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

[notbert]

Obviously there is something. How much more frightening would it be, to experience the Ascian's 'presence' in his natural state? At least here there is something. The smell of leather and fur, the earlier mentioned traits of a corporeal body. Probably not someone you readily go anywhere within the current climes of the city.

"Yes, I am familiar with the place," Elidibus has been lurking around for some time now. Of course, he's gained an idea of the surroundings. "It will serve well enough for a place to converse. And afford you a sense of security."

He has read about fauns, too. This emissary sounds indifferent to the matter. Confidence, arrogance, or simply holding his cards close. Elidibus seeks to give no hint. Though it is true at least half the indifference is a habit.

"I will follow soon." This much likely needs no explanation. Even setting aside the possibility he might be intentionally remaining still (he's not), the two of them traveling together to a new location risks discovery. The current place had been chosen. If they arrived at the park separately, it could be construed as coincidence, provided they did not walk side by side.

He doesn't leave right away. Elidibus is still there, waiting and probably watching Myr and the worm for their reaction. As for names? There will not be any judgment there. While Elidibus may be a definition of what he is, his duty and very sense of being, it is not a name. Nor is 'Ardbert', even if he intended to give that at the end of this discussion.

[faithlikeaseed]

Ah, well. So Elidibus knows enough about Fauns to render Myr's ploy transparent--that's discomfiting, but not enough to make him call it off.

He gives a brusque nod of acknowledgment to the other man's words, perceiving the intent behind them. It's smart. Careful. "Very well. Come on, Crookytail."

This last is directed to the wormipede with him; Myr gives her a gentle pat on the back to get her moving when she'd linger to study Elidibus with faint suspicion. Soon enough the odd pair is disappearing around the far corner of the street, headed off to the park.

It isn't a long walk--not even long enough for a Faun's anxious instincts to take over and give him cold hooves. Myr takes his time selecting a place for their meeting, feeling his way around the fountain for somewhere that seems to have a proper amount of concealing foliage. He's likely still about the task when Elidibus arrives--there not being anything, in these depths of winter, that quite meets a Faun's needs.

[notbert]

There will be no remark on the name Crookytail. Not one. There will also be no aggressive moves once Myr chooses to follow the suggestion that he leave first. Elidibus watches the two retreat. It will be a fair bit of time before he follows. Though of course, this will be from another direction entirely.

Ah, winter. It's cold, 'foliage' is in the form of brambles and nude hedgerows. And the fountain, being a feature and something one doesn't generally cover with hardy specimens, may be lacking. But there are trellises and various support structures which can be used to block if not the chill of the wind, then immediate recognition of those who stand around or behind it.

And while Elidibus might arrive before the faun has found something suitable, he does not immediately approach. Instead, he chooses to patiently observe- hopefully from some range where the wormipede doesn't take immediate notice of his presence- the decisions Myr makes for a place worthy of a dangerous conversation with a stranger.

Myr will be given time to settle himself. The Ascian's plans do not include overtly startling the faun too much that the quarry will flee. Though keeping the target off balance a bit will not be remiss.

[faithlikeaseed]

Given she hasn't got a tail (or is all tail, depending on how one chose to conceptualize a wormipede's anatomy), let alone a crooky one, it's certainly a mystery of a name.

Not one Myr would ordinarily have trouble explaining, at least, under comfortable and congenial circumstances.

These circumstances are neither. It pricks at the stag's instincts that Myr cannot find cover he likes to sit beneath, even when he gives up his own stubborn pride and mutters a word to the wormipede to request her help. She leaves off measuring the wall around the fountain with her antennae to lead him to a bench beneath the trellises, nudging at his legs with her flanks to keep him on the right path. He locates the bench, takes his staff off his back, and settles down with it across his lap.

Slim protection, but not none. The wormipede curls up by his hooves after a moment of surveying their surroundings, keeping her own vigil as her Faun simply waits in ears-cocked silence for Elidibus to arrive.

(Or not arrive, as the case may be. There may be danger Myr can't see that would warrant aborting their appointment.

Which, he confesses in himself, would not be a terrible thing.)

[notbert]

A seeing-eye wormipede? Surely there's been odder, but Elidibus can't think of anything. More importantly either Myr doesn't know he's being watched or he's very good at acting, so the Ascian gets a chance to observe the interaction and other mannerisms of the faun.

It also gives him a chance to make sure Myr didn't call on backup when he traveled alone to their meeting. Or that they had been followed. Haaah. So many things to keep track of, when stuck in a mortal body.

Footsteps again approach a short while after the wormipede and Myr settle in place. Long enough to get comforted. Not so long as to feel any relief that the meeting may be aborted after all. Crookytail will be given due consideration when challenging personal space. But Elidibus will not allow this discussion to be any more in the open than it already is in the locale they've changed to. Which is to say he will stop next to the bench. Regard the worm. Step over its non-crooky tail if he must and settle into a seat beside Myr. There is a distance spaced between the faun and the witch. But the creature calling himself Elidibus has concluded that this is the best arrangement.

"I am pleased to see you are willing to continue our discussion." By showing up and by staying and... well it doesn't matter whether Myr simply seeks to get more details on the potential threat Elidibus poses. "Shall I repeat my request?

He will if requested. 'I wish to query you on the nature of the Evergreen Circle. What, pray, can you tell me of it?'. Perhaps paraphrased this time, but that was the original query.

[faithlikeaseed]

Crookytail is, among other things, a polite wormipede. She does not attempt to get in Elidibus' personal space, nor does she impolitely lift her back to trip him as he steps over her. She does, though, sit up when he has passed to pat at him once, twice with her long antennae. Taking his measure--quite literally--as it were, before resuming her comfortable resting coil.

Her Faun sits up straighter at the sound of someone joining him on the bench; the scent--and then the voice--tell him right off that he has not evaded his appointment with the Emissary. So, then: Time to trust this isn't going to get him into trouble with an Evergreen Circle partisan.

"I remember it, messere Emissary, but thank you." For offering to remind him. This encounter's strange enough he's already laying down the pertinent pieces of it in his memory tower (statue of an envoy in the Tevinter style, hand outstretched with a wreath of green in it).

"They are, so far as I've gathered, adherents of a Witch named Cillian Alder. He's charismatic, intelligent, and deeply fixated on study of the Cwyld in ways the Coven finds too dangerous to permit. He and his followers believe it an opportunity for mystic or transcendental experience. Many of them are aristocrats, though they permit Monsters in their midst--in fact, seem to welcome them the way the highborn here often don't."

A pause. "They've been called a cult, though I find little to recommend that name to them. What they're doing has very little to do with religion; I suspect they've latched onto one of the only mysteries they've got to fill the vacuum of belief. They seem horribly earnest about it. How much of that is due to magical persuasion I've yet to determine."

There. He curls his hand more tightly around his staff as he makes an end of speaking, ears turning this way and that as he listens to their surroundings. He probably has not just signed his own death warrant, but a Faun's instincts do not rest.

[notbert]

This investigative patting of his legs is allowed to pass unobstructed. Crookytail is not particularly invasive after all and merely performing what seems to be a vital function for the faun. However unconventional, the relationship is nevertheless recognizable.

Would that all the worlds' blind mortals could have a seeing eye(stalk?) worm.

And far be it for Elidibus to compare himself to the creature curled at their feet, but he has certainly been a guide for those blind creatures which call themselves mortal men before. There is as little sound as there was before. Well, perhaps it is accurate to say the sounds are different. There might be distant voices of a couple laughing. And the wind plays over the winter remains of foliage differently than it had on the deserted street earlier. The figure beside Myr is now closer through his seat on the bench. So maybe warmth can be felt and even breathing can be heard. Calm, not at all anxious. But at least a presence to suggest a living being belongs to the voice.

"A cult need not be veneration to a false God, though it is true many words are defined poorly. Moreso, wherein peoples of different eras and worlds oft collide. Perhaps this is one such case, where a word universally recognized can apply to one group. However haphazardly."

It's okay Elidibus. You can just say 'for simplicity's sake cult could be used to define the group'.

"So you are aware of the methods they will utilize to ensure the cooperation of their members." The answer is mild and non-judgmental. And wholly lacking in any suggestion that having this knowledge is a good or bad thing for Myr's future. There are no sounds of others approaching. Elidibus seems to bear no malice. Perhaps it will be alright, for now.

The sound of his words grows distant in the way one does when turned away from the speaker. Elidibus has also looked around, as mindful of their surroundings as the faun, though not allowing this to derail the matter at hand. "Perhaps you are more familiar with such matters than I. But I have often observed it is easier to curry favor from those who stand in a position often regarded as 'lesser' within society's norms."

More pawns among the disenfranchised than among the elite. Though that's not to say there is no merit in pursuing tools amongst the highborn. Elidibus knows firsthand how to create opportunities from both sides of the scale.

"Given their methods, I suspect some wariness given the nature of fauns. Yet I observe some few, outside of yourself, have become quite proactive in support of the Circle's activities."

It is a statement, certainly. But it is also a question.