Post-Lectures Thoughts

At some point after Ezrin has given Ethelred lecture 13, Alexis asks Ethelred about the lessons when the two of them are alone.

“Listening to Ezrin’s lessons takes me back to my time learning the arts. And sleeping through lectures. I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well, as when I was hearing those lectures.” Alexis smiles remembering the time fondly.

“But I wanted to see how you’re faring with your teacher. You’ve gotten a lot of lectures, and I hope he’s given you concrete tasks; I know you do well with those. Perhaps he has given you a gem and asked you to probe it for flaws? Or perhaps he’s given you a few materials and had to rank them by hardness? Had to list a primary purpose for each material? In a ‘spell-component’ sort of way. Perhaps he’s brought you a stick from a nearby tree and asked you to discern which tree he got it from? I never did very well with that exercise, but I think you would be better suited to it.”

Alexis stops talking to allow his friend a chance to talk about his journey into magical learning.

Permission, But Only If You Say So

To the most suitable secretary under Nardor-Threp, Head Marshall of the Collegiate of the Esteemed, Keeper of the Keys, Bearer of the Mysterious Inner Flame, and the most previous Patriarch of the old Sutheron Council,

It seems nearly-pretentious to take any time with the matter with which I write you today, but I thought it best.

During the treasure-hunting and fact-finding myself and my companions are currently undertaking we have been exposed to artifacts, mysteries, and strange fellows with strange magics. As one might expect, my very-clever engineering companion has nearly discovered some causal links within the pre-first circles of the greater materials sciences. For the time being my engineer explores in darkness, but it’s clear our understandings of the material sciences could benefit from his insightful nature, bestowed upon him from a relatively generous deity.

Sorry for such a trivial bit of minutia. Any rejoinder correspondence before spring would be appreciated if there is time. If not, I will endeavor to navigate as best as I am able.

Your humble fellow collegian,

Alexis Laelius, Adept, sponsee of Nardor-Threp, Bearer of the Mysterious Inner Flame, Keeper of the Keys, Head Marshall of the Collegiate of the Esteemed, and the Ultimate Patriarch of the old Sutheron Council

Each One Teach One

Ezrin approaches Alexis one morning g after breaking the fast.

“Alexis Laelius, I believe learning the Recollection Perfextion incantations from you would help me teach Ethelred. I would better be able remember the lectures and be able share them more accurately. Would you be willing to teach me?”

An ear to hear…

When Ezrin is gone or very deep in his own work Red approaches Alexis.

“You asked if I could create an object to hear at a distance. And while I do not quite have the skills to do that, although I am happy to make an attempt, I do have an idea. It was something that Ezrin said when teaching me about the ‘true nature of light’. He mentioned how for him to bring forth light he needs something that has a connection to light.”

Ethelred bring out a pair of rabbit ears.

“These have something of ‘hearing’ to them. Could we use one ear, placed somewhere, to hear in the other? I didn’t think this would be the sort of.. divination… meddling that Ezrin would appreciate. He didn’t seem to approve of my… collecting of the rabbit and it various parts.”

Aegeirian Hospitality

While Gus and Ethelred are out gathering materials, Ezrin takes a break from his studies and waits for Alexis to pause his own work.

“I say Alexis Laelius, what do you make the fine Aegierian hospitality we’ve seen of late? The King Adelfried’s Army set’s a fine example, don’t you think? The guests we met the other night, do you think they were guests of the Green Shirts, or just friends of a soldier?”

Ezrin winks very obviously at Alexis.

Collegiate Topiary Methodoly

While Gustav and Ethelred are out collecting “materials,” Ezrin approaches Alexis.

“Alexis Laelius, I seek your counsel and advice as a fellow member of the Collegiate of the Esteemed, an initiate of the Third Circle, and as a part of your team.”

Ezrin pauses to guage Alexis’ acceptance of these terms.

“I am concerned about Ethelred’s… unique and intuitive approach to magic. You have discussed a former colleague that brought much chaos and danger to you and the rest of the group through even more chaotic attempts at magic, so I know you are aware of the immediate dangers, but given your unique entry in the the Collegium, perhaps you are not fully aware of the strict prohibitions on teaching magic to the uninitiated? The sanctions and penalties for which tend to start with expulsion from the Collegium at the least severe.”

Ezrin pauses for a moment and looks meaningfully at his hands and waggles his tongue just enough to make his meaning clear.

“Of course, transgressions can sometimes be forgiven, if the results are… productive for the Collegium, and the infractions themselves are not too… well-known, publicly or within the Collegium…”

“So, to the counsel and advice I asked for. How do I move Ethelred’s education forward and best pave the way for us to return to the Collegium? Do you have any insights from your own admissions experience?”

After the Light has Lit a Bit

After the lessons in light have ended the very next morning Ethelred brings up his next interest in magic.

“I have seen how there are ways to sense the world around you through sense beyond the ones given at birth. For example Ezrin you have been able to sense that items contain magic. Alexis you have been able to detect the location of objects.

My naive sense would be these two detections are connected. I have some ideas on how I could sense where at type of material is located. But I have little idea how to tell if some item contains within it something more that just the basic materials.”

The Final Obituary of Telosh Winterborne

Dear Mr Okken Winterborne,

I write to you as the last, and final, companion of your son, Telosh Winterborne. Perhaps you have been made aware that your son has been fighting the slavers known as the Dark Hand for more than a year now, and unfortunately they were able to get the upper hand in the woods to the Northeast of the Copper Hills Fort.

While Chia-eenee shot the arrow that almost surely killed your son, we were unable to check his body as it was carried away by the giant that haunts these woods. Perhaps you will take some small solace in knowing that your son helped defeat three of the Dark Hand’s most ruthless agents in that same combat, although I regret to inform you that Chia-eenee was able to escape in the confusion of the giant’s arrival.

It was my great pleasure to have discovered Telosh at his lowest; drinking and throwing fights for small-time criminal bets, and to have seen his embrace of the battle against the Dark Hand and of taking up the path of the Peacemakers.

During our short time together, your son fought the Dark Hand with his wits and with his strong-arm. He visited the lost Dwarven city of Dura-Intun, and helped slay the black dragon that dwelled under the mountain. He stole a powerful artifact of the goblin god. He ransomed a Sutheroni noble working for the Dark Hand on more than one occasion. He helped drive the goblin army away from the Copper Hills fort when they were led by Barra, including helping kill a troll. When magic was unleashed in the the Copper Hills mine, he worked diligently to reverse the threat to humanity. He saw the ancient Sword Chaotic, and had the good sense to leave it alone. He confronted the enemies of humanity known as Malor and the Arru-Norroth, and walked away to write about it in his book.

During all of our adventures, Telosh spoke often and fondly of yourself, Dakun, Sven, Gorf, and Dirk.

Unfortunately none of your sons belongings were able to be included with this letter, since the body was carried away by the previously mentioned giant.

My deepest condolences on your loss,
Alexis Laelius of the Crimson Calling