"Mmm, thank-you," Gregorius replies to the offer of gifts. "Do you want to present them to the covenant formally at dinner?"
"Tasia's away from the covenant at the moment, so I'm not expecting her. Everyone else is likely to be there, though."
For the dinner, he's dressed in his formal blue-black Tremere robes.[sup]1[/sup] The main course of the meal is venison - anyone staying long at the covenant will soon realise that game and fish make up the majority of its meat supplies, with very little livestock included.
[OOC: Everyone else, this is your cue to bring your characters in. I'll bring Calliope in with Viola.]
[sup]1[/sup] Gregorius doesn't usually wear these to dinner, only tending to dig them out for Council meetings and wearing more practical clothing the rest of the time.
Stephen prepares for dinner by cleaning[sup]1[/sup] and smoothing out[sup]2[/sup] his best robes. Like Gregorius, he's not going to make a habit of this. But he wants to make a good first impression.
"I'll certainly mention them at dinner," he says to Gregorius when asked about the gifts he brought. "But there's no need for a formal presentation - though you could certainly break out a bottle or two of the wine I brought. That might make things a bit more festive."
[hr][/hr]
[sup]1[/sup] Spontaneous ReTe spell to clean the robe. Control or move dirt in a very unnatural fashion is level 3. +1 for Touch, +0 Inst., +0 Ind. = ReTe 4.
Casting Total without fatigue = [20 (Re) + 13 (Te) + 2 (Sta) +3 (Aura)]/5 = 38/5 = 7-3/5, which rounds to 8; success
I wasn't sure what the Aura was in his chambers so I conservatively guessed 3.
[sup]2[/sup] Spontaneous ReAn spell to smooth the robe. (I'm assuming it's soft wool.) Manipulate items made from animal products is level 1. Let's call this a level 3 effect, just to be safe. +1 for Touch, +0 Inst., +0 Ind. = ReAn 4.
Casting Total without fatigue = [20 (Re) + 5 (An) + 2 (Sta) +3 (Aura)]/5 = 30/5 = 6; success
We can set up some partitions, outside the door of the lab, in the central cavern for him to use as living quarters. This is what I've been planning to do, but I'm not sure if I told anyone else that.
BTW, I don't think you can divide a sanctum into two parts.
Viola will show up somewhat late, looking annoyed at the distraction, and bringing Calliope in tow. She doesn't quite smile to the new visitor, but sits near to him.
How about using a PeTe spell to expand the lab to make an extra room on the side?
Figure base 4 for destroying dirt/stone in a one-pace square, +1 Touch, +1 Part = PeTe 10.
I'll assume that a decent living area would be at least 3 paces by 6 paces (9-ft x 18-ft), and almost 3 paces (8-ft) high = a little less than 54 cubic paces. That's 50ish castings, which is an awful lot.
Okay, let's try it with +1 for size. That lets him make a gap of 10 cubic paces as a PeTe 15 spell, requiring about five castings to make the room. That's much better. Basically, it adds a 2x2 pace square to the floorplan of the cavern for each casting.
Stephen's Spontaneous PeTe Casting Roll, with fatigue, is [1d10 + 11 (Pe) + 13 (Te) + 2 (Sta) + 5 (Aura) + 3 (Talisman)]/2 = 1d10/2 + 17. So he'll easily cast a PeTe 15 spell.
Of course, with a 1 or 5-9 on the roll, he could even make a PeTe 20 check (+2 size), which would make a room of 100 cubic paces. This would get what he wanted, and then some, in one casting. It might take a few attempts to get the spell to go off. But with a roughly 60% chance of success, it might be worth trying that.
Then I looked at the map of the storeroom. Currently it's about 450 square feet, a little shy of basic lab size, but close enough for government work. Assuming that the ceiling is about 8 feet high in the cavern, a single casting of the PeTe 20 spell would give about 6x6 square paces of additional floor space, which would more than bring the lab up to spec, and give enough living space for a proper sanctum. (FWIW, I looked through the maps of the covenant, matching up topside and underground and it looks like this expansion doesn't appear to interfere with anything.)
Here's what it might look like:
Of course, this all depends on the local magi approving such an action. But consider, even if Stephen moves out of the lab and into another, it would still leave this lab as a usable sanctum, including a living space and lab, for another visiting magus.
Stephen notes the look of annoyance on Viola's face. But since he can't do much about it, he pushes on anyway. "Good evening," he says to the two magae. "I'm Stephen ex Bonisagus, newly in from the Stonehenge Tribunal. I'm guessing you must be Viola and Calliope. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I wanted to thank you for the hospitality that Nova Castra has shown me already."
As Fray tends to eat with the magi and the covenant he is expected, but then he is also often arrives at erratic times or brings wax tablets and charcoal with him to continue when not talking.
[Fray arrive as it suits, even after Viola if that suits the flow. Not fussed. ]
This evening he arrives equipped with a tablet for each hand and a typical collection of miscellaneous looking notes. Dressed as always in a set of tougher traveling clothes, all rust and natural hues. His lion cloak hood is up to protect from the wind when entering, and when he sits the cowl falls back to show his scars and burns. Sturdy saxon walks to the Magi's table, although looking far more like a grog at times.
As he is used to his presence and appearance making him difficult to approach, he will look across the room, and make an nod to the magi as he sits and then takes out a letter.
It might make more sense to put the living quarters in the newly created area? That way you don't have to move the lab equipment, even if it is a slightly odd way round to have things.
Assuming Stephen mentions he's thinking about expanding the room, Gregorius won't have any objections, but will ask him to be careful he doesn't accidentally cut through to a stream (although he thinks they're mostly deeper underground). "We've got a dowser amongst the covenfolk, if that would be useful to you.
" Good evening," Stephen says in English when Fray comes in for dinner. "My name is Stephen ex Bonisagus, and I'm also from the Stonehenge Tribunal. You must be Fray. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Fray looks quizically at Stephen, "indeed I am. A pleasure to meet you Stephen. " He moves his notes into a pile rather than spread out to read.
A slight smile, but dryly said, "Stonehenge will be wondering what dearth of charm she has which causes her Bonisagus Magi to flee so far east. I had not expected to meet another from the isles quickly here, and certainly not a brother." His tone drops an octave as he finished the sentence, but then with curiosity he asks, "What brings you to Nova Castra?"
"The ruins - mostly," Stephen replies in response to Fray's question, switching back to Latin so as not to be rude at the dinner table. "I've taken an interest in ancient ruins and the secrets they hold. To that end, I've determined to follow the path of a Seeker." He smiles almost apologetically before continuing. "Of course ancient ruins meant that I was looking at the Roman Tribunal, the Tribunal of Thebes, or the Levant Tribunal. I decided Greek ruins were of greatest interest to me, which naturally lead me to Thebes. When I heard a report that Nova Castra was being so generous to its visiting magi, I decided to make this my ultimate destination. Truth be told, it's location at the edge of the Thebes Tribunal is a draw as well. I'm hoping that any ruins this far from the center of the Thebes Tribunal will not have been studied as carefully as some others and may well have some secrets remaining."
"And what about you?" Stephen asks. What brings you halfway across the world to Thebes?"
"ah, of course. The seeker line is a most noble path and the ruins here are wonderful from the small amount I have seen. You have chosen very well. I think Gregorius has a good sounding on them, or at the very least where you might start. It is as rich a site as I've ever heard, and quite magically potent."
Then looking away briefly then back to Stephen before continuing, " I've come here as much as any place, which is furthest from my homeland, to place some distance between myself and a disaster. Events unfolded terribly for Leola and I in Stonehenge and I was", then raising an eyebrow and his tone dropping "or still am, concerned with revenge for her. England and indeed much of the west reminds me too strongly of what happened. Being here is an uncomfortable salve because it is such a different environment, and I find the effort in understanding it is enough to frequently distract me."
Then lightening a little "..and there is too a rich variety of inspiration here too. That.." pointing to the pile "are the sketches and ideas unrelated to my current work, as I am guilty of dabbling in too many distractions at once. I oft use the meal times to order my thoughts."
"How well I understand distractions," Stepehen replies, keeping the conversation light, and not prying into Fray's clearly difficult past. "It seems I have six ideas for every season that passes. It's often difficult choosing which project to pursue. But I haven't had a chance to meet Leola yet. Is she here at the covenant?"
"Also," Stephen adds, "I expect to be making occasional trips back to England using Leap of Homecoming to deal with some covenant business. If there's anything that I could bring back for you or Leora - English food or drink, familiar fabrics, or the like, I'd be happy to. So long as I can carry it, I'll be glad to bring it back with me."
Somewhere admidst this back-and-forth, Viola manages to interject a hello, then settles into her chair, where she may or may not be listening to the conversation. Occasionally, though, she exchanges a few quiet words with Calliope.
During dinner Stephen tries not to let his conversations with any one magus or maga occupy his attention for too long. When Viola makes her greeting, he follows up with an invitation to more conversation if she wants it.
"I'm very glad to meet you," he says. "I'm settling in very nicely. The lab you've provided is quite nice. It's not every covenant that's so generous with its visiting magi."
Lowering his voice, and speaking directly; a little deadpan, "Leola died during the improper Wizard's War which is primarily why I am here, and how I came by some of this", gesturing to his burns on his face and forearms. "I can tell you I was furious with the tribunal's findings, which sought to compensate my loss, our loss; rather than punish the surviving Magus. My old friends and master thought a sabbatical of sorts was needed, and so we started researching places far from Stonehendge's muddled justice. Thus I placed myself here, far from temptation and with plenty of work to distract me." Pausing then while he takes a drink of water.
Assuming Stephen might show a little shock or surprise, "Do not feel uncomfortable, yours was an honest question. I like questions, as did she," he ends with a smile. Then slightly shaking his head, "You know I have yet to even learn what exactly the tribunal offered in compensation, only that it is there waiting. One day perhaps. For now I am trying to focus on my works with non-traditional form transmutation. And to let time pass." If the table has heard, or the mood overtly dull he will add, "Hopefully not overly much of a burden, with my mood. There is something calming when being in or around the building of something new, and here" pointing to the wider covenant, "is a building project to which we and more could turn our talents."
To Stephen's offer, "Thank you, I will consider what I might need, but I mostly have all I need in the labs and the covenant here has a very generous table. Little more than that is needed anymore."
"S'blood!" Stephen exclaims when he hears of Leola's fate. "I'm so very sorry. I had no idea. You have my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss."
And when Fray turns the subject to the building project, Stephen is more than happy to change the subject. "I was talking with Gregorius about some of that. For myself I'm strong in Creo-Terram and Rego-Terram, so I thought I might be able to help some in the building projects in Nova Castra."
As Stephen mentions his specialties Fray's head tilts slightly and his face looks to be concentrating. As Stephen finishes "well excellent. Your choice of focus is indeed a boon for Nova Castra. I have been thinking of ways to turn my focus for Muto to a purpose here and also have some small ideas."
"One such is the possibility of using the Wizards Communion as a way to strengthen the powers we can bring together. As individuals we can grant a moderate amount, but in combination our effects could be profound. There is a copy here in the library which I intend to borrow, and if alternate versions are needed to suit other degrees of Art I could create some with different magnitudes. Three of the magi in my master's covenant used to communally cast many effects; particularly Creo effects where avoiding the waste of vis was a concern."
"there is also a small work I am conducting to greatly reduce the load and bearing required for equipment and haulage of goods. It seems that transportation of goods is a problem which has many potential solves, and I'm hoping soon to all but neutralize that problem."
