middaeg | Quest 2 and catch-all [OPEN]

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Quest 2 and catch-all [OPEN]

Who: Cú Chulainn aka Caster and you
When: Quest prompts first half of the month, custom starters/wildcards can be for all of Deceuer
Where: Harbor for Quest
What: Quest 2 - The Tatto parlor in the making, and a Snow-In emergency
Warnings: none so far

I. Cleaning the place 1nd - 5th, 11th-15th

A)

[ The place Caster and Waver managed to rent is spacious, but unfortunately also very dirty. And in total disarray. It was once used as a tattoo salon, but as the original owner (named William) aged and found other hobbies it slowly turned into a mix of storage, game house... illegal distillery. The old man visits the shop occasional content to let the new generation clean it, sometimes striking a conversation with those who come to help. He was once a tattoo artist, you see, but then he went blind on the sea what a terrible story— ah, it's not like he can't see, the magically enhanced glasses are a godsend even if they did cost an arm and leg; but his hands turned shaky with age— ah, no, it's not a problem anymore, thank you, he got a Coven-made ointment for that they're steady now; as such continues the list of various stories and terrible injuries, that did not have the lasting dire consequences they should have, and if allowed to go long enough one might wonder, how many of them actually happened—

Cú doesn't let the old sailor torment people who came to help for (too) long though, so sooner or later you can expect a rescue. ]

The old man got some interesting stories to tell, just don't fall for his tricks or he won't ever stop making fun of you

B)

[ Have you brought items? Furniture? Or are you here to help with painting, cleaning, moving stuff (throwing it away)? Any help is welcome and appreciated. And of course paid, in money or services, however is prefered. Inside, in the main room, there is also prepared a refreshment place. Few (clean) chair. light snacks, hydrating drinks even citrus-scented towels— since it is rather hot inside and working out makes it only more so. ]

Get rest and something to eat whenever you need it. Worry not, it's all on house. [ Not getting a cut from the payment for being fed! ]

II. Paid in services, 3rd-5th evenings, 12th-15th

[ For those who decided to be paid in free services, that is a free enchanted tattoo, they are able to get it starting on the 3rd. Cú leaves that for evenings when most of the commotion is gone, and even people on the streets moved to nearby taverns. It's harbor though, wind carrying sea shanties and sounds of partying is never going to stop, even if it was late at night. ]

Have you decided what kind of spell do you want? And where. [ He gestures at an antiqued screen with paintings of colorful bird that looks so distinctly un-Aefenglomian it must be an import. The colors are faded, but it's in good condition. One of the accepted items from anonymous donor ] If on your back, there's a place to lie down behind the screen. Let me know when you're ready.

[ Very professional! Privacy is important. ]

III Snow in - Blackout; 6th-7th

[ When the blizzard starts, staying inside the soon-to-be parlor seems like a good idea. Then it intensifies and suddenly it's no longer it's being smart and staying inside. Suddenly it's being stuck. Caster proceeds on lockings the shutters on the windows, the last thing they need is one of the windows to give in. ]

If you want to go home, that's the last moment we could try. Where's your place, I'll walk you back. [ He grabs a blanket because yes this might be useful— and then the magitech lights flicker several times before giving out entirely. Caster curses under his breath. If the magitech light goes out, it means magitech heaters soon will follow. ] Well, shit.

IV Wildcard

｢ ooc: since it's also my catch-all for the month, you can hit me with whatever other kind of prompt (event or not, however you want) and I'll write you a starter. I'm open for plotting too, hit me whatever, plurk aetarna, PM or discord o7 ｣

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[ It's late, too late to be anything near a reasonable hour and of course there is drinking involved with these two. Drinking in a shop after hours seems more suited for two juvenile delinquents than two grown adults...and then you remember who these two adults are. Berserker already borders on tipsy as he opens another bottle with a smirk. ]

Do you do anything other than tattoos? Have you ever thought about offering piercings?

[ He likely means the standard ear, but...There are other options, or so he's heard, anyway. ]

[ They are two delinquents, so it fits. The fact that they are capable of this kind of adulting is on its own incredible. ]

Funny that you ask. Magically charged jewelry acting as batteries is part of the whole parlor idea. [ Caster only grins and brings a box that he puts on the table and opens for Berserker to see. It's filled with jewelry of various kinds, and there is a lot of earrings, some are not made for ears. ]

It's still in a testing phase, so we're using bracelets— [ They're not invasive as opposed to piercings ] —but if you'd want to help with testing...

[ He'll gladly stab— pierce you, that's what he's saying. ]

[ Really, things seemed fine. It all had started as a regular snow, and it's not like there'd be any major problem as long as people practiced the right kinds of magic. So Judar was at the eventual-parlor to help out with figuring things so Caster could actually do them. He may as well, with all the researchers and university souls he'd taken in long before this whole Aefenglom mess. ]

My 'place' is over at the Phoenix Tear-

[ He'd say more, but it was about the same time that the lights were flickering. Given the season, it was getting dark earlier, but Judar's realized that he has pretty good night vision; it's why he didn't worry too much about timing. Though with a blizzard, there's that weird brightness that always comes with snow- or was that his eyes making it seem that way? ]

Never saw a failure happen, just like that... Even if there's a strain, there's some signs of that- but the lights?

[ Weird. Though what's also weird is the way Judar's focus was pretty clear on the surroundings; With the way his ears have slowly been growing out, they've also tilted, to either being higher, or just barely tilting towards where he was trying to listen. ]

You can always use magic if you've got trouble seeing, yeah?

[ Caster with his weird slit-pupil eyes (now blown wide) sees a bit better in the dark (and in the bright sun) than a normal human would. So he's not entirely in the dark either. He snaps his fingers, and chants— ]

~réalta [ —and nothing happens. Shit, is he that bad with illusion? He repeats this time far simpler light spell that isn't as sophisticated as the previous one ] solas!

[ Still nothing. That's when he realizes it— he can't activate tattoos either. Even dormant, they'd emit a soft glow, just because of how much he was using this particular ]

What magic? [ Dun, dun, dun, it's not like they're really screwed but— gotta find a candle. And then remember there is nothing to light it with. Because he can't use his fire magic. ]

[ ... Was snapping a sloppy way of casting magic, with those obvious failures? Because the obvious result from all that was the lack of light, or anything else happening. ]

You ever hear that you're bad luck?

[ 'What magic' indeed. While Caster may go look for a candle at first, Judar's going closer to the windows and door, not having to get too close to realize that he was feeling the chill of the blizzard sinking into the in-progress parlor. ]

On one hand, glad I didn't take you up on those services. I'd be pissed if they suddenly failed. On the other... You got more blankets, or is it just that one?

[ How unlucky were they? ]

[ It's true, he does have bad luck, so he just growls at that reminder. But he also keeps pacing around. Taking a peek outside the window— the whole area had gone dark. Only few old lamps using conventional fire and conventional oil still work. There are sounds of commotion, but everything is muffled through the glass and falling snow. And he ain't opening those windows to check, no sir. ]

Judar. No magitech lights outside are working. I'm glad you believe my talent— [ To be unlucky ] —but it might be something else at work here. Or someone.

[ Not the first time when magic goes weird, but the first one it affects everything around so... absolutely. Are they being attacked? Is it some kind of field blocking it? ]

There are some more blankets and pillows in the next room. [ There are also some of the magic batteries there, so they could see if they work. ]

Not what I'm saying.

[ He's curious if this was a case of them both being so unlucky that something just happened. Obviously out of their control, but it's the fact that it happened more than anything else. The fault didn't matter.

It's certainly the kind of dark, but bright, that you expect in a blizzard... With the additional magic blackout enhancing things further. Obviously the residual heat wasn't going to disappear instantly, but being by the windows had you feel the way it was creeping in. ]

Further in'll be better, too.

[ To which he'll easily follow along, also nudging away some of the things that were being rearranged, or had fallen over in a nearby surface getting cleaned. ~~Look, after tripping over something on the way here, he's not letting it happen more.~~ ]

Could be some kind of flare, knocking things out. Could be a creature... I haven't really read up on any of those things to know better. I do know isolation magic, that nullifies all of this stuff, but it this doesn't... Feel as thorough.

[ Look, he can't explain how he can say that. Well, more accurately, he refuses to say how he knows about that. A lot of these buildings can have chattering in the walls, when the building is quiet enough. ]

Hm...I'd be willing to help.

[ He takes a long drink, knowing he's getting in over his head already. It's just an accepted fact this will probably turn into some kind of stupid and petty competition. Ultimately it's harmless...Mostly, anyway. ]

Maybe you should try a few, too. [ It's because he's edging towards drunk that he makes this comment. ] You seemed to like it well enough when I pierced you the last time.

[ Not the dream stabbing, but the mist "stabbing" -- much more fun for everyone involved. ]

[ Who is the goblin here... Caster was just taking a swig on the nicely cooled ale and now he is forced to spit-take all over the table.

Look. He was trying really hard to not think about it. Trying really hard to not remember it. He was doing so good and now Berserker just derails that plan, brings it up (brings certain memories up too of that night too, including that time when Nel called him a masochist.), and Caster has to scramble for tissue to wipe his face. And the table. ]

Fuck you, Ciarán— [ Not in a fun way, or...? ] I bet your hands are not steady enough to do that well.

[ Not like he's the one talking, being equally tipsy and all. But hey. Challenge. ]

It— feels more as if the connection is cut, rather than magic disappearing? [ Like, well, a bomb. Remove igniter there won't be a boom.

Judar has a good sense of aesthetic, even if he doesn't bring anything in, you can count on him to have good eye what of the offered things to keep (and where). Caster gets his hand on a wooly blanket and suddenly turns around to roll Judar into it. It's the warmest thing he got, even if it's probably a bit itchy.

This part of the shop has fewer windows, so there is barely any light. For Caster, it's just enough to make the general direction where the couch is so he can vaguely direct them that way. ]

They haven't taught us nothing about isolation magic yet, but we know it exists. If you got anything on it, please tell me. [ Suddenly he even got his manners back, wow! Is he considering the option that they are being attacked by Dorchacht? You bet he is. They raised a lot of stink there. And some of it could be personally traced to him. ]

[ So, is that how it feels for the guy? Things seem different, sure, but Judar didn't feel like a connection was cut still. Then again, it's not like he's even gotten a faun's kind of magic either, as far as he can determine. Still... He's felt empty before, sure, but not disconnected. Like, at all. ]

I'd say you should ask some other friends, maybe those dragons, but...

[ Their watches were more magitech, and thus unable to work right now. So he'll easily head over to the couch, letting Caster think he needed to direct them, also keeping mum about how his body temperature's been running hot since he's gotten to this world. No one needed to think too much about the awkwardness of breeding seasons...

So he'll go with the easier stuff, with isolation magic. While getting seated onto the couch for some comfort. ]

I don't have this world's equivalent of it known, but it'll probably sound pretty familiar. The field is determined with anchor points, where the spell's focused- You can't have it all in one piece, so you make each anchor it's own spell that's designed to link up and set the boundaries, but all together they nullify 'magic.' It keeps the energy where it belongs, and cancels the interaction and ability to pull it out for use. So no magic, but also no energy manipulation to enhance the body, and no use of magic tools or artifacts because activation requires the energy being released. Even I couldn't feel the world or do anything with the energy while in it. Destroy one of the anchors, you take out the defined border, but also what that anchor was targeting that helped with the entire shutdown.

What's going on here... Isn't what I know about isolation magic.

[ He'd hadn't quite been expecting that reaction, a smug smirk crawling across his face. It's not like he really remembered much beyond flashes here and there. It felt so much like a dream that part of him said that just to confirm it did happen. Well, now he's sure that it did.

Berserker narrows his eyes as he slugs down the rest of his bottle. ]

Are you challenging me? I'll show you just how steady my hands are.

[Zelda's help with setting up this establishment has been... limited, what with the figurative storm bonding has left on her doorstep and the actual literal storm leaving her stuck inside her house for a day or two. But she's scrounged up a few decorative pieces to make the place a little more inviting, and it's the thought that counts, right?

... The offer of an enchanted tattoo is an intriguing one, and one that she is debating with herself over even now, touring the tiny parlor in its finished state. On the one hand, to mark her body in such a way would surely be unseemly for a princess, but...]

Well, what spells do you know? [She asks, half genuinely curious and half stalling for time.] It would likely be wise to have a list somewhere, so your customers have an idea of what you are capable of.

[Her included, since they've had fewer and fewer classes together as their specialties have diverged.]

[Anything that includes getting ink on his body is an interesting place to be in, and so, he found this tattoo parlour and walked in, not exactly knowing what he'd expect, considering the rest of the world they live in.]

Decided a spot, but not what I want. What do you have to offer, spell-wise?

Snow is less fun now, [ Lex comments after a moment. It's her turn, this time, to try and keep the cheer up for this new problem. It helps that the dangers of winter are things she's only ever read about or seen in the Wilde, when there were too many other things to focus on.

Dogmeat huffs and she snorts, reaching down to pet the dog behind the ears. ]

I might be able to fix it. I'm good with machinery and stuff, back home.

I'd hope it'd be. I'd have to tease you for being stingy-to me, of all people.

[For all of her banter, Sokie had not taken this lightly. She had done some cleaning the day before-just a bit since there was a spot of grime worked into the donated chairs that had bothered her- but she had been hauling in alchemical goods and helping haul in furnishings all morning.

Little wonder that her shirt was rolled up to her shoulders, and her hair was limp with sweat. Settling down the latest crate- this one filled with old bottles she had managed to clean at home-she sank down in one of the chairs, and grabbed a towel to press her face against. Mm.]

Is that lemon?

[She said, with her face pressed against it. It's fine. It's Fine.]

[ And yet, Caster still can be found wearing the crescent moon pendant carved from bone he received. Whatever happened that night, did not put them at odds again. Even if it has been in a sense— extreme.

From nearly killing each other, to that. Seems like they're forever going to simply adjust to what's between them as it goes. And probably drink a copious amount of alcohol along the way. ]

I am— [ Of course he is. ] Proposing a fair deal. I'm itching to pierce you—. [ No pun intended (?) ] —but if your hands are as good as you claim them to be then—

[ Shrugs. What there could be. Some undefined reward. Alternatively, he also could offer Berserker another part-time job. With more and more ideas to put in motion, he's not going to be able to pull it all alone. ]

[ Caster listens and nods, even if it might or might not be seen. He did grimaces first, and even made a slighty annoyed sound. Probably because he realised just how many dragons he knew. ]

That sounds a lot like a similar concept I'm familiar with. Bounded Field that cancels Magecraft within, knew one Caster that liked to pull that on people. [ Applying runes in correct way could also give similar effect. ] Annoying to deal with when you're made of magic.

[ Fortunately it's not the case here ]

Guess we're back to flare- or someone that causes disruption, [ Cú finds a battery or two and trend continues. They're not emptied, just unavailable ] With how close to magic dragons are it's not a bad idea to consult them. [ A beat ] Which dragons you had on mind though?

[ Cú remembers Archer conversing with several people after they made the video post. He dozed off but he recalls voice that sounded like Judar.

But ah, he mentioned friends, plural. If he had to guess who could be the other one... ]

[ It's amazing that this place is still standing after what was going on, really. The fact that it's mostly cleaned, and in final stages of preparation is even more so. The decorative touch Zelda brings is greatly appreciated and it does seem that each room is shaping into something unique regarding it's interior. ]

That's a good idea, list- I was planning to ask people if there were certain spells they were the most interested in. For now it would be-

[ And he tries to form a list, aloud. Elemental applications of various kind, from battle spells and resistances to simpler spell to keep a steady warm - or cool - temperature or even a small rune on finger to turn it into portable lighter. A lot is enhancing body capabilities. General strengthening or boosting speed or endurance are given, but more specifics are also possible. Better smell or sight, turning off feeling of pain or rejuvenation spell that makes you no longer tired ( he points that it's just something that makes you simply not experience exhaustion - you're gonna crash when the spell wears off). Illusions that could fall under the universal school. Make you hand glow, or better make floating ball of light happen. Calming spell that makes falling asleep easier, and a slow-fall spell that makes falling safer. Few simple wards, a spell for good luck, a spell to make your voice carry far and clear- there is very noticable lack of divination spells aside for one in testing phase that gives you an inclination where to go... but it's unclear whether it will lead you where you want to be or where you need to be.

Eventually he breaks with a cough and a sheepish expression. ]

I swear I usually know when to shut up- [ How deep he driven himself into this enchantment hell is surprising even to him. ] If there is an effect you want, I can figure out if I can make it. If not now, then give me some time.

[ Man, they are going to need a list, Caster knows he can get into a tangent so- gotta keep concise from start. ]

Depends what you want, and whether are you a monster or a witch. Something to enhance body capabilities, something to ward off or something to cause an active effect. [ He clicks his tongue ] No invisibility though, I don't want trouble.

[ It takes a moment to adapt to the darkness. The whole deal with cat-eye bit helps. Though Lex must see much better in this darkness, benefits of being a chimera ]

Please, if heaters go out it's gonna be freezing here. [ Oh no, they will die. Even despite the serious situation a hint of mischief and amusement flicker across their Bond and Cú closes the distance between them swiftly. He puts his arm around Lex's waist ] We'll need to cuddle together and wait for rescue party.

[ And Dogmeat is surely going to pile on top of (or between) them the entire time ]

[ Making one of the rooms into an alchemy workshop was a truly the best idea. The only downside would be if someone decided to make a burglary and steal everything... but that's what wards are for and that's something he'd like to ask Sokie about someday. Maybe today, but later.

Now it's still more mundane cleaning and carrying stage. Despite the cold he threw off the top of his cloak, leaving only sleeves top. ]

Now you can tease me about choice of scent instead. [ He sits on the edge of the table because he's a rebel and pours himself a chilled tea. Courtesy of enchanted bottle ] What's wrong with lemon?

Yeah, it's a lot like that. Energy manipulation to enhance the body isn't really magecraft, but considered... A combat discipline? It'd keep summons from manifesting, too.

[ To link back to the similarities to this Bounded Field, with people being made of magic. Djinn wouldn't be accessible in those zones.

Ah, but which dragons. It almost seems obvious. Enough for Judar to gesture for Cu to return to the couch, as the cold started creeping in. ]

I mean, you made a post while cozying up to one not too long ago. Then that Kirin guy, who's similar to you and was helping out, is another.

[ Ciarán never went through any efforts to fix the pronunciation, and to Judar, it sounds about the same. Which is sort of what happens when your world and language is different enough. ]

I know there's some others- Don't know how many more you know, but you do know them. I'm pretty much a stranger to most people, being as new as I am.

[Ah, right. She was supposed to decide the kind of spell she was going to get inked. Marie was so excited by the sole perspective of getting a tattoo done by Caster, she thought a lot about the visual part of the process. She decided on colors, patterns she liked... but she completly forgot about the rather important part of picking the spell itself.]

Uh... Do you offer any spells that look like flowers? Lilies and irises, if possible? Something that would look well with my, um...

[She gestures to the lines of shimmery scales covering her cleavage in a pattern quite reminiscent of her famous necklace. (Although her wording and the direction she is pointing in could totally be taken in a... wrong way, Marie...)]

Either way, I think I could use your recommendations here.

[ It makes him feel an indescribable warm feeling to see Caster wearing that pendant. A simple gift, certainly, but one that had a deep meaning for him to give away.

That warmth gives way to a petty determination. ]

Fine. If you're so interested in seeing my skills, I'll demonstrate them for you. [ A smirk crawls across his face. ] It's a more permanent mark than I'm used to leaving...

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Quest 2 and catch-all [OPEN]

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ii-ish, let's say around the 15th or so

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