View source for Summit About Asumit

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   1d

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

Tatyannah has arrived.

Fayde has arrived.

Dilmeria has arrived.

GAME: You invite Kira to join you. Offer will expire in two minutes.

Meet invitation to Kira expired.

Kira has arrived.

EVENTS: Hunt Demons! Save Alexandria! is scheduled to start RIGHT NOW!

GAME: You invite Mikilos to join you. Offer will expire in two minutes.

Whirlpool has arrived.

Mikilos has arrived.

GAME: You invite Aldean to join you. Offer will expire in two minutes.

Aldean has arrived.


Rakim has arrived.

GAME: You invite Jibbom to join you. Offer will expire in two minutes.

Jibbom has arrived.

Abigail has arrived.

Godwyn has arrived.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               4m   10m

Abigail         Blonde human female in light clothing, usually carryi 6s   1h

Aldean          Human male, short blonde hair, sturdy build.          2m   3h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    4m   1h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 2m   6d

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       2m   1h

Kira            A young blonde woman wearing simple robes.            4m   21m

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        6m   3h

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   2d

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        2m   8m

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          30s  1d

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  5s   2h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>


Announcement: Whirlpool shouts, "Any and all who want to attend an info sharing session on the demon plot are welcome to do so. Just ask Whirl for a summon!"

Benthus has arrived.

You are already on channel WhirlChan.

Stirling has arrived.

Latenat has arrived.

Garak has arrived.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               5m   26m

Abigail         Blonde human female in light clothing, usually carryi 3m   1h

Aldean          Human male, short blonde hair, sturdy build.          7m   3h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    6m   2h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 24s  6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 2m   2h

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       5m   1h

Kira            A young blonde woman wearing simple robes.            20m  37m

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        22m  3h

Garak           Grey-skinned Arvek Nar wearing Serriel's symbol.      1m   3m

Stirling        Powerfully built Arvek with enormous chrome gauntlets 1m   6m

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   2d

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        46s  24m

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          1m   1d

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  2m   2h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     19s  2h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

Jareth has connected.

So, you're gathered in a part of the temple normally set aside for worship. A great altar sits to teh side, its presence both heavy and brilliant, marked with the colors of the Sun. And then there are the people.

Two, three Angorites stand there in full robes. Representatives from one of Alexandria's other sources of Light. They're here and they're sober, which is a terrible, awful thing. A masked man from the Guild of the Sly stands there trying so hard NOT to be noticed that it's impossible not to. A handful of representatives of other temples are there as well, including Elunans and Altheans. The area is humming with defensive magics. An old woman that some might recognize sits in the corner, and the room is brightly lit. 

Of course, there's also a very tired Sunguard there. The High Father, Samuel. He looks a tired man, with deep circles under his eyes. He sits on a comfortable chair towards the front, where he can hear.

"Sammy! What's shakin'?" Jibbom greets the High Father as he sidles up. No doubt that's exactly who he wanted to see under the circumstances.

The High Father just sort of looks at Jibbom. 

"Hello," he offers, quietly, raising a finger to his lips and indicating that the Luch needs to put on his quiet voice. Though, in Jibbom's case, it's more 'quiter'.

Rakim is up with the Elunite deligation. He is dressed much as ever, the colours matching his compatriots but the clothing scarcly does. He seems to be half asleep, leaning up against a wall with his arms folded over his chest and hat tipped downwards to shade his eyes.

Unaccountably, Aldean's quiet. Very quiet. Although he's here and listening, the solid and not-quite-burly frame leaning against a wall about as far from the altar as it's possible to be in this room. Dark eyes look from person to person within the room, but he has yet to actually greet more than a handful of people, his arms crossed across his chest, and he, too, looks tired.

Near the back, Silmeria stands next to Aldean, very nearly humming with nervous tension. A thick stack of papers is held tightly to her chest, and the Inquisitor seems to be leaning against the bard's shoulder, as if to draw courage from his brooding silence.

Fayde is seated quietly amidst the onlookers, second row from the front of the affair. He has his hands folded neatly across his lap, and is clean for the occasion. In fact, he has a new wardrobe. He's sporting modest robes of Elunite coloration but marked with the sign of the chalice flanked by crescent moons with a star rising from within. The sign of the Shining Chalice order.

Stirling is the closest to a representative of the artificers guild, not in any official capacity but hes here none the less and has a very large deathray thats all sorts of usefull for rounding people up. He's been silent as well unlike his gleaming armor. Today he's playing the part of the soldier, well until things get down to the tactical planning. He has ideas there.

Garak makes it a point not to stand with other followers of Serriel. In combat they surely fight in disciplined, orderly units. In less warlike Garak generally tries to...mingle. He ends up next to one of the few Khazad left in the city, but neithe engages in conversation, instead keeping their attention on the ones more or less 'hosting' this gathering.

At the head leaned on his shoulder, Aldean smiles down at the inquisitor, and uncrosses his arms to allow one to snake around Silmeria's waist, if she will let him. 

Mikilos is here in uniform. Which is a susprise, as he wasn't aware until quite recently there even was a uniform. That's what happens when you miss meetings. Anyway, the mage is in formal looking grey robes, walking the perimeter of the room, checking and re-checking the various wards and magical what-nots trying to keep the meeting safe and secure. As much as can be expected of any place that allows The Bane Of Night to come in.

Godwyn prefers to wear the same robes as the rest of the Althean delegation, the hood of her light blue robes halfway over her eyes, white gloves on her hands. It isn't long before she spots Aldean, but doesn't greet him for the time being, nor make herself known. No, she's amidst her own for the time being. Plenty of time to talk to him and...

Okay, of course Sil would be here as well. Perhaps this was a fortuitous opportunity. But that would come later. She turns her eyes forward and makes her best attempt at being attentive.

"Thank you for coming." Words carefully rehearsed, the aphasia doesn't kick him in the ass just yet. It will soon. "we are gathered here...to sshare wordss of a great tragedy and ssee what we may do do prevent it. Light /never sstands alone/! No matter how dark thiss sseems tonight, remember that. Becausse we /work together/, we overcome anything."

Svarshan waves two of the inquisitors over, then, Silmeria and Rakim, and then the mage Mikilos, before continuing. He glances at Aldean, then Silmeria, and a slow smile spreads over his features. Then a tired grin. Because it's been a hell of a year.

Abigail is quiet, her gave run the numbers in the hall, then move beyond to the decor. Her left hand clasps her right wrist light, and there is enough downward tilt of her chin to show respect for the location. 

Silmeria bobs her head at the gesture, and turns to press a brief kiss to Aldean's cheek. "Wish me luck," she murmurs to the bard, then draws in a deep breath, threading her way through all of the many, many assembled to stand in front of Svarshan, turning to drop a brief curtsy to the High Father.

Though not a Cleric of the Sun Lord, Jareth has grown familiar with all of the nooks and crannies of the temple over the years. Standing his vigil from a small alcove behind one of the pillars, he leans an elbow on a small dais holding up a brazier of oil to watch the proceedings.

Fayde nods curtly and formally to Svarshan at his words. He takes a moment to look around at everyone else present, mostly out of curiosity because it's a heck of a crowd with all the priests and inquisitors milling about.

Latenat is reclining up against the wall next to the Sly representative, doing a better job of not being noticed by the pure virtue of looking like he belongs there and having someone more masked to focus the attention. Well, he is partaking of a cigarillo, the ember's efflusion wending its way upwards to join with the scents of incense and candles. The corner of his mouth quirksas he watches the gasthering, the build up as much a performance at the theatre as well as deadly serious. This is a place things of significance happen.

Mikilos murmurs quietly and gestures, sending a little... SomeThing... off to scurry around the corners, before stepping over with the others, nodding politely to those assembled.

Rakim is more awake than he seems for as he is waved over he tips his hat to Svarshan and leans up off the wall. He stalks over, lean form flowing gracefully from step to step and pausing a moment offers the attending dignitaries a rather theatrically exaggerated bow. Arising he perches his fancy hat back atop his head and beams a smile to Silmeria "Ladies first?" he offers.

Kira enters quietly to stand with her Althean sisters, hardly regal next to her fellow Sentinel. Her own robe is simple, rough, and dusty from travel, but the blue rose is bright and prominent. She gives Godwyn and others a smile and nod. Greetings that don't interrupt those speaking.

Svarshan grins at Fayde and Latenat a moment, before continuing: "Many of you have heard of Aassumit. Ssome have not. Assumit. A powerful ssummoner of demons," bitesnap, "and devilss. He wantss to be a demon'ss god. ...he conquered Ssskald, and hass sshown no hessitation to usse innocents in ssacrifice. He hass plassed children'ss souls in trapss for the holy. He hass before, opened permanent passage to the Hells. When I ssay he iss a threat, and we musst /plan/ I do not...miinsse words."

"Asssumit hass, we have /confirmed/ taken the Book of Darkness. He hass, we have /confirmed/ preyed on the dessperate and planted demonss in many Alessandrian people. We have namess of many of theese victimss, but not all. The demonss he hass planted are /telepathic/. If one iss taken, otherss ssoon know."

"We /captured/ one of thesse victimss." Svarshan takes a step back, and nods to those who had stepped forward.

"We really should just set that book on fire." Jibbom suggests. "Fire can solve a lot of problems!"

The elderly woman smiles at Mikilos when he does his magics. She tilts her head to the side as though listening.

Mikilos blinks at Jibbom. "No no, don't burn it. That just encourages it."

Silmeria smiles back at Rakim, and turns to face the assembled crowd, the good cheer falling away from her face. "They did... and it was far too late, for the demon that had taken him over... took the poor man's soul, when he withdrew. And the body was burned. Alive. From inside. Rakim and I were called in afterward, to examine the body for anything that might give us a clue how to stop this summoner. And it's our belief that they've made a very, very important mistake. Rakim?" she asks, looking to her peer.

Fayde raises his brows at the elaboration of the threat at hand, then shakes his head when Jibbom speaks and exhales mildly. He looks to Rakim, recognizing the name when it is mentioned.

Stirling rubs his latern jaw with the thick chrome fingers "Probably not that easy but destruction would prefered. My people have a lot of experience with darker things and they are best never used." he adds gruffly "Just easier that way. So how do we stop these demons? From doing the same thing to the rest?"

Kira's smile dims as she listens to the recounting. In the pause after Svarshan, she's very tempted to ask of the plan to stop them and save the unfortunate trapped and possessed. He holds her tongue at the last moment when Silmeria adds more and segues to Rakim.

"We acted, trapping him. ...beneath the earth and. Far below the range of. Telepathy and within a guarded room," the reptile adds. More hesitant. Adlibbed. "He burned anyway, the ssoul taken. The hunterss," a nod to Silmeria and Rakim, "Will esssplain."

"Just what is it with adventurers and fire" Rakim muses in a sotto voice, one that carries rather well. Taking up his cue he glides forward and offers the assembled a bright, if someone brainless seeming smile "In my capacity as a humble servant of Eluna I was asked to observe the the disection of one of the victims by the far more capable Silmeria" he begins modestly with a nod to her. He pauses to pace a little, eyes shifting around the people before continuing "We discovered firstly through mundane methods that the victim has burned up from the inside. Whilst alive." He pauses to let that sink in before continuing "There were still traces of magic on him, at this late stage. From my own humble knowledge and the timing as related to me by the Sunblade" he adds with a nod to Svarshan "It seems there was a Contingency spell setup so that when the exorcism began the spells was triggered, allowing the demon to flee with the soul whilst the host burned to death from the inside" again a pause to let that sink in before he turns a nod and a bright smile to Silmeria "And as the gallant Vardaman has mentioned this is something of a mistake, as such powerful magic leaves rather obvious tracers to those who can sense such"

A shudder ripples through Aldean's frame, the mobile expression drawn back in a grimace, but he says nothing. When the idea of tracers is mentioned, though, he looks up with some interest. 

Abigail draws to a nearby surface and draws out a quill, ink, and parchment. She listens to the words with a slightly aloof calmness of attending an academic lecture. The words taken down, and at the bottom of the page, she neatly annotates certain bits. 

Mikilos nods in agreement and confirmation. Not that there's any reason to distrust this information, but secondary verification is always nice.

The half-sil rogue's mouth firms into a grimly pasted line when the fate of the captured daemon is spoke, his arms crossed apon his chest as he listens to the recolection and more recent developments. Mystic matters are beyond him, but when it comes to the crux of the matter... leverages, motivations and benefits... these are the things in which beings never change, and Latenat can work with.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               11m  1h

Abigail         Blonde human female in light clothing, usually carryi 37s  1h

Aldean          Human male, short blonde hair, sturdy build.          53s  4h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    1m   2h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 8s   6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 11m  3h

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       8m   2h

Kira            A young blonde woman wearing simple robes.            7m   1h

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        27m  4h

Garak           Grey-skinned Arvek Nar wearing Serriel's symbol.      22m  37m

Stirling        Powerfully built Arvek with enormous chrome gauntlets 8m   41m

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   2d

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        28s  59m

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          3m   1d

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  10m  3h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     20s  2h

Jareth          Tall man with a muscular build, wearing full plate ar 24s  28m

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

The following views are set on that item:

formsofaddress   rumor   book

Godwyn places a hand over her mouth for a brief moment, the horror of the failsafe not lost on her. Even when you know it's there, hearing how exactly it happens is another story.

Fayde frowns deeply at the explanation, shaking his head quietly as he looks down in thought at what it must take to devise such a thing. He looks back up after a long moment just in case there's more to it, though he really hopes not.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Volume I of the Lux Luminos  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Within Alexandria's Temple of Daeus is the legendary Volume I of the Books of Ea, the Holy Scriptures known as the Lux Luminos. It is so named because it is believed to be the actual words of Daeus set down so that mortals may learn. However, in truth, the book contains the words of wisdom from all the Gods of Light. It is truly a great honor for this to be here. Enscribed upon the altar beneath the book in the Celestial Language is a warning against reading or approaching the book while at disfavor with Daeus and doing so without worth. Self-Examination is a must. Those who do peer at its pages do not see words but instead see the bright blue pages almost as windows to heavens with stars, heavenly symbols, glyphs and more in constant motion across a surface that looks almost liquid, composed of pure light. If you stare long enough and are able to...celestial scriptures begin to appear. Evil beings or creatures who approach the book risk permanent blindness (see a DM).

The book is a focus for pilgrims from around the world. At all times present are a pair of Sunblades, and Sunguards may be approached about its history...as well as a number of of the Temperance, who serve Daeus' one-time close friend, before Navos moved to the ranks of the Twilight.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

"Which means that the most likely means of discovering where the summoner lairs and works, is to keep sharp eyes out for powerful magical workings, that ''aren't'' part of the usual activities of the College or Artificers," Silmeria says, picking up the thread. "And this is powerful, complex magic, locked in stasis within a living body... Much more than even the greater class of adventurers about the city tend to keep on hand. So it's our belief that the victims ''should'' be relatively simple to track, and the summoner himself hunted down with relative simplicity."

Stirling nods "Well then, we can likely expect similar setups on the other targets then. Do we have a plan for that? Also how many arcanists are in this city that can prepare magic of that calibre? No easy feat I am sure." he adds with his deep voice "Might be the same person who bombed the guild, that was a serious bit of magic as well. In any case, whats the plan of action?"

Kira also puts her hand to her mouth, but still manages a loud gasp through it. When her hand lowers, she's frowning deeply. Not a very common expression for her. "How can we prevent the spell? Are the demons tied to the possessed? I we could put them to sleep or unconscious...?"

"Yes and no." Mikilos speaks up. "With this level of power, yes, traces are left behind. But methods to hide or misdirected those traces also become an option. With the sort of power in the Book, the normal rules get bent, if not ouright broken."

For the first time, Aldean shakes his head. "Na, mate. Know who were responsible fer that," he tells Stirling, but trails off to let the discussion swirl around him. 

"Even if we win...we losse...if we do not break hiss Contingencies. He would sstill gain the power of ssouls. And theft them from the Deat--Vardama," heavily. "We fight Assumit on /two fronts/. The /recovery of ssouls/ and the banisshment of demons...and thwarting hiss wont to reclaim that," he says and indicates a place on the great altar, one guarded heavily at the moment. Volume I of the Lux Luminos. (+view here/book)

""If he possesses /both/, he will do more than ssset a Contingiency," darkly. "Ssso. What do we. Do?" here, Svarshan looks out at each of them, meeting eyes in turn. "The High Father hass gathered, thesse representatitves have gathered, sso we might desside on a coursse of. Action."

"We could set the demons on fire." Jibbom suggests, full of novel ideas. "Or freeze them. I forget which one works better with demons."

Fayde cants his head as he offers,"Does it not seem that the ease of detection may suggest that it doubles as a distraction?"

Godwyn places a hand on Kira's right shoulder and glances toward her with a shake of her head, then leans in.

"One might suggest" drawls Rakim as he glances down at his fingernails idly "That the most likely culprit would be Assumit" he ventures with a somewhat sardonic smile. That fades a little as he glances to Jiboom, eyes rather hard "Sir I usually appreciate your attempts at humour, but times and places no?" That said he looks around the others "Sadly I can think of no better option than for the more puissant spellcasters amongst us to try to dispel the effect before the exorcism. Which of course could be rather, shall we say, unpleasant on the victim if we are wrong" he drawls rather sardonically then turns rather sharp eyes to Fayde "Explain?"

To Stirling, "The Arcanissts would know. To disspel a Contingenssy? Assumit iss only able to do ass he doess becausse of hiss Book." Svarshan hopes, anyway.

Rapping his knuckles against the marble dais, Jareth clears his throat a bit, "One thing I remember about Asumit in Versis was his hubris. His venal nature. He won't hide in a place he feels is beneath him. He'll want the luxury he feels is his due." and then splays his fingers open, "It is highly likely that the dispossessed aren't only among the poor and forgotten. He'll have preyed on an easy mark amongst the nobility or wealthy merchant houses. Have any of them shown recent, subtle signs of change in their behaviours?"

Garak wears the gravest of expressions. No arcane practitioner should interfere with souls. "I'm sorry if I missed it," he says, "But how precisely can they be tracked? How many do we have that can search, and report back what they find? Gathering intelligence is the first step, then we can begin to craft a true strategy."

Fayde looks down as he finds himself the center of attention, even if only for the moment,"We've not yet managed to find a reliable means of detecting the dragons who can take forms or possess, if both groups are in concert then the possessed victims would provide perfect expendable distractions for whatever diablerie they are getting on at."

Fayde offers this in modestly subdued tones.

Stirling hand wobbles, the gesturing carrying a lot more meaning when done wih giant gauntlets "We already know what we need to do though, we do not have a lot of extra time and it would behoove us to have a plan as soon as we have all our targets." he adds in responds to Garak

Mikilos ponders a few moments. "Dispelling the Contingency traps is possible. But at these powers, not a sure thing, or even likely. It would be like throwing a bucket of water to put out a fire. But in this case, the 'fire' is a burning forrest."

Svarshan looks to Latenat, after Jareth's question, then looks to Garak. "We have oursselves, and the aid of theesse able and honorable people," he says, with a nod towards the temple representatives present. "What they may offer. Ass well ass the Guild of the Ssly," wry. "Light doesss /not sstand alone/." Darkness does. Because darkness is a selfish, paranoid ass.

Rakim rests his dark eyes on Fayde for a few moments "An interesting thought" he concedes "But that is conflating two things we have no reason to suspect are connected. Certain for ones own self I hope not" smiling briefly he looks to Garak "For those of us who can detect magic I suspect these poor people would stand out like a beacon. Certainly I was able to pick up magic on the body quite some time after the triggering" he explains then considers Mikilos's words "I believe that to be one of the options we are here to explore. As a humble scribe to my Master I certainly do not deal with magic of this magnitude with any regularity"

Silmeria tilts her head, pursing her lips. "...It's not a bad thought," she says in response to Fayde, "but those possessed are already serving two purposes; to provide souls, and to stage an indelible show for those who hunt, or pursue him. His hubris, as Master Jareth noted, is very much a known failing... thus, I can see a distraction being possible... but if there's anything more important than hundreds of souls and the single greatest relic the Temple of Light holds, I'd not begin to know what it could be."

Some people whisper. 

"No," says one of the more hoity-toity amongst the adventures, "but we hadn't been looking that direction. Nobody was, I think." He frowns. "That's an avenue."

Garak says, "Then perhaps the best strategy is a flexible one. Have groups of warriors ready to move quickly to a place when needed, and be prepared to deal with whatever they find. But not have all of our forces go to any one place - some must always be ready to react to new sightings, or even the suspicion of one. And we must keep some of our strength in reserve." He begins pacing in the small space he finds open around himself. "Each party must have strong warriors, but also divine and arcane spellcasters," he can't quite keep the frown off of his face as he says the last part. Then he adds, "And perhaps most importantly, a way to send messages from anywhere in the city, to a central group," he bows his head slightly in the direction of those around the altar, "That can coordinate."

"The spell trigger if the demon ain't get away, mate?" Despite himself, Aldean seems to have been drawn into speaking, his arms folding against across his chest before unfolding long enough the scratch at his jawline with blocky fingers. "There be means o' keepin' a demon from leavin' the plane." 

"There must be some way." Kira's voice is strained, and pained. For obvious reasons. "We don't need to exorcise them immediately, or in the open, do we? You captured one before. We could capture them all... then free them after we remove whatever spells we need to. With all of them in custody, Asumit wouldn't have any distractions to hide behind." She nods to the Sith Sunblade. "We aren't alone. The poor souls who are trapped need to know they're not alone, either."

Svarshan looks to Mikilos.

Fayde nods to Rakim, an admission that he may be right. He then looks to Silmeria, and after hearing her out offers,"The possessed have also been observed watching our own Temple of Eluna. It may be more than just what this temple holds."

Mikilos considers. "Time... contengancy spells don't last forever. IF we could get the possessed locked away, someplace they can't be taken or hurt themselves, the spell would run out eventually. But, to keep the possessed saef, for days, if not weeks, may prove difficult. If we can find and capture them at all."

Jareth nods to the adventurer, "Now, the question remains, how do we go about getting a closer look at the nobility and wealthy merchant houses without causing an uproar that will make even the Alexandrian Council bend ear to listen?" before he looks to the representative from the Sly, "You and yours would have the means of finding access and egress even into those fine, gated, and even fortified properties, which are patrolled by small standing armies of guards who loyalty is assured by gold, yes?"

"Could you work. With the Elunan temple?" to Fayde and Mikilos. Svarshan's words are halting, as halting as ever now that he doesn't have them memorized.

Garak has reconnected.

Godwyn maintains her silence. Most of this is new information. Fast response teams do sound like an excellent choice. But once she hears they are all being watched, Godwyn frowns. Right, that's new as well. Still, Aldean did have a point. Make sure the demon goes nowhere, and the failsafe can't activate. There are oh so many obstacles to that, though...

So she continues to listen. To try and understand.

"Would not a simple Dispel Magic cast by a powerful enough Arcane magic user prove sufficent?" Rakim ventures to the room with a tilt of his head "Simple I know, but they are oft times the most effective solutions..." he trails off as Fayde's words reach him. He levels his dark Inquisitorial gaze on the half-mul and arches an eyebrow in silent question to Fayde.

Fayde feels as much as he hears Svarshan's words to him, pulling his attention that way. He gazes up at him thoughtfully then nods once,"Yes, of course."

"If we gather them," to Rakim, and similar questions. "Do we have a way to gather the victimss, or do we ssend out simultaneouss teamss?" from the sith-makar. He then thumps his tail at Fayde's nod.

Benthus is somewhere in the room, standing nondescript and silent. He appears to be watching the preceding rather than listening.

Mikilos nods to Svar. "Many ideas to look into and research. A lot of people won't be getting much sleep." To Rakim, he nods. "In theory. A regular casting would certainly be possible to Dispell. But if the artifact was used in the casting, the power may be too great for mortals to dispell."

Kira nods with Fayde. "They've watched my Sisters and Brothers for weeks. They're wary of the Sun's Chosen, and they should be. But I've seen some I', convinved are possessed spend more time watching the Elunan temple. I warned the temple yesterday, but I don't know what the demons' interest or plans are." She looks to Jareth. "They've preyed mostly on the poor, the unfortunate, those in need and easily overlooked by many. Nobles with their own armies of guards would be harder for them to take. If any were taken, I don't think there would be many."

"I." Latenat ventures hesitantly after Jareth's question, taking the fore after glancing at the masked representative,"Have been known to untertake services for the noble families. I am not unknown in such circles... abiet discreetly." the half-sil admits, wunwravelling his folden arms to take the smoke out of his mouth and coughh politely into an imposed hand.

Benthus has reconnected.

Stirling ponders the problem for a moment "Artifice can dispell magic as well, not sure how much it will help but it may help. In addition a simultanious raids will be difficult but stands to have the highest chance of saving everyone. Its an all of nothing plan, are these souls worth that, the chance that every one of them perishes? Or can we prioritize certain individuals?" he questions, as much the the devils advocate and likely stating a very unpopular idea in this crowd.

"If I may venture a suggestion..." Rakim begins after acknowledging Mikilos's words with an elegant nod "...we find a solution before gathering them en-masse. Most especially if they are in communication with one another." He pauses in silence for a few beats before continuing "It may be rather cold blooded, but I would suggest capturing another possessed to test things upon. If all goes well we will find a solution before we consider mass incarceration of dangerous beings"

Fayde cants his head ever so slightly as he allows people to speak around him now, trying to wrap his head around things of such magnitude as are being discussed.

Jareth shakes his head, "It's easier for Asumit to have the poor and forgotten possessed by his demons for now. But, he is still a wizard, and a wizard can still use other spells to charm or compel even a nobleman to do their bidding, such as making them a standing guest on their estate, with access to their vaults and other resources, including acquaintances and friendships and contacts amongst other groups and organizations within the city."

"He will come for the Book," low-voiced. Svarshan gestures towards it. "Thiss temple iss heavily. Guarded. I do not believe he may sseend a minion for it...though it iss possible."

Pause, added, "I do not believe he would /trusst/ a minion with its power."

Fayde nods at Svarshan's words in understanding,"Though that still leaves the question of what he could want in the Silver Lady's temple."

"As best as we can say with what we'd learned before," Silmeria says, turning to face Kira and answer her questions directly, "Asumit seeks to have control over both the Books of Light and Darkness, and gather to him as many souls as he can manage. If his aim is to become a god of demons... That does seem like a feasible manner in which to go about it." Tipping her head up and smiling Aldean's way to mark she'd heard him, she looks to the rest of the gathered. "...I disagree with Inquisitor Rakim... but I do think necessity forces the method upon us. If we can capture, subdue, and *keep it on this plane,* then we have the best chance of curing the afflicted in our own time. Master Aldean, you knew of a means that would possibly work?"

"...the Moon'ss temple holdss many artifacts," quiet, after a time. Sudden, rough draw of breath. Svarshan goes quiet again.

Abigail looks up from her record keeping. She smooths at her robe, "Pardon." She offer "If you are lacking in numbers of capable in arcane power and willingness to deploy in monitoring groups, you could equip younger casters with means to assist. Simple aids can be prepared at reasonable costs for issue to the less powerful." The woman states, it is just put forward, and then Abigail returns to note taking. 

Stirling grimances "Lets openly challenge him to take it then! An obvious trap surely but would he be able to resist such a thing if his hubris is as large as suggested?"

Fayde cants his head the other way, listening once more for the time being as he lets the more senior adventurers bat things around.

"...we sshould dissarm him, first." Svarshan's muzzle rumples, wryly. He looks towards Samuel, and back. "For power, he would ssimply call. The ssouls to him. The demon ssaid they waited for a ssignal...releassee the ssoul-power and Assumit would possess great power in hiss grasp."

Mikilos considers. "...perhaps a decoy book? Hide the real one away somewhere, leave the decoy out. Protect both, of course, but if the decoy is stolen, at least his best plan is foiled."

"Inquisitor? you do me far too much honour madame" Rakim protests mildly as he rests a hand upon his breast. That said he considers her idea for a few moments "I would prefer a more elegant solution myself" he admits after a few moments thought "But so far I am unable to think of one. And at the end of the day we must be somewhat practical" he then falls silent to listen to the others.

Stirling then continues "Have an open viewing of the book? As celebration of the power of Elune. First of all it would seperate it from other artifacts and you can set the terms and battlefield instead of waiting for him to strike when he is ready." he says clenching one of his enormous fists.

"We could always employ the giant invisible rocks again!" Jibbom is full of good ideas.

Mikilos shakes his head to Jibbom. "Too many innocents in the Squish Zone."

Jareth's brow furrows, "And, why are we binding ourself to a rule our enemy does not follow? If he summons demons, then our are calls for aid filled with impotence? Wouldn't entities of the Celestial realms come to balance the scales?"

Kira nods to Silmeria, a slight smile offered in thanks of the explanation. A brow then pops up at Stirling's suggestion and she starts nodding again. Not normally one to goad a fight, drawing Asumit out could save many lives and souls. "We should confront him on our terms, not his..." Kira takes Rakim's suggestion of a test subject not nearly as well. "We can't do cause an innocent suffering... and if they are telepathic, the others would know what we did or tried. They could prepare against it."

Garak has partially disconnected.

the Highfather speaks, quietly, to Jareth now, "The Lux Luminous makes a great many things possible for us. And now that we know the book of the dark is involved, we can act in a new way. I dare not say anymore, but I assure you... the Celestial powers will not stand idly b y."

"There are precious few options," Silmeria answers Kira. "At the moment... attempt a plan upon one victim that may or may not work... or attempt a plan on ''every'' victim that may or may not work. ''Believe me,''" the Vardaman says fervently, "I have no desire to risk ''one more soul--''" Upon the statement the High Father gives, Silmeria turns, eyes wide. "...Truly?"

Tatyannah has been here the whole time, honest. But since it's in a temple, that isn't Tarien's and she does try to be good on occasion. She does speak up eventually. "There are certain people who can sense demonness. Can they not work with an artificer, to create a dice like eyeglasses to detect that energy. I know that I've used several devices in my time here, to detect various - " she searches for a word, "fluctuations in magic, to point out a glaring out of step thing. Like when doubles were made of city officials." Then, "Sorry, catching up, I realize now we're on to the fixing part, but..." Then, "Can you not make anti-magic artifice, if you can scrolls, perhaps there is a way to set a trap with such. Built in a room where the Lux Luminous is supposed to be, except the whole room becomes a trap."

A pair of fingers go towards the Highfather's lips as Silmeria speaks. "We are not alone."

Fayde crosses his arms now as he raises his voice mildly,"I think drawing him out sounds like an excellent plan." Then when the High Father speaks, he goes quiet again and raises his brows.

Mikilos turns to Jareth, then nods to the HighFather. "...not sure what's up myself, but my Celestial contacts have been quiet..."

Godwyn frowns, but says nothing to Stirling's idea. There is hubris, and then there is a lack of intelligence. Svarshan makes the point for her. And yet the idea is still discussed. It wasn't long however before that particular comment was dropped...

Godwyn smiles. Of course they wouldn't.

"And your solution would be ma'am?" Rakim repliesto Kira, both his elegantly arched eyebrows arising "Perhaps we could hug them until the demon is so appalled that they leave?" His semi-customary sardonic smile touches his delicate face for a moment "I am however open for suggestions. I would consider experimenting a last resort, but we are not overflowing with other ideas at the moment" he adds, then nods to Silmeria. He pauses at the High Father's words and offers a brief but respectful nod "I would hope the Silver Lady may well offer more aid as well. But I am scarcly the one to assure such"

"Ssso. We sssuspect," Svarshan begins tallying some of the ideas so far, "He iss among the nobility for hiss comfort. Latenat and the Guild may look into thisss. Assumit has hubriss and would want ssomewhere comfortable. We alsso ssusspect he, not a minion, will come for the Book." More tallies, "However we fasse him, we musst dissarm him, firsst. Thiss meanss removing access to ssouls. And they are /victims/," the paladin's throat works a while. It's a moment before the Daeusite continues, "We may sspread the disspel capability among many members and sspread them among the Ssity. Or we may not be able to do ssso. Our Elunanss will look into the matter. Alsso...perhapss the templess may be able to sset asside hiss Contingiency to give the resst of uss time to. Act?" to the High Father. "Iss thiss possible?"

"If that would drive them out and save the possessed," Kira meets Rakim's look and smile firmly. Not with anger, but resolve, "then yes. Violence is never the first nor only answer. All we need to do is hold them until we can stop Asumit and free them. If he can't use his minions, he'll be forced to do things himself."

Stirling ponders the comments for a moment and then speaks up again, drawing on the stories and tacticals plans that the Arvek are so famous for. "Can we activate our... dispell manuever when we draw him out? Have it ready at a moments notice? If we force him to move openly against us it may also draw all his victims out for us as well. Strip him of the souls in a vulnerable location. He is a schemer afterall, the best way to take on carefull plans is with some chaos of our own."

"Which it would not, now if we may return to the real and practical world" Rakim replies, then falls silent to listen to Svarshan. A hand reaches up to stroke his pointed goatee in a thoughtful manner "I may suggest that robbing him of the source of his power, and saving 'innocents' may be the best first option" he ventures with a small shrug "But keeping a close guard on the Book of Light would be most important"

"If he knowss we are about to reclaim the sssouls, he may act," from Svarshan. A look to Jareth, "Though I like nothing more than hunting him in hiss lair. ...but it would leave thiss," the Book of Light, "Unprotected." Indeed, he's having a very hard time moving from that spot. The sith looks rooted. Almost. To Tatyannah, "Perhapss the Elunanss, Mikilos, Stirling, sshould hold a. Conferensse. To ssee what iss possible?"

Tatyannah rubs her face again, "Look, there are ways to infuse things with anti-magic, right? If so, build it into a room, or have whatever spell that would trip the whole thing off, be activated, not by reading the scroll, but the trigger of a demon stepping across a threshold. Basically, get a trap maker, I'd recommend Oates, an artificer, and someone like Myrana, and a holy magic user, do devise a trap."

"If," Silmeria notes, "the tactic does work... then it's almost assured that Asumit will come here, if he's to recover any hope of his plan finding success. But he'd have nothing to draw from, and those who would bar his way would face ''only'' him."

Stirling says, "And what if success on our part forces him back, farther under ground where we cannot find him and he can plot something new?"

Mikilos considers. "So this is all well and good for Asumit and his plans... but what of Heth and his disguised Void Dragons? They're still out and about, and any efforts might trip across them as well."

"The Am'ssheri delegate iss working with Dun Morden to recognisse draconicss in. Dissguise," to Mikilos. Pause. "It iss not perfect but it iss better than what they. Had."

Jibbom smiles, unconcerned. "Don't worry. These cocky evil villain types always get too confident and make mistakes. He's going to assume he's going to win." Jibbom ponders. "Maybe that's why they call him Assume-it."

Jareth tilts his head a little as he starts to think a bit more, "In Dun Mordren, in the Charnese delegation, has anyone seen a fellow with half of his face covered in iron or steel? Like as though a mask was branded into his flesh and skull?"

Fayde nods at Mikilos now,"That was what I was inquiring about earlier, how so many possessed are a perfect decoy for the dragons with their power to bodysnatch or shapeshift."

Mikilos shakes his head to Jareth. "Not that's I've heard of."

Frowning, the Highfather glances towards Jareth. "No. But that sounds familiar from some reports. Do you mind explaining?"

Jareth elaborates, "A few years ago, some of us crossed paths with this individual at the spell cannon. He's a Charnese agent. He sought to destroy the spell cannon with bombs made of magicite. We came to a compromise. I'm incline to believe he'd be willing to offer some aid, or at least access to a source of magicite if we wish to pursue a solution where spells would be neutralized."

"To Mikilos and Fayde, "It iss possible. He iss alsoo an opportunist." Svarshan thinks for a moment. "I do not know hiss ultimate goalss. I do know he wantss to be a demon god." Pause. "Thiss hass pissed many demonss off. You cannot /trusst/ them, but loossen Assumit's hold, and they would. Possibly flee." Possibly. He emphasizes possibly. Then goes quiet, and turns to the Highfather. Giving him his full attention.

Fayde nods at Svarshan now, after Jareth is finished explaining,"Perhaps there have been reports of some of them mentioning the First Born? I did not glean such from my meeting with the Priestess of Eluna."

Jareth adds, "I'm willing to wager he's somewhere in Dun Mordren right now."

"You could try to reach him through the delegation, if you think he can help. We can't be picky about our allies right now -- and even Charn hates Asumit. He seeks to usurp Maugrim's control, after all." The Highfathr grimaces, "But it is a deadly game to play with the scorpion that is Charn." He frowns deeper still. One of the priests near him keeps a grip on the Highfather to keep him steady. His advanced years are showing, though he does seem more lively than the last time he was seen at such a gathering.

Kira finds some vindication that Rakim agrees with her in truth, in the same breath as his sarcasm tries to act otherwise. When other aid is mentioned by others, she looks to Jareth, then the Highfather to listen.

"Magissite would work. ...targeted, or we might sshut down the ssity'ss defenses. The guardss will need to. Know," to Jareth, from Svarshan. A helpless shrug to Fayde's question. "I do not sspeak with them. I rend them in. Two."

Mikilos nods in agreement to Svarshan. "Demons are not a singular people, but as diverse and in self-opposition as humans. It's possible some factiosn may be willing to work with us. However, they're pretty much all evil ass-hats who would betra us for a cookie, so unlikely to be worth the effort."

Benthus has reconnected.

"They have had thoussandss of yearss to learn to twisst a contract," the sith adds, roughly. "I would not partner with. Them. ...but knowing of the disscord iss our benefit."

Jareth nods to the High Father, "I have a dinner coming up with someone from Myrrdion. I'd like to think they'd be of the same mind on this matter and would be able to help find this individual as well."

Garak has reconnected.

"An interesting angle" Rakim drawls as he considers Svarshan's point about demons "I doubt many demons really want -another- god to claim power. But to put what my learned friend said more politely..." he drawls with an amused smile and a nod to Mikilos "...in this case the enemy of my enemy is rather -not- my friend. But I fear we are wandering away from one of the key points. Can we dispel this contingency or not?"

Garak has partially disconnected.

Stirling shrugs "Perhaps letting these demons know what is going on is enough for them to use what resources they have to counter him? They don't have to be allies and we cannot safely work with them but a third or even fourth player in this game... well it complicates things for everyone, especialy Assumit."

Fayde rubs the back of his head as he sits back again in his spot on the bench falling quiet once more.

Svarshan dips his muzzle to the Highfather, deeply. "We have aid coming in from the. Highesst Temple," he tells him. Concern coats the sith's features, but he says not a word. For a moment, he adds his hand to the holy man's forearm. "They are to ansswer to. You."

Abigail has disconnected.

"I've heard of nothing tying this to the 'First Born', but some have speculated about the possibility." admits the Highfather, "that this could tie into the prophecy about the 'rise of the first born children'. Anything is possible. We don't know." He shakes his head, looking grateful towards Svarshan. A nod is given to Jareth. 

"All of you, and your work, are our hope fot a future."

Godwyn gives a bow, subtle as it is. Partly it's not to betray her features, which suggest something else is on her mind.

"I have three first borns, but I'm pretty sure it isn't any of them." Jibbom declares. "They are good little heroes in the making."

Tatyannah shrugs a little as she listens. Well, she tried.

"Dispelling the contingency, and identifying it, could well be a work of artifice as has been suggested," agrees the Highfather. He looks about, then says, "We have many here who know these things. THe contingencies /are/ breakable, but it would be difficult, I'd imagine." The highfather looks at Jibbom for a long moment. Just looks at him. Then he sighs.

Fayde looks around quiely, his hands returning to his lap as he folds them neatly once more. He doesn't offer anything further for the time being, not acknowledging the ever chipper Jibbom.

"....In that case," Silmeria says, adjusting her spectacles, "may I suggest that the College and the Artificers begin work on seeing if a method of breaking these enchantments in one sweep could be possible? If only to ensure that when help comes, it need not spread itself thinner than necessary? Master Latenat, your contacts among the nobility would help ''greatly'' in sounding them out for collaborators or victims, and I would be happy to do the hard work of speaking to them myself to be certain... Master Aldean would be a great help there, I think, as well as... ''Scribe'' Rakim," she says with a crooked smile at the Elunite."

Rakim turns his eyes to the others looking at Jiboom. They rest there in a cold silence for some time before turning with a nod to the Highfather "If I be so bold your reverence, aside from organising protection for the Book of Light; I would say finding out what, if anything, works on dispelling this dreadfull contigency should be the first priority. Or at least I way to preserve the soul after death"

Jareth nods, "Sounds good." and adds, "I'll see about a half-faced man and some magicite." and looks to Kira, Garak and Mikilos, "Would you three care to accompany me to Dun Mordren?"

Mikilos ponders. "A massive spell affecting a large area to dispell magics is possible, but would cause all sorts of spells we want to remain to instead shut down. Something to just target the demonic contencancy spells might not be possible. Several targets efforts in quick alignment might be best. A single casting may fail, but multiple tries, one could get lucky."

Mikilos nods to Jareth. "I'll be busy, but let me know when, and I'll do my best to make it."

"Then let Maguss Mikiloss, Fayde, be our voisse of Light to the college, and Sstirling to the artificerss. We sseem agreed. We musst break hiss hold, firsst." Svarshan takes in a sudden, unsteady breath. Then turns, and dips his muzzle low to the Highfather, "If the Contingenssy is broken... then we may free the ssouls, with the aid of priessts?"

Kira turns a slightly more growing slender smile to Jareth. "Of course! If this masked man might be able to help break the demons' hold..." She is hopeful, but tries not to be TOO hopeful. Still, rather optimistic. Besides, she's been making numerous round-trips between Alexandria and Dun Mordren as often as she's been able.

Stirling has disconnected.

Jareth grins, "Excellent. We go out on the midday airship tomorrow." and then salutes the High Father, dropping to one knee and offering a praise of Daeus before rising and leaving the temple.


<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               21m  2h

Aldean          Human male, short blonde hair, sturdy build.          8m   5h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    12s  4h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 2m   6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 1m   4h

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       51s  3h

Kira            A young blonde woman wearing simple robes.            1m   2h

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        4m   6h

Garak           Grey-skinned Arvek Nar wearing Serriel's symbol.      1m   32m

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   2d

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        27s  2h

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          1m   1d

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  3m   4h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     43s  4h

Jareth          Tall man with a muscular build, wearing full plate ar 13s  2h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>


Karelin has arrived.

"So, on the list: Anti-magic artifice," a nod towards Jareth, Tatyannah, and others, "the College of Artificers looking at broader ways to dispel the magics. There aren't enough wizards or artificers with individual capacities to break /all/ of these, based on what we know.." The Highfather is going over the list.

Mikilos says, "Scrolls can help even lesser casters invoke powerful magics, but even that stretches resources thin."

Svarshan goes quiet, and looks to the Highfather and to Mikilos.

Karelin has arrived.

"So, on the list: Anti-magic artifice," a nod towards Jareth, Tatyannah, and others, "the College of Artificers looking at broader ways to dispel the magics. There aren't enough wizards or artificers with individual capacities to break /all/ of these, based on what we know.." The Highfather is going over the list.

Mikilos says, "Scrolls can help even lesser casters invoke powerful magics, but even that stretches resources thin."

Huh?  (Type "help" for help.)

Svarshan goes quiet, and looks to the Highfather and to Mikilos.

Aldean has disconnected.

"There isss the Ssociety. And the Temple of Eluna," more quietly. Svarshan takes a long, slow intake of breath. Holds it. Lets it go.

Fayde is sort of glazing over in his eyes at the moment from the swarm of details being thrown around, his attention gravitates to other things occasionally. Oh, look. A leaf blew in the door.

Karelin arrives late. He always does. He comes in with the leaf, arms folding on his chest reflexively. He's in the temple of Daeus, after all.

"I'll be ready," Kira dips in a curtsey to Jareth. Now that she has her own portion of the plan to do, she takes several steps back and excuses herself. She hopes it will be enough... but with everyone working together, she's sure it will be.

Rakim holds up a cautionary hand, pausing a moment to check his nail polish before drawling "If I may Highfather, before we get too involved in making some kind of mass 'cure' we need to find out just what works. I can foresee little point in producing many scrolls of something that doesn't work. Save perhps for starting fires in winter" he quips with little trace of humor in his gaze.

"The Light sstands together," the sith repeats roughly. He's done a lot of speaking today. But that one line...sums it up.

Benthus eyes Karelin. There is a loop-sided grin on his face, and then a respectful nod is offered in his direction.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Karelin         Tattooed Korite warrior. Tall, dark and scarred.      3m   13m

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               8m   2h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    3m   4h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 47s  6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 24s  5h

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       4m   4h

Kira            A young blonde woman wearing simple robes.            3m   3h

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        4m   6h

Garak           Grey-skinned Arvek Nar wearing Serriel's symbol.      3m   45m

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   12m

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        1m   2h

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          1m   1d

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  11m  4h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     32s  4h

Jareth          Tall man with a muscular build, wearing full plate ar 1m   2h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

"It will be difficult and draining for all of us to engage in such mass exorcisms, but not impossible... and there are some additional details we've yet to account for. We have a lot of priests coming -- for celebratory purposes and to observe the Holy Book. This won't fool our enemy -- he knows we're on to him by now, but it does make me wonder what hsi next move is going to be." The Highfather frowns, then says, "It's more rite than scroll. So we need to capture them, dispel them and then cast out the demon...assuming we're not wrong about any od the details here, or Asumit doesn't make a change of plans. Now, we have heard recent warnings about the Temple of Eluna. As we all know, a great many magical items are stored withit its vaults by the Aquisitioners. Does anyone have any knowledge of anything that may be of particular interest to a demon-summoner within their vaults from their ownexperiences?"

Jareth has disconnected.

Karelin looks up, and says to the Highfather: "Well, the severed-but-alive head of the Son of Nikmok is stored there, to keep it away from the light of day. If one wanted an immortal soul, one might start there."

Mikilos ponders. "I can think of several items that -might- be of interest, but none which stand in particular note. Then again, I am not privy to the entire contents."

Svarshan looks up with interest, and listens.

Kira goes OOC.

Kira has left.

"Innumerable" Rakim drawls, his voice back to his usual sardonic tones "Do you want the full annotated list, or simply some highlights?" he adds in what seems a little more serious. He pauses and looks up, eyes half closing as he runs through his memory "Many of which I cannot truly talk about, or the knowledge of which I am not yet privy too. Suffice to say there is much there to interest any user of magic, and a few that may be of some interest to demon-summoners. Certainly the Codpiece of Ramiel may help with certain types of demons" he adds, apparently seriously but it can be hard to tell.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Karelin         Tattooed Korite warrior. Tall, dark and scarred.      5m   21m

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               3m   2h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    1m   4h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 14s  6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 37s  5h

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       1m   4h

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        12m  6h

Garak           Grey-skinned Arvek Nar wearing Serriel's symbol.      4m   53m

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   20m

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        44s  2h

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          1m   1d

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  19m  5h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     33s  4h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

Fayde shakes his head as he pinches his nose, apparently his attention being freshly grabbed as conversation shifts to the Elunite Temple.

Benthus clears his throat and finally says something in the meeting, "Has anyone seen what type of demon that is possessing the victims?"

Mikilos glances to Benthus and looks around, having not been present for an exocism himself.

"Telepathic, and one that can follow orders," rough-voiced, from Svarshan. He's had to talk a /lot/ today. He goes quiet after that and, "Excusse," as he goes over to get some water.

"To this point," Silmeria says to Benthus, "that's all we know. The trouble is, do we have the time to learn more? That's rather doubtful."

Rakim's mass of dark curls tumble about as the nonquisitor shakes his head "I was not privy to the excorcism myself. And I am currently attempting to fix my definciencies in matters demonic, so fear I would be of scant aid in identifying it even if I had have been"

Fayde clears his throat quietly and rises to step to the side of the temple. He's sat for too long and is feeling it, not being accustomed to such long winded meetings. He pulls a cigar and lights it with a prestidigitation.

Karelin adds: "Don't underestimate Asumit himself, either. He may make the kind of demon somewhat secondary if he shows up himself."

Svarshan comes back with the water. "Ssa. He would want the Book. But it iss not the only...thing. If we can find him, we may can draw him. Out. ..." grimace. "It dependss on what we find." He looks to Latenat, then back to the Highfather, Karelin, and Rakim.

Tatyannah is starting to glaze over. They're drifting into the talk of magic that is way beyond her ken. Definitely, definitely, definitely beyond her paygrade.

Whirlpool has reconnected.

Benthus listens to the information given by Svarshan and ponders over it silently, troubled if not confused by the revelation. He shifts his gaze to look at Silmeria and nods slowly. "I just find it ironic that they would cooperate. I would believe it more amongst devils, but demons..." He shakes his head.

"Ssa. We did find a plasse where he had ssummoned a. Demon. It iss in an outsside town," says the sith after a time. He looks over to the hunters. "Perhapss it iss worth obsserving to determine. Just /what/ he ssummoned," wryly.

Fayde cants his head as he inquires at Svar's suggestion,"Perhaps an escryer can divine such a thing?"

Rakim turns his gaze to Svarshan, both his eyebrows arising again "As far as I know demonic energies are not usualy catching..." he drawls lightly for a moment then turns serious "...so it certainly could not hurt to examine the area"

"...It would be at that," Silmeria murmurs, nodding to the Sith and pursing her lips. "Perhaps it would, Master Fayde... but my work with Rakim tells me that more eyes and minds are always better. Perhaps, if the COllege knows of a learned conjuror, that could help pinpoint what we find there?"

The sith nods once, jerkily. "Let'ss arrange it." To Karelin, "We will need to begin planss to fortify the temples," pause, wry. "Thought you might know ssomething of tacticss. It turrnss out...he may be after more than one. Thing."

Benthus turns to look at the departing Sith and nods his head in agreement. "I would be interested in gathering more information about what we are up against."

Mikilos nods. "An oppertunist, may have a whole list of things he'd like to have. If he can grab all of them, good, if only one or two, he may have plans for just that limited set."

Kiroth has arrived.

Fayde blinks in a deadpan fashion,"I shudder at the thoughts of what Ramiel's artifact might be used for in their hands..."

Tatyannah smirks, "In their hands? What if shaped slightly differently and used elsewhere."

Karelin grunts. "Well, what are the things and where are they?" He cracks his neck. "I can -- but I hate sitting and waiting for people to come on in. If we want him to come, we give him a shove."

Mikilos frowns, and nods to Fayde. "I agree with the first thirteen words."

"We are going to attempt to reclaim the ssouls, but the contingency musst be removed. First." Pause. "When the demon is exorcissed, he hass the body burn anyway, and the ssoul isss stolen. We are aiming to remove hiss source of power firsst," Svarshan nods to Mikilos, back. And of course, do what's right.

Garak's eyes glaze over slightly as he tries to remember - and to count. Then he shakes his head. "I think we can all agree on that. This demon is a threat to the entire city."

"If there is one lesson my Master managed to impart to me..." Rakim drawls seemingly to no-one in particuliar "...is the value of patience. That and planning. Oh and forethought. And Kulthian, Mysandraal..." he pauses here for a wry smile "Needless to say he taught me a lot. But I would strongly advise not to poke at the proverbial bear until we have more information and solutions"

Benthus adds something as an after-thought. "I know that there has not been any signs that our enemies have used cohersion, but I would suggest that we take the proper precautions against it. It is an easier and more efficient method for someone to get their foes to work 'for' them. Plus, you would not see the taint in them."

Fayde puffs a little on his cigar and glances around, the humor fading from his expression as he says,"This is one thing that our Sly friends can assist greatly with," He glances meaningfully to Benthus at this.

Whirlpool has partially disconnected.

You have requested LEG: 'Examine a Summoning Circle' from staff. Please allow for some time to process it. Do not page staff about it - you will hear back soon.

Svarshan follows the look, and almost grins. Paladins aren't supposed to smile at criminals, though. He FROWNS!

Benthus looks at Fayde and pauses, thinking over what he should be saying, "Yes, I trust that our inquisitors would do their job well. They can be sly when it is necessary."

Godwyn rises to her feet and makes her way toward the exits. She already knew what actions she would take... it was a simple manner of asking the right people if she could assist. The time would come soon enough to do that.

Garak has reconnected.

"The question remains what do we do first?" Rakim says as his eyes glance around the remnants of the meeting, both his eyebrows arising.

"Work on how we. Remove hiss access to ssouls," slow let-go of breath. Stop. "In the mean. Time, try to find him...and determine /which/ he iss after. We can work on the bait. Then," Svarshan suggests.

Rakim offers Svarshan something of a strained smile, but he does nod to the Sunblade "Indeed, but in more specific terms? Investigate this site first, or do we attempt to capture one of the possessed and do some experimentation?" he offers with a small motion of his hand.

Mikilos says, "And if we happen to drop a giant invisible rock on him in the process, so much the better."

Karelin notes to Svarshan. "So, gather the things he'd come for together, make him an offer he couldn't refuse, and hand him or her their heads."

Fayde takes a draw from his cigar, offering,"Working a divination on the summoning site you found might help in locating him. At the very least it would be illuminating with regards to the resources he is drawing on.

Garak has partially disconnected.

Cesran has arrived.

Kiroth goes OOC.

Kiroth has left.

Garak has reconnected.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Karelin         Tattooed Korite warrior. Tall, dark and scarred.      26s  1h

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               10m  4h

Rakim           Elegant verging on foppish Tsuran.                    5m   5h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 2m   6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 4m   6h

Fayde           A gangly and big eyed half mul.                       5m   5h

Tatyannah       Short Giantborn woman, dark hair, bronze skin.        4m   7h

Garak           Grey-skinned Arvek Nar wearing Serriel's symbol.      22s  29m

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   1h

Cesran          A tall dark-skinned man                               4m   51m

Mikilos         Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.        15s  4h

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          2m   55m

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  3m   6h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     4s   5h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>

Karelin has disconnected.

Karelin has connected.

Fayde rises from holding up the wall to bow respectfully to the congregation. He makes his way from there to the exit.

Fayde has disconnected.

(New BB message (9/11) posted to 'IC: RP Requests' by Garak: Hobnobbing)

"Well it rather sounds like we all have some preparation to undertake. Here is hoping it won't cut -too- much into my wine appreciation" Rakim drawls as he doffs his hat in a sweeping bow to the dignatries "Do keep me informed as to the investigation of the summoning scene" he adds with a tip of his hat, then exits stage right.

Tatyannah says generally, "If someone needs me to do something, let me know." She's got way too much on her plate to have an overly active part in this. Then she, too, is slipping away.

Mikilos makes another circut of the room, checking on he various wards and magical detections to assure the secuirity of the room. As much as it can be assured, anyway. "Lot of reading to look into. Glad the Librarins keep late hours..."

Tatyannah goes Out <O>.

Tatyannah has left.

You have requested RPP: 'demon scene' from staff. Please allow for some time to process it. Do not page staff about it - you will hear back soon.

Garak sighs and then stretches to ease the muscles in his back and neck. "I'll spread the word - discreetly - that we're planning to meet with some of the city's nobility. A few of the Knights I know of might be able to help." He turns and heads out as well, although he only goes as far as the center of the Temple plaza.

Garak goes Out <O>.

Garak has left.

Rakim goes Out <O>.

Rakim has left.

Mikilos has disconnected.

<pre>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades. 

EXTRAS: +view                                 

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Karelin         Tattooed Korite warrior. Tall, dark and scarred.      14m  19m

Jibbom          Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night.               34m  4h

Silmeria        A sweet-looking blond human in a long black dress and 48s  6d

Benthus         A grim, brooding half-sil wearing breast plate armour 25s  6h

Svarshan        Demons: BBQ with Spice                                0s   1h

Cesran          A tall dark-skinned man                               28m  1h

Whirlpool       I am stinky!                                          1m   1h

Godwyn          Blond, blue-eyed, beatific Sentinel.                  14s  6h

Latenat         Grey and brown accoutred townsman                     35s  6h

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Out <O>                   

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-</pre>