RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Savage Tide (Pathfinder, Mystara)

18:57, 4th May 2024 (GMT+0)

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name.

Posted by Dungeon MasterFor group archive 0
Dungeon Master
GM, 2439 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Sun 22 Jan 2017
at 17:11
  • msg #1

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene:
Celene spent a few weeks brooding. The life she had known had come crumbling down around her. For a while she resisted the notion that she would need to forge a new life for herself. She decided instead to focus on research and study. She called on Urol, to learn more about alchemy, and found him all too happy to oblige. She spent the next few weeks pouring all of herself in learning the process and more importantly how it could be applied to her magic.

Eventually she could no longer hide from ruined wreck of her life. She had been relying upon her allies to gather any materials she needed from the city as it was too difficult to be done on her own. She wasn’t adept at disguises and if she made frequent trips to
Sasserine she was bound to be caught and persecuted.

Celene began to writing letters and researching the strange tea that Eseriel had used to take her life. There was no doubt that she would be able to prove the woman had been killed with a lethal dose of the leaves; but she doubted she could prove the woman had taken that dose willingly. Celene often wondered why the church had seen to the truth themselves? Laziness perhaps on the part of their opulent and rotund high priestess?

Celene decided that he only way to clear her name was to have Eseriel speak on her behalf. She began to pen anonymous letters to the priestesses below Magus Annah Teranaki.  In the letters she spoke of the death of Eseriel and pleaded with them to attempt speaking with the deceased high priestess that it would be in their best interest and that it related to the fall of the opera house. She implied that the Temple and Sasserine could not be sure they weren’t still in danger until they knew the reasons for Eseriel’s death.

Each letter she penned was delivered through a third party within the city and she arranged each to be delivered on the same day so each of the priestesses received the information with a short time of one another. She hoped this would work. She had faith that Eseriel would set the record straight; that was the least she could do for Celene after all she had kept from her.

Dungeon Master
GM, 2440 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Sun 22 Jan 2017
at 19:41
  • msg #2

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene starts her new life as a virtual prisoner in the old Dragon Lotus lair.

The scrying attacks come almost immediately of course. Celene could feel them, and despite being under 10' feet of soil and rock it seemed that the spell caster was talented enough to detect her most of the time. It was infuriating to know that her pursuers could start monitoring her at any second of any day - the sorceress had to stay down in the dungeon more and more in case any distinguishing features above ground in Sasserine gave her away.

Alohan, for whatever reason, seemed to have gotten off scot free. Perhaps it was because the Church had none of Alohan's personal possessions to aid them, making the scrying more difficult, whereas Celene had been forced to leave all of her belonging behind when she fled the temple. Damn, they had probably managed to get some of her hair from a brush as well, making it very easy to spy on her.

Eventually, in desperation, she begs Logan to get assistance from Vorsh. After all, that wiry old Paladin had been avoiding the same sort of thing for many decades while those possessed by the intelligent weapons had been after him. But Dengrin Larcos is not able to provide much more information than what Celene already knew. There were magical spells that could be cast to avoid detection - Celene was not strong enough to cast those herself yet. Or potions that could be purchased - she didn't have enough money to do that forever.

So Celene begins writing the letters.

She doesn't waste her time with the corpulent High Magus Annah Teranaki, and instead writes to the new second in command, i.e. Magnus Eseriel's replacement, and those in the levels below. If Celene understands anything about church politics, those in the lower ranks would not miss the opportunity to get ahead.

A message returns to Celene via a dream. The High Magus appears to Celene, her anger apparent despite the sorceress being asleep.

"Child! You have caused enough trouble! I will summon the spirit of Magus Eseriel at noon tomorrow in front of a full assembly of the clerics in the central atrium. If you want to clear your name... you will be there!"
Celene
player, 1218 posts
Sorcerer 6
Mon 23 Jan 2017
at 19:13
  • msg #3

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene was unsure she could even respond. She knew what she needed to do; and that was to show herself and answer for her crimes. Chief among them saving thousands from the influence on devils.

The next morning she dressed as well as she could within the dank dungeon and then walked with her head high back to the temple to end her former life.
Alohan Nuari
NPC, 617 posts
Barbarian 3 / Monk 2
Thu 26 Jan 2017
at 13:58
  • msg #4

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

As she leaves the old Dragon Lotus lair a figure walks out from one of the abandoned houses in 'Dogs Leg Alley' and joins her.

"Dis be a good morning kuuipo," says the big native as he gives her a reassuring hug around the shoulders. "Dis be de day dat you clear your name, hoaloha!"
Dungeon Master
GM, 2450 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Thu 26 Jan 2017
at 13:58
  • msg #5

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

It is nice of Alohan to join her since he seemed to have otherwise gotten away scot free from Eseriel's death.

They take a gondola to the Noble District and then walk the short distance to the Temple of Wee Jas. It is strange. Celene has not been away that long, only a couple of weeks, but everything seems different now as she walks in through its broad gates. They cross the ornamental gardens that the sorceress played in as a careful novice and reach the assembly hall.

It is already full of female clergy of many different ranks engaged in full gossip. At the far end sits the High Magus Annah Teranaki; the large islander woman is slumped over on her high backed chair and does not look to be paying full attention, but she glances up as Celene walks down the middle of the hall - head high and Alohan at her side. Whispers and gasps raise themselves on either side as the clerics take in her missing robes - Celene no longer wears the black and grey of a Wee Jas adept, now she is just in normal civilian clothing.

"Hmpf. You may present yourself in the usual manner," mutters the High Magus when Celene reaches the front of the room. Decorum indicates that the adept should slightly bow and present her forehead to be kissed. When Celene hesistaes, Teranaki leans forward with surprising speed considering her girth and grabs the girls head in her large hands. Clutching the sorceresses skull tightly she brings it forward towards her lips, but rather kissing it just whispers hoarsely. "I will see you hanged before the sun has set this day, little girl."

Then the Magus pushes her head back quite roughly. "Let the council of trial begin!" she announces.
Celene
player, 1223 posts
Sorcerer 6
Fri 27 Jan 2017
at 16:48
  • msg #6

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene narrows her eyes but otherwise holds her tongue. Her face does flush red for a moment and her temperature rises a degree or two. She knew at some point this might dissolve into chaos but she hoped to keep her temper at bay as long as she possibly could.
Dungeon Master
GM, 2451 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Sat 28 Jan 2017
at 06:38
  • msg #7

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene is flanked by a couple of guards, then the lifeless but preserved corpse of the sorceress' mentor is brought into the room. Eseriel seems so untouched by death other than a whitening of her skin and her bloodless lips.

High Magus begins the long incantation of the 'Speak with Death' spell. When it is finished, the body of Eseriel gives a tiny shudder and then draws in a tiny, shuddering breath.

"Hmpf. Good. At least you are a better behaved corpse than you were a cleric, old 'friend'," mutters Teranaki, with a sneered emphasis on the last word.

The high cleric leans back in her chair and then raises her voice so it can fill the chamber. "And it begins."

"Eseriel, when did Celene become involved in your plot to destabilize our temple and revive this succubus cult in Sasserine?"

Eseriel's corpse coughs and gags. "Celene was part of the plot from when she started at the temple, age nine."

There is a chorus of assembled gasps from the watching clergy. Teranaki beams.

"Eseriel, and wh..."

"POINT OF ORDER, HIGH MAGUS!" blurts out from of the clerics, stepping forward from the crowd. She is a lady in her mid fifties that Celene recognises as another high ranked cleric in the temple - one of her mentors sometimes adversaries. "THE ACCUSED HAS THE RIGHT TO ASK EVERY SECOND QUESTION!"

There is chorus of mumbled agreement from the crowd, despite the High Magus' scowl.

OOC: Any question you can think of that might help clear you name?
Celene
player, 1225 posts
Sorcerer 6
Sat 28 Jan 2017
at 18:49
  • msg #8

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene's eyes narrow further as the High Magus begins asking question tailored to make her look guilty. She has already begun thinking how she'll attempt an escape when the second cleric interrupts Teranaki. Celene composes herself and then steps forward wondering if the distance would affect how well Eseriel could hear her.

"Magus Eseriel. Did Celene have any knowledge of the plot, and her involvement in it, prior to the night of your death?" she asks.
Dungeon Master
GM, 2453 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Sun 29 Jan 2017
at 09:50
  • msg #9

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Eseriel chokes again.

"As far as I know... <choking gasp> Celene did not have any knowledge of the plot prior to the night of my death..."

*shocked gasp from the crowd*

Teranaki snarls. "Enough! Don't let that wretch get too close to the corpse, she might try and influence the proceedings." Perhaps she is hoping Celene will get pulled back far enough that Eseriel will not be able to hear.

"Eseriel! Did Celene administer the poison to you, or allow another to administer it to you while in her presence?"

Eseriel exhales for longer than is humanly possible. "Celene did not administer the poison to me..." The High Magus frowns. "<choke>...but she was present..." The High Magus crows in delight. "<gasp>...but Celene did not know I was drinking poison..."

The crowd erupts in surprise and chatter again. Eseriel drunk the poison herself, knowingly!
Alohan Nuari
NPC, 618 posts
Barbarian 3 / Monk 2
Sun 29 Jan 2017
at 09:51
  • msg #10

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

"You be in the clear Celene!" whispers Alohan.
Celene
player, 1226 posts
Sorcerer 6
Sun 29 Jan 2017
at 20:01
  • msg #11

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celebrity smiles inwardly but shows no emotion otherwise. She felt vindicated but felt more needed to be said "Eseriel. What others among the clergy here were knowingly involved in your plot?"
Dungeon Master
GM, 2455 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Mon 30 Jan 2017
at 08:53
  • msg #12

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Eseriel gives a deep groan. "No other clergy..."

The High Magus makes a mocking smile at Celene. Did she think that Celene had hoped to implicate the high cleric herself with this question? Or was she just happy that the conspiracy wasn't that wide spread and maybe she could hold onto her position?

"...only the three maids... Elisabeth, Belinda and Courtney."

Teranaki snaps her fingers and the guards. "Go get them! Now!" she commands. Celene knows better of course. All three of those girls were slain in the porphyry room below the opera house. The guards move to carry out the task anyway.

"Eseriel! Do you consider Celene dangerous to this temple?" she barks at the corpse.

"Yeeeeesssssss..." comes the ghostly reply.

The High Cleric crosses her arms. Game. Set. And match, as far as she is concerned.
Celene
player, 1227 posts
Sorcerer 6
Mon 30 Jan 2017
at 12:12
  • msg #13

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene tilts her head slightly to one side "Magus Eseriel, did Celene rebuff the advances of the cult and use everything at her disposal to escape their lair within the opera house with the intention of stopping their plans?" she asked.

This indeed would be the end game should Eseriel answer truthfully.
Dungeon Master
GM, 2462 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Tue 31 Jan 2017
at 19:22
  • msg #14

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Eseriel pauses, the already shuddering rising of her chest becoming more and more erratic. It appears that the spell is reaching the end of its duration and the former magus is returning to the land of the dead.

"...ggggrrrr.... Yes... you... resisted... my dear child... You... came... to me... to stop... it!..."

The corpse start convulsing as though in  the throes of a seizure. But Eseriel has one more unsolicited answer to give.

"....grraack... Choose... your... own... path... grrrr... Bends-wills-to-her... You... mother... was... able... to do... that... despite... her... heritage... Be... stronger... than... me!"

This that a wave of spasms wrack the corpse until it stops shaking and lies lifeless on the slab.

"Humph!" exclaims Teranaki. obviously less than happy about the outcome of the proceedings. "So perhaps you are merely stupid, rather than traitorous. Well, there is one penalty that I know you deserve at least."

She raises her voice and talks to the assembled crowd. "Adept Celene is no longer a member of this church. She is forever forbidden to enter its walls and is forever stricken from the list of the faithful."

Two guards grab Celene, one under each arm, and start dragging her out of the temple of Wee Jas. Celene expulsion from the church has become official.
Celene
player, 1230 posts
Sorcerer 6
Wed 1 Feb 2017
at 17:10
  • msg #15

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Celene looked directly into the eyes of the Magus as she was dragged away. She didn’t resist, her name had been cleared after all. She raised her voice so the assembled clerics could hear her ”Your words ring hollow Magus. I had never been accepted into the faith by the Ruby Sorceress. I implore you to be more stringent during your ordination process’. The anomalies during mine and Eseriel’s were overlooked and allowed an enemy to live amongst you until she took her own life. For now I have rooted out corruption from your temple but vigilance is all that will protect you in the future.” she said.
Dungeon Master
GM, 2463 posts
All Powerfull
DM
Wed 1 Feb 2017
at 19:40
  • msg #16

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

The High Magus stares after Celene, hyperventilating and getting increasingly red in the face as her eyes bulge and her cheeks puff out. Such is her anger, that she can't seem to quite find the words to answer before the sorceress reaches the door.

No doubt Celene's last words will cause all sorts of problems for the High Priestess of Wee Jas in the future...

OOC: Ouch. That was cutting dude, cutting!
Celene
player, 1231 posts
Sorcerer 6
Wed 1 Feb 2017
at 20:34
  • msg #17

2.8 - Celene Tries to Clear Her Name

Some girls just know how to make an exit.
Sign In