[Citadel Location] Vestibule

[Thomas Cosa]

1st of Fall, 512 Av The ride to the CItadel itself was not a calm one -- the road was smooth, and the carriage obviously knew the path, but the constant howlings and almost human screams put the toung animator on edge. Each noise sent a jump through Thomas's spine, and he slowly tried to push himself farther into the back of his seat, desperately trying to make himself invisible. No need to track the attention of some experiement gone wrong -- Thomas doubted the carriage would be much of a shield against some unholy death monster. Arrving to the Citadel, Thomas couldn't help but marvel at the architecture. Large and powerful, this building had stood strong for centuries -- having survived both the Valterrian and Djed Storm of 512, the young wizard had no doubts that it would be here long after he was gone. He was surprised to find the carriage wouldn't stop at the first door, instead passing into some kind of stone sculpture garden. The figures seemed familiar to Thomas, but the carriage wouldn't stop for him to examine any. The carriage suddenly stopped before a large cylinder. It was seperated into three segmeants by two iron bands, and each band was decorated with amaznigly clear blue gems -- Thomas assumed they would function as the eyes, considering the clear reflection staring right back at him. Truly, it was a testiment to the quality of animators in Sahova -- making Thomas all the more confident he had made the right decision coming to the undead isle. The golem's booming voice called out, and Thomas was all to happy to answer. "I am Thomas Cosa, originally of Syliras. I've come to Sahova to further my studies of Animation and pre-Valterrian history," he responded confindently.

[Mirage]

The TAR would take a moment to answer, when it did its cold and unfeeling voice spoke loudly, "Thomas Cossa, originally of Syliras. You have been noted as arriving in Sahova, logged as a 'possible' asset. Kromby and Filch are in search of labor hands. Report to Cavernous Lab 15."

With that the TAR would grow silent, not answering further questions or inquiries, but quite soon another sound akin to a mouse squeaking would be heard. Suddenly a small golem about the size and shape of a mouse that rolled upon 4 wheels would appear, waving its light tipped tail and squeaking, "Follow Follow" until Thomas began to trail behind it as it lead him forward.

OOC :

Thread continued here

[Cara]

Timestamp: Winter 5, 512 AV Cara merely glared at the man she had to share the carriage with, but she said nothing as she bent to pluck Rascal off the ground and clutch him to her breast as Iaera hopped in before her. A second later, she came behind, and settled in, waiting for the other to follow and the carriage to start moving so they could go wherever it was they were supposed to next. It seemed she waited only a few moments before it started moving, rocking back and forth as the wheels ground against the earth. Cara winced at the grating, the way Rascal's fur bristled and he bared his teeth. His tiny nails poking through tufts of fur, scratching her lightly as she ran her hand down the length of his form, from head to mid back over and over, trying to comfort him. "Almost there love," Cara whispered, although she couldn't be sure. Iaera huddling closer to her, her golden eyes gazing lazily at the other until their carriage lurched to a stop, spurring the Vantha to get up, and move out into the Vestibule. She scarcely noticed the double doors or the high ceilings. Scarcely took note of the building at all, although her eyes, now a deep ruby flecked with a fiery orange from her irritation, settled easily upon the TAR gollum. What the petch are those wretched ugly things? And why in the world are they strewn all about, allowed to move wherever they please? the reimancer wondered as the distance between herself and the latest gollum was crossed. Leaving it to speak first in a rather impersonal tone. "What is your name? State the purpose of your visit." "Cara Frostfawn," the Vantha replied. "The fox is my companion Iaera, and the red panda is known as Rascal." She paused a moment, licked her lips. "I am here to explore, perhaps learn something of magic... May I pass now?" she inquired, the last of her words laced with her frustration. A drop of venom. OOCBleh, I hope this is alright.

[Mienskil Ostovik]

11th of Winter, 512 AV No beasts of burden pulled the carriage as far as the young scholar could tell, the vehicle just moving of its own volition as he sat in the passenger seating which was obviously built to carry more than just one. A small sense of amazement dripped into Mienskil's mind, admiring that animation and effort that had probably gone into this when it would be so much easier to have visitors walk to their destination. Though it didn't appear much effort was put into making it presentable: while kept in working condition, one of the axles creaked every once in a while and it was not hard to find dirt in the corners of the seating area. Looking out to either side, the Ostovik had plenty of time to watch the passing scenery on his long journey to the fortress. Without beasts of burden and hence someone else to drive them, there was no one to make conversation with to pass the time, not that he likely would have even if there had been. His mind did not make use of small talk, instead focusing his entire attention on what was in front of him and needed to be done. These moments when his mind was allowed to wander were the most uneasy for him, since he felt like he always should be doing something productive or otherwise engaging. Noises frequently grabbed his attention from the surrounding woods, but he could not find any animals to focus on and attribute the noises to. It was the first time where he was completely unfamiliar with everything around him, and he did not like the feeling. After passing a giant portcullis and continuing on down a path flanked on either side by withering plants and crumbling statues, some still partially recognizable and others ruined beyond hope, the carriage finally drew to a stop just beneath a second portcullis at the entrance to a cavern lit with a uncanny blue light, its source unidentified. Mienskil dismounted, making his way through the eerie atmosphere of the cavern and further until he reached a pair of giant doors easily three times as tall as any of the low-lying houses in Zeltiva. The sheer size of the stone was impressive, but what it housed shocked the scholar even more so. An entire foyer surrounded by pillars framing enclaves filled with busts and statues and reliefs, passageways snaking off into the distance, levels of architecture in a setting of grandeur. He had never seen anything like it. This did not seem like a bad place to be. Approaching that tall tiered golem, the hub of information went through its usual routine of asking name and purpose, its voice slightly cleaner than that of its cousin by the docks. Mienskil, unlike many people he imagined, did not mind the impersonal and data-like inquiries. They were likely part of a broad programming, made to net as much preliminary information as possible with as little programming as possible. On top of that, the directness and purpose of the golem's approach was something Mienskil was grateful for, as he wasn't a gem of a conversationalist himself. "Mienskil Ostovik," the scholar stated, examining the golem's several layers. "I'm here to research and share knowledge, supposedly under an apprenticeship initially. Proficient magecrafter and aurist, though most knowledge and ambition lies in the former."

[Mirage]

Cara:

As would be expected the TAR did not respond in the slightest to the frustrated tone that Cara portrayed. Instead the gems shimmered and glowed for a moment, and finally it answered, "Cara Frostfawn. Your response is invalid. Sahova has no need for explorers currently. State what skills you possess that would be of assistance to the Citadel."

Sahova was a place of magical research, not a school after all. If Cara wished to be welcomed in she would need to show she had something to give in return. Everything has a price in this world, and for the moment TAR was the judge of her fate.

OOCShort, sweet and to the point I know, but also makes it easier to get you passed this point XD. Cara is a lively one. I hope she takes care of herself here


Mienskil:

The TAR examined the man closely before finally speaking, "Mienskil Ostovik. You are registered as a possible asset for Sahova. No apprenticeships are currently available for your trade." It paused, as if it were receiving some new message. It soon continued, "Archwizard Zarik Maeshaen has requested your presence. You will will guided to him. Do not stray from the path."

A strange request to visit the Archwizard upon his first day in Sahova? What could it mean? A small golem appeared from behind the TAR. It looked rather mouse like and rolled upon 4 small wheels. It kept saying "Follow follow" until Mienskil began to follow him past the TAR and to the courtyard beyond.

OOCI willPM a link to the thread tonight

[Cara]

The red of Cara's eyes flashed as menacingly as the gems that shimmered before her. She was sick of the strange creature's tone, the way it seemed to belittle her despite the lack of feeling behind the words. Displeased, the Vantha balled her hands into fists, the color fleeting as the edges of her nails dug light crescents into her flesh. "I have mastered three elements in the field of reimancy," the sorceress began cooly. "Fire, water, then earth after my wretched mother, with a greater sense of control over the paraelement of ice due to the gift given by our Queen to each of her people. I know a bit of leeching, and of course, much about the care of animals as is only fitting of a Frostfawn." The Vantha paused a moment, drawing in an impatient breath as her eyes passed over the golum. "Is that enough to suit your city's needs?" Cara inquired, her tone even icier than before. OOCIt's quite alright, I like short and sweet.

[Orinei]

1st day of Winter, 512 The carriages of Sahova, though functional, were by no means luxurious. After five miles of being jostled about and the continued sound of a creaking axle, Orinei was quite content to be on her way (but on foot, this time). The ride had been pleasant enough, she supposed, for an island of undead wizards who undoubtedly cared little for those escorted to the citadel (before they'd proved their worth, at least). Not unlike my own approach, she thought, as the carriage finally came to a stop outside the looming Citadel. In truth, to anyone a touch more sensitive, the ride would not have been pleasant at all. Aside from the axle pleading for oil, the noises outside the carriage--some guttural, inhuman expressions of rage, some very intelligent, terrified screams--would have set the bravest human on edge. Orinei, though, felt as if she had little to fear from death--and even less to fear of becoming one of the monsters outside the carriage. They'd find a use for her, she assured herself. How could they not? Once she stepped out of the carriage, she had a chance to look up and marvel once more, as she had so many years ago, at the unchanged architecture of the Citadel. She supposed that, among other reasons, might have been why she could feel so at home here: everything was just so solid. It had been here hundreds of years before her--before the Valterrian, even--and would be here hundreds of years more. It was immutable, unchanging, perfect. The statues of the Alaheans loomed above her, nameless, serving to complete the impression that this place was ancient, and here for good. We're all immortal in our own way, she mused, looking into their faces one by one, finding familiarity in them. They were the only familiar faces she expected to see here. She approached the golem, letting its sheer size and magical power wash over her. It spoke first, regarding her as it did with all visitors--with indifference. "What is your name? State the purpose of your visit." "Orinei Achora," she said quickly. "I am here to resume my study of Embalming, and perhaps learn to Animate as well, if there is such an apprenticeship for me to take." It killed her (figuratively, at least) that she was here, about to beg for an apprenticeship--she was better than this. But, she supposed, she had to play by the rules.

[Mirage]

Cara:

The TAR system spoke in the same detached manner, "Your skill set meets the requirements. Roknus Malestrom has requested further Servants be delivered for his research to replace the ones lost recently. You will be lead by a Follower Golem to Cavernous Lab 7-M." The use of the word "Servant" seemed to be more of a title than a demeaning, as if it were simply a matter of fact. From behind the TAR there appeared a smaller golem that resembled a mouse on 4 wheels. Its tail stretched more than 3 times its length and a red light flashed at its tip. From it echoed a single word, over and over.

"Follow Follow."

OOC :

Thread continued here

Orienei:

The TAR took a tick or two to answer, searching its data banks for the proper response, "Orinei Achora, you have been registered as a possible asset. Amaryllis has need of more hands in the Palsa Hydrasa. A Follower Golem will lead you to your destination." With that the conversation was ended, and from behind the TAR there came the small Follower Golem, repeating its single word, "Follow Follow" as it turned to begin rolling out of the Vestibule.

OOCSee Cara's post above for description of Follower Golem. I will PM a link to your thread shortly

[Anaius V Silcharion]

32nd of Winter, 512. The carriage ride up to the Citadel was far from the most comfortable he had ever experienced, but Anaius had to admit it wasn’t the worst experience he had had whilst travelling. The lack of companions to distract him with their babbling an incessant need for attention was quite refreshing, really. Perhaps someday he would craft for himself a carriage of similar purpose, though his would have the advantage of a much more plush and gentle interior. Not to mention the rather irritating cries from whatever or whoever the Sahovians kept upon their island were beginning to grate on his nerves. He’d have to install some form of soundproofing, perhaps with a communication system to the outside so the passenger wasn’t entirely deaf to the outside world. With and ankle crossed over his knee, Anaius leaned up against the side of the carriage, his elbow cupped in one hand while the other served as a platform to rest his chin upon so that he could gaze out through the dust window of the carriage. The surroundings for the majority of the journey were as he expected them to be, the rocky and almost barren terrain inspiring little in the way of wonder to the young man. After a time, he passed through the first gateway through the outer wall, the path continuing on in an unremarkable fashion to carry him through the second portcullis. Anaius’ pale gaze fell upon the ancient statues of various people he had little hope of recognising, though he had to admit the skill that went into their making was nothing to dismiss out of hand. He made a mental note to ask who they all were someday, for such knowledge may prove useful, and if nothing else it would satisfy his curiosity on the matter. In time the creaking carriage brought him to a large cavern that was bathed in a blue light that was most pleasing to his sense of aesthetics. He had little in the way of time to study the cavern for the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Taking this as his cue to exit, he did just that, taking his chest full of clothing with him and stepping out before a sight that even he had to admit was breathtaking. His head tilted back as his eyes rose up, and up to the very top of the enormous door that was constructed in a style that he assumed was very, very old. If this is a good taste of what is to come and how the Nuits do things, then I must say I am impressed with their taste. Quite the lovely door indeed...Now where do I.. He lowered his gaze from the dizzying height of the entryway before him, to search for a hint as to where he was supposed to go next. Ah. The golem. Of course. Approaching the construct, which was considerably larger and more impressive than the one that had met him upon arrival, Anaius was once again asked his name and the purpose of his visit. Once again, he flashed the automaton his best smile and replied without a hint of annoyance. “My name is Anaius Vasilios Silcharion, my impressive golem friend, and my purpose upon this lovely island is to further my research into magic. Primarily Magecrafting, though I practice Auristics and am seeking to expand my grasp on the various arts. I would also be more than willing to aid the masters of the Citadel in whatever task they might deem me fit for.”

[Mirage]

The TAR's eyes would shimmer, and a cold metallic voice would speak, "Anaius Vasilios Silcharion. You have been registered as a possible asset. Grombard Shrag has requested a new pulser be sent to him to further his experiments. A Follower Golem will take you to Lab 5-Q."

From behind the TAR a small mousy golem would appear. It rolled on 4 small wheels, and its tail that was 3 times its length stood straight up and held a flashing red light on its end. From it echoed the same phrase over and over again, "Follow, Follow."

OOCI will add a link to your thread shortly. Oh and be sure to add your CS to your profile. Go to User Control Panel > Profile (scroll down) > Character Sheet. Just add the url into the box provided

EDIT

OOC :

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