Re: Blood Money, Sick Cyborgs and Hidden Plans IC Thread 33

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Scott's Auto]

"Good, was there any difficulties?"
Jeffry asked.
"I see, well one of my issues with that is that the Professor in question have in the past shown himself far to quick to resort to torture a tool I prefer to reserve for when all other options have been tried."
There was a pause for a moment as the Chief considered.
"Very well, I will allow you to take the prisoner to our allies on two conditions, there are free sharing of information and your Orphan Cabalmate are given a go at interrogating him before the target are put through harsher methods. He is really good at talking people into doing things."

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"I would totally stick as many wards as I could into my room. I don't even have anything to protect. Just knowing they were there would be enough for me. It would make me feel like an old timey wizard. In his tower filled to the brim with magical protection." Serge mused as he walked beside the Primus.

"Well child I am an old timey wizard child, complete with robes and a bad back, and I want to feel free so yes I protect myself but I do not layer on the wards needlessly."
George said sounding amused.

Serge gave one last friendly smile to Engrave. "Guess this is where we part ways. Hope to see you again soon."
Serge took of the ring and gave it back to the Primis. "That's a nice ring." he commented.

"Good bye for now strange human with what I can't touch inside."
Engrave said before he sort of just vanished. The Primus took the ring and nodded.
"Thank you, yes I do admit to being fond of it."
He said before slipping it back onto his own finger.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

'I'll give you a full report in person, sir. I'll run the conditions past them.' Nicole replied. Unless the Chief had anything else, she'll end the call and re-contact the Professor...

[Warpmind]

[Casa Wainwright]

"Yes I guess that is the problem, the speed of which a spell can be built up."
Nari said then he smiled a little.
"Hey Hermetic secrets mean little to me so no need to apologize to me."
He said and George nodded.
"It is not illegal for you to know Mr Wainwright but yes I would keep it secret yes just in case."

Colin nodded, "I am working on a modification, implementing my own little scrambling spell as the primary effect, but I will admit, while learning Bonisagus' little masterpiece was easy, reverse-engineering it is... somewhat more complicated. The man was a genius, there's no disputing that... And yes, I know it's legal for me to know the spell, but I've also been warned of... zealotry in the Order."

"So what you're saying is you're a Hufflepuff?" he teased.

He paused for a moment, then shrugged, "Honest, hard-working, and ready to help others in need? I don't mind that one, actually... Though I suppose my, hm, networking in recent months would lend itself closer to Slytherin."

"I guess so Mr Wainwright but I wish I could face my trial and be cool you know but I can't I...can bearly stand I...it is all I can do not to run and hide."
Kyle muttered softly and h looked down.

He nodded, "With that much at stake, no sane person would be able to keep their cool. Just keep in mind that this, too, shall pass, and that however they try to unsettle you, you'll come out on the other side unfettered and protected by law, under your Mentor's guidance."

"Yeah you will stop them dad and then kick them so hard they go through the Gauntlet."
Anna declared.
"And that is really...really hard!"

He smiled wryly, "I'm not good enough to kick them through the Gauntlet, I'm afraid, but with a little effort, I could try to kick them into next week. Or perhaps slip something gross into their pockets from across town."

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"She puts on a tough act but normally she likes to know why something hates her. So she can complain about it in more detail." Serge said with a grin.

He gave a sidelong glance to Serge.

He shook his head, replying in a gentle, but firm tone, "As I said, it's a secret for security and dignity's sake. Please leave well enough alone."

"Ah I see, well that work for me or if you prefer I could bring the money along when I come down for dinner."
The old magus said.
"Just in case I have to leave before...you return I think I can stay a little longer but I don't know. I will know it when the call comes."

He nodded, "I'll swing by the shop and check the books before then."

"Sometimes things are different than they seem, assuming what a spirit means is tricky. I could not ask more, I was too surprised and in hindsight perhaps I should not have asked at all..."

"Sometimes it is better not to know."
George agreed.
"And yes figuring out the words of a spirit are often a task onto itself, they speak from their own perspective caring little for ours."

He nodded, "An ambiguous warning is, perhaps, better than no warning at all; it allows you to consider the range of possibilities, from best to worst case, and make preparations accordingly..."

"Merging timelines is jaggling level?" Serge said seeming surprised. "Huh, I thought he was super high on the spirit totem pole."

"No spirits can be quite powerful child, a Jaggling can be very powerful but their power is limited to one small part of reality."
George explained.

"It depends what the spirit's duties are, also," he said, agreeing with the Primus. "They can only do what they are born to do, or...at least they should, without causing them intense distress, as we just saw. Acting against their nature is painful for their existence. And the categorizations are still rather broad, really when it comes to ranking power."

"We human beings can be interested in something...some cause or task or activity or study can be our passion, but a spirit are their purpose it is not something they do it is what they do."
The Primus added.
"This makes them powerful but also highly specialized."

He nodded, "An apt comparison, perhaps, might be a paintbrush for painting models or miniatures next to a paint roller. They're both used for applying paint to surfaces, but they have very different specialized purposes within that scope."

"Hum...well to be declared an Archmaster of Spirit you have to be able to bind an Incana to your will so I do believe an Oracle might be more powerful than a Incarna but then again at those levels of power who is strongest is often a moot point, a Celestine though a God...now that is amazing power."
The old mage said reverently.
"Just their presence might bless a person for months, or fill you with awe."

He certainly hadn't meant for the conversation to go this direction, and couldn't add to it really without breaking his promise. Though he did wonder if the Primus had noted something in his resonance; he stood quietly listening with a catlike expression.

George looked at you for a moment with knowing in his blue gray eyes, but he said nothing.

He nodded, not noticing Adley's expression, "Quite, and I just might have to try to call on one, soon... I've sent a letter to one who might have the depth and breadth of knowledge to properly counsel me on it, but... I've essentially run out of better options for saving a soul..."
He frowned, "I... am not particularly looking forward to poking at such a being; Gods only know what manner of favour would be asked of me in return."

"The difficult part of Creation of the Magus' Child is not the creation of a child, but the binding of an Avatar into the creation, there are many Verbena who have given life to a barren woman or have produced a much desired baby from a acorn, it is creating a child guaranteed to be Gifted which is hard."
George said.
"In fact there is a Verbena working at the witches clinic on Horizon who specialize in giving children to same sex couples, producing a child who are blood related to both parents, this specialist is a Master of the Art, but with her methods the baby are no more or less likely to be Gifted than any other child of a mage."

He pondered, "Hum, have these Verbena cracked the problem of linked life patterns? I was warned that was a problem with the old ritual; the child dies with the parent..."

"Ah...that is facinating; well, let's not speak of such here."

"Agreed we can discuss it further in private if that makes you more comfortable Sodalis."
The Primus replied and nodded.

He nodded, "Very well."

"The question then is if you would want to risk your future probably daughter's safety by presenting this evidence in court or not Mr Wainwright, that have to be for you and Mr Roth Hicks to decide not me."
The Archmage said with a serious done in his voice.

"The best way to protect one is not to put them in danger in the first place," he said simply.

"Indeed, the for and against of delivering this evidence to the proper authorities have to be carefully considered."
The old magus agreed with a nod.

He pondered for a few moments, "If... the choice comes down between using that testimony to ensure our enemy is dealt with, or letting her go free and cause more trouble, then I think my duty is clear... The rot in the judicial system must take priority, lest the Traditions falter and fall. But if we can secure victory by other means, I will be happy to see the testimony destroyed before anyone outside this room can examine it. Best for now, perhaps, if we use it as a secret stepping stone to get other pieces of proof that can be more safely shared..."

"Thank you, my pater has instilled finesse as a goal, not just power."

"Your Mentor control his magick like a surgeon controls his knife."
The old Hermetic said with a fond smile.

He grinned, "Indeed he does... Surprisingly subtle at times, too, when Sleepers need... a lesson."

"He can chronicle the duel between me and Master Nassa tommorow. That seems like a fun story to record." Serge said with a smile.

"I can do what you ask strange man with what I can't touch inside."
Engrave said.

"I'll bring something you can write on. And perhaps afterwards I'll add a visual element to complement your words. If you works with you of course." Serge said smiling at the spirit.

"I engrave with my claws."
Was all the spirit had to say.
"It is my purpose."

He smiled wryly, "Well, that should make for interesting reading... I would recommend a large tablet or sheet of metal - I suppose you could ask if our mechanic has the time to swing by the junkyard for something suitable tonight."

"I do not want to unsettle those with what I can not touch inside, I will stop writing on the walls, floors and ceilings, where can I chronicle?"
Engrave said.

He smiled, "I will make arrangements for suitable surfaces to be placed around the building. It may take some days, as incarnate beings count time, but I will make sure they'll be there. I will call you and let you know when they are ready."

"Very well then, your apartment it is then child."
George agreed.

"Is your room really more well warded than the Primus's? Serge said sounding skeptical.

"Again child we are a taking about one specific purpose versus a general one. Are my wards more powerful than those of Mr Wainwright? Certainly they are so if our goal is to avoid someone breaking in with magick, or casting a spell on my chambers yes my wards are better for that. However Mr Wainwright is rather used to dealing with his Cabalmate's particular problem of being overheard than I do and have set is chambers up to make it a safe place to converse with his friend. Can I cast such a ward and probably make it stronger, yes but when a ward is already in place which are quite specialized at your Cabalmate's home then using that seams the logical choice."
The old achmage said explained as he walked.

"That makes sense. I guess I just figured that you had everything in your room already. Every ward imaginable for maximum protecrion" Serge said with a shrug.

"I prefer not to live in a magickal Faraday cage child."
George replied mildly.

"I would totally stick as many wards as I could into my room. I don't even have anything to protect. Just knowing they were there would be enough for me. It would make me feel like an old timey wizard. In his tower filled to the brim with magical protection." Serge mused as he walked beside the Primus.

"Well child I am an old timey wizard child, complete with robes and a bad back, and I want to feel free so yes I protect myself but I do not layer on the wards needlessly."
George said sounding amused.

He smiled at Serge's enthusiasm, "In many cases, a general-purpose ward will do quite well enough, instead of thirty specialized wards... In the case of my ward, though, it makes it harder to pinpoint magical Resonances behind it, even hampering wi-fi and mobile signals. While it is certainly weaker than what our dear Deacon Primus could make with the same spell, it does, as he says, have the merit of already being in place."
He smiled wryly, "Besides, I think our Deacon Ascending would have a fit if suddenly every apartment needed an individually cabled wireless router, because everyone's apartments were warded like mine. And remember, wards require a measure of maintenance; they deteriorate over time, like everything else. And, well, too many wards might turn out to be a nasty Paradox magnet..."

"No I should be fine but thank you for offering, it is getting up and sitting down and bending that hurt my back, I guess my years is catching up with me...I could stop that, be young again but I...think it is appropriate, I am starting to feel old I might as well let my physical form reflect that."
George said as his fingers flew over his phone with surprising ease and you heard a ping on your own phone.
"I have sent you the images Mr Wainwright."

He nodded and checked the message, saving the pictures to his photo album before pocketing the phone again, giving George a wry grin, "Thank you, Sir. If only our Security Chief was as technologically fluent as you. Then again, he does seem to have learned a fair bit over the past couple of months, somehow. I guess someone's been a healthy influence on him..."

He made sure he had all his gear and then followed them to Colin's room. He looked a bit embarrassed and said to Serge, "I will explain when we are in his room."

The Primus did not comment your expression but he lead the way back to Colin's apartment and waited for the Orphan to let the group in.

Serge nodded and followed the group.

He nodded, opening the door, "Do come in, then."
He glanced around and walked over to Anna's room, knocking softly before pushing the door open and whispering, "Beatrice? Is Anna sleeping? And could you join us in the living room for a few moments?"

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

He shook his head, replying in a gentle, but firm tone, "As I said, it's a secret for security and dignity's sake. Please leave well enough alone."

"Very well." Serge said with a shrug.

"Well child I am an old timey wizard child, complete with robes and a bad back, and I want to feel free so yes I protect myself but I do not layer on the wards needlessly."
George said sounding amused.

He smiled at Serge's enthusiasm, "In many cases, a general-purpose ward will do quite well enough, instead of thirty specialized wards... In the case of my ward, though, it makes it harder to pinpoint magical Resonances behind it, even hampering wi-fi and mobile signals. While it is certainly weaker than what our dear Deacon Primus could make with the same spell, it does, as he says, have the merit of already being in place."
He smiled wryly, "Besides, I think our Deacon Ascending would have a fit if suddenly every apartment needed an individually cabled wireless router, because everyone's apartments were warded like mine. And remember, wards require a measure of maintenance; they deteriorate over time, like everything else. And, well, too many wards might turn out to be a nasty Paradox magnet..."

"General-purpose are fine, I suppose. But I find them dull. Uninspired. I'd rather wards that do something epic. Try and enter a room without permission and the floor underneath you opens up and swallows you whole. Try to steal something only to see that the exit has vanished and that your trapped in the room until you place the stolen object back. Try to scry into a room and instead of seeing what's in it, you see your greatest fear." Serge said forgetting, perhaps in his enthusiasm, that wards and traps were not the same thing.

"Although that upkeep thing is true. I have to keep retracing the trapped drawing in my room or else it's meaning will slowly fade away."

"Good bye for now strange human with what I can't touch inside."
Engrave said before he sort of just vanished. The Primus took the ring and nodded.
"Thank you, yes I do admit to being fond of it."
He said before slipping it back onto his own finger.

"I'm pretty fond of my own ring as well." Serge said holding up his Cult of Ecstasy ring.

He smiled wryly, "Well, that should make for interesting reading... I would recommend a large tablet or sheet of metal - I suppose you could ask if our mechanic has the time to swing by the junkyard for something suitable tonight."

"She's probably waaay to busy for something like that. Don't wanna bother her. I'll figure something out." Serge said.

He nodded, opening the door, "Do come in, then."
He glanced around and walked over to Anna's room, knocking softly before pushing the door open and whispering, "Beatrice? Is Anna sleeping? And could you join us in the living room for a few moments?"

Serge walked in behind Colin, looking around to see what had changed in the room after the 4 of them had left.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Scott's Auto]

'I'll give you a full report in person, sir. I'll run the conditions past them.' Nicole replied. Unless the Chief had anything else, she'll end the call and re-contact the Professor...

"Very well I will talk with you then."
Was all the Chief had to say. You called the Professor again and the older Etherite replied.
"Yes Scientist, I assume you contacted your superiors, what did they say?"
He asked.

[Casa Wainwright]

Colin nodded, "I am working on a modification, implementing my own little scrambling spell as the primary effect, but I will admit, while learning Bonisagus' little masterpiece was easy, reverse-engineering it is... somewhat more complicated. The man was a genius, there's no disputing that... And yes, I know it's legal for me to know the spell, but I've also been warned of... zealotry in the Order."

"You are trying to...reverse engineer...the Parma Magica?"
George said and he actually sounded rather shocked.
"Well now that is something you don't hear every day. Yes there might be some zealotry and especially if you make the same statement you just did."
He added with a chuckle.

He nodded, "With that much at stake, no sane person would be able to keep their cool. Just keep in mind that this, too, shall pass, and that however they try to unsettle you, you'll come out on the other side unfettered and protected by law, under your Mentor's guidance."

"You really think so Sir? That things will go well Sir?"
The young Hermetic asked.
"What if...it do not what if they sentence me?"
He said nervously and he started chewing on his nails.

He smiled wryly, "I'm not good enough to kick them through the Gauntlet, I'm afraid, but with a little effort, I could try to kick them into next week. Or perhaps slip something gross into their pockets from across town."

"I guess that would work to dad as long as they get kicked very, very hard."
The young Orphan said.
"I have an app for that."
Narim commented in relation to tossing someone into the Umbra and Anna smiled a little at that.

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

He nodded, "I'll swing by the shop and check the books before then."

"Very well Mr Wainwright."
George said and nodded.

He nodded, "An ambiguous warning is, perhaps, better than no warning at all; it allows you to consider the range of possibilities, from best to worst case, and make preparations accordingly..."

"Yes sometimes that is best, though if one know more details one can make a better prepared plan to counteract the problem."
The Primus said and frowned.

He nodded, "An apt comparison, perhaps, might be a paintbrush for painting models or miniatures next to a paint roller. They're both used for applying paint to surfaces, but they have very different specialized purposes within that scope."

"Yes that is a good comparison Mr Wainwright."
The old magus agreed approvingly.

He nodded, not noticing Adley's expression, "Quite, and I just might have to try to call on one, soon... I've sent a letter to one who might have the depth and breadth of knowledge to properly counsel me on it, but... I've essentially run out of better options for saving a soul..."
He frowned, "I... am not particularly looking forward to poking at such a being; Gods only know what manner of favour would be asked of me in return."

"Contacting a God is not something you would want to do lightly Mr Wainwright nor is it easy, you would want a Master of Spirit then, well trained in dealing with the more powerful Spirits and yes you can be sure something will be demanded of you in return."
George said and frowned.
"Who is it you are trying to save?"

He pondered, "Hum, have these Verbena cracked the problem of linked life patterns? I was warned that was a problem with the old ritual; the child dies with the parent..."

"It happens with the ritual you mentioned child, however the children these Verbena bring into the world is not bond to their creator in such a way, nor are they as I said guaranteed to be mages they are simply children and nothing more."
George replied.

He pondered for a few moments, "If... the choice comes down between using that testimony to ensure our enemy is dealt with, or letting her go free and cause more trouble, then I think my duty is clear... The rot in the judicial system must take priority, lest the Traditions falter and fall. But if we can secure victory by other means, I will be happy to see the testimony destroyed before anyone outside this room can examine it. Best for now, perhaps, if we use it as a secret stepping stone to get other pieces of proof that can be more safely shared..."

"Agreed, sitting on the evidence until we either have to use it to move on the person in question or we find better pieces of evidence to bring to the attention of the Enforcers, and yes we might make the theat of having evidence on hand a tool to get our enemies to make a mistake."
The old Hermetic said with a frown.

He grinned, "Indeed he does... Surprisingly subtle at times, too, when Sleepers need... a lesson."

George smiled a little at that.

He smiled, "I will make arrangements for suitable surfaces to be placed around the building. It may take some days, as incarnate beings count time, but I will make sure they'll be there. I will call you and let you know when they are ready."

"Thank you my friend. Your idea of time means little to me."
Engrave said simply.

He smiled wryly, "Besides, I think our Deacon Ascending would have a fit if suddenly every apartment needed an individually cabled wireless router, because everyone's apartments were warded like mine. And remember, wards require a measure of maintenance; they deteriorate over time, like everything else. And, well, too many wards might turn out to be a nasty Paradox magnet..."

"Well it would certainly give him a challenge."
George said and smiled.
"But as your Cabalmate says Mr Yager it takes allot of maintenance to keep wards up and not everyone would want all wards all the time, they should be used as needed."

He nodded and checked the message, saving the pictures to his photo album before pocketing the phone again, giving George a wry grin, "Thank you, Sir. If only our Security Chief was as technologically fluent as you. Then again, he does seem to have learned a fair bit over the past couple of months, somehow. I guess someone's been a healthy influence on him..."

"I play candy crush."
The Primus said and smiled.
"Yes I do believe the Chief's youngest student have had a bit of an influence on our Chief indeed."
He said. The pictures showed finely engraved scripint on the floor in Coptic.

He nodded, opening the door, "Do come in, then."
He glanced around and walked over to Anna's room, knocking softly before pushing the door open and whispering, "Beatrice? Is Anna sleeping? And could you join us in the living room for a few moments?"

The others walked into your apartment after you. Beatrice came to the door and opened it for you.
"Hey Colin...she is sleeping now."
She said. You saw Anna in her bed, resting wearing her oxygen max.
"The poor dear is exhausted."
Beatrice said and frowned.
"Yes off course."
She whispered and went out into the main part of the apartment and carefully closed the door behind her.

"General-purpose are fine, I suppose. But I find them dull. Uninspired. I'd rather wards that do something epic. Try and enter a room without permission and the floor underneath you opens up and swallows you whole. Try to steal something only to see that the exit has vanished and that your trapped in the room until you place the stolen object back. Try to scry into a room and instead of seeing what's in it, you see your greatest fear." Serge said forgetting, perhaps in his enthusiasm, that wards and traps were not the same thing.

"Although that upkeep thing is true. I have to keep retracing the trapped drawing in my room or else it's meaning will slowly fade away."

"Those are some rather aggressive wards young man."
George said.
"The question is would you want to be responsible for the harm they will do. If someone is sneaking into your apartment for some fairly benign purpose would you want their death or loss of sanity on your conscience?"
He asked.
"Also remember that reality do not like such displays of magick."

"Still think my ring's a bit cooler." Serge said humorously holding up his Cult of Ecstasy ring.

"Ah yes definitively, very cool."
The Primus said and grinned.

erge walked in behind Colin, looking around to see what had changed in the room after the 4 of them had left.

Narim had left the room so there was no one there other than Beatrice and Anna in the little girl's room. The boad game was still on the table, all cups and such where cleaned up.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

'They have conditions. One, all intel gained will be shared. Two, we get first crack at interrogation. Three, one of us will wait with them until our interrogator turns up.'

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Scott's Auto]

The Deacon Primus was silent as you spoke then he seamed to consider.
"That seams fair enough, I have no objections to such conditions."
He said.
"You can the your Chantry's Chief of Security I agree to his terms and then bring your captive here, let us see what he knows."

[Adley]

[Casa Wainwright]

He paused for a moment, then shrugged, "Honest, hard-working, and ready to help others in need? I don't mind that one, actually... Though I suppose my, hm, networking in recent months would lend itself closer to Slytherin."

"You mean your silver tongue."


[A Spirited Rebuttal]

He nodded, not noticing Adley's expression, "Quite, and I just might have to try to call on one, soon... I've sent a letter to one who might have the depth and breadth of knowledge to properly counsel me on it, but... I've essentially run out of better options for saving a soul..." He frowned, "I... am not particularly looking forward to poking at such a being; Gods only know what manner of favour would be asked of me in return."

"Contacting a God is not something you would want to do lightly Mr Wainwright nor is it easy, you would want a Master of Spirit then, well trained in dealing with the more powerful Spirits and yes you can be sure something will be demanded of you in return."
George said and frowned.
"Who is it you are trying to save?"

He didn't say anything, but he frowned a little bit.

He pondered for a few moments, "If... the choice comes down between using that testimony to ensure our enemy is dealt with, or letting her go free and cause more trouble, then I think my duty is clear... The rot in the judicial system must take priority, lest the Traditions falter and fall. But if we can secure victory by other means, I will be happy to see the testimony destroyed before anyone outside this room can examine it. Best for now, perhaps, if we use it as a secret stepping stone to get other pieces of proof that can be more safely shared..."

"Agreed, sitting on the evidence until we either have to use it to move on the person in question or we find better pieces of evidence to bring to the attention of the Enforcers, and yes we might make the theat of having evidence on hand a tool to get our enemies to make a mistake."
The old Hermetic said with a frown.

"It is not clear at all, especially not when you think it is so. They might call us on it and force us to show our hand at their discretion, these people use time magick after all."

"Your Mentor control his magick like a surgeon controls his knife."
The old Hermetic said with a fond smile.

He grinned, "Indeed he does... Surprisingly subtle at times, too, when Sleepers need... a lesson."

"Indeed, with practice I may someday be half as good as he is."

[Colin's apartment]

He nodded, opening the door, "Do come in, then."
He glanced around and walked over to Anna's room, knocking softly before pushing the door open and whispering, "Beatrice? Is Anna sleeping? And could you join us in the living room for a few moments?"

He nodded, went inside and glanced around. No Narim, Bee and Anna out in the front area. He headed over to the couch. He sat down in front of it, instead of on it, with his legs straight out and put his bag down at his side.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"It is not clear at all, especially not when you think it is so. They might call us on it and force us to show our hand at their discretion, these people use time magick after all."

"This is true but we also have a few who practice such magick on our side Sodalis."
George said.
"But yes off course this is not going to be easy...or safe no matter how we play this."

"Indeed, with practice I may someday be half as good as he is."

"Well you know your Mentor believe you will one day surpass him."
The Primus said and smiled.
"And nothing would make him prouder."

[Colin's apartment]

He nodded, went inside and glanced around. No Narim, Bee and Anna out in the front area. He headed over to the couch. He sat down in front of it, instead of on it, with his legs straight out and put his bag down at his side.

The Primus chose a chair and sat down with a slight groan due to his aching back and he settled down waiting for Colin to come back and say what he had to say.

[Warpmind]

[Casa Wainwright]

"You are trying to...reverse engineer...the Parma Magica?"
George said and he actually sounded rather shocked.
"Well now that is something you don't hear every day. Yes there might be some zealotry and especially if you make the same statement you just did."
He added with a chuckle.

Colin grinned, "Well, they say the greatest praise a student can give his teacher is to surpass them... I think Bonisagus would approve of my figuring out exactly how he did it, and reconstruct my own work according to his model, rather than simply cobbling my own rote onto his..."

"You mean your silver tongue."

He smiled wryly, "Well, I'm not disputing that one."
He turned serious, "But not all my connections have come from my mere glibness; some have been, I have no doubt, cultivated in equal part because my connections have seen the potential benefit of having me on their side of the chessboard."

"You really think so Sir? That things will go well Sir?"
The young Hermetic asked.
"What if...it do not what if they sentence me?"
He said nervously and he started chewing on his nails.

He nodded, "If it goes wrong, that doesn't bear thinking on. I am confident it will turn out right; I have faith in your advocate."

"I guess that would work to dad as long as they get kicked very, very hard."
The young Orphan said.
"I have an app for that."
Narim commented in relation to tossing someone into the Umbra and Anna smiled a little at that.

He grinned slyly to Narim, "Is there anything you don't have an app for?"

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"Yes sometimes that is best, though if one know more details one can make a better prepared plan to counteract the problem."
The Primus said and frowned.

He nodded, "True, but with a vague hint, you may be better positioned to look ahead at the potential outcomes without too strong preconceptions..."

"Contacting a God is not something you would want to do lightly Mr Wainwright nor is it easy, you would want a Master of Spirit then, well trained in dealing with the more powerful Spirits and yes you can be sure something will be demanded of you in return."
George said and frowned.
"Who is it you are trying to save?"

He didn't say anything, but he frowned a little bit.

He sighed, "A few weeks back, I... accidentally killed a vampire; a collateral casualty when I deliberately called the sunlight down on another. The accidental victim was the sire of the one currently recuperating in my workshop. I... know roughly where the poor woman is, and I want to get her out of there. Far as I can tell, the only viable way to do so is to petition another Celestine to show mercy on her soul and adopt her to another afterlife..."

"It happens with the ritual you mentioned child, however the children these Verbena bring into the world is not bond to their creator in such a way, nor are they as I said guaranteed to be mages they are simply children and nothing more."
George replied.

He nodded, "That's good, then. The life expectancy problem was my chief concern with it, in any case... and that just might well answer another question I had about my own, hm, grandchild..."

"Very well Mr Wainwright."
George said and nodded.

He paused, "Come to think of it, it might be just as convenient to leave the money in the Chief's care - I've set up urgent forwarding of my mail at the Umbral Port to his office while I'm away, owing to the other crisis going on... I've paid for the first two in advance, but there might be more while the troubles continue."

"Agreed, sitting on the evidence until we either have to use it to move on the person in question or we find better pieces of evidence to bring to the attention of the Enforcers, and yes we might make the theat of having evidence on hand a tool to get our enemies to make a mistake."
The old Hermetic said with a frown.

"It is not clear at all, especially not when you think it is so. They might call us on it and force us to show our hand at their discretion, these people use time magick after all."

"This is true but we also have a few who practice such magick on our side Sodalis."
George said.
"But yes off course this is not going to be easy...or safe no matter how we play this."

He shook his head, "I said I'd not want to use it unless it's the last resort to ensure victory... I'll not risk bluffing with it, especially not when we know the enemy has the ability to predict the future."

"Indeed, with practice I may someday be half as good as he is."

"Well you know your Mentor believe you will one day surpass him."
The Primus said and smiled.
"And nothing would make him prouder."

He grinned, "I'm with the Chief on that."

"General-purpose are fine, I suppose. But I find them dull. Uninspired. I'd rather wards that do something epic. Try and enter a room without permission and the floor underneath you opens up and swallows you whole. Try to steal something only to see that the exit has vanished and that your trapped in the room until you place the stolen object back. Try to scry into a room and instead of seeing what's in it, you see your greatest fear." Serge said forgetting, perhaps in his enthusiasm, that wards and traps were not the same thing.

"Although that upkeep thing is true. I have to keep retracing the trapped drawing in my room or else it's meaning will slowly fade away."

"Those are some rather aggressive wards young man."
George said.
"The question is would you want to be responsible for the harm they will do. If someone is sneaking into your apartment for some fairly benign purpose would you want their death or loss of sanity on your conscience?"
He asked.
"Also remember that reality do not like such displays of magick."

He frowned, "You'll probably find that finely honed alarms that can tag an intruder for more individualized... persecution are largely preferable. You would not want to find yourself on trial for causing the death of an unfortunate Mercere, for example..."

"She's probably waaay to busy for something like that. Don't wanna bother her. I'll figure something out." Serge said.

He nodded, "As you wish."

"I play candy crush."
The Primus said and smiled.
"Yes I do believe the Chief's youngest student have had a bit of an influence on our Chief indeed."
He said. The pictures showed finely engraved scripint on the floor in Coptic.

He grinned, "I suspect it's not the Chief's student who has been the best influence in that regard... Hum, I can't read this script, though..."

[Back at Colin's]

Serge walked in behind Colin, looking around to see what had changed in the room after the 4 of them had left.

He nodded, went inside and glanced around. No Narim, Bee and Anna out in the front area. He headed over to the couch. He sat down in front of it, instead of on it, with his legs straight out and put his bag down at his side.

The Primus chose a chair and sat down with a slight groan due to his aching back and he settled down waiting for Colin to come back and say what he had to say.

He smiled, "It won't take long, but if you like, I can put the kettle on first..."

The others walked into your apartment after you. Beatrice came to the door and opened it for you.
"Hey Colin...she is sleeping now."
She said. You saw Anna in her bed, resting wearing her oxygen max.
"The poor dear is exhausted."
Beatrice said and frowned.
"Yes off course."
She whispered and went out into the main part of the apartment and carefully closed the door behind her.

He waited for all four to get comfortable, then took a deep breath, "When I gave our new friend his Name, I... received a vision. Of you, Beatrice," he nodded to Bee, "you were at the age when you first Awakened, except you were so tiny... and you were holding my hand, carrying a torch to illuminate the dark forest we were walking through. You gave me some quite specific instructions - 'Remember the fairytale game', and 'We must find the Screamer before the light dies and hope dims to nothingness, and all that is left is glass and steel.' Now, the Screamer is one thing, but the fairytale game..." He looked at Serge, "my first thought at that phrase was that storytelling game I heard of taking place during the battle two months ago... Could that be the one referred to?"

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

'Excellent, sir. We'll leave now, ETA [rough time to Westchapel]. Get their place ready.' Nicole replied, and rung off unless the Professor had anything to add.

'Sorted out, it has been.' she continued, to the two Awakened. 'If me and one of you two come to Westchapel with our cargo, the other can take my car back to base.'

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"Those are some rather aggressive wards young man."
George said.
"The question is would you want to be responsible for the harm they will do. If someone is sneaking into your apartment for some fairly benign purpose would you want their death or loss of sanity on your conscience?"
He asked.
"Also remember that reality do not like such displays of magick."

He frowned, "You'll probably find that finely honed alarms that can tag an intruder for more individualized... persecution are largely preferable. You would not want to find yourself on trial for causing the death of an unfortunate Mercere, for example..."

"Well you got me there. Thats one of the reason I haven't done it yet. I'm not actually a big fan of hurting people. Just like the idea of wards and traps." Serge said looking grumpy at the Primus's very valid points.

"Although I seriously doubt anything I create could actually kill or even hurt a person. Maintenance is still annoying."

[Colin's Room]

Narim had left the room so there was no one there other than Beatrice and Anna in the little girl's room. The boad game was still on the table, all cups and such where cleaned up.

He nodded, went inside and glanced around. No Narim, Bee and Anna out in the front area. He headed over to the couch. He sat down in front of it, instead of on it, with his legs straight out and put his bag down at his side.

Serge chose to sit on the couch, spinning a pencil in between his fingers as he waited for Colin to tell then the contents of his vision.

He waited for all four to get comfortable, then took a deep breath, "When I gave our new friend his Name, I... received a vision. Of you, Beatrice," he nodded to Bee, "you were at the age when you first Awakened, except you were so tiny... and you were holding my hand, carrying a torch to illuminate the dark forest we were walking through. You gave me some quite specific instructions - 'Remember the fairytale game', and 'We must find the Screamer before the light dies and hope dims to nothingness, and all that is left is glass and steel.' Now, the Screamer is one thing, but the fairytale game..." He looked at Serge, "my first thought at that phrase was that storytelling game I heard of taking place during the battle two months ago... Could that be the one referred to?"

Serge listened attentively to the contents of Colin's vision. He seemed rather intrigued and the surprised when his cabal leader turned his attention to him.

"You mean the one with me, Rosa, and the 4 other mage children? I guess that could qualify. But Beatrice wasn't a part of that. Although I guess that doesn't matter." Serge said tapping a pencil on his chin as he tried to recall that game. It had been a while since he had revised the many drawings he had done for that game and now those pages detailing its story laid somewhere within his room.

"But why do you need to remember the fairytale game in the first place?"

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Casa Wainwright]

Colin grinned, "Well, they say the greatest praise a student can give his teacher is to surpass them... I think Bonisagus would approve of my figuring out exactly how he did it, and reconstruct my own work according to his model, rather than simply cobbling my own rote onto his..."

"That he would, that he definitively would. Good luck then Mr Wainwright you have taken on quite a challenge."
George said and smiled.

"But not all my connections have come from my mere glibness; some have been, I have no doubt, cultivated in equal part because my connections have seen the potential benefit of having me on their side of the chessboard."

"On their side of the table facing outwards and not inwards I think might be their thought process Mr Wainwright."
Narim commented from the kitchen.

He nodded, "If it goes wrong, that doesn't bear thinking on. I am confident it will turn out right; I have faith in your advocate."

"He is pretty bad ass."
Kyle admitted he glanced over at Bee had had clearly been told not to mention Master Tolle in the young Verbena's presence.

He grinned slyly to Narim, "Is there anything you don't have an app for?"

"Ehm...well...not much actually."
The Virtual Adept said with a careful smile.

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

He nodded, "True, but with a vague hint, you may be better positioned to look ahead at the potential outcomes without too strong preconceptions..."

"That is quite true young man, with either scenarios there are issues and benefits, generally though having as much information as possible is a good idea but one have to work on the assumption one do not have all the details."
George said and nodded.

He sighed, "A few weeks back, I... accidentally killed a vampire; a collateral casualty when I deliberately called the sunlight down on another. The accidental victim was the sire of the one currently recuperating in my workshop. I... know roughly where the poor woman is, and I want to get her out of there. Far as I can tell, the only viable way to do so is to petition another Celestine to show mercy on her soul and adopt her to another afterlife..."

"I see a most unfortunate situation."
The old Hermetic said and he glanced at Adley for a moment before he said.
"There might be other ways as well but usually if you want to take something from the domain of a God you need another God to do so, but getting a God to go against a Creator Celestine will not be easy."

He nodded, "That's good, then. The life expectancy problem was my chief concern with it, in any case... and that just might well answer another question I had about my own, hm, grandchild..."

"Ah yes...well the children the Verbena assist in creating are normal children, their services are not cheap, but off course a gift card to their clinic makes a wonderful wedding gift."
The Primus said and winked.

He paused, "Come to think of it, it might be just as convenient to leave the money in the Chief's care - I've set up urgent forwarding of my mail at the Umbral Port to his office while I'm away, owing to the other crisis going on... I've paid for the first two in advance, but there might be more while the troubles continue."

"As you will."
The Primus said simply.

He shook his head, "I said I'd not want to use it unless it's the last resort to ensure victory... I'll not risk bluffing with it, especially not when we know the enemy has the ability to predict the future."

"Well just having someone on our side able to predict the future will make it harder for our enemies to use that ability."
George said.
"But yes off course it should not be used willy nilly."

He grinned, "I'm with the Chief on that."

The Primus gave a smile at that.

He grinned, "I suspect it's not the Chief's student who has been the best influence in that regard... Hum, I can't read this script, though..."

"Then who are you thinking have had an influence on the Chief and technology?"
George asked and he raised an eyebrow.
"Ah yes the script are in Coptic."

"Well you got me there. Thats one of the reason I haven't done it yet. I'm not actually a big fan of hurting people. Just like the idea of wards and traps." Serge said looking grumpy at the Primus's very valid points.

"Although I seriously doubt anything I create could actually kill or even hurt a person. Maintenance is still annoying."

"It is okey to enjoy your magick young man, and think it is cool but you also have to be responsible. And off course your magick can kill, just the classic illusion of making someone see road over a ravine or for that matter you could scare someone to death, underestimating your own magick, thinking it is no way you could ever cause harm with it is a good way to get someone badly hurt."
The Primus warned sternly.

[Back at Colin's]

He smiled, "It won't take long, but if you like, I can put the kettle on first..."

"That would be lovely."
The Primus said. On your kitchen counter though lay one of Narim's tablets and one of the app icons looked very much like one of your teapots and matching cups.

He waited for all four to get comfortable, then took a deep breath, "When I gave our new friend his Name, I... received a vision. Of you, Beatrice," he nodded to Bee, "you were at the age when you first Awakened, except you were so tiny... and you were holding my hand, carrying a torch to illuminate the dark forest we were walking through. You gave me some quite specific instructions - 'Remember the fairytale game', and 'We must find the Screamer before the light dies and hope dims to nothingness, and all that is left is glass and steel.' Now, the Screamer is one thing, but the fairytale game..." He looked at Serge, "my first thought at that phrase was that storytelling game I heard of taking place during the battle two months ago... Could that be the one referred to?"

"I was pretty tiny when I was a kid, I am not that big now either."
Beatrice said.
"And a torch well Master Telar says my Avatar is carrying one now, and I have been obsessed by the image of the Hermit from the Tarot lately and lanterns."
The young Verbena said.
"Hum...the game I heard from Jane about that Serge hosted to entertain the kids while the battle where raging?"
She asked.
"Why would some representation of me mention that? I mean I was pretty out of it when that game where happening."

[Scott's Auto]

'Excellent, sir. We'll leave now, ETA [rough time to Westchapel]. Get their place ready.' Nicole replied, and rung off unless the Professor had anything to add.

"Very well a cell have been prepared I will send someone to meet you at the gate."
The Professor said before you hung up.

'Sorted out, it has been.' she continued, to the two Awakened. 'If me and one of you two come to Westchapel with our cargo, the other can take my car back to base.'

"I can take your car back to Steelhaven Nicole."
Miles said.
"Should I perhaps contact Colin Wainwright and have him get his ass to Westchapel then? I could not want but overhear the conversation."
The other Etherite asked.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

'Erm... okay.' she replied, clearly a little thrown that it was the fellow Scientist who was bowing out. But simply gave a shrug and handed over her keys. 'Don't touch the button under the cap on the steering column, ignore the slight rattling you might hear now and then. A few dents is fine, but change my radio presets and you're a dead man.'

'I was going to call him myself... but can our cargo hear anything while out?'

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Scott's Auto]

'Erm... okay.' she replied, clearly a little thrown that it was the fellow Scientist who was bowing out. But simply gave a shrug and handed over her keys. 'Don't touch the button under the cap on the steering column, ignore the slight rattling you might hear now and then. A few dents is fine, but change my radio presets and you're a dead man.'

Miles raised an eyebrow.
"I will try to avoid messing with your radio, I do hope you don't mind me adjusting the seat though so I don't have to operate the pedals on my tippie toes."
The Etherite said.
"Also the reason I say I should take the car home is that Mr Smithson is an Akashic he is a better fighter than me is there is trouble, not that I can't stand my ground if need be but he is simply better suited for prisoner transport."
He explained and Ty gave a grunt in reply to this.

'I was going to call him myself... but can our cargo hear anything while out?'

"Maybe so, I mean I guess you can hear when unconscious but just like when you are out for surgery or you have taken a knock to the noggin even if your ears work I doubt anything he hears will register."
Ty said and Miles nodded.
"You can call him if you want it is up to you Nicole."

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[A Spiritual Rebuttal]

"It is okey to enjoy your magick young man, and think it is cool but you also have to be responsible. And off course your magick can kill, just the classic illusion of making someone see road over a ravine or for that matter you could scare someone to death, underestimating your own magick, thinking it is no way you could ever cause harm with it is a good way to get someone badly hurt."
The Primus warned sternly.

"Of course sir. I guess I've just never been in situations where I've needed to do that. So it can be hard to picture me ever doing that." Serge said nodding politely.

[Back at Colin's]

"Hum...the game I heard from Jane about that Serge hosted to entertain the kids while the battle where raging?"
She asked.
"Why would some representation of me mention that? I mean I was pretty out of it when that game where happening."

"The story itself was a classic avengers story. A group of super powered beings come together to take down a big bad evil witch with silly hijinks along the way. Perhaps she wanted us to see meaning behind that?" Serge said thinking back. " But I do agree it's weird that the vision version of you would reference a game that neither you or Mr. Wainwright were a part of."

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

'Relax... I was joking.' Nicole replied, rolling her eyes a little.

Anja's Post:

'Hey, fair enough. Plus, going to Westchapel increases chances you being roped in by a Professor to do shit. Which sucks, if you were planning something else today.' ending with a little smile, making it clear she didn't mind one bit.

Anja's Post:

'Good enough. And thanks for the assist. Kudos will be duly noted at bottom of final report.' giving a nod to Miles.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Scott's Auto]

'Relax... I was joking.' Nicole replied, rolling her eyes a little.

Miles gave a chuckle at that.

Hey, fair enough. Plus, going to Westchapel increases chances you being roped in by a Professor to do shit. Which sucks, if you were planning something else today.' ending with a little smile, making it clear she didn't mind one bit.

"Well the man is good at putting us to work, then again earning favors and good will from the senior Scientist in the Tribunal is not a bad thing, still need to think of the food of the mission, and I think you two will be able to transport the prisoner better than me."
Devon replied.

'Good enough. And thanks for the assist. Kudos will be duly noted at bottom of final report.' giving a nod to Miles.

"Thanks...and you will be calling Wainwright then to set things up?"
Miles asked on his way to your car.

[A Spiritual Rebuttal]

"Of course sir. I guess I've just never been in situations where I've needed to do that. So it can be hard to picture me ever doing that." Serge said nodding politely.

"I hope it remains hard to picture for you child, I really do, just make sure you keep it in mind when using your magick so you do not do anything that would harm someone accidentally."
The Primus replied kindly.

[Back at Colin's]

"The story itself was a classic avengers story. A group of super powered beings come together to take down a big bad evil witch with silly hijinks along the way. Perhaps she wanted us to see meaning behind that?" Serge said thinking back. " But I do agree it's weird that the vision version of you would reference a game that neither you or Mr. Wainwright were a part of."

"It sounds like a fun story, but yes it is strange if that is indeed what the vision told Colin to look into, then again perhaps there are clues in your game that might cast light on what is ahead."
Beatrice mushed.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

'That I will be.' she called out to Miles as he headed towards her car. 'Can you drive? Gotta make a few calls on the way.' turning to Ty.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Scott's Auto]

'That I will be.' she called out to Miles as he headed towards her car.

"Ok...be careful on the road I will just head home then."
Miles said.

'Can you drive? Gotta make a few calls on the way.' turning to Ty.

"Sure."
Ty said and he checked on the prisoner and then got into the driver's seat and waited for you to get in before starting the car and driving towards Westchapel.

[Adley]

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

He sighed, "A few weeks back, I... accidentally killed a vampire; a collateral casualty when I deliberately called the sunlight down on another. The accidental victim was the sire of the one currently recuperating in my workshop. I... know roughly where the poor woman is, and I want to get her out of there. Far as I can tell, the only viable way to do so is to petition another Celestine to show mercy on her soul and adopt her to another afterlife..."

"I see a most unfortunate situation."
The old Hermetic said and he glanced at Adley for a moment before he said.
"There might be other ways as well but usually if you want to take something from the domain of a God you need another God to do so, but getting a God to go against a Creator Celestine will not be easy."

He kept very still, while his mind raced around in a pang of worry as he felt George's eyes settle on him a moment. He imagined the look on Crexia's face if she heard such a request; thankfully she knew Colin and knew him and, well, if he had to he would let her cast whatever spell she wanted to show he kept his word. He didn't say anything but his frown went down another notch or three.

He nodded, "That's good, then. The life expectancy problem was my chief concern with it, in any case... and that just might well answer another question I had about my own, hm, grandchild...

"Ah yes...well the children the Verbena assist in creating are normal children, their services are not cheap, but off course a gift card to their clinic makes a wonderful wedding gift." The Primus said and winked.

He raised an eyebrow at Colin. "Best talk about this later, amicus."

This is true but we also have a few who practice such magick on our side Sodalis."
George said.
"But yes off course this is not going to be easy...or safe no matter how we play this."

He nodded. "Not easy, no."

He shook his head, "I said I'd not want to use it unless it's the last resort to ensure victory... I'll not risk bluffing with it, especially not when we know the enemy has the ability to predict the future."

"You know how I feel about the things you keep as last resort, by now."

"Well you know your Mentor believe you will one day surpass him."
The Primus said and smiled.
"And nothing would make him prouder."

He grinned, "I'm with the Chief on that."

"I can only hope to keep his esteem."

[Back at Colin's]

He smiled, "It won't take long, but if you like, I can put the kettle on first..."

"If you want, I can't stay too long either, I have to drive to the airport and pick up my sora and her filius."

hen he said to Serge, "The reason that we're here is that I have a peculiarity to my voice that I acquired when I awakened. I can be heard through space-based wards, it seems and I cannot silence myself with my own spellwork, and there are probably other things I have not yet discovered. So, using a silence spell I can still talk, which is convenient, but I also can be heard outside the door with normal wards, which is much less so for clandestine discussions of which I have many. This is also why you'll notice I write things down sometimes. I'm not entirely sure the extent of it, yet though I plan on finding out when I have a moment since it seems to be manifesting more strongly as I grow in power. During some spellwork before I could project well down the entire hallway, some people playing games in another room heard me. It's why my room is as far away from anyone else's as possible. Now, with Colin's ward, it scrambles the words - so yes, if you stood outside you would hear me but not understand what I am saying." He waited for Colin to come back with Bee and looked at her, seeming a little frazzled still and then folded his legs up cross-legged to make room for them to get to their seats.

He waited for all four to get comfortable, then took a deep breath, "When I gave our new friend his Name, I... received a vision. Of you, Beatrice," he nodded to Bee, "you were at the age when you first Awakened, except you were so tiny... and you were holding my hand, carrying a torch to illuminate the dark forest we were walking through. You gave me some quite specific instructions - 'Remember the fairytale game', and 'We must find the Screamer before the light dies and hope dims to nothingness, and all that is left is glass and steel.' Now, the Screamer is one thing, but the fairytale game..." He looked at Serge, "my first thought at that phrase was that storytelling game I heard of taking place during the battle two months ago... Could that be the one referred to?"

"You mean the one with me, Rosa, and the 4 other mage children? I guess that could qualify. But Beatrice wasn't a part of that. Although I guess that doesn't matter." Serge said tapping a pencil on his chin as he tried to recall that game. It had been a while since he had revised the many drawings he had done for that game and now those pages detailing its story laid somewhere within his room. "But why do you need to remember the fairytale game in the first place?"

"I was pretty tiny when I was a kid, I am not that big now either."
Beatrice said.
"And a torch well Master Telar says my Avatar is carrying one now, and I have been obsessed by the image of the Hermit from the Tarot lately and lanterns."
The young Verbena said.
"Hum...the game I heard from Jane about that Serge hosted to entertain the kids while the battle where raging?"
She asked.
"Why would some representation of me mention that? I mean I was pretty out of it when that game where happening."

"The story itself was a classic avengers story. A group of super powered beings come together to take down a big bad evil witch with silly hijinks along the way. Perhaps she wanted us to see meaning behind that?" Serge said thinking back. " But I do agree it's weird that the vision version of you would reference a game that neither you or Mr. Wainwright were a part of."

"It sounds like a fun story, but yes it is strange if that is indeed what the vision told Colin to look into, then again perhaps there are clues in your game that might cast light on what is ahead."
Beatrice mushed.

He obviously had no idea what the fairytale game was about, looking confused but he said to Bee, "I think we figured the torch part out, hrm? Yes, you were very small," he said, as if he'd seen her when she was a child in physical form and not just spiritual happenings. "Why don't you tell us more details about the game, Sergius?"

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Scott's Auto]

Anja's Post:

After adjusting the seat, Nicole got into the passenger's side, taking a look at their prisoner to ensure they were still out of it. Then she pulled up Colin's number and selected it...

[Warpmind]

[Casa Wainwright]

"That he would, that he definitively would. Good luck then Mr Wainwright you have taken on quite a challenge."
George said and smiled.

Colin nodded, "Thank you, Sir - it's certainly an invigorating one, at that. And I am finding some useful, hm, shortcuts for my own work, too."

"On their side of the table facing outwards and not inwards I think might be their thought process Mr Wainwright."
Narim commented from the kitchen.

He grinned, "Well, true. But who is the chessmaster, and who are the chess pieces? I don't mind being a tool from time to time, though, but I'm more useful if I know whether I'm a hammer or a screwdriver..."

"He is pretty bad ass."
Kyle admitted he glanced over at Bee had had clearly been told not to mention Master Tolle in the young Verbena's presence.

He nodded quietly.

"Ehm...well...not much actually."
The Virtual Adept said with a careful smile.

He chuckled, "Freddy's got a bit of a way to go to reach the same level of ability, but she's getting there..."

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"That is quite true young man, with either scenarios there are issues and benefits, generally though having as much information as possible is a good idea but one have to work on the assumption one do not have all the details."
George said and nodded.

He nodded, "I try to never assume I have all the details, I just hope I have enough right details to make my guesswork sufficiently accurate."

"I see a most unfortunate situation."
The old Hermetic said and he glanced at Adley for a moment before he said.
"There might be other ways as well but usually if you want to take something from the domain of a God you need another God to do so, but getting a God to go against a Creator Celestine will not be easy."

He kept very still, while his mind raced around in a pang of worry as he felt George's eyes settle on him a moment. He imagined the look on Crexia's face if she heard such a request; thankfully she knew Colin and knew him and, well, if he had to he would let her cast whatever spell she wanted to show he kept his word. He didn't say anything but his frown went down another notch or three.

He nodded, "I've petitioned the oldest, most powerful ally I have for advice. If a millennia-old lich doesn't know how to petition the gods who were at their peak near the time she was alive, I'm not sure who would..."

"Ah yes...well the children the Verbena assist in creating are normal children, their services are not cheap, but off course a gift card to their clinic makes a wonderful wedding gift."
The Primus said and winked.

He raised an eyebrow at Colin. "Best talk about this later, amicus."

He grinned and nodded, "Quite, later... But thanks for the suggestion, Sir. That could come in handy on a couple of occasions, I think..."

He nodded. "Not easy, no."

"Well just having someone on our side able to predict the future will make it harder for our enemies to use that ability."
George said.
"But yes off course it should not be used willy nilly."

"You know how I feel about the things you keep as last resort, by now."

He grinned wryly, "I'm not much more keen on the last resorts, myself - but they certainly seem to provide great motivating force toward innovation, wouldn't you say? And on that note, I should poke at the future again soon, see if future me has any... details to share."

The Primus gave a smile at that.

"I can only hope to keep his esteem."

He nodded, "I trust you will, Amicus. I really do."

"Well you got me there. Thats one of the reason I haven't done it yet. I'm not actually a big fan of hurting people. Just like the idea of wards and traps." Serge said looking grumpy at the Primus's very valid points.

"Although I seriously doubt anything I create could actually kill or even hurt a person. Maintenance is still annoying."

"It is okey to enjoy your magick young man, and think it is cool but you also have to be responsible. And off course your magick can kill, just the classic illusion of making someone see road over a ravine or for that matter you could scare someone to death, underestimating your own magick, thinking it is no way you could ever cause harm with it is a good way to get someone badly hurt."
The Primus warned sternly.

"Of course sir. I guess I've just never been in situations where I've needed to do that. So it can be hard to picture me ever doing that." Serge said nodding politely.

"I hope it remains hard to picture for you child, I really do, just make sure you keep it in mind when using your magick so you do not do anything that would harm someone accidentally."
The Primus replied kindly.

He nodded sagely, "If you don't weight the potential consequences of any spell, you could easily cause harm with it... Ever hear of the term 'cursed with good fortune'? It's a real thing, and it can be insidious..."

"Then who are you thinking have had an influence on the Chief and technology?"
George asked and he raised an eyebrow.
"Ah yes the script are in Coptic."

He smiled, "The heart will want what the heart will want... Let us leave it at that, to avoid gossiping too much. The Chief might take some offense at that."

[Back at Colin's]

Serge chose to sit on the couch, spinning a pencil in between his fingers as he waited for Colin to tell then the contents of his vision.

"That would be lovely."
The Primus said. On your kitchen counter though lay one of Narim's tablets and one of the app icons looked very much like one of your teapots and matching cups.

"If you want, I can't stay too long either, I have to drive to the airport and pick up my sora and her filius."

hen he said to Serge, "The reason that we're here is that I have a peculiarity to my voice that I acquired when I awakened. I can be heard through space-based wards, it seems and I cannot silence myself with my own spellwork, and there are probably other things I have not yet discovered. So, using a silence spell I can still talk, which is convenient, but I also can be heard outside the door with normal wards, which is much less so for clandestine discussions of which I have many. This is also why you'll notice I write things down sometimes. I'm not entirely sure the extent of it, yet though I plan on finding out when I have a moment since it seems to be manifesting more strongly as I grow in power. During some spellwork before I could project well down the entire hallway, some people playing games in another room heard me. It's why my room is as far away from anyone else's as possible. Now, with Colin's ward, it scrambles the words - so yes, if you stood outside you would hear me but not understand what I am saying." He waited for Colin to come back with Bee and looked at her, seeming a little frazzled still and then folded his legs up cross-legged to make room for them to get to their seats.

He tapped the tea set app with an arched eyebrow and glanced toward Adley, "Strictly speaking, it doesn't scramble the sound itself, but the magical signature interwoven with the words. I suspect that if Adley was under some magic-suppressing effect, his voice would carry no further than a regular voice, and not be affected by my ward."

Serge listened attentively to the contents of Colin's vision. He seemed rather intrigued and the surprised when his cabal leader turned his attention to him.

"You mean the one with me, Rosa, and the 4 other mage children? I guess that could qualify. But Beatrice wasn't a part of that. Although I guess that doesn't matter." Serge said tapping a pencil on his chin as he tried to recall that game. It had been a while since he had revised the many drawings he had done for that game and now those pages detailing its story laid somewhere within his room.

"But why do you need to remember the fairytale game in the first place?"

"I was pretty tiny when I was a kid, I am not that big now either."
Beatrice said.
"And a torch well Master Telar says my Avatar is carrying one now, and I have been obsessed by the image of the Hermit from the Tarot lately and lanterns."
The young Verbena said.
"Hum...the game I heard from Jane about that Serge hosted to entertain the kids while the battle where raging?"
She asked.
"Why would some representation of me mention that? I mean I was pretty out of it when that game where happening."

"The story itself was a classic avengers story. A group of super powered beings come together to take down a big bad evil witch with silly hijinks along the way. Perhaps she wanted us to see meaning behind that?" Serge said thinking back. " But I do agree it's weird that the vision version of you would reference a game that neither you or Mr. Wainwright were a part of."

"It sounds like a fun story, but yes it is strange if that is indeed what the vision told Colin to look into, then again perhaps there are clues in your game that might cast light on what is ahead."
Beatrice mushed.

He obviously had no idea what the fairytale game was about, looking confused but he said to Bee, "I think we figured the torch part out, hrm? Yes, you were very small," he said, as if he'd seen her when she was a child in physical form and not just spiritual happenings. "Why don't you tell us more details about the game, Sergius?"

He nodded, "As I said, it was the first thing that came to mind, but that's not a guarantee it was the right guess. It could also be, well," he gestured to the unfinished game of Jumanji on the table, "that game. I know neither I nor Beatrice was present for the story circle, but we know of it, and the spirit who triggered the vision was interfering with Anna, who... well, was she there for the story? I know Yu Die was here at the time, and... well, interwoven fates."

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Spiritual Rebuttal]

He nodded sagely, "If you don't weight the potential consequences of any spell, you could easily cause harm with it... Ever hear of the term 'cursed with good fortune'? It's a real thing, and it can be insidious..."

Serge nodded politely showing that he understood. "Dont think I've ever heard that one. I'll remember it."

[Back at Colin's Room]

hen he said to Serge, "The reason that we're here is that I have a peculiarity to my voice that I acquired when I awakened. I can be heard through space-based wards, it seems and I cannot silence myself with my own spellwork, and there are probably other things I have not yet discovered. So, using a silence spell I can still talk, which is convenient, but I also can be heard outside the door with normal wards, which is much less so for clandestine discussions of which I have many. This is also why you'll notice I write things down sometimes. I'm not entirely sure the extent of it, yet though I plan on finding out when I have a moment since it seems to be manifesting more strongly as I grow in power. During some spellwork before I could project well down the entire hallway, some people playing games in another room heard me. It's why my room is as far away from anyone else's as possible. Now, with Colin's ward, it scrambles the words - so yes, if you stood outside you would hear me but not understand what I am saying." He waited for Colin to come back with Bee and looked at her, seeming a little frazzled still and then folded his legs up cross-legged to make room for them to get to their seats.

"So its sorta like Mr.wainwrights fate sight. Except a little less beneficial." Serge said sounding intrigued. "Is that why you've been focusing on sound related spells lately?"

"It sounds like a fun story, but yes it is strange if that is indeed what the vision told Colin to look into, then again perhaps there are clues in your game that might cast light on what is ahead."
Beatrice mushed.

He obviously had no idea what the fairytale game was about, looking confused but he said to Bee, "I think we figured the torch part out, hrm? Yes, you were very small," he said, as if he'd seen her when she was a child in physical form and not just spiritual happenings. "Why don't you tell us more details about the game, Sergius?"

"Ahhh the game the nearly broke my hands." Serge said with a grin.

"It was a fairly standard storytelling game. Starting with Cava everyone took turns narrating a story, building up on what the last narrator created." he began to explain.

"I was tasked with drawing every single scene the girls described. And trust me....there were a lot of scenes and a lot of characters. I still have those pictures somewhere in my room. I could bring them if you want."

He nodded, "As I said, it was the first thing that came to mind, but that's not a guarantee it was the right guess. It could also be, well," he gestured to the unfinished game of Jumanji on the table, "that game. I know neither I nor Beatrice was present for the story circle, but we know of it, and the spirit who triggered the vision was interfering with Anna, who... well, was she there for the story? I know Yu Die was here at the time, and... well, interwoven fates."

"Jumanji huh? Maybe...makes even less sense why you'd want to remember it though. Other than the spirit attack nothing happen during it." Serhe said glancing at the Jumanji board game.

"I don't believe Anna was a part of that game. Yu Die definatly was though."

[Adley]

[A Spirited Rebuttal]

"Then who are you thinking have had an influence on the Chief and technology?"
George asked and he raised an eyebrow.
"Ah yes the script are in Coptic."

He smiled, "The heart will want what the heart will want... Let us leave it at that, to avoid gossiping too much. The Chief might take some offense at that."

"Hmm? Oh, if you wish me to translate...I suppose it depends on what the contents are, if it is secret or not."

[Back at Colin's]

He tapped the tea set app with an arched eyebrow and glanced toward Adley, "Strictly speaking, it doesn't scramble the sound itself, but the magical signature interwoven with the words. I suspect that if Adley was under some magic-suppressing effect, his voice would carry no further than a regular voice, and not be affected by my ward."

"Interesting; I do not understand entropy that well but I think I understand the basic the difference. Ah, actually while I was in a magick suppressing cell, it sounded as if I had a bad cold. It was difficult to speak clearly." He frowned a little. "At any rate, none of this I would like widely known, but you are my chantry and cabalmates after all, so I thought I would explain."

"So its sorta like Mr.wainwrights fate sight. Except a little less beneficial." Serge said sounding intrigued. "Is that why you've been focusing on sound related spells lately?"

"Not generally beneficial, it caused some unanticipated side effects. But yes, I thought maybe I could see what the effects are more closely and it may signify that my magick was best suited to auram-magick."

"Ahhh the game the nearly broke my hands." Serge said with a grin. "It was a fairly standard storytelling game. Starting with Cava everyone took turns narrating a story, building up on what the last narrator created." he began to explain. "I was tasked with drawing every single scene the girls described. And trust me....there were a lot of scenes and a lot of characters. I still have those pictures somewhere in my room. I could bring them if you want."

"Perhaps that will help."

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