Suffer not a witch [IC]

[Kyace]

"This is where the King-Assassin analogy breaks down. You'll be working for me, a Dean of the Stiftskirche. The Vatican..." The priest pauses. "The Vatican used to provide God-blessed men who could perform tasks to protect it's parishioners from the supernatural."

"To say that the local parish here isn't well liked in the Vatican would be an understatement," added the shopkeeper.

"In their lack, we have need to recruit more local assistance to protect our parishioners and neighbors."

[Liliedhe]

She listens intently, trying to get her heartbeat under control. Emanuel would not have sent her, if this wasn't genuine, she has to trust. Her fingers toy with the staff in her lap and she asks softly: "What is it, that you do need us for, your Grace?"

[tonberryking]

Maglae

Throughout ALL of this, the quiet one Maglae, has kept her peaceful, contented looking face. ...though in lieu of the secret revealed, it may not be surprising no one noticed her. In fact after all of this, one might expect she was invited to the WRONG Willow store for some other meeting meeting, until...

"Are we to hunt our "own" kind?" she offers plainly, "You seem to indicate that we each have powers and skills needed to placate something... But what exactly?"

There's a pause as the girl moves her staff from her lap to be resting against her soft shoulders.

[Chineselegolas]

"I have to say, I do not like your manner priest, to much beating around the point" Harad said, showing a similar lack of tack as the shop keeper. Standing up to his full height he continued "You seem to have researched well, and while I was sure none of my village new of anything beyond my size, it seems you do", shrugging, "If I knew what is was I am to be protecting and what I am protecting from, I will help. But I will not protect the corrupt or the evil."

[trineon]

Upon seeing him stand up, Ulrich raises a friendly hand towards Harad.

"Now now mighty sir, let's not get so hasty yet. Questionable as it may be for the church to go adopt shady principles, I doubt it's fallen as far as nurturing evil."

Lowering his arm, he gives a studying gaze to the priest.

"Security tasks are fairly simple to handle, but am I to understand that you wish to employ us for more...offensive methods of protection? Guarding or escorting individuals against harm is one thing, seeking out to kill those who mean harm is quite another."

[Kyace]

"Honestly, I don't know what I'm sending you into." The priest frowns. "For years, this church has only sent one or two wi- arbitrators at a time to keep the peace in a small regions. And recently our agents have started disappearing. More mundane methods seemed not to protect them so we sent out for you all, all at once. We would like you to go to the region the last arbitrator disappeared from, try to find out what is happening."

[tonberryking]

Maglae

The same serene look.

"Who was your last... arbitrator and where were they last sent?" I have yet to agree to this but you have to understand how this could be misinterpreted... What with all the "dangerous" arbitrators that the common folk tend to call witch."

You can tell even though she's putting on a warm demeanor that last one was lined with venom, the pleasant girl suddenly seeming a bit chillier...

[Liliedhe]

"Arbitrators?" Genoveva frowns. That's a new one. "As I said, I'm yours to command, but please, we need more information. Those who still doubt will not find it easier to accept your proposal if you do not tell them what this is all about." Again her eyes wander over the strange group.

[Chineselegolas]

"If they work with one thing they claim to be evil, they may also work with one that is" Harad said, turning to Ulrich. "But if people are disappearing, and the cause is not known then I will aid you in this" he continued turning to face the priest once more, re-taking his seat. "But if I feel that we are being used to further your cause without helping the innocent, I will leave"

[Maquis]

"And, there is little doubt whomever is behind this has no small measure of skill, to subdue those with skills enough to find my true nature. Such a powerfull and dangerous person, or peoples. Mince Meat and I, Djer Hami, shall aid you."
By now, Djers' grin has turned from friendly, if weary, to down right feral. Leaning back in his seat he idley begins to polish his eye lenses with the edge of his shirt. "What I could learn from such people?" he mutters quietly to himself.

[trineon]

Taking a moment to lean back, Ulrich listens to what others have to say, but can't help but think about his situation as well.

"What manner of sources would they have to locate those like me? This could turn ugly..."

He glances about, studying the others.

"...and not just for me it seems. At least I'm not alone in the snake pit I suppose."

He leans forward to chime back in.

"I think what everyone here is wondering, with good reason, is the full nature of this investigation you wish to send us into. Who was, and how reliable was your last arbitrator? Is there anything relevant, or at least noteworthy about the region in question? Where would you have us start, and how would you have us go about it? What sort of, if any, leads or theories do you have? Finally, are we to be working for you officially, or secretively?"

He pauses for a second and smiles.

"I hope you don't mind our little inquisition here. Needless to say, one prefers to know what weather to expect before setting sail into new waters."

[Kyace]

"The last person to disappear was in Horb, about two weeks ago. We've also has a two agents disappear in Villingen and another, the first, from near Furtwangen, a month and a half ago. We've also heard of several, maybe a dozen people, with weak talent whom disappeared in the last few months and were not working for us. As to theories, I think someone is grabbing talented people for something they wouldn't be willing to join normally... Our closest guess would be someone, a ritual caster who can siphon..." He looks at the door instinctively. "magical energy into themselves to cast spells more often. For what use... I don't really know, I'm sorry."

"See, the fellow who normally tracked down good recruits disappeared while on a name gathering mission. Good at reading people, nearly to the point he knew what you were thinking nearly before you thought it but couldn't fight worth a lick. Can't say I'm any tougher but that's why we were supposed to stay in the safe. He was supposed to run at the first sign of trouble... But yes, he was a reliable fellow, in his own way."

"As for who you are working for, that would be me. The employment would be secret but I'd give you a way to find and talk to our allies once you decide if you wish to work for me. For reasons I hope you can understand, I'll wait until you decide before I formally introduce myself and my friend over there."

[Moridain]

The Knight frowns deeply, "I am afraid that you have us at an Impasse. You appear to know one of my gravest secrets, one that I would be burned for in politer company. You appear to be offering us anonymity, perhaps even payment, if we serve you yet you will not tell us, let alone prove to us, who it is we would serve."

He sighs deeply, "I would need to see some credentials before I accept service under you. While I would be willing, even happy, to serve the church I have nothing but your word that is we would work for."

[trineon]

"I'm partially in agreement with Sir Stremland here. Your knowledge of such personal secrets is unsettling to say the least, and makes me wonder if we really have a choice in this matter..."

Ulrich crosses his arms and ponders for a few seconds.

"...Of course, my more immediate concern is the potential magnitude of this mission. I've taken up many tasks for many people, and I relish in the experience of it all...But this task, perhaps because it involves individuals who are not merely dangerous, but magically dangerous, is a challenge of new proportions for me. Any person of sound reasoning would dare not meddle with malevolent magic."

Feeling some discomfort, he shifts in his seat and stretches his arms out.

"I suppose it's a good thing I think of reason as a wise, but sometimes too plain companion, and not a master. I'll accept the task, provided I'm not alone in handling it, and compensated fairly for it of course. While I've never agreed with the notion of witch-burning, the notion of nabbing magically-able individuals, for purposes unknown is even more unsettling. And if nothing else, this should bring back some excitement I've been lacking in recently."

[Kyace]

"Credentials? Hmm, well I'm Dean Louis Rampal, a Dean at the local church, the Stiftskirche. You will find sanctuary as well as someplace to rest if you desire there." The priest says to the knight.

[Liliedhe]

Genoveva just shrugged. "As I've already said I'm in. Whatever is doing this must be stopped."

[Chineselegolas]

"Well I'm in. For now." Harad said, standing and walking over to where his glaive lent.

Spoiler

Show

knowledge geography - (1d20)[8]
Any similar land marks such as caves or woods with the two towns.

[Moridain]

The Knight watches as those around him agree to the mission. Knowing that it is largely inevitable he sighs, "Well, then... I suppose I accede myself. Conditional on the fact that once we have finished here I can prove to myself that you are in fact the Dean of the local church."

He stands and draws his blade and then kneels, blade point down into the ground, "My blade is the churches to command."

[Excuse Timon, he can be a little old fashioned and overly dramatic at times.]
[He is a good guy though, really. :D ]

[Kyace]

Harad:

Spoiler

Show

You vaguely know that the villages are to your south west

"Good. If you all are ready, I have a carriage and driver hired for you all for the next couple weeks if you have need."

[tonberryking]

Maglae

(Sorry, had a rough weekend and start. I'll be focused back here again)

Maglae remains quiet again until the matter of the carriage is brought up.

"Thank you but while I shall go along with this, I prefer traveling on my own horse.... Though, if I may ask, what's in this for us after our job is complete? To remain anonymous?"

[Moridain]

The knight had been hesitating for some reason, but seems to relax as Maglae speaks. It seems he wasnt willing to ask about further compensation again, but did want it as well if it was available.

[Liliedhe]

"That is very friendly, your Grace, but I also don't need carriage, I have a horse", Genoveva declined as well.

[trineon]

"I on the other hand, would welcome the carriage. Riding has never been a strength of mine."

Straightening his shirt, Ulrich stands up, ready to leave.

[Chineselegolas]

"I prefer my own to legs to a horse, but if everyone else is riding I guess I shall make use of your carriage" Harad said

[Maquis]

"I fear Mince Meat and I will not be albe to keep up with such beasts as yours. I shall join you in this carriage, once I have found him adaquate stabling."

[tonberryking]

Maglae

The maid becomes insistent as she glances cheerfully at the others. "Carriage or no, we really ought to be aware of what we get ourselves into; regardless if we want a reward or not. It's vital to understand what they shall give us in return... Isn't that right, Dean Rampal?"

[Kyace]

"It is not my intent to force you to work against your will. I will not reveal your secrets if you decide to leave. Does 50 gold pieces a week to cover your expenses sound sufficient?"

[Moridain]

The Knights stands and nods, "That is acceptable. We should away then."

He heads to the door, but pauses, "I would assume that the belongings of the witches, at least those that are not obviously corrupt or magical and therefor requiring sanctifying at the church, are ours to do with as we will?"

If their employer agrees he nods and heads outside, mounting up and waiting for the others to get ready.

[Kyace]

"If you desire, um.. sure, just don't go around declaring all rich people witches. A bit of discretion would be wise."

[Moridain]

The knight stiffens at what he sees as an insult, then nods curtly, "Do not worry, I am not one to abuse strength or authority."

He then nods stiffly then walks out to his mount returning his helm to his head. He then mounts with obvious skill and waits around for the others to be ready.

This expedition makes me ill at ease... I have spent a great deal of time suppressing my magics, to now seek out the magics of others... Oh well, at least the Lord might give me the chance to burn a true witch, and cleanse at least a part of the taint of evil that my own magics have brought to my soul.

[God... Timon is turning into a real pompous prick isnt he... :) ]