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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3644189" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Ischarus stood, resting his wife’s head carefully on the thick carpet. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Wait a minute. The last time that we were here this associate of yours conjured up some kind of illusion. It didn’t fight like an illusion, though. It felt real enough. After what I’ve just seen, I’d be willing to bet that it was no illusion.”</span></p><p></p><p>The male guard who had given up his invisibility smiled sarcastically and looked directly into Iscahrus’ eyes. <span style="color: Lime">“Our associate was a wizard of significant power. I am sure that an illusion from his hands would not be so easily perceived.”</span> His tone gave credibility to the possibility that the guard’s look was sincerely sarcastic.</p><p></p><p>The other male guard placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the guard who had just spoken. <span style="color: Lime">“Now is not the time for sarcasm. If we are to honor our agreement, we must be willing to work together. Besides, the less sarcastic we are the quicker we will be able to accomplish this task. The quicker we can accomplish this task, the quicker things can revert back to normal and these people can return to their temple.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion brought the conversation back on task. <span style="color: Plum">“No, Ischarus is right. I was sure that the words used were a summoning spell and not that of an illusion. If I recall correctly, the spell cast was at least in the power range of a Diast effect. And if I am still recalling correctly it carried the Pahl descriptor.”</span></p><p></p><p>The three guards immediately blanched at Semeion’s description. The male guard who seemed to have authority over the other two spoke hastily upon Semeion’s recognition. <span style="color: Lime">“But, that’s impossible. Pahl magic is forbidden in Tongra, much less in the Wizard’s College itself! He would have certainly set off alarms if the magic was used in the vicinity of the college. You must be mistaken.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema allowed herself to mimic the sarcasm of the guard from only moments before. She was beginning to feel a throbbing in her head from the fall, and she didn’t care much for civility at this point. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Well, you said it yourself. The magic of your associate was quite powerful. Perhaps more powerful than you even thought?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt decided it was only fair that her sarcasm be reprimanded as well. <span style="color: Lime">“Rhema, careful.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis had been studying Semeion’s face since he had spoken the words. Her eyes were looking right into his lips when she realized what she was searching for. <span style="color: Orange">“Daancrah. It was Daancrah magic as well. I know it, because much of my magic is Daancrah. It isn’t Daancrah Pahl magic like the wizard’s, though. My magic is Daancrah Teos magic.”</span></p><p></p><p>The female guard nodded politely. Her half-elven eyes disclosed the fact that she was processing the information as quickly as it was being spoken. <span style="color: Lime">“To be fair, and I assume by the number of people participating in this conversation that I am speaking to people who have familiarity with magic here, but illusion magic by default mimics other kinds of magic. Your ears may have heard Daancrah magic because you are so accustomed to using it. Our associate may have simply been using illusion magic to deceive your ears. If your ears were deceived, then your eyes would be even more easily deceived.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis shook her heard. <span style="color: Orange">“No. My ears heard correctly. It was Daancrah magic that was conjured. And I’m pretty sure that Semeion was right. It was at least a Diast effect.”</span></p><p></p><p>The most authoritative guard turned to Semeion. <span style="color: Lime">“If it was Daancrah magic, a Diast effect, and using a Pahl descriptor, then what exactly was the result of the summoning spell? It couldn’t have been good.”</span></p><p></p><p>Before Semeion could answer, Rhema raised a slight hand, indicating that although she was on the ground she’d like another chance at speaking. The conversation paused until she knew they were ready to listen. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I know that I’m still recovering from the fall and everything. And the throbbing in my head is actually getting worse. But I agree with Semeion. If I remember right, Semeion warned us that the wizard was summoning something big and nasty. I can’t remember the exact words Semeion used, but he warned us that something big was coming through the magic.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion waited for her to finish and then continued the story. <span style="color: Plum">“I did, and it was. Looking back, it all makes sense. The creature seemed outraged at being summoned, but once the wizard tried to convince me that it was merely illusion magic I assumed that it was all part of the illusion. Now, I’m not so sure.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu didn’t have any trouble reading the writing on the wall. <span style="color: Lime">“You think the succubus inside this wizard gave him the power to summon something evil from her homeland?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled, pleased that his original assertion was gaining credibility. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I’d not only think it. I’d guarantee it.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion quickly spoke after Ischarus’ assertion, taking control of the conversation back in the direction in which he wanted it to go. <span style="color: Plum">“The creature only stood about six feet in height, but its dark glowing red eyes and green scaly skin told me that it was not native to the lands of Enigmatica. The eyes were without pupils, and it revealed razor sharp teeth as it spoke. Its appendages looked as though they had been blackened from exposure to heat or soot and it fought with the nastiest looking voulge-guisarme that I have ever seen.”</span></p><p></p><p>The three guards were speechless. However, Brandt was not. <span style="color: Lime">“I don’t know about you all, but that sounds like something out of the realm of the succubus to me. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good description of a fiend if I’ve ever heard one. It’s either that or a really good illusion. Even if it was an illusion, it is an illusion at the hands of someone who knows what they are trying to fake.”</span></p><p></p><p>The guard with the power nodded in agreement. <span style="color: Lime">“I don’t think that there can be any doubt. If it was an illusion, it was not an excusable one. But after hearing the description and seeing what I saw in here I actually do not doubt that the wizard was dealing in Pahl magic. I also know that if he was doing that successfully without our awareness, then we have our own problems to take care of once you all are satisfied with the answers that you have received.”</span></p><p></p><p>The head guard turned to the one that had made the earlier sarcastic remark and frowned out of sadness before continuing to speak again. <span style="color: Lime">“Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that we have been in error, and we do not have as good of a hold on our college as we think. Our security forces will need to tighten.”</span></p><p></p><p>The other male guard nodded in reply, but did not make eye contact with the one who had just spoken. He knew that while the message was meant for his ears it, the burden was shared by all. A man had died because they had grown too confident.</p><p></p><p>Brandt decided that the Wizard’s College guards had made enough concessions for the moment. Ischarus’ sidetrack had bought them understanding, but the direction of the conversation needed to change to prevent shame from entering the relationship. <span style="color: Lime">“I’ve been thinking, and I am pretty sure that if you allow us to stay for the evening – under guard, of course – that Master Searthu and myself could be quite useful in performing a detoxification rite should we find anyone else in you college unknowingly suffering from the effects of the Arum Dracunculus. We’d provide this service for free, of course. And that would assume that you all have a need for it.”</span></p><p></p><p>The female guard smiled in Brandt’s direction, glad to leave the prior conversation. <span style="color: Lime">“Again we would be in your debt. However, your sense of justice is indeed noble. I assume that your program for detoxification would involve magic and it would not be hindered by my presence as a neutral party?”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu bowed slightly in respect of the woman’s position. <span style="color: Lime">“Justice always works in favor of those who have been abused. Our magic would be working in their favor, although the detoxification process is not easy. This is especially true for those who likely have been brought under its control unknowingly. But I would welcome your presence in the process as an advocate for the abused.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu had chosen the last five words of his response especially well, and Charis smiled as she recognized what he had done. He had taken it upon himself to identify the motivation of the half-elf guard and not only acknowledge it but do so in a welcoming tone. She turned her head to watch the expression of the half-elf and saw how her face warmly accepted the offer.</p><p></p><p>The half-elf pushed several locks of her hair back from her eyes. <span style="color: Lime">“I would be interested in helping your program in any means possible, assuming that we find a few who need the services.”</span></p><p></p><p>The odd collection of people that had gathered in the dead wizard’s suite now spent several of the next hours looking for clues that would indicate the need for a detoxification program prescribed by Brandt and Master Searthu. Their search encompassed all the wizard’s rooms. It was Ischarus who found the log book on a shelf.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus had pulled down a book bound in leather with the title of “Western Indulgences.” He smiled as he pulled the book off the shelf. He knew immediately what he had, even before he opened the book. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Indulgences indeed.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema was still lying on the floor near to his position and she spoke softly to him. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Did you say something, Ischarus?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled as he heard the binding give a slight crack upon the opening of the book. <span style="color: LightBlue">“It’s a book, Rhema. It’s called ‘Western Indulgences.’ It’s about indulgences of the mind, if I’m guessing correctly.”</span> He flipped the book open and a noticeable frown appeared upon his face.</p><p></p><p>Rhema saw the frown and inquired. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Not what you thought?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. It was a cookbook of rare delicacies of Tongra. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Not at all. It is a cookbook. There are all kinds of recipes on cooking rabbit, quail, and plenty of other types of game. Not at all…”</span></p><p></p><p>His voice trailed off. His eyes had found an interesting entry. Rhema raised an eyebrow in his direction. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Are you going to finish that sentence?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled and snapped the book shut. <span style="color: LightBlue">“I found an interesting entry. It was under the ‘S’ heading. Would you care to guess what the main dish was called?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema shook her head side to side. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I don’t know. Stuffed pheasant?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus chuckled at her offering. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Close, but not quite. Stink Lily. And if I am reading the list of ingredients right, we’re missing four of his agents still.”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Ischarus stood, resting his wife’s head carefully on the thick carpet. “Wait a minute. The last time that we were here this associate of yours conjured up some kind of illusion. It didn’t fight like an illusion, though. It felt real enough. After what I’ve just seen, I’d be willing to bet that it was no illusion.”</p><p></p><p>The male guard who had given up his invisibility smiled sarcastically and looked directly into Iscahrus’ eyes. “Our associate was a wizard of significant power. I am sure that an illusion from his hands would not be so easily perceived.” His tone gave credibility to the possibility that the guard’s look was sincerely sarcastic.</p><p></p><p>The other male guard placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the guard who had just spoken. “Now is not the time for sarcasm. If we are to honor our agreement, we must be willing to work together. Besides, the less sarcastic we are the quicker we will be able to accomplish this task. The quicker we can accomplish this task, the quicker things can revert back to normal and these people can return to their temple.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion brought the conversation back on task. “No, Ischarus is right. I was sure that the words used were a summoning spell and not that of an illusion. If I recall correctly, the spell cast was at least in the power range of a Diast effect. And if I am still recalling correctly it carried the Pahl descriptor.”</p><p></p><p>The three guards immediately blanched at Semeion’s description. The male guard who seemed to have authority over the other two spoke hastily upon Semeion’s recognition. “But, that’s impossible. Pahl magic is forbidden in Tongra, much less in the Wizard’s College itself! He would have certainly set off alarms if the magic was used in the vicinity of the college. You must be mistaken.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema allowed herself to mimic the sarcasm of the guard from only moments before. She was beginning to feel a throbbing in her head from the fall, and she didn’t care much for civility at this point. “Well, you said it yourself. The magic of your associate was quite powerful. Perhaps more powerful than you even thought?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt decided it was only fair that her sarcasm be reprimanded as well. “Rhema, careful.”</p><p></p><p>Charis had been studying Semeion’s face since he had spoken the words. Her eyes were looking right into his lips when she realized what she was searching for. “Daancrah. It was Daancrah magic as well. I know it, because much of my magic is Daancrah. It isn’t Daancrah Pahl magic like the wizard’s, though. My magic is Daancrah Teos magic.”</p><p></p><p>The female guard nodded politely. Her half-elven eyes disclosed the fact that she was processing the information as quickly as it was being spoken. “To be fair, and I assume by the number of people participating in this conversation that I am speaking to people who have familiarity with magic here, but illusion magic by default mimics other kinds of magic. Your ears may have heard Daancrah magic because you are so accustomed to using it. Our associate may have simply been using illusion magic to deceive your ears. If your ears were deceived, then your eyes would be even more easily deceived.”</p><p></p><p>Charis shook her heard. “No. My ears heard correctly. It was Daancrah magic that was conjured. And I’m pretty sure that Semeion was right. It was at least a Diast effect.”</p><p></p><p>The most authoritative guard turned to Semeion. “If it was Daancrah magic, a Diast effect, and using a Pahl descriptor, then what exactly was the result of the summoning spell? It couldn’t have been good.”</p><p></p><p>Before Semeion could answer, Rhema raised a slight hand, indicating that although she was on the ground she’d like another chance at speaking. The conversation paused until she knew they were ready to listen. “I know that I’m still recovering from the fall and everything. And the throbbing in my head is actually getting worse. But I agree with Semeion. If I remember right, Semeion warned us that the wizard was summoning something big and nasty. I can’t remember the exact words Semeion used, but he warned us that something big was coming through the magic.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion waited for her to finish and then continued the story. “I did, and it was. Looking back, it all makes sense. The creature seemed outraged at being summoned, but once the wizard tried to convince me that it was merely illusion magic I assumed that it was all part of the illusion. Now, I’m not so sure.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu didn’t have any trouble reading the writing on the wall. “You think the succubus inside this wizard gave him the power to summon something evil from her homeland?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled, pleased that his original assertion was gaining credibility. “I’d not only think it. I’d guarantee it.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion quickly spoke after Ischarus’ assertion, taking control of the conversation back in the direction in which he wanted it to go. “The creature only stood about six feet in height, but its dark glowing red eyes and green scaly skin told me that it was not native to the lands of Enigmatica. The eyes were without pupils, and it revealed razor sharp teeth as it spoke. Its appendages looked as though they had been blackened from exposure to heat or soot and it fought with the nastiest looking voulge-guisarme that I have ever seen.”</p><p></p><p>The three guards were speechless. However, Brandt was not. “I don’t know about you all, but that sounds like something out of the realm of the succubus to me. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good description of a fiend if I’ve ever heard one. It’s either that or a really good illusion. Even if it was an illusion, it is an illusion at the hands of someone who knows what they are trying to fake.”</p><p></p><p>The guard with the power nodded in agreement. “I don’t think that there can be any doubt. If it was an illusion, it was not an excusable one. But after hearing the description and seeing what I saw in here I actually do not doubt that the wizard was dealing in Pahl magic. I also know that if he was doing that successfully without our awareness, then we have our own problems to take care of once you all are satisfied with the answers that you have received.”</p><p></p><p>The head guard turned to the one that had made the earlier sarcastic remark and frowned out of sadness before continuing to speak again. “Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that we have been in error, and we do not have as good of a hold on our college as we think. Our security forces will need to tighten.”</p><p></p><p>The other male guard nodded in reply, but did not make eye contact with the one who had just spoken. He knew that while the message was meant for his ears it, the burden was shared by all. A man had died because they had grown too confident.</p><p></p><p>Brandt decided that the Wizard’s College guards had made enough concessions for the moment. Ischarus’ sidetrack had bought them understanding, but the direction of the conversation needed to change to prevent shame from entering the relationship. “I’ve been thinking, and I am pretty sure that if you allow us to stay for the evening – under guard, of course – that Master Searthu and myself could be quite useful in performing a detoxification rite should we find anyone else in you college unknowingly suffering from the effects of the Arum Dracunculus. We’d provide this service for free, of course. And that would assume that you all have a need for it.”</p><p></p><p>The female guard smiled in Brandt’s direction, glad to leave the prior conversation. “Again we would be in your debt. However, your sense of justice is indeed noble. I assume that your program for detoxification would involve magic and it would not be hindered by my presence as a neutral party?”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu bowed slightly in respect of the woman’s position. “Justice always works in favor of those who have been abused. Our magic would be working in their favor, although the detoxification process is not easy. This is especially true for those who likely have been brought under its control unknowingly. But I would welcome your presence in the process as an advocate for the abused.”</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu had chosen the last five words of his response especially well, and Charis smiled as she recognized what he had done. He had taken it upon himself to identify the motivation of the half-elf guard and not only acknowledge it but do so in a welcoming tone. She turned her head to watch the expression of the half-elf and saw how her face warmly accepted the offer.</p><p></p><p>The half-elf pushed several locks of her hair back from her eyes. “I would be interested in helping your program in any means possible, assuming that we find a few who need the services.”</p><p></p><p>The odd collection of people that had gathered in the dead wizard’s suite now spent several of the next hours looking for clues that would indicate the need for a detoxification program prescribed by Brandt and Master Searthu. Their search encompassed all the wizard’s rooms. It was Ischarus who found the log book on a shelf.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus had pulled down a book bound in leather with the title of “Western Indulgences.” He smiled as he pulled the book off the shelf. He knew immediately what he had, even before he opened the book. “Indulgences indeed.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema was still lying on the floor near to his position and she spoke softly to him. “Did you say something, Ischarus?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled as he heard the binding give a slight crack upon the opening of the book. “It’s a book, Rhema. It’s called ‘Western Indulgences.’ It’s about indulgences of the mind, if I’m guessing correctly.” He flipped the book open and a noticeable frown appeared upon his face.</p><p></p><p>Rhema saw the frown and inquired. “Not what you thought?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. It was a cookbook of rare delicacies of Tongra. “Not at all. It is a cookbook. There are all kinds of recipes on cooking rabbit, quail, and plenty of other types of game. Not at all…”</p><p></p><p>His voice trailed off. His eyes had found an interesting entry. Rhema raised an eyebrow in his direction. “Are you going to finish that sentence?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled and snapped the book shut. “I found an interesting entry. It was under the ‘S’ heading. Would you care to guess what the main dish was called?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema shook her head side to side. “I don’t know. Stuffed pheasant?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus chuckled at her offering. “Close, but not quite. Stink Lily. And if I am reading the list of ingredients right, we’re missing four of his agents still.”</p><p></p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3644189, member: 35788"] Ischarus stood, resting his wife’s head carefully on the thick carpet. [Color=LightBlue]“Wait a minute. The last time that we were here this associate of yours conjured up some kind of illusion. It didn’t fight like an illusion, though. It felt real enough. After what I’ve just seen, I’d be willing to bet that it was no illusion.”[/Color] The male guard who had given up his invisibility smiled sarcastically and looked directly into Iscahrus’ eyes. [Color=Lime]“Our associate was a wizard of significant power. I am sure that an illusion from his hands would not be so easily perceived.”[/Color] His tone gave credibility to the possibility that the guard’s look was sincerely sarcastic. The other male guard placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the guard who had just spoken. [Color=Lime]“Now is not the time for sarcasm. If we are to honor our agreement, we must be willing to work together. Besides, the less sarcastic we are the quicker we will be able to accomplish this task. The quicker we can accomplish this task, the quicker things can revert back to normal and these people can return to their temple.”[/Color] Semeion brought the conversation back on task. [Color=Plum]“No, Ischarus is right. I was sure that the words used were a summoning spell and not that of an illusion. If I recall correctly, the spell cast was at least in the power range of a Diast effect. And if I am still recalling correctly it carried the Pahl descriptor.”[/Color] The three guards immediately blanched at Semeion’s description. The male guard who seemed to have authority over the other two spoke hastily upon Semeion’s recognition. [Color=Lime]“But, that’s impossible. Pahl magic is forbidden in Tongra, much less in the Wizard’s College itself! He would have certainly set off alarms if the magic was used in the vicinity of the college. You must be mistaken.”[/Color] Rhema allowed herself to mimic the sarcasm of the guard from only moments before. She was beginning to feel a throbbing in her head from the fall, and she didn’t care much for civility at this point. [Color=PaleGreen]“Well, you said it yourself. The magic of your associate was quite powerful. Perhaps more powerful than you even thought?”[/Color] Brandt decided it was only fair that her sarcasm be reprimanded as well. [Color=Lime]“Rhema, careful.”[/Color] Charis had been studying Semeion’s face since he had spoken the words. Her eyes were looking right into his lips when she realized what she was searching for. [Color=Orange]“Daancrah. It was Daancrah magic as well. I know it, because much of my magic is Daancrah. It isn’t Daancrah Pahl magic like the wizard’s, though. My magic is Daancrah Teos magic.”[/Color] The female guard nodded politely. Her half-elven eyes disclosed the fact that she was processing the information as quickly as it was being spoken. [Color=Lime]“To be fair, and I assume by the number of people participating in this conversation that I am speaking to people who have familiarity with magic here, but illusion magic by default mimics other kinds of magic. Your ears may have heard Daancrah magic because you are so accustomed to using it. Our associate may have simply been using illusion magic to deceive your ears. If your ears were deceived, then your eyes would be even more easily deceived.”[/Color] Charis shook her heard. [Color=Orange]“No. My ears heard correctly. It was Daancrah magic that was conjured. And I’m pretty sure that Semeion was right. It was at least a Diast effect.”[/Color] The most authoritative guard turned to Semeion. [Color=Lime]“If it was Daancrah magic, a Diast effect, and using a Pahl descriptor, then what exactly was the result of the summoning spell? It couldn’t have been good.”[/Color] Before Semeion could answer, Rhema raised a slight hand, indicating that although she was on the ground she’d like another chance at speaking. The conversation paused until she knew they were ready to listen. [Color=PaleGreen]“I know that I’m still recovering from the fall and everything. And the throbbing in my head is actually getting worse. But I agree with Semeion. If I remember right, Semeion warned us that the wizard was summoning something big and nasty. I can’t remember the exact words Semeion used, but he warned us that something big was coming through the magic.”[/Color] Semeion waited for her to finish and then continued the story. [Color=Plum]“I did, and it was. Looking back, it all makes sense. The creature seemed outraged at being summoned, but once the wizard tried to convince me that it was merely illusion magic I assumed that it was all part of the illusion. Now, I’m not so sure.”[/Color] Master Searthu didn’t have any trouble reading the writing on the wall. [Color=Lime]“You think the succubus inside this wizard gave him the power to summon something evil from her homeland?”[/Color] Ischarus smiled, pleased that his original assertion was gaining credibility. [Color=LightBlue]“I’d not only think it. I’d guarantee it.”[/Color] Semeion quickly spoke after Ischarus’ assertion, taking control of the conversation back in the direction in which he wanted it to go. [Color=Plum]“The creature only stood about six feet in height, but its dark glowing red eyes and green scaly skin told me that it was not native to the lands of Enigmatica. The eyes were without pupils, and it revealed razor sharp teeth as it spoke. Its appendages looked as though they had been blackened from exposure to heat or soot and it fought with the nastiest looking voulge-guisarme that I have ever seen.”[/Color] The three guards were speechless. However, Brandt was not. [Color=Lime]“I don’t know about you all, but that sounds like something out of the realm of the succubus to me. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good description of a fiend if I’ve ever heard one. It’s either that or a really good illusion. Even if it was an illusion, it is an illusion at the hands of someone who knows what they are trying to fake.”[/Color] The guard with the power nodded in agreement. [Color=Lime]“I don’t think that there can be any doubt. If it was an illusion, it was not an excusable one. But after hearing the description and seeing what I saw in here I actually do not doubt that the wizard was dealing in Pahl magic. I also know that if he was doing that successfully without our awareness, then we have our own problems to take care of once you all are satisfied with the answers that you have received.”[/Color] The head guard turned to the one that had made the earlier sarcastic remark and frowned out of sadness before continuing to speak again. [Color=Lime]“Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that we have been in error, and we do not have as good of a hold on our college as we think. Our security forces will need to tighten.”[/Color] The other male guard nodded in reply, but did not make eye contact with the one who had just spoken. He knew that while the message was meant for his ears it, the burden was shared by all. A man had died because they had grown too confident. Brandt decided that the Wizard’s College guards had made enough concessions for the moment. Ischarus’ sidetrack had bought them understanding, but the direction of the conversation needed to change to prevent shame from entering the relationship. [Color=Lime]“I’ve been thinking, and I am pretty sure that if you allow us to stay for the evening – under guard, of course – that Master Searthu and myself could be quite useful in performing a detoxification rite should we find anyone else in you college unknowingly suffering from the effects of the Arum Dracunculus. We’d provide this service for free, of course. And that would assume that you all have a need for it.”[/Color] The female guard smiled in Brandt’s direction, glad to leave the prior conversation. [Color=Lime]“Again we would be in your debt. However, your sense of justice is indeed noble. I assume that your program for detoxification would involve magic and it would not be hindered by my presence as a neutral party?”[/Color] Master Searthu bowed slightly in respect of the woman’s position. [Color=Lime]“Justice always works in favor of those who have been abused. Our magic would be working in their favor, although the detoxification process is not easy. This is especially true for those who likely have been brought under its control unknowingly. But I would welcome your presence in the process as an advocate for the abused.”[/Color] Master Searthu had chosen the last five words of his response especially well, and Charis smiled as she recognized what he had done. He had taken it upon himself to identify the motivation of the half-elf guard and not only acknowledge it but do so in a welcoming tone. She turned her head to watch the expression of the half-elf and saw how her face warmly accepted the offer. The half-elf pushed several locks of her hair back from her eyes. [Color=Lime]“I would be interested in helping your program in any means possible, assuming that we find a few who need the services.”[/Color] The odd collection of people that had gathered in the dead wizard’s suite now spent several of the next hours looking for clues that would indicate the need for a detoxification program prescribed by Brandt and Master Searthu. Their search encompassed all the wizard’s rooms. It was Ischarus who found the log book on a shelf. Ischarus had pulled down a book bound in leather with the title of “Western Indulgences.” He smiled as he pulled the book off the shelf. He knew immediately what he had, even before he opened the book. [Color=LightBlue]“Indulgences indeed.”[/Color] Rhema was still lying on the floor near to his position and she spoke softly to him. [Color=PaleGreen]“Did you say something, Ischarus?”[/Color] Ischarus smiled as he heard the binding give a slight crack upon the opening of the book. [Color=LightBlue]“It’s a book, Rhema. It’s called ‘Western Indulgences.’ It’s about indulgences of the mind, if I’m guessing correctly.”[/Color] He flipped the book open and a noticeable frown appeared upon his face. Rhema saw the frown and inquired. [Color=PaleGreen]“Not what you thought?”[/Color] Ischarus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. It was a cookbook of rare delicacies of Tongra. [Color=LightBlue]“Not at all. It is a cookbook. There are all kinds of recipes on cooking rabbit, quail, and plenty of other types of game. Not at all…”[/Color] His voice trailed off. His eyes had found an interesting entry. Rhema raised an eyebrow in his direction. [Color=PaleGreen]“Are you going to finish that sentence?”[/Color] Ischarus smiled and snapped the book shut. [Color=LightBlue]“I found an interesting entry. It was under the ‘S’ heading. Would you care to guess what the main dish was called?”[/Color] Rhema shook her head side to side. [Color=PaleGreen]“I don’t know. Stuffed pheasant?”[/Color] Ischarus chuckled at her offering. [Color=LightBlue]“Close, but not quite. Stink Lily. And if I am reading the list of ingredients right, we’re missing four of his agents still.”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Ischarus stood, resting his wife’s head carefully on the thick carpet. “Wait a minute. The last time that we were here this associate of yours conjured up some kind of illusion. It didn’t fight like an illusion, though. It felt real enough. After what I’ve just seen, I’d be willing to bet that it was no illusion.” The male guard who had given up his invisibility smiled sarcastically and looked directly into Iscahrus’ eyes. “Our associate was a wizard of significant power. I am sure that an illusion from his hands would not be so easily perceived.” His tone gave credibility to the possibility that the guard’s look was sincerely sarcastic. The other male guard placed a calming hand upon the shoulder of the guard who had just spoken. “Now is not the time for sarcasm. If we are to honor our agreement, we must be willing to work together. Besides, the less sarcastic we are the quicker we will be able to accomplish this task. The quicker we can accomplish this task, the quicker things can revert back to normal and these people can return to their temple.” Semeion brought the conversation back on task. “No, Ischarus is right. I was sure that the words used were a summoning spell and not that of an illusion. If I recall correctly, the spell cast was at least in the power range of a Diast effect. And if I am still recalling correctly it carried the Pahl descriptor.” The three guards immediately blanched at Semeion’s description. The male guard who seemed to have authority over the other two spoke hastily upon Semeion’s recognition. “But, that’s impossible. Pahl magic is forbidden in Tongra, much less in the Wizard’s College itself! He would have certainly set off alarms if the magic was used in the vicinity of the college. You must be mistaken.” Rhema allowed herself to mimic the sarcasm of the guard from only moments before. She was beginning to feel a throbbing in her head from the fall, and she didn’t care much for civility at this point. “Well, you said it yourself. The magic of your associate was quite powerful. Perhaps more powerful than you even thought?” Brandt decided it was only fair that her sarcasm be reprimanded as well. “Rhema, careful.” Charis had been studying Semeion’s face since he had spoken the words. Her eyes were looking right into his lips when she realized what she was searching for. “Daancrah. It was Daancrah magic as well. I know it, because much of my magic is Daancrah. It isn’t Daancrah Pahl magic like the wizard’s, though. My magic is Daancrah Teos magic.” The female guard nodded politely. Her half-elven eyes disclosed the fact that she was processing the information as quickly as it was being spoken. “To be fair, and I assume by the number of people participating in this conversation that I am speaking to people who have familiarity with magic here, but illusion magic by default mimics other kinds of magic. Your ears may have heard Daancrah magic because you are so accustomed to using it. Our associate may have simply been using illusion magic to deceive your ears. If your ears were deceived, then your eyes would be even more easily deceived.” Charis shook her heard. “No. My ears heard correctly. It was Daancrah magic that was conjured. And I’m pretty sure that Semeion was right. It was at least a Diast effect.” The most authoritative guard turned to Semeion. “If it was Daancrah magic, a Diast effect, and using a Pahl descriptor, then what exactly was the result of the summoning spell? It couldn’t have been good.” Before Semeion could answer, Rhema raised a slight hand, indicating that although she was on the ground she’d like another chance at speaking. The conversation paused until she knew they were ready to listen. “I know that I’m still recovering from the fall and everything. And the throbbing in my head is actually getting worse. But I agree with Semeion. If I remember right, Semeion warned us that the wizard was summoning something big and nasty. I can’t remember the exact words Semeion used, but he warned us that something big was coming through the magic.” Semeion waited for her to finish and then continued the story. “I did, and it was. Looking back, it all makes sense. The creature seemed outraged at being summoned, but once the wizard tried to convince me that it was merely illusion magic I assumed that it was all part of the illusion. Now, I’m not so sure.” Master Searthu didn’t have any trouble reading the writing on the wall. “You think the succubus inside this wizard gave him the power to summon something evil from her homeland?” Ischarus smiled, pleased that his original assertion was gaining credibility. “I’d not only think it. I’d guarantee it.” Semeion quickly spoke after Ischarus’ assertion, taking control of the conversation back in the direction in which he wanted it to go. “The creature only stood about six feet in height, but its dark glowing red eyes and green scaly skin told me that it was not native to the lands of Enigmatica. The eyes were without pupils, and it revealed razor sharp teeth as it spoke. Its appendages looked as though they had been blackened from exposure to heat or soot and it fought with the nastiest looking voulge-guisarme that I have ever seen.” The three guards were speechless. However, Brandt was not. “I don’t know about you all, but that sounds like something out of the realm of the succubus to me. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good description of a fiend if I’ve ever heard one. It’s either that or a really good illusion. Even if it was an illusion, it is an illusion at the hands of someone who knows what they are trying to fake.” The guard with the power nodded in agreement. “I don’t think that there can be any doubt. If it was an illusion, it was not an excusable one. But after hearing the description and seeing what I saw in here I actually do not doubt that the wizard was dealing in Pahl magic. I also know that if he was doing that successfully without our awareness, then we have our own problems to take care of once you all are satisfied with the answers that you have received.” The head guard turned to the one that had made the earlier sarcastic remark and frowned out of sadness before continuing to speak again. “Unfortunately, I think it is safe to assume that we have been in error, and we do not have as good of a hold on our college as we think. Our security forces will need to tighten.” The other male guard nodded in reply, but did not make eye contact with the one who had just spoken. He knew that while the message was meant for his ears it, the burden was shared by all. A man had died because they had grown too confident. Brandt decided that the Wizard’s College guards had made enough concessions for the moment. Ischarus’ sidetrack had bought them understanding, but the direction of the conversation needed to change to prevent shame from entering the relationship. “I’ve been thinking, and I am pretty sure that if you allow us to stay for the evening – under guard, of course – that Master Searthu and myself could be quite useful in performing a detoxification rite should we find anyone else in you college unknowingly suffering from the effects of the Arum Dracunculus. We’d provide this service for free, of course. And that would assume that you all have a need for it.” The female guard smiled in Brandt’s direction, glad to leave the prior conversation. “Again we would be in your debt. However, your sense of justice is indeed noble. I assume that your program for detoxification would involve magic and it would not be hindered by my presence as a neutral party?” Master Searthu bowed slightly in respect of the woman’s position. “Justice always works in favor of those who have been abused. Our magic would be working in their favor, although the detoxification process is not easy. This is especially true for those who likely have been brought under its control unknowingly. But I would welcome your presence in the process as an advocate for the abused.” Master Searthu had chosen the last five words of his response especially well, and Charis smiled as she recognized what he had done. He had taken it upon himself to identify the motivation of the half-elf guard and not only acknowledge it but do so in a welcoming tone. She turned her head to watch the expression of the half-elf and saw how her face warmly accepted the offer. The half-elf pushed several locks of her hair back from her eyes. “I would be interested in helping your program in any means possible, assuming that we find a few who need the services.” The odd collection of people that had gathered in the dead wizard’s suite now spent several of the next hours looking for clues that would indicate the need for a detoxification program prescribed by Brandt and Master Searthu. Their search encompassed all the wizard’s rooms. It was Ischarus who found the log book on a shelf. Ischarus had pulled down a book bound in leather with the title of “Western Indulgences.” He smiled as he pulled the book off the shelf. He knew immediately what he had, even before he opened the book. “Indulgences indeed.” Rhema was still lying on the floor near to his position and she spoke softly to him. “Did you say something, Ischarus?” Ischarus smiled as he heard the binding give a slight crack upon the opening of the book. “It’s a book, Rhema. It’s called ‘Western Indulgences.’ It’s about indulgences of the mind, if I’m guessing correctly.” He flipped the book open and a noticeable frown appeared upon his face. Rhema saw the frown and inquired. “Not what you thought?” Ischarus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. It was a cookbook of rare delicacies of Tongra. “Not at all. It is a cookbook. There are all kinds of recipes on cooking rabbit, quail, and plenty of other types of game. Not at all…” His voice trailed off. His eyes had found an interesting entry. Rhema raised an eyebrow in his direction. “Are you going to finish that sentence?” Ischarus smiled and snapped the book shut. “I found an interesting entry. It was under the ‘S’ heading. Would you care to guess what the main dish was called?” Rhema shook her head side to side. “I don’t know. Stuffed pheasant?” Ischarus chuckled at her offering. “Close, but not quite. Stink Lily. And if I am reading the list of ingredients right, we’re missing four of his agents still.” [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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