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<blockquote data-quote="Lylandra" data-source="post: 8158726" data-attributes="member: 6816692"><p><strong>Crossroads, part 3: Ghosts of the past</strong></p><p></p><p>We return to our rooms and then one by one summon Eskrine and Macbannin for a private talk. To everyone's surprise, Auryn directly turns to the ghostly ex-mayor and reveals that she knows about his plans to sacrifice himself via witch-curse. Macbannin nods in silence and states that there's no reason to lie about this. He is very certain that Vicemi Terio is the anchor of the Ghost Council, the one original soul that lets them return and regenerate after their destruction. So if he found a method to erase Terio (whom he hates) from the equation, then the Council would be vulnerable. No matter the price. This, he explains, is what he tested when he killed Ramos Zoltan: He bound his life to the man and “killed” himself. But as Terio is a ghost, the method to kill that one would be just as fatal for himself.</p><p></p><p>Carlyle is very much shattered by the thought of such a noble soul sacrificing himself yet again, so he suggests that we all may bind our lives to his so Macbannin's soul may be preserved by ours. Just like we did with Nevard when we climbed Cauldron Hill. Or maybe some lantern oil could be able to bring the palace closer to our world where different laws of magic might work. Macbannin is grateful for our efforts and then finally suggests that if there was a way of making Terio eject him from the Chost Council, then one of our methods might just work for him.</p><p></p><p>He also asks Auryn how she came to know so much about his plans, and she reveals that this was an impression she got from the Humble Hook. Macbannin seems surprised, but adds that nothing happens without a reason, so this remnant of Triegenes might have chosen his new ally for a very specific one.</p><p></p><p>Regarding Nicodemus, we explain our knowledge to the other two: That he's an ancient spirit who simply possessed his current host, Andrei, who is also a very special person and a good friend of ours. Which is why we need to be absolutely sure that neither Haffkrüger nor Macbannin would really harm Andrei.</p><p></p><p>“Oh”, Macbannin responds, “now I understand. The feeling I had when I first saw him emerge from that box. Despite the fact that I am a ghost, I was shivering and in awe. As if this was 'the' Nicodemus, a person that could very well be his final incarnation.”</p><p></p><p>“Let's hope that he is not. Andrei has people who care for him. Who love him. We cannot let Nicodemus abuse him like that.” Auryn says. She then talks a bit more about their connection with the man and how they met him during that mad undercover trip. But when Auryn mentions the circumstances and that Andrei fought for first her new student and then herself, Haffkrüger/Gradiax appears to be more interested in the auction part than Andrei, so she ends this tale quickly.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(So it seems like he either still hasn't shaken off his predatorial behaviour or is playing mind games again. Needless to say that Auryn was very much disturbed by this sudden shift of focus, but she didn't want to drag Macbannin of all people into her personal struggles)</span></p><p></p><p>Regarding the other Obs, we manage to make Macbannin agree that we won't try to kill them but rather subdue and arrest as many of them as possible. They may not be able to talk about much if they got the Geas, but maybe there will be enough pieces of this puzzle to make a clearer picture. To achieve that, we stick to the plan of using the Lighthouse should there by happenstance be some of the blue oil we found in Knütpara.</p><p></p><p>After a while, Haffkrüger growls with discontent and mentally asks Carlyle why we're in for so much hassle if we could simply kill all of these bastards. At least that's what he'd prefer. Carlyle sighs a little, looks to Auryn and explains that King Aodhan explicitly asked to gain as much information about the Obs as possible, so if he wants to stay in the King's good graces, he should not go against his wishes. Plus, and this he stresses out with all seriousness, he'd personally consider him an enemy should he go on a murder spree among the Obs by himself.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(The way Carlyle stressed the last part out was meant as a statement on the verge of a threat. Not that I'd think Carlyle would consider Gradiax to think of him as a potential threat in the classical sense, but he does know that he's in high standing with King Aodhan. We don't know how the dragon received it though, but he did agree to the plan in the end) </span></p><p></p><p>We then ask Macbannin a bit more about the nature of his witch-curse. The mayor explains that the witches did fear the supernatural, so they developed a method to permanently eliminate a spirit or planar creature. When Auryn hears that, she concludes that this could include deva as well, as they harbor a supernatural touch and are reborn after each death. Macbannin then tells the tale about how he came to the curse as he found it with a mortally wounded man lying in a street near the Vantrys estate eight years ago.</p><p></p><p>This is when Kiov's skin turns a deathly white. When Auryn asks him what happened, he replies that he knows exactly what man Macbannin was talking about, as he was the one who wounded him.</p><p></p><p>“Eight years ago, this man and several others attacked the Vantrys estate. They killed Lady and Lord Vantrys... and me. But I did not go down without a fight. I've never found the reason why these men attacked the family, and now I am not really sure that the Vantrys were their true target. It could have been all my fault...”</p><p></p><p>Auryn looks very surprised by this revelation and places a hand on Kiov's shoulder.</p><p></p><p>"We don't know for certain. And it isn't your fault. But we'll follow that new clue, I promise.”</p><p></p><p>Carlyle nods sternly and then asks Macbannin whether he had any evidence of that incidence hidden inside his manor. The ghost shakes his head and adds that, after he studied the magic, he deemed it to be too dangerous to have it in his home. So he gave it to someone he could trust, the spirit of the Stag, Guardian of the Threshold.</p><p></p><p>“I'm sorry that I was so blind. I could have come to that conclusion by myself. I could have helped you back then. And now it is too late.”</p><p></p><p>“Don't blame yourself. I am glad even though it breaks my heart. And don't call it too late – do not do the mistake of underestimating us again.”, Carlyle says.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(Wow, that was some tough revelation. And the reason why all of our efforts to find the culprits had lead nowhere. Also... what the heck is that magic that even Macbannin is too afraid to keep? That man's home was full of dark tomes!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">And of course, this will pay a heavy toll on Carlyle. To finally find a clue on the case that made him enter the RHC, only to find out that it might very well have been an attempt on his life that brought doom to the family he had protected for centuries. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">Regarding Auryn, she was very well on the verge of going separate ways. But in that moment, she realized that Carlyle needed her, and she knew that she would never allow him to fall into darkness again. So she put away every thought that was stirring inside her for now)</span></p><p></p><p>After this shock, we agree that we'd need as many allies as possible if we want our plan to succeed. And the next and best candidate here would be Luc Jierre. So Carlyle casts a sending that doesn't reveal that we're already on this island but that asks the Jierre youngster about his current stance towards the Obs: He tells Luc that we haven't heard about him for a long period, so we are being a bit worried about his whereabouts. Also, should he have gained any useable information, we'd be more than happy to have it.</p><p></p><p>As Luc replies that this must have all been just one big misunderstanding and that the Obs are genuinely good people, we guess that despite all the evidence we've shown him and Ottavia, he still believes their lies. As we fear that he might have been indoctrinated further, we decide to not reveal our whereabouts and leave him out of the equation.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(That was a real bummer... we understand that he wouldn't be able to make an official statement, but that was a private sending, so we were pretty sure that he was still Team Obs)</span></p><p></p><p>Amidst our planning, we are being summoned to another gathering as the next vote is on schedule. Everyone attends again, and to our surprise the voting board now includes all of the new and changed proposals. Including ours. One by one the Obs cast their votes and in the end it seems as if our Brave New World could even get a small lead.</p><p></p><p>After this voting round has finished, Nicodemus speaks to all of us again. He thanks everyone present for having cast their vote to their best conscience. He then asks all officers who voted for Colossal Congress and Watchmaker-Watchmen to go to a separate room and closes the door behind them. We get an uneasy feeling from that sight, but stay focused on Nicodemus.</p><p></p><p>Nicodemus then turns to us to explain that those who left for the other room are a threat to the world as they are clearly only motivated by their selfish own gain. Such people, he says, only care for their own good and are not capable of making the world a better place for everyone. And as he had to talk a treacherous path full of backstabbing and betrayal for several centuries, he is left with no choice than to do whatever he can to prevent another catastrophe. Which means that he has to make sure that there will be no one to oppose the creation of a new, better world. Especially no one with the potential to be mighty and powerful.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, the lights turn blue and a familiar calmness surrounds us. As we're already used to this effect, we manage to not be affected but still allow Nicodemus to continue with his monologue. But as several ghosts start heading towards the room with the other Obs officers, we cannot simply watch while Nicodemus orders to have almost half his officers butchered.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(And this is where we were very much baffled that Nicodemus' choice of action was so very much alike our abandoned plan. Speaking of parallels, eh?)</span></p><p></p><p>“Stop it, Nicodemus! Please!” Livia shouts. “Wasn't it our idea to let everyone vote according to their own conscience? Wasn't it you who encouraged us to debate and to challenge our ideas? You were the one who told me to be brave and now it is you who fears his own comrades.”</p><p></p><p>Nicodemus looks very surprised at Livia as he didn't expect anyone to be able to move while being affected by the blue light.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, ye promised me to shed light onto the murder of Ramos Zoltan and now yer the one who's 'bout to become a murderer! So much for the 'better world', bloody way to start it with a massacre!”</p><p></p><p>For a moment it seems as if we stirred something in Nicodemus, but he shakes his head and explains that they simply know too much to let them run free. With their knowledge, they will surely sabotage our efforts to set our Design in motion and try to gain control themselves. Which is why he, with great sorrow, sees no other choice.</p><p></p><p>“naughty word, you always have a choice!” Kiov bellows, followed by a reminder of Livia that Nicodemus told everyone that the Obs were hand-picked by himself, so their well-being falls into his responsibility.</p><p></p><p>“Just think about it, how can you claim to have the moral high ground, how can you deem yourself to be the 'true good person' if you kill those who think no less of themselves. As long as we are not able to deal with divergent opinions and ideas in a constructive way, we are no bit better than they are!”</p><p></p><p>But alas, it is in vain as Nicodemus' decision seems final. We're about to act, but are interrupted by Amielle, who draws her pistols and fires at Nicodemus. Who isn't really impressed by the hail of bullets. And as he appears to care for her, he tries to reason with her.</p><p></p><p>Which gives us the opportunity to intervene ourselves. Kiov opens the Absurdist's Web to fetch Carlyle's body while Livia, to everyone's surprise, casts an illusion spell that conjures the image of Isobel who calls out to Andrei to fight Nicodemus and regain control over his body. She then sings the first notes of the Song of Vekesh and turns to Nicodemus...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lylandra, post: 8158726, member: 6816692"] [B]Crossroads, part 3: Ghosts of the past[/B] We return to our rooms and then one by one summon Eskrine and Macbannin for a private talk. To everyone's surprise, Auryn directly turns to the ghostly ex-mayor and reveals that she knows about his plans to sacrifice himself via witch-curse. Macbannin nods in silence and states that there's no reason to lie about this. He is very certain that Vicemi Terio is the anchor of the Ghost Council, the one original soul that lets them return and regenerate after their destruction. So if he found a method to erase Terio (whom he hates) from the equation, then the Council would be vulnerable. No matter the price. This, he explains, is what he tested when he killed Ramos Zoltan: He bound his life to the man and “killed” himself. But as Terio is a ghost, the method to kill that one would be just as fatal for himself. Carlyle is very much shattered by the thought of such a noble soul sacrificing himself yet again, so he suggests that we all may bind our lives to his so Macbannin's soul may be preserved by ours. Just like we did with Nevard when we climbed Cauldron Hill. Or maybe some lantern oil could be able to bring the palace closer to our world where different laws of magic might work. Macbannin is grateful for our efforts and then finally suggests that if there was a way of making Terio eject him from the Chost Council, then one of our methods might just work for him. He also asks Auryn how she came to know so much about his plans, and she reveals that this was an impression she got from the Humble Hook. Macbannin seems surprised, but adds that nothing happens without a reason, so this remnant of Triegenes might have chosen his new ally for a very specific one. Regarding Nicodemus, we explain our knowledge to the other two: That he's an ancient spirit who simply possessed his current host, Andrei, who is also a very special person and a good friend of ours. Which is why we need to be absolutely sure that neither Haffkrüger nor Macbannin would really harm Andrei. “Oh”, Macbannin responds, “now I understand. The feeling I had when I first saw him emerge from that box. Despite the fact that I am a ghost, I was shivering and in awe. As if this was 'the' Nicodemus, a person that could very well be his final incarnation.” “Let's hope that he is not. Andrei has people who care for him. Who love him. We cannot let Nicodemus abuse him like that.” Auryn says. She then talks a bit more about their connection with the man and how they met him during that mad undercover trip. But when Auryn mentions the circumstances and that Andrei fought for first her new student and then herself, Haffkrüger/Gradiax appears to be more interested in the auction part than Andrei, so she ends this tale quickly. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](So it seems like he either still hasn't shaken off his predatorial behaviour or is playing mind games again. Needless to say that Auryn was very much disturbed by this sudden shift of focus, but she didn't want to drag Macbannin of all people into her personal struggles)[/COLOR] Regarding the other Obs, we manage to make Macbannin agree that we won't try to kill them but rather subdue and arrest as many of them as possible. They may not be able to talk about much if they got the Geas, but maybe there will be enough pieces of this puzzle to make a clearer picture. To achieve that, we stick to the plan of using the Lighthouse should there by happenstance be some of the blue oil we found in Knütpara. After a while, Haffkrüger growls with discontent and mentally asks Carlyle why we're in for so much hassle if we could simply kill all of these bastards. At least that's what he'd prefer. Carlyle sighs a little, looks to Auryn and explains that King Aodhan explicitly asked to gain as much information about the Obs as possible, so if he wants to stay in the King's good graces, he should not go against his wishes. Plus, and this he stresses out with all seriousness, he'd personally consider him an enemy should he go on a murder spree among the Obs by himself. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](The way Carlyle stressed the last part out was meant as a statement on the verge of a threat. Not that I'd think Carlyle would consider Gradiax to think of him as a potential threat in the classical sense, but he does know that he's in high standing with King Aodhan. We don't know how the dragon received it though, but he did agree to the plan in the end) [/COLOR] We then ask Macbannin a bit more about the nature of his witch-curse. The mayor explains that the witches did fear the supernatural, so they developed a method to permanently eliminate a spirit or planar creature. When Auryn hears that, she concludes that this could include deva as well, as they harbor a supernatural touch and are reborn after each death. Macbannin then tells the tale about how he came to the curse as he found it with a mortally wounded man lying in a street near the Vantrys estate eight years ago. This is when Kiov's skin turns a deathly white. When Auryn asks him what happened, he replies that he knows exactly what man Macbannin was talking about, as he was the one who wounded him. “Eight years ago, this man and several others attacked the Vantrys estate. They killed Lady and Lord Vantrys... and me. But I did not go down without a fight. I've never found the reason why these men attacked the family, and now I am not really sure that the Vantrys were their true target. It could have been all my fault...” Auryn looks very surprised by this revelation and places a hand on Kiov's shoulder. "We don't know for certain. And it isn't your fault. But we'll follow that new clue, I promise.” Carlyle nods sternly and then asks Macbannin whether he had any evidence of that incidence hidden inside his manor. The ghost shakes his head and adds that, after he studied the magic, he deemed it to be too dangerous to have it in his home. So he gave it to someone he could trust, the spirit of the Stag, Guardian of the Threshold. “I'm sorry that I was so blind. I could have come to that conclusion by myself. I could have helped you back then. And now it is too late.” “Don't blame yourself. I am glad even though it breaks my heart. And don't call it too late – do not do the mistake of underestimating us again.”, Carlyle says. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](Wow, that was some tough revelation. And the reason why all of our efforts to find the culprits had lead nowhere. Also... what the heck is that magic that even Macbannin is too afraid to keep? That man's home was full of dark tomes! And of course, this will pay a heavy toll on Carlyle. To finally find a clue on the case that made him enter the RHC, only to find out that it might very well have been an attempt on his life that brought doom to the family he had protected for centuries. Regarding Auryn, she was very well on the verge of going separate ways. But in that moment, she realized that Carlyle needed her, and she knew that she would never allow him to fall into darkness again. So she put away every thought that was stirring inside her for now)[/COLOR] After this shock, we agree that we'd need as many allies as possible if we want our plan to succeed. And the next and best candidate here would be Luc Jierre. So Carlyle casts a sending that doesn't reveal that we're already on this island but that asks the Jierre youngster about his current stance towards the Obs: He tells Luc that we haven't heard about him for a long period, so we are being a bit worried about his whereabouts. Also, should he have gained any useable information, we'd be more than happy to have it. As Luc replies that this must have all been just one big misunderstanding and that the Obs are genuinely good people, we guess that despite all the evidence we've shown him and Ottavia, he still believes their lies. As we fear that he might have been indoctrinated further, we decide to not reveal our whereabouts and leave him out of the equation. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](That was a real bummer... we understand that he wouldn't be able to make an official statement, but that was a private sending, so we were pretty sure that he was still Team Obs)[/COLOR] Amidst our planning, we are being summoned to another gathering as the next vote is on schedule. Everyone attends again, and to our surprise the voting board now includes all of the new and changed proposals. Including ours. One by one the Obs cast their votes and in the end it seems as if our Brave New World could even get a small lead. After this voting round has finished, Nicodemus speaks to all of us again. He thanks everyone present for having cast their vote to their best conscience. He then asks all officers who voted for Colossal Congress and Watchmaker-Watchmen to go to a separate room and closes the door behind them. We get an uneasy feeling from that sight, but stay focused on Nicodemus. Nicodemus then turns to us to explain that those who left for the other room are a threat to the world as they are clearly only motivated by their selfish own gain. Such people, he says, only care for their own good and are not capable of making the world a better place for everyone. And as he had to talk a treacherous path full of backstabbing and betrayal for several centuries, he is left with no choice than to do whatever he can to prevent another catastrophe. Which means that he has to make sure that there will be no one to oppose the creation of a new, better world. Especially no one with the potential to be mighty and powerful. Meanwhile, the lights turn blue and a familiar calmness surrounds us. As we're already used to this effect, we manage to not be affected but still allow Nicodemus to continue with his monologue. But as several ghosts start heading towards the room with the other Obs officers, we cannot simply watch while Nicodemus orders to have almost half his officers butchered. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](And this is where we were very much baffled that Nicodemus' choice of action was so very much alike our abandoned plan. Speaking of parallels, eh?)[/COLOR] “Stop it, Nicodemus! Please!” Livia shouts. “Wasn't it our idea to let everyone vote according to their own conscience? Wasn't it you who encouraged us to debate and to challenge our ideas? You were the one who told me to be brave and now it is you who fears his own comrades.” Nicodemus looks very surprised at Livia as he didn't expect anyone to be able to move while being affected by the blue light. “Yeah, ye promised me to shed light onto the murder of Ramos Zoltan and now yer the one who's 'bout to become a murderer! So much for the 'better world', bloody way to start it with a massacre!” For a moment it seems as if we stirred something in Nicodemus, but he shakes his head and explains that they simply know too much to let them run free. With their knowledge, they will surely sabotage our efforts to set our Design in motion and try to gain control themselves. Which is why he, with great sorrow, sees no other choice. “naughty word, you always have a choice!” Kiov bellows, followed by a reminder of Livia that Nicodemus told everyone that the Obs were hand-picked by himself, so their well-being falls into his responsibility. “Just think about it, how can you claim to have the moral high ground, how can you deem yourself to be the 'true good person' if you kill those who think no less of themselves. As long as we are not able to deal with divergent opinions and ideas in a constructive way, we are no bit better than they are!” But alas, it is in vain as Nicodemus' decision seems final. We're about to act, but are interrupted by Amielle, who draws her pistols and fires at Nicodemus. Who isn't really impressed by the hail of bullets. And as he appears to care for her, he tries to reason with her. Which gives us the opportunity to intervene ourselves. Kiov opens the Absurdist's Web to fetch Carlyle's body while Livia, to everyone's surprise, casts an illusion spell that conjures the image of Isobel who calls out to Andrei to fight Nicodemus and regain control over his body. She then sings the first notes of the Song of Vekesh and turns to Nicodemus... [/QUOTE]
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