Karma Kameleon

For my part, once Donati has answered Cordelia's question, she'll be ready to leave with everyone else. Although, I suppose it will depend on what his response is! I'd be down to discuss what to do next, though I have an inkling that we'll be heading to the graveyard next ;) Just a matter of deciding if we want to set a trap as proposed by Alban.

Cordelia Nightshade Cordelia maintained her composure, even as Donati couldn't resist teasing her about her question. She didn't particularly enjoy being laughed at but still managed a polite smile, realizing that her inquiry may have seemed excessive. "Thank you for clarifying, and I appreciate the jest. I suppose simplicity is often the most effective path. We'll keep your advice in mind." She watched as Dalin chose her weapon, the lighthearted wink and banter between them lightening the mood momentarily. It appeared they had switched roles, as she was now the one feeling somewhat uncomfortable in the present situation. But she was pleased to see that the dwarf had settled back into her more natural, relaxed state. Cordelia observed Donati's changing expressions as he spoke, acknowledging his curiosity. She felt a sense of unease, uncertain about how much to reveal about their mission. After a moment's contemplation, she decided to be discreet. She answered with a cautious smile, her tone measured. "Our main goal is to help restore stability and safety to Hethton. We've heard about the disturbances with the ghouls and observed the aftermath of the recent jailbreak. We intend to address these issues, as we believe it's our responsibility to assist in any way we can." "Lady Ittia told us you were Captain Uriah's right-hand man, correct? I was wondering what your thoughts were on the Captain's final words. He accused Vadim of sorcery. Is this something he spoke openly with you about? Perhaps you could elaborate? As you said, Vadim likely had help with his escape. However, we feel that perhaps his helpers were forced against their will to do so, just as Lady Ittia was forced into being his... play thing." she spat out the final words, making her disdain of Vadim very clear.

Cordelia Nightshade Perhaps the last few days had taken more of a toll on her than she had thought, as it seemed she had misunderstood Lady Ittia's words. Too proud to admit her misunderstanding, she brushed her embarrassment aside like sweeping crumbs under a carpet, Cordelia stepped towards Lady Ittia, offering her hand in a gently reassuring handshake. She thanked her for her time and apologized once more for the distress their questions had caused. "Unfortunately, today's developments have forced us to change our plans. However, I would like to meet with you again, Lady Ittia, once all of this is over, if you agree. It would please me to hear more about your life and the story of how you and your husband met and came to be." With that, Cordelia joined her companions at the door, slipping her arm into the crook of Alban's arm, and bid the lady her farewells. She followed behind the two women, allowing them to take the lead in speaking with the guardsmen. They were likely better suited for this task anyway. Donati offered them some new information, which Cordelia could have done without – ghouls moving in packs like dogs? The thought was unsettling, causing her to recoil. The rest of Donati's information only confirmed what Jozelle had already told them previously. She looked to Donati for confirmation, seeking clarity. "So... we don't need to do anything special like burning them, removing their heart, or destroying their brain? As long as they receive enough physical damage to their bodies, they will die?" Cordelia didn't know if her questions were naive, but it wasn't as though dealing with ghouls or any kind of mystical beast was a common occurrence. Cordelia nodded vigorously in agreement with Dalin's second question. With Donati stating that ghouls could only be found at night, it seemed unlikely that they had anything to do with Vadim's escape from the jailhouse. So what would his theory be regarding that matter?

Oh no...that's rough...I'm sorry for your loss 😔 Take care, and take all the time you need to heal.

  Cordelia Nightshade Despite her empathy for Lady Ittia, Cordelia could hardly hide her discouragement as a sigh slipped passed her lips. They had reached the point in the discussion where Lady Ittia would not reveal any more useful information. Cordelia exchanged a knowing glance with Alban, recognizing that further pressing would only cause more grief than good. She projected her voice into his thoughts"Well, this has been less revelatory than anticipated. Lady Ittia seems to be safe enough, so what's our next move?", seeking guidance, her tone betraying her dissappointment. Cordelia nodded in approval as Dalin acquired the description of the location of interest from Lady Ittia. "It's always wise to be prepared. A quick chat with the guardsmen before we leave might yield valuable insights, especially if they've had encounters with these ghouls." Rising from her seat, Cordelia stepped forward to comfort Lady Ittia. "Why all this happened is precisely what we are trying to work out. Once we unravel this mystery, perhaps we will provide you with the clarity you need to find closure." However, a perplexed expression marred Cordelia's face at Lady Ittia's cryptic final words. "I apologize if I've missed something, but I'm not quite sure I understand. We've already heard about the ghouls desecrating graves and the rising dead. Is there some additional danger lurking below that we should be aware of?" She was eager to gain any further insights into the situation.

Oh no :( I'm so sorry to hear all that! 😭 Hope everything worked itself out okay at work and that your friend pulls through.😔

Cordelia Nightshade Alban and Cordelia had agreed to discuss the amulet with Lady Ittia should the appropriate opportunity arise, and it was promptly served to them on a silver platter. Cordelia shot a sharp glance in Alban's direction, seeking his silent approval to proceed with their intentions. Turning her intense gaze back to meet Lady Ittia's hollow eyes, she continued. "There is no doubt in our minds that you were bewitched, and we believe the captain was aware of this fact as well. Would you give us permission to question his men? Perhaps Dalin and Jozelle could speak with them? They may be aware of your husband's inclinations towards Vadim and may not divulge information so easily without your permission." Cordelia nodded to the two women, noting their discomfort with the present situation. Perhaps their direct methods of questioning would be better suited for the guardsmen rather than the fragile Lady Ittia. The moment had come when they would finally reveal their reason for coming to Hethton. Cordelia hesitated, unsure of how Lady Ittia would react to their revelation. And although Cordelia believed that complete transparency was always the best policy, she often cherry-picked which truths should be shared. Sure, it was a form of manipulation, but it would not be as though she was lying. "Everything you've just said confirms the suspicion we've had all along. It confirms Vadim's motive for preying upon you. You see, Vadim seeks the very same amulet that we were employed to find, the very reason why we have come to Hethton." "The amulet is no ordinary piece of jewellery, but rather is told to have magical properties. Please understand...we were completely unaware of the circumstances surrounding the amulet when we received this task. We hoped it would be a simple task of purchasing it from its owner, but regrettably.... the amulet now rests twenty feet beneath the earth with your husband." Her voice trailed off as she let the revelation hang in the air, allowing Lady Ittia to process the information. For now, she did not want to unveil what the amulet could do. Alistair had been extremely clear with his instructions not to use it without him. And while the potential of speaking with her husband as a form of closure could be a bargaining chip, it could also cause her to take the amulet and try to use it herself. At the very least, Vadim had been jailed during the captain's burial and would be unaware of the amulet's location for the time being. Cordelia felt reassured that they were in the right place, thinking that Vadim would likely come to Lady Ittia in search of the amulet now with the captain gone. She looked to Alban, seeking his approval once more and leaving the door open for him to pursue the conversation further should he wish.

Oh! I don't know if it's too late, but, I just remembered something I wanted to mention, something I thought may not only be useful but fun for the group! On the way to Lady Ittia's Cordelia would have quickly told the group about her Message ability so that they could communicate with her covertly during their visit. She would have shown them a discreet hand gesture that would signal her to "open the channel" with them since it only works if she speaks first. Even though it's a cantrip, we would use sparingly as to not abuse it, of course!

Bahahaha yeah - her past couple rolls have been god awful. She also gave Dalin attitude for bombarding with questions before doing the very same herself. She just wanted to add some balm before ripping through her heart.  😂 So far so good, thanks for checking! We really feel Lady Ittia's pain. I like how intense/horrific the game has been thus far, and look forward to delving further!

Cordelia Nightshade Perhaps she should have come in the company of Alban alone. Cordelia couldn't help but shoot a glare in Dalin's direction. She felt that her companion was insensitively bombarding the fragile Lady Ittia with too much information and questions all at once. Broaching the topic of ghouls was premature in her opinion, and despite the urgency of their situation, Cordelia believed they should take it one step at a time. The lady was undoubtedly clouded by strong emotions and was barely holding it together. It was not that Dalin's questions were not the right ones, but rather, she was simply not blessed with the same delicate touch as herself. Cordelia raised a hand in Dalin's direction as a sign to momentarily halt her from pressing further. "Our sincerest apologies, Lady Ittia," Cordelia's voice held a soft, reassuring tone as she broke through Lady Ittia's sobs. "We understand that this is all a lot to process during this most challenging time. We do not wish to overstep by pressing you, and if you ever feel uncomfortable or want to change the topic, we will respect your choice. However, we do feel that time is of the essence because of Vadim's escape." "Firstly, I would like to clarify that we do not question your love for your husband, and you do not have to defend yourself in this regard," Cordelia continued. "Unlike the followers of Nulemti in this town, we will not shame you, we will not abandon you, and we believe the words you speak. We know it is not easy, but please do not feel guilty or loathe yourself for something you had entirely no choice in. I am not denying the things that you feel and felt for Vadim, but they are not emotions that stem from yourself. They are emotions that Vadim forced upon you. It is likely that even those with the strongest will would have fallen victim to his manipulation, even the late Captain Uriah himself." "You said that Captain Uriah knew what drove his men, and it seems that, much like ourselves, he strove to figure out what drives Vadim," Cordelia explained. "We must decipher his motivations if we are to defeat him. We wish to bring justice to the captain and free all those who live under his grasp." Cordelia leaned forward slightly, her gaze focused on Lady Ittia. "As Jozelle has mentioned, the Captain's final words were a accusation of sorcery. Can you elaborate what would lead the Captain to believe this? When you spent time with Vadim, did he mention anything about his previous life, his occupation or his decision to come to Hethton? Has he ever been inside this home?" She paused, offering a sincere and empathetic smile. "Again, apologies for the questions. If there are any you cannot answer, perhaps you could allow us to speak with Captain Uriah's men? By better understanding Vadim and the situation, we can better protect this town and its people." OOC Rolling Insight to see if lady Ittia is sincere in her answers

Cordelia Nightshade Cordelia watched in amazement as Alban demonstrated his powers, the black tendril-like wisps and purple flame captivated her attention. However, she was even more intrigued by Jozelle's quick and seamless shift in character. She couldn't help but wonder which personality or character closest matched Jozelle's true self. Perhaps it was a mix of all or none at all. Despite her curiosity, Cordelia couldn't deny Jozelle's keen senses as she brought the patrolling guardsmen to everyone's attention, a detail Cordelia had completely missed. Nodding in response to the guardsmen's invitation, Cordelia followed them silently, her eyes taking in every detail of Lady Ittia's domain. The mansion was both elegant and grandiose yet held a certain quaint charm. Memories of her dreams to share such a home with her beloved Zachary briefly swept over her, but she brushed them away as she entered the room, taking a seat but quickly rising again to properly greet Lady Ittia with a warm smile. Cordelia sat down beside Lady Ittia, gently placing her hands over hers in a comforting gesture if the widow allowed it. Her intense gaze shifted between her companions before settling on the widow. She began speaking, her voice soothing and empathetic, "We understand your feelings of confusion and frustration. We, too, are in the midst of unraveling it all. If it can be of reassurance, please know that we understand your predicament and the conflicted emotions you are experiencing. Your feelings are valid." She paused, choosing her words carefully as she continued, "You see, Lady Ittia, Vadim... he is not a regular man. He exudes something that draws us all in—something beyond mere charisma and beauty. It's... unnatural. He holds a power over us, drawing us in to the point where we may even go against our true nature, leaving us at his mercy and unable to say no. We believe that the hold he has over you, he has over many who live in this town. Some of us have experienced it firsthand." Cordelia's words hung in the air, and she glanced towards her companions, particularly Dalin and Alban. Then, she turned her gaze back to Lady Ittia, giving her time to process what had been said and leaving space for her companions to add anything they felt necessary.

Oh Alban :P Being a dick is part of his charm lol. Whether the blood pact proves effective or not, Cordelia is prepared to go to great lengths to safeguard herself from falling under Vadim's influence. While I didn't explicitly state it in the post, given Vadim's apparent ability to manipulate the thoughts / wills of others, she views the cut as a tangible symbol anchoring her to reality less so than having arcane properties. Unlike objects or thoughts, this physical reminder cannot (in theory) be easily tampered with :)

Cordelia Nightshade Cordelia carefully considered Dalin's suggestions, acknowledging the valid points raised that had not occurred to her. She briefly covered her mouth in thoughtful contemplation before responding, "You bring up valid thoughts, Dalin. While the idea of investigating the jail is intriguing, time is of the essence, and it might delay our pursuit. Returning to the topic of Lady Ittia, I frankly doubt that a vile creature like Vadim would be solely motivated by love. His actions against the Lady and Captain appear calculated to me. I've even considered the possibility that this is a power grab, that his intent is to take the Captain's place here in Hethton." She scoffed, a comical thought crossing her mind as she spoke of Vadim's potential conquest. "It's ironic that his surname is King, given the circumstances. Perhaps he sees himself as such," she mused before continuing. "I don't fear for Lady Ittia's life, but I do think he could seek refuge with her and even hold her hostage if the guardsmen try to apprehend him." Relief washed over Cordelia as Alban agreed not only to stay together as a group, but also to head to Lady Ittia's instead of the graveyard. However, her disdain became evident when he made the barbaric and primitive suggestion for a blood pact, offering his hand and dagger. She visibly disliked the idea of drawing blood deliberately, her thumb rubbing her palm in a soothing manner as she considered the suggestion with furrowed brows. "It is settled then. Given our lack of protection against his powers and the urgency of the situation, I suppose this solution will have to do." she reluctantly admitted before extending her trembling hand towards him to swear the pact.   The presence of guards at the lady's manor didn't surprise Cordelia. As they approached, she stepped forward to greet the guard who approached them. "Cordelia Nightshade," she introduced herself with a brief bow of her head. "Lady Ittia was expecting me. I was invited to discuss matters with her this afternoon. However, we're aware that the situation has changed with Vadim's escape. We witnessed the aftermath at the jail and grew concerned that he might come here. We wanted to ensure Lady Ittia's well-being and offer our assistance should he present himself. We may not be seasoned warriors like yourselves, but we possess a particular skill set that could prove useful in this situation." She made the offer with sincerity, her icy blue eyes focused on the guard.

Awwww :( I had started writing a post but didn't have time to finish before the last update 🥲 maybe I can save some of it 😅

Cordelia can be swayed either way, she will listen to her allies in this situation. Though, she is particularly looking to Alban for direction. Not that she doesn't value the women's opinions!! But she holds his opinion in high regard with his status as a Lord (it also helps that she finds him cute). So, while she has an appointment with Lady Ittia planned and feels compassion for her, it is more of a social affair. So this new, crucial development is important enough for her to postpone that for a later time. You know, when there isn't a dead raising killer on the loose. :P On a side note, I feel that the shift in Cordelia's demeanor may seem sudden, yes she generally avoids danger, runs from it even - until the adrenaline of anger outweighs the fear. She's basically in mama bear mode, for lack of a better way to describe it lol.