Revision history for Part6FotN
Additions:
[[Alaistar Rolo]] is listening but whenever he's not talking he's tending to [[Alexi Tessa�s]] leg.
"This is foolishness!" [[WuWong Wu]] says, "While the shadows plot against us you would have us take roll call!" The young woman who had been glowing during the battle gives [[WuWong Wu]] a dirty look. "You dishonor our father brother. Master [[Omi]] is right, if we do not even know our allies we have no chance in the coming battle." She continues. "My name is [[DeviWong Devi]], daughter of [[RamaWong Rama]], former Zion of the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]. These are dark times, and I wish my father was here to guide us. But wishes cannot return the dead, and so we will all have to live with my brother" she nods at [[WuWong Wu]], "and I, and pray that we have half the guidance our father did." She finishes and glances at the man in white next to her.
[[Winter]] speaks next, "I like [[Chen]] have known the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]'s kindness, they took me in, when I was delivered to them by those they did not trust." She glances at [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Alaistar Rolo]]. "And they raised me, and treated me as their own daughter. They can never be a replacement for the family that I lost to the Lord of Light's evil, but I would not trade them for the world. I do not know if there is a traitor, but I would bet my life on it not being amongst the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]]."
The older man in orange nods, and speaks, "It is true, children speak from the heart, not their minds. There is something to be said for the wisdom that comes with age." He continues. "I am [[TomoLuKang Tomo]], I have been with the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]] since before the time of [[RamaWong Rama]]. I was there when [[Chen]] appeared at our doorstep. It has been long, and we have been though much, but I will not forget our tenants upon which we were founded. To not turn away from truth, to not turn out those who seek shelter, whatever the past is, the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] look to the future. There have been dark times where we have forgotten these things. I feel only that the trouble we experience now is payback for our past transgressions."
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] speaks, "In all due respect to brother [[Nicodemus]] I must also side with the child." He steps forward, �I am [[SebastianNemo Sebastian Nemo]], Magus of the [[TheAlchemists Alchemists Guild]], and I came here seeking knowledge and to continue my work." He nods at [[TomoLuKang Tomo]] who nods back. "There has been no love lost between our two guilds, but I have found nothing but kindness within these walls,
[[Nicodemus]] looks bemused, "Ah so the [[TheBrotherhood Brotherhood]] has come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]."
[[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] continues, "I am here to do what I can to stop evil, the other members would not come, but I could see the evil building here. I don�t believe the corrupter is at work here, but his influence is great, and I would be spitting on my ancestors memory if I did not investigate."
The girl in the blue Sari steps forward next, the swords jangling at her hips. "I�m afraid I do not have an impressive story to tell, or strength to add, perhaps not even wisdom. I followed [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] here to do what I could; I am [[NeruKazi Neru Kazi]], of the [[TheSocietyofSecrets Society of Secrets]]. The gifted were in danger so I came. Nothing more, nothing less."
The girl covered with tattoos speaks. "I am [[Raven]], I have come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]] looking for my sister, she has been missing for many years I fear that she may be dead. I come to lend what skills I have to what appears to be a just cause."
[[Nicodemus]] speaks, "I suppose it is our turn then? I am Brother [[Nicodemus]], this is Brother [[Justin]]" he indicates the silver haired man to his right, "and this is Brother [[Leonardo]]," indicating the bald man to his left. We came to see brother [[SebastianNemo Nemo�s]] progress, and have a space to conduct our work. We had just arrived earlier this evening, when the fighting broke out we were as surprised as any."
�I am [[Alaistar Rolo]]. As has been mentioned I was once a slave to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. No longer. I am my own master now. No man's slave. But [[ZinRaishin Zin]] has been a great friend and a teacher. Until his disappearance after the battle with Po we worked to thwart [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] and the wraiths. [[ZinRaishin Zin]] finally returned to me with the message that the wraiths were on the move and that the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar's Guild]] must be warned. So I came. This is my wife [[Alexi Tessa]], and our child. She does not know this place or the language. She speaks only Russian.�
[[Miyen Mi-yen�s]] companion steps forward as all eyes drop to him. "My name is [[Hugh]]." he says simply, and draws one of his long daggers from his person, and displays it for all to see. The dagger is long and thin, and made of a silvery gray metal that looks like solid mercury. The hilt is simple black and looks old and used, though the blade gleams like it was newly made. The hilt has no decoration save for 13 gold rings binding the leather.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]]'s eyes go wide at the sight of them. "My god�the weapons."
[[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] smiles, "If you�re going to draw steel, I'd be happy to dance." His eyes shift from black to white as he draws his power.
"And I steal the souls of men." [[Miyen Mi-yen]] says in a ++sarcastic but ++measured tone. "We have all acted in ways others might disagree with, but for now we are all on the same side, and that is how we will survive this coming battle."
�STEAL THE SOUL OF MEN?� [[Alaistar Rolo]] shouts. �Then you are no better than a wraith!�
[[Alaistar Rolo]] mumbles softly, �Centuries ago�
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], still in shock, speaks to no one in particular. "They are beautiful, and built with no rune structures, amazing.�
[[Alaistar Rolo]] asks �Why do we focus on a knife, what is it compared to the value of a soul? Did no one else hear the demon's words?�
�I apologize. I misunderstood. I thought she . . . I apologize.� Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] still lost in his own thoughts says, "That is no simple knife. They only made two; they were supposed to be a conduit, a structure to root the soul in place as it revolved between worlds. It�s fascinating to read the implementation. It�s too bad there is only one; they were supposed to be a mated pair."
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, �[[Winter]], I need some paper and a writing implement. I think I may be able to help.� [[Raven]] pulls a scroll case and ink and hands them to [[Alaistar Rolo]].
�Years ago,� says [[Alaistar Rolo]], �I was sent by [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] to steal a book from what I believe now to be a wraith. I was assisted by a woman named [[Sparrow]]. I looked through the book before returning it to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I did not know the language but I do remember the pictures.� He continues to sketch furiously.
[[Raven]] looks up "[[Sparrow]]? My sister! Where, when did you see her?� [[Miyen Mi-yen]] looks at [[Alaistar Rolo]], waiting to hear his response.
�14 years ago in the ""Wu"" Li Province,� answers [[Alaistar Rolo]], �He took a castle during a full moon. I staved off the hollows while she trapped a wraith.
Then we searched for the book. She bid me to leave and return to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I waited for her in the woods until just before dusk and left. I have not seen or heard of her since, but [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was never a great communicator.�
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], and [[DeviWong Devi]] look intensely at [[Alaistar Rolo�s]] sketches, [[Raven]] hangs on his every word.
[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "But [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was long dead two years ago.� And looks troubled.
Not looking up from the sketching [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, �How do you know that [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] sent her?�
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "But transferring that sort of energy though a [[WuleiCrystal Wulei crystal]] would disperse it, you would need a rune structure here.�
[[DeviWong Devi]] says, "No see, it�s ingenious really, the [[ColdSteel Cold Steel]] would deflect the incoming interference and focus the beam. This must be a gated of fire, to slightly deform the beam. There and that must be ice...or wood perhaps."
"I believe you are correct. I just don't know how it could be. I saw his body. Is it possible she hunted you for years without communication with [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[DeviWong Devi]] says "It is mostly a lost art but it can be done. What concerns me are those." pointing at the top of the drawing. "To activate it would need both moonlight and sunlight, if I�m reading this right..." She turns to [[Alaistar Rolo]], "Are you certain this is how the drawing was laid out?"
�Yes.� Answers [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[Alaistar Rolo]] clenches is fist and his face becomes taut, "I should have destroyed the body, foolish!" [[Alaistar Rolo�s]] head drops and he quietly says "I beg your forgiveness" to no one in particular. [[Miyen Mi-yen]] gives [[Alaistar Rolo]] a reassuring smile as if to suggest that it will be alright.
[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, "I have a report. The wraiths are building rune structures outside of the main gates, they are corrupting the runic defenses but I don�t have the skill to know what they are doing."
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, �I will come. I don't think I can be of any more help here.� But he stops to see what [[ZinRaishin Zin]] comes up with.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No, I need you to stay here and explain this drawing. If they are building the machine you are the only one who has seen the plans. [[Miyen Mi-yen]] please assist as well; if you�ve seen it in operation you will be invaluable."
[[ZinRaishin Zin�s]] brow furrows in frustration.
[[TomoLuKang Tomo]] says, "Not unless we bore through solid rock, the rings are built with only the main entrance. So that the flow of energies is directed. One way in, one way out.�
[[ZinRaishin Zin�s]] eyes flutter open, "Something is blocking my senses, containing them within these walls. My senses are trapped as we are."
�Can you locate the source of the blocking?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Just then [[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] returns. "Unsurprising. [[DeviWong Devi]] says that the wraiths have built a ring around the main gate to contain us. She doubts that we could even open the doors or magically sense outside." He continues, "They have gone to investigate the doors to the chamber where the wraiths are inside�.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No this list is wrong, see there was a transfer of the crystal, it�s in another chamber."
[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, �[[AshamAshari Asham]], [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] with me, let�s retrieve this crystal�. The three leave.
�How many are left? I know only that the battled appeared over when I awoke. How did it end?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Suddenly [[Chen Chen�s]] head snaps up, nearly in unison with [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Hugh]]. They say almost in one voice. "The wraiths are on the move!"
�Wait� says [[Alaistar Rolo]], �how do we know it's not another trick? They distracted us once! We cannot leave this place unguarded. We've already established they must come out for the crystal.�
�I will assist here.� Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Before [[Winter]] leaves, [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, �[[Winter]], is there somewhere close by [[Alexi Tessa]] and the child can go?�
"This is foolishness!" [[WuWong Wu]] says, "While the shadows plot against us you would have us take roll call!" The young woman who had been glowing during the battle gives [[WuWong Wu]] a dirty look. "You dishonor our father brother. Master [[Omi]] is right, if we do not even know our allies we have no chance in the coming battle." She continues. "My name is [[DeviWong Devi]], daughter of [[RamaWong Rama]], former Zion of the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]. These are dark times, and I wish my father was here to guide us. But wishes cannot return the dead, and so we will all have to live with my brother" she nods at [[WuWong Wu]], "and I, and pray that we have half the guidance our father did." She finishes and glances at the man in white next to her.
[[Winter]] speaks next, "I like [[Chen]] have known the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]'s kindness, they took me in, when I was delivered to them by those they did not trust." She glances at [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Alaistar Rolo]]. "And they raised me, and treated me as their own daughter. They can never be a replacement for the family that I lost to the Lord of Light's evil, but I would not trade them for the world. I do not know if there is a traitor, but I would bet my life on it not being amongst the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]]."
The older man in orange nods, and speaks, "It is true, children speak from the heart, not their minds. There is something to be said for the wisdom that comes with age." He continues. "I am [[TomoLuKang Tomo]], I have been with the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]] since before the time of [[RamaWong Rama]]. I was there when [[Chen]] appeared at our doorstep. It has been long, and we have been though much, but I will not forget our tenants upon which we were founded. To not turn away from truth, to not turn out those who seek shelter, whatever the past is, the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] look to the future. There have been dark times where we have forgotten these things. I feel only that the trouble we experience now is payback for our past transgressions."
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] speaks, "In all due respect to brother [[Nicodemus]] I must also side with the child." He steps forward, �I am [[SebastianNemo Sebastian Nemo]], Magus of the [[TheAlchemists Alchemists Guild]], and I came here seeking knowledge and to continue my work." He nods at [[TomoLuKang Tomo]] who nods back. "There has been no love lost between our two guilds, but I have found nothing but kindness within these walls,
[[Nicodemus]] looks bemused, "Ah so the [[TheBrotherhood Brotherhood]] has come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]."
[[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] continues, "I am here to do what I can to stop evil, the other members would not come, but I could see the evil building here. I don�t believe the corrupter is at work here, but his influence is great, and I would be spitting on my ancestors memory if I did not investigate."
The girl in the blue Sari steps forward next, the swords jangling at her hips. "I�m afraid I do not have an impressive story to tell, or strength to add, perhaps not even wisdom. I followed [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] here to do what I could; I am [[NeruKazi Neru Kazi]], of the [[TheSocietyofSecrets Society of Secrets]]. The gifted were in danger so I came. Nothing more, nothing less."
The girl covered with tattoos speaks. "I am [[Raven]], I have come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]] looking for my sister, she has been missing for many years I fear that she may be dead. I come to lend what skills I have to what appears to be a just cause."
[[Nicodemus]] speaks, "I suppose it is our turn then? I am Brother [[Nicodemus]], this is Brother [[Justin]]" he indicates the silver haired man to his right, "and this is Brother [[Leonardo]]," indicating the bald man to his left. We came to see brother [[SebastianNemo Nemo�s]] progress, and have a space to conduct our work. We had just arrived earlier this evening, when the fighting broke out we were as surprised as any."
�I am [[Alaistar Rolo]]. As has been mentioned I was once a slave to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. No longer. I am my own master now. No man's slave. But [[ZinRaishin Zin]] has been a great friend and a teacher. Until his disappearance after the battle with Po we worked to thwart [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] and the wraiths. [[ZinRaishin Zin]] finally returned to me with the message that the wraiths were on the move and that the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar's Guild]] must be warned. So I came. This is my wife [[Alexi Tessa]], and our child. She does not know this place or the language. She speaks only Russian.�
[[Miyen Mi-yen�s]] companion steps forward as all eyes drop to him. "My name is [[Hugh]]." he says simply, and draws one of his long daggers from his person, and displays it for all to see. The dagger is long and thin, and made of a silvery gray metal that looks like solid mercury. The hilt is simple black and looks old and used, though the blade gleams like it was newly made. The hilt has no decoration save for 13 gold rings binding the leather.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]]'s eyes go wide at the sight of them. "My god�the weapons."
[[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] smiles, "If you�re going to draw steel, I'd be happy to dance." His eyes shift from black to white as he draws his power.
"And I steal the souls of men." [[Miyen Mi-yen]] says in a ++sarcastic but ++measured tone. "We have all acted in ways others might disagree with, but for now we are all on the same side, and that is how we will survive this coming battle."
�STEAL THE SOUL OF MEN?� [[Alaistar Rolo]] shouts. �Then you are no better than a wraith!�
[[Alaistar Rolo]] mumbles softly, �Centuries ago�
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], still in shock, speaks to no one in particular. "They are beautiful, and built with no rune structures, amazing.�
[[Alaistar Rolo]] asks �Why do we focus on a knife, what is it compared to the value of a soul? Did no one else hear the demon's words?�
�I apologize. I misunderstood. I thought she . . . I apologize.� Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] still lost in his own thoughts says, "That is no simple knife. They only made two; they were supposed to be a conduit, a structure to root the soul in place as it revolved between worlds. It�s fascinating to read the implementation. It�s too bad there is only one; they were supposed to be a mated pair."
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, �[[Winter]], I need some paper and a writing implement. I think I may be able to help.� [[Raven]] pulls a scroll case and ink and hands them to [[Alaistar Rolo]].
�Years ago,� says [[Alaistar Rolo]], �I was sent by [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] to steal a book from what I believe now to be a wraith. I was assisted by a woman named [[Sparrow]]. I looked through the book before returning it to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I did not know the language but I do remember the pictures.� He continues to sketch furiously.
[[Raven]] looks up "[[Sparrow]]? My sister! Where, when did you see her?� [[Miyen Mi-yen]] looks at [[Alaistar Rolo]], waiting to hear his response.
�14 years ago in the ""Wu"" Li Province,� answers [[Alaistar Rolo]], �He took a castle during a full moon. I staved off the hollows while she trapped a wraith.
Then we searched for the book. She bid me to leave and return to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I waited for her in the woods until just before dusk and left. I have not seen or heard of her since, but [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was never a great communicator.�
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], and [[DeviWong Devi]] look intensely at [[Alaistar Rolo�s]] sketches, [[Raven]] hangs on his every word.
[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "But [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was long dead two years ago.� And looks troubled.
Not looking up from the sketching [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, �How do you know that [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] sent her?�
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "But transferring that sort of energy though a [[WuleiCrystal Wulei crystal]] would disperse it, you would need a rune structure here.�
[[DeviWong Devi]] says, "No see, it�s ingenious really, the [[ColdSteel Cold Steel]] would deflect the incoming interference and focus the beam. This must be a gated of fire, to slightly deform the beam. There and that must be ice...or wood perhaps."
"I believe you are correct. I just don't know how it could be. I saw his body. Is it possible she hunted you for years without communication with [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[DeviWong Devi]] says "It is mostly a lost art but it can be done. What concerns me are those." pointing at the top of the drawing. "To activate it would need both moonlight and sunlight, if I�m reading this right..." She turns to [[Alaistar Rolo]], "Are you certain this is how the drawing was laid out?"
�Yes.� Answers [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[Alaistar Rolo]] clenches is fist and his face becomes taut, "I should have destroyed the body, foolish!" [[Alaistar Rolo�s]] head drops and he quietly says "I beg your forgiveness" to no one in particular. [[Miyen Mi-yen]] gives [[Alaistar Rolo]] a reassuring smile as if to suggest that it will be alright.
[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, "I have a report. The wraiths are building rune structures outside of the main gates, they are corrupting the runic defenses but I don�t have the skill to know what they are doing."
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, �I will come. I don't think I can be of any more help here.� But he stops to see what [[ZinRaishin Zin]] comes up with.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No, I need you to stay here and explain this drawing. If they are building the machine you are the only one who has seen the plans. [[Miyen Mi-yen]] please assist as well; if you�ve seen it in operation you will be invaluable."
[[ZinRaishin Zin�s]] brow furrows in frustration.
[[TomoLuKang Tomo]] says, "Not unless we bore through solid rock, the rings are built with only the main entrance. So that the flow of energies is directed. One way in, one way out.�
[[ZinRaishin Zin�s]] eyes flutter open, "Something is blocking my senses, containing them within these walls. My senses are trapped as we are."
�Can you locate the source of the blocking?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Just then [[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] returns. "Unsurprising. [[DeviWong Devi]] says that the wraiths have built a ring around the main gate to contain us. She doubts that we could even open the doors or magically sense outside." He continues, "They have gone to investigate the doors to the chamber where the wraiths are inside�.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No this list is wrong, see there was a transfer of the crystal, it�s in another chamber."
[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, �[[AshamAshari Asham]], [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] with me, let�s retrieve this crystal�. The three leave.
�How many are left? I know only that the battled appeared over when I awoke. How did it end?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Suddenly [[Chen Chen�s]] head snaps up, nearly in unison with [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Hugh]]. They say almost in one voice. "The wraiths are on the move!"
�Wait� says [[Alaistar Rolo]], �how do we know it's not another trick? They distracted us once! We cannot leave this place unguarded. We've already established they must come out for the crystal.�
�I will assist here.� Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Before [[Winter]] leaves, [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, �[[Winter]], is there somewhere close by [[Alexi Tessa]] and the child can go?�
Deletions:
"This is foolishness!" [[WuWong Wu]] says, "While the shadows plot against us you would have us take roll call!" The young woman who had been glowing during the battle gives [[WuWong Wu]] a dirty look. "You dishonor our father brother. Master [[Omi]] is right, if we do not even know our allies we have no chance in the coming battle." She continues. "My name is [[DeviWong Devi]], daughter of [[RamaWong Rama]], former Zion of the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar’s Guild]]. These are dark times, and I wish my father was here to guide us. But wishes cannot return the dead, and so we will all have to live with my brother" she nods at [[WuWong Wu]], "and I, and pray that we have half the guidance our father did." She finishes and glances at the man in white next to her.
[[Winter]] speaks next, "I like [[Chen]] have known the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar’s Guild]]'s kindness, they took me in, when I was delivered to them by those they did not trust." She glances at [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Alaistar Rolo]]. "And they raised me, and treated me as their own daughter. They can never be a replacement for the family that I lost to the Lord of Light's evil, but I would not trade them for the world. I do not know if there is a traitor, but I would bet my life on it not being amongst the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]]."
The older man in orange nods, and speaks, "It is true, children speak from the heart, not their minds. There is something to be said for the wisdom that comes with age." He continues. "I am [[TomoLuKang Tomo]], I have been with the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar’s Guild]] since before the time of [[RamaWong Rama]]. I was there when [[Chen]] appeared at our doorstep. It has been long, and we have been though much, but I will not forget our tenants upon which we were founded. To not turn away from truth, to not turn out those who seek shelter, whatever the past is, the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] look to the future. There have been dark times where we have forgotten these things. I feel only that the trouble we experience now is payback for our past transgressions."
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] speaks, "In all due respect to brother [[Nicodemus]] I must also side with the child." He steps forward, “I am [[SebastianNemo Sebastian Nemo]], Magus of the [[TheAlchemists Alchemists Guild]], and I came here seeking knowledge and to continue my work." He nods at [[TomoLuKang Tomo]] who nods back. "There has been no love lost between our two guilds, but I have found nothing but kindness within these walls,
[[Nicodemus]] looks bemused, "Ah so the [[TheBrotherhood Brotherhood]] has come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar’s Guild]]."
[[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] continues, "I am here to do what I can to stop evil, the other members would not come, but I could see the evil building here. I don’t believe the corrupter is at work here, but his influence is great, and I would be spitting on my ancestors memory if I did not investigate."
The girl in the blue Sari steps forward next, the swords jangling at her hips. "I’m afraid I do not have an impressive story to tell, or strength to add, perhaps not even wisdom. I followed [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] here to do what I could; I am [[NeruKazi Neru Kazi]], of the [[TheSocietyofSecrets Society of Secrets]]. The gifted were in danger so I came. Nothing more, nothing less."
The girl covered with tattoos speaks. "I am [[Raven]], I have come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar’s Guild]] looking for my sister, she has been missing for many years I fear that she may be dead. I come to lend what skills I have to what appears to be a just cause."
[[Nicodemus]] speaks, "I suppose it is our turn then? I am Brother [[Nicodemus]], this is Brother [[Justin]]" he indicates the silver haired man to his right, "and this is Brother [[Leonardo]]," indicating the bald man to his left. We came to see brother [[SebastianNemo Nemo’s]] progress, and have a space to conduct our work. We had just arrived earlier this evening, when the fighting broke out we were as surprised as any."
“I am [[Alaistar Rolo]]. As has been mentioned I was once a slave to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. No longer. I am my own master now. No man's slave. But [[ZinRaishin Zin]] has been a great friend and a teacher. Until his disappearance after the battle with Po we worked to thwart [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] and the wraiths. [[ZinRaishin Zin]] finally returned to me with the message that the wraiths were on the move and that the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar's Guild]] must be warned. So I came. This is my wife [[Alexi Tessa]], and our child. She does not know this place or the language. She speaks only Russian.”
[[Miyen Mi-yen’s]] companion steps forward as all eyes drop to him. "My name is [[Hugh]]." he says simply, and draws one of his long daggers from his person, and displays it for all to see. The dagger is long and thin, and made of a silvery gray metal that looks like solid mercury. The hilt is simple black and looks old and used, though the blade gleams like it was newly made. The hilt has no decoration save for 13 gold rings binding the leather.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]]'s eyes go wide at the sight of them. "My god…the weapons."
[[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] smiles, "If you’re going to draw steel, I'd be happy to dance." His eyes shift from black to white as he draws his power.
"And I steal the souls of men." [[Miyen Mi-yen]] says in a sarcastic but measured tone. "We have all acted in ways others might disagree with, but for now we are all on the same side, and that is how we will survive this coming battle."
“STEAL THE SOUL OF MEN?” [[Alaistar Rolo]] shouts. “Then you are no better than a wraith!”
[[Alaistar Rolo]] mumbles softly, “Centuries ago”
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], still in shock, speaks to no one in particular. "They are beautiful, and built with no rune structures, amazing.”
[[Alaistar Rolo]] asks “Why do we focus on a knife, what is it compared to the value of a soul? Did no one else hear the demon's words?”
“I apologize. I misunderstood. I thought she . . . I apologize.” Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] still lost in his own thoughts says, "That is no simple knife. They only made two; they were supposed to be a conduit, a structure to root the soul in place as it revolved between worlds. It’s fascinating to read the implementation. It’s too bad there is only one; they were supposed to be a mated pair."
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, “[[Winter]], I need some paper and a writing implement. I think I may be able to help.” [[Raven]] pulls a scroll case and ink and hands them to [[Alaistar Rolo]].
“Years ago,” says [[Alaistar Rolo]], “I was sent by [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] to steal a book from what I believe now to be a wraith. I was assisted by a woman named [[Sparrow]]. I looked through the book before returning it to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I did not know the language but I do remember the pictures.” He continues to sketch furiously.
[[Raven]] looks up "[[Sparrow]]? My sister! Where, when did you see her?” [[Miyen Mi-yen]] looks at [[Alaistar Rolo]], waiting to hear his response.
“14 years ago in the ""Wu"" Li Province,” answers [[Alaistar Rolo]], “He took a castle during a full moon. I staved off the hollows while she trapped a wraith.
Then we searched for the book. She bid me to leave and return to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I waited for her in the woods until just before dusk and left. I have not seen or heard of her since, but [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was never a great communicator.”
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], and [[DeviWong Devi]] look intensely at [[Alaistar Rolo’s]] sketches, [[Raven]] hangs on his every word.
[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "But [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was long dead two years ago.” And looks troubled.
Not looking up from the sketching [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, “How do you know that [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] sent her?”
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "But transferring that sort of energy though a [[WuleiCrystal Wulei crystal]] would disperse it, you would need a rune structure here.”
[[DeviWong Devi]] says, "No see, it’s ingenious really, the [[ColdSteel Cold Steel]] would deflect the incoming interference and focus the beam. This must be a gated of fire, to slightly deform the beam. There and that must be ice...or wood perhaps."
"I believe you are correct. I just don't know how it could be. I saw his body. Is it possible she hunted you for years without communication with [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]?” asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[DeviWong Devi]] says "It is mostly a lost art but it can be done. What concerns me are those." pointing at the top of the drawing. "To activate it would need both moonlight and sunlight, if I’m reading this right..." She turns to [[Alaistar Rolo]], "Are you certain this is how the drawing was laid out?"
“Yes.” Answers [[Alaistar Rolo]].
[[Alaistar Rolo]] clenches is fist and his face becomes taut, "I should have destroyed the body, foolish!" [[Alaistar Rolo’s]] head drops and he quietly says "I beg your forgiveness" to no one in particular. [[Miyen Mi-yen]] gives [[Alaistar Rolo]] a reassuring smile as if to suggest that it will be alright.
[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, "I have a report. The wraiths are building rune structures outside of the main gates, they are corrupting the runic defenses but I don’t have the skill to know what they are doing."
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, “I will come. I don't think I can be of any more help here.” But he stops to see what [[ZinRaishin Zin]] comes up with.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No, I need you to stay here and explain this drawing. If they are building the machine you are the only one who has seen the plans. [[Miyen Mi-yen]] please assist as well; if you’ve seen it in operation you will be invaluable."
[[ZinRaishin Zin’s]] brow furrows in frustration.
[[TomoLuKang Tomo]] says, "Not unless we bore through solid rock, the rings are built with only the main entrance. So that the flow of energies is directed. One way in, one way out.”
[[ZinRaishin Zin’s]] eyes flutter open, "Something is blocking my senses, containing them within these walls. My senses are trapped as we are."
“Can you locate the source of the blocking?” asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Just then [[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] returns. "Unsurprising. [[DeviWong Devi]] says that the wraiths have built a ring around the main gate to contain us. She doubts that we could even open the doors or magically sense outside." He continues, "They have gone to investigate the doors to the chamber where the wraiths are inside”.
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No this list is wrong, see there was a transfer of the crystal, it’s in another chamber."
[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, “[[AshamAshari Asham]], [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] with me, let’s retrieve this crystal”. The three leave.
“How many are left? I know only that the battled appeared over when I awoke. How did it end?” asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Suddenly [[Chen Chen’s]] head snaps up, nearly in unison with [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Hugh]]. They say almost in one voice. "The wraiths are on the move!"
“Wait” says [[Alaistar Rolo]], “how do we know it's not another trick? They distracted us once! We cannot leave this place unguarded. We've already established they must come out for the crystal.”
“I will assist here.” Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
Before [[Winter]] leaves, [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, “[[Winter]], is there somewhere close by [[Alexi Tessa]] and the child can go?”
