[16:15] Phasmid says, "Hello dear." [16:15] Phasmid says, "I found Duke outside." [16:17] * You have been awarded 6 Levels! * [16:17] Odele exclaims, "So...!" [16:17] Odele asks, "Anything interesting happen as of late?" [16:18] Phasmid says, "Not particularly. I think I am going to start a few alchemy projects..." [16:19] Odele says, "Actually, that's something I was going to say- I had an idea for an Alchemy Project." [16:19] Phasmid says, "The floor is yours." [16:29] A nod is given from the unmasked Odele, whom near immediately takes the spotlight upon themselves. Rising from the couch, and pulling out a long, rolled up sheet of parchment. Then? He cleared the table carefully, to unroll the blank canvas upon the table! Upon it, they draw five circles. Filling only one in, with the mark of the Baron. "As is commonly known. There are Five Marquis of the Five Fractured Worlds of Helheim. Our Baron, whom presides over Mornith. The Mistress Of Deceptions, Hecate. The Beast Of The Deep, Mori. The Ever-Secretive Spinner Of Fates. And of course, Lord Moros." they'd begin with. Each name drop bringing a shift to their index finger, as it points to a different circle. "Modern Witchcraft is diluted from the splendors that the past speaks of. My accusation being upon the fact that the Fel energies have gone without properly fed connections- Many covens producing self-interested Witches with no concern for Helheim, or their Marquis. Leading to, as said, modern connections being weaker as a result of previous generations." And next? They reach into their cloak, and produce a single vial of crimson liquid, setting it atop the table. The distinct coloration, and odd movements of the fluid within likely marking it for what it was. "The solution? Lies within the Carnal Aspect elixir. A potion coveted, and produced only by the distant shores of Gehenna. Imbibing the power of Ancient Spirits to produce a liquid capable of altering the physiology of a mortal." A pause made for dramatic effect, before continuing... "And who says we can't imbibe the power of the Five Marquis to similar effect? To alter our own, living essence, to be closer to that of Nethradin?" (Odele) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [16:40] Amelouth asks, "Ah- shall I get that?" [16:54] The elder witch would watch the presentation unfold with close attention eyes narrowing slightly as the scroll was unfolded and Odelle discussed the weaknesses of modern witch-craft. Naturally the woman couldn't exactly dismiss the points he made especially from their own biased view of those witches that resided in Deephold. To them? Witch-craft was simply a means to an end the entity to which their soul was bound merely their enabler though Odelle's idea... "This idea of yours is going to be a bit of work, despite how common the Carnal Aspect potion is research into it's mutagenic effects and how to replicate them are so far inconclusive," Reluctantly the woman got up from her seat heading upstairs before returning with a few alchemical books they'd offer Odelle to look at. "Before we could hope to create this potion we'd need to take distill the Carnal Aspect potion and learn to replicate it though-" A pause now as a hand moved to scratch at her chin frowning slightly, "While I do think it's reasonable to make a hel attuned alternative there are costs to it, nethradin only gain the power they do by giving up on memories of who they were and with that much changes-" It would be clear from her tone that she was still deeply intrigued by the idea even if she was the one to point out it's risks, "Hel would likely be pleased by any witch willing to pay this price to grow closer to it which could have benefits of it-" It was at that point the door would ring and Yuria was let in moments before her letter arrived, only a quick skim later and Phasmid was looking her over clearly worried. "What injury?" (Phasmid) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [17:00] Yuria enters the cottage, glad to see friendly faces - the young recruit, and two elders who were ever kind - from her point of view, at least. As her eyes glance between them, they might notice that they're slightly brighter than before, their blues more bold. She offers a bow to the latter two, and a nod to the younger, before her master checks over her, her letter arriving moments before her. An apologetic look is given to her master, knowing how she worried over her. "My apologies master, I dueled with Lila, the dog of Aphros. I nearly won - but her portals... tricked me in the end", she says emphatically - a rare sight for the otherwise eternally calm or enraged women - clearly she cared a great deal about her master's opinion. "However... in better news...", she comments, before displaying a small display of magic; aether. "I've become a nephilim, thanks to Wra'gul's grace." (Yuria Hemwick) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [17:05] Politely, Odele waited for their mentor to explain their own viewpoints on the matter. Including the risks. Only one of which they did not truly consider in full. The matter of sacrificing their own memory to further attune themselves. Though, not entirely unthought of in regards to meditation on the idea. There was always a price for everything. "In the end. The potion won't be for the feint of heart. And it isn't like it'd be forced upon them. But rather, an option, to further themselves at a cost. But then, there is always a cost, isn't there? Nonetheless. I don't have terribly large number of memories that are... Pleasant... Due to my upbringing-" Though. There they pause, squinting at the sight displayed by Yuria. Somewhat sickened by the mere visual of Godling magic. If just due to general distaste toward the Divine. "Regardless. I have a theory for how to alter the potion through abnormal means. Reverse engineering not necessarily required. But we will need a number of Witches to provide essence for a very special iteration of the Dreamwalk spell. Something akin to... Requesting an audience with one of the Marquis' closest servants. That they might bring the concept to the attention of Helheim's Rulers. A shortcut to the drudgery of distilling countless Carnal Aspects..." (Odele) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [17:30] As could be expected no sooner was Yuria seated on the couch than Phasmid began treating her injury though there was no panic too her actions because- well the wound appeared relatively minor compared to her prior one. There was no fourth degree burn threatening to snap her leg into pieces only some cauterized flesh along an admittedly large slice. "Lila is a powerful opponent who has even bested Sak'noth before there is no shame to losing to her," Phasmid told their apprentice as gloves were slid over their hands and the surgery began properly with the careful removal of the dead flesh, "As far as you becoming a Nephilim though? Since when could Wra'gul do that?" They gave their apprentice an incredulous even as the aether burned in an undeniable display. "Now for you-" A glance would be given to Odelle as they began to disinfect the cut with their typical foul smelling disinfectant, "If we aren't constantlystriving towards enhancing ourselves we are stagnating, this potion could be another tool to that but ritual-" A pause was made as the witch prepared the suture and needle. "I have personally spoken to an Emissary of Denath before, not the Baron himself but a demon high-enough to be his messenger," A small frown would settle on their face as they recalled the episode equal parts divine and disturbing in their memory, "I was given a series of tasks that have since been accomplished but I've not heard from them since, outside of my connection to Rarvon I am still uncertain if I did anything in particular to merit such a visitation," The woman was finished with the wound now outside of cleaning and bandaging so she could give a bit more focus to the conversations at hand. "All that to say there is equal precedent for success or failure in this ritual, we could perform it and gain the guidance we seek or we could not even merit a glance but it should still be performed," The witch paused for a moment looking around, "Perhaps the four of us would be enough? I am not sure who else I'd trust with a potential meeting with an Emissary." (Phasmid) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [17:41] A gaze was averted during the time that the treatment was performed. Apparently not dealing well with seeing physical afflictions. Perhaps they made him queasy? Nonetheless, they turn back once the statement regarding chances of success or failure was made. "Denath's servant would surely appreciate a silver tongue, so we would need a concrete plan of what to say beforehand. Think of every possible topic. And divide arguments amongst ourselves to give a cunning air, to truly sell our own dedication to Helheim to them. This isn't something we're claiming is for personal benefit. It is an act to prove our loyalties above all else. As that potion, as you said, WILL erase much of one's memory. And any ulterior motives would be erased with it. That is what it needs to be sold as for the concept." they'd offer as a more detailed explanation of their little plot to make this all work! "Not to mention. Furthering, we would offer the statement that any whom drink this elixir? Would be limited to those that are chosen through long and hard consideration. A gift to those that have dedicated themselves far before being offered it. Those that would make the finest hybrids of Nethradin and Human in service to our Fel Lords." They'd remark, waving a hand outwards, as if this were quite an obvious point. Then? They come to rest their hands on the table. "I mean. There wouldn't be much reason for them to deny it in exchange for accomplishing a few more tasks to prove ourselves worthy of the knowledge to create such a concoction. They'd have absolutely nothing to lose from it." (Odele) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [17:47] Yuria was thankful that the injury could be treated so easily by her master - at least, comparably to the previous one. The new power flowing through her veins allowed her to bear with the pain of the surgery; reassurance gained by aether, by stolen divine nature. As the procedure ends, she nods to her master, and says, "A nephilim prisoner was sacrificed. Their aether root became mine." A simple but accurate explanation; her actual ritual had been far more graphic and brutal, but there was no need to get into the nitty-gritty. She'd heard her mention all four of them making an attempt to commune - something she would fully be willing to assist with, given that her master was part of it. "Nethradin human hybrids", she says simply as she hears Odele speak, her thoughts pausing on Ia'torr, the vagrant nethradin that she'd been hunting down as of late. "I'd not be surprised at receivingseveral very difficult tasks; a single nethradin being dispatched is said to be one of the greatest honours one can receive", she comments, based entirely on her observation of covens. "To learn how to... partially transform oneself... ... very ambitious", she comments - not critiquing nor complementing. Evidently, she'd do her part to support, but still hold her reservations. (Yuria Hemwick) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [18:15] A Nephilim prisoner? For a moment the woman seemed anxious though- "Who was this prisoner? Which enemy did we defeat?" There was little chance it was someone who Phasmid knew, chances are it wasn't anyone even of note but well better to check... While she waited on an answer she would turn her focus to the conversation at hand first listening to Odelle and then Yuria's additions before finally speaking themselves. "We do need to clarify what exactly we wish of the dark powers but Yuria does have a point, Nethradin are the most coveted servants to the Lords of Hel each one valuable without measure. It's unlikely that we'd be divulged secrets to their nature for the sake of replication..." The woman posed this almost as a question that needed to be answered until they would frown slightly glancing to the chest where the Book of Bane rested. "That being said? There are references to certain bounties that the Marquis used to give their mortal servants to reward them for their service but- perhaps we could convince them this was an easier way for them to give such blessings?" Phasmid certainly knew the difficulty that existed for entities to interact with the mortal plane, Rarvon had been rendered weak and frail through merely traveling here so interacting with this plane wasn't something easily done. Finally there was a small nod given. "Even should nothing come from it we should attempt this rite, the potential for guidance and introductions from our Marquis is worth the risk of wasting time." (Phasmid) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [18:21] A nod of agreement is given at that final point. That the rite was worth attempting. Even if it was a minor waste of essence and/or time by the end. Nothing worth gaining was ever obtained through inaction. "We've nothing to lose, no matter how it goes. At the very least, we make our intentions to further serve Hel known. And that alone, should gain the wandering gaze of our Baron, if nothing else." they'd claim, soon reaching for the parchment they'd laid out, and starting to roll it back up. "The only thing we would need now- Is essence and all participants to know the spell itself- Which... I do not currently..." They'd admit, before stowing away the rolled up paper. Then, they tap the table a few times. "Regardless. We stand to only gain from this rite, at the dwindling rate at which Meranthe's Covens are given attention from Helheim. A Nethradin being sent to assist them? Should not be seen as a blessing, but proof of distinct failure. Proof that guidance was needed for those groups, rather than them doing anything of worth from the start. Initiative is our tool to impress the Marquis. Not waiting for hand-outs for completing the minimum asked of us." (Odele) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [18:23] Phasmid says, "You do have a point. My Rarvon was not sent directly to aid our Coven at the time rather he came to this plane by his own voilition." [18:24] Odele says, "Though- On the note of essence-" [18:24] {Item} You drop Copper x19. [18:24] Yuria Hemwick says, "We do have two things to lose; our dignity, and our reputation." [18:24] Odele says, "The remainder of the Copper you asked for." [18:25] Yuria Hemwick says, "If we fail once, it'll be harder to succeed the second time." [18:25] Odele asks, "Fail in what, exactly?" [18:25] Phasmid says, "Yet if we don't try at all we have failed absolutely and- " [18:26] Yuria Hemwick says, "Fail to impress when we can an audience." [18:27] Odele asks, "And what competition do we have in Meranthe to compare against? Self-interested Necromancers that double-dipped in the dark arts dip?" [18:27] Yuria Hemwick says, "Competition is not the issue, and thus not relevant. The true issue is if we will meet their standards; they are our superiors, after all." [18:27] Amelouth says, "A sacrifice is usually the most prudent offering for Hel-ish entities.." [18:27] Yuria Hemwick says, "We must make sure we seem to be worth their time... and effort." [18:27] Odele says, "Correct." [18:27] Yuria Hemwick looks at Amelouth appreciatively, evidently approving of her guidance. (Yuria Hemwick) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [18:27] Odele says, "It's not as if the plan is to make demands." [18:27] Yuria Hemwick says, "Mmm... I have seen Sak'noth, an imperfect demon, displeased merely by the existence of his minions before." [18:28] Yuria Hemwick says, "We will have to... sell our selves as well - in a marketing sense." [18:28] Odele says, "Demons should not be correlated to the Marquis." [18:28] Odele says, "They are a byproduct of Witchcraft." [18:28] Yuria Hemwick says, "Hm." [18:28] Odele says, "Not some pen-ultimate force of it." [18:33] Amelouth asks, "My apologies if you've mentioned it already, but which Marquis were you thinking about appealing to?" [18:34] Odele says, "Lord Denath. The only one we really have a distinct connection to." [18:36] Amelouth says, "Mm, I see~.." [18:39] Phasmid says, "The origins of demons is not entirely clear but the prevailing theory is yes they were originally the product of witch-craft before developing into what we know them to be today." [18:39] Odele says, "Exactly. A product. Not a pinnacle." [18:40] Yuria Hemwick says, "What we practice, and what the creators of the demons... surely it is not the same." [18:40] Amelouth says, "Solve et coagula.." [18:43] Phasmid says, "You are likely right but sadly there is really no historical evidence to say for certain their origin and certainly no evidence of how they may or may not have been made with black magic. It is only rumors and speculation but what is certain? At this point they exist seperately from Hel even if some may be drawn to it for fairly obvious reasons." [18:43] Yuria Hemwick says, "Thank you, Master. Your guidance is always appreciated." [18:43] Odele says, "Hmm." [18:44] Odele says, "Either way... original point was, nothing ventured, nothing gained." [18:52] Yuria Hemwick says, "So... Sacrifice, presentation, and... " [18:52] Yuria Hemwick asks, "A request?" [18:53] Odele says, "Pretty much." [18:53] Odele says, "Though... With Denath, a sacrifice should not be just some mortal soul." [18:54] Odele says, "Rather, something deeply coveted." [18:54] Phasmid says, "Denath desires treasures particularly rare objects which he can claim to own the sole copy of." [18:54] Phasmid says, "I am sure I have something we might offer to him..." [18:55] Odele says, "I was about say- Anything short of a Boquet of Aetherblossoms likely wouldn't work." [18:55] Phasmid says, "You are setting high-expectations Odele." [18:55] Amelouth says, "I.. have an excess of blood wine..." [18:56] Yuria Hemwick says, "I am -not- sacrificing my one of a kind rare card." [18:56] Phasmid says, "I have worked with Denath for almost twenty years now so I know what he values and it isnt simply the rarest thing in existence." [18:57] Phasmid asks, "That being said?" [18:57] Phasmid says, "I think this would be a fine offering." [18:58] Odele says, "That is definitely unique... And would likely interest our Baron. If just as something to put on a mantle." [18:58] Amelouth says, "Mm..." [18:59] Amelouth says, "A fit offering for Nemea." [19:00] Yuria Hemwick says, "I.. wouldn't want to wear it..." [19:00] Amelouth says, "That could make it that much more intriguing to the Marquis~" [19:00] Yuria Hemwick asks, "He is, after all, a collector, yes?" [19:00] Phasmid says, "The ultimate collector." [19:02] Odele says, "Well... That fulfills one part of it. We just need our presentation now." [19:05] "I think we ought to play the Nemean angle.." Amelouth cast an uncertain glance towards Phasmid before continuing, "but I've yet to acquaint myself with the Marquis or the Marquis' palate, eheh.." (Amelouth) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [19:06] Phasmid asks, "What do you mean?" [19:06] Amelouth says, "Personally, I mean- face-to-face, that is." [19:07] Phasmid asks, "You mean... in how we offer it?" [19:07] Odele says, "That's... Difficult to do." [19:08] Odele says, "We'd have to traverse to Mornith..." [19:08] Amelouth asks, "We'd have to make a point of how valuable it'd be as an offering to Nemea from the faeborne and their cultural ideals regarding the hunt?" [19:08] Amelouth says, "It wouldn't need any further appraisal, I think." [19:09] Amelouth asks, "Or perhaps, refashioning or corrupting it as an offering- like a sacrifice?" [19:13] Odele says, "Hmm. I think Phasmid's opinion would be best regarding that..." [19:13] Yuria Hemwick nods. (Yuria Hemwick) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [19:18] Phasmid says, "During the ritual we can mention how coveted the item would be, tht is actually a typical part of giving offerings to Denath; discussing their worth and value I mean." [19:19] Odele says, "Fair enough." [19:19] Odele says, "And, the corruption aspect could be counteractive as well... I mean. Denath would likely appreciate it in its current condition, as corrupting it? Would degrade its value to Nemea. Resulting in it being lesser in worth." [19:22] Amelouth says, "I know not the Marquis' temperament. I just know of the Marquis' greed- whether it in possession of the relic or its oblivion, defacing the values of the other divines." [19:22] Yuria Hemwick asks, "My apologies, I... don't quite understand - does Nemea matter at all in this equation?" [19:22] Phasmid says, "Well that depends if we are corrupting it in such a way that it has more appeal to him; he likely would not appreciate us say defacing the details but he-" [19:23] Phasmid says, "Only in that this item would be something the goddess would covet." [19:23] Yuria Hemwick says, "Ah, I see." [19:23] Odele says, "Which would increase its value to Denath." [19:23] Phasmid says, "I will say the item is already valuable enough in its current state." [19:24] Yuria Hemwick says, "I do not doubt that the goddess could reverse its corruption in an instant." [19:24] Yuria Hemwick says, "I doubt any corruption will lower its value so long as you remember this." [19:25] Odele says, "Not necessarily... That is. The Divine fear Fel Corruption. A lot. To the extent that I believe that it is almost disease-like for them to interact with." [19:26] Phasmid says, "Though Nemea perhaps /could/ reverse the corruption it would not be done easily if at all; that is the sort of task left to mortal worshippers." [19:26] Yuria Hemwick says, "Hmmm." [19:31] Odele asks, "Precisely. If they had no fear of interaction with it, then why would it be purely up to mortal hands?" [19:31] Yuria Hemwick asks, "Why do I hire people to collect reagents for me?" [19:31] Yuria Hemwick says, "It's convenient." [19:31] Yuria Hemwick says, "Presuming to know our betters is not a good first impression." [19:34] Odele says, "Perhaps. But also consider that there's a constant war with Helheim's Marquis and the Divine." [19:34] Yuria Hemwick says, "I say it's a good idea to present it as a valueable item; if Denath's representative finds fault with it..." [19:34] Yuria Hemwick asks, "Then that's no doubt their duty, isn't it so?" [19:35] Yuria Hemwick says, "That said, I was only aware Athelios waging war, not the rest." [19:36] Odele says, "To my awareness, it is technically the majority of the Divine." [19:36] Phasmid says, "... I again remind you Yuria I have worke with Denath for over two decades now. I know what I am doing." [19:36] Yuria Hemwick says, "Of course, master, I trust you." [19:37] Phasmid says, "As far as to the Divines waging war? The war is fought constantly on sides the only thing that changes? Is who is the aggressor in the moment." [19:37] Odele says, "As I recall it's only... Memoria and Mortyl that obstain." [19:37] Phasmid says, "Those are Constants do not give them too much thought- if we focus on the gods and their debateable equivalent Marquis? Athelios and the Mori are the most aggressive towards the other faction." [19:40] Odele says, "Well- That aside... We should likely plan to perform this after the next Sabbath, when the Veil is weakened." [19:41] Phasmid says, "We could also consider doing this as a Sabbath of our own... I am not entirely convinced on the idea." [19:42] Yuria Hemwick says, "I believe a sabbath spent asking for more knowledge and connection to our benefactor would be better spent." [19:42] Yuria Hemwick says, "That way, we show respect, and gain valuable information that we can use to perfect the offer when it is made." [19:44] Phasmid says, "I just would not wish perform this Sabbath as- openly as others in the past. Goodness knows how badly it could go if someone tried making demands..." [19:45] Phasmid says, "But if this is something you all would agree to? I am willing to host it." [19:46] Amelouth says, "Aye~" [19:46] Yuria Hemwick says, "I will only ever follow your will, Master." [19:47] Odele asks, "Then, it will likely be a private Sabbath, yes?" [19:47] Phasmid says, "Yes."