[Citadel Location] Vestibule

[Panna Cotta]

There is only one point of entry and exit into the Citadel. After passing the first portcullis at the main wall, the path goes straight to the second portcullis, passing by what used to be a great garden path, decorated with life-size statues of prominent people in Alahea. One formally enters the Citadel through a blue-lit cavern, at the end of the which lies a great double door three stories high, the first glimpse of ancient Alahean architecture. The vestibule is a wide hall filled with arched niches that contain reliefs or sculptures of some of the greatest leaders of Alahea. Those who are new to the Citadel have mixed reactions to the tall stationary cylindrical golem four human spans in diameter in the middle of the vestibule. It has three tiers, separated by two iron bands encrusted with gleaming blue gems. Right under its dome cap is a rectangular hole covered with a screen which serves as its mouthpiece. The golem facilitates and logs the entrance and exit of all Sahovan Nuits and visitors. It is equipped with a Temporal Aura Recognition function, earning it the nickname, TAR. TAR has a cold impersonal androgynous voice that matches its business-like demeanor. The golem is nonindulgent to visitors and tourists. It imposes strict standards, and serves as a watchdog to the Citadel. It greets everybody by asking, "What is your name? State the purpose of your visit." Although politeness is not one of its greatest traits, it diligently offers directional guide to visitors who are looking for apprenticeship (or what ever twisted business they wish to conduct; the golem could care less or, rather, not at all) and act as a messenger for Sahovan wizards who cannot bother to meet their expected visitors in the Hall. With the proper inquiry, TAR can also provide information if any of the wizards are hiring help, or are offering missions or quests outside Sahova. OOC Note: This location was not available until Fall 510 AV OOC Note: As of the 1st of Summer, 513 AV this location is out of commission. Please see this thread for details. OOC Note: The TAR golems becomes once again active in Spring 515 AV. It assigns menial jobs and delivery requests for the Synchrograph Office as of current. [/size][/spoiler]

[Rhynogruff]

Fall 29, 510 AV

Rhynogruff stepped off the horseless wagon and looked at the portcullis in front of him. He knew that he was close to what he came here for. He stepped through the portcullis and came across a path with many human-sized statues. The path looked relatively old and was quite over-grown. He continued walking down the path and came across a cavern with a blue glow. He walked through the cavern and was met by an immense set of double doors. Rhynogruff would have been struck by the beauty of this structure had he not before witnessed the heavenly beauty of the celestial world. Everything else seemed dull and ugly in comparison to the few memories that remained.

He pushed at the door and it swung open with surprising ease. Rhynogruff stood in the middle of a vast hall filled with sculptures. There was a giant golem in the middle of the room that spoke to him in a mechanical, impersonal voice, "What is your name? State the purpose of your visit."

"My name is Rhynogruff. I've come to apprentice under someone who can teach me about summoning"

[Panna Cotta]

The voice that answered Rhynogruff was cold and aloof. It was a drone's voice, a mechanical reply. "You may considering applying for apprenticeship under Master Guvronsek. He is an expert Summoner and Familiarist. There are two tasks under his name," TAR paused before continuing in another voice, possibly mimicking Guvronsek's manner of speaking. "Task number 14. Research associate. Requires talent and knowledge in Summoning. Details to be discussed." A series of clicks and it said, "Task number 30. Master Guvronsek requests the creation of a Recorder Golem, requires competency in Animation and Glyphing." It would then continue in its own normal voice, "Declare your choice." Should Rhynogruff choose a task between the two, TAR would mention his name, the wizard who ordered the job and mark the request cleared.

"He will be waiting in his office at the end of the south east wing, third door after the staircase leading to the second floor." As a last parting instruction, it will tell him, "Proceed straight into the Citadel and follow the Escort."

The Escort was a slim cylindrical wooden golem that had two wheels on its sides. It could talk but not communicate.

[Nimvahlis]

Autumn, 510 AV Sometime After Debarking His eyes roamed the sculptures, engaging himself in bits and fragments of meaningless history. Reveling in remnants of the past was pointless, just as concerning oneself with the future was harmful. Nimvahlis swayed and changed with the currents of present influences, never forcing himself to a plan of action. Always was the mind to be kept thrown open, for a closed room only chokes its inhabitants. So he could only internally disagree as the countless statues fell away behind him. He continued strolling down the path, entering a blue lit cavern. As Nimvahlis neared its end, he began to examine the gargantuan door in front of him and its elaborate design. Such peace, such silence. An echo of the internal. His hands, small in comparison to the door, pushed it open to reveal the location of the vestibule. Any remaining interest in the area's muteness or statues fell away as he gazed at the massive pillar in the room. The Ethaefal simply stared at it, taking in each sparse detail: the height, its dome, the bands, the gems. It all seemed so mysterious and strange to Nim--- he had not the slightest idea as to what this pillar was. Then it spoke, and his eyes opened wider as the words registered in his mind. It was a secretary. How curious. "I have come to practice my arts. A mentor proficient in both hypnotism and auristics to be desirable for this task."

[Panna Cotta]

TAR replied, mechanical voice resonating around Nimvahlis, "You may considering applying for apprenticeship under Master Alakina. He is an expert Aurist and has proficiency in Hypnotism. There is one task under his name," TAR paused before continuing in another voice, possibly mimicking Guvronsek's manner of speaking. "Task number 17. Research associate. Requires talent in Auristics. Herbalism and Poison skills favored but not required."

"Declare your choice." Since there was no other choice left, TAR would declare, should Nimvahlis accept the job, that he was accepted as apprentice under Alakina Pagdin, removing request from the list.

"Please enter the Citadel and follow the blue-lit signs that would lead you to the Venenium Laboratory. Practice precaution, pulsers not encouraged to visit the lower levels."

There was still the option of declining the job and loitering around, of course.

[Nimvahlis]

Master Alakina. plants sprouted and curled, grew thick and lush beneath the sun. Queries of what was to come echoed within him, and he found his mind retreating within itself. Like one of the island's famous automatons, Nimvahlis automatically spoke, "I will accept task 17." As his mind constructed possibilities of what was to come, the Ethaefal turned and followed the azure glow that would lead him to the Venenium Laboratory.

[Corum]

Fall, 510AV

I would slowly remove myself from my cart, time of little importance to me. I would clasp my left hand upon my right wrist behind my back as i walk. The stone work was masterful in ways i had never seen, so very beautiful and mighty. My eyes were ineviably drawn to the golem adressing me in a monotone, asking of my name and purpose.
"I am Corum, and i simply seak a home. As well, i would apprintace under any wizard that could teach me of Glyphing and Projection, preferably in that order." I would stand near the wall, admiring still the craft of this place. Silently, i thanked Ivak for the chance to be here. By his will, i might find this to be a pleasent place to spend the next long while of my unlife.

[Panna Cotta]

TAR made a screeching high frequency sound before finally talking, "Please provide your skill set." TAR paused and waited for Corum to speak before continuing, "Skill mismatch." The golem was able to match the tasks to the applicants if need be. Upon recognition that the potential wizard had no skills with which to use Glyphing with - as it was usually used as an auxiliary magic, one that required the wizard to have a primary discipline - it offered the visitor the next possible apprenticeship possible. "Task number 16. Test subject for Master Alakina Pagdin. Task number 24 Test subject for Master Aelobius. Task number 8 Test subject for Nel'vira." TAR spilled the names of the wizards who were looking for some confused visitor seeking for apprenticeship in the land of the undead.

Sahova was certainly not a pleasant place. It was harsh, even to those who were not living. It was not a school to train in a discipline, it was a place to improve, not a place to learn something new. It was a place to bring your skills and your head in a plate in exchange for a season of imprisonment within the Citadel and a good lesson in surviving the worst. Many apprentices have assumed wrong, took the undead mages of Sahova just like any other wizarding school elsewhere, and so they have perished.

Maybe Corum would last a little longer. It was all a matter of choosing the right master. And chance, of course. Most of the gods no longer bore interest for the land of the dead, many keep away from it for some divine purpose. Corum was by himself, all alone.

[Corum]

Corum would sigh needlessly. With good treatment, the body that held him would last another two years or so... long enough. As it was, the ship was likely still at the dock. " I have chosen to return at a later date, Golem. I will return, as this place seems the only one a thing such as myself may exist in relitive peace. Fair well." With a politeness not shown earlier, Corum left. Running, he would do his best to catch the boat. He did not need to, perhaps, as he had made arangements with the ship to stay an extra few hours should he decide this to be an overly unsafe venture. It was not yet time, perhaps, to join his kind. Either way, the next few seasons would be hard. Upon ariveing to the docks, seeing that he was almost late, he hailed the saliors and prayed that Ivak watch over him.

[Alma]

Fall, Mid-day, 510AV.

Alma looked at the large golem before him. It was about four times bigger than Alma, and it towered over him. Alma looked around the room, taking his time to answer the golem's question. Its voice is rather soothing, Alma thought to himself. Alma giggled, finding the golem's presence almost enjoyable, even if it wasn't intended to be.
"I seek to be an apprentice of someone who specializes in Malediction," making sure to speak up so that the golem could understand him perfectly.