(Drawing Down) An Alchemist's Proposal

[Campanella]

The Sanctuary.

Campanella lounged in the shadows of the cloister, quietly revelling in the still cool airs that circulated in that shaded space. Heat and light from the grassy courtyard teased at him, but so far he had resisted the urge to step out into the delicious sun shine. Epitaph's idea, that their souls had been moulded by unseen forces in preparation for their eventual Awakening, still sat disturbingly at the edge of his consciousness. The Mystogogue pictured himself lurking in the shadowed colonnade and made an effort to drive out the unwelcome thought. Still, it lingered on.

He sighed and turned his attention to the book in his hands with renewed vigour.
Langdon Kelreth would appear soon. The Mystogogue was hoping to entice his colleague into a spot of ritual casting - one they could potentially learn much from. Campanella would rather have kept the project to himself, but he was Wise enough to know his limits. And this ritual was ancient, its forms complex, and dangerous.

Allies Assistance was needed.

[Langdon]

Messenger bag with a notebook, pen, and his ritual blade inside rests comfortably against Langdon's back as he walks up to the circle. Rapid steps bring the Moros closer to the shade. Some days its like the sun has a personal dislike against Langdon. That he had spent years hiding from the sun hasn't fully clicked yet.

Once safely within the shade of the building Langdon slows and takes a look around. Seeing Campanella the junior Moros makes his way over with calm steps. Disturbing someone while they are reading a book is never a pleasant experience.

[Campanella]

Campanella looked up as he languidly turned a page. There was a flicker of recognition, a nod of his head, and he closed the book.

"Langdon. Neokoros," he began, carefully noting the other mage's position within their Order. "I am glad you respond to my note. I have a proposal for you: would you be willing to assist in working a potent ritual I have found? I believe the practice would serve us both and we could stand to gain some valuable insights into one of the Supernal Realms in particular. Stygia."

He gestured for the other Moros to join him. A coy smile was gently pulling at his lips.

[Langdon]

There's a pause as Landon notes the use of his Title. Then a deeper nod of his head. "Daduchos, it would be an honor." Landon can't keep a smile from breaking across his own face though. Insights into Stygia? Yes Please.

"That sounds like something I would be crazy to refuse." Forcibly calm steps bring Langdon over to join Campanella. "I was wondering what that note was about."

[Campanella]

The coy smile on Campanella's face is growing bolder.

"I found the outline for a summoning spell - a ritual casting of old. Assuming it works it would draw down the Supernal enough to make contact with an entity from Stygia itself. The outline isn't a rote, though. Just enough to build the framework of an Imago; and one supposes the casting would be quite involved. Take a look yourself. These are my notes."

He drew folded papers from his coat pocket and offered them. A gamble, true, but Campanella had the original document in his keeping.

For reference, the spell is Summon Supernal Being (Summoners, p73 and following)

[Langdon]

Normally containing yourself to the discovery of new things is something you learn in the Academy and the Mysterium. This though.

Langdon's jaw slowly falls open as he nods and takes the offered papers with reverence. Slowly he unfolds the paper and starts to scan over the notes. Stopping every now and then to glance at Campanella. So it is possible. Langdon has postulated many things since Awakening. Many crazy things that may or may not actually make sense in the world. Maybe one day he'll know.

But this... "I was not sure if such a thing was possible." The papers are gently folded back in their proper order and offered back to the Daduchos. "I am very cur..interested in seeing this to the end."

[Langdon]

It's a risk but its worth asking. "..If I may ask and if I may know." Best to preface these sorts of things. "Where did you find ritual? That must not have been easy to get hold of." Either extraordinary luck, which the Moros may have or deep deep connections. Either way, Langdon can't help but ask.

[Campanella]

"Pure luck. That is all I can say," Campanella replied with a slight shrug.

"I found it hidden in the binding of a tome I had acquired. It was in very good condition given its story but the binding was in need of some maintenance. It was most fortunate that I was feeling particularly.... what is the word... anal... on that day, as I took an especial interest in the binding myself. Otherwise this could have been missed. As it is, I retrieved the original document before I passed the book onto an acquaintance of mine who specialises in binding. That would have been a breach of the veil for certain, so I consider myself fortunate. And of course, now the volume has been properly censored for the Sleepers, I am certain it will attract a tidy sum."

He let his eyes fall on his notes.

"Which leaves us with this ritual. I am thinking it will go to the Athenaeum once we have... tested it."

[Langdon]

Interest is written plain across Langdon's face as Campanella explains how he came into possession of the ritual. A book binder, interesting. "That is fortuitous. I am glad that we will be able to keep it secure." The Stalker nods with a smile. "Will we need to start a Censorium or is this allowable within the general Athenaeum?"

Landgon shifts his bag as he adjusts his feet. "This should be an interesting test. Will we perform it in the Circle or somewhere else?"

[Campanella]

"For now I think the Athenaeum will suffice. Our presence is still slight and the Athenaeum empty. If we find ourselves with other objects of power, rituals, rotes or other items of value, then I am sure we can reassess things. But for now?" Campanella gave a shrug.

Langdon's next question gave the Alchemist some pause.

"I should say... Well. Ideally, the Athenaeum. However... This is a test and I'd rather not put the Sanctuary in jeopardy. One supposes I could breach the subject with my Cabal and see if we can use our Sanctum. Otherwise, do you have a quiet place you could suggest?"


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Apologies for the delay. ST duties have called with a vengeance.