Initiate Necromancy Training [First steps on a dark path] Tallis and Amber

[Tallis Kait]

Time stamp ~ Pontius cycle III Era XV


[Following the events in the haunt of Toherro

Being left alone in a darkened room with nothing but a bookcase which seemed to have nothing worth reading on its shelves for a period of time that could only be marked by the diminishing of the candles would normally be a fairly unsettling experience for most but for Tallis the dark was an old friend. It held no fears for the Vysstichi , the door had been closed and he expected it to be locked so rather than confirm or deny his theory he simply sat at the table and reflected on what he had learned so far.


What ever this place was it taught the dark arts of necromancy it was not known outside of people who either were part of this institution or were employed to spread rumours of its existence. It seemed to be the home to many races and there was some sort of pecking order of hierarchy which seemed to be confirmed by the robe markings and possibly the face paint worn by the acolytes. The enigmatic “master” who had not bothered to offer a name had also dropped a hint into the picture of this odd place ….They were funded by means other than tuition fees. Tallis was not particularly bothered about the “task” that took the place of the normal fees, he was a long while away from that problem. The whole set up seemed to be hierarchical in nature but who the head of this academy was well that was a mystery at the moment. He had a name, Toherro but to whom or indeed what this name belonged to he had no idea.

He was curious about the pool but made no attempt to investigate the water if it had some relevance to his training no doubt it would be revealed to himself as and when who ever it was he was to meet decided to arrive. It was fairly obvious that this place was designed to instil some sort of fear into its acolytes, the wall paintings and tapestries, the strange script that seemed to have a life of its own, the threats of the “master” about holding his life in their hands …..

He sat quietly and took long slow breaths to the rhythm of a single digit tapping the candlemarks away on the crude table. If he was to keep up the pretence of languid uncaring Vysstichi he needed to slow the beating of his heart!

[Amber Brightwing]

Most of the titles of the books either were in some illegible language or had titles hinting he might need some extra education before he could actually understand what they were about. Most seem to deal with Arcana, Necromancy in specific, and other darker subjects. Even if Tallis managed to find a book that interested him in there he would not be have the time to read it. While he had spent several candlemarks in the hallway, his time in the dark room would be quite a bit shorter.

Simultaneously, the purpose of the pool would be revealed to him as well. If he were to be paying attention, he might notice bubbles of air appearing on the surface and moving towards the side. Shortly after a head appeared, followed by a scaly body rising out of the inky water. If he thought many races were part of the cult he’d be surprised a few times more if he chose to stick around, because so far he’d only met the ‘common’ Vortexian races. Just now, one of the more exotic members of the cult made his entrance: a Mer. After exiting the pool he stood still for a moment, observing the Vysstichi.

“So, Tallis Kait, I am Master Aribeal. Tell me, why do you wish to pick up the Necromantic arts? It’s not the only way to wreak havoc and fear on the world after all.” The Master’s lips curled into a sly smile. It didn’t look as if he really minded those specific goals. Perhaps the opposite even?

[Tallis Kait]

OOC ~ A Mer I love it! Brilliant twist !

IC ~ His wait for something or someone to appear was shorter than he imagined it would be! Thus his attempt to slow his beating heart was something that was sadly a waste of time! The books might have been a better diversion but Tallis eschewed scholarship for relaxation something of a forlorn hope. The waters in the strange pool swirled and an apparition appeared a creature from the depths …a bloody fish. His hand swept to his sword hilt but stopped in mid air as the creature spoke in clear well modulated commons ….

It speaks, it articulates, a fish speaking…… it must be someone playing tricks with my mind…. there is no such thing as a sentient fish….! Yet it existed dripping cold water onto the floor of the chamber and voicing a question in a manner that spoke of amusement at the discomfort of the Vysstichi.

er …um…. he was being as articulate and forthcoming as a fish in water Tallis took a deep slow breath and then another before attempting to speak again. I apologise sir I did not expect one such as you to be my tutor. My education is somewhat lacking in matters of aquatic life but you appear to be a fish and one that can talk …..you surprised me more than I can tell you.

He sucked in more air and let it out slowly trying to recapture the air of laconic calm that was his preferred mode of behaviour The short answer is terror, my enemies ..when I make them will have to fear me. Necromancy is the art of fear, it may be no stronger than the other schools of arcana in terms of its effectiveness but it has the advantage of being the study of causing and delivering pure cold fear and terror. The very name sends shivers down the spines of other magi of other disciplines and schools it is forbidden by the upper-worlders because it is the one single school of magic that uses fear, anger and terror, the dark emotions as its catalyst for creation. I am sorry Master Aribeal your appearance the mystery of your being and this place seem to have addled my wits somewhat so my answer may be naïve and lacking in true understanding.

Tallis was babbling perhaps for the first time in his long Vysstichi life.

[Amber Brightwing]

Aribeal seemed to be taken aback by the Vysstichi’s reaction for a moment, seemingly not sure how to react. His face was stern and when he spoke again his voice had as slightly reprimanding tone, though still sounding more friendly then the Light Elf had been. “I’m a Mer actually, not a fish.”

As he talked the Masters face seemed to clear up again, a crude grin appearing. When he was done talking a small, affirmative nod was given. It really seemed as if he didn’t mind the rather destructive mindset of his wannabe pupil. “Necromancy does indeed have its reputation. It can do quite a bit more then just strike fear in those you oppose though. In the right hand it could rival any other Sphere.”

He walked over to the table and seated himself. “Are you affiliated with any of the Houses?” A rather random transition of subjects it seemed, but the Mer had its reasons. Teaching male Vysstichi Necromancy or Mysticism was taboo in Har’oloth and he didn’t want to cause needless strife over it.

[Tallis Kait]

Kitrye'veresi…..Tallis said with no hint of emotion in his voice

I am one of the few remaining cousins of the Kitrye'veresi, second cousin to the matron but as yet I dare say she hardly knows I exist. My Lord Faust D’Rinishad leads the house guiding the new young matron and he I am led to believe, is a progressive on matters of what a Vysstichi may learn so you need not fear Master Aribeal there will be reprisals I can guarantee that fact…..

a faint glimmer of a smile crossed the stoic face and he folded his arms across his chest…..

You see master I am also the Assistant Prefect to the City of Vortex and I have no intentions of allowing anyone to look into this places affairs if you catch my meaning.

His double life was almost in place, he would be Prefect before too many cycles were past and then he could play Vortex like a skilled practitioner of the violin and this time the tune would be the one of his choosing!

He was devoid of emotion as he regarded the Mer

I hope that these twin roles are no debarment to my tutelage I desire my left hand to hold the means of power and the study of the dark arts is one of those means.

[Amber Brightwing]

As Tallis was speaking, the Mer’s face didn’t change. He just stared at the Elf, seemingly trying to look straight through him. When he got to the part about him being the Assistant Prefect a slight smirk appeared on his face, growing to a large grin by the time he opened his mouth for a reply. “Very well. Let’s see if your mage-worthy material then. I strongly suggest you sit down for the next part.” Whether he’d follow his advice or not, he’d soon start feeling woozy, the world suddenly going dark in front of his eyes.

***

When the Vysstichi finally came to his senses again he would find himself on a cold stone floor and from the coldness in his body he’d know he’d been here for some time now. If he looked up he’d notice he had been transported to a different room, a large and empty one with no furniture at all. Only the first half was illuminated with torches, leaving the most of the other half dark and shadowy. Above him was a Fae, sitting on top of a swirling, partially see through pillar and looking down on him. As Amber noticed he was starting to move, she spoke up. “Finally awake again. How are you feeling?”


OOCUnbinding dream time.