Demons, Cultists and Werewolves, Oh MY

Lupecyll-Atlon home, midday

Another gorgeous spring day, which means chores. Cleaning. Gardening. It's the last that Telamon is currently devoting himself to. In the small backyard of his house, he is patiently inspecting the new green shoots of his garden, not really expecting problems but he likes to keep an eye out. Dressed down in light linen work attire, a sleeveless tunic over trousers with canvas reinforcement at the knees and sandals, he doesn't look like a powerful sorcerer.

Moving on to the bushes, he glances over to the house, the windows open to let in the bracing spring breeze and freshen the interior, reacting to some silent comment, before snorting and gesturing for whoever it is to come out. "Hmmm," he muses, checking the new buds on the berry bushes. "Pothy and Lana are going to be pleased if we can get a little harvest of blueberries. I definitely won't mind either." He settles back on his heels, stretching as he glances at the skies.

The Goblin still seems a little timid, but it appears to be aimed at the street itself, following some recent events. But she does reach to knock on the door, rapping loudly with her knuckles. While waiting for an answer, she looks curiously at the runes and sigils of the wards. She pulls out her notebook, the urge to draw what she sees being slowly overridden, and the notebook is slipped back into the bag on her hip.

There's no response at first to the knock. But then to Simony's left, a high-pitched voice is heard. "Hello there. Do you seek the Lord and Lady Lupecyll-Atlon?"

To the left, there is a window, opened to let in the spring breezes. Perched there is a small orange reptile, like a miniature dragon, no bigger than a housecat but with beautiful butterfly wings. Large, expressive eyes regard Simony with a friendly regard, as the little creature continues, "I'm afraid the Lady has stepped out to market, but the Lord is working in the backyard on his garden. Would you like me to guide you?"

Simony seems startled momentarily, taking a moment to spot the orange reptile, blinking at it. Her eyes widen, and she grins broadly. "Oh, hello! I am Simony Smithsdottir. Yes, I would like to speak with Tela... Lord Lupecyll-Atlon." She nods then in reply to the creature's last question. "Certainly, and thank you!"

GAME: Simony rolls knowledge/nature: (16)+8: 24

The little faerie dragon opens its wings, and glides over to land on Simony's shoulder, happily nuzzling against her head for a moment before continuing. "I am Jyndei, a friend of the Lord Lupecyll-Atlon." He points his forepaw. "Walk around the house this way. The backyard is fenced in, but there is a gate, and I will tell him you desire to speak with him."

It's not exactly hard to follow Jyndei's directions, and the little dragon calls, "My lord, you have a petitioner!" Telamon makes a confused sound, and stands. "A -what-?" He walks over to the gate, opening it. "This better not be-- oh! Simony! Come in, come in..." He runs a hand through his hair, giving Jyndei a look. "I thought you said 'solicitor' for a second and all I could think of were those idiots who keep trying to sell 'adventurer's insurance'."

The Goblin makes a happy sounding eeeee sound as the faerie dragon nuzzles her head. "Well met then, Jyndei. Have you been here for long? I have missed you on previous visits then, to my chagrin."

Following his directions, they are quickly at the back gate. She giggles at being called a petitioner, which is... actually close enough. "Hello m'lord.", she says with a curtsey. "I have met the real master of the house.", Simony says with a giggle. Her eyes open wide at seeing the back yard. Stepping inside, the Gobbo stops, a bare foot sweeping across the grass. "Haha, this tickles. And one wonders, is it insurance to protect you while you're off adventuring? Or... insurance to protect you from adventurers? It could easily go either way."

Jyndei happily snuggles Simony's head. "I visit on occasion, as the Lord Lupecyll-Atlon and his Lady are good and true friends. I have only recently returned from Quelynos." The little dragon stretches, before vaulting off to perch on the edge of the roof, settling there and peering over the edge while Telamon rolls his eyes. "Oh no. Trust me, Cor'lana is the real master -- or rather, mistress -- of this place." He grins, though, and brushes himself off a bit before offering the use of the outside chairs. "Please, sit down."

"Honestly, I suspect that whole thing is a scam. The presumption is 'insurance for adventurers', but I looked into it and the whole thing seemed rather, well, suspect. If you really think you need to make arrangements, speak to one of the temples."

Tel stretches out in his seat, regarding the goblin priestess with an arched eyebrow. "I suspect you didn't come here to chat about schemes to separate adventurers from their gold, though."

She laughs as the faerie dragon snuggles at her once more, and then flits up to the roof. Simony nods to Telamon, "Ah, I understand." She moves to settle into the chari, pulling her feet up so that she can sit cross-legged. Her notebook comes out of the bag on her hip, as does a pencil.

"Oh no, I don't need any sort adventurer insurance. My God will see to my soul, while he expects me to see to my own health. And you're quite right. Your family seems... caught up in some of the current events in the city, and I was hoping to ask you some question? If you don't mind terribly? If it helps, I am working at the behest of Magpie, whom I believe you are familiar with."

The Goblin blinks, "Forgive me, my manners are appalling. How is Lady Lupecyll-Atlon? I know that during the commotion last week, she was injured. Due to circumstances outside of my control I was not able to administer aid, we were separated by events."

Telamon exhales. "She is well. She... her physical injuries were minor, compared to recent events which weighed on her deeply. However, I think she is moving through it, coming to grips with what happened. It helps that she need not face these things alone, and she knows she has me to lean on in times of need."

Absently, Telamon reaches over with his right hand to trace a marking on the back of his left -- a wreath of feathers surrounding three stars. "Sometimes she worries she is unworthy of love, and I point out that I awaken most days trying to figure out how -I- was worthy of -her-." He smiles at Simony. "Such is life. We complement each other, bound as one."

At the mention of Magpie, Tel's eyebrows rise. "Ah. Yes, that would be a name to conjure my attention with. We've worked together a bit. If you are here at her behest, then ask your questions."

"I can empathize with how she feels, I have asked that particular question myself. I am glad she is moving through things, that is the best thing we can do. If you find yourself going through Hell, keep going, you will get through it." Simony smiles at Telamon. "I am glad you two found each other."

She nods then, "I am extremely grateful for any assistance. We met recently to discuss a particular... denizen of a very hot and far off place, if you get my meaning. Jay-Gee has become a particularly large thorn in people's sides, and so our goal is to end their menace. But. Good."

She slaps her leg for emphasis. "So I have some general questions, and some specific ones. We know, or at least I have been informed that Jay-Gee is of an icy variety of his kind. I know of their immunities, and at least one weakness, and some of their powers. Do you have anything to add? Have you gleaned any knowledge of our foe in particular? If not, would you have any suggestions on where I should start looking?"

Telamon's brows come together at the somewhat roundabout figures of speech, but he nods. "I grant my skills lie more in the social than the academic. So... presuming we discuss who I suspect we are, it is prudent to -not- assume we completely understand his plans. Remember that such creatures are usually unconstrained by such things like age -- much as dragons do, sometimes they will opt to simply outwait their opponents."

"That being said, such creatures are also bound by their desires and their needs. Defined by them, in fact. It is extraordinarily difficult to push against such needs because they are part of their very nature. A man might put off a meal so as to ensure a task is done properly -- but these beasts are less likely to do similar."

The Goblin's pencil wiggles away as she jots down some points as Telamon speaks.

Simony nods, "Okay, so we cannot assume they will immediately go through with whatever plans they have, nor can we assume we even know what their plans are. However, Jay-Gee has a master, at least I am informed of such, and that he is working towards a goal that may not have a specific time line, one can imagine that this master is not willing to wait forever, and indeed, may only have a certain window of time to do what he wants to do. So Jay-Gee may be pushed to acting sooner rather than later. It is an assumption, but not an illogical one, yes?"

Her pencil stops moving. "Ah, if you are a social creature, rather than a bookworm such as myself, would you have suggestions as to whom I could talk to who may have more knowledge of such demons? And... do you know anything of his cult, the people that are summoning him?"

Telamon tilts his head and grins. "That is true. Just because he has no -internal- restrictions does not necessarily mean he has no external ones. His master may be pressing him for results." He steeples his fingers, his expression thoughtful. "We know that his machinations are entangled somewhat with those of the Hound's cultists, and the Red Maw. I am unconvinced they are on the same page of the script, myself -- they find each other useful, but their goals may differ radically."

His mouth turns down in a mild frown. "Sadly, fiend cults tend less towards 'surrender' and more towards self destruction. They know their actions put them in both temporal and spiritual peril -- most civilized lands do not look kindly on consorting with the powers of darkness -- and so they have little motivation to come quietly when caught." Tel smirks faintly. "Terribly rude of them."

"As far as the mechanisms for calling such creatures? I would suggest either the Mourner Verna, or the Archmage Mikilos Mithralla. I can supply an introduction to the former -- she is my sister-by-bond -- but the latter is..." Telamon pauses, looking for the best phrase. "He is complicated."

The pencil immediately begins scratching again as more information is forthcoming. "The Red Maw, is that the one using werewolves? Didn't one of their leaders or controllers die recently?" The writing continues, and Simony snorts. "Yes, they are unbelievably rude, aren't they? So, introductions I would gratefully accept. And I cannot thank you enough, but I shall try."

"I believe I have heard of both of them, however, what makes you call the Archmage... complicated?"

The half-elven sorcerer becomes quiet for a moment, before speaking. "Yes. Zalgiman Joaki is no more. He was their recruiter, and his death may limit their ability to infect new recruits with lycanthropy." Telamon takes a deep breath, before continuing. "This leaves Dace Zinskas, the 'Miracle Man', and Marsward Seraquoix, whom I believe to be their leader." His fingers twitch and curl a little, before relaxing.

"I have nothing but respect for the Archmage, but he took a stance regarding events in Llyranost, regarding the Veil, that I found... questionable. He has also, in the past, been perhaps... a trifle unwise in his use of magic. I suspect he may need a copy of 'The Circles of Longing' to read." Tel's lips quirk up. "However, make no mistake, he is an exceptional wizard."

The pencil is halfway through writing the name of the book, when she pauses. "That sounds suspiciously like a Crimson Pen book. Already tried to read one, and it was the most perverted thing I've ever read... the only perverted thing I've ever read. I am still plotting my revenge on her." She giggles and sighs. "Okay, so it seems likely to you that the Hound's cultists, the Red Maw and Jay Gee's cult are interacting? Seems to be a theme forming here, possibly? I am going to try focusing on the icy flavour of evil other planar creatures and I'll pass this info on to the others." Simony rubs at her chin. "What do I owe you for your time and information?"

Telamon sputters out a laugh. "What? No, no, 'The Circles of Longing' is not one of those gods-benighted Crimson Pen books..." He chuckles, and Jyndei joins in from the roof. "It's an interesting book. It's... poetry, of a sort, but with a kind of moral and ethical discussion to it. Discussing how magic use could be addictive, driving a spellcaster to greater heights -- and to folly." He smiles wryly. "Granted, I'm no stranger to folly, but I'd like to think I'm wiser than that."

He lifts his eyebrows. "Owe me? Advice and good company are free, especially to friends." Tel's smile is bright and engaging. "If you find yourself in a situation where you can help others, though, do so -- that's enough for me. The world needs more of that sort of thing."

Simony chuckles, "You cannot blame me for thinking that, "Circles of Longing" would definitely work as a title of a Crimson Pen book. Probably something silly like.. being about a circle of friends." She fidgets with her ear, and nods. "It's meant to be a cautionary tale, then, about the dangers of magical power. I think I will look it up and give it a read."

Her cheeks redden then, and she rubs at the back of her neck. "I am glad to be included as a friend, and I would in turn call you a friend. And so far, I've dedicated myself to knowledge, and helping people. Usually through healing of wounds."

Telamon snorts. "Those Crimson Pen novels... gods. I'd not deny anyone the opportunity to make a few silver, but of all the things to do..." He shakes his head. "In any case, if you can't find a copy, I have one I can loan to you. Since you read Sildanyari it should be easy to follow."

He's still smiling though. "One of the things Lana and I bonded over was a love of books and the written word. Though my studies are somewhat eclectic, it's always interesting to learn what other people have seen and heard in their travels."

"I hope to never find one written about me, I will be quite cross. Have they inflicted such a thing on you, Telamon?" Simony nods, "Indeed I would not mind borrowing it. But I would be worried about taking it from your home, though. Do you have a sitting room? Perhaps instead, I might read it there? If this is not an inconvenience to you. I cherish books, but... well... this city sometimes, you know?"

The Navosian nods enthusiastically. "Aw, that is quite adorable. Books are very powerful things, are they not? And speaking of interesting travels, did Feadril do any writing on his travels? Or of his life after his magic faded?"

His sour expression pretty much says it all. "I... spoke to someone, and they noted that adventurers, after reaching a certain level of skill and fame... tend to get those books written about them. Writing about -me- doesn't bother me, but a couple of the books written about my wife have been... irksome."

Telamon lets the matter drop, instead chuckling. "I'm sure we could work out something. I understand completely your desire for safekeeping such books. I've several favorites, myself: Stefanson's 'Traveling At Night', Meadows's 'On Plants and Potion Brewing' a copy of the Convocations at Rune, and even a copy of Lowtooth's 'Things I Won't Work With'."

The Gobbo nods, "Oh gosh, I understand. The writers do risk powerful people's anger by doing so." Her pencil spurs to life once more, with Simony nodding. "I am familiar with a few of those, at least, with the names. Some are on my 'should read' list. And I would certainly wish to recompense you in some way, perhaps? Trade some of my capabilities for time in your personal library? Oh? Perhaps a painting of your lordship and his lady?"

Telamon hehs. "If they bothered to disguise their principle protagonists a little more carefully they wouldn't draw some much ire." He chuckles softly. "I've found all of them to be good reading, myself. A comfort, especially when the weather is chilly and unpleasant and all you want to do is curl up next to a roaring fire with a hot cup of tea."

His eyebrow rises. "You paint?" he says inquiringly. "I know Lana and I have sat for a couple portraits, but... I would be intrigued to see what you'd set to canvas. Let me discuss it with her first, though. In the meantime, we'll work on a trade." His eyes glint. "We could even drink a toast to it, once we've settled on terms." There's a touch of mischievousness there, no doubt.

"Yes, during the winters here, there is definitely a want for a roaring fire, mugs of tea, and something to focus the mind on.", the Gobbo says softly, a wistful quality to her voice.

"I do paint. It arose from my sketching, and a want for colours. A generous patron donated a variety of paint colours, brushes and canvas. I have been painting for some months now. People have said I am good, but I am trying not to let it get to my head. I only promise to paint my best and if it is not to your liking, I will make it better."

Simony grins broadly, "A trade would be good, I think. I mean, I could offer gold, but you seemed resistant to that when I mentioned paying before. So a trade of some sort would work well. I'd like to at least feel that I am not taking advantage of your time and space."

Telamon shrugs. "Money is ...a trade instrument. I only love gold and silver for the tools they can purchase that can help me, or the things I or my wife might desire. You can't eat them, after all." He smiles at Simony. "So yes, trade in other things -- like art -- is a better deal. My wife enjoys writing poetry, and my own prose isn't too bad -- though I prefer studying alchemy and concocting magical liquors for our enjoyment."

"That is how I view coin also, for the most part.", Sim says with a nod. "But I do not covet it." she chuckles, "I am no poet, though I might be able to manage a story of the adventure variety. I enjoy reading poetry, though."

Her head cants to one side as she regards him. "What sort of magical liquors? Are you talking potions, here? Just with alcohol added? Wouldn't that possibly detrimental, getting drunk while drinking a potion of haste, or one of healing?"

Telamon shakes his head. "It's more complicated than that." He gestures deftly, and says, "Sisig bursag." A faint shimmer appears in the air next to him, and he instructs the unseen servitor, "Collect the Libations tome from my study, and bring it to me." The door opens, as the servant departs swiftly.

Soon enough it returns, bearing an old tome, the leather worn with age and hands. Inscribed on the cover is 'Libations' in an elegant elven hand. "This book came into my possession not long ago. It carries no great secrets of magic... at least, for those who consider such things. What it is, is a book of recipes for crafting liquors and wines with magical effects. Not quite potions or elixirs, but more than mundane spirits."

The magical wording sounds familiar to the Goblin at this point, and she notes the shimmering area, and watches as it floats away to do as asked.

When the tome arrives, her eyes widen. "What sort of magical effects then? Perhaps displaying hallucinogenic properties along with the alcohol? I am intrigued." The Goblin leans closer in her chair, attempting to read the spine. "Elven, judging by writing? Whom is the author?"

The half-sil smiles. "Something like that. I've translated several recipes -- the language construction suggests the author was not a native speaker of sildanyari, and according to a close friend, this is actually a partial transcription of a much larger work in the Sylvan tongue -- which would make it the work of the fey."

Carefully, Telamon passes the tome over to Simony to examine. "The wording within is somewhat... oblique, and at times confusing. Which is why I've taken it slow, transcribing and double-checking my work. I've had some alchemical mishaps, I've no desire to add to the number."

Simony's eyebrows almost disappear into her hair. "You are experimenting with a fey work translated into Sildanyari by someone who was not a native speaker of it?" The suggestion of horror in her voice does not prevent her from carefully opening the tome. Just for a peek.

"Judging how things went when Warrick interrupted Periandr's spell, I cannot imagine what could go wrong imbibing something created from a possibly mistranslated work of the FEY." The Gobbo giggles lightly. "What have you managed to create, so far?"

Telamon smirks. "As I said... this is why I'm going slow. My friend is looking into trying to locate his copy, but so far I've been able to avoid any pitfalls." He pauses, and looks wry. "Worst mishap so far was when I brewed something that should've made a wonderful brandy, and it... solidified inside the bottle. Sure wasn't going to be drinking -that-..."

At Simony's question, he nods. "So far I've tackled simpler recipes. There's one called 'Night's Kiss' which creates the illusion of a brilliant night sky for the imbiber -- regardless if they are inside or outside. There's one I call 'Daeus's Embrace' which is a mead-based liquor that gives you a warm, rather comforting sensation. I find it very soothing."

She laughs. "You are far braver than I, this is certain. I would be intrigued reading the tome, but I would shy away from attempting any recipe. It must be fascinating just trying to work out the recipe and what it's supposed to impart on the imbiber."

Simony nods then, "Those two sound fairly pedestrian, which is a good thing. What else is in there, that you found interesting but concerned about attempting to create it?"

Tel laughs softly. "Well, I am a fool, this is well known. I am willing to tread where others might be hesitant." The half-elf leans forward again, resting his arms on his knees. "But still. One does not gain by simply sitting idly by. I do prefer to dare the unknown."

He tilts his head, thinking. "There's one in there that states it is 'meant for flying', and I'm unsure if that is poetic license or literal. The most complex one to date I've made was Feathered Friend, which is... peculiar. A caramel taste, but less intrusive, but after a few sips..." He pauses. "You see everyone as if they were an egalrin. Their heads are that of a bird's, though it seems to be linked to their demeanor and behavior. When my wife and I tried it with friends, they said I appeared to be a swan, while Lana was a raven and my friends were doves and ibis. Interestingly, it doesn't seem to interfere with recognition -- you will recognize your friends even if their countenances are cloaked. Very curious indeed."

"I see, perhaps, some of what your wife sees in you.", the Goblin says with a cheeky grin. "Meant for flying. Hah, and you've not yet created it? Or not yet... drunk it?"

Her laugh is quick and sharp. "Feathered Friend? I wonder what they would get out of that? It does sound funny, though. Was it just their facial features, or did it include voices? I am certain I could not stop giggling if people were making bird noises too."

Telamon shakes his head. "That was the strange part. It was strictly visual -- voices were unchanged. But visually... I've no idea what the original creator was thinking. There was a reference to 'seeing as the egalrin do', but that doesn't make much sense." He chuckles quietly. "Well, fey humor can be a little obscure."

"But no, I've not yet created it, let alone tried to drink it. I have a cantrip that allows me to determine if something is toxic; it's come in handy a time or two. No, I am happy to proceed at my own pace, and avoid any serious pitfalls."

"I have an idea. I am willing to offer my services, to drink one... one! of these beverages, to determine their actual effect. Once you have some assurances that it won't be harmful. Would that be helpful to you, in return from some library time?" Simony crosses her arms. "Hopefully it will be worth a laugh to you. I am sure I can suffer some small embarrassment for a short time."

Telamon raises his eyebrows. "I thought Navosians were supposed to be a little more... measured in their approach to knowledge. But if you insist... well, very well. I've a couple recipes I'm going to work on concocting. When one is completed, I'll let you know, and you can be the first to try it." He frowns. "Assuming it is not poisonous. I won't inflict that on you. But, in the meantime, let us consider what might be learned from tomes and scrolls, and how it can help us push back the dark."