[21:54] Valentine Invidia says, "Follow me, someone needs your expertise on runes."
[21:54] Valentine Invidia says, "Here he is."
[21:58] Valentine Invidia whispers: (get me gold version of that)
[21:58] Valentine Invidia whispers: (eye
[22:00] "The idea behind what I said hinged on the idea of it being successful, not purposely failing," Alvi shot back, not at all pleased at having something they said turned against them - let alone have it remembered word for word.

With an agitated sigh, the undead raises the cup to their mouth to take a swig of the sugar-laden coffee. The truth of the matter was that Ophelia was going to proceed headlong into things regardless of what Alvi or the others opined. Was she always this reckless, or was she in a rush of some kind?

"But..." Alvi says after a moment, eyes shut tightly. "I can see that there is little I or anyone else can do to convince you otherwise. If you want to rush headlong into certain death, then so be it.

Just tell me in advance so I can make the proper arrangements with Cho."
(Alvi Slade)
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[22:06] Ophelia only raises an eyebrow at her grumpy undead's words.

Then, her attention turns to Remy and Vel, motioning from one to the other.

"Greeting, Vel Invidia. I'd like to ask if you'd feel up to writing a runic pattern designed to specifically make a hole in the Lifestream.

And if you'd like to come with us to scribe that pattern in the field."

With that, they fold their hands upon the table, the tall, smooth-voiced Oscuri having asked and given - brief - instructions.
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[22:09] Akane says, "I got bored of Drawing."
[22:09] Akane says, "SO I came here."
[22:09] Remy Draskovic says, "I'm sorry to hear that, child."
[22:10] Israa Farhat whispers something.
[22:11] As the request was being asked, his eyes gradually shifted north to give the ceiling a curious glare, almost as if he was in deep thought about the question asked.

Nearly denying the complicated request, there was something about it that piqued his interest.

'Hole inside the Lifestream.'

Could this mean what he thought it to be? Would this be some sort of ritual that resembles riftmancy? He was entirely confused about the situation as a whole yet strangely, Vel was willing to help.

He wanted to see results.

"Hmm.. I like the sound of it and I am willing to provide my skill as a Runescribe, However-

All I ask for is more details.. This sounds.. very interesting. "
(Vel Invidia)
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[22:11] Akane moves to sit in Remy's lap.
(Akane)
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[22:20] Vel's thoughts just so happen to be quite correct.

The Oscuri's smooth, cool voice fills the other Invidia in;

"I'm looking towards being able to utilize the art of Riftmancy. To this end, I'm seeking to make marks within the Lifestream that may be utilized to both serve as way-points and reminders of a specific place, and to channel mana through is the goal."

The cloaked woman stands up straight and tall, her hands folded before her. Up her arms, mostly concealed, are leftover discolored patches of flesh, pertaining to when that Jianghuran magi opted to attempt to boil her a bit. They're healing, however, though slowly. Luckily, he was targeting her limbs, and her face is unaffected, the rest able to be hidden behind her long cloak!

Regardless of battle injuries, she looks towards the south for a moment;

"The first site we should make the mark is the one I attempted to create about the battlefield where our skirmishers fought the Jianghurans.

I advise we go there now, and we can iron out the details as they come up.

Though, I do advise the second site will be on the other side of the river. Southest of Gaiar Aetherius's ruins. Hostile magi could potentially interfere, but that's a risk we'll have to take."
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[22:29] Israa dodges his eyes over the floor of the room as he leans back subtly against the bookshelf, bowing his head down as he scans over the floorboards and carpets. He was doing his best to look busier than he really was, but the real purpose behind his investigation was to simply give himself an excuse to bow the top of his hood over his face.

The real chore was inside his mind: locked in a vain battle of attrition against itself as he slowly tries to piece together what exactly he had heard.. Damage the life-stream..? The mere weight of the words alone was enough to render at his soul, causing his eyes squeeze shut. He was in a room with descents of Azrael himself, with people he knew to be vampires, all of which were far more powerful magis than himself.

All he really knew was how to move dirt.

He coughs once to clear the jump lodged in his throat.

"I'll get the floor swept, Miss." he promises aloud, hearing the declaration of departure from Ophelia.
(Israa Farhat)
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[22:30] What a strange meeting this had become - so many odd intruders for something moved for privacy. "It seems my expertise is no longer needed, then - and it would be a shame to be mistaken for a war band." A hand rose - mussing the hair of the girl seating herself in their lap, scarlet eyes looking from one newcomer at the table to the other.

"If there is anything I can help you with, Ophelia, my services are always available. It's a shame to hear our expedition seems to have been cancelled before getting off the ground." With a nudge to get the girl in their lap down, they made to rise from the table. "As always - you know where to find me should you need me."
(Remy Draskovic)
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[22:31] Ophelia de' Fiano says, "The more magi we have, the smoother this operation will go. Likewise, I never said it was canceled, merely on hold for now."
[22:34] Colorless eyes shifted to Remy and then returned to Ophelia.

"Hm? I've just realized..

Remy has been doing Runescribing far longer than I have. Are you sure they shouldn't take the position that you expect me to fulfill?"

As difficult as it was to ask, it was the honest truth and a question that would clear a bit of confusion that sat within the Invidia's head.


(Vel Invidia)
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[22:35] Remy Draskovic says, "No. My talents have since been lost with my ascension. "
[22:36] Gently, the Oscuri stands up from the table, plan having went over enough times, she then begins to stride towards the door, an absentminded nod of acknowledgement given to her newest servant.

Regardless, to Vel's question, she answers, moving towards the door;

"I was hoping to have both of you working on such a thing. Come, lets talk in the field. The first site is close to the southern tower."
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[22:37] Remy Draskovic says, "If you insist..."
[22:37] Akane says, "...nnn."
[22:39] Alvi Slade says, "My only stipulation is that if we are attacked, I get to keep a corpse in good condition."
[22:39] Akane exclaims, "Kiha!"
[22:39] Akane says, "Oh hey the tower is back."
[22:39] Ophelia de' Fiano says, "I think every single one of us here has a use for a corpse."
[22:40] Akane says, "Not me."
[22:40] Alvi Slade says, "I called dibs, though."
[22:40] Valentine Invidia says, "......"
[22:40] Alvi Slade says, "You have to respect dibs."
[22:40] Donovan Draskovic asks, "What's dibs?"
[22:40] Ophelia de' Fiano says, "We'll do it as we did it before, dividing it into equal components for all present."
[22:40] Alvi Slade says, "Dibs means to lay claim to something before anyone else does."
[22:40] Alvi Slade says, "No, I need a whole corpse."
[22:40] Alvi Slade says, "Not part of one."
[22:41] Ophelia de' Fiano says, "You'll have to take that up with the others. Magi corpses are a rare and useful commodity."
[22:41] Alvi Slade says, "They'll have to deal with it. I called dibs."
[22:41] Akane says, "I... I'm gonna go home."
[22:41] Alvi folds their arms across their chest and huffs.
(Alvi Slade)
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[22:41] Akane says, "Spend time with Kiha. be back soon, Mom."
[22:50] Donovan Draskovic asks, "I'm going to ask again briefly- What's dibs?"
[22:50] Valentine facepalms.
(Valentine Invidia)
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[22:53] Remy Draskovic says, "A thing he called to assert ownership or claim of a thing he did not own."
[22:53] Donovan Draskovic asks, ".. Okay..?"
[22:53] Donovan Draskovic asks, "Is this some weird land-person thing? How have I only just heard of it now?"
[22:53] Donovan Draskovic says, "I feel like it's made up.."
[22:54] Alvi Slade says, "On the contrary, it's an ancient custom."
[22:54] Alvi Slade says, "In Eidolon, dibs was law."
[22:54] Donovan Draskovic says, "Nnnnno.. I'm pretty sure that's made up."
[22:54] Alvi Slade says, "No. It is not."
[22:55] Donovan Draskovic says, "Pretty sure it is."
[22:55] Remy Draskovic says, "All laws are made up."
[22:55] Alvi Slade says, "Dibs is the one thing that stops mortal men from slaughtering each other in the pursuit of wealth."
[22:55] Donovan Draskovic says, "I haven't heard of it in the fifteen- Uh.."
[22:55] Donovan Draskovic says, "Hang on, math's hard-"
[22:56] Donovan Draskovic says, "Nineteen or so years I've been on land."
[22:56] Remy Draskovic says, "Alvi has been dead for a long time."
[22:56] Donovan Draskovic says, "So it's probably fake- Either that, or it just doesn't apply to as much of the world as you think."
[22:57] Remy Draskovic says, "It is, perhaps, a dead custom."
[22:57] Alvi Slade says, "Then I'll just bring it back."
[22:59] Donovan Draskovic says, "Or we could not and just"
[22:59] Donovan Draskovic says, "Either divide what we possibly kill evenly or give the hunter the game as it were."
[22:59] Growing tired of such a conversation, the Oscuri has walked to the first site. It's the place of her battle with the Jianghuran water-elementalist.

Valmasians do a good job of cleaning battlefields post-battle, so little remains aside from scattered blood-splatters, pieces of non-magi equipment, and other such junk.

Ophelia, however, directs Remy and Vel to a particular plot of land featuring withered, dead grass, a faint, scorched circle of vague marks surrounding the grass. It's about six feet in diameter.

"This is where I battled the Jianghuran magi. I created that improper circle here, within a group of our own soldiers, while this side of the line was failing.

My intent was to create the circle, have our men fall back, then activate it once the enemy advanced to the position. So as to use it as a sort of... Delayed detonation, the effects of which on the body I was curious about."

A pause is given, gazing at the circle for a moment. Her brow furrows slightly, and her gaze tracks north, to where she was flung, once she escaped the other's pillar of water.

"My plan to attack the enemy while creating this Lifestream mark for later research was disrupted, however. I was defeated and triggered it before it was fully prepared.

I believe it fell a few Jianghuran warriors, but it wasn't what I wanted it to be... As for it's use in creating a potential marker..."

She strides into the circle, reaching out hands. A whispered incantation is spoken, and the wind begins to blow around her. Lines of electric green illuminate themselves upon her form, while her eyes assume that vibrant coloration taken when her circuits are active. Pulses of air are created, outwards from her, then inwards, then swishing around her form in an arc. Attempting to 'feel out' changes. A few moments are taken of this, before a small, almost displeased sigh is given.

"It feels slightly... Prickly here. As if there's residual static in the air. I anticipate it'll be difficult to grow things here... But I don't believe it's focused or strong enough to be what I wanted it to be.

I don't believe it's what we want... Right now."

She steps out of the circle, taking long strides to a southern corner of it, before sitting down upon the scrubland grass. Eyes are closed promptly.

"It's a start, however. I'm going to be doing as Ludevic told me. Meditating upon the environment around me in an attempt to commit it to memory... I'd like Remy and Vel to draw their circle inside the one I made, that little dead patch.

Once finished, allow me to sketchit, and then we'll activate it...

The rest of you, I advise guarding the area. Just in case."

And so, her meditation begins. The Oscuri hasn't done this often, so she trys a few different techniques. First, a more magic-centric form of memorization. Feeling the air around her for notable currents. Then, directing air downwards to feel the shape of the land around her.

A cool gust billows outwards from the kneeling Oscuri, rippling through the blades of grass, and dancing around the stones that break up the flow.

Afterwards, circuits are deactivated, those pulses ceasing. Less-magic centric now. Senses now.

Noting the faint smell of sea-breeze from the cliffs. The faint sound of their waves beating against them. The dance of the natural waves. Eyes open to scan, slowly on the area around her, focusing on small details. The color of the grass, the shape of nearby rocks.

With little focused direction, Ophelia is nothing if not thorough...
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[23:10] "You should probably learn how to work with runes proper, one day." It was all they could think of in the wake of that particular story. What she had done was, frankly, dangerous and they could, if tasked at least, easily have replicated what she actually wanted without the haphazard results. They were confident any actual runescribe could have; something that combined necromantic energies - to damage the lifestream - with some kind of detonation effect? A trapped rune, even, primed to go off once an enemy magi stepped foot in its area of effect...

They shook their head - no use mulling over it. They would do what they were here for, at Ophelia's behest. And they would work with the Invidia, without protest. Drifting towards the indicated spot they extended one arm, drawing a claw down their forearm once more and letting their magic flow into their blood. They might not have complete, and deliberate, control over their blood anymore. But they weren't going to let old habits die so easily.

Crimson shards flew into the air, slamming into the ground with a gesture of their hand - fingers flexing and twitching to guide them, carving out lines and runic symbols as needed, slowly melting and leaving behind a bloody cast to the marks they carved. They had -always- relied on their blood for their runes - and even if they had lost the artistry themselves; they remembered well how to design them, how to write them and how the flow went.

In deference to the still active runescribe - the Invidia - they would follow his example. Letting him take charge of the pattern designed. It was, simply, easier that way.
(Remy Draskovic)
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[23:12] With not much to do, Alvi is content to allow Ophelia to do her thing - even if they personally feel as if it'll just result in something terrible happening. At her best, the undead saunters off to "guard", but this close to Dawn and the vampire settlement nearby it is unlikely to encounter any enemy magi at this moment in time.

With that in mind, Alvi opts to delve into gathering materials for their own experiments, so to speak.

Stopping before a small hole in the ground, the magi stoops down to inspect it carefully. The ghost of a smile spreads across the undead's normally-still lips before those pale lips part. From their mouth a foul, purple miasma pours forth and drifts towards the ground like a heavy fog that wilts and drains the life of the grass around it.

With a small gesture of their hand, the plagued mist drifts into the hole with a gust of carefully-applied wind magic. Watching and waiting, Alvi raises a finger in the air before simply shoving their entire arm in up to the elbow. Feeling around, a quiet "Aha!" is exclaimed before the undead extricates their arm from the hole - two freshly deceased prairie dogs clutched tightly in their gloved hands.

Depositing one in their handy-dandy satchel, Alvi takes the other one and moves to sit down somewhere in the grass to experiment with it...
(Alvi Slade)
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[23:14] A few years ago, the Invidia attempted to dip into the arts of Riftmancy however it proved to be too difficult for him during that time.. As of now, things were more understanding and came simple to his mind, including the basis of the situation and what was needed. There he was, led to a 'marker' by Ophelia, one that was apparently placed during the previous battle against Huangzhou.

His eyes fell onto her as she sat herself in the grass. Vel awaited for exact directions, just in case he was overthinking things as he usually do...

Eventually, the instructions he was seeking was delivered.

"Draw our own circles within it, hm? Fair enough. "

Without further ado, the Invidia slowly stepped towards the target area which housed dead grass.. It looked as if the life was absorbed directly out of it. Just the sight of such brought a small grin to the Kitsune's face.

After thoroughly identifying the spot, Vel started to get to work. His fingers, which hid behind his mythril-cladded gauntlet slowly started to poke and draw into the air.

What was being drawn? Simple.. It was symbols, runic symbols taking on a teal-like color. His abilities of runescribing has grown since he first started, he was an artisan at the arts after all.

These runes slowly merged together into one shimmering light just before dropping into the circle that was previously created by Ophelia herself. The teal-colored light strangely formed into a circle of a smaller radius yet it remained that way. Vel recalled Ophelia saying only to draw the circle and allow her to sketch.

That is exactly what he was going to allow her to do.
(Vel Invidia)
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[23:45] Her task is perplexing and lengthy. Luckily, as her artisans work, it's easy for her to have the time to continue. It's also fortunate that she has always had a rather single-minded, occasionally bullheaded charge towards what she wanted. Willful.

She will memorize the land around her, even if it's difficult to focus on such minute distractions and conditions. Grass. Dirt. Ocean. Waves. Rocks. Wind.

At some level it stokes the wanderlust present within the air-mage. The feeling of connecting with some place unconnected with - but at the same time, the plains are well-trod ground. Wanderlust is something that relies on movement and witnessing new sights, not ones that have been seen before.

The other side of the river will be the more interesting of the two sites. Definitely.

Regardless, minutes upon minutes of concentration, all of the other 'components' of meditation utilized from the myriad of books she referenced before coming here come to mind. Clearing your mind. Focusing on the moment. Taking deep breaths.

As usual, the Oscuri tries a number of different approaches. Overcomplicating a task is also a pitfall she falls into - exemplified by her multifaceted approach to resurrecting an individual. Runes. Incantation. Prayer. Four-sided mana channeling.

Regardless, the time comes where it's her opportunity to sketch and transcribe that circle created with blood and magic. And so she does. A fresh notebook brandished, each page is a separate quadrant as she moves closer. Slowly and painfully are details recorded, mistakes torn from book and pocketed. While Alvi hunts for small animals, Ophelia writes, wide, burning emerald eyes absorbing details and writing them down.

The most she can ever do is transcribe runic patterns shown to her. Her knowledge of the art is weak and miniscule, her repertoire of runes only that which lies within her book. Just a few patterns, always patterns, always designed to fulfill a specific purpose...

But, after an hour passes, it's done to a level she's finally satisfied with. At this point, Ophelia backs up, motioning for the two to activate it, a safe distance away taken.

"Perhaps. Runic arts have been useful... Maybe in time. I've so much else that requires my attention and focus...

You may activate it now."

She declares, watching quietly from the side-lines. It's clear she's aiming to observe the moment of its use, to glean from it both what occurs and how they trigger the effect...

The anticipation is palpable.
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[00:01] Despite of what Vel said earlier, he has actually been studying a great amount of runescribing recently.. To the point where he would possess more information than the average. He grew himself to experience and attempted to utilize it during his casual time, during battle, even during his slumber, which was impossible.

The point of the matter was that he dove into it greatly, and such an experience as the one he was currently going through with Ophelia would definitely prove to help his progress or perhaps, help him learn something that he wouldn't alone.

"Very well. Activation incoming. "

As the teal circle was maintained for quite a bit of time, it was about time for Vel to continue the process. Bangles which resembled the colors of a rainbow suddenly appeared around the both of his wrist.. Yet, strangely its total appearance remained transparent.

This wasn't its first time appearing.. butone thing that the Invidia knew was that it would do nothing but aid him in this process.

The Kitsune's fingers took the same hue of the runes that were written earlier, a trailing teal color just before more symbols were composed into the air.

These were the required runes to finish and activate the circle.

Vel's eyes continued to close as a short-lived incantation quickly escaped from his tongue.

"..."

Just as silence filled the area again, the teal circle immediately grew into a shimmering light which ultimately signified a nearing sign of activation.. The Kitsune's eyes slowly opened to witness the bright light.. With a bit more assistance from Remy, activation would be a complete success to leave Ophelia to complete the rest of the task.
(Vel Invidia)
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[00:04] Alvi splays their newly-acquired prize right there on the grass - the prairie dog's arms and legs spread eagle. Reaching into the hole in the front of their robes that they had affectionately dubbed their boob window in life, the undead finds a practical use to keep it as an essential part of their life: storing objects within their robes!

Having found what they're looking for, they pull out notebook and their trusty never-go-dry quill; just add water.

Water... Hm. In life, Alvi would just lick the tip of the quill to activate it's effect but these days it was hard to produce enough saliva to suffice. Sure, Dawn's statue did some work but even on good days Alvi's mouth was remarkably dry. Should they be drinking water?

Like any good problem-solver, Alvi is nothing if not resourceful. Applying a finger to the jaw of the dead rodent before them, they gently press the tip of the quill on the inside of it's mouth until it draws blood - wetting the feathered writing utensil just enough to activate the enchantment.

Alvi flips to a blank page, looks over the deceased rodent and scribbles a few notes before setting the quill down and flipping back to the first few pages. There, still sort of legible, are notes made thirty years prior to when they had first resurrected small mammals.

Tongue snaking its way out of the undead's mouth from sheer habit, Alvi presses a single finger to the prairie dog's chest; attempting to envision just where its heart would be. The tip of their finger sends out a small spark of magic to pulse the creature's body in an effort to discern just where its mana circuits were. When these were discovered - unseen by anyone but Alvi themselves - the undead was quick to note them down.

Every so often, their head would glance over to see what progress Ophelia and the others were making. Alvi was the best guard, truly.
(Alvi Slade)
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[00:14] A brow raised at the Invidia's flamboyant display of light and runic magics for the circle's initial activation. They weren't exactly surprised, that whole family loved to peacock it seemed - but, it was what it was. Letting him initialize the circle the two had carved, with a clench of their fist the lingering shards of bloody ice they had been using to carve their portion of the circle shattered - a shower of crimson dust scattering across the runic etchings.

As the activation commenced, the symbols they had carved into the earth began to glow red, filling with light and erupting with irregular bursts of energy. They didn't quite agree to this kind of piggy-backed activation, but unless they figured out a more suitable means it was the best they could manage in their current state. Regardless, however, minor instabilities and increased inefficiency in mana distribution aside - it -was- a complete circle, instructions written to point as Ophelia had wished.

At least - theoretically. Their attention diverted to the oscuri beside them, uncertain if this was going quite as planned. Hopefully without the explosion as the original attempt had.
(Remy Draskovic)
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[00:24] Moments pass as the runic-disk wielding Vel works, paired with the crystalized-blood utilizing Remy! Additional runes added to activate it, those runes written down quickly and promptly by the Kitsune, the ex-Drakanite following where he left off.

The Oscuri is scribing down those newer runes quickly, their electric-green eyes fixated on the flaring of the circle and the subsequent bursts of energy created by its scribing and utilization.

No explosion results this time, merely a concentrated mote of fuchsia energy floating a foot off the ground, in the middle of the circle. For only a moment. As Dylerrun described, perhaps.

A flicker.

A breath is taken, a few notes written into Ophelia's book regarding simple observations. The appearance of the flickering mote. It's size, shape, and how long it existed for...

Regardless, after a minute or two, she lowers her book, no more to see here, it seems.

"Right... We should head towards the second site, now.

Is everyone ready? We'll need two spots to see if we can link this spot with the other..."
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[00:26] Alvi quickly picks up their rodent corpse, shoves it into their satchel and prepares to move on, irritated that they have to move again.
(Alvi Slade)
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[00:31] Remy Draskovic says, "I think I'm starting to get a grasp on what we're doing, at least."
[00:31] Ophelia de' Fiano says, "Excellent."
[00:31] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[00:33] Remy Draskovic says, "Thank you, Cassidy."
[00:33] Cassidy says, "Mmhm."
[00:33] Cassidy says, "I've been learning how to become a medic through Sors."
[00:34] Remy Draskovic asks, "Is he any good?"
[00:34] Cassidy says, "Mmhm, well."
[00:34] Cassidy says, "He's good at replacing things."
[00:37] Cassidy says, "Vel? If you're free I want to talk to you."
[00:37] Cassidy forgets that her arms were covered in blood, and cleans them.
(Cassidy)
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[00:46] Vel Invidia asks, "Hm?"
[00:46] Cassidy says, "I want to talk to you, if you're free."
[00:46] Vel Invidia says, "Depends on how important it is."
[00:47] Cassidy says, "It's um... It's important to me. I don't know how important it is for you."
[00:48] Vel Invidia says, "Well, that's a complicated answer."
[00:48] Cassidy says, "It involves feelings."
[00:48] Ophelia de' Fiano asks, "Shall we move onwards now?"
[00:48] Valentine Invidia says, "..."
[00:48] Valentine Invidia whispers: Vel, this weird woman has a crush on you.
[00:49] Cassidy says, "But if you're going to go hunt then I'll wait."
[00:49] Vel Invidia says, "Yeah, uh. Let's talk about it later."
[00:49] Cassidy says, "Mmhm, I'll see you when you get back."
[00:49] Remy Draskovic asks, "Valentine, is this anything like the -talk- you had with me?"
[00:49] Vel blinks.
(Vel Invidia)
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[00:49] Alvi Slade says, "The rule of dibs still applies, by the way."
[00:49] Valentine Invidia says, "Probably."
[00:49] Valentine Invidia says, "Oh."
[00:49] Valentine Invidia says, "No."
[00:49] Vel Invidia says, "..."
[00:49] Valentine Invidia says, "I thought you were talking about that bean."
[00:49] Vel remains quiet.
(Vel Invidia)
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[00:50] Valentine Invidia asks, "Vel, are you okay?"
[00:50] Vel Invidia asks, "Yeah, you?"
[00:50] Valentine seemed somewhat concerned about someone's feelings for once- But this -was- his little brother.
(Valentine Invidia)
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[00:50] Valentine Invidia says, "Yeah."
[00:51] Vel Invidia says, "I'm perfectly fine."
[00:51] Remy Draskovic asks, "How many women have you professed love to now, anyway, Valentine?"
[00:51] Valentine Invidia says, "I forgot to do it to Lyanne."
[00:51] Valentine Invidia says, "Sunny, I did, and she's dead."
[00:51] Valentine Invidia says, "You, I told you that I used to like when I was younger."
[00:54] Valentine Invidia whispers: Vel, have you spoken to Priscilla much lately, or is she still acting mentally ill?
[00:54] Remy Draskovic says, "So Ophelia is going to be lucky number four, then? Shame. Alvi - do be ready to raise her."
[00:55] Valentine Invidia says, "I'm not proclaiming love to her, I'm asking her about necromancy, smart one."
[00:55] Valentine Invidia says, "Don't get carried away."
[00:56] Ophelia de' Fiano says, "..."
[00:59] Alvi Slade says, "Hrm."
[01:04] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:05] A spot far enough away from the ruins of Eidolon, the Dreadwoods, Dawn, Baukdengrad, and Gaiar Aetherius has been selected. The group is within territory commonly patrolled by Huangzhou, however...

The platinum-white haired Necromancer motions to the area surrounding them.

"Remain alert for potential enemies. Lets begin the ritual promptly. This will be problematic if we're discovered and attacked by the repressed and their minions.

This place should be free enough from the influence of other arts that involved the Lifestream, and therefore limit interference from their after-effects."

The Oscuri motions to a patch of land to the east.

"However, unlike the first spot, I've not conducted my own ritual to potentially weaken... Therefore the burden of creating a aperture is entirely upon you two.

I trust in your abilities."

With that, she returns to that kneeling position from before. Meditation begins promptly. A whispered incantation follows the air animating by virtue of her arts. Wind pulses outwards from her, ruffling the grass and verdant foliage nearby. Then, it pulls inwards, reversing that previous pulse. Then, it dances, a spiraling circle of air...

A testament to her control over wind itself, though considering that being the focus on her abilities, such control isn't particularly surprising.

The air soon ceases its movements, her awakened rieka circuits dying down in coloration. Now is the time for conventional senses, her magical 'feeling' of the environment over. The smell of the air - much more refreshing and floral-tinged then that of the sea. Owing to the clean, clear streams present, paired with the flowers nearby.

Likewise, the area is accented with the gentle trickling of that closeby stream, colored with the pleasant motes of rosebushes and other such foliage.

All in all, this particular location inspires much more awe then the plains. Her emerald eyes could look upwards to see the towering shape of the volcano, water streaming out from nearby mountains to form that freshwater lake that tracks through the land.

Faint, pleased motes are elicited within eyes, such sights liberating and relaxing, much more then the more repetitive ones present within Dawn. It's nice to get out, and can't help but harken the Oscuri back to her arrival, and witnessing this new land...
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[01:17] Alvi wanders a fair bit away from the rest of the group, heaving a quiet sigh as they have a moment to stop and 'acquire' more experiments once more. A more lively land means more lively subjects, after all. Wandering over to a tree, the undead unslings their scythe from their back and idly chops away at the brush and plantlife around it.

A slow but cocksure ear-to-ear grin spreads across the undead's face as they discover a rabbit warren. Bonus.

As before, Alvi stoops down to breathe out a miasma of plagued, occultic mist. A quick gesture of their hand and the foul, diseased air coalesces and billows forth into the hole in the ground. Barely even waiting for it to take effect, the undead quickly thrusts a hand into the hole and withdraws a rather plump rabbit - still squealing it's last breaths before it expires in Alvi's hands.

With the rabbit too big to just stuff in their satchel like a carefree cowboy, Alvi instead opts to take their hat off their head and shove the dead rabbit inside before putting it back on.

Alvi slings their scythe once more, now thoroughly satisfied with the fruits of their journey as they move to sit next to Ophelia to watch the other two work. And to keep guard, totally.
(Alvi Slade)
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[01:19] "Right, an aperture." Drifting apart from the group to get some space - they began to repeat the act from earlier. Spilling their blood and freezing it. Carving their runic shapes into the earth its self, leaving deep, bloody scars in its wake - making a similar design to the one from earlier; writing in Ophelia's on designs, working off of the imperfections she had, intentionally, wanted the sigil to bear.

"If you don't mind. I'm going to stand back when Vel activates this one. Just in case." Their work was slow, deliberate even. Making sure every shape and sigil imparted its proper - or improper as the case may be - instruction before they stood back to let the Invidia finish the work necessary to open this second rift point. "And hope we don't all be consumed by nethradin."
(Remy Draskovic)
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[01:21] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:28] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:28] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:28] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:28] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:28] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:29] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:30] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:30] This area was an area near Huangzhou, one that the Kitsune actually actively scouts around for enemies.. If anything, he was as cautious and sharp as ever! Colorless eyes scanned the proximity before falling onto Remy's work, slowly stepping over to analyze it himself.

"Right. I rather not die to a nethradin. "

The moment was quite intense due to being so close to their sole enemies, yet Vel still found heart enough to chuckle at the Draskovic's statement. Now, finally came the time to focus on the purpose they were here.

His hands extended frontwards and his eyes closed in order to gain the maximum amount of focus he could possibly get. After all, this time around things were going to be far more difficult.. He would have to harness more runic strength and capabilities.

Very difficult, but not impossible.

A silent, weak whisper left the Kitsune.

"Okay.."

Fortunately for Vel, the task of forcing a hole would be easier since he was a Chaos Magi already.. Just as he wrote runic letters into the air once again followed by quiet incantations, there would also be a strange force of strength pushing against the air as he wrote.

It continued to push.. Pushing so powerful that once could briefly see the very vibrations to follow. Of course, the target of this was the very lifestream itself.

Telekinetic waves continued to push throughout the air as every runic symbol was composed.

"Runes, enhance!"

The force stopped but the written runes slowly lit up and merge themselves with the runic pattern placed down by the Draskovic, molding itself onto it, empowering it and ultimately, remaining on the brink of activation.
(Vel Invidia)
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[01:35] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:36] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:37] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:37] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:37] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:41] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:41] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:42] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:44] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:47] Valentine Invidia whispers something.
[01:48] Remy Draskovic whispers something.
[01:52] As the others set up, the Oscuri remains in their bit of meditation. This place has more of an... Emotional impact then the other. A place unseen. A place that would be easier to remember in their mind's eye, no doubt.

The sound of the stream, the breeze ruffling through bushes and leaves, the colors illuminated by the groups torches and lanterns all showcase the natural beauty of Agartha.

Agartha is beautiful, make no mistake.

Regardless, eyes open after a time, watching the other's work, the tall form easing themselves up and taking a step back to watch and wait quietly.

Their hands quickly wrest their notebook, writing observations in it as burning eyes focus on the rune-writing pair. Telekinetic ripples pique Ophelia's interest, eyes turning to Vel's hands momentarily.

Something of interest, aside from the runic constructs he summons. Similar to Gideon's own exhibition of the Arcane, as well asthe Adjudicator's.

Nevertheless, the Oscuri remains quiet and contemplative, watching that push, the other two working together to create bloodied scars that are empowered and merged with the other's teal creations.

This time, the Oscuri strides to a nearby bush, retrieving a single flower from it, before letting the red thing be carried on a gust of wind to the center of the circle. Close to where she expects the minute, flicking mote to appear.

"Good... Good, lets activate it oncemore... The other one was a hole, but perhaps if I focus upon the scrub-land, I'll be able to send this small flower through... Its red coloration should make it stick out enough..."

And with that, the Oscuri unwraps their casting device, a that star-fragment carrying scythe of theirs. Such an item intertwined with brilliant motes of reika that travels up the haft and encircles the dark, glimmering fragment.

Another incantation;

"Azrael, give me the strength to use the flawed creator's world against itself..."

Simple and quick, her rieka activating across her body, the lines upon the shaft, not as jagged as her own, smooth, slender, and graceful, illuminated as her own lines are! Faint pulsations can be seen from the corrupt fragment, while a 'blade' of air encircles the head, dancing around it, motes of electric-green suspended within the controlled wind-blade.

A spiralling tendril reaches out this time, into the circle, opting to stand closer then the others who have stood back, and lend her own rieka-tainted wind to the endeavor.

Intending, of course, to push that flower somewhere else. The Oscuri's open eyes envisioning the clearest representation of the plains as they can. The feel of the flatter terrain, paired with the sound of waves beating against the water, short, scruffy grasses and scrubs, and jutting rocks...

"Now..."

She states, her focus utterly on the circle and the destination...
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[02:01] "Once more.. right."

This was the final push.. and surprisingly it was a bit easier to focus on since he didn't have to continue to utilize the Arcane. The rainbow-colored bangles of runic energy appeared around his wrist once more, taking on a more natural and smooth look rather than the transparent, ethereal it had before. Eyes closed once more as a final incantation escaped his tongue.

"..."

The teal hued runes that was placed by the Invidia started to become brighter and brighter by the second as it neared another activation. However, at this point, the Invidia was reaching exhaustion.. And it was closing in at a very fast pace.

They were so close.. Vel couldn't stop now. He had to continue..

Lifestream, Destiny, Fate.. They were all his enemies.. and he had the chance to harm one of them at the current moment, he could not let fatigue prevent him from doing this.

He just would not allow that.

A light grunt escaped the Kitsune as he extended his arms farther than what they were before, implementing more runic strength into the process as a whole. The Invidia was giving it his all.

Runes started to brighten up even more so and became as reactive as ever.. The possibly final activation was in play.
(Vel Invidia)
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[02:04] Alvi scoots backwards along the grass ever-so-slightly, wanting to be relatively well away from the rune just in case anything goes wrong. They are only eighty-percent sure something will go wrong, since Ophelia was setting about this venture intending to fail.

Hopefully she didn't fail violently.

Taking their hat off their head once again, the worn-out witch's cap bulges with a heavy load, dead rabbit nestled firmly inside. The prairie dog from earlier could wait, but for now Alvi wanted to take the opportunity to get a better look at the hare.

"What I'd do for a deer or a pig..." The undead murmurs quietly as they set their subject on their lap. Inquisitive eyes look the hare up and down - following a gloved finger as it trails along its body and tugs limbs out of the way. The good thing about their particularly brand of occultic magic was how relatively untouched it couldleave the exterior of the body, although its insides were going to leave much to be desired. That wasn't a problem, however. Dissection for the sake of dissection didn't require the organs to be intact per se.

As before with the groundhog, Alvi presses the tip of their finger to where the rabbit's heart would be. Eyes closed and a pulse of magic works its way through the rabbit's body, lighting up ever-so-slightly and only visible to the undead's eyes to reveal a webwork of vein-like lines.

Once more, Alvi retrieves their notebook and quickly begins scribbling down notes. Scribble scribble.
(Alvi Slade)
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[02:16] Ophelia trusts in the Chaos magi to guide the utilization of the runic circle, while she merely gives mana and focuses on the destination itself. A swirling motes of air holds that red flower a foot off the ground!

As Ludovic told her, she focuses on her memory for the other destination. That is the key ingredient of Riftmancy that Ophelia noted. More emotionally-driven abilities allude her in some ways.

Instead, she likes to focus on a series of steps to get to her goal. Memorize environment. Create 'markings' in the Lifestream. Focus on connecting those two markings into a pathway. Envision other environment.

And so, with the wind tugging at her, dancing around and swirling, that same ethereal flicker is created in the center of this rune. As Ludovic stated, a strong will is required, and if Ophelia's will is not strong enough, then the Chaos mage she is collaborating with's certain is.

A fuchsia stain upon the world, a flickering mote around the head of that red flower...

Before it disappears.

Its stem falls to the ground, but the head is missing, itself.

Even with the effect undergone, the Oscuri continues to envison and channel, focusing utterly and single-mindedly on her destination, so as to make absolutely sure the object made it there...

And then, staff is lowered, wind dies, and a breath is taken.

The runes spent, the ritual complete, Ophelia stares quietly at the site of their potential transfer. Hands, tense and slow, methodically begin to wrap up her scythe, while the marking supon her and it fade away...

"Okay... Now we head back quickly to check the other ritual site. We should see if it managed to move the object or not..."

The smooth-voiced woman declares, turning to stride back to the caves, and thusly to the pathway that would lead them to the plains!
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[02:16] Alvi sighs and places the rabbit back in their hat again. That'll be a nice trick for later.
(Alvi Slade)
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[02:17] Alvi Slade says, "Dibs on any ore we find. I need the money."
[02:25] It takes a good amount of time to pass through the mountains, leaving the dangerous territory to reach the plains ritual oncemore. Burning eyes, excitement evident within pour themselves over the site, hunting for traces of red within the pale, scruffy shrub-grass.

Time is taken, hoping that the faint evening's breeze didn't scatter it, or that it may not have transferred at all!

Minutes of combing and hunting...

But then it's spotted, five feet to the west, a beaten, battered, reddish flower, evidently the crude and not well-practiced first attempt is not perfect, but it proves that such an ability is able to be conducted!

Proof of concept complete, the red-flower is held up for a moment, the delicate, partially withered thing allowing a few petals to escape itself during such an act...

It's returned to the ground a little callously.

"Thank you for the assistance, all.This experiment has been quite informative..."

With that and a bow of her head, she begins to head back to her house and study, to begin scribing notes down upon journals and notebooks, no doubt...
(Ophelia de' Fiano)
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[02:27] Remy Draskovic says, "Well - it looks like that was a success. If you need my services again; I'm generally around."
[02:28] Remy Draskovic says, "Perhaps I'll have improved my talents by then. I'm working on a work-around for my current deficiency."
[02:28] Vel Invidia says, "Same."
[02:29] Alvi wanders over to closely inspect the flower, reaching up to tap at their chin. Of course, they had only vaguely been paying attention to what Ophelia and the pair of runescribes were up to, but to see the results of their work was fascinating. The fact that they managed to teleport anything at all stood for something. Although...


How do they know it wasn't just a gust of wind?
(Alvi Slade)
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[02:33] Remy Draskovic says, "Well. I have things to do. Feel free to stop by whenever - for whatever."