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Tenebrae - Sunday, July 13, 2014, 6:47 AM

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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The air of solemn, heavy divinity in the area is often broken by laughter. The dual presence of the deities Althea and Daeus, man and wife, stand towards the center, with their children and their children's temples positioned around them. The presence of the divine is felt not only by their temples, but also by the actions of their worshippers. The great plaza is as a social center, paved in brilliant, white flagestones and covered in benches and sitting areas. Priests, acolytes, and servicefolk of all stripes roam the plaza, going from one task to the other.

At the front of the temples of Daeus and Althea, at the Plaza's centermost point, rests a great fountain, the cheerful waters reflecting the Sun during the day, and the Moon and Stars at night. The fountain is strategically centered, and is oft a place for wisdom and lesson-giving. It is not uncommon for a priest of some stripe or the other to stand there, surrounded by the curious and faithful, delivering messages of hope or contemplation. At other times, it and the plaza become a landscape of celebration of the holy holidays.

Few vendors are seen in the plaza--the nearby temples provide most food or services. Towards the west, the great Bridge stretches across the river, and towards the east, the Redridge mountains. The plaza rests in the midst of it all, the temples massive and grand on the Alexandrian scale.

Selerik is outside the Temple of Tarien, speaking with a merchant. They have several samples of cloth that Selerik is.. Weighing? He seems to be trying to determine which fabric is lightest, much to the confusion of the merchant. Still, paying customer.

Mikilos wanders out of the Temple of Eluna. The tall elf might be more a Navos sorta guy, but it never hurts to pay homage to the Goddess of Magic. Glancing around absently, he blinks at the cloth weighing, and wanders closer for a good look.

The cloths being looked at are fairly standard, nicer fabrics. All the more complex patterns have already been eliminated or were never considered at all. Silk features prominently, though it is being measured right alongside a thread-bare peasants cloth. Weight seems to be the only factor here.

Mikilos quirks a brow, glancing over the selection a moment before giving up on guessing. "Dare I ask just what it is you're seeking?"

"We dare to many things in this life and the next. I dare to seek relief for Rune." Selerik sets down the last of the fabrics, thanking the merchant. "The red fabric and the silk are both excellent, thank you. I will contact you within the week with my decision." The merchant does his goodbyes, leaving Selerik with Mikilos. After a moment, Selerik turns to Mikilos fully, offering an incline of his head.

Mikilos mmms absently, but smiles. "Be that as it may, I was refering to your selection of cloth. Fabric for a flying device, perhaps?" A reasonable enough guess, in this city.

Selerik says, "A fabric to enchant, actually." Selerik considers Mikilos a few moments longer. "I remember you, from the tavern that uses attempted arson for decor. You were a man of magic?"

Mikilos mmms. "...slightly disturbing how little that description narrows things down. But yes, Mikilos Mithralla, Builder Arcane, and Magus of the Fifth. And I'd recomend the silk. Tends to hold an enchantment better than most cloths, though of course depends on what exactly you have planned."

Selerik uncoils a scroll from his carrying satchel, offering it to Mikilos. "I have studied a spell, that I myself regretably cannot invoke. It is known as Illusory Script." The scroll is non-magical, a description of the spell and the effects from a scholarly point of view. "The enchantment is only temporary, but there are limits to the size of the target. Somewhat problematic, as I need the largest banners I can manage to dare as I would."

Mikilos mms, glancing over the description a few moments before nodding. "I'm familiar with the illusion, though I don't have the particulars. Just what is it you have in mind?"

Selerik glances around a moment, before extending a hand towards a bench near the temple of Tarien. "Tell me, have you seen the spell used before? It is the secondary effects, which have my interest."

Mikilos nods, taking the indicated seat. "In demonstration, never in the field. But in pondering... I can see how such a thing could become quite useful."

There is a nod as Selerik casts a minor cantrip, creating a tiny model of a castle wall in his hand. He sets it down on the bench between himself and Mikilos. "The walls of Rune are mighty things, though the enemy is numerous." He extends the cantrip, dusting the area around the wall with tiny colorful specs. He invokes a second cantrip, the sound of a particularly tiny battle taking place centered on the model wall. "Rune can be seen from far in the distance, by the scattered troops upon the city's flanks.

"So well seen, in fact.." Selerik extends the cantrip again, draping a bittle bit of conjured fabric ove the wall. "That a banner might be seen for miles."

GAME: Selerik casts Prestidigitation. Caster Level: 4 DC: -85

GAME: Selerik casts Ghost Sound. Caster Level: 4 DC: -85

Mikilos nods. "And thus could, in theory, affect an entire army. Or at least a fair portion of it. The enchantment could last for days, allowing several 'encouragements' to be prepared. Even if only, say, a quarter of the attacking army is affected, it could throw any effort of cordination into chaos."

Selerik smiles. "Indeed. By designating the banner to be readable by the allies of Rune, or something similar, the secondary effect would automatically target the rival army that dared to look upon Rune. There would be impacts upon morale simply from having to avert their gaze, but for those who fall under the banner's spell.." Selerik waves his hand, the sound of battle giving ways to such cries as 'I want my mommy' and 'Why is my weapon made of wood? This is garbage!'

Mikilos frowns, and shakes his head. "Workable, but crude. One such banner, and the barbarians know to avert their gaze. A more subtle effort might work better. When the tide of war is in their favor, a simple suggestion 'It's a trap, be cautious!' When they are dashing themselves upon our defenses, a touch of encouragement. 'A good charge will break the line!'"

Selerik gives a dismissive wave of his hand. "The effects are subtle, it will take time for them to fully grasp it. The damage to morale will be done. Then imagine you are charging the walls of the enemy, and cannot look upon the very walls you seek to fight?" He shakes his head slightly. "Cannot watch for arrows, or fireballs, or whatever else may strike the life from you? The strength of will needed to resist such an urge when your life is in danger is great. Few will have it."

Mikilos mmms. "Do not underestimate the will or creativity of the Dran. Too many have done so already, and look where that's got us. Regardless, the idea holds merit. I am willing at assist in this effort, though I currently lack the particular enchatment."

Selerik gives a sad nod at the news. "Regretably, most do. It sees rare enough use, normally."

Mikilos nods. "I've only seen it used in texts. To use it as a banner... well, may not have occured to anyone before. Or, there may be some overlooked detail that fouls the effort. Still, I'm sure if the Society doesn't have a copy somewhere, the Vaults of Rune will."

Selerik nods. "As I am. The question becomes then who to request it from." He looks over Mikilos thoughtfully. "Perhaps you would join me to inquire?"

Mikilos nods. "I now plan to. Or at least, I plan to inquire, joined or seperate."

Selerik removes the cantrips, brushing the wall and the specs away from the bench and into nothingness. He then leans in towards Mikilos, offering his hand. "It is greatly appreciated, Mikilos Mithralla, Builder Arcane, Magus of the Fifth. Should you succeed on your own, please seek me out through the temple. Selerik Delent, Teacher and Keeper of Tales."

Mikilos nods, accepting the hand with a firm grip. "A pleasure, Sir Delent. Just what may come of all this I can only guess. But I think the final result will be good for Rune."

Selerik seems a little taken aback at being called a sir, though he gives a small tight smile rather than voice his discomfort directly. "Ah, yes.. I dare to hope the same."

Mikilos faintly quirks a brow, pondeing a moment before shrugging the idea away. "In any case, I think I'd best be off. I've some preperations to make before a short visit back to Llyranost. A cousin's bithday, and missing it would be... frowned upon."

Selerik rises. "I thank you for your time, may the traveling god's blessing be upon you." He looks to the temple a moment, giving Mikilos another glance before moving to part ways.

Mikilos rises, and heads off, frowning thoughtfully to himself. Seems the magus has something to think about.