Clerical duties (David)

[David B.]

Opening the notebook, he'd find a message from the high Chancellor.

Welcome to my old offices, Cleric. I understand the room has been outfitted for your needs. As Draven if you need anything else.

Long ago, I began my journey in this room, knowing that the chancellor before me used it to hone his skills and powers. It's important, I believe, to have tradition and to follow code and law. You'll have many high points, and some truly dark moments within these walls. Let them speak to you and help you grow.

I am always there, should you need anything. Good luck.

Rincewind

The bookmark was to the handwritten recipe for a type of cloth.

The sound of a cat's footfall
The beard of a woman
The roots of a mountain
The sinews of a bear
The breath of a fish
The spittle of a bird

Otherwise, the book was empty. He'd denote the magic words at the top "Ikr Gron", which he'd know to mean "Hidden words". A spell cast to make sure the words written in that book could be read by nobody else.

[Preston Salabim]

The recipe tickled at the back of his mind. He felt like he'd read it before, but its origin wasn't coming to mind. At least not for now. He would put it out of mind for the moment to examine the drawers and what else may have been put here for him.

[David B.]

In the drawers was nothing but a simple set of gloves, to be used for handling these ingredients with care.

"So, you're the Elder Faith Cleric."

Standing in the doorway was a Cleric who's hair was literally fire, crackling from his bald skull.

"I am Joaquin. The Cleric leader."

Hands in his pockets, he leaned against the door frame.

"You did well in the battle. But myself and the crew would like to return to the way things were. So fall in line, and you are welcome to learn from us."

He'd turn to leave.

[Preston Salabim]

He straightened up and adjusted his glasses as he looked at the man calmly. He was an imposing figure, and he would surely be able to destroy Preston in at least a dozen ways. But they were not in a fight, at least not one where anything but pride could be hurt. And these first moments were precious in establishing how things will be.

"I thank you for your praise. You did quite well with my orders on the field, and I have every confidence that will continue to be the case. I do however appreciate your generous offer to help me learn. That will make this transition smoother."

[David B.]

He stopped, back to Preston.

"....Transition?"

[Preston Salabim]

"Yes. I'm assuming you are to be my second. And I am happy to listen and consider your advice when I make my orders. But I want to be clear that when I say consider it, I mean consider. Not blindly parrot."

[David B.]

His flaming hair, normally deeper and less fire-esque, turned white hot. The only sign of his anger as he turned around to focus his eyes on Preston.



"You come from a royal house bereft of lordship, turning your focus and your mind to the whims of an academy a thousand miles away....and because you have the title you think to give me orders?"

His fists clenched.

"I have lived twice your lifetime, boy, and seen more wars than I care to admit. I will not be humiliated in such a fashion."

[Preston Salabim]

"If you feel humiliated then it is because you choose to. Do you believe the High Chancellor chose me from a hat after so many years?"

[David B.]

His hand relaxed at the mention of Rince.

"No. But I do believe his vision to be clouded in this matter."

Curious, he'd wait to see if Preston tried to tell him to go to the Chancellor, or if he'd handle this himself.

[Preston Salabim]

He nodded.

"That's fair. I'm young and other than one battle unproven. I'm sure to you at best I am a promising upcoming mage. But no Cleric. And certainly not worthy of leading you. But here we both are, and at a time of war. It would be very easy for me to hand you the reigns and fall in line and let you do what you have been doing. Just like it would be easy for me to not reach and be satisfied with the circumstances of my birth. But I am not looking to do the easy thing. I have never been satisfied with the easy route in life."

He'd move to sit on his desk, watching the Cleric.

"I take this appointment seriously. I would value your cooperation and insight because you do know more than me right now. But if I can not have it then I will do my job without it and I will find another way."

[David B.]

Joaquin listened, searching Preston's face for the moment.....before facing forward and continuing the march back down the steps without another word.

The only sign that his words had any effect were that his hair had curled back down to a deep red, sifting back up to it's normal state. He'd hear conversations now coming up from the great hall, and some laughter...but otherwise nothing else.

[Preston Salabim]

He'd leave them be for the moment, content to continue to investigate his office and the tools available to him. Besides, it would not be for the best to be seen following him. That would give the wrong image. Shutting the drawer he'd investigate the crystals next.

[David B.]

He was wise, and continued his search!

Investigating the crystals, he'd note he could store energy in them, utilizing them for personal boosts or for experiments. (Preston gains +3 Qi Crystals. Each can store 5 Qi uses and then be added onto a single stat once at 5. Each holds one use, falls apart after use.) There was one larger crystal that Preston may recognize as a soul stone. It too, was empty.

[Preston Salabim]

He would take the crystals, channeling some of his mana into one of the crystals as he pocketed them while he investigated the soul stone to see if he could tell it's quality.

Qi use 1

Charging one of the Qi crystals!

[David B.]

He'd note a magnifying glass on the desk and looking at the stone under it, could tell that it was of a lighter quality. He'd remember that stones for souls were very rare, and came in varying degrees of structure. Light colored and more translucent meant that it had to house a certain kind of soul, and with this stone being nearly clear-colored he'd note that was one of those.

Which kinds of souls would be made obvious by the color- that it would need to be someone more pure hearted that was housed there. He'd remember they could technically house different ones in it but they wouldn't last as long.