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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 13, 2016 8:49:51 GMT -5
Adorned in red and black, a rather tall adventurer strides into the Lounge. Not knowing many of the other people in the settlement, Raphael appears uninterested in learning so - despite the curious stares from other patrons. From his neck, an amulet of the Holy Order of the Blessed Star hangs, giving an aura of piety.
Gazing off into the distance, it seems as though his mind and soul are far from the physical manifestation of his mundane flesh. His eyes glaze over, as he loses himself deep in thought.
He recollects himself, sends a nod to the bar tender for a drink, and patiently waits. Having heard word that Jace was looking for him, the Lounge seemed the place to be...
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Post by mulcibaer on Jun 13, 2016 13:25:01 GMT -5
Through the entryway wandered Jace, his hood low, concealing most of his face. He glanced about, looking for friends old and new, before settling on an unfamiliar face above a shining star (a slight smirk at the corners of Jace's mouth).
"Raphael, I presume?" Jaces voice was moderated, quiet. "A distinct pleasure to meet you. I've heard you've been busy, to say the least. I was hoping to make introductions, possibly swap notes?" The last phrase comes out with a hush, reserve giving way to excitement.
"Drinks are on me, of course. Sit, please. " escapes pale lips as Jace slides into a chair near the back of the building.
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 13, 2016 13:32:10 GMT -5
Raphael entertains the idea for a second, and judges the man with a quick glance.
"Yes, I am Raphael. And as far as notes go, the gods know I have many. What inparticular would you be interested in learning about?"
He takes a swig of his fresh drink and studies Jace's face, looking for more insight.
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Post by mulcibaer on Jun 13, 2016 14:07:19 GMT -5
"Rumor I've collected has it that you were part of a scout force that went to investigate a pack of undead discovered on a trail near where I and others assisted Q'tar a few weeks ago. I had thought to investigate it myself, but time and... issues. .. aside, I've missed the chance."
Jace continues to stare into the tavern, never making eye contact with Raphael. Not escaping Raphael's probing gaze is the thinness of Jace's face, the dark circles his eyes seem lost within. Or why in the present heat he will not remove a wool hood inside. A drink arrives - Jace's tankard is as yet untouched.
"So, my new friend, what did you find?"
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 13, 2016 14:17:11 GMT -5
"Yes, I've definitely been busy as well. We discovered a unique ritual that was being conducted with a unique altar. We did our best to disrupt what was happening, but were forced to stop several sub-rituals to break through the final circle. Unfortunately, there's an altar left behind which seems to be seeping with death and is killing local vegetation. I'm no expert at Thaumaturgy, but things don't seem so well. We actually ran into a Death Knight while we we're at it."
Raphael shares the knowledge that he has gained with Jace. With nothing to lose, and only help to be had, Raphael has no reluctance at sharing this information.
"When we were finished, the Necromancer's Guild was supposed to receive word that we we're looking for some guidance."
He pauses and thinks for a few quick seconds...
"We were supposed to hear back from the Guild, and possibly have a Grim's help. He seemed to have a way with the undead..."
Almost as if changing the subject, he focuses his interest on Jace. "Tell me about yourself, and why this would interest you? Based on your current condition, I would say all is far from well."
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Post by mulcibaer on Jun 13, 2016 14:38:44 GMT -5
"A Bizarre alter, now emenating death... a troupe of red clad necromancers. An undead that ate other undead, that's fascinating...and the Death Knight resurfaced as well. I imagine he was helpful."
Jace mutters to himself for a moment, rehashing the information.
"Me, I've never felt better. Something in the air around here, I'd imagine." Something about the way he says it, though, and the adjustment of his hood to better cover his eyes, suggest otherwise. "Indeed, my father might say my health was a blessing from the gods!"
"As for my interest in the subject, it's a bit of a scholarly pursuit. I've been researching the various forms of undeath present here, from the vineborn spawn of that dreadful plant, to the collection of ferals that inexplicably roam the deeper woods."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 13, 2016 14:59:42 GMT -5
"Well, I doubt that this is the last time I will run into them. Do you have any insight into the altar we uncovered in the ritual? Or perhaps a way to more easily manage undead when one comes across them? How about the Grim and why the undead seemingly fear him?"
Raphael seemingly turns a corner in the conversation, where he is seeking out specific pertinent information. As a member of the Holy Order, he is compelled by the concept of balance. And, in his mind, he has given information. So, now was the time for taking it.
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Post by mulcibaer on Jun 13, 2016 15:38:01 GMT -5
"Let's see... silver can have adverse effects depending on the undead. Being of twisted essence, healing seems to loosen the bond that holds them to the world. I'd have to research some more to give a better answer as to how to deal with the spike... there are protective rituals that can ward areas off, but the cost is tantamount to how large an area we're looking at. I think a far better option is to create a defensive line - " Jace produces a scroll of Animate Nature " - of nature."
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 13, 2016 15:50:26 GMT -5
"That sounds like the beginning of a plan at least." Raphael sighs with relief.
"Things left untreated only typically start to fester." Raphael says this in a way that sounds like he might be talking about more than just the spike...
"Are you able to conduct the ritual to create this defensive line of nature? As I've said, I have many gifts, but Thaumaturgy is not one." He chuckles.
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Post by mulcibaer on Jun 13, 2016 16:28:38 GMT -5
"Capable? Yes. Willing? Most likely." Jace lowers his wayward gaze and looks at the disciple before him with eyes the color of fresh spilled blood. "I would expect some form of recompense in the way of coin to continue my Resesrch, components to keep the rituals going, another thaumaturge to assist with the ritual. And for you to not worry about any preceived malady within me."
Jace reaches out across the table towards Raphael, hand open in invitation.
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 14, 2016 0:30:34 GMT -5
Raphael hesitates for a second, and says, "There are many who think that I am a foul creature for not openly paying every price required to help this settlement. Indeed, I've sacrificed a good amount of blood, sweat, and tears as it is against the plant creatures. I can grant you some silver, and together we shall seek out Sharara who is also a student of Thaumaturgy. I know she would be eager to lend a hand at solving this problem."
Raphael's pupils shimmer with a blue glow, and he stares into Jace, seemingly to the very core of his being.
"If you desire your privacy, you shall have it."
He reaches out his hand in compromise.
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Post by mulcibaer on Jun 14, 2016 19:16:24 GMT -5
"Glad it's settled, then, and that we had the chance to get properly introduced."
Jace rose from the table hastily, brushing off his tunic.
"I'll be around. If you can't find me, wait. I likely went into the forest to gather specimens. I'll find you if I need you. I will, however, make getting with Sharara a priority."
Jace heads to the exit and leaves, all the while wrapped in thought. He sighs. Far too reckless, these forays. This disciple may leave him be, but not everyone will turn a blind eye. Still, appears he's stumbled upon something useful. ... I'll have to investigate.
[Jace leaves the lounge, headed to his shack near the outskirts. He delays for a bit there before headed to the forest in the dead of night.]
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Post by Raphael Relelhart on Jun 15, 2016 15:59:18 GMT -5
[Raphael settles his tab and heads out the door.]
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