Digging around old logs and saw this one that Algernon had sent me that Narissa had sent him...I think:
[Most of my defs had lapsed, and I was about to hit quit, when Narissa yanked me. Here it is from her POV:] Postal Halls.
Mage Algernon, Lightning Shadow is here. He wields a silver dagger. A large red pillar box stands on the side of the street here.
You begin to drag Mage Algernon with you.
You eat the red pill.
You are not leading any creatures or people of Avalon.
You are riding a golden eagle.
The members of your group:
Mage Algernon, Lightning ShadowHealth: 970 Mana: 674 Gold: 4.
You begin to feel rather odd; the red pill obviously taking effect.
Mage Algernon cries, "Eep!" in terror.
Mage Algernon blinks.
A strange feeling of nausea strikes you, and you watch helplessly as your body melts into the ground.
Surrounded by swirling mists.
Wisps of multi-coloured mists swirl about your feet, your vision obscured by the impenetrable clouds of the gaseous melange about you. Upon what you stand can only be guessed at, this is surely not
part of the material planes. About you the echoes of familiar voices and the cries of dreaded enemies mingle with the sweet strains of music and the ever-present howling of the interminable wind.
Before long you emerge from the limbo of teleportation, reforming somewhere completely different.
Inner Sanctum.
You are able to see by the light of the lantern. There is no light. Indeed, it seems there is no hope of light here. The sheer Darkness of the room removes any possibility of sight. The Darkness does
not seem solely natural to normal perception. No torch, lantern or other light source could possibly cut through it. This sanctum hums with a fey energy that overwhelms all senses. The normal sense of
terror present with such Darkness seems amplified by the depth of the Darkness itself. You know the room has limits, centreed as it is in the building, yet the Darkness both presses upon you and gives
the impression of a limitless abyss. The only exception to this is the cold stone floor at your feet. The absolute Darkness, the lack of senses, and the limitless feeling the room seems to give impose a sense of terror so great that only a truly strong mind could even hope to remain long and maintain sanity. A sign stands here, bearing no legend. A piece of balsa wood lies here. You are able to see by the light of the lantern. You notice a single exit, out (a closed door).
Mage Algernon chants the words of the Aura chant.
Mage Algernon enchants an aura of protection about his mighty form.
Mage Algernon chants the words of the Cloak chant.
You remove a pyramid-shaped rune from inside a hessian sack.
You let a pyramid-shaped rune fall to the ground.
Mage Algernon projects a shining veil of light about himself in the form of a protective mist.
Narissa chuckles darkly. "Bit late for that now, kiddo," she smirks.
Mage Algernon tells Thief Mistress Narissa, "Indeed.".
Narissa moves to block the exit out, slowly emerging from the shadows.
You are now blocking movement to the outside.
Mage Algernon says, "And I'm not dead.".
You are now visible for all to see.
Narissa arches an eyebrow, her lips curved into a sardonic smile. "No," she agrees. "You aren't dead."
Mage Algernon says, "What can I do for you, ma'am?".
Mage Algernon bows respectfully to you.
Narissa regally folds one arm over the other, her long fingers gently tapping her forearm. "I can be a patient woman, Algernon," she explains. "I am, afterall, a Thief."
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Narissa frowns slightly, her brow creasing. "But there is a limit to my benevolence."
Mage Algernon nods his head.
Narissa leans casually against the doorframe, staring enigmatically at you. "I'm sure you recall our last chat?" she prompts.
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "And?".
Mage Algernon says, "Ah.".
Mage Algernon says, "On the topic of city and allegiance?".
Mage Algernon says, "I haven't been moved to make a switch.".
Narissa toys with her knife, gently sliding it silently from its sheath, as she stares downwards at the blade, glittering darkly in the aphotic chamber. "Indeed," she says, running a finger along the razored edge. "I am not a woman who suffers not getting what she wants."
Mage Algernon says, "What do I have that the Princess of Miracles wants?".
Narissa fixes you with her gaze once more, a faint smirk across her face.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Think hard, dear".
Mage Algernon reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a butterscotch candy.
Narissa narrows her eyes, letting out a low hiss. "Wrong answer," she says in a dangerously mild tone, as she begins to flick the knife from hand to hand, letting the silver weapon trace glittering arcs of flashing threat in the torchlight.
Mage Algernon drops the butterscotch candy back into his pocket.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Good boy. Try again".
Mage Algernon smiles openly.
Mage Algernon says, "The Princess of Miracles has wealth and power.".
Mage Algernon says, "She could keep company with any she wanted.".
Mage Algernon ponders the problem for a moment.
Narissa twirls the blade beneath her fingers, handling it with a practiced fighter's dexterity, and a magician's showmanship - each swoop and swirl of the knife catches the light in a sobering reminder of the potential final act of her performance. "I do," she says languidly, as the weapon skirls and skitters across her fingers in a mesmerizing display. "And I can."
Mage Algernon says, "Perhaps a 30-year old mage has a skill that she requires?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You're getting warm now, boy".
Narissa steps closer, her presence oddly looming, despite her slyphelike slightness. In her hand, the blade never stops its hypnotic dance.
Mage Algernon says, "And what, I wonder, does the Princess of Miracle require of me?".
Narissa drops her voice to a whisper, as she tilts her head, her eyes meeting yours with a piercing stare. "You, of course."
Mage Algernon says, "Me?".
You are surrounded by a magical mist which heals your wounds and disperses.
Mage Algernon, Lightning Shadow is engulfed in a magical mist for a few moments.
(just noticed that - we were totally being spied on!!!)
Narissa smiles artfully, nodding her head slowly, as she stares up at you. "I believe in less....traditional...forms of recruitment, you see," she explains.
Mage Algernon says, "Oh.".
Mage Algernon eyes Narissa's knife.
Mage Algernon says, "How rigorous is the interview process?".
Narissa jabs one hand out, her arm meeting the wall and blocking retreat on your right side. "Let's just say if you survive it, you're in," she says, her voice lilting with macabre humor.
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Narissa brings her other hand up, letting the knife slide sinuous and cool across your cheek. "As I said," she repeats. "I don't like being denied what I want."
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You I want to see wearing the Thakrian
scarlets".
Mage Algernon says, "I look terrible in scarlet. ".
Narissa traces the blade down to your throat, letting the metal graze your collarbone lightly. "I beg to differ," she murmurs.
Maud tells Mage Algernon, "Erm, I can't portal yet".
Mage Algernon says, "You knew I'd try.".
Mage Algernon shrugs his shoulders casually.
Mage Algernon says, "Wouldn't you be just a touch disappointed if Id didn't?".
Mage Algernon wiggles his eyebrows.
Narissa glares at you darkly, her hand shaking as she clenches the knife briefly. A tiny, single drop of bright crimson blood wells up where the tip nicks your skin.
Mage Algernon says, "I think the scarlet I may end up wearing is blood. For you are my only friend in Thakria.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Thakrians are not so petty, Algernon".
Mage Algernon says, "It's not pettiness.".
Mage Algernon says, "No no, I have not noted Thakrians to be petty.".
Narissa suddenly steps back, smiling coyly and softly. "I can offer you far more than a few paltry tricks of weaving light, more than the few hollow words of your citizens and their weak-intentioned cowardice."
Mage Algernon says, "Well, perhaps we need you.".
Narissa shifts her weight to one side, lightly balancing a hand on her hip. "Power, of course," she states. "Every Thakrian is given the key to that - especially a warlock when times are so troubled."
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "But more than that - I can give you knowledge and the TRUE feeling of belonging and citizenship".
Mage Algernon says, "What is the true feeling of belonging?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Is it not dull to constantly fight,
knowing it will go nowhere?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Or to work and work, but not feel a real
goal or achievement behind it?".
Mage Algernon says, "And what is the alternative Thakria offers?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "In Thakria, our citizens are drawn
together by more than silly hugs and tears".
Mage Algernon says, "Excellence?".
Narissa draws herself up tall, her eyes flashing. "In Thakria, we fight together and die together and learn from it," she says, her voice louder and stronger. "Excellence - yes - but also teamwork, a true sense of cooperation when it matters."
Mage Algernon says, "In pursuit of what?".
Narissa flashes you another sly smile. "Does that not appeal to you? Truly learning to be great?" Her voice grows softer, tempting. "Would you turn aside from becoming the best YOU can be?"
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "In pursuit? Or personal betterment, first
and foremost. Martyrdom is something that only the weak subscribe to, to assuage their feelings of inadequacy".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Here, we learn how to simply be
stronger".
Mage Algernon tells you, "I turn aside from vengeance".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Instead of finding ways to feel good
about defeat".
Mage Algernon's face finally shows signs of comprehension.
Narissa raises an eyebrow, laughing bitterly. "Vengeance, my dear?" she snorts.
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "What does Vengeance have to do with being a Thakrian?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Not all of us follow that Lady".
Mage Algernon says, "I turn aside from hatred and rage. The need to vanquish. I ifght to defend my home. Losing that fight does not shame me or diminish my heart.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "And?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You're not suited to be a sorcerer,
then".
Mage Algernon says, "Probably not".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "That is not the only type of person in
this city. You described simply a facet of every city - you could be describing Finbar".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Thakria would surprise you".
Mage Algernon says, "Perhaps. And yet I have a home.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Citizens such as Zamphere, who have
stayed loyal for centuries, fighting alone during the darkest times".
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "For many of us, we share the same goal -
to protect our city. But, here, we also work to protect ourselves, and make ourselves stronger - the two interests SHOULD be aligned, in any rational society".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "But, then again, I suppose you've nobody to assist with the later".
Narissa smiles cruelly.
Mage Algernon says, "No?".
Mage Algernon says, "Have we not some powerful fighters to defend our home?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Oh, do India and Sinda teach you so much,
then? Pass on their secrets of dying with grace?".
Mage Algernon grins in an amiable manner.
Mage Algernon says, "Have you met our prince?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "That's all you will learn in Mercinae".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Last I saw your prince was several years
ago. I bid him farewell as he boarded the ship".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "He may be a decent fighter, but,
honestly, how often does he sit and train you, hmm?".
Mage Algernon says, "Not often enough to suit me, but he helps.".
Mage Algernon says, "The PRince of Mercinae is busy.".
Narissa shrugs her shoulders casually. "In the end, Algernon, you have to make a choice, or you won't be happy later in life," she says. "You can choose to sit and always be third-rate, nothing more than a foot soldier who dies in a flick, and tell yourself you are content being helpless." She pauses a moment, her eyes glinting in the light.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Or you can stand and look to your own
needs".
Mage Algernon says, "From the top of the mage tower, the view of Mount Spaience is invigorating. I smell the sea and know I am home.".
Mage Algernon bows respectfully.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Nobody is going to make you the best you can be, that role lies solely in your power. But, should you wish to learn, you need trainers, not people who are as badly off as you".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Citizenship is really nothing in the end.
Just an idealized thing".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You're getting old enough to know that".
Mage Algernon says, "I have seen people switch citizenship for lots of reasons.".
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "What really matters are the individual
citizens and what the city can offer. You can feel "at home" in whatever city you wish to".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "It's far more easy to feel at home in a
place that actually has something to offer you".
Mage Algernon says, "And Mercinae does offer much to me. I am not so powerful that I have outgrown my home.".
Mage Algernon says, "I have much to learn there.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Continue as you are, and you never will
be powerful".
Mage Algernon says, "Are you sure about that?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You will slowly become nothing more than your title - a shadow".
Mage Algernon chuckles long and heartily.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "I've seen it happen many times, dear".
Mage Algernon says, "That would be up to me - whatever city I reside.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You've got potential".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "It's a pity to waste it".
Mage Algernon bows his head in gratitude.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Soon you will be too old to use it".
Mage Algernon says, "I will earnestly try not to waste it.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "You already are wasting it".
Mage Algernon says, "Some might disagree.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "The larger you grow the harder it will
be. If you don't learn now, you will end up strong in skills but weak in tactics".
Mage Algernon says, "That's a fair warning.".
Mage Algernon says, "It is a danger.".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Find me one person who's managed to learn how to fight once they came into full possession of their skills?".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "EVERY strong fighter started when they
were young, when they had easier fights and time to study".
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Soon, you'll be the size of me and
Kodiak. Do you really fancy having US be the people you have to learn how to fight against?".
Mage Algernon lets out a pained sigh.
Thief Mistress Narissa says, "Dying in ten seconds rarely teaches
much".
Mage Algernon nods his head emphatically.
Mage Algernon says, "I don't fancy it, no. ".
Mage Algernon says, "But if it must be - it must be.".
Narissa shrugs her shoulders casually. "It's your life, after all," she says darkly. "As I've expressed, a pity to see it wasted, when you can be more."
Mage Algernon says, "I am infinite in time and space. ".
Narissa pushes you back against the wall, glaring sharply. "It doesn't have to be, you dolt," she hisses. "That's the point."
Mage Algernon winces, as he has hit his head against the wall.
Narissa slams you against the wall again, her lithe body surprisingly strong in the violent motion. "Take that bit of pain as a lesson," she mutters. "Foolish actions have painful consequences."
Mage Algernon says, "You envision something better for me? What? To be feared? To roam the land vanquishing enemies of my own choosing?".
Narissa stabs her dagger into the wall next to your head, the blade quivering as it rests in the wood. "I'm offering you a chance to have a FULL life," she whispers. "Not some huddled broken one, but a life where you are valued and can work and be appreciated for it - a life where you can achieve things greater than changing some novice's swaddling."
Mage Algernon says, "Oh, that's wonderful. Happily, my life is not huddled or broken. I am valued and appreciated. And I rejoice in the light of Apollo.".
Mage Algernon says, "Why not join me?".
Narissa lets a twisted smile creep across her face. "Foolish child," she murmurs, gently stroking your cheek, before reaching up and dislodging the knife from the wall.
Mage Algernon opens his tunic up and exposes his chest.
Mage Algernon smiles openly.
Narissa presses you back against the walls of the chamber. "Oh, I'm hardly going to be so nice," she laughs. "Just...a small reminder to carry..." Delicately, Narissa traces the knife across the hollow of your neck, lightly carving a crescent moon into the flesh. Her eyes follow the blade's movement, as scarlet blood seeps out, filling in the design.
Mage Algernon catches his breath.
Narissa lets the knife rest, warmed from your blood, against your throat. "I've marked you, child," she whispers, "And I'll get what I want from you and for Thakria..."
Mage Algernon releases his breath, and touches the blood that drips from his neck.
Narissa peers at you intently, cupping your cheek once more, before suddenly kneeing you, roughly, in the stomach, and kicking your legs out beneath you.
Mage Algernon says, "Ooof!".
Mage Algernon curls up, and slowly rises to his knees.
Mage Algernon says, "Powerful... Leg...".
Narissa strides to the door, extinguishing her torch, with simply her voice echoing out of the darkness. "Until the next interview, dear," her words echo darkly, twining about you in a taunting swirl, resonating with the slam and lock of the chamber's heavy, iron-bound door.
You cease blocking departures.
You pass through an open door.
The Study.
There is a distinct feeling of privacy here. A sign stands here, bearing no legend.
You order a lock-smith to lock the door before you.
You lock the door shut.
