Lope is up.
I believe I managed to sneak my post just before yours somehow :D
Search Posts
"No!" Lope quickly reacts trying to finish the assassin in front before they can kill the priest. With a quick word of power he casts shocking grasp and also pools fire on his blade.
She has none of her usual tricks at her disposal, and these are obviously trained assassins I understood we just had a night break and decided to come to the temple during breakfast, so we should have fresh resources there Trip!
That is a pity, but yeah, her last post was like two months ago :(
"Indeed, we were guessing why they copied that. But not only, we have uncovered signs of something foul beneath the grand stage. A creature below the theater that defies easy explanation. We thought the temple of law and civilization might find such corruption... deeply concerning" Lope pauses for a second, then with quiet intensity "What do you know of them, and how far do their shadows reach?" ---
Lope smiles back at Esinti and offers his own cup "Cheers! Sure, it looks like a good path to fall back by the temple before getting out of the city to check out this business with the caravans and Commander Staubel"
Lope lifts his glass in salute to Triphylla's tale, a smirk dancing at the corner of his lips "Good work. We are pulling at threads that clearly were not meant to be seen" He looks to the rest of the group, voice low but direct "We have many leads and not a clear way forward" "The Temple of Abadar might shed light on this 'Child of Twilight', Chief Aubrun was interested, and he might call a blasphemy to discover what you have seen Triphylla. They might have more information to share" he taps on the table with a finger "Then there is the bandits hitting caravans, we need to find out if indeed Commander Staubel is behind this as Gallindra stated" His tone sharpens slightly "And we also found proof against Merkondus at the warehouse. Though I am not sure if that is enough to put him into real trouble though... we probably want to solve the other stuff first" The Aldori finishes a piece of cheese, then crosses his arms and glances around "So... what first? The temple? Merkondus? Or Staubel?"
Lope inclines his head with a soft smile, eyes flicking between the usher and Esinti "Ah, but then! History must be staged before it can be remembered, every miracle needs its lighting crew" He chuckles lightly, as if he means nothing by it at all, in reality just making time for Triphylla to return.
He lets the words hang, just provocative enough to stir thought, and hopefully, to keep curious eyes on him rather than his companions sneaking around.
Lope moves closer to the stage, trying to call the attention and perform a distraction for the others to have a chance to investigate "Mmm... if I may about this Child..." he begins, his tone reverent yet searching "Every faith is built upon questions, questions that burn in the soul like stars in the firmament. So tell me, if a man were to surrender himself to this Child... to walk the path you now revere... what truths would anchor him? What griefs would he shed? And in the end, what sort of man would he become?"
Pointing to the backstage with his gaze, he adds "Perhaps we should further investigate. If they discover us, we can say we are interested to become more involved with the cult..."
Just a heads up that I am back home and resuming my usual posting frequency :)
Turning slightly to the others in the row, Lope leans in and murmurs under his breath "Locked in a theater, drugged with mist, and shown a levitating boy? This is theater all right, but the tragedy kind. Eyes sharp" Then, eyes focused on the glowing "Twilight Child," he studies its movements and mannerisms carefully. His instincts as both a spellcaster and a swordsman are on alert. The emotion in the room may feel real, but he has seen how easily magic can bend belief. To those close enough, Tryp and Diana, he adds quietly "I want to believe this is a divine being. But it smells of enchantment and illusion. Be ready." He then looks up towards where Triphylla is pointing.
"Good, let's also set a safe word Sir Dratavis" Lope agrees a means of communication, trying to keep it under unwanted ears. Looking at the others, he agrees with Terence "Sure, you can come and witness what happens. But try to keep it safe" ---
The Aldori looks at the others, and if no one opposes, move in with the group to see what is happening inside.
Lope nods to Sir Dratavis "The Earl's correspondence. Good. I guess that means infiltrating his own location" Then looking to the others "Ok, let's go investigate this business with the Cult" and turning to Sir Dratavis once again "Could you please hide Gallindra somewhere while we deal with the other stuff? We need a safe place for her, and better if the Commander and the Earl think you both are indeed dead, so avoid showing up until we are ready"
I am ready to move to the Cult mission!
"Interesting" Lope notes as the location of the Commander is finally handled "If there is any proof of the missdoings of the Commander, it would be useful for us to hand her to the Law" "Though we might be better doing this personally. I do not believe much on the city's law being clean enough to handle this business" then thinking on the decision to handle the Cult, he inquiries "Do you think we have a day or two before visiting the Whistling Plains? Or the Commander is likely to move soon?"
I will be on a trip for the next week and my ability to post will be spotty. Sorry in advance!
Lope steps forward, his eyes sweeping from the trap to Triphylla's hands "Good work Tryp" He glances up toward the quarrelsome birds above, narrowing his eyes slightly "Still. I have the strangest feeling we are being watched... someone must have set up this trap, and is probably not welcoming our approach" Still if the trap is disabled, he advances through the path, a hand over the pommel of his sword, ready to draw it if necessary.
"I suggest we move carefully in formation. Despite what Sir Dratavis said, we have been told also about a possible dryad" he gestures towards the path he thinks he sees "I will take the front, unless someone else really wants to go ahead" He smiles, then if no one else offers, he starts moving carefully inside the park.
He pauses, eyes momentarily distant as if weighing a scale only he can see "But tell me, Xan, if this cult so openly sings of blasphemy, where is the church of Pharasma in all this? Are her faithful not already here, raising holy indignation against such an affront? Surely such a violation would not go unanswered" "Still, our path today leads first to the lieutenant. Duty is an impatient mistress. Yet your words, like a well-thrown glove in a poet's duel, have struck home" he bows slightly toward Xan, voice rich with gallant resolve "Rest assured, good sir, when our business with the lady ends, we shall go pay that cult a visit. And should your cult prove to be indeed a danger, then by wit, blade, and spell, we shall help write its final act" He then nods to Triphylla and joins her on the lead "Good. Let's go"
He raises an eyebrow trying to get what direction the party wants to take without actual success. Then, he looks to Xan "And if you won't join us, will you at least tell us what precisely made them abominable in your eyes? Besides their taste in architecture"
Lope keeps his blade in place but cocks his head at the masked man, his smirk not faltering "An abomination, you say? Sounds like a rather dramatic claim. And I do love a good drama" his tone is light, but his eyes remain sharp "Specially coming from a masked person" He casts a quick glance at Triphylla, hiding his amusement at her flawless maneuvering "Ah, you see? My friend here has the right of it. If you have vital knowledge, why not ensure we act upon it correctly by coming along?" Lope taps his temple lightly with two fingers "And while you are at it, perhaps you can clarify what exactly we are meant to be horrified by? Because so far, all I hear is doomsaying with no real proof"
Lope frowns as the traffic jam ahead halts their progress, his gaze flicking over the mess of vegetables and the lifeless horse "Charming. A fitting metaphor for Taldor, really, progress stymied by bickering merchants and blood on the cobblestones" he exhales, stopping to look around "Going around seems our best bet"
Surprisingly, for his not that sharp eyes, he catches a shadow in the alley "We have eyes on us. Red bird mask, down the alley. Friend, foe, or just another eccentric noble indulging in theatrics?" his fingers tighten on Gloria's hilt "Either way, I will not give him the luxury of surprise" A man of action, he strides resolved towards the figure, trying to feign he has not seen the figure.
When he reaches the place, he cuts the escape with his blade and a smile on his face "I love to know the name of my admirers. Should we talk?"
"Hedge Hill it is, then. Let's see if we can unravel whatever madness has taken root there, without becoming part of it. And if there is a dryad lurking about, let's hope she's friendlier than the last fey we encountered" he casts a quick glance at Triphylla, smirking "If not, I suppose we will have to rely on your natural charm, Trip. We wouldn't want to start another fey feud, unless, of course, that is the only way to get answers" He then turns toward Terrance, raising an eyebrow "Our fearless chronicler wants to join us? You do realize that what we are about to walk into may be more than just a 'scoop', right? But, if you can keep up, I won't be the one to deny history its rightful storyteller" With a final glance at the party, Lope rests a hand lightly on Gloria's hilt "Let's move, then. The sooner we solve this, the sooner we can get back to the part where we eat, dance and sing. And hopefully, with all our sanity intact"
Take care Valeria <3
Lope crosses his arms, his sharp gaze lingering on Dratavis as he considers the knight's words "We cannot act on suspicion alone. If the commander is truly complicit, we need proof, something undeniable that exposes his role in this mess. Sir Dratavis, how do you suggest we confirm what you suspect? Where would the trail lead us?" Then, his attention shifts to Triphylla, and a sly smile curves his lips "Trip, you couldn't possibly expect us to let you miss out on all the fun, could you? We'd never hear the end of it!" he chuckles, shaking his head "And of course, we need you, who else would make sure our enemies don't just lose, but deeply regret standing against us? The artistry of it all would be lost without you" his tone is lighthearted, but beneath the jest is a quiet sincerity.
"Welcome back, my friend. You had the misfortune of being the first to fall to our charming hostess' affections" Lope says with relief as Triphylla gets released "Rest easy, you are among friends again" Lope inclines his head at Dratavis' gratitude but waves it off with an easy smile "A debt easily settled, Sir Dratavis, just tell us what you know" As the knight points out the fallen officers of the Taldan Horse, Lope's sharp gaze follows, taking in the implications.
"A commander sending men here, one by one, without word returning? Either Staubel was a fool or he knew something we do not" he taps a finger against his chin, then glances at Terence "Well, Master West, it seems your editor might get his political intrigue after all"
"Well then, I guess we are taking two scrolls for now. Maybe we get the right person to find more... investment for our deeds here" Lope comments and opens the purse from the party treasure handing the coins.
"Well, Terence, it seems it is time for you to discover what we have been doing" Lope takes the scrolls and when everyone is ready, starts tracing back to the medusa's fort. There, he will hand the scrolls to Diana for her to deal with the transformation "So, we start with Tryp, isn't it? Then..." he scans through the statues and recognizes Sir Meir Dratavis once more "Well, I say we need to go with Lady Martella's agent..." he points on the direction of the sir "Maybe he can explain what the Taldan Horse was doing here and where the rest of their members are..."
Maybe I got that wrong, but I proposed it because I have seen that used that way time and again. It literally calls the stone to flesh spell. If that does not work, I do not think we have the funds to free more than Tryp and a couple more people. Thing is, whom to chose?
Lope smiles to Terrance "We are departing as soon as possible", then puts his attention on the scrolls. He shows the purse of coin and is willing to trade away some of the items they might be interested in as well. Before leaving though, he will talk around with the people in the hall "Is anything else you know about where and how the Taldan Horse disappeared?" He also asks about rumors of the other errands the group has pending.
Lope chuckles, swirling his wine as he listens to the young journalist's musings "The Taldan Horse, vanishing like mist at dawn? A mystery, to be sure. But a wider Qadiran plot?" he exhales, shaking his head with theatrical regret "Ah, Master West, I fear I must disappoint your editor. I deal in affairs of honor, not hearsay. And while I have crossed swords with many cunning foes, I have yet to meet one who could make an entire legend disappear overnight." The Aldori lifts his glass in an easy toast "But if you wish to weave intrigue into your tale, I suggest a more accurate thread. Gaze at the earl Yander Merkondus and Pythareus men. The disappearance just happened when he got into business. I have heard he is even involved in this Cult of the Twilight. I would not be surprised they have taken the Taldan Horse into a Hellish pact to conduct their business" he poses trying to instigate a few fine rumors into the journalist.
Lope offers the halfling a knowing smile, tilting his head just so, as if weighing the worth of words "Ah, Master West, some stories are like fine paintings, one must see them to truly appreciate their artistry. Suffice it to say, our travels led us to an encounter most... captivating. A lady of singular charm, whose gaze could stop a man dead in his tracks, quite literally" The Aldori waves a hand dismissively, as if brushing aside lingering stone dust "But why spoil the mystery? Let us say only this: adventure favors the bold, fortune favors the prepared, and I favor another glass of wine" he winks at Savina before turning back to the young journalist, his expression all invitation "Now then, tell me, Master West, in what style do you plan to recount our grand story?"
Lope takes in the elegant surroundings with an appreciative smile, his gaze drifting from the grandeur of the manor to the revelry beyond. He clasps a hand to his chest in mock surrender. "Ah, Mistress Onio, you wound me. Such refinement, such impeccable taste, yet you wish to barter with mere gold? Why, I would trade a thousand coin merely to linger in the presence of such artistry a moment longer" his eyes flicker with playful mischief as he leans slightly forward "But I am, at heart, a practical man" He glances at Diana and the rest of the group, and as no one voices on the contrary, he then looks back to Savina, his voice smooth as velvet "A storyteller to immortalize our noble deeds? A fair trade, indeed. Let it not be said that Lope Aldori spurns an audience" he chuckles, offering a graceful nod "It looks like you have yourself a deal, Mistress Onio. May our tale be as fine as the company we now keep"
That post was gold Triphylla :D Well done, yes, well done!
"This is Lope de Vega. Infamous trader and poet" he says smoothly, his Taldan accent carrying a refined but unassuming air "And with my companions we are one of the groups designated by the Mercantile Council to investigate the strange issues happening at Yanmass" "It happens, my companions and I, we have business with Wender Manor regarding rare arcane acquisitions. If the lady of the house is available, I would be most appreciative of an audience" he glances briefly at Diana "I understand appointments are preferred, but given the nature of our needs, I trust we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. That is, if you have the magics to turn those who are stone back to flesh by breaching through those transmutations"
"Despite I hate leaving her here, it is probably the more safe thing to do if we want to avoid the risk of seeing an arm broken during transport" Lope looks at the pristine statue and frowns "Triphylla is my friend. I have come to know here quite well in these last months and I know she would not leave behind any of us. Yanmass be damned, I am not doing any other errand before we can free her from this state" He then nods energetically towards Diana "If we do not have the means to safe her now, then let's rush to find one of those scrolls just now" Then after exploring the building for the case the medusa had an antidote to her very own power somewhere hidden, he presses back towards the city.
Lope looks relieved as the medusa fall to the ground "Well, at least she is not making anyone else into stone..."
He looks down at the equipment left by the monster.
Then explores a bit the building.
That sucks! We will find a way to save you Triphylla!
"Indeed, I thought about a basilisk maybe, but a medusa... that explains all!" Lope loses no more time, as soon as the haste hits him, he descends upon the medusa, Gloria bursting into flames and a frigid touch as he approaches for a slice.
"What do you...!!??" Lope screams when Valeria shouts out. He readies himself by casting shield.
Lope feels something is amiss and puts all his senses to notice what might be going on with the girl and her relation with the statues "Yet, you seem quite at home here. And rather focused on how we interact with these statues. Perhaps you have seen others do so before?"
He exchanges a quick glance with Triphylla, silently acknowledging her readiness. If this girl was baiting them, she might not be alone, or worse, she might be more than she seemed. Lope subtly prepares himself for combat while kipping the words going "[b]Tell me, traveler, do you know what happened to Sir Meir Dratavis and his men?"
Lope immediately slows his ascent, his sharp mind racing through the possibilities "That depends" he calls back, his voice measured "Are you lost, or are you waiting for someone?" He glances briefly toward Diana and Triphylla, silently gauging their reactions. If this is a trick, he needs to be ready, but if she truly is just another wanderer, then there may be more danger lurking ahead.
"If this was done by magic, then we are either walking into the lion's den, or the lion is watching us already" his hand tightens around Gloria's hilt as his eyes scan the surroundings "Let's find out before it finds us" With extra caution, Lope starts to climb the stairs towards the only area of the building that might hide someone...
"This is something weird, another statue here, lifelike... You remember well St. John, and you are giving me something to think about here..." Lope observes more carefully, are the statues in the middle of normal passage points or properly placed on exhibition spots?
Lope smiles back to Esinti as she appreciates the idea of the wine. Their conversation is interrupted by Diana's observations "The Taldan Horse? Contemporary, you say?" "That’s a rather striking inconsistency. Why would such an emblem be here, on something far older than its time?" he glances at Diana "Not magical, but still suspicious. It might be one of those constructs that animates itself when one approaches" He steps a little closer to study the statue, his fingers looking for Gloria's familiar hilt "I will take point. Cover me if this thing suddenly decides I am some sort of snack for hungry stones" With swift movements he casts ablative armor and spider climb on himself. With that, Lope moves ahead, carefully looking to touch at the statue.
"Well, if the manor is abandoned, perhaps some poor soul left behind a cask of something drinkable. Though given its reputation, I would wager any vintage left behind has turned to vinegar by now" he chuckles, then tilts his head "Or ghosts could be brewing their own reserves. Never know with these old estates"
As the journey stretches on and the manor gets closer, Lope's demeanor becomes more focused "Before we waltz into that crumbling estate, I suggest we take a look first" his voice lowers slightly "If the bandits are using it as a hideout, I would rather not give them the advantage of surprise. Let's scout the area and see if they are truly there and how many we are dealing with" devo8604 has not participated in any online campaigns. |