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[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Witness,

While it is most appreciated this report brought forward I am curious if you know any of the other pertinent details.

How is it a lowly ranking Recluta found herself so infected? Was she scouting southward? Did she encounter a Refugee in the Krak and have to see him bounced? Did she imbibe Haoma?

Matters of pestilence and their possibility of isolation depends much upon the circumstance of infection. If these details were gleaned from the Honorable Legate do please let me know. He and I share opposite hours as he has affixed himself in his days of governance among the Ashfolk hours.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Vizier,

With the Bloodplague's resurgence, patient Willow of the Banda, it appears the concerns were proven true. Though it has not been disclosed to me how she came into contact with the samples, nor the circumstance by which she returned infected to Ephia to secure the Sister's cure. It is very possible this is not a singular occurence. Only the one that got reported.

Regrettably the Tower has made no headway thanks to Apothar Stern's interference coupled with the reticence of seeing Fiordelise forward. However there are still efforts underway that shall see her brought forward once her prayers and meditations have concluded.

Furthermore with the rise of the Wyrmists and Titans and Synod Schism, and preparations for the Scald and more I have been unable to secure meeting with Lieutenant Colmes or any Sergeant to discuss protocols and possible operations.

It may be more prudent for the League of Gold to begin considering expeditions southward for study, if there are any sellswords trusted and companies you believe would be up to snuff for a truly dangerous challenge, potentially fatal even.  Where governance fails, private enterprise thrives.

It may be possible to see created a container for the safe storage and transport of samples, I shall weigh this and other considerations until our next meeting.
Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Recluta

As discussed the pieces given should lend of aid:

The Ioun Stones - Red and Green, countering of polarity and divergent energies. One of drawing in, one of repulsion. Forced into close proximity this friction creates heat. Necessary for artifice to spark the fuel of the shard.

The Alchemic Metals - Iron and Silver, one for stability of the outer shell in Iron, one for the interior workings of Mage Silver, allowing transference of magic along the more traditional wires and iron bands and whatever is provided by your engineer.

The Magical Bag - Caliphal Coffee is traditionally filtered, mimicking the process allowing the device to see it poured into the bag, inevitably filling it, but the seepings dripping through will leave a metaphysical planar-twinge to the concoction.

Hook Horror Powder - Lacing the magical bag with the Hook Horror Powder will lend a further metaphysical aspect enhanced by the latent cosmic energies, facilitating the desired transmutative effect in smallest quantities.

Best of luck in your engineerworks.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Peet Boggin,

I wish to commission you for a piece, a poem.

What would the cost be for such a thing? And is there any limitations upon your works?

These questions and more seek me and I will be glad to speak on.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Alchemics Sought]

Apotharcary
Services and Seekings of Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip and Chronicler of Divan

Alchemics Sought
Rare

Code Select Expand

250 |Shimmering Tear
200 |Boiled Bloodsack
200 |Flawless Alchemical Crystal
125 |Strange Object
125 |Smouldering Ash/NimbusCommon

Code Select Expand

100 |Alchemic Metal
100 |Flesh Horn
100 |Gargoyle Skull
75 |Slaad Tongue
75 |Rakasha Eye
75 |Fey Dust/Positive Energy Crystal
75 |Amethystine Essence
75 |Bodak's Tooth
75 |Mummy's Dust
50 |Bubbleberries
50 |Firebeetle Belly
25 |Shadowstone
15 |Skeleton Knuckle/Negative Energy
10 |Spring Water
Offerings

Potions:
50 |Circle 1
75 |Circle 2
175 |Circle 3

Scrolls:
50 | Circle 1
200 | Circle 2
300 | Circle 3
475 | Circle IV
600 | Circle V

Wands:
Prices upon request | Circle I-IV

Prismworks:
180 | Per session

Many foolish artisans offer per prism, poor business when most also sell per prism.
Bring as many as you desire to each session and for the sum I shall work them.

Rarities Also Sought

Paladin Blood, Not of the Paladin Bras
Groknak Heart ((If it doesn't drop item, just a screenshot of the Kill in dialogue))
Royal Okapi Horn ((If it doesn't drop item, just a screenshot of the Kill in dialogue))
Relics of the Wheel
Relics of the Dome
Formorian Bones
A severed hand bearing the Mark of Baharu ((If PC Confirmed to have it, get a DM for amputation))
A severed hand bearing the Mark of the Wyrm ((If PC confirmed to have it, get a DM for amputation))
Fragments of Qa'immish machinery

[close]

Though it began with Alejandro's travel boxes...
The proliferation of djinn artifice moved so much beyond. I wrote previously how it was my desire to use them as possible safeguards, if I was forced to flee and leave fragments of my research behind. Soon enough though it became apparent that the woes of war, the distraction of politic, the efforts of so much...

...half of them were returned. By the dutiful travelers, by the earnest nadiri, by the eager boardworker seeking a bounty. It became abundantly clear the methods would require shifting - less an overwhelming flood of these artifice remain ever in my possession. As Apothar, as fully fledged member of the Astronomical Mage's Guild of Ephia's Well - The time came to teach.

Three individuals, in three weeks time, would be gleaned and tempted of the Djinn.

The first, she would take to tears at the sight.

The second, he would gaze with dumbfounded confusion.

The third, he would be visibly shaken by the horror wrought...

...But not so much that he would not conjure a second horror almost immediately given the chance to learn more.

And in such I am able to learn a great deal about the Human. Atrocities abound, but so long as there is something that draws its wonder, gives it pause to consider. This - this very sense, is how undoubtedly they felt likewise. These would be Princes and Ladies of their many courts. These dangerous, erratic, magnificently strange little creatures.

All it takes to throw away the warnings, all it takes to throw away the threats, all it takes to throw away the howling priests of Sin, the furious hangman's howling of a noose awaiting, the chastisement and fear of the masses.

Possibility. Simply the possibility. The possibility of something they had never considered. No mater how scant or bare. That they may learn something few have, if ever, in their time walking this desert. Be it for ill and power, as Oskruul endeavored is not quite the same sensation.

But to take that which is deemed fair? And slowly tempt it away, a siren's song of power... of wealth... of discovery. I have corrupted individuals before. But this - This is wholly different. The elven maids and servitors of my Uncle's manor still came from so much. These humans fleeing the terrors of the realms now gone. There is hunger there, something dark, simply waiting to be coaxed out in desperation.

To take the unexpected, and make of them a Brooker.

Drawing them from the light, slowly, surely. To me.

What a remarkable sensation. And a City full of them...

This, I dare say, shall be... fun?

When was the last time I had fun.

...I cannot recall.

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Dante,

Manos had come to me in a pale sweat and wildly disconcerted. I had never seen him so visibly shaken and out of sorts. He informed me it was based upon a meeting had with yourself and others. The Azimoid duo in two, likewise, endeavoring to berate him publicly before the Cinquefoil Rose for not understanding the hyperbole spoken and appearing so visibly shaken by what were called by him to be "Grievous threats".

I do trust it was hyperbole, but to soothe him I have offered clarifying remark wherever the flyers so found around. You may seek them at Hasheema's Hope.

Though I am disconcerted you chose to speak with a great many individuals who were not me in an exchange for what would have been a very simple conversation if you came to speak with me at the tower. I am willing to chalk such up to the trying election and multiple works underway that no doubt call your attention.

Of Fiordelise -

One Apothar has abstained from the matter, two lay for. A majority is required so the others will need be pursued. Inform her at your leisure to seek out any Apothar she is able to plead her case and request they voice in favor.

When she has done such, if majority of the active Apothar agree, I can see her papers issued and the Accorded protection levied, as well as begin pursuing her requested tutoring and your requested work upon the Plague.

As ever, you are both welcome to seek me at the Tower.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Aside the orginal simple flyers, a small stack of parchment is left by each one.

More on Orphans: Why they are sought

As I have taken my first apprentice, I have learned much of teaching already.
An ambitious Wizard by the name of Graydon Ward, I have set for him a robust and detailed curriculum that shall see him from his nascent days of study towards his thesis, towards numerous examinations and field studies, towards journeyman practice of his spellcraft and wizardry, and the fundamental requirements laid before the Zenithars of High Zenithar Q'tolip to qualify as a worthy Nadiri the Third before his examination of Apothar.

However one matter that stood out of concern was that, as a Human, he is in fact elderly. This is not a sleight against him as he a truly gifted wizard - capable of a great number of circles from a lifetime of study and understanding of the craft. What he simply is missing is a combination of polish and a degree of confidence instilled that he may trust both his presence and place in the world he has found himself.

However as a Refugee he has endured hardship, distraction, means and methods by which his craft was delayed or altered. For it is a difficult thing to consider refining your articulation of Mestil's conjurations while your belly is rumbling, your skin burned by the sun, and your throat dry. This lead towards the considerations of my own privileges both compared to most of this city as well as my Fellow Apothars.

In the competitive pursuit of finding cooperative and well suited Nadiri, majority of my peers must find themselves engaged in spirited debate and a degree of petitioning if there is a Nadiri who catches the particular eye of the season's cohort. Some will play coy and aloof awaiting the Nadiri to approach first, others shall stake their claim of two, three, or more as a bargaining tool by which they may compromise and graciously offer a few spares to preserve their chosen favored. I shall not go overly indepth into the protocols and measures. But suffice to say there is an ordeal.

Considering my Nadiri is an elderly gentlemen and considering the amount of competition mentioned above this lead to an alternative consideration. A privilege I have over my peers - is fundamentally, time. I am in no rush to proceed my workings nor my efforts. For mine are a patient peoples, and my recent disabling has made me ever more so. This began to percolate the singular idea - Generational Wealth.

Among the Ashfolk this practice is considered commonplace, but in Ephia's Well it is lacking. I hold my Voice, I hold my station as Officer of the Accord, I hold my robust spellbook, my business ties to many, my productive artificing enterprise, and more - why then should I limit myself to a refugee when I have such time and fortunes at my disposal?

Enter the Orphan. The notion of taking a young ward who has time to matriculate is an honored tradition among the Wizarding craft. A young child of promise given room, board, a decade to acclimate and begin his teaching in earnest upon maturity - why that would put them decades ahead of most Refugee who will arrive in this city of ours. Doubly so if one considers that all their other needs of food, shelter, protection, tutoring, and more attended to. A veritable charity of the highest order to change a chosen ward's entire life.

However as Chronicler of the Divan and a complaint had in Sandstone College, in the Scribes, and from Zol Nur Apothar was my prolific use of parchment to explain myself, to explain situations, to detail every modicum of concern. It can lead many to sparsely read my reports he warned, or feel neglected. Furthermore considering the targeted desire of my potential ward was the Orphans of the Great Ash Desert there is further consideration to be had.

You see it is not commonplace that those who suffer to survive when bereft of parentage are inclined to spend much time sitting still, let alone reading, let alone potentially even knowing how to read. It takes a particular sort and I imagine now as I take to enchanting my quill to draft this - some of you already have stopped your reading. Now imagine you were a child of but eight years, born in the wake of the ring fall and ekeing out existence. When you are so hungered and desperate would you take the time to read such a robust treatise?

A boon of course to the pursuit of a wizarding apprentice if the child did such a thing but odds-on-thought lay towards the inclination it would simply be overlooked. Therein to remedy the matter it would need to be a clipped message, it would also need to be direct. Even moreso it would need to be something that any who have the barest understanding of the common tongue and only an inkling of reading could comprehend. Or easily take the flyer to another to read - Two words.

Wanted: Orphans.

It seemed a simple and elegant solution, without having to overly explain my interests nor overly complicate affairs by explaining at length the reasons such an apprentice was sought over one who had embarked by recent caravan from Qadira, from Il Modo, or from whatever settlement had brought them forth.

Furthermore it would lend a degree of good will - aiding one off the streets, one who feels neglected, or with little to gain of this world. An offer from on high by a benefactor who may fundamentally improve their life if they are willing to put in the work for the craft of wizardry, joining myself and Nadiri Graydon Ward in our studies overtime (Should he not expire in the next decade) and further allow him experience in teaching in his own right.

Regrettably I have been informed that some have taken my brevity for a long walk in their minds. That in my vagueness they have filled in their own gaps of thought - that the desire of wanting orphans is somehow a malicious undertaking or that if one wishes to pursue adoption of a young ward it is somehow a questionable consideration.

I am crippled and could use a courier, I am a teacher in need of student as one is rather aged, and I have fortunes of money and magic at my disposal. Ephia has a limited offering for the education of the youthful as in all my time in Sandstone College I never saw any rudimentary studies undertaken for children.

Absent of course, the Priory, taking its own orphaned girls into their fold.

May this lend some soothing balm to the worried mind.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

Bayt al-Yakdib

As matters have shifted substantially in game, and though I am hesitant to recruit OOCly for this sort of thing, I've taken quite a few swings IG over the months for good and for ill and figured as things are developing may as well dip a toe into the OOC recruitment pool. The name Bayt al-Yakdib may have been heard in a new context as a result of myself and a few other PCs actions.

ICly my PCs reputation has been pretty often called into question which is by design! But pushing things further here's some details.

My PC is a Warlock (SF Conjuration, Sf Enchantment, Sf Necromancy) who has managed to beg, borrow, and steal his way to a great deal of things working with a variety of seedy characters as a patron of the black arts and criminal elements. Equally as a somewhat contentious and effective figure of the Gold League, and the Tower of Q'tolip.

It has helped build a curious sort of framework to help accommodate for a great many styles of play.

Things were popping quite a bit for a while in game as a lot of things were moving at once, but as things have slowed I just wanted to ring the bell of opening for folks to consider.

- For the Scholarly inclined, a Thayvian-esque rise to power has now oppened the door for thayvian-esque apprenticeship among the Tower of Q'tolip. Wizards, Sorcerers, Astrologians, otherwise. I can't emphasize enough that it will come with higher risk than serving other Apothars - including possible character death or expulsion from the faction, but I would like to think efforts are underway that would potentially yield it higher rewards for a PC. Old Hands looking for some mischief or newer players looking to learn the ropes of black magic are welcome. This will be a harder path of Nadiri than working with someone else, but potentially more lucrative. You'll be given steps and plans to help you succeed but failure presents some sizeable repercussions.

- For the Politically inclined, a great deal of work has been done over the past months to tap into the Gold League's core ethos. Time as a Scribe in the Pyramid, time among the League Office, studying at the feet of Legates and Prelates and Magistrates and beyond has lead to some insights and machinations. PCs who are ambitious, devious, hungry for fame or power, or your classic "Deal with the Devil" tropes are welcome to seek me out.

- For the Criminally inclined I'm pleased to say the prototype worked. Oskruul Vraaz was a grease fire that I poured napalm onto and though it was a short lived partnership it set a lot of groundwork for methodology and planning, efforts and undertakings to really help try and cultivate a criminal element on v6. This chapter has been one of the roughest to get a footing on and I've thrown quite a bit of work into trying to help mitigate the struggles faced on my own outlaws this chapter. Wiggyboy and I were able to slowly put things through the paces and though there's still some kinks to work out I'm eager to try again.

Suffice to say we got options that fit almost any play style, at all levels of interest.

I've firmly believed for a long time EFU moves at its best when PCs have antagonists. We help fill the downtime. Though this chapter has been tough on antagonists as someone who's managed to sort of managed to thread the needle it just feels like a good chance to help give back to other PCs who want to start rocking the bells.

Feel free to hit me up on Discord with any questions.

Class: Non-Paladin, Non-Druid
Alignment: Non-Good
Race: Any
Timezone: Any

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

One of Many Hands,

Your dedication to the craft is admirable. At present none have done enough to warrant my ire for death but I shall remember well your list, your prices, and your services rendered.

I have in the past ushered many who found themselves into hardship for their passion. If your business slows and other path sought, or if your devotion to your singular craft leads you to difficulties.

Do keep me in mind. Amelioration may be a possibility.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Left in Hasheema's hope, the creep, the tablet, and the refugees camp outside the city. A simple flyer.

Wanted: Orphans

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Ephia: At War
By Celebyuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

"Cannon Hray - A Time when Walls are Opened" - The Mighty Kuşatma , Kanon Hray 10, IY 7788

With the looming of the most cruel and enduring march of the War Effort, nestled outside the Gate of Sand lay not the fabled Industrial District, the illustriou dream of the Gold and Purple Leagues and Gohari Industries first factory. The opposite in fact - Not the builder of walls. The billings from the massive smokestack outside the Gate of Sand is not the forges and inspiration of the izduan mechanical loom. The belching fury, akin to ripping open a hole in the ground and spitting forth from the mouth of Djinn Lord the most roiling flame.

The Breaker of Walls. The Shattering Voice of the Q'tolip. The Mighty Kuşatma. Known among the layfolk as The Titan Cannon, Zenithar Obam's masterpiece of craft. The subtle interlay of grace and terror. The off-white stones, like bone. The subtle curvature. The imprinted sigils - embossed and raised just ever so slightly as if carved by a master artisan. The blend of artistry and decay, engineering and magic, beauty and ruin.

Forged and operated by the Sultan's 10th Legion it represents a pinnacle of the workings undertaken in the face of Iakmes. The preparations for this long and final march - the combined efforts of the Tower of Q'tolip, the Sultan's Legion, and the Battle-Mages of Ka'esh.

Utilizing proprietary magics the Shards of the Titan are inversely served as repulsive accelerator, launching its salvos with a force of energy not seen since the crashing fall of the Summer Palace. Massive, sweeping craters left in the sands from its field testing. Soldiers of the Tenth joking that it holds "Magnitude beyond the powers of any artillery thus far into the field. If at Arslan a shot could kill four, five Recluta. This? This a Battalion of them."

As if by divine providence at the time Ephia's Well finds itself in the throes of a religious fervor and zealous feud betwixt the servitors of the Wheel and the Dome, the forces of mortals assembled in defiance of the Thousand Clans efforts of extinction have created perhaps the single most destructive force in the modern era.

...The only difficulty awaiting?

Traversing the horrific and blistering Scald, and the inevitable dangers that await each time the Camp assembles to move. For undoubtedly the Elements, Iakmes, the Seekers-After-Death, Brooker, Baharu, Hundred Prince, Melek, Blood Plague, and more shall be awaiting southwards.

If though the Accord and its tag-along sellswords, if Ka'esh and its Wild Brothers, battle mages and camp followers, and assembled mercenaries such as the Silent Ones, Big Chums, and more can converge...

Total Victory. No matter the Cost.

End Volume XVI

[Apothar of Q'toli[]

Manta,

Nigel had one of the Rings I had sought. Not a worry for you to find one.

Gratitude though.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'toli[

[Apothar of Q'tolip]

Recluta,

Per our discussion a few expanded options come to mind.

Option 1: Tipshard

Though it will require more a smith's focus than an engineer's works the notion of altering the physical balance of the Shard into a hand-held weapon should be workable. The silver composite's softness is reinforced by the Bronze allowing a relative sturdy foundation for a blade despite the innate magics within it.

A spear would be my suggestion, allowing the most metal to volume capability. Simple wooden shafts with fragments of the shard fitter upon the head. A bit primitive of make but it would allow, if my measurements not mistaken, a number of them to be made and used as needed.

[close]

Option 2: Manasorptive Shield

Inlaying the Shard within a wooden shield would potentially allow the mimicing of the absorption magics utilized by the Titans based upon the magical composition of the shard as a fueling source. The Orc'ah are no strangers to the utilization of a robust collection of magics, and in such it may allow the wielder of said shield to absorb their forces' works.

[close]

Option 3: Arcanocamoflauge

As we discussed it would be a more magically-focused project but the design of a small, portable generator - ideally personally mounted within a leather harness of armor. The shifting of absorption of magic to the absorption of light would lend in essence a means of magical camouflage for the non-magical wielder. Volatile but not without its uses.

[close]

Option 4: Lockflint Charge

Utilizing the barest schematics of a Flintlock a means by which smaller but more propelled shards may be utilized. Either as barebone ammunition of the pellets or if one wished to move beyond such towards a direct use of the shard as fuel, a small fragment embedded within the handle of the contraption allowing a magical-blast. It has been said raw magic is one of the most effective means to combat the Titan. Food for thought.

[close]

Dependent upon which path chosen, differing options available. A more magically focused matter such as the Second or Third would require alchemical reagents. The Fourth, Engineering Schematic and bundle. The First, merely smithworks.

Celybuin Hui'nalyw
Apothar of Q'tolip

It is curious to me the nature of these creatures.
They make their deals, seal their pacts, propagate their influence, sow their chaos and destruction and more to secure whatever their hearts desire. It is no question why there has been so much subversion of order and fallen empires. It seems no matter what their origin and their affiliation they crave contest with one another, demand strife over the barest sleight, and stop at nothing to secure their power.

...But that is, it has been said, the nature of Humans. Ever more dangerous than the Djinn, the volatility, the impulsiveness, the ego. For all such said though, such insight. I do not know if it is survival instinct or merely their shrewd adaptability. But in the last 24 hours many of them have come so very close to recognizing the truth of things.

Balladeer Caddick howling at the Gates of Sand, "The Well's worse off than it was six months ago. We're eroded." Which, as situation would have it - the time of my arrival.

Lyrist Domergure, snarling of her top three foes not long after she shared such when inquired by the Legate Argent where she would begin with her plans to uproot and save Ephia - "The Brookers. The dying refugees outside our gates. The destiny awaiting us in Bet Nappahi." It is flattering to find way to top of a list, but at what point is it then a challenge - when the wheels cast in motion weeks in advance for matters to come to fruition. It begins to feel as if one had barely done anything.

So saying in response, Prelate Moretti - "Pointless cruelty is the worst of all." as though cruelty with purpose a grander exposition? Pointless cruelty holds in it a severe purpose. Study, experiment, gauging reaction and undertaking, testing of boundaries, of limitations. If he knew the cruelty bestowed upon his dear Fiordelise, I wonder if he would have proffered the 10,000 dinar required to raise me voiced. And yet she proceeded to offer me gratitude for the lesson, seeking to learn more, moving eagerly. Whyso? Because a few religious individuals, such as my friend Azim, began to shift their tune? How unfortunate that the zeal begins amidst the time I reveal to her the possibilities. A shame it is that now she endeavors a new path. How seemingly coincidental. How unplanned.

And yet in the wake of my rise to Voice free of charge, in the wake of the attack upon the Syballine Sisterhood, when Official Fabio de Avalore of the League of Gold stormed the Pyramid, he pointed directly at me - howling. "Yes. This was supposed to be an *easy win*, *Argent*. With all due respect, what the fuck are you doing?! Is it this elf? Is he whispering in your ears?"

My heart skipped a beat. Surrounded in the Pyramid by the zealots of Warad and Izdu, by the Paladin, by the Legion, by the men and women of Governance. A finger pointed directly at me. The most naked of accusation.

Long has it been since I felt so alive

And yet I am mired in disappointment. The accusation falling upon deaf ears. The next shiny object, the next loud Bellow, the next snort of derision drawing their attention away.

The entire ordeal leaving me so...fruitlessly adrift.

From the records, notes, and conspiratorial machinations - Apothar Azimi made it seem that Sister Selsi was some grandiose twister of time, space, and willpower. Instead she could not even train her sycophants to uphold the facade she and her predecessors so carefully spread among the unknowing populace.

All they had to do to best things - was to take the beating. The Dragon's reputation, his image, and more would have been utterly destroyed. A Sister of the Accord brutalized, beaten, burned, battered, forced to kneel before the voting machine and cast his whim. Baz'eel would not have let such stand, the Rose, even the Tower.

Instead though matters played out as they ever do.  Pride, ego, a short sighted victory rather than a lasting triumph. This first gambit against the Rose should have been a starting volley of a long, beautiful struggle. A challenge...

Instead they have crumble the first step off the vessel. The Dragon of Ephia beaten, by a nun, who is in fact a powerful Wizard of highest circle and capabilities. Not a charitable worker - but all the makings of an Arch Maji. That does not lend to the narrative so meticulously drafted by so many of the Sisters over the last decade.

It simply... sets it aflame for the sake of a petty victory.

I do begin to worry though. This creeping ennui, I have not felt it so badly since my time spent in my Uncle's drawing room. Without rival, without challenge, without new indulgence...

...what am I to do, sitting here with power and fortune and luxury?

Sending petty letters back and forth with Apothar Stern over her fuming of my corrupting of her various Nadiri? Offering darker portents than perhaps Zol Nur Apothar would care to hear of how to solve the problems he is presenting? Amplifying Apothar Azimi's basest instincts in hopes she may present new opportunities?

Certainly no way to spend a half a century, until these mortals dwindle...

Perhaps the Scald shall shake things up. Perhaps I should refocus my efforts on Greydon. Or perhaps cultivating a few more Nadiri of my own...