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Post by Thane on Sept 25, 2005 13:38:53 GMT -6
One of the oldest elders steps up, "If I may interject..." He nods, "I... I am elder Wenn... Masters elite." The frail and gray rachet introduces himself with much reservation. "We first encountered the symptoms with a few soldiers not remembering their duties... orders, then it escalated to commanders not knowing their detachments and even their superiors." He says bashfully. "We began to suspect foul play when Lord Grell forgot... well everything." He says looking at the floor. "We searched for any biological or parasitic anomaly only to find none." He continues with more zeal. "When we discovered that our key officials and soldiers being the only ones affected... some worse than others... we could only then deduct one or two is coincidence, but this many is only explainable as.. ahhh... intentional."
Thane snarls "You mean this is deliberate?" as he sweeps Me'Kel from the floor in his massive arms. "Is Lord Grell contagious?"" Thane asks the old rachet. He simply shakes his head no. "Then return him to his own bed and allow him his dignity." Thane huffs in frustration "Come Master Lye, Master Lysandor, We should set up a command post, This is war..." Thane growls as he storms out of the infirmary with Me'Kel in arm. He barks orders to the soldier standing guard of the infirmary, "Summon the village guard command to convene at Lord Grell's cave... We have much to discuss."
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Post by Lysandor on Sept 25, 2005 20:13:35 GMT -6
Lysandor frowns, staring at the Rachets as though trying to summon the reasons behind their afflictions. As the information soaks its way in, his frown deepens, forming creases in his scarred face. He follows Thane outside.
"Don't be so quick to call war, Master Thane," Lysandor says calmly. "As disturbing as the information is, to act in haste would only create more problems. Of yet, we are not even sure what the cause is, or even a possible explanation as to why." He glances at Thane. "But I agree with you at sending the victims back to familiar environments. As well as speaking with the village guard. We could learn much, and it would be wise to put them on their guard, if they aren't already." He looks back at the infirmery again, his frown returning. "For your sake, Master Thane, and for your people's, I hope we can get this over with quickly."
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Post by Thane on Sept 28, 2005 19:22:54 GMT -6
Grell's home is large and quite comfortably appointed. His manner is the most ornate and beautiful structures of the rachet village. Thane kicks open the door and sits Me'Kel down in a large comfy looking chair. Thane looks at her with pain in his eyes and then he makes for the keg in one of the adjoining rooms that could be a kitchen. Thane takes a tanker and fills it high and practically chugs it in one gulp. Then he refills it again and he returns to the main room and is seated at the large wooden table. Thane is looking distressed and he broods in silence staring at his brew as if it holds the answers to the questions swimming behind his flaming red eyes.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Sept 30, 2005 3:23:44 GMT -6
Lye walks beside Wenn to Grell's home. "Elder Wenn...what do the afflicted have in common? You know, something that might indicate who or what is responsible."
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Post by Thane on Oct 1, 2005 15:01:13 GMT -6
Wenn walks slowly into Grell's house pondering Lye's question. He is quick to be seated at the large table to rest his tired bones. He looks to Lye with a worried look in his dull orange eyes "To be honest... I only know that these soldiers and the captains afflicted were either posted in the area or were directly involved with investigating Elder Brock's sudden and suspicious death." Wenn sighs a heavy sigh. "It has made the investigation slow to a crawl and eventually stall out despite the constant demands by our people anxious for resolution."
Thane looks sideways to the old rachet "So no one has continued any investigation into this... disaster or Elder Brock's demise?" Thane grunts aloud becoming more irritated at the lack of resolve his people are displaying. "Have you all been napping?" Thane snaps "This has become a parade of incompetance... instead of coming together over this, everyone cowers under their beds like children." Thane then slams his fist onto the table, making all the elders jump from the loud bang. "Politics and lies have made this village soft!" Thane growls "And now someone or something has come to wrench out its rotten guts from within... and have nearly succeeded." Thane shakes his head no. "Where have my noble, fierce and just people gone?" Thane scoffs as he looks around at the elders. "I have returned home and all I see are the empty selfish shells of spineless cowards who wring their hands and do NOTHING to stop this disgrace from ruining... OUR VILLAGE." Thane barks outraged as he stands.
Just then the acting commander and his two captains enter the hall and bow. "Village Guard Command reporting as ordered... Master Thane!"
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Post by Lysandor on Oct 1, 2005 21:03:11 GMT -6
Lysandor remains silent throughout Thane's outburst. He watches the Rachet Elders closely, for any sign of unusual emotion that might indicate guilt. His scrutinization is interrupted with the arrival of the village guard.
He turns to acting commander, his face now clear of any expression. "What have you to report?"
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Oct 2, 2005 2:19:47 GMT -6
Lye sits patiently as Thane barks, then turns to face him slowly and deliberately. She speaks evenly and firmly. "Thane. I know this is your village, but you can NOT let your emotions get the better of you. Same rules apply here as with any other mission. "If everybody who gets involved with the investigation loses his memory, it would be foolhardy and idiotic to simply send more people to investigate the death. What they have been doing isn't working, so we have to do something else. Create a strategy and execute it. "Now. It is unwise to assume too much, I know, but it seems pretty clear that whoever is responsible for this Elder Brock's death is also in some way responsible for the amnesia. So who would have reason to kill Elder Brock, and what are those reasons?"
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Post by Thane on Oct 2, 2005 11:50:14 GMT -6
Thane stands seething trying to regain his composure. Me'Kel speaks up through the commotion. "We have never been faced with such a multitude of disasters in a row and it has made us fall into chaos." Her look has become one of bold determination. "My boy you always shoot off your mouth... It is why Grell counted you as his ally, and he admired your tinasity... but your words aren't completely misguided nor can they go ignored." she says looking stern at Thane. "We are Rachets and we will overcome this. With proper planning and strategy as your charming colleague has mentioned, we can...will discover the truth. But the warriors way won't solve every problem Thane, we must out think our adversary to catch them in the act before we can bring them to justice." Me'Kel looks to Lye, "My husband has much influance... had... much influence over this village and the Rachet hierarchy, even the king himself. He had been in the forefront in many political arenas and was loved as well as hated by those whom he allied with and destroyed alike. The list would be exhausting to find one with the most to loose or gain by his death."
Me'Kel stands "Now Commander if you please... enlighten us with your report."
The commander looks uncomfortable amid the elders and elite. "Um... yes elder... Masters Elite." He bows to his superiors, "We have our reports of the outbreak and the preliminary findings to Elder Brock's investigation." and he nods his head at his subordinate who places the reports on the table. We have all exits covered and have tightened our patrols closer to the village yet we have had no contact with any foreign species until the elite came to the gate today." The commander says looking stressed. "Our chief and Commander Krom were heading the investigations and it was shortly after... they became the worst of the afflicted."
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Post by Lysandor on Oct 3, 2005 10:07:08 GMT -6
Lysandor picks up the report, quickly skimming over it. Most of it contains what he already knows, that Elder Brock was slain and those in the investigation suffered from mild to severe amnesia. He looks up at Me'Kel.
"How many enemies did Elder Brock have in this village?" he inquires. "There have been no outsiders here, am I correct? If not, that limits our list of suspects to the villagers, or rather, those who would have motive to kill him." Lysandor turns to the commander. "I want to see the guard roster starting two weeks from Elder Brock's death up until now." He flips through the report to the list of the afflicted Rachets, their ranks, and the severity of their amnesia. "I want to speak with all but the most severely afflicted. Perhaps they might have some information that might prove useful."
Lysandor looks up from the report. "Elder Me'Kel and Lady Lye are correct. We must compose a strategy and out think this enemy. Resuming this investigation would create opportunities for the culprit to strike again, but rather than allow any one else to be attacked, I propose we keep any and all information regarding the investigation to myself, Lady Lye, Master Thane, and those of the Elders with direct ties to this investigation." Lysandor bows his head apologetically towards the Elders in the room. "Not that I do not trust any of you, but it would be best to limit the possibilities of attack." The Fallen Elite glances back down at the report, then up again at Lye and Thane. "We Elite can handle ourselves, I am sure, but it would be best if we do not venture anywhere alone. We don't wish to add ourselves to the casualties."
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Post by Thane on Oct 5, 2005 20:26:35 GMT -6
Me'Kel looks to Lysandor with a furrowed brow. "Brock had few enemies here Master Lysandor." She says softly, "He eliminated most of them when he was Chief." She nods. "Though few remain, they are members of strong houses and would often speak out against him in the village forums." She says, "Some even seek to supplant Grell as Village Chief and often call into question his leadership and even have attempted a coup... one so bloody that Grell was forced to call upon Master Thane for help to quell." Thane nods "Falco..." Thane snarls, "His losses were great... including his eldest son." Thane continues, "The very son he sought to supplant Lord Grell with."
Thane looks around. "Commander, you have your orders." Thane glares at him and he bows again, "Yes Sir, Master Lysandor, Lady Lye... Collect duty rosters and prepare the interviews." he then turns and swiftly leaves with his captains.
Me'Kel looks at the Elders and dismisses them save Wenn and Rau. After the elders leave Thane bars the door. "Where shall we start?" He asks the others with pointed determination.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Oct 10, 2005 2:31:16 GMT -6
"I think we should do as Lysandor suggested, and go to talk to the less severely afflicted. Also, as he mentioned, it would not be a good idea to be alone. Perhaps each of us should pair up with an Elder, to provide mutual protection and to be witnesses should the other be attacked or suddenly afflicted when we leave this room. It would also make the investigation more efficient; one elite member and one elder who has the information."
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Post by Lysandor on Oct 12, 2005 16:06:30 GMT -6
Lysandor nods, his gaze moving from Elders to Elites as he speaks. "Separating into pairs would make things move more efficiently, but would also open us up for attack. Are we prepared to take that risk?"
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Post by Thane on Oct 12, 2005 17:56:25 GMT -6
"If that is what it takes then it is a risk we must take with out question." Thane gruffs, folding his hairy and chain laden arms high on his chest. "I will see to the roster, I am familiar with the village policing procedures... maybe even look into the guard log archives for suspicious activities that may have been reported in the last few weeks. Who knows what clues that may conjure." Thane looks to the last Elder as he speaks. "Elder Rau was the village sentinel for many years, I believe that his presence would ease the officers and he may just even pry some more information from the patrol details that may have been over looked in the reports."
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Oct 18, 2005 3:16:09 GMT -6
"I think so Lysandor...time is, after all, of the essence. Not to mention that all six of us sticking together might open us up for a different kind of attack, one that targets all members in a small area. Let's take some precautions, though. I suggest that before splitting, we establish a time when we will all meet back in this room. When we meet back up, after dispensing information, we should re-divide ourselves so that we Elites may go with different Elders, to throw off attackers who try to predict our next moves." Lye looked to Thane. "I think you have a good plan. So," she turned back to the Fallen, "Lysandor, you plan to talk to the afflicted, correct?" She turned to the Elders now. "Who wishes to go with him?" Lye looked back at Thane and Lysandor. "And how much time do you both think that you will need?"
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Post by Lysandor on Oct 18, 2005 21:12:24 GMT -6
"Master Thane stated before that Elder Rau's presence might ease the nerves of the afflicted, but it is his decision in the end," Lysandor replies. "Perhaps it would be prudent to pay a visit to this Falco as well . . ." He turns towards the three remaining Elders. "I think we should divide into our pairs now and go see what we can discover."
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Post by Thane on Oct 19, 2005 17:49:29 GMT -6
Rau though an elder looks like the youngest of the clan leaders. He speaks up for the first time in a rich baritone, "I will see to the afflicted, if my influence can be of assistance, I welcome it."
Thane nods, "I think that Lady Lye would be the perfect candidate to speak to Falco." Thane says as he pats her firmly on the back. "Falco and I have a black history, besides you can tell for sure if he spins falsehoods where as I would automatically assume his guilt." Thane shakes his head yes for a moment. "Elder Winn is also neutral with Falco... where Lady Me'Kel also has bad blood between their clans." Winn smiles at Lye, "It would be my pleasure to accompany this fine young lady." he says looking quite excited.
Thane holds out his arm to the old silver female, "Shall we proceed to the sentinel's office M'Lady, I could use your assistance going through the multitude of guard logs..." Thane says with a raised brow. Me'Kel nods and takes Thane's massive arm. "We should start with the detention files... she says then move on from there..." She looks back to the others, "We will need a couple of hours to sort the files and obtain the rosters." She says sternly, "We should return here and compile our findings with the group..." She looks concerned, "Please remember to be careful, a killer is at large, who knows what they are capable of." Thane nods to Lye and Lysandor and he produces two small magical stone beacons form his belt packs. "Should you be attacked by one of my kind... press the red insignia and cover your ears." Thane says looking cross. "The maddening screech stuns anyone but the wretched shrill from that device will stop any Gabriel Rachet dead in their tracks." Thane looks back to Me'Kel then back to his comrades, "Please only use it in dire circumstances only, for the magic is only good for one or two uses... my people and I would be greatly appreciative."
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Oct 24, 2005 3:33:40 GMT -6
"Excellent, thank you, Thane." Lye takes the stone and slips it into her items pouch. "I will go speak to this Falco with Elder Winn. Is there anything in particular that I should ask him, anything I cannot mention in his presence; things of that nature?" She looks around the room at all those besides Winn. "Elder Winn will be able to supply me with information after you and we part ways, so I would like the valuable knowledge concerning Falco that I can only get from you.
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Post by Lysandor on Oct 24, 2005 15:29:27 GMT -6
Lysandor accepts the stone beacon. "My thanks, Master Thane." He turns towards Elder Rau. "The interviews might take some time. We should leave now." The Fallen Elite then directs his next comment to everyone. "It would be best if we meet back here before nightfall."
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Post by Thane on Oct 24, 2005 19:14:40 GMT -6
Thane looks as Lye lost in thought for a moment. "Falco is still sore about the attempted seize of power, as it was only 2 years ago when I was newly appointed to the Elite. He lost his chair on the elders council because of it, and he is quite snooty as he still retains a lordship." Thane ponders more. "He is a conniver and a master at politics, he will test your resolve and try your patience to get inside your head." Thane says with conviction. "Choose your words wisely as he will try to use them against you... That is about it."
Me'Kel nods to Lysnador. "Yes, reunite here before nightfall and good hunting!" She says with a look of determination in her black eyes. She turns to Thane and they make off for the Sentinel's office.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Oct 25, 2005 2:46:36 GMT -6
"Thanks again, Thane. Alright then, before nightfall." She turns to Winn and puts out her hand. "Let us go, then. Please lead the way, Elder."
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