Garod Tremere
26th-October-2005, 16:58

Sitting behind an ancient oaken desk sat a huddled figure. The Oak from which the desk had been cut had long since turned to fossilized stone but still mimicked life much like the figure which silently bowing over a book sat behind it. A single candle vainly flickered it's fickle light over an array of parchments lining the table’s edge.
Garod Tremere did not need the light his eyes much more used to the darkness, but it let those outside know he was in his study by the faint light which passed underneath the slit of the door. He had closeted himself in his studies for a long time now going over his research again and again. The flames of the candle reflected in his eyes and if one had looked into his face one could imagine that the glinting in his eyes came not from the candle but from his ire. For someone who had given up on measuring the passage of time it now seemed to pass hauntingly fast. All his research prompted more questions than answers but one thing was certain, something was afoot, and he himself was not enough to root through all the possibilities. He needed more mages of quality, more mages who understood various forms and types of the arts.
His mind suddenly made a leap to an old idea of his, the creation of a Council of the Arts. A pooling of knowledge of those who were Masters of the arts. People devoted to the pursuit of the arts, not hedgemages who performed parlor tricks but serious scholars. The only question was where would he find those devoted scholars? He knew of three who fit the profile but not if they would agree. Marduk of Umbra, Muldran of the Shadow Court and Sithra the Gypsy would be the first he would approach but he needed more talented scholars.
Carefully clearing his table of notes returning them to their alloted place in a bookshelf in his private study Garod made up his mind. Blowing out the single candle he walked towards the door of his study, his mind made up that he would once again leave Naeloth in search for talented and dedicated scholars to join his Council of the Arts.
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callumf
27th-October-2005, 08:50
At last something. At last a realization of a life long dream. Lord Garod Tremere spoke with his usual calm voice which sent shivers down Callum's back. Bu the had learnt to control it and keep himself calm. A flick of one of Garod's arms and those hands could rip a man's head off instantly. One of the Elders. Callum only feared Lord Aloysius and perhaps Angelus Moon more. And yet those two were long since gone ... perhaps ...

They sat there as first Callum and the Garod explained the recent series of events. Sithra and Lereia sat listening, Sithra puffing away on her long handled bone pipe and Lereia seemed a bit held in a trance - was this something to do with ... perhaps and maybe not.

Garod's theory seemed sound and the rest knew that this man had seen more thna most and had been there at the beginning, when this all started.

Saktoth's Legacy to Sosaria Garod called it.

And then the humans had begun to interfere and it was all out of hand. Sithra, Samba, Muldran and others had interfered in things they shouldnt have and now the consequences were being wrought.

Callum felt twenty years younger. He had a job to do and first stop was Trinsic to seek a true mage - Attorok - who had performed the ritual on the seas to make Seriyas bracelet.

Strangely as if sensing it Attorok was there. Coincidence?

But the man had some strange words and thoughts about The Shadowcourt and Tim Hunter which callum couldnt fathom. Attorok was a proud and arrogant person , but his knowledge was needed. Yet time and again he talked of manipulation and mind control and the "secret" of the Shadowcourt.

Eventually Callum gave up and they parted on ... well ... at least there was no outright emnity.

Callum lay down in the hard bed in the Inn. He would see if Seriya De Lacey could be located. Mentally Callums list was short but it contained a few real gems ...
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muldran
30th-October-2005, 11:26
Muldran was perplexed by the invite. He was slightly worried at the discussion, but its aims seemed worthwhile. It seems Garod wanted him on the Council as a 'magical authority' - although the less flattering inference was that the Shadow Court had participated in several situations that had endangered the fabric of magic.

So, basically, was he being invited in to be 'kept an eye on'? Muldran couldn't exactly disagree with the summary, after all the Shadow Court was a group of individuals. Any type of law that applied to one must apply to all - and laws that bind them, by default have loopholes, and loopholes, when utilised, can't really be breaking the law in the first place, anyway...

Having the knowledge is not the same as using it - and Muldran was a strong advocate in knowledge being 'free for all' and used by many. Still, he'd give his voice to this Council - if they would agree that the Shadow Court could locate and destroy artifacts of power that threatened the freedom of those who could not resist them... then Muldran would be more than happy to lend his voice.

And then, of course, the matter of the Gates. So many gates, both old and new. Had something been started that could not easily be stopped? Muldran returned to the Vinyamar, to gather some pieces of work together for the first meeting.

And one thing still echoed in his head, something Garod had said... "I have not seen Callum bounce as much as he did when he left here that day..." What had Garod and Alynora done to so enthuse the usually dark Fitzhugh?

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Marduk
30th-October-2005, 17:20
Marduk wasn't surprised to see Garod, it was that time of the year again. Back then they didn't believe there would be any consequences, at the gates of Nohkmar a final battle was fought between the Dark alliance and the followers of the crown. The gate ontop of the Nohkmar building opened up and Saktoth stepped through without knowing he would leave a legacy behind him.

Marduk stood infront of the Nohkmar gate, overwhelmed with memories from the past.
"The only reason for this alliance exsistance just stepped through that gate! You can no longer count on Umbra's aid..." It was the end of a beautiful alliance and the begining of a new era, where the word trust had little meaning.

He had to wait for Garod's return, there was much to do and little time to do it in.

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Seriya DeLacey
30th-October-2005, 18:57
Garod's news was troubling, that was for sure. And the number of portals he mentioned - a few of them even Seriya hadn't known about. Could it be as he said, that they were causing an instability, could possibly cause a cataclysm? And his plans to form a council of mages... was its goal truly as benevolent as Garod made out? Was the vibration in the black gate truly there? Or was this simply an elaborate scheme for Garod to bring those who'd built other gates, gates he had no authority over, under his control?

He might truly have the continued existance of Sosaria at heart - but that won't stop him being after power and personal gain. He is a vampire, after all.

And then there was the invitation. What would they do about that? One option was vanishingly unlikely, the other she didn't relish.

Suppressing a sigh, she knocked on the heavy oaken door. It opened soundlessly, revealing the dimly-lit office, the outline of the huge black desk barely visible in the flickering torchlight.
"Master... I bring news. I believe this is important."

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Nircem
2nd-November-2005, 22:11
Araidius wasnt sure what to make of his discussion with Garod... the day had started out as expected, more time researching the blood gate and the curse, following by meeting with Garod to see if he could aid with the curse.

Garod tried a spell... which seemed to provoke the Demon into speaking... nothing entirely new... it had happened before. They decided that the Meer needed to be contacted after the information that the books had given them. Araidius agreed to travel to the Meer in Ilshenar, he still had good contacts there. But before, Garod wished to speak with him.

The discussion in Garods library started out on the topic of Gates... Araidius knew little about these gates as the area of study had never needed to be entered... but Garod brought up some interesting points, that made Araidius think... the discussion turned to the Council... and then the offer was made. Araidius sat, stunned, the thought that a Vampire would seek to create something in order to preserve life was something he could not get his head around there and then.

'I will need to think this over' Araidius informed the Elder of Vampires. It sounded like something which Araidius was part of in Ilshenar before the gates to Sosaria were opened, but a much darker presence was on the idea... the offer would indeed need some consideration... what if Araidius would end up helping them to do damage, instead of good... no... Araidius could not take any longer to consider.... if indeed the Council was being formed for evil, or if the Council ever started to discuss something Evil... Araidius would be able to stop them much easier if he was on the Council... the danger was to high for him not to accept and ensure that nothing bad comes from them... he took some paper and a quill and began writing...

'Dear Garod Tremere,
After some careful consideration, I have chosen to accept your offer and will join you on the Council you are forming. You seem to know what I stand for, and I am sure you would not offer such a thing if you thought I would be anything different.

I must leave to speak with the Meer now and will contact you soon to keep you up to date on my progress.

*Signed*
Araidius Lancro.'

Araidius sealed the letter and sent it away, he quickly pulled out his white cloak and threw it over his shoulders before summoning his horse.... it was a long journey to the Meer town.... but time was not on his side... the journey must take half the time it normally would.

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Garod Tremere
6th-November-2005, 08:11
Things were going well for Garod's plan to create the Council of Mages. Having received Araidius's letter Garod was pleased to receive another letter from "The Master" of the Dark Cloaks confirming that he too would participate on the Council of Mages. Soon he thought to himself, soon he could convene the first ever Council of the Mages, but not quite yet. He was still missing some fields of expertise. In his mind he listed the people who have joined so far. Sithra the Gypsy, Muldran of the Shadow Court, Marduk of Umbra, "The Master" of the Dark Cloaks, Araidius the Warden of Ilshenar and Jade Tremere his own child and an elementalist sorceress. He was still wanting to have an elven influence on the council for elves are in tune with nature and could feel things stirring. He had sent out Jade to look for others, as well as asked the other members to seek out those of power for the council.
It was only a matter of time now.

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callumf
8th-November-2005, 13:02
Callum went to the Grove to think - it was where he always went at these times of ... well ... staring at the beauty of the little patch of flowers surrounded by such terror and the twisted dark shapes of the leafless dead trees of Felucca gave Callum hope.

Beauty amidst the dead and dying.

A shiver went across Callum's spine and down his back.

Something began to eat his stomach and it churned and something leapt in his head and uncurled itself and became the nagging fear and doubt and nerves and butterflies and nausea.

A Dark Shadow crossed the sky and ... or was it a figment of his imagination?

Suddenly form nearby there came a huge crashing sound of wood and stone and metal. Callum mounted his horse and rode south. The house had been smashed to pieces and belongings were scattered everywhere whilst a single person forlornly gathered a lifetimes possesions and loaded them up onto a mule.

It appeared the owner and his family had been killed or worse.

Suddenly murderers began to appear and began to squabble over the spoils . Callum grabbed a couple of rune books and a strange gift box before deciding to fly like the wind as the spells began to zing around.

To Trinsic.

Callum asked Kaelyn to pass a message on to the Duke. But she seemed to think it wasnt serious. As ever.

A few days later Callum made his way to the Trinsic Rose and had a conversation of great interest with Lady VanQa - no stranger to Naeloth - and learned of her ways. Callum filed away this information and again told the Guards when he would speak with the Duke.

Callums horse panicked in the close walled city of Trinsic - it could smell the coming darkness as well now.

The water looked ... well all wrong ... Callum eventually made his way back to Flucca and slipped into bed next to Lucy his face white ... waiting for the horror and his own final journey. It was coming soon.
callumf
26th-November-2005, 19:30
More. More. Need to find more.

He was an old aquaintance whos life had somehow mirrored Callum's in many ways and who could give a riddle as good as take one. His knowledge of the Arcane was deep and he was old. Very old. Or at least ...

A conversation filled with cynicism and sarcasm. But maybe Callum had soemthing for him ... there ... he pulled his rod back and let fly the line, flicking it delicatley back and forth gently across the surface of the conversation like a man gently kissing his tender wife's lips whilst making love.

He seemed to take the bait , but it would be on his own terms. Callum knew this but was sure if Garod Tremere wanted him then he would take him.

Tired. So tired. But the Darkness was coming from Felucca and the Council of Mages had to be complete before it arrived.