[ The papers are being set aside for later, and the air holds the smell of fresh cigarette smoke, more broadly dispersed than the crystal ashtray off to the side. Here, Marcus looks up from his pages to give the new rifter a quick study.
Sure, maybe some nefarious affect, the off-centre tattoo markings and mismatched eyes. ]
I'd rather begin with why you believe you need it, and what purpose you think it will serve.
[Tav nods and supposes he should start from the beginning.]
I used to be a prolific killer, the son of the God of Murder. A Bhaalspawn, as we’re known. I was a part of a scheme to take over my home city, Baldur’s Gate. Among other things, I was to sow panic among the residents through mass murder.
[He sucks in a breath; this information is still fresh to him.]
Until another in our sect captured me, tortured me, and put a mindflayer tadpole in my brain.
[Which he is just now realizing he should check up on.]
But even without my memories, I still have the urges. They’re worst when I fall asleep, but my companions and an open wilderness meant we had a modicum of safety. In a city like this?
[Tav shakes his head, flicking sweat off of it as he does.]
And there are smaller urges all throughout the day that I fight against. It’s maddening.
[Another deep breath.] I request a cell because it has been too long without an incident. I fear for the worst if I sleep for too long. The cell will allow me to get some much needed sleep while protecting everyone else.
[ Marcus has a little skill when it comes to the card tables in Lowtown, in part due to a decent grasp of the game itself, but also an ability to be difficult to read. Here, as Gods of Murder are brought up, unfamiliar verbiage, confessions of mass murder, he is similarly opaque, listening only with keen attention.
He ought to be writing this down, but he has a feeling he'll remember the important parts. For the rest that does not seem pertinent to him or his duty—mindflayer tadpole?—he dismisses. ]
Obviously, [ he repeats, a glimmer of rare, dry humour.
Rifters, man. ]
The Gallows [ a turn of his hand meant to indicate the building they are in ] used to be a prison for mages. The rooms we live in were once cells. We can make use of the locks on your door and secure it from the hallway each evening.
Have you ever succumbed to these urges while awake?
[Tav listens carefully to the Captain's words. Prison for mages. Seems a perfect place for him, even if he's a druid and not a wizard or sorcerer. When the question comes, Tav shakes his head fervently.]
I could never. [His voice is just as earnest as when he explained just what kind of murderer he is, what monstrous acts he's committed.] I fight back with everything I have.
[He bites his lip.] But at night, while I'm asleep, I have little chance to fight back.
I don’t seem to have any access to magic when… the urges take over. Seems the former version of me preferred a dagger and dagger only. If I can’t be locked up, simply tying me up and keeping watch seems to work as well, based on what my companions have said.
[Which makes him sound like a tame little rabbit that can be caught and tied up.]
Please know how seriously I take this; I want to keep people safe. I apologize for scaring Wysteria. I never meant… I needed someone to know.
I’m not really a mage in the sense like the book I got describes. I’m a druid; I like plants, nurturing them with my powers. I have very few offensive abilities.
[He relaxes a little in his chair.]
I mostly talk to squirrels and rats and the occasional dog.
[But he knows that other people take this seriously, so he tries to reign in his smile.]
But I know that likely won’t matter. A magic user is a mage, here. And mages don’t seem to be well liked. And a mage that… has my condition looks bad for all of you.
[Tav tries to think through the possibilities and outcomes and lands on one,] Do you want me to leave? I know I am a liability.
It's not a critique, or an irritant, but a neutral sort of observation. Tav has a history of a cultist mass murderer, he has magical ability, and he talks. Perhaps it's Marcus' office that compels it, but there is too easy of a rhythm to this patter to make Marcus think that discretion is an instinct this man carries.
Marcus is quiet, listening, and an eyebrow ticks up at this last part. A beat, then; ]
You'll come to know that Riftwatch is an organisation of liabilities. Of various kinds, of different concerns, but we manage. And part of our duty is harbouring rifters, and all that comes with it.
[ A pause, thinking through all he's heard, before continuing. ]
I'm a mage, myself. I participated in the violent rebellion that freed us of places like the Gallows, and half the world would see no difference between you or I, with your urges. They think we're all demons in disguise, ready to erupt into uncontrolled, murdering abominations at a moment's notice. You and I understand your situation is more urgent, more real, but as far as appearances are concerned—
[ A turn of his hand off the desk. ]
I would suggest against giving your colleagues, or anyone else, reasons to fear you. Fear won't save them. Assurance, security, trust, those things will. Aye?
[Tav listens intently, waiting for the axe to drop at any moment, but the Captain seems to reserve it and instead offers advice. Fear won't save them. Oh. Tav furrows his brows as he considers those he's spoken with about the urges: Wysteria, Louis, and now the Captain.]
I should keep it a secret?
[He supposes having the Captain aware is the best authority to have in the know. When the night comes that his stomach churns and he begins to sweat uncontrollably, he can signal to the Captain that he needs to be imprisoned, not simply locked in a room with a wooden door-- he has a feeling that the Bhaalspawn will break through the door, whether he has a dagger or not.]
There was someone doing interviews, but other than him, Wysteria, and you, no one else knows.
[ An absent shake of his head indicates that the first name is enough, written down so as to remember it for later. ]
I'll be informing our leadership of your situation, [ he says, before lifting pen off page. ] As for secret-keeping, you may be advised to do that, come the morrow. My opinion is that I wouldn't treat your affliction as a secret so much as something highly personal. Something to be offered to those who wish to become close to you, or in situations you deem it most relevant.
[ But it isn't his place, to formally tell Tav how to behave. What is his place is the next part; ]
Magebane is a poison used to silence magical ability. It doesn't otherwise harm the person taking it. I'm going to ask you to take a dose this evening and be sequestered in your locked quarters, merely to exercise upmost caution while we give our leadership time to decide how to proceed.
The magebane is voluntary. The locked door is not.
[Tav nods; it's a good idea all around to keep the Bhaalspawn secret. The Captain of the Watch knows and the rest of the leadership will determine his fate. Tav had always thought his companions to be too casual in their response when he told them of his urges. We'll fight through this together. We don't hate you for this.]
I'll take both. [Tav nods resolutely.] I'll take any poisons you deem fitting.
[And as one more gesture of good will.] I will always warn you as best I can when I feel it coming.
Edited (bad english from me) Date: 2024-02-04 01:58 am (UTC)
[ Marcus stands from his chair as Tav makes his agreements, moving towards a small cabinet off to the side. Opening it, dipping his hands inside to rifle around, as he says, ]
The last time it happened: perhaps 10 or 15 minutes. It’s getting longer as well, the more I fight it.
[Tav taps his chin.]
I start to sweat profusely and my stomach threatens to surrender its contents. Then, I’ve been told, I pass out and then—-
[Tav makes a vague gesture with his hands that comes out to something like resignation.]
I can try to fight back while my former self is doing its— [Tav is starting to get tired of talking about murdering.] But I need someone there to help talk me through it. Not too close, mind you, but just someone to remind me I’m still in there.
[ From within, out of sight, the sound of a lid opening, a latch, and then Marcus returns to his desk. Rather than sitting down—he has a report to write—he stays standing as he offers to Tav the glass vial now between his fingers, a clear liquid within. ]
Alright, [ in acknowledgment. ] Take this before you sleep. It should wear off in ten or so hours. The organisation has a supply.
Our head healer, Stephen Strange, would be the one to talk to about further supply, and perhaps your condition. I don't know the rules of your world, but there could be solutions in this one to help you manage or remove your condition.
I'm no scholar, [ seems prudent to add. ] But we have several.
[Tav takes the vial in hand, turning it in his fingers once or twice before tucking it into his shirt.]
I would be deeply grateful for any help. Is there, perhaps, a similar bane that could be concocted to keep the urges at bay?
Or perhaps that’s a question for Stephen.
[One more deep breath for the road.] Please know that I have no desire for these urges nor the dangers they present. I would much rather die than hurt someone innocent again.
[ Marcus tips his head, a sort of nod: yes, that is indeed a question for Stephen.
As to the rest; ]
I understand. I'll make note of your willing in my reporting. [ The again is a nag, but then, it only makes sense that this man has experience in what happens when his sleeping self is left unwatched or unguarded. ]
Go, [ is more kind than terse, but still a little business-like. Turning his attention down, shuffling aside his note with its single name on it, finding a fresher piece of paper. ] Take a meal, do as you like. I'll come by your room after sundown, and again in the morning.
[Tav nods and slowly climbs to his feet. Perhaps this could work. And now he doesn’t need to tell anyone else; the Captain knows.
Oh but poor Wysteria, she deserves an apology or four. Maybe after he collects a few more books for reading; it’s been so long since he got a proper night’s rest, he needs something to put him to sleep.
Tav pauses at the door, wanting to say something but figure he’s already filled the room with chatter. No, he should properly go now. So, he leaves, turns the corner and heads towards the library.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 12:48 pm (UTC)[ The papers are being set aside for later, and the air holds the smell of fresh cigarette smoke, more broadly dispersed than the crystal ashtray off to the side. Here, Marcus looks up from his pages to give the new rifter a quick study.
Sure, maybe some nefarious affect, the off-centre tattoo markings and mismatched eyes. ]
I'd rather begin with why you believe you need it, and what purpose you think it will serve.
major spoilers for dark urge origin!
Date: 2024-02-03 01:01 pm (UTC)I used to be a prolific killer, the son of the God of Murder. A Bhaalspawn, as we’re known. I was a part of a scheme to take over my home city, Baldur’s Gate. Among other things, I was to sow panic among the residents through mass murder.
[He sucks in a breath; this information is still fresh to him.]
Until another in our sect captured me, tortured me, and put a mindflayer tadpole in my brain.
[Which he is just now realizing he should check up on.]
But even without my memories, I still have the urges. They’re worst when I fall asleep, but my companions and an open wilderness meant we had a modicum of safety. In a city like this?
[Tav shakes his head, flicking sweat off of it as he does.]
And there are smaller urges all throughout the day that I fight against. It’s maddening.
[Another deep breath.] I request a cell because it has been too long without an incident. I fear for the worst if I sleep for too long. The cell will allow me to get some much needed sleep while protecting everyone else.
And for emergencies, obviously.
thumbs up
Date: 2024-02-03 11:29 pm (UTC)He ought to be writing this down, but he has a feeling he'll remember the important parts. For the rest that does not seem pertinent to him or his duty—mindflayer tadpole?—he dismisses. ]
Obviously, [ he repeats, a glimmer of rare, dry humour.
Rifters, man. ]
The Gallows [ a turn of his hand meant to indicate the building they are in ] used to be a prison for mages. The rooms we live in were once cells. We can make use of the locks on your door and secure it from the hallway each evening.
Have you ever succumbed to these urges while awake?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 11:39 pm (UTC)I could never. [His voice is just as earnest as when he explained just what kind of murderer he is, what monstrous acts he's committed.] I fight back with everything I have.
[He bites his lip.] But at night, while I'm asleep, I have little chance to fight back.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 11:44 pm (UTC)If there is more for him to say, to this or anything else, it's kept concealed for now. ]
I understand you have magical ability. How well would a prison cell keep you, if you were taken by your urges without anything mitigating your magic?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-03 11:50 pm (UTC)I don’t seem to have any access to magic when… the urges take over. Seems the former version of me preferred a dagger and dagger only. If I can’t be locked up, simply tying me up and keeping watch seems to work as well, based on what my companions have said.
[Which makes him sound like a tame little rabbit that can be caught and tied up.]
Please know how seriously I take this; I want to keep people safe. I apologize for scaring Wysteria. I never meant… I needed someone to know.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 12:12 am (UTC)Have you learned much of Thedas, since you've arrived? Of mages, in particular.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 12:21 am (UTC)[Tav eagerly, not unlike a dog.]
I’m not really a mage in the sense like the book I got describes. I’m a druid; I like plants, nurturing them with my powers. I have very few offensive abilities.
[He relaxes a little in his chair.]
I mostly talk to squirrels and rats and the occasional dog.
[But he knows that other people take this seriously, so he tries to reign in his smile.]
But I know that likely won’t matter. A magic user is a mage, here. And mages don’t seem to be well liked. And a mage that… has my condition looks bad for all of you.
[Tav tries to think through the possibilities and outcomes and lands on one,] Do you want me to leave? I know I am a liability.
[Sorry Captain, Tav thinks out loud.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 12:49 am (UTC)It's not a critique, or an irritant, but a neutral sort of observation. Tav has a history of a cultist mass murderer, he has magical ability, and he talks. Perhaps it's Marcus' office that compels it, but there is too easy of a rhythm to this patter to make Marcus think that discretion is an instinct this man carries.
Marcus is quiet, listening, and an eyebrow ticks up at this last part. A beat, then; ]
You'll come to know that Riftwatch is an organisation of liabilities. Of various kinds, of different concerns, but we manage. And part of our duty is harbouring rifters, and all that comes with it.
[ A pause, thinking through all he's heard, before continuing. ]
I'm a mage, myself. I participated in the violent rebellion that freed us of places like the Gallows, and half the world would see no difference between you or I, with your urges. They think we're all demons in disguise, ready to erupt into uncontrolled, murdering abominations at a moment's notice. You and I understand your situation is more urgent, more real, but as far as appearances are concerned—
[ A turn of his hand off the desk. ]
I would suggest against giving your colleagues, or anyone else, reasons to fear you. Fear won't save them. Assurance, security, trust, those things will. Aye?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 12:58 am (UTC)I should keep it a secret?
[He supposes having the Captain aware is the best authority to have in the know. When the night comes that his stomach churns and he begins to sweat uncontrollably, he can signal to the Captain that he needs to be imprisoned, not simply locked in a room with a wooden door-- he has a feeling that the Bhaalspawn will break through the door, whether he has a dagger or not.]
There was someone doing interviews, but other than him, Wysteria, and you, no one else knows.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 01:01 am (UTC)[ This has Marcus snag up a piece of parchment and a pen. Those fucking people. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 01:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 01:10 am (UTC)I'll be informing our leadership of your situation, [ he says, before lifting pen off page. ] As for secret-keeping, you may be advised to do that, come the morrow. My opinion is that I wouldn't treat your affliction as a secret so much as something highly personal. Something to be offered to those who wish to become close to you, or in situations you deem it most relevant.
[ But it isn't his place, to formally tell Tav how to behave. What is his place is the next part; ]
Magebane is a poison used to silence magical ability. It doesn't otherwise harm the person taking it. I'm going to ask you to take a dose this evening and be sequestered in your locked quarters, merely to exercise upmost caution while we give our leadership time to decide how to proceed.
The magebane is voluntary. The locked door is not.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 01:17 am (UTC)I'll take both. [Tav nods resolutely.] I'll take any poisons you deem fitting.
[And as one more gesture of good will.] I will always warn you as best I can when I feel it coming.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 02:02 am (UTC)How much time are you afforded, in that instance?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 02:16 am (UTC)[Tav taps his chin.]
I start to sweat profusely and my stomach threatens to surrender its contents. Then, I’ve been told, I pass out and then—-
[Tav makes a vague gesture with his hands that comes out to something like resignation.]
I can try to fight back while my former self is doing its— [Tav is starting to get tired of talking about murdering.] But I need someone there to help talk me through it. Not too close, mind you, but just someone to remind me I’m still in there.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 03:29 am (UTC)Alright, [ in acknowledgment. ] Take this before you sleep. It should wear off in ten or so hours. The organisation has a supply.
Our head healer, Stephen Strange, would be the one to talk to about further supply, and perhaps your condition. I don't know the rules of your world, but there could be solutions in this one to help you manage or remove your condition.
I'm no scholar, [ seems prudent to add. ] But we have several.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 03:37 am (UTC)I would be deeply grateful for any help. Is there, perhaps, a similar bane that could be concocted to keep the urges at bay?
Or perhaps that’s a question for Stephen.
[One more deep breath for the road.] Please know that I have no desire for these urges nor the dangers they present. I would much rather die than hurt someone innocent again.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 03:42 am (UTC)As to the rest; ]
I understand. I'll make note of your willing in my reporting. [ The again is a nag, but then, it only makes sense that this man has experience in what happens when his sleeping self is left unwatched or unguarded. ]
Go, [ is more kind than terse, but still a little business-like. Turning his attention down, shuffling aside his note with its single name on it, finding a fresher piece of paper. ] Take a meal, do as you like. I'll come by your room after sundown, and again in the morning.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-04 03:50 am (UTC)Oh but poor Wysteria, she deserves an apology or four. Maybe after he collects a few more books for reading; it’s been so long since he got a proper night’s rest, he needs something to put him to sleep.
Tav pauses at the door, wanting to say something but figure he’s already filled the room with chatter. No, he should properly go now. So, he leaves, turns the corner and heads towards the library.]