Fantasy Hunter's Moon [IC] [CLOSED]

[Dmaster]

Camille looked to Aleister as he relayed everything he had learned, only offering knowing glances to Mariette every once and a while as he spoke. It was clear that she would be thinking about the promise she had made for some time, yet despite having little time to allow it to ruminate it would be for the best to focus on what was ahead.

"I'll either take to the rooftops or the sewers." she said rather quickly. "While I am skilled in deception at times I think we will fare better if I strike from the shadows. I can play the role of a high-class guest to any party in Escaria, but a common soldier? Non, I think not."

With that the huntress stood up from her seat, looking between both vampires as she started to walk toward the entrance. "We have a lot to tell the others. No doubt they are trying to come up with plans of their own, given how little time we have. We'll look at all of our options and resources and determine the best way to move forward."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"I do believe a few would be officer uniforms, at the very least one of them should be I would imagine," Aleister said with a slight nod. "I dare say I can pull off a rather dashing figure in such a cut, I did spend some time among some naval men in a few ports during the war. Pulling off the style isn't too terribly difficult, though I wouldn't know much information if questioned. Hopefully that would not become an issue."

"I'll follow through with the disguise, even if it is only myself. An inside man can go a long way, I do believe, in assisting the others in our infiltration."

As Camille left, he sighed slightly and rubbed his eyes as if he had grown quite tired in the few minutes of talking, before glancing at Mariette with a small look of dejection.

"The news of Valeria, Wesley, and the sword being so close to escaping our grasp forever has me rather... nervous, I must admit. I cannot imagine the terrible things which would come to pass if we were to fail our task. I've spent so many of my days as a wanderer or layabout without the concern of the world upon my mind. Well... that is not entirely true, I suppose, I have always feared for the health of our society - of all societies - but this is rather different, no?"

Aleister fell silent for a moment in pensive thought, his gaze looking past the table into nothingness as his hand fidgeted lightly with the cuff of his jacket. "You know, once this is all over, one way or another, I think I may... go far away. To someplace with friends and like minded people to escape this hazardous place. To settle a home, perhaps. A real home. Procure a ship and simply set off to sea in hopes of land disconnected from the fundamental rot which plagues these old and venerable lands."

 

[Infab]

Later that night, as the group assembled at the inn to exchange ideas and plans, Rosanna found herself sitting off to herself at the bar. She was drinking a simple glass of whiskey, gazing down into the glass as she sat on the bar stool. Her trance on the glass was broken by Tariun, whom stepped up before her on the other side of the bar. Rosanna eventually glanced up. "...Need somethin'?" she asked. Tariun smiled. "No. I'm just observing."

Rosanna grunted. "Yeah, I know. You like watchin' things." she replied, before taking a gulp from the glass. Tariun shifted a bit, leaning against the bar as she looked over to where the others were sitting. There was a moment of silence, before Tariun spoke again. "So...when are you going to leave them?" she said, her eyes shifting back to Rosanna. Rosanna looked up quickly. "Huh?" she said, a bit confused by the question.

Tariun's smile faded. "...I can see the corruption in you...and I know you are fighting back against it. Eventually, though...you're going to lose that battle. Just like all the others before you." she said, glancing back to the others before continuing. "...So when do you plan on leaving the inquiry? I know you don't want to hurt them. Especially your friends Jakob and Mariette." Rosanna looked back down at the glass, quiet. After a moment, she answered. "...I'll leave after that dullahan knight is dead."

Tariun nodded. "Sir Tristyn Protheroe. Knight of the holy kingdom of Darrington, Paladin of the Divine Church, the Dragonslayer of Fellstadt, the Hound of Charcourt...he's been long overdue for a proper death." Rosanna nodded. "...Yeah. He needs to die before he causes any more needless death." she stated.

Tariun smiled. "...He's in Black Hollow." Rosanna's head snapped up. "Save your friends and retrieve the Sword first. They're far more important at the moment." continued Tariun, as her eyes met Rosanna's. Rosanna paused for a brief moment, before nodding slowly. "Right...They need me right now."

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After a while, the ideas and plans were pieced together. A bomb would be set off at the garrison to distract the military forces in Peltragow. During the chaos, some of the group would walk right through the main entrance of the estate using some of the uniforms gathered by Aleister's new friend. The others would infiltrate the estate using the sewer system which runs under the estate. According to a map gathered from the local library, the sewer ran right by the underground dungeon network under the estate with a simple stone wall separating the two. Once Wesley and Valeria were rescued, the group would need to search the estate for the sword.

After the plans were decided on, Theodore began to assemble the bomb required for both the garrison detonation as well as the wall breaching. Aleister hunted down his special friend, and soon enough they had the elite soldier uniforms that they required, as well as an officer's uniform. Quinn also mentioned that he'd help them get through the front gate. That was all he could do, as he didn't know exactly where inside the estate the sword was being held, nor did he know exactly where in the dungeons that Valeria and Wesley were being held.

While all of this was going on, Erwin finally decided to make his exit. He wrote down a letter, resigning from the Inquiry, before handing it off to Rosanna and departing. He was going home, back to the highlands of Atraca.

 

[KRIY]

Wesley only saw a blur of the chair leg piercing his chest. he fell back paralyzed. he can only see glimpses as he gets carried away from Cassandra's room and to a dungeon cell. he can feel the blood oozing out of the wound in his chest. the guards dropped his paralyzed body on the ground and the sound of the cell door locking in place. he opened his eyes a few minutes late and he sees the dim light that came from a torch hanging outside the cell. he couldn't move his body to see what was behind him. but he can only know that he is in Valeria's cell.

"Miss... Wit..lock?"

 

[Infab]

There was silence for a few moments, before a voice replied to Wesley. "...I'm here, Wesley...are you alright?" said the voice, coming from the back of the cell. Valeria couldn't move over to see if Wesley was alright, as she had been chained to the back wall. "...I guess Cassandra finally grew tired of you...I'm sorry for getting you into this." she added after a few moments. Wesley could hear Valeria's chains' links clink against one another as she shifted a bit. "...I should have left you back in Airedale. You would have been safe...instead I dragged you along on this infernal inquiry."

 

[KRIY]

"No.. No.. I was just.. doing my job.. Miss Witlock.." Wesley coughed for a moment before he continued. "If.. I didn't come... Rosanna wouldn't... have been found.. and she'd.. end up.. like Sir Tristyn.." Wesley hated this situation. unable to move or to escape. he felt like a cornered rat, waiting as the cat inch closer and closer to his prey.

 

[Infab]

"...True." responded Valeria. As she shifted again, she attempted to peer through the darkness of the cell at Wesley. She could see something jutting up out of his chest. Likely a stake, to paralyze him. So she staked him. Shit. "Hopefully the others will be able to find us...Did Cassandra say anything useful? Like where the sword was?" Hopefully she said SOMETHING. Better than searching the estate blindly, if the two happened to be rescued.

 

[KRIY]

"Unfortunately... No.. She just... stabbed me... without saying anything.. but, If I'm.. willing.. to make a.. guess.. then, it would be.. with the Duke or Cassandra.." Silence bears in the cell for some time before Wesley spoke up again. "H-hey.. Miss Witlock.. I had this.. question.. that I was willing for you.. to answer honestly.. A few days ago.. Cassandra mentions something... about a demon.. crawling in your head... what does she mean by this..?" Wesley would have hope that its just Cassandra's demoralizing banter than actual truth.

 

[K0mori]

Having given it some deep consideration, Mariette ultimately decided that, due to her accent and her lack of military experience, it would be better if she didn't try to pose as an officer or even an Atracan soldier with Aleister. Such a task would be better left to Jakob, Galina, Rose, or even Erwin, but the latter was giving up on the mission and leaving. Good riddance, Mariette thought silently despite herself.

Mariette's place, she decided, was in the sewers, where she could provide support in the rescue of Valeria and Wesley. As an "honorary Inquisitor," Mariette had done her best work when rescuing her allies. Besides, if Cassandra was guarding them, it would be even better: after she ignored their supposed agreement in the woods and abducted Valeria, Mariette had a bone to pick with her.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille had herself a meal during the discussion on how they would enact this wild plan, figuring that might do something to calm her nerves. Nothing too heavy or fancy, just what she needed to get some of her energy back now that they were in town. Hours later she stood in front of the entrance to the sewer, figuring that she may as well take point this time as they would be making their way into the dungeon. Even if they had a vague idea of where Wesley and Valeria are they could not afford to waste time once they were in the estate. What would Ashwood be doing during this time? There was so little information they had, and that continued to frustrate her.

She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, back to the sewers as she tried to watch their flanks. "So we just listen for a far-off explosion and just go running in..? Hopefully it will be enough."

 

[joshuadim]

Ethraeil would be part of the team to go under the Duke's estate via the sewers in order to break into its lowest levels. He couldn't afford to be seen out in public, nor would there be any disguise suitable for him, so the sewers were his only option for this mission. Ethraeil studied the layout of the map as best as he could in order to keep on the path to the estate's underground network, as no mistakes could be afforded in an operation such as this.

As the time came, Ethraeil made his way to the sewer entrance and found Camille waiting at the front as she spoke. "It will work. Because otherwise we are, for lack of better-term, screwed."

 

[Viper Actual]

So the plan was finally coming together. Galina remained pessimistic, even more so when Erwin left. One less gun. As the party assembled she spoke up. "I'll take care of the distraction and catch up with the rest of you afterwards. Stealth is one of my specialties. Then there's the fact that I bear no odd aura like you do," she said while nodding towards the vampires and Ethraeil.

 

[Infab]

Valeria made no noise or movement for a few moments. Not a sound. Then came an audible sigh. "...I...I made a deal with Sazak while we were in the swamp near Porthcrawl. In exchange for the knowledge of how to defeat the Duke, and the location of the Sword of Velin...I would give him my body and soul once the Duke was dead ..." she replied, sadness in her voice. "I intended to tell you all, but I was waiting for the right moment to do so...and the right words to come to me. I've already told Ethraeil...and a plan has been made."

The chains clinked, signifying movement. "...When the Duke has been slain...I want you and the others to kill me as quickly as you can. If Sazak takes control of me, he can wield the Sword of Velin. Slay me...and I will serve my proper punishment in the Abyss. Then...take the sword back to the church."

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​

"...Then there's the fact that I bear no odd aura like you do."

"You're kinda wrong there, Galina." said Rosanna, glancing over to where the Tsavanian stood. "Ya got an aura...and its kinda odd. Seems to be growin' in power over time. Ain't human, that's for sure." She then looked to Mariette. "We always got Mariette's magics to cover our aura's up. Should be easy enough for those playin' dress up. Make 'em look like vamps instead of whatever they are."

She then looked about, watching some of the citizenry moving about as the night time festivities began. "I can play dress up and head on into the estate with ya, Aleister. The rest of ya...please be careful. "

 

[Breadman]

Theodore had carefully constructed the bomb as Galina watched. Showing where and how much of the mixture was put to accomplish the required explosion. While his disguise would allow for him to sneak the bomb near the target, he wasn't planning to go down the sewers. His concern was primarily with the sword. It was their only guaranteed way to vanquish the blight brought by Cassandra and the Duke's plans. For that he needed to make sure it was recovered.

The bomb was primed to explode at a specific time. The ticking inside would be masked by the case and the container in which it would be located. The commotion from the festival should further bury the sound allowing for a bigger shock to the garrison when the thunder strikes. The other, smaller bomb he handed to Galina. She would know how to use it. Simple enough. Place on the wall, light fuse and keep distance. He even supplied her with an extra long fuse.

For the infiltration itself he came into a unfortunate hurdle. The size of the uniform. It would require some modification. One that would have to be done now to safe on time. He gave Galina the box after setting the timer and giving her instructions as to how to avoid premature detonation. As well build as the bomb was, carelessness would leave the young Tsavarian in a less than preferable state. Leaving him to deal with Aleister on how to handle modification of the uniform. There was still tension between the two. But both were professional enough to bite their tongue in dire circumstances like this.

The end result was more than satisfactory as the uniform fit ideally. But there was more he needed to do to reduce the chance of being detected. Short men being part of an elite guard are not unheard of, if a bit uncommon. But not many would wear a mask that he does. As much as he preferred to keep the face hidden, for this task he would need to make a small sacrifice.

After saying a short goodbye and a firm handshake with Erwin, Theodore was ready to depart. He waited for the others to join him as he checked his pocket watch. The time was drawing near.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister spent the time happily assembling the uniforms in his room at the inn, the outfits meticulously cleaned, assembled, and fitted to those who required it. He still did not care much for Theodore, but his focus on the clothing and the situation demanded no pettiness tonight. It took only a few minutes for one of the soldier's uniforms to be fitted properly to his stature. "I wouldn't worry about your height," he explained, "the taller men look better in ceremonial dress, but on the field, I think the smaller ones manage better. Eyebrows may be raised if we were an honor guard, but in these elite uniforms... I doubt there will be much trouble."

Once the man had departed with his uniform, Aleister went back to attend to his. It was the sole officer's uniform they ended up having, and the rank insignia he had was for a lieutenant. He carefully brushed the epaulettes clean of dust, and he trimmed any excess threads that appeared around the seams. There were no medals or ribbons to be attached, but there was the officer's cord which was silver and double braided. Aleister knew a little trick with these from his time fraternizing with some officers years ago. As he attached it around the shoulder and to his top button, he looped the cord in a way which signified him to be a nobleman. He wasn't sure if that was out of fashion these days, but he suspected most of the men should recognize it and - ideally - the lower men should avoid them.

It didn't take him long to get dressed out in the uniform, and he adjusted his officer's sabre which Quinn had provided. He hadn't much experience in using a sabre, being from a noble family he took to the rapier, but it may be a useful tool. His pistol and holster were attached to his hip and he studied himself in the mirror for several minutes, eying every little detail.

"I do cut a rather dashing image," he couldn't help but say to himself, grinning in the mirror. While he lacked the facial hair many men sported, he still looked every bit a clean-shaven high-born Atracan officer.

When the time was right, he linked up with Theodore and Rosanna. "If anyone asks, you are under my command with the 3rd company, which is Quinn's unit. You'll both be my adjutants so there will be no need for you to produce the names of sergeants if anyone asks. Otherwise, I'll do the talking. Just remember to stand up straight, keep your hands out of your pockets, and keep your caps on outside."

 

[Infab]

Jakob didn't need to be told what to do regarding their disguises. He was a former soldier, so this came naturally to him. He wished that there had been another officer's uniform, as he didn't want Aleister disgracing the uniform of the Atracan military. On the other hand, these men serving Archer and Wallace had already done that by serving the Duke. As everyone gathered and prepared, festivities around them proceeded on. Various members of the citizenry wandered about, taking in the sights and sounds of Peltragow's night life during the festival. Some wore masks, mostly children, while others offered fun and games or specialty sweets and other foods.

Soon enough, it was time. The group divided up as intended, departing in separate directions. Camille, Mariette, and Ethraeil ventured down into the sewer, using the map that the group had procured to venture under the city and towards the Estate's dungeon network. A breaching charge was given to Camille so that the group could break through the wall that separated the sewers from the dungeons themselves. Meanwhile, Galina departed for the city's garrison. She carried with her a rucksack full of the needed equipment to set up the large bomb that Theodore had taught her to construct. The blast had to be large. Large enough to distract the city's many soldiers and guards. Then, she needed to get away as quickly as she could.

Aleister, Jakob, Theodore, and Rosanna strolled quietly through the city, pausing briefly every now and then to keep up the guise that they were members of Archer's elite. Theodore got odd looks, but otherwise wasn't given much more attention. The disguises seemed to be working.

At 10 PM, everyone had reached their positions. After trekking through the many winding sewer tunnels, the sewer group found their position and quietly waited. The estate group stood a block from the Estate's front gate, watching the soldiers move about as festivities occurred nearby. And around five minutes after, there was a thunderous noise. The blast had occurred at the garrison. The world seemed to pause for a moment, before soldiers began sprinting towards the blast from their various positions. Now was Aleister's group's chance. They moved towards the Estate's front gate quickly, and made their way through after a short conversation with the remaining gate guard that didn't run off. Up the cobblestone path they walked, through the massive park towards the large mansion in the distance.

In the sewer, Camille set the bomb on the wall as instructed by Theodore before quickly taking cover with the others. Thirty seconds later, there was a loud THOOMPH as the bomb detonated and collapsed the wall it had been attached to. They were in.

 

[joshuadim]

As soon as the wall of the sewer collapsed, Ethraeil made his way into the estate's dungeon. Even with the explosion having been set off, they were working with limited time and had to act quickly on all fronts. The lich felt the extensiveness of the dungeon, even in the dark, and scanned the area for any sign of captives. He felt Wesley's aura, albeit quite weakly, alongside those of other vampires in the vicinity.

"We're not alone." Ethraeil quietly stated. "They have vampire guards down here. I reckon... 10? And more on the floor above."

 

[K0mori]

"The guards don't worry me," Mariette replied dully as she drew her rapier. "I'll put them to bed." She stalked forward into the dungeon, keeping her wits about her. It was Cassandra she was worried about.

 

[Viper Actual]

Getting into position proved to be challenging. With some help from Mariette- much to Galina's relief- her aura had been masked. This did not prevent her from being spotted and as such the Tsavanian spent a lot of time dodging patrols on her way to the garrison. Once there it was time to wait. Eventually the clock reached 10 PM. It was time. Quickly Galina lit the fuse, having already prepared the bomb as instructed by Theodore.

By the time the explosion came she was clear of the blast. Wiping a tear off of her cheek the subsequent explosion erupted behind her, shooting debris high up into the evening sky.

As the enemy soldiers rushed to investigate Galina vanished without a trace. She moved to rendevouz with the rest of the sewer team.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Once the detonation had occurred, Aleister gestured for the others to follow him. Earlier they had to put on a more distinguished air about themselves and move around appropriately - but now, after the explosion, no one would find soldiers moving quickly and determinedly to be out of place. They needed to get inside and find what they had come for and leave as expediently as possible. With people beginning to move about more frantically, it should be relatively easy to weave through and pass into the estate grounds.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille wasted no time once they heard the distant boom of the explosion within the city, affixing the explosive to the wall and taking several good steps back before she set off the detonator. She winced at the sound and debris, positively hating such tools and devices yet not to the point she couldn't see their merit. Following behind Mariette and Ethraeil she drew her rapier and quills quickly, squinting through the dust as she entered the dungeon proper.

"We just need to find their cell block. The vampire guards do not worry me too greatly either." she began, trying to get her bearings. "If we're taking Wesley expect that manic pureblood to be here too. I won't be letting her escape this time."

 

[joshuadim]

"Don't attack Cassandra by your lonesome if you do happen to encounter her." Ethraeil stated as he made his way through the dungeon as quietly as he could towards where Wesley's aura was felt. He hoped that they would not run into too much trouble getting their compatriots out, but in this type of labyrinth it was easy to draw attention to one's self. Ethraeil formed a blade of ice in his right hand as he advanced forward in the creeping darkness and prepared for any potential trouble.

 

[Infab]

Peltragow - Duke Ashwood's Estate (Dungeon - Storage Floor) - Evasion
D4 used to measure detection by enemy.
Inquiry Group #1= 2. Near Detection. Stealth active.

Peltragow - Duke Ashwood's Estate (Grounds) - Evasion
Inquiry Group #2= 1. No Detection. Stealth active.
​

The group entered the dungeon, into a room full of what appeared to be various barrels and crates. Cobwebs were scattered about, former homes of spiders long gone. A storage room, it seemed. The map that they had gained from the library stated that this was the lowest of the three dungeon floors, so most of the floor was likely abandoned save for a few guard patrols. As the group moved through the cluttered room, nearing the door, they began to hear movement outside. They sensed the aura of two vampires, likely a patrol sent to investigate the noise. They did just blow a hole in the wall with an explosive, of course.

But the door never opened. Maybe they assumed it was simply a box shifting and collapsing. Whatever they were thinking, it seemed to turn them away from the doorway. Their auras departed, leading down a hallway away from the door and into another room at the end. The group barely missed detection, but they couldn't dwell here too long. They needed to locate a staircase to the next floor. Camille eased the door open, after bumping the door due to it being stuck a bit, before peeking out into the hall. Nothing but dim light and cobblestone halls. She motioned for the others to follow, and soon the trio (which soon became four due to Galina's arrival) moved up the hall.

The rest of the rooms on the floor were also storage rooms, though some appeared to have been used as cells at one point in the past. There were splotches of blood stains here and there, as well as a skeleton or two. Rusted iron shackles. Rotted remains of food as well as broken buckets and dented metal plates. The floor likely hadn't been used since the Age of Darkness, centuries ago.

After a few minutes of exploration (and narrowly dodging other patrols on the floor), they finally located a staircase. They quietly and slowly made their way up the flight of stairs, arriving on the middle floor of the dungeon complex.

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​

Outside, the disguised members of the inquiry group made their way down the stone pathways towards the mansion at the center of the large estate. So far, they had blended into the military forces quite well. Any patrols they encountered simply let them be as they approached the mansion, continuing on in search of potential intruders after the detonation at the garrison. Their diversion had worked exceptionally well. The question is if their luck would hold out once inside.

They arrived at the mansion after a few minutes, but didn't enter through the front entrance. That would be idiotic. They would need to locate an alternative entrance. Perhaps through the rear of the mansion's kitchen area? Or through some other entrance such as an open window? After a moment of skulking about, they discovered a side entrance which was in use by the military personnel. After a brief conversation with the guard near it, they proceeded inward.

The door was apparently a staff entrance, leading into a small hallway adjacent to the larger one that guests frequented when moving towards the dining room. The floors were of a dark hard wood, and the walls were painted a lovely cream color with golden accents here and there. Extravagant paintings hung on the wall, complemented by red curtains. Several guards were moving about inside the building...far more than were outside on the grounds. And the guards inside were using carbines as well as what appeared to be semi-automatic shotguns. A bit of a hornet's nest. Things might prove a bit more difficult than previously thought.

 

[joshuadim]

With the group having made their way to the middle level of the dungeon successfully without any interruption, Ethraeil pushed on ahead towards their objective. He felt Wesley's aura grow closer, but he needed to also avoid the patrols in this area as well. With that in mind, he remained entirely silent but also prepared for the event that they would get into a fight with the vampires lurking in these dark corridors.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister idly wished that he had had time to work on the uniforms to make them appear to be from a different unit. Pretending to be troops from another regiment would allow for a full array of colorful lies and deceptions that he could effortlessly weave on the go, but being bound to these particular uniforms tied his hands when it came to some things. It made the ordeal all the more difficult and dangerous, though somewhat thrilling.

The staff entrance they had discovered was a possible method of entry, one that could go either way. He didn't know the psychology of these troops. Had they been local garrison, it would probably have been easiest to strong-arm one's way through them, but the men here looked diligent enough. At the same time, most people don't expect disguised assailants to try and go through a fortified entryway.

Pausing for a moment to glance over those accompanying him to make sure nothing was out of place, he gestured for them to come along with him towards the staff passage. He fixed his face into a resting glare, with a stern piercing gaze and slight half-snarl. Looking angry and in a hurry was generally the best way to get past people - often because the ones who could afford to look that way were important.