Charlotte's Ledger

[Charlotte]

This worn leather journal is kept in Charlotte’s pack, which she uses to keep notes on any people of interest that she meets. Many of the entries are made up of potential clients or associates, though some entries are made purely for her own interests. And while not an artist, almost every entry contains a small sketch of something which would remind Charlotte easily of the person. She also uses shorthand for things she would rather remain discreet about.

Ryker
A roughly-sketched copy of what looks like a cloak pin has been drawn, along with a small mountain
-Intelligent, attractive, built, well-spoken, observant, natural leader, agile, loner, liar
-“book-binder, mason, miner” (build & accoutrements suggest weapon-user of some sort)

Garvan
A small, angry-looking face has been drawn next to Garvan’s name, as well as a mountain much like the one by Ryker’s entry
-Loud, uncouth, simple-minded, angry, stubborn, spits when he talks, constantly narrowed eyes.
-Likely misunderstood; disposition affected by something life-changing (death, irreparable relationship, etc.)

Rogus – Far, Silas
Of all the entries, this is one of the few which has no sketch next to it
-Lycian (E-N)
-Handsome, arrogant, committed, semi-functional alcoholic (favorite - whiskey), guarded
-Expensive boots – doesn’t wear sleeveless shirts (covers upper arms when he does)
-Issues with past – what did he do to become E-N?

Ryuzaki – Near, Ryu
A small scythe has been drawn next to this entry
-Unstable, dispassionate, aloof, sociopathic?
-Friends (?) w. Rogus. Met on a job, church robbery
-DNT. Will not back away from a fight. Will not hesitate from using brutal force. Will not back away from killing.

"Doc" (real name unknown)
A small herb-like plant is crudely drawn next to this entry, along with a cart
-Physician; knowledgeable regarding herbs and common healing techniques. Also skilled in infiltration and combat (?)
-Stoic, blunt, frank, intelligent, blank, lone wolf

Cen
A helmet and a javelin are drawn next to a small cart
-Knight; kind-hearted, willing to work for next-to-nothing**
-Familial relation to first Sacaen Thoroughbred breeders (mention to Ld. Ya)

[Charlotte]

Two weeks before Smoke on the Road, a conversation between Lycian Lord Balsam and Charlotte regarding a certain magical dagger...

“You know, I can make this worth your while with more than just gold…”

“Betraying an Etrurian bishop’s trust for something other than a hefty pile of coin? I’m not sure what you have is worth enough, Balsam.”

“Don’t you trust me by now, Myscha?”

“Ha ha, not in the slightest.”

“Fair enough. But what I have is worth far more than your coin could buy you, one of the very artifacts you so love to deliver…”

“…It’s a dagger. It’s likely worth something to someone, but you know I have no interest in fanciful weaponry.”

“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong. What If I were to tell you this dagger was imbued with magic? Myscha, you could have powerful magic at your disposal.”

“...I’m listening.”

Name:

“Its name is Melancholia, its namesake being one of the four temperaments – you’re familiar with them, yes?”

“Of course, I’m aware, but please, enlighten me as to how that relates?”

Magic, Tome & Origins:

“It’s said to have been forged with the spirit of an ancient Dark magician named Modark, who gave himself to the Nether to delve so deeply into the mysteries of Worm magic that he lost himself in the process.

“The dagger was forged nearly three-hundred years ago, and no one- including me, has been able to unlock the true potential of the dagger. See, for someone like myself, when used the dagger’s blade merely appears to be black metal so dark it seems to drip with void. It is said, however, that the one who can unlock the powers of the dagger will, with a simple prick of the dagger’s tip, have the power to plant desires, fears, sickness, and madness into the minds of their foes. Only one man has ever come close to having that kind of power over the blade...”

“ ... Well, what happened to him?

“He lost his mind to the Nether. The blade chose him but then found him too simple-minded to truly wield its power. When the blade’s magic stopped working for him, he was driven mad with trying to satiate the blade, believing it needed to spill blood to be useful again. But alas, the blade need not kill to be satisfied, just a mind strong enough to tangle with its own.”

“I’m sorry, but you seem to be speaking of the blade as if it has… a personality? I think you’re off your rocker, Balsam, because objects can’t be sentient.”

“Well of course they can, dear, it’s imbued with a spirit like yours or mine!”

Personality:

“…Okay, well let’s assume I’m humoring your loss of sanity for a moment. What’s to say I won’t lose my own mind by owning the blade? How does one – I can’t believe I’m saying this – please the blade?

“Myscha, Myscha, ever the skeptic... See, Mordak used to be one of the most fearsome and cruel interrogators in all of Elibe. He was Etrurian, but he held no allegiances, so desperate men of all governments called on Mordak to interrogate their worst criminals, the vilest of men who were tightlipped on their crimes. Using his magic combined with his devilish tongue and razor-sharp intellect, Modark was able to draw from them what no other could: flat-out confessions. And most of the time, he did this without ever drawing a single drop of blood.

“But this had a price. See, Mordak was a bit like you, Myscha, in that he grew bored very quickly. He was always looking for a challenge, and at some point, criminals no longer provided the satisfaction it once did. So he sought out other victims of his interrogations, often sages of old, torturing them with twisted riddles and mind-bendingly hard to solve puzzles.”

“Balsam…”

“Alright, alright. The blade choses wielders who are incredibly intelligent and understand the power of words. You must carry it with you constantly, and you must show it your cunning in getting what you want and need without spilling blood. That is where its last wielder went wrong.”

“But again, it’s a dagger. What use are its powers if it cannot be used for its purpose?”

“Ah, but it can. When Melancholia’s blade is black as the void, is warm to the touch, and its gemstone luminesces, all at the same time... it has chosen you, and your mind has proven worthy of using the powers runed into its blade. Only once you have been chosen can you use the blade as was intended, but not a moment sooner. It cannot touch a drop of blood before this, though, or your mind would be lost to the Nether like the rest.

“Have I piqued your interest, Myscha?”

“Potentially. So if I somehow manage to bring the dragonstone from under Bishop’s Aurelion’s nose to you, you’ll give me this… blade, this Melancholia?”

“A magic blade, remember Myscha. Think of how useful it could prove. I know you’re smart enough. I know you’re clever enough.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Oh, the blade’s not going anywhere. I can tell it’s begging to choose you.”

Appearance:



Post Count Obtained: 102

[Charlotte]

Thread Timeline

Thread is completed unless otherwise specified. Thread summaries are from Charlotte's POV, as if written in down in a journal. This is a work in progress.

It was tuesday.

    The drop-off was compromised. Either the man the buyer sent was a ruffian, or someone else wanted a cut of the goods. The do-gooders (well, I suppose they thought they were) didn't help much, considering all I have is a stained satchel and a few cuts from the broken glass to show for this. I suppose it's good the competition didn't get the vials, but now I'm out a decent sum of gold. Need to find some way to make it up. Thank the spirits I was able to break off from that monk character... Shame, though, since he did have a wonderful physique.

Creed of Greed (SS)

    Well this certainly wasn't in the plan, but I suppose the timing was just right. Taking out the stall for the weekend in Santaruz had been a horrible investment, but meeting Ryu, Burgid, and Rogus was not. While it's not enough to cover the lost vials, the gold they gave for their little scavenger hunt is sufficient to keep me going for now. Still unable to fight, as was evidenced by my inability to lash out against the oafs from the bar who had been chasing me. Not sure if the others noticed, but I'll have to be frank with them since it seems I've been recruited into some sort of thieves guild. I'll be able to better decide if I'll stick around once I see this "contract" Ryu had been waving around.

• Walk Back (Ryuzaki C Support)
  
      It's not hard to see from the way Ryu looks that he's better suited for assassin's work, but it worries me how, well, off-balance the man seems in the head. He has clear illusions of grandeur, saying he'll become some sort of "Midnight Spectre." He'll likely be the hardest to work with, as he has a thirst for blood that directly contradicts my thirst for information. We don't see eye-to-eye, and I don't see that changing considering the only thing that seems to guide his judgement is whatever will let him slit the most throats. 
  
  
• The Waiting Room (Burgid C Support) (UNFINISHED)
  
      Burgid is an interesting woman - well, at least I'm fairly certain she's a woman, such an androgynous look about her. She's interested in theatre, which is fitting considering her mode of work relies on her using disguises. We didn't get to talk for very long, considering it was only a few moments we spoke, but I'll need to lend her the manuscript of a play I picked off of some Illian playwright, apparently known for his gripping tragedies. She'd likely enjoy that.
  
  
• Private Consulting (Rogus C Support)
  
      Missed the meeting with Raimon at the Velvet Monkey, thanks to Rogus showing up unannounced. I've barely known the man a full day and he's trouncing around like my handler; absolutely maddening. Our game of secrets was... intriguing, to say the least. I wonder if I'm getting in too deep with this whole "guild" business. I'm all for being more connected, but working alone has always worked best for me...
  
  

Sanguinem Symbolum (SS)

    I've either made a brilliant decision or terrible mistake... Ryu, Rogus, and Burgid all jumped at the opportunity to be contracted to one another in this guild, but seeing all of those terms on the page like that... either way I signed, mostly because Rogus was able to sate my qualms for now. The document is about as legally binding as a document between thieves can be, so I'm not too worried about putting pen to paper on that.

Siege Caravan

    When I took this job from a Bernese rep from the rebellion (can you even call him a rep?), I thought it would be a simple point A to point B thing. Rogus had asked to come along; we've been working together pretty efficiently, so I didn't refuse. I have a feeling he's keeping an eye on me since I've been the most reclusive about my existing business, so it was the least I could do. He doesn't need to know I'm still doubting this guild yet.

     Of course, nothing went to plan. We had to switch our doctor out at the last minute for a freelancer, one of the axles on the wagon split clean in two just outside of Krossen... Not to mention we were almost found out by the Illian outpost... Rogus and Dayan were careless with their scouting. Rogus shouldn't have been grabbed, and now... I don't know. I think we both know we need to talk once we get to Marshmere. Something's changed.

• A Guard and A Mouse (Cen C Support) (UNFINISHED)
  

[/span]Cen is a... sweet man, much too nice for the job he hires himself out for. I can tell he's a stablehand's son, mostly from the calluses on his hands and the redness in his cheeks. I'm not sure he's cut out for the job he wants to do... he seems very young. Whatever the case, if he proves himself capable with guiding the caravan to Marshmere, then I'm sure the rebellion will offer him or his handler another job.

[li]A Matter of Trust (Dayan C Support) (UNFINISHED)[/li]

    I'm wary of Dayan. Something's not right about him, a lot like how something just isn't right in Ryuzaki's head. He doesn't seem to have the ability to empathize with anyone around him, and he's much too blunt. I might not understand the intricacies of being a doctor, but I can tell it's not all he does to get by... his body is toned, almost in the same way Rogus' is, though his arms have a bit more mass than Rogus' do. I'll ask Rogus to help me keep an eye on him when we can.

[li]A Roguish Interlude (Rogus B Support)[/li]   
     I should turn back around. I should just turn and go back into the tavern, and stay turning in Rogus' arms until someone drags us out. All I have to do is turn back right now, I only left a moment ago, he can't have already ducked out of the tavern. Oh, who are you trying to kid Charlotte? You're drunk and acting foolish, even if it sounds like the best idea in Elibe right now... What you need to do is sleep; don't think about dancing in the tavern, about Rogus' falling off of a table, singing so joyfully, holding the small of my back... oh, damnit![/ul]

Like Real People Do

    I've known for some time of Rogus' noble birth, but had no idea of the scope of his former title. It's hard to picture the drunken man at the head of one of the territories in the League - but I guess that's why he was outcast. What I hadn't known was his former love from his teen years. Aetha was her name... She honestly sounds like a younger version of myself, which makes it sensical why Rogus feels something for me after only a few weeks. I'm honestly glad; knowing this now makes it easier for me to leave. I haven't told him yet, and I won't be doing so, but I can't be by him any longer, not with this tension hanging over us. I can still taste the whiskey-tainted kiss on my lips, but I can't let it consume me - his anger reminds me too much of Simon. I've been foolish, but I won't be any longer. Not this time.

Birth of a Dancer 

    To be free again! Rogus never came back to the room in the inn, which made slipping out unnoticed all the easier. Just a few weeks with this traveling show will be enough to clear my head, gather a few leads and decide on my next big job. Besides, it's reminding me how much I miss dancing, putting on a show... Not for the attention, no, but for how the dance itself moves me.

A Conversation Between Lord Balsam and Charlotte... (Magic Weapon Entry)

Smoke on the Road

If this was written down, it was done so with a shaking hand.

     Damn the Bishop, damn Balsam, and damn this worthless stone! Gabe carried me out of that useless cave after it had fallen in on the mining crew; the man's obsessed, but thankfully he's strong and willing to move me. The pain is horrible, but that hermit man's leaves are somewhat helping. We've been out of there for a day now, but I still feel sick, lightheaded. Ryker's stitches are holding fine, but I fear stepping on them might cause them to split. I'll stay off of my feet for now. Gabe's practically begging to carry me.

• Black Sheep (Saturos C Support, Part 1)
  
      There's something different about Ryker. He's not like Gabe, or Aeron, or any of the other miners for that matter. He's too... precocious, too observant to simply have elected this life for himself, no matter the hardship that's befallen him. I don't buy any of his story. I need to figure out who he really is, and what it is he's covering up.

Bishop Aurelian's Mine

    Didn't know I could hurt so much, but I have the Bishop's men to thank for teaching me. The trip to the mines had been bad enough - Ryker, well, Saturos had been the only saving grace of the trip. But as soon as that stone hit my hands... I've never been this careless before. Not only was I found out by Saturos - who I can only assume has some position within the Etrurian Inquisision - but the Bishop's men too. There was a moment I thought I'd never see the outside of that cellar again... if Saturos hadn't found me, I'm sure I wouldn't have.

• Second Chance (Saturos C Support, Part 2)

Just Rewards (Solo)

An Evening Stroll

    Things never seem to go as planned when I do business at night. How in Elibe I got myself involved in that courtyard scuffle, I'll never know, but somehow I'm glad I did. If I hadn't, Tiz would have likely been killed by his friend Dak - and while I've just met Tiz, there's something about him that kept me from ditching out entirely in the confusion. My still healing injuries from the mines ache, but it seemed like the man could use help. Bah, I don't have anything else to do for the night...

• Broken Hearts (Tiz C Support)
  
      It's been so long... too long... but I can't let it happen again. I don't have time for personal pleasure, no time to entertain... whatever it was happened in Tizato's apartment. It's good he let me leave, even after asking to see me again. He's saving himself a lot of heartbreak, letting me walk out the door that way. And I don't want to be the one who breaks that sweet man's heart.
  

Hunting Smugglers

• Freactured Dreams (Tiz B Support)
  

A Good Man is Hard to Find

A Noble Predicament

    I don't like Ilia. It's much too cold, much too dangerous, filled with men who are only moved by coins. I used to be like them... but then I found myself beaten in a cellar for that kind of thinking. Synkkis was an interesting guide, but once we made it I needed time to make part of the trip on my own. I needed to be able to enter the city alone to retrieve Araphen's house blade from Arphen, to avoid any suspicion. A man like him with her would have raised too much suspicion. Shame, too, as he was a fantastic guide.

Fight Night IN PROGRESS

What's A King to a God?

Strong Enough to Forget

No Rest for the Wicked IN PROGRESS

Of Little Mice and Tricky Men (Solo)