middaeg | ( closed ) into the woods

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( closed ) into the woods

Who: Dorian Pavus & Alucard
When: Ieneur, before the new moon.
Where: The Forest of Eyes
What: Being model citizens and pitching in with more of that dark magic cleanup!
Warnings: None so far, will update if necessary.

[It’s not the first time Dorian has come to the Forest of Eyes to lend his aid, but he has to admit that the reason isn’t entirely altruistic. There’s something about the place that holds a certain fascination for him; the magic used here had been wicked, dark enough to scar the land, and those who lived in and around Dorchacht were still struggling with its lasting effects. While the magic itself is not something he wishes to replicate, the opportunity to find a way to expunge it and break it down to its component parts is an interesting one— academically, if nothing else.

The primary reason for coming out this way is to help the Wilders, and Dorian and his companion— for it seemed wiser to bring someone along for this particular outing, and Brennan was busy elsewhere— are far from the only people to answer the call. While many volunteers were actively involved in training with the WIlders and helping to set traps, Dorian had been unable to resist the opportunity to venture into the Forest of Eyes once more.

The tree he approaches now is in poor shape, with too many unnatural eyes budding from its trunk and weeping black ichor, but the expression he adopts is thoughtful rather than repulsed, reaching out with a gloved hand to let spread fingers hover just a few inches away from it. While in no hurry to touch it, the energy it radiates is sinister, strong for something said to be residual.]

This place looks just as dreadful as the last time I came. It would seem the efforts to clean up Morgana Drummond’s mess have not been so fruitful as those putting in the time might hope.

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[Alucard has come out here twice before. The first time was due to curiosity, having heard tell of what the land looked like and wishing to confirm it for himself. The second was due to his need to simply not be in a city. He'd come to accept that he was never going to truly be comfortable in a space with so many others around him, and there was always a reason to leave.

Both times he left, Alucard's mind turned to home. What sort of recovery effort Wallachia was undertaking in the aftermath of Dracula and his nighthoards, both as far as the population went and with regards to the landscape. Doubtlessly there were farmlands devastated by loss of people and land. Doubtlessly this would reflect in so many harvests yet to come. There was no quick comeback from such a situation.

He hangs back a pace from the tree, the eyes of the forest stirring those thoughts of home yet again.]

Did you expect it to be? [The question is genuinely curious, but Alucard's tone is far too somber.] I'd be surprised if this place recovered within a generation from a scar this deep.

Not remarkably so, perhaps, but I had thought we might see some change.

[A frown pulls at his lips, and his hand drops away from the trunk as he looks back over his shoulder and towards his companion.]

Powerful magic has a way of leaving its mark, for good or for ill. The use of ley lines to purge what has been left behind has lessened its hold, somewhat, but the very feeling of dread in the air remains as strong as it was more than two months ago. No wonder it has served as a beacon for Shades.

[Alucard finally moves in closer, walking past Dorian and all but shoving his nose up against the tree. Near one of the eyes to be exact, and he might as well be having a staring contest with it for how still he's gone.]

They're scavengers, picking on a corpse that's only just begun to decay.

[It seems an apt metaphor, and then Alucard reaches out a gloved hand to run over the trunk of the tree itself. There's no outward sign of spellcasting from him, only a thoughtful noise.]

To speed things up I imagine that there would need to be a near automatic way to purge the lines. Something that reacts to a set level and activates a spell without anyone having to be around to do the work.

[Never let it be said that Alucard is shy about investigating danger. Dorian turns to watch him with a certain degree of approval, folding his arms across his chest as his own expression turns thoughtful.]

That would certainly be doable, I imagine, though take a great deal of development.

[Though brief, there is a note of frustration in his voice.]

Were I back home, I would be able to contribute to such a method without pause. Here, I have had to start from the ground up— as have we all.

[Alucard pauses at that, looking over his shoulder at Dorian. There's a thought, and he's very careful to proceed with it.]

Consider how you'd go about it were you home then and tell me. What I've learned is that much of what one is used to can be done with the magic here, it is only a matter of translating the metaphorical system accordingly.

Mm...

[It's a thoughtful hum of consideration, rather than dismissal. What would he have done at home? The resources available to him there might not carry over, but it's entirely possible he could get someone within the Coven to help him find what he needs.]

It would take some theoretical deconstruction of the spell currently in place to fully work out how to counter it, but all that requires is time and study. For the method itself, it would require a focus, a catalyst— something to be bespelled and put in place to hold those counter-measures together.

[Simple in theory, but far more difficult in execution. That said, he's hardly afraid of a challenge.]

For something of this magnitude, however, we might be looking at a network of such catalysts— a single staff or amulet or stone might be enough for a single spell, but this magic is as deep as it is dark. It would be no casual undertaking, but if enough minds were to bold enough, it could certainly be done. It would require close study of dark magic that many here seem afraid to even speak of. The best way to defeat any enemy is to understand its inner workings.

[Alucard draws himself up from his hunched over position, abandoning the scars on the land for now. Listening to theories of magic in that position is not comfortable, thank you.

But in it, well, there's a lot that's interesting. He can't poke for more information and insight into Dorian's world and how magic works there, but he can follow this particular process easily enough.]

Hm. A network could be tied to such a catalyst, and perhaps the spells inscribed thereupon could activate at certain depths. They could be set up as a grid, to force a few failsafes in case one spell falls.

[But Dorian's not wrong about how careful and little experimentation is done with this sort of magic. There has to be a correct angle.]

Ideally if we ask to translate this idea, the individual would have to be open minded to the idea of studying such things, if not versed in elements of them already. I'm afraid I'm not terribly well networked with the coven.

[Alucard's studied, but he's a loner by nature and by choice.]

[He gives a nod of approval as a genuine smile pulls at one corner of his mouth, pleased that Alucard seems interested in further discussion rather than shying away, as many might. Regardless of where you are, Dorian has found, little progress is ever made by playing it safe. Innovation requires bold strokes and the willingness to carefully walk a line many fear to tread close to.]

Considering I'm still rather new to this place, I'm not as well-networked as I would like, either, but something like that is easily remedied. I've done my time among academics, socialites and politicians alike. There's a great deal of overlap where I come from.

[Tevinter places a high premium on blood purity, political strength and magical ability. While navigating Tevinter society could be something of a nightmare, Dorian is certain that getting on good terms and seeking out the right sort of people within the Coven will be a piece of cake in comparison— one of those tiny decorative ones that Josie liked.]

An undertaking like this would certainly take time, but all things that are worth doing do. I'm certain there must be others who understand the need to push limits in situations like these.

[Alucard has to cringe a little at the idea of academic, social, and political spheres overlapping that much.] That sound uncomfortable at best.

[It is more a mutter than anything else, and Alucard can't help it. Academic work in his family is practically monastic, between his and his father's preferences for isolation. Only his mother really did practical work, never mind was generally better at people than either one of the dumb vampire men in the family.]

If you're adept, then you might be the better one to try and make those inroads, as I am...[Alucard decides that trailing off is honestly better. Let Dorian fill in the blank as he likes.] I can help refine theories and do research that can then be presented. But we might need to gather more data first.

[Not that there's a lack of places to gather data from. Alucard's gaze moves to the world around them.]

Or perhaps, decide on what data needs to be gathered in the first place.

[Tevinter is A Lot, to put it gently. Though Dorian does catch that quiet mutter, the only response he gives is a soft "hmph" of approval with a faint, lopsided smirk. "Uncomfortable" is certainly one way to put it, and one he won't necessarily argue. For as much as he loves his homeland, it is undeniably a hot damn mess even at the best of times.]

I'll certainly do my utmost; I wasn't born this charming for nothing, after all. I can't say I'm surprised that you're not similarly inclined.

[He does manage not to laugh, but yes, it's been made fairly obvious to him that Alucard isn't a people person.]

More information will make our case stronger when we present it, either way. How sensitive are you to magic?

Oh, is it that obvious?

[Yes, Alucard. It absolutely is, and he seems to know it in spite of how genuine he seems to make the question sound.]

But sensitive enough and coupled with scientific training. My father pursued both arts in equal measure along with engineering, the last being a particular skill of mine. [Because sometimes you make an entire steampunk crypt under a random Wallachian city.] Will that suffice?

You do play the shrinking violet rather well.

[His smile pulls to one side; at least Alucard seems to have a good sense of humor about his own inclinations.]

However, I do think that will do quite nicely. Though it's been a few months, I am not quite as in-tune with this world's magic as I would like— not yet— and while I'm certain I'll be able to pick up on some things, it never hurts to have a second opinion. May I ask what you've chosen to specialize in, here?

Bold of you to assume that it's act and that I don't have a natural preference.

[Alucard's become better at understanding how he comes off to others. Sure, he's still the deep icy well that Sypha so rightly described in the past, but there's some ice water in the mix these days.]

Mostly I've specialized in recovering my natural abilities from home, which are combat related. Of late though, I have tried to focus on what might pair well with engineering and construction, where my other skills happen to lie. In practice, that means a combination of alchemy and transmutation, with a slight bias towards transmutation.

Where has your focus begun to narrow on?

Very clever, seeking to practice magic that pairs well with practical skills.

[The possibilities offered by such a combination are nearly endless, he should think; magic itself is little more than intent made manifest, at least as he's always seen it, which means there are truly few limits to what the most dedicated could be capable of.]

I've done similarly— worked to regain what I can from what I lost. I can hardly remember a time before magic; going without it for any length of time was simply not an option. My focus has largely been evocation— offensive spells— but I've an interest in enchantment, as well. Given that my personal specialty is banned here— and admittedly a different beast in this world— I've sought to broaden my horizons.

It's the only rational choice at hand, is it not?

[Alucard is sure that there are other approaches that would work just as well for whoever was using them, but they aren't him. He grew up with a father versed in magic and science, and a mother who wanted to bring the latter to the world. Magic engineering? That just seems like the only possible end point in a place like this.]

You used necromancy for combat? [That's...fascinating in fact, and Alucard's eyebrows rise with genuine interest.] If you don't mind my asking, if only to give some paths to pursue, what is it about your specialty that attracts you to it so much?

Indeed. If I had such skills myself beyond magic, I might have sought to do the same, but my strengths are largely— academic.

[Which means magic theory and finding ways to push the boundaries of what magic can do take up a fair amount of his attention. Necromancy back home had certainly allowed him to walk that dangerously thin line.]

Well, to be perfectly honest, the initial draw was that it was shocking.

[He smiles knowingly; it had gotten a rise out of his father, at least.]

More seriously, it became obvious to me over time that spirits long to be a part of the world— even if only for a few minutes, whether they once lived it in or have been forced to watch from beyond the Veil.

Given the situation we find ourselves in, that's a massive asset.

[Alucard's no researcher, he'll readily admit that. He's smart, he can pick up theory quickly, but it isn't a preoccupation in the same way that it can be for others. Give him time to do practical work instead, even if it's just calculations for some project.

He's actually much, much more interested in the answer to necromancy. He's dealt with Hector's take on the matter before, and Alucard knows that he has too much bias with the other man. In comparison, he likes Dorian, and the man seems to have a measure of thought and ethics put into the work that Alucard actually agrees with.

The last part is what really has his attention. There's a long, thoughtful noise made, and Alucard tilts his head just a bit to process it all.]

So in performing this sort of magic, there's an element of helping the dead as well, if they are so interested in the experience. [That spirits might wish to be in the physical world makes perfect sense.] When that happens, are there any emotions that come through the connection?

[Oh, he hopes you like info-dumps, Alucard, because he really does love the sound of his own voice, especially when talking about subjects he finds so fascinating.]

Indeed it has— though I will confess, not always. There are times in the heat of battle when it's helpful to reanimate a fallen enemy just long enough to protect oneself, but that's a touch different. No lasting damage, no spirits involved. As for emotions, there are often some at play. Spirits who are angry or vengeful and wish to rise up against their foes, or simply those who wish to take corporeal form for awhile. It brings many of them a sense of peace, or allows them to process that they are no longer of our world.

[His smile turns just a touch self-deprecating, quirking to one side as he folds his arms across his chest.]

It is tricky business, I must admit. Not all spirits are created equal, and there are many who would prey on mages like me. Any dalliance with a spirit should always be temporary— no contracts, no lasting bonds, and there is a world of difference between the whisper of someone who once lived in our realm and passed on, and those that are their own sort of being. The latter have a nasty habit of becoming demons and turning mages into abominations by hollowing them from the inside out. We like to avoid that, whenever possible. Bad for your health, you know.

[AS A MATTER OF FACT HE DOES. Alucard's a fuckin nerd at heart, he likes learning about other magic systems even if he sort of kind of is super sure that most times necromancy is forbidden with legitimate reason. Or you're a stupid forgemaster who helps your dad try and destroy all of Wallachia, but that's highly specific to Hector.

The dhampir listens carefully, nodding along. His understanding of the art is bound with what was in Dracula's library, which rather unsurprisingly focused on the worst things one could do with raising the dead. So you know, creating armies, mass destruction, making the Church panic and so on. What Dorian's describing isn't exactly a kinder, softer version of necromancy, but instead a different angle with a far greater emphasis on the spirits involved.]

The processing element is something I've not encountered before. [And from Alucard's tone, he has a little bit of wonder and respect for it. There's a specific person he's thinking of, but that's a little too personal to share.] The potential for disaster less so, that part I've read about time and again.

[Read but never witnessed, because necromancy was minimal when Alucard's mother was alive and quite frankly, his father was too skilled as a mage to fuck up. Dracula did take a full year to raise an entire army from hell and supplemented it with two necromancers on hand, after all.]

Bad for one's health indeed. Are they kept out through sigils and ritual, or is there a greater nuance to the art? In the cases I'm familiar with, the demons are often the point.

That, I'm afraid, is a far more complicated question than you may realize.

[There's a faint edge to his voice, though his smile persists; indeed, that very hazard is what has defined mages and how the rest of society treats them in most of the world for centuries now. Tevinter's Circles were nothing like those in the south, schools rather than what many would regard as prisons, but even there, precautions were taken.]

It's a risk for any mage, regardless of what they practice, simply by being born. They learn to control their power, but even those who are not prone to temptation and making deals with those they ought not to— accidents do happen.

[It's never pretty when they do.]

It wasn't long before I came here that the southern nations were overtaken by a war between mages and those who would see them struck down because of what they might do.

[Alucard's face is suspiciously straight faced as he listens. He's not talked about his experience with what happens with an accusation of witchcraft at home, but it's absolutely on his mind.

Accidents, sure. But what they might do. Something a little more horrified flashes in his eyes, and his tone is exceedingly grim when he does speak.]

So mages and witches are murdered for the matter of hypotheticals no matter where. Wonderful.

[Dorian's usual levity fades away; even when discussing something uncomfortably somber, it's not unusual for him to smile or use sarcasm to make his way through, but this topic is close enough to his heart that he cannot help but mirror Alucard's own expression without quite meaning to.]

I'm sorry to hear that sort of thing is universal.

[He had hoped it wouldn't be.]

Witches do seem to have a better time of it here, I'll admit, but my experiences in this world are limited, thusfar.

Learning the extent of the universality has been a constant disappointment.

[Well, now the mood's killed. Alucard can't quite move past the sudden blanket of total buzzkill that's been dragged to this conversation, even as he tries to muscle past it.]

I've been here over a year. A better time of it is a fair assessment, as magic is simply part and parcel of life here and accepted. Nothing to hide, which is admittedly a nice change of pace. I can't say I've felt comfortable in cities ever due to my nature [fangies, he means] but to know it won't paint an immediate target on my back has been nice.

As so many things often are.

[The mood may be less than what it was, but Dorian still manages a wry smile and a quirk of his lips, able to find a way to make light of even the most dire of situations. Unpleasant though it may be, he’s gotten rather used to taking such things on the chin over the years.]

It does take all sorts here. Comforting, to an extent. More places could stand to be so welcoming, though I know the city isn’t without its troubles. There’s still something of a divide, but one many seem to have made peace with.

[And there are many who have it worse than fangies, he’s noted.]

Somehow, you don’t seem the sort to let such discomfort bother you overmuch.

[Again, very clearly not a people person.]

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( closed ) into the woods

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