Sylvie leads you to a table tucked away between bookshelves, separated from everything else. Sage Vul'lath gathers books - magically of course, floating them to him - as Sylvie sits down.
"So, where are you from," Sylvie asks again as you settle in, "Or do you not remember?"
Lucy raises an eyebrow, asking, "Would I be correct in stating that your specialty is divination, Miss Sylvie?"
"I'm great at just about everything," Sylvie says, a cocky half smile on her face. "You're probably better at it if you're an archmage, I'm more of a queen of all trades."
"Call me the quuen of all magic, then, Miss Sylvie," Lucy responds with a conspiratorial grin. "At the expense of neglecting all other doctrines."
She nods slowly. "I don't recall anything before waking up in Talos's realm a short while ago."
"That happens occasionally," Sylvie says, "We have a few others here suffering from things like that."
"Moore's problem?" Vul'lath remarks as he sits, a small pile of books on the table now. "It resists magic to cure."
"Cure?" Lucy repeats curiously. "I don't need anything like that."
"Suit yourself," Sylvie says, "It gets Moore's goat good, don't know about the other girl with it, she's new."
A pause for her to read, "Say, what do you know about magnetic principals in iron spellcasting, such as minute adjustments to a wall of iron spell in areas of high natural magnetism?"
Tackling the question with her usual approach, Lucy responds with, "At low levels, the innate superiority of magic triumphs over the laws of nature. As we progress beyond conditions likely to appear on a Prime, however..." She pauses briely in thought. "It would be best to view this case as similar to the incidence of casting a fire spell underwater. The spell would demand exceptional skill and focus from the caster." Another pause of contemplation, longer this time. "In extreme cases, I would expect swifter erosion, much like the overall effect on magic in Vacuum."
"I would also worry about the metal becoming magnetized and drawn to a source of magnetism, if it was sufficiently powerful and your spellwork not properly insulated," Sage Vu'llath remarks. He sits back, hands steepled in front of him. "I've been studying optional material components for cases like this, but they are ultimately crutches to support a wizard's insufficient skill."
"Please consider the Wall's sheer mass and volume, Sage," Lucy respectfully disagrees. "While a certain degree of magnetization is inevitable, even if you were to rub it all over the face of the Wall, and despite it being made of the best possible ferromagnetic metal for such purposes, the Prime Material is unlikely to have magnetic forces strong enough to cause such a Wall to be drawn to the source of the magnetism." She taps her chin, her hair waving back and force with her reflections. "We will definitely see interesting results over time, however! Just as the Wall would rust, so it could with sufficient exposure over enough time become a magnet in its own right, rather than merely being drawn to one."
Before Sage Vul'lath can reply, Sylvie cuts in, "A magnetic wall of iron spell, or simply a wall of iron with a sympathy effect. Potential for a new spell?"
"Sufficiently powerful that it draws one's weapons to it, Miss Sylvie?" Lucy muses. "It would be a hellish obstacle for those favoring full plate."
"Not so useful for devils, but I like the idea," Sylvie remarks, starting to scribble away on some scrap paper. "Really, the type of wall could be varied as well, but I think iron would be the easiest." He liked that sort of work, you remember.
"Without going into energy while bypassing the material altogether, iron is the best option," Lucy eagerly agrees. "To take things a step up you would need to properly research a better material, perhaps coaxing iron into a state that it doesn't tend to hold naturally and then summoning that as a wall."
"Now, depending on how strongly you polarize the iron and the strength of the magnetic pull, the circle of the spell could vary," Sylvie continues as she writes, eyes on it even as she talks. "Circle control is important, otherwise you end up with a spell that's a nightmare to implement and you have to revise anyway."
"Are you aware of Magnetism, Miss Sylvie? Sage Vul'lath?" Lucy asks, also hoping to draw the Sage back into the conversation. "It is a little-known spell of the third circle, following the rarely-used Metal doctrine. A good starting point for a combination spell is taking a look at spells that accomplish similar effects on both sides and seeing there you could cut due to similarities or improve on account of synergy."
Both nod.
"I was calculating and I suspect seventh to ninth circle would be the range this spell would operate in," Sage Vul'lath says slowly, "I do not see it needing the power of beyond the mortal circles, but not so little as to be below the seventh circle. Magnetism and a Wall of Iron would be combinable without a great deal of trouble to begin with."
Lucy nods. "Place it in the middle, then? With a bit of adjustment it could settle in the eighth circle. And if the synergy is greater than theorized, the greater infusion of magical energy should raise the strength factor of the magnetic pull. If the Hand series of spells can do this, why not our hypothetical Wall of Attraction spell?"
'Yes, so then..."
Go ahead and sketch up a spell for this real quick. Isn't a hurry since Lucy's not full priority.
Wall of Attraction
Conjuration (Creation)
Level: Sor/Wiz 8
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect: Magnetically-charged iron wall whose area is up to one 5-ft. square/level; see text
Duration: See text
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: No
The spell functions like Wall of Iron, except one flat side of it chosen by the caster has the following effect:
The wall pulls iron or steel objects towards itself. The magnetic forces draw all metal objects within a 30ft range towards itself with an effective Strength score of 30 (and so can target items weighing up to 8,000 pounds). Any unattended and unsecured items fly directly and safely towards it, but drawing an item toward it that another creature is holding (such as a weapon) requires a successful disarm attempt (see page 155 of the Player's Handbook). The wall uses the caster's base attack bonus and its own Strength modifier (+10) and such attempts do not provoke attacks of opportunity, even if you use magnetism against a creature in an adjacent square, although casting the spell might still provoke attacks of opportunity. If it succeeds on the disarm attempt, the weapon flies from your opponent's hand towards it. If it targets an item that is attended but not held, such as a weapon at someone's belt, the creature bearing the item gets a Reflex save to hang onto it, dropping whatever else is in one hand at the time unless it has a free hand. On a failed save, the item flies from the creature's hand towards the wall. Otherwise, make a disarm attempt as above. If an item is secured in some way, it makes a Strength check (using the ray's +10 bonus) to break or burst whatever holds it.
The magnetism drains within 1 round/level, leaving behind a wall as if summoned by Wall of Iron.
Like any iron wall, this wall is subject to rust, perforation, and other natural phenomena.
Material Component
A small piece of sheet iron plus gold dust worth 50 gp (1 pound of gold dust) inlaid with a fragment of a lodestone.
Just a quick note, that isn't final since I'll want to fiddle with it, but it's sufficient for now. Do me a favor and cross post it in nagging. Thanks.
Several hours pass whlie the three of you work up the theory of a new spell. It's very tentative, but you think this could work. It really could. Sylvie sits back when it's done, "I think the basics are sound," she announces.
"They are, though we'll have to finish the process and see how it plays out when cast," Sage Vul'lath says. "Acceptable work, both of you."
"It's not quite permanent, but on reflection a permanent magnetic wall would be best used for traps, not directly in combat or for construction," Lucy muses. "I'm glad it worked out! It's been a great pleasure!"
Nods all around and...
Next move, Lucy?
Sylvie mentioned amnesiacs present, so Lucy would like to at least see them now that she's started to settle in. Also, if there is a room adjacent to the library that the original librarian used, she'd like to explore the possibility of staying there.
Okay, cool. How are you looking into that? The amnesia victims part.
Sylvie mentioned it, she can show me around. Alternately, it wouldn't be too much of a leap to ask Elena.
You meet with Sylvie early the next morning.
"Yeah, there's two I know of. One's Moore and he's been here awhile, the other's Jetina and she's almost as new as you," Sylvie says. "Moore's remembered Jetina from somewhere, he has something of a grasp of what's going on, but it eludes him."
"Would you mind terribly introducing me to them, Miss Sylvie?" Lucy requests, twirling a lock of her hair.
"Sure," Sylvie flashes you a smile, "Hey Elena, where's Moore and Jetina?"
Elena pops in, dressed up like a valkyrie and two handing a massive full blade. "I...ooof!" The blade hits the ground with a loud clatter, "I think Moore's out in Mineral, but Jetina's praying in her room."
Lucy looks on with interest, suggesting, "Perhaps try a mithral fullblade, Miss Elena?"
"I'll.....dang it....try!" Elena says, managing to heft it and vanishing after.
Sylvie shakes her head with a growing smile, "Come on, I'll take you there. They have her in an officer's room."
That does bring up an interesting point, and Lucy inquires as they set off, "Is there a room by the library? Perhaps a converted study room? I don't really take up much space, and anything from sleep through food to breathing is pretty much optional. The only threat to me is one of boredom, you might say."
"I don't know, but if there isn't, Elena can fix you up something," Sylvie says as you walk to the portal. "She has some control over Aurora's general design and layout. It's actually a series of interlinked and connected portals, sort of like an anthive rather than a contiguous building. It's why it's portals everywhere instead of walking like normal people."
Lucy hums. "And no localized teleportation out of fear it would be exploited by the enemies, somehow, I presume."
"All of Aurora is soundly teleport warded by being a demiplane," Sylvie says, "Along with more defenses and barriers aside. It's why Hell hasn't been able to teleport in and smash us directly. Even then, we often reside in the Heavenly planes, where Hell can only attack openly if they wish to court direct conflict with the natives."
Meanwhile, as you go through the portal and down the hall, you see Surraruthru flying up.
"Isn't that somewhat counter-productive?" Lucy muses. "I obviously don't know how swiftly Aurora can move or what the challenges are, but by presenting itself as a target in a more neutral setting it could be possible to draw devil attacks to it and strike them down."
"Well, it's a matter of - Oh, Surraruthru," Sylvie says, "Have you met Lucy yet?"
"Hello, Surraruthru," Lucy greets the small dragon pleasantly.
Surraruthru lands and sits imperiously, inspecting the newcomer.
"I have not. Aurora accepts another of the Succubus kin? Interesting. In any case, hello and welcome. Be useful and polite and you'll have no issue with integrating. Except with Baleruk."
Finishing this, he gives Lucy a nod and then turns to Sylvie.
"I need to return to the House of Oghma. I intend to return the memory crystals. And purchase a much larger one first the tree."
"You still haven't-" Sylvie cuts herself off with a grimace. "Yeah, go do that. Do you need a guide again?"
"I can figure most of the ceremonies out but considering the increased attention we've received from various gods recently, I think it would be best to have a guide that knows the ins and outs better than I do. I'd hate to be forced to retaliate over some insignificant slight and summon acid rain in a library, after all."
True seeing bastards, does everyone have it-- Lucy's thought processes crash, as she haltingly asks, "Acid rain... in the library?" With mounting horror, she continues with, "Over an insignificant slight?"
"You misunderstand me. I mean that the slight might be on my part. They would react to it. If that reaction were to include force, I would be forced to destroy things in response. Attacking a dragon is, of course, a far greater slight than most think. In an effort to prevent this coming to pass, I'm asking Sylvie to accompany me. I don't truly foresee it coming to pass, as we're all on quite amicable terms, and I am a half-celestial, but... well... a Dragon's Pride does have demands. It's something of a continuing project. Whenever I feel myself slipping, I simply ask myself 'Is this something Baleruk would do?' And if it is, then I do not do that thing."
"What? That's--" Lucy takes a deep breath. "While I can certainly understand why you would think Ohgma's servants would be sorely tempted to do this, Surraruthru, I assure you that they would never damage a library or its contents."
"Still, a guide would be best."
"It would, to prevent misunderstandings," Sylvie cuts in, "Also Surraruthru? If you set acid library in one of Oghma's holy libraries, we're going to have it out, assuming Oghma doesn't smite you out of hand. These are friendlies here, not the enemy."
Surraruthru gives Sylvie a toothy grin.
"I'm sure your presence will avoid all that. When do you want to go? I still intend to pay Seira a visit today as well."
"Shortly," Sylvie says, "Let me finish my business with Lucy first."
Surraruthru nods.
"Let me know if you need anything or if there's something you suggest I do or have before we go."
In the meantime, Surraruthru curls up and rests.
Just going to wait on Sylvie then?
Yeah... I mean, I suppose I could put the word out that we're going in case people wanna go. Kascha might, the bookworm.
Okay, I'm going to split you off to a new thread then.
"Why," Lucy repeats dully to herself. "Why."
Sylvie glances at Lucy sidelong as you go along, "Why not? That seems to be the creed of Creation, since we have everything you could imagine in the planes. Dragons who would cause acid rain in a library is far from the strangest thing I've seen."
"No-- just-- you know those brawls kids have on the playground, when one grabs another and goes all 'Hold me back! Hold me back!' and there's all this posturing? I mean, I haven't lived through one, not that I recall anyway, but I never expected to see it transposed to someone going to the divine realm of an allied deity."
Lucy shakes her head slowly. "I have gained invaluable knowledge today, Miss Sylvie."
Sylvie chuckles, "It was a little like that, wasn't it? Dragons are dragons, they think they're the king of everything, even if they only rule a tiny little room. Rather like men."
"I wouldn't know, but if you say so!" Lucy agrees brightly.
"Oh, don't remember any boyfriends," Sylvie remarks casually, "Her room's just ahead."
"Thank you, Miss Sylvie--" Lucy begins to say, before blinking. "Ah, if all travel is by portals then how do you knock?"
"Into areas, not individual rooms with in an area. Knocking's fine," Sylvie says.
"Once more, thank you for all your help, Miss Sylvie," Lucy tells her, heading over to the door to knock upon the frame. "I hope we can meet again soon. I have so many ideas for spells~"
Sylvie matches your smile and goes off, leaving you be.
After a moment a voice calls, "Come in." You've heard that before. Do you remember?
Lucy takes the invitation, opening the door with a smile!
Inside is a woman. You've met her before.
She's unremarkable enough, armor and a sword, plus a shield. A holy symbol, but you look at her face. Is this the real her, or her that is not her?
Huh. You feel a faint sense of nostalgia. She says something, but you miss it in a moment of reverie.
"My, I'm terribly sorry, could you please repeat that?" Lucy requests politely.
"Your name. It's Lucy, isn't it?" Jetina says slowly, "I feel like I know you from somewhere."
"I feel a great deal of nostalgia seeing you as well," Lucy agrees. "Miss Sylvie told me that your name was Jetina, and I am indeed Lucy! Would you mind if I came in?"
"Yes...yes, come in," Jetina says, slowly moving out of the way.
"Lovely!" Lucy chirps, making her way inside and looking about the room.
There's a bit of stuff about - a backpack, some possessions and so forth - but it's mostly plain so far. Just a nice room, no personal touches.
"Why do I feel like I know you? Did I know you before?" Jetina goes to take as eat, "But I can't remember anything but light."
"Probably," Lucy readily agrees. "Since it seems we liked each other enough to be friends before, why not get to know one another again? Once more, I'm Lucy, and I like magical research. I have a special affinity with metamagic, though I study it as part of my attempt to understand how all magic ties in together." With a glance at her holy symbol, Lucy makes an assumption and adds, "I can even do some of your magic! Maybe you taught me?"
"Oh yes, I follow Raziel, the Firestar," Jetina says, "As of now, though my situation is a little unusual. Maybe I did teach you, since I know so much magic. I never imagined magic like I have, I know that, yet now I have it." Jetina is not Jetina...?
Jetina undoes her holy symbol, holding it in hand. It is a longsword of silver, surrounded by a field of silver fire, inlaid with red and orange. "Raziel is the Father of Crusades, a patron of healers and a protector of the courageous. He protects those of us who go to war, so that we may see a better tomorrow and continue towards Chronias when the time is right. Does any of that sound familiar to you?"
"Sorry, not one bit," Lucy says, shaking her head as she explores the suite. Finally, she decides to claim a seat for herself on the bed, smiling at Jetina. "I know all that, of course! Knowledge is my life, knowledge is my blood~"
She shrugs. "That said, the only thing that triggered a response so far was your face. Maybe we just need to spend more time together or talk about our hobbies? Outside of my focus, mine are actually pretty varied! They range from reading quietly by myself to traveling the planes and exploring Creation's mysteries! I can do that pretty easily on my own, but I prefer to travel in a group. It's okay if this sort of thing takes a bit more time, you know? And I like to bake. In fact! I've been told I bake the best cakes. I could've probably applied as a cook instead of a librarian. Then again, then I'd be in the kitchen more often than not and wouldn't get to eat cake with my friends. I view that as a shared experience rather than a business transaction, so it would probably have been a pain."
Lucy points at Jetina, now. "Your turn."
"Well..." Jetina says, after listening to all of your speech. She blushes, "I'm still figuring it out. I want to fight, to do something. There's horrible things that happen every day that have to be stopped. But I don't know yet about more. I think I like reading. Or at least I like reading holy texts. It's just...."
"You should try to read a variety of texts, a veritable selection ranging from your usual fair to history to art to theories about the interdependence of the planes!" Lucy readily supplies. "I'll help you with a bit of light reading, Jetina!"
Jetina smiles, "I'd like that. Why don't you show me?"
"Let's go! I've only been there once but how hard can it be?"
Not very hard, Lucy has a great memory and isn't that a colossal cosmic joke?
Taking her back to the library?
Indeed!
You soon get there and...
Go ahead and set yourself up here, Lucy. The ball is in your court with Jetina.
Lucy taps her lips, slowly walking around Jetina in a circle once they're safely at the library. Occasionally, her hair reaches out towards an adjacent shelf to retrieve a book, which she then places in the lap of her seated new friend. "I'm getting the sense of adventure from you. How about the Ali Nuri Pilgrimage? Or maybe fiction is your fancy, so we might well start with The Mysterious Stranger!" Lucy hums to herself. "There is also a tale blending both into a delightful myth, you really can't go wrong with The Last of the Goblins: A Narrative of-- oh, don't worry, they only all died out on this one Prime, though it's planar-significant in the greater scheme of things. Maybe a nautical adventure, too? I've read one about an eccentric captain, incidentally also a goblin. And this is Aurora, so it should-- yes, it does!" Lucy almost exclaims, but checks her volume in time as she leans over to whisper excitedly, "Jetina, they have the complete Gwinnan series, you don't know how lucky you are! You simply have to start with those!"
You win big bonus points for the Gwinnan reference.
Jetina startles at the first hair-movement, but only once. She is drawn in as you talk, your presence doing what it always does. "Gwinnan? What's it about? I'm not familiar with much of anything yet."
At the same time Moore approaches. He stops a bit away, surprised.
It's her.
Lucy's there with Jetina.
They're talking, books are moving.
It's her.
The loss of everything. The loss of friends. The loss of memories. The loss of the self to what is not the self. If loss is always challenging you, then...?
Then you find what you've lost.
Moore takes a breath.
Then another. Then a third, a fourth...
Then he flies over. "Ah..." He swallows. "Lucy, it's... good to see you again. ...I know that sounds weird because you probably don't remember me." Moore says quietly.
The Gwinnan Travel Logs are a massive series depicting a curious elf's expedition across the planes," Lucy lectures as she paces, index finger raised. "Starting appropriately at the Silver Sea, they cover not only the planar traits and locations of interest, but everything from the culture of the local tribes to their internal politics and local cuisine, all told from an engaging personal perspective! Gwinnan--"
She stops as someone flies over, and turns towards him curiously at his introduction, taking a moment to form her response. "It doesn't actually sound weird at all," Lucy allows, before hinting, "Though if you know that much, it might've been best to lead in with an introduction?"
"My apologies, where are my manners?" Moore says with a smile. He offers a bow afterwards. "Moore. I usually tack on 'of Aurora,' but that seems superfluous..."
Lucy giggles, her own smile reaching her eyes. "It rather does here, doesn't it?"
"Oh hi, Moore. You know Lucy then too?" Jetina looks up from her reading.
"I'm not really one for titles, so 'Moore' is usually enough anyway." He says with a smile. "So, I'm not sure how much you do or don't..." He looks over at Jetina and nods. "It's probably best if I start at the beginning of what I know, if you have some time."
"Oh, certainly! Jetina, you can just take these books with you and read them later at your leisure."
"I will, this one about the Silver Sea," Jetina puts it aside, "Now tell us what you know, Moore."
"Okay. For the record, I'm going to refer to the place I'm talking about as the World of Light so there's no confusion. Trust me, this will get confusing enough." Moore says with an apologetic smile. He takes a seat and clears his throat.
"I do not know how we all ended up in the World of Light. It's possible we died. Ultimately, it doesn't matter too much. I also can't tell you how long we were there. However, I'm confident that we all must've known each other, or... worked together, or something. There's some sort of connection between all of us. Anyway, my general thought is the World of Light is some divine realm where people are tested. I've had an inkling for a while now that I think we 'passed,' in so far as we were allowed to leave... or we wanted to leave. Something like that." He takes a moment to let that all settle in before he starts again.
"I woke up in Venya a few months ago with barely any memories of where I had come from or how I'd gotten there. I still don't have everything back now, but I'm starting to make connections here and there. Jetina woke up in Mercuria and... Lucy, if I were to take a guess... you probably woke up... mmm." Moore taps his chin. "Maybe in Mystra's realm? That's my guess." He shrugs with a smile.
"To make a long story short, I think we all wanted to come back. I think that we saw something there and we wanted to come back here to help put things right. Oh, there's one other thing -- you both need to..." He looks down as of trying to find the right word. "Try and listen for the light. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense, but... just try. It's hard at first but I think you'll both be able to."
"That would've been nice," Lucy muses. "It was actually Fury's Heart for me. Anyway, you mean the Limbo was of speaking and hearing in colors? What's the benefit?"
"Oh, that works too." Moore says with a smile. "It's hard to put into words exactly, but sometimes I can hear things. But I can only hear it if I focus really well on seeing it. I know that just makes it really abstract... I think it's parts of what we know coming back to us." He says with a small sigh. "Or at least that's my best guess."
"That sounds like a reach," Jetina admits, closing her eyes, "I'll just have to take it on faith. Is there anything else you can tell us?"
"Just be patient." Moore says. "Don't try and rush it, things will come back to you slowly, but surely. If I happen to find anything else specifically... I'll let you both know."
"I actually heard something when I met Jetina," Lucy admits. "Not with you, though, Moore, sorry. Maybe it was because I came to see Jetina, but you're the one who came to see me?"
Moore nods. "Most likely. It comes and goes sometimes." He smiles and shrugs a little. "Either way, I really am glad to see you here, Lucy. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from this library."
"Thank you! I'm glad to be here!"
"What did you hear?" Jetina asks in the meantime.
"There was this voice whispering to me in beige that I met you but that your name wasn't Jetina, so I figured it was wrong," Lucy says with a shrug. "I didn't really pay it much attention until Moore told us all that."
"...beige?" Jetina asks, a curious little frown following.
"That's actually my name for every color that tries to be white but isn't. Like off-white or porcelain or milk-- sorry, a bit of an inside joke. I probably shared it before but... yeah, what can you do?"
"Well, either way, please don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything, Lucy. I'm very good at helping people reach further than they thought possible, so if you're going to be working on any tough projects, I'd be happy to help." Moore says with a smile. "You too, Jetina, though I know you're both still trying to get used to things around here."
Lucy smiles again. "I would be a terrible guest if I did not offer to reciprocate, Moore. But since you offered... would you mind introducing me to the local mages? I've had the greatest of honors of meeting Sage Vul'lath, and I spent enjoyable time with Miss Sylvie, but there are doubtlessly others!"
A smile and a nod follow. "I'd be happy to. We have a surprising amount of people who blend magic with blades, too."
Let's go in order over the NPC mages! Vivantha, Kascha, Hanna, Candy, Tepen, Ebony, Balyss, Simmer for the first page, we can grab whoever is around and work our way down the list~
All at once or one at a time?
Probably one at a time but if any of them happen to be together all the better.
What Neph said.
You manage to catch Vivantha in the mess hall. She's alone, just finishing up a meal amid the general ruckus and din of it all.
Go ahead.
"Vivantha!" Moore calls as he approaches. "How are you today? I wanted to introduce you to..." Moore taps his nose a few times. "I wanted to introduce you to a friend of mine. Lucy, this is Vivantha. Vivantha, Lucy. Vivantha uses a lot of similar magic to me, but tends to focus on different areas than I do." He explains.
"How do you do, Miss Vivantha?" Lucy greets her with a smile. "As Moore said, I'm Lucy, and I happen to be interested in all sorts of magics!"
"Oh?" Vivantha pauses, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Are you fighting with Aurora?"
"I've only just joined," Lucy responds. "Why, I haven't even gotten anywhere to stay, yet, and my things were just left in a corner of the library, but I'll try to help where I can, Miss Vivantha!"
"Oh, talk to Elena, she can get you a room," Vivantha says, "Elena?"
"Hi!" Elena calls, appearing dressed in a simple peasant working gown. "I heard your conversations about this earlier, by the way."
"You are so fascinating, Miss Elena!"
"Why thank you," Elena smiles ear to ear, "What about me is pret-er, fascinating?"
"How about your kindness, Miss Elena?" Lucy readily responds with. "Your incredible capacity for multitasking? Your obvious wealth and variety of knowledge? Or how about keeping track of the needs and desires of everyone in Aurora? Ably walking that narrow tightrope between being helpful and tactful and overstepping those boundaries? Why, I could go on and on and I've only had the pleasure of knowing you for a few hours!"
Elena starts to smile more and more as you talk, blushing by the end of it. "Oh, you have no idea! I have to pop in and help as surely as I have to know when not to. You wouldn't believe some of the things that go on here behind closed doors, or how much I have to balance people being happy or being held back for something without it spreading."
"You work very hard and it is very admirable!" Lucy agrees. "I will not take you for granted, Miss Elena."
"Aw!" Elena's blushing even more, "Thanks!"
"If I could ever shoulder even a tiny bit of your burden, Miss Elena, please don't hesitate to ask," Lucy bids her, before adding, "Of course, it's not all about work. Perhaps you would be interested in participating in a debate about the workings of a spell rather than merely spectating some time? I'm sure everyone would be delighted to hear your opinion!"
"Thanks!" Elena's smiling even more now, as Vivantha shoots Moore a look.
"Ahem, is this..." she asks Moore delicately, "Is this about me or is it about Elena?"
"Lucy has a passion for magic." Moore answers with a chuckle. Wait, how did he...
"Anyway, Vivantha, did you pick up anything interesting with our, ah..." Moore clears his throat. "Recent developments? I learned a few new tricks but haven't had a chance to test them."
"Nothing far worthwhile," Vivantha demurs, "I've been helping Brave Hero more than anything else. A worthy task without any doubt, but one that will not be a brief one."
"Brave Hero?" He blinks. "I don't think I've been introduced."
A warm blush comes to Vivantha's cheeks as she smiles, resting a hand on her bosom and murmuring, "I mean Muirfinn, of course. Ah, there is a story behind the name, I forgot not everyone was familiar with it as time passes."
"Oh!" Moore nods once. "It must've been, ah... before my time. How is he doing, by the way? Er... if that isn't too personal a question."
"As good as he can be. Ilmater's chosen work miracles," Vivantha says, ever so quietly, "Muirfinn is no shrinking violet, he copes well, but the touch of the Lord of the Ninth is not easily lost. He is well and will become more well."
Moore nods. "I understand." He looks over at Lucy. "Long story on that one, I'll tell you another time. Do you have any questions for Vivantha while we're here?"
"Oh yes, Miss Vivantha! Please, forgive my thoughtlessness," Lucy apologies, smiling at Elena and looking at Vivantha and Moore. "Certain aspects of the branch of magic commonly codified as arcane and bardic have fascinated me for a while, any puns referring to relevant learned skills unintentional. The more standard practitioners on both sides of the divine-arcane divide share much of the magic with those in your studies, but certain perhaps key spells are unique and without compare elsewhere! Your studies, I am lead to believe, require you to focus on honing your ability for self-expression and driving yourself towards ever-distant heights of performance, or improvisation and entertainment, and it is surely no coincidence that the interesting spells only such training has managed to unlock draw upon this very aspect of your training! Naturally, as a wizard seeking to understand magic in all its forms it is my solemn duty to figure out the etymology of such spells."
Lucy invades Vivantha's personal space, taking her hands. "Just imagine, Miss Vivantha!" she exclaims, shaking Vivantha's hands excitedly. "If inspiration comes to those more inclined in their fields as my research has suggested, a great deal of magic previously the domain of a select few could be opened to others! Why, if focus and inspiration is the key, couldn't a master illusionist teach the rest of us how to reach those very heights without a hyper-focus of our own? Can we not stand on the shoulders of these giants, rather than try to reinvent their methods from the very beginning or giving up altogether?"
Letting go, she twirls happily. Her wings might be stored away in her other form, but that doesn't keep Lucy from feeling as if she's treading on air.
"And if that were not enough, the very spells you can casually call upon are proof that the most important divide between the magical classification is artificial! For if a healing spell truly required prayer in all its forms, it would forever remain the domain of priests. And yet, we too can call upon it, not via nefarious methods such as stealing it from the devout but through inspiration leading us to a different approach! Miss Vivantha, let's do magic together!"
"That sounds lovely," Vivantha is all smiles even as you invade her personal space. She listens to all of that, "The next time I have some free time and am not working with Brave Hero, I'll be glad to help."
"If it helps any in your studies, I can use both what are usually referred to as arcane as well as divine magic." Moore adds. "Thanks for your time, Vivantha."
next up is Kascha if she's around
She's just getting back with Surru, so she gets a miss for now. Who is next?
Hanna. If unavailable, then Canderella!
Do you have any wards against true seeing, Lucy?
None whatsoever.
Hanna is in her room, polishing her axe. She looks up as you enter, "What-" It's all she gets out before her eyes narrow, axe in hand as she stands. She approaches like a hunting feline, "Well. Well, well, well," she remarks. "A succubus."
"Oh, this is going to be the Tryll problem all over again, isn't it..." Moore says as it dawns on him. "Lucy, this is Hanna. Hanna, Lucy." He explains. "Hanna is one of our stronger divine spellcasters, as I am sure you could guess."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Hanna!" Lucy greets her brightly, offering Hanna her hand. "Like Moore said, my name is Lucy." Definitely true seeing abusers, why are there so many of them here? "If you get such high praise from Moore, I am probably nowhere near your equal, but that merely gives me the opportunity to learn and better myself!"
Hanna looms over you, an image of divine wrath writ large. Her voice is casually controlled, "Moore, is there a reason I shouldn't obliterate her and send her wicked soul screaming back to the Abyss?"
Lucy wilts at that, staring at her hand and allowing it to drop to her side.
"Well, I'm vouching for her!" Moore says simply. "She's as harmless as Candy." Wait, is that a good thing...?
Hanna's gaze is not a kind thing, nor is it easy to endure. But ultimately she stays her axe, "Are you here to seduce my daughter or granddaughter, or my son for that matter?"
"I don't even know any of your family?" Lucy answers with a confused question of her own. "Miss Hanna, perhaps you misunderstood something? I'm interested in magical cooperation and mutual study, and those are the relationships I'm interested in fostering."
Her gaze is drawn towards Hanna's massive axe on its own, though rather than any aspect of fear Lucy is quite curious at the familiarity it engenders.
"That's not a nice thing to ask in front of the person vouching for her, Hanna." Moore says with a frown. "Lucy isn't the type of person to do that sort of thing. It's like she says -- she's a student of magic. Please apologize."
I'm going to need a Diplo check there, Moore.
Take 10 for 70
Hanna...finally puts down her axe and sighs. "Fine, if it's going to be like that. What sort of magic are you studying?"
That wasn't an apology at all!!
He'll just have to settle with this outcome, but he's got his eye on you, Hanna!
"All the magic," Lucy says with a quiet pride. "The ties between the various sub-groups, manipulation of spells and cross-training are just some of my interests, Miss Hanna."
"All of the magic?" Hanna asks right back, "So a generalist wizard?"
"I do fancy myself a wizard of some measure of skill," Lucy agrees. "The best way to make magic available for everyone is via the shared medium of spellbooks, I believe! Supplemented through the inherent spontaneity of the Spellpool, of course."
"So the key is to be a wizard who is also a sorcerer," Hanna says rather dryly. "What of those without the intelligence to use such magic well?"
"It's not about turning everyone into a genius," Lucy responds, shaking her head. "The spread of magic is the spread of knowledge, Miss Hanna, for ignorance is the worst sin of all. While some might abuse the gift of knowledge, the same holds true for any other gift. On the other hand, how many would simply know better than to try something wrong or downright foolish? How many would be saved?"
She spreads her arms. "If a proper foundation is erected, where could we all go from there but up? With every generation, we will become all that more knowledgeable and, in turn, smarter. Our lives will grow better. With knowledge and magic, we could overcome most of society's ills! Poverty, hunger, disease, even scarcity itself!"
While her pursuit of knowledge is for the sake of gaining said knowledge in the first place, Lucy is lead to a brand new place as she thinks out loud, only peripherally aware of Hanna and Moore. "If enough understand the value of cooperation for the benefit of all, how would that affect war and conflict on the mortal planes? Just because the divine have their rules as to how things are done to maintain the balance is no reason why mortals themselves cannot work out their own rules to better their lives while working within such constrictions. How many mortals stray from the pursuit of self-destructive goals out of pure ignorance?"
"Knowledge, a great key...to Heaven and Hell," Hanna remarks. "You think you can bring about such a utopia?"
"It's worth a try. Local economies crumble when adventurers try to offload some of their spoils, isolated societies are destroyed when met by their more dominant neighbors.... There are many occasions where a verifiable impact on mortal life was produced via outside means. It's easier for us to think of anecdotal evidence of careless interventions lead in ruin, though the actual untapped potential of such an encounter isn't inherently bad or tilted towards that outcome."
A long pause, "What do you think of all of this, Moore?"
"Well, I visited a rather interesting Prime a few weeks ago where they focused entirely on magic. It was a very interesting society where people who could cast higher level magic were regarded with more respect than those lower than them." He explains.
"As far as magic itself goes... well, let me take a step back. Knowledge can be used for good or for ill, we all know that. I think I'd just say that there are plenty of very smart people out there who don't use magic at all. Sure, they use magical things... Well, I guess a magical utopia isn't a terrible idea, I just think that focusing only on magic itself might give the wrong impression. Maybe I'll take you to that Prime and you can get some ideas there, Lucy."
"I can't set foot on a Prime without affecting it, Moore, so perhaps once I've designed the remedy for that?"
"Huh, really? I was fine when I was there... But yeah, whatever works!" He nods in agreement.
Hanna just nods to all fo that, not commenting further at the moment.
Awkward. Awkward, awkward, awkward. It doesn't take a genius to tell she's not wanted, and for some reason she's not connecting either.
Lucy gives Hanna a chance to respond herself, but when it doesn't happen she coughs into her fist. "Well, that's one of my humble goals, Miss Hanna. If you find it agreeable, please seek me out so we could work together towards it!"
A glance at Moore at the end strongly suggests that he should say his own goodbyes and then they leave. If she tries to leave on her own, will she get axed? Best to avoid the whole thing altogether.
"You really need to not judge a book by it's cover, Hanna." Moore says as he wags a finger at her. "If you'll excuse us!" He says, giving Lucy an out.
"Have a pleasant day, Miss Hanna," Lucy adds, putting an end to this unpleasant situation by at least parting amiably!
Canderella or Tepen are next on the list, whoever might be available. I wonder if we'll end up introducing Moore IC to some of our mages, too!
Canderella's found with Ebony at Cresea's eatery, the two sharing a small cake and quietly chatting with one another. You approach them and...
Go ahead and set yourselves up.
"Hello there!" Lucy greets the pair, taking the lead this time. "I'm Lucy-- I'm new here, obviously. And I simply must have a taste as well! How much?"
"Canderella, Ebony." Moore greets them once Lucy's said her hellos.
"This is an old friend of mine, Lucy. She is a succubus and has an interest in the study of magic and wanted to meet all of our prominent magic-users." Moore says, as if to make sure he's stating everything up front. "Lucy, Canderella here is a daughter of Talos -- not literally, just... to be clear on that -- and I would say she specializes in lightning, among other things." A glance over at Canderella to confirm that. "Lucy, this is Ebony, a... you know, maybe you'd better tell the story yourself. Anyway, she uses spells similar to myself with some added oomph."
'We don't need to lead with my race while meeting new people,' Lucy thinks to Moore, plastering a smile upon her face. "Ladies, a pleasure!"
Ebony merely smiles over a cup of tea, "Greetings."
Canderella raises an eyebrow and smiles, "A pleasure," she gestures, "Have a seat and help yourselves."
Lucy's hair pulls her seat out for her and then she takes it, leaving Moore to claim the last one around the table. "Is it made of air?" she asks, eyeing the cake with excitement. "I wouldn't want to assume, just from the establishment."
"Ah, I'm not much of a cake person, you go ahead." Moore gestures as he takes a seat.
"It's amazing is what it is," Canderella says, cutting you a slice. It looks to be vanilla and chocolate swirl. "Have some."
Ebony meanwhile watches and adds, "What sort of magery do you study? I am a sorcereress of some power, though focused on magic more than the mechanics."
"Thank you, Miss Canderella!" Lucy says brightly, closing her eyes in anticipation as she takes a bite!
It tastes wonderful. Perfectly balanced flavors and sweetness, soft and ever so crumbly on the tongue. It's like dozens of little morsels of pleasure run along your mouth and throat.
Lucy hums happily, cupping her cheek. "Two good cakes in one day. What bliss!"
She hasn't forgotten the question she was asked, however, and after swallowing Lucy responds. "I am a wizard, Miss Ebony, though I have several focuses. I study the way magic can be shaped and reshaped, be it through metamagical applications or via crossing the arcane-divine divide, not to mention exploring the intriguing possibilities for cooperative magics."
"I am familiar with some of that," Ebony remarks as Canderella sits back and watches, a tiny little smile on her face. "My bardic magic flirts with such measures, as does my arcane sorcery. Additionally, I have some knowledge of spellpools, as an ally has one for her use."
"Oh, really? Do tell, Miss Ebony! I'm not even sure where my is located, so perhaps they are even one and the same!"
"The Cauldron, it is Seira's," Ebony replies, "I do not use it myself, as I lack the proper training. I am instead studying the magic of the celestial choirs."
"Hmm." Lucy takes another delightful bite of cake, before asking Moore, "Have you been to it? Does it seem like my sort of place?"
Giving Moore a chance to think of an answer, she tells Ebony, "This must mean you're in the habit of casting traditionally divine spells as arcane. I've been wondering about how to replicate that trick, myself. So far, my answer has been to write them down in a spellbook, but the spells still feel subtly different upon casting. Although, Miss Ebony, I am happy to report that they've grown stronger with use! Perhaps magic is, in a sense, much like a muscle one has to work out with properly?"
"I have not had the pleasure of visiting there, but I think we'd be received well since they are allies of Aurora." Moore answers with a smile.
"It's difficult and requires a lot of training," Ebony says, "I've not found a way to circumvent that, beyond rigorously working each spell and drawing on my piety as I cast them." She finishes her bit of cake off and puts her fork down. A small smile is on her face, "We cannot forget that divine magic is a miracle given to us from above. To fully divorce it from that source, to make it something it is not, may be possible. But is it wise?"
"Ah, but is the miracle in the very magic itself, or in its delivery?" Lucy asks her, delightfully finishing the last of her own slice. "Many spells are granted to those on both sides of this divide, utterly similar in all but outward feel. Yet what is that distinct feeling, that flavor to the spell, is from the way we have arrived at it? You can gain magic from careful study, or through inspiration, or from following encoded pathways in your very blood... who are we to say that literally being rewarded by the divine installing such a channel into their favored servants is not another such method?"
"In truth, I don't find it terribly compelling," Ebony admits, "The miracle is the important part, not the mechanism there. Faith sustains us, is a nectar to us that heals all our wounds and sees to our needs."
Lucy finds herself in a conundrum, as Ebony is clearly wrong. But she's also nice! Maybe it's best to change the subject?
Making a noncommittal noise, she asks, "On a slightly different topic, Miss Ebony, I believe you mentioned sojourns into sorcery?"
"Oh, don't let her fool you. She's a natural sorceress." Canderella chimes in, "My, she was so eager to help me refine my sudden thunderbolts spell. Don't be taken by her humility, she's an arch sorceress."
Ebony merely smiles slightly again, "I am skilled in sorcery, yes."
"Miss Ebony is lucky to have a friend like you, Miss Canderella," Lucy says with a smile of her own, turning towards the former. "How does the inspiration for your sorcerous spells differ from the bardic ones, if I might ask?"
"It comes from within, from prayer and meditation. It comes naturally," Ebony says, "Through communion, be it infernal or celestial."
Lucy stares at Ebony, before blinking slowly. "Fascinating," she murmurs, turning to look at the other apparent sorceress at the table. "And you, Miss Canderella? Have you shared in that experience while drawing upon your magic?"
"Oh, nothing like that. I call the thunder and it responds to me," Canderella sits back with a coy smile. "It knows better."
"And what do you do if the enemy has earplugs?"
"Lightning." Canderella says simply, as electricity crackles all along her body.
Lucy giggles. "Very versatile of you, Miss Canderella!"
"What of you," Canderella asks, the bustle of the eatery a gentle noise all around the four of you, "How do you call your magic? For that matter, what of yours, Moore?"
Ebony sits back, pulling her hood up and sipping her tea, holding it in both hands as she listens.
"Huh, me? I dunno... it just comes to me." He says with a shrug. "I use a bit of arcane here and some divine there, I never really gave it too much of a thought, honestly. It's just another part of what I do to bolster people or myself."
"I transcribe all my spells into a spellbook, though I suppose you could also call it a prayerbook if you are so inclined. I've learned several of those by heart, though too many appear to be of incredibly destructive potential." Lucy frowns. "I'm honestly not certain why, but given a chance I will do my best to retrain myself so that the useful household spells replace those in my mind."
Deciding to move past that conundrum, Lucy brightens up and says, "I've tried dabbling in an element -- acid, in my case -- though I've decided to stay a generalist in the end. That is, in fact, the reason I have not walked the path of the Incantatrix, though the idea certainly tempts."
"Fascinating," Canderella laughs as she listens, "Acid, though? Not a path I personally approve of. It is far too...visceral. It reminds me of the good old days," A long sigh from the succubus, "You wouldn't remember, of course."
"Not really, no," Lucy readily agrees. "I like acid for its quiet synergy with itself. Though I'm perfectly fine with the other energy types, of course."
Moore opens his mouth and then just shuts it.
What the heck is the difference?!
"Ah, a woman after Simmer's own heart," Canderella says, "Simmer, she thinks you can solve anything by adding more fire. If it doesn't, you aren't using enough fire."
Ebony gently coughs into her hand, "I must ask about quiet synergy with itself."
"Would you like a demonstration, Miss Ebony?"
"Please," Ebony says.
Lucy blinks. "Forgive me, Miss Ebony, but did you mean right now? If so, for a demonstration of destructive acid magic we really should relocate somewhere where delicious cake would not be unduly harmed."
"Of course," Canderella stands, "Let us go."
Go ahead and set up your demonstration, Lucy.
After inquiring with Elena, Lucy decides to use an out of the way training area behind the Aurora! Setting up three wooden targets with smilies drawn on them with magic, she backs away for eighty feet.
"Now, please keep your distance," she tells Ebony, Canderella and Moore. "I shall be using a well-known spell-- well, a variant of it that I favor, in any case."
Her hand stretched out towards the three targets, Lucy gives Moore a wink and shoots three eyewatering, lime green acid rays at them!
[21:04] <@Nonette> roll 3#1d20 can I miss stationary targets?
[21:04] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 16, 16, 16 >
[21:06] <@Nonette> roll 3#4d6
[21:06] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 13, 14, 15 >
Lucy notes the precise holes with satisfaction, elaborating. "This is the basic spell effect you are all, no doubt, aware of. While there exist various metamagical ways to enhance it, in particular for fire and ice spells, what I like it the following synergy!"
Lucy brings her thumb and index finger together, as if crushing an insignificantly-small creature, and a translucent sheathe of liquid rushes out to cover her skin! Then, the arm still pointing at the target slips a tad lower and she fires the same spell once more!
[21:04] <@Nonette> roll 3#1d20 another chance to publicly shame myself
[21:05] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 11, 5, 4 >
[21:07] <@Nonette> roll 4d6+4
[21:07] <@Nonette> roll 4d6+4
[21:07] <@Nonette> roll 4d6+4
[21:07] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 24 > [d6=5,6,6,3]
[21:07] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 19 > [d6=5,3,1,6]
[21:07] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 21 > [d6=5,4,5,3]
"Please take note, Miss Ebony, Miss Canderella, Moore," she proceeds to say, as the torsos of the training dummies are thoroughly devastated. "The spell itself was not altered in any way, nor have I used any particular lingering effects or shaped its magics in some manner. This was all about interaction between spells of the same element responding to one another. In other words, a beautiful synergy of acid with itself!"
Lucy waves negligently at the ruined targets, and a maelstrom of acid destroys them as she turns around, to provide a lovely background for her. "This fascinating interaction can salvage spells of lower power, or give an extra oomph for when you really must show your displeasure, and the best part is that it serves as a protective layer as well!"
[21:08] <@Nonette> roll 20d6+20
[21:08] <Serith> Nonette roll for Serith < 76 > [d6=2,6,1,1,2,6,4,2,3,2,1,2,3,4,3,2,2,4,4,2]
Run me through the mechanics you used real quick?
Acid Sheath adds +1 to damage per die for other acid spells, it's like a poor man's fiery spell, except for acid. Lasts 1 round/level.
Then I used my scorching ray variants and finally the delayed fireball variant.
The performance is watched dutifully, Ebony smiling by the end of it. "Spell synergy? A useful gambit."
Canderella nods along, "Was that on the fly substitution or a variant fireball spell you developed?"
"Thank you, Miss Ebony! I believe so as well!" Lucy responds brightly, before admitting, "While I can do a limited element substitution, Miss Canderella, these two variant spells are what remains of the period where I considered specializing in acid. I think. It seems like something I would do."
As you talk, Elena appears by you. "Oh hi. You two, be ready since we have a visitor coming. It's Renbuu and who knows what will happen, so be advised."
Ebony's reply is cut off by a faint frown, "I see. Thank you."
"Now, now," Canderella chuckles, "This should be entertaining."
"Rainbow is visiting?" Lucy asks, perking up.
"I suppose we're attracting all sorts of attention right now." Moore agrees.
"Yes, the generals and a few others involved are dealing with it," Elena says, "Step carefully, even a friendly slaad is volatile, so don't make things worse, whatever you do."
Since that's really a foolish request given a slaad, Lucy glances over at Moore for guidance.
"For now, we may as well continue the tour." Moore says with a smile. "If we happen to cross paths with Renbuu, we'll just have to improvise."
The next mages on my list are Tepen, Balyss and Simmer, and we skipped Kascha before since she was unavailable.
Tepen's here but watching the spectacle, so that would draw you more into it. Balyss isn't, if you wanna go to her and avoid that. Your call.
Let's go chat with Tepen, what could go wrong?
Tepen's nearby the gates, watching the spectacle silently, standing with Sage Vul'lath. They're absorbed in it as...
Go ahead, you two.
"Does this sort of thing happen often?" Lucy asks the pair quietly as she approaches, trusting in Moore to handle the actual introduction afterwards.
"It's been... um... Well." Moore clears his throat. "No, not really. At least not visitors of this magnitude. Tepen, Vul'lath, this is Lucy. Lucy, Elder Magi Tepen and Sage Vul'lath."
Tepen glances over, "Not commonly, no. Not like this."
"Yes, that would make more sense," Lucy agrees, nodding at both of them. "Is that why almost everyone is watching from afar?"
"I think in this case it's that no one wants to end up permanently a different color." Moore says.
"Fair enough," Lucy agrees. "Looking fabulous is not for everyone."
"Or wishes to be transformed," Tepen murmurs, as Baleruk and Renbuu begin to argue, only for the latter to promptly ignore a reply and turn towards Jaela.
"Actually, Tepen, what is our relationship with Renbuu anyway? Is that where 27 came from?" Moore asks.
"He is Baleruk's patron and aided is in the Bahamut fiasco," Tepen says, rather shorty. "This is not a good time for a longer exposition on the matter, unfortunately."
"That's fine." Moore says as he watches.
"Is there a way for us to help, Mister Tepen?" Lucy inquires.
"Do you know how to deal with slaad effective?" Tepen asks back, almost rhetorically.
"I'm not sure whether my talents with anarchic powers would be a hindrance or a boon in that regard." Moore admits.
"If it comes to that I could serve as a suitable distraction?"
"It's your choice, no one's issued an order to stand down," Tepen says, "But if you do, do so wisely."
"Of course, Mister Tepen," Lucy agrees, and then her demeanor changes. After asking Moore to wait for a moment, she dashes back to the library to retrieve her Rod of Wonder! Then, she rushes right back! Perhaps, by studying Renbuu's actions and the resulting mess made of Elysium she would realize more about magic. And if not, maybe the rod will get recharged from the pure chaos flying around?
Moore will keep an eye on the goings-on.
Give me just a few since that'll require a few posts in the other topic, since getting the Rod of Wonder isn't quick.