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Serena raises an eyebrow, rather annoyed, when she noticed Shayd swing a book around as a weapon. "Pardon? A book is not a weapon to be flailing about. It is a tool for advancing ones knowledge." She holds up a hand and waves it back and forth when she finished speaking. Resting her hand, she continues. "If you need a weapon to protect yourself, go talk to the Master of Blades." She states.
When Cathran returned, Selena turns her focus to her, her face somewhat calmer. "It is good you have returned. We best catalog these tomes before someone recklessly ruins them."
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Selena shoots a scathing glare towards Shayd as he walks away. "Ridiculous... That are exactly what Saps are for! She grumbles somewhat.
Sighing as she returns to the tomes at hand, she pulls out a journal and begins transcribing what is within one of the tomes. Which one is a Varisian tome of various magic, most of which is summoning. She inspects it, thankful that there is at least some common words scrawled in the margins that help with the translation.
Furrowing her brow, she is finding it harder then expected. "Hm... I think I found the one of Varisian magic and summoning. I keep tripping up on a few words in Varisian. I think it means to bind a succubus, but... It feels like it is meaning something else entirely."
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Selena shoots a scathing glare towards Shayd as he walks away. "Ridiculous... That are exactly what Saps are for! She grumbles somewhat.
Sighing as she returns to the tomes at hand, she pulls out a journal and begins transcribing what is within one of the tomes. Which one is a Varisian tome of various magic, most of which is summoning. She inspects it, thankful that there is at least some common words scrawled in the margins that help with the translation.
[dice=Linguistics to translate]1d20+12
Furrowing her brow, she is finding it harder then expected. "Hm... I think I found the one of Varisian magic and summoning. I keep tripping up on a few words in Varisian. I think it means to bind a succubus, but... It feels like it is meaning something else entirely."
"Hmm, let me help with that."
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A young Chelaxian woman looks up from her examination of a strange effigy when Selena and Cathran mention having some difficulties in understanding some summoning magic. She sets the item aside and approaches, but stands far enough away to not feel intrusive and clasps her hands in front of her body. The others notice that her posture if straight and her clothing which consists of black, maroon, and dark grey is immaculate, there are no noticeable wrinkles. Also, every single strand of hair is pulled into place in a tight ponytail at the base of her skull. "Perhaps I could be of assistance as well? While I do not speak Varisian fluently, I have an excellent understanding of linguistics and syntax and am well-versed in nearly all subjects of lore!"
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An imp that was sitting semi-hidden on a bookshelf, swoops down and takes a quick glance at the book in question, before flying out of sight, heading further into the archives.
A few moments later, a beautiful young woman comes up, looking like she'd be more at home at a royal ball, decked out in a shimmering blueish white dress, and ornate jewelry.
Her shoulder length blond hair, pale complexion and ice blue eyes are a clue to her northern heritage. With an imp sitting on her shoulder, and an ermine padding along beside her feet, some wonder just how many others are at her beck and call.
Approaching with a very confident air, "Are you certain that it is Varisian and not a variation of Thassilonian? Varisian does borrow from it . . ."
"Even if it isn't, I should be able to help with the summoning side of things."
Turning to the imp, "Ruby, could you check the other newly arrived books and see if there's any that might require more immediate attention."
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"And that is where we come in. Analyze these books and dusted tomes and figure out what they are. Of course you lovely ladies can figure that out. More brains in here then all the Society," Jaune smiles.
"Of course I don't speak Varaisian nor Thessalonian. Now Polygot or maybe Minkian, that is in my league. Orsiriani perhaps."
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The red haired teenage girl with her equally bright red rabbit both come bouncing cheerily into the archive.
"Hi all! I'm back! I went on my first Society mission. It was so exciting! We met Aspis agents, and cultists, and went undercover to discredit the Aspis Consortium. It was so exciting!" she tells you way too enthusiastically.
"The pay is pretty good, too. I couldn't afford a wand, though, but Mistress Dralneen helped me with that as a reward for my good work. So now I have a wand of Mage Armor to keep Aleph and I safe when we're out on missions."
"So did somebody say something about translating Varisian? I'm fluent in that, so I'd be happy to help."
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"And that is where we come in. Analyze these books and dusted tomes and figure out what they are. Of course you lovely ladies can figure that out. More brains in here then all the Society," Jaune smiles.
The red haired teenage girl with her equally bright red rabbit both come bouncing cheerily into the archive.
"Hi all! I'm back! I went on my first Society mission. It was so exciting! We met Aspis agents, and cultists, and went undercover to discredit the Aspis Consortium. It was so exciting!" she tells you way too enthusiastically.
"The pay is pretty good, too. I couldn't afford a wand, though, but Mistress Dralneen helped me with that as a reward for my good work. So now I have a wand of Mage Armor to keep Aleph and I safe when we're out on missions."
"So did somebody say something about translating Varisian? I'm fluent in that, so I'd be happy to help."
"Welcome back. My last mission also dealt with those Aspis scum."
"Would you believe they were using a priceless tome to fuel their cooking fire?! Still, we managed to slay the thieves and repair much of the damage they caused. One of their former slaves looked to have potential as a future Pathfinder, as well."
"Anyway, another pair of eyes is always helpful in research."
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"And that is where we come in. Analyze these books and dusted tomes and figure out what they are. Of course you lovely ladies can figure that out. More brains in here then all the Society," Jaune smiles.
"Glad to hear that there are those in the Society that notice and appreciate the finer things."
Turning to Zoë, "I'm also pleased to hear that your first mission went so well, and that such dedication is rewarded."
"As for the Aspis Consortium, well, their methods are appalling and not worth uttering. The same can said for most of their members. But like you say, Cathran is it? some of their servants, hired-help or even recruits can become good, or even great Pathfinders."
"Now, are there any symbols or glyphs that might help narrow down the origin of this tome?"
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"And that is where we come in. Analyze these books and dusted tomes and figure out what they are. Of course you lovely ladies can figure that out. More brains in here then all the Society," Jaune smiles.
"Of course I don't speak Varaisian nor Thessalonian. Now Polygot or maybe Minkian, that is in my league. Orsiriani perhaps."
Selena Raises an eyebrow at Jaune's flirtations. "Indeed... But lets focus on the task at hand instead of flirts and the like." She chides Jaune somewhat.
She holds open the tome she is studying. "It is clearly in Varisian. I can understand bits of it, which is making it confusing." She points out the diagram and spell formula in question. "In Thassilonian, it seems that it alludes to binding a succubus in magic 'ropes' on a bed of cold iron." She sighs somewhat. "You can see my problem."
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Quickly casting Read Magic, then stepping closer and holding out her hand for the book, "May I?"
Taking the book and gently but quickly looking at the inside of both covers, then back to the diagram.
"Hmm, I definitely see the problems. There is some use of runes on the inside of the covers, making vague references to sin magic, but unfortunately no name claiming ownership. There are so many possibilities to the origin."
"Maybe someone, with a limited knowledge, tried to make a fake spell book that could have belonged to the Runelords, or at least one of their more powerful servants. Hence the unusual setup for Planar Binding, and not using true ancient Thassilonian."
"Or this is more of a note book for musings or possible variations to try, made by an arcane spell user, that was clearly . . . disturbed."
She pauses, and looks up in thought.
"Wait, I can think of one such enchantress, Ashmi" suddenly stopping mid name, "No, Planar Binding was beyond her, even the lesser version."
Turning the next six pages, then back to the diagram,
"While setup and diagram are very different to the normal versions, the actual spell should work. Of course, this increases the complexity of the issue."
Placing the book down on the table and spinning it to face Cathran and Zoë, "What do you make of the text?"
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"And that is where we come in. Analyze these books and dusted tomes and figure out what they are. Of course you lovely ladies can figure that out. More brains in here then all the Society," Jaune smiles.
[dice=Flattery]14
"Of course I don't speak Varaisian nor Thessalonian. Now Polygot or maybe Minkian, that is in my league. Orsiriani perhaps."
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20-1
Selena Raises an eyebrow at Jaune's flirtations. "Indeed... But lets focus on the task at hand instead of flirts and the like." She chides Jaune somewhat.
She holds open the tome she is studying. "It is clearly in Varisian. I can understand bits of it, which is making it confusing." She points out the diagram and spell formula in question. "In Thassilonian, it seems that it alludes to binding a succubus in magic 'ropes' on a bed of cold iron." She sighs somewhat. "You can see my problem."
"Well that sounds, well, interesting," Jaune says scratching his head.
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Placing the book down on the table and spinning it to face Cathran and Zoë, "What do you make of the text?"
"Well, the magical restraints mentioned are more akin to chains than ropes, but that's still not an entirely accurate description. It looks like the chains and bed are meant to act together to restrain the conjured succubus while preventing any use of the fiend's abilities. I'm not very familiar with outsiders, though, and much of the specifics are a little over my head."
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When Zoe reads the book and makes a reaction to the contents, Selena raises a eyebrow in curiousity. Huh? Why did she think of the book like that... Wait. She thinks. She stands and goes to a bookshelf where she takes a book off the shelf and brings it back to the table.
Opening the tome and looking within, it is clearly a translation book. While continuing to study it, Selena gestures for the book. "May I see that book again? I wish to see if my theory is correct." When she receives the book, she looks through it, and going back and forth between the two tomes.
Her face begins to slightly redden as well as she begins to figure out the contents of the original tome. "This...." She shuts the book. "It is indeed a spellbook, but... You might agree in my hypothesis about it though. It appears that the wizard that inscribed this tome." She rests her hand on top of it. "Was penned by a wizard with... Um... A lot of free time on his hands...? Er... Hand" She pushes the book away from her as she continues, it a slightly annoyed tone of voice. "That... The wizard, whom ever it was, made it out to be a... A blasted adultery vignette."
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"Well, Zarta might be interested . "
Turning to Selena, she continues in her sultry tone, "Did you expect more from Wizards, that with all their intelligence, they would be immune to the wants and needs, of the flesh? And with their potential power, why not try for a not-of-this-plane experience?"
After pausing for a reaction, she changes her tone to one you'd more associate with a teacher or mentor, "Why deny the existence of this? Use it to your advantage. Influence it in others, and they can become easier to work with."
"Of course, there are exceptions, but there is with everything."
Looking over at Jaune and Zoë, raising her eyebrow, "Why are you after a bed, unless, you want to try and bind a Succubus, with this spell? Actually bind one, and not just briefly summon one?"
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"B-b-but! Spellbooks are suppose to be central to magical knowledge!" Selena exclaims. "Not something that a follower of Calistria would have in their bedroom! For Nethys sake." She places her hand over her face.
She sighs. "The content is something..." She lets out a small cough to clear her throat, then uncovering her face. "The contents of that book is something you'd expect from such people. Maybe it was a follower of Calistria, or maybe even a follower of Nocticula. Who knows."
Listening to Anastasya, Selena furrows her brow while she speaks. "Sure... A spellbook with spells to summon a succubus and have accoutrements for a night of life draining excitement." As she speaks sarcastically. "What could go wrong."
She turns her gaze quickly to Jaune and Zoe with a incredulous look upon her face. "Wait... Don't tell me there are people here actually interested in such things!? The Dark Archives are not for Adu-"
And from a doorway, you can hear a woman speak.
A audible thump can be heard as Selena's head hits the table. She mumbles quietly. "Really!?... Why now."
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A tiefling of demonic descent hurriedly walks into the room. She quickly moves over next to Selena, pushing past anyone in her way looks at Selena before looking at the books assembled on the table. "Hey, I heard you found neat books. But I couldn't help to overhear that there is a book that might be a interest to me.~" She stares at the books before finally turning her attention back to Selena. "Hey...? Which one is that spellbook with the demon fun in it?"
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Listening to Anastasya, Selena furrows her brow while she speaks. "Sure... A spellbook with spells to summon a succubus and have accoutrements for a night of life draining excitement." As she speaks sarcastically. "What could go wrong."She turns her gaze quickly to Jaune and Zoe with a incredulous look upon her face. "Wait... Don't tell me there are people here actually interested in such things!? The Dark Archives are not for Adu-"
And from a doorway, you can hear a woman speak.
A audible thump can be heard as Selena's head hits the table. She mumbles quietly. "Really!?... Why now."
"Hmm. That's probably another reason for the chains negating the fiend's abilities: the survival of the caster."
A tiefling of demonic descent hurriedly walks into the room. "Sister! Sister!" She quickly moves over next to Selena, pushing past anyone in her way looks at Selena before looking at the books assembled on the table. "Hey, I heard you found neat books. But I couldn't help to overhear that there is a book that might be a interest to me.~" She stares at the books before finally turning her attention back to Selena. "Hey...? Which one is that spellbook with the demon fun in it?"
"Oh, I think I remember you. Olyssia, right?"
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Looking the new comer up and down, "Why do you want a book with demon fun in it? It looks like you would be some 'demon fun.'"
Focusing her attention back on Selena, "Now, that was just one spell of many in the book, and it was magical knowledge. How they might of planned to use it wasn't to your personal preference. But if you compare the variations between this version and the more common version, you can learn what is essential to the spell and what can happen if you change different parts. This increases your magical knowledge and power."
"Hmm. That's probably another reason for the chains negating the fiend's abilities: the survival of the caster."
"That's right, it looks like the chains form part of a magic circle that would stop the demon's attacks and abilities. But normally it's a physical line they can't cross, with chains it is a little harder to gauge just where that 'line' now is."
Anastasya directs her next words to others gathered round specifically Jaune and Zoë, "The rest of you seem very confident of your abilities to take on a demon from the Abyss. I'm wondering how many of you have actually faced one before, or whether it is fool-hardiness?"
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Olyssia looks to Cathran. "Oh! Hi Cathran! Haven't seen you for a while. Have you did those negotiations like I suggested with that other elf? I hope so, it sounded fun!~" She momentarily looks upon Selena and then pats her on the back. You can hear a grumbling sound from the woman.
She then turns to the regal looking woman. When she spoke to her, Olyssia can't help but to reveal a wide grin. "Yup! You bet I am a bit of demon fun!~ But as a follower of Calistria, it is always to have a few new tricks under your... Garter belt. Hehe.~" She has a giggle fit after she finishes speaking.
Her giggling stops soon after when Cathran mentions, 'restraining a fiend's abilities'. She frowns slightly. "Hey... I do my best... Play, unchained."
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"Oh, a simple misunderstanding," Anastasya states calmly to Zoë, "I have nothing against the spell, or summoning succubi. It's that I would hate to see a promising young pathfinder out of their depth. You have just come back from your first mission, right?"
"Now, I think we are lucky that the few pages of this spell book that we've read, so far, weren't trapped. Most wizards would have put various traps, so how would you lot check and disarm any that have been placed?"