Reunion Round - Nightfall [IC]

[Kallimakus]

Sancour, city of Lyonesse, Lione province

The sweet scents of the spring fill the air. Birds are singing and the first flowers of the year are coming to bloom. Sun shines from the cloudless sky on the central eastern province, not far from the capital city. The weather was not yet truly warm, but any lingering snows are gone. Different from the days fifteen years ago. Then there had been blizzards like midwinter, followed by rains of fire from the heavens as the Beast tried to bring its full power to work upon the material plane. The band of heroes that had brought it low had buried one of their number here. A Paladin, by name of Sabbatine. Her name, like LeDroit, Erin, Valois, Oisillon and Iseru were spoken with reverence. Their last companion... There had been one other, but the name seemed to slip from mind.

The white walls of Lyonesse beckon, surrounded by new buildings as the city continues to grow and thrive. There is a sense of unease and nervousness with the gate guards, unusual in circumstances like this.

Spoiler: Lyonesse, City of Flowers

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The beautiful city sits along the river, a crossroad of Eastern Trade road leading to Genava, a dwarven city that marks the edge of the Sancour territory. Surrounded by fields and verdant meadows and inhabited largely by humans and halflings. Regular carriages take passengers along the highway, drawn by horses or axe beaks, which are tall birds.
(Other regions have their own customary beasts of burden and riding, but horses tend to be universal. Dwarves use steam-powered carriages that need nothing to draw them, while elves fashion carriages drawn by flying creatures, sailing weightless through the air.

Spoiler: OOC

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As mentioned in the OOC thread, you're arriving here to pay respects, reminesce and possibly check if everyone is on the straight and narrow or close enough, looking at LeDroit. Do you come alone, together with another PC, husband or wife... Do you come late, or arrive early? Or does one simply teleport in when the time comes?

Mandatory link to OOC

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 27/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 6/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Unseeing Teleport, True Teleport
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h)

Stepping out of thin air, Erin took a deep breath feeling the warmth of the sun. The gates of Lyonesse was a familiar enough sight that the chance of a teleportation mishap was rather slim, still she had prepared herself with the Aegis of her adventuring days. You never knew what the situation would be like after teleporting.

Taking in the sights of the white walls of the city, the rains of fire fifteen years ago seemed like a distant memory. Then again, by now it probably was a distant memory. It was funny how memory worked, Erin could still visualize Sabbatine's face. Still she was certain there had been another companion who was lost in the void, and yet their name seemed to elude her while their shape seemed to be a featureless shadow in all her memories. Perhaps it was how her mind tried to protect her from the loss she had felt after losing two dear companions and friends.

The line of carriages at the gate seemed somewhat longer than Erin would have expected, and the guards betrayed a sense of unease with how they were questioning a halfling farmer. She would have to ask them if something was amiss when registering her entry into the city.

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 26/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None

---

Had it already been a year? Linath, stood near the gate, near the small guard house, surveying those entering the city. The grey skies of winter had left, and the golden sun was blazing bright in blue canopy. She pulled the hood of her cloak lower over her brow, as much to shield herself from the gaze of those streaming past as to shield her eyes from the sting of the sun. How her father had ever become accustomed to the burning light she could never understand. A small smile crept up her face at the thought of him. Would he come?

Her eyes narrowed, not from the light, but a disturbance. It was a small, yes, but she recognised that feeling, someone or something had teleported. She scanned the crowed, looking for anything out of place. An even wider smile split her face. Erin! The regal mage was unmistakable. Linath self-consciously regained her composure, straightening the gold and silver trimmed blue cloak of her uniform, making sure to cover the quiver draped over her shoulder. She quickly buffed her golden eagle winged holy symbol.

Once again, she scanned the throng of people lining to enter the city as her heart raced with both fear and anticipation at the prospect of seeing her old companions again. Despite the arrival of Spring there was still slight chill that ran down her spine.

For a moment she felt as if something was wrong. She shook her head, as if awaking from a dream, there was something she couldn't recall. Never-mind. She gave herself another quick once over, her silver armour glinting as the light caught it. She was presentable. Even if she wasn't quite ready.

[Genth]

Justice Leander LeDroit
Male Lawful Neutral Tiefling Investigator (Empiricist/Battered Detective) 13| Alchemist (Mortal Chemist) 1/Conscript 5, Level 13 | HP 117 | AC 30 Touch 25 Flat Footed 25 | CMD 34 | Fort 12, Ref 18, Will 15| CMB +9, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4|
Condition None
Currently Made Formulae [18 Max]: 2x Cherry Bomb (giving 16 total bombs, 8 Nonlethal, 8 Fire), 4x Improved Acid Flash, 2xFocusing Formulae (Giving 6 uses), 2x Riot Grenades, 2xImproved Tanglefoot Bags, 4x Salves, 2x Empty Slots

---

A black carriage, carrying the image of a key on the doors, made it's way through the city, waved through with a showing of papers at the gate and winding though the streets before stopping at the guards barracks. A captain, his burnished armor quite shiny, salutes as the man within steps into the light, his cane tapping on the cobbled pavement. "As I tell you every year, as I told your predecessor, I require no escort, Captain." Leander LeDroit said to the enthusiastic law officer, his voice clipped, low, and with the slightest hint of annoyance. Aside from one year a decade ago, when a high-profile trial of a vicious muderer had been under his bench, the Justice had made his way to this city. For the past eight years, the town guard had tried to convince him to have an escort. But no, this was a matter of honorable conduct.

Slowly, LeDroit began to walk towards the graveyard. Sabbatine deserved the respect the justice showed. Just him, walking to her grave, without the pomp and the distractions of office. In one hand, his cane, the glamored crossbow he kept with him at all times, tapped rhythmicly upon the ground as he approached. In the other, a set of white lillies wrapped in paper. A symbol of peace and gratitude for what the paladin's sacrifice had gained. Soon enough, he arrived at the grave site, and stood beside the oak tree, looking out towards the city and waiting for the others.

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 27/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 6/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Unseeing Teleport, True Teleport
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h)

Seeing Linath in the distance made Erin smile, the half-elf had come a long way since Jacques had picked her up from the orphanage and allowed her to tag along on their adventures.

Standing in line, Erin realized she must be a strange sight. Dressed like a noble lady, entering the city on foot all on her own. Though her staff of carved wood with a ruby hovering at the focal point, made it clear she was a mage. At least judging from the hushed whispers coming from a group of nearby merchants.

Soon enough, Erin was at the front of the line. After handing her identity token to the guard registering entries at the gate, she turned toward Linath Do you want to tag along toward the graveyard, or are you hoping for Jacques to also enter the city through this gate?

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 26/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None

---

The half-elf, squared her shoulders as Erin approached, "Lady Erin," she said with a slight bow, "light and truth, as always an honour." She tried to hide the slight wince on her face at the mention of her father.

Fifteen years...

She had seen him of course. Mostly in passing, she hadn't yet really been able to speak to him. At least not like before. "I'm sure Monsieur Valois can find his own way. I would be most pleased to accompany you along the way." she said, a bit more awkwardly than she had intended.

"Chevalier Faithhand is in good health I hope?" she continued as a black carriage entered through the gates passing them by."If my contacts in the capital are to be trusted I hear Elise has joined young master Charles as a candidate for the Sword Knights? And Anya, Myra, and little Mikhail they're progressing well in their respective studies too I should think?"

Liinath felt her face filling with heat and was thankful, for once, she took so much after her birth father, hoping her cheeks were not visibly flushed. When had things become so strange? Why did she now find it so hard to do the simplest things, like make small conversation with an old friend? She looked at Erin, perhaps a bit more sheepishly than she meant to as the women wound their way through the street towards their sombre destination.

[Kallimakus]

There is some grumbling at the gates as the black carriage trundles past, the driver waved through after presenting his documents. LeDroit is the first through to the city proper. The passage of the wagon seems to have an effect on the line, since soon a group of additional hands comes to process the growing throng, wearing the Keys of Abadar. They set up a Ward, chanting prayers and forming a golden circle before the gate. Linath recognizes the ritual as a Clarity ward, meant to thwart obfuscation, mixed with Candor, compelling one to answer truthfully. Such a setup is not something that ordinary guards could make. People stream through swiftly, with the necessary questions asked and answered. There is still some distrust of magic among the populace here, and some choose to be processed normally.

The captain, clearly hoping for a different reaction, looks dejected, then salutes. "It is as you say. Well, men! Let's go make ourselves useful!"
He turns to LeDroit. "It is an honour to have you visit us, Justice."

His way to the graveyard is blocked by a distressed-looking priest. His eyes widen at the sight of an official of Abadar. "I-" he stammers, "The Gardens are closed this morning" he manages to blurt out.

Linath and Erin make their way through the gate as well, and head towards the Gardens of Pharasma. They spy a priest talking to an acquaintance of theirs.

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 27/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 6/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Unseeing Teleport, True Teleport
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h)

Somewhat embarrassed by the formality, Erin answered. "There is no need to be so formal. Haven't I told you multiple times that you are like part of my family? Jacques Valois is almost like a brother to me after all. The years spent together facing constant danger have tied a strong bond between all of us."

Receiving her identity token from the guard, Erin passes through the gate and starts walking towards the Gardens of Pharasma. "My dear husband is doing well. He wanted to come, but I eventually convinced him to he had to deal with a mountain of paperwork that has piled up over the past week. I promised I would be back by dinner, but today I would rather share memories of Sabbatine with those who were there." She continued. "As for the children, I hope I get time to pay a visit to Elise and Charles today. To make sure Elise is adjusting to life in the capital. I am reading The Birth of Light and Truth with Anya these days, and I can feel the resonance of Sarenrae within her at some of the passages. Myra and litte Mikhail are also doing well, playing with the other children."

Approaching the Gardens, Erin could see a priest talking to none other than Justice Leander LeDroit. That would explain the black carriage earlier.

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 26/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None

---

Erin's words held a magic all their own. Linath felt something inside her begin to loosen, her shoulders seemed to slump a bit as she took in a breath. Family. Too long had she confined herself to a world of acquiescences, superiors and quarry. Her father, Erin, Iseru, Sabbatine, even Justice LeDroit they were more than simply friends.

There was something though... She felt it again as if a chill had run through her, something else, something more. "-closed this morning."

Oisillon quickened her pace. "Something's wrong." she muttered examining in the priest, the way he stood, nervously shifting his weight, the motion of his hands, he seemed... afraid? She had spent nearly a decade reading people, it was plain enough something here was amiss. "Erin." she said, drawing her hood down, while casting a cautious glance over the Justice, priest and the garden.

[paradox26]

Jacques is already within the city, and loiters by the gates, having a coffee while he watches for the others to enter. He feels a chill as he sees the black carraige of LeDroit go past, the Justice visible through the window. He sees Erin and his daughter arrive and start to chat. He precedes them towards the Garden, wanting to be in place before they stop talking and reach it themselves.

He arrives at the Garden, and silently makes his way inside. He draws little attention, as he is modestly dressed, and carries no evident weapons. He also doesn't have the look of a mage, and is surely not a priest of any known order. He approaches LeDroit, wanting to get the most difficult of the introductions out of the way first. Besides, he wouldn't want to force the others to choose sides if things turned bad between the two men.

"Greetings Lord Justice. It has been...quite some time. I trust you are well?" he says, his voice hoarse and just above a whisper.

[Genth]

LeDroit looks down at the priest blocking his way, eyes narrowing slightly. The judge's gaze flicks out over what he can see of the gardens, suspicious though calm before he replies. "Good morrow, sir. I have come to pay my respects to a lost hero. So you will excuse me if I question this closure: why are the Gardens closed?" he asks before his conversation is interjected by the arrival of Jacques.

The tiefling turns as the man approaches and greets him, responding with a nod of his head. A slight... tightening of LeDroit's jaw and the squeeze of his cane reveal the tension Valois' presence immediately presents. "Monsieur Valois. Greetings as well. I have not seen you for some years, you are here for Sabbatine?" he asks, gently enough. "The gardens I am told are closed, though I have asked for the reason why."

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 27/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 6/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Unseeing Teleport, True Teleport
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h)

Following Linath's gaze, Erin could see the distressed look of the priest. "It sure looks that way" she said to Linath "That priest looks like he has seen a ghost, and then spent all night failing to put the ghost to rest."

Seeing no reason to loiter around, Erin donned the spiraling comet that was her holy symbol of Pharasma, letting it rest visibly on her chest. While she wasn't officially part of the Pharasman church, she had studied The Bones Land in a Spiral and would offer prayers to the Lady of Graves. Especially when seeking to divine the future or when encountering undead that need to be destroyed. Though it had been a long time since last she needed to deal with any proper undead host, and she had children and a husband to take care of now. These days she would focus more on Pharasma's aspect as a midwife than that of putting undead to rest.

"Jacques, I hope you have been well." Erin said as she approached Jacques, LeDroit, and the priest. "Greetings Lord Justice. There was a time I wouldn't have thought I would say this, but it really has been too long." She continued, nodding towards LeDroit.

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 26/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None

---

Once they had drawn closer Oisillion could see there was the distraught looking priest of Phrasma, Justice LeDroit and a third figure. Papa?! "Justice LeDroit," she said switching to Celestial, her eyes all the while trained on her father. "I hope all is well with you, Justice." He looked almost exactly as she remembered him, she thought as her gaze lingered on the well muscled duergar, without meeting his eyes.

She switched to Dwarven, a slight darklands accent lingered in her speech, "You look well..." she stammered for a moment, not sure how to continue,"... Monsieur Valois." She quickly turned to face the priest who seemed increasingly unnerved by their arrival. "Is everything in good order Father?"

[Kallimakus]

The priests rubs his hands nervously. He eyes the people, recognition flickering in his eyes as his eyes move from one to another. "Y-you are the heroes..." he says, speaking Breizh, awestruck. "Jaques Valois, Erin, Linath, Justice LeDroit... I have grave news" he says, with heavy emphasis. "I'm sorry, I can't help it. There was a disturbance in the night..."

"Lord Justice LeDroit, to answer, I fear a most terrible sin has been committed. All our wards pierced, bodies stolen from the blessed soil, deprived of their rest"

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 26/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None

---

The news of the desecration shocks and horrifies her, she quickly attempts to mask her emotion. Her knees almost buckle as dread grips her heart and a shiver runs through her. Sabbatine. She wants to run to the grave but must maintain her composure. Oisillon reaches into a small fissure that appears next to her withdrawing Enfileur de Clé a large ornate crossbow made of polished black wood with golden hued metal and inlays. "Lord Justice, the local authorities should be informed." With one fluid motion the Inquisitor removes her cloak placing it into the the small rip in space as she shoulders her crossbow and adjusts the quiver strapped to her back. "I'll begin examining the gardens for tracks and abnormalities..." she continues as she begins to enter the desecrated burial grounds before pausing, "... with your permission Justice?"

[Palanan]

Across the broad cobbled street from the ironwrought gate to the Gardens, from beneath one of the planetrees lining the avenue, a shape in shadow watches the priest and the newcomers—a shape that eyes might slide past without quite seeing, slender with a spill of pale hair, the hue of wafting curls from a candle just gone out.

[Genth]

A flicker of pain crosses the Justice's face at the utterly deadpan pun, but it is swiftly followed by genuine concern and a tough of anger. His grip on the walking stick tightens.

"You will permit the Inquisitor to enter, by my authority by the Hand." he says to the priest, giving Oisillon a curt nod, gaze sweeping the part of the gardens he can see. "I appreciate that Lady Pharasma's servents may have their own investigations to do, but Inquisitor Oisillon is one of the, if not the best. You will tell me as many details as you can muster. Madame Erin... Valois." he pauses, as always finding it difficult to speak Jacques name without at least a touch of anger. "Any assistance you can proffer would be greatly appreciated. This is a gr-" he glares at the priest "A very serious crime"

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 26/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None

---

Returning the judge's nod, she precedes to enter the desecrated gardens, striving to maintain her focus and praying the Sabbatine's rest remains undisturbed. Carefully she makes her way through the garden along the path to Sabbatine's grave looking for any tracks or signs of passage, magical or mundane, and any disturbances. She lets her gaze slip between the material and immaterial realms, examining the wards and magics of the other graves along the way pausing at those that bare signs of being disturbed.

Spoiler: OOC

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Rolls from the OOC:
Heightened Awareness - (1d20+26)[35] to search for any signs of magic (not looking at Erin)
Impossible Tracker - (1d20+33)[52] looking for any tracks/signs of disturbance body snatching or transportation.

She'll try to not if there seem to be any commonalities to the disturbed/robbed graves by looking at the grave stones. Age, Family Name, race, region of origin, gender etc.

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 27/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 6/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Unseeing Teleport, True Teleport
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h)

"Bodies stolen from the blessed soil, deprived of their rest." Erin had expected there to be some sort of problem bothering the priest, but for it to be minor in the grand scale of things. If this had been a graveyard near some backwater village then maybe it would have been minor. But Lyonesse was a real city with Pharasmin tending to the Gardens. It seemed inconceivable for a lone necromancer to steal some bodies to experiment on from this graveyard. No, the wards would have been sufficient to deal with most minor threats.

And what of Sabbatine? 15 years ago Erin had failed to provide the support required, Sabbatine had been standing there as a beacon of hope fighting off the Beast. Just like that, her life was snuffed out. Now her body was being deprived of its rest as well. Erin could feel the overwhelming loss and pain in her heart, dark thoughts blaming herself for allowing this to come to pass.

Hearing Justice LeDroit's words brought Erin back to the present. Yes, she would have to assist with the investigation. Her perspective would be different from that of a Justice of the Hand, and her knowledge of Pharasmin rites as well as various types of undead could very well prove invaluable.

Nodding to herself Erin spoke up. "You are quite right Lord Justice. While you get a through report from the good Priest here, I will search the Gardens for any clues. Then after we share our findings, we can have a look at what happened here. I know a prayer where we can share a vision of events that unfolded here in the past, though even such divinations can be thwarted and riddled with misdirections. If you require any other divinations, you have but to ask. While you shouldn't rely only on them, I can seek out answers from both past, present, and the future"

[paradox26]

Jacques is shocked at the disturbance to the long awaited discussion, but the news is sufficiently grave that it is more than forgivable. He nods slightly as Le Droit suggests a search for clues. He bows slightly, in a manner that is deliberately unclear as to whether it is fully sincere or touched with mockery. "I shall of course aid in the search. I am not as skilled as Erin at looking into the past, but I still have keen eyes," he says. He leaves and starts to search the graveyard for signs of what may have occurred.

Spoiler: OOC actions

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(1d20+19)[27] Perception check on a search of the graveyard.

[Kallimakus]

The priest nods his meek acceptance. "Of course, Justice. I had hoped this could have been... err... internal. But my mastery of the Arts pales before yourself and your peers." While the man is middle-aged, he does not project much confidence. It could be that he is shaken by whatever transpired. Entering the graveyard, the usual aesthetics of a garden soon giving way to a trail of devastation. Ground dragged open. Gravestones upturned. cutting a swathe through the graves, heedless of the carefully kept paths, it finishes in the vicinity of the grave of Sabbatine. The ground there has been torn up, as though something was forcibly dragged out of the ground. The grass around it is blackened in a circular radius, burnt, and the air is thick with magical energy left over. Several other graves in the vicinity have been torn up, the bodies inside dug up, bones cracked open by what must be monstrous teeth.

Apart from the scale and location, it could have been done by a pack of ghouls, nearly feral undead (or close enough) that sometimes turn their hungry eyes to untended or isolated boneyards.

Oisillon, Erin and Jaques head to the grave while Justice LeDroit interrogates the priest.
"Yes, of course" the priest says. "I am Pierre Levar. I have been a tender here for five years. Tonight, the wards broke. The senior priests convened at the temple and headed to investigate. I was also..." he pauses, choked up. "It was dark, such that it swallowed our lights. Tender Marcelle invoked a miracle, or tried to. Her words were cut short, and there were sounds of struggle as the tide of darkness rolled forward. I... I made myself scarce after the screams." he says, ashamed. "I haven't seen any of the others..."

Oisillon can sense a tangle of frayed enchantments, remnants of powerful abjurations scattered about the site of Sabbatine's grave. Absent is the general hallowing that should have been spread over the entire area. She can sense other auras. Necromancy, Evocation and Conjuration.

Jaques follows the trail along to the edge of the wall, shattered, the iron and stone reinforced with enhancements torn asunder, along with the wards they served to anchor. He spies a dozen or so sets of footprints, mostly fleshed, two of them massive in size, with general humanoid shape but with bestial claws. A single set of booted prints is present, but they appear to start on the street outside the graveyard abruptly without further prints. Oisillon can sense a lingering aura of conjuration, and no signs of escape by flight or similar means. They simply popped into existence at the location. There are faded marks on the cobblestone in that region.

Erin calls the rest to view the past with her. Focusing on Sabbatine's grave. Eyes cast into the past, the devastated gravesite remains as dark falls, sunrise rewinds and darkness falls. flashes go by. Darkness, lights, shapes approaching, then the tomb intact. Finding the right location, she refocuses. Starting from the beginning. Entering into the range of the spell is a group, headed by two stooped, monstrous humanoids, flesh pallid and rotten, knocking down tombstones and tearing at the ground. They are followed by smaller creatures, some type of ghouls, that spread out, picking at fresher graves. Lastly is a cloaked and hooded stranger bearing a skull-tipped staff. The group makes their way towards the gravesite of Sabbatine, to be thwarted by a ward. Golden light springs forth, searing one of the giants that steps back. The mage steps forward, then pauses. He speaks a spell, cloaking the group in inky darkness that spreads over the grave and its surroundings. Sabbatine's grave seems untouched, the ward keeping the magic at bay.
Priests approach the darkness with lamps and spell-lights, which fail to penetrate the dark. A woman, white-haired, old but still seemingly fit, raises a holy symbol and starts chanting a prayer to Pharasma, before a giant hand clamps on her throat, stopping the words, and the dark spills over her. The other priests waver, two turn to flee. One, Pierre, manages to escape safely.
The darkness remains, but there is discourse, in brutish, clipped Brezih, and a single voice in Nexril.
"We eat?"
"You may have the others. But the matriarch will prove useful. Keep her intact."
"Eat!"
There are screams, crunching and cries that are cut short.

They return their sight to the grave, a pocket in the shadow. The golden energies form a barrier around it, keeping the impenetrable darkness at bay. They hear the mage chant again, the sounds of a spell going off and a vast skeletal hand, alone as great as the giant, pressing against the raised ward, sizzling black where it makes contact. The ward shatters like glass, the giant fingers pressing into the earth before the darkness spills in to cut the vision.
"One more site" the spellcaster says.
Another cast spell, and the darkness, the group and Sabbatine's remains are gone.

Spoiler: Religion - Ghouls

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Ghouls are people teetering at the edge of undeath. Technically alive in that they can still starve, they are corpse-eaters, cannibals, tainted and cursed in equal measure to only gain sustenance in kinflesh. Threat to ordinary folk, they are generally kept at bay by the priesthood of Pharasma, and hunted by agents of the Hand or roving adventurers.

More powerful varieties exist, mostly in books of obscure lore with the secrets of their creation excised. The most potent are Abhorrant ghouls, believed to be the giant equivalent of a ghoul. Descriptions match what Erin's vision shows.

[Genth]

LeDroit frowns, a sense of anger resonating from the older judge. Then, with a breath, and a glance around to make sure the pair are alone, he settles his shoulders, and speaks with a low, but calm voice."I understand your hesitance, Monseiur. But if your fellows have been taken - perhaps even killed, it is no time to worry about reputation. If there is a next time, and I pray there is not, you must go to the authorities immediately." he explains, and reaches out to place a hand on the priest's shoulder. It is rare for the Justice to show compassion in this way, but he had learned from his years, and this was a poor man terrified by what he had witnessed.

Leading the priest back into the gardens, he confers with the others gathered, thinking. "Ghouls led by a Necromancer, and not simply feeding, but willing to break through a barrier for the sake of claiming one corspe." he summises, anger filling his voice once more. "But Tender Marcelle would seem to be alive... Oisillon, Madame Erin, might you be able to scry her location, if Tender Levar here can provide a possession?"

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 23/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 4/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Witness the City, Past Sight
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h)

Sitting down, Erin could feel tears runnning down her cheeks. It still felt unthinkable for Sabbatine's grave to be desecrated in such a fashion. What could drive a living being to disregard the natural order of life and death to such a degree?

Considering Justice LeDroit's words for a moment, she answered "I could scry upon Tender Marcelle's location if I am provided one of her possessions, or better yet a piece of her body such as a lock of hair. I would however recommend against doing so unless we have no other option."

After pausing for a moment trying to regain her composure, Erin continued. "Wards against scrying are easier to come by than protections against most divinations. I know of a way to detect any attempt to scry a creature, object, or location within close visinity of a target, and any such attempt would likely reveal the location of the seer as well as a visual image of them. I am certain there are other ways to hide from scrying. As such I think the danger of revealing what we know outweighs the potential benefit of getting a visual confirmation of whatever horror Tender Marcelle is currently being subjected to."

Erin shivered, far too often visions from gazing into the past, present, or future would leave images burned into her mind that she would rather have never experienced. "Lord Justice, if you still wish for me to scry upon Tender Marcelle then I will comply. But first let me extend my senses throughout Lyonesse. It would seem like the Necromancer teleported here, which could imply they have spent some time studying this location to gain familiarity."

Spoiler: ooc

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Erin uses Witness The City to gather information using Perception -5 instead of Diplomacy. Topics of interest would include anyone studying the Gardens and nearby streets, any talk about unusual activity within the criminal underworld (new arrivals, established criminals breaking their patterns, or surprising shifts in power).

Perception - (1d20+44)[60]

[Palanan]

The shape has drifted closer, listening intently without seeming to be focused on anything at all.

In one hand, barely visible beneath the grey cloak, an elaborately painted mask is on the verge of slipping free.

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 23/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None Spell Effects: Active Beacons: (Erin, Jacques, LeDroit)

---

Linath's mind was reeling, what she had seen, both with her own eyes, and through Erin's vision...

She felt a strange numbness, or was it an ineffable ache? She needed to focus on the matter at hand, there would time enough later to process things and there were living hostages, those who were depending upon them.

She sighed. Letting her anxiety leave with the exhalation, she centred her mind. The creatures were abominations borne of necromancy, or servants of such. With nigh impossible speed she drew and loaded an ashen grey bolt in her crossbow. If she was to be working with Erin again she would definitely need to ready her goggles, she removed them from the pouch at her waist and fastened them, letting them rest above her brow to be lowered when needed.

They may need to move far and fast should the need arise, she went to each of her companions in turn, tracing her own personal sigil of recall on each of them as she passed by. Her hand lingering a bit longer on her father than the others, it had seemed ages since sh last marked him. The Inquisitor shook her head, she need to stay focused. She went few meters from Erin and stood guard as the mage seemed to extend her senses outward. A new hunt had begun.

Spoiler: OOC

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Loading crossbow w/ Cryptstone bolt, smoked googles are out and readied. Spending 3 spell points to make Erin, LeDroit and Jacques Teleport Beacons, duration is 11 hours. When Iseru makes herself known I will likely do the same for her.

[Palanan]

Iseru will slip forward, uncertain of her welcome.

[Kallimakus]

The priest nods, grateful for LeDroit's words, stern but kind. "I will not hesitate in the future." the priest says. "Of course, I shall provide something of hers" Pierre says, leaving them to retreat to the main temple.

Erin casts her divination, and flickering scenes drift past her. She parses through mountains of information, events of the past days playing around her in quick flashes, pieces vying for her attention. Their petty machinations and grumbling about the Hand aside, there is something there. A man, named Roch, visiting some of the shadier characters in Lyonesse. She can see the powerful man, dressed in black in a manner of a servant or valet, bearing no obvious weapons and making inquiries. She can hear the phrase 'await the return of the king' repeated, first by Roch and then by others among the shady circles. This is somewhat odd, as Sancour has not had kings, nor have her vassal states had such since their joining.

He can see this Roch on the street where the wall was breached, making marks on the street night after night, leaving and returning each morning, except the last. Today. He was not among the group that attacked the graveyard, which means he is either in Lyonesse or freshly departed.

Spoiler: OOC

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(You may roll History, Geography or Local to learn more of relevant details to the cryptic notion, or use magic. Each tells a slightly different angle)

Edit: Actually, Witness the City allows Erin to tell that Roch indeed left the city, slipping out to the North by climbing the wall, and leaving her Divination

[Lirya]

Erin
AC 30, HP 104/104, Temp HP 41, Spell Points 23/35, Arcane Rerservoir: 4/9, Disappearance 13/13
Moldable Talents: Read Omens, Witness the City, Past Sight
Active Buffs: Armored Magic (Armor +6; 16h, Shield +4; 16h), Deflection (+4; 16h), Foreshadow (+2 Dodge, +3 Reflex, +3 Initiative; 13h), Invigorate (41 Temp HP; 16h), Teleport Beacon (11h)

Sharing the whispers of the shady parts of Lyonesse about this man named Roch with the rest, Erin pondered upon what the phrase 'await the return of the king' could mean. She would have to leave this investigation in the Lord Justice's hands, but she could at least provide a litte assistance before returning to her husband and children.

Seeing a pale shape drifting out of the shadows, her eyes brightened slightly in recognition. Still shaken by the horrors that had disturbed Sabbatine's rest, Erin forced a smile as she greeted this old friend. "Iseru, is that really you?" At least her tears had dried for now.

Spoiler: ooc

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Knowledge:Geography - (1d20+16)[20]
Knowledge:History - (1d20+16)[34]
Knowledge:Local - (1d20+6)[19]

[Palanan]

Iseru might be wafting on some unseen breeze, watching something far beyond Erin.

“…I…dreamed…—or not dreamed, I—saw.”

They had whispered to her, —had fleered their foreknowledge in the fraying shreds of her dreams, taunting her with what but not whom.

She had been many nights painting this mask, a star-mask, a heavens-mask, for Sabbatine’s celestial journey. Now it verges on slipping from her fingertips, the empty eyes staring across the troubled ground.

.

[TankLaser007]

Hunter Inquisitor Oisillon (Linath-Suru)
Female Lawful Neutral Half-Elf (Drow) Inquisitor (Ordained Hunter) / Conscript , Level 13 / 6, Init 14, HP 104/104, Speed 30' AC 27, Touch 20, Flat-footed 21, CMD 29, Fort 9, Ref 10, Will 16, CMB +9, Spell Resistance: 26, Base Attack Bonus +9 / +4, Spell Points 23/26 Kismet: 8/8 Spiresteel Ceromonial Vestments +4 (+7 Armor (½ vs Incorporeal), +6 Dex, +4 Deflection) Abilities Str 10, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 26, Cha 12 Condition None Spell Effects: Active Beacons: (Erin, Jacques, LeDroit)

---

Oisillon looked to to LeDroit, "Lord Justice, if I were to be charged by the Hand or an Officer of the Court to pursue and bring this 'Roch' for interrogation I could set out at once." there was something familiar, a feeling she had, then she heard a voice she hadn't heard in quite some time.

"Iseru?" she turned to face the ever elegant and enigmatic fetchling.

Spoiler: OOC

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Geography - (1d20+6)[11]
History - (1d20+1)[8]
Local - (1d20+9)[23]