Fantasy Witch Hunt

AldarisLordOfLight (You can start now!)

AldarisLordOfLight · Jun 18, 2017

Varick Adronicus Valefore, Inquisitor and Witch Hunter of the Valefore family, made his way towards the Church where he had spent the past few years in honored service; his second home away from the Valefore estate. Accompanying him on his march was a retinue of porcelain masked individuals, his Faces of Justice, men and women who he personally trained when the village near his home pledged their allegiance to his cause and the cause of the Church.

Their bodies protected by a hardened, premium leather and Sansinite covers their chest, arms, and legs; their weapons ranged from crossbows to longbows, daggers to throwing knives, swords to axes, warhammers to flails that resembled as incense burners---the smell of roses wafting from the very weapon itself, and spears to halberds. They were armed to the teeth, solemn like a procession for an honored dead, and an aura of fury radiated among them. Varick gently mused that they truly cared for the welfare of the kingdom and he was proud that their energies and emotions were channeled for a great purpose such as this.

As he and his escorts continued on, he remembered why he was making his way towards the Church. He received a message from the Church, an urgent call for all available inquisitors and their retinues has been issued. The only time those orders were issued was when things got a tad bit bad for them, especially if a witch was involved.

Remembering past memories, Varick gripped Rahmiel's hilt tightly. He could hear in his mind a soft symphony of angels coming from Rahmiel. His grip loosened slightly before a fond smile was on his face. Rahmiel, The Blade of Mercy and Compassion, he was honored to have her choose him as her wielder; and with Sansinite added to her edge, she has become a great bringer of mercy to those witches.

He has served mercy in the name of compassion to those that deserved through Rahmiel; and now, eternal mercy will soon be upon those that are in most need of it.

He was cut off from his musing when he heard the sound of clashing steel and the grunts of fresh recruits. With his Faces close by, he made his way towards them. Before long, he spots Ayriauna in her pristine armor and her sword sheath at her side.

"To send out an urgent message to all available inquisitors is troubling, Sister Ayriauna." He said as he made his way to her side. "What ails you that you require us by your side?" He asked before gesturing towards his retinue.

Shagranoz · Jun 18, 2017

Jessica rode into the capital on her mule Greyear. She got a few looks from passersby; even if a mule did not indicate the status of a good horse, most couldn't afford livestock at all. Every couple of weeks, she needed to buy supplies for both her tavern and her witchery. People seemed to think that witchcraft required some sort of exotic ingredients, but you could find most of what you needed at the market.

Jasmine sighed as she pounded back a mug of ale in the tavern. She'd been hoping to recruit Cordelia for her anti-hunter crusade,
but almost immediately, she could tell the other women wouldn't bite. Oh, well. She saw another woman, one she didn't recognize. "Come, sit down beside me. I could use someone to talk to, and I have enough money to cover whatever you may wish."

boo · Jun 18, 2017

Cordelia was keeping both Eyana and Jasmine in her sight as she went around taking orders. It was a fairly busy night so she was getting lots of new intel, though she couldn't help but notice that Eyana matched the description of the infamous witch that started this mess. Just to be safe she gave the two witch hunters an extra pint, on the house. She weaved her way through the hands that were grabbing out and stood in front of Eyana and Jasmine. "What can I do for you two?"

Jamiethe-rebel · Jun 18, 2017

Abacus stood on an outlook overlooking a town. He smiled as he took a deep breath of the fresh air. "Looks like I'll be heading there for now. It'll be good to finally rest in a bed." He walked parallel to the edge of the overlook, making his way down to the town. When he arrived, he made his way to a tavern, his stomach empty and in need of food. He entered the tavern, the smell of alcohol filling his nose, the din of laughter and conversations. Abacus took a seat at the bar and flagged down the woman he assumed owned the place. She had blonde hair in a messy bun. "Excuse me, miss?"

seasonedcat · Jun 18, 2017

Ayriauna's gaze turned to Varick as he spoke, "Ah, Varick. It's good to see that the message reached you." she said with soft smile. "The recent reports are quite worrying to say the least. The men and women who survive these searches confirm that the witches that they were hunting were killed and that it was single person who took down the Witch Hunters. They use magic but they're features are covered so we can not identify them, but all the survivors report the same person. It is quite worrying." Ayriauna's gaze shifted back to the Witch Hunter's training briefly before turning back to Varick,

"I have also received a report from a spy that there is a witch rebellion blooming and that they wish to over throw the kingdom. I am tired of sending pawns that will just get killed, we need to stop the witches before they become to powerful. I summoned you because I am assembling a small team that will stop the Witch rebellion before they gain too much strength." Ayriauna turned and began to walk away, "You have 10 minuets to get ready and meet me at the gates. Don't be late." With that said she began to walk again before stopping, "Oh and it would be best if you kept the witch rebellion between us, the citizens already have low trust in us, we are they're only hope. If the word gets out that we are struggling then the people will once again begin to question the King's judgment. Dismissed." She then left Varick and made her way to the gate.

AldarisLordOfLight
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Eyana looked up at the girl briefly before pulling her hood down lower on her face. Another witch. She was about to answer when the owner of the tavern approached them. She shook her head indicating that she did not want any alcohol to drink. Her gaze then shifted to the man that approached them. Warlock. She let the shadow of her hood block the view of her face as she sat their awkwardly.

Jamiethe-rebel · Jun 18, 2017

"I'll take an ale, if you don't mind," Abacus requested. He felt the gaze of another person and glanced to his side. A hooded figure sat timidly next to him. He smiled at them before returning his attention to the owner. "And perhaps a bit of lamb."

boo · Jun 18, 2017

Cordelia nodded at Ayana and smiled led at Abacus. "Of course, I'll be right out with your order." She quickly walked back and filled up a glass with one of her stronger ale's and brought it back out. Setting it down before the man she gave him a smile, "the lamb will be ready in a moment. Oh and do be careful, my drinks have been known to knock men on their back."

Jamiethe-rebel · Jun 18, 2017

Abacus chuckled at the waitress. "I'm not too worried, I can hold my liquor pretty well." He took a sip of his drink, not ready for the bite it would have. Of course, he only cleared his throat and smiled, too prideful to let out a cough after the statement he just made. "And take your time, I see you're pretty busy."

boo · Jun 18, 2017

Cordelia gave him a knowing smile before excusing herself to go tend to the other patrons before finally bringing back the lamb. "My apologies for the delay. Here you are." Setting the plate down she figured she had a moment to spare before she was needed elsewhere and her curiosity was takeing hold. "So what brings you my way?"

Shagranoz · Jun 18, 2017

"A Kalasian spicewine, if you would, please. No food, though, I'm not hungry." Jasmine looked at her companion with amused eyes. Sure, she knew who it was- half the walls in the city had her images plastered on them, rewarding whoever found her with a lordship- but she wanted to play it slow. "I know who you are," Jasmine said, conjuring a flame of Hellfire in her palm before letting it dissipate, "and I want to help you. We may have different methods, but we have the same goal. To be able to practice the Art without fear of an Inquisitor's blade in the back. It'll be easier to do that if we work together."

AldarisLordOfLight · Jun 19, 2017

Fluffykitty9000 said:
Ayriauna's gaze turned to Varick as he spoke, "Ah, Varick. It's good to see that the message reached you." she said with soft smile. "The recent reports are quite worrying to say the least. The men and women who survive these searches confirm that the witches that they were hunting were killed and that it was single person who took down the Witch Hunters. They use magic but they're features are covered so we can not identify them, but all the survivors report the same person. It is quite worrying." Ayriauna's gaze shifted back to the Witch Hunter's training briefly before turning back to Varick,

"I have also received a report from a spy that there is a witch rebellion blooming and that they wish to over throw the kingdom. I am tired of sending pawns that will just get killed, we need to stop the witches before they become to powerful. I summoned you because I am assembling a small team that will stop the Witch rebellion before they gain too much strength." Ayriauna turned and began to walk away, "You have 10 minuets to get ready and meet me at the gates. Don't be late." With that said she began to walk again before stopping, "Oh and it would be best if you kept the witch rebellion between us, the citizens already have low trust in us, we are they're only hope. If the word gets out that we are struggling then the people will once again begin to question the King's judgment. Dismissed." She then left Varick and made her way to the gate.

"Ah, so the hunt is on; then you have my blade sister." Varick said softly, watching his superior and battle-sister walk away. Soon after, he turns towards the initiates and watched them as he thought about the situation he had heard. A rebellion that would engulf the land and the kingdom would be very bad for the people and the Church as a whole; and with the existence of such sentiments, people would indeed lose trust in the ruling monarchy. "This is not a rebellion but a revolution." He grimly whispered to himself. His eyes hardened before turning to his Faces.

"The good sister has issued a mission. I and a select few of you shall accompany her on this most auspicious hunt. The rest of you will help train these initiates to reach peak condition," he quickly pointed towards four individuals, two men and two women armed with a myriad of weapons, "You four shall have the honor of accompanying me and the good sister to the hunt for these witches, do us proud and you shall gain favor in the eyes of God. As for the rest of you," he said turning to the others assembled before him, "I expect these initiates to be as good as our Hunters and Crusaders by the time I and the good sister return. There's a storm brewing on the horizon and I don't want us getting caught unaware. You all have your orders, I expect you to carry it out with utmost efficiency."

"Yes, Lord Inquisitor!" His men roared with such fervor and devotion that it shocked the initiates from their practice. His Faces raised their fists before slamming it on their armored chest. They soon went about their assigned duties, doing their utmost best to please their Angel and Shield. Varick turned to the four he has chosen and gestured for them to follow him towards the meeting place Ayriauna mentioned.

boo · Jun 19, 2017

Jay waved the scout away, he had told him something about an urgent mission and that he was to meet the leader at the gate but Jay was only half paying attention. What did catch his attention was the gold he was promised to attend said mission, and while the vague details were eyebrow raising, he decided that if it all went belly up he could bail. With that in mind he went to the mentioned gate and got a good look at his new temporary companions, both were easily recognized though none of the stories had included how attractive they were. "Sup." He raised a hand in a lazy greeting and gave them all a lopsided smile.

AldarisLordOfLight · Jun 19, 2017

boo said:
Jay waved the scout away, he had told him something about an urgent mission and that he was to meet the leader at the gate but Jay was only half paying attention. What did catch his attention was the gold he was promised to attend said mission, and while the vague details were eyebrow raising, he decided that if it all went belly up he could bail. With that in mind he went to the mentioned gate and got a good look at his new temporary companions, both were easily recognized though none of the stories had included how attractive they were. "Sup." He raised a hand in a lazy greeting and gave them all a lopsided smile.

Varick and his followers arrived at the meeting point with great haste, their mission was great and the burden they are about to bear even greater. No one was there at the moment they arrived thus he instructed his followers to relax and double check their supplies and equipment before Sister Ayriauna arrives.

As they did as they were told, he noted that the area was spacious for him to practice for a few moments with Rahmiel. He walked off to one side before gripping Rahmiel's hilt and started a silent dance; the whooshing air made by Rahmiel was likened to that of a choir of angels singing softly a haunting yet beautiful tune. It is to be noted that the blade wasn't magical, but the faith each Valefore had for their chosen weapon make it seem so; to which each weapon was named after an angel or a saint in order to ease the channeling of their faith to the weapons they wielded. With each swing, he felt the connection his blade was forging with its namesake. The weight of his Greatsword felt lighter, allowing him to swing and thrust such cumbersome weapon with ease as if the very angel of mercy and compassion was guiding his strikes.

As the height of emotion was about to grip him, he was shaken free by the voice of another person he did not fully recognize. After a final thrust, he stopped. Sweat trickled down his brow and soft gasps escaped his lips as his hold on Rahmiel remained strong and unwavering. He slowly turned to the disturbance and found it was a male of adequate height, armed with a pair of daggers by the looks of it; but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to him than meets the eye. Regardless, he is here in the confines of the Church; for now, he is an ally and Varick resolved he shall conduct himself appropriately.

"Greetings, I take it that you will be a part of Sister Ayriauna's hunt? If you are, you should get more than those pair of daggers of yours. It helps to have spares. Ah, forgive me, I almost forgot to introduce myself. Varick Adronicus Valefore, inquisitor at your service." He greeted the man with a small bow after easing his tensed body and gripping Rahmiel by the chappe with his armored hand.

Juju · Jun 19, 2017

Amid the busy hubbub of the tavern, the appearance of another traveler through the entrance was hardly noted. Most of the patrons were either quietly nursing their mugs, or conversing to one another. The woman wore a scaled suit of armor yet strangely, she carried no weapon to accompany it. Not even a dagger on her belt.

She was Jullah, the daughter of dragons and she did not need such things.

To any sane fighter worth their salt it would seem rather odd, but for the sake of minding one's business, it passed through the mind with little more than an upraised eyebrow. Here and there the occasional patron would give an perplexed stare but did little else but mutter a comment to a friend. One didn't mind the business of an armed passerby these days. With countless hunters about and any opposition to the Inquisition being a crime against the crown, it paid to keep your nose clean when dealing with an unknown warrior. Weaponless or not.

Jullah strode through the drinking-den humans were so fond of, her head swiveling here and there as she tried to figure out where to go. She had visited such establishments in a few of the villages surrounding the dragon territory, but none had ever been as big or populated as this one. Buzzing filled her sensitive ears, the result of countless conversations and the clinking of dishes. Then there was the stench. The entire den reeked of alcohol, stinging Jullah's nose and forcing her face to scrunch up. It was hard to focus on anything amid the discord.

Finally she spotted a vacant seat, beside two men bearing a strange insignia, and stiffly sat down. Just in time to hear a bit of their conversation.

"Squealed like a stuck hen, that one did! Not even the child bellowed like that when put to the stake. T'was a shame too, she was quite the looker. Had half the mind to take 'er to the prisons." At his words the other gave a smirk and they both chuckled.

It wasn't hard to tell what the conversation piece was. "Cowards!" She growled, standing up to glare down at the two witch hunters. Her voice was thick with an odd accent, a rumbling of words that didn't hail from any known city. "Killing defenseless prey is dishonorable. You are no hunters."

At her words, the storyteller turned from his drink in a sluggish manner and peered through squinting eyes at who had said the harsh words. The initial look of mild surprise on his face was soon devoured by a lazy smile and a half-lidded gaze that crawled up and down the woman's form. "Whoa there lass, no need to be *hick* upset. Why don't you just sit down a while, eh? Let ol' Robert take care of yah." He drawled, reaching out a hand to strike Jullah on her rear. Unfortunately, to the dragon-lady, that looked like a full out attack.

Everything happened so fast, but the next thing that occurred to the man was a pain in his back as he lay amid a pool of spilt ale... and an angry woman glaring down at him. Then fire, and a searing sensation on his chest. Where his leather jerkin had once been was now nothing more than burnt ash, allowing the bright Sasinite to shine in the blurred flames within his vision. He thanked the gods he had it.

Jallah blinked in surprise as her dragonfire was stopped by the man's armor. Never had her flames been stopped by armor... what was going on? She quickly recovered from the shock and raised her hand backwards in preparation for another strike, this time aimed at the man's vulnerable head. As she did so, ethereal claws formed around her hand, glowing with the same bright light as her eyes.

There was a clinking sound as something cool enclosed and locked around her raised wrist. Something about it felt so wrong, and immediately the flames around her hand fizzled out. Jallah gave a bestial snarl and tried to wrestle off the metal cuff around her hand, only to realize that her draconic strength had no effect on it. She... had never felt so weak.

Somewhere a woman screamed, followed by a man's call of 'Witch!' and another's 'Get the hunters!'

Jallah turned her head to find the hunter's companion holding the chain of the cuff. She tugged on the chain, taking him by surprise and causing him to stumble forward, before striking him in the face with a fist. He reeled backwards, freeing Jallah (save the long chain following her). With a roar she launched herself towards the man but was jerked to a halt, her bound arm twisting backwards suddenly and causing her to fall. The first man had impaled his sword through a chain ring and into the floorboards below, rooting her in place. By the time Jallah got back onto her feet, the second man had recovered enough to take out his own sword.

!!! He rose it high, preparing to strike the final blow on the woman. !!!

seasonedcat · Jun 19, 2017

As the three people were conversing around Eyana she wasn’t paying much attention until Jasmine spoke to her about her identity. Eyana tensed slightly as she explained how they had the same goal. She was about to respond when the book strapped to her side shifted lightly.

Eyana stood up suddenly, her eyes landing on a witch with red hair yelling at two witch hunters. She let out an annoyed sigh as just as quickly as the battle was in the girls favor, it shifted to the Witch hunters. Eyana quickly stood up, muttering a small ”foolish witch” before quickly summoning a sword and running at the swinging man. In one motion she slashed the man’s neck and in her other hand grabbed his Sasinite sword and slid under the witch’s legs. As her magic sword was disappearing starting at the hilt, the sharp blade just reached the other man’s neck, also slicing it. As her momentum stopped she used the Sasinite sword to slice off the shackle the witches wrist before standing up and dropping the sword on the ground like it was nothing.

Eyana then turned to all the witches in the room, since they were the only ones left. “I suggest you join my rebellion and help me in my cause. You have no choice in the matter much, because of Miss. Loud Mouth here, all Witch hunters within 5 miles will be here to put all of you on trial. Considering how long ago the first person left, you have about 5 minutes to decide if you want to join me before they come to kill you all.”

With that said Eyana stepped over the dead witch hunters and walked up to the door, not before stopping and waiting to see the responses of the others.

Juju

Shagranoz

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Ayriauna approached the two witch hunters, “Ah, I see you have been acquainted that means I can skip introductions.” three horses armed with Sasinite armor and four mules were behind her, “We will be leaving now.” She then mounted the black horse and waited for the others to mount their horses.

boo

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(A friendly reminder from your friendly neighborhood Fluffykitty9000! A reminder that you MUST post a full paragraph in each post {it’s not that bad just at least three sentences} and that your characters CAN DIE!!!! There will be a !!! when there is a fatal attack coming your way. Just insert a move to block that or dodge and you will be fine! =D )

boo · Jun 19, 2017

Cordelia watched the scene unfold in her tavern with increasing agravation. It had taken her years to mold this place to her liking and now there were corpses leaking blood onto her floor. With a sigh she began dragging one of them to the back room. "I'm sorry to say I'm not interested." She tried to keep her tone cordial but the anger still leaked out. "I must also ask that you do not continue to drag this into my tavern."

Juju
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Jay smiled at Varrick wider, "names Jay Holt, and thanks the concern but I can hold myself just fine without a big beast like you have." At seeing Ayriauna approach he gave a nod, "there's our most blessed commander." Hearing her orders he chuckled, "Ican tell this will be a fun trip."

Shagranoz · Jun 19, 2017

Jessica rolled her eyes as the clattering sounds of a tavern brawl reached her ears. She always made sure that everyone knew fighting was not anywhere near tolerated in her own establishment. Then a flare of energy reached her eldritch senses. Magic! In the tavern! Oh, gods, this could get ugly. She drew her enchanted knife and raced towards the sounds of battle, but when she got there, the chaos had already subsided. Not bothering to ask what had happened, she looked at a girl in a hood. "I'll always help a fellow witch. Now let's get the hell out of here!"

Jasmine tried to still her mind, tap into the mystic energy around her, but it was useless. She couldn't concentrate enough to summon anything, and what magical bits and bobs she had to aid her were drained. As much as she hated to admit it, fleeing was the only option. "Fine then, Miss Eyana. Consider me a rebel. You seem to be familiar with the area- what's our destination?"

AldarisLordOfLight · Jun 20, 2017

Varick chuckled at hearing Jay's words before nodding with a grin. "Good! You have spirit and a sense of humor, I like that in a fellow hunter and protector; most tend to be a tad bit serious for my taste but sadly it comes with the job." He approached Jay and gave the man a once-over before nodding in appreciation, "I'm sure we will get along just fine. You watch my back, I watch yours." He said while hefting Rahmiel on his shoulders.

Before long, Sister Ayriauna approached them with horses and mules. He turned to her and nodded, a resolute look came on his face. "Aye, let us be off, Sister Ayriauna. The longer we wait the more this infestation would eat away the stability of the land and its people." Varick then mounted his Sansinite Armored Horse and ordered his four followers to mount the mules. "Be vigiliant brothers and sisters. The enemy is forever close."

"Yes, Lord Inquisitor." They answered solemnly before moving in to formation with the group.

boo · Jun 20, 2017

Jay was a bit surprised to hear Varick say that, he had pegged him to be an uptight noble. For once he kept his mouth shut about just being in it for the gold and contemplated playing along. "Careful there buddy, you're gonna make me blush with all those compliments, not to mention you even admitted to watching my backside. Don't worry though, I'll return the favor." He finished with a wink, if that didn't get a reaction from the other man than he would have to use more extreme measures. His thoughts were interrupted Ayriauna bringing forth the horses, after a quick thank you to her he mounted the closest horse and gave it a pat on the neck. "Please don't throw me off." He asked the horse in a low voice, hoping that his companions didn't hear him, though he figured that even if they did it mattered little.

AldarisLordOfLight · Jun 20, 2017

Varick would probably say that today was a good day. Jay was an interesting fellow indeed. He has seen a good number of the rougish types like him before and he always found their personalities refreshing to say the least. They all tend to work for the money and keep to themselves most of the times but that's just a case to case basis on his observation. He turned to Jay and gave the man a friendly, near-disarming smile. "Ah, someone like me has to keep a vigilant eye on everyone involved. Having an extra pair of eyes watching our flanks can go a long way. But I take it you're going to watch my rear for a different purpose." He then gave the man a mock glare before grinning.

He ignored Jay's plea to the mighty steed that would take them to the front. He was amused at the rogue's actions towards the steed. But he has to hand it to the man, he at least shows a bit of respect to something that can make one's day horrible. "Come along now Jay. We have a long day ahead of us." Varick then made a sharp gesture towards his mule riding followers, "Scout ahead and remain vigilant! Make sure the way is clear and make sure one of you report back to me with haste if you encounter some...problems that you cannot handle alone."

"Your will be done, Lord Inquisitor." One of the four said before riding off ahead of the party, one hand at the reins of their mule while the other rests on their respective weapons.

boo · Jun 20, 2017

When Varick smiled at him Jay couldn't stop the genuine smile that surfaced on his face, it had been a long time since someone had smiled at him like that. It was also the first time that he hadn't been smacked when such a statement to anyone, much less a witch hunter. Instead it seemed like the man was playing along with him, though not in the way he was used to, and he wanted to warn him to watch his back and that it wasn't always be a witch trying to kill him. He shook his head at the intrusive thought and refused to follow it, instead he focused on staying on top of his mount. After being thrown off so many times he had obtained a healthy respect for the massive creatures and was glad to see that the others seemed to have the same respect. Jay watched as Varick send out his masked people and raised an eyebrow, "well their not going to make it."

AldarisLordOfLight · Jun 20, 2017

Varick turned to Jay upon hearing those words before turning back to the road the four had rode off to. "I have faith in them, Jay. If they are to die today, then it is their time to meet their Divine Maker. I would rest easy that they would die fighting than dying in their sleep, helpless. You know, I trained them. Their entire village, I brought them up alongside my brothers and sisters who are all inquisitors as well. They are loyal, fanatical even, but loyal. If they are to die today, then they will meet their end with their head held high." He solemnly said before sighing.

"It pains me to send them to uncertain circumstances, but it must be done. After all, if we don't do it...then who else would? Even a roguish character such as yourself could see the value of such act." He said softly with a small, sad smile before his features hardened a bit. Sacrifices must be made, even if it would cost them their happiness and life. "Let us proceed, we don't want to disappoint the good sister now, do we?"

Varick gently urged his horse along the path, mentally uttering prayers and well wishes to the four on their appointed task. Hopefully nothing wrong would occur; but in the business of dealing with witches, things tend to go off wildly at the most inopportune times.