[hider=Let’s Meet The NPC Team!]Scarlett established a list, weighed the options, and ordered it in the most effective visitation. If she stopped in on Elaine first, she could stroke the ego of someone so accomplished, and potentially get herself some medicine to empower herself or even halt biological processes, like sweating. Perhaps, even something to affect the reptilians she was facing against, if she offered such a challenge to her fellow doctor.

Visiting Bellum next, especially close to the next meal, and striking up a conversation about the effects of drugs on reptiles and enticing beasts to eat unfamiliar meals. In addition, she could gather a warm meal and a good drink to take with her.

Not for eating, of course, but for broken bread between herself and Nadia, which would gain her significant information, and a nice drink between her and Childes, which good gain her good insight in combat with her targets and potential arms to do so with.

Plans set, Scarlett was off.

Kiff waved the estranged reaver farewell as she made her list, it seemed she planned on visiting all of the individuals he passed on to her for her preparations. Elaine appeared to be the first on her list. 
[hider=Meet The Doctor]Making her way down the halls, she eventually made her way to an office door that held Ms. Gardner's name on a plaque. She decided to give a knock on the door to see if anyone was in. A gentle voice answered,[color=82ca9d]"Come in"[/color]. Entering the office, Scarlett would see Elaine sitting at her desk, looking over a large open of some sort. She promptly turned her attention to the new recruit. 

[color=82ca9d]"Good morning. I believe you're another one of Eon's new team members? What can I help you with?"[/color]

Scarlett found herself at a minor crossroads, and a curiosity of how to approach this; her eyes trained the room, looking for common ground.

Did an esteemed woman of medicine share much with a drop-out alchemist like herself; renown for only her success in failure?

"[color=00ccff]I brought a query to the Librarian, he charted me a list, and you seemed the most reasonable to start with,[/color]" Scarlett offered humbleness, as that was the best approach with an accomplished superior in your field. "[color=00ccff]I'd like advice, first and form, in dealing with the physical responses of the human body under extreme stressors, such fear and strenuous physical activity,[/color]" she says, levelly, "[color=00ccff]After that, any aid you could offer would be appreciated.[/color]"

[color=82ca9d]"I see. Well, I'll certainly do my best to meet your expectations."[/color] Said Elaine with a pleasant expression. She looked at her curiously as Scarlett made her requests. She then made a light chuckle. 

[color=82ca9d]"My apologies, I didn't expect such an abstract question. There are many methods for people to deal with things like fear and fatigue. A normal doctor would just prescribe you some supplements, tell you to diet properly, and to always get a good night's sleep."[/color] She said, skimming through a few lines on the page she was on. [color=82ca9d]"Someone like Ruecian would tell you that fear is something that one must come to terms with and fight through. Others would recommend you simply take equipment that prevents such effects in the first place. But, I presume that's not what you're referring to, yes?"[/color]

She then closed the book she was reading, and stared directly at Scarlett. [color=82ca9d]"I may have something that would interest you, depending on your tastes~"[/color]

Scarlett nodded. "[color=00ccff]My foes are beasts - territorial - and I've come to the conclusion to face them invasively,[/color]" she says  "[color=00ccff]Like a virus, in a sense; overpowering; overtaking; quicker than they can mount a defense. However, speaking for myself, I cannot suppress my instinctive, physical reactions.[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]The scent of fear, sweat, and basic pheromones. They'll give my approach and position away,[/color]" Scarlett elaborates, "[color=00ccff]And, although my expertise is Human Transmutation... My knowledge is flesh and body. Not chemical. So, I'm curious what might interest me, with my "tastes" lain out for study.[/color]"

[color=82ca9d]"Ah, then you're assisting those villagers in the ZoHo Marshlands."[/color] She replied. She crossed her arms and had a tired smile on her face. [color=82ca9d]"Pheromone repressants? My dear, I'll have you know that I am a medical practitioner. Those are the type of things you'd usually find at a hunter's shop."[/color]

She then stood up and looked at a nearby cabinet. [color=82ca9d]"However, I do believe I have just the thing."[/color] She said, walking over to it for a moment.

After a little bit, she pulled out some vials that held a peculiar purple substance:

[hider=Pheromone Repressent][img]https://i.imgur.com/AX1RsOK.jpg[/img][/hider] 
[color=82ca9d]"You're in luck. I just so happened to have a few left in my stock. Take one; the effect takes several minutes to kick in, but when it does it lasts for roughly an hour."[/color] Elaine said, walking over to hand them over. [color=82ca9d]"However, be aware that doing things that increase your metabolism - like intense exercise and high caloric intake, will expedite the rate it wears off. So please use them with caution while on the field!"[/color] She warned.

"[color=00ccff]A huntsman knows the external structure, the surface of these matters,[/color]" Scarlett says, "A medical professional understands the internal workings," she received the trio of vials offered, "[color=00ccff]Even with my rudimentary knowledge, bordering on ignorance, could I make a simple screen of mud, but I risk it washing it away.[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]Careful, crafty movements,[/color]" Scarlett says, "[color=00ccff]A brilliance that no hunting shop would so lovingly afford. I believe I can put these to good use,[/color]" Scarlett smiled, an almost broken expression - soft, heart shattering; leaving explanation to be desired. "[color=00ccff]What will I owe you? Nothing in life is free, after all.[/color]"

[color=82ca9d]"Oh my, I suppose I'll take that as a compliment. Well, I suppose some of you may have had some currency with you when you left out for the Tower. However, please consider this free of charge. As the chief medical manager for the site, I feel it's simply my responsibility to aid you in matters where your health is at risk."[/color] Her head cocked a bit, she crossed her arms again, but she also held a hand to her cheek. 

[color=82ca9d]"Although~ If you're insistent on it, I suppose for now we can put it on your tab. After all, in order to sustain our autonomy revenue is necessary. Donovan's company provides most of that, but even his business has had its share of problems as of late."[/color]

After handing Scarlett the vials, she then sat on the corner of the desk. [color=82ca9d]"Now then, was there anything else I could help you with?"[/color]

Scarlett ticked her head one side in those; hair spilling free of her hood, and the light catching the scar that disappeared down into the cloak. "[color=00ccff]No, I think that will be all,[/color]" she concludes. "[color=00ccff]Whatever I owe you, please request it be deducted from my pay once I've received it. I've no mind short a fellow scientist their dues.[/color]"

Scarlett turned for the door, "[color=00ccff]If anything, a point in the right direction to where I might find Miss Bellum is all I need.[/color]"

[color=82ca9d]"Ms. Bellum? She's usually in her office over at the mess hall. Although, she also has a dedicated agricultural lab over in the north wing where she sometimes is. She's probably at the latter, since this morning has been so busy."[/color] She replied.

"[color=00ccff]I can check both. It's best I familiarize myself with the layout, now,[/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]I'll be off, then. Have a good day, Miss Elaine.[/color]"

Excusing herself, Scarlett would hustle off to the mess -- before she staggered against a wall, suddenly - holding her head.

[center]{[color=000000]Well, aren't you the pleasant one? Such ladylike decorum and manners to spare.[/color]}[/center]
"[color=00ccff]Fuck off...[/color]"

[center]{[color=000000]There's my little princess. Naughtiness wears better on that face of yours.[/color]}[/center]
"[color=00ccff]Shut up![/color]" Scarlett snapped.

[center]{[color=000000]No joy? You learned a little, not a lot. She wasn't a useful as you hoped, or did you just ask the wrong questions?[/color]}[/center]
Scarlett seethed, as she pushed off the wall. "[color=00ccff]Talkative today, you bitch. I didn't ask the wrong questions,[/color]" she hissed. "[color=00ccff]I asked what her skill set matched. Now piss off...[/color]"

[center]{[color=000000]So rude. Positively adorable. Keep learning, little princess. You owe me lots of brainpower, after all.[/color]}[/center]
Scarlett stumbled, as the Maiden Abyss faded off, and took her good mood with her.

Like always.

Composing herself, Scarlett would bring herself to move forward and keep marching.

She still had plenty of learning to do before the sunset.[/hider]
[hider=Meet The Cook]The alchemist and the Maiden checked first the mess hall. As opposed to the decorated rooms and corridors surrounding it, the mess had a more homely feel to it. It had a nice fireplace centered on the far wall, with some portraits hanging above it. They looked and saw the kitchen area, noticing a door further in. 

After knocking and waiting a few minutes, they heard no answer. After attempting to open said door, they found that it was locked. Unfortunately, it seemed they would have to trek a bit further in order to find Bellum. 

Following Elaine's earlier directions, they eventually happened upon a greenhouse of sorts. The transparent windows relieved a multiple of different plant species, some of which Scarlett may not have even seen before. She would also see a plump woman dressed in traditional witch garb sitting at a bench, tending to some plants and humming to herself. It also seemed that the glass doors leading into the room were left ajar.

As Scarlett approached, her eyes drifted across the plants and the pottery, and settled upon the prize of the lottery she didn't know she'd won. Elaine was a fair sight; a beautiful day amidst a cloudless sky. But, she was only fair - top-heavy, and slim.

Miss Bellum, however...

Scarlett found herself clawing her cheek, tongue lashing at the drips of drawn blood, as she salivated at the full-blooded woman.

A walking country fair and county prize.

Elaine was a snack, but she craved a meal.

A nice, meaty --

"[color=00ccff][b]--SHIT!!![/b][/color]" Scarlett yelped, as the ajar door of glass gave her no foundation to lean on, and left her to plummet.

Needlessly to say, she was off to a good first impression.

Not noticing Scarlett's...complications at first, it wasn't until the alchemist made an outburst that Bellum turned toward the entrance with a sudden shock. 

[color=8493ca]"Goodness, you gave me quite the scare dearie."[/color] She said, adjusting her hat and collecting herself. [color=8493ca]"Oh! You must be one of the new recruits to the Tower! My name is Bellum Hawke, the Tower's dietary manager and agricultural alchemist. Of course, that's all just a fancy way of sayin' that I'm the resident cook and botanist, teehee!"[/color]

She walked over to a nearby sink and washed some soil off of her hands, quickly drying them. [color=8493ca]"What brings ya hear, budding botanist I take it?"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]Uh, no, I, um, I wanted, um, some advice on you -- from you! -- alchemist you, alchemist me, advisory type thing on food -- not for me, for reptiles -- it's not for a pet! I don't -- I mean, you didn't ask, but, I, y'know, I don't have a pet, I'm more of a pet -- not like that, of course! I mean, more of, uh, um, uh...[/color]" Scarlett halted all form of babble, and pulled her hood down hard. "[color=00ccff]I'm going to kill myself, then go outside, and my ghost can try again...[/color]"

Bellum walked over to the fellow alchemist for a moment and held her shoulders, attempting to comfort her. [color=8493ca]"There, there, no need to be shy. Now that I look at you, seems like you're gearing up to head out on a mission. Well, here in my shop I've plenty of lil' concoctions, though they're mainly geared toward anything plant related... I do have some healing and ailment salve that I'm sure will be helpful to you!"[/color]

Removing her grip, the witch placed her hands on her hips and adorned a warm smile to further ease the girl. 

[color=8493ca]"Why don't you tell me what quest you're headin' to and we'll see what we can do. I can even pack you a real nice lunch."[/color]

Scarlett couldn't resist licking her lips, as she looked Bellum up and down. [color=00ccff][i]Oh, you can pack me a nice lunch any day or night. All that nice, delicious, meaty, fatty, --[/i][/color]

[center]{[color=000000]Focus, little princess.[/color]}[/center]
For once, Scarlett could appreciate the intrusiveness of her patron/benefactor, as her primary brain reactivated, and she managed, "[color=00ccff]I'm dealing with the one they call Croc Crush, I guess...[/color]"

This was going to be a challenge…

[color=8493ca]"Oh, you're going to handle the Makara problem, you say? It dampens my heart knowing those poor folks over at ZoHo are having such problems, never what may be causing those critters to act up in the first place."[/color] Bellum seemed to ponder something for a moment, before going over to a nearby closet. She fumbled around in it for several minutes; clanking and the moving drawers could be heard as she searched. 

After a bit of more time, she walked back over to Scarlett, having in her hands a sack that seemed to be filled with various items.

[color=8493ca]"Here you are, sweetie! In here you'll find healing salves and remedies that'll cure anything that ails ya! It's important to keep in mind that such places have dangers besides predators. Poisonous plants, toxic fumes, and bacteria nesting grounds. Speaking of predatory animals, there more to the peril 'sides just the pain and the blood loss. Infection also comes to mind. Gonna always be prepared."[/color]

Scarlett was taken aback by the whirlwind that moves surprisingly fast. She'd barely gotten a word in edgewise, and perhaps that was for the best, considering how embarrassing her tongue was being.

"[color=00ccff]I'm also wondering, if there's a way to convince them to eat foreign meat - drugged meat, of course,[/color]" Scarlett managed, after the sack was passed over - though, she wasn't sure if Bellum had even heard, and, honestly, being called "sweetie" was really doing it for her, so she wasn't quite focused.

Scarlett's statement came out quite low, but Bellum was able to make out the gist of it. 

[color=8493ca]"Well, truth be told, I have something that I think is more effective than drugged meat."[/color] Saying that, the witch handed Scarlett a curious urn.

[hider=Nocturne Urn][img]https://i.imgur.com/EMD5Aja.png[/img][/hider]
[color=8493ca]"That there urn, sweetie, is a special incense that produces a nice little scent. One that's strong enough to make even magical beasts nod off for a bit. Careful not to open it among your friends though!"[/color]

The incense had an odd hue about it, a faint green glow shone through the lid a bit.

[color=8493ca]"It's a special little formula I made from various plants and animal ingredients. Should definitely help if you find yourself in a pinch!"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]Understood,[/color]" Scarlett says, receiving the urn to add it alongside her other items. "[color=00ccff]I will take great care as to when I use it,[/color]" she promises, grateful to have an emergency out, "[color=00ccff]Now, about that meal...[/color]"

Scarlett couldn't resist the urge to size up Bellum - luckily, her reflexive lick of her lips could be passed off as thinking about the offered meal.

[color=8493ca]"Say no more: Tada!!"[/color] No sooner than when Scarlett made her inquiry, Bellum presented a fully prep lunch box. [color=8493ca]"It's actually some leftovers from yesterday, I figured it'd be quicker since everyone would be busy this morning. It may not be fresh, but you'd be surprised how well magic can preserve food. When done correctly~"[/color]

While she said that, it honestly had the appearance of a five-star meal, and had a freshness that would make one think that it just came out of the kitchen. [color=8493ca]"Please share some with your friends for the trip!"[/color] She said, cheerfully handing her several more.

[color=8493ca]"Fighting on an empty stomach hampers performance, so you make sure you eat every bit~ I sure you lot will do fine on your first mission, but is there anything else I can do to help?"[/color]

[color=00ccff][i]Directions to your bedroom would be lovely.[/i][/color]

"[color=00ccff]Directions to Miss Nadia would be helpful,[/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]And, a stiff drink. Sir Childes is on my list of visitations.[/color]"

[i]Childes[/i]

At the mention of that name, the witch's demeanor took a complete one-eighty. [color=8493ca]"Ugh. What need do you have of that decrepit,  boozing-guzzling pig fart??"[/color] She spat. [color=8493ca]" Ms. Nadia is a sweet one though, you can find her office on the west wing. And..."[/color] She said, the venom coming back in her words. [color=8493ca]"While I don't know why you'd wanna see him, you can find the geezer's lab in the south wing area. But a pretty little thing like you should avoid that mess of an office. Doesn't even deserve to be called a lab..."[/color]

Scarlett almost wanted to gobble up Bellum, then and there, as her words turned delightfully spicy, but she was a big girl, and she could control herself - sorta.

"[color=00ccff]Alchemists are all one,[/color]" Scarlett says, giving a soft smile - like one that would be obscenely precious on a child - before she continued, "[color=00ccff]Though our banners may differ, Miss Bellum, our expertise is collective and we benefit from sharing it.[/color]" Scarlett approached Bellum, and rested her off-coloured hand on hers, "[color=00ccff]Separate, we are nothing more than unique dishes; we have our pros and cons. Together, we are a glorious, full-course meal; the appetizer and side dish, the main dish, the drink we pair it all together with, and, of course,[/color]" she winked at Bellum, "[color=00ccff]A delightful dessert to end the evening.[/color]"

Bellum gasped at Scarlett's words, and as she did her eyes glowed with a gleeful sparkle. 

She found a fellow food connoisseur!

[color=8493ca]"Oh sweetie, just call me Bell! I knew there was something special about you the moment I saw you at the door! Right you are, my pride as a cook demands to make an exquisite dish from even an ingredient as foul and stale as Childes!"[/color] Bellum said, clasping Scarlett's hands in hers. 

[color=8493ca]"I suppose he did use to be something of note back in the day, so maybe that old duff can be of some use. Just mind the booze smell, he don't like to clean much."[/color]

"[color=00ccff]I'm sure I can manage,[/color]" Scarlett says, resisting several thousand urges. "[color=00ccff]I'd best be off, if I want to make all my rounds before the sunsets.[/color]"

[color=8493ca]"So long sweetie, take care and good luck on your mission~ Give 'em hell."[/color] She cheered. Seeing Scarlett off, the witch returned to her garden. She was now working on a much larger plant, a giant vine that looked more like a tentacle than anything.[/hider]
[hider=Meet The Scholar]Not quite through with her rounds, the alchemist needed to see two more people - the galdr advisor Nadia, and the arms head Johannes. She decided she'd see the former of them first. 

Going off Bell's directions, Scarlett eventually happened upon a large pair of doors, embroidered with an intricate gold lining. To the side was a plaque that read: Nadia Whitsett - Galdr Advisor. As before, she knocked on the door. Almost immediately, she received a [color=00a99d]"come in!~"[/color] prompting her to enter. 

Upon entering the room, Scarlett quickly saw that the inside had the look of a regal study. There were a large number of bookcases lined with countless books, some of the shelves also carried numerous artifacts and testing items. Various laboratory equipment sat functioning on one side of the room, there was even a cauldron. The other side to the left was separated by a miniature staircase. On that side, there was a chalkboard lined with countless equations and alchemic symbols of varying meaning. 

Scarlett would see a young woman dressed in fancy garb making notes; she seemed to be observing the effects of a glowing orb inside of a large glass cylinder. She looked back to see the new reaver, quickly putting down the book and going over to her. 

[color=00a99d]"Why helllooo there, newbie. No down here for some instruction I take it?~ Not to worry! I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have!"[/color]

She then adopted a creepy gleam in her eyes as she leaned in closer, her hands clasped together. [color=00a99d]"Would you by chance like to learn about a new principle I'm gaining stage for?"[/color]

Scarlett smiled warmly, before she said, "[color=00ccff]Please, don't look at me like that, or I will have reciprocate and you won't like it.[/color]"

Nadia blinked, snapping out of her stupor. [color=00a99d]"Oh my, apologies. Sometimes I forget myself. Goodness. Look at me, I haven't even made a proper introduction."[/color] She made a polite bow. [color=00a99d]"My name is Nadia Whitsett, as you've likely seen from the tag outside. I serve as a registered alchemist and invocation expert here at the Eon Tower."[/color]

[color=00a99d]"So, how may I be of assistance to you, Miss...um, what's your name?"[/color] She said with a blank expression, scratching her cheek.

"[color=00ccff]Scarlett. Ishval,[/color]" was the answer given, staggered and measured, as if her own name was unnatural to her. Immediately, Scarlett sized up Nadia - Bellum had given her stomach pause, and now, she was actively more interested in taking in (figuratively and literally) the female forms within the Tower.

Nadia was definitely not in the same league of meal as Bellum, but more in line with Elaine. Plenty of breast meat and thigh meat - dark and white in equal measure. However, she was definitely thinking about Bellum's rump roast and flank steak.

Breaking free of her meal plans, Scarlett swallowed the gathering drool, and focused; after all, she did have a mission she was supposed to be gathering supplies and information for.

"[color=00ccff]I've been introducing myself to my fellow Alchemist, as well as gaining advice on how best to tackle my mission in the marshlands, and gaining whatever aid can be spared,[/color]" Scarlett says, professionally, "[color=00ccff]On a tab, of course. I will pay out of my payment, once I am able.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"Oh, dealing with the Makara are we? Well, unfortunately, aquatic fauna aren't my specialty. I specialize in sciences that increase the power and efficiency of invocation through use of alchemy. So, if you're not also an invoker, I'm not sure how much that'll be of use to you."[/color] She said. 

[color=00a99d]"Though, if some of your supposed teammates are, I might have some items that could be of use to them."[/color] Her eyes then lit up again.[color=00a99d]"The process I just described is called Synergy, by the way~ Would you like to learn more about it?"[/color]

Scarlett had planned for this occasion, and she needed to settle her lustful stomach, so the situation seemed as good as any to break out that meal she brought and break bread, as intended.

Besides, maybe, she'd glean something from this that could assist her in the future - not that she ever intended to take on Invocation.

Taking a seat, she would offer food and her ear.

Scarlett took a seat in the chair nearest to her, confirming her acquiescence to Nadia. The gleam in her eyes went from childish to flatly unsettling. [color=00a99d]"Oh, thank you, but I ate not too long ago."[/color] She said, denying the offered food. 

Scarlett may not have been fully prepared for what she just stepped into. 

[color=00a99d]"So, you're curious are you?"[/color] Nadia mused, even though [b]she[/b] asked [b]her[/b]. [color=00a99d]"Well, allow me the pleasure of introducing you into the wonderful world of Synergy!"[/color] As she introduced the topic, an out-of-place flash of sparkles suddenly shot out around her. 

[color=00a99d]"But, '[i]Researcher Nadia,[/i]' I hear you ask, '[i]Isn't that just a term used to describe the act of producing a better result through the use of cooperation?[/i]' And you'd be correct. However, that's the term we're going with for right now since it's directly related to the new principle. Or at least until I come up with a better name..."[/color]

Scarlett would extend her arm - literally - as flesh peeled away from muscle, as iron expanded from bone, and new structures replaced the old. As Nadia launched into a ramble, a bloody spine would poke her in the forehead from where Scarlett sat.

"[color=00ccff]Please, focus,[/color]" she says. "[color=00ccff]I can't spend all day here. I have a mission to undertake.[/color]"

Before Nadia could continue, she froze with an awkward smile as Scarlett's appendage poked her in the forehead. 

[color=00a99d]"M-My... That's certainly some interesting alchemy you…have there."[/color] She said nervously. 

Clumsily walking to the side, she cleared her throat and continued. [color=00a99d]"As I was saying, my concept is strengthening the various effects of invocation through the use of alchemy. Normally, alchemy involves mainly affecting the Material World. And, of course, invocation involves using your mana to call forth phenomenon from the Spectral Realm. Polar opposites really. However, what if I told you there was a way for one to strengthen the other - using spirits and familiars to further manipulate matter and vice versa."[/color]

As she explained, she pointed her index finger upwards. A dark orb began to materialize on the top of it, eventually forming into a miniature bat-like creature - likely a familiar.

"[color=00ccff]How curious...[/color]" Scarlett says, as her construct was pulled back and her arm reformed.

[color=00a99d]"This bat creature is just your typical familiar, nothing special. It doesn't require any specific contract or item in order to summon it, so pretty much any invoker can access it without much difficulty."[/color] The creature cutely floated around Nadia, chirping gleefully. 

[color=00a99d]"However, that also means that it's not very powerful, and its usefulness is therefore quite limited."[/color] The bat seemed to be hurt by her words, it slumped and sounded like it was weakly sniveling. [color=00a99d]"Now, the stages of alchemy utilize mana in order to achieve an effect of change over forms of matter in the material world. The product doesn't necessarily have an effect over spiritual objects, however, the mana generated can. There's a phenomenon called spiritual alchemy, which harnesses invoked energy to strengthen alchemy, and this is related to that concept."[/color]

[color=00a99d]"Such effects can imbue normal objects and elements with special properties that they normally wouldn't have. Like fire that freezes or an ethereal weapon that can cut but can't be cut through normal means."[/color] 

She drew an alchemic circle in the air around the familiar. [color=00a99d]"Now, watch this!"[/color] As the circle glowed, the bat let out a cry as it was enveloped by a red light. What emerged was a serpentine creature covered in vermillion flames. [color=00a99d]"Voilà! The familiar has taken on a new form and it has even been imbued with an element! But, that's not all!"[/color]

Grabbing the serpent, it then shifted into a bright red rapier, which she then pointed at Scarlett. It was only inches away from her face. [color=00a99d]"It even has the ability to shift into physical weapons! How did it achieve these effects, you ask? With Synergy, the mana generated through alchemy has been combined with the invoked servant, giving it a complete makeover!"[/color] She said, as the blade glowed with a red glimmer. [color=00a99d]"I drew a glyph that normally summons a weapon of choice, which I overlayed with one that generates combustion. And finally, the energy allows one to reshape the familiar into another form of your choosing. Amazing no?"[/color] She said, with a proud smile on her face.

Scarlett didn't flinch - if anything, she looked disappointed.

"[color=00ccff]Amazing, sure. Disrespectful, immensely,[/color]" she says, "[color=00ccff]To invoke the power of another, only to determine it unworthy, and force upon it change to meet an ideal with no consideration of the present potential.[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]Alchemists seek to convert the mundane into the marvelous, but all lives are inherently valuable.[/color]"

Scarlett was clearly not impressed by the display, as she was more angered by what it displayed about her.

It defied the First Rule of Alchemy:

The Law of Equivalent Exchange.

Nadia had given the bat no choice in the matter, devalued its life, and discarded it in exchange for something with an ascribed value and, therefore, inequivalent.

[color=00a99d]"Eh?? Disrespectful?"[/color] Nadia uttered, appearing to be dumbfounded by Scarlett's response. [color=00a99d]"I've heard many criticisms of my principle, but that's a first!"[/color] She held a hand to her glasses as she folded her arms, a look of disapproval on her face. 

[color=00a99d]"It's not like I killed it or anything, it's more of an evolution than anything else! Evolution is just the natural course for beings, and isn't it normal to strive for self-improvement?"[/color] Nadia's irritation began to flare. Surprising, as up until this point she felt confident in taking pushback on her sciences in stride. 

[color=00a99d]"Hmph. It's not like everyone has the ability to form contracts with high-level spirits with myriad abilities or the mana reserves to influence their surroundings in any meaningful way. With this method, it opens countless doors for all magus. It's a win-win!"[/color]

Scarlett stood up, unfastening her cloak, as she did. "[color=00ccff]Killed, no. You denied it its existence,[/color]" she says, "[color=00ccff]Its growth. Its evolution. Its improvement. Forcing it along yours path...[/color]"

Her cloak dropped to the chair, revealing her form in her small clothes - showing the extent of her scarring from her arm and chest across an almost animalistic chomp into her torso, the blood vessels that ran black against the paled skin with the content of iron that flowed through, and showed how her alchemy had destroyed her body.

"[color=00ccff]Human Transmutation is the Study of Human Evolution, normality of self-improvement,[/color]" Scarlett says, "[color=00ccff]In my eyes, you tore that bat apart without concern for its value,[/color]" her skin ripped, as her arm tore from fingers to shoulder, and iron constructed a large sphere where her hand had been that was speckled with spikes, "[color=00ccff]Forced it to change and go beyond itself...[/color]" Iron bars broke free of her ribs, and created a system of gears and supporting anchors that would be hidden by her cloak, "[color=00ccff]Evolved it.[/color]"

Scarlett pointed the mace at Nadia, "[color=00ccff]Like I evolved myself.[/color]"

Nadia was left speechless for a few minutes after Scarlett revealed her "improvements" by removing her cloak. Her mouth hung open a bit as she adjusted her glasses. 

[color=00a99d]"O-Oh my... I see you made quite a few "changes" to your physical body."[/color] She stuttered. [color=00a99d]"By the Scions, I've never seen anything like it! The experiments you must've performed on yourself, some may even call you insane! I must admit, such dedication must be admired."[/color] She cleared her throat before continuing. 

[color=00a99d]"But, surely then, you can understand what I'm trying to accomplish! You say you've expanded upon human evolution, but it hardly seems like natural progression if you turned yourself into an automation!"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]I'm nowhere near,[/color]" Scarlett says, "[color=00ccff]But, ask yourself: what is beyond Human? To what end can we evolve?[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]Stronger muscles? Stronger bones? How do we strengthen them,[/color]" she asked, before answering, "[color=00ccff]By adding meshes of metal. By casting bones of metal. By forcing the weak Human body to adapt and evolve to support the superior Automaton body.[/color]"

Scarlett looked at Nadia, "[color=00ccff]The natural evolution of our form is the one I forced upon myself.[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]Turning a bat into a snake is not evolution. It's cruelty.[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"Your logic seems to stem from principles of the material world. I'll have you know spirits aren't bound by their visible forms alone. In fact, familiars changing form is actually quite common!"[/color] She said, leaning forward with her index finger pointing upwards. 

[color=00a99d]"It's not as if the creature's original form was a bat in the first place. It took that form because I willed it to do so; spirits that are summoned with such low levels of mana often appear as just wisps of energy."[/color] She continued.

[color=00a99d]"Coupled with the fact that familiars serve their masters through any means, it really doesn't matter what form I choose to make it. physical and spectral evolution do not operate on the same principles."[/color]

She then held the sword away from Scarlett, it glowed before it transformed back into its serpentine form. It then coiled around Nadia's arm in a gentle embrace. Rubbing its head on the invoker's cheek, it hissed like a purring kitten.

[color=00a99d]"Besides, he doesn't seem to mind. Familiars are always happy to please and serve their masters in any way possible."[/color] She said. Looking Scarlett up and down again, she began to relax as her irritation died down. [color=00a99d]"Being able to reconstruct and augment your body in such a way, it's no doubt your alchemic knowledge must be exhaustive. However, it seems you don't have a solid grasp of the world of invocation, perhaps you could stand to learn a bit more about it before jumping to such conclusions."[/color]

Scarlett bristled. "[color=00ccff]That's a slippery slope; thinking on the same level as Divinity,[/color]" she says, looking at Nadia and the snake with equal disdain.

She didn't see it as anything more than material - a middle piece of a vast puzzle.

It didn't even seem to register how she'd hurt the bat.

"[color=00ccff]I don't need to learn anything about Invocation to understand how being called weak and limited in usefulness would make me feel,[/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]But, you say, they are happy to please and eager to service... I wonder if you've ever asked them to be your experiment?[/color]"

[color=00a99d]"If being called weak or inadequate offends someone, there are things a person can change about themselves. The strength of a familiar depends mainly on the person who summoned it. Things like the type of contract made, the amount of mana used, and other external stimuli also factor in. In essence, some spirits depend on their summoners completely in order to grow stronger."[/color] She retorted. 

[color=00a99d]"I'm helping reach new heights, which is the whole point of sorcery, wouldn't you agree? But, it seems you won't understand. I must say, I don't have people challenge the ethics of my studies. That's something I'd expect from the Church. But, I suppose it's mainly due in part because it's half based on a principle you don't practice. This discussion is going nowhere, so I think we'll end it here."[/color] Holding out her arm, the summoned spirit dissipated before them. 

[color=00a99d]"Perhaps some of the other new additions to the Tower will have more appreciation for it. Was there anything else you wanted to speak to me about?"[/color] She said in a tired tone.

Scarlett tilted her head, and smirked, as her arm returned to normal, "[color=00ccff]How sad.[/color]"

Scarlett took her seat; blood staining the wood, as she moved the chair.

"[color=00ccff]There was, but you've been more helpful than you know,[/color]" she says, as she motioned to nothing. "[color=00ccff]Speaking of weakness and inadequacy; challenges of ethics and principles; lack of understanding...[/color]" Scarlett closed her eyes, "[color=00ccff]You've never had someone close in your territory, like that before, have you? An unexpected challenge from a familiar entity.[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]No. This is your territory, your domain, and, in here, you are,[/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]This is your Marshland, and you are the Makara. The question is: have I intruded, or do you fear that I will?[/color]"

"[color=00ccff]There is something I would like from you, though. The bat. For the duration of the mission.[/color]"

Nadia adopted a puzzled look on her face at Scarlett's metaphors.  [color=00a99d]"Eh? I guess you're saying that you want to borrow the familiar I synergized? That's fine I suppose, but it's not a bay anymore though."[/color]

She walked to a desk and opened a drawer, taking out a metal talisman. It was circular in design and was covered in elaborate markings, along with having a clear jewel in its center. 

Using her index finger, she again summoned the fiery serpent. Chanting an incantation, the serpent began to be sucked into the jewel. After the spell completed, the jewel had matched the color of the summon, signifying that it was now contained inside.

[hider=Serpentine Talisman][img]https://i.imgur.com/id6rUgH.png[/img][/hider]
[color=00a99d]"Here, hopefully you'll see how useful it can be during the mission."[/color] She said, handing the talisman over to the scarred alchemist. [color=00a99d]"Now then, if we're done here I bid you good day."[/color]

With that, the invoker continued to study the orb in the glass tube, jotting down anything noteworthy.

"[color=00ccff]We'll see,[/color]" Scarlett says, as she pocketed it, once she donned her cloak. "[color=00ccff]For now, I'm off to see Childes. My last stop.[/color]"

At this point, Scarlett had a strong enough sense of the layout that she felt she could find Childes on her own, if she followed the placards.

[center]{[color=000000]You have no intention of using that, do you?[/color]}[/center]
"[color=00ccff]None,[/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]A weapon is only as useful as the application it's made for,[/color]" she says, "[color=00ccff]If I wanted a sword, I would have asked for a sword. I asked for a bat.[/color]"

[center]{[color=000000]I see...[/color]}[/center]
Scarlett followed the halls, until she would find the Tower's boozy metalworker.[/hider]
[hider=Meet The Inventor]After having quite the discussion with Researcher Nadia, Scarlett saw herself out of her office. It seemed she had mixed feelings about the nature of the researcher's magicks, having no real intention of using the item she was given. Perhaps she'd give it to one of her allies during the journey. 

At any rate, she began making her way through the halls yet again, quite familiar with the layout of the building at this point. She would make one more stop before reuniting with her teammates - meeting with Childes of the arms factory. During her trek, she would hear a loud booming sound coming from around the corner. Coming closer to the room, she would see her fellow newcomer Aldin leaving the room that the sound came from. His face twisted into an expression of disgust. 

Coming up to the ajar door, she would also be greeted by the scent of strange chemicals and bourbon. Going inside, she would see the Fae duo of Lanus and Renee speaking with a gruff old man. She, of course, deduced that he was the man himself. It seemed that Renee was testing some sort of fluid that was given to her by the old duff; she seemed like she was satisfied with the result. She and Lanus bid him farewell and left the lab. 

Noticing Scarlett enter the room, he quickly turned his attention and greeted her. [color=a36209]"Oh, hey there missy! Guess all the mess scared off the young man, hope you don't take too much offense to it hehehe!"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]Are you Childes,[/color]" Scarlett asks.

[color=a36209]"Pretty sure, last time I checked!"[/color] He said with a jovial sneer.  [color=a36209]"And I'm supposin' you're another one of the newcomers? If so, welcome to the arms depot! Or, maybe you're here for the alchemy lab like this cute little couple here?"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]I'm here for you,[/color]" Scarlett says, before producing her procured bottle. "[color=00ccff]Fancy a drink?[/color]"

Childes's eyes widened both at Scarlett's offer and at the fact that she produced her own bottle of liquor. 

[color=a36209]"You're offering me a drink, and it's not even noon? Some people, who shall remain nameless, think I have a problem. And they're half-right. But, maybe we should save that for later on missy..."[/color]

Scarlett chuckled, and did a rather cute pirouette, before curtsying. "[color=00ccff]It is now,[/color]" she smiled, disarmingly charmingly, "[color=00ccff]later on.[/color]"

Johannes could do little but chuckle and shake his head. [color=a36209]"Scions above, I meant after the sun goes down girlie. But, I suppose I can store it for later."[/color] He said, taking the offered bottle from the fellow alchemist. [color=a36209]"So, did ya come here for somethin' else other than showin' off yer fancy dance moves?"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]I've been doing the rounds, so to speak, meeting my fellow Alchemists, and gathering information and items from them,[/color]" Scarlett says, producing the three Pheromone Repressants from Elaine, the Nocturne Urn from Bellum, and the Serpentine Talisman from Nadia.

Johannes squinted as he looked over all of the items Scarlett had collected. [color=a36209]"That there's some of Ms. Elaine's special formula. Ugh, and that's definitely one of chubbo's knockout urns..."[/color] He said with disdain in his voice. [color=a36209]"And I'm guessing you got that glowing talisman from Ms. Whitsett? Looks like you gave yourself quite the nice little tour there."[/color] 

Dusting himself off, he glanced back at the toolbox he rummaged through earlier. [color=a36209]Well, I'd give ya a transmutation fluid, but I'm afraid that fine young lady already nabbed the last one."[/color]" He said,referring to Renee. [color=a36209]"But, maybe there's something else you'd find useful? Like a weapon, or some armor?"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]I believe you can offer me armor,[/color]" Scarlett says, "[color=00ccff]But, you might find the material I have to offer a little more difficult than you standard fare...[/color]"

[color=a36209]"Material, huh?"[/color] He said. His curiosity for the lady slowly increased the more their conversation went on. [color=a36209]"Well, we've only just set up shop, so right now my fares are pretty standard. But, it sounds like you're packing something more, "unique"?"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]Rather,[/color]" Scarlett says, letting her cloak fall away, as her flesh tore, and her bones cracked; all the while, purified iron sand spilled from the wounds instead of blood.

Even a rookie Magus could sense the Void Magic from a short distance.

White sand poured on the floor, mixing a bit with some of the liquor spills. Eyes widened, Johannes was visibly taken aback by the biomechanical body that laid bare before him. 

[color=a36209]"Girlie, seeing what you've done to yourself brings back memories I'd rather keep buried. Can't imagine what types of experiments you did on yourself."[/color]

"[color=00ccff][i]A little girl had a foolish dream that was taken advantage of,[/i][/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]My Alchemy is Human Transmutation, and this iron is my own - enhanced by Contractual Void Magic giving me access to Elemental Magic designs beyond the normal scale...[/color]" she ceased production, and her blood flowed once more, before her wounds stretched and closed. "[color=00ccff]Is that enough to make an arm length armor that can resist the bite force of a Makara?[/color]"

[color=a36209]"Elemental magic, huh? It’s more just fancy alchemy to someone with a keen eye. Must be useful to be your own smelting factory."[/color] He retorted. Gathering up the materials, he then brought them to his workbench, picking up a toolbox along the way. 

[color=a36209]"Taking care o' those gators, huh? Hang on a sec, I'll whip somethin' up."[/color] 

Mumbling to himself a bit, he drew an alchemic circle on the tapestry covering the bench. Placing the materials in the circle, he turned on some of the machines attached to the desk and began to have them go to work. The circle emitted a faint light as electric sparks flew from the machinery. After a little bit, he walked back over to Scarlett and the others, handing her a leathery set of armor. 

[hider=Molted Iron Scale Armor (Left Arm)][img]https://i.imgur.com/i5YtLhc.png[/img][/hider]
[color=a36209]"Don't think it's too bad for a rush job. Since those gators have such a strong bite, this piece focuses on shock absorption and impact resistance moreso than anything."[/color]

Scarlett's skin spoke to the contrary. However, she was curious, "[color=00ccff]To what end would such an evolutionary feature like that be useful to someone with such a clear and evident downside? To be a living forge?[/color]"

[color=a36209]"Couple of reasons. Don't have to actually worry about finding one for starters."[/color] He said, chuckling. [color=a36209]"Not to mention, whenever you need an order, you'll be the first in line. And you don't have to worry about having it refused to boot! There are alot of people who've had their lives ruined, being at the mercy of a blacksmith's schedule."[/color]

Scarlett almost doubled back in surprise, as Childes took such a jovial and lighthearted view of her cursed existence. It wasn't a childish, innocent look, but a weathered and mature thoughts of a man that likely had been at the mercy of a blacksmith's backlog prior to taking to the forge himself. It was enough to bring a chuckle to her, and a small smirk, as she fitted the armor.

"[color=00ccff]Might I ask another favour,[/color]" she requested, as she placed the Serpentine Talisman on the palm of the leather-worked gauntlet. "[color=00ccff]Can you fit this into the glove?[/color]"

[color=a36209]"Sure thing, girlie. Lemme see it for a sec."[/color] He said. Holding the gauntlet, he placed another glyph on its palm. Then, placing the talisman over it, a flash of energy was produced. The talisman was seamlessly fused into the glove, as if it was there in the first place. 

[color=a36209]"Sure be all set to take care of some beasties. There anything else ol' Johan can help out with, girlie?"[/color]

"[color=00ccff]Help me with this bottle,[/color]" Scarlett chuckled, as she flexed her left hand in the fashion of thrusting a sword - summoning the serpent in the fashion of a rapier, before relaxing, and returning it to that of a snake. "[color=00ccff]And, perhaps, regale me with a story or two, if your finest crafts?[/color]"

Scarlett was becoming pressed for time, but... well, she could always catch up. Nobody would miss her company, after all.

[color=a36209]"Hit me up after yer mission, and I'll take ya up on that offer, little missy. With that armor and those trinkets, I'm sure you'll do just fine. Alright, back to work!"[/color]

With a hardy laugh and a wave farewell, Childes returned to his factory, nearly tripping over a beer can in doing so. He muttered an expletive, saying that he needed to get around to cleaning the place at some point. 

With her armor and magical items, Scarlett was likely set to head out to the Marshlands with the rest of her party.[/hider]
Scarlett giggled, surprising herself, and held up her armored hand. "[color=00ccff]I guess, I better get to my job, eh, Chiromata,[/color]" she asks, petting the snake that was formerly a bat.

[center]{[color=000000]I thought you had no intention of using that woman’s work?[/color]}[/center]
"[color=00ccff]I have my reasons,[/color]" Scarlett says. "[color=00ccff]I just hope it doesn’t need to be shown, but if so...[/color]" she flexed her armored arm, "[color=00ccff]That’s why I got the Molted Iron Scale Armor done for this arm, and the Serpentine Talisman fixed in.[/color]"

[center]{[color=000000]You know... you gave all these things names... and never asked for the actual names of them items.[/color]}[/center]
"[color=00ccff]Shut up! It wasn’t important![/color]" Scarlett blushed. "[color=00ccff]Are Goddesses always this talkative when you don’t want to hear them? Just be biblically silent like my prayers for a while... [/color]"

[center]{[color=000000]What an amusing request. Never quite heard that one.[/color]}[/center]
Scarlett grunted, and pulled her cloak. At the very least, returning to the main foyer would be as simple as retracing her steps, and returning to the library. She could inquire to Kiff as for where to go from there, if she didn’t run into one of her teammates beforehand.

As she walked, she’d think about her encounters... 

...about how she’d got on well enough with Elaine and Childes, masters of their craft - trades she could stand to learn, ply herself to, but couldn’t imagine balancing as a Reaver. It didn’t fit well with her schedule of self-loathing and desired martyrdom to learn the proper form with swinging a forging hammer or the correct ratio for stirring up a painkiller.

...about how she’d stumbled and embarrassed herself in spades before Bellum; converted to little more than a horny teenage monkey sat before a hot girl - mere steps from hooting and hollering something more embarrassing than the verbal diarrhea that escaped her. Truly, the chef was as dangerous as she looked delicious.

...about how much she wanted to strangle the haughty Nadia, and her preposterous theories on evolution, and her egregious breach of consent, and that cutely crooked smirk of self-satisfaction that came from the utmost confidence in oneself. The Galdr Witch was immensely frustrating to think about - her bluster, her bravado, her inspiration - it was so annoying - immediately - instantly --

"[color=00ccff]--Annoying![/color]" Scarlett shouted, as she stomped. "[color=00ccff]Just thinking about her is annoying! Just need to focus,[/color]" she huffed, "[color=00ccff]Need to focus... There’s no merit to Fake Evolution. No offense, Chiromata.[/color]" If the serpentine sword felt anything, it likely wouldn’t speak up. "[color=00ccff]Just need to stop thinking about her, and her dumb face, and stupid voice, and those glasses! And, everything else![/color]"

Silently fuming, Scarlett would continue to rant internally... and yet, remain unable to pinpoint why she was, as she marched to her she would depart with her team

The Maiden Abyss chuckling all the while. Her little toy was growing up...
[/hider]