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[strength_of_will]

[ There's a sombre-looking William on the feed today. He looks a little worn from fighting off the creatures, but otherwise mostly unharmed as far as anyone can tell. He's only sorry he's interrupting all the attempt at holiday cheer. ]

I understand that there's been a call for retribution - or justice, some might call it - against the people of Rumpitur. I'm here to ask you all to take a step back and show some compassion and understanding. It is neither fair nor just to accuse an entire village of wrongdoing when they act out of fear or desperation. Who amongst you wouldn't have done the same in their position?

I propose we slay the creature terrorising their village. We were hard-pressed simply to escape from its minions, but I believe that if given time to prepare and coordinate, we can surely defeat it. Once it's gone, the people of Rumpitur can live normal lives.

Comments

[strength_of_will]

I'm sure the people of Rumpitur would welcome efforts to help them reclaim the fertility of their lands. From what I noticed beforehand as well as what I know now, it seems that their crops are dying due to the creature's influence. If we manage to find a way to deal with it, we can solve a myriad of problems at once, I feel.

[beshackled]

...'Tis possible that obtaining a sample of the tainted area may yield some clues as to the creature's capabilities. Though there is the matter of locating or constructing facilities capable of containing such hazardous substances...

[strength_of_will]

What do you think you would need to build such a facility?

[beshackled]

A cursory examination of the affected area for unaffected substances would likely prove the wisest way to determine a suitable candidate material, but given my limited observations thus far... stone. Mayhap metal.

Not wood. For multiple reasons, even though 'tis an easier substance to work with.

[strength_of_will]

Stone seems like a good start. If I can find some volunteers, I think I'll be able to try and make an attempt to capture one of the creature's minions to study. Live or dead, we should get some answers.

[beshackled]

...You may count me among them, then. Although my strength was depleted for the struggle you witnessed... given enough aether at my disposal, I am confident I can trap one or more of the smaller creatures... 'tis allowing them enough movement for examination without them finding a means to escape that would prove the greater problem.

There are also the remnants of the earlier creature rumored to still exist in the forest, though I know not if these have become that which we saw but recently.

[strength_of_will]

Oh! [ His eyes widen. ] I thought it looked familiar. It's the same creature that was terrorising Aldrip before I arrived? It's been a few months but it's worth a try.

How much time do you think you would need to recover? How does your magic work?

[beshackled]

My magick relies upon aether... either my own, from another, or from the environment around me. There are a few here who are able to share their energies with me if I am in dire need, but for now... eating, and resting. Much as any other creature.

...I suppose eating a bit more than usual could speed up my recovery.

[strength_of_will]

If it would help, you may take some of my own energy for the time being. My magic doesn't require anything of me other than focus and all I need for that is a good night's rest.

[beshackled]

'Tis kind of you to offer... and mayhap worthwhile to see if it works well between us. Would that the environment itself were more suitable for the purpose...

[It doesn't feel like there is an abundance of ambient aether around.]

Still, it would be... good, I think, to know what I can and cannot draw on in the event of an emergency.

[If he could draw energy from others here, there would be fewer like the green-haired child, taking too heavy a burden onto themselves.]

[strength_of_will]

[ He silently thanks Gus for teaching him that small, beneficial magicks work better than big, flashy spells. He doesn't consume as much mana during fights as a result. ]

The more people you have to help, the less of a burden it is on each person. It's only sensible.

[beshackled]

That it is.

[He'll find no argument from Erichthonios on that account.]

Yet I do not feel it right to simply take from you, given the lack of danger at present. Mayhap... I could prepare a meal for you as thanks. I seem to recall you were interested in whether or not my people have an appreciation for complex sustenance.

[strength_of_will]

Oh, I... That's not how I meant it back then, but I'd love to try some of your people's food regardless.

[beshackled]

'Tis agreed then.

...How tolerant are you of spices?

[strength_of_will]

I haven't experienced truly spicy food but I'll give anything a first try.

[beshackled]

In that case... I think I shall make a spicy shakshouka for you to try.

[strength_of_will]

That sounds lovely. I look forward to trying it!

[beshackled]

Then let us meet soon. Mayhap tomorrow?

[strength_of_will]

Tomorrow is fine. I'll see you then.

[ With a smile and a wave, he ends the call. ]