Inquisition into the Unknown - Preludes

A series played using Dark Ages: Inquisitor. This post is published under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 licence.

Amelina's prelude: the streets of a small town

Concept: Reformed child thief

Order: Oculi Dei

Nature (Flaw) / Demeanour: Penitent (Masochism) / Bravo

She hides in the shadows of an alley, waiting for a drunken mark [Dexterity + Stealth; 7 dice; 3 successes]. As one stumbles past, she makes to reach for their purse [Dexterity + Legerdemain; 7 dice; 5 successes]. With a graceful hand she relieves her mark of the burden of their wealth as a robed figure watches on [Perception + Alertness; 8 dice; 3 successes]. Amelina notices her watcher and pauses to gauge their reaction. The figure looks on impassively before slipping away into the darkness.

She sits in the vestry of the small church, her book of simple Latin verse open before her [Intelligence + Linguistics (Latin); 4 dice; 1 success]. It is a struggle but she passably completes her studies. Later the teacher questions her knowledge of catechism [Intelligence + Theology; 3 dice; 2 successes]. Her answers please her teacher well enough.

Nigelle's prelude: the Murnau estate

Concept: Politically married in

Order: House Murnau

Nature (Flaw) / Demeanour: Dreamer (Escapism) / Gallant

He meets with his soon-to-be father-in-law to discuss his prospects as a suitor and potential member of the family [Charisma + Politics; 5 dice; 4 successes]. He makes a good impression with a mixture of charm and political acumen. He is invited to walk the grounds of the estate with his intended [Appearance + Etiquette; 6 dice; 0 successes]. He fails to impress; it's a very chilly day even for the autumn. He makes a desperate play for her affections to secure the match [Manipulation + Empathy; 4 dice, 3 successes]. A bold action that breaches protocol turns out to be the key to making a good impression.

He is taken through the family crypts and libraries with his mother-in-law. She quizzes him on aspects of historic accounts of the supernatural [Wits + Investigation; 4 dice; 3 successes]. He's learned well and she invites him to duel her [Dexterity + Melee; 4 dice; 0 successes]. She politely disarms him and demonstrates the shortcomings in his technique, he graciously accepts the critique and promises to train harder.

Sister Anna's prelude: the Convent of Saint Perpetua

Concept: Nihilist theologian

Order: Red Order

Nature (Flaw) / Demeanour: Rebel (Anarchism) / Judge

She attends mass in the convent's small chapel, her sisters sing their hymns around her. She joins her voice with theirs [Charisma + Expression; 4 dice; 1 successes]. She sings well enough but her heart isn't entirely in it. After the mass, in her seclusion, she contemplates scripture and tries to rationalise away her doubts [Intelligence + Theology; 8 dice; 4 successes]. She's able to console herself for the time being. Later that evening she is preparing the evening meal with another sister, taking time to listen to her sister's pious prattle [Wits + Empathy; 5 dice; 3 successes]. As little as she actually cares, she is able to mask her impatience.

She stands over the fallen witch and bends to pry the worn codex from her hands. Somehow the book is untouched by the flames that had consumed its owner [Courage; 4 dice; 1 success]. She is able to overcome her distaste and recover the text. Later that evening, still in the witch's hovel, she pores over the text [Perception + Occult; 6 dice; 3 successes]. She learns much and vows to uncover more mysteries...