“The Good, Part I”
By Fin Myastin
He sat behind a stone desk overlooking a pentagram, scratching away at a sheet of parchment. His script has come a long way since returning to the continent. Spending so long at sea made him rusty as the salty air cracked his only quill about a month into his last voyage. Now he was back on land and able to practice properly again, and honestly, he preferred the oaken floors of his study to those of a rolling ship. It was easier on his stomach, too.
A sure hand guided the tip of his pen as an almost perfect circle formed, carefully drawn with a nail and string. Fine lines connected points on the circle, revealing an inner shape. He needed to make sure there was an exacting quality to this, as it was to be sent to the court mage of Mercadia, and first impressions were important. Allies were important at such a delicate time.
“Larissa Aylomeinne,
Court Mage of Mercadia
I am honored to have received your correspondence. I have been conducting research on a ritual to purge the undead currently present on the grounds of the compound, southeast of the Freeport of Tilverton. I have studied the depth of the magic present, and, with your assistance, I may be able to follow through on this ritual. Success here may enable deeper research into the nature of anchors.
My primary source for this work has been “Magic Primer: Theory” by Zankin De’Vir, which implies that Aether is everywhere, so to speak. I am viewing this as an alternate dimension. This adds to the traditional directions of “left/right”, “up/down”, “forward/back”, and an element I am currently referring to as “weight”, which can push things closer to or farther from Aether. At the center of this rests an anchor, which allows the point (or points, as we will explain later in this correspondence) to leak Aether into this material plane with different effects.
It is my hypothesis that we must “lift”, in a sense of the word, the anchor, weakening and eventually severing its contact with the Aether. There are several steps necessary for the success of any such attempt. We must narrow down the ritual's location, gather the appropriate reagents, and channel sufficient energy into the conduit to reach the anchor.
First, by using the aetheric form of a pentagram as a conduit, we can lower the energy threshold required to reach the anchor. Thankfully, an additional boon is the site's relatively low amplitude compared to what I’ve found elsewhere on the continent.
Fig. 1: [A schematic of a pentagram, drawn with exact lines and fine circles outlining each point.]
Second, due to the anchor's necromantic nature, I need specific reagents to ensure success. These come in two specific forms- reagents (or catalysts), and foci. Foci (or focus) are defined by the nature of their synthesis and help concentrate the energy. Should we learn how the site was created in the first place, say if it were by a specific mage, then at least one focus relating to that individual would be invaluable to the ritual.
Fig. 2.1: An Example of a Focus [A power crystal is sitting in the center of a 3-dimensional flat plane, its lines are perfectly squared until they move toward the center of the crystal, where they drag out downward, creating a recess beneath.]
Fig. 2.2: An Example of Reagents [Nettlebloom and Kingsfoil depictions are situated in two simple bowls]
Finally, while there is no true ‘center’ in the material world where the anchor resides, there may be one or more areas where the anchor appears to influence our plane. The most obvious place would be the site in question, but with especially strong anchors, they may have alternative sites, either nearby or far away. Coordination on these sites may require broadcasting gems, but I do not believe this initial site will require such measures.
Fig. 3.1: [Two spheres sit nested one inside the other, with a recess bringing the surface of the outside sphere closer to the inside sphere.]
Once you have read this, and if you seek further documentation, I will be happy to provide it. In the meantime, I will prepare a separate correspondence with the materials I have gathered so far.
Yours sincerely,
Fin Myastin
Mage of Tilverton
Proprietor of Magical Menagerie”
The Good, Part I
Re: The Good, Part I
A reply to Fin's letter comes quickly, penned in the court mage's ever-precise handwriting.
Magister Mystatin,
My thanks for your detailed analysis. It is clear that you are quite expert in your grasp of magical theory.
I do not know how well-versed you are in the recent history of Tilverton. As such, I will provide a brief overview. Some time ago, an organisation - a cult, to be blunt - known as the Cabal established itself in the vicinity of Tilverton. Their leader was one known as Zomactelonyvarix, and their stated aim was to prove the compatibility of the necromantic arts with civilised society. For a while, it seemed they might meet with success. In fact, it could rightly be said that it was not necromancy in particular that lead to their downfall.
Suffice it to say, should the remnants of necromantic workings linger in the environs of Tilverton, it is highly likely that they are leftovers of the Cabal's work.
After the Cabal's end, certain items associated with their magical practice have come into the possession of the Kingdom of Mercadia. Under supervision, it may be possible to apply these to the solution of your problem.
If possible, I should like to accompany you to the site in question and examine it more closely.
Regards,
Larissa Aylomeinne
Magister Mystatin,
My thanks for your detailed analysis. It is clear that you are quite expert in your grasp of magical theory.
I do not know how well-versed you are in the recent history of Tilverton. As such, I will provide a brief overview. Some time ago, an organisation - a cult, to be blunt - known as the Cabal established itself in the vicinity of Tilverton. Their leader was one known as Zomactelonyvarix, and their stated aim was to prove the compatibility of the necromantic arts with civilised society. For a while, it seemed they might meet with success. In fact, it could rightly be said that it was not necromancy in particular that lead to their downfall.
Suffice it to say, should the remnants of necromantic workings linger in the environs of Tilverton, it is highly likely that they are leftovers of the Cabal's work.
After the Cabal's end, certain items associated with their magical practice have come into the possession of the Kingdom of Mercadia. Under supervision, it may be possible to apply these to the solution of your problem.
If possible, I should like to accompany you to the site in question and examine it more closely.
Regards,
Larissa Aylomeinne
Re: The Good, Part I
After some time, another letter arrives. Its script is carefully drawn on the page with a much more hurried postscript after Fin's signature.
Larissa Aylomeinne,
Court Mage of Mercadia
Thank you for your gracious and knowledgeable response. Since my last letter, I have come across many documents and accounts that have been corroborated by the brief history you gave. The arcane disturbance certainly seems to be a remnant of this “Cabal”. The site in question was once the administrative office and residence of Helena the Reclaimer, apparently the mayor of Tilverton at the time. Before this, it operated as the Consortium’s hub in the area.
I would certainly appreciate your company at the site. It is not a particularly dangerous place, but having you present to examine the premises and discuss a potential ritual location would be quite helpful. I am almost finished with my preparation at that end.
I would like to visit Edana to discuss the necessary details of the fieldwork in person. In the interest of thoroughness, this visit may offer a chance to view any relevant artifacts that could provide further insights. I will send a carrier pigeon with available times to your address as quickly as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Fin Myastin
Mage Scholar of Tilverton
Proprietor of Magical Menagerie
PS I would also be very happy to share with you several volumes of theory I am collecting and plan to publish, as well as further plans where I may be able to use your assistance. I have struggled to find much on Arcane theory present on the continent- I believe there is an obvious solution to this issue.
Larissa Aylomeinne,
Court Mage of Mercadia
Thank you for your gracious and knowledgeable response. Since my last letter, I have come across many documents and accounts that have been corroborated by the brief history you gave. The arcane disturbance certainly seems to be a remnant of this “Cabal”. The site in question was once the administrative office and residence of Helena the Reclaimer, apparently the mayor of Tilverton at the time. Before this, it operated as the Consortium’s hub in the area.
I would certainly appreciate your company at the site. It is not a particularly dangerous place, but having you present to examine the premises and discuss a potential ritual location would be quite helpful. I am almost finished with my preparation at that end.
I would like to visit Edana to discuss the necessary details of the fieldwork in person. In the interest of thoroughness, this visit may offer a chance to view any relevant artifacts that could provide further insights. I will send a carrier pigeon with available times to your address as quickly as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Fin Myastin
Mage Scholar of Tilverton
Proprietor of Magical Menagerie
PS I would also be very happy to share with you several volumes of theory I am collecting and plan to publish, as well as further plans where I may be able to use your assistance. I have struggled to find much on Arcane theory present on the continent- I believe there is an obvious solution to this issue.
Re: The Good, Part I
Two books, each wrapped in thick parchment paper, arrive along with a letter addressed to Larissa Aylomeinne, Court Mage of Mercadia. Each has a wax seal simply marked “F.M.”
=====================
The Letter
=====================
Larissa Aylomeinne,
Court Mage of Mercadia
I hope this letter finds you well. I have made significant progress on the Tilverton Ritual since your visit. Your insights have proven very valuable to this progress, and I have completed an initial draft of the alchemical recipe for the ritual medium, as well as an abstract for the ritual. You will find copies of both accompanying this letter.
As far as the plan for the ritual, I will complete a draft in the coming week. In the meantime, please review the recipe and make any changes you see as necessary. I will include these in the final draft of the recipe.
I have completed gathering the necessary reagents, save for one Eldarthorn. As far as the creation of the medium, I may require assistance, as my resources are finite here in Tilverton; perhaps you have better access to the necessary cauldrons and such in Edana?
Yours sincerely,
Fin Myastin,
Mage-Scholar of Tilverton
=====================
Book 1: “The Tilverton Ritual: Abstract” by Fin Myastin
=====================
The ritual to cleanse the wooden stockade fort southeast of Tilverton has three steps:
First, secure the grounds and ritual site;
Second, probe the depth of the arcane disturbance;
Third, lift the disturbance and sever its connection with the Aetheric Plane.
Fin Myastin, Mage-Scholar of Tilverton, has engaged Larissa Aylomeinne, Court Mage of Mercadia, to assist in this task. The following three categories of components are required: reagents, foci, and arcane scrolls.
Two reagents are well-suited for distillation into the necessary medium: Nettlebloom and Kingsfoil. A small amount of Eldarthorn may enhance the quality of the distillation. Arcane Essence may further benefit the concoction.
Acceptable foci are wide-ranging in candidates: Shimmering Orbs, Power Crystals, or a Charged Power Rune are easily accessible. Each will provide sufficient geometry and resilience to focus the necessary power to probe the disturbance.
Arcane scrolls provide redundancy and precision, helping to ensure the success of the ritual. Chain lightning provides raw energy; energy field and magic reflection to hold and concentrate that energy; and finally, precisely targeted dispel field and mass dispel to lift and sever the disturbance’s connection to the aetheric plane. Telekinesis may help access necessary items without moving.
A final component not mentioned thus far is simple muscle. We do not know what this ritual may do to the site. It is well-assumed that we will encounter any manner of undead, arcane anomalies, or otherworldly creatures because of the extreme focusing of arcane energy. It has been agreed that each mage will provide some amount of assistance in the form of well-armed guards.
=====================
Book 2: “The Tilverton Ritual: Alchemical Recipe” by Fin Myastin
=====================
Distillation of reagents into the necessary medium.
Active reagents
50 Nettlebloom
25 Kingsfoil
3 Eldarthorn
2 Arcane Essence
Inactive reagents
20 Amaranth (Charred)
10 Dried herb
100 Black pearl (Crushed)
Clear Rock Salt
Place Kingsfoil into a mortar and pestle with clear rock salt and crush until a smooth paste forms. Heat the paste in a sturdy stone bowl over a fire until it begins to bubble, stirring and scraping the sides of the bowl. Keep the mixture moving until it thickens to a tar consistency and becomes shimmery. Remove and empty the contents onto a flat, cool stone surface to dry for 24 hours until crystallized and hardened.
Soak Nettlebloom in cool, still water for 1 hour prior to beginning.
Bring a 22-stone cauldron, three-quarters full of spring water, to a rolling boil. Break up and add dried herb and crushed black pearl, stirring well at first, then occasionally for 20 minutes. If using Eldarthorn, simply place the sprig into the boiling water now.
Place hydrated Nettlebloom into the pot, allowing it to sit on the surface of the liquid and wilt before stirring well. Let boil for 1 hour or until mixture is reduced by half. Meanwhile, bring another 10-stone cauldron almost full with spring water to a boil.
Roughly chop the charred Amaranth, separating the charred leaves from the stems, and set stems aside. Crush the leaves into a powder in a clean mortar and pestle and add to the mixture. Now take the stems and lightly mash until the fibers are separated and relaxed, then add to the pot. Stir well, then let boil for 30 minutes. When the liquid begins to thicken and runs down the side of the stirring stick as you remove it, proceed to the final step.
Take crystallized Kingsfoil and carefully scrape contents into the pot. If using arcane essence, add one at a time at this point. Stir well. Quench the fire, allowing the smoke to envelop the cauldron.
When the smoke has slowed down and the medium has cooled, it should be a thick consistency, like spring honey. As the medium cools, gently boil 10 glass bottles in the second cauldron for at least 15 minutes.
Once the bottles are cleaned, cooled, and ready, transfer the medium into the bottles, filling each about 2/3 full.
=====================
The Letter
=====================
Larissa Aylomeinne,
Court Mage of Mercadia
I hope this letter finds you well. I have made significant progress on the Tilverton Ritual since your visit. Your insights have proven very valuable to this progress, and I have completed an initial draft of the alchemical recipe for the ritual medium, as well as an abstract for the ritual. You will find copies of both accompanying this letter.
As far as the plan for the ritual, I will complete a draft in the coming week. In the meantime, please review the recipe and make any changes you see as necessary. I will include these in the final draft of the recipe.
I have completed gathering the necessary reagents, save for one Eldarthorn. As far as the creation of the medium, I may require assistance, as my resources are finite here in Tilverton; perhaps you have better access to the necessary cauldrons and such in Edana?
Yours sincerely,
Fin Myastin,
Mage-Scholar of Tilverton
=====================
Book 1: “The Tilverton Ritual: Abstract” by Fin Myastin
=====================
The ritual to cleanse the wooden stockade fort southeast of Tilverton has three steps:
First, secure the grounds and ritual site;
Second, probe the depth of the arcane disturbance;
Third, lift the disturbance and sever its connection with the Aetheric Plane.
Fin Myastin, Mage-Scholar of Tilverton, has engaged Larissa Aylomeinne, Court Mage of Mercadia, to assist in this task. The following three categories of components are required: reagents, foci, and arcane scrolls.
Two reagents are well-suited for distillation into the necessary medium: Nettlebloom and Kingsfoil. A small amount of Eldarthorn may enhance the quality of the distillation. Arcane Essence may further benefit the concoction.
Acceptable foci are wide-ranging in candidates: Shimmering Orbs, Power Crystals, or a Charged Power Rune are easily accessible. Each will provide sufficient geometry and resilience to focus the necessary power to probe the disturbance.
Arcane scrolls provide redundancy and precision, helping to ensure the success of the ritual. Chain lightning provides raw energy; energy field and magic reflection to hold and concentrate that energy; and finally, precisely targeted dispel field and mass dispel to lift and sever the disturbance’s connection to the aetheric plane. Telekinesis may help access necessary items without moving.
A final component not mentioned thus far is simple muscle. We do not know what this ritual may do to the site. It is well-assumed that we will encounter any manner of undead, arcane anomalies, or otherworldly creatures because of the extreme focusing of arcane energy. It has been agreed that each mage will provide some amount of assistance in the form of well-armed guards.
=====================
Book 2: “The Tilverton Ritual: Alchemical Recipe” by Fin Myastin
=====================
Distillation of reagents into the necessary medium.
Active reagents
50 Nettlebloom
25 Kingsfoil
3 Eldarthorn
2 Arcane Essence
Inactive reagents
20 Amaranth (Charred)
10 Dried herb
100 Black pearl (Crushed)
Clear Rock Salt
Place Kingsfoil into a mortar and pestle with clear rock salt and crush until a smooth paste forms. Heat the paste in a sturdy stone bowl over a fire until it begins to bubble, stirring and scraping the sides of the bowl. Keep the mixture moving until it thickens to a tar consistency and becomes shimmery. Remove and empty the contents onto a flat, cool stone surface to dry for 24 hours until crystallized and hardened.
Soak Nettlebloom in cool, still water for 1 hour prior to beginning.
Bring a 22-stone cauldron, three-quarters full of spring water, to a rolling boil. Break up and add dried herb and crushed black pearl, stirring well at first, then occasionally for 20 minutes. If using Eldarthorn, simply place the sprig into the boiling water now.
Place hydrated Nettlebloom into the pot, allowing it to sit on the surface of the liquid and wilt before stirring well. Let boil for 1 hour or until mixture is reduced by half. Meanwhile, bring another 10-stone cauldron almost full with spring water to a boil.
Roughly chop the charred Amaranth, separating the charred leaves from the stems, and set stems aside. Crush the leaves into a powder in a clean mortar and pestle and add to the mixture. Now take the stems and lightly mash until the fibers are separated and relaxed, then add to the pot. Stir well, then let boil for 30 minutes. When the liquid begins to thicken and runs down the side of the stirring stick as you remove it, proceed to the final step.
Take crystallized Kingsfoil and carefully scrape contents into the pot. If using arcane essence, add one at a time at this point. Stir well. Quench the fire, allowing the smoke to envelop the cauldron.
When the smoke has slowed down and the medium has cooled, it should be a thick consistency, like spring honey. As the medium cools, gently boil 10 glass bottles in the second cauldron for at least 15 minutes.
Once the bottles are cleaned, cooled, and ready, transfer the medium into the bottles, filling each about 2/3 full.