Order of the Sphere and Scythe/Tales of Divination/Tales of Divination - 2021-03-21 - Blood Magic (log)

This log entitled Tales of Divination: Blood Magic is from the Tales of Divination series. The Blood Magic event was held on March 21, 2021.

Event

Gathering

[Sphere and Scythe, Archive Hall]
Walls fitted with sturdy oak shelves, scroll tubes, and glass-paned display cabinets line the perimeter of this rectangular room.  An arched entry looms to the south, while a bas-relief of Fash'lo'nae and Lumnis face off against each other in the northern wall, engaged in a spirited debate.  Positioned directly in front of the carving is a gem-inlaid Elanthian globe.  Long tables and chairs line the center of the room, offering ample space for scholars and historians to conduct their research.  You also see a shallow black bone offering cup rimmed with rust-colored smudges, the Asben disk, an old bentwood cart with some stuff on it, the cauldron-shaped Rovvigen disk, the Bakarus disk, the Rivienne disk and the cauldron-shaped Mikalmas disk.
Also here: Phanna, Lord Asben, Warchief Archales, Alosaka, Vraimar, Dalinsia, Bakarus, Rivienne, House Cleric Mikalmas, Cruxophim, Gypsy Scribe Balley, Tolida, House Seer Rovvigen
Obvious exits: south

Introduction

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "Alright...Thanks everyone for coming tonight, we are very honored to have two wonderful speakers here with us tonight."

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "Before I introduce them, I want to explain what is going on tonight for the lecture”?

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "Over the last three years the Sphere and Scythe has been hosting a Tales of Divination series regarding the different methods of Divination in Elanthia"

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "Tonight, will be our ninth installment of the series’."

Rovvigen smiles.

Cruxophim removes a shallow black bone offering cup rimmed with rust-colored smudges from in his small eldritch coffin.

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "Seer Officer of the Sphere and Scythe and former Mayor of the Landing Cruxophim will be presenting this lecture tonight."

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "The lecture is Tales of Divination: Blood Magic and as some of you are aware Grishom Stone has used this method and even has been known to trance others in order to use it."

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "Mikalmas, Asben and I will stand as Sentinels tonight to protect our presenters."

Rovvigen recites softly:
    "There are refreshments on the cart, and we will begin by Balley and then Cruxophim will tell their story of how they met Stone then they will present the method firsthand by doing two readings for the audience."

Cruxophim turns to Rovvigen and bows low, spreading his wings for all to see.

Bakarus takes a bite of his blood pudding donut.
Mikalmas's concentration shifts and becomes more focused as he slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.

Balley softly says, "Thank you for coming today."

Cruxophim warmly greets, "Thank you, all."

Cruxophim's Lecture

Balley softly says, "Crux will be starting this evening."

Balley softly says, "Crux has been my teacher for many years."

Dalinsia glances warily between Balley and Cruxophim.

Balley softly says, "I am proud to be at his side sharing our stories and talking about blood magic today."

Cruxophim politely begins, "So, let us start with the basics, shall we?   What -is- blood magic?  And why is it so feared?  This label remains one of the least understood -- and most contentious -- among arcane scholars."

Rovvigen softly says, "Please."

Cruxophim wipes some blood off his face with his hand.

Cruxophim slowly continues, "There is no single 'definition' of blood magic, I would postulate. Rather, it is merely a term used to describe an incredibly diverse school of knowledge."

Cruxophim casually adds, "Many views blood magic as bearing two methods, or schools of practice -- Creative, which should be obvious, and Destructive... which is largely what Stone and Raznel are viewed as being the innate masters of."

Cruxophim affably continues, "While also in contention by many, I would -- personally -- catagorize that knowledge within the Empathic circle as a form of blood magic, for example... creative, and useful in its utility."

Cruxophim pleasantly states, "At its heart, blood magic is that which uses the corporeal as its primary foci and element of power -- in much the same way that Elementalists use, well... the naturally occurring elements of our world."

Cruxophim tartly adds, "It can, of course, also use elements of the spiritual or even necrotic... as is often seen in Stone's and particularly, the formed menace Raznel's magic."

Cruxophim affably inquires, "Who here is familiar with the works of Grishom Stone?"

Alosaka holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

Rovvigen softly says, "I’ve heard about them from stories."

Cruxophim nods understandingly at Alosaka.

Vraimar says, "He wrote a very dull book."

Alosaka says, "Would love to learn more about him."

Bakarus agreeably says, "Bits and pieces."

Rovvigen softly asks, "There is a book?"

Dalinsia says, "I know a little.  I have not met him."

Dalinsia quietly adds, "Fortunately."

Speaking amusedly to Rovvigen, Cruxophim agrees, "Indeed, the Landing's recent history is someone inexorably intertwined with Stone, in many ways."

Cruxophim carefully places his black bone cup on the floor.

Cruxophim removes an oily black leather tome from in his shadow cloak.

Cruxophim put an oily black leather tome in his small eldritch coffin.

Mikalmas rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Cruxophim politely states, "This is a reproduction of one of his more infamous works."

Cruxophim removes an oily black leather tome from in his small eldritch coffin.

Speaking amusedly to Vraimar, Cruxophim admits, "It's a bit dry at times, yes."

Balley softly says, "Stone is a very complex man."

Bakarus asks, "We are saving questions for later, I presume?"

Rovvigen softly says, "Yes please we will hold questions at the end if that’s alright."

Cruxophim calmly continues, "It's essentially about the struggle to achieve ascension, to impose one's will upon the world."

Cruxophim amicably states, "And at its heart, a great many schools of magic are about... let's say, bending the rules slightly to achieve a goal, or a means to an end."

***Cruxophim shows you an oily black leather tome, which he is holding in his left hand.  The book has been bound in the blackest of leather, its spine the color of dried blood.  The book is covered in an oily substance, almost making its leather enclosure shine.  Inscribed along the book's side in red script is the title, "The Art of Blood Magic."***

Cruxophim politely states, "Blood magic, even as diverse as it is... is no different."

Cruxophim politely states, "I won't bore you all with too much droning, however, to save some time for questions later.  My own experience with Stone is a bit checkered, as well, so I'll briefly touch on that."

Cruxophim slowly continues, "Twice, I was cursed by the blood witch, Raznel, to sever my ties with the flows of magic that are innate to our world.  This was... highly inconvenient."

Cruxophim grins wryly.

Rovvigen softly says, "I would say so, sounds rather painful."

Cruxophim stiffly admits, "While my memory of those times is, perhaps, a bit fuzzy... it was Stone who cured me of the second instance of this hex."

Mikalmas rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Alosaka says, "Selfless of him."

Cruxophim affably inquires, "Can anyone describe any instances which you might -- in your own estimation -- consider a practice to be blood magic?"

Rovvigen ponders.

Speaking wryly to Alosaka, Cruxophim comments, "Stone does nothing selflessly, but... even I must admit, there are time when it's better the devil you know."

Rovvigen softly asks, "Blood in the water of a scrying bowl, would that qualify?"

Archales says, "Seems like it would work."

Archales says, "I've never tried that to be honest."

Balley softly says, "I use blood all the time in my bowl."

Archales says, "Seems messy."

Speaking warmly to Rovvigen, Cruxophim agrees, "Absolutely.  That is a wonderful example of using blood, the purest source, as a simple catalyst."

Speaking casually to Rovvigen, Cruxophim adds, "Blood is one of the most powerful magical conduits known -- blood given freely, even though deception, the most powerful of them all."

Archales nods in agreement at Cruxophim.

Cruxophim truthfully opines, "This is a widely accepted truth."

Balley softly says, "Blood creates a powerful connection to people."

Cruxophim nods in agreement at Balley.

Cruxophim steadily continues, "Taking another's wounds, also, is empowered by the very focus itself, as well."

Cruxophim takes a bite of his black apple.

As Cruxophim consumes his apple, he momentarily pauses, eyes sparking with viciously smug satisfaction.  He makes a mess of his meal, splattering thick blood all over his face.

Rovvigen softly says, "Interesting."

Cruxophim pleasantly states, "Speaking of bending the rules to one's will, one of the most notable creations of blood magic -- of a much darker sort -- are the black trees which some of you may be familiar with."

Mikalmas wrinkles his nose.

Cruxophim pleasantly adds, "If anyone would like any samples of such, there are some in the cup over yonder."

Cruxophim indicates a shallow black bone offering cup rimmed with rust-colored smudges as a possible option.

Bakarus removes a glistening black apple from in a shallow black bone offering cup rimmed with rust-colored smudges.

Balley softly says, "If Blood is taken without permission it can also be used to connect or take control of that person."

Rivienne glances suspiciously at a shallow black bone offering cup rimmed with rust-colored smudges.

Bakarus says, "Most appreciated."

Balley softly says, "Raznel was one who did that a lot."

Balley softly says, "She sent out her scarabs."

Speaking grimly to Balley, Cruxophim warns, "True, although there is a grave risk involved with such."

Cruxophim affably continues, "In short, there nearly infinite applications to which blood magic can be applied -- construction, divination, recreation, assertion... and so on and so forth."

Rovvigen nods.

Cruxophim helpfully admits, "While prognostication and divination are not my specialty, per see -- my focus is more on hematic necrology -- I could offer a simple demonstration before Balley shows us the real goods, if people would like."

Cruxophim flashes a wide grin.

Rovvigen softly says, "Please do so."

Alosaka asks, "You can see the future?"

Speaking slowly to Alosaka, Cruxophim clarifies, "Not... exactly.  More like potential branches on what one might call the tree of Fate."

Cruxophim's Demonstration

Cruxophim politely requests, "May I get a volunteer?"

Rovvigen softly says, "Ill volunteer."

Asben glances at Rovvigen.

Speaking warmly to Rovvigen, Cruxophim states, "Of course, my friend."

Bakarus glances between Rovvigen and Cruxophim.

Cruxophim touches Rovvigen.

Cruxophim runs a finger along the edge of his dagger's blade.

Cruxophim presses the edge of his jawbone dagger against Rovvigen's right palm, clearly intending to cut it.

Rovvigen gulps.

Cruxophim gives Rovvigen a strong, encouraging smile.

Cruxophim gently assures, "It shan't hurt much."

Dalinsia suspiciously says, "Seers can carry great wisdom if they can understand what flows before their eyes."

Cruxophim presses the edge of his jawbone dagger against Rovvigen's right palm, clearly intending to cut it.

With careful precision, Cruxophim use his jawbone dagger to slice a long, deep line across Rovvigen's right palm.  Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

Cruxophim wipes the blade clean.

Rovvigen winces.

Cruxophim gives Rovvigen a strong, encouraging smile.

Cruxophim lifts his arms skyward and closes his eyes, stilling completely for a moment.  Then with careful precision, he effortlessly waves his jawbone dagger in a pattern consisting of a series of complex runes.

The cuts on Rovvigen's right hand close and the bruises fade.

Vraimar scowls.

Cruxophim runs the flat of his jawbone dagger's blade along the open cut on Rovvigen's right palm, coating it in his blood.

Chanting softly, Cruxophim weaves his jawbone dagger through the air, drawing a series of complex runes.  Blood seeps out of the tip of the blade as he paints the pattern, which remains suspended in mid-air.

Speaking softly to Vraimar, Rovvigen says, "I am fine just a scratch."

Rovvigen smiles at Vraimar.

Cruxophim kisses Rovvigen on the hand.

Rovvigen's skin takes on a slight flush as Cruxophim focuses on him.

A tendril of muted reddish haze curls about Rovvigen's right hand scar as Cruxophim draws the blemish to himself.

Cruxophim raises his jawbone dagger to his lips and whispers a soft phrase to it.  As he moves it out in front of him, the blood lifts away from it in a steady stream and dissipates.

With his jawbone dagger held high, Cruxophim throws his head back, arching his body slightly, as he releases a heathen scream.

Rivienne blinks.

Cruxophim dramatically adds, "For show."

Bakarus's black alloy armor wavers from sight, shimmering slightly as it becomes solid again.

Cruxophim winks.

Cruxophim removes an orb-shaped sinew and bone basket from in his small eldritch coffin.

Cruxophim lifts his arms skyward and closes his eyes, then effortlessly waves his jawbone dagger through the air, stilling it as the tip of the blade points at a series of complex runes of blood suspended mid-air.

Cruxophim runs a finger along the edge of his dagger's blade.

With careful precision, Cruxophim uses his jawbone dagger to slice a long, deep line across his left palm.  Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

He wipes the blade clean.

Cruxophim covers an orb-shaped sinew and bone basket with his left hand, smearing it with some of his blood.

Cruxophim pleasantly offers, "Let's interpret some runes, shall we?"

Slipping his hands into his sinew and bone basket, Cruxophim pulls forth nine smooth stones.  He slowly opens his hand and arranges the runestones in his palm.   After a moment's study, Cruxophim tilts his hand to display an inverted boulder rune, a pot lid rune, an acorn cap rune, an inverted fate rune, a pair of ox horns rune, a setting sun rune, a war hammer rune, an inverted pair of ice disks rune, and a blizzard rune.

Rovvigen peers quizzically at Cruxophim.

A few moments later, Cruxophim deposits the stones back into his basket.

Tucking his jawbone dagger against his body, Cruxophim squeezes his left hand into a fist and holds it out over an orb-shaped sinew and bone basket.  Blood streams through his fingers and along his hand, dripping down onto it.

Phanna gazes with interest at Cruxophim.

Cruxophim absently notes, "Let's see... we have the inverted boulder, which means introspection... the next, obstacles or frustration."

Rovvigen turns an inquisitive ear toward Cruxophim.

Cruxophim wipes some blood off his face with his hand.

Cruxophim absently continues, "The symbol of a cleric, appropriate... conception or clearance."

Cruxophim wryly interjects, "Or a clerical error."

Dalinsia glances skeptically at Cruxophim.

Cruxophim absently continues, "A life lesson, indicated by the fate rune... also appropriate."

Cruxophim absently lectures, "In this instance, we're allowing the flow of blood to creature a natural."

Cruxophim blinks.

Cruxophim absently continues, "...pull toward the appropriate symbols."

Cruxophim ponders.

Cruxophim slowly concludes, "A fire symbol, a setting sun, and a war hammer."

Cruxophim simply states, "The blizzard rune indicates clearance, or a karmic lesson."

Speaking amusedly to Rovvigen, Cruxophim states, "To put it all together, you're going to learn an important lesson due to your position soon."

Speaking politely to Dalinsia, Cruxophim teases, "Was that suitably vague?"

Cruxophim flashes a quick grin at Dalinsia.

Speaking softly to Cruxophim, Rovvigen says, "I appreciate the insight you have provided me tonight."

Rovvigen softly says, "It was vague."

Rovvigen softly says, "But I understood."

Speaking warmly to Rovvigen, Cruxophim offers, "I could go through more details, but I am eager to see what Balley has for us this evening."

Rovvigen softly says, "I am as well."

Cruxophim warmly states, "And on that note... I'll conclude."

Speaking softly to Cruxophim, Rovvigen says, "Thank you for your knowledge on Blood Magic."

Balley's Lecture

Balley softly says, "As I have said before, Crux has been my teacher, my mentor, and guide on this journey."

Balley softly says, "As I have grown into the seer I am today, I have found my skills have become very enhanced with the focus and use of blood magic."

Balley softly says, "When I am needing calm or time to reflect on things in the past, present or future, I create a blood circle and call upon the powers around me to fill me with the information or knowledge I seek."

Balley softly says, "I know when people come to me for scrying and ask me for deep insight, I ask them if they are willing to give me a few drops of their blood to put into my bowl."

Rovvigen softly asks, "Never forced though right?"

Rovvigen peers quizzically at Balley.

Balley softly says, "I find the blood in the water makes the image clearer, more defined, and more accurate."

Bakarus nods in agreement.

Balley softly says, "Never."

Balley softly says, "It is always asked for, never taken."

Rovvigen nods understandingly.

Balley softly says, "The connection through the blood is a connection to all the deeply hidden thoughts, feeling and secrets of the person."

Balley softly says, "Bloodmagic and Seering together make the seer connect completely with the one looking for information."

Balley softly says, "Stone has taken some of my blood in the past."

Cruxophim whispers something to Rovvigen.

Balley softly says, "That is why there are times he can take over my head."

Balley softly says, "Bloodmagic is a very powerful magic."

Balley softly says, "It should not be feared, or taken lightly."

Rovvigen softly says, "I think many have misconceptions about Blood Magic."

Rovvigen smiles.

Balley softly says, "As a healer, I take peoples blood all the time."

Balley softly says, "Do I use it to harm them? No, I take their blood and heal them and give them mine in return."

Speaking teasingly to Rovvigen, Cruxophim whispers aloud, "I've used blood magic to heal far more than to destroy or enslave."

Balley softly says, "To make the whole and healthy."

Balley softly says, "Empaths are all connected to blood magic."

Balley softly says, "If they like to admit that connection or not."

Balley softly says, "We take, and we give blood willingly."

Balley softly says, "When we are healing."

Bakarus says, "Most of us are quite happy for that exchange, when it is needed."

Balley softly says, "When things can get a bit shady is when someone takes blood and uses it against you."

Balley softly says, "Not when you are healed."

Balley softly says, "There are many books and a lot of information out there about Blood Magic.  I do encourage more research if you are interested in the topic."

Question Portion

Balley softly says, "I am sure there are questions."

Bakarus says, "I have two, if I may."

Balley softly asks, "So I shall open it up to questions?"

Balley softly says, "Go ahead Bakarus."

Rovvigen points at Bakarus.

Bakarus says, "Are there theories as to why given blood is seemingly better to work with than forced blood?  And second...that black oily substance. Such as seen on Cruxophims book."

Bakarus says, "I’ve seen it before...sometimes on golems."

Bakarus asks, "Do you know what it is, and does it relate to blood magic?"

Balley softly asks, "You want to answer this Crux?"

Cruxophim amicably states, "Sure."

Speaking patiently to Bakarus, Cruxophim explains, "Intention plays a large part in any magical endeavor -- while the variables, of course, can vary wildly based upon the practitioner and the particulars of their methods, I would postulate that it largely has to do with its connection to the original donation."

Speaking slowly to Bakarus, Cruxophim speculates, "When one offers something freely and with intention, it also carries the power of that willful expression with it."

Bakarus says, "I see."

Bakarus nods.

Speaking casually to Bakarus, Cruxophim concludes, "One might say the opposite of that which is taken begrudgingly... it is the fruit that withers on the vine, as it were."

Bakarus says, "This makes sense."

Cruxophim amusedly adds, "As for the oily black substance, that's simple... it's a necrotic composite saturated with potent hematic energy, sometimes used by more advanced practitioners of certain schools of blood magic... such as that used by Stone, in this case."

Speaking slowly to a shallow black bone offering cup rimmed with rust-colored smudges, Cruxophim observes, "You may notice the same with the apple samples provided."

Bakarus uncertainly says, "Yes...simple."

Balley nods.

Bakarus says, "I did notice the apples."

Speaking gently to Bakarus, Cruxophim ventures, "Does that help?"

Bakarus says, "Certainly."

Balley softly asks, "Any other questions?"

Bakarus nods at Cruxophim.

Rovvigen smiles at Balley.

Rovvigen softly asks, "No other questions out there?"

Rovvigen softly asks, "I do have one if no one else does?"

Balley softly says, "I know I was asked about using blood magic for readings."

Rovvigen softly says, "For the both of you."

Balley softly says, "I will tell you I use my customer if they ask for a blood reading, but never forced. I use my own when I am looking at all other things."

Balley softly says, "Go ahead Rovvi."

Rovvigen softly asks, "As I stated earlier, I think many have misconceptions of Blood Magic in Elanthia and fear it, my question to both of you guys is your hope for Blood Magic to spread the truth about it to put to rest those misconceptions and if so, how will you do so?"

Rovvigen smiles.

Balley softly says, "Most know me as a healer, the scribe of Sovyn House, and Seer here in Sphere and Scythe.  I sit and heal in TSC a lot.  I help many.  I am proud to be a Blood Witch."

Rovvigen nods at Balley.

Balley softly says, "I know for me I tell people blood can tell us many things.  It is good to help us when we are healing, it is also a good way to help shed light and clarity on different situations."

Balley softly says, "IF you practice, and study blood magic, you will see it is a healing force, an enlightening force, that can lead to great knowledge."

Balley softly says, "Yes there are those who use Blood Magic in a bad way or for evil, there are many who are like that who do not use Blood Magic."

Balley softly says, "Blood Magic is a tool, some use to help others.  That is what I tell others."

Balley softly asks, "Crux?"

Cruxophim warmly states, "Simply put, blood magic is like any other form of magic, or any mundane tool -- it can be used for good or for evil, at the behest of those wielding it.  One can use it to break the rules to the detriment of others for your own gain, or use it bend the rules to aid those same individuals."

Cruxophim whimsically remarks, "You can do a great many things with it, even this..."

Bakarus glances at Cruxophim.

Cruxophim removes a slender bone wand from in his obsidian-tinted bottle.

Cruxophim blows on a slender bone wand, causing five blood-hued bubbles to float into the air!

A small blood-hued bubble whips around in a sudden circle.

Cruxophim chuckles.

A medium blood-hued bubble floats south.

Asben shudders.

Lifting slowly into the air, a small blood-hued bubble is caught by a draft.

Rovvigen softly says, "That was rather interesting."

Cruxophim gently concludes, "It is no more or less dangerous than fire, from a small fire providing needed warmth... to a roaring conflagration."

Phanna says, "I know that a lot of attention in recent years has shifted toward blood magic, especially in areas such as this in the wild frontier, far away from the rigidity and structure of formal establishments of magic."

Phanna asks, "Why do think this is so?"

Phanna asks, "Is this a new form of arcane art that is slowly emerging?  Or is this an old take on something that was long forgotten, recently returned?  Or is it something different entirely?"

Phanna raises an eyebrow.

Balley softly says, "It has been around a long while, I think certain events in recent history have brought it out more into the open."

Lifting slowly into the air, a double bubble is caught by a draft.

Rovvigen softly says, "Makes sense."

Balley softly says, "It has been around, I learned about it while it was still a taboo subject.  One not openly discussed."

Speaking thoughtfully to Phanna, Cruxophim speculates, "I think has to do a lot with the haste to circumvent regulations, among other things... perhaps to hasten advancement.  It might also pertain to the innate tendency of such practices toward chaos -- it takes more discipline and control to be construction with blood magic, than to do harm."

Phanna nods slowly.

Speaking wryly to Phanna, Cruxophim guesses, "In other words, perhaps a little of both -- again, quite diverse."

Phanna says, "Thank you."

Rovvigen softly asks, "Any other questions tonight?"

Speaking affably to Bakarus, Cruxophim offers, "Another example."

Cruxophim holds his blood at arm's length and tilts it slightly, causing a thin trail of blood to trickle steadily forth from it.  Cruxophim lets it pour around himself as he turns slowly, and soon he is ringed by a rough circle of blood.

Bakarus's black alloy armor shimmers slightly, fading after a few short pulses.
Bakarus glances down.

Cruxophim brings the blood to his lips and tilts his head back, his eyes closing as he takes a deep drink of viscous in a reverent fashion.

Cruxophim plops a bone chalice of shadowy viscous blood into a large compartment inside the ebonwood kit.

Cruxophim slips a hand to his ankle, deftly retrieving a black-veined jawbone dagger.

Cruxophim lifts his arms skyward and closes his eyes, stilling completely for a moment.  Then with careful precision, he effortlessly waves his jawbone dagger in a pattern consisting of a series of complex runes.

As Cruxophim chants zealously, he weaves his jawbone dagger around a circular stain of shadowy viscous blood, drawing an invisible pattern of a series of complex runes in the air.

Balley smiles.

Balley's Demonstration

Rovvigen softly says, "We will let Balley show how she does a reading using Blood Magic then we will wrap this amazing lecture up."

Balley softly says, "Who would like a reading."

Vraimar raises his hand.

Phanna says, "I can volunteer if no one else is interested."

Balley softly says, "Ok."

Phanna nods appreciatively at Vraimar.

Balley softly asks, "Vraimar, can I take some of your blood for this reading?"

Vraimar says, "Yes, of course."

Balley softly says, "Please clear your hands."

Balley presses the edge of her scarlet steel dagger against Vraimar's right palm, clearly intending to cut it.

Balley softly asks, "Do you give me permission?"

Vraimar nods at Balley.

Balley presses the edge of her scarlet steel dagger against Vraimar's right palm, clearly intending to cut it.

With careful precision, Balley use her scarlet steel dagger to slice a long, deep line across Vraimar's right palm.  Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

Balley wipes the blade clean.

Balley removes a sanguine crystal scrying bowl from in her spidersilk cloak.

Balley put a glazed scarlet steel dagger etched with spindly silver sigils in her spidersilk cloak.

Balley offers Vraimar a sanguine crystal scrying bowl.

Vraimar accepts Balley's crystal scrying bowl.

Balley softly says, "Please take the bowl and rinse it in the water."

Vraimar takes out a small flask of water and pours it into his crystal scrying bowl then stows the empty flask.

Vraimar offers Balley a sanguine crystal scrying bowl.

Balley accepts Vraimar's crystal scrying bowl.

Wisps of crimson light materialize in Balley's palms, slowly floating into the air and disappearing as she chants a phrase...

Balley gestures.

Dark red droplets coalesce upon Balley's skin and upon others in her group.  The sanguine liquid is visible for only an instant before it sinks into their flesh.

Vraimar's skin takes on a slight flush as Balley focuses on him.

Balley softly says, "OK."

Balley softly says, "You will see that the water has mixed with his blood."

Balley softly asks, "Vraimar do you have a question?"

Vraimar says, "I would like to know how to best achieve the future that I want for myself."

Balley softly says, "How I read is I will gaze in my bowl and tell you what I see.  Then I will interpret the images."

Balley gazes into her crystal scrying bowl, her expression growing blank and eyes unfocused.  After a short while she blinks a few times and seems to be aware of her surroundings again.

Balley softly says, "I see a windswept sand dune, a vivid sunset, detailed vision of a thorny vine, weaving loom, farmer plowing a field, cozy cottage, shining knight, and a final message of a messenger on horseback."

Balley softly says, "Ok."

Balley softly says, "So what I see, is in the past you were lost and without a goal in mind, you were wandering looking for your path.  As you got older you decided to journey out to find your goal and purpose.  There were many twists and turns that caused you pain along that journey. Today you have used your experience from that journey to weave who are today."

Balley softly says, "Say now as move forward on your journey you are going to face many things."

Balley softly says, "You are going to move away from the familiar and comfortable and be brave as you change directions or paths.  The choices you will make may be bittersweet however, they will help you grow and develop as a person, and you will share your knowledge and learning with all you see. You will find your purpose and share your strength and knowledge to help others."

Balley softly asks, "Say Does that answer your questions?"

Vraimar says, "That does, yes. Thank you, Balley."

Balley softly says, "As you saw with that reading it was very detailed."

Speaking softly to Vraimar, Balley says, "Your blood has been removed and is now one with essences."

Cruxophim's Last Demonstration

Rovvigen softly says, "Crux has one more thing to show us it’ll be quick."

Cruxophim playfully explains, "A quick example of blood magic being used to both create and destroy."

Cruxophim chuckles.

Cruxophim slips a hand to his ankle, deftly retrieving a black-veined jawbone dagger coated with shadowy viscous blood.

Dalinsia glances skeptically at Balley.

Cruxophim closes his eyes and chants quietly under his breath.

Cruxophim lifts his jawbone dagger toward the ceiling.  With a single, sharp word, a loud *POP!* ensues, and a small red-tufted chicken appears on the floor.

Rivienne blinks at a small red-tufted chicken.

Rovvigen gasps.

Rovvigen softly says, "Don’t do it."

Rovvigen frowns.

Tolida blinks.

Cruxophim dramatically declares, "Behold, a chicken!"

Rovvigen peers quizzically at Cruxophim.

Cruxophim patiently explains, "A simple homunculi constructed from flesh and bone stored prior."

Speaking gently to Rovvigen, Cruxophim assures, "Don't worry, I haven't imbued it with any feelings."

Cruxophim lifts his jawbone dagger toward the ceiling.  As he utters a single, sharp phrase, a small red-tufted chicken freezes in place and stares up at him, as if caught in his thrall.

Snatching a small red-tufted chicken up by the back of its neck, Cruxophim makes quick work of slicing open its neck and chest with his jawbone dagger.

Bakarus peers quizzically at a bloody red-tufted chicken.

Cruxophim lifts his jawbone dagger toward the ceiling.  As he utters a single, sharp phrase, a bloody red-tufted chicken corpse twitches rapidly, then explodes, sending little bits of gore everywhere.

Cruxophim nods once.

Cruxophim dusts himself off.

Mikalmas gags.

Bakarus applauds.

Rovvigen gasps.

Rivienne's jaw drops.

Rovvigen softly says, "Wow."

Cruxophim pragmatically concludes, "Simple as that."

Cruxophim sets about preparing Mikalmas to be as presentable as possible.

Rovvigen softly says, "Well that was rather."

Bakarus says, "Between the apples and bits of blood chicken, I don't need dinner."

Rivienne says, "That was so unexpected."

Rovvigen softly asks, "How do i put this?"

Rovvigen softly says, "There it is Rivinenne said it."

CONCLUSION OF EVENT

Balley softly says, "If you have questions in the future please feel free to reach out to me."

Cruxophim affably concludes, "Same!"

Bakarus says, "An excellent evening."

Rovvigen softly says, "With that dramatic ending I conclude this lecture for tonight and want to give a huge standing ovation to our speakers tonight."

Balley softly says, "I hope you have learned a bit about Blood Magic."

Balley smiles.

Rovvigen softly says, "Please look for Sphere and Scythe next month."

Rivienne says, "Thank you both very much, you both gave me much to think about."

Rovvigen softly says, "Seers from The Order of Sphere and Scythe have a special way to achieve relaxation and open your connection to the elements and immortals.  Join us on Feastday, Olaesta 10th  at 9 in the evening in our Memoriam.  We will provide the meditation mats for everyone."

Cruxophim smiles a profoundly unconvincing smile of benevolence, and with the simple snap of a finger, the small flecks of blood begin to collect and reabsorb into him.

Bakarus says, "I hope everyone has a pleasant evening.  Well worth the time."

Cruxophim warmly wishes, "Good evening, all."

Rovvigen softly says, "Thanks again everyone for coming out."