Fireside Chat with Lylia on the Nature of Power

[This event was part of the Mentor Society's series of fireside chats and was recorded on 9/20/2020.]

Shinann recites:

"Good evening. The Mentors and Silverwood Manor would like to welcome you to our Fireside Tales. We are pleased to announce our speaker tonight is Lylia Rashere, the Landing's former mayor and head of the Faendryl Enclave."

Ysharra says, "Glory to the Patriarch, and to Imperatrix Rashere."

You place a hand over your heart.

You say, "Tonight, I wish to speak about one of my favorite subjects."

You throatily purr, "Power."

You say, "Many people, perhaps even some of you gathered here, do not see themselves as seekers of power."

You survey the area.

You say, "They even consider it a point of pride to scorn power and disparage the search for it as if they were above such worldly concerns."

You insincerely demur, "'Who, me? After power? I would never,' cries the humble servant of the gods or the self-effacing helper."

You firmly say, "Nonsense. They all want it."

Umbazi says, "It does sound a bit ridiculous to say that when you are still hunting rats, however."

You slyly say, "You want it too."

You say, "There is no shame in this, and do not let anyone convince you otherwise."

Speaking to you, Geijon says, "Power is a more complex viewpoint than these comments really reflect."

You ask, "For what is power, exactly?"

You reply, "I was getting to that part."

You smile.

You say, "Power, simply put, it is the capacity to effect change."

Xylador nods slowly.

The fire crackles and flames jump. Burning embers ride upward in the shimmering air above the blaze.

You explain, "In any of its guises, power is transformative. Military power can establish nations and build empires, and political power holds them intact. Knowledge is power, many have said."

You say, "And magical power...well."

You say, "Magic at its most potent is indistinguishable from divinity itself. The power to restore the dead, heal the sick and injured, traverse great distances with a word and a step, part the very veils that separate the valences -- little is barred to us."

You say, "Even the humblest of us wants enough of it to forestall ill luck or ease our burdens, or perhaps those of our loved ones."

You realize there are some important matters you should tend to . . . later.

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "To ascend?"

You say, "So let us look more closely at the allure of magical power in particular."

Speaking to Wolfloner, you say, "Everyone needs goals."

You say, "Even so-called rote magic, those common cantrips many of us share, have remarkable force behind them. With them, we have razed enemy towns and raised our own fallen."

The fire dies down a bit until it finds some fresh fuel to burn. Then the flames dance higher as they feast.

You continue, "We shall look more closely at these ordinary spells, the foundations of power upon which so many of us have built our lives. The allure they hold is considerable for all that we may consider them 'common' magic, and we tend to overlook that, I feel."

Deep in thought, you lace your fingers before you.

You say, "Elemental magic is possibly the most straightforward form of power and the easiest in which to observe transformation."

You say, "This nearly inexhaustible power is innate to our valence and many others, the raw essence that flows within and throughout most matter."

Raelee nods faintly.

You say, "It could be said that elemental magic is that of the inanimate world, the rock beneath our feet and the water that wears it away, the fire that consumes and the air that gives the flames their breath."

You say, "Tapping into this source of magic has the power to move mountains."

You dryly remark, "Just ask Loul."

Xorus smirks.

You say, "Xorus probably remembers him as a youth."

Loscar sniffs at his glass teacup, inhaling its warm aroma.

Umbazi says, "Xorus probably remembers the creation of the world."

You continue, "Wizards are particularly adept with elemental magic, but they are not its only users. Sorcerers, bards, even the odd rogue can learn a spell or two and draw power from these deep roots. The chances are good that most of you know at least something of elemental magic."

You say, "Others, of course, lean in different directions."

You say, "By contrast, spiritual power involves the will of other entities, which could be anything from local spirits to a favored Arkati. It requires something other than the practitioner alone to give it force and potency."

You say, "Some spiritualists command the entities that give these spells life; others beseech them. Either way, the result is the same: Magic from another sapient or sentient being."

Xorus says, "The world and I cannot remember which of us came first, but we agree that I will be the one that buries it."

Issiah nods.

You note, "There could be an argument here that spiritual magic is once removed from primal sources of power, and an equally cogent argument that spiritualists use a more refined version of magic that the raw potency of elemental magic lacks."

You glance between Raelee and Ysharra.

You diplomatically say, "I am not about to step in the middle of that one."

You say, "Particularly as sorcery draws on hybrid forms of magic, twisting others together to effect transformation or breach the veils that lie between us and what we seek."

You are now speaking Guildspeak.

Speaking in Guildspeak, you say, "We have the right of it, of course, but it would not do to let the rest of them hear."

You are now speaking Common.

You flash a quick grin.

You say, "And then, of course, there are the less commonly accessed forms of magic, from blood magic and other forms of sympathetic magic practiced locally to the summoning rituals of New Ta'Faendryl to the potent temporal magic of the Imperial Drakes, to name but a few."

You say, "These are outside the purview of this talk as it would be impossible to do them full justice, but I fully expect to talk about them more in a moment if any of you have questions."

You briskly say, "Return with me, then, to our rote magic, the everyday power to which we have become accustomed."

You say, "Protective spells are as common in the town square as acorns, yet few consider their nature or source. We cast without pause, indeed sometimes without thought."

Speaking to Yardie, Ysharra says, "Fantastic creatures. The diversity within and without our world is astonishing."

You gesture and invoke the powers of the elements for the Elemental Defense II spell...

Your spell is ready.

You gesture.

A bright luminescence surrounds you.

Cast Roundtime 3 Seconds.

(Lylia gestures as she talks, going through the motions of casting without intoning the words to the spell.)

Speaking quietly to Yardie, Ysharra admits, "I'm a ranger. It's what we do."

You say, "It is as if, having acquired the power to cast them, we no longer hunger for this evidence of our skill and seek something more. Having committed them to memory, we turn our eyes to other conquests."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yardie whispers aloud, "That...is different from other summoning, is it not?"

You say, "Some of you may remember the anticipation with which you applied yourself to acquiring new magics with which to envelop yourself before a hunt or imbue a weapon with some novel power. Whether it has been weeks or decades since you felt that intoxicating thrill, reflect upon it for a moment."

You continue, "Recall what it was like to achieve success for the first time weaving some new spell."

Lylia smiles faintly and pauses her speech, her gaze momentarily unfocused as if lost in her own recollections for a moment. With a slight shake of her head, she returns to the subject at hand.

Loscar smiles quietly to himself.

You say, "This is the nature of power. Having accomplished a small transformation, we almost inevitably crave the greater ones. We need more."

Myharl deeply says, "The magic of cold hard steel crushing against bone. It's a special kind of magic."

You say, "The allure of power, then, lies not only in what it alters today but in the promise it holds for greater changes tomorrow. Embrace this. Claim your power, I say, and feed your hunger for more of it."

Umbazi asks, "So magic is addictive?"

You nod at Myharl.

You say, "Yes."

Umbazi says, "That does not sound like a recommendation of magic."

You say, "In the same way that food is 'addictive,' or water."

You ask, "Do you hunger? Do you know thirst, or weariness?"

Xorus says, "Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac."

Umbazi says, "Yes, but I don't cast spells."

Ysharra looks thoughtfully at Xorus.

You murmur, "Yes, that is another primal drive."

You chuckle.

Umbazi says, "I don't have any magic."

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra asks, "Does that mean it leaves you vulnerable?"

Loscar asks, "You utilize them do you not?"

You ask, "Do you have spells on?"

You peer quizzically at Umbazi.

You ask, "Are you wrapped in protective wards as we speak?"

Umbazi says, "Yes, I get spells cast on me. I don't have the ability."

Cryheart says, "I felt empowerment when my plate dispelled a vathor once."

Cryheart nods to you.

You say, "You hunger for power, then, too. It is borrowed, but it is also something you wish. My point is that it is not ignoble to seek power."

You say, "To seek the means for transformation."

You conclude, "There is no nobility in starving to death. Having starved, you accomplish no transformation except that of becoming food for worms."

Umbazi says, "Well, I hunger not to die uselessly, at least."

Xorus grins at you.

Speaking in Faendryl, Xylador says, "Those who choose to wield weapons of steel instead of sorcery have their own means... Be it the magic in your armorments or the statues that grant you the power to defend against attacks."

You nod in agreement at Xylador.

Ysharra says, "Or the magic to make our gardens grow, so to speak. As well as literally."

You say, "Well said. For those who did not understand, Xylador points out that weapons of steel instead of sorcery are also a kind of power. The allure of magic is strong for me; for others, it may be the blade that calls to them."

You lightly ask, "Any questions, or are we ready to begin our ascension to greater power and godhood tonight?"

Issiah raises his hand.

You ask, "Yes?"

Loscar asks, "Power can be in the form of an act too can it not?"

You say, "I am saying that the lust for it is often maligned, and this is pernicious nonsense."

Issiah asks, "I notice you spoke of spiritual and elemental spells, but didn't mention mental spells, unless I missed it. What are your thoughts on them?"

Speaking to Yardie, Ysharra says, "It is an ineffable drive, not always a literal one."

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "Power can be defined in terms of the ability to impact those around you and the state of being. While magic, in my opinion, is an excellent way to achieve those goals.. But not the only way."

You say, "Interesting way of looking at it; I tend to define power as the means to act, not necessarily the act itself, though the one could lead to the other."

Speaking to Issiah, Marijka says, "I believe that her point was regarding power as a whole, regardless of the specific form it takes. Mental magic would be included."

Speaking politely to Ysharra, Yardie whispers aloud, "One can never be too sure."

You raise your voice in merry laughter.

Speaking to Yardie, Ysharra says, "On that, we certainly agree, as there are many who mean it word by word."

You say, "Forgive me. Silvean has long maintained that mentalism does not exist, and we have had lively discussions long into the night about it."

You say, "Mentalist magic draws from the self rather than from the natural and inanimate world or that of any spiritual existence."

Myharl deeply says, "Power is as power does, little different from those who wield it."

(Yardie stares around in reserved confusion.)

You say, "I did not mean to sidestep those who are adept at it; it is not my sphere of knowledge, as I tend to be focused more on sorcery and hybrid forms of magic."

Ysharra says, "Discipline. I've never had any, so it's easy to recognize."

You grin at Ysharra.

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "The Erithians brought something new to Elanthia... While the power is new and unknown, as we move forward I feel it would be ill-advised to ignore its existence."

Now and again, resin in some burning wood is ignited by the flames and the fire hisses loudly. The sharp smell of the scorched resin permeates the air and invades your nostrils.

Issiah asks, "So yer sayin' it's more of a discipline, or perhaps an inate ability, rather than drawing from outside forces?"

You say, "You may come to it in your own way, but yes, that is my understanding of it."

You admit, "I am not the most introspective person. I have too many other things to accomplish to gaze upon my own navel, lovely as it may be."

Xylador gets a blank look on his face.

Bernadette chuckles.

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk asks, "Do you like her navel?"

You ask, "Have any of you felt shame or public scorn for seeking power or for magical inquiry that goes beyond the ordinary?"

Xorus nods at Pukk.

Xorus says, "I am very introspective."

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "In any case... Lady Lylia's navel aside... I believe that utilizing the power of those around you allows leverage to gain your own."

Loscar says, "I got killed once for asking too many questions in a public meeting."

Juspera says, "Like sometimes Raelee gives me a look when I ask her questions. About magic."

The flames glimmer, red and scarlet, orange and yellow, as they flare and climb upward above each other.

Juspera says, "In public."

Speaking to Xylador, you say, "Yes, using the power of others around you can grant you the means to gain your own."

Juspera says, "Magister Raelee I mean."

Raelee stares sternly down her nose at Juspera.

Juspera glances nervously at Raelee.

Speaking in Elven to Loscar, Xylador says, "I would assume the questions you asked had more bearing than the amount of questions."

Speaking to Loscar, you say, "I enjoy questions. It is why I opened the floor to them. A fireside chat is, after all, not a fireside monologue."

Loscar says, "Well someone was a traitor and I called them out on it."

You say, "Then you have discovered that words have their own kind of magic."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "What of the power of manipulation. Acting behind the scenes to bring a plan to fruition?"

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner says, "As Mayor you must have had some experience in that."

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "That would be the power that was just mentioned. Words carry the power of manipulation and of motivation."

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "Depending on the sharpness of one's tongue, you can make empires fall with it.."

You say, "Ah, one of my favorite forms of power, that which does not reveal itself manifestly. Yes, sometimes it is necessary to take actions that would not be seen in the appropriate light if revealed."

Alosaka says, "I heard there were stories."

Speaking politely to Xylador, Yardie whispers aloud, "Words are just scratching the surface when it comes to politics. There are deeper means to gain what one desires."

Speaking darkly to you, Wolfloner asks, "You have an example you can share?"

Speaking to Alosaka, you say, "Oh, you are going to be bitterly disappointed, then. I am only chatting, not storytelling."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "I rather love the way you drew this varied lot here with the promise to speak."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "I hope you aren't given much chagrin for that."

You say, "Praxopius could have told you more, but sadly, he is unlikely to speak on the matter."

Speaking to you, Alosaka says, "Perhaps, in your idle chatter, there is the seed of some great tale, waiting to be born."

Ysharra says, "Mm. He's one dead man who has been astonishingly quiet."

Shinann says, "Not here he will not... even if he was alive."

You say, "I am flattered, and I can only hope I have not disappointed."

You add, "Yet."

You flash a quick grin.

Speaking hesitantly to Ysharra, Yardie whispers aloud, "How...how did he die?"

You say, "Praxopius died on the beaches at Glaoveln."

Speaking to Yardie, Ysharra says, "He gave all of his skill to helping us raid Glaoveln."

You say, "By his own choice, having accomplished what he sought."

Ysharra says, "All his energy, all his very nature."

Ysharra says, "His will to gain revenge, and a break in their enslaving raids in turn."

You say, "Yes. the krolvin of Glaoveln enslaved many they took from their raids upon coastal towns, including our own."

You simply say, "They are no longer in a position to do so."

Speaking to you, Alosaka says, "I learned a little something about sorcerous magick the other day, you know."

You ask, "Did you now? And was it enlightening?"

You ask, "Or endarkening, if we are referring to sorcery?"

Goldstr says, "Da half krolvin folks ye meet are from dem Krolvin slavers."

Alosaka exclaims, "Well, it was about those flying eyeballs you see everywhere when sorcerers. I learned why they're so popular!"

You say, "There are many reasons they are popular."

Alosaka says, "Oh, but I learned the true reason."

Shinann asks, "What is the true reason?"

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "The ability to move to a room and see all with the only evidence is eye color... As knowledge is power, this is an incredible tool."

Alosaka demurely says, "Oh, I don't know if it's my place to tell..."

You say, "You are keeping my chat from becoming a soliloquy, which is a good thing. Do share."

Speaking to Xylador, you say, "With certain illusions, even that can be concealed."

You hold out your hand, palm facing up, and concentrate on its central point. Slowly, particles begin to coalesce with a unified will in your hand. One by one, petals dark as twilight begin to blossom up, taking the shape of a rosebud. Specks of colorless pollen appear within the flower as the rest of the details are filled in. After a moment, a perfectly-shaped black essence rose lies across your hand.

You carefully place the black essence rose into your mouth and chew down on the black essence. The texture feels slimy and leathery, like a raw squid as it moves around inside your mouth. You focus inwardly as you swallow the essence and you feel it begin to incorporate itself into your being. You close your eyes briefly, but when you open them you gaze out at the world through newfound darker vision.

Alosaka says, "Well, it so happens that I was chatting with a young adventurer the other day. A young man who, unfortunately, meets a grizzly end during many of his hunts."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "It's been a rather boisterous talk, altogether. Smashing."

Alosaka says, "I shan't say his name, but I'm sure people know of many such... hapless folks."

Speaking to Alosaka, Ysharra says, "I daresay most of us remember those times."

Speaking in Elven, Xylador sternly says, "It is ill-advised to focus on uneasiness when those utilizing the ability can see your actions without you seeing them. Giving them all tactical advantage in terms of environment and demeanors."

(Lylia places her fingertip below her eye, which is now as glossy and black as a raven's, and nods knowingly at Xylador.)

Alosaka says, "Well, after recovering from a death the other day, he was sitting in town, bemoaning a flock of those flying eyeballs that kept following him everywhere."

Alosaka says, "And he asked why they kept chasing him around, and I had to confess I had no idea. But I was so intrigued that I stole one of those glass amulets, the kind that make you invisible, and resolved to follow him on a hunt."

Alosaka says, "And sure enough, off to the graveyard he went, trailed by a dozen or so flapping eyeballs. And of course he only lasted a few minutes out there."

You say, "Yes, centuries of magical inquiry and experimentation has led to the torment of an irascible fellow."

Xorus says, "Convenient place to become dead."

Alosaka says, "I suppose I could've saved him, but I really wanted to see what was up with those eyeballs. So I stayed invisible, and watched as they swirled around his body. And with my spiritual senses I could discern them lifting away a portion of his soul and gathering it like cotton in their goey orbs."

Juspera exclaims, "No!"

Juspera exclaims, "Eyes don't steal souls!"

Alosaka exclaims, "I did this for a few days, spending a small fortune on glass amulets, but what I learned was worth far more!"

Speaking to Juspera, Thrassus asks, "Are you sure about that?"

Xorus leans over and whispers, "He is onto us."

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "Always keep in mind power can be broken, regardless of the level."

Juspera scowls at Thrassus.

Thrassus stares unwaveringly at Juspera.

You nod knowingly at Xorus.

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "Never rely solely on the power you have, and always know its weaknesses."

Shinann says, "That was some investigation."

Alosaka says, "I followed the eyes back to their sources, and I saw them delivering to their hosts a glowing nectre, the very essence of that fallen warrior, and each sorceror fed the essence into a little vial they kept hidden on their persons."

You primly say, "We do not generally speak of it publicly, you know."

Shinann says, "I never knew..."

You glance meaningfully at Alosaka.

Alosaka looks less calm and refreshed than a moment ago.

Xorus grabs a chipped glass vial from a small pocket inside of his black leather coat.

Alosaka says, "For a month I watched! And on the final day of the month, when the night was dark and moonless, I followed one such sorcerer to a hidden glade, and there to my surprise I saw dozens of them gathered, all clutching these little vials, all overflowing with stolen souls."

Alosaka says, "And together they approached a stone altar, graven with curious symbols, and as one they raised the vials to their lips, and as the new moon reached its nadir far beneath the earth, they imbibed all the stolen spirit."

Speaking to Loscar, you say, "If you really want to see me belabor a point, invite me to speak on the nature of the 'greater good.'."

Speaking to Alosaka, Yardie says, "Please tell me you're joking."

Alosaka says, "And that is how sorcerers learn Necromancy Lore."

Juspera says, "Okay but."

Juspera says, "Eyes aren't like that."

Alosaka says, "So, the next time you see a flying eyeball following you around, just remember that you're helping some young sorcerer train."

Alosaka says, "And if you feel a little more tired than usual after being brought back to life, well, there are worse fates."

Xorus diplomatically says, "With more necromantic prowess, we become better at siphoning necrotic energy."

You say, "Some of us only need to look at our targets...without even removing an eye."

You turn your head toward Alosaka to favor him with a silent, withering gaze. He knows what he did!

Speaking to you, Alosaka says, "I hope I got the gist of it right."

Alosaka cringes.

You nod knowingly.

You say, "Of course, such tales are often told about sorcerers."

You airily wave a gloved hand.

You say, "This is to our benefit."

You say, "Proof yet again that words have power, more so when they are eloquent or captivating. Stories have weight."

Speaking to you, Yardie whispers aloud, "Madame, I often find those stories to be true, not just on words but on what is seen."

You ask, "Are sorcerers feared because our spells are more vicious and horrifying than others'?"

You admit, "Well, yes."

You say, "But also, the tales can be terrifying. Some of them are even true."

Yardie breaks out in a sweat.

Marijka mildly says, "Nobody reacts thusly upon seeing a skilled warrior's battlerage."

Alosaka says, "Well, I only tell true stories, of course."

You ask, "Any other questions on the nature of power, magical or otherwise? Or on the allure of it?"

Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "That depends heavily on the level of rage presented."

Loscar says, "What about the power of actions."

You ask, "Could you give me an example?"

Loscar says, "Well it's not something a lot of people think about."

Loscar says, "But our actions, our motives, and our gestures of kindness have meaning."

Loscar says, "They shape how others view us."

Speaking carefully to Xylador, Yardie admits, "It's quite the antithesis of how I operate. Rage can fuel ones strength, but it can blind simultaneously...and can be exploited."

Loscar says, "Our groups, our friends, and our enemies."

Cryheart says, "Our oaths of duty."

Speaking to Loscar, you say, "They do, it is true. And yes, reputation can also carry weight. I admit, though, that I find this line of thinking more about the outcome of how you use what power you have to effect change. They are the effects, not the cause, though certainly your actions can become the spindle around which more power is spun, like thread."

Inky black streams of essence cloud your field of vision for a few seconds before traveling down your body and dissipating into the ground. Your vision brightens slightly.

Loscar says, "So don't bother then..."

You say, "But then we become ensnared in sophistry and the nature of 'goodness,' and you do not want to hear me inveigh against rigid morality."

You raise your voice in merry laughter.

You say, "We will be here a fortnight."

You say, "You would all need coffee."

Pukk says, "Some of us are afraid of dying a gruesome and horrible death. Some of us revel in the living on the edge and some, such as the Gryphon's and the militia will stand guard and protect despite the chance of dying. Those are actions that have power. They inspire hope."

Speaking to you, Raelee says, "I take no issue with that."

Speaking in Elven to Yardie, Xylador says, "Knowing your enemy is at the center of all combat. Magic and physical alike."

Pukk says, "I may tease you guys, but I know you guys protect us townies no matter what."

Pukk nods approvingly at Cryheart.

Xorus says, "There is something to be said for power being the capacity to bend the will of your surroundings without having to act."

You say, "On the contrary, it is not something to 'not bother' doing. Actions are meaningful too. I did not mean to suggest otherwise."

Juspera quietly says, "I have to go."

Juspera says, "Thank you for the... magical talk."

>kiss juspera cheek

What were you referring to?

You survey the area.

You say, "I would have told her goodnight, but she is slippery."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "She's covered in goo."

You say, "Everybody needs a hobby."

Speaking to you, Pukk says, "Thank you for sharing your experience. I still don't understand magic but what I do know about it is, that there is a lot I don't know still."

You say, "Thank you for being here to hear me talk of it."

You admit, "I was a bit unsure of what to do with a 'fireside chat.'."

You say, "I more typically start the fires, and I do not chat much about it."

Myharl deeply says, "Perhaps the real trick is recognizing potential power, and understanding that simply having potential is, in itself, powerful."

You nod at Myharl.

Shinann recites:

"If no other questions, I would like to thank you all for coming and Lady Rashere for such an excellent talk"

Xorus explains, "When the orc flees, the knees bend, and the legions yield. When the moons circle you, that is when you are the world."

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk says, "I will let you get back to Lylia's navel now."