ph_logs | Breathe the Free Air Again

Breathe the Free Air Again | OTA

Who: Wizard (

substitutiarylocomotion) & any interested parties.
What: A new toplevel to knock the dust-off after inactivity and a chance for Wizard to finally ply his services in the Arcanium and get some fresh air after all the Seemingly's climate kerfuffles.
When: Mid-September
Where: The Arcanium, Pinhole Printing and Binding, Blackberry Apothecary

Breathe the Free Air Again - OTA

The past month had been a trying one for Sylus. What was meant to be the time that he opened the doors of the Arcanium in-earnest instead saw the force of all four seasons unleashed upon the town. The onset of blistering heat alerted the Wizard that something unusual was afoot, and it soon became apparent that shopping was unlikely to be on anyone's to-do list when going outside at all could be a death sentence. Though interiors seemed to be spared the worst of the elemental wrath buffeting Pumpkin Hollow, the exterior of the Arcanium had only just been restored and neither he nor Sorceress intended to allow their magical sanctum to crumble under the concentrated force of the seasons. A stocked pantry meant they could subsist well enough in terms of food and supplies and Sorceress's alchemical abilities safeguarded them against the possibility that the madness lasted longer than anticipated, so the primary issue became protecting the building itself. A ward was able to erected over the Arcanium, raising just in-time to shield it from the whirlwinds that followed in the wake of the scorching temperatures, but did little to alleviate the climate catastrophes themselves. Faced with floods and freezes, the pair of enchanters had little choice but to bunker-down to ensure the arcane protection would remain strong enough to deal with whatever unexpected surprises might be next in the meteorological roulette. By the time normalcy returned to the town Wizard was quite ready for a change of scenery, and he fully expected that anyone else who’d spent the ordeal as he had would wholly agree.

Grand Opening - The Arcanium

The Arcanium had been Wizard's primary focus since arriving in Pumpkin Hollow and, loathe as he was to take to the "hermit in a tower" school of wizardry, he couldn't help but admit that providing a hub for all things magical was likely the most useful thing he could do in his unfamiliar new surroundings. Progress had been slow-but-steady, with more than a few strange happenings harrying his efforts, but the time had finally come to open the doors to his arcane emporium.

The interior of the Arcanium was a simultaneously organized and cluttered affair, rife with crammed shelves of books and writings on different magical properties by his partner and him, with countertop spaces littered with signs of different sorcerous undertakings. Those interested in purchasing something of a mystical nature can choose from a selection of different scrolls containing bound spells of various different strengths and utilitarian applications or can choose from a selection of assorted household items that have been ensorcelled for added convenience. Self-sweeping brooms, auto-transcription quills, and all manner of strange-but-helpful magical knickknacks can be found within the Arcanium's selection, but customers are also able to bring their own items for enchantment as well.

Disenchantment and curse-breaking services are offered as well, with a pamphlet by the door even offering home visits for such purposes, but it goes on to state that results will vary based on the strength of the offending spell. Though there is nothing in the way of alchemical ingredients for sale, given the prevalence of more specialized stores for such purposes, small vials of magically-imbued potions and tinctures are available for odder or more hyper-specific undertakings. A small curio at the back of the store holds a very limited selection of rings and amulets imbued with various helpful charms, while a roped-off set of stairs leads up towards the Arcanium's living quarters.

Wizard himself sits at a desk near the front door, looking back and forth from a stack of books and his own writings while humming contentedly. A series of candles and lanterns cast a warm glow over his workspace, but also bathe the entire entryway in the smell of warm lavender and beeswax. Engrossed as he is in his work he still maintains enough awareness to greet anyone who might enter, giving a simple "welcome" with only the most passing glances up from his desk.

The Splendid Scent of Ink and Paper - Pinhole Printing and Binding

By the nature of his profession Wizard had spent an inordinate amount of his life around books and literature when compared to the average person, so the sights and sounds of a bindery were not unfamiliar to him. Despite his level of experience, what he’d found within Pinhole Printing was unlike anything he’d seen before. Printing Presses existed where he’d come from, but only a few decades had passed since the very first prototype was unveiled and they were still devices considered to stand on the bleeding edge of technological advancement. Having even a single press could put a town on the map, elevating its scale of production to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with far larger operations, but they were expensive investments and had yet to be common sights outside large population centers. Seeing one here was both a surprise when compared to the woodblock printing he’d anticipated, but also not entirely unexpected given the other technological marvels he’d seen on display since arriving on Marrow Isle.

The dark wood that made up the shop’s interior lent itself well to matching the behemoth of a device that dominated the rear of the store but, despite the complimentary choices of woodwork, much of the bindery seemed to exist in a state of organized chaos - something that Sylus was all too familiar with. Being among the scent of fresh ink again was quite satisfying to him though, and he had come to greatly enjoy watching the press at-work since first discovering Gerard’s store. Filling enough volumes to stock the shelves of the Arcanium had meant getting more than a few books bound as well, but in all his visits he had yet to ask after the strange teal-haired figurine that stood in the shop window. Whether a mascot of the store, a curiosity from Gerard’s travels, or simply a good luck charm that he’d picked up at some point or another Sylus did not know, but her clothing and overall aesthetic certainly stood at odds with the rest of the bindery.

Whether perusing the choices of book covers for use in some new treatise on translocation, selecting font for some print or another, or simply enjoying observing the process, Wizard can be spotted loafing around the store’s front-room fairly easily.

Wisdom is a Flower - Blackberry Apothecary

Wizard was not unfamiliar with the idea of an apothecary, having been fueled by a variety of potions throughout much of his adventures, but such establishments had always been cloaked in a heady atmosphere of mysticism. Alchemists and mystics would brew potions with powerful effects and ply them to adventurers who were going into battle, with incense and dimmed-lighting seemingly coming part-and-parcel with the creation and selling of such things. The optimistic and matter-of-fact practicality of Blackberry Apothecary couldn’t have been further from those kinds of potion sellers, and instead presented the art of potion making with the kind of well=learned professionalism he would expect of a far more mundane occupation.

Culture shock as it had been first stepping into the the cheery, lavender-walled shop Wizard had grown quite reliant on the knowledge and resources Sally provided. The flora and fauna of Marrow Isle were a complete unknown to him, yet her knowledge allowed him to request draughts for specifics purposes as well as providing him relief from the aches and pains of his lengthy renovation project. Sourcing ingredients for those concoctions he intended to add an enchanted spin to in his own store would have been impossible without the Sally’s expertise as well, and meant Sylus had become a regular sight within the well-stocked shelves of the Apothecary.

Whether just window-shopping or dropping by to pick up a specific order, Wizard can be encountered fairly frequently among the tiled floors and marble counters of Blackberry Apothecary.

Wildcard

If the above prompts aren’t your style, or if you’ve got another location or idea in mind, feel free to ask for a custom starter! Wizard is much better acquainted with the island than before he arrived, so he’s actively getting around to quite a few locations now. If you’ve got something specific in-mind odds are it would be well within his circle of travel.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"It has been a very long time," Sephiroth agrees. "I'm glad you've been able to work on your plans and that you had such competent help. I am very curious to see all that you have here."

[He sobers a bit at the question.]

"My coworker Snakes Tolliver and I thankfully managed to stay alive during those disasters, but we both saw many disturbing sights."

[He doesn't think he should tell that Snakes seemed to have a mental meltdown during the zombie mess, but he's tried to pull himself together again as best as he can since then, with the help of Sephiroth and others.]

[Wizard nods in acknowledgement to Sephiroth's account of things.]

"I'm pleased to say that we weathered the storm, literally and figuratively in the case of our most recent weather woes, fairly well all things considered. We ended up evacuating to the docks and safeguarding things there as best as we could during the undead crisis, but for the weather we were able to erect a ward and simply maintain it throughout the ordeal."

[He crosses his arms.]

"I can only imagine how those... less combat-capable residents would have felt. Needless to say, it's not a circuit I'd like to run again. Still-"

[Wizard rises from his stool, stepping a bit closer to the entrance and standing alongside the shelves of books and curiosities that runs the length of the wall.]

"-that's all far drearier than talking about the interesting bits and bobs I've got in here. I've worked myself to the bone trying to stock this Arcanium with what magical resources I can, but I'm afraid its selection is still on the more mundane end of things."

[Running his hand along the counter, he glances up at the books before returning his attention to his guest.]

"Depending on what you're looking for, and depending on what you're used to, it might be just the ticket though. Were you looking for something particular?"

"I am glad you both found ways to survive. Even though death isn't permanent here, there are so many particularly unpleasant ways to die."

[He is happy to change the subject and walks over to the shelves.]

"I am not looking for anything specific. I want to see what all is here so I can plan for what I may need in the future."

[Wizard nods and draws Sephiroth's attention towards a couple of particularly thickly-packed books.]

"Spellscrolls are what we have the most of, though the selection of bound spells aren't the widest or strongest at the moment."

[He opens one of the books, revealing that it's packed with hundreds of loose sheets of parchment. Each of the pages is marked with a different arcane inscription or binding circle, making them stand out from each other even at a glance.]

"We have portable heat, elemental assaults of all different forms, minor teleportation, flight or levitation, and just about any utility-type spells you can imagine."

[Pulling one particular spellscroll out, Wizard sets it on the counter and smiles.]

"This one is one I'm proud of for the ingenuity alone."

[He gestures to the circle on the paper, and then reaches back towards his workspace and grabs a cup of tea. Setting the tea onto the paper, the circle responds to the presence of weight and a dim red glow begins to emanate from beneath the cup.]

"It's a paper cooking range!"

[He grins.]

"A very simple spell, truth be told, but clever nonetheless. A weight-triggered fire spell, bound to various sizes of scrolls, with the paper then sealed in a thin resin to protect it from spills and abrasions. I doubt, of course, that it's the kind of thing you're looking for but I hope to see it become a best seller with the commonfolk at least."

[Sephiroth looks at everything, listens to the explanations, and watches with interest as the tea heats up.]

Intriguing.

[He doesn't need that, but it is very impressive.]

Yes, I'm sure that will be one of your most popular spells.

"It's far from the strongest spell, but I imagine it will be quite a hit with the people who've come from more technologically advanced homes than where I'm from."

[He slides the book of spellscrolls over to Sephiroth and begins slowly flipping through the pages.]

"Take a look yourself."

"No doubt."

[Sephiroth looks through the book.]

"This is very impressive."

"Anything catch your eye?"

[[OOC: If there's any particular spellscrolls or anything Sephiroth would be looking for I can tell you if it's something he could have in-stock with their business at the current level.]]

[He casts his gaze back towards the rest of the store.]

"There's all manner of other magical sundries too, so feel free to look at anything that catches your eye."

((OOC: At the moment, I can't think of anything he might want that he can't already do himself, lol.))

"Not at the moment, but I am intrigued."

[He looks at everything, mentally making notes of some things that might be worth a follow-up later.]

"This is a good line-up for your opening selections."

[Sylus points towards an area at the back at the store where the floor has rudimentary etchings on the ground and signs of magical work area apparent.]

"It's a long way off, but my business partner and I are working on a teleportarium. With it, and a scroll of recall, anywhere on this island could be connected. Those who live far away could use a scroll to recall here, then travel anywhere on the island via the teleportarium, and then back again when they're done through another scroll."

[He sighs tiredly and smiles.]

"It is... a considerable undertaking. The scrolls will be simplicity itself once the scribing is completed on the circle itself, but it's not an understatement to say the circle will be among the most complex arcane projects I've undertaken. Teleportation is something I've only ever done in small, rapid ways. Expanding routes of translocation on such a large scale, let alone for others, is something wholly new."

[Now this absolutely interests him.]

How intriguing. I would be pleased to help with this, if I could be of service.

"Unfortunately, it's mostly about imbuing enough magic into this place to steep both the building and the soil in enough energy to make the project stable. It's more the kind of things hermits and sages generally undertake, as they're nearly exclusively conducting their magical experiments out of a central location, so it means accelerating the process they would undertake over the course of years into the span of months."

[Sylus draws closer to the work area and kneels down beside the etched runes.]

"The work we do here with producing scrolls and enchanted trinkets helps to put residual magic into the air, sure, but most of it will be through active imbuement, and that's something that will involve many evenings worth of magical energy being focused into the building and the soil."

[[OOC: The in-universe explanation of them not having the ability to create the teleportarium until their business level has grown.]]

[He sighs and stands back up.]

"This type of magical undertaking is predominantly the domain of old mages too. Both myself and the Sorceress are considerably more "in-the-field" type magisters, and I must admit to more than a little frustration when dealing with the arcane equivalent of sitting on the front porch and complaining about the younger generation. Still, when it's completed I hope its usefulness more than makes up for the dottering nature of its construction."

[A nod as he listens.]

I believe I could help, but if you would prefer to work it just with Sorceress, that is fine and no offense is taken. Perhaps our different worlds' magic wouldn't mesh well. I wouldn't want to hamper the project instead of helping.

[He is very humble when sane, unlike his mad self.]

[Wizard looks towards the spellcircle and shrugs.]

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I have no idea how deep your magical education goes, nor how the laws of spellcraft work where you're from compared to where we originate, but if they're compatible I won't pass up a helping hand. Right now I'm afraid it's more a matter of resources though."

[He sweeps his hands across where the many shelves that make up the Arcanium's main storefront run.]

"As much as we've worked to stock this place with useful magical accoutrements the actual resources we have is severely limited. Crystalline dust and runestones don't grow on trees after all, and what little of that sort of thing we have been able to obtain has taken the lion's share of our funds. More likely than not it will simply be a matter of saving and expanding as we can afford it. If we're able to accelerate it one way or the other, though, you're welcome to contribute what sorcerous knowhow you have to the undertaking."

[Striding back to the book of spellscrolls, Wizard stops and pats his hand on the thick tome as if he was about to give a presentation.]

"That being said, if you know useful spells that could be reasonably bound to scrolls like these, I would welcome the input. There's a limit to their capacity, of course, so you won't see me putting time reversal or true death in here anytime soon, but there are still a million-and-one handy magical aids that we can put into stock that could help laymen in situations they'd otherwise be completely lost."

"It is quite advanced, but as to how the laws work in our different worlds, I do not know if they would mesh. I am willing to try."

[He listens to the rest of the explanation with a frown and a nod."

"I see. That is a problem."

[He considers the request.]

"I might need to think about it. I am not sure if there is any magic I know that I would entrust any average layperson to use."

[He's not being arrogant, but simply concerned that his magic is too advanced and they wouldn't be able to control it.]

[Sylus nodded in agreement with the notion. That was certainly a notion he shared, as setting the rank-and-file of Pumpkin Hollow free to roam with the kinds of spells that made up the upper-levels of his grimoire was not an idea he looked at with any degree of confidence.]

"I concur. Resource limits aside, picking the spells to commit to paper was something I had to consider carefully. Even simple fireballs could spell disaster if entrusted to incompetents, and putting chronomantic runes or worse in there would just be inviting it."

[He sighs, thinking back to the insanity of the undead incident.]

"I take it, then, you have a particularly destructive spell or two in your arsenal?"

"Indeed."

[He nods.]

"Most of my magic is for destruction. I was not proud of that in the past." [Before his insanity.] "But I have been trying to learn to live with it, even to find helpful uses for some of it."

"Oh?"

[Wizard claps his hands together interestedly.]

"Nothing to be ashamed of there. Not at all!"

[He folds his fingers in curiosity.]

"I must admit that you had more the look of a warrior than a spellcaster, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with specializing in the school of destruction. Both the Sorceress and I, regardless of whatever assorted utility spells we wield, are the same. For every levitation or teleportation cast there's an entire world of fire, ice, meteors, and other celestial calamities."

[A knowing tilt of the head interrupts him momentarily.]

"Most wizards and warlocks are the same. You don't generally see them venture off into the kinds of dabblings and dotterings I'm getting up to until they're much older."

[He perks up a bit.]

"Thank you. Some of it ... wasn't my doing. I was born with fire powers. I learned the rest later. I do consider myself a warrior first and foremost, but on my planet we fight both with weapons and magic."

"You walk something of a line between myself and my companion then. Every single scrap of magical acumen I have was clawed-out through hard practice and rigorous study. For her, though..."

[He makes a face.]

"It came through natural talent and intuition."

[A dissapproving click of his tongue proceeds the rest of his statement.]

"That natural gift has led to her approach to magic being considerably more seat-of-your-pants in approach, something that is a constant source of headache when you're of a more cautious and callculated approach to the arcane."

[The look of disapproval dissapates as he returns to the topic of Sephiroth's magical abilities instead of the neverending rivalry between himself and Sorceress.]

"If you're a spellsword, though, then it makes sense your progression through the magical arts was more mixed. I make use of staves and grimoires as means of focusing and enhancing my abilities and Sorceress makes use of staves and brooms, but both end up serving much the same purpose as swords and shields do to our other comrades. I'm curious though; are there magical institutions in your world or is it more up to the individual to pursue?"

"Despite being born with some of my powers, I agree with you that a more cautious approach is generally better. There is too much that could go wrong if it's not properly planned out. Of course, magic can always go awry, but there is a greater chance of that without the right preparedness.

"There are no magical institutions in my world, that I'm aware of. It is more up to the individual, although if they can find someone who has such knowledge already, it's beneficial for them to learn from that person."

"Much of how magic is learned where I come from, academically at least, is through grimoires. Different magisters and mages commit their lessons to paper and those are able to be passed-down, copied, or even produced en masse for aspiring wizards to learn from. Apprenticeships are common as well, but they're much more one-on-one as you would expect. I've heard of court wizards teaching students for a nation's army, but never encountered it in person so I can't say for certain."

[He taps a gloved hand against his lips, trying to recount what he'd seen of Hydeland's military.]

"The Kingdom we saved seemed to be a direct patron of the Great Wizard Wallace, but he wasn't an outright court wizard. They more seemed enamored by his exploits, if anything, and threw support behind various projects that he undertood if they benefited the kindgom. Goddesses know how disaastrous it was when some of his spells and projects fell into the wrong hand though, so I don't intent to contribute to seeding my own version of that by handing out time stop or true death scrolls to whatever random customer comes in here. Better to lean towards the side of ulility when it comes to the needs of the commonfolk, else you're courting disaster."

"I see. That's interesting."

[He listens, nodding grimly.]

"I wouldn't want any of my magic knowledge to fall into the wrong hands. There is too much danger of it being misused."

[He himself had misused it in his insanity.]

"The people here are overall possibly more trustworthy than some back home, but it is still too much to entrust to them."

[Wizard nods in agreement.]

"Even if the people here have their hearts in the right place, too, only a couple of months ago the unquiet dead rose up and decided to wreak havoc against the living. Those twisted facsimiles all carried the sills and knowledge their originals had in life as well."

[He clicks his tongue in disapproval at the thought.]

"The idea of arming potential adversaries with the means to better lay us low is not one I wish to endorse, hence the offer of services to people to handle disenchantments myself. They can still benefit from my expertise in the arcane, but it's not going to give them the means to use it against me at some point in the future."

"I am still puzzling over how those who have died apparently receive a fresh body every time they come back."

[That aspect certainly added to the horror with the zombies. He is grateful he didn't have any bodies to add to the mess.

A nod.]

That is very wise.

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