<Storyteller> The Anaceron looks at each of you and back at Remy. "It looks as though you are their choice."
<Remy> "Merci, mes amis. I appreciate that you have faith in me. I shall see that I do not let you down." * Simon rolls his eyes.
<Storyteller> She puts a mask on the desk, it's in the shape of a triangle with the point bearing down at your chest. The eyes are slitted to look like question marks, and there is the Legion of Fate markings on the forehead.
<Remy> "I believe that we have been charged wit' investigating the newly opened Nihil."
* Billy looks around, holding Brianna's hand.
<Storyteller> There is a knocking at the door.
* Remy looks.
<Storyteller> "Come in," says the Anaceron.
<Simon> "You're a tall drink of water aren't you?"
* Brianna regards Nachabe curiously.
* Nachabe looks like a tall black man in tribal dress.
<Remy> "Greetings, Nachabe. Welcome back."
* Nachabe nods to all, looking at the strangers for a moment.
<Storyteller> "Nachabe, how goes the clean up?"
<Nachabe> "Thank you."
<Nachabe> "The clean up has been completed."
* Remy takes up the mask, and examines it.
<Simon> "Um... clean up?"
<Brianna> "Clean up?"
<Gerard> "Clean up?"
<Nachabe> "Yes the paupers house."
<Gerard> "I see."
<Simon> "I'm glad everything is... cleaned up... but maybe we should get going?"
<Simon> "If there aren't any more instructions..."
<Storyteller> "Now, I must speak with Remy alone." she says
* Simon leaves the room
<Storyteller> When all have left, Ambrose looks at you.
<Storyteller> "Here is your papers. It'll allow you entrance and protection should you need it." She hands you an official looking document.
<Storyteller> "Be careful Remy, I choose your Cohort because of a gut feeling. Don't fail me." and with that she opens the door.
<Storyteller> you are all in the waiting room
<Brianna> "Yes, where should we start?"
<Remy> "I believe we should check official records for information about this 'Markova'."
<Simon> "All right, what's a "Markova"?
<Erik> "Yes, that sounds like a good idea."
<Brianna> "Good idea Remy."
<Gerard> "I remember I was about to."
<Remy> "We don' really know yet, Simon. He was a roman, that's about the extent of our knowledge." <Remy> "Our new ranks give us de access to heirarchy records."
<Remy> "Should we get going?"
<Gerard> "Yes, I believe we should."
<Simon> "Yeah! Let's get moving."
<Brianna> "Where are the records kept?"
<Nachabe> "What are all of you discussing?"
<Nachabe> "And what is this about new ranks?"
<Remy> "We be looking for a lead on dis Markova fella. We were permoted to an investigative squad."
* Nachabe gives you all a questioning look.
<Simon> "Well, don't ask me. All I know is that we''re supposed to investigate this Nihil business..." <Simon> "And that some Roman called Markova has something to do with it. "
<Remy> "We figure dat de best way to find about the Nihil is to find out about de one person who is tied to it."
<Nachabe> "Interesting......."
<Simon> "So we're off to find out about this Markova."
<Brianna> "Remy - do we know how he is tied to this Nihil?"
<Remy> "Well...we don' I suppose. But, that wraith comming out of de building mentioned him. Well, den, does anyone remember any other details? What about de writing on the wall?" <Simon> "Let's just go on over to the Hall and see what we can see, eh?"
<Erik> "I remember, the writing was in sumerian."
* Nachabe looks at Simon and after a few seconds extends his hand and says "I am Nachabe, and you are?"
<Remy> "Yes, but did we find out what it meant?" <Simon> "Oh, sorry... name's Simon."
<Nachabe> "Pleased to meet you Simon."
<Erik> "Ok here is what happened, Simon. We went to the Legion Hall of the Pauper Legion."
<Erik> "And, we found all these wraiths being Obliviated, and one of them was running around saying "Markova is coming Markova is coming." So that's what happened."
<Simon> "Fate brought me here with you guys. <grin>"
<Brianna> "Alright. Let's go through the Heirarchy records then."
* Remy nods.
* Brianna wonders what we're waiting for.
<Nachabe> "Excuse me were you talking about the writing on the walls of the paupers hall?"
* Simon heads out, hoping the others will follow...
<Remy> "Oui, I was."
<Nachabe> "It was latin,20 ad or so."
<Brianna> "Latin? We thought it was sumerian..."
<Nachabe> "No it was Latin."
<Gerard> "I'm going to check out my Library. I'll catch up with you guys later."
<Nachabe> "I am quite sure, I had 2 years of it in Oxford."
<Remy> "Okay, good idea, Gerard."
<Remy> "De rest of us will go to de hall of records, and find what we may."
<Nachabe> "The other thing is that we could not wash it off the walls, it is still there."
<Brianna> "Did you find out what it was written with?"
<Simon> "Did anyone happen to translate it?"
<Nachabe> "It was written in wraithly flesh."
<Brianna> "Written with flesh?"
* Brianna shudders.
<Erik> "Ye gods..."
<Nachabe> "Yes, a wraith was burned into the walls."
<Simon> {Be careful around these people, Bri... they aren't any good for you}
* Nachabe looks somber.
<Brianna> "How....how could something like that happen?"
<Simon> {It might be you next, for all you know}
<Nachabe> "I do not know, they would not tell me."
* Brianna shivers and looks around the room uncertainly
<Remy> "I don' know...but now dis feind has given me more reason to hunt him down..."
<Simon> "Well now we don't know it was Markova that did it..."
<Brianna> "They wouldn't tell you what it says?" Brianna asks incredulously. "How do they expect us to find out what's going on if they hide things from us?"
<Simon> {They aren't on your side... of course they won't help you}
<Nachabe> "It said in the filth of la'hrago."
<Nachabe> "They would not tell me the manner inwhich a wraith could be burned into a wall."
<Simon> {Probably because they didn't want to reveal their secrets...}
<Simon> "Well then..."
<Nachabe> "In the filth of La'hrago."
* Brianna frowns.
<Remy> "What on earth could that mean?"
<Nachabe> "Yes that was all that it said."
<Brianna> "Does anyone know what this means?"
<Simon> "Maybe someone at the *Hall of Records* would know?"
* Nachabe begins to walk with Simon.
<Brianna> "Right."
* Brianna follows Simon and Nachabe.
<Nachabe> "Now I remember....I have heard that name before, but it was spelled differently." <Nachabe> "It was an ancient Roman battle ground near Greece."
<Brianna> "All roads lead to Rome.." Brianna muses
<Nachabe> "I do not remember much of the details about the battle though."
<Erik> "I've got a strange feeling that the saying will prove more true than we think now..."
<Simon> "I suppose someone named Markova was involved in that battle..."
<Erik> "Most likely, one would think."
<Nachabe> "I do not know Simon, but I am assuming as you are that the hall of records will hold some answers for us."
<Simon> "A boy can dream, Nachabe..."
* Brianna bends down to Billy when he starts tugging on her arm. "He wants to know how long until we reach the hall of records," Brianna says looking at the rest of you with a touch of amusement
<Erik> "Let us depart for the Hall of Records, then."
* Nachabe continues to walk.
<Storyteller> You all walk down the streets, lit by a greasy green light.
* Nachabe brings out his flute and begins to play an upbeat tune that falls into step with his feet <Storyteller> Cars roll by, ignorant of the gruesome scene that hangs above them
* Brianna feels uneasy in the pale lights of the street and quickens her pace, tugging Billy along behind her.
* Nachabe continues to play hoping that it will aid his friends in their travels
<Storyteller> You round a corner and there it is, unmistakebly the Hall of Records
* Erik looks at the building and is awed by the vast stores of knowledge that it must contain.
<Simon> "Ah... finally."
* Simon looks up with awe and respect.
<Erik> "I could spend years in there..."
<Storyteller> The building radiates an aura of age, and beauty.
* Nachabe looks upon the building.
<Simon> "I know what you mean..."
<Nachabe> "As do I friends....."
* Brianna pauses a moment, taking in the beautiful place, so different from many of the horrors that she's witnessed these past few days.
<Erik> "Let us go then, scholars all..."
<Storyteller> The long doors are cast in soul iron, and decorated with patterns of language.
* Erik takes the first few steps into the Hall. * Simon follows.
<Storyteller> The doors open.
* Brianna follows slowly, eyes still gazing at the magnificent structure.
<Nachabe> "I have been here before, many times.....on the other side..."
<Storyteller> A sign reads above; "New York public Library."
<Storyteller> A woman, behind the counter shivers, as a wraith walks thro her and greets you.
<Erik> "Yes...as have I...but the combined knowledge of the living and dead...just...awe inspiring..." <Storyteller> "Ah...yes...can I help you?"
<Erik> "We need to use your archives to look up someone named Markova."
<Brianna> "Yes, we're looking for information about someone named Markova."
<Storyteller> "Ah...yes. Hmmm."
<Storyteller> The archiver looks at each of you.
<Nachabe> "Also we are looking for information on the battle of Larago."
<Storyteller> "'Markova,' hmmm....I have never heard that name before."
* Simon looks back at the arhivist.
<Erik> "May we at least use your archives to see if we can find out anything?"
<Storyteller> "'Larago,' I have, however, heard that name before."
<Storyteller> "Hmmmm...." he says tapping his chin.
* Nachabe looks at the archiver
<Storyteller> He gets a strange look on his face and abruptly heads over to one of the aisles.
* Nachabe follows him
* Erik follows him
<Storyteller> Several quick begin to shiver as he passes thro them, on his way to a door
* Nachabe walks around the living
<Storyteller> The door reads, 'Basement'
<Simon> "Man has no respect for the living, eh?" Simon says quietly
<Storyteller> "'Larago'....."
<Storyteller> He continues windind his way down the stairs, and ends up in a hallway.
* Brianna follows, keeping a close eye on Billy so he doesn't go 'exploring'
<Storyteller> "Here it is. The Archival section."
<Erik> "Thank you."
<Storyteller> He passes thro a door and leaves one arm out beckoning you all to follow.
<Simon> As well we do... at least me.
<Erik> "You were saying you knew something of Larago?"
* Erik follows
* Nachabe follows
<Storyteller> As you enter you see hundreds of books stacked on shelves, desks, and the floor as well.
* Simon whistles in admiration...
<Storyteller> "Yes, Larago was the site of a battle between the Romans, and some barbarians."
* Nachabe follows the archiver
* Brianna follows behind, glancing at all the stacked books
<Storyteller> "I can't remember more than that, but there is a book down here, I believe there is. Well why don't you all look for it. I'll be back in awhile."
* Nachabe begins to look for the book.
<Brianna> "Um...do you know what it looks like?"
<Brianna> "Or the title? It might help speed things up a bit."
* Erik searches for the book, using all his skills from his days as a bookworm
<Storyteller> "Hmmmmm.....no I can't say I do. Then again, my memory hasn't been what it used to be."
* Remy sighs
<Remy> "Well, it's better than nothing."
<Storyteller> The old man walks thro the door and is gone, you hear a person shiver off in the hall way. <Simon> "He needs a sensitivity training course for the Quick..."
<Simon> {Yes, he's a bad one... all of them...}
* Simon begins browsing around for promising tomes...
<Nachabe> "I have found a book on roman conquests."
<Nachabe> "It may hold some answers, I am going to begin to read through it."
<Simon> "Barbarians of the Mediterranean here..."
* Nachabe finds a place and begins to read.
* Erik drops the Playboy with an ashamed look on his face.
* Erik looks around for another book
* Brianna triumphantly holds up an old book entitled, 'Roman Generals'. Look what I found," she says, bringing the book to the group
* Remy nods in approval
<Simon> {Good job... I always knew you'd do well.}
<Remy> "Good work Brianna. Does it have anything?"
<Erik> "Great work, Brianna"
<Simon> "Heh couldn't be much worse than I've got... " Simon says with a scowl...
* Brianna 's happy expression falters for a moment before returning.
<Nachabe> "Yes great work indeed."
<Nachabe> " This tome has told me nothing." Nachabe says as he replaces the book he had where he found it.
<Brianna> "It says here that the Roman General Markova Glascius was a name associated with infamy." <Brianna> "At the beginning of his career he was a promising General."
<Brianna> "He had many victories and was merciful. However, this began to change, and he started to burn down whole villages."
<Brianna> "He killed many of those who the Roman Empire would have found useful."
* Nachabe listens with a distant look on his face as if remembering something hurtfull
* Erik mutters "Not very efficient..."
<Remy> "Or perhaps too efficient."
<Simon> "War hardly ever is.."
<Brianna> "This continued until the battle of La'hrago, when he and his army handily defeated the nearby tribe of barbarians."
<Brianna> "He and his top centurians ordered the deaths of all the captured,"
<Erik> "Yes...war...the last and most deadly bastion of acceptance for the physically inclined..." <Brianna> "Then he ordered his cooks to prepare the dead to be feasted upon by his men."
* Brianna quotes this last section with a tremble in her voice
<Simon> "Oh my..."
<Brianna> "His men did not know this until after they had eaten."
<Erik> "Sounds like a real sociable fellow..."
<Nachabe> "History repeats itself...." mentions Nachabe
<Brianna> "He was caught by the romans and tried as a criminal."
<Remy> "No wonder dis guy has such a fearful reputation. Sounds like one hell of an ass. I'm a bit suprised dat he wasn't ripped apart by 100's of barbarians on his arival to de shadow lands."
<Simon> "Or more likely embraced by 100's of Spectres..."
<Brianna> "He was executed by hanging and his name stricken from most records."
<Erik> "His soul probably got more and more powerful from eating the barbarians...IF you believe what most cannibals believe..."
* Brianna closes the book. "That's all it says."
<Remy> "Well..I'd be pleased to bring dis guy in" mutters Remy quietly
* Brianna wipes her hands, as if she's touched something dirty.
<Nachabe> "Excellent Brianna, an astute summation."
<Simon> "I wouldn't be so sure it's a guy... "
* Brianna looks at Simon. "What do you mean?"
<Erik> "'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?'"
<Simon> "More like a monster, at least in life..."
<Simon> "Oh, I don't know if it's a he or she...
<Nachabe> "Knowing Roman History...It is Male......"
<Simon> "Yes... it..."
<Nachabe> "But Simon 's words ring of truth, he is a monster...."
* Remy nods
<Simon> "So what's this about history repeating itself?"
<Remy> "But why did he change so drasticaly?"
* Brianna gives Erik an unreadable look then turns to Remy
<Nachabe> "I have seen this sort of thing in my homeland."
<Brianna> "Well, we know what he was in life now. But how will this help us find him here?"
<Erik> "Could be a possession, could be anything..."
<Nachabe> "The burning of villages and ritual canibalism."
<Brianna> "Is there a way we could track him down by knowing about his past?"
<Remy> "I don' know. We did find out his last name. Perhaps some of the oldest centurians might know him?"
<Erik> "I mean, if WE can enter human bodies, at least temporarily, so could those Spectres..."
<Simon> "Hmm..."
<Storyteller> {yes nachabe, that was in our homeland,}
* Nachabe seems distant for a moment
<Remy> "Are you alright, Nachabe?"
* Nachabe looks to the horizon as if looking for something that is not there
<Nachabe> "ah...yes....just thinking."
<Simon> "Well Remy, you've got the Mask (Grin)... where do we go now?"
<Erik> "Perhaps...perhaps it may not be spectres, either..."
<Storyteller> {Yes, remy, tell them what to do like the sheep that they are}
* Erik begins to shudder at the thought of such a cruel being...
<Remy> "I'm open to suggestions. Perhaps we should talk to de eldest centurians, or other wraiths. " <Simon> "Considering the Nihil, I'd say it's likely, though."
<Brianna> "Well, in any case, even if he was posessed in life, he's obviously up to no good in death, either. He has to be dealt with either way."
<Erik> "They MUST know something."
<Remy> "I'm not sure i cant to find the butcher, though."
<Simon> {By you? Are you sure you're strong enough? I'm not...}
* Remy thinks for a second.....
<Remy> "'De Butcher?' No....he's an ass, but not some sort of Markova..."
<Simon> {I can help you though, dear... I'm only here to help...}
<Storyteller> {And you would be better Remy?}
<Remy> "We could check the heirarchy listing of recruits...who knows how far dey go back."
* Brianna frowns uncertainly
<Simon> "Now that's a plan..."
* Remy shakes his head, though, less certain
<Brianna> "Are we sure that we're strong enough to take on this Markova? He must be so very powerful by now...maybe we should find some help.."
<Brianna> Doubt and uncertainty fills Brianna's blue eyes
<Erik> "We can always find out who and where he is, then call in the big guns to deal with him." <Simon> {Now do you really think any one outside can help you? Connor said he could help you...} <Remy> "You are right, of course, cher, but I t'ink dat de rulers are going to need more dan a hunch to act on dis, you know what I mean?"
<Erik> "Don't worry, Brianna...we'll try to keep everyone with us..."
<Simon> "Well, let's get a look out for some kind of records. Maybe some more wraithly history can tell us what happens after this guy died..."
<Erik> "After we've found him, we turn the dirty matter of destroying him over to the more capable..."
* Nachabe touches brianna's shoulder, suddenly the darkness abates.
* Remy nods
* Brianna blinks, then smiles
<Storyteller> {Oh yes Nach, ease her pain, but who will ease yours?}
<Nachabe> (My pain is there for a reason.......)
<Nachabe> (I alone have the power to ease it....)
<Brianna> "Th....thank you Nachabe. I...I wasn't feeling so good a moment ago."
<Nachabe> "It will be allright."
<Nachabe> "I know."
<Nachabe> "You are welcome."
* Nachabe 's finger tips seem darker than normal.
<Erik> "Well, fearless leader...now what?"
<Storyteller> {Yes fearless, what now?}
<Nachabe> {Erik: "Leader...you call him leader?"}
<Nachabe> {Erik: you should be leading....."}
<Remy> "Lets go find de recruting files, den."
<Simon> "Sounds like a start..."
* Remy approaches the record keeper
<Storyteller> "Hmm yes? Did you find the book?"
<Remy> "Yes, thank you. Do you know where we might find heirarchy recruiting files?"
<Storyteller> "The main recruiting files?"
<Remy> "Oui."
<Remy> "An' how far back do dey go?"
<Storyteller> "Well, you feel like travelling?"
<Erik> "How far do we have to go?"
<Storyteller> He pushes his glasses up, and smiles. "Stygia."
<Simon> "Yikes..."
<Erik> "Stygia? Where's that?"
<Storyteller> "You don't know where Stygia is?"
<Nachabe> "I believe that the older wraiths now seem to be our best course of action...."
<Erik> "No, so what if I don't...call me educationally deprived."
<Remy> "Well, I guess dat option is out of de picture?"
<Erik> "I'm sorry I havn't had the benefit of a hundred years as a wraith."
<Storyteller> "Well, it's on the Isle of Sorrws, in the Tempest."
<Erik> (sarcastically)"Yes...that clears it up completely...thank you...I'm in your debt forever."
<Remy> "How far into de tempest?"
<Storyteller> {Stygia remy, sounds like somewhere "we" want to go.}
<Storyteller> "Oh not far."
<Simon> "Yeah, we'd have to take quite a journey..."
<Storyteller> {It may be near africa, son.}
<Simon> "And me,clean outta toll money."
<Remy> "Alright, den, that might not be a good idea."
<Storyteller> "It's about a week away by ship."
<Nachabe> (I am afraid that it is far from africa, it is the roman lands of the dead....not ours) <Storyteller> "If I rememer correctly."
<Remy> Perhaps some of de older wraiths would know?"
<Erik> "So, let's go talk to some people who know what they're doing...like those elders we keep talking about."
<Remy> "And you don'?"
* Remy nods
<Storyteller> "Well, you want "old" wraiths eh?"
<Remy> "Yes, we do."
<Erik> "Yes...we need old wraiths...as old as we can find 'em."
<Storyteller> "Well, the oldest Hierarchy wraith is Ridley."
<Erik> "I don't suppose you'd be able to help us?"
<Erik> "Who and where is this Ridley?"
<Storyteller> "The Anaceron of the Gaunt legion."
* Remy looks to Nachabe
<Remy> "You know of dis man?"
<Nachabe> "Sorry I have never met him."
<Storyteller> "Hmmm well there is the Ambassador."
<Remy> "Do you know of de dark kingdoms, record keeper? Might one of de ambassators be old enough, or know of de romans?"
<Erik> "Well, let's run off and see the Anaceron of the Gaunt Legion...we'll probably be thrown back on our asses with nothing to show for the effort, but that's just life, isn't it?"
<Simon> "Hey, it's all we've got for now..."
<Storyteller> "You may want to check with Ahuru. He's pretty old."
* Remy nods.
<Remy> "Thank you most kindly, record keeper, for your help."
<Storyteller> "Anytime, I don't get many people here. Just these quick."
<Storyteller> he says as he walks thro another one.
<Simon> "Well on our way again, I suppose..."
<Storyteller> You all leave the Hall of Records and head to...
<Erik> "I'm just touchy right now...I don't mean this rudeness and sarcasm...I'm just getting edgy is all...the closer we get to Markova...the closer he gets to us..."
<Simon> "Uh... what a nice thought. There goes *my* slumber tonight."
<Nachabe> "Stygia is the city of the dead....."
<Brianna> "Where is it?"
<Nachabe> "In the Tempest."
<Storyteller> You are walking down the streets.
<Storyteller> The air is cold and you can hear the moaning of the streetlamps
* Brianna shivers, no matter how many times she sees (hears) those lights, they still unnerve her.
<Erik> "I really wish the lamps wouldn't do that...it's seriously unnerving..."
<Simon> "Mmm hmm..."
* Nachabe walks by them silently, not looking at their light.
<Simon> {Keep silencing me, you'll end up one of those lights...}
* Brianna flinches
<Storyteller> You hear the clap, clap, clap of booted feet on pavement
* Erik turns to face the new sound
<Storyteller> as a patrol of the Grim Legion marches by
* Nachabe turns as well
* Simon regards the Legionnaires...
* Brianna turns her head and watches them walk by
<Storyteller> They march without looking at you, not in distaste, but in discipline
<Storyteller> They continue marching as you head towards the ambassador's home.
<Erik> "I guess we all serve our purposes in death...military and civilian alike..."
<Storyteller> The building looks familiar to all of you
<Simon> "Yeah I'm sure that under the benevolent rule of "The Butcher" they're serving us quite well..." <Erik> "I'm not saying I support what he's doing, just that we all do our own part, however small..." <Storyteller> You notice that the door is open
* Brianna waits for someone else to lead the way into the building
* Erik enters cautiously
* Nachabe enters
<Nachabe> "There is no danger here."
<Storyteller> You enter to see, a sign advertising an Egyptian exhibit
* Brianna ascends the large stone steps and enters the doorway
* Erik looks around inside
<Storyteller> near that sign is a desk and behind the desk is a woman looking at you
<Storyteller> she stands, "Can I help you?" she asks in a voice that says she could care less.
<Erik> "We wish to speak to Ambassador Ahuru."
<Storyteller> "The Ambassador is a busy man."
<Brianna> "Please, it's very important that we speak to him."
<Simon> {Let me help you dear} :::offers 3 dice:::
<Brianna> woah..no thanks shadow! just realized what that meant
<Storyteller> "I'm sorry. He hasn't seen anyone in two hundred years. I'm sure that you aren't goin to break that silence."
<Storyteller> "Send them in," says a voice from the other room.
<Brianna> "But, this is of extreme importance. We have to speak to him."
<Storyteller> "Oh....ok, I'm very sorry. Please this way."
* Brianna smiles and follows the woman
* Erik follows the secretary
<Storyteller> She walks over to the door.
<Storyteller> and motoins for you to follow
* Nachabe follows
* Simon has a puzzled expression on his face.
<Storyteller> The door opens and there in the center of the room, is a large spider like creature, with the body of a spider, and the torso and head of a man.
<Erik> "Ye gods..."
<Storyteller> "I will speak to you..."
This concludes Act One: So Far and Few