Of Vile Darkness

[Rybaer]

"Sounds like a good time," Torr says with a grin. "Do you have any other useful information on what we might expect to have to deal with from these do-gooders?"

 

[Wrahn]

"You job will be simple, you need to find these heroes when the appear at the Baroness' manor, and when she gives the signal, kill them. Very straightforward, I know you'll be disappointed Darkhand. And yes, I'll tend to your problem while you're away," Wode says tersely. "Your compensation will be sustantial, on the order of ten thousand gold per head. You don't have much time to prepare, hours if that."

*Bending down, Wode picks up the wrapped bundle and hands it to Aekir. Unwrapping it he finds a smooth black mace with a smooth back head, very subtly carved with suggestions of ghostly faces.*

"As per your prior request for payment."

*Aekir takes the mace holding it, judging its balance. Nodding to Wode he steps back. His eyes narrow when the job is described.*

The big one and maybe the Ghost may be up for a straight up fight, but I don’t know about these others. They are hunters not soldiers and making them play as such, especially against skilled opponents who will work together is paramount to suicide. Since when does the Butterfly hire out mercenaries. This is poor planning, unless they are desperate, there is more going on then meets the eye.

 

[linnorm]

Ralam Human Rogue 5 / Assassin 7

"How long should I pack for?"

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"We suspect that they will attempt to use treachery to gain access to the Baroness' presence. You will be responsible for protecting her if all goes sour. There's seven of them, but a lot more on your side. Protect the Baroness, and do not let them capture her. If it looks like she'll be captured, kill her instead. We can't afford to have her under their watch. Once you've done that, kill as many as you can, and then get out of the way of any further retaliation. Ssessarina will have the item to bring you all back here when you're done. This shouldn't take more than a couple days at best," Wode says. It's looking particularly agitated today, obviously this situation must be fairly dire, or so you think...

~~~

*In the morning, the bells ring early, calling the faithful to morning services. Loviana can wash and prepare herself, as well as having a bit of food before heading to the golden chapel hall.*

*Orshallan stood in front, seemingly no worse for the wear for the tumultuous night last night, resplendant in his golden robes. His sermon today speaks of the value of loyalty weighted against the price of integrity, seemingly targeting young men in the army or the Guard, but having far too close a conncection with last night's conversation.*

"You must always know that true integrity, the tenents of what is good and true and right, will always be the correct and lawful path. If you find yourself in a position where you must subvert the ways of light for loyalty to orders, beware. There are ways in which orders can be obeyed, but one can still cleave to the light. However, if you find yourself in an untennable position, where all paths are dark no matter where you turn, it is then that you must take a stand for the greater good in the world, no matter the cause. Heironeous rewards the valorous, especially those that have the strength to stand up for what is right."

 

[Paxus Asclepius]

Gwyn ap Fomor, Half-Fiend Mortal Hunter

"I think we can manage that. Protection is not normally my strong point, but I assure you that the Baroness will not be captured alive; will it be necessary to ensure that the corpse is destroyed?"

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"Don't bother to destroy her corpse, just make sure she dies if they get their hands on her," Wode says sharply, and then turns to the others. "Any more questions?"

~~~

*After the service, Arnold comes over to Loviana, and whispers quietly to her.*

"The High Righteousness wanted you to know that if you desired to go home without seeing him, he will arrange for an escort. But if you wish to stay, he will be taking lunch in his quarters at the noon bell, if you desire to speak with him. But he suggested that perhaps you should speak with Elder Priest Aaron Adir. He might be able to help you."

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Loviana: Half-Nymph/Female (Rogue/Corruptor/Bondblade)

* Though Loviana does not feel like it she gives a pleasant smile to Arnold as he approaches her. The familiar pained look of anguish quickly follows his words. *

“I haven’t decided what I will do yet… What does the High Righteousness think that the Elder Priest can do for me?”

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"He is very wise, and Orshallan thought you might like words with an impartial person of wisdom."

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Loviana: Half-Nymph/Female (Rogue/Corruptor/Bondblade)

* Loviana simply nods her head in acceptance of Arnold's words and Orshallan's request. *

“I believe its Orshallan that needs to talk to someone as I have accepted him and have no desire to change him but if it will make him feel better I shall go… When does the Elder Priest expect me?”

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

"He will be in the garden all afternoon, m'lady," the acolyte says with a slightly puzzled look on his face at Loviana's comment.