|
Post by DarkNova50 on Apr 14, 2010 3:17:35 GMT
OOC: Oi, soldiers with pikes indoors... That's what I get for posting while I'm tired.
Also, I'm not sure why everybody seems to be thinking this, but Ocato's aide, Claire, isn't a Bosmer. She's a Breton. Just thought I'd point that out.
IC: Seraphin shot a quick glare to the remaining adventurers, those who had yet to join their fellows and make their way towards the Council Chamber, despite the Chancellor's request that they do so. "Come along, then," the Commander barked authoritatively. "Let's not keep the Chancellor waiting." With that, both he and Claire made their way out of the waiting area, making their way towards Ocato's position.
Selene looked on after the Commander's departure, before turning her attention to Almar again. "Well, guess that's our cue, huh?" she asked, gesturing towards the exit with a nod of the head. "C'mon then, let's go! Can't let them get this party started without the two of us, right?"
_____________________________________
Ocato smiled warmly, his elegant, golden features surprisingly casual and approachable as he took notice of the gestures of respect offered by most of the group arrayed before him. As a matter of courtesy, he made a polite bow of the head, silently acknowledging them, before turning his attention towards the Nord kneeled before him.
"And your Empire thanks you for your dedication and allegiance," he offered gratefully to the Legionnaire. "Please, you may rise." With that addressed, the Chancellor turned his attention towards Nina Othelu...and his expression grew far harsher indeed.
"As for you, Miss Othelu, I would suggest you mind your place," he replied with a cold tone, though there was nothing in his voice to suggest a loss of control. "Those assembled here today have done so in service of their Empire, and are more than deserving of your respect. At the very least, you will keep your judgements to yourself. Furthermore, I am a member of the Elder Council, and you will address me as such." The Altmer's eyes narrowed. "I trust I make myself clear."
Turning his attention back to the group before him, the Chancellor's benign nature seemed to assert itself once more. Force Commander Callius and his assistant, Claire, stepped in soon afterward. "Ah, Commander. Is the rest of the group with you?"
"They should be along shortly, Chancellor," Commander Callius replied with a quick, respectful bow. As he looked back up, however, his eyes seemed to lock onto the pale, lithe form of a Breton woman he hadn't seemed to have noticed before now. "What in the-"
"It is alright, Commander," Ocato said simply, gesturing for the Legionnaire to leave the woman be. That he had failed to notice the young Ephemera until this point merely suggested she was as stealthy as he'd assumed her to be.
"I see that the majority of your number is already assembled here, and the others should be along shortly. I don't see any reason to delay any longer." The Chancellor regarded the entire group with a pair of suddenly sombre blue eyes. "The Elder Council has received some very disturbing reports as of late, regarding the Princes of Oblivion. Sufficed to say, we have had many of our most accomplished scholars and mages investigating, and all signs seem to confirm Miss Othelu's earlier accusation."
Ocato looked grimly at the group. "By methods currently unknown to us, both Mehrunes Dagon and Molag Bal, two Daedric Princes, have been destroyed. Permanently."
|
|
|
Post by Vicorva on Apr 14, 2010 9:17:37 GMT
OOC: I think it's Ephemera. Everyone but you and me thinks she's a bosmer, Nova. I'm gonna have fun with this. IC: Absently, she whispered to the air, "If the means of the destruction are unknown to you, how can you be certain that their destruction is permanent?" Her mirror-like eyes shifted to the woman Othelu, who had that ugly look of someone who wanted nothing more than to kill all those around them. She had seen it on her master's face many a time. I wonder... she thought, eyelashes lowering in thought as she surveyed the woman. How much can the Empire really trust a clearly treasonous assassin who seems to know more about this than she ought?Seeing conspiracies everywhere now, are we? a voice in the gloom. Ephemera relaxed, though her lips tightened, and she did not reply. She stared at Othelu for another brief moment before looking back to the Supreme Chancellor. "Supreme Chancellor," said Ephemera, turning back to Ocato. Her voice was oddly thin in its quality, almost a whisper, although much more cutting than a whisper true- another trick learned by one who never drew attention to herself, but might need to speak to others in the gloom. She dipped a light curtsy respectfully. "Forgive me, but... is it not a good thing that Prince Dagon and Prince Bal are dead and gone? As I understand it, they and their followers pose considerable threat to Mundus." She paused, then added, "Unless this is a matter of... balance?"
|
|
|
Post by shadow666 on Apr 14, 2010 10:01:26 GMT
Nina glared at the Chancellor as he spoke down to her telling her that the others should have her respect. She was the blade of a Daedic prince, why should she give anyone respect?
"The only reason i am here is because you need someone on the other side of all this. One who speaks their words, one who listens to their whispers and speaks them to the world. Otherwise i would have been hanged this morning. I have your thanks in that regard old man, but remember that i have no respect for any of those around me. Death has always followed me, and i would have accepted its cold embrace. However the Webspinner is threatened by the demise of her brothers and you know as much as i do that this is a detriment to the world, and not a blessing as this woman so puts it. Even though they are seemed as evil and bad to the world around us if they were alive, without their control over their minions and their realm, anything could happen." Nina spoke, spite poisoning her words.
"What do you think would happen if all were destroyed hmm? without anyone to control the evil of the realms.. i assume it would be very bad." she looked around seeing the looks the guards were giving them but shrugged at them.
"Their destruction is permanent, their strands are no longer visible on her web" Nina continued as she glanced around at the others watching for the slightest hint of a threat. "And the fact that no one or thing has ever destroyed a prince before is a major concern. Perhaps there is something much bigger in the works here. Are the so called Nine divines the ones who are contradicting their roles and are beginning to attack their brothers and sisters, or is there something else at work..
"I suppose this is why you have brought together these people? from what i see you only have a few who know anything about the daedra in detail, which is what you need in trying to piece together all of this, but the rest? if there is something out there that can kill a prince, what will a ragtag group of knights, guardsmen and others going to do against such a thing. You need the help of those beyond our control to do this."
With that all said she waited, seeing what that mouthful would do to either provoke or otherwise see what reaction would occur from it.
|
|
|
Post by Vicorva on Apr 14, 2010 10:35:13 GMT
This woman did not much ender herself to Ephemera. Firstly, she had misunderstood Ephemera's words, and secondly, she assumed she was the only one in the room who had ever felt the raking claw of a Prince. Thirdly, she knew nothing of balance, of how Aedra and the Daedra were destined to live in constant opposition. One without the other would undermine the very world bones.
But then, she couldn't expect such subtleties from one who killed for a living... nor from any of the others. She held quiet, however, and let all this pass unchalleneged. The Count had sent her to serve Ocato; that she would do. But while these arranged men and women were not her masters, neither were they below her station.
She was just a lowly maidservant. She lowered her eyes and bowed her head.
|
|
|
Post by Elgen on Apr 14, 2010 13:29:00 GMT
Aron raised from his kneeling position and took place by the others. Ocato started bickering with the woman called Nina, which made it clear they knew each other. Atleast of each other. None of his business, he was not here to guard the Councillor from harsh words. And her words about knights and guardsmen passed him right by. He was not there to make this thing right or to fight the nine divines. He was there to make sure no physical ill came to harm those who could do whatever was necessary. After all, he knew nothing more than the average peasant about daedric princes. Any way, they would probably have to speak to a few daedric worshippers on their way. Nasty people, but probably those who knew this thing the best.
|
|
|
Post by FC4 on Apr 14, 2010 14:12:47 GMT
"The Aedra would never turn against the Daedra with intent to end their existence, Hand of Mephala." Malinus remarked calmly and authoritatively back at her rant, as if his very proclamation ordered the Gods to never attempt such. But her words had revealed much to the Old Battlemage; who else would gain such knowledge from her prince, wear such a public tattoo, and lead such a life? Malinus had heard of the Hand of Mephala in his past research, in his youth. From the looks of this woman, the way she acted, he wouldn't have survived his youth if he had pursued the subject further.
"Creation cannot exist without destruction. The Destruction of the old enables the birth of the new. Mehrunes Dagon was not entirely evil; destruction is his main attribute, but it takes many forms. Revolution, like human revolt against Ayleids, is a destruction of a more beneficial kind. As for Molag Bal..." Malinus stopped for a moment, thinking.
"There cannot be a sense of freedom without a sense of impending enslavement." He concluded, turning now to Ocato. "If you would indulge me, High Chancellor... How has the Mage's Guild investigated the matter, and can we gain details about their conclusions?"
What could destroy a Prince of Oblivion? Details, details, I need details. Books, tomes, knowledge... knowledge will be as good as any sword in this quest.
|
|
|
Post by Simmo33 on Apr 14, 2010 19:57:33 GMT
OOC: Thanks for pushing ahead of me in the line, everyone! I was waiting for Elgen's char. to get up, but never mind!
Raydus' turn to meet the Chancellor had come, but Ocato had become involved in an argument with a woman he seemed to already know. She seemed pretty angry, Raydus made a mental note to steer clear of her. Other members of the group had started to join in and the guards seemed to be getting tense, ready to strike should a fight break out. Raydus saw Aron stood at the side, watching. Clear that Raydus wasn't going to get to speak to the Chancellor, he walked over to speak to Aron instead.
He could feel the guards watching him as he moved, so he decided to cough loudly and stamp his foot suddenly while walking. One of the guards jumped out of shock. Raydus shrugged and carried on walking. The guards looked back at the Chancellor and those arguing, both them and Raydus thought a fight could break out any minute, just because that woman couldn't keep her mouth shut.
Careful to make sure he wasn't heard, not that his quiet, drone of a voice was particularly loud anyway, he leaned over to Aron saying ".......................what a bitch."
|
|
|
Post by Elgen on Apr 14, 2010 21:16:29 GMT
Aron donned a slight smile as he nodded to the redguard. The woman probably wouldn't start a fight, not here, but later on things could get nasty. Some people said up just because someone else said down. Mostly women. They could be horribly picky in their ways, and at best had issues working with someone they didn't like. He glanced at the guards with his one eye.
"Hope she didn't hear you. She'll probably fry you with her stare" Aron whispered, chuckling slightly. "I don't know why we're here anyway. I don't suppose you know much about daedric princes or the fabric of Mundus either. Getting briefed is all well, but I'm not much for a philosophical discussion about daedric princes."
|
|
|
Post by shadow666 on Apr 15, 2010 1:49:46 GMT
Nina realised through her ranting that her point was not properly made, and from the words the old battlemage spoke, it would appear more-so. His comment about the mages guild's opinion made her cough, almost as if mocking the man about the guild.
What could the damn Mages guild know that i have not already spoken of? It seems they wouldn't trust me with a grain of salt with my information, but still it would seem to be more than what has been given so far.. She thought to herself, as she fiddled with the vial placed in the small pocket inside the front of her leather armour.
The fact that the Chancellor had not replied to their conversation meant one of a few things. That he was listening with intent, or that he was waiting for the right moment for him to give the order to apprehend Nina for her obvious disobedience to his blantant order.
|
|
|
Post by webster52402 on Apr 15, 2010 2:05:29 GMT
OOC: Actually, pikes and spears were quite common indoor weapons. They were made for such battles, actually: Try swinging a sword around inside, and you'll see it's much harder to maneuver. With a pike or spear, a thrusting weapon, you're able to get more soldiers in a tighter space, without losing the advantage... In fact, such spiral staircases in a castle were MADE for defenders with pikes to turn and brandish spears down. The curve of the walls lowers the space for a sword, but again, doesn't hamper a spear... Ah, the little facts you pick up when you relish medieval history as I do.
IC: Wisely, Wilfric remained silent during the onslaught of verbiage that the assassin girl lashed out with, though his lips drew tight together. The woman obviously didn't know her place: She relished her status too much, and thought that it made her immune to the order of the world. He was seized with a desire to cross the floor and strike her himself to try and put her back into line, but as it was, he was not willing to start a brawl in the middle of the Council chambers. It would not reflect well upon him.
"If I may so interject..." The nobleman insinuated at last, raising a hand. "Even if the targets are Daedric, it still suggests that the power to kill something normally thought to be immortal exists. What would happen, if say, this power were turned against the Divines? What if the patron of the Empire, Akatosh, were slain by this force? We barely survived one horde of Daedra coming forth, before Akatosh replaced the barrier... What would happen if the Daedra, now leaderless, suddenly found the door open again, with no hope of Akatosh appearing? It would be disastrous, for the entire world."
Genuine concern laced through Wilfric's voice, something not normally present. Though Wilfric was self-serving, and believed that he was owed a much higher station than he currently had, he did not want that position potentially usurped by someone with great power but little self-control. Such a situation would cause worldwide disaster, which was certainly not what Wilfric wanted. The world required order, and required it to be uniform... Such a disruption could not pass unpunished, or at the very least, without being enfolded into said order to strengthen it.
"That being said, I doubt the Mage's Guild will have much information for us... I doubt the ability to kill a Daedric Prince was the foremost among their investigations..." Turning his gaze to the silent Chancellor, he drew his cloak around him, to set a hand habitually on the hilt of his dagger. "So, I take it the Chancellor has some hint to start us in some direction...?"
|
|
|
Post by sibera on Apr 15, 2010 3:33:09 GMT
Ji'Zahd had found it rather entertaining that people had already begun to speculate and voice out their opinions, rather than wait for the Chancellor to speak up. Decideing it best not to voice his opinion, particularly with the follower of the web spinner so..unfortunately close to him. Quietly he listened, looking about the group and taking note of those whom he could see. He took note of a rather...pale.. woman who looked more vampire than human. A rather brutish looking khajiit that seemed to have issues with speech judging by his voice as well as many others.
Quietly he fiddled with the amulet he wore around his neck, humming a soft Khajiit tune that could be barely heard.
|
|
|
Post by DarkNova50 on Apr 15, 2010 4:53:42 GMT
OOC: Because I don't want either Vrek's character or mine to be left out of the loop, I am ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL.
IC: "C'mon, Almar!" Selene cried out, grabbing the Bosmer man by the arm and dragging him reluctantly along behind her towards the Council chambers. A few of the guards stationed in the corridors exchanged brief, uncertain glances, as the excessively cheery Paladin barged her way past, leading the two of them into the chamber, at the rear of the group but still clearly visible to the Chancellor.
"I hope we didn't miss too much..." Selene murmured to herself.
_____________________________
Ocato's keen blue eyes darted quickly between those assembled before him, as he silently attempted to keep track of all those who spoke. Eventually, he raised his hands up before him in an almost defensive gesture.
"Everyone, please," he said calmly, but with an air of assurance. "I will attempt to address all of your concerns as best I can. As of this moment, the great majority of our information has been provided by high ranking members of the Arcane University. Originally, all we had to go on was the disjointed rabble of a number of Daedric cultists." Ocato turned to Nina. "No offense to present company intended, of course. Needless to say, our magisters were reluctant to believe what they had to say at first. However, after several failed attempts to summon forth lesser Daedra from the realms in question, there was some...concern. Eventually, a small group of highly skilled battlemages attempted to discern the state of Dagon's sphere, using a ritual involving a surviving Sigil Stone from the Crisis."
Ocato shook his head sadly. "When the aftermath was discovered, there was very little of the stone or the mages left intact. I'm told that the only way that such a catastrophic backfiring of the ritual could have occurred is through a complete collapse of Dagon's realm itself."
"As for the loss of Dagon and Bal themselves...sufficed to say, I won't be shedding any tears over their loss. However, Mister Salazar is correct. Regardless of whoever, or whatever, is behind these attacks, a rogue element capable of destroying either the Daedra or the Aedra must be considered a threat. This is where your group comes in."
Ocato shook his head slightly. "I can hardly expect any of you to contend with something capable of defeating a Daedric Prince. That's not why you were summoned here. There are reports of Daedra, gathering in small pockets throughout Tamriel, that we believe are connected to these events. One such pocket has been sighted near Cheydinhal."
"At present, the Legion is spread extremely thin, protecting as many cities as it can. Therefore, I would like your group to go to Cheydinhal, and investigate this Daedric refuge for any evidence that might lead us to the identity of this unknown entity."
Ocato regarded them all with an earnest expression. "I will, of course, entertain any questions you might have for me."
|
|
Aulakauss
Waker
WARNING: Active Toaster Area
Posts: 194
|
Post by Aulakauss on Apr 15, 2010 7:34:29 GMT
Two armored men watched a pair of Khajiiti women as they approached their station, both of them as white as snow. One was dressed in flowing green robes, her hair bound in dreadlocks. She walked with a sturdy looking staff and a slight limp, numerous rings on her bony hands glinting in the sunlight. Beside her walked a shorter one, dressed mostly in red, her hair colored similarly. Unlike the other, she lacked the feline facial features that usually indicated those of her race, and one of the guards made an odd face at seeing her. This one was speaking animatedly to the other, her gloved hands coming up in gestures of indignation as she traded words with the other. As they came nearer, the two could make out what they were saying to one another and it became quickly evident that the older one was not happy with the one clad in red.
"You knew quite well we had something important to do today, did you not, Karstine?" the older one asked testily, giving a harsh look to the one beside her. The red one's hands fell to her sides and she groaned.
"Yes, mother," Karst droned, rolling her eyes. A frail looking hand shot out and whacked her upside the back of her crimson mane. Karst yelped, "Hey! What the hell, mom?"
"Don't you dare get an attitude with me, young lady! You were still asleep, hung over no less, a mere half hour before we needed to physically be there!" the elder one continued to scold her daughter, "You're welcome to do whatever you please with your life, Karstine, but your vices should not interfere with your appointments. I'm disappointed in you, to say the least."
Karst put one hand to her face, pinching the bridge of her nose between her fingers and looking towards the ground, "Look, we're here now, alright? Can you please stop screeching like an enraged banshee and just.. I don't know.. chill?" she pleaded softly, "I've got a bleeding headache already."
"Serves you right," the other laughed as they made their way up the steps to the guardsmen, "Have a good time on your own time from now on and I'll 'chill', I assure you."
"Can I help you two?" one of two asked politely, as he'd been instructed. The older one nodded in kind.
"Yes. I'm here to see Ocato," the Khajiit explained, her voice gentle and smooth now that she wasn't reprimanding her kin, "Tamara Zeterra, if the name matters at all. My apologies for my lateness; my grotesquely irresponsible daughter here was out drinking last night and refused to be up when she was supposed to."
One of the men smiled a bit. "Ah, of course. Well, the meeting is already under way. Come with me and I'll take you to meet the others."
|
|
|
Post by Vicorva on Apr 15, 2010 10:48:24 GMT
OOC: OMIGOSH! HE'S ASSUMING CONTROL IN HIS OWN RP!!!!! ('We're all going to die' is, of course, a given). IC: "I will, of course, entertain any questions you have for me." Hmm... an interesting idea. Ephemera's eyelashes lowered thoughtfully even as she stood with head bowed. But there didn't really seem much else to say. In the way of quest-givers world-wide, they had been given the barest amount of useful information as was possible to go on, and were pitted against terrible odds. Not that terrible odds are really all that terrible, Ephemera mused. There is, afterall, always the option to run and hide.So. To Cheydinhal to invesitgate the daedric refuge. Investigation- that was something she was ever so familiar with. She was getting rather claustrophobic anyway- despite her love of shadows, she disliked places where she could not see the sky. Her lips twisted bitterly; not that that was, in any way, her fault. Feeling as though her feathers were ruffled, Ephemera curtsied again, and murmured to Ocato, "That is quite enough to be getting on with. I will attempt to deal with it presently." Briefly, she looked up and met his eyes with her mirror-like own, a strangely harrowing experience for many, though she had never been able to discern why it was. Then she turned and strode deliberately out of the room, every inch the demure, if somewhat unnerving, servant, ready to get on with the task at hand. OOC: Web, I really love how you write Wilfric. All of the imagery you use surrounding him, down to the choice of verbs, makes him seem oily and snake-like (not that snakes are oily... maybe I mean more slithery?) Anyway, it's really fun to read.
|
|
|
Post by FC4 on Apr 15, 2010 15:18:14 GMT
OOC: I concede defeat in that respect then, Webster. Once more, you are more knowledgeable.... *grumbles*
IC: Malinus turned sharply towards the sleek, oily nobleman when he spoke, his words striking like ice through his aged flesh and chilling his bones. I am getting old... I had not even thought of such! But he is correct. The thought of Akatosh being slain sent a chill down the elderly man's spine, as he thought of his grandchildren and children, in a world where Daedra poured out freely.
And suddenly, Malinus understood why Ocato had chosen the strange grouping of people he had chosen. Warriors, wizards, Daedric worshipers and diplomatic nobles. Once more, Ocato showed wonderful deductive reasoning. They would all be needed to investigate the matter, as these Daedric refuges were doubtlessly angered, fearful, and therefore dangerous. As if they weren't dangerous at any other time.
"To the refuge in Cheydinhal it is, then." Malinus remarked as the pale woman exited; he'd only noticed her because she was so willing to get on with everything and left so quickly. "Do we have horses to travel with, or shall we go by foot?"
|
|