The Kantas Mentorship Program - 17/07 - Dee’arna
Jul 26, 2024 13:46:35 GMT
Andy D, Yinmaris, and 3 more like this
Post by ruthcd on Jul 26, 2024 13:46:35 GMT
The Kantas Mentorship Program - 17/07 - Dee’arna
Dee'arna, a green skinned yuan-ti fresh off her very first adventure in this new continent, steps out from the imitation tavern where she had just met an interesting group of locals. And perhaps some members of a crime syndicate.
She takes a moment on the street side, removing her hat and tilting her face up to soak in the sunshine and warm her body up. Then she watches the others leave one by one, staying very still as they pass by. Dee waits to see if she might catch the strangely glowing one who had seemed to know the most about this “guild”.
Last out from the tavern, and with the heat of battle now cooled, Calla leans again on her sheathed sword. "Wise to take a moment, when moments are there to take, I've found" The Arcanist chuckles, and winces from it. "Can I help you?"
Dee nods back, though frowns when she sees the wince, "your recovery from death is still recent? I hope your pain subsides soon."
"And yes, you seemed to be knowledgeable of the area and its local politics. I have only recently arrived and would be interested in learning more. Perhaps we could take a stroll? I am curious about the people we met and the bones we fought."
Her new companion replies, "A simple bargain then. I'll answer those questions for your aid, and we can trade others while you lend it. You mentioned Fort Ettin? I'd prefer that route to the other if so."
Calla reaches for an elbow, and as she does so raises a hand to count off questions,
"A matter of days, although I was lucky to be spared the worst of things; I've dabbled, largely to fund my studies; I believe the programme to be a front for a local crime boss, with whom I'm familiar; the artefact we recovered has some necromantic ability, although I'll know more once a friend of mine has taken a look at it".
Dee'arna links her arm with Calla's and offers a steady support, moving at a gentle pace through the streets,
"Of course. I'm in no rush. Take your time. I do have a little healing by the blessings of Lasseega I could offer, but given your clear arcane talent I am sure you could do so yourself if needed? If suits, then we can head in the direction of your Fort Ettin. I've heard some... insightful stories of this place already."
She then considers the rest of Calla's information in silence for a while,
"Hm. I am less concerned by the skull itself. Perhaps it does actually belong with the professor for now." she shrugs "I was more intrigued by the other skeletons there which looked like they were recently placed, rather than recently died. Do you believe this local crime boss would have bothered with that kind of ruse? And to what end?"
"Most kind, but my body is...well, it has already been healed. And indeed, whether by divine appeal or necromantic effort. As for the skeletons, I presume they simply moved around a little after they were already dead. Hence the disconnect between location and age. The better question would be, how did the academic lose the skull in the first place?"
Calla looks up at Dee'arna, and it's clear that she's been entirely unflustered since they met, just tired. There's no agenda to what she's about to ask, just academic interest.
"My turn: tell me about your god and why they've seen fit to send you here".
It’s clear as she waits to reply that Dee’arna is making some considered choices about what information she shares.
"Lasseega is the Patient One, the god of observation before action, the - well. She says today, tomorrow or in a year. It matters not how long you wait. For when your jaws close shut, your enemy will be just as dead no matter the day or the minute. And I am an archaeologist. I am interested in ancient histories. When word reached of a new continent of course I wanted to know who was here before? What was this new ground built on top of? Perhaps there is something to learn that would benefit ...the academic field."
When it comes to the final reason for her travels Dee’arna is playfully blunt,
"And of course, I heard that this continent was perhaps a more open to people like me in fields of study?"
She sticks out her forked tongue and winks.
"Whether those historic ruins were made an age ago, last year, or yesterday. A god of implied devouring. An acolyte keen to devour". The diminutive elf raises an eyebrow. "Interesting".
A moment passes, and it's probably one Dee'arna is used to, a moment that often resolves into shut doors. "I help run the Academy's cartography department, I think you'd find it... illuminating".
At this last sentence Dee turns sharply to look at Calla. There's a glimmer of light in her otherwise black eyes as she seems to let her guard down,
"Really? The cartography department? You could introduce me, maybe? "A cleric, arcanist, and a cartographer too. You're clearly a very talented woman. How lucky I am to have met you so soon."
"I can do more than introduce you. I have a set of keys. I'm one of the people to whom one would be introduced". "But let's not get carried away. I'm a priest of, well, Mystra, I suppose; I find it easiest to study magic, and specifically abjuration, as a kind of map; arcanist is purely the most accurate term for my discipline. Which is to say, it's one talent, which is largely thinking about things too much. And occasionally breaking into them". "I assume the same is true for you? That 'archaeologist' is the term but the skillset is broad?"
There's subtext to the question, but it's not buried especially deep.
"Yessss. I try to embody the skills Lasseega values and which are of use to my research. A little arcane talent of holy healing and hiding. A little skill with traps - useful to detect them in ruins."
She pauses, and then embraces the opportunity before her, "Sometimes it's useful to set them too. It pays to look both ways. Not everyone likes what can be found when you dig up the past."
"If there's ways I can use these skills to help... please ask. I may embrace patience and rest but I have no fear of the unexplored and the dark."
"I couldn't agree more. On both points. I've often sealed up doors behind me, in either direction. To control risk if nothing else. And... well..." Deft fingers gesture at a distinctive blue complexion "If I've inherited nothing else from my kin then excellent vision underground has been worthwhile".
Calla reaches to adjust a pair of glasses that no longer sit on her face, catches herself, and awkwardly lowers the hand. "Someone I should introduce you to is an expert in traps various. Where my domain is strictly locks, and vaults, and mazes, his is more pit... and pendulum".
A beat, as the elf considers her companion's openness. "I dare say the cartography department would make an excellent venue to discuss all manner of related concerns."
Dee’arna is both surprised and touched by the welcome she’s received, despite the first impressions others often take of her and her serpent god.
"Vaults and mazes, pits and pendulums, I feel I have come to the right place indeed. I don't wish to take up too much of your time but as I set up myself here I would love to meet any friend of yours. Where is this academy?"
"Daring Heights, you can't miss it. Unfortunately that friend is largely back in, or should I say, beneath, Port Ffirst. I'm sure he'll turn up before too long though. Better for him to visit you than the other way around".
"Interesssting. Well they were definitely right about Kantas. The academic scene here is a little different... the last research team I was in had a kobold, a tortle, and myself and we were not getting the citations... You can imagine."
"Ironic that the friend I mention is, in fact, a kobold But not to worry, although Diggs isn't that worried about being published since arriving in the Dawnlands I've had some small success on that front. I've met plenty of academics, of all stripes, from multiple planes even. I've been commissioned off the back of a paper, if you can imagine such a thing".
Just like Dee’arna, Calla is clearly keeping somethings close to her chest.
"Well, congratulations. I hope it led you to great finds. In truth, credit is something I cared about less for myself than for my mentor. For me now... my first interest is the knowledge itself."
"If you count a fascinating and quite unusual kind of aberration, the parts of which are currently on ice in my home, then yes. Regardless, an admirable aim. Are there particular kinds of history you seek to uncover?" Calla asks.
"Yes."
A beat.
"I am interested in historical religious practices."
“How… surprising”. Calla’s tone is utterly flat.
Dee'arna allows herself a little smirk, "I think we're going to get along."
"Perhaps I could hear more about your original work over a glass of something one day."
—
From the cardboard to coaching chat rp thread
Thanks Tom for the session, and Dee for the lovely post-session RP - those dodgy guys did set up some real mentoring!
Dee'arna, a green skinned yuan-ti fresh off her very first adventure in this new continent, steps out from the imitation tavern where she had just met an interesting group of locals. And perhaps some members of a crime syndicate.
She takes a moment on the street side, removing her hat and tilting her face up to soak in the sunshine and warm her body up. Then she watches the others leave one by one, staying very still as they pass by. Dee waits to see if she might catch the strangely glowing one who had seemed to know the most about this “guild”.
Last out from the tavern, and with the heat of battle now cooled, Calla leans again on her sheathed sword. "Wise to take a moment, when moments are there to take, I've found" The Arcanist chuckles, and winces from it. "Can I help you?"
Dee nods back, though frowns when she sees the wince, "your recovery from death is still recent? I hope your pain subsides soon."
"And yes, you seemed to be knowledgeable of the area and its local politics. I have only recently arrived and would be interested in learning more. Perhaps we could take a stroll? I am curious about the people we met and the bones we fought."
Her new companion replies, "A simple bargain then. I'll answer those questions for your aid, and we can trade others while you lend it. You mentioned Fort Ettin? I'd prefer that route to the other if so."
Calla reaches for an elbow, and as she does so raises a hand to count off questions,
"A matter of days, although I was lucky to be spared the worst of things; I've dabbled, largely to fund my studies; I believe the programme to be a front for a local crime boss, with whom I'm familiar; the artefact we recovered has some necromantic ability, although I'll know more once a friend of mine has taken a look at it".
Dee'arna links her arm with Calla's and offers a steady support, moving at a gentle pace through the streets,
"Of course. I'm in no rush. Take your time. I do have a little healing by the blessings of Lasseega I could offer, but given your clear arcane talent I am sure you could do so yourself if needed? If suits, then we can head in the direction of your Fort Ettin. I've heard some... insightful stories of this place already."
She then considers the rest of Calla's information in silence for a while,
"Hm. I am less concerned by the skull itself. Perhaps it does actually belong with the professor for now." she shrugs "I was more intrigued by the other skeletons there which looked like they were recently placed, rather than recently died. Do you believe this local crime boss would have bothered with that kind of ruse? And to what end?"
"Most kind, but my body is...well, it has already been healed. And indeed, whether by divine appeal or necromantic effort. As for the skeletons, I presume they simply moved around a little after they were already dead. Hence the disconnect between location and age. The better question would be, how did the academic lose the skull in the first place?"
Calla looks up at Dee'arna, and it's clear that she's been entirely unflustered since they met, just tired. There's no agenda to what she's about to ask, just academic interest.
"My turn: tell me about your god and why they've seen fit to send you here".
It’s clear as she waits to reply that Dee’arna is making some considered choices about what information she shares.
"Lasseega is the Patient One, the god of observation before action, the - well. She says today, tomorrow or in a year. It matters not how long you wait. For when your jaws close shut, your enemy will be just as dead no matter the day or the minute. And I am an archaeologist. I am interested in ancient histories. When word reached of a new continent of course I wanted to know who was here before? What was this new ground built on top of? Perhaps there is something to learn that would benefit ...the academic field."
When it comes to the final reason for her travels Dee’arna is playfully blunt,
"And of course, I heard that this continent was perhaps a more open to people like me in fields of study?"
She sticks out her forked tongue and winks.
"Whether those historic ruins were made an age ago, last year, or yesterday. A god of implied devouring. An acolyte keen to devour". The diminutive elf raises an eyebrow. "Interesting".
A moment passes, and it's probably one Dee'arna is used to, a moment that often resolves into shut doors. "I help run the Academy's cartography department, I think you'd find it... illuminating".
At this last sentence Dee turns sharply to look at Calla. There's a glimmer of light in her otherwise black eyes as she seems to let her guard down,
"Really? The cartography department? You could introduce me, maybe? "A cleric, arcanist, and a cartographer too. You're clearly a very talented woman. How lucky I am to have met you so soon."
"I can do more than introduce you. I have a set of keys. I'm one of the people to whom one would be introduced". "But let's not get carried away. I'm a priest of, well, Mystra, I suppose; I find it easiest to study magic, and specifically abjuration, as a kind of map; arcanist is purely the most accurate term for my discipline. Which is to say, it's one talent, which is largely thinking about things too much. And occasionally breaking into them". "I assume the same is true for you? That 'archaeologist' is the term but the skillset is broad?"
There's subtext to the question, but it's not buried especially deep.
"Yessss. I try to embody the skills Lasseega values and which are of use to my research. A little arcane talent of holy healing and hiding. A little skill with traps - useful to detect them in ruins."
She pauses, and then embraces the opportunity before her, "Sometimes it's useful to set them too. It pays to look both ways. Not everyone likes what can be found when you dig up the past."
"If there's ways I can use these skills to help... please ask. I may embrace patience and rest but I have no fear of the unexplored and the dark."
"I couldn't agree more. On both points. I've often sealed up doors behind me, in either direction. To control risk if nothing else. And... well..." Deft fingers gesture at a distinctive blue complexion "If I've inherited nothing else from my kin then excellent vision underground has been worthwhile".
Calla reaches to adjust a pair of glasses that no longer sit on her face, catches herself, and awkwardly lowers the hand. "Someone I should introduce you to is an expert in traps various. Where my domain is strictly locks, and vaults, and mazes, his is more pit... and pendulum".
A beat, as the elf considers her companion's openness. "I dare say the cartography department would make an excellent venue to discuss all manner of related concerns."
Dee’arna is both surprised and touched by the welcome she’s received, despite the first impressions others often take of her and her serpent god.
"Vaults and mazes, pits and pendulums, I feel I have come to the right place indeed. I don't wish to take up too much of your time but as I set up myself here I would love to meet any friend of yours. Where is this academy?"
"Daring Heights, you can't miss it. Unfortunately that friend is largely back in, or should I say, beneath, Port Ffirst. I'm sure he'll turn up before too long though. Better for him to visit you than the other way around".
"Interesssting. Well they were definitely right about Kantas. The academic scene here is a little different... the last research team I was in had a kobold, a tortle, and myself and we were not getting the citations... You can imagine."
"Ironic that the friend I mention is, in fact, a kobold But not to worry, although Diggs isn't that worried about being published since arriving in the Dawnlands I've had some small success on that front. I've met plenty of academics, of all stripes, from multiple planes even. I've been commissioned off the back of a paper, if you can imagine such a thing".
Just like Dee’arna, Calla is clearly keeping somethings close to her chest.
"Well, congratulations. I hope it led you to great finds. In truth, credit is something I cared about less for myself than for my mentor. For me now... my first interest is the knowledge itself."
"If you count a fascinating and quite unusual kind of aberration, the parts of which are currently on ice in my home, then yes. Regardless, an admirable aim. Are there particular kinds of history you seek to uncover?" Calla asks.
A beat.
"I am interested in historical religious practices."
“How… surprising”. Calla’s tone is utterly flat.
Dee'arna allows herself a little smirk, "I think we're going to get along."
"Perhaps I could hear more about your original work over a glass of something one day."
—
From the cardboard to coaching chat rp thread
Thanks Tom for the session, and Dee for the lovely post-session RP - those dodgy guys did set up some real mentoring!
