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Messages - Scitus

#1
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 24, 2024, 11:01:53 PM
"Chapter Nine"



"You were to be promoted, after the trip to red hill, your triumph, your victory."

"Do not go Zol Nur, It is a suicide mission."

"This one has named you, as it has been decided long ago, you remain with my full confidence."

"No one came?" I cried, but lucian assured me. "They have full confidence in your abilities."

I sewed my finger back together. and I can't help but wonder if you are proud of me. I know you'd never actually say so, or otherwise.

I haven't let pain stop me, it's never stopped me, People don't even know I can feel it.

Now I go to my end, and I wonder if I can be as brave as you were. Brother, brothers.
#2
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 24, 2024, 07:25:57 PM
"Chapter Nine."

STARVATION



They've never noticed what I do. They don't know the battles I wage. The constant tempting and prodding by sisters who think I'm weak. I let them think that. I make wonders with my hands, I save battlefields of men, I can tear space apart.. POLITICAL BUNGLING, those idiots.. Khalid would never have been able to win. I was the one in control, I AM IN CONTROL.

The master said, that when they were together, in exile, bodies hungry, minds free.

I've never struggled with food.

But I'm Starving.
I'm Starving
I'm starving
IM STARVING
IM STARVING
 
*the rest of the page is torn*
#3
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 21, 2024, 04:15:34 PM
"Chapter Eight."



"We take our licks in this tower." It is comforting to know. It is reassuring to hear that the investment in me is too high to waste.

I've spent days, weeks even months, wondering why I even stay. When it seems like all they do despite my successes, at great personal cost, That all they see is rebellion.

Well, it turns out when I try to walk away they stop me. I am grateful. It was kind, even if it was harsh, Zenithar Konthaz has an acerbic tone but it was what I needed to hear.

I genuinely can't tell, Apothar Mevura swings so wildly from appearing to be my fiercest enemy, to someone actively helping me. It is near maddening to keep up with. I suppose my declaration of freedom from him earlier caused this in no small part, I probably shouldn't have called him a wilting flower but it was just so difficult to watch him bend over backwards for some nadiri that reminds him of his master.. When I've actually volunteered to follow him to the depths, when I've been beside him with every autopsy, I'm not perfect, I understand that. But I've done my best to disprove his fears of being some kind of Priory spy. I'm not sure how to deal with him. I hope it improves after this.
#4
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 18, 2024, 06:51:46 PM
"Chapter Seven."



I hate what you've made me do, I hate what I've chosen to do. This isn't what I wanted, I am in control. How can they chain a light, how can they desire a luminary and a servant, why do I chase this thin edge while others stride over wide stone bridges. Is it truly a greater path? I can only hope.
#5
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 16, 2024, 05:21:30 AM
"Chapter Six."



"You were always good to me." The last thing he said to me. Not good enough, never good enough to save a life. Just dig in the ruins.


*The rest of the page is splattered with wet marks*
#6
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 13, 2024, 06:31:28 PM
"Chapter Five."



My own finger, It didn't even seem like mine down on the floor, just more flesh to tend, the pain was in the back of my mind as the needle pierced the skin. I barely remember it, the blood, the thread. They're just recollections. What hurt came after, Only Lucian even thought to ask me. "They are sure of your ability to recover." Very convenient of them that I require no compassion. Do I? And when I just, needed someone to listen to me lament about how little I felt, appreciated. I could not, I know he cares, but caring is not enough. To care is not enough. Thank you, for this lesson too.
#7
Plain Text
The Philosophy of Alchemy - By Ashley Scherwin.

Chapter 1
The Thaumaturgical Art.

Before a practitioner may begin the act of Wonder Making, they must first understand the nature of the Alchemical arts. The Thaumaturge is not a hedgewizard playing at poultices and cantrips, nor the merchant mage who sells bottled cures and love spells, for to engage in alchemy is to transmute the very nature of the world. A divine act of creation which is unparalleled in the works of sorcery. Equally it is unparalleled in the danger it poses both to its practitioner and the world which shall be altered by the Chrysopoeian techniques.

Alchemy as a tradition can be described as the Four and Seven. Representing each of the Four elements; Air, Water, Fire, Earth, As well as the Seven forms; Light, Dark, Solid, Liquid, Energetic, Inert, and Void.

Magic in its mundane form is often referred to simply as the Art, something which may be learned at the feet of a master and reinvented with creativity and practice to the practitioner's own tastes. Alchemy holds no such freedom, it is a paradoxical art which requires directly conflicting ideals to exist in equilibrium. To make what is, into what will be, requires a finesse demanding in patience, temperance and exacting skill. The Art must obey the laws of nature, understand the truth and form of these laws. Only to, at the last moment, subvert them and transcend them.

Chapter 2
Responsibility of the Magi.

The Great Work takes no set form and while no two alchemists shall travel the same path, it must be shared. The Fool who thinks themselves wise shall make a hoard of their knowledge, unexamined, untested, unshared. Never shall they know the wisdom in the eyes of another, they shall be blind to their own failings, and blind to the danger.

For every wonder there is a horror, for every miracle a curse, it is the responsibility of the Magi to navigate the troubled shores of possibility. Jhalan Ishkar Zenithar of the Astronomers of Q'tolip teaches his students the importance of companionship, this lesson rings true in all of the Arts of wisdom. Astrology, Alchemy, and Spellcraft.

Where one shall fail, two shall succeed, this is a fundamental truth. As the equilibrium of the future must be balanced with the past. Theurge and Companion must form a balance, for the powerful works of the Thaumaturge must be carefully balanced, else wise disaster. Those who seek to work wonders must ever be afeard to work nightmares in their stead. For personal power, for wealth, even for knowledge shall the art bend toward ruin. Only with pure intention, for the goodness of others, and the knowledge which provides it may the Thaumaturge stay true.

Bearing these truths in mind, The alchemical techniques must never be applied to living subjects, nor shall they be endeavored alone, nor shall the Thaumaturge allow pressure of worldly pleasures or pains to change their methodology.  Most importantly, there shall come a time where an error has been made, and the consequences may be dire, The Thaumaturge or Companion may come to great harm, the wider world, even creatures from beyond it. It is the final responsibility of the Magi to bear the responsibility for the harm they cause, even in good heart, else the magi has fallen from the art.


Chapter 3.
Abjuration of the Danger of Alchemy.

How does one avoid the monstrous and inhumane, the unnatural consequences of failed miracles? The practice of safe alchemy consists of three components, Physical covering, magical warding, and comprehensive observation.

For each component of the Alchemic process there are risks, identifying the correct protective vestments is vital to the success of the art. For when working with fire, it is unwise to wear linen or cotton, instead wear clothing composed of wool. When working with Acrid fumes wear a mask with a hard covering to prevent spills and a soft cloth filter within to protect from airborne exposure. When working with Caustic materials wear instead an apron and long gloves of treated leather, to prevent exposure to skin. There will be countless situations and the Thaumaturge must decide for themselves with knowledge and advice what the best measure against the dangers present will be.

The Practitioner shall inevitably face more esoteric threats, for there is always a balance and when bending the rules and laws of nature, The Magi must be prepared for them to snap. Elemental forces shall upon imbalance spill in conflagration thus the wise magi shall always prepare elemental shielding. Likewise, when interacting with the forms of darkness and void, prepare such magical defenses opposing death and unlife. So too may Solid and inert do physical harm, and should be warded against in physical barrier.

The greatest of the Esoteric threats is the presence of malicious beings, whom upon the weakening of the laws of reality might seek entry, most beings capable of such are not benign, and are typically possessed of great magical skill being non material creatures by nature. This is the worst outcome of any Thaumaturgical event but one the Magi must be prepared for. The Companion shall be most vital in this instance, as the being shall manifest closest to the Wondercraft. In these instances the Thaumaturge shall have to retreat while the companion covers their flight, and regroup. For the being can not be left to its devices. For each creature shall be different there can be no guide. The Thaumaturge must practice self defense and the expulsion of such creatures if there is to be hope of the true delvings of the Art.

For this matter the constant and attentive recording of observed phenomenon will be vital to the Thaumaturge's practice, without this knowledge all success shall be temporary and all failure shall be lasting, the companion is once again the greatest and most important ally to the Thaumaturge who is engaged directly in the workings and less capable of such observation and recording. This practice is vital to all others, and can not be neglected.

Afterword.
Advice to would be Alchemists.

To those apprentices who look at the art of miracle and transformation as a path to power and fame, I warn you now. Turn yourself from this path, only ruin awaits you. The Art is not for this, for it is a thankless task, fraught with danger. You shall be criticized, your mind and body subjected to rigors you are not aware you may face, horrors which shall test you and take you to your very limit. For Bravery comes in the smallest of strides, but with the greatest of measures.
[close]
#8
The Philosophy of Alchemy
by Ashley Scherwin



────────────────────
CHAPTER I

The Thaumaturgical Art
────────────────────

Before a practitioner may begin the act of Wonder Making, they must first understand the nature of the Alchemical arts. The Thaumaturge is not a hedgewizard playing at poultices and cantrips, nor the merchant mage who sells bottled cures and love spells, for to engage in alchemy is to transmute the very nature of the world. A divine act of creation which is unparalleled in the works of sorcery. Equally it is unparalleled in the danger it poses both to its practitioner and the world which shall be altered by the Chrysopoeian techniques.
 
Alchemy as a tradition can be described as the Four and Seven. Representing each of the Four elements; Air, Water, Fire, Earth, As well as the Seven forms; Light, Dark, Solid, Liquid, Energetic, Inert, and Void.

Magic in its mundane form is often referred to simply as the Art, something which may be learned at the feet of a master and reinvented with creativity and practice to the practitioner's own tastes. Alchemy holds no such freedom, it is a paradoxical art which requires directly conflicting ideals to exist in equilibrium. To make what is, into what will be, requires a finesse demanding in patience, temperance and exacting skill. The Art must obey the laws of nature, understand the truth and form of these laws. Only to, at the last moment, subvert them and transcend them.




────────────────────
CHAPTER II

Responsibility of the Magi
────────────────────

The Great Work takes no set form and while no two alchemists shall travel the same path, it must be shared. The Fool who thinks themselves wise shall make a hoard of their knowledge, unexamined, untested, unshared. Never shall they know the wisdom in the eyes of another, they shall be blind to their own failings, and blind to the danger.

For every wonder there is a horror, for every miracle a curse, it is the responsibility of the Magi to navigate the troubled shores of possibility. Jhalan Ishkar Zenithar of the Astronomers of Q'tolip teaches his students the importance of companionship, this lesson rings true in all of the Arts of wisdom. Astrology, Alchemy, and Spellcraft.

Where one shall fail, two shall succeed, this is a fundamental truth. As the equilibrium of the future must be balanced with the past. Theurge and Companion must form a balance, for the powerful works of the Thaumaturge must be carefully balanced, else wise disaster. Those who seek to work wonders must ever be afeard to work nightmares in their stead. For personal power, for wealth, even for knowledge shall the art bend toward ruin. Only with pure intention, for the goodness of others, and the knowledge which provides it may the Thaumaturge stay true.

Bearing these truths in mind, The alchemical techniques must never be applied to living subjects, nor shall they be endeavored alone, nor shall the Thaumaturge allow pressure of worldly pleasures or pains to change their methodology.  Most importantly, there shall come a time where an error has been made, and the consequences may be dire, The Thaumaturge or Companion may come to great harm, the wider world, even creatures from beyond it. It is the final responsibility of the Magi to bear the responsibility for the harm they cause, even in good heart, else the magi has fallen from the art.




────────────────────
CHAPTER III

Abjuration of the Danger of Alchemy
────────────────────

How does one avoid the monstrous and inhumane, the unnatural consequences of failed miracles? The practice of safe alchemy consists of three components, Physical covering, magical warding, and comprehensive observation.

For each component of the Alchemic process there are risks, identifying the correct protective vestments is vital to the success of the art. For when working with fire, it is unwise to wear linen or cotton, instead wear clothing composed of wool. When working with Acrid fumes wear a mask with a hard covering to prevent spills and a soft cloth filter within to protect from airborne exposure. When working with Caustic materials wear instead an apron and long gloves of treated leather, to prevent exposure to skin. There will be countless situations and the Thaumaturge must decide for themselves with knowledge and advice what the best measure against the dangers present will be.

The Practitioner shall inevitably face more esoteric threats, for there is always a balance and when bending the rules and laws of nature, The Magi must be prepared for them to snap. Elemental forces shall upon imbalance spill in conflagration thus the wise magi shall always prepare elemental shielding. Likewise, when interacting with the forms of darkness and void, prepare such magical defenses opposing death and unlife. So too may Solid and inert do physical harm, and should be warded against in physical barrier.

The greatest of the Esoteric threats is the presence of malicious beings, whom upon the weakening of the laws of reality might seek entry, most beings capable of such are not benign, and are typically possessed of great magical skill being non material creatures by nature. This is the worst outcome of any Thaumaturgical event but one the Magi must be prepared for. The Companion shall be most vital in this instance, as the being shall manifest closest to the Wondercraft. In these instances the Thaumaturge shall have to retreat while the companion covers their flight, and regroup. For the being can not be left to its devices. For each creature shall be different there can be no guide. The Thaumaturge must practice self defense and the expulsion of such creatures if there is to be hope of the true delvings of the Art.

For this matter the constant and attentive recording of observed phenomenon will be vital to the Thaumaturge's practice, without this knowledge all success shall be temporary and all failure shall be lasting, the companion is once again the greatest and most important ally to the Thaumaturge who is engaged directly in the workings and less capable of such observation and recording. This practice is vital to all others, and can not be neglected.




────────────────────
AFTERWORD

Advice to Would-Be Alchemists
────────────────────

To those apprentices who look at the art of miracle and transformation as a path to power and fame, I warn you now. Turn yourself from this path, only ruin awaits you. The Art is not for this, for it is a thankless task, fraught with danger. You shall be criticized, your mind and body subjected to rigors you are not aware you may face, horrors which shall test you and take you to your very limit. For Bravery comes in the smallest of strides, but with the greatest of measures.


#9
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 03, 2024, 05:10:40 PM
"Chapter Four."



"I'm not sure how it happened, but I've learned from Her. Not anything she hoped to teach me of course, those are infantile understandings. That, however, is the crux of my revelation. For so long I have labored attempting to parse Malice from ignorance. Naivety and Agenda. I've realized, there is no deviation between Malice and Ignorance. Malice is simply ignorance empowered. How can one be cruel, to harm others, to hurt their progress. Like I have done. Borne of Ignorance, the errant wasp found in your study cannot know you are releasing it from a worse fate. But that does not entitle you to resent it it's struggles.

I have learned. Thank you."
#10
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 01, 2024, 08:29:06 PM
"Chapter Three"



"How dare he, how dare he take my place. I was ready, I spent so much time and energy preparing. I was ready, mind and body. He comes in with that stupid smile on his face. Thinking about everyone but himself. He thought he was so smart, I want to hate him. I want to hate him so much. I can't.

It should have been me
It should have been me
It should have been me
It should have been me
that died in Assuru not him."



Splotches dot the page.
#11
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
March 01, 2024, 03:32:30 PM
"Chapter Two."



"What is crueler, to say that she can not understand or that she will not understand. How can she? Only in the moment can anything truly be known. Experimentation, implementation, all of the study and practice in the world won't teach you what you need to know. I understand why we scorn the sandstone and baz'eel. They are content to sit on tradition, content to sit on their own polished floors and say they have already found the right way.

But it is wrong, there is still so much to learn, so much to see, so much to do. Their ideology doesn't permit this, and the fact that such a procedure so loudly proclaimed as political farce by superiors, has not in any way aided. The fact that I had to make science of a political farce. I regret only, that I wish I could have put her parts back in."



A small note in the margins

"I thought we were supposed to be against dogmatic tradition..."
#12
Journals and Musings / Re: A medical Journal.
February 29, 2024, 08:11:12 PM
"Chapter One continues."



"To think, what could not be explained by tutors, by doctors, by my masters and peers. Would be so easily explained by metallurgical knowledge. I understand now, at least I hope I do. I am grateful to you Zain. As grateful as I am to Master Mae, and Apothar Kretuz, maybe one day I can find a way to impart that. To thank them all for what they've done. A foolish hope, one is already gone. It was like watching a star die, I am still struck with a profound loss, that only now can truly paralyze me.

Metal can not be pulled too thin, the ductility of any object shall determine it's maximum coverage by volume. The sword too long will wilt, the armor too narrow will collapse. I can not do everything. I took such great insult to that fact, I worked so hard to prove it wasn't true, but was I so foolish as to truly think I was superior to them all. I am not unaware of my own skills or my own lack, nor those of others. Yet still, I saw myself above them, floating through the clouds. I told Xon today, Nothing truly exists in isolation. I always knew that. Why did I forget?"
#13
Journals and Musings / A medical Journal.
February 29, 2024, 07:27:30 PM
A black bound notebook. Unceremoniously Labeled. "Journal"


"Chapter One."

"I've never kept a personal journal, it's something I have recommended in the past to patients. I've just never found the need to keep one myself; but, I've never been pushed this far before. It may do me some good to get the ideas down here, Not just keep them in my head. I'll, need to think of what I need to think."

"The world changes so fast, and other times a crawl."
 
There is a sharp line as if the writing had been cut off.
#14
Correspondence / A letter to Bashir of the Scribes.
November 02, 2023, 06:52:53 PM
A lightly antiseptic smelling letter arrives.

"Hello Bashir! Here's my guidelines if you could reprint and post them as we talked about, that would be great! Tell me how much you charge later, I trust you."

"Medical Guidelines"
These are the established guidelines for dealing with victims of the blood plague, please read carefully and dedicate to memory before treating.

Remember: When dealing with instances of the Blood Plague, the following rules and equipment shall be followed to the letter to prevent the spread of disease.


List of Protective Equipment Requirements:

1. Gloves of no less than Ten inches from Fingertip to Cuff, Made of tanned and oiled leather, never cloth.

2. An Apron or front covering, which encompasses the whole of the torso, arms, and legs.

3. A hair covering, which fully encompasses the hair in cowl or hood.

4. A face covering, which ideally covers the whole of the face including eyes.


Equipment Usage Guidelines:
 
1. All equipment shall be disposed of or otherwise Sanitized after the duration of work.

2. Protective coverings must be donned correctly before interacting with plague victims.

3. Protective coverings must remain in place and be worn correctly for the duration of work in potentially contaminated areas.

4. Protective coverings must not be adjusted or additionally handled for the duration of work.

5. Protective coverings must be removed slowly and deliberately in a sequence that prevents self-contamination.


Equipment Donning Sequence:

1. Identify and gather the proper protective equipment. Ensure choice of covering size is correct.
 
2. Perform hand cleansing using boiled water (let water cool,) or strong dry spirits.

3. Put on Apron or front covering. Tie all of the ties on the article. Aid may be needed by another Medistician.

4. put on face covering, Mask ties or loops should be secured on crown of head (top tie) and base of neck (bottom tie). if mask is a wrap, ensure both ends are tucked behind either shoulder blade under covering.

5. If using orbital coverings, ensure that glass is secured tightly, and is not adjusted by hand or tool until the end of the removal process. A caution on fogging, it is possible that your protective covering becomes fogged with the heat of the body, this is simply a risk to be aware of do not remove or adjust.

6. Put on gloves. Gloves should cover the cuff (wrist) of Apron or covering.

7. Medistician may now approach the plagued victim.


Equipment Removal Sequence:

1. Remove gloves. To ensure glove removal does not cause additional contamination of hands, by pinching the center of the glove of your non favored hand and pulling from the center. Using your free hand place a finger underneath the cuff of the favored hand and remove from the bottom without contact with the outside surface.
 
2. Remove Apron or covering. Untie all ties (or undo all buttons). Reach up to the shoulders and carefully pull covering down and away from the body. Dispose in permissible receptacle.

3. Medistician may now depart from Victim.

4. Perform hand cleansing procedure.

5. Remove face cover or eye cover. Carefully remove mask or goggles by grabbing the strap and pulling upwards and away from head. Do not touch the front of mask or goggles.

6. Perform hand cleansing after removing the mask or goggles.


This ends Equipment guidelines, Practice with caution. Nadiri Ashley Scherwin.
[close]
#15
Correspondence / Re: Open letter to the 4th Legion.
October 29, 2023, 02:19:42 AM
Another in like kind.

"Consider my offer Revoked.

- Hoping for your swift recovery, Ashley Scherwin."