Aug 01 05:30:45 106 PA - The Theory of Magic
From Chronicles
The current game time is: Mon Aug 01 05:30:45 106 PA.
OOC Note: Leonard and Zachary Spell Trade
Monday morning and Zach has been sitting with Leo amid their training, having picked a quiet corner of the library to conduct this day's training. Some of hte library's own books on magical theory and his own written out notes lay in a near pile close to hand and he pronounces the second phrase of Armor of Ithan slowly from Leo to repeat, placing a certain emphasis on the key inflection in the spidery word.
Of all the people who would rise early to visit the library on a Monday morning... yes, it would be these two. Leonard listens intently to the pronunciation, and attempts his own repetition. Despite the fact that his mystical focus is not for the technological, he's heavily vested in the modern for assistance. His notes are recorded upon the pocket comp on the tabletop, as are Zachary's words, for later practice. "As long as the English language has existed, I am still surprised that few would translate invocations to it, or something else more easily spoken."
"The point is the precise inflection of the words, however," Zachary notes, pausing the repetition. "It is part of the mental focus. The words, the movement of the fingers. It is a mental focus. I do not think that such a thing could translate to any other language.. at least, not simply. If so, it is beyond me how." Though he does given it some thought for a few moments after.
"I do understand the purpose," Leonard notes, somewhat dryly, "and was merely bemoaning the herculean effort it can often take." He vents the remainder with a slight chuckle and motions with a hand. "Please, continue. Maybe it's just an improper balance of coffee in my system."
A light red touches Zach's cheeks and he nods once. "Pardon, I did not wish to insinuate a lack of understanding. It would be easier, I suppose, if it were possible." Though he stops himself there before he might go on, centering his mind once more before he says, "It's important, for this spell, to have in your mind a strong image of the armor that you will be encased in. Down to the last detail. it will not be seen by others, but in your minds eye you must see it.. know it."
Leonard nods to the key notation, and makes a digital version of the same, as well. "I was able to design a similar effect, and, although the protection is much more visible, it is also less ...fixed. I will keep the visualization in mind, as it is a notable difference." "Do you have a sense for the form it might take?" Zachary asked, obviously curious. "It is a very personal thing for most. Some think it tells much about the caster, though I don't know if such a thing is true." He shakes his head slightly. "Then again, I have never tried to place a second image into mind to see if it would give the same effect. If it did not, I suppose there might be some merit to the suggestion."
Leonard considers the question, and the mental imagery required to give an affirmative answer. He then nods. "Yes, I believe that I do... have a sense for the form of the armor that won't be seen, that is." Due to his own interjection, there is the possibility for confusion, even if it's just on his part.
Zachary nods his head. "Think about it often, when you have idle periods. I found it useful to draw it, giving something to study and help commit it to memory. Though it did take me a few days to properly sketch it to my satisfaction. Do you know how to draw, Leo?"
"I can draw," Leonard professes, "just not well, with the exception of geometric shapes and symbols, as those are required for a number of rituals. I could work to sketch the design in my mind's eye, however. The practice couldn't hurt."
Zachary nods his had to Leo. "Yes, even if you don't quite form it right, it prompts your mind to review again and again that image. Such that when you need it most it will fly to mind in an instant, clear as life." He smiles lightly. "They say it is most useful when casting a mid a battle. I.. I have never physically cast a spell in a fight before. I have when constructing my devices, but.. there is little distraction then. At times I wonder if, when a moment comes that I must fall back on my own ability, if I would be able to do it so well."
Leonard lifts a brow. "It appears that my questionable artistic talents would actually assist my memorization, then." A grin curls at the thought before he waves away Zachary's doubt. "I would not wonder. I had similar concerns, and I had no difficulties with focus. Quite the opposite, I believe, as the threat of harm to yourself or others can hone the will with surprising speed."
"Oh.. I suppose that might be true," Zachary replies, considering that. After a moment be smiles slightly and admits, "I would trust that to be true were Ambrielle in danger. I would do anything for her. But I suppose I shall see when the moment comes. But I do hope I am never taken from my devices to have to test myself so." Zachary and Leo are settled in a quiet spot at the Library, with research materials spread out, though a more general talk has settled in at the moment.
Ema emerges from the stacks with only a single book in her hand, an oddly tiny haul, considering her previous trips. Still, she has a smile on her face, and doesn't seem disappointed. She angles her way through the desks as she looks for a place to sit, but changes her direction at the sight of two familiar faces, heading their way with a wave to proceed her, "Homework?" she asks with a grin.
Zachary looks up as Emayn comes over to wave, just missing Leo as he steps away to pick out another book for their training. "I'm teaching Leonard a spell, as he will also be teaching me. A more involved process than you might think, as there is much mental focus involved," he offers, glancing back towards where Leo has gone. "How has your morning been, Emayn?" Asked as he looks back towards her.
Ema flops her book down on the table, just a bit more forcefully than she meant. She winces a bit as she looks around, hoping she didn't disturb anyone too much, "Oh you know, quiet, I guess." she says as her eyes take in the contents of the table, "Much less exciting than yours, it seems, I was hoping to chat with you again, but if this is a bad time..." she trails off.
"We have been at it for a time, I'm sure Leo could use a break from the repetition." Zach opines, offering a light smile. He motions to one of the other chairs lightly and adds, "Do sit if you wish. Is this about the cloak? I am starting to form a solid design.. it took some time to decide just how to try and make it, but I think I am making good progress. Though it will cost a considerable amount of credits."
Leonard emerges from the stacks with a fresh block of recorded data in hand. As he returns to the mutual table, a brow arches at Ema's presence, but a smile grows beneath. "Good morning, Ema. Are you joining our class for the day?"
Ema slides into a chair and nods, "That was to be exspected, and most of the reason I had wanted to speak with you again," she begins as she adjusts her self into a more comfortable sitting position, "I was hoping you'd have had some time to think over the potential for trades, wether if be for tangible items, or services..." she is about to say more when she looks up and grins at Leo, her head shaking, "Oh god no, the last thing I need is to try to cram any more learning into my head."
"I think we can take a break for today," Zachary replies to Leo, his head nodded slightly towards the man. "Some time can be set aside tomorrow to share our mutual knowledge." He then looks to Emayn and smiles lightly. "To be honest, I would think it proper to handle detailed negotiations once the cost is solidified. It will be at least fifty thousand credits or so for the materials alone. Mostly the gems. Two one caret black sapphires being the majority of the cost. Whether we must purchase then or if you can provide will effect the ultimate cost, as will the final needs in time and further monies for the miscellaneous components. But I think I will be able to make it an actual cloak with some interesting effects." He smiles lightly.
Leonard glances from Zachary to Ema to the book in hand, then shrugs. "Very well." He settles back into the chair and then looks between them both once more, resting upon Zach in the end. "It looks as if your business has taken off. Don't let her consume all of your attention. She can be talented at that." A mild jibe, or compliment, but the comment is followed by a bemused grin in Emayn's direction.
An arched eyebrow followed by a wink as the tip of her tongue slips between her lips out is Ema's answer to Leo, "Zachary and I are all business, thank you very much, and I take only as much of his time as needed." she grins looking back over to Zach, "I can wait then, I just wanted to make sure I was putting things in order if that was what was going to be required. I have no doubt that you can provide me with exactly what I'm looking for, though."
Zachary looks towards Leo with a glance that holds a question about his commentary. But indeed, he does get back to talking business with Ema. "Well, the way I have it set thus far, it will allow you to meld into shadows, but the exterior of the cloak itself should be able to take on the.. essence of shadow, I suppose. Not really, but wrapped about you it provides the same benefit as a deep shadow. It may even gather concealing shadows into the hood, if the schematic works properly."
"Ah. A very helpful effect." Leonard lets anything implied by his prior comment drop in favor of the business talk and the details thereof. Of course, it isn't exactly his business to comment upon, and so he shifts his attention to the book before him.
"It sounds like excatly what i'm looking for, really, something to keep me hidden in the shadows." she says with a grin and a nod, "Would make hiding and laying in wait," she sends a wink Leo's way, "Just that much easier. And if i'm in harm's way less, then so is everyone else, so really, its a win win." She leans back heavily in her chair, rocking it back up to its rear legs, "If you had to guess, how long till you know what you'll be dealing with? Like till you can quote me a price? That way I can not bother you till you've had more time to prepare."
Zachary gives the matter some thought for a time before answering. "When it comes to clarifying a design, it is rarely a sure thing. But the cost I quoted just now is the likely minimum. I would assume, in the end, the final cost in materials would be fifty to sixty thousand credits with the gems included. Less than ten thousand with the gems provided by you. Those are a reasonable ballpark. The cost of the item itself.. I would have to coordinate with Cali. But with the gems provided, fifty thousand seems reasonable and that is what I would suggest to her. If we have to buy the gems.. they would be added to the price. Making it one hundred thousand at least, being what I would suggest to her. Thus if you have a means of getting the gems for a more reasonable price, I would advise you do it. It would reduce the cost considerably."
Leonard glances partially up from his book, not exactly engrossed, and displays a wry smirk. "I never expected you to need assistance in remaining hidden nor lying in ambush." Following that, he glances back to his reading material. Mostly. There is a slight wince as costs are mentioned.
"Ok, well that is well within what I was expecting," Ema says as she leans forward, dropping her elbows on the table, "For the sake of ease, why don't you pick up all the materials, i'm sure you know more people than I, in that regard," she grins up at Leo, "You'd be surprised, Sir, at just how hard it can be, with all the Tech out there," she smirks to herself, turning back to Zach, "Ok then, well, thats what I wanted to know, I have that in trade, if nothing else, so I won't have to make extra arrangements, which is good."
Zachary nods his head once. "The moment I have a firm number that I can stand behind, we shall see what we might offer one another," he says with a light smile. "And once we know that, I will discuss it with Cali to make the final decision. Then I will make your item and we shall trade for it. And I will be happy to have provided one more customer just what they want. It saddens me when I must tell someone that I don't have the spells for what they need."
"It seems odd that in a city like this, you couldn't have access to all the spells you needed," Ema remarks as she watches the elf, "Are such things closely gaurded even among your colleagues?" she lets her eyes wander over to Leo briefly, "I imagine exchanges like this would be quite common, a little tit for tat trading among like minded individuals, is that not the case?"
"It varies from one mage to the other, but few are those who spread magical knowledge for free," Zachary replies. "It is like any other resource that is worth something. Like the skill one has to fight is worth something to others. The food that can be made and everything else." Simply mentioned as what it is.
"Interesting, I've never denied someone for wanting to learn, Its strange to me, is all, that yall'd be so secretive, or not want others to know what you do. I guess magic users suffer from the same faults as us unelightened folk." She smiles, resting her chin in her hands, her tone is purely inquisitive, and no accusation or malice can be detected, "Ah well, most of it is greek to me," she says, then adds in Elven, "Most of it, at least."
Zachary's lips tighten a bit, but then relax and he shakes his head slightly. "It is simply how things are. Commodities to be traded. What allows you to do, what you hope, few other can do. To draw t hose who might give you aid. I don't imagine you would give away all of your secrets to improve everyone around you. So it is with everyone. Some things we hold close to us, other things we give freely." He smiles then. "Enlightenment is something no one group holds claim to. If they think they do, odds are they are wrong."
"They do try, in some ways," Leonard adds as he gives up attempting to read or feign it, "with high costs usually the most efficient means. Fortunately, not all of us are so greedy, or Zachary and I wouldn't be sharing, as it were."
"I've met many a mage in my day, and few didn't assume they were more than a common man," she says with a shrug, "Its more than a little refreshing to see those of you who are a bit more humble." She looks over at Leo and smirks his way, "Some of you are though, it seems, I've just been told, and heard the rhetoric, that magic can be a useful tool, not to be feared or looked on with suspicion, yet those who have it, act suspicious, and guard their secrets closely." She clears her throat looking back at Zachary, "You however, I find your profession incredibly intriguing, the meshing of tech and magic, making it available to everyone. Technowizards, it seems, are much more my cup of tea."
"Well, not to everyone.. at least, not easily," Zachary notes. "It can be made for those who hold no magical ability, but it must still be fed magical energy. From an internal battery that one possessed of magical or mental focus must recharge from time to time. Or feeding off the Ley Lines. But yes, it does offer a means to give magic to those who have not devoted time in learning its ways." He smiles contentedly, quite happy to share thoughts on his trade. "And it is fascinating, is it not? To take two things that sit on opposing ends of the spectrum and meld them into something new. In a way it suggests that no gulf is uncrossable given enough determination to bridge the gap."
Leonard's brows lift over widening eyes at Ema's perceived pointed smirk and comment his way. "What did I do this time?" He's not quite sure what to make of it, unless he is overreacting to nothing but a friendly jibe.
"Can't take a little playful poking, Leo?" Ema says, smirking mischiviously now, "Seems Vix isn't the only one I put on guard with just my presence." She sticks her tongue out again before looking back Zach's way, "It does suggest that, it's true, it is always best to ease people into new things or situations, and showing that magic isn't quite so alien in a very real and tactile way, it is impressive. I just wish more people could see how very useful a tool magic can be, when applied correctly."
"It is like any other tool," Zach says as he nods. "Use it for good or for bad, it is you who uses it. Gives it form and purpose. My teachers often stressed such lessons. Magic is common in Lazlo, as it is here. And all who learn it are taught to wield it with care and respect, as one might do with every tool that could bring harm to another. Those who do not certainly give the rest of us a bad name."
"It's too early for it, I suppose," Leonard chuckles, "or I've not had enough caffeine. I misunderstood, but you did make her uneasy. Maybe that will change, in time?" He sounds somewhat hopeful but not exceptionally optimistic.
"Not to put to fine a point on it," Ema says, still smirking, "But I'd start to feel bad if I stopped making feel a bit uneasy, I've sorta gotten used to it." She shrugs as she puts her chin back into her hands, sighing softly, "Everything can be used for good or evil, so that shouldn't factor in, as it's a constant. Wether things are accessible to people or not, that is a much more stratifying concern for those who fear magic. As with any art or tool, the goal should be to make a device and make it well, and not to concern yourself with things you can't control, like how it could be used in the hands of a villain."
"Sadly I know that," Zach offers. "The firestarter I made has potential to be used for bad ends," he murmurs. "I did consider not making it, yet in the end it provides nothing that someone could do one way or another regardless. Better that hose who might need it can use it." He smiles lightly and considers the time. "I should be going, the time is nearly here for my shift to begin." He looks to Leo and says, "I will come to practice with you again soon." His attention moves to Ema then and he smiles, head dipping. "I hope the rest of your day goes well." He starts gathering his papers together then, getting everything back into good order.
Leonard nods to Emayn. "I could not agree more, yet, regretably, there are those that remain suspicious, or spiteful, even amongst my own peers to some extent." His attention then shifts promptly to Zachary as he begins to excuse himself. "I look forward to it. Do try not to overwork yourself, and enjoy the day."
"We'll talk soon, I'm sure, sorry to have interrupted your study session." she sits up and leans back in her chair, offering the Technowizard a wave as he prepares to leave, "Have fun at work!" she can't help but smirk as she turns back to leo, "Well, from my understanding, you shifters consort with demons and devils and the like, I think it's only prudent to be a little cautious, as one must be around someone like me."
"Good day to you both," Zachary will offer in the last before he rises with his papers in a neat bundle to head out. Not late yet as he moves along with alacrity, but not too much haste.
