abraxasooc | EVENT #10: AFFLICTION

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EVENT #10: AFFLICTION - WRAP UP

Event #10 - Affliction (Wrap-Up)

go to the IC event post or OOC info post

Similar to how things began, the effects of the Heralds don't fade all at once. For any variety of reasons, some characters will find they are free sooner than others - as early as a days, even a week. By the end of the month, around the 26th, the effects will disappear from the last person.

The omens will linger for longer, infesting the land into early November. Bit by bit, however, these signs will also fade and things slowly return to normal. At least, where the Old Gods are concerned.

Lingering Gifts

Every character who made a choice in that dream will find the object of their chosen Herald inside their domain: the dead moth in the rose, the teacup with the nightshade berry, or the cracked hand mirror with no reflection.

Try as they might, they will not be able to get rid of the item. The best they can do is bury it someplace where they can pretend it doesn't exist. How did it get here? Is it a gift from the Heralds? A sign that they're forever changed? The object certainly feels different. Touching it or holding it feels warm, almost comforting. As wary as some may be, the aura of the object is not sinister, at least not in the typical sense. It's familiar—like finding an old possession once thought lost.

Unease in the Factions

Although the infestation has passed, the natives of Abraxas remain apprehensive of the Summoned. Some of those apprehensions might fade with time, but things don't entirely go back to what they were.

◎ Thorne
In Thorne, while high-ranking mages treat the Summoned the same as ever, as though they've long been well-aware of what unknown potentials lie within these Summoned, apprentice mages, common guards, and regular staff in the Castle might be a little more hesitant to interact with characters. They won't be rude, just distant or less quick to befriend you. If you're the charming type, you may get them to warm up to you again.

◎ The Free Cities
In the Free Cities, attitudes span the gamut as always. Some behave no different while others will keep their distance. Others even take an interest in characters, as though they're a scientific curiosity. Portam Hall and higher officials are keeping a closer eye on everyone - but they've been doing this for some time. Much of this depends on the character. If you've made a name for yourself being helpful, most will warm up to you again. If you're a known troublemaker, they might continue to stay away.

◎ Solvunn
In Solvunn, the sense is closer to a cautious respect similar to how one might approach a beautiful but very large animal. Offerings will continue, but some might choose to bother the Summoned less, making sure that they only ask them for assistance over things that they feel are worthwhile. Even so, there remain some who won't treat the Summoned any different - mostly those who have taken characters into their homes as family. The Council, too, appears to take matters in stride. The will of the Gods is all that matters.

Interrogations ("Volunteers")

We're offering an opportunity for your character to be questioned (and possibly even arrested) by the factions! This is entirely voluntary on the player's end, but of course for the characters, it won't be voluntary at all. The combination of the Heralds sweeping through and tensions from the war means faction officials are beginning to keep a closer eye on the Summoned.

Characters can be taken aside for any number of things that fall under "dubious but not actionable." In other words, if your character will be noticed for conspiring to murder an official or something major along those lines, we ask you reach out to us on Plot Engagement as that's a full plot. However, if your character might've been spotted sneaking around on rooftops or eavesdropping on guards because they're only thinking about a major crime, then you can let us know here.

Characters will not be detained unless they are uncooperative while being questioned or raise suspicions by lying too much in an unconvincing way. (In Solvunn, this means being temporarily banished to the Tertiary Settlement.) Each faction will have their own methods of approaching matters. Characters will be able to interact with other characters even if they should end up being detained, and they will not be harmed at any point so long as there is no violence on their part.

Thorne

Characters in Thorne will be pulled aside by one of the castle guards and taken to a sparse but comfortable room. They'll be questioned by the captain of the guard or one of his officers. They will not be restrained and, if they have a fairly decent reputation in the castle, will be treated respectfully.

Depending on how characters answer the questions or behave, they'll either be thanked and sent on their way after an hour or so, or they might be arrested and sent down into the dungeons for a couple days to a week while officials "consider the situation." The dungeons, as always, have an enchantment that suppresses any magic or supernatural abilities that'll affect all characters while they're down there. They'll be fed three square meals of surprisingly good quality, and each cell has four beds.

Character can have visitors from any of the other Summoned. Further, if they're lucky enough to have someone on the outside vouch for them, they can be released into a form of "house arrest" where they'll be confined to their quarters for the remainder of their time instead of held in the dungeons.

Free Cities

Characters in the Free Cities will be pulled aside by one of Cadens' city guards and taken to a section of Portam Hall reserved for questioning. The room is small and sparse with no windows. They will not be restrained unless they resist from the start. The guards will be professional and polite. If you have a solid reputation for helping or otherwise being an upstanding citizen, they'll be friendlier - and some might even apologize for the trouble. If you're a known troublemaker or have caused problems in the past in the city, they'll be more stern with you.

Depending on how characters answer the questions or behave, they'll either be thanked and sent on their way after an hour or so, or they might be arrested on charges of obstruction (or whatever fits) and will need to spend anywhere from a couple days to a week in jail. These jails are holding areas meaning characters will have an unsavory roommate or three - drunks, petty thieves, etc. Only one cot is available, so they'll have to fight for it or just sleep on the ground. The food is edible but tastes awful.

If characters are lucky enough to have a friend on the outside, guards do in fact accept bribes and will let someone visit to bring in a few amenities including better food for a silver or two. For a bigger chunk of gold, one can even formally pay a "fine" to Portam Hall instead, thus granting the character an early release. This person must be willing to navigate the forms and lineups at Portam Hall, as well.

Solvunn

Characters in Solvunn will be approached by someone they know well in the commune. This may be their host family, the local baker, or anyone who is a native of Solvunn that would have a rapport with your character. If there is no one of that sort, then they would be approached by one of the kindly Elders in the commune. They'll be asked to walk or to come inside the home.

Depending on how characters answer the questions or behave, they'll be thanked for their help and sent on their way, or they will be told that this requires the Council's attention. The Council will then inform the character their behavior is disruptive to the health of the commune in a time of strife and be banished to the Tertiary Settlement for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. They won't be alone in the Tertiary Settlement. Other outcasts of the commune live there long term and anyone from the other settlements can come visit them, as well. While there, they can make some money fishing if they're good at it or do a small bit of hunting or repairs around the land.

They must serve out their time in the Tertiary Settlement. No amount of convincing, money, or vouching will allow a character to return before their banishment is complete. However, once they've returned they will be welcomed back into the community as though nothing happened - and no one will speak of the incident again.

The mechanics for this will work as follows:

◎ Fill out the form and reply to this comment under the correct faction heading for your character.

◎ We'll roll for 2-3 characters at a time Don't worry - everyone will get their turn eventually. We'll only be using RNG to determine the order for who gets taken aside and when.

◎ When we reply to you, the "interrogation" will take place semi-IC. This means there won't be a full NPC thread. Instead, we'll describe the question your character is asked and possibly the behavior of the guards. To answer, you'll do the same and describe how your character will answer and behave rather than writing out a typical IC tag. You can add dialogue or any IC text you like, but this isn't required - just telling us will be enough.

◎ Characters can sell out someone else if they want. Depending on the information they choose to hand over or the person they're turning on, this might free them from being questioned or get both of them in trouble. Please be sure you communicate with all players involved if you choose this option!

◎ If your character will be lying or omitting vital information, we'll roll for how well their lie or omission is believed. If your upcoming reply is a lie or omission, please note how convincing your character is on a scale of 1-3 with 1 being poor and 3 being excellent. This will determine your character's number of dice during the roll.

We'll be rolling with a multi-sided die, meaning this is not a hit or miss situation. Rather, suspicion will increase or decrease on a scale as appropriate.

Questions and Answers

If after reading these you're still unsure about anything, or your question wasn't covered, please feel free to hit up our Questions thread below!

Will NPC attitudes impact what my characters can do or have been doing?: While the overall shift in attitude will be felt by everyone, on an individual day-to-day basis character interactions with the native NPCs can be influenced by any number of things such as rapport, charm, sympathy, reputation, and more. For example, if your character has been a loyal employee it's unlikely they'll be dismissed or demoted - but one or two customers might be less friendly than usual. Players are encouraged to write what feels realistic and reasonable for their character.
Can the gifts from the Heralds be changed or altered?: Fundamentally, no. However, characters may change the wilted rose into a wilted lily, turn the nightshade berry into poison hemlock, and so forth. In other words, characters can't change the thematic representation of the object, but they can adjust minor facets of it.
What if my character would behave violently or aggressively to being questioned?: If your character will get extremely violent or aggressive in response, please contact us on the Plot Engagement first before submitting. Factions do take violence towards their own seriously and consequences can be harsh, so we may need to work out a separate plot with you. In cases where the resulting plot may be especially complex, we may ask you to hold off for another time.
When will this be taking place? Can I plan ahead of time with my character?: There won't be a set schedule as to when characters are taken in for questioning. In-game players can time it in whatever way fits their plans. This will be an ongoing occurrence throughout the month and beyond. You do not need to line it up with when we contact you for the start of the encounter!
Do I need to list every potential dubious action or just the ones I want to come into play?: You only need to list the ones you want to come into play. Anything else will have flown under the radar. The only exception would be actions that are impossible to miss, in which case these behaviors will need to be discussed separately through Plot Engagement.
Can dubious actions include actions that might be the fault of another character?: Absolutely! Just be sure to work out anything involving other players with the individuals in question.
Does my character need to possess any ill intent to be cast under suspicion?: No, characters can be put under suspicion over a misunderstanding or something that's easily explained. They'll be given a chance to explain themselves regardless.
Could I include actions that took place outside of my faction such as Nocwich or during the Summit?: Yes! If someone from the character's faction might have reasonably taken notice, then you may include it.
What if my character isn't lying but they sound as though they are?: We're happy to roll for this as well if you'd like! If your character is the nervous sort and sound as if they're being dishonest even when they're not, let us know and rate how convincing they are as though they were actually lying.
My character wasn't detained, but they didn't completely clear their name, either. Will this have consequences in the future?: Possibly! We'll always communicate with players directly if any further explicit consequences might arise. Otherwise, you can assume the factions are keeping a close eye on them as usual.

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Rhy's diplomatic answer fails moderately. Though Rhy's diplomacy has helped smooth any ruffled feathers, the guardsman is unfortunately familiar with the avoidance tactics of many nobles and aristocrats that occupy the Castle.

He tells Rhy he appreciate the concern for the kingdom, then asks Rhy directly, seeing as he has experience as crown prince, what Rhy would have done differently to address the assassination of an important Thornean figure while still protecting the Castle and its lands in their entirety. Perhaps they could learn from each other?

Rhy may find it wise to look for a way to avoid implying he would take any action different to that of the Queen, but the decision is up to him.

Unfortunately, Rhy takes the question sincerely. and as such he answers in good faith and honestly. Which means that he... doesn't say he'd do what the queen did.

He says that he understands how dire the situation is, and that an assassination is inexcusable. However, if it were him, he thinks he'd take the situation a little more slowly, make sure there was a thorough investigation, and if the investigation yielded solid evidence of a specific malefactor (he avoids saying the Free Cities in this case, explaining it in theoretical terms entirely), he would consider further action. First, he says he thinks it's always worth attempting a diplomatic approach to avoid risking any more loss of life, because once the fighting starts it's difficult to contain war. He would focus more on figuring out who carried out the assassination within castle walls and how, and announce it, putting pressure on foreign governments to speak up, since such an overt attack would obviously be cause to ramp up into potential war and theoretically leaders would wish to avoid that and come to some sort of agreement outside of that escalation. The threat of an attack can be leaned on and leveraged before firing any shots. He stops short of saying directly that he thinks direct attacks on civilians shouldn't have happened at all, but it's not difficult to infer.

If it comes down to it, and fighting becomes inevitable, a formal declaration of war should be given. Before such a declaration, internally the kingdom should prepare itself for war, making sure to fortify defenses, stock up on necessities and food, and warn all leaders in the kingdom's regions.

tl;dr though he's unerringly polite in speech and keeps a good lid on his temper throughout, he super disagrees with the queen's approach, actually.

Wanda's response to what might have changed recently is the fact that her dreams are plagued with her loved ones. (While not entirely untrue, she does not know how natives of Abraxas would react to the Summoned having 'visions' of their lives continuing past their point of summoning, so it's not something she wants to mention.) She will say, however, that some young people have been summoned to Solvunn, so that, in addition to the children in the settlement, makes it hard to not think about her sons and what they would be like if she could see them grow up.

Wanda appreciates the concerns from both her and the Council, but she has no intent of leaving Solvunn for another nation. She is honest about the fact that there are individuals from her world in those other nations, but Thorne's strict laws on magic do not appeal to her and she does not wish to go to a place where the military has a strong presence. She even jests about how Solvunn seems to be the one place to offer the greenest pastures in Abraxas, considering.

She'll ask if the Council would rather she didn't send packages at all anymore.

Wanda's explanation is accepted. The woman tells her she believes that the gods have made their choice with the younger chosen. She adds that although she is sorry their presence is upsetting, she hopes Wanda will find comfort in knowing she's brought happiness to the children here.

The woman says she doesn't have insight into what the Council wants. However, she assures Wanda this subject was only about her well-being in the commune. If she is content on the settlement while sending her small packages, then she can continue to do so.

She concludes that she appreciates their talk, and encourages Wanda to find a shrine that calls to her to help with any unhappy memories. She may even build a small one of her own for her children if she wishes.

The guardsman is polite throughout Rhy's explanation. He is almost too polite and is listening quite carefully. If Rhy is perceptive, he may notice the guard expresses a small amount of surprise. It's possible he expected another diplomatic tactic rather than Rhy's sincere reply.

He will ask next why Rhy believes an investigation would be necessary when Thorne has found, as they officially claim, solid evidence of the "specific malefactor" on one of their own Summoned. The guardsman appears to be using this term to refer to the nation responsible as a whole, not an individual.

Late evening, Jack will be approached while in his room by two guards. They will firmly request that he speak to a member of the royal guard over an important matter.

He has two options:

1. He can leave immediately with the guards. He will earn favor for his cooperation. They will escort him to a sparse but comfortable private room. Once formalities are out of the way, the guardsman will tell Jack he's been seen wandering the graveyards at night and they would like him to explain this. Curiously, it appears the guardsman is reticent to add more, as though someone has reported details that even the guard isn't sure what to make of. Jack may or may not be aware that necromancy is considered heavily restricted magic in Thorne.

2. He can postpone the meeting to a later date, which will allow Jack time to prepare if he wants. This will rouse some suspicion, but they will allow it. When he does arrive, the interviewer will seem displeased. They will ask him the same question as above, however.

Early morning, Matt will be approached by two guards. They will firmly request that he report to Portam Hall to speak about something important.

He has two options:

1. He can leave immediately with the guards. He will earn favor for his cooperation. They will escort him to a sparse but comfortable private room in Portam Hall. Once formalities are out of the way, they will tell him there have been reports of someone who fits his description up on the rooftops. The interviewer tells him that if this is true, they'd like to know seeing as it may be dangerous for someone like him to be venturing up there at night. She appears to be genuinely concerned with matters of safety rather than strictly suspicion. The Summoned are valuable assets, after all.

2. He can postpone the meeting to a later date, which will allow Matt time to prepare if he wants. This will rouse some suspicion, but they will allow it. When he does arrive, the interviewer will continue to be understanding and ask him the same question as above.

Early morning, Jesper will be approached by two guards. They will firmly request that he report to Portam Hall to speak about something important.

He has two options:

1. He can leave immediately with the guards. He will earn favor for his cooperation. They will escort him to a sparse but comfortable private room in Portam Hall. Once formalities are out of the way, the interviewer will tell him there was a report from one of the soldiers that he may have been injured during the supply run. She would like him to confirm exactly what happened during the assignment. Jesper may or may not be aware that the interviewer spoke with Claude over a similar report not long ago.

2. He can postpone the meeting to a later date, which will allow Jesper time to prepare if he wants. This will rouse some suspicion, but they will allow it. When he does arrive, the interviewer will be especially stern. She will ask him the same question as above.

Claude did tell Jesper what his conversation was, so when they arrive, he will leave immediately with them without argument. He will chat amiably with them as they walk since he's the friendly sort, small talk if they're willing to do that. He may flirt a little bit with the interviewer, it's his impulse.

He will tell her that he was exhausted by helping with the large trees to cross the ravine and pushed it too far. He tried to do it all himself, and oversold his strength to the others to show off. He'll joke about showing off to the ladies meaning Gideon and Ciri.

While Jesper is a very good liar, a perceptive person will be able to tell that he is trying too hard to be clever and talking a little too much or too fast. He's nervous.

Note if it matters: If any of the guards looked closely at the bridge over the ravine, they might find it appeared strange. The main part did look like trees shoved over, but where it was fixed to the sides of the ravine was a blending of the tree wood and the ground earth, he used his transmutation to connect them. This was to make the path safer and solid.

Matt would, upon quick thought, go with the guards immediately thinking that if he delays, that it would make him look like he had something to hide.

When asked the question, he would demure and say that wouldn't that be silly of him, a blind man on the roof. He would give little away with his facial expressions or his tone, trained as he is. He would show gratitude for the concern though.

Jack will immediately go with the guards, it won't even occur to him to try and postpone.

When questioned, he'll seem like a weird mix of confused, polite, and a little bit intransigent on principal — ya boi is wary of law enforcement being shady, so he's going to operate under the ACAB mindset.

He'll basically come back at them with a mild, "Why, is it off-limits?" but the necromancy possibility won't even occur to him, so he won't think to make it clear he wasn't doing anything sketch. He'll also be a little evasive because he doesn't... really have the clearest memory of what he even did there lol.

(sorry for the delay!)

Rhy explains this evidence doesn't strike him as reliable enough, considering all three of the attending factions' representatives were attacked in Nocwich. That can't be a coincidence, and all of those attacks should be investigated -- Thorne has it in their control only to investigate their own, so he's not pushing for them to overreach. But he feels that in order for a declaration of war to be truly on the table, in his opinion, the evidence that the attack was planned by the Free Cities government has to be unassailable.

As it is, though the evidence seemed to point from someone with access to the technologies found in the Free Cities, to his knowledge, there's no evidence that this was a planned and coordinated attack by the Free Cities' leaders or military -- and here he also mentions he understands perhaps he doesn't have all the facts, clearly leaving it open that should anyone wish to provide more evidence he would like to hear of it. This doesn't sound like it's his expectation, though, merely pointing out that his opinions are based on the knowledge he has currently.

Finally, he mentions that he also hopes the Free Cities won't continue to escalate things as they already have (not putting the blame solely on Thorne). With the hash winter ahead exacerbated by the Heralds (taking direct blame off the queen alone as well), he expresses concern that Thorne's citizens in all its regions will be in need of extra supplies and support. This isn't to say the monarchy is against providing such support, of course -- only that he can't help but worry for the winter and wants to do everything he can to help as well. He offers his time and services, mentioning he's been studying healing apprenticed under the mages of the castle infirmary, and that while he's been able to help some people on the ground in Nott, if there's anything he can assist with that isn't overstepping his role as "a guest of this castle," he would very much be willing to do more.

Jesper is moderately successful at convincing his interviewer. She appears to be a little charmed by his demeanor but still presses forward with her line of questioning. Their mission was accomplished in the end and she acknowledges that the use of the trees to cross the ravine was smart, but the soldiers reported the trees seemed to still be firmly rooted to the ground. She will ask Jesper how they managed this?

Matt is successful at dissuading his interviewer and they admit that they may have mistaken him for someone else.

They will move on to another topic of interest wherein someone they are certain meets Matt's description was seen causing as scene in Luna which is troubling as the Summoned were considers guests and representatives of their factions. They will give him the opportunity to explain himself.

Jack's attempt to rebuke the question fails. The guard will frown but will not press further. They will lead Jack to a small room with a single table where an interviewer is waiting and quietly let the interviewer know of both Jack's cooperation and his reply.

The interviewer begins looking displeased. They will admit that while the cemetery is not strictly off limits, with no relatives in Thorne to mourn, there is no reason for Jack to be there. They will allow Jack the opportunity to explain himself further if he would like to try.

Late evening, Kell will be approached while in his room by two guards. They will firmly request that he speak to a member of the royal guard over an important matter.

He has two options:

1. He can leave immediately with the guards. He will earn favor for his cooperation. They will escort him to a sparse but comfortable private room. Once formalities are out of the way, the guardsman will tell him that they have heard that Kell has been bringing books from Thorne to Nocwich. They would like to know what he has been doing with them.

2. He can postpone the meeting to a later date, which will allow Kell time to prepare if he wants. This will rouse some suspicion, but they will allow it. When he does arrive, the interviewer will seem displeased. They will ask him the same question as above, however.

The guardsman is quiet as they consider Rhy's words and the intentions behind them. They will then stand and ask that Rhy give them a moment as they step outside and have a conversation on the other side of the door. Low voices can be heard but words not understood. The guardsman and a colleague will both reenter the room after a minute or so and remain standing.

The original guardsman will thank Rhy for his input but ask that he remain in Thorne for the time being. Since he is studied in magics, they present him with the opportunity to help fortify the defensive wards around the castle. While it is stated as an offer, there is a clear undertone that they expect it to be accepted.

Although the guard has not specified a period of time, Rhy has two options: he can ask for clarity as to how long, which will raise some further suspicion and result him in being given a time period of 3 weeks. Or, he can accept the vague suggestion that he "be more present" around the Castle, and limit his visits to Nott for about 1-2 weeks, after which he can slowly increase his visits once more.

Edited 2023-01-09 04:29 (UTC)

Early morning, Ciri will be approached by two guards. They will firmly request that she report to Portam Hall immediately to speak about something important.

She has two options:

1. She can leave immediately with the guards. She will earn favor for her cooperation. They will escort her to a sparse but comfortable private room in Portam Hall. Once formalities are out of the way, they will tell her there was a report from one of the soldiers that some of her companions were behaving suspiciously on a recent venture. They want to confirm what happened from Ciri's perspective.

She may or may not be aware that the interviewer spoke with Claude and Jesper over a similar report not long ago.

2. She can postpone the meeting to a later date, which will allow Ciri time to prepare if she wants. This will rouse some suspicion, but they will allow it. When she does arrive, the interviewer will be especially stern. They will ask her the same question as above.

With a VERY BELEAGURED sigh, Jack will eventually cave and be like, "Look, I have a sleep... thing." He'll explain about the sleepwalking, and say it's not exactly a secret — they can confirm with Rhy or (shudder) Lucifer.

At first, Matt doesn't answer, looking thoughtful like he's trying to think of what they're talking about. He knows, of course, but he doesn't want to answer immediately. He knows he can't wait too long either since that'll cast guilt even more strongly over him.

Eventually, he does admit to what they're accusing him of but he calls it a misunderstanding and that he was trying to stop things from escalating. It's not exactly the truth but it's close.

Jesper will smile and say the tree idea was his, so of course it was smart. But after a pause, he will look away and then back at her, and his cheerful demeanor will drop. He'll seem very serious and everything he says next will sound sincere and truthful, because overall it is. He'll admit to her that he used his personal magic, and that he hid it from everyone else on purpose, indicating that Gideon, Claude, and Ciri also had no idea what happened. He'll explain that in his world there is a country that hunts and murders everyone with magic, including children, and he's hidden from them his entire life. And that while he knows magic is everywhere here, he has seen some anti-magic sentiment in Free Cities, and it's led him to stay paranoid and keep hiding. He'll say he only used his magic because otherwise they wouldn't have gotten across the ravine and completed the supply run and that he used it later too to help fight the monsters.

The guards may have reported him staying with them and on the caravan and fighting defensively during the attack.

He'll apologize for any deceit that happened toward the team, both guards and Summoned, but he just wants to live free in this new world he's in and didn't want any trouble.

While Jack's honesty is appreciated, the guardsman remains suspicious and somewhat unconvinced he's receiving the full story. Unfortunately, he recently questioned Lucifer and Rhy, both of whom continue to walk a thin line among Thornean authorities. Jack's association with them doesn't inspire confidence.

Moreover, reports indicated some magical activity around Jack during these periods. The guardsman will ask Jack if he's aware that magic usage in the graveyard is restricted. He will not specify what sort of magic, though it's evident he believes Jack is using his explanation of sleepwalking as a cover story.

Ah yes, this is going Very Well.

Jack will tell them he was not aware, but that he also wasn't aware he was doing magic at all. In a last-ditch effort to muster up some credibility, he'll mention he's been working to learn how to control his accidental magic by taking lessons with Yennefer — and, previously, with Ronan, though obviously Ronan's gone now so progress has been slower.

Kell goes with the guards immediately. When asked about the books, he seems surprised by the question. His first reply is just 'Reading', then he corrects himself that he realizes this might have sounded rude, but it is what he does. He reads a lot. This part is true, and it can be verified that he indeed spent a lot of time in the library in the past - though recently a lot less.

He explains that yes, it is entirely possible he might have taken some books to Nocwich just to have something to do when everyone else will be partying. This is plausible - he had to be dragged to more social activities while there, and is known to be a loner.

He doesn't remember what kind of books, and if he really had them. He was most interested in Nocwich market and what Nocwich specific ingredients he can bring back for the tea shop he works in to use.

He is lying about not remembering, but he's also omitting a lot of information, downplaying what he did say and trying to present himself as mainly interested in tea and potential alchemical ingredients. Given his smuggler's past and general inclination for rule breaking, Kell is actually good at lying, so I think he can be 3 at convincing.

He's able to pick up on the fact it's not really an optional request. Rhy will mildly point out that defensive wards aren't an area of magic he's ever studied before but promises he'll do his best to help since he is apparently needed around the castle more than he realized -- a slightly passive aggressive way of accepting he should remain in Thorne for a bit. He doesn't ask for how long. For now, Rhy will stay in the castle and castle town for about two weeks, and assist with the wards, putting in about an "average" amount of effort as he learns the spells needed.

I have a few questions about the warding process!

1. Who will he be working with, and how frequently?
2. Is it magic that'd be really easy for the Summoned to pick up on? He wasn't lying when he said he's never studied that.
3. Is there opportunity to chitchat with the castle mages (apprentices?) who are also working on the wards? He would be friendly toward them and try to make some connections if they were friendly in return.

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EVENT #10: AFFLICTION - WRAP UP

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