Zodika and a dagger [OPEN RP]

[Lady Frost]

Corresponding Creative Writing Thread


A sudden commotion brought the priestess out of her focus. She lowered her quill and peered around to see which direction it was coming from. Most of the people around her made their way towards the nearby docks and Zodika decided it was time to move on. She leaned forward to blow the ink dry on her page then suddenly a light pinch in her upper back burst into a sharp pain. The priestess quickly tried to turn but the pain seemed to inhibit her movement. Within seconds, extreme burning pain erupted through her back, side, and neck. The priestess fought it but being unable to move, she quickly succumbed to its unending growth and fell unconscious.

Zodika collapsed forward from her stone seat, a dagger firmly driven into her upper spine and a dozen more well-placed stab wounds up her side and down through her neck and collarbone. Bleeding heavily, the paralyzed and mortally wounded priestess lay unconscious on the stone.

[mysticalkas]

*Gill Davis, a member of the mage guard would be inside the Great Hall looking over some reports. Upon hearing about the commotion at the docks, he would make his way there. With the commotion well underway, he would set out by taking the most direct route. Being closer to the Northern side, he would enter the docks by the north gate. since he maintains a mostly lazy stroll, more time would have passed. Upon entering the docks district of the city he would make a left that takes him in front of the Tipsy Imp tavern. he would see the body and look around the immediate area for the cause. (What does he see?) he would then cast some protective magic and approach the body after finally summoning an iron golem and warding it as well. checking for a pulse, he does what he can to offer aid to her now, recognizing her, he would instruct the golem to pick her up and take her to the Temple of Loviatar. Speaking with Branded Raiiel Darkscar, he places her body beside her and explaines how he found her and what he saw(answers questions). after this he would make his way back to the Great Hall and file a report*

[Lady Frost]

(The commotion at the docks started with two deckhands arguing over a lost piece of cargo. By the time Gill showed up, it would have likely included many deckhands and sailors from each ship. For anyone looking into it, the timing would certainly appear coincidental.)

(Upon Gill checking, he would feel no pulse. She would appear dead.)


//If a DM doesn't RP how her body is handled and the RP in the temple, I will.

[lucesi]

On reading Gill's report Inquisitor-Sheriff Vennis arches a brow and heads over to the Temple to take a look at the body. He shakes his head, muttering "As if Valkur's Roar wasn't explosive enough, we now have the assassination of one of its powerbrokers to add to the mix. More oil to the fire, lets hope this doesn't provoke further reaction."

After looking at the body he would head to Talbot's to examine the scene of the murder and speak with any potential witnesses.

[Always_a_hero]

*Passing between the people wandering around the Port, a shady figure with a deep red cloak and cigar between his teeth, Kamilton overhears the rumors and names mentionned over local conversings. Stopping briefly, he'd shift his eyes around, his upper lip twitching before mumbles answered to the whispers. His gaze then turned to the waters, thinking over his own business before stepping back into the shades of the city.*

[Lady Frost]

Temple: The Branded would have Zodika's body moved into the Infirmary and isolated in the Quarantine Chamber where no access to it would be allowed outside of clergy. - It's very likely Vennis would not be given permission to see it without a good reason. - Note: The dagger in her back would have been left in place due to the magical nature of it. It would most likely be in Gill's report and may be a tool for Vennis to use to see the body.

Scene: The distraction at the docks was very successful at drawing people's attention; nearly nobody seems to have seen what happened. Only one witness seems to have seen anything noteworthy: //PM sent.

[Lady Frost]

A ship named the 'Hoard of the Grist' bearing the colors of blue and yellow arrives at the north docks of Valkur's Roar. A handful of armed Ravenwatch dressed in armor with the Gargoyle's armorial, bearing stern expressions and unfriendly demeanors, exit the ship and make their way toward Gallery of Scarred Wisdom temple. A single ununiformed man exits and makes his way towards Tipsy Imp.

[Sioladuil]

Mara slips in to the Gallery quietly. She looks about and quietly moves through the crowd until she can speak to the ranking official.

I am over from The Imp, representing it's interests. She says somewhat hopefully. How is the Truescar? Does she live? 

Has anybody tried to raise her, do we know what caused or who caused it? 

Have we any idea what is going on? 

May I see the body, or at least, can myself and Elith see the body? We know a little about a little when it comes to... these matters....

She stands patiently, listening to the reply.

[Runa Rothgar]

Leah hears of the news and wanders into the Gallery with a more serious expression

"I'd like to see my priestess, please.. "   She nods respectfully to those guarding the way to Zodika's body. 

The Ambassador flashes her insignia to those of Ravenwatch, assuring them she has a reason to see Zodika.

[Lady Frost]

Oct 8, 2019 17:07:11 GMT -5 Sioladuil said:

Mara slips in to the Gallery quietly. She looks about and quietly moves through the crowd until she can speak to the ranking official.

I am over from The Imp, representing it's interests. She says somewhat hopefully. How is the Truescar? Does she live? 

Has anybody tried to raise her, do we know what caused or who caused it? 

Have we any idea what is going on? 

May I see the body, or at least, can myself and Elith see the body? We know a little about a little when it comes to... these matters....

She stands patiently, listening to the reply.

Those tending to Zodika's body would not seem to have the appreciation for Mara's position that someone from the Gargoyle might. Even the Ravenwatch from the Gargoyle seem to be having difficulty gaining access to the body and getting control from the clergy.

The clergy would offer Mara:

Zodika's condition is not a public matter and those who are not required to know anything will not receive any information regarding it. Mara is asked to leave the temple if she does not have any information to provide regarding what happened.


Should Mara turn her attention to a member of the Ravenwatch:

The Ravenwatch faces a similar hurdle, the Clergy are being very stubborn as they feel the matter is a religious one and not a political one, and it should be dealt with internally. The Ravenwatch's only fortune is that Copperwing, Lieutenant Yvonne Stormcrest, who is overseeing the Ravenwatch's dispatch to the Gallery, is a Cleric of Loviatar and is a member of the temple. She's been able to wiggle out a little information.

//PM Sent

[Lady Frost]

Oct 8, 2019 17:43:20 GMT -5 Runa Rothgar said:

Leah hears of the news and wanders into the Gallery with a more serious expression

"I'd like to see my priestess, please.. "   She nods respectfully to those guarding the way to Zodika's body. 

The Ambassador flashes her insignia to those of Ravenwatch, assuring them she has a reason to see Zodika.

Leah would face a similar difficulty as Mara even despite her believing she has a reason to see the body.

The clergy would offer Leah:

The temple clergy would acknowledge Leah, but would tell her that there is no benefit to her seeing the body. If she wishes to be useful, she should go collect information for the temple regarding what people saw or who may know something.


The Ravenwatch would offer Leah:

The Ravenwatch guards would seem amicable and would direct her to speak to Copperwing, Lieutenant Stormcrest.

//PM Sent

[madness comes]

Lilibet upon hearing people talking would head to the temple.

Once inside she would inquire with the head priestess about what happened and what's being done with Zodika.

[Lady Frost]

Oct 8, 2019 22:21:51 GMT -5 madness comes said:

Lilibet upon hearing people talking would head to the temple.

Once inside she would inquire with the head priestess about what happened and what's being done with Zodika.

Lilibet would receive the warmest of the clergy's cold welcomes.

The clergy would offer Lilibet:

The temple clergy would greet Lilibet. Without a good reason to see the body they would refuse her access. The Branded would speak to Lilibet when she was free.

//PM Sent

[tirelesstracker]

Upon hearing the news, the High Inquisitor purses her lips. She makes her way to the docks. She begins asking questions of the workers and local residents for information. A few coins here, and couple of intimidating statements there, Whisper gathers what information she can.

After a few hours of gathering information, she makes her way to the temple. Instead of going towards the clergy, she instead moves towards the Ravenwatch. She introduces herself formally.

" Greetings. I am High Inquisitor Whisper of the Order of One Thousand Nightmares. You have likely heard of us. I would like to speak on these events."

[Sioladuil]

Mara enters the Temple again. She wades through the crowds and stops before the ranked official. She offers a nod.

She hands over a piece of paper which has the image of a blade surrounded by five stars.

Have you found any symbol like this one on the Body or weaponry? Any sign of Drow activity? Recent events have come to light which are starting to paint a very peculiar situation. 

[lucesi]

Vennis returns to the temple, addressing the clergy.

"As this is an official murder investigation, I must insist as an Inquisitor of the City of Valkur's Roar that you grant me access to the body of Zodika. I would also like to discuss a few matters with you concerning the attack."

[madness comes]

*Lilibet returns to the temple and moves through the crowds.. Pulls the branded aside shows her a sealed letter. Hushed tones as she explains a little*

[Lady Frost]

Oct 9, 2019 16:44:00 GMT -5 Sioladuil said:

Mara enters the Temple again. She wades through the crowds and stops before the ranked official. She offers a nod.

She hands over a piece of paper which has the image of a blade surrounded by five stars.

Have you found any symbol like this one on the Body or weaponry? Any sign of Drow activity? Recent events have come to light which are starting to paint a very peculiar situation. 

Neither the Clergy nor Gargoyle Guards seem to recognize the symbol.

[Lady Frost]

Oct 9, 2019 18:25:27 GMT -5 madness comes said:

*Lilibet returns to the temple and moves through the crowds.. Pulls the branded aside shows her a sealed letter. Hushed tones as she explains a little*

After The Branded Raiiel Darkscar talks down at Lilibet for a few minutes, Lilibet would be given access to the Infirmary. Lilibet disappears inside for a short while before exiting and leaving the temple.

[Lady Frost]

Oct 9, 2019 14:11:21 GMT -5 tirelesstracker said:

Upon hearing the news, the High Inquisitor purses her lips. She makes her way to the docks. She begins asking questions of the workers and local residents for information. A few coins here, and couple of intimidating statements there, Whisper gathers what information she can.

After a few hours of gathering information, she makes her way to the temple. Instead of going towards the clergy, she instead moves towards the Ravenwatch. She introduces herself formally.

" Greetings. I am High Inquisitor Whisper of the Order of One Thousand Nightmares. You have likely heard of us. I would like to speak on these events."

The Ravenwatch speaks quietly to Whisper and the meeting is quite short. The Ravenwatch thanks her for her visit and Whisper leaves.

[Lady Frost]

Oct 9, 2019 17:19:04 GMT -5 lucesi said:

Vennis returns to the temple, addressing the clergy.

"As this is an official murder investigation, I must insist as an Inquisitor of the City of Valkur's Roar that you grant me access to the body of Zodika. I would also like to discuss a few matters with you concerning the attack."

Vennis enters the temple. After some time he convinces the Branded to allow him access into the infirmary. He spends a good while inside, before leaving the infirmary and then the temple.

[madness comes]

*Lilibet would be seen speaking to several people in quite tones. Her presence in the gallery every morning and evening. Always respectfully seeing the branded. Always looking to the infirmary*

[Dobian]

Salina would meet with Lilibet and her companion at the Imp and get the latest news on the situation. She dismisses the suggestion of Lilibet being a suspect with a laugh but takes the threat to Lilibet's life much more seriously. She arranges for a meeting with Lilibet and members of Salina's organization and sends word to another powerful ally.

[Lady Frost]

In the evening, Thraden makes his way into the Gallery. Thaden spends the rest of the night and into the next morning inside. When he eventually leaves, he does so without speaking and does not seem too pleased.

//Thraden's player can detail more the manner in which he leaves if he wishes - I just wanted to get this post out so I can continue the next pieces.

[Lady Frost]

As Thraden leaves, a commotion of activity begins bustling through the temple behind him. This activity continues for many hours throughout the morning. Just before highsun, the Ravenwatch begins to form outside. A long wooden crate, 8 feet, by 3 feet, by 3 feet is carried by them as they move from the Gallery to the docks. They all board the ferry and make way for the Isle of Ashen Winds.

[madness comes]

Lilibet is seen coming tothe gallery. Her expression somber. She would spend a long while kneeled in prayer before coming to speak to the branded again*

[Sioladuil]

The door of the Gallery opens and a black cat walks in. It is a delicate looking Feline, it is obviously healthy, it's jet black coat has a healthy sheen to it. The only thing that strikes this feline as odd is that one of it's eyes glows ruby red. The cat seems to observe those in the Gallery a moment and then sits down. A small, frail looking  figure in black robes and a large black hooded cloak enters the Gallery with a soft sigh. His face is magically shrouded in shadow. The embers of a jet black cigar glow as the figure draws upon it. He inhales, looks around for a few moments, and then exhales a sweet smelling smoke. The cat climbs up the figures robes and vanishes from sight. The hood turns to regard each individual, whoever they may be, who is present and he lets out a soft sigh. He seems to treat most people with general disregard and makes his way through the the entrance chamber and, as he steps over the Whip symbol on the floor, he gives a slight wince but carries on as if used to it. He stops before the bust of Edward Lorkus and the hood lowers slightly. He reaches out a hand, on the middle of finger of which is a large ring emblazoned with a skull, and he rests it against the bust.

Hello my old friend, it has been far to long, you would not believe what is happening. 

The figure then straightens and turns to examine the individuals milling about. He then looks to the one who looks to be the most authoritative and he offers a nod before speaking in a soft voice, which is surprisingly loud. 

My name is Elvewyn Cenocelin, Sage and Master of Planar Lore. Some of you may know me, others will not. It matters little. I am not here to fight through intrigue and red tape. Just let it be known that I wish to help Zodika and what has happened to her. Word can be left for me at Alizarin.

[Lady Frost]

By this time, the bustle of the temple has calmed down and people are tending to their day-to-day duties.


As the cat enters, nearly everyone who sees it pauses and stares. Their curiosity is shown through scowls of uncertainty and distrust. After a moment, a few make moves to shoo the cat but quickly stop and back up at the appearance of the black-clad figure. Due to the recent events, he has the attention of most of the people who can see him. They watch him closely as he moves through the temple. Many brows are raised when he speaks to Edward's bust and a figure moves off into the infirmary. Less than a few breaths pass before Branded Raiiel enters the hall and begins approaching the figure calmly and slowly; her expression is one of curiosity but confidence.

"Elveywn" She greats him. "I am Branded Raiiel Darkscar. You knew Supremar Edward? You must be an interesting fellow to have survived such a relationship - if the tales of him are true."

"We thank you for your offer of service, and should we find ourselves in need of such expertise, we'll send word to the Academy."

[Sioladuil]

The heavy hood turns to observe Raiiel Darkscar and he lowers his head slightly as she approaches. After she has finished speaking, he draws on the cigar, the embers glow but fail to penetrate the magical darkness. He inhales and then audibly exhales a cloud of sweet smoke. He chuckles softly.

Did I know him? Yes, I did. Through suffering we found friendship. Through scars we bonded and while rolling through shared agonising experience we found mutual loyalty. He was many things. He was a truly vile man, a sadist and some might say psychotic. But amongst all of that... he was loyal... he cared... and he guarded his companions fiercely. Those stories are never told, however, you only hear the horror. The torment. 

It is worth remembering also that in the majority of incidents, he was provoked. Yes, he acted out of anger, but he was pushed to the point of attack. 

Thank you. Let us hope that Zodika is on her feet soon. Who knows what madness has been released now the Leash Holder is out of commission. 

[tirelesstracker]

Whisper makes her way to the Gallery, dressed out of armor and in a rather formal gown. She asks around, to be directed to one Branded Raiiel Darkscar.