History between Shadowmire, Occult magic, and the illusions that Xander has been feeding himself

[12:20] Azed Bolim says in telepathy, I advice you to run
[12:21] Azed still has the metal mask covering his face and hood over his head as Xander appears
(Azed Bolim)
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[12:22] Xander frowns as he tilts his head to the side.
(Xander Byron)
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[12:22] Xander Byron says, "That's not the Hel-Spawn. So it must be the one with the hood."
[12:22] Xander Byron asks, "What are you doing here and what's your name?"
[12:22] Azed Bolim says in telepathy, hello, what are you doing here if I can ask ? you can call me ...
[12:22] Azed Bolim says, "Rhys"
[12:23] Azed voice is muffled by the mask slightly ... hopefulyl enough to fool Xander
(Azed Bolim)
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[12:23] Xander Byron asks, "Rhys huh?"
[12:23] Xander Byron says, "Quite the unusal name. I'd ask you to show your face but it isn't much of my concer really. "
[12:23] Xander Byron asks, "So tell me Rhys, what are you doing here?"
[12:23] Azed Bolim says in telepathy, many have masks and such around here, is it so odd ?
[12:24] Xander purposely ignored the question about his whereabouts here.
(Xander Byron)
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[12:24] Xander Byron says, "Yes, along with continously speaking in my head when it's manners to speak outloud."
[12:24] Azed Bolim says in telepathy, why would I not be here ? Shadowmire, place where the veil is thorn, as you can see by the lovely friend next to you
[12:25] Azed Bolim asks, "perhaps I preffer non verbal communication ? is that such a concern to you ?"
[12:25] Xander Byron says, "It is."
[12:25] Xander Byron says, "So I'd prefer if you spoke outloud for this moment."
[12:25] Xander Byron says, "But, let's rewind a little."
[12:25] Azed Bolim says, "for this moment only ? I will keep that in mind"
[12:25] Xander Byron asks, "What do you mean by the veil is thorn?"
[12:26] Xander Byron says, "And yes, I'd appreciate it."
[12:26] Azed Bolim says, "oh please, neths, ogres, and other things that have origin tied in some way to other realms"
[12:26] Azed Bolim asks, "do you think they can just ... pop in ?"
[12:26] Azed Bolim says, "look around you, at the grass, trees"
[12:27] Azed Bolim says, "the energies from other realms are seeping into this world from such ... tears"
[12:28] Xander Byron asks, "They are?"
[12:28] Azed Bolim says, "yes, the evidence of that is floating next to you"
[12:28] Azed Bolim says, "as you put it yourself, hel spawn"
[12:29] Azed Bolim asks, "but you still have not answered my question, what are you doing here ?"
[12:29] Xander Byron says, "Huh...."
[12:30] Xander Byron says, "I could say the same for you Rhys."
[12:30] Azed Bolim asks, "come on, do you really think most people out there would accept someone like me ?"
[12:30] Xander Byron says, "I would, your probably thinking about the Osronians."
[12:31] Xander Byron says, "In that case, fuck them."
[12:31] Xander Byron says, "Also, I'd like for you to tell me about Shadowmire and how it came to be."
[12:32] Azed Bolim says, "mmm ... I was not alive back then, I am sorry but there is not much I can say about the matter, stories and tales I was told range from anything like slaying a primodial to mass sacrafice to make a tear in the veil"
[12:33] Azed Bolim says, "others would have much more knowledge about It I believe"
[12:34] Hush seemed to materialize out of the shadows, and as they peered down at Azed, the static seemed to grow around them. Their expression, while grinning, grew thin lipped, and their eyes narrowed as they floated nearer.

"You. You you you you ~~ You, the invisible invader, the teacher, the failure of the young! YOU Insulter of HER SIGILS! YOU!"

A claw stretched forward to grab at Azed's Neck, in a forceful tackle. Their aim, to pin him against the stone pillar.
(Hush)
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[12:34] Xander blinks, as he became surprised by such a notation. How a Primordial might've been slain to create this sanction.
(Xander Byron)
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[12:40] "The teacher ? I assure you I am no …"

But then the tackle happened, he was truly unprepared for such attack, his chains managed to only move from his satchel under the first layer of clothes near the neck, not enough to stop the tackle but if that hostilities persisted they were ready to grab onto Hush's form to grab it away.

Slight vibrations under Neth's form could clue them in as well that for now the hooded figure is for now just permitting this to happen, ready to strike and push the neth away if it goes sideways.

And with a deep breath in he prepared his mental defences, having learned telepathy that exploits vulnerabilities of one's minds for sure would be of some assistance, the knowledge of his own cracks in walls that kept him sane.

"I can assure you, I never insulted night mother's sigils, it was that other neth, they just asked me to tell that to you"

He looked towards Kusho as a sigh escaped from his lips, hoping they would not recognise him with a hood and metal mask on his face.

"I can assure you, I am no enemy of yours"

But if assault persisted, he began focusing his mana onto the chains and earth, just in case ready to push hel spawn away even if for a second.
(Azed Bolim)
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[12:42] Eyeing the newcomer and her pinned victim, Hush heard some whispers of mother.
'He's speaking the truth.. Let him go'

"No! He insulted your sigils even if the words were from another! I CANT LET HIM!... Fine. Fine! ~"

She let Azed go... And retreated to the shadows once more. What an odd encounter.
(Hush)
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[12:43] Azed coughed out from the grab of a neth before turning his attention back to Xander
(Azed Bolim)
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[12:43] Azed Bolim says, "so ... ehem ..."
[12:43] Azed Bolim says, "lovely day ain't it"
[12:44] Xander Byron says, "Ah, I guess."
[12:44] Xander Byron says, "What do you know about runes, glyphs, and otherwise dark magic."
[12:44] Xander Byron asks, "Let's take a walk shall we?"
[12:44] Xander Byron says, "Find out about things."
[12:44] Azed Bolim says, "I mean I had a hellspawn slap back of my head for telling them we could be a couple but this was ... something new"
[12:44] Azed Bolim asks, "hm ?"
[12:44] Azed Bolim says, "mmm"
[12:45] Azed Bolim says, "quite a broad subject you are asking for"
[12:45] Azed Bolim asks, "what are you interested in ? rituals that use up someone's soul as an offering to hel for great power ? or what exacly ?"
[12:46] Azed Bolim says, "ah and here we are"
[12:46] Azed Bolim says, "well you asked about how mire came to be, guess you might enjoy statue of first lady of Mire"
[12:47] Xander blinks at the notation that they tried to date a Hel-Spawn.
(Xander Byron)
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[12:47] Azed Bolim says, "but yes, I do know quite alot abotu such magics ... alot of it is just theory and no expirience but still"
[12:47] Xander Byron says, "I'd like to know everything. How to manipulate someone's soul, how to sacrifice them, if not, absorb them for greater power."
[12:48] Azed Bolim says, "... ah"
[12:48] Xander Byron says, "But, I guess we can start at the first lady."
[12:48] Xander Byron says, "Along with Occult."
[12:48] Xander Byron says, "And what it truly means, how to use it for all intended purposes."
[12:48] Xander Byron asks, "Could you teach me about all of these things?"
[12:48] Azed Bolim says, "well as I said, I was not alive when Xian ruled but as for Occultism ... mmm"
[12:48] Azed Bolim says, "it is ... magics of emotion"
[12:48] Azed Bolim says, "quite similiar to holy actually"
[12:48] Azed Bolim says, "just the focus is ... diffrent"
[12:48] Azed Bolim says, "but manipulating souls ... that would be ... death magic"
[12:49] Azed Bolim says, "you won't find many people that know much about it besides tales"
[12:49] Xander Byron asks, "So even though both are polar opposites, they both originate from emotions. Just that one corrupts and drives you insane in the wants of divluging in your sins. While the other doesn't?"
[12:50] Xander Byron asks, "As for manipulating souls, how would that move towards death magic? Wouldn't that be more of a necormancer subject?"
[12:50] Xander is purely curious as he didn't have the answers himself!
(Xander Byron)
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[12:51] Azed Bolim says, "both magics affect user's mind, holy magi can become trully obsessed about protecting their focus, to even evil extends, while occult pushes towards madness ... even hurting or killing allies"
[12:51] Azed Bolim says, "occult isn't exacly about sins more ... well ..."
[12:51] Xander Byron asks, "Hmm?"
[12:52] Azed Bolim says, "how to put it, Occult is more about emotions, Sin magics are about actions"
[12:52] Azed Bolim says, "as for death magics, well ... yea, that is what necromancy is, necro mancy, manipulation of death"
[12:53] Azed Bolim says, "while fleshcrafting focuses on the body, magics of death focus on the soul"
[12:53] Azed tries to give trully basic knowledge hoping that Xander just didn't listen during classes
(Azed Bolim)
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[12:54] Azed Bolim asks, "if I can give you some word of advice ? you probably will be better off not pursuing occult, or holy magic, both just ... well ... personally I value freedom, and with how those magics change user's mind ?"
[12:54] Azed Bolim says, "not something for me"
[12:55] Azed Bolim says, "focus on your other strengths"
[12:57] Folding his arms, Xander held his chin. Thinking into the subject at depth to take what sounded reasonable from what didn't. "So Occult pushes someone towards madness the more the consume it, or grow within the art itself right?" The counterpart was holy. But that only created zealots.
(Xander Byron)
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[12:57] Xander Byron says, "Apologies, but I hold the fragment of a neths essence within me."
[12:57] Xander Byron says, "To late to go back now."
[13:06] A quick nod was given towards Xander, they understood the matter to some extend and Rhys wanted to make the lesson even stronger with his next words.

"Occult itself requires focus of emotion, emotions that grow stronger as the person grows their Occultic powers, literally consuming the user with time … and when … weird liquids start pouring out of eyes and mouth, mind is nothing but white noise of hate, anger, just … senseless emotions that make you lash out at everything that moves"

"Yea that is why I do not pursue those magics myself, not the nicest sighs to see someone beg you for death in such state"

Not that Azed actually seen someone beg for death when such things were happening to them, but asking for help did happen.

But then … worry creeped into his expression hearing about neth essence, thankfully the mask his emotions and after a deeper breath he said in a calm voice.

"Hel saint's ? I heard they gave it as well to other one … using them as an anchor in this realm in case they die … well … hmm …"

Quite a problematic situation indeed.

"Well if it was them I am afraid they are using your body as a sort of … second chance ? a point where they could remerge into this realm, and I doubt it would … end well for your body"

"Truly magics of hel and occult can be messy … but"

There was one more thing that Xander didn't understood.

"Just having essence of a neth does not make you an occultist, just like being a witch does not make you one"
(Azed Bolim)
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[13:29] The notes about Occult magic were well taken, driving the knowledge into him as he knew that he felt the all-consuming power before. How it betrayed his very actions, driving him to attack his peers in the Academy on multiple fronts, even going as far as causing him to think of ways that he'd normally never think of.

Even to this very moment, he looked upon Azed. Finding their value at about three-thousand mana points. An interesting faction that he began to see as time went on.

Lucid dreams, vivid night terrors, everything continued to haunt his sleep. Especially the otherworldly creatures that he bared witness to all those years ago.

Swallowing hard, Xander knew that what he wished to accomplish would take him down such a path, but he was willing to do whatever he need to. In the end, praying that he wouldn't lose his sense of self.

Taking notes, he drilled the lecture into the parchment of his tome. Writing everything word for word.

"Yes, Hell Saint is quite the wise character don't you think?" he hummed, the white of his eye flooded with an everlasting darkness.

"We made a deal, nothing more, nothing less." he answered. " As for the effects of Hel, Fel, and occult magic. It seems that no one has truly came to control it." Unless someone managed to dull their emotions, but that was just a working theory.

"As for the essence of a Neth? No, that alone doesn't." But.

A flare, almost momentarily flashed before their very eyes. A powerful, depraved feeling emitted from his very frame as the air around him shimmered. Dark shadows picked up around his form, spiraling around him maliciously. Until black flames enveloped him completely.

"But like I've said. I've already came down this path." Xander's pupils glowed golden. "I've seen things that no other mortal has."
(Xander Byron)
[13:41] In truth Azed didn't knew that Hel saint, if anything just like his friend thought their name was … peculiar, but for now he had to keep both masks, physical one and mental to rely as much information as he could … that he hoped would make Xander question it all.

"Yes well … I have myself not taken piece of them, I rather to keep my mind free of influences, that is why I used Tyrium in creation of my hood and mask after all"

Just a smidge of that metal to block away whispers he was hearing from the gift of hearing nature, after all they were not pleasant in Shadowmire.

But then mentions of a deal … he didn't feel telepathy from them yet so he hoped it was not of soul kind.

"mmm … be very careful, many neths do not care about causes that many in here follow, just their own … well being"

A sigh escaped from under the mask knowing at least one of such chaotic neth, that didn't look for allies or anything of that sort.

But then a show of magic happened … magic that felt familiar to Azed.

"mmm … isn't that just … shadow magic ? slightly enchanted by the depravity of the essence ? I can assure you as of today ? unless you show me some true occult ? you are not yet on a set path … unless something is forcing you to do so ?"

"You see … freedom is one of most important things I value, would you perhaps mind if I were to … grab your shoulder for a second ?"

Azed took a step towards Xander as he awaited an response, hoping to place his hand upon them, to feel out their circuits and potential hex or something of that kind … even if he never truly felt a hex before, just hearing about it.
(Azed Bolim)
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[13:43] Azed places his hand upon Xander's shoulder, feeling out the flow of mana for a second in their circuits before quickly replying "hmm ?"
(Azed Bolim)
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[13:59] Hearing how Azed had created their hood out of Tyrium made the Byron step back. "Tyrium? The circuit killing ore?" he started, not wanted to get to close in fear of ruining his own circuits.

"No. I'm good." he composed himself, remaining at a set distance from Rhys from now on. "As for my magic." A frown shown, raising his hand as dark energies flowed around it. "I've never wielded shadow magic in my life. Nor have I really looked deep into the art itself." But he assumed the manifestation did bear a hint resemblance towards shadow magic.

"It hasn't fully been realized in me as of yet, but it shows more in battle. Especially when I let my emotions take over." Thinking back on it now, he never was able to control it.

"As for my mind?" He blinked. Moving to smack Azed's hand away, "Seems like my age, and your assumptions of me being controlled are two different things." He frowned, feeling insulted. If not, looked down upon heavily.

"I believe that's all for now Rhys. I'll see you around." Motioning as he began to walk away.
(Xander Byron)
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[14:08] Azed sighed out hearing Xander's own worries as he rolled his eyes … most likely unseen act behind the mask.

"Yes … that Tyrium, except in hands of an artificer it can be used to make armour that blocks out to some extent external magics, I just applied same ideas to a hood and a mask"

Carefully usage of that ore could be used for protection, something Azed knew well after making so many armours with it.

"Yes what you just did reminds me of shadows that … other student developed, but unfortunately they were cleansed before the powers of emotions could develop within them … or fortunately ? depends if you truly do not mind your emotions taking control over you"

And Azed did truly mind just that … that is why he didn't develop his own magics of holy besides a single point of light he could manifest, not being a true magi of holy yet and never.

"I can assure you, I am well aware of deals that Neths like to … take"

He said so alluding to the fact he might be a witch, after all they do know telepathy yet he learned it in other ways.

"I have heard people say their minds no matter what will not be influenced … to then fall at simplest curses of lust, be safe Xander and just be aware, a lot of people around here ? like to use others to further their own goals with no payment in sight … but then again ones like me are kinda stuck considering people outside of mire would like to kill me but oh well, can't choose your own family I guess"

"This is just a little warning and advice from me, nothing more"
(Azed Bolim)
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[14:23] The idea of a mask, or helmet being used to block out external thoughts or invasive magics like hexes and otherwise would be wise. Especially if that'd help him from making mistakes by being vulnerable towards outside temptations.

Making a mental note down for a possible change of gear for the future. He continued walking out as Azed gave his verdict on the situation. Stopping at the door way, he took a second to considerate their words.

"To acquire the power that I want, I'll do anything to achieve it."

Xander knew the dangers of all creatures that held ties to Hel and more. But he had to be the one to do it, because if he didn't?

Who will.

"I'll take your word of advice Rhys. But I'll tell you from now." he mustered. "Nothing will stop me from claiming all that I want." Even in death he'll find the truth behind what he'd want.

Nothing else was said as he turned to leave.
(Xander Byron)
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[14:27] A quiet sigh escaped from under the mask as Rhys had just one more thing to add.

"Many have said same words, most of them died and you ? have benefit of being young and having a lot of time ahead of you, take time, research it and most importantly ?"

"Question if it is truly You who wants it, because I have seen one too many people do work for someone else thinking it is their own goal"

He himself for now breathed in deeply as his eyes focused onto local flora of this place, like most of the mire it was corrupted … but in other ways, ones that benefited nature living within it.

"Be safe, and don't die all right ?"
(Azed Bolim)
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[14:33] Xander found another, just like his mother, believe that he wasn't left to his own devices. That he wasn't capable of thinking for himself. That he may be used by those higher than him.

But he thrived in that. He loved being looked down upon, treated as a kid. Because the day he achieves his goals. The moment he finds the ability to be something that no one dared to be. They'd all lay witness towards his power.

And accept him for who he would be.
(Xander Byron)