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Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3545690" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>It was only a few moments before the acolyte returned with Master Searthu. She bowed before Brandt, although it was Searthu who spoke first. <span style="color: Lime">“I hear you have a need, Brandt?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and extended a hand in a friendly gesture. <span style="color: Lime">“As always with this crew.”</span> Brandt motioned to the foursome standing behind him. <span style="color: Lime">“But as luck may have it, you may hold the key to success for these four.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu grinned as he looked at the foursome and Ophee. He had heard the stories about Brandt and the sneak attack form Ophee. He could tell that they were largely still recovering. He could also tell by the way that they surrounded Ophee that she had been able to redeem herself in the eyes of justice.</p><p></p><p>Master Brandt continued. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, all kidding aside, we think we’re onto something rather significant in Tongra. There is a wizard in Eberdeen who may well be using some inappropriate means to accomplish his own hidden agenda. It turns out that our own Ophee here was the victim of a drug induced brainwashing. I’m afraid that there might be more innocents involved than only Ophee, however. You see, the wizard has a few other information gatherers throughout the major cities in Tongra. If the wizard was able to brainwash Ophee into acting against her own will, it is likely that his other employees could be given the same treatment. Is there any chance that you could find them?”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthru nodded. <span style="color: Lime">“There is always a chance, so long as I have something to focus on. In addition, the more that you could narrow the search area the better I’ll be able to find them.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt turned to Ophee. <span style="color: Lime">“Start with the ones of whom you are most confident in your ability to find, Ophee. Then work down the list. If we can have success at first, it may prove valuable.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ophee looked to Master Searthu. <span style="color: Lime">“Ready?”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu smiled as if looking upon his own acolyte. <span style="color: Lime">“Any time, my dear.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ophee looked down to her lap. The uniform color of the blanket covering her legs allowed her to distance her mind from the room and begin to search her memories of the others. <span style="color: Lime">“I suppose I am most familiar with those who are closest to me. I’ve occasionally traveled through Partuss in coming to my post here in Fingerdale. You’re searching for a young man in Partuss by the name of Eliah Dungar. He comes from an unusual mixture of human and elf blood. His father was human, and he bears great resemblance to his human lineage. About the only thing that he received from his mother are the typical elven ears and almond shaped eyes. He has his father’s red hair and a red goatee as well.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu accepted the knowledge with a nod. <span style="color: Lime">“And where is he most likely to be found in Partuss?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ophee nodded and grinned. <span style="color: Lime">“This one’s easy. He talks all the time about a bakery beside his office. During the day, he can usually be found in his office or at the bakery. He loves their bread, and apparently they have a supplier of meats as well. He raves about their roast beef sandwiches covered in horseradish sauce. The name of the bakery is ‘Sweet Endings.’ His office should not be far if you can seek that place.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu nodded and opened up a cylindrical leather case about the size of a quiver for arrows. He pulled out a single piece of rolled parchment. <span style="color: Lime">“I assumed from your summons, Brandt, that you would need me to work my specialty. I’ll need just a moment to get into the proper frame of mind and then I’ll put my skill with insight to good use.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu inhaled slowly and then spoke the words printed upon the scroll. <span style="color: Lime">“Oasha-Tel Praos.”</span> The words began to glow intensely yellow as the magic was released. Tiny yellow crystals appeared to rise off of the parchment and drift towards the eyes of Master Searthu. Gradually the whites of his eyes took on a slight yellow tint as they absorbed the magic from the scroll.</p><p></p><p>The priest of Reah allowed his eyes to dart left and right as he began to see the remote location. <span style="color: Lime">“I can see the bakery, now. The bakery is only occupied by the woman behind the counter. I’ll take a look outside and in the surrounding buildings until I have found the one that you call Eliah.”</span></p><p></p><p>The party sat in silence for several minutes. Master Searthu’s eyes were quite fascinating to watch. They appeared to look at random locations inside the room within the temple, even at various people. However, from the focus of the eyes and the look of concentration upon his face, they could tell that Master Searthu was not actually seeing anything within the room.</p><p></p><p>After about three minutes Master Searthu smiled. <span style="color: Lime">“I believe I’ve found him, Ophee. I see a red haired human sitting at a desk. He does have an impressive goatee, along with those elven ears of which you spoke. He has not taken notice of my magic.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ophee smiled. <span style="color: Lime">“That’s the one, it’s got to be him. How many pointy-eared, red haired men can there be in Partuss?”</span></p><p></p><p>The party spent the better part of the next two hours locating each of the wizard’s information gatherers. Master Searthu had brought plenty of parchment with the proper spell upon them. As Brandt had suggested earlier, starting with the most familiar gave encouragement to Ophee. She was able to remember each of their names, which in itself was a huge boon to Master Searthu. His magic was strong enough to locate each of the wizard’s servants with what Ophee could provide. With each casting of the spell, the whites of Master Searthu’s eyes turned more and more yellow.</p><p> </p><p>Once they were finished, Semieon turned to Master Searthu and nodded in appreciation before addressing Brandt. <span style="color: Plum">“We’ve been sitting around doing nothing but healing for far more days than we should have, I imagine. Now that we have this information, I suggest we do something with it.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt’s acolyte interjected with concern. <span style="color: Lime">“You’re not fully ready for the world!”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt grinned. <span style="color: Lime">“You’re a good acolyte of Reah, that’s for sure. But I feel a good bit of Bemme in that statement as well. Of course, Bemme’s love and compassion is nothing of which you should be ashamed. Either way, however, the truth is that in service to Reah we must seek justice first. We are fully healed, at least physically. We might be a good bit rusty and our joints a bit stiff, though. But it cannot be denied that our bodies have been restored completely through Reah’s might.”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte bowed in service and didn’t speak again. Ischarus was the next person to speak. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I can’t help but think of the irony in the numbers game. The wizard has seven information gatherers. Since Ophee has been brought to our side that number is now reduced to six. Counting Ophee and Brandt, there are six people deeply involved in thwarting the wizard. The numbers are even.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu cleared his throat. <span style="color: Lime">“Am I nothing next to Brandt’s might?”</span> He grinned after making the comment and flashed a wide smile to Brandt.</p><p></p><p>Brandt took the opportunity to reply. <span style="color: Lime">“Actually, Searthu, you can play a significant role if you would be so kind. Someone is going to need to stay here and keep an eye on all the remaining six marks.”</span></p><p></p><p>Searthu nodded. <span style="color: Lime">“My magical sensors have been put on an automatic mode. They will signal me if there is any substantial change in location. For now, they will monitor their mark. I can view them whenever the need arises.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded and bowed deeply at Master Seathu’s response. <span style="color: Lime">“Then, what I am about to suggest is a bit bold. But I think if we are going to strike quickly, we’re going to need a plan like the one that I am about to propose. I think we should split up and use teleportation magic.”</span> </p><p></p><p>Brandt’s acolyte breathed in deeply at the suggestion, but she made no comment. Brandt continued to expound upon his idea. <span style="color: Lime">“We aren’t going to have to look for a kill, and we’ll have surprise on our side. Our first priority would be to split up and convince the wizard’s servant’s to surrender to us and come to the temple. Assuming they don’t take that message kindly, our next objective would be to render them unconscious and bring them here for holding. Then we can counteract the brainwashing.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis smiled, but it was Rhema who surprised everyone with the next comment. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I like the plan. It’s simple and direct. It has my vote.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus was shocked as much as everyone else with the suggestion. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Rhema? Aren’t you usually the cautious one? I expected to have to jump in head first in my support and convince you that it was the best way.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema shook her head. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“No, not this time. There is a time for caution, and this is not it. We’ve already given the wizard plenty of lead time to work his plan. He doesn’t know we are still alive. If we go after his servants one by one, he might notice. That’ll give him time to react. The only way that we can hope for complete success is to strike quickly and simultaneously at all points. It isn’t like me to support this idea, but it logic has merit.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu interjected a comment before anyone else could speak. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, my vision upon the wizard’s lackeys will last for another half of a day. I suggest you take no more than six hours preparing yourselves. Meet me in my office when you are ready to leave. Once we are all gathered, I’ll see to your coming and going.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion grinned mischievously. <span style="color: Plum">“Brandt, do you still have those magic rings that you allowed us to use when we needed to get to Bacrothen and the Tongra-Quehalost Mountains? If we had those, the four of us could bring ourselves back. Assuming that you could bring yourself back, it would leave only Ophee for Master Searthu to concern himself over. That would no doubt make his job easier.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt’s face jumped with excitement. <span style="color: Lime">“An excellent suggestion, Semeion. The rings are back at my house, but I can easily retrieve them in our time frame. And, that leaves supplies and assignments to be discussed.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu stepped to the door. <span style="color: Lime">“If I may, I will excuse myself and return to my office. It will be easier to monitor my magic without the distractions of conversation.”</span></p><p></p><p>The party nodded and waited for Master Searthu to leave before continuing. Once he was gone, Charis rose from Ophee’s bed and turned back to Ophee in order to speak to her. <span style="color: Orange">“Ophee, you’ve seen us in action. I think you should be the one to assign us our duties. You know your counterparts in the other cities and hopefully their weaknesses.”</span></p><p></p><p>The party concurred, and Ophee began to ponder the assignments. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, three of them don’t take much thought at all. I’d like to go to Partuss. I know Eliah the best, and he is the one I’ll be most successful in convincing. The most advanced of the wizard’s employ is Jerome in Eberdeen. He’s also the most likely to be protected under my former master’s magic. I’d recommend Brandt pursue him. Finally, I’d think that sending Semeion after Barra in Classo would make sense. She’s an oaf, and I don’t use that term lightly.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion looked a bit confused. <span style="color: Plum">“You plan on sending my fragile frame after someone who is an oaf? By oaf, I assume that you mean the muscle-bound kind?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ophee smiled pleasantly. <span style="color: Lime">“Yes. Barra is all muscle and no mind. Your magic should be quite effective against her, assuming that you can take her by surprise. I would recommend direct conflict rather than persuasion. She’s not likely to listen anyway, and if you try to talk first you’ll just give up your surprise.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis smiled at Semeion. <span style="color: Orange">“Just remember, the greatest tree can be felled with a small axe. It’s all in who holds the axe. You can do it!”</span></p><p></p><p>Ophee continued with the assignments. <span style="color: Lime">“Well, that leaves Charis, Rhema, and Ischarus. Rhema, you would probably do well against Ehre in Reignsburg. She’s a bit of a follower, and your persuasiveness might do well against her. I’d suggest sending Ischarus against Darr in Juniper, just because I don’t see any way that one isn’t going to end in a fight. I suppose then that leaves Charis against Haroth in Bacrothen. You’ll do alright, I’m sure. Although be prepared for a fight as well. My former master was no fool. He put his strongest and most loyal servants in the largest cities. Those are the duties that fell to Brandt, Ischarus, and Charis.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis smiled and put a reaffirming hand on Ophee’s shoulder. <span style="color: Orange">“It sounds as though you’ve done well in giving us your suggestions. Now we just need to get prepared and get to Master Searthu’s office.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt opened the door. <span style="color: Lime">“If you’ll follow me, all of you, I’ll take you to where your possessions are being stored.”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>It was only a few moments before the acolyte returned with Master Searthu. She bowed before Brandt, although it was Searthu who spoke first. “I hear you have a need, Brandt?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and extended a hand in a friendly gesture. “As always with this crew.” Brandt motioned to the foursome standing behind him. “But as luck may have it, you may hold the key to success for these four.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu grinned as he looked at the foursome and Ophee. He had heard the stories about Brandt and the sneak attack form Ophee. He could tell that they were largely still recovering. He could also tell by the way that they surrounded Ophee that she had been able to redeem herself in the eyes of justice.</p><p></p><p>Master Brandt continued. “Well, all kidding aside, we think we’re onto something rather significant in Tongra. There is a wizard in Eberdeen who may well be using some inappropriate means to accomplish his own hidden agenda. It turns out that our own Ophee here was the victim of a drug induced brainwashing. I’m afraid that there might be more innocents involved than only Ophee, however. You see, the wizard has a few other information gatherers throughout the major cities in Tongra. If the wizard was able to brainwash Ophee into acting against her own will, it is likely that his other employees could be given the same treatment. Is there any chance that you could find them?”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthru nodded. “There is always a chance, so long as I have something to focus on. In addition, the more that you could narrow the search area the better I’ll be able to find them.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt turned to Ophee. “Start with the ones of whom you are most confident in your ability to find, Ophee. Then work down the list. If we can have success at first, it may prove valuable.”</p><p></p><p>Ophee looked to Master Searthu. “Ready?”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu smiled as if looking upon his own acolyte. “Any time, my dear.”</p><p></p><p>Ophee looked down to her lap. The uniform color of the blanket covering her legs allowed her to distance her mind from the room and begin to search her memories of the others. “I suppose I am most familiar with those who are closest to me. I’ve occasionally traveled through Partuss in coming to my post here in Fingerdale. You’re searching for a young man in Partuss by the name of Eliah Dungar. He comes from an unusual mixture of human and elf blood. His father was human, and he bears great resemblance to his human lineage. About the only thing that he received from his mother are the typical elven ears and almond shaped eyes. He has his father’s red hair and a red goatee as well.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu accepted the knowledge with a nod. “And where is he most likely to be found in Partuss?”</p><p></p><p>Ophee nodded and grinned. “This one’s easy. He talks all the time about a bakery beside his office. During the day, he can usually be found in his office or at the bakery. He loves their bread, and apparently they have a supplier of meats as well. He raves about their roast beef sandwiches covered in horseradish sauce. The name of the bakery is ‘Sweet Endings.’ His office should not be far if you can seek that place.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu nodded and opened up a cylindrical leather case about the size of a quiver for arrows. He pulled out a single piece of rolled parchment. “I assumed from your summons, Brandt, that you would need me to work my specialty. I’ll need just a moment to get into the proper frame of mind and then I’ll put my skill with insight to good use.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu inhaled slowly and then spoke the words printed upon the scroll. “Oasha-Tel Praos.” The words began to glow intensely yellow as the magic was released. Tiny yellow crystals appeared to rise off of the parchment and drift towards the eyes of Master Searthu. Gradually the whites of his eyes took on a slight yellow tint as they absorbed the magic from the scroll.</p><p></p><p>The priest of Reah allowed his eyes to dart left and right as he began to see the remote location. “I can see the bakery, now. The bakery is only occupied by the woman behind the counter. I’ll take a look outside and in the surrounding buildings until I have found the one that you call Eliah.”</p><p></p><p>The party sat in silence for several minutes. Master Searthu’s eyes were quite fascinating to watch. They appeared to look at random locations inside the room within the temple, even at various people. However, from the focus of the eyes and the look of concentration upon his face, they could tell that Master Searthu was not actually seeing anything within the room.</p><p></p><p>After about three minutes Master Searthu smiled. “I believe I’ve found him, Ophee. I see a red haired human sitting at a desk. He does have an impressive goatee, along with those elven ears of which you spoke. He has not taken notice of my magic.”</p><p></p><p>Ophee smiled. “That’s the one, it’s got to be him. How many pointy-eared, red haired men can there be in Partuss?”</p><p></p><p>The party spent the better part of the next two hours locating each of the wizard’s information gatherers. Master Searthu had brought plenty of parchment with the proper spell upon them. As Brandt had suggested earlier, starting with the most familiar gave encouragement to Ophee. She was able to remember each of their names, which in itself was a huge boon to Master Searthu. His magic was strong enough to locate each of the wizard’s servants with what Ophee could provide. With each casting of the spell, the whites of Master Searthu’s eyes turned more and more yellow.</p><p></p><p>Once they were finished, Semieon turned to Master Searthu and nodded in appreciation before addressing Brandt. “We’ve been sitting around doing nothing but healing for far more days than we should have, I imagine. Now that we have this information, I suggest we do something with it.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt’s acolyte interjected with concern. “You’re not fully ready for the world!”</p><p></p><p>Brandt grinned. “You’re a good acolyte of Reah, that’s for sure. But I feel a good bit of Bemme in that statement as well. Of course, Bemme’s love and compassion is nothing of which you should be ashamed. Either way, however, the truth is that in service to Reah we must seek justice first. We are fully healed, at least physically. We might be a good bit rusty and our joints a bit stiff, though. But it cannot be denied that our bodies have been restored completely through Reah’s might.”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte bowed in service and didn’t speak again. Ischarus was the next person to speak. “I can’t help but think of the irony in the numbers game. The wizard has seven information gatherers. Since Ophee has been brought to our side that number is now reduced to six. Counting Ophee and Brandt, there are six people deeply involved in thwarting the wizard. The numbers are even.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu cleared his throat. “Am I nothing next to Brandt’s might?” He grinned after making the comment and flashed a wide smile to Brandt.</p><p></p><p>Brandt took the opportunity to reply. “Actually, Searthu, you can play a significant role if you would be so kind. Someone is going to need to stay here and keep an eye on all the remaining six marks.”</p><p></p><p>Searthu nodded. “My magical sensors have been put on an automatic mode. They will signal me if there is any substantial change in location. For now, they will monitor their mark. I can view them whenever the need arises.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded and bowed deeply at Master Seathu’s response. “Then, what I am about to suggest is a bit bold. But I think if we are going to strike quickly, we’re going to need a plan like the one that I am about to propose. I think we should split up and use teleportation magic.” </p><p></p><p>Brandt’s acolyte breathed in deeply at the suggestion, but she made no comment. Brandt continued to expound upon his idea. “We aren’t going to have to look for a kill, and we’ll have surprise on our side. Our first priority would be to split up and convince the wizard’s servant’s to surrender to us and come to the temple. Assuming they don’t take that message kindly, our next objective would be to render them unconscious and bring them here for holding. Then we can counteract the brainwashing.”</p><p></p><p>Charis smiled, but it was Rhema who surprised everyone with the next comment. “I like the plan. It’s simple and direct. It has my vote.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus was shocked as much as everyone else with the suggestion. “Rhema? Aren’t you usually the cautious one? I expected to have to jump in head first in my support and convince you that it was the best way.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema shook her head. “No, not this time. There is a time for caution, and this is not it. We’ve already given the wizard plenty of lead time to work his plan. He doesn’t know we are still alive. If we go after his servants one by one, he might notice. That’ll give him time to react. The only way that we can hope for complete success is to strike quickly and simultaneously at all points. It isn’t like me to support this idea, but it logic has merit.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu interjected a comment before anyone else could speak. “Well, my vision upon the wizard’s lackeys will last for another half of a day. I suggest you take no more than six hours preparing yourselves. Meet me in my office when you are ready to leave. Once we are all gathered, I’ll see to your coming and going.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion grinned mischievously. “Brandt, do you still have those magic rings that you allowed us to use when we needed to get to Bacrothen and the Tongra-Quehalost Mountains? If we had those, the four of us could bring ourselves back. Assuming that you could bring yourself back, it would leave only Ophee for Master Searthu to concern himself over. That would no doubt make his job easier.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt’s face jumped with excitement. “An excellent suggestion, Semeion. The rings are back at my house, but I can easily retrieve them in our time frame. And, that leaves supplies and assignments to be discussed.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu stepped to the door. “If I may, I will excuse myself and return to my office. It will be easier to monitor my magic without the distractions of conversation.”</p><p></p><p>The party nodded and waited for Master Searthu to leave before continuing. Once he was gone, Charis rose from Ophee’s bed and turned back to Ophee in order to speak to her. “Ophee, you’ve seen us in action. I think you should be the one to assign us our duties. You know your counterparts in the other cities and hopefully their weaknesses.”</p><p></p><p>The party concurred, and Ophee began to ponder the assignments. “Well, three of them don’t take much thought at all. I’d like to go to Partuss. I know Eliah the best, and he is the one I’ll be most successful in convincing. The most advanced of the wizard’s employ is Jerome in Eberdeen. He’s also the most likely to be protected under my former master’s magic. I’d recommend Brandt pursue him. Finally, I’d think that sending Semeion after Barra in Classo would make sense. She’s an oaf, and I don’t use that term lightly.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion looked a bit confused. “You plan on sending my fragile frame after someone who is an oaf? By oaf, I assume that you mean the muscle-bound kind?”</p><p></p><p>Ophee smiled pleasantly. “Yes. Barra is all muscle and no mind. Your magic should be quite effective against her, assuming that you can take her by surprise. I would recommend direct conflict rather than persuasion. She’s not likely to listen anyway, and if you try to talk first you’ll just give up your surprise.”</p><p></p><p>Charis smiled at Semeion. “Just remember, the greatest tree can be felled with a small axe. It’s all in who holds the axe. You can do it!”</p><p></p><p>Ophee continued with the assignments. “Well, that leaves Charis, Rhema, and Ischarus. Rhema, you would probably do well against Ehre in Reignsburg. She’s a bit of a follower, and your persuasiveness might do well against her. I’d suggest sending Ischarus against Darr in Juniper, just because I don’t see any way that one isn’t going to end in a fight. I suppose then that leaves Charis against Haroth in Bacrothen. You’ll do alright, I’m sure. Although be prepared for a fight as well. My former master was no fool. He put his strongest and most loyal servants in the largest cities. Those are the duties that fell to Brandt, Ischarus, and Charis.”</p><p></p><p>Charis smiled and put a reaffirming hand on Ophee’s shoulder. “It sounds as though you’ve done well in giving us your suggestions. Now we just need to get prepared and get to Master Searthu’s office.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt opened the door. “If you’ll follow me, all of you, I’ll take you to where your possessions are being stored.”</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3545690, member: 35788"] It was only a few moments before the acolyte returned with Master Searthu. She bowed before Brandt, although it was Searthu who spoke first. [Color=Lime]“I hear you have a need, Brandt?”[/Color] Brandt smiled and extended a hand in a friendly gesture. [Color=Lime]“As always with this crew.”[/Color] Brandt motioned to the foursome standing behind him. [Color=Lime]“But as luck may have it, you may hold the key to success for these four.”[/Color] Master Searthu grinned as he looked at the foursome and Ophee. He had heard the stories about Brandt and the sneak attack form Ophee. He could tell that they were largely still recovering. He could also tell by the way that they surrounded Ophee that she had been able to redeem herself in the eyes of justice. Master Brandt continued. [Color=Lime]“Well, all kidding aside, we think we’re onto something rather significant in Tongra. There is a wizard in Eberdeen who may well be using some inappropriate means to accomplish his own hidden agenda. It turns out that our own Ophee here was the victim of a drug induced brainwashing. I’m afraid that there might be more innocents involved than only Ophee, however. You see, the wizard has a few other information gatherers throughout the major cities in Tongra. If the wizard was able to brainwash Ophee into acting against her own will, it is likely that his other employees could be given the same treatment. Is there any chance that you could find them?”[/Color] Master Searthru nodded. [Color=Lime]“There is always a chance, so long as I have something to focus on. In addition, the more that you could narrow the search area the better I’ll be able to find them.”[/Color] Brandt turned to Ophee. [Color=Lime]“Start with the ones of whom you are most confident in your ability to find, Ophee. Then work down the list. If we can have success at first, it may prove valuable.”[/Color] Ophee looked to Master Searthu. [Color=Lime]“Ready?”[/Color] Master Searthu smiled as if looking upon his own acolyte. [Color=Lime]“Any time, my dear.”[/Color] Ophee looked down to her lap. The uniform color of the blanket covering her legs allowed her to distance her mind from the room and begin to search her memories of the others. [Color=Lime]“I suppose I am most familiar with those who are closest to me. I’ve occasionally traveled through Partuss in coming to my post here in Fingerdale. You’re searching for a young man in Partuss by the name of Eliah Dungar. He comes from an unusual mixture of human and elf blood. His father was human, and he bears great resemblance to his human lineage. About the only thing that he received from his mother are the typical elven ears and almond shaped eyes. He has his father’s red hair and a red goatee as well.”[/Color] Master Searthu accepted the knowledge with a nod. [Color=Lime]“And where is he most likely to be found in Partuss?”[/Color] Ophee nodded and grinned. [Color=Lime]“This one’s easy. He talks all the time about a bakery beside his office. During the day, he can usually be found in his office or at the bakery. He loves their bread, and apparently they have a supplier of meats as well. He raves about their roast beef sandwiches covered in horseradish sauce. The name of the bakery is ‘Sweet Endings.’ His office should not be far if you can seek that place.”[/Color] Master Searthu nodded and opened up a cylindrical leather case about the size of a quiver for arrows. He pulled out a single piece of rolled parchment. [Color=Lime]“I assumed from your summons, Brandt, that you would need me to work my specialty. I’ll need just a moment to get into the proper frame of mind and then I’ll put my skill with insight to good use.”[/Color] Master Searthu inhaled slowly and then spoke the words printed upon the scroll. [Color=Lime]“Oasha-Tel Praos.”[/Color] The words began to glow intensely yellow as the magic was released. Tiny yellow crystals appeared to rise off of the parchment and drift towards the eyes of Master Searthu. Gradually the whites of his eyes took on a slight yellow tint as they absorbed the magic from the scroll. The priest of Reah allowed his eyes to dart left and right as he began to see the remote location. [Color=Lime]“I can see the bakery, now. The bakery is only occupied by the woman behind the counter. I’ll take a look outside and in the surrounding buildings until I have found the one that you call Eliah.”[/Color] The party sat in silence for several minutes. Master Searthu’s eyes were quite fascinating to watch. They appeared to look at random locations inside the room within the temple, even at various people. However, from the focus of the eyes and the look of concentration upon his face, they could tell that Master Searthu was not actually seeing anything within the room. After about three minutes Master Searthu smiled. [Color=Lime]“I believe I’ve found him, Ophee. I see a red haired human sitting at a desk. He does have an impressive goatee, along with those elven ears of which you spoke. He has not taken notice of my magic.”[/Color] Ophee smiled. [Color=Lime]“That’s the one, it’s got to be him. How many pointy-eared, red haired men can there be in Partuss?”[/Color] The party spent the better part of the next two hours locating each of the wizard’s information gatherers. Master Searthu had brought plenty of parchment with the proper spell upon them. As Brandt had suggested earlier, starting with the most familiar gave encouragement to Ophee. She was able to remember each of their names, which in itself was a huge boon to Master Searthu. His magic was strong enough to locate each of the wizard’s servants with what Ophee could provide. With each casting of the spell, the whites of Master Searthu’s eyes turned more and more yellow. Once they were finished, Semieon turned to Master Searthu and nodded in appreciation before addressing Brandt. [Color=Plum]“We’ve been sitting around doing nothing but healing for far more days than we should have, I imagine. Now that we have this information, I suggest we do something with it.”[/Color] Brandt’s acolyte interjected with concern. [Color=Lime]“You’re not fully ready for the world!”[/Color] Brandt grinned. [Color=Lime]“You’re a good acolyte of Reah, that’s for sure. But I feel a good bit of Bemme in that statement as well. Of course, Bemme’s love and compassion is nothing of which you should be ashamed. Either way, however, the truth is that in service to Reah we must seek justice first. We are fully healed, at least physically. We might be a good bit rusty and our joints a bit stiff, though. But it cannot be denied that our bodies have been restored completely through Reah’s might.”[/Color] The acolyte bowed in service and didn’t speak again. Ischarus was the next person to speak. [Color=LightBlue]“I can’t help but think of the irony in the numbers game. The wizard has seven information gatherers. Since Ophee has been brought to our side that number is now reduced to six. Counting Ophee and Brandt, there are six people deeply involved in thwarting the wizard. The numbers are even.”[/Color] Master Searthu cleared his throat. [Color=Lime]“Am I nothing next to Brandt’s might?”[/Color] He grinned after making the comment and flashed a wide smile to Brandt. Brandt took the opportunity to reply. [Color=Lime]“Actually, Searthu, you can play a significant role if you would be so kind. Someone is going to need to stay here and keep an eye on all the remaining six marks.”[/Color] Searthu nodded. [Color=Lime]“My magical sensors have been put on an automatic mode. They will signal me if there is any substantial change in location. For now, they will monitor their mark. I can view them whenever the need arises.”[/Color] Brandt nodded and bowed deeply at Master Seathu’s response. [Color=Lime]“Then, what I am about to suggest is a bit bold. But I think if we are going to strike quickly, we’re going to need a plan like the one that I am about to propose. I think we should split up and use teleportation magic.”[/Color] Brandt’s acolyte breathed in deeply at the suggestion, but she made no comment. Brandt continued to expound upon his idea. [Color=Lime]“We aren’t going to have to look for a kill, and we’ll have surprise on our side. Our first priority would be to split up and convince the wizard’s servant’s to surrender to us and come to the temple. Assuming they don’t take that message kindly, our next objective would be to render them unconscious and bring them here for holding. Then we can counteract the brainwashing.”[/Color] Charis smiled, but it was Rhema who surprised everyone with the next comment. [Color=PaleGreen]“I like the plan. It’s simple and direct. It has my vote.”[/Color] Ischarus was shocked as much as everyone else with the suggestion. [Color=LightBlue]“Rhema? Aren’t you usually the cautious one? I expected to have to jump in head first in my support and convince you that it was the best way.”[/Color] Rhema shook her head. [Color=PaleGreen]“No, not this time. There is a time for caution, and this is not it. We’ve already given the wizard plenty of lead time to work his plan. He doesn’t know we are still alive. If we go after his servants one by one, he might notice. That’ll give him time to react. The only way that we can hope for complete success is to strike quickly and simultaneously at all points. It isn’t like me to support this idea, but it logic has merit.”[/Color] Master Searthu interjected a comment before anyone else could speak. [Color=Lime]“Well, my vision upon the wizard’s lackeys will last for another half of a day. I suggest you take no more than six hours preparing yourselves. Meet me in my office when you are ready to leave. Once we are all gathered, I’ll see to your coming and going.”[/Color] Semeion grinned mischievously. [Color=Plum]“Brandt, do you still have those magic rings that you allowed us to use when we needed to get to Bacrothen and the Tongra-Quehalost Mountains? If we had those, the four of us could bring ourselves back. Assuming that you could bring yourself back, it would leave only Ophee for Master Searthu to concern himself over. That would no doubt make his job easier.”[/Color] Brandt’s face jumped with excitement. [Color=Lime]“An excellent suggestion, Semeion. The rings are back at my house, but I can easily retrieve them in our time frame. And, that leaves supplies and assignments to be discussed.”[/Color] Master Searthu stepped to the door. [Color=Lime]“If I may, I will excuse myself and return to my office. It will be easier to monitor my magic without the distractions of conversation.”[/Color] The party nodded and waited for Master Searthu to leave before continuing. Once he was gone, Charis rose from Ophee’s bed and turned back to Ophee in order to speak to her. [Color=Orange]“Ophee, you’ve seen us in action. I think you should be the one to assign us our duties. You know your counterparts in the other cities and hopefully their weaknesses.”[/Color] The party concurred, and Ophee began to ponder the assignments. [Color=Lime]“Well, three of them don’t take much thought at all. I’d like to go to Partuss. I know Eliah the best, and he is the one I’ll be most successful in convincing. The most advanced of the wizard’s employ is Jerome in Eberdeen. He’s also the most likely to be protected under my former master’s magic. I’d recommend Brandt pursue him. Finally, I’d think that sending Semeion after Barra in Classo would make sense. She’s an oaf, and I don’t use that term lightly.”[/Color] Semeion looked a bit confused. [Color=Plum]“You plan on sending my fragile frame after someone who is an oaf? By oaf, I assume that you mean the muscle-bound kind?”[/Color] Ophee smiled pleasantly. [Color=Lime]“Yes. Barra is all muscle and no mind. Your magic should be quite effective against her, assuming that you can take her by surprise. I would recommend direct conflict rather than persuasion. She’s not likely to listen anyway, and if you try to talk first you’ll just give up your surprise.”[/Color] Charis smiled at Semeion. [Color=Orange]“Just remember, the greatest tree can be felled with a small axe. It’s all in who holds the axe. You can do it!”[/Color] Ophee continued with the assignments. [Color=Lime]“Well, that leaves Charis, Rhema, and Ischarus. Rhema, you would probably do well against Ehre in Reignsburg. She’s a bit of a follower, and your persuasiveness might do well against her. I’d suggest sending Ischarus against Darr in Juniper, just because I don’t see any way that one isn’t going to end in a fight. I suppose then that leaves Charis against Haroth in Bacrothen. You’ll do alright, I’m sure. Although be prepared for a fight as well. My former master was no fool. He put his strongest and most loyal servants in the largest cities. Those are the duties that fell to Brandt, Ischarus, and Charis.”[/Color] Charis smiled and put a reaffirming hand on Ophee’s shoulder. [Color=Orange]“It sounds as though you’ve done well in giving us your suggestions. Now we just need to get prepared and get to Master Searthu’s office.”[/Color] Brandt opened the door. [Color=Lime]“If you’ll follow me, all of you, I’ll take you to where your possessions are being stored.”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] It was only a few moments before the acolyte returned with Master Searthu. She bowed before Brandt, although it was Searthu who spoke first. “I hear you have a need, Brandt?” Brandt smiled and extended a hand in a friendly gesture. “As always with this crew.” Brandt motioned to the foursome standing behind him. “But as luck may have it, you may hold the key to success for these four.” Master Searthu grinned as he looked at the foursome and Ophee. He had heard the stories about Brandt and the sneak attack form Ophee. He could tell that they were largely still recovering. He could also tell by the way that they surrounded Ophee that she had been able to redeem herself in the eyes of justice. Master Brandt continued. “Well, all kidding aside, we think we’re onto something rather significant in Tongra. There is a wizard in Eberdeen who may well be using some inappropriate means to accomplish his own hidden agenda. It turns out that our own Ophee here was the victim of a drug induced brainwashing. I’m afraid that there might be more innocents involved than only Ophee, however. You see, the wizard has a few other information gatherers throughout the major cities in Tongra. If the wizard was able to brainwash Ophee into acting against her own will, it is likely that his other employees could be given the same treatment. Is there any chance that you could find them?” Master Searthru nodded. “There is always a chance, so long as I have something to focus on. In addition, the more that you could narrow the search area the better I’ll be able to find them.” Brandt turned to Ophee. “Start with the ones of whom you are most confident in your ability to find, Ophee. Then work down the list. If we can have success at first, it may prove valuable.” Ophee looked to Master Searthu. “Ready?” Master Searthu smiled as if looking upon his own acolyte. “Any time, my dear.” Ophee looked down to her lap. The uniform color of the blanket covering her legs allowed her to distance her mind from the room and begin to search her memories of the others. “I suppose I am most familiar with those who are closest to me. I’ve occasionally traveled through Partuss in coming to my post here in Fingerdale. You’re searching for a young man in Partuss by the name of Eliah Dungar. He comes from an unusual mixture of human and elf blood. His father was human, and he bears great resemblance to his human lineage. About the only thing that he received from his mother are the typical elven ears and almond shaped eyes. He has his father’s red hair and a red goatee as well.” Master Searthu accepted the knowledge with a nod. “And where is he most likely to be found in Partuss?” Ophee nodded and grinned. “This one’s easy. He talks all the time about a bakery beside his office. During the day, he can usually be found in his office or at the bakery. He loves their bread, and apparently they have a supplier of meats as well. He raves about their roast beef sandwiches covered in horseradish sauce. The name of the bakery is ‘Sweet Endings.’ His office should not be far if you can seek that place.” Master Searthu nodded and opened up a cylindrical leather case about the size of a quiver for arrows. He pulled out a single piece of rolled parchment. “I assumed from your summons, Brandt, that you would need me to work my specialty. I’ll need just a moment to get into the proper frame of mind and then I’ll put my skill with insight to good use.” Master Searthu inhaled slowly and then spoke the words printed upon the scroll. “Oasha-Tel Praos.” The words began to glow intensely yellow as the magic was released. Tiny yellow crystals appeared to rise off of the parchment and drift towards the eyes of Master Searthu. Gradually the whites of his eyes took on a slight yellow tint as they absorbed the magic from the scroll. The priest of Reah allowed his eyes to dart left and right as he began to see the remote location. “I can see the bakery, now. The bakery is only occupied by the woman behind the counter. I’ll take a look outside and in the surrounding buildings until I have found the one that you call Eliah.” The party sat in silence for several minutes. Master Searthu’s eyes were quite fascinating to watch. They appeared to look at random locations inside the room within the temple, even at various people. However, from the focus of the eyes and the look of concentration upon his face, they could tell that Master Searthu was not actually seeing anything within the room. After about three minutes Master Searthu smiled. “I believe I’ve found him, Ophee. I see a red haired human sitting at a desk. He does have an impressive goatee, along with those elven ears of which you spoke. He has not taken notice of my magic.” Ophee smiled. “That’s the one, it’s got to be him. How many pointy-eared, red haired men can there be in Partuss?” The party spent the better part of the next two hours locating each of the wizard’s information gatherers. Master Searthu had brought plenty of parchment with the proper spell upon them. As Brandt had suggested earlier, starting with the most familiar gave encouragement to Ophee. She was able to remember each of their names, which in itself was a huge boon to Master Searthu. His magic was strong enough to locate each of the wizard’s servants with what Ophee could provide. With each casting of the spell, the whites of Master Searthu’s eyes turned more and more yellow. Once they were finished, Semieon turned to Master Searthu and nodded in appreciation before addressing Brandt. “We’ve been sitting around doing nothing but healing for far more days than we should have, I imagine. Now that we have this information, I suggest we do something with it.” Brandt’s acolyte interjected with concern. “You’re not fully ready for the world!” Brandt grinned. “You’re a good acolyte of Reah, that’s for sure. But I feel a good bit of Bemme in that statement as well. Of course, Bemme’s love and compassion is nothing of which you should be ashamed. Either way, however, the truth is that in service to Reah we must seek justice first. We are fully healed, at least physically. We might be a good bit rusty and our joints a bit stiff, though. But it cannot be denied that our bodies have been restored completely through Reah’s might.” The acolyte bowed in service and didn’t speak again. Ischarus was the next person to speak. “I can’t help but think of the irony in the numbers game. The wizard has seven information gatherers. Since Ophee has been brought to our side that number is now reduced to six. Counting Ophee and Brandt, there are six people deeply involved in thwarting the wizard. The numbers are even.” Master Searthu cleared his throat. “Am I nothing next to Brandt’s might?” He grinned after making the comment and flashed a wide smile to Brandt. Brandt took the opportunity to reply. “Actually, Searthu, you can play a significant role if you would be so kind. Someone is going to need to stay here and keep an eye on all the remaining six marks.” Searthu nodded. “My magical sensors have been put on an automatic mode. They will signal me if there is any substantial change in location. For now, they will monitor their mark. I can view them whenever the need arises.” Brandt nodded and bowed deeply at Master Seathu’s response. “Then, what I am about to suggest is a bit bold. But I think if we are going to strike quickly, we’re going to need a plan like the one that I am about to propose. I think we should split up and use teleportation magic.” Brandt’s acolyte breathed in deeply at the suggestion, but she made no comment. Brandt continued to expound upon his idea. “We aren’t going to have to look for a kill, and we’ll have surprise on our side. Our first priority would be to split up and convince the wizard’s servant’s to surrender to us and come to the temple. Assuming they don’t take that message kindly, our next objective would be to render them unconscious and bring them here for holding. Then we can counteract the brainwashing.” Charis smiled, but it was Rhema who surprised everyone with the next comment. “I like the plan. It’s simple and direct. It has my vote.” Ischarus was shocked as much as everyone else with the suggestion. “Rhema? Aren’t you usually the cautious one? I expected to have to jump in head first in my support and convince you that it was the best way.” Rhema shook her head. “No, not this time. There is a time for caution, and this is not it. We’ve already given the wizard plenty of lead time to work his plan. He doesn’t know we are still alive. If we go after his servants one by one, he might notice. That’ll give him time to react. The only way that we can hope for complete success is to strike quickly and simultaneously at all points. It isn’t like me to support this idea, but it logic has merit.” Master Searthu interjected a comment before anyone else could speak. “Well, my vision upon the wizard’s lackeys will last for another half of a day. I suggest you take no more than six hours preparing yourselves. Meet me in my office when you are ready to leave. Once we are all gathered, I’ll see to your coming and going.” Semeion grinned mischievously. “Brandt, do you still have those magic rings that you allowed us to use when we needed to get to Bacrothen and the Tongra-Quehalost Mountains? If we had those, the four of us could bring ourselves back. Assuming that you could bring yourself back, it would leave only Ophee for Master Searthu to concern himself over. That would no doubt make his job easier.” Brandt’s face jumped with excitement. “An excellent suggestion, Semeion. The rings are back at my house, but I can easily retrieve them in our time frame. And, that leaves supplies and assignments to be discussed.” Master Searthu stepped to the door. “If I may, I will excuse myself and return to my office. It will be easier to monitor my magic without the distractions of conversation.” The party nodded and waited for Master Searthu to leave before continuing. Once he was gone, Charis rose from Ophee’s bed and turned back to Ophee in order to speak to her. “Ophee, you’ve seen us in action. I think you should be the one to assign us our duties. You know your counterparts in the other cities and hopefully their weaknesses.” The party concurred, and Ophee began to ponder the assignments. “Well, three of them don’t take much thought at all. I’d like to go to Partuss. I know Eliah the best, and he is the one I’ll be most successful in convincing. The most advanced of the wizard’s employ is Jerome in Eberdeen. He’s also the most likely to be protected under my former master’s magic. I’d recommend Brandt pursue him. Finally, I’d think that sending Semeion after Barra in Classo would make sense. She’s an oaf, and I don’t use that term lightly.” Semeion looked a bit confused. “You plan on sending my fragile frame after someone who is an oaf? By oaf, I assume that you mean the muscle-bound kind?” Ophee smiled pleasantly. “Yes. Barra is all muscle and no mind. Your magic should be quite effective against her, assuming that you can take her by surprise. I would recommend direct conflict rather than persuasion. She’s not likely to listen anyway, and if you try to talk first you’ll just give up your surprise.” Charis smiled at Semeion. “Just remember, the greatest tree can be felled with a small axe. It’s all in who holds the axe. You can do it!” Ophee continued with the assignments. “Well, that leaves Charis, Rhema, and Ischarus. Rhema, you would probably do well against Ehre in Reignsburg. She’s a bit of a follower, and your persuasiveness might do well against her. I’d suggest sending Ischarus against Darr in Juniper, just because I don’t see any way that one isn’t going to end in a fight. I suppose then that leaves Charis against Haroth in Bacrothen. You’ll do alright, I’m sure. Although be prepared for a fight as well. My former master was no fool. He put his strongest and most loyal servants in the largest cities. Those are the duties that fell to Brandt, Ischarus, and Charis.” Charis smiled and put a reaffirming hand on Ophee’s shoulder. “It sounds as though you’ve done well in giving us your suggestions. Now we just need to get prepared and get to Master Searthu’s office.” Brandt opened the door. “If you’ll follow me, all of you, I’ll take you to where your possessions are being stored.” [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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