AMIA ARCHIVE • View topic - A Breath in the Silence: "Life" in Tarkuul

A small 'woman', clad in black with gold accents, carrying a smokey sweet scent to her, would walk around Tarkuul's various Courts and buildings watching the Shadow Mages, the amount of time spent ranges from minutes to hours as she just watches them. Eventually making her way back to the Library, only ever speaking to Draco, if she encounters him, or looking through the various bookshelves.

Without any forewarning, the Crypts are closed off to all but the Council. The sound of shifting rubble can sometimes be heard from the opening below...

Eddie was seen wandering the library this morning... and having a quick word with one of the inhabitants.

Then he left... without a trace.

Whenever Draco might be working on the expansion of the City "floor" in the Court of the Undying, he would find that two or three skeletal workers climb up from the closed-off Crypt to help in his work, taking care of any of the shifting of dirt and rock, or bringing more dirt and rocks from the few remaining piles in the Court of the Living.

*-*-*-*-*

Meanwhile, Gerald's work with his own skeletal student seems to be sinking in well enough and it would seem that it has learned the basic capabilities of reading, writing and arithmetic that one might find in a common merchant. Though its skill set is not overly impressive by the standards of the adventuring class, it might just do the job it's intended for.

*-*-*-*-*

Slowly but surely the vines which were planted around the Castle begin to grow up the walls, guided by the trellises put in place by Emilie and Kaye. Though they bear no fruit or flower as of yet, they seem to be in good health, aided by the exceptional weather the City has been enjoying since the strange "light show" a tenday ago.

Luca's own work about the Castle begins to take shape as one of the Bone Golems hauls the granite posts over from the Court of the Living. Havoc's work on the sections of fencing also seems to progress well, the outdoor smithy ringing constantly with the sounds of forging iron.

*-*-*-*-*

Despite the good weather, or perhaps because of it, a very low, light fog bank starts to hang about the Living City here and there.

With pinched lips and a leer that could kill; Mania would look upon the many projects coming together about Tarkuul. From the fences to the stone platform slowly extending out over the sea, it would seem every little nuance that was not of her own doing would prompt a loathful sneer.

*Valkin would be seen about the city as always he resides in the library for the most part. It would seem that he has come to some finality on a project but still presses forward to further its developments. He would also be seen in the Magistarium, crafting strange clay, sand molds using transmutation spells & carrying a deep or sphere about muttering something out displacement within a core chamber due to mass*

It seems that Emilie has once more become rather reclusive. Her demeanor grows cooler with each passing night as she locks herself in the Temple and only slips out occasionally at night to sleep.

If others inquire on her short journey to her bed, she just mumbles something about 'renovations', but there are long shadows under her eyes, and she looks even more unnaturally gaunt than usual.

*Valkin would be performing his normal shifts back and froth from the Magistarium & the Library, he seems to have a lot he is trying to resolve in a short space of time. However this day he spent some time in the Temple of the Vaunted, and the thick aroma of cooking dragon flesh would be smelt to those who enter*

What passes for a funeral procession makes it's way out of Tarkuul Castle, as Sicarius carries a bloodied corpse over his shoulder to the old dock area. After dumping the corpse on the ground and checking it over one final time, it is picked up and unceremoniously dropped into the ocean.

With nothing to weigh it down, it floats on the lulling sea-green waves, face up. Those who witnessed, or care to look at the floating corpse notice a likeness to one Mania Jebalat, her wrist flayed open, drained of blood.

"Would anyone care to say a few words?" An amused female voice asked as the body makes a quiet splash into the sea.

"No." A curt and gruff reply sounds quickly as Captain goes back into the Castle.

The corpse would not be floating on the waters long before it would rise back up into the air and into the waiting arms of one of the skeletal guards. The skeleton then proceeds to take the perfectly good corpse in the direction of the crypts...

...waste-not, want-not.

*valkin would be seen discussing some kind of transaction with Havok, having a lark amount of adimantite and mithrial bars, he would be offering a sum of gold to have something smelted from these components, there is also something else covered up by a sheet of cloth that valkin keep referring to as he discussed with Havok*

"Yea, Mineself would see these molds filled, of thee are able i know such fine works will takeith time, so i shall not hasten the order bu rather see that it is done with the skill and fine craftsmanship that thine posses"

Emilie has been flitting through the castle like a ghost over the last week. Looking drained, exhausted and sleep deprived. The delirious bard can be seen once again creating, though the crowd that typically shadows her has diminished considerably.

Sometime during the night Emilie can be seen leaving the portal, which in itself is a rare occurrence. What is even more of a rarity, is the that she has not yet returned....

The cliché clothed villain, otherwise known as Jacho makes his way around the city on a regular basis, rarely sleeping, seeming lost in thought. He would watch the advancements of the living city with keen interest however. He could probably be heard talking to himself to no one in particular, or a hidden visage perhaps, either or, he makes no attempt to whisper, speaking rather thoughtfully out loud...

"Plants growing, symbolic of life.. This place is growing weak.. A shame. Wonder if I could hang those two women from the very vines of the life they sew. That would be an amusing sight.. quell the weakness. Hmhm"

Though despite his shameless bickering about 'hypothetically' killing the weak and pathetic members, Jacho remains behind the safety of it's walls..

The particularly observant might note that they haven't seen the seemingly omnipresent Sal'dock in a few days... come to think of it, it may even be closer to a week. It's likely taken this long to realize it since he's such a slippery, skulking individual by nature, and whether he just has been keeping to himself or has left the City for a time, is anyone's guess.

*-*-*-*-*

Work continues unabated on the Crypts, granite and mortar being dragged from the City's stores over to the entrance in the Court of the Undying. Skeleton and zombie laborers seem to be building up a proper entrance to the crypts, one that is above ground level rather than hanging precariously on the side of the City.

*-*-*-*-*

The ever busy Havoc seems to be putting the final touches on the new fences around the Castle, piecing the wooden, stone and metal components together bit by bit.

*-*-*-*-*

In the Court of the Living, only a scant few inches of stone remain between Mathus and his goal of breaching the easternmost building...

Grim would retreat into the temple. If seen he would idly just be sitting on a bench seeming to be deep in thought.

With the completion of the stonework of the new crypt entrance, and whatever work was being done below the surface by the undead laborers, the Crypts are once again left open, many of the undead simply descending below, not to be seen again until more work is required.

*-*-*-*-*

One final pick of the adamantine kamas, and the last of the sediment blocking the door to the east falls apart in a small cloud of dust and dirt. The twelve foot tall double doors now loom above the archaeologist... perhaps invitingly?

*-*-*-*-*

For the past day and night, below the surface of the City, the sound of picks and shovels could be heard from various points within the hallway of the Undercroft. The sounds increased over the hours, and this morning have culminated in the wee hours of the morning in the breach of several new doorways along the halls. By morning, some of those doorways seem to have already been filled with doors of heavy metal, while some are opened up into open passageways. Anyone examining the new passages would immediately notice that they are even older and show less signs of upkeep than the "current" hallways of the Undercroft.

It would seem that the City is reclaiming old ground...

*-*-*-*-*

With the fence around the castle finally completed, Havoc returns to his smithy without a word, going right back to work on his ever-present stack of contracts.

The ascetic's indulgence in the halls he had unearthed were quite temporary, almost preliminary in their duration. After a while, he left the building, the Court, and finally the city.

He would not return to Tarkuul, instead departing into the darkness of obscurity to be forgotten once more.

An "illuminated", upon his return to the city after long and quite exciting ingredient-gathering trip, found himself taken over by curiosity, and committed himself entirely, for duration of several hours, to exploring all available for entry locations - both newly unearthed - and older "altered" buildings.

Emilie would be seen frequenting a 'thoughtfully disorganized' office down in the library. In between storing her belongings and sorting through her tomes and fragments of art, she wanders the City.
Returning to find an unwelcome guest, with a furrowed brow she goes outside the office door and paints in bold (and indulgent) lettering "E. Everguard's Office". She nods, satisfied as she sends away to Uhm to have a name plate engraved for a more... subtle effect.

Grim would be in the library reading by the large desk and from time to time getting up to adjust the chair as se seems to have trouble getting it in the right position.

On one of his promenades in the city Grim ended up in the Library as many times before. Admiring the new work he took time looking at the inner workings, the statues and finally ending up studying the painting on one of the walls.

He'd stand there gazing at it trying to understand it.

It seems that several days ago, Lieutenant Vosst underwent a slight change of outfit; his official insignia, and the now red collar of his Living Guard uniform now denote him as holding the rank of "Captain". He remains as busy as always - busier in fact, meeting with various residents and visitors alike in quick succession, and often burying himself in the mountains of paperwork that likely came with the appointment. Eventually, he alters a few official Guard notices, and begins moving a number of boxes into his new office on the third floor of the Tower. They are kept thoroughly locked at all times, save when he is personally making use of them, although one might assume they contain his personal effects.

Valkin would be seen emerging from the library for a few hours, then seen again returning to the library where he spent many hours conversing with with Aurelius Constance, on matters of their arts.

The former Captain would be reclusive as ever, occasionally one would see him patrolling the Living City, no longer wearing his cloak of rank but instead wearing livery of black and purple. Often he can be found within the Undercroft, attending to cauldron adjacent to the library, what he is doing there, the half-elf doesn't let on. But one would notice he continues to wear the insignia of the Living Guard, a sharp observer may be able to note that he still holds some rank within the City and that he is occasionally called Castellan by others.

A rare sight these times around the city can be observed. One who frequently was appearing moons ago now resurface. A frail elven woman, with now long, flowy hair of a luminous platinum falls behind her back. Adorning her black gown, she takes the time to go through the city to observe the new renovations. Those familiar with this woman could remember her name as Elvora.

When all else is quiet in the city and the residents seem to have left or taken to sleep in the guest rooms Grim leaves the temple.
Moving with determination his footsteps give off a echo in the castle as he walks to the library.

Would he been seen one noticable trait is that his usual calm and slow demeanor is all but got one. He moves with quick steps and checks book to book seeming to read them quickly and some are put directly back into their place whereas some he would bring to the large desk and once he had found enough he would sit down, and obtain knowledge.

* Valkin & Aurelius Constance would be seen once more conversing in the library till late, on matters of research and history*

Trinity...

Lost..fragment

Frey...

Necronomicon...

*Although it would seem, apart from some trips to the library to acquire new tomes valkin has taken to spending far more time below in the crypts than before, now that there is room to work it seems he feels more at home*

After conversing with the Captain on more than one occasion during the day Grim would yet again be sitting in the library with a pile of books and scrolls on the desk he works tirelessly.

A human, feminine silhouette strolls about the city. She wears a long, large scarf around her neck, which is pulled over her head as a hood. Simple clothes, and a relaxed pace, she walks to the Tower of the Damned, and into the Undercroft. She then leaves the Living City, but can be seen there sometimes...

With his journal in one hand, Grim leaves the library and can be seen walking about the city. At times, he would stop and make notes and then proceed his exploration.

*In the morning Ðraco can be seen overseeing the construction near the crypt for several hours a day. When finally seeking a rest casting the cantrip presdigitation, any dirt, dust or mortar that may have ended up on his robe is magically cleared away. After making sure his attire is clean returning to the library. Pulling out a weathered tome out from his robes and continues his studies.*

*A Tall man in black, grey and dark green robes is seen browsing the library, he remains alone and speaks with no one. After such he examines the city carefully taking notes down in a small diary before leaving through the portal he entered from.*

Early in the day, Captain Vosst spends a notable period of time around the currently underdeveloped docking area. He appears to observe and take notes for a while, departing briefly to file papers in his office. Then he returns to his observations, sans any papers and carrying a ball-and-chain of a somewhat modest size. With the weight in hand, he dives off the edge of the city, disappearing into the darkness of the water.

He is not seen again for almost a full day, but sure enough he does indeed return - clambering up the side of the city with the aid of rope.

That night, the High Arcanist was seen entering the castle, and soon after the library, accompanied by
the Necromaster and another dark robed figure. They entered one of the rooms and some time later,
Lucius and the dark figure left the room, as Lucius remained during the course of the entire cycle
outside.. perhaps guarding something or someone. But what could be so important that the Headmaster
himself decided to guard it?

While in the library something would disturb Grim's concentration and he would suddenly feel a sense of emptiness in him. He would look around and softly say: "Petty fool..." and continue reading in the books placed on the desk.

*A strange skeletal figure would be seen lurking about the city, wearing a dramatic cloak, fringed with magical sigil's perhaps a remnant of another time. Its cadaverous eyes sizzle with cursed power, yet its hands not stained with blood but ink. It would be working with a mummy, a death tyrant and a skeletal pseudodragon. They would for the most part work alone under the direction of Rathan, the skeletal like figure, ordering them and assisting in what appears to be the measurement of the city.

Any who inquire would be told, they are doing just that under order of Magistar Mulgin. They begin with a measurements of the external area around the entire city, leaving some ruff estimation for the new areas that seem to be under construction. Then working their way around the buildings within the buildings till they have a complete calculation of the cubic meters of space the city take sup*

*A Tall man dressed in black silken robes can be found shuffling about the library. He carries in his hands many tomes on Palemasters, Undead Grafts, and the Rituals involved. Shortly after collecting a stack of these books he enters one of the research labs. Anyone near the door would hear strange incantations mixed with occasional quick bursts of light.*

Lately, Grim has not been carrying himself with his usually tall and proud posture. He would still be seen walking around but one night in particular he would be in the library with a bottle of wine on the desk and the empty spaces filled with scrolls and notes. He could be heard reciting poems of melancholy nature to himself.

Earlier in the day, Sal'dock could finally be seen returning to the City. His usually impeccably kept black leather armor would be in a bit of a state of disarray and covered here and there in patches of a thick frost, his dead skin showing clear signs of frostbite, not that it seems to bother him. One lens on his helm appears to be shattered entirely.

He's certainly been through... something.

A dilligent observer might note that - in between his various meetings and outings - Captain Vosst spends most of his free time in the slowly-growing garden area around the castle. Sometimes wandering around, his footfalls making nary a mark. But most often he is in the area behind the castle, either sitting or perhaps even lying down on the bench there. Should someone approach, he would recompose himself slowly and return to his typical countenance. When he believes no one is around, however... he might sometimes hum a quiet tune. A tune likely familiar to certain purveyors of music within the Living City...

Glim wrote:

Earlier in the day, Sal'dock could finally be seen returning to the City. His usually impeccably kept black leather armor would be in a bit of a state of disarray and covered here and there in patches of a thick frost, his dead skin showing clear signs of frostbite, not that it seems to bother him. One lens on his helm appears to be shattered entirely.

He's certainly been through... something.

*if valkin noticed his arrival while within the city he would simply inquire as to if he required assistance or a matter that may require his help, making no comment as to his appearance.*

Practically overnight, Luca seems to have turned more than a little neurotic. Every inch of the city is inspected, scoured clean, and everything straightened and made tidy. Uncharacteristically, his manners also seem to have deserted him, his construction teams grilled hard as he pushes for nothing short of clockwork perfection. He seems particularly hard to please, with anything getting even mildly in his way receiving a thorough tongue-lashing, be it living or dead. The frantic obsession seems to leave him little time to personally aid the construction for the moment, save when a clumsy worker has to be shown the proper way of doing things. His drive for perfection doesn't seem solely extroverted, as he becomes particularly fastidious, his attention to grooming becoming even more obsessive, his unadorned Netherese uniform kept at top military standard. He even spares an hour every evening to practicing with his blade, the katas refined with the same attention to details the rest sees.

As the days pass, the building in the center of the Court of the Living seems to become the center of his activity, and he's noticed carrying building supplies inside on more than one occasion. As he inexorably runs out of minor details to fret over, he spends more and more time pacing in the square, fidgeting with his uniform and peering over the sea or to the sky, waiting.

One cycle later, Lucius' guarding shift would finally be over, as he was seen entering the room and walking
out with the Necromaster, who was lurching and appeared to be rather exhausted from whatever he was
doing inside. Soon, after the Necromaster got some time to catch his breath on the comfortable throne
next to the doors, and received some medical attention from the High Arcanist, the two of them were seen
heading back to the temple of The Lich Lord.

*A hooded man wrapped in black silken robes can be seen lurking around the obelisk 'Memento Mori'. He silently studies the runes and inscription for hours, pausing his reseach only momentarily to address any that might approach him. Eventually, perhaps satisfied, he heads for the castle and then library. Once there, he quickly collects any books, tomes, journals, or other written accounts on various subjects, most pertaining to the history of Tarkuul itself. Once a stack of these books are collected, he enters one of the research rooms, to study in privacy*

*Valkin would be seen working in the Magistarium, firstly upon some kind of alchemical potion brewing for some time then proceeding to the edge of the city were he orders the creatures to consume the potions and then leap fom the city's edge*

*After conversing with draco outside for a time about the progress of construction valkin and draco descend into the crypts to converse on more secretive matters. It would seem that valkin has taken to spending more and more time in the crypts only departing if he requires a tome or something to continue his research. Yet more often than not he sends his new assistant Rathan, or his familiar to acquire it if possible. It would seem valkin has found a more suiting place for his work and his needs*

*During a visit to the library to aquire a tome on regeneration valkin ran into Aurelius firstly the two spent some time discussion various projects before the headmaster arrived and various topics were discussed. Shortly after such Aurelius and valkin returned to the crypts to further converse upon the regeneration. After such valkin seems to retire to the keepers chambers in the crypts, seeming to feel at home locked away from the city with his work and little to no disturbances*

This very morning, a ship is spotted on the horizon, causing the undead of the City and perhaps even some of the Living Guard to form up in preparation, in case of attack. As the ship draws closer however, the colors and flag of the Zhentarim can be seen clearly flying.

Though the ship does not dock at the City directly, too large to simply tie up to the side with no proper dock present, it instead sails a circuitous pattern around the City as a smaller boat is set into the water, rowing in towards the City.

Three cloaked and cowled figures would be hunched over in the boat, one of which would climb up far enough to hand a folded and sealed letter to the nearest skeleton, before getting back in the rowboat and heading back towards the larger vessel.

The Zhent ship, for the time being, remains circling the City, though the undead guards seem to stand down once the letter was delivered.

Grim walking back and forth between the buildings of the city would halt in his movements upon seeing a ship. He would stand motionless observing it for a long while to remember the flag and it's heraldry. Then return to the library.

Although he is not present at the first sighting, Captain Vosst does appear within a few hours and is seen observing the vessel through a spyglass. For a time he simply watches, waiting... but as the situation remains controlled he departs, retiring to his office.

He stands at attention in the empty chamber and utters a single word in a crisp, clear voice. A query, which seems addressed to one in particular - although evidently, the room is empty.

"Orders?"

A Breath in the Silence: "Life" in Tarkuul

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