RP:The Fold Round Councils on Lasacartra

LOCATION: The Fold Council Chambers

A step through vaulted doorway brings you into the strategic heart of The Fold. Decisions on war and peace, trial and reward have clearly taken place here. The room is impressive. A large, wood carved custom table sits in its center. Oval in shape, it is encircled by several high backed chairs; enough chairs in fact, for a gathering of the entire clan. Five chairs, slightly larger and more ornate than the others can be seen interspersed at strategic points in the oval. It appears that these are designated for the leaders of the clan. Gas lights flicker in stands on the walls, casting shadows on the noble visages of legendary clan members, past and present, living and dead, preserved forever in portraits scattered around the room. Large bookshelves, lined with tomes on magic and military strategy stand against the walls. So too do glass display cases, hosting relics and custom weaponry too powerful to be housed out in the open. Here, they are secured by locks of magical means. There is little else in the room. It is obviously meant for business.

Rhocielle was never one for hypocritical situations, but there was no other way to put it. He would become almost deathly worried for the High Elf, even though she would be usually found at her island villa on Rynvale. How ironic then, that he would go one step further in scale of danger; Arien could always disguise herself in Rynvale, but there were no disguises to be had in Underdark. You were a Drow, or you were an outsider, and outsiders were hardly welcomed. His tail slowly swished to and fro in his seat beside the High Elf. Waiting until those that would be present take to their seats, he began, "Perhaps some of you would have noticed my absence yesterday, as I am usually found in the barracks or this chamber.." Slated gaze trailed from one face to the other. "I have been in the Underdark, acquiring information on our newest black dragon friend... Lasacartra... It was not her that I was interested in, but with her abilities: Necromancy. It is something that I know most of us know little to nothing about, and that makes her especially dangerous to us at the moment. Fortunately, I was able to purchase the information of an experienced mancer of the dead to share with me some of the secrets of her trade..."

Jack appears in the door way, his eyes not darting to and fro as they had the last time he entered this magnificent facility. Instead, his gaze would casually sweep the area, the deep chestnut orbs quickly finding Arien and Rhocielle. Jack's footsteps came steadily, the usual click of his boots interrupted with the added cadence of his walking stick. Jack would stop, looking of his shoulder to the door, and then back to the two before him. "Should..." he would begin, the word dragged out slightly longer then usual, "I not be here now?.." Confusion was apparent, his brows furrowed down slightly, his mouth held at that awkward half open-half closed fashion, and his gaze shifting from one to the other, and then back again.

Arien glanced up from her seat at the head of the table of the round, emerald gaze finding Jack as he made awkward entry of Chambers mid meeting. Her eyes flickered Rho’s way, and a nod ensued, indicating to him that it was acceptable for the guard to be present, especially given his new and as yet unexplored responsibilities. When she spoke, it was directed the way of the junior officer. “ You are more than welcome to the debrief Jack..and may in fact need it more than most..” A slender hand reached out, inviting him to join them at the table, before she turned back toward her wolfen warder with a slight narrowing of the same emerald orbs. “ You went into the Underdark..” Without telling me..was the silent mental addition. They would speak about the matter in private later. “Then I am most pleased to find you returned in one piece-and with intelligence that might prove valuable. Do go on.” The elf leaned back in her seat, gaze sweeping those gathered. It bothered her that Keturah had not reported in..but she was with Drael, wherever she was..and should be safe.

Reece also looks briefly to Jack, a human whom he had seen around once or twice but not met. As Rhocielle and Arien start off the meeting he shuffles in his seat trying to get comfortable in the chair he hadn't gotten used to yet. Nevertheless he listens keenly to what is to be said, cool gaze transferring from the wolfen kinsman to the lady elf and back calmly despite his fidgeting.

Kumorohyou silently enters the Council Chambers, bowing politely in the direction of those present before the exotic feline makes his way his chair at the table. It had been awhile since he had sat in Council with everyone. As he lowers himself to a sitting position, the panther retrieves some pieces of parchment from his satchel, along with a pair of sealed vials that appear to contain some sort of grey dust in them. They were bone samples taken from the skeleton used by Lasacartra. Kumori then produces a small, polished flat piece of wood with a round depression in the center, designed to hold the spherical crystal ball that Kumori had also retrieved and repurposed.

Jack gave a sigh of relief as Arien had spoken of his allowance in the room. It wasn't until he moved closer, that he realized what it was he had done. His face grew flush, but he hurried to an empty seat. Somehow, he had managed to miss the others being in the room. A mental note was quickly made to get a little more sleep, this night. A nod would be given to all about, his walking stick leaned upon the table, and his bottom placed in the chair. He felt odd....out of place, almost. But, he would listen to what was to be said.

Valiana pushed silently through the door, elven eyes needed little adjustment to the lighting within the room, a brief inspection of the chamber confirmed that she was late. The Elven templar took cautious steps in an attempt to reduce the attention drawn by her entry. Val's tendency towards late arrivals at such meetings was an undesirable habit, but after all, that habit had forged a tradition she always follows in making such untimely entrances. Instinctively, the Lady took stride towards the ornate chairs, coming behind Gregor's as she remembered it. Yet rather than take seat, a curtsy was offered to Arien. "Do forgive my late arrival, and unexcused absences of past, m'lady. I hope you will find my mind and blade of -reliable- use in the near future." The paladin's words fell silent as she waited for Lady Arien's reply, cerulean orbs could not help but take in the other members of the Council.

Rhocielle gave a small dip of his muzzle to newest arrival. Nothing of importance had been said, as of yet, so he had no reason to backtrack in his lecture to those present. "Right..," he uttered initially. "As most of you are aware, Lasacartra attacked the compound recently, and with a relatively small entourage: goblins, armed with bows; an ogre; and herself, though truly a mere puppet armed with a magical staff. According to the Drowess with whom I met with, dark puppetry is not something easily accomplished. A skilled necromancer, however, can easily amass an army and set them to a general purpose. More difficult though, is accurate and precise control for combat." He diplomatically left out that he did not initially meet with Nymitra, but was more accurately seen and interrogated before they spoke as a merchant with a customer. "For this reason, we can safely assume that Lasacartra was in fact relatively close to the compound, especially to be able to wield control over so many puppets at once. The puppets themselves, as we may all agree on, are corpses. These corpses generate an aura of necrotic energy, which she calls ectoplasm. Unseen, but it is there and it is from which puppetry can work." At this time he raised his paw to ignite it in his Healing Light; it would serve as a visual aid as to how the mana would surround a body. "This ectoplasm works on a similar principle to a normal mage's mana over the elements and the arcane arts. Cut off the ectoplasm, the puppet can no longer function. As far as she knows, only holy magick or the like have the ability to effectively severe the connection." Allowing his glowing paw to flare slightly, he interjected himself, "But. There is a bit more to this. Ectoplasm is produced by the decay of the corpse. If any Healer is so bold as to try it... you could heal the undead husk to a fully healthy shell, thus cutting off its production of Ectoplasm. However, this does not severe the connection. There would still be enough of the necro-mana to control the thing, at least for a few hours... Given the alternatives, its better than nothing," he admitted, as his voice became slowly grim, "Because, if allowed to continually produced ectoplasm, a highly skilled necromancer is able to use the abundant energy surround the creature to warp and twist its appearance, making any sort of nightmarish and grotesque creature... Think of it as you well as using death as an element, not unlike how mages construct golems and avatars out water, fire, ice..."

Arien’s gaze fell with warm affection upon the paladin as she made her presence known, a wry smile surfacing at the thought of just how much the Halfling silver had been missed, as was her current charge. A shadow fluttered across pale visage as memory took her to the folded slip of parchment recently delivered that would once more subtly change the face of the clan. Val would likely find herself becoming only too familiar once more with the responsibilities of the Round. “ You are always welcome in chambers Val..please..sit, you are just in time to discover the nature of the latest blight upon our hand.” She would indicate Gregor’s round seat, and not the seat assigned his guard..which in itself might be telling to the female. All would be explained later. When Valiana was adjusted, the wolfen tones of her own warder would filter into her consciousness, dragging her back to the matter at hand. And it was a detailed report indeed. The elf frowned in concentration, her first observation locking upon the area of the report that would most directly affect her.and oddly enough the newly arrived paladin. “Holy magics..” she murmured. “If they are activated in a powerful enough degree in proximity to her puppets..they should become once more the corpses that they truly are. It will be one way to determine the real..from the clone..” Her gaze swept the room again, thoughtful. “ If she must be close..it might be possible to lay a trap..to have officers out looking for her in the woods if or when she next engages..”

Reece listens with interest to Rhocielle's report, taking note of key aspects as his attention is diverted briefly to Valiana by a fleeting thought. The illusionist was not able to use holy magics himself, one of the few branches in which he had no experience at all, nevertheless it interested him. As Arien speaks her thoughts the pale mage raises a hand serenely, voice issuing quietly to the lady elf, "My lady, in my brief experience with dead things I found they are often immune to illusion. I would offer my services in weaving and designing for creating a trap for the lovely," and he says the last word with humour, “Lascartra."

Jack watched intently as Rhocielle spoke, the words finding lodging in his memory. It wasn't until Arien had spoken of light magics serving, and that of Valiana, that Jack remembered something that might be of importance. He would wait his turn to speak, his hand raising gently into the air with a small wave of his fingers. "I recall seeing something upon the tavern boards of a man....he claims to be a powerful wielder of light magics. I know not of his intentions, save what he will publicly display upon the boards. While, granted, this may show little of what type of man he is--I do think it says something that he is willing to speak so openly on the matter...especially in these lands where the dark finds the light ten to one." Jack would pause, then. His gaze turning to meet with everyone until turning to Arien at last. "If nothing else, perhaps he will know something of enchanting with the light magics. A simple suggestion."

Rhocielle was now allowed his own opportunity to rest back against his chair and listen to the others' plans and theories regarding what was to be done against the dragoness. At the mention of illusions, he internally sighed. Perhaps another trip to the Underdark was in order, provided he could immediately located the Drowess once more. Best to keep to one merchant, for the time being. And that she knew the wolf would allow for a more fluidic flow of information. The Drow were wary enough about overworlders without having to deal with an entirely new stranger again. Slated eyes fell upon the restored orb he recalled falling out of the robes of the puppet that had been once believed to be Lasacartra herself. Idle thoughts were snapped to the voice that called out to him. "By severing..., I mean as Arien mentioned, turning them once more into corpses. Healing can limit the extent..., but only Holy magicks can completely dispel it. Or... dispelling magic..." He seemed to trail off, looking over his shoulder to the Lochaber ax resting against his chair. An ear fell back slightly against his scalp, but immediately after, he turned his attention back to the oval table. Fortunately, Valiana had already turned the topic elsewhere, and now the wolf was attentive to hear about these goggles that could very well be quite useful to any members assigned to tracking down the location of the black dragoness during combat.

Arien turned ear to Reece’s observation regarding the entrapment of the necromancer. “ Will it not be difficult Reece, to know where exactly to lay such a trap? We will essentially have to search the entire possible range from which she might be able to act.” She glanced the wolf’s way. “ We will need to determine more precisely Rho, how ‘close’ is close. Will we need to cover a one mile radius of the compound, half that distance?” Emerald gaze was then drawn by Jack’s observation. “I too have seen the note of this light worker of whom you speak-though, I am not sure that light..will have quite the same effect as Holy magics..perhaps, something else that might be established..”

Kumorohyou turns to Valiana, thinking for a moment, "Yes...I did create a pair of goggles that allow the user to see through illusion. I could modify them to strengthen their effectiveness..." Anyone that knew Kumori could tell that the gears were definitely turning in his head now. Standing up and collecting the orb and papers, the feline bows politely to everyone present, "Forgive me, but I look into this before I forget something important. Thank you all for the insight you have provided..." With that, the feline retreats to the laboratory for now.

Reece allows the various voices of those around to wash over him as he responds to Arien's query, some small amount of mirth playing around the corners of his mouth, "Nay lady, my traps are never so primitive. A trap such as I would use would be mobile. All that the area would affect is the number of 'seekers' required to identify and tag the target to which the trap shall be drawn." Brief and to the point, Reece wasn't particularly into the humour of speaking much or writing long posts with the unpleasant weather.

Jack would shake his head in slight, "I believe the man speaks of light as the same as holy magics." He would then stand, his crimson hair swaying with the motion. "If you will excuse me, I have some....maters...that require my attention." Jack would then turn, an air of mystery about the matter in question. Jack, though, had something up his sleeve--something good, of course

Valiana slides back into her chair, consumed in thought, absent-mindedly the Paladin seems to juggle the flow of divine light between her hands, tossing a dim orb from one to the other. Aloud, though seemingly to herself she mutters "Then we have two viable possibilities to cover, and Rho will be working on more information." Her voice climbs as she addresses those that still remain at the council "It seems as though we have covered what possibilities we may, assuming there is no way of locating this dragoness.. No tracker nor scouting party can find sign over her, though she is visiting with the immediate area?... I suppose that leaves only defense, should her hand beat ours to the table…"

Rhocielle clicked his tongue softly as he kept idle focus on Valiana. All of their plans thus far were of proactive defense against Lasacartra. Apart from holy magic and to an extent, healing magic, they had yet to find other venues to combat the undead effectively. "She has been found at times, in the tavern. I do not think she is purposefully hiding... but we cannot be entirely sure that if we openly confronted her, the thing we attack would not be another puppet..." His muzzle scrunched up faintly as he thought back on the panther, "Kumorohyou's goggles will be a very much needed asset..." His body reacted to the arcane arts, much like most canines would to something they could sense, but not see. Even if he saw the dragoness, it would be the same guess as to whether he felt just her deathly aura, or the death surrounding her puppet.

Arien listened to the conversation that swirled around her, her mind tucking away various nuggets for deeper pondering later. The hour however, grew late and they had for now, exhausted their tactical options-though progress had been made. She glanced around the members that remained at the table. “ Well then, it seems that Val and I had best to our prayers..for we shall be on the front lines in the next engagement if we are wise.” She chuckled softly. “Is it not ironic, that science and the divine both, shall have a hand in the undoing of darkness?” She rose to her feet, an attempt at stifling a yawn perhaps not entirely successful. “ I do believe we can declare this meeting adjourned..there is yet further work that must be done before I retire this eve, and I am sure this may be the case for you as well..” It might be discretely worded, but her kin might sense the elf’s dismissal-well, all perhaps one who would be finely attuned enough to know that he might be welcome to stay.

Reece smiles, a glance cast at Rhocielle as he eyes Arien curiously. Still after a moment he nods, "Sleep Well mi'lady." Without further ado he vanishes silently and utterly in the space between one blink and the next.

Valiana too rose to her feet as the Lady had. Silently she moved from her seat, hoping to find her way towards the door. " 'Tis time for me to retire. The morning shall find my attention on this matter renewed… Good night, m'lady, m'lords." With that the paladin pushed out of the council chamber and into the chill of the night.

Rhocielle nodded slowly to the High Elf's words, though he remained in his seat as the others suddenly departed. Along with Arien, his ears drew back faintly. He had missed her presence, and the admission to being in such a dangerous place as the Underdark was sure to bring about a reprimanding word or two from her. Silent, he awaited her judgement.

Arien watched the exit of her kinsmen thoughtfully, before turning emerald gaze towards her wolfen warder. He was no great distance from her, having been seated on her right had as was the custom of the guard. A softer light came into gem like depths as the gentle reprimand came from her lips. “You will not take such liberties again with your life wolf-not without at least letting someone know, or go with you.” There was there merest suggestion of the fear she held within, at the thought of possibly losing him, but it was protected for the most part by the teasing blend of professionalism and camaraderie. Still on her feet, she could not help the urge to reach out and brush fingertips over the jet fur on a silken ear as it likely fell back against his head. The action would end with a slight tug that might be minimally discomforting if she had found just the right angle.

Rhocielle nodded slowly to Arien at her short but endearing berating. Despite the arguable worth over risk of the information he had acquired, she was right; no one knew of his whereabouts in the entire day spent under the surface of Hollow. In the soft gesture offered, his head moved on instinct. The fur of his scalp rubbed faintly against the palm of her hand, alluding to a tender petting, though in truth, it was he that was comforting her through the brief sensation of fear that was evident in her gaze. "I won't..," his husky voice answered, "But-" His interuption would likely cause a start in her eyes, "...if I may be so bold to ask that you do the same, before you run off again without your guard's presence." Likewise, his own counter-reprimand was subtly tainted with his own worry for her safety.

Arien would have answered the male, and likely with the limited comfort she could offer, had not that urgent cry for help from a kinsman come sweeping across the link at just that precise moment. She had been loath to feel herself limited by the worries of her previous guardians over the months, but something about the expression in his eyes gave her pause. There would be time enough for that discussion when there was not yet -another- crisis afoot. "I will try Rho..but there are times..I just need to get away." Her tone was gentle, before the wash of thought swam into her consciouness with increased urgency this time. "Something's wrong..we must go.." And without waiting for his response, the elf would whirl upon her heels and make for the doorway that would eventually lead out into the compound clearing, where it seemed, kinsmen lay in urgent need of healing.