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

If passing through the library, Valkin would find Lucius studying. Though he would toss a glance towards
his old mentor and cant his head, he would not approach or address Valkin, as he would merely stare at
him with a deathless glitter in his eyes..

Dead wrote:

If passing through the library, Valkin would find Lucius studying. Though he would toss a glance towards
his old mentor and cant his head, he would not approach or address Valkin, as he would merely stare at
him with a deathless glitter in his eyes..

*nothing would pass between them, valkin merely paid a visit, then vanished once more, seeming that something grander has taken his attention else-wear*

The male drow some may identify as Rith'tar is spending time in the library. An hour or two here and there. There seems to be no set schedule, nor does there seem to be any rhyme or reason to his location in the library since it changes each time he's there.

As for the books he takes the time to sit down and read those vary too. "Poisons A-Z extended edition" this time, "Grand Tome of the Planes" the next, "A Dissertation upon the Subject of the Ley-lines of Amia" the time after that, then "Brorn d'lil Linthar"... it seems no one subject holds his attention for long.

Last edited by Greyweaver on Tue, Jan 28 2014, 12:24 PM, edited 1 time in total.

A blast of snow flies into Tarkuul forcing it's way through the portal before it has a chance to close completely. Calypso's hooded cloak blows in the relentless wind that refused to stay at it's origin as it lets out one final breath of existence from parts of unknown as she steps out of it and marches, with her now familiar resolute glare, toward the castle after having not been seen for some time. She makes no event about her return going back directly to the library awhile studying up in various areas and finally visiting the the forge giving a nod to Havok. She tosses aside several exceptional blades that many would pay thousands in gold for as if they were junk as she grumbles to herself starting on the next blade. Seemingly after her supplies for forging runs out she takes a glance around the Living City does a brief patrol around the perimeter and eventually ports out again.

Skeletal knight of Caraigh was brought to Tarkuul by certain busy-looking elf. It was stored in one of cells in catacombs for further examination.

At some point during the night, a Knight of the Centurion order of Tarkuul would walk out of the commandeered trademaster's office as if in a stunned daze and very calmly jump off the edge of the city to be claimed by the ocean. Some hours later they seemingly realise that they are indeed still wearing a ring that allows them to breath water and re-appear sopping wet from the portal in the castle, only to return to the office with the expression and manner of someone who had glimpsed something unspeakable, and possibly unknowable.

Last edited by Greyweaver on Fri, Jan 31 2014, 2:19 AM, edited 1 time in total.

What the hells...

Calypso upon porting into the castle notices the rather large "pond" of water that was let in through the portal and follows the obvious trail of water to it's source.

After yet another few-days absence from the city, the Necrophant at last returned. Notably, her cloak appears to have been burned with acid and shredded with tiny claws. She first headed to the castle for some much needed research and ended up slipping on the pool of water. Muttering many, many vulgarities, she gave up and decided to get out of the city again...

The Trademaster's office is apparently strewn with a great number of crossed out and scribbled over notes, with many diagrams of spirals and absurd arcane theory. The Centurion seems to shout a lot about dualities of motive forces.

Notices find themselves posted on the noticeboard(s) in the city by the recognizable Wheep-guardian that often accompanies the Necrophant.

To whom it concerns, and those whom are interested,

I am once again able to offer my services of wand and scroll crafting to the city. The cost of these will vary between the spells and components used. The use of my own supply of wands or scrolls will incur a price of five-thousand gold pieces (per wand/scroll) added to the cost of the crafting itself. Send a letter to the Temple of the Vaunted in advance that lists what spells you require and I will pray they are granted.

Wisdom and power,
Necrophant Jarshall

I will purchase a single Storm of Vengeance scroll.

An eerie silence befell the Necrophant, she pulled her hood down and summoned her Wheep to her side on her way from the Temple of the Vaunted to the library. Once inside she and her Wheep immediately set to work, going from bookshelf to bookshelf, the Necrophant picking some books off the shelf then handing them to the Wheep who carted them off to a nearby study desk then returned.

Those watching her closely would see she's particularly interested in ancient netherese artwork and artifice, necromantic rituals and positoxins.

The pile she gathered seemed quite large in size compared to the small figure, but she remained up all night and even past the sunrise studying each tome thoroughly.

Iim'mur'ss came and went from the city several times during the last cycle. First she was joined by a familiar drow male, and when they returned she carried a barrel to Luca's office. The next time the pair portaled out together, and when they returned she walked away from their brief, soft conversation bouncing on the balls of her feet and humming to herself.

Finally when she returned alone from her last trip out, she retired to her room. After a short while something that sounded very much like laughter could be heard coming in rather random bursts from behind her door.

After some time away from the city, Kylex makes a short visit- She quickly makes her way to the library where she locates a seemingly average-looking book from the shelf and pulls a note from between the pages. She then enters the guest quarters for a short time before departing the city through the use of her portal wand.

Those stumbling upon the Tower of the Damned, and passing by the classroom would witness a peculiar
and macabre sight. A chirurgeon, dressed in white robes, wearing a protective mask would be dissecting
a corpse of a Mindflayer. Later that night, the cadaver was transferred into the office of the Headmaster
yet it was never seen making its way out. Whatever may have happened within remains a mystery..

The short figure occasionally seen wandering the domain of Tarkuul has recently taken on new garments. In contrast to the drab Undertaker's rags, he now sports a finely tailored ensemble of dark green and faded gold. Known to refer to himself as Barakuir out of some amused prod at his ancestry, he has taken to placing an elegant mirror in many places throughout Tarkuul and spending several hours contemplating it, or attempting some sort of Scrying. All his attempts seem to amount to nothing besides more eccentric behaviour from the Duergar.

Somewhere at the end of a late night and the cusp of an early morning, a Centurion bursts from the commandeered trade office, sporting a smile that's just a little too happy and shouting things along the lines of 'I have it!' and 'It explains everything!'. She would then promptly collapse from working on whatever "it" was for several days straight without rest and have to be hauled off to her quarters to sleep it off for a while. Anyone checking the office would find the desk and walls covered with pinned up notes of incomprehensible mathematics and arcane formulas, most of which seem to be encoded for some reason.

It may well be a long sleep.

//Which is to say, I'm moving today and am not sure how long it'll take me to get secure internet again.

*Having his own access to the Quartermaster's files Draco can be seen heading into the office. Along with reviewing the trade files he takes some time to look over all the encoded mathematics and arcane formulas that were in plain view. Taking out pieces of parchment and his raven feather quill he begins to take notes, trying to decipher the Centurions works.*

Looking over it, most of it wouldn't make that much sense. Half of the numbers seem jumbled in a rather random way, and the vast majority of the variables aren't adequately explained. Much of it seems to be calculating the curvature of geometric branching spiral patterns in a progression which could never result in zero, and more recent notes seem to be attempting to determine some form of constant within repeating sets of numbers, with apparently the most recently completed ones operating in sets of twelve.

Whatever she had been working on, it apparently has been a progression to narrow down a dozen key variables from a number of different variables which approached infinity in scope, but had a progression which reduced the amount of variables in the set roughly equal to the rate of decline within the spiral equation.

Rith'tar may have been seen wiping up something that had gotten on the ground near the tower. He'd use as many cloths as it took to scrub the area clean. Adding ample splashes of spirits so that nothing of whatever it was that had been spilled remained.

Iim'mur'ss passed some of the time of her confinement by writing up everything she could remember about the quintessence. Which soon found itself left in the offices of Tarkuul.

The Necromaster descends into the Vaunted temple catacombs once more with a book, quill and inkwell in tow. She placed a sign upon the door after locking it and summoned a powerful Entropic Reaper to then guard it, wielding it's scythe-shaped void weapon intimidatingly.

~Warning~
Do not disturb and do not enter without wards against death magic or protection from negative energy. High risk of death beyond this door.

-Necromaster Jarshall

A Kobold, recognizable as one of the slaves from the swamps outside the lowlands portal, has taken up 'residence' in one of the cells in the Vaunted Temple's catacombs. If anyone questions the presence of the creature, they would be informed it will serve as a sacrifice, and are told to leave it be.

Upstairs in the Temple of Shadow the quiet of the Night is shattered by a piercing and virulent scream. A frail looking drowsess sits bolt upright in her bed. Her hands grip her own head viciously as though in excruciating pain, an attempt to protect, or perhaps both.

His hand of bone not covered by a glove, a disillusioned Holo Jarian returns to Tarkuul after a long absence. "There is no place for honest merchants anymore." He looks for a room to stay.

Holo Jarian sets up a small shoppe, but quickly catches on to the unique chance to a guided tour of Tarkuul by ... Lucius Blackwater himself! The revelation of the recent events on Amia leave Holo just one choice: He immediately goes to the library and starts reading ...

The High Captain can be seen in the city, training and arming his recruits from among the refugee population. He can be seen with the refugees, and several Sentinels, using arming them with blunted weapons and instructing them to fight in very specific ways with the intention of drilling the recruits less familiar in combat.

Recruits with previous military experience are given more advanced drilling in special groups with the intention of bringing them to combat readiness sooner.

All groups are given conditioning exercises with a strict focus on form and precision. Men are taught to run correctly, march in a measured step, and to practice weapon sequences in exact, precise movements. Precision, repetition and muscle memory are keys in his training, and he makes himself no exception to them.

It would seem that the High Captain is fully intent on making the Living Guard more than simply a force of adventurers recruited from outside of the city.

A Darkly clad winged woman who may be known as a warrior -priestess has been visiting the Living City frequently, mainly exploring and coming to know the denizens of the city-state. She has been known to seek information upon ancient forms of magic, curses, the tainted and unholy. Most recently she has been interested in learning the Laws of the city and inquiring into matters of sanctuary.

Around the Cordor Refugee population, of which their adjustment to life in Tarkuul goes rather slowly, there are several papers and pamphlets passed among them by Bill Hurst. The portly man himself seems to have adjusted well, though the cordorian refugees still shy away from the more monstrous looking residents.

Quote:

Good people of Cordor! It has been many a trying month in which we have had to flee from our homes, driven out by the servants of NOBLES and HARPERS and TERRORISTS who would bring chaos, misery, and woe to us! Yet, in these trying times, we have been graciously accepted by those of Tarkuul, who feed, clothe, and provide for us! And now, they provide way for gainful employment for those brave souls who would happily protect their fellows from NOBLES and their ilk, such as those of KOHLINGEN who invaded our home and slaughtered our men! Provided here, is an application from the man himself! Who has done much to aid those brave souls who yet remain loyal to the true commonwealth!

Quote:

The Living Guard

People of Tarkuul, the LIVING GUARD is accepting applicants for those with the resolve to fight for their home, PROTECT THE COMMON PEOPLE, and enforce the will of the Living City! The Living is an elite arm of the Living City created with the intention of protecting and serving the City and the Ruling Council that serves it.

Applicants to the Living Guard can expect:
[*]GUARANTEED INCOME
[*]Advanced training in weapons and tactics, all paid for by our generous council!
[*]Priority access to services offered by the city and its servants
[*]Support in personal goals and ambitions from your fellow Living Guardsmen

Join today! Apply at the High Captains office or speak to him personally for an interview and become a part of the Living Guard!

Indeed! This makes for a great opportunity for you and your fellows, good citizens of Cordor and Tarkuul! Why, I have seen many a great wonder performed by these great men! I speak to you, as your beloved Bill Hurst, to encourage you to sign up so you may find gainful employment and prosperity that was so terribly ripped from us in our former homes in Cordor!

So far, 200 of the former Cordorians send in applications. Of them, 50 of them were former guards who sided with West when the political landscape went badly. The rest by in large, have enthusiasm, but not a lot of training under their belts.

The darkly-clad and winged warrior-priestess Jezabel Asherah has been seen entering the Crypts and leaving a worn book in the care of the servants of the Scrivener of Doom for the Keeper of the Crypts, she informs them that what she gives them was requested and expected, asks them to ensure he receives the worn book and that she will return to meet with him when it is of convenience for the Keeper of the Crypts.

Gerald can be found most often in the library as of late when he isn't busy. Those with the notion to find out either by asking or simply snooping after his selections can find that his new subject of interest seems to be the Weave and the basic principles of magical study.

Though his study seems bordering on obsessive, paying little heed to the need for sleep or nourishment over the course of days. But at the very least he seems to be excited about something.

Most of the cycle, he would encounter the High Arcanist in the library. Seeing that
Gerald is taking interest in the theory of magic, Lucius would approach him and inquire
about the nature of his interest.

The simplest explanation Gerald could find himself giving in response is that he has a strong desire to learn the application of magic. Though he'd certainly try to pontificate about it in some way or another at first, he rather knows Lucius well enough not to give him the whole story behind his muse. Gerald wants to learn magic.

The second knight of Tarkuul is seen gracing the halls again, although she seems to for the most part be heavily bandaged with much of her visible skin being one massive bruise.

*A familiar figure could be seen shuffling through the city, the tiefling Draco looking sickly accompanied by the High Captain and Watcher Kuria. Leaning heavily into his staff that he used as a walking stick. After some time spent speaking with some of the residents he can be seen heading towards the Ghostly Kraken. Eating bowl after bowl Fire Lichen Humus with Blue Cap Flatbread as though he hasn't eating in days.*

*Seen exiting a portal in the Castle is Illuminatus Draco accompanied by Watcher Samael and a human male in ragged clothing with a collar and chain. The two tieflings guide him down into the dungeons, leaving him in one of the cells.*

*The next day Draco returns to the jail cell, after a couple minutes agonizing screams and the rattling of chains could be heard coming from the room. This continued for approximately ten minutes before it stopped completely. Leaving the cell then to get Watcher Samael, the two return to the same cell and retrieve the man. In Samael's arms appeared to be a human man with his skin turned a dark shade of purple, his eyes were yellow and he smelled heavily of sulfur. Draco guiding him to the Magisterium Mortis to have the body laid on an empty slab where he performed an autopsy.*

"Hmmm, well I'll need another then."

*He leaves the body there for now to go review his notes. Any that approach the opened corpse would notice that his blood had been turned to sulfur, most of his organs were dissolved. No doubt a very painful way to die.*

Soon enough, Draco or Samael would encounter the
High Arcanist who would ask a simple question..

"Who approved a sentient subject?"

*Draco would answer without missing a beat*

"The High Captain did."

With a single nod, the High Arcanist continues about
his business, heading down into the library.

*Draco could be seen again exiting a portal in the Castle, this time with two others in ragged clothing and dazed expressions. A tiefling and human male, both looking to have lived a life of labor. Draco led them down into the dungeons once again leaving each in separate cells.*

An elven woman dressed in white could be seen wandering about Tarkuul. She spent some time by the rule book and briefly visited the library before dissapearing again

One of the guest rooms in Castle Tarkuul has now been taken into use, for almost the past two days. Whoever is the visitor, they're not showing their face out in the public...

[IC EDIT] The room is available again.

The High Captain can be seen carrying several heavy wooden logs around the center point between the three courts and tossing them into the water, securing them to the side of the city with thick, sturdy ropes.

A new face can be seen in and around Tarkuul. This dwarf-like figure is wearing uniform of Tarkuul Guard. Mostly he can be seen around Court of the Undying, swamps or in Ghostly Kraken Tavern. Most of the time he wear his helmet, but while in Kraken, many can notice that this duergar got a lot of tattoos on his face, mostly in red color. He is highly unfriendly and with grim undertone in his voice, what perfectly fits with his sturdy-rough figure.

*Spending much of his time within his new office belonging to the Trademaster of Tarkuul, Draco worked away tirelessly. Every now and then yelling could be heard emitting from the office in an alien language. Those passing by that were fluent in Infernal could make out that whatever seemed to be shouting about in the privacy of his office had to do with "lousy bookkeeping."*

The winterwight-servant of the High Arcanist could be seen hauling four large
corpses of frog-like outsiders to his master's office. A few hours later, three
corpses are returned to the storage..

*For most of the time Draco is in Tarkuul he has a lit candle in hand, watching the shadows it makes closely as he walked through the city. This was even more evident in the library as purposefully made the shadows of the bookcases and desks wider then thinner, elongated then contracted as he raised and lowered the light source and moved closer then further away. It was anyone's guess what the accomplished wizard was up to but one thing was clear, he was very focused on the shadows around him.*

Thick, black clouds seemed to form out of clear blue night sky over Tarkuul this night, a night already darkened by a new moon. There they hovered for near to an hour, the witching hour to be precise, before they eventually dissipated with as little fanfare as they appeared with.

Following this event, rumor begins to circulate that the enigmatic Keeper of Tarkuul was seen being carried from the Tower of the Damned by a large shadow-creature, cradled in the things arms. Accounts speak that the Keeper appeared to be missing one of his legs from the knee down.

The rather vitriolic drow Kerath can be seen digging through the libraries of Tarkuul, looking for maps of the Amia region and its history, and more specifically, any books on the lore of his surface kindred. When confronted by any outsiders who would pass by, he would simply give them a cold glare, waiting for them to leave before returning to his search. Should any Tarkuulian official confront him however, he would respond that he is only looking for a new goal to follow. As he digs through the ancient tomes, he would occasional mutter something to himself about researching the elven cities that came before Winya Ravana.

A Breath in the Silence: "Life" in Tarkuul

Who is online