An Early and Mid-Ieneuer Variety Post

[notbert]

Who: Elidibus and you, Elidibus and Myrobalan Shivana, Elidibus and Jin Zixuan. (Closed or Open will be marked)
When: First Half of Ieneuer/January with some overlap to second Half
Where: Various Aefenglom Locales
What: Cult Observations, New Moon, Other Adventures or Casual Encounters
Warnings: Elidibus is a very cunning liar (both outright lies and truth by omission) and has no conscience about doing so to meet his goals and manipulate others. But he's also balancing this with an altruistic persona of 'Ardbert'. Other warnings to be updated as scenes progress.


i. New Moon (First New Moon!) - OPEN

Surely the onset of the new moon would be good reason to turn to pure study side of magic rather than practical. And that, Elidibus would say if it came up, is where one would be foolish not to take an opportunity to learn how to maintain spell work and control during a phase when they would be in their most powerful state. Routine practice is the key to establishing a good foundation.

Of course, this also shouldn't be done in an inappropriate location. That is why arrangements have been made, through trade of work or money earned or a combination of both. A wide area, indoors or out, with proper strong barriers provided by a scroll fashioned by a practiced Coven witch at their own height of lunar-infused power. It would keep spell craft where it belongs; properly within the arena and only a danger to the caster. Or anyone who dared join him.

You could be someone known to him and giving lesson or suggestions, even joining in on practice. Someone observing, or someone who heard the noise and was curious enough to investigate. There are ways to peek inside, though there would be signs warning of what's going on. Would you cross the line of the barriers- they are focused on keeping magic from ruining the outside world, not to keep people from passing through- to get a better view?

Elidibus is a man dressed as a warrior clad in leathers, scales and fur and with him is a massive axe. Very massive. And in this case, it's in use. Practicing magic? Well... yes, but why not technique at the same time? Holding the weapon in two hands before him, incantations are spoken, seeking to fuse magic into the blade as an enchantment. Whether it is the lack of time in Aefenglom to be fully under the sway of the new moon, or a prodigy in the making- perhaps a mix of these- the are few moments in which he loses control, relatively speaking. He's been preparing himself for this moment. And with recent events, a Bond he's recently made and likely not spoken of, this type of magic has come a bit... easier still.

But it still takes him no less than three tries to get a proper weaving with the correct level of magic energy. Two more to have the magic stick. His eyes close briefly to calm himself and gather his stamina. The axe, switched to one hand with the axe head very nearly touching the ground, seems held effortlessly despite its weight. It is no spell, other than the bare bones, mild enchantment on the weapon itself, but a tribute to the mortal body's strength. There are targets at the other end. Wood and densely packed straw, of course. Even a boulder, but it is the straw target that is aimed for first as he runs down the lane. The swing upward scrapes against the ground but is not slowed, even though an impressive scrape is left along the training ground. The weight of the axe and the angle of his body allow him to bring it around full force from the side.

The enchantment lasts until just after the swing cleanly cuts off the top of the straw like so much butter. As Elidibus spins around and brings it down overhand, it begins to carve from top down, though not nearly so finely. Oh there's no real stopping it, but the cut is ragged. Elidibus halts, bracing himself and using his other hand to keep his balance before jerking the axe clear. It would be evident that he stopped the flow of action, that there should have been more, but the lack of perceived success- maintaining the enchantment throughout the exercise- was seen as a reason not to continue.

A scroll is drawn out and words read off. The straw dummy restores itself. Though Elidibus' expression is grim and worn with the effort, it is not without determination. No time spent cursing, just a read of the restoration, putting away the scroll and stepping back to the starting point to try again.

The fact that as the new moon's influence wanes, this training will take a step back does not phase him. For now, he simply pushes forward. Or intends to, anyway. Various scorch marks of raw magic around the arena, particularly near the starting point, suggests he's already been at this awhile, to the assessment of those just arriving.


ii. Elidibus and Myrobalan Shivana (Cult Shenanigans) - CLOSED

Coming and going of cultists from meetings has been an interesting watch for Elidibus of late. Where they go, who they pair up with. And even what they are. There is a sense that something more than honest fervor is going on. He knows what to look for. He's whispered lies and half truths, guided and manipulated for eons. The speed in which one goes from doubting soul to staunch supporters of the Circle is more of the speed in which a mortal's aether can be enthralled by a Primal. Something... unnatural in its speed.

He has read several bestiaries by now. He knows the common traits of monsters, so when fauns are seen amongst the faithful, especially the most faithful, this is of particular interest to him. Are they truly enthralled? Do they pretend, or is someone making absolutely certain they are in this cult's sway. Elidibus was not going to approach them at first. But then, something changed and he espied a blind faun. It was an advantage, that the faun would not be able to visually recognize him and tell others whom to look out for it a discussion took a turn for the worst.

One day on Myr's path home- because yes, Elidibus did watch for a pattern for a day or so- when the faun was alone, there would be a quiet stretch of his journey wherein the sound of footfalls can be heard, just after the creak of a wooden post which Elidibus pushed himself away from before approach. "I would have a moment of your time, faun."

The voice is that of Elidibus himself, not his persona as "Ardbert. There is little outward emotion attached; a simple, calm politeness for the sake of civility. It is neither 'good' nor 'evil'. Elidibus stops his approach an appropriate distance away. The sound of the last footfall coming to a rest does suggest he is not blocking Myr's way. The faun can choose to move on, or not.


iii. Elidibus and Jin Zixuan (Cult Shenannigans) - CLOSED

Elidibus has been a presence for a few days. And it's not as though he'd been unaware that people here could actually see or hear or touch him. It shows in the places he waits. On a balcony he gained access to, casually leaning against the rail while eating an apple and watching the movements of those leaving a Circle meeting below. Or on ground level, turning from one road onto another that just happens to follow the route of some well-to-do cultists homeward. It's subtle enough. Mayhap even with the help of some purchased spell scroll to nullify detection, on occasion.

But he does not yet have the funds to do it every single time. Nor the skill to cast the spell on his own... yet. Still, there is the need for mundane practice. Today is one such day. And while he chose some people who were returning- on foot as carriages were difficult to follow without a spell to keep it from being exceedingly obvious- there are subtle clues to spot for the astute.

Like when the cloaked 'warrior' doesn't just continue on 'his' route when the group turns to another road. Rather a few steps later he momentarily pauses, as if calculating where to intersect them, before continuing forth and turning off a little further on. It was truly brief. Not everyone might have caught it. Yet, if someone keen of eye were watching. Or mayhap had noticed the tail begin on them and backtracked a bit to watch the suspect's actions once they turned on another road...


iv. Cult Observations - OPEN Elidibus does not plan to get deeply involved, being too cautious and new to Aefenglom. So no infiltration, no going out of the city without due preparation. But he is keen on collecting information. Eavesdropping anyone observed to be sneaking around (though not trying to eavesdrop directly ON the meetings), looking through records. Since he can no longer do this the old fashioned way (completely invisible to nearly everyone and just listening where he pleases), Elidibus, or 'Ardbert' as he's more publicly known, will be in a position to be seen or encountered. Or does he see you doing similar information gathering?


v. Other Exciting Adventures - OPEN Please contact Elidibus or PM through Discord Everyworker#8128 if you want to propose a scene or brainstorm a scene. I'm generally game for most any interactions! (e.g. though many of the above examples are serious tones, more casual scene ideas are welcome).

Comments

iii.

[disasterstraight]

Jin Zixuan had started his 'investigation' of sorts under the direction of the Coven, but the more meetings he attended, the more he started to understand the Evergreen Circle's perspective and their mission to save Geardagas. He wouldn't begin to claim to be an expert on the phenomenon that has plagued this world, but why should they not study the Cwyld? To attempt to understand it better, so that it can be used to their benefit instead of their detriment? Surely that would be better than expending all your futile efforts to simply beat it back from the gates of the city?

(He has no idea, of course, that this level of understanding he has achieved may have been, ahem, helped along by certain Circle witches.)

He finds himself among like minds in the Circle, and enjoys the times he spends with them. As such, when their meetings conclude, he lingers among his Circle comrades and takes perhaps a longer route home than is strictly necessary, talking in low, reverent voices about the brilliance of Cillian Alder's words that day. Ever vigilant, Jin Zixuan keeps his eyes open as they walk, knowing that the Circle has enemies everywhere. Thankfully, his keen harpy eyesight make spotting patterns as easy as taking a breath, so when the same cloaked figure appears to have followed their group from the main thoroughfare onto a smaller side street, Zixuan's attention is flagged.

Being the cocky showboat that he is, he decides to fend with this follower himself, and tells his Circle friends to continue on their way, he will take a different route home and meet up with them again at the next meeting. Instead of heading home, however, he ducks down an alley between two buildings, counting on their tail to follow the more well to do Circle members, and takes flight, ascending to the rooftops to follow their pursuer's path from above.

[notbert]

Fend away. And today, that is an armed cloak warrior, sporting a massive battle axe on his back that is nearly as high as himself. Well, armed individuals aren't unusual, but it's something to consider.

Elidibus has taken another road, but his calculation seems to be impressively accurate. He'll arrive a little while after those comrades past, glance their way briefly and continue forward, rather than turn to immediately follow. He intends to weave closer and overtake, finding a discreet high ground or dusky corner to catch parts of the conversation eventually. There's a moment where his steps slow before he passes through the crossroad. He then steps briskly on.

It's not that he's spotted Jin Zixuan by any means. It's that the vibrantly colored Mirrorbound harpy is no longer with the group. Elidibus is no fool to allow such an obvious departure from the group to be dismissed by simple coincidence. Where he had once been likely to follow the Circle members, he now seems to be picking a route that will take him back to far more public, crowded roads.

Zixuan will have time to act if he wishes to confront the man. Elidibus is limited by not being too obvious, given there's still a chance that the harpy had simply broken from his companions for reasons other than spying a tail.

[disasterstraight]

Interesting. Zixuan notes the pause in his step, the way he peels off from his original tail and heads in a direction with more crowds, more people to lose himself in.

Very interesting.

Of course, he won't be able to hide from Zixuan's sight, eyes focused in on him from above. He parallels the man's movement down the public road, realizing quickly that it must be him that the man is searching for. After all, with bright green feathers and robes of the finest gold silk, he does look rather conspicuous. Of course his absence would be noted. Oh, but this only makes their inevitable meeting that much more thrilling. It has been months since Zixuan was on a proper hunt. And while this isn't quite the same as going night hunting with other Lanling Jin disciples, it does feel nostalgic for Zixuan.

He follows long enough to get a sense of the man's general targeted direction, then lifts off the rooftops and flies ahead, being sure to fly low and slow enough that the man has no choice but to notice him. He coasts over to a small stone bridge connecting two sides of a small drainage ditch, sandwiched between rows of tall buildings on either side. A quiet enough place for a confrontation. He grasps Suihua's hilt tightly in his talonlike hand, not drawing the sword yet, but taking comfort in it's reassuring presence.

[notbert]

Searching for or looking to prevent an ambush by taking to the crowds. Escaping a harpy's sight, Elidibus knows, would be a challenging task in the best of circumstances. At least, not without the handle he'd once had on teleportation magicks before coming to this wretched Star.

No need to belabor what he simply does not have. And though it is true he kept an eye out for the harpy, when Zixuan made a purposeful display of greens and golds, Elidibus pauses long enough to look up and follow his progress. There is no surprise in his expression. But there is a half smile toward how clearly it is 'said' that an encounter is not to be avoided. He says something.

"If you insist." It's a casual, almost good natured tone, spoken at conversational level. Depending on the acuity of Zixuan's hearing and how low his flight truly is, it may even be heard. Regardless, Elidibus moves forward and does nothing to avoid the fated bridge. He's rarely one to avoid discourse.

The man takes his time to assess the area approached. Tall buildings, no witnesses thus far. A small bridge and a harpy, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Elidibus himself shows no sign of reaching for his own, pausing a number of steps away, yet still on the bridge. After a stray glance toward Zixuan's weapon, the warrior speaks.

"I do hope your invitation meant you wish to speak, good sir." See? Certainly civil. Almost friendly. But a sharp, blue-eye gaze is knowing and watchful. Elidibus doesn't show indication that he intends to hide what is obviously known by the both of them. He had been following.

[disasterstraight]

He knew he would come. He hadn't been sure, when he left the rooftops, but hearing that confirmation and then seeing the man stride up to the secluded bridge gives Zixuan a sort of smug satisfaction.

And-- to be fair, the only reason his hand is on his sword is just that it is not customary for him to carry his sword on any sort of belt or strap. Most cultivators where he comes from simply keep hold of their swords in their off hand, then draw them whenever they need to fight.

Which he hopes he will not have to do here.

"Was that your intention for following us? To speak with us?" His tone is accusatory, but still smug, as though he's figured out something that the other party doesn't know. Of course, he hasn't. He's only making snap judgements of someone based on observing their general appearance and some of their behavior for the past however many minutes since he noticed the man tailing them.

[notbert]

It's definitely a reasonable explanation. Elidibus may have simply spoke on the matter to set the tone. Break the ice if you will.

"Not necessarily I admit," the man offers with a light tone that belies the seriousness of their standoff. He keeps his arms at his sides. After all, given he might be a witch, any gesture could have implications.

"Rather, I wanted to observe. Whether it would be prudent to speak to you and your comrades or if I would learn what I wanted from your conversations." His tone is modulated to profess mild humor. "I hope you will find it reasonable to be somewhat cautious in the face of your Circle's ideas."

None of it is a lie. He did plan to observe. He would have approached if it proved the best option. He has no problem admitting he was planning to eavesdrop. And oddly, he does truly mean that he hopes Zixuan would find it reasonable to be cautious, given how differing the Circle is from the attitude in most of the city. He doesn't expect it to be found reasonable. Mortals rarely are calm about these sorts of matters.

[disasterstraight]

Jin Zixuan scoffs. "Only the lowest sort of man would admit that his intent was to eavesdrop on others." Such a thing shows a level of cowardice that Jin Zixuan wholly detests. Sure, he has learned plenty of information by eavesdropping on sensitive conversations happening around him-- such things were common practice in Carp Tower-- but he would never admit to it. Shameless acts were to be done in secret, or with as much discretion as one could muster. It was an unspoken rule in Zixuan's society that one did not talk about the unseemly deeds that rose them to their current status.

And Heaven knows the Lanling Jin had their fair share of unseemly deeds.

"Well? What is the result of your observation? Have you come to any satisfying conclusions?

[notbert]

"Those who made such rules have likely not," Elidibus offers dryly, "had to deal with harpies in Aefenglom." Your claims of cowardice and lacking manners have no effect on the man confronted, Zixuan, other than to have him point out the obvious as though to a child. The undercurrent of such an attitude is certainly not in the tone Elidibus uses. But the pragmatic lack reaction to the implication of stains on his honor as a man are definitely a part of it. There is definitely a feeling of a teacher speaking to a young student that could be construed if one were inclined to be a little hotheaded.

Elidibus smiles. "I was interrupted. Which is a shame, really. You all seemed to be speaking in such earnest." This does imply he hadn't heard much. But he isn't going to outright admit if he'd heard anything at all, either. "But since you've gone to the trouble of approaching me, I would ask questions of you, certainly."

He may have failed his initial aim. But the Ascian does tend to take advantage of any remnants of a ruined plan to gain some success in the end. "Have you been part of the Circle for long?" he asks. Almost... congenially one might say. As if they weren't standing there confronting one another for anything other than passing pleasantries.

[disasterstraight]

Zixuan's accusation of cowardice may have no effect on his pursuer, but the mysterious man's comment about harpies does earn a swelling of smugness from Zixuan. Seems like one of them is more easily swayed than the other, as stoic as he likes to pretend he is.

The tone shift into something masquerading as casual conversation would shake any lesser man, but Jin Zixuan was raised in the high society of Lanling, embedded in political intricacies from a young age, playing mediator between his warring parents to prevent scandal from erupting in Carp Tower even more than it already was wont to do. Between his philandering father and his controlling mother, and the all too nosey busybodies that fawned over the wealthy and prominent Jin Sect, Zixuan learned from an early age how to navigate the choppy waters of polite social interaction used to cover up more sinister motives.

"Not long. I will admit, I was as ignorant of the Circle's existence as you are, until very recently. But Alder and his fellows have been gracious enough to accept me into their fold, and I have been greedily making up for lost time."

[notbert]

Ah, a fellow mediator! Then, Jin Zixuan, do meet Elidibus, who has been a diplomat and mediator for well over ten thousand years. Not as if he would admit here that he is anyone but Ardbert, so long as he can avoid the harpy's keen insight to lies. At least he does mentally acknowledge the mortal's ability to keep his cool, for all the signs of increased smugness might tell of abundant pride.

Crossing his arms may seem like a defensive gesture. Elidibus seeks to appear in a more 'settled' manner. It would be hard for him to gesture for spellcraft without being extremely obvious about it now. And with his arms not loose, it may appear he wouldn't be able to reach his physical weapon as quickly.

"It would not be difficult for me to be ignorant as you say. I have yet to be here a moon after all," the man responds easily. Yes, play upon the harpy's sense of superiority by the suggestion he would not have the experience Zixuan does.

"And are you too one of the Mirrorbound? Or mayhap a native?" For Elidibus really is new here and the world (or rather worlds; he's very well-traveled) he has known have so much variety of mortal creatures with cultures and traits and ethnicities. It is difficult to tell. And it does interest him to know. Time will be given for Zixuan to answer before the man continues.

"I notice that a great deal of concern is toward the Circle's... lax attitude when approaching matters of the Cwyld. Would you enlighten me on the philosophy of your approach? It seems to lack any sense of precautions in the pursuit of further study." So many people becoming infected. It certainly seems a very slapdash form of 'intellectual study'.