Claxtonian VIGILANCE

[Pandip]

Hi guys. She's dead. I got overly ballsy and ambitious in the end and you wonderful people gave me a fantastic, epic finish for it. I cannot thank you enough.

I approached Claxton originally with a simple and plain desire to try my hand at a paladin. For the first couple of weeks several, several months ago, I felt like I was doing a poor job at it. I have a tendency towards roleplaying in a reactionary manner rather than through my own instigation of events and despite my intentions to do so, I don't think I necessarily departed too far from this tendency of mine. I came back to her recently and above anything else, I decided that I did not want to be generic. I wanted to portray what I thought should be a common struggle in every paladin -- that of resisting the self-corrupting nature of their oaths and divine graces.

I'm not sure if I succeeded, but I do know that I've had a ton of fun in the last few weeks exploring Claxton's character, and I truly hope that everyone I interacted with felt something of the excitement I have every time I've logged on.

There's a lot of thanks that I need to give to the playerbase, but in particular, I'd like to shout my praises to RWG for the wonderful CLAVENKOING we did. Sometimes the server felt genuinely bare whenever Khavenko wasn't online. I also need to tip my hat to VP for some awesome shenanigans that unfortunately didn't burst into the drama and conflict that it could have because of pesky timezones. Towards the end, Zoe Lisette added some pretty cool dynamics to Claxton's development, so thanks for that! Also, AKMatt for paying attention to me and giving me my first personal DM quest, which was nothing short of awesome. Core for keeping some of Claxton's patrols ambient with laughing Mist apparitions and more. The Order for the good conflict -- you bastards only ran because I was soloing you! And, of course, I have to smother the Muster with a whole ton of thank yous. You guys rock. Bebel, Axirios, and Balthasar especially. Our interactions were varied and interesting -- everything from COG ALIGNMENT OF AXIOMATIC NATURE to beating the living shit out of each other in the barracks.



Alright. Let's start with some history before the 'shots:

[hide=Backstory]Born to the poor of Neverwinter, Elizabeth was quickly destined to a brothel when her family could not afford sufficient sustenance for themselves, let alone another crying and needy baby. It wasn't long after her birth that she was promised to a Mistress of a local brothel, at which point her family had established her as little but a nuisance. The brief period between her training in the whorehouse and the point where she was obtained by a church of Helm was characterized by abuse and maltreatment. She became loosely known in the local trade as "the soothsayer"; her 'appointments' were often filled with indignant promises of vengeance and foreseen death for her clients. Months later, when several of these clients met deaths eerily similar to those that Elizabeth foretold, she became something of an exotic omen in the community of lechers and prostitution.

Eventually, a Helmite caught word of a curious girl in a whorehouse that was shouting the name of the Watcher and claiming to have seen images of an outstretched hand combined with whispers from a benevolent benefactor in her dreams. After investigating, he determined that Elizabeth was of enough interest (and potentially an individual with a natural talent for divination) to buy and bring back to the church, where she quickly flourished as a devout member, if perhaps a bit wild and hot-headed, of the faith. She was radical and rebellious in her own fashion; much in the same way that she was opposed to the use of brothels despite their legality, she sought to restructure the church and laws to suit her own outlook. Elizabeth fought against some of the more established dogma, and while she often had the support of newer, younger members of the clergy, a vast majority of the church found her to become an increasing nuisance, especially considering her increasingly legitimate claims towards divine dream-visions.

Her stay in Neverwinter was quickly ended when she took the law into her own hands. A member of the clergy had broken his vows to chastity with a Maztican slave and, upon being found out, promptly killed the slave and beat the one who had caught them for 'insolence'. In Elizabeth's eyes, his sentence should have been death, but it was lightened because of the race and status of the woman involved, and so his sentence was withheld and replaced with lashings. Elizabeth fought for weeks against the decision until the matter was finally legally settled. After the lashings were concluded, Elizabeth caught a whiff upon the person of the convicted -- some repugnant aura that left her lips dry and her mind full of contempt. She meditated on it for a moment before reaching for the warhammer strapped to the waist of a peer and, after making a quick proclamation that the Watcher had found the convicted "wanting," promptly brained the man.

Days later, when she was facing her sentencing for the act, the Mythallar summoned her to Ymph.[/hide]

Khavenko was obviously a huge part of Claxton's development and, indeed, a very large part of my time spent online. We conflicted. We loved. We kissed at one point. And then there was that one time Claxton smacked around Goad and Khavenko, which was pretty sweet. To Clavenko!

[hide=The epitome of DAT CLAVENKOING]
Delivered!





A shameless self-promotion, but I think these statements are what really tied me to Claxton for good. You have no idea how much this meant. This all occurred after Claxton essentially gave Axirios and Khavenko a plain declaration that she would continue to try to inhibit Khavenko's actions with no intention of censoring herself. This all happening shortly after she attacked Khavenko and Goad in the jail to prevent them from killing Kirby, our not-so-friendly neighborhood lycanthrope.



And the logs of that encounter:

[hide=Interrogation]Vladimir Khavenko: Have a seat, Elizabeth.
Vladimir Khavenko:  [Sets the ornate glass down on the barrel as he refills it]

Elizabeth Claxton:[She tosses several pages of parchment down, taking up quill and beginning to write. She looks up to Axirios every few words that she scrawls] Yes?

Vladimir Khavenko: [Hefts up the glass] We will require your undivided attention, the parchment can wait.

Axirios Hectaxius: Mustersister Claxton - Sergeant Khavenko reported that you refused his command to leave the cells. Is this correct?  
Axirios Hectaxius: While he was performing his duty upon a watcher convicted for theft.

Elizabeth Claxton: [She gives a soft huff -- an exhalation of breath from her nose -- and drops the quill] Yes. And he added four -- three? five? -- days to my probationary period for it.

Axirios Hectaxius: I am in charge of issuing discplinary sanction on our recruits, to enforce *Axiomatism*.
 
Elizabeth Claxton: Of course.

Vladimir Khavenko: [Casually lounges on the barrel, drink held loosely in hand, his face showing a more severe demeanor than his body-language]

Axirios Hectaxius: You understand to disobeyed the chain of command while on probation?  

Elizabeth Claxton: I do.

Axirios Hectaxius: Can I have a understament of your *anaxiomatic* motivations for doing so ?  
Axirios Hectaxius: [Laying out a parchment, in his hand, a feathered Pen]

Elizabeth Claxton: I was worried that Khavenko was going to torture the Wyrm Watcher unnecessary and, in truth, I contested the specific reasonings behind his fine and confinement.

Axirios Hectaxius: Khavenko does not engage in torture - he supervises Goad, and his misplaced -surgical- curiosity.  
Axirios Hectaxius: Can I know the details of your *judgement* concerning this case ?  
Axirios Hectaxius: I must understand where exactly did our inner cogs diverge in motion.  

Vladimir Khavenko: [Another casual sip as he watches the display]

Elizabeth Claxton: There was contention as to whether or not Bryndan had actually stolen anything or if he had only taken his spoils for particpating in the battle.

Vladimir Khavenko: He picked up the Mercenaries bag and fled when he was being subdued for attempting blackmail.

Elizabeth Claxton: Additionally, I felt his service in the defense of Mistlocke was commendable, and I didn't think he deserved punishment for the mild transgression he made and ammended.

Axirios Hectaxius: He made amend ? Odd - considering he blackmailed veteran mercenary and defender of Mistlocke Rand Bross.  

Vladimir Khavenko: [A quiet sip from the glass as he pulls back out of the conversation]

Axirios Hectaxius: He provided bross with escuses for his *anaxiomatic* deed and was seeking to restitute the stolen goods?

Elizabeth Claxton: Bross is little more than a brute and Bryndan had done just as much to be considered a defender of Mistlocke.

Axirios Hectaxius: I agree that both of them have served the city - no doubt at this. Yet, sometimes a cog can be lead to spin out of synchrony.  
Axirios Hectaxius:  Now, I please answer my previous inquiry

Elizabeth Claxton: I do not know. That was what I was trying to figure out.

Axirios Hectaxius: In the end, Bross defeated Bryndan in a duel of Honor, correct?  

Elizabeth Claxton: Yes.

Axirios Hectaxius: And you were opposed that he be fined with theft for the goods he stole.  

Elizabeth Claxton: For the goods that he stole and which were given back to Bross immediately upon their theft.

Vladimir Khavenko: [Bends his knee, taking an almost claxtonian pose as he rests on the barrel, drink in hand]

Axirios Hectaxius: This puzzles me. I do not understand the case with sufficient *clarity*. Bryndan stole some goods, he then tried to blackmail bross, and after that he gave them back to him and escused himself - after which we brought him in our cells?

Elizabeth Claxton: He didn't excuse himself, necessarily. I think he may have been beaten and had them taken back.

Axirios Hectaxius: I see.  
Axirios Hectaxius: [Taking a few more notes]
Axirios Hectaxius: And now, thinking back at what happen : do you believe you judgement misplaced?

Vladimir Khavenko: [Rests the glass on his knee, his silk-lined armor making little noise as he listens]

Elizabeth Claxton: I believe we should give careful consideration to our decrees and actions, especially with the recent debacle with the potential innocence of the savages and wildwalkers. I feel that my insistence upon fair treatment and a desire to understand the entirety of the situation at hand was judgmentally sound.
Elizabeth Claxton: When Khavenko threatened me with reprimand, I took his order and backed away from his interrogation.
 
Axirios Hectaxius: [Taking further notes]  
Axirios Hectaxius:  [Pondering for a while - contemplating what he wrote]  

Vladimir Khavenko: [Chimes in as Axirios ponders, lifting the glass] I believe that may be the crux of the problem though, Elizabeth.

Axirios Hectaxius: [Metallical patterns on his forehead swirling]

Vladimir Khavenko: It is not your place to understand the entirety of a situation.
Vladimir Khavenko: I had two discussions with Axirios I was acting on as well as the council of the Lord Captain. The questioning of the Wyrm Watchers was imperative and as you chose to drag an aberdenn into the cells-

Axirios Hectaxius: Musterman on probation are to be stripped from their colors if they disobey the chain of command - yet, in your case, I recognize the circumstances which led you to uphold a digergent *judgement*  
Axirios Hectaxius: let me speak, *Axiomatic* information-recruiter Khavenko.  

Vladimir Khavenko: Of course, my friend. I forget how swiftly you ponder axioms than we mere mortals.
Vladimir Khavenko: [Lounges once more on the barrel, taking another sip as he falls quiet]

Elizabeth Claxton: [She opens her mouth a few times, but stops herself, turning her eyes to the side in contemplation. She reserves herself to drumming a pair of fingers against the table]

Axirios Hectaxius: Consequently - I extend your probational period for two more days. Would you once again oppose your superior within this period, I will have to execute my sentence.  

Elizabeth Claxton: I question authority to ensure that our duty is done with the best of intentions and that our actions are without cause for doubt-
Elizabeth Claxton: Your are both intelligent men. I cannot imagine you thought I would be a meak and silent part of this organization.

Axirios Hectaxius: I recognize that your are a special kind of cog - Elizabeth, A cog which spins with strong motion, with a clear *purpose* of devotion towards the *Axioms* and ... towards another moral dimension.  
Axirios Hectaxius: The strenght of the spin of the your cog is a great strenght - A strenght precious to the Musters.  

Elizabeth Claxton: If the fact that I put a large amount of weight on myself to ensure that the Muster conducts themselves properly -- amongst a variety of other things -- and therefore am prone to questioning my superior's actions strikes you as being antithetical to what you desire in a Musterwoman, then I beseech you to relinquish me of my duty.
Elizabeth Claxton: But I will question Khavenko at every turn. This I can assure you.

Axirios Hectaxius: [Frowning deeply]

Elizabeth Claxton: I am a woman of faith, and in my faith, he the Watcher has blessed me with visions within the mist of my dreams. Visions which I have always treated as truths. Visions that I have treated as duty, above any mortal obligations I may serve.
Elizabeth Claxton: And Khavenko is an insurmountable cloud in these visions. A strong influence. A terrible one. His path concerns me, and until I can determine that his intentions are not lined with corruption and malice, I will not falter in my review of his actions -- and, by extension, the actions of any in the Muster.
Elizabeth Claxton: As I have said.
Elizabeth Claxton: If this is antithetical to your needs, then relinquish me from my duty. It will not change.
 
Vladimir Khavenko: [Another casual sip from the glass]

Axirios Hectaxius: [Pondering with a deep frown]

Elizabeth Claxton: But know that I do this only with the intentions of Mistlocke at heart; its citizens, its children, its veterans, and its families. They are those who I will hold my shield high to defend, even if it means my life.
Elizabeth Claxton: This is the ultimate duty of the Muster -- to defend our home. And this is the duty that I put the most weight on, whether it conflicts with my superiors or not.
Elizabeth Claxton: I have said my piece. Make your judgments.

Vladimir Khavenko: [The insurmountable cloud slowly swirls his drink]

Elizabeth Claxton: [She stands, pushing her chair in and grabbing her quill and parchment] I imagine you'll want time to let the cogs turn long enough in your mind to produce a conceivable result, so to speak.
Elizabeth Claxton: I'll remain in the barracks until you've made a decision.

Axirios Hectaxius: Please do.[/hide]
[/hide]

[hide=The first of many conflicts]The first of many meetings:

[/hide]

[hide=One of many Clavenko discussions:]
This one is probably one of my favorites. There was good stuff on both sides, but I'll highlight Claxton's:


[/hide]

[hide=Treason! ... maybe]Khavenko was a traitor for a day after Harriet died. It didn't last long, but, well, it was pretty lulsy:





Afterwards, Khavenko took on a stylish pink and made a declaration to Claxton that he would echo until her very end:

[/hide]

[hide=Bittersweet romance!]There were, of course, a few tidbits of hilarious tension between these two:




[/hide]

[hide=The Fall]It should have been obvious by this point that Claxton fell from grace with Helm and therefore lost her paladinhood. However, I daresay it might have happened a lot sooner than you might have thought and in a pretty cool fashion, no less! Thanks to VP for this stroke of brilliance.



In a rather brash and nonsensical series of actions, Claxton went to the Conclave to negotiate with Bhallaruun and, perhaps, to try to redeem herself in combat. To her surprise, Khavenko was seated, chained, and bloodied when she arrived. She was given an ultimatum: either swear loyalty to the Empire and kill Khavenko, preventing him from being Lord-Captain and enacting what Nuberius called a genocide, or die to Nuberius's sword then and there. She took the former after pressuring, only to find that it was all a ruse!

Needless to say, this was epic.

Here's a rather messy log:

[hide=Fall][Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I am here for Nuberius.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Alone, are you?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Indeed.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [SHe marches up swiftly, glancing around the area]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Likely best. Enough blood covers your gates this night. Come with me.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Your full name is?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Elizabeth Claxton.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] A woman of faith?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] We cannot talk here?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] No, I've something special to show you.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Do you now?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Faith?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] The Watcher.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Torm, Helm...
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Yes, of course.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Her sabre taps the symbol above the doorway[
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Come.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What are you showing me? I have no interest in subtleties at this point.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] It's quite safe.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She slings the shield over her back and safes the blade]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Forgive me if I'm not prone to trust.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Then, she removes the helm to reveal a rather charming face, not quite fitting of the warrior nature shown earlier]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Lady Claxton.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Do join me. It will be to your benefit, and no harm shall come to you.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] If I wanted to harm you, you would have been severely wounded already.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Put that weapon donw.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] And yet, images of shackles and chains are vivid in my mind.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] We're here to talk.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Points to the doorway, opening it]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] And here we are.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Go in/.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Nudges her onward still]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [There's a sudden breakout of near-hysteric laughter]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Sits looking as debonair as possible for a man with a bleeding gash in his face, bound in shackles as he sips the wine in a leisurely repose]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Please, join my guest and I.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Waves a shackled hand to Claxton, taking a sip from the glass] Morning.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She places her hammers and shield upon the table, the metal resounding as it drags briefly on the material]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] This is surprising.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] You have no idea, my dear.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] What did you think of earlier, Claxton? [The stench of ale and wine litters the room, much of the stank ale stench coming from Nuberius, the wine from Khavenko moreso]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Of the mess in the Crossroads?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] The mess I made of you all, yes.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Heinous. But I will not lie; it was nonetheless fearsome.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Good.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Now, I believe we have some things to discuss. Matters of impotence.. - [Hiccups] Importance.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Swirls the glass briefly before grunting softly and setting it down as far as his bound reach will allow]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] A devout of the Vigilant One sits in a room with a sadistic infernalist and the Conclave's latest villain. I feel as if I'm living a joke of Cadrugan's.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I promise you, I am no infernalist.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She motions to Khavenko] That was not directed at you.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [A wink is offered as she grasps at her readied ale]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] No shit.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Let's talk ...business.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Takes up the glass once more in an attempt to sip, rattling the chains slightly]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I believe the lord mayor here has things to speak of to his loyal Muster.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She leans back at that, glancing to Khavenko]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] //afk briefly, sorry!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Her brow perks at the term 'mayor'.]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Uses the back of a shackled hand to wipe at his bloodied face, the other holding the wineglass]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] How have your dreams been fairng, Little Lizzy?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Poignant as always. Narcotics, Khavenko? Truly?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [A casual shrug] It seems less heinous than wasting time with Mist Heretics while your charge is executed.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [The man clearly tries to preserve his debonair demeanor despite the swordcuts on each side of his face, and the stains of blood as they drip]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Better Mist Heretics than having to suffer your presence.  
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] I wonder if Emily agrees.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Whatever investigation I could see to, it would not benefit from your supervision.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [A brief grunt as he spills slightly, the cup tilting from a shackled hand]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Did Bhallaruun capture you? Or were you bold enough to come here and beg for your hide?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Even more ale is consumed from the vials, obvious troubles traverse he surface of her thoughts as she listens in]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] You know me well enough to know I would not lay myself at anyone's mercy, and you witnessed first hand the Consorts ability as she throttled you and slain Kayon.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Ah? That makes the fact that you're chained slightly more a satisfying prospect, then.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Enough...enough!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] More of a satisfying prospect, I should say.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] It seems twice you've found yourself in a position of power while I am imprisoned.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Looks over to Nuberius]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Such fight, so many words.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Sexual tension, Consort. Dear Lizzy was but a babe when she was claimed by Helm's church.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Glances to Khavenko quickly] Perhaps this time I can see you executed, as you should have been.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Scoffs]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Why, why? It can all be over...so easily, so swiftly.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] But you fight me, both of you.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You fight one another.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Swirls the somewhat emptied wineglass] Claxton and I are so very alike. Our only difference is motivation.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [As the chains rattle]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You...you can serve [A lazy finger points to Claxton at this. your masters, loyally, proud.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] And you can have your desires met, your power granted [Her finger slumps to Khavenko]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Furrows his brow at this, darting back to Claxton] You wouldn't.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Why do you choose to fight instead, why do you fall to false emotions over logic?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Your duty is your own, Bhallaruun. Mine, as it has been given to me and as I have interpretted it, is to see Khavenko usurped from any power he might desire. Our working together is hardly reasonable.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] And who has given you this duty?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Plainly] Helm.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [A loud laugh spews out at that]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She narrows her eyes, but otherwise seems unphased]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Then who is it you serve, good lady?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Who are your masters, whom do you protect?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] A personal servant of the gods sent to prevent my third rise to power. [A bitter gaze to Nuberious] She won't serve you for a chance to slay me.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Flattering as it may be.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] My master is the Watcher, my protectorates the people of Mistlocke.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Hard as that may be with your... ferocity.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I know of Helm, I know of the faiths as a whole, I know of more things than your little mind could imagine girl.  
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] And I know that all of Helm who have survived the ages, made names, become pillars of his faith, they serve their masters in life, not the divine master Helm himself.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Her lip tilts into a brief frown]  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Who, then, do you claim to be my 'master'? You? The Conclave? Hardly.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Glances back to Claxton, the words biting out angrily as the wineglass shakes] Sacrifice yourself already that I may be free of these bonds, Claxton.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] No, my dear, it is anyone but that wild mind of your own.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Refuse her offer, and die, that I may be free.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What offer?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Oh, she is blind for one of faith, isn't she?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Grunts] Stop playing games, girl.  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She picks up her hammer and shield, standing up]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] There is no way out.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Grunts] She is offering me death for your service, or my freedom for your death.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Sit down, you'll hurt yourself again.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I care nothing for Khavenko's life. But I will not serve you.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Then who will you serve?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Takes another sip from the glass, his hand trembling as the fortress shakes]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Mistlocke. It's needs and wants, so that it does not become the pool of filth and deceit that Khavenko would make it.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You cannot serve yourself, your chaotic mind, and serve helm too.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] No! No... you damned fool
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You cannot serve an idea, and idea is nothing, it is born of hopes and dreams, things that are false.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You blind, moronic girl.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Grunts angrily] Do not talk to her of dreams.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You cannot -serve- Mistlocke, when Mistlocke is a -lie-!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] How dare you! And what do you serve? Razul? The Conclave? The hope that the maddened minds that surround you can save you from the Maiden?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Do you even know what dwells below you in Mistlocke?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Do you even fathom the darkness that nears its release?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What does it matter? Mistlocke is the last saven haven. A bastion for those who are brought to Ymph.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] // safe haven*
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Oh, safe from Shylae, but not from the men whom placed that under old stones.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Not from the flame and shadow.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She looks between the two of them, perplexed]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Bangs his shackled hands down on the table with a grunt] Enough!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You moronic girl, what do you think remains untouched after all these years? What do you think remains to claim its place after Shylae?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Snorts, looking to Khavenko]
Slithushulax: [Talk] [Perches atop the high seatback, regarding the Musterfolk with extremely suspicious beady eyes.]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Put down your hammer and sit! We are talking!
Slithushulax: [Talk] Why do you bother speaking with these PATHETIC fools?  They are a clear waste of the space between their ears.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] We are not-
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What /is/-
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She glances back somewhat startled]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Your noise has brought forth the -mighty- Herald.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Sit!
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Adjusts his shackled hands as he takes a sip from the glass]
Slithushulax: [Talk] This one makes such bothersome racket.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] No. Tell me the purpose of you bringing me here -- bringing us here-
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She jumps, swirling around]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] The end of your dreams, Claxton.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I bring you here only to make you understand the true powers at play, to make you understand the greatness in which you might serve, the Emperor himself, so that Helm's very own vision might be -allowed- to see you with his grace.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] To the hells with you, Khavenko. Whatever cruel plot you have in store for me, it won't see its way to its end.
Slithushulax: [Talk] Is every member of Mistlocke's muster as dim-witted as these two have seemed?  It is no wonder you beat them so easily.
Slithushulax: [Talk] [He flits into the shadows, disappearing from sight with alarming ease.]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I have - [She glances back towards her shoulder, seemingly startled by the creature's compliment]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She instinctively brings her shield a few inches higher]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] It was my hope to bolster the rank but some appear to have other machinations. [Bitterly glances to Claxton]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Bolster? With narcotic and worse?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Narcotic exist regardless. Men seek escape, release, to stop their dreams.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] The least Mistlocke can do is profit from such.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Kneel, Claxton, and be reborn as this Empire shall.  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Enough. I have no interest in hearing more of your poison. Either let Bhallaruun speak her needs.
Slithushulax: [Talk] I imagine if Mistlocke had even one half-competent defender you'd have been made a laughable spectacle.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She presses herself up at this, looking to Claxton's hammer with a scowl]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You will kneel in this room, or there will be death.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You cannot defeat me, and you cannot defeat him.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Kneel? You're delusional. See me to the portal.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Defeat Khavenko?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You will serve a master, and Helm shall see you rewarded.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] For serving you? How!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Loyalty, vigilance, to the Empire.
Slithushulax: [Talk] This woman would look better in flight.  However brief it might be.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] It is his wish, his desire.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Shakes the chains] Protecting the innocent. Your death serves no one save me. So die and let me be!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Kneel and serve, give prayed to the vigilant one, and seek out your true divine path, the true powers that await you.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She looks to Khavenko, suddenly startled by his presence and state]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Give prayer*
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Nothing awaits me in forcing arcanists to serve or have their souls stripped. Assaulting passerbies and slaying those who have sacrificed their wellbeing for their duty.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She wobbles some, drunk from the many ales after the earlier battle, an obvious sight to even the least capable of observing such]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Your Conclave means nothing to me.  
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You serve and idea, and we are a greater idea.
Slithushulax: [Talk] [Perches high on the bookshelf, observing with a beady little glare and an air of superiority.]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Impossible.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] The die so I may return to Mistlocke, Claxton.
Slithushulax: [Talk] You FOOLISH woman.  The Conclave means everything, and it is YOU who are nothing.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She draws out the sabre from her side, the shield lazily dangling on her back]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Kneel woman, pray to him, pray to Helm for your path today.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] He has given me my path! And it is not here!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] See the truth in my words, and come to the Empire.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Rattles his chains, throwing his glass to the left with a crack on the stones] Free me, Claxton. Give her your life that I may return!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What truth? You are brutes! Murderers!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What about Dolokhova?
Slithushulax: [Talk] Why do you have such interest in such a clearly WORTHLESS woman?  She is mud beneath even lowly feet.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What did you do to her? She, who served Helm as I do? Kill her because she would not serve? Slay her because she did not see your warped view?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Shakes as he tugs at the chains] When she died Harriet named me sergeant. Just as Harriet died which shall name me Lord Captain.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Ironic that you would accept the same fate, though her own chosen by her dabbling in talents beyond control, the arcane.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] You are the last one, Claxton. Die that I may return!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Yours, of the divine, and I am a god-fearing woman.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She glances to her right with a scowl]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Give me your prayers, or give me all of Mistlocke with your death and his rule.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] The vast and mighty empire played into my hands. Let them do so again.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Kneel and give oath, or see the isle mine this night.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She glances to Khavenko and, in her words, seems to gather a modicrum of strength] A coward until the end, Khavenko, are we?
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] It is not I who fear death, Claxton.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I said KNEEL and give oath to me, give me your prayers, or give me all of Mistlocke and the isle with Khavenko's rule.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You decide woman, whom do you truly serve?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] The Emperor, or the genocide to come?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] No! You cannot let him have the seat.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Before she dies, Nuberious, let me stand over her corpse and laugh....
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] That is your choice woman, service or genocide.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] His rule, or your prayers.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Why would you let him? What benefit could my service give you!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Kill us both and be done!
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Shakes and tugs at the chains at the mention of his death]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [The blade merely rises and points towards the floor] You are greedy then, and he shall rule over the cattle that seek refuge in Mistlocke.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She slings the shield out now, glancing to the locked doorway]
Slithushulax: [Talk] All that jostling won't do you any good.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Grunts and struggles] Just down her, Nuberious. Let me stand over her before the killing blow.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] You /cannot/ let him have it. He will be the end for them all. You /cannot/!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Kill us both and be done! Kill us /both/ and be done! [She takes a step backward]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Then you have decided.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] It is yours Khavenko.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I'll take her instead.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] No!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] And all that come with your lead.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] No, you can't!
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Lets out a laugh], struggling to rise] Beat her down, Nuberous. Let me a chance...
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Steps towards the woman, chanting]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Tugs at the chains as he tries to rise]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I-
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Last chance girl, save their lives.
Slithushulax: [Talk] [Watches with a wicked fanged grin from up high.]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She hits the wall and stumbles back, crashing]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Kneel to the Emperor and see Khavenko put down.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Don't! Don't you dare, Nuberious!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [The blade rises to her chest, pointing at the woman who was many of the fallen prior]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] Slit her throat and be done with it!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Her face contorts with perplexion and confusion and conflict for several moments]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Now woman...before Helm denies you.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She turns to look at Khavenko. Her eyes narrow. She bites her lip]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [And then falls to a knee]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Cackles at that]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] No!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Whisper]  Let me do it.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Struggles to stand and shakes at the chains] -No-!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Speak then your oath to the Emperor.  
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Struggles against the chains as he crawls around the table] No, damn you!
Slithushulax: [Talk] [An amused little laugh as the creature disappears once more.]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] In faith you shall serve him, for ever, until life fades.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I-
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Say it before Helm's own eyes.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Claws at the table, panting] She is his! She won't! Slay her!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Save them all from his grasp, save their lives.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She seems to struggle with the words at first]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [The Insurmountable Cloud paws maddingly at the table for leverage, pulling himself forward]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] END HER!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Chants an odd song in Netherese, the tongue strange to most]  
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She lowers her chin towards Claxton] May we bow our heads before your oath, towards Helm -  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I swear my fealty to he the Emperor, Razul. My- [She staggers in her words again] My life and my loyalty. [And then, with sudden vigor, power, and confidence-] In exchange for Khavenko's end.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Struggles and pulls] She sacrifices herself-
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Freezes mid-stride]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Twists her gaze at that, glancing back to Khavenko]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Vladimir Khavenko's Bluffing Skills are Impressive.]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Casually produces a key, unhooking his shackles as they fall to the floor with a wide grin]
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Before tossing down the key]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] ... What?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Amusing.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] I only deal with the empire, Elizabeth, as I deal with all. You have sworn to serve.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She gets up, stumbling forward] No! No!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] End him!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] End him!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You will  -  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] End him!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Back up.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] He is mine!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Khavenko -  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Subdued]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Subdued]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Subdued]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Subdues the woman in her confused state]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] End him-
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Subdued]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] End-
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] ... him!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Go, hide before she awakens.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] We are done here.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] She is ours now.
[EFUA_RWG] Vladimir Khavenko: [Talk] [Nods] Do enjoy.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Sets the weapon and shield away, tapping the woman with a device to aid the wounds and awakening her with some shakes]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] It is done
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Your oath is given to Razul.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Quietly, and weakly] You miserable-
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You have pledged your service to him before Helm, and by Helm's sight you shall serve him with blood and life.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Kill him!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] You /can't/ do this.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  You stupid Harlot, if you die, Mistlocke dies.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Khavenko is a fool, serving me protects what you love.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Let him have his seat, serve Razul as you have given oath to do so, and see your loved ones protected.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Whisper]  I can do nothing here, in this miserable tomb.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  His seat can easily be taken away at a whim by our Empires might, your own might now as you have pledged service to us.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  You will see Razul himself, and you will give that oath to serve him in his presence.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Grabs at the collar of her armor to aid her up]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Stand.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Fix your hair, you look like a whore.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Helm will be proud of you.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Come!
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Wait-
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Glances to the door, not daring to touch it]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] What?
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] When the time comes, I want to be the one to do it.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You will be the one, and my oath is given on that, Helm sees it.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She bows her head down]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] You may have trapped me like some pitiful, miserable rat, but godsbedamned, I'll see him die by my strike.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Motions to the doorway]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Might Herald!
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Mighty*
[DM] AKMatt : [Talk] [The door opens ominously]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Enter.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [Peeks in hesitantly at first]
Slithushulax: [Talk] Come.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She looks about, her steps small and awkward]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] She gives oath to the Lady's Prophet himself.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Nuberius kneels at this, oddly perhaps to the eyes of an outsider]
Slithushulax: [Talk] I already KNOW everything that transpired.  I was WATCHING the whole miserable ordeal.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] May the Emperor prosper, the Empire grow.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She exhales out her nose in a huff, though her sword-hand quivers uncharacteristically]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Perhaps it may be pleasing to the great Emperor that has suffered so recently [She gesutres towards Razul and his lack of an arm]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Whisper]  Gods forgive me-
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Speak woman....
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Under the Vigilant One's eye, I swear my loyalty to the Emperer Razul. In life with hammer and diligence until death take me from this realm.
Razul: [Talk] Bhallaruun.  My time is short, do not waste it with pleasantries.  We all know what has brought her before me at this moment.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] She will speak my, my Emperor, as are the ways of old.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Whisper]  Speak woman...speak.
Razul: [Talk] Rise, Elizabeth Claxton.  And look at me.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She remains on knee]
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She swallows hard as she comes to her feet, though she stares boldly into Razul's visage]
Razul: [Talk] I accept your oath.  Know that I will not tolerate any betrayal.  And I -will- know of it.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She stands at that]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Your place among the Sharantil awaits you, Claxton.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] It has begun.
Razul: [Talk] Bhallaruun, see her outfitted and properly oriented.  You are both dismissed.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Come girl.
Razul: [Talk] There are more important matters for us to discuss here- [Gestures left and right] than your ears will be privy to.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She gives the three a final glance]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Approaches the infamous door of locking, awaiing it]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] The Sharantil are the shadow of the Empire.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] We are the knowldge, and knowledge is power as vigilance is faith.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Gestures towards the recruiter] One of the Sharantil comes forth, Caliphar.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Beckons Elizabeth to speak]
Conclave Recruiter: [Talk] "So you have come to join the esteemed

[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I wish to join the Sharantil.
Conclave Recruiter: [Talk] "Very well. Then we are done here."
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Good.
[DM] AKMatt : [Tell]  I am going to shift you to Lawful Neutral.  You would know that this is a direct result of caving to Nuberius's demands.  You will have opportunity to return to paladinhood if you choose to pursue such.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Tell]  Completely expected and understandable.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Once you are proven to be faithful you shall have access to below, and the wares of the most powerful, knowing, and glorious Empire.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Your oath is good, but service is proof.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] Of course.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Good.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You'll defeat me someday for all of this Claxton, or maybe praise me.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] I cannot know, but the Emperor does.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I can only pray that it is the former.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Resume your work in the village.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Your reports are expected.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] The Emperor awaits them, I await them.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] And Claxton -  
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] What do you wish reports on? Arcanists? Muster dealings? You want me to wholly betray those I have come to defend?
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] The Mighty Herald is -always- watching, in all shadows and in all places. Do not betray us....
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Everything you think to be of use my dear.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] For now, we've a rebellion to stifle, one brewing in your Muster.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] I would have handled that with or without an oath to your Emperor.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [She smiles] I know.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Go.
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] You're not sleeping with me Claxton..
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] Go up, and return to Mistlocke.
[Fitzwilliam] Elizabeth Claxton: [Talk] [She bites her lip]
[ItsSharantilTime] Nuberius Bhallaruun: [Talk] [Poins North to the stairs] [/hide][/hide]

But enough of that Klavenko guy. I got a few more 'shots that deserve to be thrown up here, some of them cool, some of them mundane:

[hide=The aforementioned quest of badassery]Again, thanks to AKMatt for this. I ended up losing my screenshot for the Bulwark, but it was an item with a pretty awesome backstory. This quest happened after Claxton fell and revolved around investigating the haunting of a pirate ship caused by a paladin of Helm named St. Zurayel. She followed her captured charges across the Shining Sea until she found the pirates at Ymph, only to realize they had murdered them before hand. She starved herself to death in their brig. The shield was hers, and Claxton coveted it and used it not only as a bulwark against her physical enemies, but to steady herself as she moved towards redemption.





[/hide]

[hide=Order]Claxton fought with the Order some, too. Thomas kept trying to convert me, but little did he know she had already fallen! Of particular interest was a scene in the Priory where Claxton tried to fight off Mist apparitions and, well... worse. She failed. It was sweet.







There was also that one time she got branded. Yeah. Retribution was had. Zoe puts it eloquently:



[/hide]

[hide=Shrouded Legion]Speaking of Zoe, I totally owe it to you for bringing me on this awesome little event of yours. I was privy to the decision to bring the Legion to Mistlocke and Claxton was allowed to give her rather opinionated input.





Jayde can probably tell you about how much I agonized about the Veiled Lady and how necessary it was for her to be as awesome as I wanted her to be. I'll regret never being able to meet her as Claxton. Something tells me they would have gotten along incredibly, if given the chance.





Oblivious as always. I got a laugh out of this.





Greeting the wannabe Sharks:





And being greated by some:
[/hide]

Claxton was eventually, finally able to have Khavenko exiled. Her plans were being set in motion. Her revenge for falling was soon to be had. She could taste his blood on her lips!
[hide=Exile][/hide]

... But it was never to be had.

[hide=The End][/hide]

Again, thank you for everyone's involvement. Claxton didn't live particularly long, but I hope some of you enjoyed her stay. I imagine I could have continued based on the circumstances, but for me, the way she went was so appropriate and epic that I did not want to disappoint myself with something less satisfactory.



Until next time, and always remember:

[The Man In The Mist]

HERETIC

[The Old Hack]

I loved Elizabeth. Great, great character :)

[el groso]

Well done! One of Mavell's many enemies, great interactions!

Also good character development, fallen tales are awesome

[Dusky Palms]

Well that's a shame. I guess I need to make some new enemies to fight for the right to my Crypt.

I've got mad respect for you and Claxton, just based on the very brief interactions we've had. <3

[Mathamune]

damn girl

[Pool]

Even in death, she was baller. o7

[Aethereal]

Wow.

We always knew she had fallen, but what exactly was it, in association with Vladmir that brought it on? No idea it was something like that.

An excellent character with a very curious secret life. Was fun, as always!

[granny]

so feel interactions, so fun they were!
biterips got finally exiled thanks to claxton ^^

if she ever get to curse Mistlocke, you all can thank claxton for the final blow, heheehhe

[Blackthorn51]

Sad to see her go!  In the end Marius went looking for her, in spite of everything.  Looking forward to your next PC, if you make one.

[AKMatt]

A very cool character.  The interaction that caused her to fall from paladinhood was excellent on the part of all involved.  It was encouraging to see how you shaped the character in view of very negative things happening to her, and that sort of devotion to the story over personal accomplishment is something I would definitely love to see more of.

[Pentaxius]

Excellent character, bravo.

Thank you for those conversation log as well. The scene which lead to your fall was truly epic !

[Somniis]

All awesome from the few sustained interactions I've had in my first week back. Great character :) . Keep that immersive energy flowing...

[xXCrystal_Rose]

♥

[VanillaPudding]

Excellent