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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 3609285" data-attributes="member: 11">InterSession #8.2: Denouement & Decampment – Bleys’ Day & a Half (part 2 of 2)Much later that same day Bleys found Telémahkos in the room he had been making use of as his own. The blond young noble was brushing his hair. Freshly laundered clothes were laid out on the bed.“Telemakhos, I need three hundred pieces of silver. If you can lend me these monies, I can improve the chances that one or more of us will return from the King Stones alive,” The watch-mage said to him by way of greeting. Telémahkos looked as if he might burst out laughing, but managed to keep a straight face. “Hmm, I should be able to accommodate your request. Is it possible for me to get more information?” “I have the rare opportunity to purchase masterwork armor, tailored to the specifications that I as a mage trained in the martial skills needs. (1) In every way it allows me to utilize my skills more effectively. As it turns out, I seem to always be the one left standing after our conflicts. Bes winked at us the night of the smugglywug raid on the Sea Wyvern. I would not like to count on being so lucky again…” (2)“Alright then. One favor I will ask of you in return,” Telémahkos readily agreed.  He was as free with money to the same degree as he craved it. “Please identify the rapier. I do not trust Markos to tell me the truth about it.” “It was to be done by mine own hand, before you requested it. I am the diviner after all, and do not trust him myself,” Bleys gave Telémahkos a rare smile. It was strangely familiar to Telie, and he thought back to when they met as boys.Telémahkos nodded. “If I may offer you my insight…” Bleys waited. “Pity and be wary of that one, but do not despise him or give up on him. He may not be made right by this experience, but he has been subjected to a life none of us could imagine... His mind is not all there, but perhaps if he can find his way among us... “ Telémahkos trailed off, as if considering the real likelihood of the proposition. “He is young and senseless, but he is only seventeen and served ten years of that on a hard-nosed pirate ship. I cannot help but think, there but for the grace of Bes go I.” Bleys recoiled a bit, his cool demeanor returning. “And what makes you his champion? Can you also be his mentor? He has no social grace. No respect. No sense of proper decorum. It seems his aim to alienate us all, and saddle us with his self-pity and shallow wallowing.” The watch-mage allowed himself a sigh. “Most of the time when I talk to him, I want to throttle him. I do not know why I say this to you, except perhaps that I feel as much pity as anger. And perhaps because I know if everyone does give up hope of being companionable with him, then it will certainly never happen and that will do none of us any good.” “It really does seem like dealing with a child,” Telémahkos conceded. “When I speak to him, I do so with politeness until he antagonizes me. Perhaps if I continue to show him that if he acts decently he will get treated in kind, it might encourage the behavior he missed out on being taught by his family.” “Well, I consider myself a patient man. And already the boy shows an aptitude for testing the limits of that endurance. To some degree I begin to think that this must be intentional, but why? If he longs to return to the sea so much, why does he not? Nevermind that. I will pose these questions to him…” Bleys remained composed, allowing none of the frustration with Markos evident in his words to encroach upon his tone. He shook his hair out, as if casting off the unwanted emotion. “But as to you, my brother-in-law, I find myself gladdened that we have been able to reconnect. And my hope is that you will have the temerity to use that sword by my side, rather than let it dangle loosely from your belt as you shy from our foes.”  Telie became a bit more animated and genuinely pleased.  He began to drape his toga about his body, wondering if he should call Tymon to help him. “I am also very happy about reconnecting and being reminded that we do share similar views on more things than not. And in light of this and the fact that I want to be as forthright as I can be, please understand that I will use the sword as best I see fit… Whether this means skulking in the shadows to get in an advantageous shot on a foul beast, lurking with my crossbow until there is an opening that will allow me to work with one of the stronger fighters such as Victoria or Timotheus. Or perhaps hoping to save myself until I can rush into the fray to rescue an unarmed innocent…” Telie winked.  “I realize my methods do not suit everyone and that I very obviously do not have steel in my veins, but I hope that my recent actions will demonstrate my willingness to risk my very life for a greater good.” Telémahkos displayed a mix of earnestness and hurt. “Yes, I am truly sorry I missed your display. Lavinia informs me that you acquitted yourself quite heroically,” Bleys ignored Telémahkos’ pained expression. “And while I do not possess the strength of Timotheus or raw tenacity of Victoria, I do not shirk my duty or responsibilities. Nor do those with virtue becoming a knight or a noble, and I now know that you have the capacity for that as well.” He looked down into the smaller man's face, holding his blue eyes in an intense stare, unwavering. Telémahkos turned and looked out the window to break the stare. “I think if my judgment comes to be trusted, it will not be much of an issue. It should be noted how I went down like a cart of stone when I did that….” He looked back to Bleys. “I will not claim that fear may never get the best of me again, but I am learning what to do in a fight, and since I have made it clear I am willing to risk my life for what is right, I hope that the choices I do make in future conflicts will not be as open to question…Or scorn…” A smile came first into his eyes and then across his mouth. “Ah, Telemakhos,” Bleys appeared slightly vexed, exhaling. “I think you are confused. I do not question your judgment, or your will to live. For I too am not the warrior that Timotheus is. I understand that as a result we are forced to be more cautious. I do not wish to perish any more than you do, and I do not hold scorn for you, quite the opposite; I am growing to regard your counsel in certain matters as highly informed. I am merely trying to express how disappointed I would be were you not to continue to live up to the measures of virtue I now know you capable of…”“I do not wish to belabor the point any further as I trust you to be fair in your judgments of me. In regards to your request, I have done some figuring in my head and wonder if there is any way to acquire this armor if I were to give you less than the full three hundred silver. I have some debts that I am attempting to make right since Timotheus is insisting we travel back to Azure. That being the case, as my brother-in-law and companion in this charter, I consider your need the greater, especially since I am well within my rights to pay these debts at a later time…”Bleys clasped the smaller man on the shoulder. “I appreciate your offer and loan of the silver and your honor is intact. Though I wish I knew you to be a debtor before I had asked to do the same. Would it suffice were I to only borrow two hundred coins?” “I will rely on your honor as a watch-mage that two hundred silver is all you need. What is left over will be quite sufficient to my needs and allow me to fulfill all of my obligations,” Telémahkos replied.  He took a pouch of coins from the desk and spilled out a great deal of it and began to count.  “What sort of armor is this, anyway?” Without hesitation Bleys replied: “I have commissioned a suit of studded leather from the master smith Harvel Hammeral here in town. He is highly proficient in his work, even having created armors for the receipt of enchantment.”  Bleys eyed the heavy pouch, noting the amount far exceeded two hundred silver coins, and their individual shares of the spoils. (3)Telémahkos handed over the coin. “When I am done with my debt, I will be living off humbler means once more, but at least this burden will worry me no more.”  After a slight pause, “Timotheus and I are heading out soon. Is there any message I can take to your sister or your sister's children?” “Oh, yes, our sister, niece and nephew…” Bleys was as close to excited as he comes. “Please tell Paulien that I miss her, Anders and Spiro as well. Tell them that I think of them often. Actually, if you'd be so kind, I will scribe a letter for you to deliver. I appreciate the offer.”  “It would be a pleasure to do so. I will get it from you on the morrow.  Lavinia mentioned that Tim and I might be able to get passage to Azure via a mercantile contact of hers, and I think we are off around mid-day…” Telémahkos gave a polite bow as the Watch-Mage took his leave, eager to get started.------------------------------------------------------------“MARKOS!” Bleys shouted across the lawn of the Vanderboren Manse, having spied the teenager returning from town with the arrival of twilight. Telémahkos had left for town nearly an hour before and Timotheus was still not back.  Victoria was still resting her injured knee, while Laarus spent the day trying to translate portions of the book of the runes of the Ancient Mystics, as Lavinia gave it to him as a gift when he mentioned his interest in looking through it. (4)“We must decide what to do with Leemo's book,” Bleys the Aubergine said brusquely, approaching the diminutive mage with long determined strides. “I assume that when you leave here, you are going to be expanding upon your knowledge. I must then also assume you figure the book into some part of that. Which is fine, I only ask that you let me hold onto it until then. As you know, it takes some time to scribe spells. And as we cannot both use it at once, well…” (5)“Well, hello Bleys…” Markos replied with a smirk of annoyance.Bleys drew up to him and continued, ignoring or not noticing Markos’ facetiousness. “Telemakhos has asked me to identify the rapier. I will try to do so for the potion as well. I know not whether you can afford the supply for materials to scribe every spell you wish, but as you know I can already identify the items. To that end, I know I cannot afford to copy as much as I'd like, lacking in both coin and time, so I am going to forego the sea-farer's spells and make decisions from there. I am most interested in the mark of the arcane, animating rope, arcane insight, erase, expeditious retreat, and jump, should I have the time.”  Markos looked up stiffly with a slight frown, and began to walk on towards the manse.  Bleys fell in step with him as he replied, “Take the book. What I would like to copy can be done at a later time. My main concern is seeking out a mage with a better understanding of our art than my own. I’m not sure, but I think I am very close to mastering the mental exercises needed to cast more complex spells, and with some tutelage I hope to be able to cast them by the time I return.” (6) He paused, and then asked although he already knew the answer, “Are you able to cast spells in the second house?” (7) “You are correct in your assumption. I am too green yet to be versed in spells of the second house. And when your studies are complete, your knowledge will surpass my own.”  Bleys continued, much more reserved, and monotonous, as he is wont to do.  “So, you will leave the book in my care. I appreciate the gesture. Are we agreed to use the book as a security should anything unfortunate befall one of our own? I will copy what I need into it before leaving it with Euleria when we set out next. I hope you will do the same; that is, assuming we can afford it.” (8) Markos paused for a moment as they reached the door, studying Bleys' countenance before speaking, “Yes, I think copying those spells that are most important to us into the book and leaving it with Euleria is a smart thing to do…” Bleys stopped in the foyer, opening his well-worn satchel, oblivious to the cue that Markos meant to continue. He pulled forth an assortment of items, cricket legs, wire, and feathers, amongst their number. “Keep these, they are yours. I have the same number should the need for more arise.”“This would be a good time for us to reveal to each other exactly what spells we each know,” Markos finally continued after a world-weary sigh. “Or one of us may assume the other is using this idea as a way to learn the other's spells without fair trade.” Markos opened his own satchel to put away the components he had been handed, and fetched out his spell book, handing it to Bleys and then motioned towards the inner garden doors, where they might sit and continue their talk. “I also have some thoughts on training for spells of the second house.” “I do not appreciate the accusation,” A frown flickered at the corner of Bleys’ mouth and in a divot at the base of his brow. “And frankly cannot understand why you are so preoccupied with what spells I know or can cast. However, I can readily capitulate to your point. It would be unfair of me to assume that we could not avail of learning any spells available in a book we are sharing…” He waved Markos' book away and continued.  “I have not the spell necessary to read your book now. But I will tell you what I know, though I am sure you can deduce most. I am focused in divination as you may recall, thinking this the most beneficial in my pursuit of rarer and unique magic, the collection of those material components, and their preservation and delivery to the more sedentary of my fellow Watch-Magi. As of now I am only able to cast a few cantrips, and from the first house I know only a few tricks. Obviously it is important that I be able to identify what we may encounter as well as protect myself should the need arise as I am likely to be involved in swordplay, thus I have often prepared, mage's armor. As a graduate of the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Academy+of+Wizardry#curriculum" target="_blank">adventuring curriculum</a>, my spells are rounded out with the ability to comprehend languages, <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Spell+-+Preserve+Food" target="_blank">preserve food</a>, and grant <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Spell+-+Low-Light+Vision" target="_blank">low-light vision</a>. Should the environment become adverse I am able to ward myself as to endure elements as well.” Bleys eyed Markos expectantly, as if awaiting some smarmy comment, but as it did not immediately come, he continued.  “If you are looking for sheer devastation or raw power I am afraid you are in league with the wrong wizard. My job is one of delivery and protection. We who graduate the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Academy+of+Wizardry" target="_blank">Academy of Wizardry</a> are dedicated to the good of the common people above all. As there are watch-mages who reside in and guard towns, lending the sagacious word to those in need, my position is to do the same for those who travel the by-ways of Thricia. All of them. And that means I have a lot of ground to cover. I may carry a scroll from one watch-mage to another, fill in one's absence, or secure a rare component for one not able to leave his post. These tasks combined with my prior training as a warrior make me ideal to this purpose.”  Satisfied that he had made himself clear, Bleys awaited Markos' reply. Markos' face had hardened as the watch-mage spoke. “I have made it clear why I would like to know what spells you are able to cast and I have already told both you and Tim what spells I can cast; call it an accusation if you will but I made my statement equally applicable to either of us and made it hoping to avoid future misunderstanding.” His words snapped with angry breath, and then he rattled off a list of spells he knew. “Furthermore, you would do well...” “Young man, you must be confused,” Bleys cut in. “You never told me all the spells that were in your repertoire until this exact moment. Having been paying attention to those particulars, I have noted some of those, yes, but not all as you claim.” Bleys remained as cool and monotonous as ever, if even slightly slower in his delivery.Markos slashed his chin downward to cut off his own words and took a deep breath.  His face relaxed, and his tone became softer, though there was still an edge of impatience to it. “I will be able to help you with casting spells of the second house when you are ready… Training is expensive, however, and I would appreciate if you could cover half the cost of my own training for spells when it comes time for me to train you. If you cannot afford this, I will not insist and offer training anyway as your mastery of said skills will only make me more likely to survive any danger we all find ourselves in.” “Now, am I to understand this properly, are you asking to borrow coin from me so that you might cover the expense of training at the University now?” Markos replied with exaggerated torpidity. “No - let me repeat: I would appreciate if you could cover half the cost of my own training, as in for spells of the third house, when it comes time for me to train you.” He could not keep up the façade even for effect, as his words grew more rapid and heated. “And perhaps it is you who are confused…I would not have considered you an old man, but perhaps your apparently addled wits and your insistence on treating me as a youngster suggest otherwise. Do you not recall conversations between me, you and Tim about the importance of knowing what we each can do when we were on the sloop? Do you not recall my then saying to Tim, with you still there, what spells I can cast?” He paused and slowed down again. “I don't know if you are purposely obtuse or if it is some personality quirk, but it has been you, not I, that has been reticent to share information to this point while ignoring suggestions that sharing what we can do would only benefit all. I have offered you something I value: knowledge. I would expect you, as a diviner, to value it as well. Take it or leave it.” Bleys nodded, ignoring Markos’ histrionics. “Ah, now I understand. Your point about training was unclear to me. I apologize if asking for clarification is keeping you from more important affairs. Obviously we will have to agree to be at impasse. For I am not so old, nor are my wits addled. If any, mine are as clear as a <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Quark" target="_blank">Quark morn</a>, for I shun drink to ensure as much. I recall the two conversations you had with Timotheus, and I do know that I never, as stated, until now knew your full compliment of spells. As to me sharing such information with you so readily, I am surprised that you, of all individuals, would not understand my hesitation. For ultimately, any spell that I were to share with you, should it come to nefarious end or serve malicious purpose, would reflect poorly on my judgment.” Bleys cocked an eyebrow. “Do you disagree?” Markos opened his mouth but spoke no words.  Bleys continued.“I will be the first to admit that we have but known each other only a short time, and your comments of joining pirates, disrespect of Laarus' station, blanket contempt of the Margrave and nobility, and finding the prospect of the Vanderboren manse sacked by savage bullywugs laughable, these traits unnerve me. But as far as I am concerned, I am well justified in my reticence to share anything with you. But still I cannot help but query, since it has come up… If you are so miserable with the Charter and your assignment to it, why allow yourself to be so? Surely it is not in service to your noble blood? Your skills are commendable. <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/The+Winter+Family" target="_blank">The Winter Family</a> serves the Royal fleet well, and <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Wetherwax" target="_blank">House Wetherwax</a>. I am certain that I may be able to secure you a position, a good one, aboard a ship of your choosing, in any of several different capacities. Perhaps even apprentice to captainship, or quartermaster, a boatswain's mate? What say you to that?” Markos face was a mask of incredulity, “And I thought you were different from the others…” He shook his head. “Yet you too will fall back on money and station to deal with a problem. No, Bleys, you can't buy me off. While I find most of the nobles I meet worthy of contempt I find the Margrave's stated mission a worthy goal. Do not conflate my opinions on each. As for Laarus, I have personal issues with him that his station does little to address… This manse being sacked was amusing in a dark way simply because it seemed to me a noble's folly was actually going to be punished… The thought of others suffering for this folly was all too familiar, however, and made whatever humor I found in the situation short lived. Pirates? Simple longing for a simpler time. For a diviner you are certainly unusually content to accept appearances. And, please, I beg you to answer, how can you confuse the sharing of information on what spells we can cast with sharing how to cast those spells?”  They realized how their voices echoed in the foyer as they noticed Tymon hurry by, but Markos continued. “It is only now, today, that we speak of trading spells, and that only indirectly through copying spells to a common book. Furthermore, do you have some rare and special spells I could not learn at the University by spending coin and noble influence? If not, then don't flatter…” He cut off his tirade, visibly collected himself and then continued more calmly, “Again, I offer knowledge. I offer it for our mutual benefit, though I believe you will have more to gain than I.” Bleys shook his head. “Don’t be petulant, Markos. You know what spells I can cast as I’ve told you. You know as well as I that sharing details of spellbooks naturally progresses to shared knowledge. Furthermore, I’m not attempting to buy you off, but by means of an introduction I only hope my surname could provide, attempt to assuage your yearn for the sea. But as it stands you have told me two things this day: First, you are here by choice, meaning when you signed your name on the Charter, as we all did, you foreswore your right to grouse. And second, that you are not the immature fool you allow yourself to seem, act a man and you shall be treated as one. “ Markos' eyes bulged and he began to turn red. He stared at Bleys for a moment and his hands tightened into fists at his side. Almost in a whisper, he said, “Henceforth, I will keep my thoughts to myself and cease my grousing.” He winced with the last word, as if it were painful to say. “I don't see much point in continuing our conversation and there is no point in trying to explain where I find fault in what you just said, so, I will excuse myself. But first, let me say that despite this conversation I will always be ready to share what I know so we may better coordinate our efforts. Now, please excuse me.” Markos stalked off, heading up the stairs to the room he was sharing with Laarus.  Bleys the Aubergine smiled as he followed him off with his eyes, before returning to the letter he was preparing for his sister.End of InterSession #8.2-------------------------------------------------Notes:(1) Bleys’ masterwork armor grants an additional +2 of armor bonus, 4 extra armor points and lowers the arcane failure chance by 5%.  For Aquerra’s rules on masterwork weapons and armor click <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Masterwork+Weapons+and+Armor" target="_blank">here</a>. It cost him several hundred silver.(2) See Session #6(3) The split per character of the Kraken’s Cove booty came to about 1 gp, 435 sps, 158 cps, with minor differences in some cases depending on coins paid into a group fund given to Euleria.(4) The book was found in Session #8, in the library of the manse, and was later put back.(5) It takes 4 hours per spell level to learn/scribe a wizard spell.(6) Experience was awarded during this period and some characters had to train for a new spell level, feats or other abilities. For Aquerra’s rules for training, click <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Advancement" target="_blank">here</a>.(7) In Aquerra, arcane spell levels are referred to as spells of a numbered “House”. Thus, second level spells are “Spells of the Second House”.(8) It costs 25 sps per page to scribe spells.</blockquote>

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