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16:37, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 2: Passages and Professors.

Posted by XandFor group 0
Xand
GM, 1078 posts
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 11:23
  • msg #1

Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

A day spent in the vast marketplace of Gonan allows you to not only transform the loot salvaged from the ogres' den into spendable coin, but also provide a means of picking up new supplies for yourselves.  The merchants who live here are tough but honest, as you were told to expect by the dwarf Brego.  Business complete, you spent the night at the Silver and Slate before leaving the city by the east road.

Your companions on this stretch of road were the party of dwarves with whom you had set out from the Roc's Roost a week before.  It was another five days before you expected to arrive at the gates of Endor in Arnia and they had already proven to be good company on the road.  There was a significant amount of traffic on the road with you; travelers and traders, knights and soldiers.

Friendly greetings result in a good amount of gossip being shared concerning Arnia.  It seemed outlaws and bandits were on the rise throughout the country.  Most of what you hear from the other travelers sounds more like excited speculation rather than fact; but you do gather that most of the people being targeted are foreigners.  Rumors have these rebels as both vast in number as well as small and growing.  Not to mention that they are somehow both armed and trained military men as well as poorly equipped peasants taking up arms.

It is some time during the second day out from Gonan that you notice the road slanting downward.  It is a shallow slope, carved by master engineers and patrolled by frequent squads of Ascadian soldiers.  The third day, the grey stone of the mountains gives way to grassy, rolling foothills.  The sturdy pine and beech are replaced with maple and ash trees. You pass a fort with a small garrison by the end of the day that marks the border between Ascadia and Arnia.

The fourth day the road meets with a rapid stream that is flowing out from somewhere deeper in the foothills.  From here the road follows this stream on it's way down into Arnia, and after several miles you finally leave the foothills.  At this point the stream widens considerably and the flow of water slows dramatically as terrain shifts from the rocky foothills to the flat grasslands of Arnia.  You see mills now, using the rivers flow for their benefit, and tiny hamlets on its banks.

The road continues following the river into the fifth day, when the city of Endor, your destination finally comes within view.  The road crosses a long stone bridge and leads you directly to gates of the small city.

While not an economic or agricultural center like the cities of Calahan and Arnia, Endor is still of great importance.  This city has tall walls and an honor guard made up of soldiers representing the three countries of Arnia, Ascadia, and Rembar.  This city houses the Heroes Cemetery; where soldiers who fell against the Darkland invasion nine decades ago are interred.  Depictions of the deities Librera and Lyrax are everywhere; in tapestries, wall carvings, artwork, and statues.

It is still a proper city though, housing its own share of tradesmen and workers.  Not to mention shops and inns.  It is a place well know to have little crime; something the locals attribute to being protected by the High God of Justice, Lyrax.
Bunny Cotillion
player, 465 posts
Who breaks the Law
Are we not Men
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 13:35
  • msg #2

Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Monday.  Twenty third of Silver Fox.

Bunny Cotillion reminded herself of the date as she pushed the brim of her hat up with a thumb, and swept her gaze across the streetscape of Endor.  The date and the time that had past lent her a firmer sense of how far they'd come.  How much distance they'd covered.  Distance between herself and Daddy.  She'd made it.  She was in another country.

A grim smile compacted her full lips, a smile that extended to her warm brown eyes.  Approval.  This place would do.  "Where was it that you said we were to meet you-ah Professor Clarke, Lyssa?" she drawled, the words leaking out some of the calm and ease that had come to roost within her breast with this new realization of her accomplishment.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Wed 15 Sept 2021.
Zassil
player, 247 posts
I'm going to give
you a little nibble
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 04:55
  • msg #3

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Zassil was a bit quiet on the journey. It wasn't that he was ever truly what could be called 'talkative', but he didn't bother to speak unless he had something to say. He did spend a fair amount of time looking around - not just to be alert to danger, but also to take in the sights, the beautiful countryside, the people they met along the way, all of it.

And he would draw some of the most eye-catching or interesting (to him, at least) things and people he saw during the night while his companions slept.

He looked over the city of Endor when they came within sight of it, staring for a long moment. "Interesting." He wouldn't call it 'impressive'. There were bigger and better out there, but still.

He heard Bunny's question and glanced at Lissa to see what her answer would be.
Lissabytta D'Argento
player, 200 posts
Just a moment, Pliny the
Elder says those are ...
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 06:12
  • msg #4

Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Lissa seemed to enjoy the trip from Gonan to Endor.  The more people on the road, the more her ears perked up.  It wasn't that the dirty blonde archaeologist was a gossip, but she simply seemed to really love learning.  Whether it was native rites around the harvest, metallurgical techniques for spinning golden thread, river morphology, or weapon disarming techniques Lissa carried on conversations with the travelers that they shared the road with or broke bread with.

She didn't seem to care about class much, gravitating towards any interesting story no matter who was telling it.  And she had some stories herself, though admittedly most of them concerned musty books, laboratory chemical explosions, or shoveling fossilized human and dinosaur excrement.  Still, Lissa always had a punchline to any tale and seemed to keep an upbeat demeanor.  Travel truly seemed to broaden her horizons and bring out the more positive portions of her obsessive personality.

Plus, the fresh air was nice.  And they were going downhill in general.

But she astutely avoided any discussion of necromancy or the items they'd found.  And was quite interested in the tales of banditry - always trying to eliminate the teller's social or geographic biases to get to the heart of the matter (like where and when the seemed to strike and how much more frequently they were really occurring).  Knowledge of such things were likely to help them once the expedition started.

When asked for more specifics on the rendezvous with her old mentor, Lissa looked thoughtful for a moment.  "Well," the lithe field scholar noted, "we'll see.  Professor Clarke told me the location that he was staying at: the Bell's Inn near University Square.  But, I suspect that much of his time will be spent on campus in interviews or, more likely, near the stacks." the library stacks, of course, "and so, depending on the time of day when we arrive in the city proper, we should be able to find him reasonably easily."  She chuckled lightly, "He's a bit of an acquired taste..." re: eccentric, "but fun once you get in the right frame of mind.  He likely still expects a fair bit of self-sufficiency.  Which really means that he expects his students to lead the effort in organizing the more mundane portions of his expedition."  It had been that way when she was working with him previously.  "On the bright side, it offers a lot of latitude." which Lissabytta really liked, but she then added with a shrug, "But it also means a fair bit of legwork."  She'd never minded it much, but couldn't speak for the others.
Merrick Tane
player, 252 posts
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 12:21
  • msg #5

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

During the trip Merrick spent as much time lounging in the cart as he could manage, and by lounging we mean sleeping.  Having given up on encouraging any gambling spirit amongst his travelling companions he spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find the perfect place in the cart to keep the sun out of his eyes as he napped.  He'd perked up at the sound of travelers on the road and the promise of perhaps cards, or maybe a poor soul who needed their fortune told.

At Endor he seemed to sink deeper in the car, at side-eye flashed at some of the iconography while his other was on the watch for trouble.  "Or," Merrick suddenly pipped up as the suggestion of laborious walking was made, "it involves very little legwork.  Because if you know where he is staying, we can just head there order, some food and drink, and wait for him to show.  You know, eventually."
Bunny Cotillion
player, 469 posts
Who breaks the Law
Are we not Men
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 14:08
  • msg #6

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

"University," Bunny mused.  "Ah have heard so much about them, but nevah have been.  Shall we enquire as to directions?"  She looked about again, this time with greater purpose, for a likely knowledgeable soul.  "Bell's Inn," she repeated.  "Near University Square"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Thu 16 Sept 2021.
Claissa Silver
player, 171 posts
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 14:24
  • msg #7

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Claissa felt like she'd done a lot of traveling lately as it was, and would have liked to take some time off and relax if she'd been deciding in a vacuum. Still, as trips went she found this one enjoyable, as she liked both the bipedal and quadrupedal company. She did her best to make the trip enjoyable for the others as well - helping with cooking and spicing up trail rations, looking after Beatie, and making small talk and joining in campfire songs if anyone else was up for that sort of thing. She also took in the sights as they went, landmarks especially, mentally cataloguing them for her internal map in case she passed this way again.

Once they reached their destination, she looked over the city curiously before saying chipperly "Right, well, lead on however we decide to do it."
Xand
GM, 1083 posts
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 11:29
  • msg #8

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

You find the city to be tidy and well-organized.  The simple instructions you are given by a helpful local direct you to follow the main street through the city; it leads directly to the Heroes Cemetery.  And coincidentally, University Square neighbors the cemetery; with Bell's Inn located near them both.

The street is cobbled stone, likely from Ascadia, and clearly a major artery for Endor.  Humans, elves, and halfings are common on these streets; going about their business.  Even the occasional gnome and lupin make an appearance.  You are unobstructed as you walk down the wide street; the friendly Arnian folk giving a smile and a wave as they make way for your group and its cart.  Some gazes linger on Zassil as you pass, the uncommon sight of the black-scaled dracil making gawkers of a few.

It becomes apparent, as you walk down the main street of the city of Endor, that the deeper into the city center to travel, the richer your surroundings become.  The buildings and houses become nicer, wealthier.  At the center of the city lies the Heroes Cemetery, and just before you get there you find Bell's Inn.  It is a grand structure three stories tall, a match in grandeur for any nobleman's manor.

A well-dressed attendant meets your party at the door with a great deal of skepticism.  He nods at Lissabytta's mention that you have an appointment to meet with Professor Chester Benjamin Clarke, who should be staying at the inn himself.  "Professor Clarke is presently in the lounge enjoying his afternoon tea."  The attendant says politely, "I will go and inform him of your arrival."

He is gone for several moments before returning.  "The Professor is eagerly expecting you and your party, Lady D'argento."  The attendant invites your group inside the posh inn.  "In fact he has already made arrangements for your stay with us.  If you follow the hall from the foyer you will find the Professor in the lounge.  We will see to your belongings."

The interior of the inn is even more richly appointed than the exterior.  You are all asked to sign the guest register once inside, and even given room keys.  Three of them; a single room and two double.  Then you make your way towards the lounge.

It is a large, open room once you arrive.  Very comfortable-looking chairs dominate the lounge, arranged with short-legged tables and surrounded by bookshelves filled with easy-reading and curios both.  A billiards table sits in the center with a pair of gentlemen playing a friendly game.  Once you enter a short, grey-haired man in a fine but well-worn blue doublet catches your attention and invites you to where he has a tray of biscuits and a steaming kettle of tea on what appears to be a silver tray.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:30, Fri 17 Sept 2021.
Chester Benjamin Clarke
NPC, 10 posts
Professor of History
Archeologist
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 11:29
  • msg #9

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

"Lissabytta D'Argento!"  The Professor greeted his student, "Then you must have received my letter.  And even arrived two days sooner than I expected no less.  Eager to leave the walls of the Academy for some practical experience, I see."  He said with a smile.  "Come, sit!  Your friends too, you are just in time for tea and biscuits."

On the table next to him, and frighteningly close to his cup of steaming tea, are several sheets of paper, an inkwell, and a pen.  Fresh ink on the paper indicates that the professor had been writing something.

"So how was the journey from Barrun?  I'll admit that I expected you to come alone, but certainly do not begrudge your interesting entourage."  He said to Lissa, "Would you introduce me to your friends?"
Bunny Cotillion
player, 470 posts
Who breaks the Law
Are we not Men
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 13:55
  • msg #10

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Bunny's hand paused over the guest book, hovering where it had been about to perform the simple act of signing her name.  The frown, that had taken over her face stared down at the blank space under the pen contemplating the ramifications.  Her eyes narrowed in a hard squint, then, prompted by an unspoken decision indicated only by a subtle nod of her head, she signed as: Anonymity Lostchild.

Introductions, for this reason, now presented a quandary.  Bunny stood, hat in hand, unsure of what to say.  Her eyes slid to Lissabytta in hopes of finding inspiration in the one here most familiar with their potential patron.
Zassil
player, 250 posts
I'm going to give
you a little nibble
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 15:41
  • msg #11

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Zassil found that he liked the city. It had a sense of order that appealed to him. His kind were unusual to the city, or at least those of his color, as he garnered a fair amount of stares. He tried to appear not to care, though he did a little, and he gave a serene nod of greeting to the people he saw.

He noticed that Bunny 'lied' about her name in the guestbook when he went to sign after her. He frowned for a moment, but it was not something to be brought up in public and not really his place interfere in her business. He signed his name, the only one he currently had.

He wished they had been allowed time to go clean up before the meeting, and wash the dust off their scales - or skin or fur as the case may be - at least, but such was life. He gave a bow to the professor when introduced, but stayed silent and waited politely for Lissabytta and the professor to exchange pleasantries and introduced.
Claissa Silver
player, 173 posts
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 23:42
  • msg #12

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Claissa wondered at the makeup of this town, when Zassil got curious looks and Niri didn't. Maybe there was a lot of unusual wildlife nearby, or something like a druid circle, and folks found wild animals more commonplace? That sounded like her kind of place. Niri herself didn't care for the lack of nature in the more rich and 'civilized' part of town, but didn't make a fuss about it.

Claissa looked over the inn with impressed curiosity, and when the time come to sign in, did so for both herself and Niri on the off chance it became relevant later. She made sure that she and Niri were cleaned up and presentable before meeting Lissabytta's patron, and stayed in the background as a friendly but uninterrupting figure when he spoke to her. Better to wait to be introduced, she figured.
Merrick Tane
player, 254 posts
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 02:07
  • msg #13

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Merrick considered 'forgetting' to sign in.  The problem with that was, if noticed, it would bring extra attention.  Instead he simply signed the most humdrum name he could think of with a signature that was barely legible, but legible enough that it's legibility was not cause of notice.

Inside the inn he was torn.  There was a certain excitement brewing inside him; the kind he felt whenever he sensed he was surrounded by those with too much money and not enough brains.  That excitement was tempered by the knowledge that his travelling companions likely wouldn't let him get up to too much fun, and so he behaved himself, for now.
Lissabytta D'Argento
player, 201 posts
Just a moment, Pliny the
Elder says those are ...
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 18:19
  • msg #14

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Lissa didn't allow the stewards to take either her bag (with the tome in it) nor her oilskin-wrapped longarm from her.  Both remained firmly on her shoulders as she headed in the direction of the sitting room.  She signed in and stood by the register as the others signed (or didn't sign) in, circuitously glanced down and ready to offer any help.  Actually, as they did so, she used a simple dwoemer to force most of the dust and travel of the day from her clothing and (at least she offered to) her companion's clothing as they did so. [OOC: Prestidigitation to those that want to be more presentable...]  Lissa's long buffcoat smoothed out as the dust sloughed off, and the pleats were reestablished as if recently pressed.

Entering the lounge, she stood for a moment to survey it and then made a beeline towards the familiar face.  Lissabytta embraced her old teacher warmly, giving him a peck on each cheek in greeting for good measure.  "For you, Professor," the dirty-blonde scholar beamed playfully, "I came as quickly as I could!  Your latter was both welcome and quite specific."

"You were always fond of telling me that books alone do not hold the key..." added when his light-hearted jab about her being a librarian at the Barrun Academy was made; Lissa remembered many late nights that she found Clarke ruminating (with his eyes closed) upon one of the leather-bound tomes in restricted section of the stacks.  "And ... I hear that Endor especially beautiful this time of year." she concluded the pleasantries, knowing that she had companions.

Standing next to his chair, Bytta turned slightly so that she might present do more formal presentations.  "Everyone," the bookish riflewoman started rather formerly, after first clearing her throat, "I present to you, the holder of the Barrun Lichtmosian Chair of the Jasitor-Corriel History Department, Professor Chestet Benjamin Clarke."  She inclined her head slightly announcing his title, an open hand held to indicate the man.

"These are my friends and travelling companions," Lissa noted, turning to introduce each in turn, "May I introduce to you, Miss Annie Lostchild," and she gestured in Bunny's direction, "Master Merrick Tane ... Miss Clarrisa Silver and her companion Niri ... and lastly Master Zassil."  The long fingers of right hand point to each of them in turn, saving the more exotic - as she knew that Clarke would have more questions for them, likely.  "I started by my trek from the academy alone," she noted off-hand, "but these fine individuals have all expressed more than a passing fancy in your work.  Well, at least, my stories about your travels have piqued their interest."  She paused, in case, others had anything to say, not wanting to monopolize the conversation.

"In our passage over the mountains," she offered as some sort of additional explanation, "each proved to possess a unique set of skills that I believe would serve very useful as we travel.  I took the liberty of offering them potential employment," she hedged her bets that Clarke would leave some of those details to her anyways, "I hope that you don't mind me doing so, Professor; you, of course, get final say on such matters.  We can discuss their qualifications in more detail, as you desire."  She seemed confident that any qualms the Professor might have could be easily allayed.

"But after tea, naturally." Lissa smiled and noted, taking a seat as more were brought closer to accommodate the group, "And in ... quieter, more private, quarters.  We have many, many things to discuss, and I know that you are focused on the more erudite details. So, I would be happy to help see to the more mundane needs for trip."  She plucked biscuit from the tray as she took the tea offered to her, asking idly, "Who else are you expecting to join us, Professor?  Anyone else from the Academy?  Or others that I might know from previous expeditions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Sun 19 Sept 2021.
Bunny Cotillion
player, 471 posts
Who breaks the Law
Are we not Men
Sun 19 Sep 2021
at 21:34
  • msg #15

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Bunny's objecting hand rose of its own accord before she could master her surprise.  Who knew that Lissa was so inventive?  All that the dark-haired gunslinger could do was to remain frozen in mid-objection with mouth half-open, unable to deny what she herself had begun.

"Lateh ... " she sighed at last, returning her hand to her lap where it joined her hat.  "In mo-ah private quarters."
Chester Benjamin Clarke
NPC, 11 posts
Professor of History
Archeologist
Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 05:51
  • msg #16

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

"No, no one else from the Academy," Clarke's face took on a slightly sour expression, "I believe that this expedition of mine was approved merely to get me out of Rembar.  To put things bluntly, you are the only Academy affiliate I expected to join me."

"That said," the sourness vanished, "I do have a stipend with which to acquire helping hands.  Although," he chuckled, "it seems all I really needed was a charismatic young student."  Professor Clarke sipped from his teacup, "But perhaps you are right, we should likely continue the bulk of this discussion more privately.  And you are all fresh from the road; I'm sure that exchanging pleasantries with an old man isn't your top priority.  Not that you aren't welcome to."

"So we will talk in more detail tomorrow.  In a private room which I will secure for us.  Until then, enjoy yourselves.  Endor is quite the interesting city; I know that I always enjoy exploring here."  He sounds almost like a lecturer dismissing his class.
Zassil
player, 252 posts
I'm going to give
you a little nibble
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 01:46
  • msg #17

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Zassil had gratefully accepted Lissabytta's offer to be quickly and magically cleaned earlier. He listened politely to the introductions and light conversation between 'old friends'.

Then he gave a small bow to the professor. "It is an honor and pleasure to make your acquaintance, Professor." He smiled, lips closed. "I am interested to hear about what we might help you with."
Xand
GM, 1087 posts
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 09:01
  • msg #18

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Your evening at the Bell's Inn passes in a luxury quite different from the many nights on the road you had just finished.  The Hotel provides access to bathing facilities in addition to the public sitting room.  In the city nearby is a spa, a few restaurants, the University square, and the Heroes Cemetery.  Endor is a city that sees a lot of tourism and much of the city's economy appears to be based on this.

The Bell's Inn and many locations nearby give the impression that they cater mainly to the wealthy and noble.

Night passes undisturbed and you each receive a message from Professor Clarke in the morning.  He has acquired the use of a small meeting room at the nearby university and asks that you meet him there at noon to discuss the expedition.

Once there, you find the professor prepared with notes, books, and what look like maps spread out on a large meeting table with ten surrounding chairs.  Professor Clarke welcomes each of you in turn, waiting for everyone to arrive before beginning.
Chester Benjamin Clarke
NPC, 12 posts
Professor of History
Archeologist
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 09:01
  • msg #19

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

"Good, everyone has arrived."  Professor Clarke spreads his arms to indicate the room you are all inside, "This meeting room is quite private, or so I have been assured by the university administration.  The perfect place to have our discussion without prying eyes and ears."

"Now, where to begin..." the old man looked down at his notes and rested a hand on one of his books before looking back up.  "How much do you know about the great war?"  He asked, "I know already that Lissabytta is well-versed on the subject..." the professor looked between your group's members, "hmmm, perhaps I'll start at the beginning."

"The Darklanders assault during the great war was a two-pronged attack.  The orcs, ogres, and other monsters who rampaged through northern and central Arnia are well-known; they make up the focus of most who research the event, the army of evil that was finally trapped and defeated in the mountain passes of Ascadia.  But my research concerns the other army that attacked southern Arnia at the time of the invasion.  The army of the dead."

"They appeared suddenly, an army of undead led by magickers wielding the power of necromancy."  He paused and looked down at his books again.  The title of the one upon which his hand rested read as Records of the Necromancers, by C.B. Clarke.

"Records concerning the necromancers are very difficult to come by.  It was a hectic time for Arnia and most accounts are unreliable.  Individual stories, passed down through generations, are the majority of what I've had to work with.  The accepted story is that they retreated back through  Arnia and to the Darklands after the defeat of the orcs in the north."

"But my research has led me to doubt that this is the case.  In fact, I believe that instead of taking their undead minions back into the east these necromancers instead took them west.  Deep into the thick forests of southwestern Arnia; even as far as the marshes and jungles of Kataar.  Such a place as to disappear and remain unnoticed for nearly a century."

"Which brings me to the nature of this expedition."  The professor started pacing through the meeting room as he continued to lecture, "The ancient people of Arnia were know to construct barrows for their dead.  Some small and common, others large and elaborate;  depending on the status of the deceased.  Such a barrow would be a ripe location for any summoner of the undead to seek out; not merely for the physical contents.  Such a place would be perfect for tapping into the negative energy that fuels their magic."

"Having cross-referenced what I know about the movements of this army of the dead with several known barrows within Arnia,"  Clarke wandered back to the table and indicated one of his maps.  It was a detailed map of southern Arnia, with a penned in drawing of a barrow over the deepest part of the western forest.  The barrow is circled, "I have determined a very likely location to search for more evidence concerning these necromancers.  Additional movements; where they have hidden; anything they have left behind."

He holds up a hand as though to ward off protest, "My expedition has the approval of Duke Grayson,"  He laid his hand on a writ sealed with the Seal of the Duchy of Arnia, "Those in my profession must sometimes go to great lengths to acquire permission for our work."  He chuckled, "Lest we be mistaken for common grave robbers rather than academics.  Suffice it to say, such permission was not simple to obtain.  Arnia has mixed feelings about these ancestral barrows; some would rather the old practices be forgotten rather than studied."

"Therefore, that is where the expedition is headed."  The old professor began his conclusion, "It is an old barrow for a forgotten lord from centuries past.  Deep in the woods.  The people of Arnia fear it so I doubt that anyone, short of a malicious necromancer, would ever disturb it.  And it is where I hope to find more evidence to support my research."

"I imagine that you must have questions."  He leaned on the table with both hands, looking at you expectantly, "Please, ask anything that comes to mind.  Knowledge is best when shared."
Bunny Cotillion
player, 475 posts
Who breaks the Law
Are we not Men
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 13:50
  • msg #20

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Tuesday, Twenty fourth of Silver Fox

"Southwest ... "  Bunny sat on the edge of the nicely cushioned chair with hands folded in the lap of the skirt she had purchased just the day before in the market.  Her face held that tight look of intensity reflecting the turning of internal wheels of thought.

"The route we took gettin' he-ah from Rembah passed near to that area, Professah Clarke," she said, words risen up from the depths of thought to bring form to her musing.  "In the midst of that crossin' we encountered a necromancer.  Had t' put him down.  And from the looks of his habitation, we all were under the impression that he was fixin' t' resurrect himself his own little army.  So it seemed."

"Had himself some books too.  We took them with us."  She leaned forward at the waist as her gaze went from first one person to the next.  "Lissa, did you have those books?  Or was it you, Zassil?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Fri 24 Sept 2021.
Merrick Tane
player, 255 posts
Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 02:16
  • msg #21

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

"While they are searching for books," Merrick quips playfully, "maybe you can elaborate on something that has always escaped me.  What is the difference between grave robbing and archeology," he askes with a teasing bluntness.  "For the one you are digging through burial sites and claiming the belongs of those long dead; for the other you are digging through burial sites and claiming the belongings off those long dead...." he trailed off meaningfully.

"I mean, is it just not graverobbing if some rich Duke says it's not?  Because then I need to get myself a better class of friends," he chuckled.
Chester Benjamin Clarke
NPC, 13 posts
Professor of History
Archeologist
Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 02:47
  • msg #22

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

"You encountered a necromancer on the road?" Clarke's eyebrows rose in surprise but he quickly recovered, "Of course there are many magickers who make a study of necromancy.  But raising an army you say?  Most intriguing...I would be interested in hearing more.  Especially in any recovered tomes you have."

He turned to Merrick, glanced briefly toward Lissabytta, then answered, "Chiefly, the difference between the two lies less in the act and more in the intent.  A grave robber seeks to enrich only themselves.  Artifacts are taken to be sold to collectors for profit.  Laws and customs tend to be ignored in the process."

"An archeologist, on the other hand, works under the approval or direction of authority.  Their finds are catalogued for study, so that all can share in them." Professor Clarke turned back to Lissa while finishing, "It is a very important distinction."
Lissabytta D'Argento
player, 202 posts
Just a moment, Pliny the
Elder says those are ...
Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 04:05
  • msg #23

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Lissa smiled easily, though the topic obviously was contentious.  "Mister Tane," she noted simply, "is a champion of the people; he specializes in thinking as they do, Professor.  His question is, of course, thought-provoking - and offers a certain rhetorical flourish.  But, the same could be said for any act: intent is key.  For example, when, if ever, is the slaying of another justified?"  Her light tone, simply meant that she intended the conversation to move on; and as a reminder, for they had all just engaged in killing a lot of sentients (whether or not those individuals had meant to do them harm) - and had actually been handsomely rewarded for it.

Her hand was already fishing around in her backpack when Bunny ... er ... Annie had prompted her companions to produce the tomes in question.  "Well," the blonde scholar offered, even as she began to offer the tome to Clarke, "There were two and we split them up for ...  uh,... safe-keeping.  That way both could not be lost with just one individual."

But first she opened the volume and pointed to what appeared to be the title page.  "I started to peruse the text, Professor...." Lissabytta ventured, "I've never seen this particular volume of The Art of Necromancy before.  If my Abyssal is up to scratch, I believe it is purported to be the second volume ... I've only ever seen the third and fourth volumes catalogued in the restricted stacks back at Barrun."  And with that, she pushed the open volume towards her old mentor for him to verify.

Then she glanced towards Zassil to see if he was forthcoming with the spellbook.

Lissa was ready to relate their encounter with the Necromancer in whatever detail required (and desired) by her old teacher since she trusted the old academic parent more than she trusted her own biological father with such information.  "The encounter was indeed harrowing, Professor.  The man had been gathering resources for some time.  And had conscripted ... or perhaps cowed ... some of the local ogres into his ranks.  They were bold enough to try and take over the mountain route between Rembar and Arnia."

"Luckily," she added with visible relief, "they were unsuccessful..." She didn't say anything (yet) about their part in that action.
Claissa Silver
player, 174 posts
Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 04:24
  • msg #24

Re: Chapter 2: Passages and Professors

Claissa was dressed up appropriately for a meeting with a renowned scholar, the result of her magical item enabling her to dress for any occasion. She'd also had a pleasantly restful night after their time on the road, so she was looking quite refreshed for this meeting.

It didn't give her any actual insight on academics, though, as it wasn't particularly her strong suit. Actual necromancy she could speak on; history touching on it not so much. She supposed she'd be working security on this outing, which suited her fine if the price was right. "So what sort of forest are we heading into? What's the ecology like there?" she asked as she looked at the map.
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