Deadly Sins II

[chefTENGU]

Beginning of the first day

In a far-off land, in a remote monastery, a small group of students strive toward spiritual enlightenment under the guidance and tutelage of their master. They spend their days honing their bodies, studying in their library, and meditating in an effort to achieve the perfect unity of body, mind, and spirit.

Everything is turned upside-down one day, however. They find the body of their beloved master and teacher in his room, torn asunder by some great force. They sound an alarm and gather together within the monastery's courtyard, unsure of what to do next. It is at this time that they are addressed by none other than the deceased master himself:

"My children, I bring you news most dire. Evil forces have attacked us, and I could not best them on my own. I have sacrificed myself to contain these forces here, by erecting a Great Ward to prevent them from escaping out into the world. However, I am afraid that I have also placed a terrible burden upon you, for this Ward is connected to all of you, and relies on your strength to remain intact. These forces will undoubtedly try to use you to subvert this protection, to escape this place. You must not let this happen! You must work together to find who among you has become corrupted, and give them over to me so that they can be contained."

Go now, return to me tomorrow, and tell me what you have uncovered."

Beginning of the first night

[chefTENGU]

Beginning of the second day

Everyone emerges from their quarters and gathers in the courtyard.

"I am glad to see that no harm seems to have come to you, but appearances can be deceiving. Have you made any progress in your investigations?"

[Bloodcinder]

"I have," says Istovit through a yawn. "Wesley helped me on my way to knowing the Spell of Restoration. A couple of people tried to cast spells on me last night. I don't know if they worked or not. Anyway, I'm willing to help anybody learn the Spell of Fatigue if they would like."

[Gio Takahashi]

Gaspar entered with a stretch. "Nothing really happened to me. I am willing to teach the spell of warding if needed. I'll also be working on learning the spell of restoration."

[Arainach]

"As Istovit mentioned" began Wesley, "I am a master of Restoration and have begun tutoring him. Time permitting, I would be glad to help anyone else learn the spell, as it is to our advantage to have as many acolytes with such skills as possible. I was also one of those who cast spells on Istovit last night; I chose to Restore him simply as a preventative measure."

[Killer_Man_]

Thrax emerged from the library and it looked like he was a wreck, blood shot eyes and all, "I know the spell warding but I was learning the spell of scrying to we could scry and hopefully find those who are responsible for such saddist acts against our Abbot." he said as he scratched the back of his head, "Can we make this quick? I'm very tired." he said as he let out a long yawn, though his hand had moved to cover his face, "If you would like to teach me restoration I'd be glad to research while you teach me."

[Z]

"I apologize for my tardiness," Vincent said as he joined his fellows. "There's a few things that have been said that I'd like to address. Istovit mentioned that he suspects a few people had cast spells on him. I can't speak for anyone else but I was, indeed, one of those people," he explained, nodding slightly in affirmation of Istovit's suspicion.

"You may also be happy to hear that there is at least one among us who can teach the Spell of Scrying: me. I cast such a spell on Istovit and have learned that there is no deception, that I can find, in what he's said here today. He was as he says he was, which is deep in study."

[Z]

"Does anyone else wish to speak?"

[Bloodcinder]

"I appreciate that you vouched for my activities. I'm actually trying to learn Counterspell on my own. If anybody wants to help me out, that would be fine."

[deathofcheese]

Brother Gerard finally emerges from his study, late as usual.

"Apologies, brothers, but I was deep in my studies of Counterspell. I am a master of Warding, and offer to teach anyone who wishes to learn it.

Brother Thrax, are you well? You look far the worse for wear, even considering the grave situation we find ourselves in."

[Killer_Man_]

He nods, "I am fine Brother Gerard, I was just staying up all night learning Scry so that I could find our enemies." he said with a smile but soon covered his mouth with anther yawn.

[chefTENGU]

"It seems that you all have made beginning steps, but perhaps have not been able to come to any conclusions yet... Very well. Continue in your efforts tonight, and hopefully by tomorrow you will have made more progress."

Beginning of the second night

[chefTENGU]

Beginning of the third day

As everyone assembled in the courtyard, there were two conspicuous absences: Francis and Thrax. A hurried search produced Thrax's lifeless body, utterly unresponsive. At that moment the ground began to shake, and they could hear a loud crash at the monastery's main gate.

Francis was there, his eyes flashing with strange light, and a twisted smile on his face. It was clear at this moment that the Ward had failed... yet none of them had felt its connection taken from them. Francis must have been able to identify Thrax as another such as himself, and managed to steal his powers.

It was too late: the old abbot's spirit was banished, the Ward could no longer contain the darkness within. The only choice was to flee or die.

Francis has achieved a solo fallen victory through successful feeding.