CHAPTER TWO - The Coming Tide

[Nina]

The Coming Tide

 

Six weeks later…

 

Tandy twirled and swayed, the music not an accompaniment but part of her dance, a mix of Ballet and contemporary and something else, tribal, primal.

 

The music was played on violin by Darrien who stood apart, the composition was pure improvisation, but if you listened hard a fine ear could hear the echoes of the masters.

 

Wayne who had led the party to this forest glade in the heart of Discovery Park moved around taking pictures and working his own magic to capture moments in time.

 

Aside from the three mages, four of Wayne’s students, close friends and confidants, had accompanied them to the park.

 

It was the first time in almost two months that the three mages had time off from study, research and practice. Nadia and Tony had taken a trip out of the country, leaving their young protage’s to take care of the house and themselves for a time.

 

After a week in the city doing the sorts of things one does in a city like Seattle, Wayne suggested a nature excursion to cleanse the body, mind, and soul.

 

The group had agreed, and so they found themselves now, in the heart of the forest, surrounded by ancient trees and the sweet scent of nature. Tandy's dance seemed to harmonize with the wind rustling through the leaves, her movements a testament to the harmony between spirit and earth.

 

As Darrien's bow danced across the strings of his violin, a sense of peace settled over the group. The music wove a tapestry of sound that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the forest itself, each note carrying a message of tranquility and unity.

 

Wayne captured these moments with his camera, his lens focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, capturing the beauty and magic of the world around them. He knew that these moments were fleeting, but through his photography, he could preserve them forever.

 

The students watched in awe, their eyes wide with wonder at the sights and sounds before them. Time seemed to stand still.

 

They were witnessing magical artistry in this intimate setting that was truly mesmerizing. The forest seemed to come alive with energy, responding to the music and dance in a way that felt supernatural.

 

Tandy's movements became more fluid, her body a conduit for the ancient rhythms of the earth. As she spun, leaves lifted into the air around her, swirling in a delicate vortex that followed her every step. It was as if the spirits of the forest had joined her in a joyful celebration of life.

 

Darrien's music swelled, filling the glade with a symphony of sound that seemed to echo through the trees. His fingers moved with lightning speed across the strings, coaxing melodies from the violin that were both haunting and uplifting.

 

Wayne's camera clicked away, capturing each moment in time with precision and artistry. He knew that these images would serve as reminders of this magical day, preserving not just the sights but also the emotions and energies that danced through the air.

 

The sun cast dappled patterns of light through the canopy above, creating a natural spotlight on Tandy as she leaped and twirled with grace and power. Each movement seemed to be in perfect sync with the music, evoking a sense of wonder and awe in all who watched.

 

As the improvised performance reached its crescendo, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves, carrying with it a soft whisper that seemed to echo through the glade. The spirits of the forest were drawn to the gathering, their presence felt rather than seen.

 

Tandy slowed her dance, coming to a stop in the center of the clearing. She closed her eyes and raised her arms to the sky, offering a silent prayer of gratitude to the ancient spirits who had graced them with their presence.

 

In that moment, a sense of peace settled over the group, wrapping them in a warm embrace that transcended words. The boundaries between magic and reality blurred, and for an instant, they felt as though they were a part of something greater than themselves. The connection they shared with each other and with the natural world around them was palpable, a tangible thread that bound them together in harmony.

 

As Tandy lowered her arms and opened her eyes, a single tear glistened on her cheek, reflecting the sunlight filtering through the leaves. She turned to her companions, a radiant smile on her face, and they knew that this moment would be etched in their memories forever.

 

Darrien lowered his violin, a look of reverence on his face as he gazed at the forest around them. The music had faded, but its echoes lingered in the air, a reminder of the beauty and power they had created together.

 

Wayne lowered his camera, a sense of awe filling his heart as he looked at the camera, the images he had captured revealed to his minds inner eye. Each photo would be a testament to the magic of this day, a snapshot of a moment that transcended time and space.

 

The students gathered around the three mages, their eyes shining with admiration and gratitude. They had witnessed something truly extraordinary, a convergence of talent, power, and natural beauty that left them breathless.

 

Nadia and Tony would have been proud to see how far their young charges had come in such a short time. The bonds between the mages and their students had deepened during this outing, forged in moments of wonder and connection that could not be replicated in any classroom or training session.

 

As the group prepared to leave the forest glade and return to the bustling city, a sense of peace and contentment lingered in their hearts. They knew that they carried the magic of this day with them, a beacon of light that would guide them through whatever challenges lay ahead.

 

For Wayne, Tandy, and Darrien, this day marked a turning point in their journey as mages. They had tapped into the true essence of their powers, discovering that magic was not just about spells and incantations.

 

Later that night…

 

Midnight, a dense fog covered the ground and the sound of a dog barking carried far. Seven figures wreathed in darkness crossed the green at the White Horse Golf club

 

Their footsteps muffled by the fog, the figures moved with purpose through the eerie night. The moon cast a dim glow on the landscape, illuminating their silhouettes as they approached an old clubhouse at the back of the property.

 

As they drew closer, a sense of foreboding settled over the night, a feeling that something sinister was about to unfold. The leader of the group, a tall and imposing figure, raised a hand and gestured for the others to stop.

 

"Weapons at the ready," he commanded in a low, gravelly voice. The others nodded in response, unsheathing blades and readying spells in anticipation of what lay ahead.

 

The old clubhouse loomed before them, its windows dark and its doors creaking ominously in the wind. The leader took a step forward, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement.

 

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the moonlight with an air of confidence. It was a lone figure, clad in dark robes and carrying a staff adorned with shimmering crystals. The figure's eyes glowed with an otherworldly light as they surveyed the intruders.

 

"You dare to disturb the sanctity of this place," the figure spoke, their voice echoing with power. "Leave now, or face the consequences."

 

The leader of the group chuckled darkly, stepping forward to meet the challenge. "We are not here for idle threats," he retorted. "This covenant holds secrets that are of great importance to us. Stand aside, or we will make you."

 

With a swift motion, the figure raised their staff, and a wave of energy crackled through the air towards the intruders. The group sprang into action, spells and blades flashing in the moonlight as they clashed with the mysterious figure.

 

Each move was met with a counterattack, the figure's powers unmatched and overwhelming. As the battle raged on, it became clear that this was no ordinary foe they faced.

 

The leader grit his teeth against the onslaught of the defender but even out numbered the defender was too powerful and one by one, six of the seven fell bested by the staff wielder. The defender turned to face the leader, “You should not have come here. This covenant has stood for three centuries, and it will stand for…gahhh!”

 

A curved blade exploded from the Defender’s chest, blood from the bisected heart sprayed, dousing the leader, and the Defender’s lifeless finger let go the staff as he toppled face down at the leaders feet, revealing the eighth member of the Leaders cabal holding the dripping knife.

 

“Took you long enough.” The Leader said as the six who had been beaten down slowly regained the feet with painful groans.

 

“I had to get into position and wait for the right moment. Skill takes time and patience, isn’t that what you taught me.” The eighth member spoke and stepped into the light which poured from the club house’s opened door. She smiled wickedly at the leader.

 

Spoiler

The Eighth Member  

 

[Shameless]

For Darien, the experience ranked highly of all those he'd had in his life, right up there with the performance he gave when he first learned his heritage. He'd felt a oneness with the Worldsong he normally had to work quite hard, or meditate quite deeply to feel, and he knew it was because each of them played their parts, and added their own verses.  He knew it was something he would always remember, and strive to recapture and eclipse one day, as he grew as a mage and as a musician.   Mostly he felt profoundly grateful for the experience, it reaffirmed that the path he walked was the right one for him, something that strengthened his convictions, and nourished his desire to strive for further improvement.
 

  As they were leaving the glade he looked over to Wayne, Tandy, and Wayne's students.   "We should do this again.  Once each season, to see how it changes things."   He'd enjoyed it, and surprisingly, even weaving their effects, though subtle and minor, it should have been harder with people who weren't mages around, but it wasn't.   He'd have to ask Tony and Nadia about that when they returned.   Perhaps there was some sort of synergistic effect, with everyone being in the moment together.   It was interesting to him at least, something new.
 

He didn't know what Wayne's students had planned, but at least for Wayne and Tandy, he had an idea.  They were truly here camping and no camping trip would be complete without the proper staple foods.   "So long as we're in the right area, we can make a fire.   I did bring everything for smores, and of course some hotdogs in the ice chest surrounded by cold packs..."

Edited October 4, 2024 by Shameless

[Veral]

 The walk in Discovery park allowed Wayne to get back in touch with his preferred natural element. In addition, he was glad to share the excursion with his students and his new magical friends. When they arrived at the entrance to the glade, he stopped everyone and just took in the natural beauty of the environment. He took out his camera, and a small bandolier which was normally used for shotgun shells. The holders for the shells were just about the same size as his film canisters. He took out 6 rolls of film and put their canisters in the strap. Once that was done, he proceeded into the glen. After taking a couple of shots to "establish" the environment, Wayne got a serious look on his face as he waited for the music and dancing to begin. He had a feeling that something special would come of today, even if it was just a good time with friends. 

 

When the dancing and music began, Wayne let the moment take over in his heart and mind. Making sure not to get in Tandy's way, Wayne almost seemed to be dancing with her, so fast and rhythmic were his movements and adjustments for the photos. He concentrated the photos on the interplay of light and shadow as Tandy swirled and let herself be guided by the music provided by Darien. As soon as one roll was finished and auto-rewound, he popped open the back of the camera, took out the exposed roll, quickly started the new roll with practiced ease, with barely missing a beat. In some respects, it would have seemed to anyone well versed with firearms very similar to reloading a magazine on a pistol. 

 

As the music was winding down, Wayne began to concentrate his photos on Tandy's face. Getting a wide shot when she raised her hands, and then immediately, he focused on the spellbinding expression. As the tear glinted in the sunlight, he felt the magic in the air and pressed down the shutter button, knowing he had gotten a shot worthy of the famous photos that have graced the covers of magazines throughout the age of photography. It may even be on par with the Afghan girl from Nat Geo fame. After that, he slowly lowered his camera, and took a look around. As Darien was lowering his bow, but still holding the violin to his chin, Wayne sneakily took a photo from a non-traditional position without even looking through the viewfinder, so as to not break the tension of the moment. 

 

After everyone started breathing again, Wayne looked at the bandolier and realized he had used 5 of the 6 rolls he had planned to. He took a sharpie out and marked the caps 1-4, and then he marked the 5th cap S. Even though the roll wasn't quite finished, he rewound the one in the camera and put it in the S-marked holder. He got the final roll out and put it into his camera. He said to the students who were captivated with what they had just seen, "Enchanting, isn't it. That is what being 'In the moment' is all about. That one brief moment in time that everything comes together. It rarely happens, so I'm glad you could witness and feel it at the same time that we did." 

 

He turned to Darien, "I 'll get the fire started once we get to the camp site. it shouldn't be far." Wayne took the lead on the hike to the place they would set up. Even though the experience had been very emotional and energetic, Wayne felt like he was walking on air as he travelled. The feelings of the glade still boosting his and everyone else's spirits.

 

 

((OOC: The afghan girl photo))

Spoiler

 

Edited October 13, 2024 by Veral
added photo referred to in spoiler

[Nina]

As they approached the campsite, Wayne's students took charge of setting up the tents while he got to work on the fire. The crackling and popping sounds soon filled the air, casting a warm, inviting glow around the small clearing. With the fire lit, Darien began preparing the hot dogs and smores, each person pitching in to help out.

 

As night fell, the group gathered around the fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. The experience in the glade had left them all with a sense of wonder and awe, its magic lingering in their hearts long after they had left. They spoke of how it had affected them, how it had reinforced Darien's beliefs and given him a renewed sense of purpose as a mage and musician.

 

Tandy shared her thoughts on how she felt such a strong connection not only to Darien's music but also to the very essence of nature itself.

 

Later that night after all had settle in to sleep…

 

Tandy’s eyes snapped open. She was used to sleeping rough and slept lightly with a hair trigger. She moved only her eyes and glanced around the camp. She saw the huddled forms in sleeping bags and a the campfire burned low, mostly just embers now.

 

Something had woken her, not a sound, there was nothing unusual with the nightsounds of the park. It wasn’t weather, the forecasts had called for clear skies and lower temperatures but no rain.

 

But something had awoken her. She closed her eyes and felt with her mind, opening her magickal senses so to speak.

 

“Stop them…”

 

The words were in her head a whisper, they smelled of violence, tasted of death. Tandy turned her head and saw a wooden staff, the kind like the wizards in the movies carry. It was lying near the fire.

 

She quietly slipped from her sleeping bag and rose to her feet in a crouch. Still crouching she moved, careful not to wake Wayne’s students, to Darien and then Wayne waking each and motioning for silence then she pointed out the staff on the ground.

 

The Staff

Spoiler

 

[Veral]

Throughout the time around the fire, Wayne seemed a bit muted in expression and emotion. He felt a bit of a let down after the experience in the glade. The emotional high of that time had worn off and left Wayne a bit... melancholy. In his mind's eye he pictured ad heard the final moments of the dance and music. He KNEW he might never experience a moment like that again. Although he had the pictures which would evoke the memories for all those present, he had no way to bring that magical moment to life for everyone else. His photos would be a pale reflection of the moment, without the music and setting. After being quiet and distant for about an hour, his mind finally allowed itself to be jogged out of it's rut. He finally cheered up and spent the rest of the night laughing and enjoying the company and the environment. 

 

When he bedded down for the night, he hid a small can of bear spray next to his travel pillow, just in case. He soon drifted off to sleep, his breathing evening out as he did so. His dreams were filled with light and ethereal sound carrying him on it's wings. When he was awoken by Tandy, the dream had gotten to a particularly flowy spot. Wayne's body jerked upon being woken up, his hand reaching for the bear spray. His vision cleared after a second and he relaxed upon seeing Tandy. He nodded when she indicated the need for silence, and carefully climbed out of the sleeping bag he was in. He quickly stepped back towards the slowly dying fire. 

 

Looking down upon the staff, he raised an eyebrow and looked at the ground around it. He was looking for any footprints or signs of disturbances in the area. He whispered to Darien and Tandy, "Looks strange. Want me to see if someone dropped it off? or should we stick to mundane investigation for now?"

[Shameless]

As powerful as the experience in the glade had been, Darien knew such time was fleeting, haunting almost.  The Worldsong was like that sometimes.   A perfect melody that would haunt your thoughts for years to come, or it could be the core a precious memory that simply caused you to stop and hum along, long afterwards.  He was thankful for the experience, either way.
 

He sat around the fire with the others, enjoying a different sort of camaraderie.  Certainly not as magical as before, but he didn't have all that much experience being around others with it not pertaining to music in some way.  This was different, and fun in a different way.
 

Surprised at Tandy rousing him from his sleep, he had a feeling it wasn't without good reason and followed her out of his tent.  Beholding the staff, he looked to Wayne and replied.  "Go ahead, the others are asleep so it shouldn't be an issue."  even as he said so, he reached out, using his connection with the prime sphere to discover anything about the staff's potentially magical nature.

 

Spoiler

roll 6,4

 

Edited October 22, 2024 by Shameless

[Nina]

Wayne had the ability to manipulate time and he used it now to reflect on the last forty-five minutes. In his mind's eye, he saw the group finishing their night and going to sleep. Suddenly, the staff appeared in its current position.

 

As Wayne delved into the past, Darien used the sphere of Prim to analyze the magic that must have brought the staff here. No other force could have transported it except for magic.

 

Darien stretched out his hands, palms facing the staff, and closed his eyes. He reached out with his mind to grasp the magic surrounding the staff and began to analyze it. As he did so, a magical energy vibrated through his fingertips and into his soul.

 

Out of nowhere, a shimmer materialized above the staff, revealing a vision of a fierce battle. Multiple mages, masked and cloaked, were fighting against one powerful figure who wielded the staff. Despite their efforts, he effortlessly defeated them one by one. But as he turned to face the leader, an unseen assailant struck from behind, plunging a knife through his back. He fell to the ground with a cry of "Stop them!" and the staff disappeared from his grasp.

 

As the shimmer faded, Darien's eyes widened in shock and horror. He could feel a chill run through the group as they all shared the same reaction. Wayne quickly glanced around the camp to ensure no one had awoken by the sudden change of energy.

 

Turning back to address the staff, Darien said, "We must find these masked mages and stop them." He then looked at Wayne and Tandy, "Do either of you sense any direction or know of any nearby enemy mages?"

 

Wayne concentrated and whispered, "I don't sense anything right now, but we should be cautious and not let our guard down." He then stepped back towards the fire to keep an eye on it while he listened to their conversation.

 

Tandy closed her eyes for a moment, feeling with her magickal senses for any trace of the battle or its participants. After a few seconds she opened her eyes again, "I should have sensed it earlier the staff was brought by a spirit, that o fthe fallen mage I assume. I think I can follow where it came from, give me a minute.”

 

She began to focus, feeling the energy within herself and connecting with the essence of nature. Slowly, she started to sense the direction of the staff's spirit, her magical senses leading her through the wooded area.

 

"I think I got it," her eyes still closed she raised her hand unbidden and made a some sort of gesture in the air and the world containing the three young mages seemed to fold in upon it self and they were gone.

 

Around the campfire the students of Wayne slept undisturbed.

 

A sudden disorientating sensation washed over Darien, Wayne, and Tandy as if they were being squeezed out of a tiny point in space and into an entirely different location. As they gathered their bearings, their eyes fell upon a cluster of old brick and wood buildings, their worn facades giving off a sense of storied history. But the most startling sight was the body lying at their feet. It was unmistakably that of the Mage they had just witnessed fighting against his attackers, before falling victim to an unseen assailant. And there, next to the lifeless corpse, lay the very staff he had wielded with such ferocity and skill. A chill ran down their spines at the realization that they were standing in the aftermath of the deadly battle they had witnessed in the vision.

 

[Shameless]

"What were they after, that they didn't take his staff?"   Darien asked aloud, already continuing his search with his expanded senses, reading the flow of magic in this place, listening to the Worldsong's verse, hoping to discern some clue.  Something either dissonant in a flawless song, or some small bit of calm in a disorderly cacophony.   "We'll bury his remains properly, as a fellow mage he deserves at least that, unless you think we should cremate him."  
 

[Nina]

The magick flow of the area was still disrupted from the spell battle that had been fought, Darien could glean nothing at this location, not until things settled down. But the dissonance told him one thing. The battle had not been over for long.

 

Wayne nodded, "We should bury him. Cremation would only add to the chaos here." He began to scan the area for any tracks or clues that might help them piece together what happened. He whispered to Tandy, "Can you sense anything unusual?"

 

Tandy nodded and closed her eyes, focusing her senses. She took a deep breath, trying to pick up any lingering scents of the masked mages. After a moment, her eyes widened and she pointed towards a nearby building. "I think that's where they went," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

Darien looked at the building Tandy was pointing at and could sense the lingering magic there from the battle. He nodded in agreement, "Let's be careful as we approach," he warned his friends, sensing that time was of the essence.

 

The three young mages approached the building with caution, stopping as the came close and could see signage on the old building. ‘White Horse Golf, Club House #3’ the faded letters read.

 

As they stood before the building, Darien felt a strange energy emanating from within. He turned to Wayne and Tandy, his eyes narrowing, "I think there's something inside. We should check it out."

 

Wayne agreed, "I sense it too. Let's be careful as we enter." He looked at Tandy, "You sense anything specific?"

 

Tandy nodded, her eyes still closed in concentration, "I feel a strong magical presence, and it's coming from within the building." She opened her eyes and looked at her friends, "I think this is where the masked mages are."

 

With caution and determination, the three mages pushed open the creaky door to the clubhouse. The dimly lit interior revealed several rooms filled with golfing equipment and memorabilia. Darien could feel the magical energy increasing as they ventured further in, leading them to a room at the back of the building. Inside, they found two figures cloaked in black robes, their faces hidden by dark masks. They were muttering incantations and waving their hands, working magick that seemed to ripple through the air.

 

As Darien, Wayne, and Tandy cautiously entered the room, they noticed that the two masked mages were focused on their work, unaware of the three intruders.

 

 

[Shameless]

Without knowing what sort of spell they were working, it would be dangerous to interrupt, lest it run amok.  That wasn't to say he wasn't going to prepare.  The Sphere of Prime was strongly associated with countermagic, and he began his own preparations to counteract the spell they were casting.  They had the upper hand, at least it seemed so.  He looked to Tandy and Wayne, willing to let them act, so that he could focus on countering or containing the spell the two masked mages were working on.   

It was also true he could simply firebomb the place if he really had to, but that would have unpleasant consequences, thus it was his last resort.

[Veral]

When the three mages came upon the chanting, masked mages, Wayne stopped dead in his tracks. After a few seconds of consideration, Wayne was struck by a FLASH of inspiration. He waved a hand to get Darien's attention. He pointed to his head after getting Darien's attention. He focused on the image of an old timey camera flash with the loud sound that accompanied it going off, hoping that his fellow trainee/apprentice would respond with the appropriate action. He then tried to get Tandy's attention and pointed to his ears and eyes, then put his hands over his ears, praying that the others would get his idea. He quickly and quietly covered his ears and turned slightly away from the two chanting mages, then closed his eyes. He waited for the possible effects of his idea to manifest. After the positioning and closing his eyes, Wayne focused his minds-eye on the flow of the quintessence to the two masked mages, and slowly imagined it going through a series of shutters getting progressively smaller and smaller, trying to restrict it off, but not completely, just enough to disrupt the magical effect being cast. 

[Shameless]

Darien managed to read the mental image that Wayne sent, waiting for them to prepare themselves, before weaving the effect he wished.   A single powerful discordant note in the Worldsong, centered between the two mages concentrating on their own spell.  He said nothing, instead using a silent hand gesture, weaving the effect of a powerful flashbang into existence between them.   He was only really able cover his eyes and one ear, knowing he'd just have to endure for now.

 

Spoiler

rolled 2 successes for the effect  10,9

 

[Veral]

Wayne reached into the pants pocket of his pajama bottoms and ran his fingers over the pocket watch contained within. He focused his energy through the watch, and into the images he kept in his head of the series of shutters restricting the flow of energy. As his mental image coalesced into a magical effect, he focused the image on the flow of quintessence into the masked mages. When he felt the constriction, and then the pressure wave from the flashbang going off, he opened his eyes, and looked straight at the masked mages.

 

Spoiler

Prime sphere to restrict the mana flow (1 success)

 

 

As their ears were ringing and eyes were watering, Wayne rushed forward and grabbed at the mage on the right's mask, trying to pull it down enough to keep the man off balance by blinding him. Once that was done, Wayne squared up in front of the mage in front of him, raising his fists and getting into a fighting stance.

 

Spoiler

Str+Brawl: 1 Success.

 

[Nina]

Wayne was quick to capitalize on his opponent's disorientation. He lunged with a powerful right hook, aiming to knock off the mage's mask once and for all, exposing their identity.

 

Darien, recovering from the disorienting effects of his own spell, quickly assessed the situation. Seeing Wayne engage the masked mage on the right, he focused his attention on the other mage. Drawing power from the Sphere of Prime, he summoned a chain of ethereal energy to bind the mage's hands and prevent him from casting any spells.

 

Tandy, witnessing her friends' swift actions, knew she had to act fast as well. She concentrated on the ground beneath the feet of the two masked mages and willed thick tentacles of shadow to burst forth, entangling their legs and rooting them in place.

 

The masked mages struggled against the magical restraints with fervor, but Darien, Wayne, and Tandy held strong.

[Shameless]

Quietly Darien bound the mage Wayne was engaging with the same magic-suppressing manacles as he had the first, leaving them bound physically and magically.  In the next moment, He cast another spell, "Obscura" which manipulated light in such a way as to obscure Wayne, Tandy and his own faces without obstructing their own vision, on the off chance the masked mages didn't know them already.  "I think you'll find it easier to remove their masks, and less dangerous."  He spoke quietly, and looked at the two struggling masked mages.  "We can have a nice polite conversation, where we ask questions and you give us answers.   That's my preferred option.   That said, We have other ways of learning what we wish to know, but they aren't nearly so nice."

He looked to Wayne, and nodded.   "Remove their masks, let's see exactly who we're dealing with."

 

Spoiler

1 success for obscuring effect

 

[Nina]

Wayne wasted no time and reached out, grabbing the mask of the mage in front of him. With a swift motion, he pulled the mask off, revealing a middle-aged man with a scar running across his cheek. The man's eyes widened in shock as his identity was exposed.

 

Darien approached the other mage and carefully removed their mask, revealing a young woman with piercing blue eyes. She glared defiantly at the three mages, clearly unrepentant.

 

Tandy stepped forward, her voice firm and unwavering, "Who are you and what are you doing here?" She locked eyes with the scar-faced man, waiting for a response.

 

The scar-faced man hesitated for a moment before spitting out, "You are meddling in things you have no inkling of. If you value your lives and the safety of this realm, you would do well to leave this place and forget what you have seen here today." His voice was filled with a chilling warning, but Tandy stood her ground, unfazed by his threats.

 

"We are mages just like you, and we will not be intimidated. Now tell us, what dark magic are you attempting to unleash in this clubhouse?" Tandy's tone was resolute, demanding answers.

 

The scar-faced man sneered, his defiance unwavering. "You may have disrupted our ritual, but the power we seek will not be denied for long. The Master demands the awakening of the ancient guardian that slumbers beneath this very ground, and we shall see it done." He spoke with a fervor that sent shivers down the spines of Darien, Wayne, and Tandy.

 

Darien's mind raced at the mention of an ancient guardian beneath them. He knew they had stumbled upon something far more dangerous than they had anticipated. With a quick glance at his companions, he could see the gravity of the situation mirrored in their expressions.

 

"Ancient guardian?" Tandy repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "What… what is that?”

 

An ancient guardian is a spirit of immense power, left behind by an long forgotten cabals to protect their most important relics," the scar-faced mage explained, his voice low and dangerous. "The Master has discovered its resting place and knows that harnessing its power could bring unimaginable might to bear. But it is a careful dance, one that must be performed correctly or risk awakening a fury that would consume all within its path."

 

Wayne couldn't help but feel a shiver as he considered the weight of the scar-faced mage's words. "The Master… who is this person?"

 

"The Master is a scholar of great power and knowledge," the young blue-eyed mage interrupted, her defiance still present. "A visionary with a plan that transcends the petty squabbles of this age. He seeks to restore the balance and bring order to a world threatened by chaos and destruction." She glanced at her fellow captured mage, her eyes filled with unwavering loyalty.

 

Darien furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation they were in. "You believe this Master knows how to control this ancient guardian?"

 

The young mage nodded, her gaze unflinching. "He has studied and researched for years, and has uncovered ancient texts that speak of this spirit's awakening. He has mastered the art of communing with these spirits, and we are merely his servants in this endeavor."

 

Tandy frowned, her mind whirring. "You're willing to risk the lives of countless innocents to bring about this so-called order?" she challenged the young mage.

 

The young mage's eyes flashed with determination. "Order comes from strength, Tandy. A world that knows fear truly knows peace."

 

Tandy frown and stepped back, “How do you know my name?”

 

“Haha,” the scarred mage laughed cruelly, “We know many secret things. Now enough of this foolishness, unbind us and flee while you still can.”

[Shameless]

"No.  I don't think we will."  Darien's voice held a dark anger that Wayne and Tandy hadn't ever heard in it before.   "You speak of the sacrifice of the innocent to bring order through fear.   That is an abhorent Ideal I will always fight against."  There was a fury in his eyes that someone would dare add such disgusting discord to the verse of the Worldsong, he could feel his own magical power swelling and flaring within him, a building crescendo of wrath almost begging to be released, to cleanse this impurity from the Worldsong.

Still, he stayed his hand.  He didn't want their blood on his hands, but he needed to find a way to stop them.   He turned away, to where they'd been casting their spell  Maybe I can analyze the remnants of their magic, and see what exactly they were doing Maybe there's something in there that will let us lockout the effect?  Won't know if i don't try.

 

Darien turned his magical perceptions on the area where they were casting their spell, and easily found the components.  He was able to mentally reconstruct it, enough to recognize it as a warding spell, with some sort of camoflage component.   "I see."

[Veral]

Wayne sighed, "You speak of strength, as if you know what that means. True strength doesn't come from forcing others to obey you. It comes from connection. It comes from bonds." He shook his head. "If you truly wanted to prevent harm, then you would be looking for help. You shouldn't be scurrying around like rats, trying to hide your activities."

 

His body was singing with fury, his hands tightening. The shaking was barely visible, but Tandy and Darien noticed how Wayne was restraining himself. While this reaction was almost out of character for Wayne, they knew what it meant. It meant that he was trying to handle his reaction without exploding. Taking a deep breath, he held it for a few seconds and then let it out a bit shakily. 

 

"Okay, so. The control of the guardian is just the means to an end. The true goal is the control of that artifact. We need to find out what it's for. What it's capable of. I doubt these wannabe's are privy to the true power." He seemed to finally move away from the rage he was feeling, but the tension was still in his voice. He focused his will, extending his perceptions into the spirit realm, seeking the nature of the guardian and the artifact.

[Nina]

On 3/2/2025 at 5:52 PM, Shameless said:

Darien turned his magical perceptions on the area where they were casting their spell, and easily found the components.  He was able to mentally reconstruct it, enough to recognize it as a warding spell, with some sort of camoflage component.   "I see."

 

Darien's mind was consumed with the task at hand, analyzing the remnants of the warding spell left behind by the scarred mage and his accomplice. As he delved deeper into the intricate magical threads, he could sense a dark and malevolent energy woven within. The spell was designed not just to control the guardian, but to tap into its true power, a power that could bring chaos and destruction if unleashed.

 

With a furrowed brow, Darien concentrated on unraveling the camouflaged aspect of the spell, peeling back layer after layer of dark magic. His fingers tingled with residual energy as he worked, his determination unwavering despite the growing sense of unease creeping up his spine.

 

After what felt like an eternity, Darien finally uncovered the core of the spell - a binding ritual that would link the guardian's ancient powers to the will of the scarred mage. The implications sent a shiver down his spine as he realized the magnitude of the threat they were facing. The scarred mage and his accomplice had been attempting to control a being of unimaginable power, one that could wreak havoc if unleashed upon the world.

 

As the realization settled in, Darien knew they had to act swiftly. He turned to Wayne and Tandy, his expression grave. "They were attempting to bind the ancient guardian's powers to themselves, turning it into a weapon under their control. We have to stop them before it's too late."

On 3/16/2025 at 1:37 AM, Veral said:

His body was singing with fury, his hands tightening. The shaking was barely visible, but Tandy and Darien noticed how Wayne was restraining himself. While this reaction was almost out of character for Wayne, they knew what it meant. It meant that he was trying to handle his reaction without exploding. Taking a deep breath, he held it for a few seconds and then let it out a bit shakily. 

 

"Okay, so. The control of the guardian is just the means to an end. The true goal is the control of that artifact. We need to find out what it's for. What it's capable of. I doubt these wannabe's are privy to the true power." He seemed to finally move away from the rage he was feeling, but the tension was still in his voice. He focused his will, extending his perceptions into the spirit realm, seeking the nature of the guardian and the artifact.

 

With a steely resolve, Wayne extended his senses into the spirit realm, seeking out the nature of the guardian and the mysterious artifact. The energy around him shifted as he delved deeper, connecting with ancient forces that whispered secrets of power and purpose. Images flashed through his mind - scenes of battles long past, of a time when the artifact was forged with a purpose that transcended mere control.

 

As he focused, a glimmer of understanding began to form in Wayne's mind. The guardian was not just a tool for domination; it was a protector, a sentinel meant to safeguard something of immense importance. The artifact held within it a wellspring of magic, capable of shaping reality itself in the right hands.

 

 

 

[Shameless]

Darien focused on the remains of the warding and binding spell, knowing it had to go.  if it had roused the Guardian, conflicting orders would definitely cause problems, and if it was as powerful as his intuition said it was, then they couldn't afford or contain that sort of destruction.   Carefully, he began to sing.  There were no words per se, merely the beautiful melody of his voice as he used it as a focus to excise the disharmony their tampering had wrought in the Worldsong.

 

Spoiler

Shameless Request: [9d10] Roll: [10, 9, 9, 8, 8, 7, 5, 3, 1] Result: 60

Shameless Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9  7 successes on performance check

spending 1 willpower for success on arete.   looking to purify the remains of the spell and remove it.
Shameless Request: [2d10] Roll: [10, 4] Result: 14  at least 2 successes

 

[Veral]

Wayne sighed deeply and gazed into the Spirit world to try to glean more information, but was unable to gain any inkling to the resonance of the guardian or artifact. His heart skipped a few beats as he realized that the nature of the artifact would give the owner power over the nature of reality if used "properly." In other words, the mages who got their hands on it, would be powerful beyond previous measure. 

 

"Um, Darien, Tandy, we may have a bigger issue than we first thought. Can we talk privately?"

 

Once the others joined him a small distance away from the captured enemy mages, he continued in a whisper, "The artifact... it's not just a tool. From what i can tell, it's not a shaper of magic. it's a SOURCE of magic. The guardian is there to protect it, but also probably to prevent it's use in a dangerous way. I can only imagine the scene out of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where they find the Holy Grail. I am afraid of what will happen if the one who uses it 'Chose poorly.'" He then looks back over at the enemy mages. "Do you trust them or the bosses to choose correctly?"

[Nina]

On 4/14/2025 at 12:55 PM, Shameless said:

Darien focused on the remains of the warding and binding spell, knowing it had to go.  if it had roused the Guardian, conflicting orders would definitely cause problems, and if it was as powerful as his intuition said it was, then they couldn't afford or contain that sort of destruction.   Carefully, he began to sing.  There were no words per se, merely the beautiful melody of his voice as he used it as a focus to excise the disharmony their tampering had wrought in the Worldsong.

 

Darien knew they had to rid the area of the mages’ magic, needing to neutralize the remnants of the warding and binding spell before anything more perilous happened. They had certainly not headed off the total danger. Once the spell had begun, the ancient guardian was likely to have sensed some call to stir. Dormant power was uncontrollable power, and the scarred mage had made it clear it was a power that would consume everything if they made mistakes. That possibility had to be prevented at all costs, but Darien felt an inexplicable dread that they could not simply contain such a force. He breathed deeply, calling forth his courage, setting himself to the task of containing its destruction. With careful deliberation, he began to sing. His voice was a pure and irresistible melody, ethereal tones that reverberated throughout the space and beyond. There were no words, not in any language that made sense to mortals, only the beautiful resonance of his soul coalescing into a harmony armed with purpose. It soared through substance and both physical and spiritual air, touched the very essence of creation and life, and in doing so focused its magic to excise the disharmony wrought in the Worldsong.

 

As Darien sang, the air around him shimmered with energy, a vibrant glow that intensified with each note. The dark threads of the scarred mage's spell began to unravel, coming undone like so many loosened knots. They hung suspended for a moment, trembling as if resisting the call to yield, but then dissolved into nothingness, vanquished by the purity of the melody. Darien's song was a beautiful, resonant focus that swirled around them like a gentle vortex. The air hummed as it cleansed the area of all that the scarred mage had wrought, returning things to their natural state. As the last vestiges of the dark spell vanished, a sense of calm settled over the area. The song's power echoed softly before fading, its work complete.

 

Darien finished, and he hoped his efforts would hold off the attempts to corrupt the Worldsong. Though the sense of urgency in his heart remained, the immediate danger felt lessened. He halted his song, but the vibrations of his voice still lingered in his companions’ ears and hearts. He turned back toward Wayne and Tandy, seeing them in a new light, knowing how deeply their convictions resonated with his own.

 

Tandy glanced over at him, her eyes showing disbelief he'd managed to cleanse the spell from the area, even if temporarily. Wayne’s face was a more sober display of emotion. The newly reduced danger of the guardian, and more importantly the binding, meant that his biggest worry was now everything around those points. It meant that he still needed to find out what their true target was. While Darien had his own instinctive struggles, Wayne's concerns dealt with the practical. He'd gone back to that after his initial rage, but the other concerns were far from gone. Darien's song had reaffirmed the group's commitment and resolve, giving Wayne the time he needed to refocus and harness his considerable power. Wayne was nothing if not pragmatic. If not this, then what? That was how he approached everything, and these mages, this Master, this guardian, was no different in the end.

 

On 4/25/2025 at 3:25 PM, Veral said:

Wayne sighed deeply and gazed into the Spirit world to try to glean more information, but was unable to gain any inkling to the resonance of the guardian or artifact. His heart skipped a few beats as he realized that the nature of the artifact would give the owner power over the nature of reality if used "properly." In other words, the mages who got their hands on it, would be powerful beyond previous measure. 

 

"Um, Darien, Tandy, we may have a bigger issue than we first thought. Can we talk privately?"

 

Once the others joined him a small distance away from the captured enemy mages, he continued in a whisper, "The artifact... it's not just a tool. From what i can tell, it's not a shaper of magic. it's a SOURCE of magic. The guardian is there to protect it, but also probably to prevent it's use in a dangerous way. I can only imagine the scene out of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where they find the Holy Grail. I am afraid of what will happen if the one who uses it 'Chose poorly.'" He then looks back over at the enemy mages. "Do you trust them or the bosses to choose correctly?"

 

Tandy's eyes widened as she tried to absorb Wayne's words. The implications weighed heavily on her mind, and the immense responsibility now resting on their shoulders felt almost unbearable. She glanced back at the captured mages, her expression caught between determination and doubt. "We can't let them get their hands on that kind of power," she murmured, though a part of her wondered what right they had to decide.

 

Turning back to Darien and Wayne, her voice wavered, "We need to find out where this artifact is and get to it before anyone else does. But what if we're not the only ones who think we should possess it? If this 'Master' is after it, there's a chance others are too. Are we truly prepared for what we might unleash?"

 

[Shameless]

"We aren't going to unleash anything if possible.   There's a reason it was sealed away, and it should remain so.   We aren't ready to try to wield something like this, but we should do all we can to prevent others from doing so. "  Darien nodded.  "We have to be ready for what this could cost.   I am going to try to reach my grandfather, and see if there's anything he can tell us.   I'd find it hard to believe he knows nothing about this."

With that, he pulled out his phone and dialed for his grandfather, hoping the Elder mage could offer them some advice or other aid.

[Veral]

As Darien made his phone call, Wayne spoke up, "One other thing, Tandy. It's not just these guys. Most likely there is already a race on to try to secure this guardian and relic. I doubt very highly that all of those people have the greater good at heart. In fact I'll bet most of them don't. While I don't think we have a right to possess it, I think that at least maintaining a watch over it is a better idea than letting anyone like these have control of it." He pauses to indicate the captive mages. "I don't trust anyone with what I'm assuming the power level of this thing is. Not even myself."