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Silvered Incense

All it took was one cough to draw the Inquisitor's ire; it was a gaze that struck me true as steel through the chest.
— Aurelan citizen's recount
  Silvered incense is an odorous substance found in the censers of the Alabaster Inquisitors of Aurel.

Scent of the Inquisition

Within the streets of Aurel, it is common to see processions of priests and ministers of the Alabaster Hand walking the streets, censers in hand, leaving trails of scented smoke in their wake.
The common blend of Alabaster Hand incense tends to carry the scent of woodsmoke, mountain sage, and rose; it's a scent most folks in the city are familiar with and find rather agreeable, even in its frequent use. Less common blends, however, are often a clear sign to city residents that something is shifting.

Acrid March

Hearing the bells of marching priests and noting a sour smell on the air adds tension to the streets. The scent of silvered incense, a blend of stale ocean salt and vinegar, and soft fruit ripened far beyond its prime, is the common hallmark of the Alabaster Inquisitors.   The scent is piercing, making itself known and permeating every corner of the city as the inquisitors march. The almost-sweetness of the harsh incense clings to the throats of those who breathe it too closely. Those who are not used to the smell, including all non-inquisitors, struggle to refrain from coughing in its presence.

Controlling the Rebellion

The use of this incense is not especially common, though its use increases dramatically when rebellion surges, as arrests are made, and as the inquisitors are sent to walk the streets, reminding all of their constant presence.
Related Locations
Kingdom of Arsavela
Aurel

Fruitless Investigations
Samples of this incense are extraordinarily difficult to come by, beyond the walls of the castle, though some agents of various guilds have been known to acquire them periodically.   Despite the distribution of these samples to organizations throughout the underground, none have uncovered exactly what it is composed of.
Critical Composure
The visceral reaction some have to the incense is sometimes seen as admission of guilt by those who walk the streets with it; thus, maintaining composure, holding coughs, and blending into the cityscape is a survival tactic many in Aurel have had to learn, lest they risk imprisonment, or worse.
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The watchful eye of the inquisition clings to all, just as the incense does.


Cover image: by Strixxline

Comments

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Jul 2, 2025 13:39 by Keon Croucher

Ahhh as always no one expects the Inquisition. Or even when you do, they'll find ways to trip you up and get you. This is a rude one, however I do like it a lot, a clever little trick.

Keon Croucher, Chronicler of the Age of Revitalization
Jul 2, 2025 23:53 by E. Christopher Clark

Great work here, especially the use of scent as a sense! I don't think I would last long before being accused, however, as I have a hard time containing my reaction to strong smells.

Jul 3, 2025 00:03 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Oh god,trying not to cough just makes the urge so much worse. I hope to never smell it.

Emy x
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