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It was a pleasant day, even though the sun was high in the sky and there were only a few clouds. There was a cold nip in the air. The chill was the first signs of the approaching winter, it was still too early for the first snow to fall but the people could feel it coming and it was not far off. With the transition into winter quickly approaching its end, days like this would become scares and be replaced with a dull grey sky.
However, on this particular day, something was going to happen. The people did not know it nor could the greatest of mages have predicted it. But they were about to get a strange visitor. This visitor was not one from another province or kingdom. No, this one was a Traveller from another world, one whose curious and innocent actions would set in motion a chain of events that would one day lead not one but two worlds on a path to destruction.
A round door opened into a clearing off the side of the road and a green cloaked hooded figure stepped out into the light of day. With the door closing behind him and vanishing from sight as if it was never there. The figure looked around, listing to the sounds of the world. The birds, wind in the trees, it was as if he was listening to the world itself.
The figure lifted his hand and looked at the small glass crystal ball that fit into his palm. Inside was a swirling mist. A large grin formed on the figure's face and he carefully placed the crystal ball inside his cloak.
"Well now, let's see what this new world has to offer," the hooded figure said with a smile.
The figure leaped into the air and flew following the road. He had no idea where he was going and quite frankly the figure did not care, all he wanted was to find a settlement or some village to begin his exploration of this new and strange world.
As the figure flew, he reached out with his senses to get a feel for the world. He could feel magic, but it was wild and chaotic. The figure was unfamiliar with it and tried to reach out, yet every time he felt he might have a hold of the magical energies of this world it would slip from his grasp.
It didn't matter to the cloaked figure though; he would come to understand the magic of this world and control it in time. After all, he was born of Magic himself and had a very powerful connection to its source.
Sensing a large cluster or humans was not far away the figure flew for a bit longer before landing and then walking along the road towards the source. After a good twenty minutes of walking, the figure came upon a sign and he stopped to read it.
"The village of Fano. Hmm…interesting name," the figure commented. He looked up and a little bit further down the road was a village. Fano was bigger than the average village it was more of a town. Not an overly large one at that either, it was the type of place one could stopover on a journey and sell wears or loot and get a decent price.
The hooded figure walked through the town, taking in all the details he could. He passed by various vendors who were shouting out deals and bargains, trying to get the townsfolk's attention. As he walked, he noticed there were a lot of people in black armour around. The figure assumed they were soldiers or the local town guard.
As he wandered through, he got a few curious looks from the local and more suspicious looks from the soldiers. He stopped now and then to look at a market stall or just to observe his surroundings. During one of these observations, something caught his attention, a little further down from where he was standing an older man was arguing with two of the soldiers, meanwhile there were two more who were loading various swords and armour onto a cart.
The man was in his older years, not elderly but certainly no longer young, he had a round body, but his arms were very muscular. He was wearing a dirty soot-stained leather apron over some dirtier clothes.
"Look you can't just take my wears without paying," the man said.
"You expect us to pay? The fact that we are even considering using your second-rate craftsmanship should be payment enough," One of the soldiers scoffed.
"You should be grateful," the second Solider claimed.
"You are stealing my stock, what should I be grateful for?" The man demanded.
"We defend you from the outside threats, as Nilfgaardian citizens you should be grateful we even bother coming to a shitty uncivilized town like this one,"
"Besides It's not stealing. We are Nilfgaardian soldiers and this village is Nilfgaardian territory. Therefore, everything in it belongs to Nilfgaard and thus it is not stealing,"
"Uncivilised…look here I don't care if you're a bloody king or a fucking mutant. You want those words you pay for them," The man fumed "and we aren't Nilfgaardian citizens, Fano is part of the Tossent empire,"
The first man looked around.
"I don't see Tossent soldiers here, or any other sign that this village is a Tossen,"
"You lot killed them and burned all our banners. Your men replaced them," the man argued "You did that less than two days ago when you and your army rode in and took over,"
"If a village or town flys Nilfgaardian banners then they are Nilfgaard," the first soldier said "and as such we are allowed to take what Nilfgaard needs to survive,"
"But if you take all my wears how will I make a living?" The man demanded "Provide for my wife and children,"
"That is not our problem, we need all the weapons and materials we can get for the war," the second soldier explained "Expanding an empire isn't easy and you should have thought of that sooner or been born into a wealthy family…though what family would ever want someone like you is beyond me,"
The other two soldiers were loading up the weapons sniggered. The man who was very obviously being robbed had had enough.
"That's it, I've had it. The only way you're getting my stock is over my dead body," the man snarled and he reached for one of the swords.
"I find your price acceptable," The first soldier said. He drew his sword and ran it straight through the man's heart. The man gurgled and slumped to the ground, the earth under him stained red with his blood. The soldier looked down at him in disgust "Not only does he impede us he got my blade dirty. Disgusting,"
He then turned to look at the other soldier. "Strip this place bear of everything value and set this place ablaze," the soldier ordered.
"What should we do with the body?" the second soldier asked.
"Step over it, of course, we wouldn't want to not pay the man his asking price," the soldier grinned. The others laughed and got to work.
The hooded figure watched for a few more moments, he looked at the surrounding people but no one made a move to stand up to the soldier s or even try to stop them. Once the soldiers were inside the figure walked past and continued on his way.
When he reached the town center, he stopped outside what looked to be an inn or a tavern, at least he assumed it was a tavern since he could hear terrible music and the smell of alcohol wafted from the inside. It was a two-story building with more than a few windows and a low hanging sign above the door; the sign read "The Bottomless Barrel"
"Hmm, this could be a good place to get some information," The figure said to himself. He walked up to the door and pushed it open.
The inside was a fairly large and open area, it was filled with tables of different sizes and at the back was a stage. Though no bards or music were playing. The endless Barrel didn't have the atmosphere of an inn or a tavern that was expected. Instead of being with loud music, drunken laughter, and joys merriment the room was dead quiet.
The figure could only barely hear soft murmurs from the patrons inside. There weren't many tables filled. It looked like a few tables had been occupied but had suddenly up and left as there was still half-drunk mugs of ale and even plates of food that hadn't been touched sitting on a few of the tables.
There was only one serving girl and she was busy trying to clear the tables. The figure walked up to the bar, behind it was a fat man with a small beard and a bald head. He was wearing dirty clothes and an apron that only barely fitted and was covered in different spills.
The barkeep looked up as the hooded figure placed his arm on the bar and leaned on them.
"What can I get ya?" the barkeep asked.
"Greetings, I am new to this region and was hoping you'd have some information about the area," the hooded figure responded.
"Here's some information for you, get outa town," the barkeep huffed "we don't like outsiders,"
"Clearly," the hooded figure agreed. If the confrontation in the street was anything to go by "I have already seen the hospitality of your local militia. I was hoping you would be more… accommodating,"
The barkeep raised an eyebrow and gave the man in front of him a suspicious look. "We ain't got a local militia, not anymore anyway," he said.
"Oh, but I saw some ghastly fellows in black run a poor man through and talk about a war,"
"Ye'r got a name?" the barkeep asked.
"I have had many names…however you can call me The Traveller," The Traveller introduced.
"The Traveller huh, bit of a pompous name," the barkeep snorted.
"Well, …we can't all choose the names we are bestowed,"
"Too true that. Those people you saw, they dress in black armour?"
"Indeed, they were,"
"Damn, Nilfgaard," The barkeep swore "You with em?"
"I have no idea who or what a Nilfgaard even is,"
"Where the hell have you been living?" the barkeep asked.
"Oh, here there…and a little of everywhere," the Traveller responded cryptically with a smirk.
"Right, see those men in black armour behind you," the tavern keeper asked and gave a nod with his head. The Traveller turned around to look and he saw four men in black armour at a table not far from the bar. The other patrons were giving them a wide berth, the Traveller could see the hate in their eyes, but the rest of the occupants looked down as if trying there best to avoid the soldiers' attention.
"Them be Nilfgaard,"
"I see," the Traveller said and turned back towards the barkeep "they look to heavily armed for a small town like this. Pray tell me why they are here,"
"They're on a warpath, conquering every kingdom and taking over every village and town they come across. In each place they visit, the leader of the where ever they go is given till the next sunrise to surrender all resources and assets to the Nilfgaardian army,"
"And if you don't surrender?" the Traveller asked curiously.
"They attack, they round everyone up, take everything and then burn the place to the ground and once where ever they are is burning then they kill those who resisted them…which is everyone,"
"Did your leader surrender?" The Traveller asked.
"Aye, that he did. Right away, some of the younger and tougher boys protested and they were cut down on the spot," The barkeep growled.
"I see, that does explain why no one wanted to help that man,"
"Aye, we just got to give them what they want and hope they leave Fano standing when they leave," The barkeep sighed.
"I see…then I shall Endeavor to stay out of there way," The Traveller stated, "May I assume from the way you were glaring at that table, you are not a fan of Nilfgaard?"
"Aye, truer words have never been spoken," the barkeep grunted "they've been coming in here every day for the last three days and not once paid, think they're above it,"
"Hmm…I don't suppose you have a map I could look at do you?" The Traveller asked.
"I got one in the office, but I'm not going
"I tell you what, you let me look at that map and give me some directions and I will make soldiers pay their bill," the Traveller offered.
"Yeah right, like that will ever happen," The barkeep snorted.
"Only one way to find out," The Traveller shrugged.
The barkeep let out a sigh, he signaled the serving girl and told her to watch the bar while he was in the office. He came back ten minutes later with a rolled-up map under his arm and offered it to the Traveller. The hooded figure had not moved from his spot other than to glance around the bar, yet he always kept an eye on the table with the soldiers.
Once the barkeep had the map laid out, he went over the area and pointed out different roads and where they led to. He also offered advice on the surrounding villages but urged the Traveller to flee this part of the country before Nilfgaard completely took over.
The Traveller in tun paid close attention and asked his questions. In the end, he decided to head northwest. Taking the road to Tegamo, where he would be able to buy a proper map for himself and hopefully learn more about this world.
"This has been both interesting and enlightening," the Traveller said happily "thankyou indeed,"
"Yeah yeah, now what about them Soldiers?" the barkeep asked, "How are you going to make'em pay?"
"Ah of course, but before that…" the Traveller trailed off and with a flick of his wrist produced a single gold piece and held it in between his fingers "I would like to purchase an ale if you please," he said as he placed the coin on the counter ad slid it towards the barkeep.
The barkeep stared at the gold and gave the hooded figure a surprised look. Although he was eager to get the Nilfgaardians out of his establishment the barkeep was not going to turn down a sale. "Fine," he huffed and turned his attention to getting the ale.
While the Barkeep filled his order, the Traveller vanished from sight and when the barkeep looked up the hooded figure was gone. He glanced around the tavern but there was no sign of him. The barkeep looked down and the gold piece was still there. He picked it up and looked at it, not noticing how the light coming in through the windows was subtlety changing.
Though the barkeep did not see the Traveller, in reality, the Traveller was still there, he was just no longer visible to the mortal eye. He walked up behind one of the Nilfgaardian soldier sat their table smacked him hard on the back of his head. This caused him to jerk forward and spill his tinkered of beer. The soldier looked up immediately, with anger on his face looked around for the culprit. However, he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, except the barkeep had a gold piece in hand and was examining. Testing to see if it was real or not.
A smile crept over the soldiers' faces.
"Hey, look at that," the soldier said and lightly smacked one of his companions' arms. The rest of the table looked at him and then saw the gold piece with the light now reflecting its shine.
"Payday," One of them said with a greedy smile.
They all got up walked over to the bar, they leaned on the counter heavily with there eyes glued to the gold piece. The barkeep looked at them in both fear and confusion.
"Well now, I dare say you have been holding out on us,"
"No sir, I…I haven't," the barkeep stuttered.
"Oh yeah, that pretty little gold piece says otherwise," the soldier responded.
"This sir was payment for an ale," the Barkeep explained. He knew what the Nilfgaardians wanted and if they suspected he had more money than they thought then the soldiers would not hesitate to take it from him by force. "A green cloaked gentleman just gave it to me,"
"Oh?" the soldier asked and looked over his shoulder. Scanning the room for someone wearing a green cloak. He didn't see anyone the barkeep had described "and where is this patron of yours? Because the only people I see are grubby peasants who would feel more at home in a pigpen," the soldier sneered "Since that is the case, we will be taking that as your contribution to the Nilfgaardian cause,"
The soldier held his hand out, expecting the barkeep to hand the coin over. However, the Barkeep was not having it.
"I can not give this to you as it is payment for selling goods," the barkeep said seriously "especially since you and your men have been here for thee days and have yet to pay your tab,"
Anger filled the soldier's face. He quickly grabbed the Barkeep by his shirt and pulled him across the counter.
"You want us to pay for you? Don't you get it? Nilfgaard owns your town, Nilfgaard owns you. We are Nilfgaardian soldiers so that means we own you. Your lucky we let you live," the soldier sneered "However that luxury can easily be taken away. Now give me the coin your pathetic fat waste of life,"
Remaining unseen and across the room, the Traveller watched this display, he raised his arm and flicked his index finger down. The moment he did all of the soldier's belts unbuckled and their trousers fell.
"What the…" the soldiers cried out.
Feeling the grip loosen, the barkeep shoved the soldier away from him and the soldiers all stumbled back. Due to the soldier s having their trousers they stumbled back and struggled to keep their balance before tripping over each other.
The Traveller grinned and flicked his finger again, this time a stool moved on its own and got in the way of the soldiers, causing them to trip over and fall onto a serving maid, who had just come down from cleaning the upstairs room. She was carrying a bucket of dirty water and it splashed all over the soldiers when they crashed into her.
The woman screamed in fear and slapped the soldier who had threatened the barkeep with such force that he crashed into the table behind him. Breaking the table. The soldier snarled and stood up, pulling up his trousers and drawing his blade, the other three followed suit.
Before the Nilfgaardian could use their weapons, the Traveller made a table fly into the group of soldiers and bat them towards the door. The Traveller snapped his fingers and time seemed to slow to a near stand-still. He walked towards the door, passing by the guards and the few patrons in the bar.
When the Traveller reached the door, he held it open and snapped his figures again; willing himself to be seen by mortals once again. The moment he did Time returned to normal, he held the door open and the soldiers flew out of the inn. As they passed the Traveller lifted their coin pouches off each one. The soldiers landed on the main road through town, each skidding to a halt and faceplanting into a pile of fresh manure. Once the soldiers were outside, the Traveller slammed the door shut for dramatic effect.
The entirety of the bar was now dead quiet and staring at him.
The Traveller glanced around and approached the bar and placed the four-coin pouches on the counter before reaching for his mug of ale and downing it in a few seconds. When he was finished, he placed the mug back on the counter and looked directly at the barkeep.
"Thanks for the drink," he said and then faded from sight. The barkeep and the other patrons stared with their mouths gapping.
On his way out of town, The Traveller snatched an apple from a fruit vendor, the owner of the store didn't notice. As he walked down the main road heading out of Faron, tossing an apple in the air and catching it over and over with a very smug and satisfied look on his face. "Well, that was fun," He commented "I hope all towns are as lively as that one. Oh and I really must remember to thank Jester for the suggestion of having people drop there trousers next time I see her. It's hilarious,"
The Traveller continued his journey over the next week, stopping in every town, village, and city looking for information about the world and learning what he could. Trading favors for the information he requested. Those he bartered with had small requests, some extra coin or food, and shelter for the night. These were easily met and one person even asked him to help attract the attention of a woman.
The Traveller granted all the requests in his way, sometimes this caused more trouble for those he spoke too. Normally he would not bother as he found being bombarded with prayers and demands bothersome. However, he had two very selfish reasons for doing so. The first was to gain information about this world and the second was to give himself more of a presence in this world and subsequently increasing his powers.
The more requests he granted the further the rumor spread about a hooded figure granting wishes and boons for the small price of a conversation. The rumor had started not long after he left Fano and headed to the city of Claremont. By the time the Traveller left Claremont, word had spread amongst the merchants and poorer folk about a strange visitor granting wishes. He encountered Nilfgaard multiple times, some encounters were on the road while others were in towns and villages.
His travels eventually took him to Vizima, the capital of Termina. The Traveller had headed north to try and avoid the Nilfgaardian army, as one to many encounters had left them furious and demanding his head. The Traveller knew the Nilfgaardians would be unable to hurt him, let alone kill him. He was an ancient entry with god-level powers at his command. However, the Nilfgaardians had become his favorite victims, not because a good portion of requests he granted had something to do with teaching Nilfgaard a lesson or humiliating them in some way.
The Nilfgaardian army was his favorite victims because they were uptight assholes and the look of anger and embarrassment on there faces whenever he brought them down a peg or they fell for his pranks was just too funny. The Traveller felt he should leave them be for a while. Let them stew and wait in suspense and expectation that he was going to pop out of the shadow at a moment's notice. Only to never emerge, he would appear and have some more fun with them, but only when they finally relaxed, believed he was nothing more than a phantom, he would strike again.
Thinking about it made the Traveller very excited indeed. After all, it wasn't like he had killed anyone, his pranks were harmless…most of the time.
By the time The Traveller arrived in Vizima, he had a good grasp of how society worked in this world, as well as how to manipulate magic. Walking through the streets of Vizima was interesting, the difference between the other city and inner-city was like day and night.
The outer city was dirty, diseased, and downright unpleasant. It was filled with thugs, beggars and while there were a few decent hard-working folks and shops, it was a slum and there was no other way to describe it. However, the inner city was well kept, patrolled regularly and in comparison, to the outer part of the city, it was gorgeous.
One thing the Traveller did note, there were only humans in the inner city. He had seen elves and dwarves walking around in the lower city, but there was no trace of them in the inner city.
He didn't bother going to an inn or stopping to ask for information from the locals, even though more than a few would benefit from his offer. He was getting a bit tired of the ideal gossip and rumors he normally got and headed straight for Vizima castle.
No, what the Traveller wanted now was information on Magic. While he was able to harness and use magic in this world, he didn't have any information on its origins or who could use it. From what he'd seen, almost the entirety of the population didn't have a clue as to what magic could truly do, let alone how to use it. The Traveller had learned that most mortals both feared and were in a state of awe of those who could use the mystic arts.
Over the course of his exploration, the Traveller had learned that kings and sometimes higher ranked nobles hired mages to be advisers. There were also a few magic users who set up shops, but when the Traveller tried to approach those advisors, he was promptly rejected as the court mages did not deal with the petty concerns with common and peasants. More than once he had been mistaken as a poor beggar and his reputation for granting wishes had a few mages mistaking for a Djinn or some kind of Trickster.
While flattered of course at first, he found the mages unwillingness to even entertain the idea that he was simply curious annoying. Even those who ran shops or were hermits in the woods refused to indulge him out of fear because they could tell he was not only powerful but also not Human.
It was this reason he had come to Vizma, he had herd that the court mage was more open to the and frequently saw to the needs of both the King of Termina, the nobles, and the lower class. Apparently, she cared for the well-being of the commoners and even went out of her way to offer magical aid, such as healing and helping with other small tasks. This reputation had earned the mage the respect of all the lower class and the ire of the higher class.
The Traveller approached the castle grounds, he had to make himself visible to the guards and asked them politely if he could speak with the court mage. The guards were more than willing to escort him to the mages workshop, as they were very familiar with people requesting to see her.
Once outside the Mages workshop, the guards informed the Traveller that when he was ready to go to see the guard stationed at the end of the corridor to be escorted out. Once his escorts left The Traveller knocked on the door to announce his presence.
"Come in," a female voice answered.
The Traveller opened the wooden door and entered the room. The only other person in the room had their back turned to him with her arms moving. He could feel the magical energy around her and he assumed she was in the middle of some kind of spell.
"I will be with you in just a few minutes. Please make yourself at home," the woman said without turning around.
"Thank you," the Traveller said in a smooth voice. He wandered around the room taking in all its details.
The workshop was quite large filled with different herbs and plants, some were hanging from the support beams in the ceiling, others were growing in pots on shelves and tables that sat against the wall. There was a work table cluttered with various apparatus and crystals. Along with papers scattered about and few vials of potions.
Along the walls, there were several bookcases and The Traveller examined some of the books, there were a few on plants, herbs, and flowers. A couple of bestiaries and one or two books on magical theory. A lot of the books however dealt with history and tactics of war, there were even a few books about generals and battle strategies used by other races and countries.
"My, my a mage who is interested in warfare…how unique," The Traveller hummed. The Traveller was used to Magic users pursuing magic for academic purposes or even for their own personal gain. He found those that used it to conquer or plot to take over the world boring and unoriginal. He seriously hoped this mage would not be like that.
As he was looking over the books the female mage finished her task and picked up a two, she wiped her hands and turned to face her guest.
"Sorry about the wait what can I…" the mage started but trailed off as she saw who was standing there "You…" she gasped.
The Traveller grinned and placed the book he was flipping through back on the shelf. He turned to give her his full attention.
"It's alright. I assume from your reaction that you have a herd of me," The Traveller said.
"I have heard of you, from reports and the rumors," the woman said carefully as she eyed the Traveller. "but you're not a rogue Djinn are you?"
"I am a bit of a rouge, that much is true," the Traveller agreed "But I am not a Djinn,"
"The people call you a trickster,"
"They are not wrong, in some ways that is what I am. What else do the people say about me?"
"They say you grant them miracles, wishes to those who trade with you. Your boons are a blessing to those that trade with you, yet a curse to those around them,"
"If this is about that one farmer and the pigs? Because I assure you, he had it coming," The Traveller assured "he said that pigs had an increased gravitational field due to their size and weight and therefore it made them stronger and more durable. What increased Gravity? they're on the same bloody plane. There is not extra gravity,"
"I have no idea what Gravity is or why some farmer claiming his pigs had it would offend you,"
The Traveller picked up a book that was on the table, he held out next to him and it let go. It fell to the ground. "That's gravity,"
"Gravity is you dropping a book?" The mage asked confused.
"No, Gravity is what pulls things towards the ground, without it we would all be floating endlessly," The Traveller explained.
"As interesting as that concept is, I don't see why this warranted you changing a farmer to look like a bipedal pigman creature and every time he spoke it came out as a sequel. He ran through the streets naked,"
"It was to prove his theory was wrong, and it only for an hour," the Traveller defended "besides, I didn't tell him to take his clothes off, he did that on his own,"
"He was chased by his whole village and he was nearly skewered by the Nilfgaardians,"
"I didn't know there was a Nilfgaardian patrol in the area,"
"Did you also know about the hunter who was staying in that particular village. The one who searching for a unique beast to slay and bring back as a trophy to show his fiancée as a way to prove he was worthy of her hand in marriage?"
"Okay, that one I knew about. But it was all in good fun, besides now the hunter has a story to tell his future wife and children,"
"A man was nearly skinned alive and turned into a hunting trophy by his village, a Nilfgaardian patrol and a hunter out to prove himself," the Mage argued back "and you think that was all fun?"
"Yes," The Traveller answer "plus he deserved it,"
The mage let out an irritated sigh and shook her head. "Because you have sought me out I suppose that means you wish to make one of your deals with me,"
"Hmm…you could say that,"
"Fine, however before we begin, I would know your name. I can't just refer to you as Trickster or green cloaked figure,"
"You may call me The Traveller. But now I find myself at a great disadvantage, you have my name yet I have nothing to call you by,"
"I am Triss Marigold, Sorceress of the Brotherhood and Magical Advisor to King Foltest of Temeria," Triss introduced.
"Very well Triss, however, do be aware that I do not offer something so petty as a deal. I am not a demon, no what I offer is…well lets just call it unique services for of information,"
Triss folded her arms and
"So, you are a demon then,"
"Oh no, I am so much more," the Traveller smiled.
"And that would be?"
"Is that what you want? To know why I do what I do for the small price of a bit of gossip?" he asked.
"No, what I want is you to not harm a single hair of any citizen of Foltest," Triss demanded "I want you to leave without causing any more trouble for this kingdom and those who live in it,"
"Very well I will leave immediately and not harm anyone in your kingdom…for a price,"
"You want information, that is why you're here is isn't it?"
"My you are so well informed. But for what your request…it would need to be rather specific information to ensure I leave immediately,"
Triss narrowed her eyes. "I will not give you anything that would destroy or bring harm to Temeria,"
"I don't want state secrets or even military ones. What I want is to know about Magic,"
"That's all?"
"For now," The Travller shrugged.
"What do you want to know?"
"Anything you can give me. How it works, where it comes from, who can use it, and of course where one goes to master such a craft," the Traveller listed "and depending on your answers I might have one or two other questions to add. but they would only be to clarify some things and be along the same line of questioning,"
Triss stared at the Traveller with a suspicious look. She thought it was odd that he was asking for information on magic. While Triss had no idea who the Traveller was she could tell that we was immensely powerful and could sense the chaos flowing around him, it was almost as if the natural magics of the world were drawn to him somehow.
That being the case Triss was very surprised that this powerful being would be asking for information on magic. Could it be he was unaware of the power that gathered around him or was it that he was looking for a way to control the chaos.
Given the reports she had read and the rumors surrounding the Traveller, Triss was sure it wasn't either of those.
"Fine, what do you wish to know first?" Triss asked.
"I would like to understand Magic. It is neither here or there, I can feel it yet I find myself struggling to grasp it," the Traveller claimed "while I enjoy a good challenge, I can't help find it infuriating at the same time,"
"That is not surprising, magic or chaos as it is referred to by us mages is an uncontrollable force in the universe. No one can control it, not completely only direct it," Triss smiled, this she could do.
He hadn't asked for any secretes that would threaten Temeria or it's people. From his question, it sounded like he was looking for a basic and introductory explanation to magic. Something that would be explained on the first day to new students of Aretuza.
"I see, so when you would cast a spell you are merely nudging this chaos in the direction you want it to go,"
"In a sense,"
"I see…interesting,"
"You find this interesting, it's just the basics," Triss was a bit surprised by this, but none the less happy that The Traveller seemed satisfied with her answer.
"My dear, I think you will learn that a basic understanding of magic is all that is needed to harness it," the Traveller claimed. Triss could not argue on that point "Now onto my next question, is control over chaos limited to humans or could any race use it?"
Triss smiled, another simple and basic question with a common well-known answer.
"In times past the elves could use magic, in fact, we humans originally learned the mystic arts from elves. But they no longer have the ability to do so. Most magic users now days are humans,"
"That is a shame. I assumed anyone could do magic with the right mindset and dedication to the study of it,"
"Unfortunately, that is not the case, one must have the gift and awaken to the power before magic can be taught. We call that a moment of power," Triss said.
The Traveller nodded, there were people like that in his world. Those who inherited the gift of magic through their bloodline, however Magic could also be taught if one had the right mindset for it.
"Interesting…tell me if one were to have this gift and awaken it. Where would those with gifted with magical talents go to master it?"
"Aretuza, it's the only known magic school and guild on the continent. All mages go there to learn,"
"Hmm…during my travels, I learned that the larger cities have magical advisors like yourself. Tell me dose every city have a mage protecting it?"
"No, though many mages stand at the side of kings and queens as magical advisors. Some mages are hired to research by lords or even historians,"
"Fascinating, and how does one acquire such a position?"
"That is the Brotherhoods doing. All requests for mages go to the Council of the Wizards and then they assign a mage that is best suited for the job,"
"And how do they know who is best suited for which job?"
"It's all based on talent. The most powerful are sent to Kings and Queens across the continent," Triss shrugged "After all you would not send a mage who could barely do a levitation spell to advise on a war council,"
"True, do all rulers have a mage at their side?"
"Most do, but some don't. Those that don't have a mage, the Brotherhood sends letters of recommendation to get a mage of their choosing into court. Cintra would be an example, they have never had a mage from the brotherhood serving them,"
"Why not?"
"From what I heard Cintra has a Druid serving as their magical advisor," Triss answered "and before that Cintra was always reluctant to have any form of magical council of any kind,"
"A Druid you say?" The Traveller asked in surprise. However, the look of surprise quickly vanished and replaced with one of approval "Well lucky them. I can see why they would not wish to trade; Druids are fearsome and not ones to be taken lightly,"
"What are you talking about?" Triss asked confused "Mages are far more powerful than druids. More useful too,"
The look of surprise returned to the Traveller "Come again?" he asked. As if he had been told something that was untrue.
"I mean a mage can control all aspects of chaos, whereas Druids barely do anything with their magic. They tend to forests and injured animals. They are not suited at all for court life nor would they make good generals and they would be useless in battle," Triss claimed "Sorceress and Wizards on the other hand, are much more powerful and better suited for the job,"
"I'm sorry but I am going to have to disagree with you on that," the Traveller argued "Druids are highly capable and if I'm being honest more terrifying than simple mages. They can take on beast form, control all the elements, even the land, sea and sky are at their beck and call…they can even influence people through their dreams. I once saw a druid reshape a whole content by mere force of will alone,"
"Druids do not have that power, however, if you claim to know a Druid who dose, the council must be informed as such power can not be left unchecked to run wild,"
"They are…well not available at the moment and I doubt that particular druid would apricate me visiting or your council telling her what she can and can't do," The Traveller responded awkwardly. "Moving on, another question if you don't mind, how do track down mages who have just awakened to their power? Surly this brotherhood you mentioned did not keep tabs on every mage in the world,"
"There are no rouge mages, all are known to the brotherhood and all are kept under watch. Should a new mage awaken to the gift they are found and brought to the Aretuza,"
"And if they do not wish to go?"
"They have little choice, most who awaken their power are those in late childhood and the early stages of puberty. If they do not attend Aretuza then their power will destroy them and their surroundings,"
"Is that what your school tells young people who just awaken to their powers?"
"Yes, it is a fact and one that mages and their families must be aware of," Triss agreed.
"Has anyone ever still refused to go to this magic school of yours once they have heard this fact?"
"No,"
"Mmm…funny about that," the Traveller mused "And how are new mages found?"
Triss leaned forward slightly "Magic," she responded.
The Traveller smiled. "Oh, I am really starting to like you," he said.
Triss leaned back and smiled. She was initially worried about talking to the Travller but it wasn't as bad as she had thought.
"I do hope you will forgive me, but I am to meet with the king soon. I hope I have lived up to my end of our agreement," Triss said.
"You have my dear, you have. And this has been very informative, I believe I shall take my leave now," the Traveller informed as he stood up.
"And our bargain?" Triss asked.
"Do not worry, I will honor your request," The Traveller assured and he turned to leave.
"Wait," Triss called out, stopping the Traveller at her door "Two question before you go. You're not a Djinn yet you go around performing miracles like one. Why and What are you really?"
"I've already told you, I am the Traveller," the Traveller answered "as for the why…well I am curious about this new world I stumbled upon," he walked out of Triss's workshop.
"New world?" Triss wondered. She didn't understand after all it was only possible to travel between worlds during a Conjunction of the…suddenly her eyes widened in both realisation and fear.
"Wait, she called out and ran out of her office. However, the Traveller was already gone and no where to be seen. Triss ran down the hall to the two guards that were stationed there. They were there to not only guard her but also pass along messages to her and escort any who come to see her out of the castle.
As she ran up to them, the guards gave her an odd look.
"My lady, are you well?" one of the guards asked.
"Yes…did a man in a green cloak come pass you? He was just left my office," Triss demanded.
The guard's looked at her and then each other, confused.
"No, my lady. We saw the man you described being led to your office not long ago, but he has come by again. We assume he would still be consulting with you," the guard responded.
"Should we search the castle?" the other offered.
"No…there would be no point," Triss sighed "He's likely gone already. Thank you for your help," She turned and walked back towards her office.
The Traveller was walking through the streets of old Vizima, heading out of the city now that he had gotten what he came for. He would prefer to stay longer, but a deal was a deal. At least now he had some information on magic and he could now start to make his way to Aretuza to learn more.
"I should introduce Miss Marigold to Keylth sometime. Hmm…I wonder if I should stop by Whitestone next time, I'm in the area. Just to check up on some old friends," the Traveller mused as he left the castle "although if I'm going to drop by, I should bring news of Vax…But I don't think the Raven Queen would like me hanging around him again,"
As he was on the way out of town, the Traveller suddenly stopped and looked towards the sky.
"Hmm?" The Traveller "Oh looks like Jester just did something incredible in my name. I should probably go see her,"
And he vanished as if he was never there.
Wildmount, The Leaky Tap Tavern, city of Zadash
Jester headed to her room in the Leaky Tap Tavern, she was sharing a room with Beau. However, the monk was still downstairs drinking with the rest of the Mighty Nein. Earlier in the evening she and Nott had headed to the temple of the Platinum Dragon and not only defaced but also caused a massive uproar within the temple itself. Thankfully both she and Nott had been able to getaway.
When they reached the Leaky Tap, Nott had immediately headed to the bar and ordered four mugs off strong ale before sitting down with Fjord, Beau and Geralt; as Caleb and Caduceus had already headed up to their room. Fjord had mistakenly believed the goblin had bought them around. However, Nott quickly downed all four mugs, claiming that she needed it before ordering some more.
Beau was impressed and called to Jester to join them, but the blue Tiefling declined. She was tired from the night's events, out of magic, exhausted and Jester really just wanted to go to bed. Once she was alone in her room, Jester leaned against the door, closed her eyes and let out a tired sigh.
She stayed like that for a moment, collecting her thoughts. When she opened her eyes, she gasped as a familiar green cloaked figure was sitting on her bed, elbow on his knee with his chin resting on his hand and a smile on his face.
"Good evening Jester," the Traveller greeted "I hope I am not intruding,"
Jester took a hesitant step forward "Did…Did you see what I did?" she asked softly.
"I did, it was very impressive," The Traveller agreed "and painting the Platinum Dragon rainbow colours…brilliant,"
"Does this mean you like me again?"
"Oh Jester, I never stopped liking you," The Traveller assured.
"But…why didn't you come when I needed you?" Jester demanded "Why did you leave me alone when those slavers had me and my friends?"
"I never left you, Jester, however, there are rules that even I must follow," The Traveller explained. In truth, it hurt him more than he ever could have thought possible when Jester had been imprisoned and tortured by the Iron Shepards. The Traveller had heard her call out to him for help, help he could not give without breaking very fine and strict rules. "All I was allowed to do was give your friends a nudge in the right direction," (1)
"Oh, okay," Jester said understanding, completely accepting the Travellers response "Hey," she said and clapped her hands together. changing her tone to a more excited and playful one "did you know we got a new teammate? He fell from the sky,"
"I noticed; his name is Geralt correct?" The Traveller asked. Grateful that the subject was changed.
"You know him?" Jester gasped "Have you met him before? Does he worship you too? Did you convince him how awesome you are? Do you like him more than me?"
"Jester, you are and always be my favorite," the Traveller claimed "as for Geralt…well, let's just say that we had a brief encounter before you met him. But I do not know him personally,"
"Oh alright, as long as you don't like him more than me,"
"Trust me Jester, my meeting Geralt was extremely brief and only in passing," the Traveller promised "Though, I do admit he interests me. Could you tell me a little about him?"
"Apparently he's some big bad monster hunter," Jester said in a fake tone "But I don't think he's mean at all,"
"A monster hunter you say?"
"Yeah, he says he's a Witcher, which is weird right? I mean why would you name yourself after a witch if you weren't one?"
"Did he happen to mention if there was more of him?"
"More Geralt's?"
"I mean are there other Witchers?" The Traveller clarified "or any thing about how he became a Witcher?"
"Um…well he said that withers were created and there used to be lots of them, so I suppose there could be more," Jester remembered tapping her chin "though he hasn't spoken about it much,"
"Interesting," the Traveller said. He made a mental note to start asking about Witchers back in the other world.
"Hey did you know Geralt had never seen a Tiefling before? He thought Fjord, Duces and I were monsters," Jester continued.
The Traveller nodded, he was not surprised, after all the only non-human races he had encountered in the other world were Elves and Dwarves, he was sure there were monsters and other nasty creatures as he had seen bounties and other notices about them. He was also old enough to remember a time when Tieflings were constantly accused of being demons themselves, it had taken a lot to overcome the prejudices and closed view of this particular race. The same could be said for some other races, he knew half-elves still had difficulty finding acceptance in both Elven and human society in some places.
"Hey, you want to see something cool? We got a magic ball that lets us warp reality," Jester exclaimed happily. That caught the Traveller s' attention, reality-altering artifacts were dangerous and often forbidden or protected by powerful other-dimensional beings so no one could use their power.
"Oh, did you now. May I see this reality-warping ball?" he asked.
"Sure, here you go," Jester said. She picked up her back and skipped over and sat down next to the Traveller. Jester pulled the lead-lined box out of her pink haversack and opened it up. The Traveller leaned over and looked inside. His face was unreadable.
"Fascinating,"
"I know right,"
"Where did you happen across such an artifact?"
"We found it in the sewers," Jester answered.
"The sewers?" the Traveller repeated in surprise "it's amazing what people will flush down their toilets these days,"
"Wellllll it wasn't technically the sewers. We met a Dark Elf Assassin who was fleeing from a falling tower that he may or may not have exploded during a massive party. He was carrying this, he attacked us so we were all like Well now we have to kill you and then he was all like no please don't kill me this orb makes babies so we let him go and when we got out of the sewers we saw the local guards carrying his dead body and this orb so we were like…hey let's steal the orb and everyone was like okay. So we stole the orb and I put it in my pink bag and now we have a reality-warping orb that makes babies,"
"I…see…" the Traveller said as he tried to process what Jester had just told him.
"Yeah this thing is good luck, but Caleb says we have to keep it in the bag or some bad people will come and steal it back and then we won't be able to make babies," Jester continued "You remember me telling you about Caleb right? He's the human who smells. I mean I know humans smell bad in general but he smells really really bad,"
Across the hall in the room that Caleb was sharing with Nott and Caduceus. The human wizard was sitting up in bed, reading a book when he suddenly sneezed unexpectedly. Both Caduceus and Nott looked up from what they were doing and looked over at him. Nott had come up a few minutes after Jester.
"Caleb, are you getting sick? Do you need Caduceus or Jester to look at you?" Nott asked worriedly.
"Nein, I'm fine. I don't know vhere that came from," Caleb claimed as he wiped his nose on his sleeve.
"Perhaps someone was talking about you," Caduceus offered.
"Doubtful, vho vould talk about me?" Caleb asked.
"Maybe you're coming down with something, it is getting colder. You need to remain warm, Caduceus quick, give him something to make him feel better or warm-up,"
"I'm not that kind of Cleric," Caduceus claimed "but I can make you some tea if you like,"
"Nien thank you," Caleb responded and went back to his book. Ignoring that Nott was fussing over him and trying to tuck him in.
Back in Jester's room.
"That is probably wise," The Traveller agreed "you should keep that orb a secret and hidden. For you never know who may be searching for such and artifact,"
"Caleb says as long as it stays in the Lead box people won't be able to find it, we only take it out briefly once a day to look at it,"
"Still be careful, I would hate for something bad to happen to you,"
"Aww you do care, I knew it,"
"Yes well…I should go now. Be well Jester and thank you for a delightful conversation," The Traveller said and he vanished from sight.
Jester quickly put the Orb away and placed her bag at the end of her bed. She then took out her journal and lay down in bed holding her journal tightly close to her chest. She went to sleep with a smile on her face.
The next morning Jester bounded down the stairs with endless energy and over to the table where the rest of the Mighty Nein were eating breakfast. She skipped over to Geralt and hugged him. Geralt wasn't expecting in and quickly shoved the blue Tiefling off.
"Geralt good news," Jester said excitedly "The Traveller knows of you,"
"Alright," Geralt responded. However, he immediately turned to the blue telling when he realised what she had said. "Wait...what?"
Dungeons and Dragons Fact: Bahamut the Platinum Dragoon is the god Dragon king and ruler of the Metallic Dragons (Bronze, Silver, Copper, Gold, Brass) his sister Tiamat The Dragon queen is the leader and ruler of the Chromatic Dragons (Red, Blue, Green, Black and White)
Tiamat and Bahamut had a falling out when Tiamat tried to take over the multiverse, viewing all other races other than Chromatic dragons. She has server disdain for mortals, regarding them as mere disposable tools in her schemes or food.
So, Jester painting the statue of Bahamut is a highly insulting act in itself, but she used the colours of Tiamat this made the insult even worse.
(1) in the Wrap of Campaign 2, Matt Mercer confirmed that the red-haired Bartender directed the party to the Blooming Grove when the party asked about hiring mercenaries to help take down the Iron Shepards was the Travler.