Shadows of the Past IC

[Aergoth]

The Realm lies restless. Fifty years after the last of the Purges left the face of the Realm scarred and forever changed. Races have been wiped from existance by the swords and magic of the Inquisition. A new race has been birthed, creatures of wood and stone and steel, the warforged begin to find their identity amidst the temporary peace. Dragons have fled. Gnomes continue to toil in secret, working their arcane weavings and delving further for knowledge. The dwarven clans grow restless among the stones, eager for the warbeat once more. Goliath tribes continue to roam the high mountain passes and look warilly at the signs of coming change. The halflings have become more insular and distrusting of outsiders, goblins and gnolls yearn for freedom to fight once more. The rulers of men wait to see where the dice will fall.

Throughout the land, missives are sent. One finds a knight as he travels, another winds its way through stone tunnels to a monastery in the tall mountain peaks and reaches a formidable monk, a third travels by horse, meeting a journeyman cleric as he travels along the road. A fourth finds its way to a former member of the purge, a warforged now at large. Still another finds a newly released servant of Sigis passing through Byrn. The last finds its way, tattered and slightly worn to the hands of a goblin spellcaster

All of these letters share one thing in common, they summon the one who holds them to the court of Lassar Egan, Inquistor General of the province of Byrn.

Mathis

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Sir Gareth Ward,
The Inquisition summons you to the court of the Inquisitor General of Byrn with all haste.
The family of Ward pledged its service to the Inquisition six generations ago, offering its sons in service to the militia. The Inquisition is willing to consider this debt fulfilled if you will complete a service for us.
It is not required that you accept or refuse this service until you arrive in Byrn and meet with Inquisitor General Egan.
The letter is sealed with the mark of the Inquisitor General

Userpay

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To the Abbot of the Monastery of the Stone Dawn,
The Inqusition has need of the services of one of your monks, in repayment of debts owed. Your monastery was spared, where many others were not, because you swore an oath to serve the Inquisition where needed. The Inquisition requires that you send Kuliak Stonefist Meaoanamalollathek, of the Thaandal tribe, to the court of the Inquisitor General of Byrn.
Attached is a copy of the relevant agreement, sealed with a sun rising over the mountains and the mark of the Inquistor General.

IAAU

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Erick Vargas,
The Inquisition has always had good and cordial relations with the clergy of Veit. We work towards the same goals We hope that you will help us maintain these relations, and present yourself to the court of Lassar Egan, the Inquisitor General. The Inquisition has need of your services.
The missive is sealed with the mark of the Inquisitor General

Redmane

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The Inquisition did not decomission you, with the understanding that should your services would be required, they would be rendered. The Inquisition requires your services once again. Present yourself at the court of the Inquisitor General of the province of Byrn.
The missive is sealed with the mark of the Inquisitor General

JJ

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Issa Do'Rain,

The Court of the Inquisitor General of Byrn requests that you present yourself with all due haste for service. Your application for employment has been reviewed and accepted.
Should you fail to present yourself by the appointed date, your opportunity of employment shall be considered terminated forthwith.
Welcome to the Inqusition.
The missive is sealed with the mark of the Inquisitor General.

Satyrus

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The missive that reaches you appears to have been sent to several places before arriving at its final destination, a little the worse for wear. The address has been crossed out and remarked several times (including once in goblin, with a hasty and poorly spelt translation below). One corner of the envelope has been torn slightly and exposed to water at least once, but the document inside is none the worse for wear despite the state of its packaging.

Grik'Nik of the Kalta'hnk Goblin tribe, you are hereby ordered by the Office of the Inquisiton and the Collegiate Arcana to report to the court of the Inquisitor General of the province of Byrn for assessment. Failure to do so will result in your permit to practice magic being revoked.
A successful assessment will lead to your release from the custody of the Collegiate Arcana into that of the Inquisition for service.
An unsuccessful assessment will lead to your return to the Collegiate Arcana for further training.
The letter is sealed with an Arcane Mark from the Collegiate Arcana and the mark of the Inquisitor General can be found at the bottom of the missive.

One way or another, you all find yourself in the city of Tessalor, in the province of Byrn at the offices of the Inquisition.

OOC

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JJ: I'll leave it up to you whether or not Issa arrives on time or late. PM me your decision.

Userpay: How much the Abbot will tell Kuliak is up to you.

In general: Anyone can make a Knowledge check to see what they know about the following items (and the specific knowledge type that goes along with that)
Inquistior General Egan (Nobility and Royalty, Local)
The Province of Byrn (Geography, Local, History)
The Inquisition (N&R, History, Local, Arcana)

[redmane]

The watchtowers of Tessalor appeared on the murky horizon just as the sun was descending, so that was one less night in the open for the ArBee (Repair Bot Mark II Model 25, for anyone who didn't know him). Not that he minded yet another night spent at a campfire - his metallic body didn't care either way, being nearly impervious to the elements - but the rest of the caravan have already grew tired of the road, and it was a nice change to feel the tensions in the air to disappear.

Tessalor, a bustling city, so different from the cramped dwarven forges he was about to start calling "Home". Another time, then - after all, Inquisition was pretty clear that the quiet periods of tinkering at the forge were more of an exception than a rule. And this time, he was to report to an Inquisitor General, no less... must be some major undertaking they're planning. Probably a good chance to try out that new shiny armor he made for himself...

[Satyrus]

Grik'Nik read the letter, scratching his mangy black hair a few pieces of skin flaking onto his shoulder. He didn't think he was that hard to find looking at the state of the letter but good thing they hadn't just given up! He'd have been punished and his magic outlawed otherwise without having a clue why, something that was simply unthinkable.

He squinted at the name on the bottom of the page scrutinizing the marks to make sure they were official. They apparently passed the test as he stuffed the message into one of the pockets of his worn blue robes.

Best be on his way, no telling how long ago the letter had been sent, luckily he was not far from Tessalor where he was to report. Only a days walk...he looked down at his protruding stomach Well maybe a day and a half.


Using his shortspear as a walking stick, pointy end down, Grik'Nik began his walk not worried much about being his own magical ability being satisfactory, but instead musing about how much more freedom he might have without the Collegiate Arcana looking over his shoulder constantly.

Now if he could just remember what he'd been told about the inquisition at the Collegiate Arcana...


Knowledge roll for Inquisition:
(1d20+2)[3]

He knew he should have payed more attention during those early days when they were taught general information. No matter Grik'Nik would have a refresher when he arrived.

The journey to Tessalor did indeed take more than a day, but at least the weather didn't turn against him. Arriving at the city Grik'Nik takes in the bustle of the crowds and the great buildings around him. So much chaos, like insects buzzing about the common people were. So different from his tribe, so refreshing!

He smiled and whistled a light tune as he plodded around town searching for the Office of Inquisition. It took him another hour to find it but crumpled note in hand he presents himself at the entrance for the summons.

[I_am_an_undead]

Erick walked through the streets of Tessalor at a rapid pace. His trip to the city had taken quite some time, as it had not been on the path his journey had taken. Still, it was a welcome detour, as whatever service the Inquisitor General had in mind for him would surely help further the cause of Veit. After all, the Inquisition's mission had the Grim Radiance's approval. And maybe, in this endeavor, he might prove himself to the clergy.

He had already asked the guards at the city entrance the location of the Inquisition's offices in Tessalor. The letter he was carrying, and the seal that adorned it, had proven that he had reasons to see Lassar Egan. He wondered what kind of person this Egan was, but did not dwell on it long, for he quickly found himself before the very building he had been going towards. He smiled.

[The_JJ]

May your name and lineage be stricken forever, your great deeds assigned to your enemies and their failings placed upon your name! Issa grumbled at her horse as she slid out of the saddle. It flicked it's ear at her. Ah, so you understand dwarf swear words. Damn horse. It was harsh language, (though much punchier in the untranslated dwarfish) but the beast deserved all the punishment the gods could ever see fit to bestow upon it.

She really should have refused, but no daughter of House Do'Rain could possible be seen travelling on a humble, nice, docile donkey.

Issa stops to stretch her sore muscles while ordering her thoughts in her head.

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Um...


Inquistior General Egan
Lore: (1d20+7)[15]
Know (Nobility): (1d20+7)[24]

The Province of Byrn
Lore: (1d20+7)[26]
Know (Geography): (1d20+5)[10]
Know (History): (1d20+8)[12]

The Inquisition
Lore: (1d20+7)[20]
Know (Nobility): (1d20+7)[10]
Know (History): (1d20+8)[28] <- I guess Issa's taken an interest.
Knowledge (Arcana): (1d20+7)[23]

She squares her shoulders and sets off for the office, precisely on time.

[Mathis]

Knowledge checks for
General Egan:

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Nobility and Nobility: (1d20+4)[16]

For The Inquisition:

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Nobility and Nobility: (1d20+4)[14]

Gareth felt worn, and weak and above all he felt filthy. Days of travel had brought him to Tessalor and as he rode through the streets, head held high and eyes tirelessly watching as always, he could not ignore the amount of dust that had settled upon himself. This was why he preferred to stay in one place, the dust. Travelling sure had it's downsides.

His face carried a smile that did not reach his eyes as he reached The Inquisitions stable. The so-called Warforged that came to take care of his horse looked tireless as always, thought Gareth. Soulless too. Most of them had been forged in safe enviroments as far as Gareth knew, not war.Thank you, see to it that it's fed, Gareth said to it while grabbing some water out of a bucket to splash in his face. The cool water ran down his cheeks and he gently rubbed his own temples before wiping it all away with a cloth he later stuffed in a leather-pouch attached to his belt.

He never felt good leaving his majestic war-horse behind, but this General appeared important, and being seen in the company of important people was one of the things Gareth enjoyed the most. He produced the letter he had recieved and headed, hand on hilt, towards the court of Lassar Egan. Refreshed and ready for duty, he held high hopes for this meeting even though the letter had left him in the dark of the subject matter to be discussed.

[userpay]

Kauiak glanced again at the letter his master had just handed him. "Master... Normally I'd be truely honored to have been selected from among the many here but... How would they have known my name in particular? And... must we?" The goliath wasn't sure what to think. On one hand someone, somewhere, was acknowledging his skills, on the other it appeared that it would be for a... a rather distasteful task.

"To the first well... I may have had a bit much to ah *ahem* drink on one of my many trips. And it may have been... in the presence of one of the General's men... and I may or may not have called you my..." At here the dwarf trails off with a harumph that suspiciously sounded like favorite. Kauiak could only sigh at his masters well known weakness for liquor. "Well regardless we cannot ignore their summons." He glances off in the direction that Kauiak knew lay the dojo. "We've to much at stake here... It is unfortunate that it has come to be that you must bear the burden we masters created. You've my permission to go," A mere formality in the face of the summons. "it is time for you to know the outside world regardless world outside these mountains regardless. Stay true to yourself young Kauiak, stay true."

With little choice in the matter Kauiak left his mountainous home a few days previously, and now walked through the gates of Tessalor on foot.

[Aergoth]

Userpay
Goliath, hold! Are you Kauiak? The guard at the gates of Tessalor stands to bar your path, somewhat futilely.


Mathis, Satyrus and IAAU:

The guards at the Inquisition headquarters peacebond your weapons, locking them in their sheaths/holsters/equivalent. They glow faintly. You are led under a light guard to a waiting room outside of the offices of Inquisitor General Egan


JJ:
Issa has spent a week since arriving, but has now been summoned to the Inquisitor General in person, rather than speaking through intermediaries. You await entrance to his office in a waiting room when some guards usher two other humans and a goblin into the waiting room, followed by a Warforged.

Redmane,
You are instructed to conduct yourself to the waiting room outside Inquisitor General Egan's office. The directions you are given are simple and to the point, and you find yourself arriving just after another group.

[Mathis]

Gareth walks without objection to the waiting room, though the goblin unnerved him a little. He frowned his nose for a second then remembered his manners and introduced himself to both the goblin, and the other man with the short, swept back hair in the waiting room. Good day to you both, I am Sir Gareth Ward. Knight of Korbinian. You have also been summoned here to meet with the Inquisitor General?

Gareth hoped his simple ice-breaker would do just that, if nothing it would pass the time until he could see the Inquisitor General.

[redmane]

ArBee entered the room, eying out the inhabitants. Not seeing any familiar faces, he greeted everyone with a nod, and proceeded to a corner, where he stood motionless, awaiting his audience.

[I_am_an_undead]

Erick bowed slightly to the knight in response to his greeting, a practiced smile automatically creeping into his features. "Good day to you as well, Sir Gareth. I have indeed been summoned by the General. I am Erick Vargas, Journeyman cleric of the Grim Radiance."

He takes a moment to note the arrival of the warforged. he respond to the nod in kind, before turning his attention back to the knight and the goblin. "I guess we have all been called here for the same reason. Pardon me if I am too presomptuous, but do either of you have any knoweldge of what that reason might be?"

[userpay]

Stopping, after all there is no point in ignoring the guards, Kauiak looks at the guard thats stepped into his path. The sudden stop setting the boulders hanging from his back swaying gently. "Aye I am he." He fishes around in his vest before pulling out the letter he received. "I am responding to the summons detailed within this missive. I'd hate to be late."

[The_JJ]

As she sits in the corner, watching as the other's enter the room and trade greetings, Issa taps the side of her chair in irritation. The inquisitor had invited her here with dire warnings about the need to be punctual, then he forced her to wait around, squandering the last of her money on terrible inn food and feed for that damn horse. Her mother would be terribly offended to be treated as such by noble blood, Issa just hoped she could claim expenses for sitting around twiddling her thumbs. Not that the Inquisition was likely to do that in a million years.

Oh well, all in the past now. Issa reached into her bag and pulled out a sheet of parchment, and pulled an inkpen out from behind her ears. A few moment's work had the vial of ink unstopped and the pen wet.

Now...

1 knight - not very shining armor. Korbinian. Issa hesitated, then shrugged. Accuracy and completeness were important. Kinda handsome.

1 Purge era wrfrgd. Repair model? Characteristics of individuality. Warrants more study.

1 priest. Grm Rdince. Bleah. Bloody tomb keepers.

1 gbln. Dressed fr the weather. Wzrd?

[Aergoth]

"We have instructions regarding that. You will be escorted to the Inquisition shortly. I require your oath that you will not harm anyone within Tessalor."

This he adds with a glance towards Kauiak's massive hands and feet. A glance to the other guards reveals several cautiously fingering the catches of the crossbows. There's a massive figure in armour carrying a rather unpleasant looking flail on his back waiting in the wings as well.

[userpay]

Well I suppose this is acknowledgement of another sort... Kauiak turns back to the guard confronting him, a placid smile on his face. "I would think this," He says returning the letter to his vest. "would guarantee my cooperation in such matters. But you shall have my personal oath as well, I will not hurt anyone within the city. So long as I am allowed to defend myself if needed." There is more than one way to stop someone without hurting them, restraining them works well...

[Aergoth]

"There will be no need for that." The guard looks to the others. "Once you have reached the Inquisition, we will release you from your oath."

The armoured figure waiting off to the side looks to two other guards. They disappear briefly and return having retrieved short swords, they flank the first guard.

[userpay]

Kauiak sighs, wishing for home than this hostile place. "Lead the way then." He says, crossing his arms and looking at the first guard expectantly.

[Satyrus]

Grik'Nik was glad that he was not the only one to be summoned, it would have been terribly difficult to carry out any worthwhile mission himself.

While the two humans chatted Grik'Nik's attention was drawn to the female sitting across the room. A quill at the ear... he though with a smile, perhaps somebody more inclined to the mind as he was rather than the two rather robust men that seemed to be waiting for an introduction.

Ah, my pardon good sirs. I am Grik'Nik, wizard of the Kalta'hnk clan and I was indeed summoned here as well. It seems none of us have been informed of the purpose. he looks at Erick

A journeyman cleric was it, have you been long on the road?

[The_JJ]

Issa returned the goblin's smile, and then quickly scratched out the question mark next to Wzrd.

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Just because I can...

On our knight:
Know (nobility): (1d20+7)[26] For either family name or order of knighthood.

Our journeyman cleric:
Know (religion): (1d20+8)[12] for his position and likely responsibilities.

On the goblin:
Err... Lore: (1d20+7)[17] Just wracking her brains for anything she picked up while she was studying the Goblin language.

[Aergoth]

@Userpay
The first guard nods to the other two and they set off at a trot towards the Inquisition.

Upon arriving at the Inqusition you are led, blindfolded through several corridors, seemingly at random. Numerous twists and turns present themselves before eventually your blindfold is removed. You are standing before a wooden door marked 'Inquisitor General'

[userpay]

After the blindfold is removed Kauiak can't help but give the guards a look as if to say it had been unnecessary... but whats done is done. Hesitantly he raises a hand to knock on the door as the guards don't seem interested in announcing or continuing further with him.

[Aergoth]

The door has not been closed all the way it seems, and swings open at the first knock.

The waiting room the door opens on is rather understated given the importance of the man in the next room.

There are assorted armchairs of various colours and styles arranged along one wall, some of which are occupied. A warforged is standing in one corner, adjacent to a long, padded bench, obviously intended for creatures too large or oddly shaped for the chairs. The door you came in is plain, made of a dark wood, as are the well-worn planks of the wooden floor, and the wooden panelling along the walls. The door opposite is marked with a winged sword, pointed down. A pair of hunting horns have been mounted on one wall, surrounded by carvings of animals.

[Mathis]

Ah, so you're a purger then, Gareth wanted to spit out in reply to Erick. His manners took control of him and he said "Ah, a fellow man of faith, a pleasure to meet you I'm sure." instead. He listened closely to the goblin as it spoke and found to his surprise that it appeared to be rather intelligent! A warforged entered their waiting room and nodded to them politely, another servant Gareth assumed and gave it a polite nod. Gareth had apparently also not noticed the ink-spotted woman sitting room, a fairly good-looking woman too, he had to admit.

His strain of thought was brought to a brutal end as a Goliath of monstrous height entered the room carrying boulders, boulders and javelins at his back. Gareth found himself taken a back and at a loss of words for a moment, waiting in silence as if to see if the Goliath wanted to say something.

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Gareth is going to use the word purger as a spiteful term towards those who supported the purges, mainly the followers of Veit. OOCly I mean no offense, I just feel it would be a natural thing the followers of Korbinian (who opposed the purges) would call those who supported the purges hoping to humiliate them. If anyone is offended by this let me know and I'll remove it from use.

[I_am_an_undead]

Erick continued to smile his usual smile, unaware of the thought that went through the knight's mind.

He turned toward the Grik'Nik as the goblin spoke. "I have been "on the road" for a few years now. Three. I have to say I have quite enjoyed travelling through the country. It is quite a..."

Erick stopped a moment, looking at the new arrival in slight surprise. He had not often seen Goliaths in his life, since none had lived in his village and only humans were allowed in the clergy of Veit and wasn't used to see someone so tall. However, as it was rude to stare and Erick strived to never be rude, he turned back to finish his sentence. "...refreshing change from the temple."

[userpay]

Kauiak slowly lowers his fist as he looks about the room, taking a few steps in as well. "Greetings... I hope that I am not presumptuous in thinking that we were all called here by the General for the same thing?"

[The_JJ]

Glth. Big.

Issa taps her teeth, then speaks up, in response to the Goliath. Same thing, yes. Though what he could want out of all of us escapes me. She waves to the room in general. Issa Do'Rain, Servant of Sigis.

[Mathis]

Gareth politely closes his mouth again, it had unexpetably fallen slightly agape at he tallest thing he had seen his entire life had entered the room. Waiting until after Issa had presented herself, and he had presented her with a corteous nod and smile Gareth said to the Goliath: And I am Sir Gareth. My, you're quite a tall one arn't you? How did you get to grow so tall? Competing with the trees are we?

[userpay]

Kauiak smiles. "More like competing with the stones back home than a little tree. Ah I forget myself, I am Kauiak Stonefist Meaoanamalollathek of the Thaandal tribe." He sidesteps and leans a shoulder against a wall, arms crossed. "So they've gathered a fair few individuals... though unlike the guards they seem to trust us to do as they will..."

[Satyrus]

Grik'Nik was used to be overtopped, even among his own people and he'd heard stories of the goliaths during his training at the Collegiate Aracana but this was his first time seeing one in person.

He hopped up from his seat approaching the goliath with a hand beneath his chin. As he drew close he had to look nearly straight up before extending a small hand.

A pleasure to meet you Kauiak, I must say you're kind are even taller than I imagined! You must be able to see quite far from so high and to carry such a load you could easily toss me through the air I expect! he grins, the small fangs sticking out of his mouth.

[userpay]

Kauiak's smile grows into a full blown grin at the plucky. Bending over he says, "Oh I'm sure if thats something you wish to experience then it could be arranged, later though as I think the guards would try to kill me if I tried something like that. They seem jumpy with me around." Extending his own hand he gently takes hold of the goblin's, though he doesn't make any move to actually shake his hand. Careful with little things he is.