Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Gallery of Ser Aedh II: The Courtyard

As the gate closes behind you, you turn to face the Gallery.  It is a ruined chateau, long fallen into disrepair.  In spite of its dilapidation, the Gallery was obviously a work of art itself.  Bronze spires have long since oxidized, leaving an eery green trim bordering the main entrance and windows as well.

In its spires, you can see lights in the windows, as if moving from room to room.



 The black forest does not intrude upon the grounds. The wrought iron fence, though choked with vegetation, seems to signify a border, and encloses the perimeter of the Gallery property.  Nothing from the forest looks capable of crossing the fence.

The Main Entrance
 The main entrance has been painstakingly crafted, many figures and faces carved into the frame around the heavy oak doors.  The dark finish upon the wood makes it seem a black abyss from where you stand., broken only by the faded bronze trappings upon the door.

To your left, you see a small graveyard, which, much like the castle, has fallen into disrepair, though two figures are moving between the graves, and seem to be digging.
The Graveyard

Figures in the Graveyard

To the right, you see a small stone structure, a gazebo or mausoleum.  Vines creep up its sides, the roof threatening to collapse under their weight.  It continues to hold, however.  You hear a faint creaking sound coming from this direction.
The Mausoleum
The crow's song continues to play into the night, a grim reminder of your comrade so recently lost..

23 comments:

  1. As the gates close behind us, I watch my companion as he is engulfed in shadows. I turned to face the gallery, a little upset that I missed my shot; although, I have a slight smirk on my face, for it seems Ricben had let his weak mind become frozen with fear. "Trimming the loose ends," I think to myself.

    I direct my gaze towards the characters in the graveyard. The estate has been abandoned for quite some time now, so it is strange for anyone to be here.

    I proceed towards the figures, with great caution, bow drawn. I move to a comfortable speaking range, and ask "What are you doing here?"

    [Tech]

    I enter the courtyard of the gallery and proceed to talk to the figures in the graveyard

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    1. [Lagormeth]

      The figures look up from what they are doing, shovels in hands. They are dressed in the robes of those who treat the dead.

      (See above.)

      They look at each other, and then to you, not saying a word. Silently, the figures turn to the pile behind them, and set the unearthed corpses alight.

      'We are the custodians of the dead,' one replies.

      Delete
    2. 'Who are you to trespass on the property of Ser Aedh?'

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  2. A little shaken by the sight, and smell, of these "custodians" lighting the mound of corpses on fire, I proceed to reply, "We are here to slay those who have taken our loved ones; The spawn of the All-Father. Now, let me ask you something," I tell the grave keeper. "Where did all of these bodies come from?"

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    1. [Lagormeth]

      'Quite an excuse,' the masked men reply. 'We have heard nothing of these spawn on the premises. Ser Aedh would certainly have seen to them, were that the case.'

      One pokes at the burning bodies. 'These have died recently of plague. Burning the cadavers prevents the bodies from releasing foul air, young killer.'

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  3. [Jenisys]

    A sense of distrust for this assassin begins to grow inside Jenisys as she notices him smile at the sight of our fallen companion. She watches as he boldly disrupts the figures in the graveyard. "That seems unwise" she thinks to herself. "The only way to succeed will be to work as a team. Amberdin, it is because of your bravery we have proceeded I will accompany you where you see fit to go" she says to her friend. Jenisys feels herself returning to normal. Her doubt has drifted her instinct to protect swelling within.

    [Tech]

    Jenisys discusses what move to make with Amberdin.

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  4. [Amberdin]
    Amberdin kneels and closes his eyes, whispering a prayer for the soul of Ricben. Knowing that there was nothing which could be done now, he promised to himself that he would not forget the nature of Ricben’s quest—righteous vengeance brought to the All-Father. Realizing that Lagormeth is missing upon standing, he frantically scans the area to put to rest his growing fear that another of his companions has fallen. Spotting the shrouded figure in the distance talking to two unknowns in the graveyard, Amberdin quietly curses. He had been hoping to avoid notice from those within the castle and it seems that his plan was already unfurling. Jenisys speaks, bringing Amberdin away from the concern roiling in his mind. “Perhaps there is a back entrance into the castle through the mausoleum; I fear no undead being. Let us move swiftly before we draw too much attention.” As he speaks he moves toward the vine entombed tomb, and calls in a hushed tone “Lagormeth, do not linger!” No stranger to death, Amberdin checks the outside of the mausoleum to see what information he can glean before he enters.

    [Tech]
    Keeping his head low, Amberdin calls out to Lagormeth. He motions to Jenisys and then moves to the outside of the mausoleum, carefully scrutinizing the exterior for text or a family history. He also attempts to identify to the sound coming from within the building.

    [OOC]
    Let’s discuss our actions before jumping into things in the future. We can always text each other to discuss the immediate details if you are about to post something that may effect the rest of the party.

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  6. [Lagormeth]

    Peering at the pile of bodies one last time, I hear the muffled sound of my named being called by my comrade, Amberdin. With a swift action, I fling my hood up over my head, I emerge to my more covert form. In the blink of an eye, I vanish from my current encounter and make my way back to the party. I move to the side of my accompaniments and remove my cowl from atop my head. "About time, my friends." I say to the party with a silent tone. "It's a shame about our friend," I say, "Perhaps if he put up a fight, he would still be here with us. I did what I could. We will avenge him. The vengeful will not fail."

    [Tech]

    I pull my hood over my head and move back to the party.

    Cloak of Elvenkind- 95% invisibily in open fields, 90% invisibility in non-natural settings

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  7. [All]

    Amberdin approaches the door with trepidation as Jenisys draws close, to peer curiously at small mausoleum. As you approach, the creaking becomes markedly more distinct. Indeed as you draw close you notice the door is slightly ajar, swaying gently in the evening breeze.

    The mausoleum, though choked with vines, is quite ornate where the foliage breaks, with marble carvings of valiant figures and horrible gods peaking through. The frame of the door is similarly ornamented, though its features have become obscured with age and wear.

    On the front of the weathered door is a gilded inscription.

    'We sail in the waters of Lethe; we shall be remembered when our bodies are lost.'

    A shadow glides across the grass, the ground rustling as blades are bent with Lagortmeth's approach. It would seem her elven cloak cannot conceal her shadow, the very reflection of her soul. It it stark against the green, the Full Blood Moon above giving the premises a luster of mid-day.

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  8. [Jenisys]

    Jenisys cannot help but smile as her companion approaches like no one can see her but her position is clearly visible. "Friend, it would appear you are not as stealthy as you think." Turning to Amberdin she speaks in a hushed voice. "I believe we should proceed with caution any person lurking around is clearly aware of our arrival. We must be prepared for whoever or whatever we may encounter." She carefully prepares herself mentally and physically. Her heavy sword in hand. "The writing is simply of those passing on. However, you Amberdin are certainly firmiliar with Hell. If there are no objections I would have the honor of leading us in" she says boldly as she gathers her confidence.

    [Tech]

    Jenisys talks to both Lagormeth and Amberdin. She readies her sword and offers to lead the way.

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  9. [OCC]

    To clarify by person lurking around, I simply mean anyone who may be on the premises. Also firmiliar is familiar. My bad.

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  10. [Amberdin]
    “Clearly a place for those who are passing indeed, Jenisys. Proceed and we will have your back.” Amberdin speaks with determination. He checks his grip on the pommel of his hammer and nods to Lagormeth, still shrouded. “We may find a back way into the castle from here, but until then I am wary. The dead are never disturbed lightly. Judging on our encounter with the gate keeper and the unsettling fact that the darkness in the forest does not encroach upon this place, I would say that those within the walls are black of heart. Justice shall be dispensed to the deserving. “
    [Tech]
    Amberdin gestures Jenisys to take point. He speaks to Lagormeth and then inquires as to the order in which she would like to proceed into the tomb following Jenisys.

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    1. [OOC]

      Just so you guys know, I'm not too concerned with adventuring order. When encountering a new area you are presumed to arrive simultaneously. Obviously whomever decides to act first will be first into the room, etc. The only time I am worried about strict order is in combat.

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    2. [OOC]

      I assume you all decide to enter the mausoleum, correct?

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    3. [Lagormeth]

      With bow still in hand, I say to Jenisys, "I respect your decision to guide us through this dark place. Be weary of your surroundings at all time. Amberdin and I solemnly swear to protect you. Proceed with caution." As the party begins to enter the structure, I take one last glance behind us in attempts to detect any followers...

      [Tech]

      I attempt to give Jenisys some reassuring words before entering the mausoleum. Also, I look behind us to see if we have any followers.

      [OOC]

      Just FYI, I took my hood off in my last post, so I became uncloaked.

      Delete
  11. [Jenisys]

    With her companions backing her, Jenisys slowly pushes the door open. Her nerves are steady as she leads her party into the mausoleum.

    [Tech]

    Jenisys opens the door to the mausoleum and enters.

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  12. New post to soon to follow. Hectic weekend, ya know.

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