Codexing...
Codexing...
137 quotes (137 spoken, 0 mentions)
“How astute. She’s quite intelligent for an [Innkeeper].”
“Ow!”
“Fine. I suppose there’s no use attempting to impress anyone who actually has the rudiments of an education. But my question remains: what’s a young g—woman like you doing out here alone?”
“Highly. The core of the Amentus Fruit causes painful death within hours if eaten. While the outer rind is safe for consumption, the inner seeds are toxic. You are aware of this, right?”
“Behold my p—”
“What—who dares—?”
“It occurs to me that I never asked your name.”
“One does what one must to survive.”
“Indeed. That is quite often the case. However, you seem to have taken to it well. This area is inhospitable to most Humans.”
“Really? You just turned a corner and you were in a completely different place?”
“I, ah, came here to expand my horizons. This part of the continent—well, the local collection of city-states are quite hospitable to those people trying to avoid undue attention. Besides, food is plentiful if one has certain skills.”
“I see I’ve overstayed my welcome. Well, your meal was quite adequate, good Mistress. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude.”
“You truly didn’t? Well, well. A traveller who doesn’t know anything about where she is…teleportation spell? Amnesia magic?”
“Well, if you have no further need of me…I did pay for my misdeeds, after all. Rather handsomely, I might add, given that no harm was actually done except to my person. So I won’t intrude any fu—”
“Would, ah, this do?”
“Am I? Terribly sorry. Let me just, ah…”
“You—you could tell it was an invisibility spell?”
“Um. Thank you.”
“The locals don’t like Humans that much. Which is a fact anyone in a hundred miles would know. This is the border to the Drake lands to the south. But you…didn’t know that, did you?”
“How rude. My advanced lexicon and diction is merely a result of my education, not a façade that—”
“Shall we just say I accept your word? I wouldn’t dare question your authority on the subject, good Mistress, it’s just that—”
“Now look here, there’s no need for violence, Miss. I can see that you are no ordinary plebian fool but an extraordinary plebian. Believe me when I say that is a high compliment from a practitioner of the arcane such as I.”
“My apologies, good [Innkeeper], for all these misunderstandings. Please accept this recompense for your wasted time.”
“In fact, good Mistress, that is in point of reality—”
“And I suppose if I don’t, you hit me with that pot, correct?”
“Do I have the option to refuse?”
“So, if I might inquire, what is a delicate flower of effervescence doing in such a locale?”
“This area is known as the Floodplains of Liscor. It’s because of a lovely natural phenomenon of the geography and—but you aren’t from here, if you don’t know about this area. But I would have guessed as much since you are Human. As far as I can tell.”
“Ah.”
“Harshly put, good Mistress. But yes, I would like to make amends. Let us be quits with no further unpleasantness! Or violence. And I am sure this payment is quite acceptable, is it not?”
“Fair point. Let me just amend my fee.”
“Only on occasion. And I quite understand your irate feelings. However, since I believe all is settled, I shall just…”
“…Perhaps.”
“Ah, this is understandable. But may I remind you that traditionally those who practice magic are beings of great power that should not be crossed?”
“Ah, but money is so…mundane. Where would the enjoyment in life be without variety?”
“My thanks.”
“And you’re an expert on [Teleportation] spells? I see.”
“No, no. I have no clue what kind of magic would be capable of that, if any. That sounds like a spell which—well, suffice it to say I know of only a few living mages who might even attempt such a feat. But if you were the target, it still makes no sense. Why would anyone waste such a powerful spell on someone as mundane as…as…”
“My physical appearance has nothing to do with—”
“You would not be so quick to judge if you knew more about the people you’re defending. Especially this city.”
“Pisces, practitioner of magic, student of Wistram Academy, specialized in the Elementalist and Illusionary schools of magic with additional competencies in multiple spell schools.”
“What the—”
“Oh really?”
“I, uh, hope this is sufficient, good Mistress. I am of course willing to pay any dues to—to make amends, but I’m slightly low on coin at the moment.”
“Are you aware that, ah, this fruit is poisonous?”
“…Necromancy.”
“Yes, well. I see you’ve established yourself quite nicely. This is—is quite a lovely establishment you’ve founded. Very quaint.”
“Lost? It takes quite some skill to wander this far into the Floodplains. Or are you a local? I very much doubt you are, though.”
“I see.”
“Ah. Am I supposed to eat this?”
“Ahem. Well, I shall be going. I am—terribly sorry for all that. It was just, ah—a spell which I—desperate times make fools of us all. And clearly, not you. Which is why I shall depart and not trouble you again.”
“You struck me? Me? How dare you! I will have you know I am a mage of great power, and I will not be—”
“Me?”
“Fascinating. That has to be a very high-level phenomenon or artifact. Seamless teleportation without any visual cues and even sensation at that range? Not even our Archmages could…fascinating indeed.”
“It’s common. Well, not common exactly, but it’s the only explanation I can think of. Back in the Academy…it was not an unheard of phenomenon. I suppose you could have also been carried off by one of the local avian species, but they tend to drop their prey and chew their bones.”
“I suppose the toxicity would be acceptable if it were just the fruit. Well then.”
“Ah. Of course. Well, as a practitioner of the mystic arts, I feel it is always wise to be…generous.”
“I-I see?”
“Fascinating. But it’s still the elevated status of a common enforcer when all is said and done, isn’t it?”
“Oh, really?”
“Spoken like a truly ignorant fool. What would you know of magical mastery? My powers may not lie in mere confrontation, but I assure you, I have more power in my fingernails than you have in your entire brutish body.”
“No—no need, good Mistress Solstice. I am quite satisfied at the moment.”
“If you can.”
“I am a powerful [Mage] far beyond your capabilities. Even if your paltry Skills cannot detect my—capabilities—you would do well to be wary of my hidden…capabilities.”
“I have studied countless schools of magic. You see before you a practitioner of the elements, a weaver of illusions, a refined chanter, a master of alchemy, pyromancy, aeromancy, geomancy—”
“Regardless if you know my identity or not, I still believe you will find capturing me no easy task.”
“If I might trouble you for a knife and fork—”
“Another drink if you would. My cup has run dry.”
“I would be only too happy to. But I fear I was quite parched, and if you would be so good…?”
“Seldom. It is a seasonal weather pattern to rain like this in the spring. Fall downpours like these are an aberration. Normally, I would not hazard a guess at how long the rain would fall, but someone has been interfering with the weather. So we’ll have a brief storm, that’s all. Hardly anything as memorable as magical rain.”
“With magic, how else? Some shortsighted fool must have cast a localized weather control spell. Impressive, I suppose, but clumsy in execution. As for magical rain—have you never observed glowing rain in any color? Magical typhoons? Ah…raining toads?”
“Ahem. Of course, that is how the phenomenon actually occurs. But the impetus is largely magical…I see you know your way around some natural events. This particular storm will not be raining any creatures, however. It truly was someone simply sending unwanted rain our way. It may be a scandal, although given how the Drake cities squabble—I detected it from the south. Perhaps as far as Pallass.”
“The term is mage, good Mistress.”
“Aha. Accept my apologies. But if you are referring to one of my exalted brethren, mage is the best term to use.”
“I did not say specialization is absent from the magical world. Rather, shall we say that those are titles for mages who meet certain requirements? A [Wizard] is an arcane researcher and true student of the arcane arts. Such individuals are similar to myself, but prefer to study the mainstream branches of magic. [Sorcerers], on the other hand, are quite simplistic and refer to those who use no spellbooks and have little formal education. [Warlocks] obtain their powers from other sources such as summoning, while [Witches] practice alchemy along with specialized schools of magic. Their…very peculiar magic, which is so rooted in folklore. Nevertheless, [Mage] remains the generally accepted title to refer to all those who practice magic as a catchall moniker…”
“You asked. I was merely fulfilling my role as a guest.”
“Yes. And it’s not as if this is a particularly difficult task. I realize it may look so to the uninitiated, but a spell like this could easily be cast by a level 30 [Mage]. Less, I suppose, if the individual were specialized.”
“As I said, not that impressive. Many mages could cast a spell like this.”
“My specialization lies in other areas.”
“Merely another branch of magic, good Mistress Erin. I note you don’t have the same aversion as a less-informed fool. Let me assure you—”
“Greetings, good Mistress. I was wondering if I could impose upon you—”
“Um. Very well. Are you open today?”
“You. This establishment.”
“Is this place open? Do you provide sustenan—food? I pay, I eat?”
“I would like to peruse your menu if I m—”
“And a plate?”
“It happens quite often. A natural weather phenomenon, you know.”
“I paid no attention. The plebian masses are a burden to be endured; I bear no ill will to the misinformed or ignorant for their rudeness.”
“How discourteous. I believe I shall bring my business elsewhere next time.”
“The fee was extorted under duress.”
“The fee was extorted under duress.”
“And me. A second plate and a refill of my drink, if you would.”
“If we’re done with the lovely chatting, my glass is empty. Isn’t attending to one’s customers part of my service?”
“Ah. I see the good [Innkeeper] holds a grudge. Well, I’m not sure what she told you two, but I assure you, I have compensated her more than adequately for my…mistake. It’s nothing two soldiers need concern themselves with.”
“About what?”
“Ah.”
“Indeed you will. This is an affront!”
“Do you want something? I don’t do magic upon request. If you seek a certain spell, I would be happy to discuss my remunerations…later.”
“I am completely innocent—utterly so. These baseless accusations are false and—”
“Actually, I would prefer—”
“Yes, we wouldn’t want to ruin the enjoyment of mindless thugs like yourself.”
“A keen observer would discern his opponent’s weaknesses and strengths and make assumptions based on their actions and ability. These two, on the other hand, are just using a Skill.”
“Pardon me. I would not dare to interrupt such august personages such as yourself. Please, proceed.”
“I have only ever done what I loved. Slay me as well, you thoughtless fools. Just like all of my kind. One day—one of us will follow Az’kerash.”
“I—I give up.”
“They will have patrols out around the city. They will scour the grasslands for me. Please, if you were to hide me, I would be sure to survive.”
“Of course I wouldn’t do that. I’m no barbarian—”
“In point of fact, I was wondering if I might persuade you to shelter and provide me with my basic necessities while in this moment of dire need. I can provide you with adequate recompense, I assure you—”
“I was, in fact, upstairs the entire time. Under a bed. It was the simplest solution given the intelligence of those two brutish guardsmen.”
“I—I—”
“I will cease all magic and go with you quietly if you assure my life. I meant no harm to you or your companion. But we are at an impasse until you do.”
“Please, please reconsider.”
“Antagonizing one of my power is unwise. If you have any sense, you will accede to my request. Or know the consequences.”
“I assure you I would be a quite convivial guest. And I wouldn’t ask for much. In fact, you may be interested to know I am proficient in multiple schools of spellcasting. While necromancy is a—passion of mine, I have extensively studied the elementalist, illusory, and enchanting schools of magic. My level is over twenty in the general [Mage] class. Even amongst my fellow students, you would be hard-pressed to find a spellcaster as widely capable as I am. I can aid in a number of functions that would improve your inn. And I have money.”
“Please, please, good Mistress, let’s not be hasty!”
“I assure you, my life is worth far more than you would ever get for me dead. This can all be solved amicably. I will fully cooperate—”
“My magic—”
“Please, spare my life. If you have any pity in your soul—”
“He didn’t want to tell you the truth! But he and I both know what happens to [Necromancers]. We—any mage possessing even a single level in the class—are all killed on sight in this part of the world! There’s no mercy for my kind here. The legacy of the Necromancer of Terandria, Az’kerash, lingers. Especially here, where his armies once sieged Liscor.”
“—Allow me to apologize. But if I might say a few words—”
“I am a man in desperate straits. You would do well not to underestimate what I am capable of.”
“Ah, but what good innkeeper would deprive herself of such a magnificent guest?”
“Gewil—”
“Don’t be hasty!”
“Please, hear me out. Rest assured, I bear you no ill will for reporting my actions to the guard. I fully appreciate the severity of my crimes, however—”
“I know.”
“I can be ransomed. Quite highly! My school will pay ten—thirty gold coins in whichever denomination you like for my return.”
“I—I seek no quarrel with you. I am a graduate of Wistram Academy and a practicing mage. You detain me at your peril.”
“Please, I beg of you. Just one night. Just give me sanctuary, and I swear I will be gone upon the morrow. It is my death without your aid. Would you kill me? I ask you as a fellow Human. Please.”
“If I am caught, they will take me to the city. And there I will be judged and killed. This is a certainty, Mistress Erin.”
“Now, now. Let’s not be hasty, good Mistress. I was merely saying—”
“Would you turn away an innocent—”
“Except here.”
“So it would appear.”
“I assure you, you will never see—”
“What?”
“I don’t know how I can thank you, good M—Miss Erin. Please, accept my humblest—”