mythicdawnmaster
-
Posts
6388 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by mythicdawnmaster
-
-
Ravenna growled, shifting her weight back into the saddle and pulling sharply on the reins, the hellish stallion came to a halt before the hulking mass of putrescent gelatine. The Devil Queen's face bore a disgusted snarl, looking upon the revolting creature as one would gaze upon a slug.
Readying a ball of hellfire in her golden palm, Ravenna watched as the slime recoiled (if such an action was possible for a blob of gunge) as Hasim's wall of fire flickered against it's body. Smiling, she released her own spell and scorched the creature as the conjured ball of hellish flame exploded brilliantly upon contact. The slime seemed to shrink as it's gelatinous exterior burnt, evaporating the congealed blue-green liquid that made up it's mass.
It was not done in yet though, and this development forced a scowl from Ravenna- her spell had not obliterated the creature, so it meant that she would have to employ more destructive methods.
Remembering a spell learnt in her Thayan youth, Ravenna readied yet another fire based attack, Aganazzar's scorcher, and prepared to cast. Clenching her fist as the spell worked it's way to the surface, fiery wisps spinning gently around her hand, she opened up her fingers to release a searing gout of arcane fire. Spraying forth like a jet of super-heated water, the orange flames hit the first face of the blue cube. Spreading like ink in a bowl of water, the arcane flames slowly engulfed their prey.
The cube was further reduced in it's size, and a pungent smell of burnt putridity filled the cavernous air.
-
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Name: Damaris Plantagenet “Addressed as Your Grace by lessers, and Madam by those closer to her rank.)
Gender: Female
Race: Pure blooded Englishwoman through and through.
True Age: 729
Apparent Age: mid to late 30’s/early forties.
Religion: Protestant
Clan: Ventrue
Bloodline: Malocusian
Covenant: Invictus
Covenant Faction: Most Noble Fellowship Of Artemis
Clan/Bloodline/Covenant Disciplines: Dominate, Fortitude, Domus, Celerity
Haven: Highwillow Hall, Damaris’s personal estate, is an enormous, palatial manor house situated within the vast countyside of Buckinghamshire. Construction started in 1690 following a rectangular, Elizabethan style complex, resembling the shape of Longleat. Its façade however drew upon Damaris’s earlier years, and was articulated in imposing, perpendicular gothic style. It features a painted dome reminiscent of Castle Howards. The interior defies both themes, and embodies a heavier, darker take upon the ornate of Rococo, still featuring gold trim, high, painted ceilings and intricate carvings. The colours are not the light pastels of the period, and are rather the darkest shades of previously bright selections. The vast mansion features everything one would expect, from ballroom to multiple drawing rooms, and enough bedchambers to fit an Elysium full of Kindred, it is a glorious show of Damaris’s wealth.
APPEARANCE:
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 43kg
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Light brown
Skin: Pale white
Handedness: Right
Scars/Tattoos: None of either.
General physical description: A word that is most often used to describe the features of Damaris is aristocratic- She not only holds herself with a refined and unbreakable posture, but an air of inborn refinement and elegance. Her features are gaunt, with naturally high cheekbones and sunken cheeks. Eyes are large, expressive, and sit beneath high, arched brows. She has a long, proud nose, almost perfectly symmetrical, beneath which are her thin lips and strong jawline. Her skin is perfectly flawless, free of scars, blemishes and other marks; it gives off the slightest radiance if she has bathed in Galloi blood.
Visual Appearance:
http://ris.fashion.telegraph.co.uk/RichImageService.svc/imagecontent/1/TMG8368844/m/daphnerex532_1843468a.jpg
Voice: Deep, feminine, and thoroughly posh, her accent is one spoken by aristocracy and royalty, R.P in all its glory.
Clothing/armor: Conservative, modest and classy, her clothing is always exceedingly expensive, crafted from the finest materials money can afford. Her style could be described as “Masculine Femininity”, or “Feminine masculinity”. She re-makes masculine fashions, such as her much beloved military jackets, and adapts them to fit her figure, combining ancient pieces with marvels of modern tailoring, she always cuts a sleek and aristocratic figure.
The most notable objects she possesses are always worn upon her person, and symbolize her devotion to the Invictus. Gifted to her by the Prince of Lisbon to celebrate their long alliance and prosperous business venture together, a full set of flawless royal purple diamonds was given to her on their 100th anniversary. The set consists of a large empress cut ring, a pair of pear drop earrings, a bracelet, and finally a huge marquise cut, which she wears set into a choker of clear diamonds.
PERSONALITY:
General Personality Traits: A kindred of many years, she is more reserved than most, and fits in to the stereotype most would expect of a Ventrue elder. An elitist through and through, she strongly believes in the concept that Ventrue are the lords of the night, and has been living in such a reality for many, many years. She lives by the codes of dignitas, and the Invictus’ pomp and parade. Having clawed and scraped her way up to the top, she is not one for charity or recognition of those beneath her; the right to speak to a being as venerated as her, to be noticed and not looked through with disdain is a privilege to be earnt, not a right. She sits within the upper most echelon of Kindred society, and frowns upon those outside of the gilded club that is the Invictus’s inner circle. In conversation she is pleasant and impeccably mannered, ever formal, and by modern standards overly so. She gives respect where it is due and fully expects the same courtesy to be returned. On the flipside, beneath her cordial exterior, Damaris is a violent, bloodthirsty and increasingly degenerate being; her methods have always been ruthless and brutal, and her violent resolution of troublesome situations has often got the better of her. She is certainly no raving lunatic about it though, her methods are quick and subtle, but the brutality involved often leaves other Kindred to wonder about her sanity.
Her megalomania developed from a mild narcissism she possessed early in her unlife, increasing tenfold with each generation that has passed, and her arrogance is not unwarranted or hollow. She has many accolades to prove her achievement, but her ego is far too inflated. As a result, she often suffers bouts of paranoia, suspecting those around her to be plotting to steal her glory.
Fears: Final death, succumbing to madness entirely, Lupines (those of which cannot be broken), the masquerade being broken, losing her titles.
Attitudes towards friends/strangers: Indifferent and aloof to most, but when one has earnt the right to be formally introduced to her, she is cordial and well mannered, perhaps in rare cases, friendly.
Opinion of the world: “The world may have changed, but the night is still firmly within our grasp. Glory to the Invictus.”
HISTORY:
Past: (If you feel like reading a boring novel, go ahead, but it is only the Elder stage that matters :D)
Pre Embrace:
The history of Damaris Plantagenet is one that started in the reign of the dynasty from which she received her name. Related by blood to the royals, her father was a Baron whom had sworn fealty to Henry III, and by extension, Edward I, despite the unrest amongst the nobility. As such, his life and that of his children was made easier knowing they had the protection of the crown.
Born in a time of turmoil, Damaris’s early years were spent cloistered in her family estate while the Scottish war of Independence erupted around her. Her brothers, when they came of age, were sent as Knights to quell rebellion with the rest of the English forces.
It was not until the death of her brothers and father at the hands of the Scot’s did Damaris step out into the world. She married, as her father had wanted, into a respectable and affluent family. This manoeuvre ensured not only her own standing and the continuation of the line, but it meant that everything left in the absence of her father would go right where she wanted it; Into the hands of her palpable husband.
By use of her influence over him, she ensured that funds were sent to help pay for the on-going war, and the barony safely within her control- On behalf of her son of course, who was not of age just yet.
Her actions, subtle as they were in an attempt to ensure that her father’s power remained in the hands of his flesh and blood, attracted the attention of the Invictus. While a woman was not the first choice, she had no public power, the lure of embracing one not only related to the king, but headstrong enough to ensure her lineage was kept safe and secure under her direction was too much a prospect to ignore; such a blooded mortal would bring great respect to the sire that managed to embrace it.
Neonate:
And so, one fateful night life was taken from Damaris, and unlife bestowed upon her.
The years came and went as it were, and Damaris learnt what it was to serve. While her mortal lineage and mortal titles gave her an edge over neonates of lesser blood, she was still but a pawn to the elders whichever way one looked at it. Her sire kept her on a tight leash, ensuring her every move was a reflection of his will, her money invested in endeavours he saw fit, her barony shaped into his desire, and her ancestral home taken by her lord. And as was the Malocusian way, he became one with the castle that rightfully belonged to his childe.
As she became ever more adept in the ways of the Kindred, her tutelage became her sires downfall; fully aware that she could not attack him and wrestle control from his grasp by forcing him to meet the final death by her hand, she devised a plot that would rid her of his iron grip for good, and remove what she saw as ‘A taint upon her rightful home.’
Instilling a seed of rumour among the peasants, playing on their superstitions about witch craft, she (through use of a ghoul ringleader) directed the inquisition right to her sire’s doorstep. After a few staged bodies were found drained of blood on castle grounds, a huge mob set the place alight to burn the devil within, whose powers over his domain could save him not as he slept the day away, meeting final death abruptly.
Ancilla:
Following a few of her father’s leads and prodding a few favours out of the aristocracy, she arranged for a boat to take her to Lisbon, to integrate herself into the society of the damned away from those who may have been allied with her deceased sire. It was here she became a member of Lisbon’s court, eventually becoming a close friend with the cities prince-to-be. He was her greatest ally around this time, and after she helped him take office, a dutiful friend. He taught her the art of swordsmanship, and the principles of the Discipline Celerity. She remained in her Daeva allies court for many long years, garnering much respect among her peers, and finding the glories of a prince’s power fitting her tastes.
Her return to England on the eve of the Elizabethan era meant she was coming back with something she had not previously possessed; experience and prestige. She now had a real taste of what it could be among the upper echelons of the Invictus, and sought to elevate herself above her peers in her homeland. Becoming a major player, serving under important elders in the south, she gained a foothold in London, acquiring the rank of Lady in court for her business savvy, due in no small measure to her connection to Lisbon’s prince.
Elder:
Her unlife was as most would expect until the late 1600’s; she struck gold when the Invictus felt it was time to expand their empire and reclaim what they saw as “Our birthright”, the country lands surrounding the city of London. Leading a vanguard of Gangrel, Daeva and Nosferatu (all amassed under her own influence), she took the initiative to act unordered upon the discussed whim of the inner circle; taking her force deep into the heart of Buckinghamshire, she wiped out the Circle of the Crone presence that had taken residence in the hills, and drove out the Lancea Sanctum who held prevalence in the parish towns that stood sparsely around the borough. Her violent solution was initially met with wrinkled brows, but the benefit of such actions could not be ignored; granted the title Duchess of Buckinghamshire in 1689 by the inner circle, and awarded the golden fang for valour, her estate’s construction was started the following year.
From there, her influence and power could only grow, claiming a monopoly of important figures as her kings and profitable ventures as her source of income, she interred herself into her vast mansion, her bloodlines powers finally allowed to awaken themselves. It was at the peak of her power in the 1800’s that she met the then-neonate Charles Harper, taking advantage of his talents and employing him.
Surviving through the first and second world wars (developing something of a fascist attitude as the party emerged), she became eclipsed in 1959, and remained in torpor until 2010. Finding the world strange and foreboding, a far cry from the hierarchal society she preyed upon, the Duchess has had a hard time adjusting, and has not been seen in public since entering Torpor. A relic of past times, Damaris seeks to integrate herself into the high society once more, but if fearful of what may transpire.
Embrace: She was embraced by an elusive Ventrue after being noticed by the Invictus- her sire was known by many names in his unlife, so it is hard to determine what is was she knew him as.
Birthplace: England.
Family/Relationships: Her family are long dead, however, a number of distant cousins were embraced for their Plantagenet name, so she is not the only of her dynasty still around.
Living/Dead Family Members: See above.
Friends: The Prince of Lisbon.
Enemies: Enemy is a strong word, but she does possess a rival of sorts in Gavin Johnstone, for his side in the Scottish war of Independence that killed her father.
Current Nationality: British
Current Place of Residence: Buckinghamshire.
-
Ravenna found that her nails were far more interesting than the dank scenery around them as her Nightmare darted forth after Quarylene, following close behind the Drow Vampire as she led them to their destination; for a while the devil-queen was content to gaze at her claws and visualize the brutal murder of a few matron mothers, and the look on the fat-spider goddess as she became aware of what was happening. But when the journey didn't seem to be getting an shorter, Ravenna looked up to find them still far from civilization, if anything the drow called home could be classed as such...
Losing her patience she sighed audibly and remarked "How much longer of chafing must I endure?! I want bloodshed Quarylene, not sore thighs!"
----------
Aurora had changed from her canary attire into a simple day dress once she had freshened up a little. Stepping out of her tent looking quite the opposite of her usually extravagant self, she had neglected to put her hair up in a pouf, and instead her copper locks hung freely over her shoulders. Heavy bags framed her eyes as she stumbled off to find the others again, her head pounding.
-
Rhaine's words had given Xallistine much to think about, but he was glad at least that she had taken his advice regarding Azuris to heart. Her words about faith were difficult for the Ulitharid to truly comprehend, for he himself had no such ties to the gods; for Xallistine, the reverence of a godly being was merely something to be done to ensure his soul would not be punished for it's heresy, nothing more. He celebrated the Illithid patron Illsensine when was required, and drew from the god wisdom in times of need, but little else- he viewed himself as being exactly that, a unique being whose destiny was his alone to control. Perhaps it was his years getting the better of him, that these near heretical views had developed, but Xallistine put it down to logic. He could not understand how Rhaine saw herself as simply an extension of her church, when she was so much more than merely an organ in the body of her religion. This would require much meditation.
-----
Ravenna grinned as the Nightmare's arrived, pulling herself up upon the saddle of her own steed, draping her legs over one side, as her dress would certainly not stretch to fit around her hellish mount. She was surprised to hear Quarylene mutter such complementary words to Hasim... well, complementary by her male-hating standard at least.
"He is indeed a resourceful man. Many thanks my friend, you have saved my shoes." She smiled lightly.
"Now then Quarylene, do lead on."
-
Xallistine sighed, throwing his cane aside and dispelling the effects of his disguise with a wave of his hand. Returned to his original height and fully restored to his original form, he looked at his taloned hands to make sure it was successful. Turning his pupil-less eyes to Rhaine as she stood cross armed, he rubbed his temples before he began.
"Your words and actions last night surprised me my lady. They were not the words of a level headed leader thinking of the bigger picture, rather, the words of an enraged Kelemvorite who put her faith before her task. But fear not, I was not put here to lecture you, it was a tense situation, and many would have remained so composed, I am proud to have stood by your side as you remained impartial. However, by remaining without a side, one was thrust upon you. The knight and his men did not receive your help, and therefore consider you an ally of Azuris." he paused for a moment, gathering his words.
"You allowed him to live my lady, so therefore, you have deemed his actions unworthy of punishment. If that is the case, then why is it you wish him gone? To protect the name of the Church? To protect your own name from those within? You know as well as I do that the Church of Kelemvor is hardly held in the brightest of lights, you are feared and venerated in equal measure, and this humiliation to your faith is hardly the first and will by no means be the last, am I correct? And as for the damage Roland may do with his tale, what of it? Kelemvor trusts you with his every fibre, and the dissatisfaction of a few easily swayed priests will do nothing to blacken your glimmering banner my lady."
"Allow me to blunt as I have been in the past; matters of faith cannot come before our goal my lady. To deprive this group of an able sword simply because of his past is illogical, by banishing Azuris you only weaken our integrity. To face Valthanarax we need every able body we can employ, and none are quite so suited to this task as he. I understand how difficult it may be for you to put this indignity behind you, to forgive his deception and betrayal, but we need him, at least until we have prevailed. Our chances need not be slimmed further by removing one of the most able from our fold."
His tone hardened slightly as he continued. "View us all as tools my lady, pawns on a board. The more you have, the easier your goal is achieved and the greater your chance of success. Azuris is a Knight you do not wish to lose to the opposition, he is a pawn you wish to conserve. He is a prize piece of your vanguard my lady, do not throw him away because he has displeased you. Each and every one of us in this group has our secrets, demons of our past that may damage each and every one of us. But you must stand by them all and remain united, only then may we win."
------
Ravenna snorted "We most certainly must.The blood of these matron mothers had better flow Quarylene, for my shoes need cleaning."
-
Figured I'd post as no-one has for a little while, it was likely my go anyhow :blush:
-
Whitelock listened to the Setite's suggestion in silence, her dull eyes peeping from the frames of her glasses, for a moment glinting in the light. She suspected that Yasmina's contribution was a viable option, and a plan that could very well work; but she couldn't help but let the slightest fraction of a smirk grace her lips momentarily as she saw the veiled truth. If the killer felt particularly inclined he could, in theory, murder the Gangrel Primogen before the assault party had got to him, and Whitelock imagined that thought was a sweet one for Miss Sekhman, who no doubt wished Mr Wright removed from the night for his wrongs in her domain. It was an option to consider, but she doubted it would yield any results... but then again.
Mr. Wright had told her his clan was murdered in similar fashion... what if the murderer wished to complete his little episode and wipe the whole group out, the recent series of murders was merely a ruse to draw Nathaniel out?
How delicious.
But Whitelock had no time to think as Harper mentioned the Primogen, and sighed softly. "My cue to leave then..." she thought hopefully. The political backstabbings of the Primogen bored her immensely, and she oh so despised their constant bickering. Looking down at Harper as he slumped into his chair, the Tremere took the initiative to dial the Whip's number. After simply saying the word 'Primogen' into the phone, she placed it back down and sighed.
"The council should arrive soon... I imagine they are all just bursting to take a slice at one and other. Joy." She spoke dryly, taking her previous place near Harper's desk.
-------
Ameline arrived through the doors to Harper's office shortly after the others of the Primogen, fashionably late as always her footsteps clicked loudly as her platform pumps made contact with the polished floor. As soon as the light hit Ameline's hair, it shone brilliantly, the deep red waves cascading over her shoulders, bouncing with each step she took.
Clad in all black, the Toreador seductress had chosen a revealing gown from a recent runway show, the tulle dress featured a plunging neckline, boned bodice embellished heavily with silk and swarovski elements, arranged like flowers. The sheer skirt was slit fully on the right, and featured an insert of criss-crossing rabbit fur and further elements, it dragged along behind her delicately, her fishnet clad leg peaking out from the slit.
Flicking her hair to the right with a soft sigh, diamond earrings furiously shaking, one leather gloved hand reached around the back of her neck to adjust the clasp of the diamond bib she wore.
"Well isn't this lovely... we are all here... together again." There was no small injection of sarcasm in her rapturous tone.
-
Xallistine had found no solace that night, he too had been kept awake by the celebratory party of the bards, and his own thoughts. The human form he was sporting seemingly required rest as the others of it's kind, but the Ulitharid soon solved that with a little spell. Leaving his tent before dawn had broken, Xallistine took himself and his musings on a solitary walk around the fairgrounds, occasionally passing others who had escaped the confides of their tents for the icy grip of pre-dawn winds.
Returning to the group's encampment, he raised an eyebrow. Coming to a halt and leaning upon his cane the sorcerer gazed up at the writhing figures of the brother's Grey trapped in their sleeping bags, his face sporting a look of bemusement. He'd never understand surfacers and their humour.
After shaking his head at the whole affair, he managed to corner Rhaine as she too stepped forth to admire the spectacle.
"Ah, my lady. I have been meaning to speak with you, all night in fact. Do you have the time for an audience? I need to get out of this skin, and we will need to be away from distraction if words are to be shared seriously. I shall be in my tent." He gave her a slight bow, and proceeded back inside.
-------
Aurora awoke with a yawn, stretching to pop her joints. She wasn't entirely sure where exactly she was, or what is was she had gotten up to the night prior. But that was often the case with the copper haired songstress. As she became aware of her surroundings, she couldn't help but feel how strange her bedding felt. it wasn't usually like leaves...
Leaves?!
As she rolled to the side, Aurora fell from the branch of the tree she had been perched upon, a shrill shriek escaping from her throat, she plummeted fast, and hit the ground with a soft thud, the grass cushioning her fall.
Rising to her feet shakily, she looked around to see Tak'we, Amendale, and the Grey brothers, the former in hysterics and the latter dangling from the same tree in their sleeping bags. Stumbling forward, she looked up in astonishment, and broke into a fit of laughter herself. Once she had finished, her head began to hurt. Ah of course. Hangover.
With a groan, Aurora hobbled away, back to her tent to recover.
----------
To Ravenna's misfortune, she found that the drow was not lying about them having to walk. The damp squelch beneath her feet attested to that. Looking down in disgust, she gasped at the sight of muddy soil coated to the sole of her heels. Looking forth at the rest of the dismal passageway, she hissed in dissatisfaction.
The cheek of it! She, the devil queen of the Nine Hells, walking! Through a mucus lined cavern no less! Oh the slaughter that followed had better be damn well fantastic if she was ever to forgive Quarylene for this indignity. She wasn't quite sure what was worse, walking, or being forced to sit upon a filthy lizard.
Still, at least it was not the swamp of Mammon's realm...
And if worse came to worse, there was always Hasim or Haxxon to carry her.
-
Xallistine sighed, shaking his head as Rhaine stormed away after her beratement of Azuris. He looked at the fallen doomguide, his eyes holding pity. He did not relish the thought of loosing a fighter as capable of Azuris over matters of the Kelemvorite troubles; such petty trivialities, no matter how important to Rhaine and her beliefs, had to come secondary to the goal the group as a whole worked together to undertake- destroying Valthanarax before he was able to ascend. Azuris's expulsion would do nothing to aid them, only protect Rhaine's reputation. The man was a powerful warrior, and his expertise fighting the undead had proven invaluable in the past. The events that had transpired were, in Xallistine's eyes, no reason to deprive the group of another sword. If Rhaine had not deigned them sufficient enough for execution, then surely, she had ruled that he deserved to live?
Rhaine would certainly not be in any way receptive to advice Xallistine could muster that night, and so he settled for rest. Night often stripped away rage in it's comforting grasp, so he would offer her his words in the morning. But he would not force his observations upon her; as he had said to the group, her decisions and her enemies were theirs by extension. Nevertheless, he would offer his words of wisdom as an outside party, as he had done in the past. It was, after all, the duty of an advisor to take all things into account, was it not?
-------------
Ravenna turned her head to address Quarylene with a golden stare. "As would I my dear." Rising to her feet the devil queen wasted no time in beginning her descent of the staircase, heels clicking purposefully and leather train dragging heavily behind her, she watched as her reflection danced across the circle of the scrying pool.
"We shall take the exit through which you entered, Quarylene, and from there you may guide us to your foes. I trust you will be able to acquire suitable transportation? I am not going to walk the fetid tunnels of your home, and I sincerely doubt that the carriage will fit through that little structural weakness in the wine cellar."
-
Xallistine stood back near Rhaine and watched as events unravelled rather quickly. There was certainly no holding back from either of these parties, and while he was sworn to remain impartial by staying at Rhaine's side, he had silently rooted for Azuris- He stood by his words, the man had earnt his place, and had more than justified his actions, considering the nature of these so called Necromancers, or was that, children? Roland and his men did not sit well with the Ulitharid, and the paladin's disapproval of Rhaine's chosen comrades irked him- Species came not into it, they were no more monsters than he was.
-----------------------
Ravenna grinned at Hasim's words, unable to disagree as it stood "Your hand in partnership would be more than welcome my old friend, it happens to be that I am in need of those who are willing to assist my cause. I have an Orc and his armies at my disposal, the help of dear Quarylene here, and the loyalty of my dear apprentice... wherever it is she may be. My goal is rather grand, but that is a discussion for a later time. Your assistance is welcome Hasim, and perhaps we may whet your appetite for becoming a part of my machinations, with a little trip to the Underdark? Quarylene and I have a number of matron mothers whom need their fingers stepping on."
-
Xallistine shook his head at the goings on around him- so Rhaine's church had to intervene at a time like this did they? A time the companions should have all been spent enjoying themselves, worrying not about duties and crimes, yet here was this 'Roland' and his cadre of men, all after Azuris's blood.
To Nawen's words he replied "My dearest lady, make not the mistake of assuming any innocent- You say I have harmed no one? A glimpse into my past will testify otherwise. I have committed many crimes, and I shall not allow myself to be painted as a saint. We all have our past, mistakes we have made, judgements gone wrong, moments of madness, even. But it is not the past that matters, it is the here and now. Azuris has proven himself as a member of this group, but I shall say no more. The faith of our leader is not one of leniency, an enemy of the Kelemvorites is an enemy hers, and by extension, ours. But I trust in her judgement, as should you all." He paused for a moment, eyes resting upon the features of Arland.
"Is she not fair, mercenary? You, a murderer, a criminal and a wanted man spared. How much simpler would it have been to execute you? To pass judgement upon your crimes, as is her right as envoy to her lord? She and she alone chose what she believed was right and just- and she will do so again. If in her heart there is an inkling of doubt, do you believe she would kill him? She will make her decision with certainty. Do not make her think that her choosing of your fate was a lapse of judgement." With that, Xallistine proceeded to walk to Rhaine.
"I hope you make the right decision my lady... be sure that this is not fabrication; we have seen the powers of deception in play before, and I must make clear that I am not making out your temple brothers to be liars. But you must discern what is the whole truth, and not overzealous devotion and exaggeration of events." He protected this mentally, leaning in to feign a whisper, so as not to give away his true nature.
---------------------------
Planting a but a peck of a kiss upon Tannin's lips briefly for his generous gift, Aurora proceeded to the celebrations with a strong feeling of satisfaction. She felt closer to her companions through performance, and felt an even stronger pull to the two winners she shared the crown with- They were all parts of the same coin, each different, yet cut from similar cloth.
Clambering upon the table with Leover, Aurora put an arm around his shoulder and joined in the drinking song, sloshing her ale about as they sung the merry tune.
---------------------------
Ravenna could only smirk in agreement to Hasim's comment about Tam, cocking her head to the side as he came to stand before him. He looked much the same, if not slightly older and a little more weathered. His question elicited a brief chuckle, and Ravenna raised a brow to him.
"I died Hasim, banished to the nine hells for my... actions. But I braved each layer and conquered each lord. And now? Now I sit beside Asmodeus. Rather grandiose I know, but my journey was not fated to end at the hands of the Doomguide who sentenced me. It was to continue on. Now tell me, what may I do for you? Have you come to sell your soul?"
-
Whitelock raised an eyebrow slightly to Yasmina's suggestion, churning it around in her brain. "Hmm, perhaps you are correct Miss Sekman. But this is an incredibly dangerous undertaking, as we do not know quite what it is we are up against here. We have leads, but no physical trail to follow. Arranging a trap for such a prolific murderer would most likely result in the death of yet another Kindred... but sometimes a risk must be taken." Pausing for a moment she adjusted her glasses once more.
"However there does remain a problem- The Killer has targeted the lowest of our society, or, at least those without any real pull. Those of us with any power over our blood are in positions of power ourselves- Perhaps the killer is merely working their way up to the assassination of a powerful force, but we cannot be sure. Risking the life of a lesser Vampire in such a trap would mean their demise almost for certain, and there is the issue of whom is sent as backup to spring a maneuver once a killing is underway. Ambushing a member of our kind is no easy feat, our senses are a little more attuned than that of the mortals. If this is a plan of action to be considered, it will require careful deliberation and flawless execution. Magical aids may be required also, and this is all a consuming process- But I do believe it to be a viable option." She said, turning her head to the prince with her last statement.
"You will need to be able to focus all efforts into this Harper- Petty matters such as this evenings transgressions only serve to distract us. Who knows that if in the time we have been spent scorning our newest Primogen and cleaning up his mess, another murder has not taken place? This brings me onto the words of my Regent rather nicely- any Kindred caught breaking the masquerade in any way upon Tremere soil will be executed without trial and with immediacy. He suggests that you follow a route similar to avoid our discovery, and only takes this severe action due to the pressure of our recent nights. Not only do we have murders to contend with, but the problem of the Hunters rising in number and the Wolves closing in is sure to prove a burden- You need not petty trivialities to distract you from this, nor do you need any clan being revealed by the actions of imbeciles. The Chantry can keep it's members in perfect submission- but for the rest of our small but diverse society, where is the true order?"
"I do hope having a full Primogenship will help in our unity- without it we are powerless."
-
Iodiria surveyed the drab and desolate interior of Skyhaven temple, entering it with the others and keeping closest to Adrynn. Akaviri architecture was something rather new to her, and she had never wandered into the confides of a temple created by the mysterious race. It was all rather grand and imposing, but the gaping hole in the ceiling, and the lack of furnishing made the atmosphere abysmal, at least, that was Iodiria's view. But such places were among the best in which to meditate, keep oneself calm.
As the vampire made his introduction, it took near all of her willpower to not dash forward and attack him with her blade. Her knuckles whitened as she squeezed the grip of her blade, but felt her fingers loosen as the creature mentioned a desire to be rid of it's curse- Such a belief was a noble one, shared by bouyant armiger Galur Rithari, as he suffered the vile disease. Her overall demeanor was much alike that of Adrynn's, being in the presence of such a vile creature made her blood boil, but if he truly wished for a cure, then she would cause him no trouble.
Torn by emotion, physical pain and an aching mind, Iodiria had nothing to offer in the discussion of rebuilding- She was not a craftsman, an architect, she was a warrior, and her talents extended a little into the realms of restorative magics. But aside from being able to cut down the Thalmor, she had little to offer, and for what was certainly not the first time after the fall of Morrowind, she felt useless. No army, no followers, no people- She had nothing but her sword arm to offer.
With a heavy sigh she turned to Velanya "I am afraid I have nothing to offer regarding our current situation, but when the time comes for battle I shall be ready. I thank you for your kindness, allowing me to stay despite my rigid ways. Our beliefs may never be compatible I fear, but in the face of the Thalmor, they are unimportant, I will fight for you as I would fight for Morrowind- On that you have my oath." With a bow Iodiria turned to leave the main hall, and explore the temple.
-
Aurora jumped up and down like an excited child as she, Tannin, and Leover collected their rewards simultaneously, grinning from ear to ear a toothy white grin as she was handed her share of the gold. "Well boys, it seems you aren't as useless as you look." Giving them both a friendly hug, she grinned once more as Leover mentioned a party "Oh my dear, I am known not only for my voice you know, infact, that comes secondary to my parties! Let us indeed show the rabble how the virtuoso take their ale!"
------------
Ravenna had nearly reached the top of the stone staircase when an exotic yet familiar voice hit her ears from the other side of the great hall, turning to the side on the stone steps she cocked her head at the figure before her. For a moment her piercing gaze rested upon him, unblinking, but a wicked smile formed upon her face.
"Hasim! It has been far too long my old friend. What brings you so far from Thay? Finally wriggled free of Tam's wretched grasp?" She asked with an eyebrow raised and a smirk remaining upon her lips.
-
Aurora smirked at Tannin "Oh I'm sure it will entertain me, but don't worry, I'll be sure to rub it in softly, don't want you getting all envious of my superiority now do we?" She teased with a pout.
Leover's performance was by all accounts spectacular and emotional, a far cry from his raunchy cry for the amorous affection of the women in the audience. She stood to applaud him with the others, quite impressed that he was capable of more than simply risqué parades of dirty lyrics.
------
After arriving in the main hall, Ravenna paced about the circular pool that rested before the staircase to her throne. Looking into the water she conversed with a shimmering image of her lord, telling him of her pursuits. The lengthy consultation gave the she-devil much to think upon, and she traversed the steps to her seat of power to gather her thoughts. She would travel to the Underdark with Quarylene, but afterwards, her intent was to be a little different... why assist a cult when one could envelop it?
-
Aurora's last song, something a little different to her last :thumbsup:
-
Xallistine could only smirk at Kyran's last comment as the lad turned to make his way to the bards stage. Xallistine was not one to judge based on past alone, after all, his was certainly not squeaky clean and full of bountiful studies on how to use healing magics effectively and for the forces of good. It came by very nature to the Ulitharid to delve into the many mysteries of magic, no matter how dark, and necromancy was not a complete stranger to Xallistine. Although it's pull had never been strong enough to keep Xallistine interested- why control the dead when the living are so easy to bend? But now was not the time for such thoughts, with a reluctant sigh the polymorphed wizard prepared himself for the intolerably loud display of musical prowess that was sure to ensue.
---------
Aurora grinned at Leover "Oh I'm sure you would have done, I mean the sight of myself in no clothes is clearly far better an experience than bedding all these drooling fans eh?" She said with a hint of sarcasm, knowing that this Satyr's intention was to woo as many women in the crowd so that he ensured himself a busy night.
To his comment about Tannin Aurora chuckled "Oh yes, he is simply hilarious, but maybe he's a little jealous because he doesn't have droves of women fawning over him? It certainly made the men laugh, but the ladies cast a few daggers his way." after Tannin had finished his performance, which Aurora enjoyed, she turned back to the Satyr, standing to applaud her companion as many others did "Well... perhaps the ladies aren't so hostile afterall... never know, your bedroom party might be down a few tonight." She teased, before seating herself again to watch the elegant elven woman with the harp.
She was good but... lacked presence, it was all about her instrument, no emphasis on herself. Aurora was a good sport and clapped nonetheless, but there was no hiding this woman lacked the lustre of her competitors.
Realizing it was now her turn, Aurora returned to the stage for a final time.
Again her performance was one full of energy and passion, however it was not quite as fast as her last, instead, she chose a slow number that would both allow her to demonstrate her vocal range, and show the audience there more to her than simply impressive effects and fast pace fiddle playing.
While she was still fluid in her movements, she moved slowly across the stage, leaning down to look directly at the audience occasionally, to give them the impression she was singing directly to them, and not the judges. After all, win the audience and you have won the vote. Accompanied by a soft harp to back her, Aurora put her all into forming each verse as perfectly as was possible, a subtle magical glimmer following her softly around to ensure that none looked away.
She held her final note before bowing once more, leaving the stage to make way for the next performance.
-
Xallistine nodded "Ah yes, fire. A symbol of life, yet a cause of death, how very contradictory it is to it's own nature. It provides warmth to warm us, but burns should we get too close- They say that if one plays with fire, one shall get burnt... But that is not true for us my friend, at least, with enough concentration." Fishing through his satchel, Xallistine procured a worn, weathered and dusty old tome, slightly charred around the edged. Handing it to Kyran he smiled "Here, this should tell you what you need to know, for now read, I can answer whatever questions you have afterwards."
---------
Aurora grinned at the Satyr seductively, reaching forward to play with a strand of his finely kept hair for a slight moment "Is that so? I'm so very glad you enjoyed my performance, I was going to parade around half naked but... you beat me to it didn't you? Naughty boy." She teased, listening out for when Tannin would be announced.
-
Whitelock fixed her eyes on the child as she vomited, shaking her head ever so slightly at the sight. It was a cruel introduction to the horrors that existed in the world, and this girl had not even reached puberty by human standards- But if she was to survive she would need to adapt to the darker underlay of London's workings, once it was time for her to step out from Harper's shadow... if that time ever came.
"Hunters?" Whitelock raised a highly arched eyebrow as she repeated the Gangrel's question, her hand slipping under the red scarf that bound her neck, a subconscious reaction to the mention of the holy order of supernatural killers. "While I can promise you that the methods of those fanatics are brutal from experience, If they wish a Vampire dead it is not through such horror- A stake and a flame is their preferred tactic, unless of course we are dealing with an unstable breakaway, but that much is doubtful." Before she finished she added "While it would seem to work of a surgeon, and such an answer is easiest to accept, mistake not an innate knowledge of the human biology and precise hand for the mark of a medical practitioner. With enough study and practice anyone can know just where to slice. I have made the mistake of taking precision for medical prowess before. That case didn't end pleasantly." She said dryly.
Looking at Graham as he voiced his own question, she replied plainly "No." adjusting her glasses, she placed a hand upon her hip. "Nothing physical at least, aside of course from the unusual occurrence that this killer had removed the organs of his victims and severed her face, I do have one issue- and that is the lack of witnesses."
She nodded simply to Jack as he ran through the situation verbally, asking her to verify what she had told him.
"I cannot help but feel that your assumption of the Tzimisce's involvement is correct- As I said, the lack of witnesses disturbs me. Kendra's home was a terrace, the walls thin and the attic connected to each house in the street. Her mouth was not fused, she was not staked, and she was concious for the entire exchange, so how is it that her neighbours did not hear her screaming?" Whitelock did not allow anyone to muse over her question however, and answered it promptly herself.
"That would be down to the ephemeral energies I detected as I entered the building. It is the work of a Vampiric discipline, in particular, one practised by the anti-ventrue themselves; , Obtenebration as it is called by the Lasombra, or, shadow crafting, as you may know it. I was only able to detect it through examining the shadows in the corner of the room, they were ever so slightly warped, as if one had moulded clay and forget to put it back into it's original shape. To one who possesses this discipline, shadows may be called from the other worlds to cover and area and encase it in a solid shadow, this power may blot out noise, vision, smell, taste. As the postman delivered her mail that night, he could not see nor hear her being brutalized."
She looked to Harper and Edison. "If it is a single flesh-crafter, then they are powerful enough to have learnt the secrets of their skulking masters. If not I suspect this venture to be a double act. If sanctioned by the Sabbat this is most unusual, while I still do not believe it to be an action of the sect itself, it is clear enough members of it's brood were involved. But if I am wrong, then we face a threat far greater than their screaming mobs and haphazard footsoldiers- We face the full brutality of the Sabbat under a cloak of impenetrable darkness." Even with such dramatic words, Whitelock remained near-monotonous and calm.
Looking to the Setite she cocked her head. "The mortals shall be kept in the dark so long as we are able to find the bodies first. That much I can promise."
-------------
Ameline smiled warmly, rising from her seat to leave Chris to explore her domain as she changed- She hoped that Sasha would arrive soon enough with the information she desired; There was nothing Ameline disliked more than being left in the dark about current affairs.
Not to mention the fact that the Prince's silence in the matter of the murders was beginning to bother the Primogen- They were due a meeting to discuss this, lest paranoia breed like flies in a rotten corpse. Still, Ameline was a courteous and patient woman, and she assumed that Harper was awaiting evidence before discussing such matters.
-
Reckon Suetin could arrive with the letter from Morgiah soon enough- I know we have attempted to add realism into our time transitions, but it would make little sense if things took months of real time to arrive :blush:
-
The song I chose for Aurora to sing, I thought it was rather fitting all things considered :blush: :
-
Xallistine raised an irritatingly human eyebrow as Kyran approached him, but his brow settled and a smile formed upon his face, well, as much a smile as one who had never been able to do so since mere nights ago could. He stroked his beard as he would a tentacle, looking the young elf up and down. "Hmm... I must admit I have never taught a student before in my time... the Underda- My home was never a place of sharing and mentor-ship. But I shall be more than happy to better your abilities as a sorcerer, having another able caster will benefit us all." He paused for a moments, pondering his words. "Tell me, what draws you in about magic? I have lived long enough to have accumulated knowledge in many a magical discipline, some best left unearthed. But my knowledge of each school is sufficient enough to teach you the basics of any you wish. As a sorcerer, with power comes an innate access to spells otherwise inaccessible to wizards you know, and for that you have an edge. Still, I may help guide you on your desired direction."
--------------
Hearing her name, Aurora sighed a heavy sigh and prayed to Sharess for the power to win over the crowd- From the girlish squealing directed to the satyr, and the nature of his performance, her original idea to parade around singing raunchy ballads to win over the audience became obsolete- She couldn't simply be uncouth if one before her had been, could she? And as Rhenold Goodwills upper class attitude was frowned upon by the audience, Aurora would have to improvise...
Walking out on stage clad in a canary yellow, corseted bodysuit. The bodice was decorated with bejewled roses, crafted from various gems, the largest started just between her cleavage line, and the rest travelled along the edge of the corset. Her hair was done in a coiffure, far neater than her usual style, and considerably less voluminous, the right side was dominated by yellow roses, intricately worked into her hair. With a crimson lipped smile, she raised her lute and tapped her heeled feet, and started played in tune the introduction to her song.
"Now you all know... The bards and their song..." She sung slowly, projecting her voice in an almost operatic manner before taking a long pause.
With a sudden burst, Aurora sprung into action, her hand guiding the bow expertly over the fiddle, moving across the stage as she performed her dramatic piece, after each verse she paused to play her lute expertly, Aurora was a creature who fed off of the energy of the crowd as she belted out her rendition of "The Bards Song", a homage to her companions above all else, and a crowd pleaser that had not failed her yet. Accompanied by a number of magical effects as she skipped and danced, her performance was as much of an illusionary feat as it was one of singing, creating all kinds of spectacular colours to follow her around in misty lines, her fiddle to ignite in blazing flame.
As she reached crescendo, she paused for the cheer, holding her final note before taking a bow, leaving the stage with a smile upon her face.
-
"As we appear to have audience I'll kill two birds with one stone and tell you all." Whitelock replied to Edison, glancing sidelong at the others in the room, mildly shocked at the promotion of this Gangrel to Primogen of his clan, and the arrival of an almost intolerably loud Scotsman, a rather old and venerable Brujah if she recalled correctly.
Leaning over to fetch the file she had dispensed upon Harper's desk, her wrist peeping out from the sleeve of her jacket, momentarily revealing a circular scar that repeated itself on the other side, a little remnant of her time in the torturers chair. Unclasping the brown folder, she walked over to the projector that stood atop a wheeled unit against one of the walls, dragging it to stand level with Harper's desk, she sifted through the file and fished out a paper bag, containing the developed film.
Placing it into the projector's feed, she put the first image into place and switched on the old mechanism, the image flickering to life slowly on the wall behind the desk. Rather than try to hush everyone with words, Whitelock guessed that the image displayed would grab their attention....
And what a gruesome picture it was.
There, dangling from a rope by her legs, was the mutilated corpse of the Nosferatu woman most recently brutalized. Stomach open wide, chest cavity quite literally carved out, and face missing, the still image said what Whitelock did not have to. Standing still for a few moments, and watching each of the Kindred in the room, she paced.
"As you are all aware, London has been plagued by a series of murders recently, last among them this Nosferatu, identified as Kendra... once we were able to find her face. Despite the brutality depicted here, whomever responsible knew exactly what they were doing. Just where to cut , slash and carve. Our victim was first tied by rope to the frame of a large four poster bed in the room above her, then dropped through a make-shift hole to dangle into the living room." Pausing to allow her words to sink in, Whitelock continued.
"From there, the blood rushed to Kendra's head, ensuring that she would remain concious for the wounds inflicted upon her. First, the killer drew open her lower abdomen, slowly proceeding until the blade stopped at her rib cage. The cage was cracked and opened, allowing the killer access to carve out the contents of her chest cavity. Unfortunately for the victim, the killer did not take her heart. It was only after her face was removed, was a blade plunged into the offending organ."
"Now, upon arrival I had assumed a psychopath was responsible, but everything was far too surgically precise to have been carried out by a jittering lunatic. Quite clearly, this execution was meant to bring as much pain and suffering as was possible; Now, from what we know, Kendra was a nobody, a dead beat. Kept herself to herself and did not mingle in the affairs of others- The Sabbat, if responsible, would have made clear that they were coming for her. They made no such announcement, so we may assume for now that our barbaric cousins were not responsible. Whomever is, was most certainly aware of the fact the body would be found. It was, after all, hanging in the front room of Kendra's home."
"We are dealing with an incredibly dangerous force here, someone with a grudge against our kind if it is that each of these murders are the work of a single entity. I recommend caution in the nights that follow, and a watchful eye. The more this continues, the higher the chance of a Kindred body being discovered by the mortals first. Then comes the hysteria. Add nauseam."
-
Aurora bit her lip and sighed exaggeratedly, putting down the quill for Tannin to sing his name bellow hers. She stood upright again and spun on her heel, walking for the exit. "Well then Tannin... I hope you enjoy watching me take the prize money. I look forward to that... duet in the future, but we simply can't hold it off for too long... I'm sure there will be plenty of safe little places we can perform." With a wink she left the lutemaster's hut, and rushed to her tent to prepare...
Tales of Faerun
in Roleplaying
Posted
After a self-satisfactory smile at her smouldering annihilation of the bilious slime, and an intrigued glance at the mangled remains of the half digested adventurers, she heeded Quarylene's call and kicked her heels into the side of her nightmare. The infernal steed paid no notice as it passed over the now scorching puddle of acidic bile, galloping hastily as it shadowed the direction of the Vampiress.
The Underdark truly was a mysterious cornucopia of muculent depravity and phosphorescent mosses. The very walls of the cavernous passages they passed under seemed to be rife with evil, strange, faintly glowing mushrooms presented death upon their spotted, slimy surfaces, and all manner of noxious insects scuttled about loathsomely in a conglomeration of hairy legs and sharpened pincers. This place was evil, but not in the infernal, tortuously complex diversity of the circles of hell; no, this place had a clear air to it, a definite overall vibe. The monsters here were cool, calculated and nigh-invisible, this was a place for the grotesque shadows of the world to hide themselves in natural squalor. It was a place of dark intrigue, of subtle plots, it was all of the subtle things mortals feared incarnate. The Underdark's negative connotations were not misplaced.
"Tell me, Quarylene." Ravenna began as she rode parallel to the former Matron Mother. "What was it like ruling a kingdom in this ephemeral chasm? I had expected this place to alien, but not quite so. Everything here is a perversion of the surface, I see similarities but they end swiftly. I admit my intrigue."