranger]

Shawna follows DC, deciding to play whichever cop the psion isn't in the upcoming interrogation.

[Darkcomet]

DC folds his arms across his chest. "You ran away a bit too quickly for me to believe that, miss."

[Morty]

The girl shrinks a little. I... have no idea what you're talking about, sir. Please, just let me get back to work.

[The Bushranger]

"Don't worry, miss." Shawna gives what she intends to be an encouraging smile. "You will be able to get right back to work. We just want to know what scared you so."

[Morty]

Nnnothing. I mean, until you came here and started asking questions, that is... Luckily, the closet is away from the guest rooms, so they haven't picked anyone's attention yet.

[Darkcomet]

DC sighs, not saying anything else. He does try to read the girl's mind, though. Lousy psychics. It's more of just trying to take a careful look than any outright probing, though.

He's trying to be subtle.

[Morty]

DC will be able to see that the girl reacted to the name "Wenomir", as she was told about it by someone else in the staff.

[Darkcomet]

"Come on, we're not getting anything out of this." DC motions for Shawna to head back to where they were before going after the girl, before heading over there himself. Shawna's liable to hear a voice in her head, if she's still capable of receiving telepathic messages, anyway. Apparently someone told her about Wenomir. Fortunately, she didn't seem to notice my particular...method of figuring that out.

[Morty]

The girl scurries away, relieved.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna can, indeed, receive messages. She can't reply though. And so she merely nods, sighing to herself as they go to their room. (:smalltongue:)

[Morty]

Most patrons have gone downstairs for the evening meal. Czcibor is also waiting for the party there.

[The Bushranger]

And so Shawna will, one presumes, lead the way there, nodding to Czcibor as they arrive.

[Morty]

Czcibor and the two priests are sitting by a large table with enough free space for the others to sit. They had no trouble with reserving three seats, of course.
Please, do sit down. What took you so long?
They are eating some sort of thick soup with pieces of meat and vegetables in it and bread. The staff quickly brings the same for the party.

[Darkcomet]

DC sits down. "Apparently someone on the staff knows about Wenomir and told one of the servants about it. We were busy figuring that out." He speaks quietly, as indicated by the size 1 text, just so no one else around gets spooked.

[Morty]

Czcibor frowns. This is strange. Th- Wenomir comes from a village far to the south, there shouldn't be anyone who knows him here.

[The Bushranger]

"Strange perhaps, but when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth," Shawna quotes, sampling her soup and nodding in approval.

[Morty]

Let us be on a lookout, then. Both priests nod, the tall, bald one still scratching himself every once in a while.
((Pokes Kris and iElf with a guisarme.))

[Ashen Lilies]

KR is listening to the conversation, as well as sampling her Stew. Because of course it's Stew. Don't fob me off with that 'thick soup' rubbish, if it's a Generic Fantasy World generically fantastical enough to make sure everyone is riding horses, then they shall be doing it while eating Stew. It is the Law.
...
She doesn't really have anything to add to the conversation.

[Morty]

The rest of the supper passes in silence. When the party returns to their room after it is over, they will find a man waiting next to it. He's old, but still fit and muscled, indicating that he was rather athletic in his earlier years. He has long, gray hair tied up in a ponytail and receding at the forehead as well as an impressive moustache and sideburns. He's wearing a long travelling cloak and has no visible weapons. He nods as they approach.
Greetings. I think we might have a common acquaintance.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna pauses, sizing up the Generic Old Mannewcomer, and nods in greetng after a moment.
"Good evening to you, sir. What common acquaintance might this be? As we have only quite recently arrived in this fine town."

[Morty]

The old, muscled man sighs.
Let's not beat around the bush, shall we? You know a man named Wenomir. And he's the reason you're here.

[Darkcomet]

"And you know this how?" DC seems rather suspicious of the man, naturally.

[Ashen Lilies]

"And more importantly, is you knowing good or bad for us?" Says KR, leaning casually against the wall. Of course she's ready to incapacitate or kill him at a moment's notice.

[Morty]

A smile appears under the man's impressive moustache. The staff here is much harder to bribe than people in a seedy tavern in the slums, but it can be done. As for whether or not me knowing is good or bad - it's certainly good for you. I don't know if it's good or bad for me, however. He looks from one person to another with a piercing gaze.

[Ashen Lilies]

"Now who's beating around the bush? What's your reason for knowing these things, and why have you approached us?"

[Morty]

The man snorts, his eyes narrow and he says sharply: I will come straight to the point, then: I'm Wenomir's swordfighting teacher from long ago, who's very curious about what happened to his student.

[The Bushranger]

"In that case," Shawna states reasonably, "You will be pleased to know that he is alive and well and fighting apocalypses."

[Morty]

But where is he? Why did he leave? I have a feeling it's going to be a long story... The old man sighs.

[Ashen Lilies]

"It probably would be." KR admits.
"If I knew all of it. I'm afraid that's a story only Wenomir knows."

[Morty]

I see. I only know his story until eleven years ago... when I left him to wander the world. His tone is rather bitter. And why are you trying to "clean his name"?
It might occur to the party this discussion should be had in their room, not in the hallway.

[Ashen Lilies]

"I think this isn't a conversation that should be had in the corridor."
She attempts to lead him into the nearest of their rooms. Once/if everyone is inside, she'll pull out a chalk and start to write on the door in practised strokes, until a rather complex sigil start to become apparent. This sigil should disguise their conversation from prying ears, but more serruptitiously, she's written another one inside the main one that should compel everyone in the room to speak truthfully (though of course they can choose to tell half-truths and withold information - just no lies). The spell is somewhat weak though, and might fail since they aren't in the magic-rich environment of the Nexus. She telepathically warns the others of the group about the spell.
"So you say you were his teacher until eleven years ago?"

[The Bushranger]

"Perhaps we should step inside?" Shawna asks, opening the door to the party's room. "It would appear, that there is much we should discuss."

[Morty]

Yes. The man nods and steps inside and looks curiously at the sigil. Yes, I was. But what is this? He told the truth.

[Ashen Lilies]

"I've written some magic to stop others from listening in. Paranoid, maybe, but paranoia runs in the family." She has of course, failed to mention the other spell.
"You said you... left him to wander the world?"

[Morty]

The man nods. Yes. I left on a journey of enlightment. I sought a secret coveted by many... now, when I'm old and gray, it occurs to me it might have been a fool's errand. He sounds tired and bitter.

[The Bushranger]

"Many things appear quite less important in hindsight than they did at the time. However, looking back can only hold one back," Shawna says. "Would you like some coffee, sir?"

[Darkcomet]

DC's quiet, not doing much aside from glancing at KR when paranoia comes up. But he doesn't say anything.

Someone might protest, but DC doesn't feel like lying.

[Morty]

What's "coffee"? The man is confused. In either case, my mission is not important. Or maybe it is, because Wenomir seemed to hold the same belief as I when I trained him. But we'll deal with this later. All I know is that after I had left him to my journey, I travelled whe world for nine years and when I got back home, Wenomir was gone and noone knew anything about what had happened to him, although some hinted at alchemists and Perunites. He sighs. It was a pure chance I heard the name. I serve in Black Company now, and when I heard an inquisitor entered the town with some strange people, I thought it might be worth investigating. Turns out I was right.

[The Bushranger]

"...a caffinated beverage that assists in maintaining alertness, and also is a social drink of choice," Shawna says, about to break the Prime Directive and interfere with the development of a less advanced culture through the introduction of coffee to an unsuspecting land...

"The Inquisitor in question, was sent to 'eliminate' him, I believe is the most succinct explanation," she says. "We were able to convince him that this was not necessary, and have returned with him in order to assert this case to the proper authorities."

[Morty]

The as-of-yet-unnamed old man picks a question from the gathering throng. ...why would the Inquisition be after him?

[Ashen Lilies]

"What do you know about Demonhunters, Mr...?"

[Morty]

Dobigniew. And I have heard rumors about some hunter-killers being employed by the Church of Perun, but I didn't know whether to believe them... however, realization dawns in his eyes.

[Ashen Lilies]

"I'd say believe them, but of course I don't know the extent of the rumors, so it might be prudent to ignore the more outlandish ones. The basic premise, however, is true."

[Morty]

I see. Dobigniew strokes his moustache. And I assume Wenomir somehow became one.

[The Bushranger]

"Actually," Shawna points out, "According to them, he was created as one, which is why their forces sought him out to...'recapture' him."

[Morty]

Dobigniew shakes his head sternly. I know Wenomir. He was born as a human. He can't have been "created" as a demonhunter.
((I see a communication failure here. >.>))

[The Bushranger]

"Perhaps I misunderstood their meaning," Shawna acknowledges with a dip of her head.
The tip of one strand of hair flickering from brown to green, then back to brown after an instant.

((Heh, perhaps. Brain not at 100% at the moment. <_<))

[Morty]

Perhaps. In either case, I understand Wenomir is one of them now?

[Ashen Lilies]

"He is." Says KR.
Kris dearly hopes this man doesn't turn out to be The Enemy. For his sake.

[Morty]

Dobigniew strokes his moustache once more. Hmmm. Yes, it all begins to fit together now, I think. The Demonhunters are kept in secret, which is why I couldn't fid anything about Wenomir's disappearance - the alchemists and Perunites likely kept it secret. He snorts. The tone of his voice clearly indicates he is no friend of the Church of Perun. If Wenomir is still like he was when I knew him, he was tight-lipped about his past and what led to him becoming a Demonhunter.

[Ashen Lilies]

"That's... true."

[Morty]

The swordsman shakes his head. I swear, this boy had always been much too stubborn for his own good... maybe we could piece it together from what you an I know.

[Ashen Lilies]

"If it could help exonerate him..."
Though it should be obvious that she doesn't feel too comfortable prying into Wenomir's past. If he wants it kept hidden, let him. But at this point they might need that information when facing the Perunites.

[Morty]

It might. And on a personal note, I really would like to know what happened. I think it would be good for him, too. Dobigniew scratches his chin. Let's see. When I met Wenomir, he was already an accomplished soldier in the retinue of duke Wracisław the Black. I decided he had a great talent and shouldn't die on some anonymous battlefield before reaching his potential. I began to teach him an exotic fighting style, the longsword. He pauses. He was already rather... spiky back then. He kept quiet most of the time, but occasionally he'd snap at someone.

[The Bushranger]

"I must admit I only know him slightly, from recent meeting," Shawna admits, looking to KR and DC to chip in more than she can.

[Ashen Lilies]

...
I can't remember how much KR knows, actually. They never really talked until WATCHTOWER, and as I remember, most of Wenomir's backstory revelations were during his GLoG era, when he was trying to redeem and stuff.

[Morty]

She doesn't know much, I suppose. Wenomir never really revealed anything in GLoG or WATCHTOWER but if he did reveal something, it was in the former.

[Ashen Lilies]

...
*looks at DC*

[Morty]

Since DC said he wishes DC-the-character remain silent here...
The old warrior continues. I can see he didn't tell you much. Well, I'll get straight to the point - I think it had to do with his sister's death some years before we met. He scratches his chin. About a year before I left, he seemed to have become infatuated with a nobleman's daugher. Since she was an idiot who treated any non-noble like air, I doubt it went well.

[Ashen Lilies]

"I see..."
She doesn't really have any comments or insight onto Wenomir's love life, so can't add anything there. If Mr. Guy-with-the-Polish-name-that-I've-already-forgotten->.> doesn't have anything more to add on that topic she'll ask:
"Wenomir had a sister?"

[Morty]

Dobigniew nods. Yes, he did. At least one. Peasants here tend to have large families, you see. All I managed to get out of him was that they had been close and she had died.

[Darkcomet]

"Can't say I blame him for not talking about it much." DC would know. Family issues are like that.

He doesn't really have much else to say.

[Morty]

To sum it up, that's all I know. I left him in the duke's castle to go on my journey and when I got back ten years after, he was gone. At first, I thought he had died in a battle, but I found out he hadn't. The knight sighs. It was as if faeries had kidnapped him. I gave up hope of finding him and joined the Black Company. And now, you show up.

[Ashen Lilies]

"From what we can tell, he was given an infusion of demon blood, and served as a demon hunter for the church. Then there was some tragedy... and he shows up on our world, searching for redemption. The alchemists and clerics of Perun had been chasing him for a while, believing him to be a 'monster.' We came to persuade the church that that is not the case."

[Morty]

In this case, all we have to do is to find out what made him subject himself to the... experiment. But, we have spent enough time talking. In return for finding out what happened to my student, I can offer you help. I have some influence in the Black Company, a regiment of which is stationed in the city. It might prove useful when you deal with the Church of Perun... and others.

[Ashen Lilies]

Kid Kris fails to see how. What with this being a diplomatic mission.
...
But maybe KR does, because she's nodding!

[Morty]

Maybe he's just trying to get them to help him. Or maybe it means the mission will be more compliated.
I'll be leaving now. My presense here must have raised some suspicion. If you need to contact me, come to the Black Company's headquarters in the northern part of the city, just left to the graveyard district.

[Ashen Lilies]

"I'll keep that in mind."

[Morty]

Unless someone else has something to add, Dobigniew will leave. It's got pretty late when they talked.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR notices.
"We should get some rest."
And assuming no one else wants to discuss anything, she'll unpick the spell on the door, and head to her room to sleep. Or chase the others out of the room, as the case may be. Or only chase DC out, in case the rooms are arranged by gender, and not individual rooms for everyone. Or whatever.

[Morty]

However the room assignments might end up, the night passes uneventfully, except for that horde of rampaging orcs setting fire to half of the town. The inn's guests are heading to the common room for breakfast. Czcibor is presumably waiting for them there.

[The Bushranger]

And Shawna, who remained suspiciously quiet throughout the rest of the conversation, heads down to breakfast, where she intends to eat hearty.

[Morty]

Czcibor is waiting for the negotiation party by their table. Good morning. I trust you slept well. Today, we'll begin meeting with the people we need to talk to.

[The Bushranger]

"I did indeed sleep well, thank you," Shawna says, perusing the selections for breakfast. "I believe I will be ready to meet with these people, presuming, of course, that they will be ready to meet with us."

[Morty]

Czcibor lowers his voice and the two priests behave as if they didn't hear anything. Today, we'll be meeting with one of the priests who knows about the Demonhunter Project. Hopefully, he'll believe us and inform his superiors. It seems he didn't tell the group not all members of the Church are aware of the Demonhunters. Whoops.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR nods.
"Alright."

[Morty]

Unless Shawna, DC or Yamako have anything to add, Czcibor stands up after breakfast is finished - the two priests don't go so as not to draw even more attention - and leads the party through the streets in the direction of a small church in one of the richer districts. Private guards employed by the nobles living there approach them, but back away when they see Czcibor's inquisitorial uniform.
Here we will find the priest we need to talk to. Do keep quiet when inside, please.

[The Bushranger]

"Understood," Shawna says in a low voice, nodding as she slips in following Czcibor.

[Morty]

Czcibor leads the group into the mostly empty church, then into the church's backyard, where a tall, broad-shouldered and fat priest is speaking with two servants. When he sees Czcibor, he waves them away and, as they leave, approaches the inquisitor and the party.
Inquisitor Czcibor! What brings you here? And who is your... company? He looks at the strangers.
I will allow them to introduce themselves. Czcibor steps aside.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna, being first behind the Inquisitor, gives the priest a formal curtsey, her mannerisms 'courtly perfect'. "I am Shawna von Letters. It is a honour to meet you, Father."

[Morty]

The priest nods back, in a patronising priestly fashion. Yes, welcome. I am Reverended Zbychosław. Now, what brings such an original company to my door?

[Darkcomet]

DC introduces himself and such, again just using 'DC'. I assume this can be skipped over because I dislike playing out introductions. Blah.

Now stop poking me, it's better if DC's not the one that does all the diplomatic talking anyway, since he's one of the ones WATCHTOWER's reputation for having the social aptitude of a rock comes from. Call me if you need precision mind control! :smalltongue:

[Ashen Lilies]

KR also introduces herself. And then:
"We are here about Wenomir Rawicz."

Really? I thought it KR and Wenomir were the root of that reputation? Call me if you need something killed in a distressingly permanent manner! :smalltongue:
...
Actually, a little mind control here and there might not go amiss... :smallamused:

[Morty]

About who? The priest looks surpsised and confused until Czcibor pipes in: The man they speak of is one of the... highly secret agents of the Church.
Realization dawns on Zbychosław. Oh, I see. I assume he is the one who escaped... and since you're here I assume something about Sir Czcibor's mission didn't go as planned. He shoots a glare at the Inquisitor.

[The Bushranger]

"If by 'not as planned' you mean 'was explained that he did not need killing after all', then yes, yes it did," Shawna says in a distinctly dry tone.

[Morty]

What is the meaning of this? Zbychosław asks noone in particular. We were assured the demonhunter would be dangerous and have to be killed. He glares at Czcibor again, who apparently takes offense to it.
I found him in company of those people. They all claimed he is sane and not dangerous, and I had no choice but to believe them. They are here to speak to the Church on his behalf. The paladin gestures at the party.

[The Bushranger]

"Indeed, in the short time I have known him, at least, my opinion is that Wenomir is one of the sanest men whom I have met," Shawna explains, giving Zbychosław a 'don't make me decide I don't like you, you might not like me if I don't like you' sort of look.

[Morty]

The priest folds his arms across his chest, breathing heavily. Well, Paladin Inquisitor Czcibor brought you here. I suppose he had some reason. I assume you are here to ask us to leave... him alone? His tone is still very much unfriendly.

[Ashen Lilies]

"We are indeed. Will you?" Asks KR, not quite giving the priest a glaaaare, or even a staaaare, but a look of cold neutrality, regarding him as one would a section of wall.

[Morty]

It's not my decision to make. Even if - Zbychosławs' tone clearly indicates it's a big "if" - I were to believe the demonhunter is harmless, all I can do is arrange you a meeting with the people who can make the decision.

[Ashen Lilies]

"You seem unwilling to trust our judgment. Why?"

[Morty]

He sighs. Look at it from my perspective. A group of strange-looking strangers shows up in my church - led by an inquisitor, but still - and claims a... person we were thought is highly dangerous is sane and harmless. The only reason I'm willing to give it a thought is that Sir Czcibor supports your claims. He pauses for a long while. I will arrange for a meeting. I pray to Perun you speak the truth. It's up to you how you persuade my superious to believe you.

[The Bushranger]

"We speak the truth," Shawna says simply. "The whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And we will gladly meet with your superiors."

[Morty]

Fine. The meeting will take place tomorrow morning in the old monastery at the top of the hill in the graveyard district. Now, if that's all... Zbychosław will try to gently nudge the party towards the exit.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna looks at her companions, to see if they have anything to add.

[Morty]

Unless the rest of the party says something, they're led outside the church with Czcibor. It went quite well. Of course, it was to be expected - I'm a Paladin Inquisitor after all, and you look like a determined group of people. Zbychosław obviously wanted to send you to his higher-ups, thus avoiding trouble.

[Darkcomet]

DC doesn't seem very pleased for some reason. "That was too easy. It could be a trap." Oh, right. Paranoid.

[The Bushranger]

"Perhaps," Shawna says, nodding to DC. "Or perhaps he simply felt, as Czcibor says, that 'passing the buck' was the best way to go about matters with a minimum of fuss for himself."

[Morty]

A trap would be... possible, Czcibor admits, although it's not easy for him. However, the fact that I vouched for you makes it less likely. Some less noble churhc hierarchs might be willing to eliminate a group of strangers, but not a high-ranking member of the Inquisition. And reverend Zbychosław has never had much of a spine.

[Darkcomet]

DC apologizes for not posting in this thread. He keeps forgetting, not to mention the fact that DC-the-character isn't really the best person for the job here. Sure, he can relate to Wenomir's situation, but his diplomatic skills are somewhat lacking.

Even if you count mind control in that, it's still not all that great, 'cause mind control never works!

"I hope you're right, but past experience tells me otherwise. I just hope your Inquisition isn't quite as extreme as the anomaly-hunters back where I'm from..." DC sighs. This was just one big reminder of the not-so-nice past for him.

Probably why he bothered helping anyway. Can't have another him running around, can he?

"All I ask is that you be ready for a trap."

[Morty]

Czcibor smirks. I am always ready for a trap. While I can guess the nature of the hunters you speak of, I do not think you understand how an inquisitor's job looks from his perspective. Now, do you have any leads to futher sources of information? I know that alchemists have sent someone for your friend once and that person failed. Perhaps you might consult them, but it'd be best if I stay away from them.

[The Bushranger]

NOBODY expects the Martenian Inquisition!

"I was unaware of this," Shawna comments, eyebrow raising once more, at Czcibor's comment regarding alchemists. "That, perhaps, would be a favourable idea. Where would we find these alchemists?"

[Morty]

It happened quite long ago. Before Shawna came into the Nexus and back when Wenomir was still in GLoG. Alchemists have their guild in the merchant's district. Getting anything out of them might be hard - they didn't tell the Church any details about their attempt, other than that it failed. However... you're most certainly resourceful people.

[Darkcomet]

"It's an interesting idea. I'm not very confident about it, but it's possible that we could get them to acknowledge the possibility of a demonhunter retaining his sanity without them. If it works out, this could be very simple." But these things are never simple.

Hence DC's pessimism. It just can't be that easy.

[The Bushranger]

"However, were that the case," Shawna points out, "their whole belief system and at least part of their continued reason for existiance might be called into question."
And, she sighs.

[Morty]

It's not going to be easy, that's for sure. I will return to the inn while you meet the alchemists... I think it might be unwise for me to see my fellow inquisitors or church hierarchy now. Unless they have something to add, he will bow to them and depart.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna returns the bow formally. "We will inform you of our results as soon as our mission is completed," she says.

Then once the Inqusitor is gone, she turns to her companions. "Well, then. Shall we pay a visit to the Alchemists?"

[Ashen Lilies]

KR nods.
"Sounds like a plan."
Maybe not a particularly good one, but then again, not a terrible one either.
Presumably DC bleats his agreement at this point as well. Baaah.

[Morty]

In this case, unless DC decides the plan is horrible and they should do something else, it's easy for the party to find the merchants' district in the city and once they're there, they're directed to the Alchemists' Guild, which is located in a two-storey building at the end of a street that's a bit out of the way and therefore distanced from the never-ending din the merchants and their customers make. The building looks rather unfriendly; the windows are shut so noone seems to be coming in or out.

[The Bushranger]

"...a most inviting and charming location, would not you agree?" Shawna, clearly having traded Contractions for Improved Sarcasm, observes as she - ahem - observes the Alchemists' Guild. "Shall I do the honors of knocking upon the door?"

[Ashen Lilies]

"Go ahead." Says KR, nodding at Shawna.

[The Bushranger]

And Shawna, who was hoping KR would do it, actually :smalltongue:, heads up to the door of the Alchemist's Guild.

And kicks it in with a judo chopknocks, three times.

[Morty]

After a long while, the door opens, slowly and with a creak. What... is it? Asks a young, pale man in stained blue overalls standing behind the door. What business do you have with the Guild of Alchemists?

[The Bushranger]

"Good day to you, sir," Shawna says with a formal nod. "We come to speak to the Guild of Alchemists about a rather delicate matter on which we believe you, and we, have a mutual interest. May we come inside and speak to your leaders?"

[Morty]

The man looks at them suspiciously. And what would that matter be, hm?

[The Bushranger]

"If it was a matter with which we could speak on it with anyone other than your leaders, then I could tell you, would I not? But it is not, so I can not, and so please take us to your leaders."

[Morty]

The man watches them warily. Very well... do step in, I will inform Master Fraundist of you and he will decide whether or not he will see you.

[The Bushranger]

"Thank you."

And Shawna steps inside.

Presumably KR and DC follow.

[Morty]

The party enters a hall dimly lit by the light falling in through the half-closed windows and oil lamps scattered here and there, the floorboards creaking under their feet. The hall is rather small and has two doors and two flights of stairs leading from it. When they enter, a bald, middle-aged man in a tasteless grey tunic enters from the right and looks at the newcomers curiously. These people wish to see Master Fraundist, sir, says the young man who greeted them. If you could please tell him about it... The man nods, still silent, and goes upstairs. After a while, he returns with a look of total surprise on his pale face. Master Fraundist... will see you.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna might smirk at the man's surprise, but merely nods, and stands to follow him to see Master Fraundist.

[Morty]

The bald alchemist leads them upstairs, to the equally gloomy first floor. There, they follow him through a narrow corridor to a small door and the bald man opens the door, says: Master Fraundist is in that room and leaves hastily.
The room is moderately sized and occupied mostly by bookshelves filled with old books, files and scrolls as well as bottles, bowls and alchemical instruments. In the middle, there is a desk behind which sits a thin, almost bald elderly man in a beige labcoat, sporting a thin goatee and wearing teacher-like spectacles. Good day. I can't say I've been expecting you, but your visit is not entirely a surprise either. Do take a seat. He gestures to the three chairs very conveniently placed on the other side of the desk.

[Darkcomet]

DC does indeed take a seat. "How is it not a surprise?" Oh dear, he's already suspicious of Fraundist.

[Morty]

Considering the circumstances, a healthy dose of suspicion is to be expected. We have been paying close attention to the fate of the demonhunter projects ever since our agent failed to bring the rogue demonhunter back. We saw the Inquisitor be sent to your land, and now you show up. The question is, what exactly is the case?

[The Bushranger]

"The case, good sir," Shawna says, her tone respectful, "is that the Inquistor and his team encountered us, and we convinced them that your, as you phrase it, 'rogue demonhunter' is a threat to no-one (except, of course, demons) and deserves to lead a free life of his choosing. We were asked to return with him to speak to you directly, as it was felt that hearing directly from the friends and colleagues of Wenomir would be more effective than the Inqusitor simply returning with this story, which could be explained through means of mind control or other foul forms of persusaion."

[Morty]

Master Fraundist raises his eyebrows. So... what you're saying is that the demonhunter managed to retain his sanity and humanity after breaking through the mind-numbing effect we had put on him. I cannot say any of us expected it... although unlike my colleagues, I have not dismissed the possibility. Our agent mentioned that the people she had met had some unexpected opinions about... Wenomir, was it? However, she had not spoken with the demonhunter himself.

[The Bushranger]

The 'agent' was Dorotha, right?

"Well, we have. And we have worked alongside him, as well. He is, in the brief time I have known him, one of the sanest men I have ever met." Shawna leans back in her seat, to give the other two a chance to speak.

[Ashen Lilies]

"Yes he is."
Stupid Shawna, saying everything KR was going to say, better than KR could have said it. She's feeling increasingly superflous on this mission. She could probably contribute something if pressed, but that goes a bit too deeply into her own personal feelings for Wenomir, and that's... yeah, no.

[Morty]

It was indeed Dorotha. DC has actually met her once, although he might well not remember it.
I see. Fraundist looks at the trio above his spectacles, trying to see if they're lying. It fits with what our agent reported. I did not think it possible... but as I said, I was obviously mistaken and I'm not the one to deny the facts when they're put in front of my eyes. He rubs his chin. I assume now you're going to ask for our help in convincing the church hierarchy you're not lying through your teeth and they should stop hunting your friend. I... might be willing to do so as long as it does not destabilize the Project.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna, at least, is telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...

"Your assumption would be correct," Shawna says. "And we would like to do our best to ensure that everybody involved gets desirable and satisfactorary results."

...of course, her definition of 'everybody' might be different than Fraundist's...

[Ashen Lilies]

KR was telling the truth. Not the whole truth, but most of it. Again, she has nothing to add. At least WATCHTOWER's found a member who doesn't have the social grace of a rabid wolverine on crack.

[Morty]

Well, then. Fraundist rises from his seat and begins pacing up and down the room. I shall give you a letter for the church hierarchy in which I'll give my word you're telling the truth on following condition: the Demonhunter project must remain intact and unchanged. It isn't ideal, it's being abused, but it works, even if it's now in the hands of people I despise. Make sure it continues to do so and we have a deal.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna spends a few minutes thinking, and waiting to see if the others have an opinion, before finally speaking...

"You have my word that the Demonhunters shall be able to continue their work," she says with a nod.

And, of course, using weasel words with abandon. =P

[Morty]

Fraundist turns around to face all three WATCHmen Very well. He then waits for a response from KR and DC.

[Ashen Lilies]

KR does the parrot thing. I bet she destroys the church, and probably the city before the plot is over.

[Darkcomet]

DC is pointedly silent. Not in the 'player laziness' sort of way, oh no. He seems rather tense, trying to think over the situation.

This is all too familiar to him. He was hoping that he could stop it. Maybe destroying a system all too similar to the one from his homeworld would have been rather gratifying.

But now he seems to have to choose between preserving it and failure. So he's silent.

[Morty]

Well? Fraundist turns around quickly and looks at DC sharply. It seems he can tell he's tense and undecided while the other two(seemingly) agreed to his proposal.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna, for her part, gives DC a 'agree to it in the fashion that I did' look.
Weasel words. They're fun!

She's probably saying the same thing to him mentally, as well.

[Darkcomet]

DC just nods at Shawna and Fraundist, not saying anything.

[Morty]

The master alchemist sits down. Yes... I can tell you are reluctant to agree, my dear sir. May I hear your reasons for it? After all, what happens to the Project is none of your concern as long as your friend is left alone.

[Darkcomet]

DC sighs. "Nothing I'm talking about to strangers. Suffice it to say that this isn't the first time I've seen a setup like this."

[Morty]

Fraundist chuckles; it sounds quite a bit like a raspy cough. Ah, I see. Yes, I understand the Demonhunter Project might seem morally questionable... his eyes narrow and his voice hardens. But you have to look at the big picture. The Project is, in essence, about sacrificing a few for the good of the many. They fulfill the purpose the Inquisition was meant to fulfill before it became a political and ideological tool.

[Darkcomet]

Few for the good of many.

DC's quite aware of how similar that is to WATCHTOWER's purpose. But right now he just plain doesn't care.

"Perhaps. Or it could end in a subject, or multiple subject, truly going into a frenzy and killing many more, if you lose control. It's a very risky plan. I would know. I've...seen it happen." Fraundist, and indeed, the others, may catch on to that not being the whole truth.

After all, he didn't mention that, in a sense, he was that subject.

[Morty]

It is a risk, yes. However, nothing of the sort has happened yet. Breaches in the brainwashing techniques have occured, Wenomir's case being the most extreme one, but we have managed to keep them in check. Fraundist pauses. And finally, a frenzied demonhunter can't cause more destruction than an otherworldy invasion or other supernatural threat.

[Darkcomet]

"There is something of a scale difference, yes. But what happens if word gets out? Causes a revolt?" DC seems to still be speaking from experience. Let's just hope no one tries to pry into this too much, lest his omission be exposed...

[Morty]

It would be unfortunate, indeed. And it is what I am trying to prevent. By quietly persuading the Church your friend poses no harm and is a singular case among the demonhunters, we will be able to maintain the secrecy of the Project. He pauses. I would shed no tears if the authority of the Church of Perun was somehow compromised... but this issue is too important to risk it by indulging in personal grudges.

[Darkcomet]

DC gives a very slight, almost imperceptible, nod. "That is why I was willing to agree in the first place. My past has no bearing on the actual situation."

[Morty]

Well then, if we're agreed, I shall write a letter to the hierarchy.

[The Bushranger]

"I am agreed," Shawna - ahem - agrees, nodding, and filing away DC's comments somewhere in that quasi-robotic brain of hers.

[Morty]

Alright then. Fraundist sits down, grabs a piece of parchment and a quill and starts to write. After a while, he hands them the letter. There. The letter bears my personal signature. It should be useful in persuading the priests.

[The Bushranger]

Shawna accepts the letter, and stands, bowing formally.
"We thank you for your time and for your assistance, sir. If there is anything further we need, or that we can do to assist?"

[Morty]

Fraundist is silent for a while, thinking. No, I do not think so. I believe... our conacts should be kept to a necessary minimum. Good day. He nods and, unless someone has something to add, the party will be escorted outside.

[The Bushranger]

Since obviously DC and KR have nothing to say, Shawna takes the lead, nodding politely to their escort as they head outside.