Landsoftheblacksea:Main Page/players/gabriel malavielle - Revision history

BlackSeaDM at 23:58, 9 February 2025

2025-02-09T23:58:00Z

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	[[ Landsoftheblacksea:Main_Page~~#Player_Characters~~ \| '''Return to the Main Page''']]		[[ Landsoftheblacksea:Main_Page/campaigns/athervon_adventures \| '''Return to the Athervon Campaign Main Page''']]

	[[File:Gabriel02.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|caption]]		[[File:Gabriel02.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|caption]]

BlackSeaDM at 15:03, 19 February 2023

2023-02-19T15:03:58Z

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	[[ Landsoftheblacksea:Main_Page#Player_Characters \| '''Return to the Main Page''']]		[[ Landsoftheblacksea:Main_Page#Player_Characters \| '''Return to the Main Page''']]

BlackSeaDM: /* Background */

2022-07-13T10:14:04Z

Background

BlackSeaDM: /* Background */

2022-07-13T10:11:42Z

Background

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:11, 13 July 2022
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	== Background ==		== Background ==
	~~[[File:Ruffini_family_tree.png\|800px]]~~		Scion of the highly respected Dampierre family of Avis Inia, the young Jean-Claude was celebrated as the heir to the family titles and estates upon his birth. His father, Baron Clément Dampierre,II, was a favorite in the Royal Court. He owned a number of small estates in the western-central region of the country, which had rich soil and recently had been found to contain veins of iron and copper in the foothills of the Iron Mountains that lay within them, making him rich as well as flowing vast sums into the Royal Coffers. It was rumored that the King was considering Clément for the title of Vicompte – or, dare it be said, perhaps even Compte?


	~~Jean-Claude Doé (aka John Doe)~~

	~~RE: Names – in Athervon, and in Avis Inia in particular, the nobility would have a very French-inspired name – at least a last name. Just something to get your juices flowing.~~


	Scion of the highly respected ~~Doé~~ family of Avis Inia, the young Jean-Claude was celebrated as the heir to the family titles and estates upon his birth. His father, Baron Clément ~~Doé~~,II, was a favorite in the Royal Court. He owned a number of small estates in the western-central region of the country, which had rich soil and recently had been found to contain veins of iron and copper in the foothills of the Iron Mountains that lay within them, making him rich as well as flowing vast sums into the Royal Coffers. It was rumored that the King was considering Clément for the title of Vicompte – or, dare it be said, perhaps even Compte?

	Clément and his wife Galatea – a daughter of the old and well-respected Laudato House in Tras Veniri – had tried to have a child for years after their marriage, to no avail. They gifted huge sums to the Church, had the estates and bedrooms blessed, but after three years were still childless.		Clément and his wife Galatea – a daughter of the old and well-respected Laudato House in Tras Veniri – had tried to have a child for years after their marriage, to no avail. They gifted huge sums to the Church, had the estates and bedrooms blessed, but after three years were still childless.
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	Three months later, Galatea announced that she was with child. The family celebrated as had never been seen before, and the Baron rained riches down on the church in gratitude.		Three months later, Galatea announced that she was with child. The family celebrated as had never been seen before, and the Baron rained riches down on the church in gratitude.

	Jean-Claude had a normal birth, and for a time, all seemed right within the ~~Doé~~ family.		Jean-Claude had a normal birth, and for a time, all seemed right within the Dampierre family.

	But as he grew older, Jean-Claude grew into a spoiled child, and from there a rather spoiled young man. His father, granted the title Vicompte of the areas surrounding his original holdings, was away managing the estates for long periods of time. Galatea hire the best tutors and teacher’s money could buy, but they were no replacement for his Father. When he was in the City, Clément would try to set Jean-Claude straight, disciplining him and setting him to difficult and sometimes dirty tasks to try to make him appreciate his station and responsibilities, but Jean-Claude would routinely defy his father and slip away with his friends, with whom he began to engage in all manner of unseemly and ignoble activities.		But as he grew older, Jean-Claude grew into a spoiled child, and from there a rather spoiled young man. His father, granted the title Vicompte of the areas surrounding his original holdings, was away managing the estates for long periods of time. Galatea hire the best tutors and teacher’s money could buy, but they were no replacement for his Father. When he was in the City, Clément would try to set Jean-Claude straight, disciplining him and setting him to difficult and sometimes dirty tasks to try to make him appreciate his station and responsibilities, but Jean-Claude would routinely defy his father and slip away with his friends, with whom he began to engage in all manner of unseemly and ignoble activities.

	And then, much to everyone’s surprise, Galatea announced she was with child again. She gave birth to a healthy boy – Bruno ~~Doé~~, named after Clément’s grandfather. After this, Clément felt he had more leverage – arguments ended with threats that Jean-Claude could be disowned, that Bruno could be named heir to the family’s estates.		And then, much to everyone’s surprise, Galatea announced she was with child again. She gave birth to a healthy boy – Bruno Dampierre, named after Clément’s grandfather. After this, Clément felt he had more leverage – arguments ended with threats that Jean-Claude could be disowned, that Bruno could be named heir to the family’s estates.

	A particularly bad episode that threatened the family with scandal - and was cause for the Lord High Chamberlain to summon Clément for a meeting to discuss it – was the final straw. Clément decided to send Jean-Claude away to an Academe located in the Town of Aven Bentois; far from The White City and the innumerable temptations of the Capital city, The Baron felt that perhaps Jean-Claude would finally learn what is was to be a man. Aven Bentois was much closer to The Baron’s estates, which would let him visit more often. He forbade Galatea from accompanying her son, insisting that too much time with only a Woman to guide him had caused him to stray, and that some time away from family in the strict but fair hands of the Charbonnier Academy was their only hope of changing the boy’s ways. Clément swore that Jean-Claude would come back the noble-born man of his bloodline, or he would not come back at all.		A particularly bad episode that threatened the family with scandal - and was cause for the Lord High Chamberlain to summon Clément for a meeting to discuss it – was the final straw. Clément decided to send Jean-Claude away to an Academe located in the Town of Aven Bentois; far from The White City and the innumerable temptations of the Capital city, The Baron felt that perhaps Jean-Claude would finally learn what is was to be a man. Aven Bentois was much closer to The Baron’s estates, which would let him visit more often. He forbade Galatea from accompanying her son, insisting that too much time with only a Woman to guide him had caused him to stray, and that some time away from family in the strict but fair hands of the Charbonnier Academy was their only hope of changing the boy’s ways. Clément swore that Jean-Claude would come back the noble-born man of his bloodline, or he would not come back at all.
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	The sweat turned cold instantly when he heard the familiar voice behind him.		The sweat turned cold instantly when he heard the familiar voice behind him.

	“Well, you’ll never get it done like that, will you, Master ~~Doé~~?”		“Well, you’ll never get it done like that, will you, Master Dampierre?”

	He jumped up, swiftly stuffing the small book into the sleeve of his robe as he turned around. Master Aphier stood in the room – the door still closed. He had not heard it open he was sure. Boulen was looking at him sternly.		He jumped up, swiftly stuffing the small book into the sleeve of his robe as he turned around. Master Aphier stood in the room – the door still closed. He had not heard it open he was sure. Boulen was looking at him sternly.
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	“What say you?”		“What say you?”

			[[File:Ruffini_family_tree.png\|800px]]

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

BlackSeaDM at 10:09, 13 July 2022

2022-07-13T10:09:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 13 July 2022
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	[[File:Gabriel02.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|caption]]		[[File:Gabriel02.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|caption]]

			[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1C1Fh1ePlnRAV5LzIDyl2tsGTClf4HfaB/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104111159945893972742&rtpof=true&sd=true '''Gabriel's Character Sheet''']

	A rakish young noble from Avis Inia who was sent out of sight and mind to an Academy where he eventually found his calling as an Invoker.		A rakish young noble from Avis Inia who was sent out of sight and mind to an Academy where he eventually found his calling as an Invoker.

BlackSeaDM at 10:07, 13 July 2022

2022-07-13T10:07:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:07, 13 July 2022
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	[[ Landsoftheblacksea:Main_Page#Player_Characters \| '''Return to the Main Page''']]		[[ Landsoftheblacksea:Main_Page#Player_Characters \| '''Return to the Main Page''']]

			[[File:Gabriel02.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|caption]]

	A rakish young noble from Avis Inia who was sent out of sight and mind to an Academy where he eventually found his calling as an Invoker.		A rakish young noble from Avis Inia who was sent out of sight and mind to an Academy where he eventually found his calling as an Invoker.

BlackSeaDM at 10:06, 13 July 2022

2022-07-13T10:06:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:06, 13 July 2022
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	A rakish young noble from Avis Inia who was sent out of sight and mind to an Academy where he eventually found his calling as an Invoker.		A rakish young noble from Avis Inia who was sent out of sight and mind to an Academy where he eventually found his calling as an Invoker.

			<!--

	== Basics ==		== Basics ==

BlackSeaDM: /* Equipment */

2022-02-25T15:56:59Z

Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 25 February 2022
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	! Item !! Weight (lbs.) !! Carried		! Item !! Weight (lbs.) !! Carried
	\|-		\|-
	\|''' Ring of the Fire Master* '''		\|<span style="color: blue;">''' Ring of the Fire Master* ''' </span>
	\|''''' 0 '''''		\|''''' 0 '''''
	\|'''''Worn '''''		\|'''''Worn '''''
	\|-		\|-
	\|''' Figurine of Wonderous Power – Hematite Raven** '''		\|<span style="color: blue;">''' Figurine of Wonderous Power – Hematite Raven** ''' </span>
	\|''''' 0 '''''		\|''''' 0 '''''
	\|'''''Pouch '''''		\|'''''Pouch '''''

BlackSeaDM: /* Equipment */

2022-02-25T15:56:15Z

Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 25 February 2022
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	\|''' Total (w/ backpack) '''		\|''' Total (w/ backpack) '''
	\|''''' 64.5 '''''		\|''''' 64.5 '''''
	\|<span style="color: ~~red~~;">'''Moderate ''' </span>		\|<span style="color: blue;">'''Moderate ''' </span>
	\|-		\|-
	\|''' Total (w/o backpack) '''		\|''' Total (w/o backpack) '''
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	\|}		\|}

	*'''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/ad-d2e-lands-of-the-black-sea-southern-campaign.868661/#post-23448963 Ring of the Fire Master]''' ''(all Elemental Fire spells @ 125% - range, AoE, duration, damage; saves against Elemental Fire spells cast by wearer @ -1; wearer save against fire effects @ +1)''		<span style="color: blue;">*'''[https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/ad-d2e-lands-of-the-black-sea-southern-campaign.868661/#post-23448963 Ring of the Fire Master]''' ''(all Elemental Fire spells @ 125% - range, AoE, duration, damage; saves against Elemental Fire spells cast by wearer @ -1; wearer save against fire effects @ +1)''</span>


	**'''Figurine of Wonderous Power – Hematite Raven''' ''(can become a raven for up to 12 hours. Once it has been used, it can't be used again until 2 days have passed. The raven can and will communicate with the owner by telepathic means, informing them of all it sees and hears within the bounds of its intelligence. Command Phrase (must be spoken): "Fly without wings; Dream with open eyes; See in darkness.” )''		<span style="color: blue;">**'''Figurine of Wonderous Power – Hematite Raven''' ''(can become a raven for up to 12 hours. Once it has been used, it can't be used again until 2 days have passed. The raven can and will communicate with the owner by telepathic means, informing them of all it sees and hears within the bounds of its intelligence. Command Phrase (must be spoken): "Fly without wings; Dream with open eyes; See in darkness.” )''</span>

BlackSeaDM: /* Equipment */

2022-02-25T15:55:39Z

Equipment

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 25 February 2022
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	\|''' Total (w/ backpack) '''		\|''' Total (w/ backpack) '''
	\|''''' 64.5 '''''		\|''''' 64.5 '''''
	\|'''Moderate '''		\|<span style="color: red;">'''Moderate ''' </span>
	\|-		\|-
	\|''' Total (w/o backpack) '''		\|''' Total (w/o backpack) '''
	\|''''' 51 '''''		\|''''' 51 '''''
	\|'''Light '''		\|<span style="color: blue;">'''Light ''' </span>
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}
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	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

			<!-- <span style="color: red;"> severely wounded </span> -->

	== Background ==		== Background ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 13 July 2022
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	== Background ==		== Background ==
	Scion of the highly respected Dampierre family of Avis Inia, the young ~~Jean-Claude~~ was celebrated as the heir to the family titles and estates upon his birth. His father, Baron Clément Dampierre,II, was a favorite in the Royal Court. He owned a number of small estates in the western-central region of the country, which had rich soil and recently had been found to contain veins of iron and copper in the foothills of the Iron Mountains that lay within them, making him rich as well as flowing vast sums into the Royal Coffers. It was rumored that the King was considering Clément for the title of Vicompte – or, dare it be said, perhaps even Compte?		Scion of the highly respected Dampierre family of Avis Inia, the young Edouard was celebrated as the heir to the family titles and estates upon his birth. His father, Baron Clément Dampierre,II, was a favorite in the Royal Court. He owned a number of small estates in the western-central region of the country, which had rich soil and recently had been found to contain veins of iron and copper in the foothills of the Iron Mountains that lay within them, making him rich as well as flowing vast sums into the Royal Coffers. It was rumored that the King was considering Clément for the title of Vicompte – or, dare it be said, perhaps even Compte?

	Clément and his wife Galatea – a daughter of the old and well-respected Laudato House in Tras Veniri – had tried to have a child for years after their marriage, to no avail. They gifted huge sums to the Church, had the estates and bedrooms blessed, but after three years were still childless.		Clément and his wife Galatea – a daughter of the old and well-respected Laudato House in Tras Veniri – had tried to have a child for years after their marriage, to no avail. They gifted huge sums to the Church, had the estates and bedrooms blessed, but after three years were still childless.
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	Three months later, Galatea announced that she was with child. The family celebrated as had never been seen before, and the Baron rained riches down on the church in gratitude.		Three months later, Galatea announced that she was with child. The family celebrated as had never been seen before, and the Baron rained riches down on the church in gratitude.

	~~Jean-Claude~~ had a normal birth, and for a time, all seemed right within the Dampierre family.		Edouard had a normal birth, and for a time, all seemed right within the Dampierre family.

	But as he grew older, ~~Jean-Claude~~ grew into a spoiled child, and from there a rather spoiled young man. His father, granted the title Vicompte of the areas surrounding his original holdings, was away managing the estates for long periods of time. Galatea hire the best tutors and teacher’s money could buy, but they were no replacement for his Father. When he was in the City, Clément would try to set ~~Jean-Claude~~ straight, disciplining him and setting him to difficult and sometimes dirty tasks to try to make him appreciate his station and responsibilities, but ~~Jean-Claude~~ would routinely defy his father and slip away with his friends, with whom he began to engage in all manner of unseemly and ignoble activities.		But as he grew older, Edouard grew into a spoiled child, and from there a rather spoiled young man. His father, granted the title Vicompte of the areas surrounding his original holdings, was away managing the estates for long periods of time. Galatea hire the best tutors and teacher’s money could buy, but they were no replacement for his Father. When he was in the City, Clément would try to set Edouard straight, disciplining him and setting him to difficult and sometimes dirty tasks to try to make him appreciate his station and responsibilities, but Edouard would routinely defy his father and slip away with his friends, with whom he began to engage in all manner of unseemly and ignoble activities.

	And then, much to everyone’s surprise, Galatea announced she was with child again. She gave birth to a healthy boy – Bruno Dampierre, named after Clément’s grandfather. After this, Clément felt he had more leverage – arguments ended with threats that ~~Jean-Claude~~ could be disowned, that Bruno could be named heir to the family’s estates.		And then, much to everyone’s surprise, Galatea announced she was with child again. She gave birth to a healthy boy – Bruno Dampierre, named after Clément’s grandfather. After this, Clément felt he had more leverage – arguments ended with threats that Edouard could be disowned, that Bruno could be named heir to the family’s estates.

	A particularly bad episode that threatened the family with scandal - and was cause for the Lord High Chamberlain to summon Clément for a meeting to discuss it – was the final straw. Clément decided to send ~~Jean-Claude~~ away to an Academe located in the Town of Aven Bentois; far from The White City and the innumerable temptations of the Capital city, The Baron felt that perhaps ~~Jean-Claude~~ would finally learn what is was to be a man. Aven Bentois was much closer to The Baron’s estates, which would let him visit more often. He forbade Galatea from accompanying her son, insisting that too much time with only a Woman to guide him had caused him to stray, and that some time away from family in the strict but fair hands of the Charbonnier Academy was their only hope of changing the boy’s ways. Clément swore that ~~Jean-Claude~~ would come back the noble-born man of his bloodline, or he would not come back at all.		A particularly bad episode that threatened the family with scandal - and was cause for the Lord High Chamberlain to summon Clément for a meeting to discuss it – was the final straw. Clément decided to send Edouard away to an Academe located in the Town of Aven Bentois; far from The White City and the innumerable temptations of the Capital city, The Baron felt that perhaps Edouard would finally learn what is was to be a man. Aven Bentois was much closer to The Baron’s estates, which would let him visit more often. He forbade Galatea from accompanying her son, insisting that too much time with only a Woman to guide him had caused him to stray, and that some time away from family in the strict but fair hands of the Charbonnier Academy was their only hope of changing the boy’s ways. Clément swore that Edouard would come back the noble-born man of his bloodline, or he would not come back at all.

	~~Jean-Claude~~ fully intended on escaping and returning to the City, but his Father had cleverly decided to send him by boat most of the way. Until the ship docked at Belis-ar-Weil, ~~Jean-Claude~~ had no way to escape. And once there, he was trundled onto a horse and ridden out of town West, towards Aven Bentois, under the guard of three large and dour men who were not his father’s retainers. For the first time in his life, ~~Jean-Claude~~ felt fear.		Edouard fully intended on escaping and returning to the City, but his Father had cleverly decided to send him by boat most of the way. Until the ship docked at Belis-ar-Weil, Edouard had no way to escape. And once there, he was trundled onto a horse and ridden out of town West, towards Aven Bentois, under the guard of three large and dour men who were not his father’s retainers. For the first time in his life, Edouard felt fear.

	Arriving in Aven Bentois, ~~Jean-Claude~~ could barely restrain his loathing of the setting – the place didn’t even have a proper curtain-wall, and it was so small that the Jhonians mixed with proper Athernians, and the Furfeet mixed with everyone. It practically put him off his food!		Arriving in Aven Bentois, Edouard could barely restrain his loathing of the setting – the place didn’t even have a proper curtain-wall, and it was so small that the Jhonians mixed with proper Athernians, and the Furfeet mixed with everyone. It practically put him off his food!

	He was taken to the Academe – a mid-sized compound of ivy-covered buildings on the outskirts of the town. The Master – an aging man named Boulen Aphier – met him at the door and had the servants take him to his room – which he would generously describe as a hovel, with instructions on class times and conduct.		He was taken to the Academe – a mid-sized compound of ivy-covered buildings on the outskirts of the town. The Master – an aging man named Boulen Aphier – met him at the door and had the servants take him to his room – which he would generously describe as a hovel, with instructions on class times and conduct.

	With no money or access to transport, ~~Jean-Claude~~ was trapped. He decided to bide his time until an escape option presented itself. In the meantime, he took what pleasure he could in tormenting the other students at the Academe – most of who were either from families of lower station, or (fie!) not of noble birth at all. As many of them did various chores and duties in consideration for lower tuitions, ~~Jean-Claude~~ would ensure that they earned every penny – his clothes were always the filthiest, his dishes the dirtiest, his room a sty. And when he was assigned a simple task, such as filling inkpots, he would always turn it into another disaster that would require hours of work from his classmates to restore things to normalcy.		With no money or access to transport, Edouard was trapped. He decided to bide his time until an escape option presented itself. In the meantime, he took what pleasure he could in tormenting the other students at the Academe – most of who were either from families of lower station, or (fie!) not of noble birth at all. As many of them did various chores and duties in consideration for lower tuitions, Edouard would ensure that they earned every penny – his clothes were always the filthiest, his dishes the dirtiest, his room a sty. And when he was assigned a simple task, such as filling inkpots, he would always turn it into another disaster that would require hours of work from his classmates to restore things to normalcy.

	He would get frequent letters from his mother, telling him of the events of the day back in the White City, of the parties and events and galas, of all the girls his age who were blooming and looking for husbands – all the things he was missing – as well as how much she missed him. She always ended by admonishing him to attend to his studies and make his father proud, that he could return to her and get on with the job of being the heir to the family fortune.		He would get frequent letters from his mother, telling him of the events of the day back in the White City, of the parties and events and galas, of all the girls his age who were blooming and looking for husbands – all the things he was missing – as well as how much she missed him. She always ended by admonishing him to attend to his studies and make his father proud, that he could return to her and get on with the job of being the heir to the family fortune.
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	The clue he needed for his puzzle fell into his lap in the most unexpected way. He was assigned to clean Master Aphier’s office, and was doing it as quickly as possible. While he had never given it a thought, as his genuine curiosity bloomed and his need for knowledge grew, he spent less of his time in attempts to denigrate his classmate – something that they had all noted, but remained silent about lest it change their good fortune.		The clue he needed for his puzzle fell into his lap in the most unexpected way. He was assigned to clean Master Aphier’s office, and was doing it as quickly as possible. While he had never given it a thought, as his genuine curiosity bloomed and his need for knowledge grew, he spent less of his time in attempts to denigrate his classmate – something that they had all noted, but remained silent about lest it change their good fortune.

	Dusting the shelves in the office, ~~Jean-Claude~~ leaned forward to reach a high shelf, and his foot caught on a large footstool near the fireplace. He began to fall forward, cursing, landed with a thump face down on the floor, looking into the fireplace.		Dusting the shelves in the office, Edouard leaned forward to reach a high shelf, and his foot caught on a large footstool near the fireplace. He began to fall forward, cursing, landed with a thump face down on the floor, looking into the fireplace.

	And seeing one of the designs from the book scratched into one of the bricks there.		And seeing one of the designs from the book scratched into one of the bricks there.
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	“Don’t bother, young man. There’s nothing you could say I would believe anyway.”		“Don’t bother, young man. There’s nothing you could say I would believe anyway.”

	~~Jean-Claude~~ winced. He anticipated what would happen next – expulsion? Where would his father send him next – a monastery? He shuddred, squeezing his eyes shut.		Edouard winced. He anticipated what would happen next – expulsion? Where would his father send him next – a monastery? He shuddred, squeezing his eyes shut.

	“Do you want me to show you how it works?”		“Do you want me to show you how it works?”
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	Boulen faced the fireplace. He drew a deep breath, then began to speak in a low, quiet, guttural voice – somewhat disturbing, to be sure, given how different from his speaking voice it was. The mans hands moved in small gestures as he spoke, and abruptly came together across his chest, snapping his fingers as he did so.		Boulen faced the fireplace. He drew a deep breath, then began to speak in a low, quiet, guttural voice – somewhat disturbing, to be sure, given how different from his speaking voice it was. The mans hands moved in small gestures as he spoke, and abruptly came together across his chest, snapping his fingers as he did so.

	The fireplace immediately erupted into flames – without any logs or kindling or anything to burn ever having been placed into it. ~~Jean-Claude’s~~ jaw dropped as Boulen relaxed, and then extended his hands towards the fire, rubbing them.		The fireplace immediately erupted into flames – without any logs or kindling or anything to burn ever having been placed into it. Edouard’s jaw dropped as Boulen relaxed, and then extended his hands towards the fire, rubbing them.

	“A handy skill, don’t you think?” the man said, looking back over his shoulder at ~~Jean-Claude~~.		“A handy skill, don’t you think?” the man said, looking back over his shoulder at Edouard.

	Mezmerized, ~~Jean-Claude~~ listened as Boulen told him of knowledge that had existed since before the First Line of Kings – knowledge that was once used for the good of men, as well as for evil. But since the Restoration of the Line and rise of The Holy Faith, knowledge that had been shunned, banned, and repressed within the Kingdom.		Mezmerized, Edouard listened as Boulen told him of knowledge that had existed since before the First Line of Kings – knowledge that was once used for the good of men, as well as for evil. But since the Restoration of the Line and rise of The Holy Faith, knowledge that had been shunned, banned, and repressed within the Kingdom.

	“To our shame and our detriment,” Boulen continued. “This is knowledge that can and should be used to uphold our King and Country – for surely his enemies plan to use it against him.”		“To our shame and our detriment,” Boulen continued. “This is knowledge that can and should be used to uphold our King and Country – for surely his enemies plan to use it against him.”

	Boulen continued. ~~Jean-Claude~~ was a gifted student. He could become a talented scholar and practitioner of this knowledge. But it would come with a price. “Your father can never know, nor can your mother or any of their peers. Were your involvement to be found out, it would be the ruin of your family – your father would be cast down, his titles stripped, and your house would end penniless.”		Boulen continued. Edouard was a gifted student. He could become a talented scholar and practitioner of this knowledge. But it would come with a price. “Your father can never know, nor can your mother or any of their peers. Were your involvement to be found out, it would be the ruin of your family – your father would be cast down, his titles stripped, and your house would end penniless.”

	Boulen looked at the young man eye to eye. “This is not an accident, ~~Jean-Claude~~; your mother availed herself of these arts in order to conceive you, and this power leaves its mark on those that it touches. No, it is true – I know the woman she employed, a good woman who is discrete and would not speak a word of it to anyone save those that have the best interests of your father and the King at heart. We keep watch over things, gently nudging when needed, but quietly and carefully lest we be discovered.		Boulen looked at the young man eye to eye. “This is not an accident, Edouard; your mother availed herself of these arts in order to conceive you, and this power leaves its mark on those that it touches. No, it is true – I know the woman she employed, a good woman who is discrete and would not speak a word of it to anyone save those that have the best interests of your father and the King at heart. We keep watch over things, gently nudging when needed, but quietly and carefully lest we be discovered.

	“You must choose – I will teach you what I can, as well as help you meet others who can teach you more. But you would need to sever your bond with your family – I would need to tell them that you escaped the school, and my men could not track you down. I would have to elaborate about your continued poor behavior and dissolute nature – it will not be a pleasant picture. But it is the only way.”		“You must choose – I will teach you what I can, as well as help you meet others who can teach you more. But you would need to sever your bond with your family – I would need to tell them that you escaped the school, and my men could not track you down. I would have to elaborate about your continued poor behavior and dissolute nature – it will not be a pleasant picture. But it is the only way.”