"Indeed," says Narim, leaning heavily on his staff. "So, what can you tell me about what happened? I've heard strange stories about ghosts fighting over Nathaniel's soul. What do you think happened here?"

Brand glances at the door then turns back to Narim and says,  "This part is conjecture, and not something I would repeat to many: I think someone tried to kill Nathaniel, I think it was someone in Glory Rhani's entourage (or even the Glory herself), and I think it is connected to the murder of the Warlord. I think the guard who was with the Glory is someone who served in the garrison of Last Chance before it fell, and needs to explain how it is that he is alive. I also don't like the look of that Serkin fellow."

"The guard followed the Glory out after joking with someone from the School; It may be worth talking to Velma Smit: I think she spoke to the guard in question, or at least may know who spoke to him if it was not her -- she seemed upset, so I doubt she is collaborating with them.She may also have more information about what they talked about."

"Also, Daffid now requires that visitors sign it, so the guard's name may be in the book."

Brand smiles, "Did I mention that I am a suspicious person by nature?"

Then he looks with some distaste at the empty tea cup before continuing, "In terms of what happened this afternoon: what I think happened is that Nathaniel was attacked and posessed by some entity, just after the Glory's party left. Daffid managed to banish that entity from Nathaniels body, then Nathaniel also left his body -- I suspect because he is much stronger when out of his body. Daffid and I fought the entity -- and I probably did enough damage to kill five men, but what good is a dagger against a wisp? When the entity finally felt threatened it tried to possess Daffid, at which point Nathaniel's spirit fought it. Finally it fled, and was followed, I believe, by Nathaniel. And...I was hoping to follow Nathaniel. But that has proved a futile exercise -- although ... this golden aura" he says, waving vagueld at Narim, " ... might be a silver lining, so to speak."

Brand furrows his brow, "What time is it, by the way?"

Narim listens quietly while Brand speaks. Then he thinks for a moment before saying, "I think it is time we talked to Nathaniel."

He then walks across to Nathaniel's bed and sit down on the edge where he starts gently shaking the old man's shoulder.

"Nathaniel," he says. "Wake up old man. This is no time to be sleeping."

As he is doing this, Brand sees a ghostly figure emerge from the wall behind Narim, out of the man's direct line of sight.

It is Master Nathaniel.

[[ Does it look like the LightOne from before? ]]

[[ Also, I added Brand furrows his brow, "What time is it, by the way?" -- you may have missed it, or Narim ignored it. Let me know which... ]]

Brand tries not to react and does not mention this to Narim. He just watches what Nathaniel does, out of the corner of his eye. If Nathaniel starts reaching for Narim's head (or Brand's), he will likely stand up and shake his head, then issue a warning if Nathaniel continues.

Edit:

If Nathaniel pauses in a way that seems to suggest he does not want to be seen by Narimm then brand will move around the room to the door and attract Narim's attention, hopefully making him turn away from watching Nathaniels body in order to reply.

"Mast Narim, do you mind if I ask one more question while we await his return?" [[ If Narim doesn't turn around, he repeats himself.]]

Assuming he assents,  "I meant to ask you ... did you find anything on the School grounds?"

[[ If this all makes no sense to you, then good. But, to explain: I am thinking Nathaniel may be technically dead, just occupying his own body... ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Does it look like the LightOne from before? ]]

[[Similar in colour and nature, but the LightOne from before didn't have such well-defined features.]]

[[ Also, I added Brand furrows his brow, "What time is it, by the way?" -- you may have missed it, or Narim ignored it. Let me know which... ]]

[[Narim ignored the question, preferring to answer in the way he did.]]

Brand tries not to react and does not mention this to Narim. He just watches what Nathaniel does, out of the corner of his eye. If Nathaniel starts reaching for Narim's head (or Brand's), he will likely stand up and shake his head, then issue a warning if Nathaniel continues.

Edit:

If Nathaniel pauses in a way that seems to suggest he does not want to be seen by Narimm then brand will move around the room to the door and attract Narim's attention, hopefully making him turn away from watching Nathaniels body in order to reply.

"Mast Narim, do you mind if I ask one more question while we await his return?" [[ If Narim doesn't turn around, he repeats himself.]]

Assuming he assents,  "I meant to ask you ... did you find anything on the School grounds?"

[[ If this all makes no sense to you, then good. But, to explain: I am thinking Nathaniel may be technically dead, just occupying his own body... ]]

Brand pretends not to notice the spectral Nathaniel.

Meanwhile, Narim tries more vigorously to wake the sleeping form of the Nathaniel in the bed. "Wake up, man. I've got some questions for you to answer."

"Well then," says the spectral figure in a voice that is both whisper and loud at the same time. "Perhaps you should ask them of me, not that empty husk."

Narim starts and then tries to climb to his feet without the aid of his staff. He almost falls, but catches himself on the bedstead.

[[Narim's Saving throw: 3 ]]

Then he turns to see who it is that has spoken and screams.

Narim then starts moving towards the door, limping badly and a look of abject terror on his face.

[[ Ok... That's interesting! And worrying. Does it appear to be Nathaniel? Does Brand have any of the sense of dread that Narim clearly had? ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Ok... That's interesting! And worrying. Does it appear to be Nathaniel? Does Brand have any of the sense of dread that Narim clearly had? ]]

[[The ghostly figure is both terrifying and familiar to Brand, but he has seen it before and made his save—with the help of some hero points, from memory—so he is not compelled to flee in terror from the sight of Nathaniel as a ghost at this time (the previous save negates the effect for 24 hours). So, the answers to your questions are: yes and not as much.]]

Brand stands, looking between the body and the spectral form, "I ... I suspected you might have ... this might have ... happened. What was it that attacked you, Nathaniel? And at who's behest?"

 [[ Let me know if/when Narim has left ]]

Before anything can be said, the staff-less Narim hobbles quickly from the room and slams the door.

Brand stands, looking between the body and the spectral form, "I ... I suspected you might have ... this might have ... happened. What was it that attacked you, Nathaniel? And at who's behest?"

The spectral figure comes closer and Brand feels a coldness settle on the room that he didn't feel in the heat of battle.

"The creature you fought was one such as I have become, but older, more powerful. I was only able to hold my own against it because it was my living body we were fighting over. And I was only able to defeat it because of the damage you did to it... And for that I thank you."

After a moment the ghost of Nathaniel continues, "But there is no villain in this plot. I brought this upon myself."

Brand glances at the closed door, then says quietly, "I expect other may arrive soon...If you... If you need... assistance... You know where to find me, but I suggest we meet astrally ... if you can still do that... You have a very confronting aspect."

He backs away a little, rubbing his arms against the cold. Trying to keep focus, and keep a lid on his fear.

"How did this happen, and is there aught I can do to help you?"

[[Slight retcon: Nathaniel probably showed concern over Narim's hurried departure, but did not try to stop him.]]

The ghost shakes his head and replies, saying, "No, and I do not know how much time I have. The next Dawn Rush might be the end of me."

"You asked how this happened?" says Nathaniel. "I ran afoul of one of the magical wards in the most secret sanctum of the Temple of Donai. I believe the shock that flowed back through my silver cord might have killed it, but in any case, I suddenly found the link to my body was gone."

"Accepting the inevitable," Nathaniel continues, "I made my way back here in the hope I would see my home one last time before I went the way of the dying. And I arrived in time to see the Glory Rahni, using her god-given power, put life back into my body... but my silver cord remained severed, I was still cast adrift."

"The Glory and her fellows finally decided to leave and let me to recuperate—they thought me simply sleeping—and after they had gone I tried in vain to re-inhabit my body.

"And that was when the other turned up. I know not where he came from, but we fought long and hard over the possession of the body until you and Daffid arrived. And the rest you know."

[[And that is it for tonight. Ciao.]]

Brand smiles sadly, "Perhaps visit.. before ... Or after.... The dawn rush then. That... Other ... who shared my body for a time... Could you do that?"

Then he frowns, "What were you doing at the Temple of Donnae?"

[[ Edit: As he talks, is the fear response diminishing, or is he still just barely keeping a lid on the desire to flee?]]

[[ Edit 2: if still fearful then ask: ]] "Can you... Control... The effect you have. . It is most... disconcerting... though it might be... preventing interruption"

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand smiles sadly, "Perhaps visit.. before ... Or after.... The dawn rush then. That... Other ... who shared my body for a time... Could you do that?"

Then he frowns, "What were you doing at the Temple of Donnae?"

[[ Edit: As he talks, is the fear response diminishing, or is he still just barely keeping a lid on the desire to flee?]]

[[The fear is abating, it is the sudden appearance (and the recognition of the perceivers own mortality?!?) which apparently causes the effect.]]

[[ Edit 2: if still fearful then ask: ]] "Can you... Control... The effect you have. . It is most... disconcerting... though it might be... preventing interruption"

"I was trying to investigate the evidence taken from the scene of the warlord's death," says the ghost of Master Nathaniel. "It was hoped that it would lead to the evil-doer who brought about his death."

"And as to whether I could... share your body," the ghost says turning to look at the body on the bed. "I don't know, but I think it would be dangerous to try. Whereas, it might be possible for me to reclaim my own."

[[Nathaniel's attempt to reclaim his body: 22 . He's a tough old bugger, I didn't think he would.]]

With that, the ghost of Master Nathaniel approaches the bed and then reaches out with a hand to touch his physical body's head.

The pale ghostly figure seems to pour itself into the head of the unconscious form on the bed, which immediately wakes, coughs and then vomits a thin bile over the edge of the bed.

[[ The fear is abating, it is the sudden appearance (and the recognition of the perceivers own mortality?!?) which apparently causes the effect.]]

[[ Brand thinks he's immortal, so that's OK ;-) ]]

[[ He's a tough old bugger, I didn't think he would.]]

[[ lol... probably part of why Brand likes him.

It's very sad that he has to battle to get back into his body, and Brand has precisely the opposite problem! They need to share a body. Just saying. ]]

 Brand takes the small flask of water from his satchel, and offers it to Nathaniel. Then as the fear and cold finally dissipates, says, "Well. That's an improvement!". Then, more quietly, "I suggest you say that you have learned a few new powers. Or something. Or the other creature returned, and together we defeated it. Otherwise they may try to exorcise you."

Brand smiles, and pulls out a dagger and glances around the room in a suspicious manner, to add verisimilitude, should Nathaniel choose the fight story.

He watches his friend cautiously, waiting for the retching to subside, then says, "In the future, if the choice is that you die, or there is a risk to me, then I am willing to take that risk. Surely, my recent actions make that clear."

After a moment for that to sink in he says. "As to the Warlords death; do you think that a spirit might have been trapped in the turtle and possessed his horse? And do you not think it odd that, moments after the Glory left, you were attacked by a malicious spirit that tried to possess you? It might even be that her spells prevented your return. I am not saying she is the culprit, necessarily,...but it may be one of her entourage. Evil spirits and possession are not as common as that, surely? And what is it that made her visit you in the first place?"

Nathaniel gratefully accepts the flask of water from Brand and drinks eagerly. Brand unease starts to abate, but is rekindled when Nathaniel goes to pass the flask back. Nathaniel's eyes are not how he remembers them; all he can see is are the whites of Nathaniel's eyes.

"What's wrong?" say Nathaniel at Brand's reaction.

"Your eyes...they are rolled up, I think. It is...unnatural."

Brand fumbles in his satchel for the mirror in his disguise kit, and shows Nathaniel.

"If anyone enters, I suggest you.... close your eyes..."

Nathaniels closes his eyes tightly and lowers his head momentarily. When he opens his eyes they look normal.

"What about now?" he asks. "I can't tell. I can see fine whether my eyes are open or closed."

Brand nods, "Better", he says, holding up the mirror. "Perhaps you should complain about bright light, and we could get some glasses...in the mean time, if you cant tell, I'd keep them closed. And complain about headaches"

[[ Not sure what I got to say before. Now would probably be the time for the following, if not already said: ]]

"I also suggest you say that you may have to say have learned a few new powers. Or something. Or the other creature returned, and together we defeated it. Otherwise they may ... worry"

Brand pulls out a dagger and glances around the room in a suspicious manner, to add verisimilitude, should Nathaniel choose the fight story.

He watches his friend cautiously, uncertain how to proceed, then says, "In case something unfortunate happens: If the choice is that you die, or there is a risk to me, then I am willing to take that risk. My recent actions must make that clear. In the current circumstances, my life is likely at much greater risk without your insights."

[[ Edit 4:]]

"I should go look for Narim."

[[ Edit: Let me know when Brand no longer has the effects of JW#1 running ...

Edit 2: Well, after this afternoon, meeting with a secret cabal of heretics will be a minor misdemeanor

Edit 3: people with weird eyes are not unusual in a modern context. The juxtaposition may be awkward, but am I correct in assuming an old guy who had a bad turn might almost be expected to have something weird happen?  ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand nods, "Better", he says, holding up the mirror. "Perhaps you should complain about bright light, and we could get some glasses...in the mean time, if you cant tell, I'd keep them closed. And complain about headaches"

[[ Not sure what I got to say before. Now would probably be the time for the following, if not already said: ]]

"I also suggest you say that you may have to say have learned a few new powers. Or something. Or the other creature returned, and together we defeated it. Otherwise they may ... worry"

Brand pulls out a dagger and glances around the room in a suspicious manner, to add verisimilitude, should Nathaniel choose the fight story.

He watches his friend cautiously, uncertain how to proceed, then says, "In case something unfortunate happens: If the choice is that you die, or there is a risk to me, then I am willing to take that risk. My recent actions must make that clear. In the current circumstances, my life is likely at much greater risk without your insights."

[[ Edit 4:]]

"I should go look for Narim."

[[Narim still hasn't returned.]]

[[ Edit: Let me know when Brand no longer has the effects of JW#1 running ...

[[Shall do. The effect is still occurring. I haven't gone into much description about it because Brand is already familiar with being able to see the particles of magick through his use of the Stone of Unseeing.]]

 

Edit 2: Well, after this afternoon, meeting with a secret cabal of heretics will be a minor misdemeanor

Edit 3: people with weird eyes are not unusual in a modern context. The juxtaposition may be awkward, but am I correct in assuming an old guy who had a bad turn might almost be expected to have something weird happen?  ]]

 [[This is the School of Occult Studies. Controlled weirdness is expected.]]

Nathaniel nods in response to Brand's suggestions and when he says he is going to look for Narim Nathaniel speaks.

"I am suddenly feeling very tired, Alaric. My spirit might be willing, but this poor old flesh of mine is weak. If you see Mistress Althea, it could do with some of her healing ministrations as it has been abused severely this afternoon."

Then, before Brand can leave, Nathaniel asks, "Will you be coming back?"

"Assuming they let me. I ... I have to do something this evening, but...you know where to find me otherwise. If they let me, I will sleep here."

Brand pats him on the shoulder and leans in close, speaking quietly, "Shall we say we fought off the other creature, which was the source of the fear? Or something else? They will ask."