3 // Banchiere

[deadlybanker]

[Written]

[It was a question he had carried for a while and researching it’s solution in the library had not provided many answers, so… might as well take Connor’s suggestion.]

Are there any among you here who would be willing and able to answer some questions about the Insolitus? I have seen something of the place but have not yet attempted to explore its many twists and turns. Are there any left here who have?

I can not help but wonder if the source of the castle’s power might not be hidden in there. Do you remember the sleepwalking episode? All of those affected by that curse were drawn to that place and compelled to protect it, there must be more there?

If you have any information on this, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, I would be very grateful to learn it.

Comments

dictated;

[lord_wizard]

But there are some? What do you know about them?

dictated;

[deadlybanker]

They are amusements. The ones in Italia are usually set up for festivals or are cut hedges used to decorate lawns.

There are stories of labyrinths from ancient myth however that were used to house monsters, one in particular held a minotaur.

I suspect the ones you are used to are more like the second option?

dictated;

[lord_wizard]

Yes, although that isn't to say we didn't have the former as well. Mazes are part of the Trials celebrations in the Lower City. It has something to do with Heth-Eskaladan's decent into hell and subsequent resurrection, but my recollection of the lore is faint at this point.

However, the labyrinths I have encounter were of various sources, though it's true that even we have stories about monsters that lurked within them. I found no such monsters personally, but the mazes themselves...[Klepsydra isn't something he tries to relive in his mind too often.]. A few ancient civilizations were known to worship a particular death goddess with mazes. They also seemed to be fond of traps. Additionally, I stumbled onto the writings of a philosopher who posited that the purpose of a labyrinth was to channel energy - the way one might channel and collect water, for instance. Energy such as magic, for instance.

dictated;

[deadlybanker]

I have never been one to believe very strongly in magic...

[Or at least he hadn't been up until now.]

But, there maybe some merit to that. The maze in this castle does seem to be the focus of a great many odd things. With all of your experience with mazes do you know of any way to test for that?

dictated;

[lord_wizard]

I wish I could say for certain. I did attempt a ritual in there once...[He was not thinking very clearly at the time and the result had not improved that fact. He isn't going to mention the side effects in detail, however.]...the result was not favorable. Though I could take that to mean I was either very far off the mark or far too close for the castle's comfort.

dictated;

[deadlybanker]

I would think the castle more likely to strike at you if you were close to discovering something. Unless, the maze just naturally reflects acts of magic back towards the caster? Have other spells been tried there?

dictated;

[lord_wizard]

Not that I am aware, though I am aware of other spells undertaken by other people that were intended to help them go back to their own world...not in the Insolitus itself, mind you...but there was a backlash all the same.

dictated;

[deadlybanker]

The castle would not wish to see it's guests leave before it was ready to allow it. This too makes a kind of sense.

dictated;

[lord_wizard]

As much as it can, as I often despair.