With an impressive display of metal discipline that Joren would scarce expect from a non-soldier, Malachi makes it through the whole procedure with only a slight tensing of the shoulders. When is done, he feels no different besides a slight burning sensation on his temple.
"A bit of scarring might be a good thing," Marion says. "We wouldn't want the rune to be completely repaired"
Throughout the entire process Vilus' unblinking gaze does not veer from the mark, he breathes hard and sweats along with Samir, his eyes burning with the purple glow.
Toward the end of the procedure, just as Samir sits back and cleans his glasses, Vilus stands up suddenly, "I got it, I bloody got it! For a second there I understood the mark" he whips around and breathes as if winded, and with his back turned to Malachi, vilus claps Samir on the shoulder in appreciation "well done there Samir, I think you just saved more than Mal's life..."
Once things are cleared away and the group relaxed once more, Vilus explains, "it wasn't a mark of keeping track or an infection of corrupt magic per se, it was a brand of ownership, like some kind of demonic contract... Malachi, I can only assume that your entire being was marked for use by Rasmus... I suppose now that it's gone, this only begs the question of what Rasmus wanted from you, and why specifically you?" He looks to Mal concerned but obviously not accusatory.
Joren slowly releases the pressure of his hands on Malachi's shoulders, trying to follow what Samir and the others are saying.
He looks down at the half-elf. "So... how are you feeling? Everyone up for giving council-member Jean-Lou a visit, or are we looking at other priorities?"
Ashley helps as she can with her knowledge of the arcana, and is thrilled when things work out well. As they all sit back to take a breather on what they accomplished she looks over at Vilus and it appears that something just crossed her mind.
"Oh! I've been carrying this, these? along with me since you disappeared on the off chance we may find you someday." Ashley opens her pack wide and the stench starts permeating into the room. "I know it's been awhile and well, I figured maybe magic can help? And then there is the fact it didn't really fit in my pack whole, so I cut it into 4 sections... figuring you'd have to find a way to reattach it someway, may as well reattach all of it?" She looks a mix between worried and completely proud of herself as she reaches in and pulls out four sections of Vilus's severed leg and sets them on the small table in the room. Careful not to get them on any of Samir's tools.
"oh shit!" Vilus barks out as he covers his nose from the smell, looking upon his dismembered limb he smiles, and then just starts laughing, a hard and hearty belly laugh, as his eyes meet Ashley's he tries to suppress it but fails, blowing a big raspberry as he continues laughing, "that is amazing! I've no idea if that can be fixed but the intention is.. wow! Thank you Ash! I appreciate that, you carried this across the land with you!?" He then just continues laughing, genuinely amused and beaming at the fact that Ashley had the thought to keep his leg with her.
Once he has calmed down it dawn's on him just what this means, realisation takes his face and he stands up and goes over to Ashley sweeping her up in a bear hug, "you never doubted for a second that I'd be back eh? You held out hope that I was alive even if all the evidence was against you! This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me"
Face flushed and dripping with sweat, Malachi releases the strap from his mouth. “Is it done then? How do we know it worked?”He reaches over and grabs Samir’s hand. “Thank you”then looks at the others “Thank all of you for helping. I did not want to lead them to you all.”
He looks up in surprise at Vilus and his hand goes back up to his temple “Ownership? Like he claimed me as his own? I have no idea why.” He gags a little as Ashley brings out the leg, but breaks out into a smile as Vilus wraps Ashley in a giant hug. It was good to be reunited.
"Claimed you as his own, is exactly right, though hopefully no longer thanks to Samir... Oh speaking of, I have something for you Samir" Vilus let's go of Ashley and rummages around in his bag, producing one small vial of a liquid which glows oddly, he carefully passes it over, "concentrated magic, liquid form, can you figure out why someone would need this, what it's uses are? Oh and don't touch it, unless you like having less fingers." Vilus hands over the vial and then regards the rotting bits of his leg on the table, he then gathers them up and puts them back in to Ashley's bag, "no point in ruining two bags eh?" He chuckles at her
Ashley is taken aback by the show of emotion from Vilus but is thrilled when he scoops her up and hugs her. Definitely good to have everyone back together.
"Malachi, we would help you no matter what, you know that!" She watches as Vilus puts his leg parts back in her bag, then screws her face a bit as she remarks, "Fine, but you owe me a new bag once we figure this out."
She puts the bag back over her shoulder, "So I know we want to go find this council person, but I would like to see if we can find someone that might be able to help with Vilus's leg? Maybe Naeve downstairs knows where to go? Ooh! Or Vilus, you know this city, right? Know of where we might try?"
Samir sits quietly as the others talk, taking in the chatter and dissembling quietly whenever attention was turned upon him. He cast a bit of an askew glance at the grisly prize that Ashley pulled from her bag, but otherwise was not terribly fazed by it. It was more or less what he would expect of a severed leg so long detached from its personage. That she had managed to hold onto it for this length of time without gagging to death from proximity was honestly more impressive.
And then Vilus handed him a vial.
Samir blinked, rapidly, at the small container in his hand. He was simultaneously unaware that his jaw was hanging open by an inch or two as he stared at the shimmering liquid contained within that seemingly fragile object. His mind spun, racing around concepts and theories that grew wholly formed from even the idea of what Vilus was suggesting.
What could be done with it? What could be done with it?!
"I cannot even begin to answer that question with anything approaching succinctness, Vilus. What could be done with it? I am afraid that in the right hands, almost anything could be done with such a thing..."
He looks over at Ashley as they begin putting the pieces of leg back into a bag “Can anyone even help with the leg? It is in rough shape. We do need to warn the council at some point, especially if Marigold has influence among them. But whatever we do, we should leave this place before the cultists come looking for us. I guess we will find out if the link is truly broken.”
Malachi looked at the vial Vilus handed Samir with curiosity. Magic was still a rare thing in the world and now, to see it bottled up, was more than he could imagine.
Packing up, the newly reunited group departs the inn and begins walking through the streets of Talmouth. Vilus leads them towards the council hall, occasionally dipping through well concealed alleys and shortcuts, and spending a surprisingly small amount of time on main roads. Even just in the 10 minute walk, they encounter every kind of shop imaginable. Exotic food stalls, clothiers, bakers, pet shops, florists, churches, and furniture makers, and that doesn't even scratch the surface. In contrast to Tensmith as well, the streets are bustling and lively. Overheard conversations are either about small talk, gossip, petty complaints, or wild rumours that sound like they came from sailors at the dock.
Arriving at the council hall, they are greeted by two guards in decorative armour, wielding less than decorative halberds. "Halt, what business have you here?" asks the moustached one on the right.
Vilus takes a step back once the town hall is within sight, he has adopted a firbolg form for the duration of the quick walk to their destination, but still doesn't want to rouse suspicion.
As they approach the town hall, Malachi puts on an air of officialness gained from his time visiting the courts of Teyra’athal. “Good morning, gentlemen”he replies in polite, but short, clipped tones. “We are here on council business. Representatives from Tensmith with a missive for the council. Now, please show us to Councilor Jean-Lou and we will attend to our task.” He pulls a letter from his satchel and waves it as he speaks.
The other guard steps forward and takes a quick look at the seal. He nods to the first and then opens one of the large double doors. He pokes his head in and makes a gesture at someone before stepping back to his post. The door opens a bit once more, groaning under its weight, and a finely dressed attendant garbed in all red gestures for the group to follow him.
Beyond the doors, they are greeted to the awe-inspiring sight of a large reception hall with ornate staircases rising up to join with 2 levels of balconies that circle the hall. Vaulted ceilings and 20 foot tall stained glass windows complete the majestic interior. Rather than heading for the large staircase in the center of the marble floor, the attendant leads everyone to another large door on the right side of the hall. Beyond is a hallway lined with red carpet, fancy portraits, and numerous alcoves. The sun shines in at an angle through the windows along the wall to the right, while various doors of different stylings lead off into other rooms to the left.
Past the doors, past the paintings, past the windows, the attendant continues on to another door at the end of the hall. Beyond it is a round chamber with a stone staircase spiraling upward. One story up is a landing with another door. A bench rests against the wall on either side. "Please wait here a moment. May I have the letter of introduction?" The attendant holds out his hand and stands by the door.
Ashley is in complete awe of the structure they are in as they head into the main room and then down the beautiful hallway. Enjoying the sunshine as it streams in through the windows, she doesn't get any sense of foreboding until they are in the round chamber.
Maybe this is how things were done, but so many things could go wrong the way it was set up. And after being accused so many times of ill doing, she didn't want to be stuck on that side again. "Might one of us come with you?"
The attendant considers for a moment before saying, "Understood. You may follow me and bring the letter yourself," addressing Ashley specifically. It seems to her that he understands the pragmatism of the request. "If he is then able to grant you an audience, your companions here will be sent for."
As he speaks, the sound of another door opening echoes through the chamber from two stories up. A gaggle of footsteps can be heard along with a good degree of professional sounding chatter, with a smattering of complaint and bickering.
The attendant opens the door for Ashley to follow, and through the doorway she can see a long chamber with a sturdy desk at the end. Behind the desk, silhouetted by the large stained glass window behind him, sits an upright and dignified man shuffling through some papers. Without looking up, he waves the attendant in. "After you," the attendant says to Ashley.
Samir does his best to appear unthreatening and studious as they are led through the building, a task for which he is decidedly suited. His eyes move over the various surfaces, decorations, and individuals they see, cataloging things and trying to pin down their purposes.
Beneath the calm exterior however, other thoughts are churning. Thoughts of runes and power, of inkling of theories concerning the cultists and what they are doing- and what they have been unable to do.
Malachi smiles as Ashley asks to deliver the letter. He had his own doubts and concerns, if the cultists had a seat on the council there was no telling how much control they had.
He moves close to hand her the letter of introduction and establishes a telepathic connection with her, although he does not speak into her mind. He knows how much she hates that. Instead, he whispers “Remember, we are just a thought away if you need us. Just reach out.” He peers into the open door behind her, looking into the room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Taken a little aback that they asked her, though realizing that is exactly what she asked, she looks down the long chamber and wonders about the dignified looking man. The light from behind him shades his features and she can't see him very well.
Feeling a bit apprehensive, she looks to Malachi for the letter, and as he hands it to her with his whisper, she looks at him with her eyes a bit wider and he knows she understands. She finally nods to him, knowing it is for assistance no matter how much she hates it.
She finally looks at the attendant and smiles, "thank you." and she heads into the corridor, trying to take it all in as she walks towards the man, hoping it is the one they are looking for.
As Ashley walks into the room, she is flanked by two glass display cases. One contains a large, well-worn suit of armour, and the other possesses several steel weapons. They are chipped and scratched, but clearly well-maintained. There are no signs of rust on them, though they all look like they have seen active battle. Something about them is familiar, but she isn't able to place it right away. Not until Jean-Lou speaks with an accent much like Joren's, though not quite as thick. "Who are you bringing me today?"
Ashley's escort replies, "I have here someone with a group of people who bear a letter of introduction. Addressed to you, and bearing the seal of the Mayor of Tensmith."
At this, the man behind the desk quickly stands up to his full height and walks around the desk toward Ashley. As he draws closer, she can see that he has facial features and a tall powerful build that mark him as a goliath, though he bears no tattoos upon his body. His head is bare but for a small patch of long hair on the top of his skull that has been drawn into a long black ponytail, and a long scar travels along his jaw line.
He holds out a large hand to Ashley, making her think at first that he is reaching for the letter, but she quickly realizes he is going for a handshake. "Well met. I am Jean-Lou. What may I be calling you? And what news are you bringing from Tensmith?"
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With an impressive display of metal discipline that Joren would scarce expect from a non-soldier, Malachi makes it through the whole procedure with only a slight tensing of the shoulders. When is done, he feels no different besides a slight burning sensation on his temple.
"A bit of scarring might be a good thing," Marion says. "We wouldn't want the rune to be completely repaired"
Throughout the entire process Vilus' unblinking gaze does not veer from the mark, he breathes hard and sweats along with Samir, his eyes burning with the purple glow.
Toward the end of the procedure, just as Samir sits back and cleans his glasses, Vilus stands up suddenly, "I got it, I bloody got it! For a second there I understood the mark" he whips around and breathes as if winded, and with his back turned to Malachi, vilus claps Samir on the shoulder in appreciation "well done there Samir, I think you just saved more than Mal's life..."
Once things are cleared away and the group relaxed once more, Vilus explains, "it wasn't a mark of keeping track or an infection of corrupt magic per se, it was a brand of ownership, like some kind of demonic contract... Malachi, I can only assume that your entire being was marked for use by Rasmus... I suppose now that it's gone, this only begs the question of what Rasmus wanted from you, and why specifically you?" He looks to Mal concerned but obviously not accusatory.
Joren slowly releases the pressure of his hands on Malachi's shoulders, trying to follow what Samir and the others are saying.
He looks down at the half-elf. "So... how are you feeling? Everyone up for giving council-member Jean-Lou a visit, or are we looking at other priorities?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Ashley helps as she can with her knowledge of the arcana, and is thrilled when things work out well. As they all sit back to take a breather on what they accomplished she looks over at Vilus and it appears that something just crossed her mind.
"Oh! I've been carrying this, these? along with me since you disappeared on the off chance we may find you someday." Ashley opens her pack wide and the stench starts permeating into the room. "I know it's been awhile and well, I figured maybe magic can help? And then there is the fact it didn't really fit in my pack whole, so I cut it into 4 sections... figuring you'd have to find a way to reattach it someway, may as well reattach all of it?" She looks a mix between worried and completely proud of herself as she reaches in and pulls out four sections of Vilus's severed leg and sets them on the small table in the room. Careful not to get them on any of Samir's tools.
"oh shit!" Vilus barks out as he covers his nose from the smell, looking upon his dismembered limb he smiles, and then just starts laughing, a hard and hearty belly laugh, as his eyes meet Ashley's he tries to suppress it but fails, blowing a big raspberry as he continues laughing, "that is amazing! I've no idea if that can be fixed but the intention is.. wow! Thank you Ash! I appreciate that, you carried this across the land with you!?" He then just continues laughing, genuinely amused and beaming at the fact that Ashley had the thought to keep his leg with her.
Once he has calmed down it dawn's on him just what this means, realisation takes his face and he stands up and goes over to Ashley sweeping her up in a bear hug, "you never doubted for a second that I'd be back eh? You held out hope that I was alive even if all the evidence was against you! This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me"
Face flushed and dripping with sweat, Malachi releases the strap from his mouth. “Is it done then? How do we know it worked?” He reaches over and grabs Samir’s hand. “Thank you” then looks at the others “Thank all of you for helping. I did not want to lead them to you all.”
He looks up in surprise at Vilus and his hand goes back up to his temple “Ownership? Like he claimed me as his own? I have no idea why.” He gags a little as Ashley brings out the leg, but breaks out into a smile as Vilus wraps Ashley in a giant hug. It was good to be reunited.
"Claimed you as his own, is exactly right, though hopefully no longer thanks to Samir... Oh speaking of, I have something for you Samir" Vilus let's go of Ashley and rummages around in his bag, producing one small vial of a liquid which glows oddly, he carefully passes it over, "concentrated magic, liquid form, can you figure out why someone would need this, what it's uses are? Oh and don't touch it, unless you like having less fingers." Vilus hands over the vial and then regards the rotting bits of his leg on the table, he then gathers them up and puts them back in to Ashley's bag, "no point in ruining two bags eh?" He chuckles at her
Ashley is taken aback by the show of emotion from Vilus but is thrilled when he scoops her up and hugs her. Definitely good to have everyone back together.
"Malachi, we would help you no matter what, you know that!" She watches as Vilus puts his leg parts back in her bag, then screws her face a bit as she remarks, "Fine, but you owe me a new bag once we figure this out."
She puts the bag back over her shoulder, "So I know we want to go find this council person, but I would like to see if we can find someone that might be able to help with Vilus's leg? Maybe Naeve downstairs knows where to go? Ooh! Or Vilus, you know this city, right? Know of where we might try?"
Samir sits quietly as the others talk, taking in the chatter and dissembling quietly whenever attention was turned upon him. He cast a bit of an askew glance at the grisly prize that Ashley pulled from her bag, but otherwise was not terribly fazed by it. It was more or less what he would expect of a severed leg so long detached from its personage. That she had managed to hold onto it for this length of time without gagging to death from proximity was honestly more impressive.
And then Vilus handed him a vial.
Samir blinked, rapidly, at the small container in his hand. He was simultaneously unaware that his jaw was hanging open by an inch or two as he stared at the shimmering liquid contained within that seemingly fragile object. His mind spun, racing around concepts and theories that grew wholly formed from even the idea of what Vilus was suggesting.
What could be done with it? What could be done with it?!
"I cannot even begin to answer that question with anything approaching succinctness, Vilus. What could be done with it? I am afraid that in the right hands, almost anything could be done with such a thing..."
He looks over at Ashley as they begin putting the pieces of leg back into a bag “Can anyone even help with the leg? It is in rough shape. We do need to warn the council at some point, especially if Marigold has influence among them. But whatever we do, we should leave this place before the cultists come looking for us. I guess we will find out if the link is truly broken.”
Malachi looked at the vial Vilus handed Samir with curiosity. Magic was still a rare thing in the world and now, to see it bottled up, was more than he could imagine.
Packing up, the newly reunited group departs the inn and begins walking through the streets of Talmouth. Vilus leads them towards the council hall, occasionally dipping through well concealed alleys and shortcuts, and spending a surprisingly small amount of time on main roads. Even just in the 10 minute walk, they encounter every kind of shop imaginable. Exotic food stalls, clothiers, bakers, pet shops, florists, churches, and furniture makers, and that doesn't even scratch the surface. In contrast to Tensmith as well, the streets are bustling and lively. Overheard conversations are either about small talk, gossip, petty complaints, or wild rumours that sound like they came from sailors at the dock.
Arriving at the council hall, they are greeted by two guards in decorative armour, wielding less than decorative halberds. "Halt, what business have you here?" asks the moustached one on the right.
Vilus takes a step back once the town hall is within sight, he has adopted a firbolg form for the duration of the quick walk to their destination, but still doesn't want to rouse suspicion.
As they approach the town hall, Malachi puts on an air of officialness gained from his time visiting the courts of Teyra’athal. “Good morning, gentlemen” he replies in polite, but short, clipped tones. “We are here on council business. Representatives from Tensmith with a missive for the council. Now, please show us to Councilor Jean-Lou and we will attend to our task.” He pulls a letter from his satchel and waves it as he speaks.
The other guard steps forward and takes a quick look at the seal. He nods to the first and then opens one of the large double doors. He pokes his head in and makes a gesture at someone before stepping back to his post. The door opens a bit once more, groaning under its weight, and a finely dressed attendant garbed in all red gestures for the group to follow him.
Beyond the doors, they are greeted to the awe-inspiring sight of a large reception hall with ornate staircases rising up to join with 2 levels of balconies that circle the hall. Vaulted ceilings and 20 foot tall stained glass windows complete the majestic interior. Rather than heading for the large staircase in the center of the marble floor, the attendant leads everyone to another large door on the right side of the hall. Beyond is a hallway lined with red carpet, fancy portraits, and numerous alcoves. The sun shines in at an angle through the windows along the wall to the right, while various doors of different stylings lead off into other rooms to the left.
Past the doors, past the paintings, past the windows, the attendant continues on to another door at the end of the hall. Beyond it is a round chamber with a stone staircase spiraling upward. One story up is a landing with another door. A bench rests against the wall on either side. "Please wait here a moment. May I have the letter of introduction?" The attendant holds out his hand and stands by the door.
Ashley is in complete awe of the structure they are in as they head into the main room and then down the beautiful hallway. Enjoying the sunshine as it streams in through the windows, she doesn't get any sense of foreboding until they are in the round chamber.
Maybe this is how things were done, but so many things could go wrong the way it was set up. And after being accused so many times of ill doing, she didn't want to be stuck on that side again. "Might one of us come with you?"
Insight on the attendent.. 10
The attendant considers for a moment before saying, "Understood. You may follow me and bring the letter yourself," addressing Ashley specifically. It seems to her that he understands the pragmatism of the request. "If he is then able to grant you an audience, your companions here will be sent for."
As he speaks, the sound of another door opening echoes through the chamber from two stories up. A gaggle of footsteps can be heard along with a good degree of professional sounding chatter, with a smattering of complaint and bickering.
The attendant opens the door for Ashley to follow, and through the doorway she can see a long chamber with a sturdy desk at the end. Behind the desk, silhouetted by the large stained glass window behind him, sits an upright and dignified man shuffling through some papers. Without looking up, he waves the attendant in. "After you," the attendant says to Ashley.
Samir does his best to appear unthreatening and studious as they are led through the building, a task for which he is decidedly suited. His eyes move over the various surfaces, decorations, and individuals they see, cataloging things and trying to pin down their purposes.
Beneath the calm exterior however, other thoughts are churning. Thoughts of runes and power, of inkling of theories concerning the cultists and what they are doing- and what they have been unable to do.
Malachi smiles as Ashley asks to deliver the letter. He had his own doubts and concerns, if the cultists had a seat on the council there was no telling how much control they had.
He moves close to hand her the letter of introduction and establishes a telepathic connection with her, although he does not speak into her mind. He knows how much she hates that. Instead, he whispers “Remember, we are just a thought away if you need us. Just reach out.” He peers into the open door behind her, looking into the room.
Taken a little aback that they asked her, though realizing that is exactly what she asked, she looks down the long chamber and wonders about the dignified looking man. The light from behind him shades his features and she can't see him very well.
Feeling a bit apprehensive, she looks to Malachi for the letter, and as he hands it to her with his whisper, she looks at him with her eyes a bit wider and he knows she understands. She finally nods to him, knowing it is for assistance no matter how much she hates it.
She finally looks at the attendant and smiles, "thank you." and she heads into the corridor, trying to take it all in as she walks towards the man, hoping it is the one they are looking for.
Perception 15
As Ashley walks into the room, she is flanked by two glass display cases. One contains a large, well-worn suit of armour, and the other possesses several steel weapons. They are chipped and scratched, but clearly well-maintained. There are no signs of rust on them, though they all look like they have seen active battle. Something about them is familiar, but she isn't able to place it right away. Not until Jean-Lou speaks with an accent much like Joren's, though not quite as thick. "Who are you bringing me today?"
Ashley's escort replies, "I have here someone with a group of people who bear a letter of introduction. Addressed to you, and bearing the seal of the Mayor of Tensmith."
At this, the man behind the desk quickly stands up to his full height and walks around the desk toward Ashley. As he draws closer, she can see that he has facial features and a tall powerful build that mark him as a goliath, though he bears no tattoos upon his body. His head is bare but for a small patch of long hair on the top of his skull that has been drawn into a long black ponytail, and a long scar travels along his jaw line.
He holds out a large hand to Ashley, making her think at first that he is reaching for the letter, but she quickly realizes he is going for a handshake. "Well met. I am Jean-Lou. What may I be calling you? And what news are you bringing from Tensmith?"