Messages

Break time.

Taking a beat to recharge the batteries, cleanse the palette from evil hermit, and probably come up with some zany ideas for winter.

Celybuin was an interesting pursuit to try and find a criminal activity driven character that rather than rebuking the system did the opposite - wholly burrowing himself into it at every possible angle. Originally he was designed to be a social parasite and a henchmen ala Starscream to any more robust megatron who came his way. However as that never really came to pass he became more of this malicious tumor just prodding and poking and sowing shady patronage and black magic wherever it could be found.

The background was of a noble Sun Elf Lord's nephew who fell into dabbling of blackest magic, Eldreth Veluuthra vibes, and a Warlock for a few centuries - before the planes sealed and all his power was lost. Build focus was SF Conjuration, SF Necromancy, SF Enchantment (aka the Martuilio Paub for those who played with him in EFU:R). 30 search, 30 archaeology, 35 Alchemy, 33 Engineering, 10 Appraise, 20 smithing for Prismwork, Wand, Potion, etc. With Warlock powers sundered and having to rebuild as a Wizard and using high bluff and a huge amount of skills (Sun Elf wizard let me slam points into or cross class almost everything, it was a delight) to be the ultimate servile butler and discreet maker of money and more to fund his way back to black magic power and his research of the Djinn.

Along the way however it was immensely fun to see how the duality of the figure came together - the unassuming scholar of sandstone college aiding in the war effort - his first study of the necromantics and black magic of the Lizardfolk of the Coiled Canyon gave way to wider, more insidious, and blacker magic works. Along the way becoming an apprentice of the Sagebrush's Miranda Marlin who (rather accurately) on more than a few occasions the Sagebrush accused him of manipulating Miranda and even at one point openly attacking him within the Pyramid. Befriending Oskruul Vraaz, and a number of individuals who would go on to make robust names for themselves such as Nathaniel Blackvale and others.

With the arrival of the War effort he "Departed" the college and enlisted in the Scribes to avoid the fabled conscription which lead to a lot of hilarious engagements with the Legates, the Scribes, and the populace. The notion of a fiduciary and accountant (As after all, tending packs with devils and bureaucracy go hand in hand) which gave him a robust access to both the War Council and the Palatial Pyramid. At one point he was threatened with death by Legate Argent and made himself scarce.

In comical conjunction at the same time Nadiri Scherwin was being put on trial for attempted murder, he made his way into the Tower and was named a "Provisional Nadiri" - given a week to prove himself, before week's end securing the favor of Zol Nur Apothar and serving dutifully as his Nadiri. Twists, turns, mysteries, and more lead to his horrific crippling in which he began to focus even more on his studies, but also his manipulations now unable to take to the field and beyond.

Overtime works and efforts lead to his rise as Apothar. And while as Apothar I was able to sway a lot of things with new and different angles, sprinkle some insights for new and old Nadiri alike, and overall feel I had achieved most of my goals.

I am pleased to share I was able to throw gasoline on the greasefire that was Oskruul, as Nadiri owning the property in the Creep and sponsoring him and other thugs under his purview and little gangs that came before and after him. While the heat got too high around other PCs with my injury I had to cut back on my blatant criminal works, I was able to do a great deal of Brooking as well as teaching a number of brookers.

All the things posted in his IC Journal were real, only time delayed to avoid too many spoilers. So I won't reveal who the 8+ PCs were that I had boosted up and maybe in the coming weeks and months that'll lead to some interesting fruition.

Overall though, it was a thrilling treat and I enjoyed achieving the vaunted level 10 for the first time on EFU. As a shady wizard with a lot of tendrils thrown into the world they didn't always pan out but when they did it was earnestly very fun.

Ultimately though playing this level of bastard, and crippled hermit, and trying to play every angle of every PC I ever encountered just got exhausting and very isolating feeling from the server. Then the feeling of having to "Come up with even more stuff" just got more and more a drag.

I was debating taking a short break for a few weeks and hopping back to him but honestly - It was a solid five months but I'm just deep fried twinkle at this point. Both IC and OOC so figured best to just hang him up.

Sadly not too many screenies I can share since high intrigue is still afoot in EFU, but - This one I feel completely encapsulates the entire PC.

Screenshot

Being able to say I played a Brooker who was able to bind all four court of the Djinn and taught others to advance their brooking skills and more was a rare treat. If you've never done any brooking this chapter I'd say definitely give it a try. It's insanely high risk but awesomely fun rewards.

[close]

Goal is to come back late november or december with a more non-evil and social focused adventure-friendly mien or maybe a classic Ring Runner troupe vibe adopted for the new chapter, but we'll see how the cards play out.

Keep on rockin' EFU.

Update

For the time being a sum of 400 dinar is offered for the Reagent known as the Strange Object.

Of further pursuit:

- Tools of Alchemical Improvement
- Tools of Engineering Improvement
- Tools of Searching improvement
- Ring of Lore

From time to time you find yourself genuinely surprised.
Since I set off on this new path, Seven Individuals have been coaxed away from the myths and dangers of Baz'eel, of the tales that to know the Djinn is to know misery and suffering. While it stands to reason seven is not so large a sum of consideration - it stands to greater reason:

Seven individuals walking Ephia's Well have actively partaken of the craft of brooking, and none of them have been uncovered or executed for their transgressions. It stands true to my arguments so long ago with Oskruul, that if we would be able to find a steady drip of the willing the possibilities robust. And though his works in Necromancy we never found purchase as I traded him my patronage in exchange for his aid in my other works, the principles sound.

At its core the idea is to avoid singular-cluster groupings. It was the problem he had come upon while we had attended our works in the Creep, while he used the laboratory I carved below under the auspices of my protection. He found gangs, outcasts, men and women who banded together and when he delivered them the opportunity of temptation some would accept, some would balk, and it would create a singular friction. In many such cases the stranger in the creep was eschewed in favor of a more steadfast ally.

Taking the experiment above ground it has served fair from our nascent days of his attempts at building cult effort. Seeking individuals who are distressed, woed, worried, suffering, and more are the staples of the craft. More importantly though are those who feel isolated, adrift, unfulfilled.

It is imperative though to have the discipline of craft to not proverbially cross-polinate. For if each individual believes they operate individual, with one key figure as a singular spoke, it lends to the consideration of a degree of safety. Any one individual can be compromised, which leads to the compromise of the spoke, but the others remain fluid and unknown as they continue their works.

In this it has allowed a widescale proliferation, but above all-

Those who have been swayed believe their works are so abominable, so hellacious, and above all else a matter for which the Fourth Legion will see them executed if they are discovered and rooted out. And so they keep it secret, keep it safe, keep it private, keep it close.

It leaves me to wonder if they are as imperceptive as the others of the Well. While many have taken to casting aspersions upon my name, baseless and with little evidence, I have yet to hear of even a singular of the others being so suspected.

They know that there are others out there - this much is known, I tell them such. That through me all matters are prismed to limit exposure. But to date I have yet to be reported of any inquiries or otherwise about the possibility of collusion. Small samplings, across all strata of society - absent of class, creed, gender, politic, affiliation. These pin-points, bright and shining upon the landscape like the stars in the sky amidst the others unaware.  A small, secretive society borne of a singular purpose: That my works proceed, piece by piece, bit by bit.

It lends to question how long do I allow such to ferment, before making larger effort to advance my workings? Seven is assuredly plenty, but by the same measure each pursues their own curious efforts and undertakings. It leaves me curious to see how they shall grow their paths rather than my intervention.

I suppose then the question will become -

If I have done all of this without Pact Mark to bind them to my will.
If I have done all of this without Exposure of any significant degree.
If I have done all of this without Legions of Servitor to do my bidding.

...Is there any need to alter my own path? It is proven effective and successful through seven individual and unique trial with seven individual and unique circumstances.

Two of my disciples cross each other in the street, and neither seems any the wiser. Does it matter if they know one another, if it is proceeding my works towards the desired end?

As long as headway is made in the experiment, I need do nothing to change of it. I should not endeavor to over-tune or interfere in what is already proven to work and be effective.

Though I suppose perhaps it is time to commence the next experiment.

...After all. If they are all so distracted with the Orc. If they are all so distracted with this petty politicking of the election of Asherias and Argent. If they are all so distracted with accusing me of being a Brooker.

...Whom, if any, will notice as I begin my works of Qa'im.

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Warmaster, Apothar the Third,

I bring forth the fruits of recent investigation as sought by Apothar The Third Azimi. With the War Council soon to meet I present the following for your consideration:

Claiming "Authorization" from the Legate Argent to wield a titan shard, The Palatial Engineer Clockhand, by way of hiring Recluta Melody Stearword to serve as his eyes and hands in the field, has been developing... a magical coffee machine.

Yes. Re-read those last three words.

The Palatial Engineer of The Great Pyramid is utilizing wartime resources to make a magical coffee machine.

I thought at first it was a folly of a code name for a larger project to bear fruit but the more I have watched, listened, and undertaken my duties I find myself wildly confused. They are seeking to create a coffee machine... to augment soldiers. How this is any different than the brewing of a potion was never explained to me at length. I provided barebone alchemical artifice to help while monitoring the situation further, stringing along to discern if there was any actual greater sinister or militant application to the Palatial Engineer's undertaking.

As all things I have no doubt La Banda Rossa have found themselves merely hired by yet another of Sandstone's "Eccentric" graduates, so I would not place much woe upon Recluta Melody for her involvement in this matter.

However that this man sits upon the Stele of the Sultan, actively engages in defiance of two arms of the Accord, The Sultan's Warmaster, and proclaims because he has permission from not both but merely a singular Legate he may commit treason in depriving the 10th Legion of the ammunition required for the Tenth Legion's Kusatma...

For what is essentially a means to brew potions.

As an Apothar, I merely offer consultation to the Governance on matters of Magical consideration. Do with this consultation as you will. My investigative notes shall be on the additional pages of this dossier

The first suggestion I would have to the Legion would be to confirm if the Legate authorized this, or the Palatial Engineer is falsely claiming authorization.

From therein the rest may be confirmed by simple due diligence.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

Page 1: Kanon Hray 6, 7788 - Approach

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Investigation: Palatial Engineer Clockhand's Shard Project
Date: Kanon Hray 6, 7788
Overseeing: Apothar Celybuin Hu'nalyw (Primaryy, Apothar the Third Estellsie Azimi (Secondary)
Involved: Any Nadiri who wish to aid.
Location: Ephia's WellWithin the Fortress of La Banda Rossa I have been approached by Recluta Melody Stearwood. She appears to be serving as an intermediary for the Palatial Engineer Clockhand in the pursuit of putting together what is claimed an "Alternative" in the event that the Tenth Legion's terrifying Kustama fails. My services as artificer, scholar, alchemist, engineer, and more have left me in high consideration for assisting on the project.

Given the dubious nature of the undertaking and the forethought to hire La Banda Rossa to serve as middlemen I tentatively accept - for few innocent folk hire La Banda Rossa to serve as their eyes and ears. Melody and I meet and we discuss potential projects of worth. Per discussion I wished some time to germinate the thoughts as well as possible alternatives to what is already potentially the singularly most impressive war machine produced since Red Hill.

The Recluta has said she hopes it is to be a weapon as the Palatial Engineer is said to conjure many of such by Shelgarn's. If he can style a weapon for the forces of Ephia to use - provided enough shards acquired, it would not be a poor notion.

However the Sultanate, Serdar, Warmaster, and Tower alike have supported the 10th Legion's project. It is unlikely they will remove resources from their weapon in exchange for makeshift weapons of the Titan Shard - as it is a fuel it is not exactly the most stable material to use for smithing, but I shall see how far this effort goes and document accordingly.

[close]

Page 2: Kannon Hray 8, 7788 - Missive to the Recluta

Recluta,

Per our discussion a few expanded options come to mind.

Option 1: Tipshard

Though it will require more a smith's focus than an engineer's works the notion of altering the physical balance of the Shard into a hand-held weapon should be workable. The silver composite's softness is reinforced by the Bronze allowing a relative sturdy foundation for a blade despite the innate magics within it.

A spear would be my suggestion, allowing the most metal to volume capability. Simple wooden shafts with fragments of the shard fitter upon the head. A bit primitive of make but it would allow, if my measurements not mistaken, a number of them to be made and used as needed.

[close]

Option 2: Manasorptive Shield

Inlaying the Shard within a wooden shield would potentially allow the mimicing of the absorption magics utilized by the Titans based upon the magical composition of the shard as a fueling source. The Orc'ah are no strangers to the utilization of a robust collection of magics, and in such it may allow the wielder of said shield to absorb their forces' works.

[close]

Option 3: Arcanocamoflauge

As we discussed it would be a more magically-focused project but the design of a small, portable generator - ideally personally mounted within a leather harness of armor. The shifting of absorption of magic to the absorption of light would lend in essence a means of magical camouflage for the non-magical wielder. Volatile but not without its uses.

[close]

Option 4: Lockflint Charge

Utilizing the barest schematics of a Flintlock a means by which smaller but more propelled shards may be utilized. Either as barebone ammunition of the pellets or if one wished to move beyond such towards a direct use of the shard as fuel, a small fragment embedded within the handle of the contraption allowing a magical-blast. It has been said raw magic is one of the most effective means to combat the Titan. Food for thought.

[close]

Dependent upon which path chosen, differing options available. A more magically focused matter such as the Second or Third would require alchemical reagents. The Fourth, Engineering Schematic and bundle. The First, merely smithworks.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[close]

Page 3: Kanon Hray 11, 7788 - Investigative Notes

The Recluta serving as middleman for the Palatial Engineer seems nonplussed as reports of treason circulate on the bellows, for the Palatial Engineer holds Legantine approval. I am uncertain if this merely refugee misunderstanding of the legal ramifications of the actions or complicit works. Further investigation into the ties between Clockhand and the Recluta will become subsection of my investigation.

Primary focus remains upon Cogsworth Clockhand.

The man in question has a robust history in Ephia's Well. He began during my time at Sandstone ever adorning a tophat. Popular of style among the Brooking though its providence I had never investigated. An evoker by trade it seemed unlikely he would serve as a conjurative focus unless it is a means by which he may circumvent his forbidden school. Furthermore we keep hours opposite - I more adjusted to the Ashfolk Hours while he attends the waking humans. In this he was a relative non-entity.

His engineering acclaims seems to have been primarily involvement in building a workshop, decimating La Banda Rossa during the Siege of Arslan manning the cannon that obliterated their rank, and producing a number of esoteric volumetrics regarding arcanomagical examination of various half-finished projects.

As a Wizard he is capable of high circle craft, showing he is not ungifted of his works, furthermore he has secured the title of Palatial Engineer upon the Stele. The proclamations being that it allows him to assist the governance in projects beyond the purview of the Tower of Q'tolip, whatever such a thing means. To date I have yet to hear any creation made that would even compare to the works of a Nadiri, furthermore I have not seen any justification as to why upon the stele he sits, why he holds wage from the government, and further.

Of Recluta Melody

The Recluta is a clever woman - and like many clever women they find themselves far more interested in a project than the implication. The notion that the works of the Pyramid with permission allow the bypass of Warmaster Command and edict of the Tower seems a novice level savvy of criminality, which leads to the thought she is simply hired on to aid in this endeavor. That the Palatial Engineer has spun her a yarn of the grand splendor of his project.  I can only assume these justifications from the Engineer came with a sizeable mountain of dinar to solidify her so ardently to this project. As such she is something I would consider merely a hired hand.

In this matter I shall continue investigating, but the writing on the wall becomes increasingly clear and does not need even a Nadiri-level understanding of Low Caliphal Script to understand where the fruits of this investigation are heading.

I have heard of no others engaged in the project, as well as no other sponsors and support be it for resource funding, or otherwise. Presumably the recluta's payment and project resources are coming from the Wage of the Stele held by the Palatial Engineer or his personal fortune as Wizard.

[close]

Page 4: Kanon Hray 12, 7788 - Investigative Notes II

Despite my offerings of war materials, and the Recluta's request to see a shard forged into a physical weapon - not a poor notion, but somewhat limited if the wielder perishes. The Palatial Engineer has decided...

A coffee machine. A magical coffee machine. Capable of turning the caliphal drink into - what I can best assume... is potions?

As Scholar I suppose I can appreciate the ingenuity but as I tried to listen further my eyes glazed over. This sounds either a bad jest or a wholly misguided attempt. Further notes will be forthcoming but this is clearly not the threat I had thought it was.

I have informed the Recluta I shall, if she brings me the appropriate reagents, deliver her artifice to bring to the Engineer for his... "Vaunted" works.

[close]

Page 5: Kanon Hray 15, 7788 - Missive II to the Recluta

Recluta

As discussed the pieces given should lend of aid:

The Ioun Stones - Red and Green, countering of polarity and divergent energies. One of drawing in, one of repulsion. Forced into close proximity this friction creates heat. Necessary for artifice to spark the fuel of the shard.

The Alchemic Metals - Iron and Silver, one for stability of the outer shell in Iron, one for the interior workings of Mage Silver, allowing transference of magic along the more traditional wires and iron bands and whatever is provided by your engineer.

The Magical Bag - Caliphal Coffee is traditionally filtered, mimicking the process allowing the device to see it poured into the bag, inevitably filling it, but the seepings dripping through will leave a metaphysical planar-twinge to the concoction.

Hook Horror Powder - Lacing the magical bag with the Hook Horror Powder will lend a further metaphysical aspect enhanced by the latent cosmic energies, facilitating the desired transmutative effect in smallest quantities.

Best of luck in your engineerworks.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[close]

Page 6: Kannon Hray 19, 7788 - Investigative Conclusion

While the Recluta has secured me a lion's share of the resources required for the project I have delivered the artifice to her. During the Trial of the assassin attempting to execute the Izduan Clergyman I made inquiry into any headway and she said that the last reagents are still being pursued.

However at this time begins to echo a larger sentiment among the populace - Namely the efforts of the Balladeers to acquire their own shards, potentially even the Sisters the same. That the Recluta may have spread word of this project to the other petals of the Rose seems a likely reason they have now begun to come forward making their own demands of the Legates of their own "Pet Projects", rather than the preparation of the Kusatma for travel.

As such I will be formally concluding the investigation and seeing the consultation delivered to the Warmaster per Apothar the Third Azimi's request. Copy of my notes from these records shall be raised from our files for deliver and she shall have issued a copy as well to confirm the validity therein.

That it may be nipped in the proverbial bud. My consultation shall suggest the firmness by which a man holding position upon the Stele, with one-legate Authorization, endeavors to squander wartime resources on a parody of arcanoscientific research is a matter that cannot be abided.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[close]

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Moretti,

She grows swiftly accustomed, Manos is doing well to aid her orientation and guide her along. With the additional level of protection it is hoped those of the Synod are wise enough to know what actions against her shall draw forth - An Apprentice of Apothar Azimi is not so easily targeted. Lest her considerable wroth inspired.

However as she sits the Apothar's Nadiri, she would be the one to speak to regarding patronage and sponsorship for pursuits of the Bloodplague. I hold such bonds more sacred than my peers and would not overstep my bounds. Counsel I have offered her none the less, but this now her overture.

Of other business, what may I do to assist in the upcoming election? This shall be my first as Voiced. I can only presume it shall be a wholly different affair than while Voiceless.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Coterie of Many Hands

Narwen Alendiel.

Delivery of Corpse, whole.

Her things you may do with as you please.

The price?

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

Update

Code Select Expand

25 Dinar | Engineering Schematics
Depending | Engineering Bundles

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Witness,

While it is most appreciated this report brought forward I am curious if you know any of the other pertinent details.

How is it a lowly ranking Recluta found herself so infected? Was she scouting southward? Did she encounter a Refugee in the Krak and have to see him bounced? Did she imbibe Haoma?

Matters of pestilence and their possibility of isolation depends much upon the circumstance of infection. If these details were gleaned from the Honorable Legate do please let me know. He and I share opposite hours as he has affixed himself in his days of governance among the Ashfolk hours.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Vizier,

With the Bloodplague's resurgence, patient Willow of the Banda, it appears the concerns were proven true. Though it has not been disclosed to me how she came into contact with the samples, nor the circumstance by which she returned infected to Ephia to secure the Sister's cure. It is very possible this is not a singular occurence. Only the one that got reported.

Regrettably the Tower has made no headway thanks to Apothar Stern's interference coupled with the reticence of seeing Fiordelise forward. However there are still efforts underway that shall see her brought forward once her prayers and meditations have concluded.

Furthermore with the rise of the Wyrmists and Titans and Synod Schism, and preparations for the Scald and more I have been unable to secure meeting with Lieutenant Colmes or any Sergeant to discuss protocols and possible operations.

It may be more prudent for the League of Gold to begin considering expeditions southward for study, if there are any sellswords trusted and companies you believe would be up to snuff for a truly dangerous challenge, potentially fatal even.  Where governance fails, private enterprise thrives.

It may be possible to see created a container for the safe storage and transport of samples, I shall weigh this and other considerations until our next meeting.
Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Recluta

As discussed the pieces given should lend of aid:

The Ioun Stones - Red and Green, countering of polarity and divergent energies. One of drawing in, one of repulsion. Forced into close proximity this friction creates heat. Necessary for artifice to spark the fuel of the shard.

The Alchemic Metals - Iron and Silver, one for stability of the outer shell in Iron, one for the interior workings of Mage Silver, allowing transference of magic along the more traditional wires and iron bands and whatever is provided by your engineer.

The Magical Bag - Caliphal Coffee is traditionally filtered, mimicking the process allowing the device to see it poured into the bag, inevitably filling it, but the seepings dripping through will leave a metaphysical planar-twinge to the concoction.

Hook Horror Powder - Lacing the magical bag with the Hook Horror Powder will lend a further metaphysical aspect enhanced by the latent cosmic energies, facilitating the desired transmutative effect in smallest quantities.

Best of luck in your engineerworks.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Peet Boggin,

I wish to commission you for a piece, a poem.

What would the cost be for such a thing? And is there any limitations upon your works?

These questions and more seek me and I will be glad to speak on.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Alchemics Sought]

Apotharcary
Services and Seekings of Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip and Chronicler of Divan

Alchemics Sought
Rare

Code Select Expand

250 |Shimmering Tear
200 |Boiled Bloodsack
200 |Flawless Alchemical Crystal
125 |Strange Object
125 |Smouldering Ash/NimbusCommon

Code Select Expand

100 |Alchemic Metal
100 |Flesh Horn
100 |Gargoyle Skull
75 |Slaad Tongue
75 |Rakasha Eye
75 |Fey Dust/Positive Energy Crystal
75 |Amethystine Essence
75 |Bodak's Tooth
75 |Mummy's Dust
50 |Bubbleberries
50 |Firebeetle Belly
25 |Shadowstone
15 |Skeleton Knuckle/Negative Energy
10 |Spring Water
Offerings

Potions:
50 |Circle 1
75 |Circle 2
175 |Circle 3

Scrolls:
50 | Circle 1
200 | Circle 2
300 | Circle 3
475 | Circle IV
600 | Circle V

Wands:
Prices upon request | Circle I-IV

Prismworks:
180 | Per session

Many foolish artisans offer per prism, poor business when most also sell per prism.
Bring as many as you desire to each session and for the sum I shall work them.

Rarities Also Sought

Paladin Blood, Not of the Paladin Bras
Groknak Heart ((If it doesn't drop item, just a screenshot of the Kill in dialogue))
Royal Okapi Horn ((If it doesn't drop item, just a screenshot of the Kill in dialogue))
Relics of the Wheel
Relics of the Dome
Formorian Bones
A severed hand bearing the Mark of Baharu ((If PC Confirmed to have it, get a DM for amputation))
A severed hand bearing the Mark of the Wyrm ((If PC confirmed to have it, get a DM for amputation))
Fragments of Qa'immish machinery

[close]

Though it began with Alejandro's travel boxes...
The proliferation of djinn artifice moved so much beyond. I wrote previously how it was my desire to use them as possible safeguards, if I was forced to flee and leave fragments of my research behind. Soon enough though it became apparent that the woes of war, the distraction of politic, the efforts of so much...

...half of them were returned. By the dutiful travelers, by the earnest nadiri, by the eager boardworker seeking a bounty. It became abundantly clear the methods would require shifting - less an overwhelming flood of these artifice remain ever in my possession. As Apothar, as fully fledged member of the Astronomical Mage's Guild of Ephia's Well - The time came to teach.

Three individuals, in three weeks time, would be gleaned and tempted of the Djinn.

The first, she would take to tears at the sight.

The second, he would gaze with dumbfounded confusion.

The third, he would be visibly shaken by the horror wrought...

...But not so much that he would not conjure a second horror almost immediately given the chance to learn more.

And in such I am able to learn a great deal about the Human. Atrocities abound, but so long as there is something that draws its wonder, gives it pause to consider. This - this very sense, is how undoubtedly they felt likewise. These would be Princes and Ladies of their many courts. These dangerous, erratic, magnificently strange little creatures.

All it takes to throw away the warnings, all it takes to throw away the threats, all it takes to throw away the howling priests of Sin, the furious hangman's howling of a noose awaiting, the chastisement and fear of the masses.

Possibility. Simply the possibility. The possibility of something they had never considered. No mater how scant or bare. That they may learn something few have, if ever, in their time walking this desert. Be it for ill and power, as Oskruul endeavored is not quite the same sensation.

But to take that which is deemed fair? And slowly tempt it away, a siren's song of power... of wealth... of discovery. I have corrupted individuals before. But this - This is wholly different. The elven maids and servitors of my Uncle's manor still came from so much. These humans fleeing the terrors of the realms now gone. There is hunger there, something dark, simply waiting to be coaxed out in desperation.

To take the unexpected, and make of them a Brooker.

Drawing them from the light, slowly, surely. To me.

What a remarkable sensation. And a City full of them...

This, I dare say, shall be... fun?

When was the last time I had fun.

...I cannot recall.

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Dante,

Manos had come to me in a pale sweat and wildly disconcerted. I had never seen him so visibly shaken and out of sorts. He informed me it was based upon a meeting had with yourself and others. The Azimoid duo in two, likewise, endeavoring to berate him publicly before the Cinquefoil Rose for not understanding the hyperbole spoken and appearing so visibly shaken by what were called by him to be "Grievous threats".

I do trust it was hyperbole, but to soothe him I have offered clarifying remark wherever the flyers so found around. You may seek them at Hasheema's Hope.

Though I am disconcerted you chose to speak with a great many individuals who were not me in an exchange for what would have been a very simple conversation if you came to speak with me at the tower. I am willing to chalk such up to the trying election and multiple works underway that no doubt call your attention.

Of Fiordelise -

One Apothar has abstained from the matter, two lay for. A majority is required so the others will need be pursued. Inform her at your leisure to seek out any Apothar she is able to plead her case and request they voice in favor.

When she has done such, if majority of the active Apothar agree, I can see her papers issued and the Accorded protection levied, as well as begin pursuing her requested tutoring and your requested work upon the Plague.

As ever, you are both welcome to seek me at the Tower.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip