Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #333
November 30th, 2023
Number: 333
Name: Deep Dive of Subjects of Interest: Of the Accounting by Mister Zariya Savindy, Scholar, as Requested by the Arcane Guild - Part 4
Location: Across the hills and dales of the City-State of Taodeas
Population (approx.): 2700 (Southbank)
Brief: As Zariya made his way across Taodeas, he had some time to ponder the tools of magicians, specifically and most importantly, the power that fueled their enchantments. Ancient casters simply and coarsely forced what mana they could collect into effects by force of will. As magic became more structured, casters developed processes, aka rituals, that allowed them to repeat the magical effects they previously created. Eventually the rituals were refined, compacted, grouped into schools or Ways and codified into repeatable spells taught to every apprentice across Aenwyld. With spells came items developed to support the magician, whether devices to hold spells via rune or inscription, devices to cast spells or devices to provide power to the caster for their own enchantments. Usually these devices were physical items; rings, runes, staves and wands, but Zariya had read about rarer methods to craft items that brought them “closer to home” as it were. Thus, after several days in Far Harbor and Southport, Zariya is surprised to receive a note from a man, concerned that his wife, a notable illusionist, is dabbling in a unique and potentially dangerous form of personal enchantment.
Vayeira (Vay), 217, female Eladrin of Winter, is a powerful illusionist and a secret ink mage. She is of average height and painfully thin. Her long black hair has silver streaks and is worn in a bun most days. Vay's eyes are sea blue and have a sparkle about them. She wears elaborate robes that have exciting patterns woven into the fabric. She also wears a toolbelt that carries all the supplies she needs for her spells. Vay uses a sturdy, oaken staff that aids her magical abilities. Her magical familiar is a pure white cat named Marwel.
Vay uses her illusions as an entertainer for the city of Southbank. She makes up weekly stories and crafts her illusions based on the story. Her husband, Jorreth, 225, male Eladrin of Spring, creates puppets to supplement the illusions. Their show is very popular, and people travel miles to see it.
Vay is also a secret ink mage, and her entire body is full of tattoos that provide her power. Vay collects books and scrolls about ink magic but has only shared her unique abilities with a few people. Jorreth worries about the deals that Vay makes to secure more spells. Vay has dealt with some shady people to get her powerful magic.
Vay and Jorreth live in a house in what passes for an upscale neighborhood in Southbank. They are wealthy enough to have a few servants. Vay has a secret room for practicing her ink magic. Vay and Jorreth have several children and grandchildren. Jorreth visits them regularly, and Vay used to. The more Vay uses ink magic, the less she wants to be with anyone who might accidentally see her tattoos.
Zariya secretly meets with Jorreth, the latter describing Vay’s ink magic and his concerns. Zariya diplomatically explains that each magician’s methods are their own to choose, but, if there is a potential of a threat of Corruption, then the Guild would indeed have a concern. He agrees to assist Jorreth and they contrive to allow Zariya access to her secret study while the couple performs their weekly shows. With a device borrowed from the local chantry, Zariya fortunately determines no signs of Corruption but bites his tongue at what he sees otherwise. He offers Jorreth some notes, from his research, on potentially signs and symptoms and the name of a trusted confidant in the Far Harbor Arcane Guild across the river.
Geography: Vay and Jorreth live in Southbank (#121) on the south side of the Tauoi River opposite the larger city of Far Harbor (#36) on the northern bank in the City-State of Noldrune.
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