Imazi glares at the letter briefly before taking it. She spends almost a minute casting various spells on it, before finally tearing it open. Her eyes skim across the note rapidly, her face impassive. Eventually she crumples it up, the letter quickly flaring up and turning to ash in her hand.
"Tell Giordano that however ready he thinks he is, if in fact he does such a thing as think, that it isn't enough. Not nearly."
She turns on her heel, striding quickly back down the path.
"Get them out of my territory. Then get ready for another trip. Looks like we need to go see the dwarves. Again," she nearly spits the last word.
Two figures suddenly materialize out of nowhere, one on either side of you, their invisibility fading away so seamlessly as they step out of the shadows that you're hard pressed to tell if they were actually using spells or not. Wordlessly they gesture down the path back the way you came.
Ivari stands aside as events unfold passive in his face as the parties interact. He knew all manner of conversations were coming but the paladin was prepared.
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Cassius remains silent throughout the proceedings, hands clasped in front of him, eyes steady on the fabled Imazi, and Decibel as well. Thankfully the bird has the good sense to stay quiet, guessing perhaps what Cassius might do to him otherwise.
He intently watches every gesture that Imazi makes. They may already be in trouble with the Order when they return, but if they have any new information on Imazi when so few Hellknights have even seen her, then perhaps that can ease the sting.
He also looks sharply at the Tower members that appear so seamlessly, trying to note details-- their faces, their clothing, anything at all that they might bring back as valuable intel on this mysterious organization.
But he does not argue with the insistent push to get off their land. If Dusk left Cassius's cloak there when he took the body, Cassius collects it: otherwise he simply mutely proceeds down the path indicated by the Tower members (assuming the rest of the squad is also going).
You pay sharp attention as she begins casting her spells. First you detect the True Seeing spell, easily identifiable by the eye ointment required. Next she pulls out an extremely elaborate lens, ruby encircled by gold, and mutters while looking through it, indicating the Analyze Dweomer spell. She apparently detects something, as she quickly attempts to Dispel Magic several times in a row, the sharp slashing motion of the hand and the single syllable command easily giving the spell away. Finally she either succeeds or gives up, and again pulls out the lens, this time casting Read Magic though it and examining the letter.
It's dark and you can't tell much about the shadowy figures, though you can see leather armor and swords at their sides. Other than that they are completely shrouded, hoods covering their faces and gloves on their hands.
As soon as you arrive at the Citadel, the feeling of being watched that you had before you left returns, even stronger this time. It's not difficult to notice the stares you get, or who you're getting them from. The rank and file Hellknights and Signifiers pay no special notice, nor do most of the Maralictors, but the few Paralictors you happen to come across gaze at you intently with shrewd speculation, returning your salutes with either a cold frown or a barely noticeable nod of appreciation. You wonder at this as you return your horses to the stables and quickly, if somewhat dreadfully, make your way up to the Vicarious's office.
The door opens at your knock, and you file in, the door closing behind you firmly.
"Report," comes the voice from behind the mask, sounding hollow and metallic.
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He files this away, to be discussed when they are well out of the forest.
He gives Imazi a respectful bow before they are herded inexorably out of the forest.
When they are back on the open road, and Imazi's lands left behind them, Cassius will quickly relate to the others, "The reports were more than accurate when they spoke of her power. That woman cast two spells that I saw, which, at the Egorian Academy where I studied my own arts, one would have had to be at least a master of the twelfth ring in order to cast. For context, I myself had barely achieved the fifth ring when I left the Academy. We must be more than careful, should our paths ever cross with hers again: we are lucky she reacted as well as she did, to our actions."
At the Vicarious's office, Cassius salutes, but remains silent, to let Kayle make her report. He will add details if his opinion is asked, or if Kayle leaves out anything that he deems drastically important for the Vicarious to know. He stands at tense attention, expecting that they will be strongly reprimanded.
Bjorn awaits paciently in the room, trying to be as as quiet and still as possible. Meanwhile, his mind runs unpleasant memories.
Ahhh, at last home, and even know, I feel uneasy, that woman, talking about the Vicarius like he is an impatient child going to get a mouth burn for being unable to wait for his milk to get colder... Giordano she called him? Even I didn't know his name...
Kayle will render a crisp salute and wait til the vicarious returns the salute to drop hers.
Acting Maralictor Lightbringer reporting sir. We were able to deliver to Imazi and learned they are planning a meeting with the dwarves. However our encounter with Zakat ended with his demise. I believe he merely wished to toy with us, however Vorgal Veil and Ivari Thien attacked to what they believed to be a hostile spell. At which point Zakat gave us little option bit to fight. After which against my direct orders the prior mention individuals used lethal force against Zakat. I take full responsibility for failure to maintain the discipline that is expected of Hellknights.
The Vicarious is silent for an uncomfortably long time before finally speaking, and when he does his voice is tight and terse.
"Give me a combat analysis on... Zakat."
Bjorn, totally clueless, awaits quietly the answer from either the acting-maralictor Kayle or the two men that take notes of everything, Vorgal and Cassius.
Don't think that appointing the wierdness of a caster that started a battle without any defenses on, and in front of his enemies being all bold is going to be useful.
Really he undervalued us that much? Either Vorgal and Ivari looked able to single hand him in that combat.
Vorgal takes a step forward, "if I may, acting maralictor, I believe it is my duty to describe my specific actions. Dusk warned us of this man Zakat before leaving us, but did not claim any affiliation. Zakat spoke to us in threats and we prepared for combat but did not attack. Zakat followed his threats by preparing a spell I recognized as damaging. I disagree with the maralictor a assessment, as the spell was quite powerful and hurt like... Well it didn't seem like he was toying with us. I preempted the spell with an attack of my own, then felt the brunt of his attack. I attempted to close in on him, and keep him from casting but his defense were too strong. Cassius identified the man as belonging to the tower, and acting Maralictor Kayle ordered us to attack only to withdraw, as we had been instructed. Zakat followed this up with an offensive spell whose power is well beyond anything I could do. It seriously hurt all of us, and it seemed that attacks to withdraw was no longer and option. I continued my attacks, and we operated under he direction of attack without intent to kill. Ivari and I both hit exceptionally well on our attacks though, and Zakats life was ended. "
Not feeling the need to address his actions unless expressly asked to do so, Ivari follows Vorgal's comments with his own analysis of Zakat.
Zakat was a foe of...unclear threat, sir. His attitude and Dusk's reaction to him implied a threatening level of power. He displayed the ability to weave electrical magic and to heal from that same magic. His defenses, as noted, were seemingly quite strong when tested by the others. in response to his provocation. His general attitude conveyed a lack of concern for his safety though such bravado may have been, in hindsight, a display of his sense of importance to his allies. I confess I did not expect him to die so easily and at the time his display did raise a level of concern about the safety of the group.
"Your orders were extremely specific. For an extremely specific reason. We have breached contract with Imazi. Reparations will have to be made. It will be coming out of your pay for a long, long time," the Vicarious twists a ring on his finger, silent for a moment.
"Did Imazi send any response?"
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Cassius only nods his understanding of the consequence of their actions, even if inwardly he sighs miserably. All those new spells he had longed to purchase and scribe... still, their punishment could be much worse.
He does not speak, though, letting Kayle field this, as the response was given to her as leader, and it is her place, not his, to answer.
"Imazi did intently scrutinize your missive for enchantments, sir," he adds quietly. "With several powerful spells. And, if it were not clear, sir, we believe this 'Zakat' to have been 'the Storm' mentioned in the briefing."
Kayle is not pleased with loss of pay, but believes they got off easy considering the circumstances.
Imazi mentioned that if you think you are ready, it is not nearly enough.
There is a brief pause, and then the Vicarius laughs, a short, humorless bark.
"Paranoid people live longer," he says. You're unsure whether he's actually speaking to you or not.
There's another pause, though this one not quite so long or uncomfortable. Finally he looks up at you.
"You," he says, pointing, "Stay here. The rest of you, wait outside."
"Give me an assessment of your companions, as well as your mission. Then I would like you to tell me what you would have done differently."
He is leaning forward, hands clasped together in front of him, giving the impression that he is scrutinizing you intently.
"Give me an assessment of your companions, as well as your mission. Then I would like you to tell me what you would have done differently."
He is leaning forward, hands clasped together in front of him, giving the impression that he is scrutinizing you intently.
"Give me an assessment of your companions, as well as your mission. Then I would like you to tell me what you would have done differently."
He is leaning forward, hands clasped together in front of him, giving the impression that he is scrutinizing you intently.
"Give me an assessment of your companions, as well as your mission. Then I would like you to tell me what you would have done differently."
He is leaning forward, hands clasped together in front of him, giving the impression that he is scrutinizing you intently.
"Give me an assessment of your companions, as well as your mission. Then I would like you to tell me what you would have done differently."
He is leaning forward, hands clasped together in front of him, giving the impression that he is scrutinizing you intently.
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Cassius nods once at the Vicarius's instructions, and then is silent for a handful of seconds, as he weighs his words and his thoughts before speaking.
"The mission was uneventful up until our encounter with Zakat, the Storm. Dusk led us forward without incident, but when we encountered Zakat, Dusk seemed to believe Zakat's intentions were hostile, as he departed to fetch Imazi, with instructions to us to 'try to stay alive'. While we did not forget our orders, sir, the suggestion that we might now be in a battle for our survival may have played a role in our rash reactions."
A short, harsh crowing in Infernal-- You forgot about the bird-- makes Cassius wince. "...forgive me, my familiar has pointed out the journey was not entirely uneventful. During our first night's camping, we were observed by a large, flying creature about whom we could obtain little other information. This may have been an agent or scout of the Tower's, sir, but I could not say. Anyway, back to the encounter with Zakat...
"I did attempt to talk with Zakat, but I also cast a defensive spell, as did Hellknight Vorgal and Acting-Maralictor Kayle. Zakat seemed amused by this, but it is possible that, if we had not led with defensive magics, we might have found words alone to be effective. I cannot say for certain."
Cassius pauses another moment. He has no desire to throw his squad members under the tarrasque, so to speak, yet he feels he must be honest with the Vicarius regarding what he observed and saw.
"At this point, Hellknight Vorgal declared that Zakat was preparing to attack, and cast the first hostile spell. My duty demands that I be honest, sir: I myself did not detect the casting of such a magic. Yet Vorgal was closer to Zakat than I, and the light was poor.
"Acting-Maralictor Kayle then ordered us to hold our ground, and subdue Zakat without slaying him. Perceiving that Zakat's form of attack was electrical in nature, I cast protection from such upon Bjorn. Then we were all heavily struck by Zakat's electrical attack.
"I do not believe that I would have survived a second such attack from Zakat, sir. Though I understand we violated our orders, I admit that my teammates' attack may have saved my life..."
"Hellknight Ivari attacked with lethal force, and killed Zakat. I attempted to render medical aid, but it was apparent that Zakat was thoroughly dead."
'Dead as f!@@,' stage-whispers Decibel, and Cassius gives the bird a withering glare.
"We attempted to treat his body respectfully, and waited for Imazi. She was, naturally, displeased, but did hear out our message, at least. She also said something to her men: that they were to get ready to 'go see the dwarves, again'. She did not sound pleased about this."
Cassius takes a moment to clear his throat. He was never accused of being short-winded, at the academy.
"Regarding our mission: simply put, we failed. Whatever circumstances we faced, we were given specific orders, and violated them. I would apologize, sir, but my father always instructed me that fixing one's mistake was the only acceptable apology. I will bend my future acts for the Order towards this end.
"Regarding Hellknight Vorgal Veil: I believe he acted rashly, by leading with his attack. That said, he was an effective combatant.
"Regarding Hellknight Bjorn: his actions did not endanger or aid the mission one way or another. He did attempt to engage Zakat in conversation, but his line of conversation was misguided.
"Regarding Hellknight Ivari Thien: He held his attack until receiving specific orders, yet, his actual attack was in direct violation of Kayle's orders. I am at a loss as to why a Hellknight who was explicitly informed this was to be a diplomatic mission would not have obtained arrows that could be used to subdue. I consider that he came poorly equipped to this mission, and that he directly disobeyed orders, both our mission orders and Kayle's.
"Regarding Acting-Maralictor Kayle Lightbringer: I believe she gave clear orders to subdue, not kill, that were subsequently disobeyed. I also believe that an acting-maralictor must able to enforce the obedience of her men. I fault none of her orders, but potentially her discipline over the squad.
"Regarding myself... I believe that I acted too much on the defensive," Cassius says with a small frown. "I had hostile spells at my disposal that were not lethal spells, such as the Chain of Perdition. Had I cast it sooner, it is possible I could have subdued Zakat, without injury, before my more martial colleagues did so lethally.
"I also failed to learn the linguistic capabilities of everyone on the squad, and I mistakenly communicated in battle in a language that I assumed everyone knew. This is an error I will not make again.
"As mentioned, I also led with a defensive spell: though I was not the only one to do so, the fact that I did so did nothing good for my chances at talking to Zakat. In the future, I will more carefully consider how spellcasting of any sort may impact negotiations.
"I failed to equip myself with materials that might have been of use had we followed our orders and attempted to withdraw. Therefore, I also came poorly equipped to the mission, sir."
With this long-winded speech done, Cassius offers a short bow then resumes standing at attention.
Bjorn don't get too surprised, as this was even expected after the events. He decides to speak openly to the Vicarius.
Cassius and Vorgal look like the reflexive kind of people, and while Cassius acted in the way I expected, Vorgal surprised me a bit, when he decided suddenly to attack ignoring orders. Both have a very tactical mind, but different approach. Vorgal was more offensive, trying to disrupt the enemy, and Cassius is more defensive, raising magical wards against enemy main attack.
Kayle is nice, someone you like to follow orders from, and able to take quick decisions and command them.
Ivari has strong codes that makes him reliable and predictable, and that is both good and bad, as he is no man of middle grounds. Once his limit is reached, he reacts with great force and absolute resolution, no way back. So the way he reacted to the storm guy did not surprised me, as he warned him twice as offensive spells had cast against us.
And about the mission, the only I can think of, is if I was able to react quicker, or just the thundering spell didn't got me down for a moment, I would have been able to take him down with some submission technics, as the storm guy was reckless enought to stand in front of us, and finish the encounter at least without killing him.
The man thinks about what he said, as he knows he is not good with words, and don't want to put things worse.
During our first night's camping, we were observed by a large, flying creature about whom we could obtain little other information. This may have been an agent or scout of the Tower's, sir, but I could not say.
"Damn," the Vicarius grunts, just loud enough to be heard, but not enough to interrupt you.
She also said something to her men: that they were to get ready to 'go see the dwarves, again'. She did not sound pleased about this.
He laughs again, tapping his fingers together.
I failed to equip myself with materials that might have been of use had we followed our orders and attempted to withdraw. Therefore, I also came poorly equipped to the mission, sir.
The Vicarius considers your speech briefly, then cracks his knuckles, and leans back in his seat.
"And what would you have brought?"
Ivari has strong codes that makes him reliable and predictable, and that is both good and bad, as he is no man of middle grounds.
"Yes. Paladins can be... troublesome," the Vicarius sighs.
And about the mission, the only I can think of, is if I was able to react quicker, or just the thundering spell didn't got me down for a moment, I would have been able to take him down with some submission technics, as the storm guy was reckless enought to stand in front of us, and finish the encounter at least without killing him.
"From what you saw, why do you think he was so reckless? Would you say he's crazy, or just foolish, or perhaps had some ulterior motive?" the Vicarius stands from behind his desk and turns to look at a fresco on his wall, depicting two knights shaking hands, with the ghosts of two other knights overlaying them, also shaking hands. All around them are strewn bodies and weapons, as if a massive battle had been fought.
He engaged a superior force in numbers, of reputated strengh, and against his lord desires... without provocation, just for fun. That is, for me, the definition of reckless.
Just add in that he did it boldlessly in front of us, with no pre-casted defenses and at our melee reach, like if we where some kind of caravan guards or bored town soldiers.
Just to say, if he was trying to make our mission fail, he just did it greatly, like knowing all our mission directives, and pushing them.
We where unable to run away, as we still did not delivered the message, taking him down unlethaly was extremely dificult as he was powerful and damaging, less without planning and great coordination. I understand the last must be expected from us, so we failed there.
"That you did..." he mutters, trailing off. He gives one final nod to the painting, then turns to face you, voice raising back to normal volume.
"You have a long way to go. You will have light duty for the rest of the week. Do not squander it. Dismissed."
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"A mist of obscuring might have provided us the cover to withdraw and to scatter, rather than to provide a clumped group of combatants for Zatak's own spells. Alternatively, the dazing power of an ear-piercing scream might have temporarily stunned Zakat, and permitted us to withdraw or to subdue him. Spells of charming might also have been effective: though coerced friendship would not be the best way to secure long-term peace with the Tower, it would undeniably have been better than killing. Still, the will of a fellow magician is not always an easy thing to conquer. Accordingly, another option would have been spells to strengthen our own chances of winning him over peacefully, such as cultural adaptation to speak to him in terms that he would have been more predisposed to listen to."
The fact that Cassius's Academy days are still relatively recently behind him shows clear enough in his ticking-off-the-numbers answers. For him, the Vicarius's question feels remarkably like how student exercises at the Academy were graded-- And how would you have improved upon your methods? What did you learn?
"There are other, stronger spells I can think of, but those were options within my resources that I failed to bring with me, sir."
Accordingly, another option would have been spells to strengthen our own chances of winning him over peacefully, such as cultural adaptation to speak to him in terms that he would have been more predisposed to listen to.
The Vicarius issues a short sardonic chuckle.
"Possibly... possibly... but probably not. He is... too unique for that to work. Not quite sane enough. But regardless," he waves his hand, "You are correct. You failed to utilize forethought or to capitalize on your versatility. Do not do such again. I have authorized you access up to the level two manuals, and you will be on light duty for the remainder of the week. Do not squander this. Dismissed."
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Cassius listens, and inclines his head at the Vicarius's agreement with his stated shortcomings. He tries to hide his excitement at the access to the level two manuals-- it would not do, to seem in poor control of himself, and he is still, after all, being punished for failure, not success. The Vicarius is only giving him the tools to correct his failures. Cassius bows deeply to his superior to indicate his acknowledgment of the order given.
He's halfway to the door when something stops him, and he pauses, turns back. "...I beg your pardon, sir, and I did hear that I was dismissed, but if you would permit me one question?"
"Forgive my insolence. But did I hear correctly that you just referred to Zakat in the... present tense, sir?"
...I beg your pardon, sir, and I did hear that I was dismissed, but if you would permit me one question?
The Vicarius nods his assent.
Forgive my insolence. But did I hear correctly that you just referred to Zakat in the... present tense, sir?
The Vicarius steeples his fingers and looks at you over them.
"To the best of my knowledge this is the fourth time he has died just since Imazi recruited him. Due to his complete disregard for anything but destruction and the intensity of the training Imazi is putting him through, he has gained a certain laissez faire attitude towards dying. That is probably the reason that she is going to visit the dwarves again. She will need a diamond of sufficient quality in order to resurrect him."
You can't see his face, but you can imagine a grim smile on it that is harder than most mens scowls.
"You all really should have tried to be more friendly. As much as I dislike the... man... he is a much better ally than enemy."
He waves his hand, shooing you out of his office.
"Now. DISMISSED."
On Cassius, I believe he will be a fine addition to the hell knights. He obeyed orders and understood the gravity of the situation.
On Vorgal Veil, he requires significant amount of discipline. He directly violated orders by initiating the attack. Had he not unleashed multiple offensive spells, we might have been able to resolve the issue without Zakat's death.
On Bjorn, it is too soon to give a good assessment. He at least followed orders and did not harm the mission.
On Ivari Thien, He at last held his attack until Zakat went on the full offensive. However he unleashed a barrage of arrows when I gave the order to subdue and not kill.
This mission failure was my fault. I should have ensured Cassius and Vorgal had spells that could aid in deescalating or non lethal suppression. I should have also stressed the importance of diplomacy in this mission more.
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Decibel holds his peace until they make it down the hallway and out of the Vicarius's general vicinity. Then, in the incomprehensible speech that only a familiar and his master share, the bird clucks into Cassius's ear. Whatever the bird says, it makes Cassius's already-knit brows, knit further in bemusement. Where would the Vicarius have been looking, if not at the soldier in his office being dressed down for failure?
The junior signifier paces through the halls with his hands clasped behind his back, his steps slowing from initial excited speed towards the library to a thoughtful stroll. He has much to think about.
To the library first: he can get in some study first, and see how many spells he can copy to it with his own funds, before exploring his other options.
In the library, Cassius Thwaite offers a slight, distracted bow to the master of the manuals, presenting himself for access to the level 2 manuals. He breathes in deeply of the scents of aged parchment and venerable volumes... and the subliminal power crackling behind all that.
***
Later that evening, he leaves a note under the door of each of his team-mates. -We must collectively talk. Please meet with me in my room at dusk tonight. Your comrade, Cassius Thwaite.-
"At ease then," he says, himself leaning back in his chair.
"Why is it do you think that they disobeyed?"
The paladin brings his hansd behind him and widens his stance but never really lets himself relax. Pursing his lips for a moment more the paladin gives his assessment.
Vorgal is decisive but probably a bit brash. Cassius is intellectual and thorough but I would not consider him charismatic. Kayle is thoughtful, not as smart as Cassius but she is clearly one to weigh her options. Bjorn is solid like oak and slower to act...I have yet to have an opportunity to consider the sharpness of his mind.
The paladin sighs for a moment and nods slowly as though confirming his own thoughts, It is too early to tell, to shake things up. I find Kayle clear and forthright and, for now, a moderate influence over the group. As for how things happened there was overt aggression and, in many ways, I was backed into a course of action that was not my preference.
Ivari gestures behind him at the imaginary group of his squad, The others will see in what transpired an absoluteness bordering on savagery. They will think I acted too harshly, or too quickly. They will not understand, as I hope I can convince you to see, that mine is a mind of nuanced action. Kalye ordered non engagement but she also did not act quickly in the face of my requests to engage when it became clear that the creature meant to escalate the situation. Vorgal did act and thus forced me, as I am sworn to the gods of this world, to protect my brother in arms. By the tenants of my oath and those from whom we derive our tactics I estimated it was better to engage and be feared rather than run or risk harm. On reflection the one thing I regret was the sheer force of my assault and, as I said, I am surprised at the frailty of someone so vaunted. I carefully considered that it was best to meet the creature at his level of displayed threat. To be clear, it was my intention to subdue, merely an error of assessment in doing so. Zakat put up a front of power all too well. Regardless, I regret that my assault exceeded the parameters of Kayle's wishes and I accept any punishment due to me for my disruption to your plans.
Ivari looks on at his commander fully and without reservation waiting to see what comes next.
"So, why was there insufficient group communication do you think? And also: why did you decide to ignore orders and attack?"
The Vicarius stares at you mutely for a while, lightly tapping his finger against his desk. Finally he seems to come to a decision.
"Very well. That is all. Dismissed."
"Who exactly is your patron, if I might ask? And what is your oath?"
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He gathers up his spellbook and his materials and leaves with a bow to the master of manuals, his parrot bobbing erratically on his shoulder.
He makes his way, not to his own chambers, but to the blacksmith's and the armory. He has purchases to make.... and, hopefully, a purchase he will convince the armory to make, as well. It is regretful and unfortunate-- he has been proud of his finely wrought armor-- but some things must be done...
The armorer gives him a curious brow arch when Cassius explains his intentions and presents his chain shirt with its fine mithral links, light as air. "You'll look a bit odd, wearing your helm without aught else," says the armorer, but shrugs. "Still, if you're wanting to sell it, aye, there's those who'd buy it..."
As Cassius walks away from the armorer's with his armor gone, a new shield slung over his back, and his coin purse much heavier, he can't help but think of his brother. How proud his brother had been to wear borrowed armor in the practice ring; how his brother had dreamed of wearing a Hellknight's plate someday; how his brother had begged their parents for his first real suit of armor... they'd put him off by saying he could have it on his 18th birthday, when he'd likely have stopped growing.
In hindsight, Cassius thinks, they likely didn't see the point of commissioning an expensive suit of plate for a child they knew was doomed to die.
The bitter thought rolls over in his mind briefly, but he puts it to one side and returns to his quarters, where he heats a pot of tea and arranges his few chairs for visitors, for when his colleagues arrive. He feeds Decibel some stale crusts of bread as he waits, and repeats to himself various mantras to order the mind and to clear his thoughts.
Ivari nods to the Vicarius, Mine is an oath of holy vengeance, I have given myself over to the purpose of tenants that seemed clear to me from a young age. I believe that strong laws, rooted in traditions of clear justice and order are the means to achieve a lasting good.
Notions of harshness or mercy are foreign to me. The law dictates the punishments, or in the case of innocence, a lack there of. No one is immune from prosecution, even those deemed innocent in other matters. Good is achieved in impartial execution of those laws and punishments free from notions of self or "other considerations". Order is only served, thus good can only come, in selfless application of the law on everyone at every time. Vengeance then is merely the meting out of that absolute law, thus ensuring a solid foundation upon which a good and just society might flourish.
Ivari pauses, emerging from his comments with a clear zeal. No single god serves as my patron, rather I aspire to the ideal of my tenants. My code is of self revelation and clearly it speaks to the beyond as I am given gifts beyond those of normal men. I worship at many temples and aspire to take from every greater force that which serves my code.
Sighing deeply, clearly in pride Ivari tilts his head, If you wish I can recite my code to you. I hesitate only in that some can find it...tedious. the paladin frowns at the comment as it exits his mouth.
"Our conversation concerned magic and theory and abilities, not specifics of the mission. It was an oversight, and one that won't happen again. I attacked because a seemingly powerful magic user who had already shown himself to be a little off started an attack. I was not initially, and certainly not after Kayle repeated our orders, trying to kill the man. I was trying to keep him from killing us. I noted his attack before, but I think it wouldn't be a stretch two say another blast of that spell would have killed us all. He was clearly a powerful magical user and I was trying to subdue him as quickly as possibly. Unfortunately, you know how that ended."
Ivari drops to his knee and recites his code. His voice is loud enough to be heard but has he sort of solemness that one might expect from prayer or a more quite contemplation.
I will execute the Law free from bias or influence.
I will not be taken prisoner by my free will.
I will not surrender those under my command.
I will met out all punishments swiftly and fully.
I will never abandon a companion, though I will honor sacrifice freely given.
I will aid the weak and downtrodden as civility and community are the base upon which order flourishes.
I will guard the honor of my fellows, both in thought and deed, and I will have faith in them.
When in doubt, I will seek the judgement of a higher authority
When in doubt, I may force my enemies to surrender, but I am responsible for their lives.
As the law permits, I will never refuse a challenge from an equal. I will give honor to worthy enemies, and contempt to the rest.
I will suffer death before dishonor.
I will hold a civil tongue and display respect to all who do the same.
I will control my emotions and use them as fuel to further
As he reaches the end Ivari stands and finishes his code in a fuller voice.
Mine is the sword of a higher purpose. Vengeance is the tool of purifying retribution. Those that receive my punishments shall see them delivered to their fullest and most absolute extent at all times.
Ivari offers a gratifying sigh. So armed with these tenants I believe I can be a good Hellknight though it is clear to me that a normally difficult journey is made all the more so with extra influences. In this case, I was compelled to seek a higher authority as I was doubtful but in the face of such a threat that doubt was replaced with an earnest need to protect my fellows. But I am ready to receive whatever punishment should be placed upon me as I know my actions have caused problems for the Order.
Once dismissed, Bjorn goes to his room to get rid from his armor and weapons. Then, he cleans himself from the days of travel, puts some light clothes on himself and gets ready to take some relax at the canteen, when he notices a note in the floor, near the door.
-We must collectively talk. Please meet with me in my room at dusk tonight. Your comrade, Cassius Thwaite.- Reads the note.
Well, sounds like a plan... I wonder what is that man up to?
Bjorn goes out and moves towards Cassius place at the concerted time.
