<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=205751.msg11565677#msg11565677">Quote from: Chloe Milev on 21-08-2015, 05:58:04</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">Headmaster Andarlin's Office</span></span></div><br/>Once inside the school and able to relax his nerves, Kleris felt the effects of the last of his adrenaline fading away, and all he wanted to do was die in bed.  Still, he felt oddly calm too, all his emotions wrung out and with no more anxiety to worry about consequences before the Headmaster.  As the two seemed to be having a conversation, much like two parents speaking above a child's comprehension, Kleris stared at the hourglass on his table, following the curve of the glass and trying to comprehend how many grains must be inside.  When the Headmaster finally spoke, Kleris's head jerked up, then he relaxed again and took a chair.<br/><br/>"Where do I begin.  My father was an adventurer, who apparently got in trouble with some bad people.  He left us this ring, which seems to be the source or home of this... entity.  Though it only manifested just today.  Master Arisad had made comments about knowing my father before, and recently sent a note inviting me to speak with him about it.  I had a bad feeling about it, but was blinded by my curiosity and pride or naivete, and instead of ignoring it, decided to take my friends as backup."  He had to establish this was all his fault, and that the rest were innocent victims of his bad judgment.  "We arrived at Master Arisad's tower, where he complained of my father's past meddling, and declared he'd have some sort of revenge on me.  That's when this showed up," looking at the quori, "and stopped us getting killed long enough to flee the tower and city while Arisad pursued us.  He might decide to come get us anyway; I can't imagine what wards the school might have, but you might want to make sure they're secure against a determined archmage to be safe.  I'm so sorry to bring this to your doorstep Headmaster.  Just please don't expel my friends, I manipulated them and they didn't deserve any of this business."<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>"Nobody is going to be expelled tonight, Kleris Merchiot," the Headmaster said with a tone of authority.  "I've known Arisad for some time.  He can be very vindictive, and when your father came to this school he was intent on trying to find out what business transpired between us.  Regardless of his reasons, this attack upon you is a grievous insult to not just you, but to all of Redhurst."<br/><br/>The elf stood up from his desk.  "Allain's magical military is powerful, but Arisad is but one member of his nation's council.  An all-out assault will need unanimous approval, and the other eight lords are too calculating to let the vengeance of one jeopardize their forces.  I admit, there have been times when nations sought to declare war against Redhurst, and yet we still stand.  If the First Primarch wishes to move against us, he will need to do it on his own."<br/><br/><em>And what of this facility's defenses?  Staying in Allain for any longer will be dangerous.</em>Kleris could hear the telepathy too.<br/><br/>"I already have a plan for that, Horishkhad," Andarlin replied.  "You'll hear it along with the rest of the assembled students."<br/><br/>His head turned around as he made for the door.  "Follow me."<br/><br/><em>I'll ride within your ring for now,</em>Horishkad said to Kleris.<em>The less among Redhurst's number who know of my presence, the better.</em><br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">Redhurst Auditorium</span></span></div><br/>The entire student body of Redhurst crammed into the auditorium.  Many of them were still in their pajamas with half-lidded eyes, in some cases summoned straight from their beds.<br/><br/>Kleris' group sat flanked by Dean Karnakia and Dean Khûdzak.  Headmaster Andarlin stood in front of the several hundred strong crowd, a look of utmost seriousness upon his face.  Christopha, the Chief of Security, was to his immediate right and held her sword in a downwards position.<br/><br/>"First Primarch Arisad of the Magocracy of Allain attempted to murder one of the students at Redhurst.  For reasons of safety I cannot disclose his or her name, but do not worry if it was one of you, for the enrolled in question is already well aware of the situation.  After our security performs a security sweep we shall be departing Midgard."<br/><br/>The crowd was silent, not even a gasp among them.  When Andarlin spoke of such news, the entirety of the school knew to listen.<br/><br/>"Arisad is not acting with the approval of the rest of Allain's Ninemage Council, but he still commands authority.  Be vigilant and on the lookout for any signs of trouble.  The Deans of each school shall escort you to areas of safety until the security sweep is complete.  If you spot anything amiss, contact the nearest prefect, teacher, or Chief of Security.  Use what magic you know to help your fellows, but do not throw your lives away trying to fight an overwhelming force.  That duty falls upon me, Christopha, and the people entrusted to protect all within Redhurst.  That is all."<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">Nammor School of Enchantment</span></span></div><br/>Dean Hentru escorted Kleris and his group to a room in the Nammor School of Enchantment.  "I always knew that swine had something dire plotted," he muttered.  "If he lays a finger on any of you, mark my works, he'll be as dust before he even finishes his spell!"<br/><br/>The next few hours seemed to stretch on forever.  Hentru and Nammor's various teachers and staff spent 10 minute intervals casting various spells about the place, and by the first hour's end every six students were surrounded by a<em>magic circle against evil</em>among other protections.  There were long stretches of silence as they said nothing aside from verbal components to their spellcrafting, and the teachers traded information in hushed whispers.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Perception DC 16</div><div class="spoiler_body">"How many minutes until your <em>see invisibility</em> wears off?"<br/><br/>"Nine."<br/><br/><hr/><br/>"Any intrusions so far?"<br/><br/>"None."<br/><br/>"Good."<br/><br/><hr/><br/>"One of the undead in the catacombs fell inanimate."<br/><br/>"Do you know why?" Christopha asked<br/><br/><em>"Dispel magic."</em><br/><br/>Christopha nodded.  "Now he knows."  Kleris takes this to mean Headmaster Andarlin via <em>telepathic bond.</em></div></div><br/>Rensha never stopped gripping her sword hilt.  The green skin around her hand started to turn red.  Lillin clutched Kleris tightly the whole time, and Artaxes (who was on the other side of the room) looked for a moment as though he wanted to rush to his side and hug him for safety.<br/><br/>"When will this end?" Arturon whimpered.<br/><br/>He said this on the third hour.<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">Redhurst Main Gates</span></span></div><br/>Andarlin stood at the Main Gate.  On the other side stood First Primarch Arisad.  Rows of several dozen robed and armored wizards stood behind him, and many more summoned entities and golems.<br/><br/>"You risk a lot, Headmaster, by sheltering a terrorist's daughter."<br/><br/>"And I don't think that vengeance will be reward enough for you to risk attacking Redhurst," Andarlin retorted.  "When you go back to the Ninemage Council to tell them that your murder of a first-year was worth tossing away every piece of goodwill between your country and our school?"<br/><br/>"Bah!  You are the custodian of fledgling apprentices, nothing more.<em>I</em>sit at the head of the last great legacy of Midgard's magocracies!  My foresight may be hard for you to understand, but when the arena encompasses the fate of nations, I cannot afford to operate on your level."<br/><br/>Andarlin nodded his head.  "You know what, you're right on that last part," he said with a raised finger.  "We aren't on the same level.  I may not know what goes on in the Council of Caelmarath which oversees your domain, nor the tasks you weigh every day which can decide the fate of millions.  But when I first entreated your Council to host Redhurst in your territories, we agreed that these halls are my halls.  As soon as you and your army step foot past this Gate, you are on my territory, playing by my rules."<br/><br/>Andarlin walked straight up the dividing line.  "You may strike me down, you may achieve vengeance, but I assure you, once you throw the first spell and my wards, my guards, and the entire mage community of Redhurst takes up arms against you, you will not be able to call for help from your Council."<br/><br/>Arisad glared as he came up to the dividing line, his eyes unblinking and not diverting from Andarlin's gaze.<br/><br/>"I don't need their help, for roaches like you."<br/><br/>Andarlin smiled.  "Notice anything odd?"  He started tapping his foot.<br/><br/>Arisad stood for a moment.  Andarlin's grin did not wear off, and yet he did not feel a twinge of pain nor sense some incoming attack.<br/><br/>He cast<em>detect magic,</em>and noticed that where Andarlin stood, a huge invisible beacon flanked by thin strips of anti-magic ran across the dividing line.  From his point of view the anti-magic fields seemed impenetrable, but they did not form a roof.  And then, with horror, he felt its presence.  The shadowy hooded visage of Exarch Vermes II, the leader of the Ninemage Council, was watching.<br/><br/>"It is only fair that the head of state be privy to this international incident," Andarlin said.  "Do you still wish to go through with this?"<br/><br/>First Primarch Arisad looked as though he could<em>disintegrate</em>Andarlin on the spot.  But he stepped back off the dividing line.  "Troops, clear out.  We're returning to Bemmea."<br/><br/>His face turned to see the Headmaster one final time.  "This isn't over, Andarlin.  One way or another, I will kill the heir to the Merchiot name."<br/><br/><hr/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">Day 52</span></span></div><br/>The night ended as dawn rose.  They had been in the magic circles for six hours now.  Bodies ached from soreness and fatigue, yet Dean Hentru looked alert as ever.<br/><br/>Then, Hentru smiled.  "Good news.  There have been no casualties, and we safely left Midgard for the plane of Eberron."<br/><br/>Stepping outside, nothing seemed different.  Yet beyond Redhurst's walls Kleris could see the peaks of tall towers; from around one of the dark spires came none other than a ship sailing in mid-air, surrounded by a ring of fire.  Many students gasped.<br/><br/>Finally the nightmare is over.<br/><br/><hr/>