[Game Thread] Chapter Four: Complications

[Blue]

She already knew they were safe in Halvanna. She had been hoping for something a bit more specific.
It was... educative, I guess. Pleasant, too, and successful, as I mentioned. I felt Nehrahk to be well intended, unearthly calm, otherworldly intelligent. Wise, too. He seems well able to measure his own power and carry an accurate understanding of what he can and cannot accomplish, and under which terms. A most convenient thing that he is our ally, it seems.
He looked pretty normal, probably Shalian in his mortal origins, except for the eyes that seemed infinitely deep. They gave... a glimpse of the cosmos, I suppose, or the void. All and nothing.
Drifting off with the memory of her audience, she returned to the actual question.
Hm-yeah. It went well.

When the bard reiterated his pledge of eternal servitude, Nevh couldn't help but smile. "Excellent."
She put a hand on his shoulder to draw him a bit closer, walk a few steps away, speaking softly to keep the students off her conversation.
"My date of birth tomorrow. Very traditional, so I celebrate with my direct family alone, and then with others. Only the family brings presents, so don't weird me out and bring something. Though, food and drinks are acceptable."

Thinking on it then, actually celebrating her date of birth with outsiders might well be a first. She had spent it with some during her stay in Halva but there had been no celebration to speak of, except perhaps that one raid...

[Watcher]

With little else to do other than to wait, Syltar decided to pace slowly around the more open area of the Academy hall. He kept within sight of Nevh and Crescent, but otherwise busied himself with studying what he could see. The young mage didn't like the notion of the sickness, nor did he enjoy how his kin had succumbed to it. The danger was there for any of them to fall to it now, especially if it was passed through touch. It helped explain a lot, either way, when it came to certain individuals in the family...

Syltar made certain to avoid those who might have been sick.

By the time Syltar had walked a long, lazy circle, his staff tapping against the stones as he walked, he was back where Nevh and Crescent were waiting. He stopped beside them, smile on his face but eyes filled with heavy thoughts.

"Morgan, while we're waiting, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?" Syltar said, glancing to Crescent, pushing the thoughts aside. He would enjoy the distraction, honestly, a moment to forget that his kin were literally going mad one by one. "How did you come to be with the likes of this ragtag group?"

The last was chuckled, as Syltar glanced to Nevh and smirked.

"And Nevh, it's good to see you. It hasn't been a long while, but it feels as though years have passed," He said, finding a spot to lean against, still standing but far more comfortable and relaxed. "I trust you've been well?"

[Blue]

Syltar had somewhat surprised her by initiating conversation.
She hadn't spoken much with him since they had been formally introduced but these few times had been pleasant. She didn't knew him so well and so hadn't missed him all that much - but he was taking the first steps to have that situation tended to, which she thought commendable considering they weren't even working together anymore. Though the current situation with the Dragonblazes gave much to think on.
Although the currently alarming situation didn't feel like the proper mood for long-time-no-sees the Rudaa welcomed it regardless.
Nevh shared his smirk. A certain fatigue to her eyes.
"Perhaps years have passed indeed. But it is good to see you, especially in such good form, and especially considering the situation. When I received reports of suspicious behavior and restlessness amongst the Dragonblazes, you had me worried. Everything in Aheka seems to be degenerating, but I've been rather well myself. Thank you."

Her eyes looked away for a second.
"I know it goes without saying, but be careful. I wouldn't be surprised that this plague is another one of these questionable coincidences that keep popping out lately."

[Makenshi]

The younger students groan at Nevh giving them homework, but otherwise keep quiet.

After a time talking among themselves Wainraith returns to the great hall with Lord Inaha and the soldier. When they rejoin Esiard the old solider gives the seer a significant look. "Did you find what you were looking for then Morgan?"

~MTWC

[SpatulaOdoom]

Morgan arrives moments later. Whatever he'd been up to had only taken a couple of minutes all told. His face holds a combination of anger and resigned sadness. He hands the detective back her kit as Eloise gives Morgan an inquisitive look. Morgan gives a slight nod of the head before addressing Esiard.
"Yes and no. Either way I'm done. Eloise and I are at your disposal General, where do you need us? Would you rather I head to the Dragonblaze estate, or are there any hotspots around the Academy that you'd like me to deal with?"
Eloise puts away her kit and the notebook she'd been writing in before drawing out a leather sap and hooking it on her belt.
"We should probably see about bringing in Aiden as soon as possible, while we're still fresh and before the disease has any more time to progress. If he does go on a rampage we could wind up with hundreds of citizens dead instead of only a few dozen."
Of course that would be easier said than done. If Aiden did start to rampage few could stand against him.
"How are you set for mage killers and sapshot?"
"A couple. Enough for one or two quick fights."
"Well let's hope it doesn't come to that."
If it did they'd be better off calling in one of the secret weapons like Kala or Zilira.

[Watcher]

Syltar continued to smile faintly at Nevh, the expression likely seeming sad if only due to the recent news and events. Still, any opportunity to catch up with the members of the original council was pleasant, largely, save for the odd bouts of paranoia or questioning. That being said, while Syltar hadn't been particularly close to any one individual from the King's group, even he had to admit that his pool of friends and family were severely dwindling... and perhaps it would be prudent to continue cultivating the associations he had with others into something more friendly orientated.

At this rate, Syltar could end up being the last of the Dragonblaze - and that notion wasn't at all appealing, given that the kin were reputable only insofar as their standing in noble society. One lone Archmage wouldn't hold that reputation for long, if at all, and the family would become just another inked bloodline in some old tome of what was.

"Yes, I am somewhat healthier following my training," Syltar said, nodding. Ironic, perhaps, that he was getting physically more robust when every other member of his kin were failing. "And only to return and discover my kin is falling around me. It's not a pleasant day, no, but at least there are some answers where before there had been only questions."

The young noble smirked, grunting.

"And agreed. The land seems to be in a right state, doesn't it? I suppose with the individuals revealing themselves to us, it's hardly a surprise that they have such a detrimental effect on the world... I just hope we have what it takes to stop them, otherwise the loss of a bloodline won't matter much in the scheme of things."

Nevh seemed pleasant, even going so far as to show care. It made Syltar think, his red eyes watching her evenly as she spoke. When they had first met, the noble had been reluctant to speak or touch Nevh, due to her heritage... but now, having had the opportunity to be away, and to reassess some conceptions through another being's wisdom and lessons, Syltar had put aside some misguided beliefs.

"Thank you. But I suspect we all should take care."

Syltar reached out, touching Nevh on the arm gently. He wondered at whether he would get a shock, but it mattered little, he wanted to show some consideration for the woman and to display his appreciation of her words.

And then Morgan returned, and presented himself for orders. Syltar stood, gripping his staff as he took several steps toward the General, mage and companion. The noble cleared his throat, looking to Wainraith...

"Where do you need the three of us? Though I would suggest investigating Aiden's status, as he is far too powerful to leave unchecked."

It was time to set some things right. Syltar glanced over his shoulder, his raven shuffling across his shoulders to get out of the way. He wondered who else would be coming...

[Blue]

She looked at him with piercing eyes, getting a feel for the state of his heart. To many the event could be traumatic.
Gods knew she'd go nuts if something like that happened amongst the Rudaa. They already had it bad enough.
His mention of answers stood out, and she replied to it.
"I would hear them, then. I certainly do not lack for questions."

His own comment on the situation in the world stung.
No. We do not. We'll still try though...
She simply nodded, guessing her grim thoughts would only darken the air further.
When he touched her arm, Nevh raised an eyebrow with a puzzled expression. If it was some sort of Halvan or Dragonblaze custom, she had not learned of it yet. ...Though it wouldn't be too surprising. Most Halvans had never really been so friendly with her, as far as she remembered.

She took him by the arm as well, sliding her hand up to his shoulder for a one-armed embrace. It would have felt more like a soldier's hug than any real mark of affection. Although there were no shock, Syltar would probably have felt his hair straighten a little from being so close to her natural field of tension.
"I'll get the students to safety then see if I can help out somehow."

When the last student would be brought to her she, depending on this condition, she would give him a casting of Heal to take care of the rest. If there are 5 students or less, she would cast Wind Walk upon herself and the lot to have them return to her Halvan domain. Othewise, she would send word to Flux of her coordinates and to arrange everyone's escort to her estate. Once they would be safe at her place, she would return for a better look at the situation and a chance to help with it.

[DoubleL1987]

Morgan smiled a little as she told him why she wanted his company - the little he knew about the Rudaa, he could tell it was a rather rare thing for them to invite outsiders. "I'd be honored to join you, Nevh. You're certain I can't bring you something, though?"

He glanced up as Syltar questioned him about his involvement and gave a small, polite smile. "Not too much to tell, really. I owed a favour to Kato Vice and he called it in when Shalia was invaded. I assisted the royal family in escaping and met with sir Wainwraith and miss Nevh here during the journey to Halva. I apologise if you were expecting some epic tale, and I often rue the fact that I have such a thin connection to these amazing events myself."

[Blue]

Nevh cleared her throath, a chuckle squeaking through her nose.
"Oh, I am most certain you cant. But I'd rather not. It is tradition, and might offend others."

When Morgan gave his de-glorified version of his contribution, Nevh smirked, remembering that he wore a dress for the cause.
"The journey itself was quite the epic, though."

[Makenshi]

Esiard shakes his head. "No offence intended Morgan, Eloise, but Captain Jadewalker's soldiers are better prepared and trained to deal with mages than you two are. They're also already doing so." He gestures to the other soldiers. "These are the soldiers under my command. I offered to hold the fort here to free up the specialist soldiers who'd be more useful dealing with the other rogue Dragonblaze. There's a few still around, mostly guarding the mad Dragonblaze that Kala is trying to heal."

Just as Esiard begins to carry on a soldier jogs towards them, giving the General a formal salute. "General Emlyn, Captain Jadewalker sent me ahead to let you know that he is returning with more mad Dragonblaze, some wounded and Lord Aiden Dragonblaze. The latter is rather insistent about speaking to you. The Captain said he's shown no signs of the madness yet, but by his own admission he only has a limited amount of time before the illness catches up with him."

By this time Schakri has returned, still looking sullen. The news of Aiden's arrival piques his interest though, causing him to frown slightly. After a moment of thinking he gives a resigned sigh before speaking up. "If Aiden himself still isn't sure if he's going to be ok then you need to prepare for the worst. If you have the spare soldiers I can have one of the sane Dragonblaze show them to our vaults where we have collars that prevent the wearer from using any form of supernatural abilities, from casting spells to shapeshifting. We haven't got many of them, so it'd be best to save them for the more powerful ones."

~MTWC

[SpatulaOdoom]

There were times for joking and false ego and lengthy discussion. This was not one of those times, this was when you shut up and got the job done.
"No need to apologize General. As I said, I'm at your disposal, so I'll go where you want me."
Reminding him of which.
"Mort, why don't you go find Kala. We've already been longer than we said we would."
"Sure boss."
After getting directions to where the Silent Seer was Mort ambles off to take up his job as translator again.

After the soldier gives his report Morgan asks.
"Any word of Edan?"

Interestingly Schakri seemed to be letting his mask as the amiable but slightly buffoonish fop slip. Given the emergency situation it was understandable, but once the emergency was over people might remember that a certain Dragonblaze gadabout was far sharper and more knowledgeable and decisive than he should have been.
Would that be something similar to a Deceiver's Bane?"

[Watcher]

Syltar remained silent, listening as Wainraith asked his questions about Edan and the information from the brief report. The General seemed reluctant to allow the group to engage the dangerous mages roaming about, and certainly he had his reasons - for his part, Syltar wasn't particularly fond of the notion of being required to fight against his kin, but he knew that often duty and preference were not the same thing. Still, harming a fellow Dragonblaze was not a desired task, besides which Aiden was about to arrive...

"If possible, General, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with Aiden once you've completed your own meeting," Syltar said, looking to Wainraith and giving a somewhat cautious expression. "Should that be acceptable, my companions are welcome to our conversation, if you allow it. I daresay it will just focus on family affairs, and to determine who is well and who has fallen... just a chance at some closure and to pass on ill tidings of a beloved family member."

Syltar continued to watch, glancing to Phyre and her group. If they wished to be included, Syltar would be forced to play a more subtle tune when he spoke with Aiden. Though, at this point, whether or not the young mage advised his cousin of the fate of the Ancestor also remained to be seen. Certainly he would mention the kidnapping, but perhaps the death wasn't necessary... or at least Syltar could word it in such a way that the Dragonblaze came to that assumption without his saying so.

We shall see.

[Makenshi]

Schakri answers the question on Edan. "He was the first, but he still hasn't shown any signs of madness to my knowledge, but he is as not as...strong blooded as Aiden and many of those who have gone insane." He casts a glance towards Syltar. "A...disproportionate number of Dragonheart Shapers and Mages are among the insane. The stronger the blood the worse hit people are after all." He looks towards Phyre. "That's why I reacted the way I did when you showed up. Both of you have a strong connection to the Ancestor." Phyre looks distinctly uncomfortable, but doesn't .

When asked about the Deceiver's Bane Schakri nods. "If you mean about locking it, then yes. They use the same system as the Deceiver's Bane. Otherwise, not really. Deceiver's bane prevents magic being used on someone, these collars stop the wearing using magic. It doesn't negate magic used on them."

~MTWC

[SpatulaOdoom]

”I take it from your response then that Edan is accounted for and safe? If both Edan and Aiden are unfit who is next in line? Nuri?”

To Morgan the two magical items sounded like an inversion of the other, one focused on the external while another focused internally. In theory they could be very closely linked with a few key differences in how they applied their function. Either way if Aiden did loose his grip something like the collar would keep him from burning a district or two down.

”Well there you are then, I'll accompany someone to retrieve this collar.” If all the mages were tied up elsewhere or too tired out to be of much use they'd need him for that if nothing else. Morgan wanted to be doing 'something', anything really.

[Makenshi]

Schakri nods. "Edan is safe, though far from well. His illness is the most far gone since he was the first to be effected, though it wasn't until much later that others fell ill." There was an edge to his tone towards the end, as if he was suspicious of the delay, but he spoke no more of it. "As for Nuri..." He sighs. "Nuri was among the mad. Fortunately he did so among other soldiers. After a lot of surprise he was quickly detained and there were no casualties, though quite a lot of burns as you'd expect. Ildri is ill though hasn't shown any signs of madness. That just leaves Tyson and Phyre of the head family so far unaffected." His eyes dart over to Phyre. "Given the circumstances, I can't see Aiden naming Tyson in his place and if he does I'll be the first to call him insane."

Phyre clearly looks surprised. "Me? But...tradition-"

"Really? You'd inflict Tyson on our reputation after such a disaster? I'm not sure which would ruin our reputation more." Schakri interrupts, looking slightly amused and a lot more like himself.

Phyre tries to look affronted at the insult to her older (though youngest) brother, even blowing a bit of smoke out of her nose, but anyone with any skill at reading people would see she agreed with her cousin. Before she can speak Syltar speaks up, almost apologetically. "Schakri is right. Tyson isn't exactly...responsible. Could you imagine him dealing with Lord Sol?"

Phyre wrinkles her nose. "Yes. Though I can't see it ending well." Despite dropping the subject, it's obvious that she still seems uncomfortable with the idea of being made the head - however temporary - of the Dragonblaze Kin.

Esiard shakes his head when Morgan talks of going to get a collar. "I'd rather have you here for when Lord Aiden and Captain Jadewalker arrive Morgan. Any soldiers - and Jadewalker himself - have likely used up a fair share of their magic so I'd rather have you around just in case Aiden does go insane. Talking of which." He turns to one of the surrounding soldiers. "According to Lord Schakri this room is warded, so by the time Lord Aiden arrives I want this room cleared of non-essential persons." He glances around. "Of course, Lord Schakri, Lady Phyre and Archmage Syltar are welcome to stay to speak to Lord Aiden." Versovesh clears his throat before giving Esiard a significant look. "Ah, of course. You are welcome to stay as well. If Lord Aiden goes insane while he still has his draconic strength then I imagine you two will be the only ones capable of exchanging blows with him."

~MTWC