Neophyte

[Spider]

I am currently seeking a new neophyte. Interested parties reply on this corkboard, or send word to the Citadel of Stars by goblin messenger.

[Noah Bird]

Interested

[Flowing Tears]

A day or so after Misery had seen the posting on the cork board she finally finished gathering together a few gifts for the Archmage in hopes it would turn his eye to the little gloom witch. With Addie’s (and Michi’s) help, Misery sent an assortment of items to be delivered to the Citadel of Stars via a damp goblin. There were various skull and spider candles, a dark lantern, and a pan of brownies that Addie had baked - that may have had a ‘special’ herbal kick to them thanks to Michi’s aid, towels and an umbrella. The last two items seemed to be a necessity if one was to be around Misery and her thundercloud familiar.



A short and waterlogged note read:
To Mister Archmage Sir,

I would like to be considered. I couldn’t remember what the natural enemy of your people are, otherwise I would have included the skull of an elf or an orc. Next time?

Oh and my name is Misery. Thanks.

[Michi]

This choice is easy
Flowing tears and fallen rain
Brings you best mentee

- Michi

HAIKU SQUAD REPRESENT

[Hocus Pocus]

It started with one, then another, and then another, the numbers growing and multiplying until thousands of dead spiders from across the Isle rose up from their eternal rest, congregated near the Archmage's Tower, and spun the last of their silk, each falling to the ground as they were emptied, rolling away and once again lifeless. In giant letters, for all to see:

[Spider]

Misery,

I particularly enjoyed the brownies. And the lack of an elf or orc skull will not harm your chances. Orcs are filthy creatures but they are not enemies of my kind any more than others. More often they are slaves. I am not a typical example of my people, however. The gifts are well appreciated.

To the Unnamed Skeleton,

I found your use of animated spiders to be very creative. I am not squeamish on matters of necromancy, yet my experience with sentient undead has been that they are generally hostile to the living, which I am. I wonder how you came by your sentience, and would enjoy conversing with you, as long as you do not attempt to attack me or steal my life's essence.

I will make my decision by this Saturday evening, as the surface calendar measures time. Before then, I might come up with some sort of contest, which may or may not include a magical battle between the two thus far considered. I am yet open for other applicants.

[Flowing Tears]

A fresh letter arrived at the citadel that evening, brought to the Archmage by another drenched goblin.

To Mister Archmage Sir,

I regret to inform you that my parents are the worst ever and grounded me for FIVEVER! Something about not being old enough to practice necromancy responsibly. BUT I DIDN’T KNOW THAT THE GUY WASN’T DEAD YET.

Anyways – so I can’t join any contest, but good luck to whoever you pick.
Misery

[Spider]

Misery,

Parents can be a complication. I am fortunate that mine were slain in my infancy. I bid you safety and an early release from imprisonment, as I understand the term 'grounding' to be.

[Spider]

Xzavier,

I apologize for the delay in announcement; I was regrettably detained with a matter of personal importance last night. As Misery has withdrawn, this leaves you in top contention for the neophyte position.

It has come to my attention that my farjali, Anna, possesses the potential for magical aptitude, and in the spirit of competition, I would ask that you face her in a best of three magical contest to determine which of the two of you shall be neophyte. If this is acceptable to you, we shall arrange a time for this contest to occur, when time permits.

[Hocus Pocus]

The return letter was delivered by a skeletal raven. How it flew was a mystery.

Archmage L'Elghinyrrok Orbb Zauvirr,

That's acceptable. I am available most nights, but I have plans tomorrow (Monday the 5th). Beyond that I can free things up.

- Xzavier

[Spider]

Xzavier,

I would like to hold this unofficial contest tomorrow evening, Wednesday the 7th of October. From 8 PM as Rhy'din measures time onward is acceptable to Anna, and if it is also amenable to you, we may meet upon Twilight Isle.

[Hocus Pocus]

Archmage L'Elghinyrrok Orbb Zauvirr,

Most excellent. I'll see you two there.

- Xzavier

[Spider]

Before this contest was decided I offered Xzavier and Anna the option of resolving the matter with a single duel, which they agreed upon.

In an impressive magical battle, Xzavier defeated Anna 5.5-4.5 in 14 rounds and has earned his place as my neophyte.