Going to tell/write a story, takes place in Golarion. Fair warning I have no experience or advanced education in writing or literature. Feel free to post comments, questions, criticisms, and what not. All I ask is that they are placed in spoilers so anyone reading the story does not have to pass walls of unrelated text.
Thanks and hopefully enjoy. :)
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Making the bed, fluffing the single pillow, and picking up discarded clothes. These last three years of common and endless chores were finally coming to an end, yet not today. He would not slip, not now nor would he allow his guard to fall. Many before him did not survive and many after him would suffer that ill fate, he refused to stumble. Taking a moment to look around the single room, a luxury reserved not only for senior students but the exceptional ones at that. Everything was neat, clean, and orderly regardless of it's occupant's best efforts. He felt a tinge of pity for his replacement, it was his skill at cleaning that had granted him the post in the first place and kept him safe. Reserved by a older student enchanter for such services, few would trouble him. Not worth it for those in a position to challenge the enchanter and beyond those that could not, yet that too would end with his role. While his thoughts drifted to his fellow surviving apprentices, a shadow crossed the window. He quickly moved to the window, he saw it's source. The imps were massing on the wall, clearly plotting something for the completion of the third year class and their promotion to real studies and true students. He would have to prepare for that.
The door suddenly opened, whirling at the movement one hand was in his pocket, the other crossed the broom handle in his hand across his body. The enchanter ignored him and went to his desk, forcefully opening the drawer. Taking a quick breath to speak the password before it's ward had a chance to trigger.
"Where is it?"
He doubted the question was for him but he responded all the same.
"What do you seek Sir Barlow?"
His dark eyes looked through the neatly stacked scrolls, tossing them without regard. His pale hands moving quickly, stopping only to push a lock of brown hair from his shoulder length cut behind an ear.
"The oath scroll I got a few months ago. The one from that sickly looking necromancer from the hall of whispers for charming that tiefling guard. I can't remember his name, much less his face."
Any other day he would fish for more information, yet it was his last day. Karver Barlow was no longer his problem or guardian, at least not for longer then a few more hours.
"Third drawer on the right, fifth scroll in. If I remember correctly."
He abandoned his current drawer for the suggested one. Grabbing the scroll rather roughly he opened it, a relieved smile quickly spread over his narrow chelixian features.
"Perfect!"
He left in a rush, returned a moment later.
"Clean this all up, you can take one potion from my desk for the help and your promotion before closing it up. Good luck Bavius."
With that he was gone. Karver was many things, grateful or detailed oriented was not among them. That was only his second gift in all his years of service. He had secreted away a number of items from him during his time with the enchanter. He never spent or used these items, in case he needed to find them should they be missed. In three years none had been noticed, then again Karver had a habit of getting his hands on a number of items he clearly could not afford. Certainly he made use of his enchantment spells, if nothing else he was unusually proficient in them. Personally he found it a little disturbing, the gap was far to great even for a specialist. He shook his head, it was not his problem or business. He plucked his final prize, reordered the desk and shut it. After another sweep of the room he would be done once and for all with it.
"Welcome to becoming Impers, ceremonies starts in an hour. Hope your late."
The tiefling wore the uniform of one of the school's guards, his nose unnaturally misshapen in all likelihood due to being broken multiple times. He left with a lingering glare with one of his frog like eyes. Not having spared his fellow escort much attention until then he studied his new roommate outside their room. He was tall and more solidly built then any would be wizard, still he would not pass for a warrior. His clothes were common and simple, except for his boots. If he had to guess their fur trim was of fox or mink, then their was the dagger at his hip. Hardly uncommon in the academy, more a tool then a weapon so long as you did not run afoul of anyone or anything. He noticed it was more on the longer side of what was considered a dagger as well as of skilled make, plain save for a touch of ivory on it's grip. That was a weapon not a tool, one he knew how to use he guessed.
His bright blue eyes studied him as he did the same, quickly catching himself he gestures with his free arm for him to enter. Taking only a moment his roommate enters, his steps are light and silent despite his size. Something else that seemed misplaced about the man. Closing the door, it was about time he introduced himself.
"Well some of the guards never lose their charm. I'm Bavius Calas, your new roommate it seems."
Choosing a bed he dropped his belongings before turning to respond.
"My names Alseith Farwarin. Your not going to be trouble are you?"
He didn't frown or give anything away at the question, it appeared Alseith wanted to place himself in another position besides equal. Sometimes he wished he had his mentor's ability to take such things in stride. Sadly old habits did not die, they had to be killed. His hands were unblooded when it came to his own habits, at least he recognized them, that was something.
"If ether of us is going to be trouble, I would say it's you. Belonging to the Cerulean Society and being a student here. Are you mad?"
His words came out smoothly but for Alseith's reaction he may as well have suddenly stricken him across the face with a large wet fish. His expression was stunned, to long for his aim to be off, he recovered slowly.
"Wha....That's nonsense, why...."
He raised up his hands to stop whatever lie was going to be told or explanation from coming. He needed to get his words in before the man jumped to anger or threats as was often the case when someone was exposed or in danger of being so further.
"You gave yourself away, the only reason no one has figured it out yet is because of their own blindness. The older students are to wrapped up in their own affairs to notice those below them that have not shown themselves to be a threat or of interest. The guards see all students the same, the few they bother to remember are the dangerous ones. As for the professors, they won't pay attention to every student. But that will change after today and as the years pass. Your build is more physical then the average student, your weapon is more fit on a cut-purse or knife fighter. Practical and well made, not cheap and basic or fanciful and gaudy. Finally their is the way you move for someone of your size and build. You carry yourself like a cat not a laborer. Also you have a slight native accent when you speak, closer to street speak then anything else found in Korvosa. Do you want to keep playing this game with me Alseith?"
His hand had crept into pocket, he tossed his own belongings onto the other bed to throw more attention away from it. He did not know how the thief would react and he knew that dagger was not for show. Yet Alseith had recovered from his shock and given only a blank face in response as the weaknesses in his facade were laid before him. He brought a hand up behind his head to rub some of his short brownish blonde hair.
"Solly Slop, you going to turn me in or something?"
He said it sheepishly but the sharp look in his eye and the fact that his free hand was the one closest to his sheathed blade was not lost on him.
"Why would I do that? I have nothing against you and I am here to learn. I'm not even a korvosan. I came here only for the school and nothing else."
He could almost see the tension fall from his roommate.
"Well in that case, mind keeping it quiet. Believe it or not, I'm here for the same thing. I just don't have the crowns it takes to come. So I had to sell it to my boss, they get a little inside information and a wizard among their own. I get to be something I'd have no chance of otherwise."
Still keeping an eye on him as he explained, he took a seat on his own bed.
"What school are you choosing?"
Alseith removed his dagger belt and put it aside on the bed as he brought his pack of belongings onto his lap.
"Evocation, going for battle magic. Dropping abjuration and enchantment, the boss wasn't happy when I first told him. Wanted an illusionist or abjurer, someone that could trick people or break through stuff and keep their hides safe. Convinced them it would be too dicey, hits a little to close to home. Anyways abjuration is for guys that can't deal with anything close up, not a problem for me. As far as enchantments go, their only good outside a fight."
Finally considering it unlikely that he would be attacked he started to unpack himself as he spoke as well. Not giving voice on his own opinions concerning the values of some schools of magic over others.
"You have more plans then just working for your boss the rest of your life I take it."
He nodded as he went over to the chest provided to keep their things in, he removed a well made lock from his bag. Ready to be placed once he was done.
"Yeah, I'll play their mage long enough to pay back what I owe them and save a little for myself. Then I think I'll go find something better. Plenty of ways to make a honest living with magic, battle mages are always needed by someone."
Having changed into the school robes left for them in their new room in preparation for the ceremony. He once more thought of what he saw earlier in the day. Noticing that Alseith was leaving his dagger behind he decided it was best to say something.
"You should take your dagger."
Alseith's brow furrowed in thought for a moment before he replied.
"Well sense you pointed out that it was a bit of a give away, I thought that I should do without. At least for a bit."
He was shaking his head before he finished.
"I only meant you should not keep it on your hip for anyone to see. I didn't mean you shouldn't keep it on you, the school is dangerous after all. More so today I think."
Whatever faults Alseith was not slow on the uptake, he straightened and stared in focus at his words.
"What do you mean?"
Going over to his own chest, he moved about some items he had just stored. Removing a few he carefully pocketed, the last one was a plain iron ring. He placed it on a finger of his right hand, covering both hands with a pair of simple fingerless leather work gloves.
"I mean that I saw something troubling earlier and would be careful considering the timing. You may want to have your dagger on you if not clearly visible, if your concerned with your secret."
Truth was he had secrets of his own and he wanted no one to start looking at him. Then again what meaning did secrets have if your well being or even life was at risk.
"That's not much, still can't hurt."
The thief returned to his chest as well, removing a wrist sheath. He rolled up a long sleeve and placed it securely on his left arm, flexing his hand as he adjusted the straps. Finally when he was satisfied he placed his dagger in it's new home. He could understand why he had not already had the knife hidden, their was little denying his expertise if it was found there. Wizards did not hide weapons if their training was basic. Vials, scrolls, and wands were expected if much more expensive. It was a sad thing for a mage of any kind to be reduced to a non magical piece of metal in the minds of many. He was not of that mind of course.
"If you have anything else that would help in a fight, I suggest you have it on you."
He closed his chest and made sure nothing about him gave away what he had taken. Alseith seemed to have done the same.
"So want to let me in on what you saw?"
He opened the door for his roommate. After locking it behind them they started walking to the courtyard.
"Imps, a lot of them getting together."
"Isn't that normal?"
"Any other day, I'd agree. But like I said, timing is everything. I don't like it when things line up like that. My mentor taught me to always pay attention to the world."
"Mine taught me to do the same to people."
"People are part of the world, the world is not part of people. Sounds about what my mentor would say, don't ask me to explain though. He never did."
"Well your going to be a real ray of sun shine huh."
"Fine, how about better safe then sorry."
"Now that I can get behind."
The pair made it to the courtyard where the ceremony was going to be held. A small wooden stage had been set up before rows of benches, their was a noticeable lack of guards in the area. At least for anyone who was looking. A good deal of students were already there, some settled in their seats while others grouped together in discussion around the edge. From the back he counted one professor and two aides at the stage. Alseith gave the place a good once over before attempting to make his way towards the center, he held him back as that would be a mistake.
"We should stay in the back."
He whispered quickly.
"No offense but I rather put some bodies between me and the imps, it's not nice but it works."
His face was a bit guilty at his words but they had cold truth, he didn't hold it against him. None the less he shook his head in disagreement before continuing their quiet conversation.
"That's not what I mean. They won't go near the stage, their smart. They'll know the most dangerous ones here are up front on the stage. Their going to avoid going anywhere near the front, which means their going to go for the most targets without getting trapped. If I was them I would come in from the sides, working my way to the center then outward before swinging back the way I came. The center is going to be the worst place in that case. Spells and daggers won't do any good when your getting overrun by scared students. It won't be much better at the front, the older students won't think twice about hitting us if it means they take out a threat to themselves. The back should be the best spot to protect ourselves or make a retreat."
Alseith had listened carefully and looked over the layout before returning his gaze to him.
"Your a smart little goblin aren't you?"
He brought a hand to his forehead, parting his untamed hair slightly.
"Nevermind, go on ahead."
That got a sharp little laugh, along with a clap to his shoulder.
"Don't be soft, let's find some seats in the back. I still don't know if I'll be more impressed or less if the little hell rats show up or not."
They took their seats. Alseith seemed far to easy going. He didn't know if that was in response to his past or a ingrained trait. Considering his circumstances it was impressive in it's own way. He pushed that thought aside and paid attention. If he had guessed right then things would break into utter chaos in a very short time. If he was wrong, then he was simply paranoid or as he liked to think cautious.
Sometimes you had to hate being right as far as he was concerned. This was one of those times without a doubt. While the imps had not done exactly as he predicted, they did for the most part. What he failed to predict was the complete lack of sense among his peers. Alseith had reacted even faster then he thought jumping from his chair with blade in hand the moment the first yell sprung from amidst the crowd.
With in the first few seconds of their assault, no less then a trio of students had fallen. The little devils making use of their poison and ability to magically render themselves unseen. Before the first minute of their attack passed, the students were a roving mass. Some fled into the waiting ambushes of imps, some stood their ground, and yet others took to using the nearest body available as a shield to weather the storm of fiends.
Alseith kept his head, slashing and stabbing anything or anyone that came near him. Making himself to dangerous to attack alone or be used as a human shield by any desperate students. Unfortunately it also gave him a wield enough berth to be noticed by the malicious cretins. That was where he came in. A pair of imps, one black the other a splotchy brown, came at Alseith as one. Only for one to make it with in range of his strikes due to a pair of clear force missiles laying into the other. Causing it to fall out of the air and skid across the ground. The rogue took advantage of it's surprised comrade by stabbing it so hard, the blade went through it's small body nearly cleaving it in two. With a savage pull to the side he brought it far closer to that. Wasting no time he started stomping it's fallen companion.
"Hope you got more of those, a lot more."
Another pair of shimmering missiles strike a near by imp, sending it to the ground. A few students finish it off with pieces of wood from a broken chair and their boots.
"I'll do my part. Don't worry about your back."
The imps were no fools, even with the professor and older students behind their wards. The apprentices were starting to turn the tide, the weak having already fallen or fled for the most part. Those that remained were giving stronger more organized resistance with each passing moment. The pockets of these resistance started getting swarmed by the imps, or so they tried. He and Alseith were to mobile for the imps to surround. Using other students as buffers and flanks while he peppered them with magical projectiles from his hidden ring at a distance. Whenever any devils managed to close, Alseith would handle them with his knife work.
After only a short time, even if it did not feel like it, the imps invasion as it were ended. The hellspawn guards finally came and the remaining imps used their abilities to escape. All students were ordered to return to their rooms to await further instructions. Before they even started leaving, the guards were removing bodies both fiendish and not. He noticed more then a few were picking over the dead when they thought no one was looking, looting them. For his part he noticed a not so dead imp close to his feet, the little midnight blue devil was faking but it's slowly healing wound and subtle breathing gave it away to him. He scooped it into a small bag and tied it tightly, it would not be able to move so confined. He had to get something out of this mess, an imp would do.