Tavella's Toys

I dont think that the insinuation from Einfasen was that Azune is one of theirs. I think Otto's insinuation, especially because he says something like "we'd be lucky if you were one of ours" is that Azune is a sorcerer from a Sundered House. But not one we've seen yet. One of the lost ones that died out in the Shaper's War. And that Otto thinks someone needs to figure out which lost heir to a destroyed Sundered House he's found.

matt apparently:

playing dnd with your friends 🩷

Thjazi found the blood of his people, held captive by Azgra even years after he was gone, and he was told he had to change form to set them free. So he made it into paint to give his older brother so it could be used in service of the new Rungjani culture and art movement. In the final moments of their captivity, these imprisoned souls will see their descendants putting on a show that says, "We remember how tragic it is to be shaped by Azgra. And while we are shaped by war and cruelty, we are not defined by it." Thjazi -the man who spear headed a rebellion in the name of freedom- in his final hour said, "My people shall be free from tyrants."

"For Hal, with all my love."

Love for his people. Love for his brother. Love for magic and freedom.

With ALL my love.

So, I think that the necromantic energy from Reaper's Day WASN'T from the Tichonisus. Like. At all. I think people assumed that, and maybe they took credit for it, but I don't think it was them. I think it was Tjhazi on accident.

Basically, I think it's like. A theater with a lobby and a bunch of shows with chains over the entrances. No one can get into the shows because the ushers are dead. But there are, potentially, still people IN the shows. And there's one show that fucking SUCKS ASS. Where it's just a big shitty mosh pit with no fruit leather, no drinks, no seats, everyone's expected to be part of the improv no matter what they went in wanting to do.

Tjhazi wanted to open that chain back up, let the trapped audience out, and then Mara would act as a NEW usher from the Lobby. To the Old Path.

But there wasn't enough signage, so to speak. And some went into Faerie, which freaked them out and made them close the door.

I think everyone ASSUMED the Tichondrius did it. And they were happy to take the credit because it helps their image as Big Spooky Scary People Who Weakened House Royce. But then they realized that it's possible TO DO THAT AT ALL and started trying to figure out their own method of doing so for the purpose of making an undead army. At which point they and the Cloak started working in parallel/cuckoo: the Cloak wanted more "signage" to direct the souls to the right place and potentially reopen the door to Faerie, the Tichondrias want chthonic things to open the door to the Underworld and Fuck Shit Up Big Style.

Tjhazi planned to die, but I don't think he planned to die on the scaffolding. I think he planned to die later, with intention, to act as either a guide for the souls or an emissary to Faerie. I think he told Aranessa what happened, and that's why she's sad and why she's so defensive about everyone saying she doesn't know him; he told her the worst thing he ever did! He could have hid it, or let Primus take total credit and she'd never been the wiser but he didn't. Because he loved her.

(Azune leaves the premises)

It is now confirmed that he can be carried around without harm coming to him, and can be worn without bonding to a host. I did not think the second part was possible, so what the fuck is up with all the bodies? Besides Bolaire getting to live his independent life, what magical purpose do they serve? Because it does not seem like he has to siphon anyone's life force to exist, but as a Warlock that is his own patron does he need those souls to gain more arcane power? What's your actual deal my guy? Because I do not think it's survival.

Then there was the whole party master drug dealer reveal. I sat up and went oh he's that guy. The guy who's been in a PhD program forever never graduating. Throws the best parties, and is the king of his own small domain. Thinks he knows everything, but is too scared to actually join the real world. A bit insufferable to be around. We've all met a version of that guy.

It also contextualizes his behaviour towards Tyranny for me. Bolaire has gone to this school for over half a century--how quaint that this little freshman thinks they're equals, and she also thinks she's a real person better put her back in her place. Wait is she acing her classes on the first try and making more progress in 6 months than I have made in 60 years? Not sure I like that!

I think Bolaire has written himself a story that is very limiting and has stagnated. He is stuck. I don't know if he realizes it, but he is chaffing against it. He thinks Occtis and Wick are important not just for their weirdness and power, but because they're new. His interest in Hal is fueled by his own lack of imagination. Hal can write new stories, maybe he can write Bolaire a better one. Tyranny bothers him because she is not constrained by what the Creed made her to be, somehow she is a person. He befriended, and helped keep stagnant, Julien a man who is confined by the story of the Downfall of Thjazi Fang. He hates Thjazi, but can forgive him if he tells him a good enough story. He is starting to fear that Thjazi's story was very good indeed. (Notice the difference in attitude in the two team meetings)

Bolaire is not a person, he is a thing. He doesn't like to be used, but will discard himself at a moments notice for someone he considers worthy. He has no real sense of self, because he's not a self he is a story. Unfortunately he is a terrible writer.

EDIT: In my sleep deprivation I was confused and thought Bolaire's letter was to Wick not Tyranny, so the not bonding could be demon specific! Interesting that he is going all in on trusting Tyranny. Still would love a PC Bolaire can bond to put him on, so we can get more details on what is actually happening in there!

Bolaire's letter to Tyranny: It will not bond to you, you will be safe.

EDIT EDIT: Not demon specific Warlock specific. Tyranny can't be forced into service because she already serves her father.