abraxaslogs | [open] Local dhampir renovates old public speaking hall that has some fun magic

[There is, in the downtown center of Cadens, just off to the side, one of those buildings that looks just a little too out of place. It's longer than it is wide, the touches on the exterior are all sorts of out of character (those who have been to Thorne will understand that the details are very much of the kingdom), and the doors are weathered. Never mind that the doors have been lovingly carved, showing the great achievements of the Free Cities since they broke away from the great kingdom to the north.

A sign hangs on the front.]

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - KNOCK BEFORE ENTERING

Inside is a vaulted ceiling that stands over a tile floor and two galleries. A dais sits at the back, and it is there that Alucard has made a little workspace for himself. In addition to a work table that seems to have multiple paint cans for sampling and a few odd tools (why are there five hammers?), there are long sheets of paper on the ground and stacks of books around them.

Anyone who knocks will hear a voice from within, permitting them free entry. Those who do not will taste one of the building's finest oddities, as while the dhampir may be at the back, his voice is beside the intruder.]

The sign tells you to knock for a reason.

[Jaskier can read, but the sign won't stop him.

He pushes open a door gently, popping his head around the edge to peer inside. He must have the right building, based on Alucard's description and the, one might say, polite sign on the door.

The toy gryphon in his arms makes a noise that echoes throughout the hall as he steps inside. It's surprisingly beautiful, actually. And they let it fall into disrepair? He assumes Marlo's priority was the military, not upkeep of Cadens. As his eyes go across the ceiling, the walls, he recognizes some aspects from the dining hall of Thorne.

Interesting. If one were to guess, the migrants maintained their aspects and their magic from their escape from Thorne, then... dropped the use of both as time went on?

He smiles as his eyes drop to Alucard, centered near the back of the hall. Already buried ass-deep in work, of course.]

I assumed I had a free invitation. [He approaches, gently cradling his gryphon in his arms. Yes, he brought him to introduce to Alucard, but also... he had not lied to Geralt when he said he wanted company. He did his best not to travel alone now, even within Cadens.] Alucard, this is Mog. Mog, Alucard.

[The gryphon, black in fur and in feather, opens sleepy gold eyes to look at him, then away. The perfect unanimated disinterest of a cat.] He's the newest form of my crises. Not a bad one though, is he?

Still, you should make a habit of it. In the future there might be lumber or other heavy materials being moved about, and I'd rather not risk anyone's safety.

[Alucard straightens himself up, deciding to descend the dais and meet Jaskier halfway across the open floor rather than make him walk all the way over. The building's exterior really does little to give an honest depiction of place's depth.

Once closer, the dhampir is able to take a proper look at the gryphon. That's....definitely a gryphon the size of a house cat. Alucard isn't sure of what the appropriate thing to do here is - it isn't a dog he'd offer a hand to sniff, that much is for sure. So he'll let the creature be content in Jaskier's arms for now.]

So, hats has become Mr. Mog, has it? [There's only a brief nod in greeting, only because Mog seems so disinterested for now.] Well, welcome both of you to the current project. [With one hand, Alucard gestures to the whole of the building, ceiling, stained glass, and all.] What do you think of the magnification spell?

The gods forbid a beam fall and crack open my skull.

[His smile is wry, but yes, it's a good point. Jaskier doesn't exactly make a point of being in the middle of construction of anything, unless it's a full meal.

Jaskier watches Alucard's face a bit too eagerly. Apparently he was quite destined to be a cat mom, because it is very imperative his friend approve of his choice of companion. Mog holds out a paw -- or rather, sticks it out to stretch -- which Jaskier finds a very good omen.]

Is he really so becoming he deserves a mister? [He's not sure, honestly. Gryphons may deserve respect, but this one is the size of a housecat. And about as lazy as one so far.

Except eating the lizards at his flower stand.]

I mean, if this spell is what's doing all that, it's wonderful. This place has oodles of potential, as long as we can assuage any fears regarding the magic in it. I'm afraid to think that's why it fell into disrepair in the first place.

Edited 2022-03-07 03:58 (UTC)

Lucky for you, I'm still figuring things out.

[Pleased and then some, Alucard folds his arms over his chest. He's not sure what to make of the gryphon's behavior and-- is that a paw just sticking out to stretch, or something else? He doesn't know. He's a wolf when he's not people, not a cat.]

I'm not used to such short names. Is he meant to get much larger than he is presently?

[Alucard thought they were bigger but...never mind.]

From what I can tell, magic had little to do with the current state of things. There are newer, shinier buildings with different capacities that fill different needs. So if your plan starts to turn it into a concert hall, then I think it can sustain itself and any future repairs. [There's a shrug.] And while I have precious little desire to meddle in the world of politics, I grew up in a home that wed technology and magic. I think the quality of this place makes the case for itself.

[Write to his memory that Alucard is about as bad with animals as he is with people. Luckily, Mog is not insulted by the lack of attention from one man when the other is currently scratching his ears. Jaskier gives him a pat, then sets him down. The gryphon starts sniffing at boards, and as he walks around to take everything in, one of his eyes stays on the gryphon.]

Luckily not, they assured me. Apparently some madman had the bright idea of domesticating gryphons! A, ah, toy version. Though, to be fair, I believe I've considered the same.

[Look, they're cute! Even when they're bisecting a cow. It's a matter of perspective.

He again looks at the ceiling. It's so much larger than nearly every building he's been in... except the castles. The ballrooms, specifically.] You've been doing some research, haven't you? [It's a bit of a tease.] I think a concert hall is what this place needs. Less... emphasis on war, and a bit more on art.

[He can imagine it already. If he can find that purveyor of string lights Ciri bought their flowers with, this place could be lit up like a night sky, without the oppressive heat of actually being outside.] It'll be breathtaking when we're done with it.

[He understands wolves and bats! Excuse you, give him some credit!]

I would hope that they wouldn't be much bigger than this. I am curious if you've seen him fly though, the idea of it is-- [Well, okay. They're in an enclosed indoor space. If Mog is going to fly, it is probably safer in here.

He'll leave Mog alone for now. The little fellow can get some time an really feel out the space.] You know, that's the second time in just as many weeks as I've heard art brought up in relation to the climate here.

[It is an observation, but one with a faint warmth threaded in it. Cadens has museums and libraries, filled with culture. To add to it is far better than to see this place used for more rousing sentiment against one's neighbors.

Wait.]

We?

[That doesn't count when he turns into them!]

Not much more than a flutter so far! Though I think he's quite capable, he's only what you would call a bushcat.

[It's dangerous territory, mentioning bushes around Alucard, but for once this conversation is not steering anywhere around his various body parts. You're welcome, Alucard.

His smile grows wider. Perhaps even slightly mischevious.] You didn't think I'd allow you to take this all on alone, did you? Without inserting myself into a magnificent music hall? If we're holding an event, we're holding it correctly. Which means this old girl is getting gussied up.

[It counts!]

So long as he is comfortable.

[Leaving little flying friends aside, that's--

--oh that grin on Jaskier's face is a thing to be wary of. Alucard makes a point of not reacting to it, but he makes a note for the future. Beware that look on bards with too much time on their hands.]

I assumed you'd let me do a little more legwork before putting the building through any paces as a performance venue. [Truly, the fault is Alucard's for not anticipating correctly.] For example, the two balconies? Unstable with rotting wood, people cannot be permitted up there.

[He'll have to note that Alucard clearly has no misplaced trust in him so far. It doesn't matter. Jaskier will prove his vision rings true, once he starts... gathering all the supplies he needs.

It's going to take a bit. And a few pouches of coin. Between Ciri and Geralt and himself, however, they're more than doing well. Much better than most Summoned, he would surmise; their talents certainly lent themselves well to this world.]

Of course I'm not inviting anyone onto rotten floors! However, if we're to encourage loose purses near our collection plates, we should show them what, exactly, they'll be saving. The potential of it. Even rotting in places, and... well, smelling faintly of mildew, it's still beautiful.

[It is definitely better than Alucard's approach. Then again, the man has free rent for living in a cactus.]

The smell is easier to address, and would likely get lost among the crowd, so long as it is large enough. [Humans in large groups can sometimes smell, that's all he's saying.]

Never mind the particulars though - only one part matters. [With that, Alucard gestures to where the podium is currently placed.] See how your voice sounds. I've only seen the magic at work with spoken words so far.

[The comment has Jaskier wrinkle his nose. Alucard is far from wrong, unfortunately, and Jaskier has plenty of experience among the unwashed masses (and being one of them, but that was when he was literally thrown in a cell and he will not speak on it, thank you. Worse than the cell was not bathing for weeks.)

Annyyywaaay. No one needs to relive that! And today he's freshly bathed and smelling faintly of patchouli, which he's been experimenting with growing.]

Oh, when you're right, you're very right. For a success, that's what matters most. [He sweeps past with a twirl -- because he has to, his very body is brimming with the promise of this old place -- hopping onto the podium with a few jumps. His boots creak over the boards, but it holds steady. Not rotting, apparently, like the second floor. Far from reaching for a normal little chord, he sings a few lines from his ode to Lyfbringr:

But surely you know well this warmth in me,
Did you not craft it yourself?
When you grew me in your garden between bud and bloom,
Rose me straight from the earth?

Alucard was not joking, he thinks. There is magic in this air, because the notes carry, but do not echo. They ring warm. His skin bumps with goosepimples.]

Oh. Oh, yes. This is lovely. We're going to leave quite the impression.

Yes, I know.

[Alucard may sound a hair smug with that, but it isn't the intent. He just would like to be acknowledge that every so often he gets to be correct about things, and it is nice.

He makes a point to step back from the dais and podium, choosing a spot just a little off to the right on the floor itself. There is a deep and abiding curiosity to see how music might carry, and--

--really Jaskier, the horny for god one?

There's no outward sign of magic in the place, unless you know to be sensitive to it. It manifests as a slight warmth, which will barely be noticed in a large crowd. Satisfied, Alucard realizes something else.]

Do you have any type of instrument on you?

[You know what? Alucard has been right enough times that Jaskier allows him the smugness. He's far too occupied with the task at hand, after all.

It's a great song, thank you.

It's even getting him attention with the Solvunnites. Their own bloody god!

The last note hollows itself out, then fades. He watches the ceiling above them, as if he can see the music's movement in the air itself.] Well, of course. it'd be a poor test if I came empty handed.

[His lute rests in its case near the entrance, where Mog has now gone to curl up under a patch of sun. ~~Convenient.~~ He retrieves his lute, shining and new (thank you, Ciri) and returns to the podium, though his notes begin to ring, plucked fresh, as he makes his way to it.] Remarkable. This place really should have a terrible echo, but the notes flow as they rightfully need to.

Excellent.

[Alucard takes a few more steps backwards, moving deeper into the concert space itself. He wants to be in the midground, off to one side, just to see what happens with the notes of the lute. It is experimentation to be sure, even if it is not the sort he is used to by any stretch of the imagination.

In moments, there's notes moving through the hall. Even away from the podium, the place's magic seems to key into the performer versus those listening.]

Mm. The ceilings would suggest that is the case. What I am finding is that the magic functions through a combination of elaborate circles on the floorboards, made from carvings as well as how the nails themselves are hammered in to make certain shapes, and some spells that are very literally in the stone of the building.

[He listens in a rare, fascinated silence, continuing to pluck his strings one the last have ended. He can't stop himself; it truly is taking all of his attention, how the sound moves so unnaturally through the hall, but in a way that, to the uneducated, may seem natural. There is no indication the magic works, yet clearly it does.

His smile is touched. He won't say it out loud -- gods forbid he share such fragile, true emotion with his taciturn friend -- but sharing this with Alucard makes it all the more special, he thinks. He wouldn't have even dreamed of working on something like this himself.]

Fascinating. They put so much bloody effort into this place, but left it to rot. I, assume, from its clear ties to Thorne. [He's certainly seen more of that attitude towards Thorne than he expected. He isn't sure how some of his songs will go, should he perform them for Cadens, but there's to hoping something will be brought out of it.] I don't suppose there's anything written of how, exactly, it was built? The, er... ritual in it?

I thought that was the case as well. [There's a shrug, and Alucard's eyes move up to the ceiling again. He can see all the flaking paint he'll have to touch up. Not a priority yet, but it is something he can do without a work team. Floating and all.] But when I was approached, I was informed that this place actually is thought of fondly - it did survive in the first place, when everything else gets destroyed or built over. I think there's just attention being paid in other places.

[He breathes out, returning to meet Jaskier's eyes. This is nice, the quiet enthusiasm between them. A rarity from himself, if Alucard is being entirely honest.]

Municipal archives haven't provided any information, but I'm going to keep looking. I'd hope that there were similar buildings in Thorne that have existent records but there are the obvious pitfalls there.

[But to the meat of it all:] How long do you need to organize something?

True enough. It is universal that the arts should always be pushed to the side in favor of other matters.

[Like war. If the Free Cities are to have one of the most impressive militaries without magic, he can only imagine the amount of funds that are being funneled into it. Enough, apparently, that they have begun summoning and providing temporary housing for more of them.

Without a way to stop it, if anyone has tried.

Other fish to fry, and all that. Jaskier, for the moment, prefers his catch to be quite a bit smaller than tackling... gods. Whatever that all is. He idly strums his lute as he begins taking another walk around, nearly tripping over Mog who has decided to chase dust motes through the air with little leaps. Mog is adorable, but a truly pathetic jumper. (Jaskier keeps this to himself.)] Not very long at all. I'm very used to doing things on a strict schedule. This is certainly a bit different, considering my limited resources, but... a fortnight for something rather good, three weeks for something magnificent. After this, I think, I'm off to hire a band.

Like putting goop into cans and declaring it a meal.

[He's still so upset about that. But Alucard will not poke at that particular and highly specific wound. The Free Cities have their arms, and innovation always goes towards the military first.

At least he has his project. And Jaskier's interest.] Just let me know the decided upon date when you have it then. [Alucard is ready to let Jaskier walk around while he works, but that last part has his attention. (As he nearly runs into Mog's dust mote territory.)] You're not going to be a solo artist for this?

[Sorry, this is genuinely shocking news, Jaskier.]

Ugggh. Don't get me started.

[Even for a man who's made a life out of eating bread, cheese, and assorted dried meats, the whole... can thing.... is horrible. Disgusting, even. Inhuman. Man was not meant to eat food out of a round, metal thing, packed to the gills.

Jaskier spins as his coat trails out, the notes still as perfect as he strums with a smile.] Come now, Alucard! I'm no selfish artist. And if Cadens is to appreciate our efforts, it's only fair they see their own people on stage.

[He is mostly a solo performer, but he knows when to share a stage, all right? With accompaniment, and with a few students -- or those looking for their first big break -- the concert will be a roaring success. Besides. He's going to want to move among the crowd, and he certainly can't play music while he does that.] Don't worry. I'll only find the best for us.

Edited 2022-03-20 07:17 (UTC)

[Hector absolutely ignores the sign. He's not about to wait while his knocking gets drowned out by the sounds of construction within.

But, of course, he will take the most obnoxious route when Alucard calls out to him.]

Alright. I'll go back out and await your invitation.

[The dhampir inviting the human past the threshold, how novel. He'd worry that Alucard just... wouldn't... except that Hector has a sack slung over his shoulder that clinks as he turns to go back outside. Those promised prototypes.]

[Rude, Hector! He wasn't even in construction mode!]

Why do you insist on being such a contrarian?

[The question is asked with a put upon sigh, and Alucard doesn't really bother to hide the fact that the spite is what aggravates him more than anything else.]

To your right, I think I have a table available.

[Everything else is covered in plans, it seems.

Alucard leaves his little labyrinth of planning, boots moving soundlessly across the tile floor. He's not exactly at ease here, but he moves with more confidence then he's had in some time. This is work he is good at, and it is nice to have the space to really work.

He's right. There is a single wooden table shoved against the right wall that has gone unused. With a hand, he gestures Hector over.]

[Hector shrugs, halfway to the door. Fine. He stops, though he's so tempted to go fully through the motions of out and back in.]

Tried being nice to you. Didn't work. [So why not indulge his petty nature, if the results are destined to be the same anyways?]

Brought you some nails to try. I've done a little testing out in the desert, but you're welcome to play with them, too.

[He walks over to the table and drops the bag of nails onto the surface.]

Outside of Jaskier, people generally aren't. [It is a statement of observation at this point. Gideon also should be in that list, but it isn't the point. The point is that he doesn't trust when people are nice for the sake of it.

He can deal with the pettiness. It's fine.

Alucard is careful as he opens the bag of nail. Seems best to. He then reaches in, taking a few out and carefully placing them on the surface of the table.]

What is the enchantment, and what tests have you conducted thus far? For the most part, they'll be used in the galleries.

[Alucard nods his head upwards, where two balconies are piled atop each other. Even down here, it is possible to see the missing and cracked floor boards.]

[Another shrug. That's true enough, though Hector thinks Alucard shouldn't complain about getting the asshole treatment from Hector when he was the one who didn't want Hector's attempts at friendliness.]

It mimics the 'smell' of danger. [Hector doesn't have a word for pheremones, though between his observations and the reading he did in Dracula's library, he has an idea of the concept of them. The enchantment isn't a smell itself, but the intent conveyed through it. To a bug's mind, it would read as the same thing.] There wasn't much to nail them into out in the desert, but when I staked them into a circle near a termite hill, they avoided it, even when I baited the center.

[Sorry Hector, you still helped dad try to murder all of Wallachia in his mother's name. All attempts at friendliness pale in comparison to that, and he's good at holding grudges too.

Alucard carefully arranged the nails in a small circle as Hector speaks, nodding along. The concept is simple enough, and it makes sense.]

So, sound here is controlled and manipulated by various spells, often in specific circles. Some have been carved into the wood, and others have been created by arranging the nails in particular patterns like-- [And behold, Alucard's made one such amplification circle with the nails loosely arranged.] I want to know if we can accomplish two tasks at once with these nails, as the area where I'm looking to apply them would indeed be at greater risk for termites.

Pass me the hammer on your left?

[There's a very small toolbox on the ground.]

[Hector passes over a hammer. A mundane hammer, not nearly as nice as Hector's enchanted tool, he notes to himself.]

Really? Is that a hold-over from before the Free Cities were free? I don't think anyone here would bother with spells nowadays, even if they were useful.

[He takes a closer look at the circle Alucard points out.] Hmmm, can I steal a scrap of paper to take a sketch of it?

[He's not sure what use he'd have for sound amplification, other than pure theory, but theory is enough. Maybe he can reverse-engineer a sound-dampening effect. That, he could find use in.]

[Sometimes you only need a normal hammer!]

I think it is the crux of when they began to really define themselves as separate from Thorne. That the building survives at all is remarkable.

[Alucard nods, gesturing behind him.] Take what you need.

[With that, he starts to pound the nails into the board. He's careful not to pound too hard, especially if Hector intends to noodle with theory.]

[Alucard, pound as hard as you want with your thoroughly unimpressive hammer. It makes no difference to Hector either way.

Hector helps himself to some paper and a pencil, and presses it against a flat section of wall beside the spelled area so he can start sketching. His notes are a mix of hastily scrawled dimensions and carefully detailed renditions of any shapes he deems important. A second sheet of paper goes over one of the patterns so he can take a quick graphite rubbing. The hammering doesn't distract Hector from his work. Alucard's work ends up being a white noise while he figuratively and literally connects dots.]

Hmmm, the energy doesn't follow the flow I'd choose, but it does look like it would get the job done.... It looks like it's spaced to allow other workings to be added later. Guess they didn't anticipate the downfall of magic in Cadens on the horizon when they were designing it.

[He scratches a few more notes on the margins of the paper.]

[He is trying to be POLITE and LET HECTOR THINK he is not interested in your hammer as metaphor, Hector.

The constant tap tap tap continues while Hector works, and it isn't done when Hector finishes connecting his dots. There's still a bit to go, and Alucard doesn't make a point to pick up the pace. These things require precision, after all.]

I don't think they did, but it does allow us a little bit of freedom in the work, as well as ample opportunity to understand how the system works. The galleries have additional flourishes since the noise has more barriers to get around and through, for example.

What else are you thinking of adding?

[He assumes Alucard has grand plans. Precision, indeed.

He's gotten enough of a look to tinker with his own versions in his own time. He's delivered his nails. He could just go, except for his damned curiosity.]

I'm not quite sure yet. Perhaps microclimates, for people who need the volume turned down. Or temporary manipulation of echoing in one location but not the other in order to build a more elaborate sound. [He shrugs, still tap-tap-tapping away. Only one nail left now.]

I'm not a musician, and sometimes overly heightened senses are a disadvantage when trying to figure out sound. [Silly, but true.] Jaskier said he'd stop by, and in terms of improvements, he'd probably be the best to give them in terms of what a musician might want for this space.

[There, that's the last of the nails.] I just don't want this to be a rallying point for anything that isn't art, I suppose.

Huh. [Hector hasn't given much thought to music, other than enjoying what he hears from Jaskier. It sounds... complicated.]

So if you amplify the sounds for a human's preference, are you dooming yourself to miserable performances? Or are you even planning on patronizing this place once it's done?

[He doesn't know how sensitive Alucard's senses are compared to a full vampire's, but he at least knows they are amplified from his own.]

In theory yes, I would be. But there's a lot of possibilities, and I can't say I have ever attempted audio engineering before.

[Translation: it's nice to have something news.]

The rest...I can't say either way. My hands need to keep busy.

This is why you need a dog.

[Of course, Hector thinks everyone would benefit from having a dog. Well, everyone who isn't an asshole who would mistreat it. But Alucard Tepes, this man needs a dog so so badly.]

It's good to have a hobby, though. You pick odd ones, but I understand the need.

[He's ignoring the comment Hector. He needs more than a dog to keep his mind moving and body occupied at all times to avoid falling into a bottomless pit of despair.]

What's so odd about my having a natural interest in strange architecture?

[Totally deadpan.]

Architecture is boring. Buildings just... stand there. Except for your father's castle. They don't do anything.

[There are so many more exciting things to get interested. Like dogs. Or giant hulking murder beasts. You know, normal things like that.]

But they do. They can.

[Alucard tilts his head slightly.]

You wouldn't want to see more buildings like the castle?

Yes, of course I would, but who else could make something like that?

[Presumably Alucard, but as far as Hector knows, the only thing he wants to make is a tomb.]

A tomb isn't cheap to build, and I need projects between now and then.

[Duh?]

[open] Local dhampir renovates old public speaking hall that has some fun magic

Old Public Hall

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wrapping up in time for the BIG DAY

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