Session 12

[Bynw]

19:27 <~bynw> |------------------------------------------------
19:27 <~bynw> |          IMPERIAL DREAMS - SESSION 12
19:27 <~bynw> |------------------------------------------------
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> | "Leopold Lives!"
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> | The words echo and reverberate off the stone
19:27 <~bynw> | walls of the ancient Anadari council chambers.
19:27 <~bynw> | Like a large stone being dropped into a small
19:27 <~bynw> | pond, the ripples of Master Gibran's statement
19:27 <~bynw> | wash over every Anadari in the room. And then
19:27 <~bynw> | the ripples pick up speed and force and become
19:27 <~bynw> | crashing waves across the Akasa bouncing off
19:27 <~bynw> | every Anadari and are reflected back to the Council
19:27 <~bynw> | itself. All in the matter of a few heart beats.
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> | The Council has lost all form of orderly conduct.
19:27 <~bynw> | Pandemonium reigns as the Masters yell and carry
19:27 <~bynw> | on with one other of how this could have escaped
19:27 <~bynw> | their notice. After all, how can the return of
19:27 <~bynw> | such a powerful Dark Anadari as General Leopold
19:27 <~bynw> | of Valimar go unnoticed?
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> | In the chaos and confusion. Master Truden acts.
19:27 <~bynw> | Leaping from behind the table he has drawn his
19:27 <~bynw> | sword and charged into battle. Going after not
19:27 <~bynw> | the Anadari who have brought this terrible news.
19:27 <~bynw> | And not after the Orange Magician who has come
19:27 <~bynw> | to the Anadari Council. No, Master Truden has
19:27 <~bynw> | decided to act against the greatest threat in
19:27 <~bynw> | the chamber. The undead monstrosity called a Lich.
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> | Like many tragedies that unfold before the eyes
19:27 <~bynw> | of those who are watching. They always seem to
19:27 <~bynw> | happen in slow motion. Each action taking
19:27 <~bynw> | minutes to complete instead of fractions of a
19:27 <~bynw> | second. Yet those who watch are powerless to do
19:27 <~bynw> | anything as their own actions are far too slow.
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> | The strikes are over by when time seems to
19:27 <~bynw> | speed back up to its normal pace. One thing
19:27 <~bynw> | is certain. Death has come to this chamber.
19:27 <~bynw> |
19:27 <~bynw> |------------------------------------------------
19:28 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari continues to rap on the table calling for order while several of the other masters are making their way to the fallen bodies of Master Truden and the Lich::
19:29 < Alianna> "WHAT THE EVERLOVING SHIT JUST HAPPENED HERE?!"
19:31  * Alderic backs up as far from the Kcor and Truden as possible, put his back to the wall
19:31 <~bynw> ::Master Doim was first over to the body of his friend. Now craddling him in his arms. Master Truden is barely alive but slipping fast from this world.::
19:32  * Alianna has her short sword in her hand and looks like she might be about to go for her black powder pistol.
19:34 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari:: "Enough!" ::he says as some of the bickering continues:: "Master Gibran has brought us news of the worst sorts. I'm sure the others with him were here to validate his discovery."
19:35 <~bynw> ::Master Doim:: "All you care about is Gibran, while our Master lies dying, he is beyond my skills to heal ..." ::he chokes out:: "... and fading fast"
19:37 < Alderic> ::Nym, stands watching the scene, eyebrow raised::
19:37 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari:: "I, as any member of this council, are saddened by the events that have taken place. Master Truden will become one with the Akasa. As all will someday. Do what you can for him Master Doim"
19:38 -!- Alderic is now known as Nym_Gibran
19:38 < Nym_Gibran> ::Looks over Kcor::
19:38 < Nym_Gibran> ??His body destroyed??
19:38 <~bynw> ::Master Truden lets out a slight gasp drawing his last breath. And then ages rapidly and becomes a dried husk within minutes::
19:39 < Alianna> "Who the shit is Leopold and why the shit does it matter that he's alive?"
19:39 <~bynw> *the Lich's body is shattered bone and some rotted flesh. The pin point of lights within his eye sockets are gone. His skull shattered*
19:41 < Nym_Gibran> ::Shakes his head as if a puppy had just messed his favorite tapestry::
19:41 <~bynw> ::The Orange Magician kneels before the Lich's body examining bits of bone:: "His body is destroyed. But they are known to reform over time elsewhere."
19:43 < Nym_Gibran> "I'm sure he's returned to his phylactery. What a waste."
19:44 <~bynw> ::the mage is eying the dead body of Master Truden:: "It looks like he had a last revenge in the case anyone was able to best him."
19:46 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari in a calming voice:: "Mourn our losses another day if we must. But our greatest threat is hear now. Master Leopold's return is a threat to everyone. Not just Anadari."
19:48 < Nym_Gibran> ::Takes a seat in Master Truden's chair::
19:48 <~bynw> ::Master Doim gently lays the body of his friend on the floor and rises:: "You dare! Do you think you can just claim the rights of Master of the Order just like that? I know what your game is Soltaari. You think you can just leadership of this Council without following our traditions."
19:49 < Nym_Gibran> ::Looks at Master Doim::
19:50 <~bynw> ::Master Doim:: "And you!" ::turning his gaze on Gibran:: "Get out of that chair. You have no seat at this table."
19:51 <~bynw> ::Master Rose to Alianna:: "Leopold was an evil man and dictator of the nation of Valimar some 1000 years ago. He should be dead."
19:52 < Alianna> "Yeah, if he lived 1000 years ago, he should be long dead."
19:55 <~bynw> ::Master Helos:: "Master Doim is correct. The council must choose a new leader. And the outsiders, even the Anadari one's must go while we do so."
19:56 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari:: "No. Master Leopold's return is a great importance. Master Gibran would not have brought the Lich or the Spectral with him otherwise. Must I remind you all of history."
19:58 <~bynw> "Master Leopold was trained as an Anadari by Horok Bindar himself. Thus he is by far more powerful and closer to our roots than any of us here today." ::he looks around noticing that Master Vor'en is not present:: "Well save for two and one of them is absent"
19:58 < Nym_Gibran> "Master Rose, Master Vor'en seems to have urgent business elsewhere at the moment. Please take a seat" ::indicates Vor'en's seat::
19:59 <~bynw> ::Master Rose looks around at Nym's suggestion and slowly makes her way to the table::
20:00 <~bynw> ::Master Helos:: "What are you doing? You are the one that is responsible for Master Truden's death by bringing that hell spawned creature here. She has no rights at this table any more than you do."
20:02 -!- Nym_Gibran [~Nameless@OWIRCN-2b76dfe4.ma.charter.com] has quit [Ping timeout: 121 seconds]
20:04 -!- Kagi [~Nameless@OWIRCN-2b76dfe4.ma.charter.com] has joined #teara-adan
20:06 < Kagi> ::Looks sharply at Helos:: "Your Master died worthlessly because he was a fool. Don't follow his example."
20:06 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari raps the hilt of his great sword on the table:: "Enough. We are chooing by virtue of power the next Master of the Order. Which will not be Master Vor'en despite his power for several reasons"
20:07 <~bynw> "First and foremost, he would refuse and never return to this chamber. And he's not here right now. That only leaves one choice."
20:10 <~bynw> "I will take on this duty. I am the most qualified." ::Master Soltaari says while several of the masters again voice their disapproval::
20:11 < Kagi> ::Looks impatient::
20:11 <~bynw> "Silence! I have worn this disguise long enough. I am the most qualified since Leopold trained my master so many years ago."
20:12 <~bynw> ::Master Rose quietly takes the seat of Master Vor'en::
20:12 <~bynw> ::a few eyebrowse raised at Master Soltaari's remark of his own master::
20:16 <~bynw> ::the human form of Master Soltaari shifts and reforms into something not quiet human ... slightly larger and more broad of shoulder. his hair becomes long and jet black save for streaks of gray. his skin takes on a darker hue and becomes more like scales than skin. he looks about the chamber, his pupils narrowing to slits::
20:16 < Alianna> "NOW what the shit is going on?"
20:18 -!- Kagi is now known as Alderic_Gibran
20:18 <~bynw> ::Master Soltaari:: "I am Prince Jasper Temere von Drachen. I am an Anadari Master, trained by Ka'Doote who was trained by Leopold who was trained by Horok Bindar himself. And I died in the last great Anadari War centures ago. But the Akasa brought me back here. And now I know why."
20:19  * Alianna 's green eyes look like dinner plates and her eyebrows might as well be in her hairline.
20:20 <~bynw> ::most of the council is stunned and speachless::
20:23 <~bynw> ::Master Richardson is the first to speak:: "Master ... " ::she pauses for a moment:: "Temere. We would be honored to have you serve as Master of the Order"
20:24 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Steps forward:: "Congratulations Grandfather."
20:24 <~bynw> ::the council again breaks out into talking about the illregularties of such an appointment but the necessities and the right choice. though some seem disgruntled about it::
20:25  * Alianna looks at Alderic in some shock.
20:25 <~bynw> ::Master Temere:: "First order of business is to expand this body. Masters Gibran and Rose are appointed as full members. Additional masters will be added as well when we are able to bring them here"
20:25 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Smiles at Alianna::
20:26 <~bynw> ::Master Temere turns and smiles at Aldric::
20:27 < Alderic_Gibran> **Master Nym** ::looks like he just tasted something disgusting::
20:27 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "Alderic. You came to this council to discuss matters. Do you have anything else to add? You were saying something about the druid Chadwick"
20:29 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Sighs:: "I think it's obvious now that Chadwick is in league with Leopold, though he may not know his benefactor as such."
20:30 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "It would make our puzzle fall into place. Then where is Leopold?"
20:30 < Alderic_Gibran> "I think Leopold has been behind many of the upsets in Adan perhaps as far back as whispering in Prince Janquay's ear through proxies."
20:31  * Alianna sits and listens, still somewhat confused as to what exactly the hell is going on here.
20:31 < Alderic_Gibran> "I don't know. My guess would be at the Matrix that Chadwick controls. But I wouldn't put money on it."
20:32 < Alderic_Gibran> "I think he is in hiding until he is found out."
20:32 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Looks to Nym:: "Father?"
20:33 -!- Alderic_Gibran is now known as Nym_Gibran
20:36 < Nym_Gibran> "Kcor indicated that Leopold was trying to follow in the tracks of Latem, trying to raise himself above mortality."
20:37 <~bynw> ::while listening to the discussion. Master Temere pulls out a quill, ink and parchment and begins to write several documents::
20:38 < Nym_Gibran> "He was behind the bid to find the Blood pool."
20:38 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "He would certainly know where it was ... "
20:43 < Nym_Gibran> "Would he know how to harness the Matrix in Kirsh?"
20:44 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "Any Matrix is like any other."
20:47 -!- Nym_Gibran is now known as Alderic_Gibran
20:49 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Raises his voice:: "As I said, only one thing has our answers. Chadwick. I think it's time we found him and found out what he knows."
20:53 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "Then find him."
20:53 < Alianna> "Okay, how do we go about finding a plant?"
20:56 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Waves it off:: "I think I can find him. But I don't know if I can defeat him if he controls the Matrix."
21:01 <~bynw> "A risk for sure. You could call for help in that case" ::Master Temere says::
21:02 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Nods:: "I could use some help." ::Looks to Lord Stonemont."
21:04 <~bynw> ::Mage:: "The Order can provide some assistance of course. Manpower or magic or both even."
21:08 <~bynw> ::Mage:: "Chadwick and this Leopold are a threat to the Empire. They must be stopped."
21:12 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "It is settled then. Alderic will go to see if he can find Chadwick. Not being an Anadari he will not attract too much attention. But I suggest that an Anadari goes with him anyway."
21:12 <~bynw> ::Master Rose:: "I can send one of my apprentices with him."
21:17 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Nods to Master Rose::
21:17 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Looks to Alianna:: "Coming?"
21:18 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "Alderic, take whatever you need. Start in the Imperial captial where the Spectrals can give you whatever they prepare for you."
21:19  * Alianna rolls her eyes at Alderic_Gibran.  "Wouldn't miss it for the world," she says sarcastically.
21:21 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Smiles at Alianna::
21:21  * Alianna cuts a crooked smile at Alderic_Gibran.
21:22 <~bynw> ::Master Temere:: "This council is ajurned. Master Gibran. Please escort your mage guest back the way you came."
21:23 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Looks to Soltaari:: "Master Temere, if I may have a minute please?"
21:25 <~bynw> ::Temere gets up from the council table and comes over to Alderic and Alianna:: "Of course" ::he hands Alianna one of the folded parchments he was writing on earlier:: "For you."
21:25 < Alianna> "For ME?!  How do you even know who I am?"
21:26 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Shakes his head at Temere:: "I mean with the council."
21:26 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "Because I am an Anadari Master. I can See many things"
21:27 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Without waiting he jumps up on the council table::
21:27  * Alianna raises her eyebrows but says nothing further and takes the parchment.
21:27 <~bynw> ::the other members of the council are milling about the table and are startled at Alderic's move::
21:28 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Raises his voice to be heard by all:: "Myself and my companion have travelled a long road barred at every turn by walls and guards and wards and all manner of things designed to prevent us from standing here before you....."
21:29 < Alderic_Gibran> "As you can see now, our business was urgent..."
21:30 < Alderic_Gibran> "Tales abound of the wisdom of this council, of it's mission to help right wrongs with this wisdom...."
21:32 < Alderic_Gibran> "What I have seen is a council member that attacked a visitor without provacation and died needlessly and without purpose....
21:33 < Alderic_Gibran> "I have found a council that hides itself away from the world making it nearly impossible for anyone to ask it's help or bring it news...."
21:33 < Alderic_Gibran> "I see a council that does not even know who their members really are...." ::indicates Treme without ire::
21:35 < Alderic_Gibran> "I see a council who has thrown the bulk of it's followers, the ones that trusted in it's guidence unto death, into a suicidal mission devoid of the legendary wisdom they are said to possess..."
21:39 < Alderic_Gibran> "I have seen a room full of bickering men and women without common agenda previously lead by a fool. Look at yourselves closely. Because what I have seen today is nothing even close to the legend. I hope you find the strength to admit your fall from grace so you can learn and rise again."
21:39 < Alderic_Gibran> ::Jumps down from the table without waiting for comment::
21:40 <~bynw> ::Temere to Alianna:: "Open it"
21:40 < Alianna> ::Throughout Alderic's speech, her face grows ever more surprised.::
21:40  * Alianna opens the parchment.
21:42  * Alianna 's eyebrows go through the ceiling.
21:42  * Alianna sputters.  "Are you serious?!"
21:44 <~bynw> ::Temere:: "of course I'm serious Captain. You did follow my grandson to our home with the library ... we could use your ship on the great river."
21:45  * Alianna re-reads the parchment carefully.
21:45 < Alianna> "I won't pretend I haven't been itching for salt air and a rolling deck."  She smiles at Temere.
21:47 <~bynw> ::Temere laughs:: "Well you will be going to South Wind for a little while. A bit of layover there while we prepare things for your journey."



21:50 <~bynw> ::some 6000 miles away. a well dressed man rises from his personal and deep meditation. a bit tired from the strains of his mental exercise. his hands drop to his sides and as they open he drops the ornate sapphire headband he was holding to the carpeted floor beneath him. as another man, this one dressed in homespun cloth and bare feet enters and kneels before him::