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Entry tags:
An Early and Mid-Ieneuer Variety Post
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).
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).
no subject
And what would the actual crafting of an item have to do with the cycle of day or night? Tilting his head, Elidibus asks a question. "I imagine it couldn't hurt to ask. And I don't know what the day or night cycle has brought to mind," the man offers her a half-grin. "But if you are looking for a customer and are capable of handling leather goods, I know I for one would have an order which could not be easily filled by others."
It's not like the Ascian is a mind reader after all. But at least he's sincerely curious about what the Warrior of Light is speaking of.
no subject
"Oh-- wait, I guess I never actually told you," she says, hesitating for a long moment. Her weight shifts, one hand finding her ponytail and combing fingers through it. "I'm nocturnal. Always have been, but now more than ever, since I became a vampire. I'm actually running on barely any sleep right now, if that tells you anything."
The world doesn't stop for the nocturnal just because they can't get out of bed. She perks up at the mention of an order, though, her ears twitching and expression brightening. "But I work with leather, yes. What are you thinking?"
no subject
Especially as the miqo'te reveals something he'd not yet learned, by way of her Monster identity. A vampire would explain the rigid nocturnal schedule, from what he's learned. A bloodsucking creature of the night and a Mirrorbound who experienced a form of 'death'.
Elidibus is well-practiced enough not to smile a bit over how fitting that seems for the Warrior of Light of the Source. Irhya may not be the one he recognizes, but that doesn't mean he is entirely above a small moment of pettiness by proxy. Ah, but he's likely expected to respond like Ardbert, isn't he?
"I.. see." Elidibus blinks and seems to look at Irhya with new regard. "...Well I suppose that does explain matters. And why you were just beginning your day when we first met." He follows with a brief chuckle. "Or night, I should say."
But nocturnal schedules should not in any way stop a crafter. And when Irhya perks up at the suggestion he might have a work order for her, Elidibus does continue to speak of the matter.
"As you are aware, I arrived in Aefenglom with an amaro. And since you mentioned Seto and some familiarity with my world, I am thinking you may have better insight on what is needed in regards to a proper saddle and bridle." Elidibus grins in a good-natured way. "Even the halter I have is something they modified when I first arrived. And since I don't relish the thought of flying with no more than feathers to hold on to, it is a matter of some importance."
Elidibus tilts his head to the side, still watching the miqo'te's reaction. "I can aid in the procurement of the materials needed. And though I'm looking for something practical in this instance, should you be willing to pursue the use of your skills to earn a wage, perhaps some time can be spared for a second, more decorative design to attract attention to your skillset."
Maybe Irhya will be too keen on nerding over the prospect of saddle-making and crafting to pick up on the way Elidibus is sort of sliding between a more Ardbert way of speaking and one more Elidibus-like this time?
no subject
"Yes, that would be doable. I grew up near a chocobo stable, so I'm familiar with saddles and the making of them. Though..." she pauses to cast him a sly look, "are you trying to suggest I'm not getting paid for this?"
It seems like she's just needling him for the sake of it, regardless of his identity. Most craftsmen don't even make things for their friends or family for free upon request, after all.
no subject
When she seems willing to continue pleasantly- in a manner of speaking- he's willing to continue on course as if she hadn't. There really wasn't anything to indicate, as Irhya speaks, that she wasn't just sizing him up as though evaluating whether he was playing her for free work.
Which, in fact, he certainly wasn't. The Emissary lifts his hands in a gesture of hurried dismissal. "What... of course not! Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of what we're talking about just now?" Lowering his hands, the man then crosses his arms over his chest. His expression does have a bit of a sly, albeit cheerful look and keenly he looks upon the miqo'te.
"Though I would expect any materials I provided would not be included in the final cost. As for the more showy piece..." A hand is raised and dropped in a gesture of concession. "It depends on if you decide you are interested in advertisement. I wouldn't normally require fancy barding." This is likely true whether this was Elidibus or not. "So some further compensation toward the price of it just to have my amaro wear the thing and tell people about it?" Especially aristocratic people who would be the main draw for fancy leatherwork and craft.
no subject
In this case, perhaps she should stay away from the usual floral and stick to something more abstract...? He doesn't seem like much of a person for flowers. She takes a moment to envision it before returning to reality.
"Yes, I can make it work. I'll check what I already have and let you know what I need, and we can go from there. I'm thinking an additional strap behind the main cinch will keep the saddle on taut like you want, but I'll have to take a few measurements so it doesn't accidentally hinder any movements."
no subject
But since we only have Elidibus here... nothing is said, since no hint is given that flowers were even considered this time around. "I'll leave it to you what to choose." But the saddle should certainly be a practical thing. The Ascian nods his head to acknowledge the need for an extra strap. And especially for measurements. "I'm sure we can find someplace meet so you can have those measurements done."
Particularly important, if Irhya has never specifically made an amaro's saddle. Their wing placement and span, and their whole body conformation are different from a chocobo's after all. He looks around the shop again. There really doesn't appear to be anything attracting his attention other than the piano earlier. "You still have my watch information, I expect? Given you mentioned earlier having limited time, I should not take more of it this afternoon."
Focusing on Irhya again, Elidibus has a faint smile. "I myself should be returning soon. My friend can be a little irritable about unexpected delays." He most certainly will not be mentioning that he was delayed by chatting with the Warrior of Light to Lahabrea though.
no subject
She waves to him, her mind already sorting through design choices, when it occurs to her what she could do. Not only would it be pretty (in her opinion), but it'd be a gamble that would decisively tell her whether this person is Ardbert or Elidibus. One worth taking, she thinks; at least if it's Ardbert, he won't take it too terribly. She can be forgiven for being extra cautious, right? Considering the circumstances...
"I'll contact you when I have a better idea of what I'll need. Until then!"