>>542623
Except it could also be a powerful ingredient for spells, a la lust or whatever
What I am saying is, better safe than sorry yo.
Check sex toy for hidden compartments.

use MASTURBATORY AID on SELF

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/09/30(Mon)22:42 No. 542695 ID: d92f71
File 138060615406.png - (17.02KB , 800x800 , 0040.png )

>>542623

of course I wouldn't! I mean there's nothing wrong with- the Quetzarche says nothing about... the point is I doubt I need this... object.

>>542650

such magic, though unsavory and generally creepy, is not forbidden according to the Holy Orditas, and I really do not want to examine this thing too closely.

I place the... object back into the drawer and close it.

>>542615
Sazerac states that Daemon summoning is akin to slavery, and refuses to give any instruction on any such rituals.

I turn my attention back to the journal. reading the whole thing may take some time so I flip through. there are no dates, but the most recent entry is still wet so it must have been written in the last hour.

the very first entry has immaculate hand writing, but does not seem any more coherent:

a field of gold, red, and blue
a child's laughter echoes through
a leaf wilts much much too soon
and a horrifying truth
life and death sing hand in hand
poking fun at god and man
and I'm weeping all the while
agony behind a smile.

I flip ahead to about halfway through. the page is mostly empty, except for a short few sentences:

Connanti. what does it mean? asking such things will get me killed, likely.

I flip to the page directly before the last, hoping to find some methods to this seeming madness:

Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Bileous. the four humourous Daemons. unlike the whispers, these creatures can take corporeal forms by way of immaculate conception. this is similar to the story of Tezca, who was conceived in such a way, according to the Quetzarche. it seems such Daemons do this willingly, but why? surely they have more efficient ways to influence Tyson. perhaps the Chtzo can shed some light on this phenomenon, however I doubt I will have a chance to meet a Chtzo any time soon, much less likely one that has a vested interest in Daemonology. could this be related to this "Connanti"?

Connanti? Sazerac mentions the word once or twice in its book, but the word is never defined, except as a word M'raach claim that Whispers in the Mane will frequently mutter.

I look at the papers upon the desk. it seems to be the multiple Narratives. none of the stories seem to make it past two pages, and none go past a single chapter. the stories all seem to share Ichtaca's ramblings, causing much of them to be nearly unreadable.

>>542695
Spend a few moments looking through the desk drawers for anything immediately obvious, then leave and lock the door behind you. If the ink is still so wet, then she may have been recently seen in the halls. Time to start asking around.

If the ink is still wet, how do you know she's not in the room with you? The pen abandoned dripping on the bed seems to indicate abnormal haste in particular.

What are these Whispers in the Mane? Could Ichtaca have something to do with them?

>>542707
haha oh man she woulda seen you grab, pocket, then put back her dildo if this were the case

>>542707
...

Are there any spells that allow the caster to go invisible? Even if it's just their body, not their clothes? After all, it does look like someone just hastily stripped naked.

>>542731
this situation just keeps getting better and better
>grope around blindly in the general direction of any unusual depressions in the carpet or, in lieu of that, lock doors and windows until invisible streaker is located

Wait...Isn't there a subspecies of you guys that turn invisible after a bit? How long exactly does that take?
I'm wondering if we got sent barking up the wrong tree, and Ichtaca's on the trail of this guy same as we are.

>>542734
>I'm wondering if we got sent barking up the wrong tree, and Ichtaca's on the trail of this guy same as we are.
I'm thinking that might be the case. Though the last line of her journal referring to herself in the third person is a more than a bit worrying.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/01(Tue)23:02 No. 542789 ID: d92f71
File 138069377351.png - (19.35KB , 800x800 , 0041.png )

>>542707
>>542731
>>542734
camoflague is a simple trick for many savants, and for a Cuetzpali, it is innate. if she were using some sort of sorcery to cloak herself, she would require concentration to remain hidden, and if she is a Cuetzpali, startling her would cause her pigmentation to turn a bright yellow. in any case, a sufficiently loud and sudden noise would spoil any attempts at staying hidden, though I may attract the attention of any passing Ordita.

>>542710
Daemons which have Possessed the M'raach and whisper directly into their minds.

if she is in the room with me, I should pretend to remain oblivious until I decide how to address the issue. I open the drawers of her desk. inside I find a set of Red Orditas Seals. it seems Ichtaca keeps her old ones, a common practice; one which I myself partake in. I find a Neonate, Acolyte, Scribe, Pen Scribe, and Head scribe seal. interesting. why is she not wearing this one? there is no reason not to wear the highest seal you own, and to not wear one is at best trashy and at worst blasphemous. she would surely attract undue attention without one. perhaps she has a higher seal? if so, why is she still working as a Head scribe?

>>542789
Oh my. Now this sounds like a conspiracy. Perhaps she has a Whisper that is feeding her information that someone else in the church is taking advantage of in secret? The Whisper could be the cause of the weird poems.

Suddenly knocking over the stack of bowls should make a sufficient noise to reveal her. Then you drag her off to quarantine, and interrogate her to find out what new rank she is and who else in the church is involved. Also, maybe find out who it was that shot at you and what exactly the letter addressed to you was about.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/03(Thu)00:33 No. 542889 ID: d92f71
File 138078562383.png - (25.18KB , 800x800 , 0044.png )

...it appears I am alone.

Does showing her seal give her authority among laypeople or something? We might want to take it with us if that is the case.

Anyway, we have more reason to track her down but no clear evidence in what her role is, so its time to go find her.

>>542889
Drat. Let's leave quickly and seek out the head priest. If you meet anyone in the halls on the way, ask if they've seen Ichtaca around.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/04(Fri)12:54 No. 543016 ID: d92f71
File 138091645584.png - (23.46KB , 800x800 , 0045.png )

>>542891
her seal would grant authority over those below her, however, as an Inquisitor, I answer only to the Prime Orditas, and my seal is sovereign. keeping her seal on me would not extend my jurisdiction.

and begin down the hall, an Ordita passes, looking under dressed, overly stressed, and disorganized.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/04(Fri)12:54 No. 543017 ID: d92f71
File 138091648709.png - (19.96KB , 800x800 , 0046.png )

"excuse me, sir." the Ordita looks up and gasps, "Inquisitor Tuzcanti! I'm the Pen Ordita, Xochtitl."

she offers her hand to shake.

"may I ask you a few questions?"

"sure," she nods, "I was just going over the notes for the night service."

> keeping her seal on me would not extend my jurisdiction.
Er, I should have clarified. The idea was to keep her from retrieving it and using it to give orders, but when I think about it anyone nearby would already know who she is so it doesn't really matter.

Anyway, ask where she last saw Ichtaca. If she asks why, say that we have reason to believe she is under demonic influence or hexed.

>>543017
Ask her if she has seen Ichtaca anywhere. She is not in her quarters. Also, if she knows what Ichtaca has been doing lately.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/04(Fri)22:24 No. 543077 ID: d92f71
File 138095066857.png - (16.97KB , 800x800 , 0047.png )

"I'm looking for Ichtaca. where might she be?"

"Ichtaca is looking for you as well. she said she would like to talk to you in her office. she said she wished to purchase a book from you."

a Red Orditas cipher. it seems Ichtaca wishes to trade secrets.

>>543077
Interesting. Alright, let's go see what she's got. Wait, did Ichtaca physically contact this girl? She might need to be quarantined as well.

>>543017
>she offers her hand to shake
Whoops, possible infection vector for a hex.

Well let's go see this Ictaca wants with us.
smart money says she's got the lowdown on what's up and can tell us more about the situation we DO want to know about, namely the whole mystery anti-inquistor faction here.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/29(Tue)22:07 No. 545910 ID: d92f71
File 138310963149.png - (23.73KB , 800x800 , 0048.png )

"yes." I nod, "Immortal Avarice. have you read it before?"

"no ma'am." she shakes her emerald crested head. she's uninvolved in whatever business Ichtaca wants me for.

"may I come to you later if I require assistance?"

"of course," she brushes her plumage out of her eyes, attempting to hide the obvious fear on her face, "I'll be working in my office until the night service."

"one more thing, miss Xochtitl, have you come into physical contact with Acalan or Ichtaca?"

"what?" she recoils slightly, "do you mean, like..."

"any flesh to flesh contact whatsoever."

she rubs her chin and bows her head, trying to hide her mouth, likely, "I've never, as in, not um... no ma'am, I haven't come into, well... no I haven't, miss Inquisitor."

I'm having difficulty figuring out if she is embarrassed or simply lying, likely both. should I press her, or continue to Ichtaca?

"not like that, i mean a handshake or a hug, or anything, i do not need details, just a yes or no, and i will assume it was a handshake, okay?"

>>545910
If she has come into contact with them she needs to be in quarantine, so press the issue.

"I'm not asking about anything that should stay private, but I've found a curse that's been spreading by contact and I think she could be infected. So if you've brushed her hand while handing her something or anything else where you touched her you might have the curse."

>>545910
She may be saying the wrong thing because she isn't given context. State the issue of quarantine.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/30(Wed)19:17 No. 546036 ID: d92f71
File 138318587799.png - (21.17KB , 800x800 , 0049.png )

I must press the issue. if she's carrying the hex I must quarantine her.

"you seem unsure, miss Xochtitl. I will not pry as to the method of contact, I assure you, but it is imperative that you are truthful. Acalan and Ichtaca are infected with a hex which can be spread through physical contact. did you have any sort of skin on skin contact with either Ichtaca or Acalan since last full moon?"

she rubs the back of her neck and sighs, "listen, most of these scribes are straight out of academy. they're mostly kids. please don't involve the Juristas."

"why would the juristas need to be involved?"

"they don't need to be. that's my point."

"Xochtitl... has Acalan..."

"NO!" she gasps, "no, nothing like that! they just... take things from my quarters... undergarments and the like, and pull pranks, and other harmless things, but they're kids. they mean no harm with it, I swear."

"but you feel Acalan may have come into contact with you?"

"he, um... has a tendency to kiss me on the cheek when I'm distracted, but that's all."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/10/30(Wed)19:18 No. 546037 ID: d92f71
File 138318593467.png - (20.88KB , 800x800 , 0050.png )

"have you given Consent to this flirtatious behaviour?"

"I can't." she shrugs, "I'm taken."

"that violates the sixth pillar fourth commandment: one mustn't covet the touch of an other without adequate evidence of consent. Acalan and his ilk are sinning daily."

"I don't mind it," she shrugs, "they're just harmless practical jokes."

"it matters not whether you mind, your Orditas are committing crimes under your nose and you are allowing it to happen."

"it's not like that. all the younger Orditas pull pranks on their betters. I did, you did, even the Primas did when they were younger."

"when I was a young scribe I was too busy studying the Quetzarche to grope my superiors."

"say what you will," she sighs nervously, "just, please, do not sic the Juristas on these boys. if they lose a finger, they'll be cast from the Orditas."

>>546037
I think the quarantine is more important than some minor justice. Tell her if it will get her cooperation you will put off informing the Juristas until you discover the full extent of what is going on here.

It could be a systematic corruption of the church from outside forces.

...wait a minute, did she say everyone does it? Oh god. The entire church is hexed. This is beyond quarantine. It's an outbreak.

lie, say you wont do anything so she will cooperate. then once this fiasco is over you will launch a full investigation. when allowed to do things with no repercussion they become bolder, eventually they would up their game and start doing bigger sins. if they did it once and were punished then it would not be a big deal, but ignoring a problem ALWAYS makes it bigger.

play the hex up, say that it spreads from any contact at all and at it's peak it causes insanity, it is curable but it spreads very fast if everyone is being touchy feely, and must be quarantined otherwise one could wander into the next town over and the process keeps going.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/03(Tue)23:27 No. 550691 ID: d92f71
File 138614201952.png - (23.30KB , 800x800 , 0048.png )

"I have no reason to involve the Juristas," I will decide if this is a lie at a later time, "for now we need to make sure that you-"

my eyes widen.

"you said that this is a common occurrence? do they only harass you?"

"no, most of the senior Orditas will have some pranks pulled on them from time to time. why do you..."

the realization hits her like the plague.

"the entire church?" she gasps.

I nod solemnly. "likely the entire church, their immediate families, friends, their families, and so on."

"how can we contain that?!"

"we can not."

this is no longer an investigation. this is an extermination. my only option now is to find the Daemon as quickly as possible and terminate it before the whole damned continent goes up in smoke.

"what can I do to help you, Inquisitor?"

"Help?" I growl.

"this is partly my fault." she says, rubbing her arm awkwardly, "I want to help you fix this."

"partly?!" I laugh, "this is ENTIRELY your fault."

I must plan my next step carefully, and I must act fast.

these pranks were probably why the daemon chose this curse in the first place. it KNEW it would spread because the local boys can't keep their hands to themselves. a little discipline would have prevented all of this.

but for now. if she wants to help then look for Ichtaca or Acalan, if she finds ether she is to bring them to us. regardless of how.

meanwhile, do you have any way to find daemonic energies? if the curse truely has spread far enough the amount of energy it is using may traceable now.

>>550691
Put the entire village under quarantine, and send out messengers to any city anyone has traveled to or from since the hex started, with instructions to forbid all physical contact until the next full moon. We may not be able to contain it but we can at least limit its scope.

The fastest way of doing this is to inform the head of the church. They may also know of a way to get ahold of our missing suspect.

If it's an out of control manifestation this is something your superiors need to know about anyway even if they can't get you timely backup--this is large enough that you cannot personally chase down every possible thread of this curse.
It's also rather dangerous to take on a demon/cult/coven that has been able to pervert/subvert an entire town and remain undetected for a while, so we need to make reasonable worst-case guesses and work downwards on the threat-scale from there.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/10(Tue)20:25 No. 551457 ID: d92f71
File 138673592105.png - (18.66KB , 800x800 , 0052.png )

"find Ichtaca, and take her to the Chapel. bring the Head Ordita, as well." I lean in close, "your mind is still your own, correct?"

she nods fearfully.

"good." I turn away, "if you hear any voices, have any violent urges, or feel your mind and judgement clouding, resist. if you can not, shackle yourself to something sturdy, understand?"

she nods, "Inquisitor, what will you be doing?"

"I will be contacting my comrades in the Inquisition, and setting up some sort of containment. who is the town Sender?"

"Camaxtli. she's likely in the Divinery, by the church."

I nod and exit. whatever message I need delivered, I can have this Sender transmit it through some arcane means to an other Sender who will inform the Red Orditas.

I ponder what message I should send and to where and utter a sighing growl. I can send the message and it will be received instantly, but the closest town with any notable Inquisitorial presence is Tozotl, which is a full three day journey. I could also send a general message to all other Senders to increase guard presence in their territory but I can't be sure how to identify a hexxed individual, so neither will they. opening a dialog is somewhat tricky with Senders, so I doubt I will be able to get any viable advice, either.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2013/12/10(Tue)20:28 No. 551458 ID: d92f71
File 138673608987.png - (17.33KB , 800x800 , 0053.png )

I enter the Divinery. the scent of hefty incense and smelling salts causes my eyes to mist. I feel the air in the building to be somehow... wrong, like a stranger is standing over my shoulder. a Coatl leans her bulk upon a counter, looking quite bored. she raises a brow and gazes at me with eyes which look to have seen more than their share of hardship as I approach.

"You are Camaxtli?" I ask.

"mm-hmm" she nods lazily, "Who's asking?"

"Matlal T-"

"-Tuzcanti of the Red Moon Inquisition, age 29, born in a small swamp town on the outskirts of Cuzco. am I close?" she snorts, "it's a figure of speech, Inquisitor. it means you'd better be paying upfront."

blasted Senders. deal with one for more than a scant moment and they plunder your mind for any scrap of knowledge or memory that they fancy. the Quetzarche clearly condemns telepathy, and any such tampering with one's mind, but the Senders are simply too useful to the Empire to be excommunicated.

sigh, pay up. money is a small price to keep the peace.

send a message to everyone within a day's travel. a highly infectious hex has been created, is spread by skin to skin physical contact so full body outfits will prevent it, anyone entering town must be detained for a minimum of(however long is the maximum amount of time someone can go before showing signs).

Double-check your sender here, if there's an out-of-control curse going around what's to say that this Camaxtli isn't affected, or complicit? Don't be too disrespectful but don't just assume that we aren't facing part of the problem here.

>telepaths with long-distance links
...Oh shit. Matlal, please tell me the Sanguine Mania Glyph is only transmissible by physical contact or direct observation of the original glyph.

Wait a minute, if this hex is so dangerous and infectious, why haven't there been previous outbreaks?

>>551802
There may have been other outbreaks of this specific curse even, why else would Matlal have recognized the curse sign?

Apply your priorities, Inquisitor:

1. Interrogate the Sender for Sanguine infection.

2. Discuss price for a message.

3. Send a prelimiary message to Tozotl to warn "Sanguine hex outbreak at Red Wood, quarantine is impossible, symptoms are hidden, deamon is hidden, extermination hunt in progress" in whatever code the Inquisition uses.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/24(Fri)02:58 No. 559226 ID: 7e38be
File 139056108065.png - (13.71KB , 800x800 , 0054.png )

>>551519
I doubt the curse is transferable telepathically. even so, I expect that most senders are more capable of resisting than even an Inquisitor such as myself.

"Very well, Sender," I drop the bag of Kola on the counter, "no doubt 50 Kola is insufficient for your services; however, I give my word as a loyal servant of Tezca that you will be payed in full by the Red Orditas."

she waves a mighty claw dismissively as she slides the bag of Kola under her side of the counter.

"I know the inquisition's good for it." her scowl lessens in severity, I assume this means she is pleased, "they'd hate to piss off the senders over a handful of Kola, at least."

"I must ask, as a formality, have you come in contact with any suspicious individuals in the past three days?" I take my seat as the Sender pulls various incenses and chalk from a drawer behind the desk.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/24(Fri)02:58 No. 559227 ID: 7e38be
File 139056110451.png - (19.21KB , 800x800 , 0055.png )

she sets the incense down and begins tracing a circle on the desk,"now that you mention it I was involved in a six man orgy just the other day. I believe Acalan had his cock in my mouth for a good fifteen minutes."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/24(Fri)02:59 No. 559228 ID: 7e38be
File 139056115420.png - (17.77KB , 800x800 , 0056.png )

"very well." I growl, "I suppose that means 'no'?"

"I see why you're an inquisitor now, miss Tuzcanti." she leaves a small opening in the circle, then lights the incense. the smell of heavy perfume and charcoal fills the divinery quickly, "I would hazard a guess that you know Senders are forbidden to contact others physically, under pain of death."

"you would be right." I nod.

"would you care to guess why?"

"I would not." I glare, "play your mindgames some time else, Telepath."

"fine," she shrugs, "go ahead with your message, Inquisitor."

"I want this message broadcasted to every town within a day's travel, along with Tozotl." I clear my throat, "Sanguine hex outbreak at Red Wood, quarantine is impossible, symptoms are hidden, daemon is hidden, extermination hunt in progress. any individuals arriving in town must be detained for a minimum of one week, or until word arrives of the Daemon's slaying."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/24(Fri)03:00 No. 559229 ID: 7e38be
File 139056121563.png - (33.20KB , 800x800 , 0057.png )

"very well." she whispers into the circle, then closes it. I feel my ears pop and my breath is stolen away from me. I feel my thoughts slip away and my very soulstuff is touched by the sorcery. Camaxtli seems thoroughly unfazed, likely having to partake in such rituals daily.

"done." she says smugly. "I went ahead and sent your bill to the boys in Tozotl, as well. anything else I can help you with today, Miss Tuzcanti?"

I can not be sure if she is innocent or uninvolved in this business. I feel my best option for now is to detain her in the church with the others. at least then I will have most of my persons of interest in one room.

how shall I go about obtaining her?

She doesn't like you, and you don't like her. But, let's not get carried...
Question. How EXACTLY do you resist a hex? Passively, or does it require something like keeping your cool? Might not be a bad idea try and make sure you don't get overly flustered.

just explain that shit is getting bad and ask if she could stop someone that has gone crazy without touching them. if she can't the she has to come with us if simply for her own protection.

>>559229
I dunno, having a telepath around during the investigation seems like cheating, and there's no way she's hexed. Just tell her not to go anywhere.

We are going to be the sword-point of an extermination operation here, I doubt that the telepath coming with us would be present for her protection.
A better question is what her protections are like and what her involvement in the town is: Would she be ready, able and willing to organize a defense for uninfected people we find?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:12 No. 559562 ID: 7e38be
File 139075634508.png - (26.08KB , 800x800 , 0058.png )

>>559235

to resist the influence of magic one must cut themselves off from the source of magic, that being emotion. Humours cause both emotion and sorcery and indeed the two are interchangeable in most forms of magical theory. as an inquisitor I have gained control over my emotions to better protect myself from the weapons of my prey. I would think that Camaxtli, being a savant is in perfect control of her feelings, otherwise she'd be bleeding magic, constantly bombarding those nearby with telepathic feedback.

I stand and clear my throat, "miss Camaxtli, I feel I may need to detain you in the church, for your own protection. this hex bends the minds of others into a twisted and violent cacophony. I fear you may be attacked."

"you're wrong, Inquisitor." she says, rubbing her eyes.

"I believe it is in you best intere-"

"not that." she interrupts, "I don't dislike you. and you don't dislike me."

"are you still probing my thoughts?"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:13 No. 559563 ID: 7e38be
File 139075638168.png - (18.16KB , 800x800 , 0059.png )

"and I would contest that you're really in control of your emotions."

"you would?" my teeth clench, "then speak your peace."

"for one thing, miss Inquisitor, you are shivering right now." she grimaces, "and why is that?"

"I am not." I growl.

"you're... afraid?" she looks honestly surprised, "of what?"

realization spreads across her face, "the magic."

"what?!" I roar, "are you accusing me of-"

"how is a witch hunter scared of witches?" she smiles genuinely, a smile I will hate forever, "that's actually kind of cute, Tuzcanti."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:13 No. 559564 ID: 7e38be
File 139075640186.png - (19.20KB , 800x800 , 0060.png )

I lean in closely, "if you are so intent to steal my memories then why not find out why I shake? perhaps then you can stop smirking like a child."

her face remains neutral for a scant few seconds, then she finds what she is looking for.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:13 No. 559565 ID: 7e38be
File 139075642509.gif - (20.72KB , 800x800 , 0061.gif )

[animated]

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:14 No. 559566 ID: 7e38be
File 139075644659.png - (19.32KB , 800x800 , 0062.png )

"so will you be staying or coming along, Telepath?"

she rubs her cheek, "lead the way..."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:14 No. 559567 ID: 7e38be
File 139075647829.png - (60.18KB , 2400x1200 , 0063.png )

I enter the church with the Sender in tow. the pews are filled with familiar and unfamiliar faces.

I see an ashamed looking Acalan flanked by Erindira and a Jurista Captain. across from them Xochtitl shifts nervously in her seat next to the head Ordita and Atl the groundskeeper, who has seemed to dress up for the occasion. I look for the head scribe and growl in frustration.

"Ichtaca." I glare at the Pen ordita, who tries as best as she can to become invisible, "where is Ichtaca?"

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)09:15 No. 559568 ID: 7e38be
File 139075650659.png - (21.00KB , 800x800 , 0064.png )

"um." I hear a squeak to my left, and follow it to a very young, very jittery, and seemingly malnourished Cuetzpali, sitting by herself. she wears not a Scribe's tunic, but the vestments of an Inquisitor, colored deep black with brilliant crimson buttons. her seal is a simple black circle.

"here I am." mutters Ichtaca, the Black Moon Daemon Hunter.

...Are you outranked?... I suppose now is the time to question Ichtaca, and very carefully.

>>559565
What was THAT about?

>>559568
Well that explains why people spoke of her having dealings with the occult and acting strangely. I think our lead just hit a brick wall.

Tell her there has been an outbreak of a sanguine hex, and Acalan was the origin point. She should know exactly why that concerns her.

>>559565
That...

Didn't seem to be a very cheerful memory, did it?
For what it's worth, I'm sorry you had to go through such a seemingly tragic event.

>>559568
what's with that red thing? a rash? a CURSE??

>Black Moon Daemon Hunter.
Does that mean a deep cover agent, a very high rank, or both?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/26(Sun)21:32 No. 559658 ID: 7e38be
File 139080075820.png - (26.95KB , 800x800 , 0065.png )

>>559570

there are no ranks in the Inquisition. it keeps the corrupt and sinful from gaining political power in the organization meant to hunt them. Ichtaca is simply a coworker.

>>559587
>>559598

a ghost from the past. one that I have buried long ago.

>>559600

her skin pigmentation is altering itself to camouflage. it seems her undershirt's color is causing her neck to look inflamed.

>>559652

Black Moons are Red Orditas Inquisitors tasked with infiltrating possible heretical communities under cover as low to mid ranking Red or Golden Orditas and gathering information. it seems someone has interest enough in the goings on in Red Wood to send a Daemon Hunter.

I would not mark Ichtaca off the list of suspects yet. I have dealt with more than one Daemon Hunter witch, though I am quite interested in what she has to say.

"Ichtaca." I approach, "I have some questions for you."

I turn to the congregation. I have questions for everyone, I suspect. now would be a good time to ask, I think.

"are you aware of the reasons for my visit, Daemon Hunter?"

she nods, "I was hoping to talk in... um... private... about it."

it's a little late for that, this has gone past a simple hexing to a full epidemic, unless this is something other than that.

>>559658
Everyone seems to think she's the head scribe, though. Why send a demon hunter who isn't allowed to tell anyone who she really is? Did a demon straight-up infiltrate the town and church? Yet despite that here she is dressed in her uniform, not hiding her role anymore. It's as if what she was sent here to do ended in failure, resulting in you being called forth and her no longer needing a disguise.

Accept her offer of privacy for her questioning. Let's speak to the others first however. Ask what happened with Erindira while you two were separated, and who the Captain is.

let's get the big one. the rampant sexual harassment, why has no one stopped it?

When we talk to Ichtaca privately, ask her if the hex is legit-smart money says it, and the call, was there to get us down here, to secretly get Ichtaca's informaiton to Matlal under the guise of an inquisition...
But there still could be strangness going on-how good of a shot is Ichtaca?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/28(Tue)06:03 No. 559837 ID: 7e38be
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yes I suppose I should make a note of Ichtaca's atler stance, though I can't be sure how to do so without alerting her to my intention.

"very well, we will speak in private momentarily. it had better be worth my time." I turn from the Inquisitor. "Erin. you have retrieved the scribe."

she nods, grinning, "yeah it wasn't easy. we-"

"I had to get a manhunt going for the little dirtbag." the Jurista captain rises. he stands taller than even Camaxtli, and wears a heavy overcoat which serves to further emphasis his mass. his plumage is dyed an unnatural purple, I understand it is something of a fashion trend for men in the southern parts of the empire.

"tenoch, I presume?" I nod to the captain, but direct a glare to the scribe.

"Inquisitor Tuzcanti. it's a pleasure." he bows, then pulls Acalan up by the nape of his neck, "it seems Ichtaca's boytoy is also quite experienced at eluding law enforcement."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/28(Tue)06:03 No. 559838 ID: 7e38be
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"wait..." Ichtaca perks a brow, "what?"

"wait! wait! no! I didn't say that!" Acalan gasps.

"Acalan." I grind my teeth slightly as I approach the scribe, "you said you came in contact with Ichtaca."

"I did not! I mean I might have! I-" Tenoch squeezes, choking the rest of his sentence away.

"you will not yell in the house of Quetzal again." he snarls.

wait, he was infected the longest, correct? this could be the curse making him erratic. but still, i feel he should be cuffed to something.

>>559838
He is definitely having problems. Tell him to calm down and explain clearly what happened.

If he hasn't been in contact with ANYONE then haha there is no outbreak how silly of us to make a fuss

How resistant is this captain? Would seeing the inquisitor privately be just a setup to a demonic attack, or is she privy to knowledge that would start a panic here if the others would hear? I don't like any of this.

>>559838

You guys aren't very bright.

He was lying and called you for some reason, only to discover person he set up for the fall was actually very dangerous.

So what is this little man really? Why did he have that hex? Why did he lie?

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/29(Wed)06:56 No. 559983 ID: 7e38be
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I nod to the two Juristas. they know when to restrain the scribe. I can not be sure how well Tenoch is able to resist the curse. as a Jurista, especially one as experienced as he, it is likely he has dealt with witches and Daemons before, but I can't be sure he has experience enough to withstand the hex.

I can't be sure why the Daemon Hunter would wish to speak alone. perhaps she has information that will panic the others, or perhaps she does not wish to let the Golden Orditas in attendance to know what she says, or perhaps she wishes to attack me face to face.

"Acalan." I try to sound sincerely reassuring. Erin's face tells me I have failed, "you need to calm down. tell me the whole story, and speak the truth."

"she... um... we..." he looks to Ichtaca with a look of fear, "Ichtaca help me out here."

Ichtaca furrows her brow, "I don't know what you're talking about, Acalan."

"Ichtaca please!" he speaks quietly but in a panicked tone, "they think I'm a witch! if you don't tell the truth they'll kill me!"

"I don't know what you're talking about." she repeats, more firmly.

"Ichtaca took me in the library." he turns to me with a betrayed look plastered across his face.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/29(Wed)06:57 No. 559984 ID: 7e38be
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"WHAT?"

"a month ago." he ignores the Inquisitor, "every other day or so. she'd take me into her office or her room, or... against a bookshelf."

"He's lying!" Ichtaca growls, as the smell of brimstone fills the air and her skin radiates inhuman heat. she stands and approaches the group of Juristas, sweating liquid fire.

>>559984
is that.. normal..?

don't let her get to him, she'll kill him. be ready for an attack if you have to restrain her physically. also, don't touch her, obviously.

also that is one hot lady

Ichtaca, that talk in private?
Let's defuse the situation. We don't need to worry about Acalan- if crap goes down he's suspicious enough right now that he'll be caught again if he's actually behind it.
But if Ichtaca fries him that will complicate things.

It that sort of thing normal savant magic or crazy demon magic?

>>559984
We DO have a Sender here with us. Can't she tell who's lying?

It's worth noting that I think Acalan is the one lying here. Ichtaca is not reacting in any way like a passionate lover exposed, and Acalan is describing a scenario that would have them EASILY discovered.

Well, it's that or he got fucked by a shapeshifter or illusionist who knew when nobody else would be in the library for a while. Or perhaps these are fake memories.

On the other hand, is it possible that Ichtaca got possessed by a demon to do these things? Her journal seemed to imply some sort of mental instability, and possession might fit.

I, too, would like to point out that we have a mind-reader present. However, it may or may not be wise to ask her directly and openly, at the moment. (Do, uh, do they KNOW there's a mind reader there? You'd think they'd act differently.)

I might recommend bringing the situation around to speaking with Ichtaca privately - however, to avoid some of the potential funny business, perhaps you can have everyone at one end of the hall, while you speak quietly with Ichtaca (avoiding physical contact, and with everyone aware that you are doing so) at the other end of the hall. Further pedantry: try to avoid acoustically inconvenient spots - avoid areas that have lots of stone curving around you towards the other group, and aim for areas with heavy cloth on nearby surfaces, which will help absorb sound.

At this point I'm tempted to sit back and watch it all collapse, entertainingly. My intuition is telling me that if she's this far out of control that this either isn't Ichtaca, she's faking Inquisitor status, or she's influenced by the demon as well. Seeing her reveal which is the case on her own terms could be very instructive.
Unfortunately we have a responsibility to try and clean up the mess, don't we? Therefore we have a split-second choice between attempting to use words on Ichtaca or deeds. You're the expert in which is more appropriate, but if you're going to use words maybe try these:

"Ichtaca, control yourself. Surely it is no surprised that someone addled by a demon could fabulate a story, plausible or not, when an investigation is getting close to revealing their schemes. It's more concerning that you may be having difficulty with self control in the face of pathetic provocation. Are you alright?"

>they think i'm a witch

he's getting everything mixed up. we sad we think he's hexed. to his face. i think he's losing it.

>>560046
Or maybe he IS a witch and he thinks we suspect it so he said what he was thinking, and these claims of being a boytoy are to provoke Ichtaca and create a distraction so he can escape again.

After all, he has experience with evading authority.

You know what, I think that's what's going on! We don't need the Sender's help here.

>>560052
Wow! A random headvoice has an idea! It must be 100% true and we don't need to get proof with the telepath's help!

Get the Sender.

>>560074
>I can not be sure if she is innocent or uninvolved in this business.

Maybe we shouldn't rely on the telepath.

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/30(Thu)00:09 No. 560079 ID: 7e38be
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>>559985
>>559995

this is textbook discharge of elemental magic. Ichtaca is angry and so she's bleeding magic. it is quite normal for Savants to have involuntary magical discharge in times of stress.

in any case, I can't have Ichtaca charring my prime suspect. I step in front of the Daemon hunter. there is a deafening hiss as her flesh vents and cools down to mortal levels. she averts her gaze.

"about that talk in private, Daemon Hunter."

"O-of course, Miss Tuzcanti."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/30(Thu)00:10 No. 560080 ID: 7e38be
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there they go. one loyal Ordita keeping an other Loyal Ordita from boiling the flesh off of a third. I wonder what that conversation will entail. all I can really do is wonder right now. the thoughtcloud here is too thick to concentrate on a single voice.

my name is Camaxtli. I have no last name, as is custom for Savants. I hear a violent cacophony of thought and emotion. everyone in this chapel is stained and angry and hurt and lying somehow. this is making me uncomfortable. I feel cramped.

nevertheless, any child with any understanding of Tezcata psychology can see through this fabrication. the Witch is certainly in this room, grinning like a child, thinking they're home free so long as they can pin blame on someone else. of course the only question now is if I should share this information with the Inquisitor.

yes, yes, it is my duty as a citizen of the Holy Tezcatan empire founded under Quetzal and Tezca hallowed be thy names as the greatest civilization on Tyson to inform the Inquisition of possible heresy, but on the other hand, this Inquisitor has no reason to trust me, and she certainly dislikes Savants. I can't blame her, but it still complicates the situation.

no I feel perhaps this information is best kept for myself. if and when I feel the need to share it Miss Tuzcanti will be the first to know.

"if I had known there was gonna be a show I'd have brought some popcorn."

Sports Drink with Electrolytes 2014/01/30(Thu)00:10 No. 560081 ID: 7e38be
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"hi Camaxtli." the Dameon smiles widely, "my name's Quig. I was hoping you had a minute to talk."

End of Chapter 1

Hahahaha... your doomed.

DU DUUUUUUUU
IT'S GUTSMAN

Alright, let's sum up. We were summoned by a scribe who then gave us a weird book, pointed out Ichtaca, and delivered an expertly timed note that told us to duck right as we were being attacked. The scribe disappeared but was eventually recaptured. I don't think he was supposed to be recaptured! I think the scribe was told to show us the hex symbol, note and book to make it look like something very serious was going on that required the full attention of an Inquisitor, who would then follow the lead to Ichtaca after the distraction allowed the scribe to escape. Note that Ichtaca is a Demon Hunter who wanted to speak in private, but we were never told in public that she was a Demon Hunter.

So, in other words, Acalan lured an Inquisitor here to speak with Ichtaca while keeping it secret that Ichtaca was working as a demon hunter. Now, are they working together to oust this demon, or was Acalan ordered to do this by another demon, like the note implied?

Is Squig the enemy, or is she just trying to protect the scribe, her pawn in the battle against the other demon? I'm thinking the latter. Squig will most likely try to convince Camaxtli not to spill the beans about Acalan working with her.

I bet there isn't even a hex outbreak. That's a smokescreen to hide the true purpose of the Inquisitor's visit.

I thought further on why such a deception is necessary, and a thought occurred to me- Acalan isn't trying to pin it on anyone. He's trying to buy time for something- that something being Quig. That doesn't match Camaxtli's analysis. Acalan isn't the witch grinning to themselves like a child, despite him definitely being involved with a demon. The OTHER witch is in the room, planning to use Acalan as a scapegoat. I mean, once a witch hunt finds a witch, isn't that the end of things?

I think we can eliminate the Groundskeeper, Erin, and Xochtitl straight away. That leaves the Jurista captain and the head Ordita.

Don't you think if we were brought here to expose the other witch, the area of focus would be where the witch is? We would never expose the Jurista captain if we were stuck in the church all the time. It's the head Ordita.

>>560081
...agree, cautiously and reluctantly.

I mean, it's not as if you want to speak with a demon, but if all the demon wants is to talk, that sure as hell beats a lot of the possible alternatives.