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A Letter - Labyrinthe Forum
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> A Letter
ethuil
post Jun 15 2017, 10:56 AM
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Dear All,

The following letter arrived this morning, conveyed by a small owl that I am reliably informed is a pygmy owl. Said creature remains here with the letter, sat upon my desk, and refuses to budge. You are welcome to come and examine both it and the letter if you wish - the translated text of which I enclose below (for it is written rather helpfully in Ancient).

I will leave making sense of it, as well as the decision as to whether or not to make a reply, up to you.

Inquisitor Wilton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


To the Inquisition and its mercenary allies,

It has come to my attention that you are seeking information on a being known as the Watcher of the Ages. In recent months this name has come to my attention, and I am in need of greater knowledge about Them in order to resolve its interference in what is mine. I possess some modicum of knowledge regarding Them, and would be willing to trade said information for any you might yourselves possess or gain. Likewise, I would pass anything I learn to you.

As a show of good faith, allow me to tell you something that I expect you know, and something that I imagine you do not know. The Watcher of the Ages is a Divine being whose power often manifests in pacts; the Watcher of the Ages is one of seven.

Should you be interested in a mutual exchange of knowledge, simply pass your reply to Rist. Should you give him nothing by the next dawn, he will return to me and I will assume that you do not desire trade. Should you attempt to steal my knowledge of the Watcher through scrying, I shall assume you do not desire trade.

Nonetheless, for I am certain you are as paranoid as I, know that whispers are silent except against the odds.

C.A.


--------------------
- Rebecca
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Christine
post Jun 15 2017, 01:25 PM
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Now that's interesting. And after we'd done so well with the last mysterious letter as well.

Dusk, can you take a look at the letter? I can't imagine getting an impression of that would count as scrying about the Cryptic Author's (I tried to restrain myself and I failed, sorry) knowledge of the Watcher of the Ages, and it might give us a bit more of a clue.

Interestingly, the letter suggests that CA would know if it's own knowledge about the Watcher was to be scried about. In my experience that sort of scrying counter-wards belongs to two types of people - those especially good at scrying, and SOFE. I'm not suggesting the latter, but if its the former, then why can't someone good at scrying just scry about what we know. Unless the topic of the Watcher is separately warded, or CA is more interested in getting us to do something in the future that may or may not be connected to the Watcher. I might be over-thinking of course. Its been known.

If Dusk's investigations don't show the letter to be written by some cackling evil thing I am of the view that we should reply, make it very clear that we will share information but if we find out that they are a) some sort of threat to the people of the Empire b ) a generally evil entity who as broadly reasonable types we'd feel compelled to oppose or c) trying to screw us over, we will end the arrangement and probably try and fight them. I can't for a minute imagine CA hasn't made its own enquiries about us, and doesn't know that would be the case, but best to be clear about these things, especially where there's some much cryptic-ness.

I can't grasp the reference to silent whispers against the odds yet, although I feel I should, which is irritating. It might suddenly fall into place sometimes these things do.

As to the Watcher being one of seven, I'd cautiously suggest that our corrupting ribbons are another one of that group assuming such exists and CA is not spinning us a tale. Probably best not to scry about it through at the present.

Any other thoughts welcome. Likewise, if anyone's had any more insight into the Citadel anomalies, do say.

Liara
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dnsmantra
post Jun 15 2017, 01:40 PM
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I've replied to CA, broadly stating that I'm prepared to talk if they let us know who they are and their motives. I have specifically not opened myself up to the sensations and history of the paper as yet, though I will do if the need arises. I've passed the reply to Liara and if/when we learn more I'll publish it here.

The Watcher of Ages is exceptionally difficult to find out about. I learned the name and nothing more when I investigated last we met.

It worries me that Louhi has likely made himself impossible to kill via such a pact with the Watcher.

Dusk
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Gordon
post Jun 15 2017, 01:45 PM
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Soo Iz ‘as taken a luk at da Demonz at da gatez.

All mite not B as it seemz coz an open mind shud B kept, an Iz ‘as a feelin dat summit iz takin uver thingz an bein da boss of dem.

So lik havin’ a way ov freein spirits from bein possessed, lik wiv da miracul iz lik reely reely needed.

Zaton.


--------------------
Gordon Court
Port Miere business: portmierecitycouncil@gmail.com
Known to play: Amorphus, Radiant & Zaton
Cast of 2009: Amorphus, Ash, Cyric, Godstone, Kessel, Prowl, Mithaniel, Radiant, Raven, Strale, Void & Vorell
Cast of 2010: Amorphus, Aqueous, Blaen, Godstone, Hex, Kessel, Mithaniel, Prowl, Radiant, Shadowmoss, Vanderlaine & Void
Cast of 2011: Cyric, Hex & Prowl
Cast of 2012: Kessel
Cast of 2013: Amorphus, Golgari, Kessel, Marimar, Radiant, Strale & "Terry"
Cast of 2014: Amorphus, Hex, Godstone, Golgari, Ink-Eyes, Radiant & Strale
Cast of 2015: Amorphus, Karador, Radiant, Strale & Zaton
Cast of 2016: Zaton
Cast of 2017: Amorphus, Equinox, Godstone, Golgari, Hex, Karador, Prowl, Radiant, Variel & Zaton
Cast of 2018: Amorphus, Despair, Equinox, Golgari, Karador, Lannary, Prowl, Templeton, Vanderlaine, Void & Zaton
Cast of 2019: Amorphus, Despair, Kodai No Ha, Lannary, Prowl, Radiant & Zaton
Cast of 2020: Amorphus, Isamaru, Karador, Kodai No Ha, Lannary, Radiant, Strale & Zaton
Cast of 2021: Amorphus, Grizzled Wolf, Isamaru, Prowl, Radiant, Shadowmoss, Wrynn & Zaton
Cast of 2022: Golgari, Ink-Eyes, Lannary, Leovold, Prowl, Radiant, Shadowmoss, Strale, Wrynn & Zaton
Cast of 2023: Isamaru, Leovold, Numai, Radiant & Zaton
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ethuil
post Jun 15 2017, 02:18 PM
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Thank you for ushering the owl out of my office. I am pleased to say it has not returned. I had the uncomfortable sensation that it was attempting to read over my shoulder - doubtless it was enthralled by the shipping manifest for this week's food delivery to the city.

Regarding changes in the anomalies, if any:

Three months ago there was a power fluctuation in Anomaly 3, but there was no outward change that could be seen - the Reavers there continued to fight the demonic presence. Anomaly 12 has remained constant in its outpouring of salamanders (ably fought off by the City Watch), and we remain unable to tell much about Anomalies 4-10 from a distance other than that they are all linked.

Inquisitor Wilton


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- Rebecca
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Mart07
post Jun 15 2017, 09:16 PM
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Dear all, wishing you a very good evening!

Apologies for the intrusion, but I've just remembered something that might well be important to those that are planning on trying to assist the City this coming weeksend.

Last weekend while journeying up towards the lighthouse area, we encountered a follower of the Lady of the Stars. He seemed a very nice chap and very committed to his beliefs. He mentioned that darkness, danger and evil was coming to the city - he had seen it in the stars. This could be nothing, it might be linked to a Shadow Day of his faith. But wanted to mention in case it could prove important, so may be worth checking out if anyone has any scrying going spare.

Anyways, good luck!

Aurous


--------------------
The devil comes to Moscow wearing a fancy suit. With his disorderly band of accomplices including a demonic, gun-toting tomcat he immediately begins to create havoc.
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giles
post Jun 16 2017, 12:25 AM
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Is CA Cerus Amora?
Possibly too obvious - but given we've experienced changes in time - some of the anomalies reflect a point in time (such as the Broken Lands anomaly). 'What is mine' might be the power of the Throne' and greater knowledge about Them could refer to Primal Deities.
Just a thought - not scried or anything

Morgan.
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Christine
post Jun 16 2017, 08:22 AM
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All interesting stuff.

Can anyone apart from me cast the spiritual freedom prayer, and can they do it quickly? Likewise, can anyone bless things such that it frees them from a dominion? Is anyone warded against being possessed? Actually, who's even going?

Liara
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Gordon
post Jun 16 2017, 08:47 AM
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I finkz wez got

Youz
Mez
Dusk
Kiwi
Isaac
Thalia shez a paladin an friend of Kiwi

Hopin wez got a Morgan to

Zaton


--------------------
Gordon Court
Port Miere business: portmierecitycouncil@gmail.com
Known to play: Amorphus, Radiant & Zaton
Cast of 2009: Amorphus, Ash, Cyric, Godstone, Kessel, Prowl, Mithaniel, Radiant, Raven, Strale, Void & Vorell
Cast of 2010: Amorphus, Aqueous, Blaen, Godstone, Hex, Kessel, Mithaniel, Prowl, Radiant, Shadowmoss, Vanderlaine & Void
Cast of 2011: Cyric, Hex & Prowl
Cast of 2012: Kessel
Cast of 2013: Amorphus, Golgari, Kessel, Marimar, Radiant, Strale & "Terry"
Cast of 2014: Amorphus, Hex, Godstone, Golgari, Ink-Eyes, Radiant & Strale
Cast of 2015: Amorphus, Karador, Radiant, Strale & Zaton
Cast of 2016: Zaton
Cast of 2017: Amorphus, Equinox, Godstone, Golgari, Hex, Karador, Prowl, Radiant, Variel & Zaton
Cast of 2018: Amorphus, Despair, Equinox, Golgari, Karador, Lannary, Prowl, Templeton, Vanderlaine, Void & Zaton
Cast of 2019: Amorphus, Despair, Kodai No Ha, Lannary, Prowl, Radiant & Zaton
Cast of 2020: Amorphus, Isamaru, Karador, Kodai No Ha, Lannary, Radiant, Strale & Zaton
Cast of 2021: Amorphus, Grizzled Wolf, Isamaru, Prowl, Radiant, Shadowmoss, Wrynn & Zaton
Cast of 2022: Golgari, Ink-Eyes, Lannary, Leovold, Prowl, Radiant, Shadowmoss, Strale, Wrynn & Zaton
Cast of 2023: Isamaru, Leovold, Numai, Radiant & Zaton
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dnsmantra
post Jun 16 2017, 10:18 AM
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Initial response from CA:

"I am responsible for a large number of disparate and often conniving representatives. It has come to my attention that one of them has entered into a pact with the Watcher of the Ages. This pact prolongs their life indefinitely; I do not know what was asked of them in return. I wish to ensure that this pact will not bring harm to my legacy or the tenuous alliance that it encompasses.

As to the nature of the information I desire: anything and everything about this Divine Being. There are many things in this world I abhor, and ignorance is chiefest amongst them. I am willing to give all knowledge that I gain related to Them in return.

I have no desire to swindle or trick you. Those who would do such a thing are abhorrent, anathema to the world, worthy of no redemption nor forgiveness. That I am not forthright with full details is a reflection upon the delicacy of the situation - for my subordinate is not aware of my investigations - and not upon my willingness to be open.

C.A."

-----------

My response after discussions with Liara (and taking into account others thoughts above):

"Having discussed with my colleagues, we agree to the sharing of information regarding the Watcher of Ages with you and you with us (assuming that is the being you wish information on). If either of us grows too concerned with the other, then either of us may withdraw from the agreement, though such should be given with reasonable notice and might be further discussed to assuage fears. Really, this is some of my associates being paranoid, but given you yourself have stated your own paranoia, I'm sure you understand.

I will, in the spirit of co-operation, be clear that we know very little regarding the Watcher of Ages currently, except that he is one of the patrons of an individual called Louhi, one of the 'chosen five', an alfari 'reaver', for want of a better description, though currently beholden and in service to Certizal.

Dusk"

-----------


Liara's Commentary:

"As I’m going to repeat in the wider conversation, I am not entirely convinced that the pact-maker is Louhi. If it is, it means one of a few things – Louhi was working for someone other than Certizal and the Reaver Lord, which we have no evidence of, or CA is Certizal or the Reaver Lord, or this is all very recent and Louhi has now started working for CA and then made a pact with the Watcher. I don’t think this is likely – as I think I’ve said before I think Louhi was some sort of angel of Certizal, a created one not one corrupted from another faith. I don’t see Certizal agreeing to him deciding to work for someone else, or him answering to another – I think he from the correspondence loyalty was very important to him, its why he felt so betrayed by Achramas.

Does that all make sense?

Liara"

My Comments:

"I don't think the pact maker is Louhi - but the Watcher of Ages is certainly one of the people he had deals with / is his patron - given it was one of the three things around Ilmatar involved in that rite." - which Liara agrees with.

-------------

As soon as I've had a further response back from CA, I will let people know here. I find Morgan's theory interesting; perhaps unlikely, but certainly an intriguing possibility.

Dusk
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dnsmantra
post Jun 16 2017, 10:18 AM
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In response to other matters, I cannot cast the Spiritual Freedom miracle, though could learn to do so if someone had a spare scripture.

Dusk
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Christine
post Jun 16 2017, 10:30 AM
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I wouldn't say I was paranoid - look at all the many and varied people who've tried to kill me!

I'm not sure my usual source of scriptures would be available to make one for you; could you obtain and use one from the Church of Dead Heroes, or do I have to discover a new way of trying to kill myself in writing one for you?

Liara
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dnsmantra
post Jun 16 2017, 11:34 AM
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Paranoid is probably the wrong word, but it was one she used, so it made sense to reference back to help make her feel comfortable. A healthy respect for ones own mortality, is perhaps a better description.

I have had a response this letter which was wax sealed, the stamp on which depicted an open book from which swirls of power are unfurling. The source is a little unexpected, but given the context of things now makes a greater deal of sense. I have provided the letter below and have agreed to pass on what we find regarding the Watcher of Ages and the other six as and when we discover such.

-----------

"Wonderful.

My knowledge of this Watcher is similarly not vast, but I shall outline for you what I know.

In the several months since my Academy was uncovered and rescued from itself by mercenaries, I and my Archritualists have been taking stock of the state of things. Being separated from all reality for so long a period of time has its consequences, not all of which may be resolved by mercenaries. As part of this I have personally been conducting an audit of the house representatives who remain resident. Most had given themselves unto undeath in order to prolong their lifespan - they are, thanks to the actions of said mercenaries, now largely returned to life (though this remains a point of consternation for many).

One Archritualist did not give himself unto undeath like the others. He remained human, living, and seemingly immortal. I questioned him as to how this was possible, and he was elusive. Understandably, this gave me some concern. Through some careful investigation of his quarters at opportune moments, I found some reference to a being known as the 'Watcher'. These were stray notes in correspondence and journal entries - in the manner of 'I know that the Watcher shall ensure this does not come to pass', often in reference to his own mortality. I have not seen the pact itself - it is my belief that, as you might expect, Lord Black keeps it on his person at all times - but I can certainly see the mark of its power upon him.

For months I scoured almost all available information for further reference to the Watcher. I located the full name, 'Watcher of the Ages', in a Second Age treatise on minor religions. That text contained no further information on the being. Scrying, on the other hand, proved interesting. I was able to confirm and deny some simple things - for example, that the Watcher is responsible for Archritualist Black's longevity. However I was, and remain, unable to learn any details about the Watcher Themselves through scrying.

Several months ago, I became frustrated enough by the lack of information to consult the Illusive Library. Within its expanse I uncovered the following poem. It bore no title nor author, though it was accompanied by the statement: "Words granted to Bayushi Ayumu by the Twins".

seven were born then
on the echoes of the word
in destruction's wake

I am certain that this is a reference to the Watcher of the Ages and, evidently, six more beings kin to Them. I will not waste your time with considerations of what the metaphors may mean. Prophecy is infuriating, especially in this vein. It is a half-spoken riddle that one is expected to solve. I find it tremendously unsatisfying.

Nonetheless, may it prove of contextual use to you. I look forward to a profitable relationship wherein we may both be relieved of frustrating questions.

Princess Cleophas Allockra
Warden of the Illusive Library
Founder of the Bieltene Academy of Ritualism"

-------

I believe this institution was visited by mercenaries last autumn. My knowledge of Houses Black and Allockra is slim (OOC: for obvious reasons) though I believe both were based in the Highlands of Bildteve in some fashion and House Black at least one of the three founding Houses of that city. I would suggest perhaps Victor Somas or a number of others might be worthwhile people to speak to if anyone wishes further background material.

As far as it matters I trust Cleophas. I will let others make their own judgement, but it seems are motives are unconnected save for information on these seven.

Dusk
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dnsmantra
post Jun 16 2017, 11:36 AM
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Also, from my own investigations, the dark ribbons I have imprisoned (which are part of a larger entity) are called Rachane (the entity). Rachane is one of the other six.

Dusk
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