Volcano's Land - A New Beginning

Game Master Miner Cotren

Inam, you experience an alarming draining feeling, somewhat akin to drowning. A hot, heavy blanket of exhaustion envelopes you.

All LoH, Smite Evil, and both spells are used for the day

Etrah nods once. It has been deemed worthy.

Flames radiate out of the phoenix, blindingly bright. There is the impression of a great heat, but you are protected from burning. When your vision clears, the room is completely free of markings and stains, save for a few char marks here and there. Edoardo helps you to your feet.

The Archpriest laughs loudly, joyfully. "You have done it, Fenicemadre! That foul symbol is gone! I will see to it that our rituals and enchantments will continue in the holy place."

Feel free to make closing RP to Palazzo, then meet up with Ibinu.
You are a little unsteady, so Edoardo helps you to walk.

Chapter 12. Loyalty.

Chamber
Blinking rapidly as Edoardo pulls her to her feet, she looks around. "Wha...uh...What ha-appened?" Spotting the blade at her feet, she begins to reach down and...nearly topples over. Grabbing hold of the ifrit's shoulder, she wavers a bit. "Wooo"

"Uh...so...did we do it?" she asks, looking to Etrah and receiving a gentle nod, she smiles. "Well done Arch Priest. Well do-one. Uh..I think I'm going to sit a moment...here's fine."

*Thunk*

Later

It is Dimday, Witchrites the 12th.

Morning comes to all of you. The battles and funerals are finished - now is the time to see the shape of the future.

Narrate yourselves awake and to the council for the Captain nominations. Feel free to RP with other NPCs around as prepare for the day.

Kallik, Ibinu, and Inam, Fiordelise meets you outside your quarters, escorted by a guard. Her regal bearing is the same as you remember, perhaps even a touch more confident since last you met. She inclines her head to all of you, a strand of fiery hair falling across her face.

Tucking it behind her ear,, she says, "I'm flattered by all this, but," she shrugs her shoulders, "why me? I would have thought yelling at me, or attacking me, was more likely than offering something like this." She seems friendly, though a little guarded. You all notice she gives Kallik a wide berth.

After one or two of you reply to Fi, here's the starting scene. Agazi, you can come into this scene whenever you please.

Within the chamber, the council members are mostly present. Palazzo and Abacus are conversing.

"--cannot wait for the day that foul thing is removed. The hideous iconography of this tier beggars the imagination." The Counter glares up at the ceiling with a sour look on his face.

Palazzo spreads his arms wide in welcome. "Good bright, Blessed! We are waiting for Inquisitor Faustino, as well as..."

Ngoc enters, her stone-faced guards trailing. The Archpriest laughs. "Think and you will Fret! We were just wondering where you were."

The Medium gives him a dazzling smile. "The ways of eles are mysterious, Archpriest. Best not to worry about it too much."

Agazi awakens, feeling more rested than he has any right to be. More has been asked of him than ever before, but fatalism can be relieving.

He gathers his things, and makes his way up to the council chambers with the same calm as an el making his way to the gallows. Not much difference between this and the gallows, really. They might hurt less.

As he enters the chamber, he simply smiles.

Wrapping her arms around her knees and sitting in the middle of her bed. Silent watching everyone sleep. The grief and exhaustion weighing everyone down, forcing sleep.

Waiting until the sun starts to rise and wondering over to Ibinu and gently shaking his shoulder. Once the sylph opens his eyes she quietly asks, "I think I will need your help?"

----

Quietly waiting until Fiordelise finish speaking, "You came highly recommended and that is why."

Waking up to the whisper, Ibinu yawns and then his brain catches up. He whispers a reply, "of course, anything. What uh... right now or after breakfast?"

___________________________________________________________________

Ibinu smiles as Fiordelise arrives, "that is true. And I also recall you seemed to be genuinely interested in helping us stop terrible things from happening, which would be a good attribute for the Captain of the Guard."

He considers their last meeting, "I know that your colleagues may have had different opinions on things than us... significantly different in many cases. But that doesn't mean elen should be judged by other's actions. Plus, we've all made mistakes and probably will continue to make more. The question is, what would you plan to do with this position if you attained it?"

Fiordelise laughs. "Umm, the first thing that comes to mind is prevent all the merda that the Temple has been doing from ever happening again. I can sit through some boring meetings to make sure the inquistors are kept in check."

Glancing back and checking that Inam and Egret still slumber. Satisfied that they are, "I killed that ifrit during the chaos and I want to try to find the body. He may have been a horrible elen but no one should rot on the side of the street. It doesn't have to be this moment but I do not recall the exact location."

----

Smiling at Fiordelise's answer but keeping quiet.

"I shall assist you."

____________________________________________________

Replying to Fi, "ah excellent. I will be nominating you for the position. But as I'm sure you know, politics can be... chaotic. Thank you for coming in today."

Ibinu completes his normal morning prep but does not choose to slam his elixir this morning. He enters the council chambers and again offers each member a handshake and a "Good Morning!"

Do you try to shake hands with Agazi? :)

All the council members return Ibinu's handshake, more warmly than yesterday. The Archpriest's beefy hand seems to swallow the alchemist's, the large eleni laughing as Ibinu comes over.

The Archpriest claps his hands together. "Well, we all know what our business is here today. Let us introduce the nominees. The Counter and I have nominated Captain Entoro of the Ardere Watch."

An ifrit with slick black hair steps forward, between the Archpriest and the Counter. On his armor is emblazoned the golden V of the Ardare Watch. He holds his chin high with confidence, bordering on arrogance. The Archpriest continues, "He has maintained discipline and order within his ranks for years, and is one of the few Watch Captains to actually survive the chaos of the last few weeks."

Palazzo gestures to the Blessed. "And who is your nominee?"

After Fi's introduction

Palazzo looks around the room, brow furrowed. "Inquisitor...where is your nominee?"

Dove is not present

It would be poor form not to, so yes, Ibinu will offer a handshake.

Agazi takes Ibinu's hand and shakes it cordially. "Sorry about getting off on the wrong foot yesterday. It was... a trying day. I'm sure you understand. I hope today will be different." He continues to smile like a gormless snake the entire time.

-----------------

Agazi looks around the room, hoping Dove is hiding in the curtains or something, ready to make a grand entrance. "He uh, seems to not be present. Perhaps he's in the other council chambers? Anyway, my nominee is Lieutenant Dove. I asked the new leader of the city watch to merge the two departments and represent both to pool resources, but he said he was too busy and sent Dove. He agreed to be here, but uh...?" Agazi shrugs helplessly.

"Present or not, I still submit him as my nominee. I'll even toss in a bonus if he's confirmed, and against counsel, I'll reveal what I've learned from the Lady about Ky La's intentions since becoming high inquisitor. Apparently the position has perks."

Just as one of the Blessed is about to introduce her, Fiordelise shouts, "Entoro, you piccolo cazzo stronzo! How dare you show your face anywhere in this city after taking part in the slaughter of the Watch Captains!"

Fi's hands are balled into fists, and her hair seems to shimmer a slightly bright shade, as if truly on fire.

Entoro smooths his hair back, and gives a bewildered shrug. "That's a pretty big assumption, Missy. Didn't that Captain Doughby escape from that whole thing too?"

Fi looks ready to attack Entoro

Agazi does nothing to mollify Fiordelise, but instead laughs a deep belly laugh directly at her. "HA! Too good! Too good!"

Ibinu responds with a political smile, "oh well of course. We all say things we regret, it's our actions that matter the most."

_____________________________________________________________________

He merely watches in shock as the accusations fly back and forth across the room. He waits for Inam and the now apparently eloquent Kallik to weigh in before commenting.

Moving to stand between the bickering duo. "Argue all you want but no fighting. This place has seen enough blood."

Looking back and forth between the two, "Though you two could explain what each of you know. That would be real helpful."

Lieutenant Dove has managed to slip into the council room during the arguments; he is suddenly talking in the silence after Kallik's comment.

"Captain Entoro, no one here--least of all myself--would dare question the veracity of your statements. On the other hand, Miss Incarna--or, my apologies, Miss Locatelli these days--is a heroic figure in the community whose word is to be taken at face value. Hmm."

The painfully thin sylph, seemingly constructed of tissue paper, sticks, and glue, smiles. "One thing I find true--and the Temple can confirm this--is that while elen lie, blood does not. While I know of no dependable spells for determining the truth of words, I am certain there is a spell that can tell the truth of blood."

Entoro looks slightly pale. Dove continues talking, twisting the many rings on his fingers. "Captain, would you agree to submitting your sword to magical analysis? Surely it does not contain even the slightest trace of the late Captain Greco, and it would assuredly not harbor the signature of his murder. With such obvious and self-evident truths out of the way, we would surely be able to continue this discussion and ignore any slanderous statements regarding your pure and unsullied nature, correct?"

Entoro holds his palms up, his face a mask of disgust. "Are we really going to waste the council's time disproving every lie that this little miss can come up with?" He indicates Fiordelise and snorts. "I respectfully submit that Fiord-whatever is stricken from nomination, due to these unfounded accusations!"

Does Ibinu recognize what Dove is suggesting as being a legit method of testing for the claimed occurrence?

Trivial Knowledge Arcana or Knowledge Religion shows you that yes, this is a relatively common thing within the Temple. Ibinu, and certainly Agazi, would know this.

Ibinu interjects, "considering I and at least several others here have no way of testing the validity of either of your statements, I think that Lieutenant Dove has made an excellent suggestion as to how to get to the heart of the matter. If need be, we can start this thing off and I'll go ahead and call a motion to do just that. But we of course don't need to be so... formal about a reasonable request, I would think."

He casually takes his seat at the table and watches Entoro intently.

Glaring at Entoro, "To insure that there are no more falsehoods we would and it would not be a waste of time."

Agazi beams with relief as Dove makes his entrance. "Ah, good! Glad you could make it, lieutenant. If it'll make you feel any better Entoro, we can all submit our weapons for trace blood, just for fun. We already know one of this council murdered So Khong, so it's apparently not a disqualifying offense. It's just embarrassing to find out about it later. Besides, this is the only thing we've got going today, and I was afraid it was going to get boring."

====Council====

Putting the book away, she watches Ibinu shake the hands of those around. Offering a non-comital curtsy, she listens to the discussion intently. Even as Kallik dives between the quarrelers, she doesn't move.

Quietly, she casts a spell and scans those in attendance, speaking at long last. "Ah, but inquisitor I admitted to my misdoings. I explained the what and the how. The 'Why' of it still eludes me, sadly. I have no doubt, you would have preferred his murder of me had succeeded. Alas, it was not the will of Volcano. Even your Lady didn't stay my hand."

Unless someone had a severe shift...or any of these new guys are clerics of the smiler, I don't expect to spot anything - casting Detect Evil anyway

Stepping towards the nominated 'Dove', she offers her sword, hilt first. "To remove any concerns and ALL doubt, I request you test my blade first. We know where it's been, so proof of your method will prevent anyone from claiming falsehoods if they are found out."

Turning back to Agazi, she smiles. "Did you get enough sleep? You seem pale...as if you were becoming a sylph... You may consider seeing the medics after this. Though we view things...differently, Volcano has different aspects for a reason. We must ensure your voice is heard in these chambers as The Warriors."

'Though much quieter....perhaps in a locked closet, on the far side of the temple...'

===Chambers===

Flittering about in the rafters, Etrah eyes each new face with interest. Looking towards Agazi, his predatory instincts cause his feathers to stand up on the back of his neck. 'Hmmm...that's interesting...'

Watching as Inam puts her books away, he nods 'That's a good girl. We must stay alert.

'Really? Must you offer your blade?! If I were your enemy, I'd...'

With an audible sigh, the phoenix dives from the ceiling, landing next to the paladin as a sentry. "Agazi, I'm not entirely sure you have room to speak on such dealings. If I may pose a question, would you have approved if Inam slaughtered So Khong in the name of the Cauldron? I suspect not. However in the name of self preservation sanctified by the Warrior, you find fault?"

Agazi rolls his eyes at Inam's equivocating. "Yes, you admitted it, and we're now giving this borsa di merda a chance to do the same. No offense Entoro, if you're not guilty, but you smell to the Dark of guilt."

He does his best to avoid taking the religious tribalism bait and stays on topic.

"In this brave new world, justice seems irrelevant if you're popular enough or have a shiny enough pet. If you ask me, So Khong's only mistake was not bringing backup, but then, we established yesterday what my opinions are worth. We still only have you and the pidgeon's word that it was self defense, but nobody else seems to care anymore."

Agazi takes a deep breath and wipes away his natural scowl. He replaces it with his unnerving saccharine smile as he completely ignores Etrah. "If you must know, last night was the best night of sleep I've had in some time. Having a purpose does wonders, birdo. It may surprise you to learn we see things more similarly than you might think. Vote for Dove, make Entoro irrelevant, and I'll let you know."

Putting a hand on Etrah's head to prevent him from responding to the lack of respect, Inam gives the el a wry smile. "I have a brother like you. The only good thing that ever came from his strong insolence was stronger armor."

"I don't quite have you figured out, though to be fair you are accusing me due to a lack of witnesses in your eyes. On the same token, you hold this claim of knowing Ky La's desires... Do you have witnesses? Proof? Or is it just going to be on your word? Be that the case, I must caution you from using double edged blades. They have a tendency to swing back and cut the wielder as well."

"You are, of course, entitled to your doubts as it is just the herald of the Warrior and my word. However, I've yet to propagate any lie and I have answered every question posed without hesitation. I am far from perfect. I am but a sylph doing the work of a higher power."

"Yet, you sir are an unknown here surrounded by questions. You show blantant disrespect to those you disagree with and yet, demand respect you've yet to earn. It is possible we are of a similar cord. Perhaps we may even grow to be friends. Time will tell...I feel a lot of growth will be required before such a thing were possible."

No evil detected on any individuals in the room

Dove looks Inam in the eye with his sharp yellow gaze. His mouth quirks in a half-smile, as if viewing an amusing novelty. "With such a brave and forthright speech, I feel as though my personal morals have been uplifted." He turns to the Archpriest. "Archpriest Palazzo, I do not mean to impose such a weighty task-"

Palazzo gives a smug smile and waves his hand. "No trouble at all, Lieutenant. I have the spell at my disposal." Making the triangle over his heart, Palazzo murmurs a few words in High Ifrit.

Upon the far wall of the chamber, the following words appear, bright crimson upon the black:

Inquisitor So Khong
was killed
Ashday, Witchrites the Ninth
His blood was spilled by Inam Smithrock as he attempted to sacrifice her to

The writing seems to stop, but then, a symbol appears - slowly, as if the act is being resisted.

It is the smiling rune.

Agazi slaps the table repeatedly and begins laughing hysterically. "Ahhh hahahahahahaa!" Deep breath. "hahahahahaa!"

Locking her hands into fist as soon as they start to twitch. Glaring at Agazi but keeping silent while Inam speaks. Mumbling quietly, "You own them nothing."

Tilting her head and staring at the words before refocusing on the laughing Agazi, "Please share what is so funny. I have not had a good laugh in some time."

Ibinu glances briefly at Agazi, and back to his antics of yesterday. I guess a brief glimpse of civility is better than nothing. I'm glad I didn't misread him though.

When the spell completes he nods, that should put that to rest at least.

But as Agazi breaks down into laughter something triggers in his head and he shifts his attention closely to the Inquisitor, sitting up warily in his seat. I've heard of mental afflictions that can cause a mind to snap, especially after tragic events. His entire world view has been torn asunder, maybe he has just lost it? Let's hope he doesn't hurt anyone. He eyes Kallik, happy to see she is keeping a close eye on the Inquisitor as well.

The rest if the council seems equally unnerved by Agazi's outburst. Palazzo says, cautiously, "Inquisitor? We have serious matters of murder, betrayal, and this dastardly rune to consider, in addition to the weighty task of choosing another member for this council." A shade of anger enters his voice now. "What purpose does your mad laughter serve here?"

Entoro stomps toward the door. "My Watch has had its fill of inquisitors of late, as have I. If the only thing to be found in these chambers is insulting accusations and cackling madmen, than this is my withdrawal from consideration." He walks, back straight, toward the door. As he passes by each of you, you catch the faint smell of shoe polish.

Moving to stand in front of Entoro, "You can leave after your weapon is checked. You were accused of having a hand in one of the many slaughters that have happened recently."

Kallik will stay in his way.

Agazi wipes the tears from his eyes as he attempts to regain composure. He's almost there when he begins chuckling again.

"Heh. Hehehe. Heh. Oh, let the el go. He came here hoping for a promotion and he has the misfortune of being obviously guilty. He's leaving with his reputation in tatters. Let the new grand marshal, his boss, handle it." He gestures toward Dove as he casually throws out the new job title.

He takes a deep breath and tries to settle himself again, this time a little more successfully. "As for the laughter, it's only a wee bit of madness. It's mostly the information I have been granted." He cocks his head like a confused puppy. "Maybe there's no difference? Trust me, you'd think it funny too, if you saw it the way I did. I had not realized some of the implications until The Smiler wrecked your spell. Sorry if I injured your pride. You can try again on my blade, if you want. I'm sure it's a wonderful spell, and my blade is probably not cursed."

He doesn't get up, but he pulls out his blade and presents it for inspection. It's an exotic looking thing, halfway between a dagger and a short sword in length, with only one sharp edge, which it curves around. On the wide blade is engraved an image of the Lady holding her bowl expectantly toward the edge. You're not sure if you're imagining it or not, but the depiction seems to be glowing slightly.

Ibinu hops into the fray, "well that's an interesting proposition Inquisitor. I'd be happy to at least support it enough to get to a discussion and vote, so we can get onto the actual purpose here. So with that said, I move that Entoro's crimes be left for investigation by the chosen Captain of the Guard." He looks around the room, "is there a second?"

"Yeah, sure. Seconded! I vote si, just so we can get on with it."

The vote is quickly agreed upon.

For brevity, I will assume Kallik steps aside, otherwise the various guards around the room will get involved

Entoro attempts to slam the heavy door on his way out, and fails miserably.

Dove whistles a tuneless little ditty, sounding like lonely bird in the wind. "Well, I believe we can all rest soundly--the inquisitor in particular, it sounds like--knowing that justice will prevail in finding the truth of the Captain's innocence. I am more than willing to have my weapon--such as it is--inspected, and I have no doubts whatsoever that Miss Incarna--apologies again, Miss Locatelli--has precisely the same amount of confidence in the rightness of her own activities."

Looking sidelong at Agazi, she considers a moment, before speaking. "My blade is not cursed, that is quite accurately the symbol So Khong drew on the ground. Do you know what it means? Do you know who or what that icon is?"

As the vote is raised, she frowns. "Oh, of course. I do wish to discuss this more after these issues are handled."

Turning toward the three currently offering to have their blades read, her smile returns. "If I understood the purpose right, it was due to a suspected slaying of improper nature. I offered mine simply due to the common knowledge of my act for a baseline. Unless someone believes one or all of you three have similar transgressions, I suspect we can skip the readings."

"As for the matter at hand, there remain two nominated for the position. Rather than a blind vote, why don't we have both of them speak. Why do they feel they would do the position justice."

Dove gives a bow with a small flourish toward Fiordelise. The nobleele steps forward, meeting the eyes of all the council members one at a time. In a voice pitched perfectly for the room, she says, "My name is Fiordelise Locatelli nato Incarna." She sees a few raised eyebrows. "Yes, Locatelli. In short..." she sighs, raising her eyes to the ceiling to order her thoughts, "after Inquisitor Locatelli fled the Temple and Captain Locatelli raided the Makers, Signore Locatelli, head of the house, disowned his sons and adopted me as his heir." She pauses. "After I helped him kill the disgraced Captain in the heat of battle." She places a hand on her sword. "And unlike some, I am more than willing for blood to show the truth of my claims."

"With that out of the way, I will tell you the most important thing that is missing from this council: someone who knows the city. The city, not the Temple." She gestures with her left hand. "On one side, we have Temple-dwellers, born and bred." She gestures with her right hand. "On the other, we have outsiders who have spent, what, a rite or less in Hearth."

Shoulders pulled back, she continues, "Not only do you need someone who knows the city, you also need the support of the nobles. It seems that the days of ruling through fear and blood are coming to an end. Without the iron fist, you will need an elen hand extended to the powerful houses of the city. It just so happens that House Locatelli recently secured a weapons contract with some of the best smiths in Forge, so I would wager I have a leg up on the logistical duties of this military role, as well as the diplomatic."