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[h2][color=darkorchid][i][b]Victoria Belmont[/b][/i][/color][/h2][i][b][color=9932cc]Half-Elf, Bard, Level 5[/color][/b][/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]HP:[/b][/i][/color] 33 / 33	[color=9932cc][i][b]Armor Class:[/b][/i][/color] 16	[color=9932cc][i][b]Conditions:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Location:[/b][/i][/color] Coach House
[color=9932cc][i][b]Action:[/b][/i][/color] Casting a Spell [i](Prestidigitation)[/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]Bonus Action:[/b][/i][/color] [color=dimgray][i][b]Familiar[/b][/i][/color] stuff, [color=black][b]Morty[/b][/color]
[color=9932cc][i][b]Reaction:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
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[right][img]https://i.ibb.co/ZzgLdXRt/Victoria-Alt-8-ss2.png[/img][/right]
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	Victoria noted the apparent progress of the others in the party, as it concerned locating the elusive "second study." While she was a passable investigator, it looked like the best interests of them all lay in her abilities as an arcane researcher. Specifically, helping to guide Lizbeth to a point of understanding. The sooner her head was on straight and her soul was out of chronic, mortal terror, the sooner she could be more useful. And find some peace. Though there was a note of selfishness to her reasoning, the Bard had legitimately become fond of this girl. It [i]did[/i] help that she was extraordinarily interesting, being objective. [color=9932cc]"Come now, Lizbeth. Let's step away from here for a moment. Maybe you're right - It would be impolite to leave you with questions hanging like that. Let me pour you a cup of tea, and we can leave the others to figure out the cellar, okay?"[/color]

	Back upstairs, amid the papers and books (which Victoria tidied hastily, enough to allow for space to set up a place setting for herself and Lizbeth) a fresh cup was filled and another refilled with the pale brown gold mortals called "tea," which unfortunately had grown too close to room temperature for Victoria's liking. With a smile, she channeled a tiny amount of magical energy to bring the liquid back up to steaming with a casual wave and soft, melodic hum. [color=9932cc]"That is the way [i]I[/i] use magic, dear Lizbeth,"[/color] she explained. [color=9932cc]"I manipulate the Weave in ways of personal expression. It varies from Bard to Bard, but we all follow similar rules. Your way will likely be very different."[/color] She sipped her tea and continued, [color=9932cc]"To answer you, a [i]Warlock[/i], which is the other path, acquires a different kind of magic by coming to an agreement, direct or implied, with a powerful entity. Their magic requires less discipline to master and they ...become... as soon as the pact is made. A [i]Sorcerer[/i] gains their magic because of a peculiarity of their heritage, or a magical force that fundamentally altered something about themselves. I believe that you are the latter."[/color]

	Victoria pulled the green crystal back out into view, whereupon both herself and the girl had a reaction. Lizbeth's bloodless features sharpened, while Victoria's facial markings barely shaded into view where the dim glow struck her. [color=9932cc]"This is vivianite. As I told Kathryn, this is a crystal that forms under specific circumstances, amplified by the presence of magic. Those circumstances involve physical death and the dark. It puts off a gentle aura of necrotic energy, which after time may begin to affect the environment around it. I put it together when I read your grandfather's letter."[/color] She tucked it back away, making a mental note to look for more of the stuff later. [color=9932cc]"We are different kinds of spellcasters, Lizbeth, but we were both made to embrace necromancy. Mine was a choice. Yours was by circumstance. If you wish it, I can give you a basic education on Arcana which may help you come into your power, but for you, this is going to be a very personal experience. Like your ...hmm. Like the way you can change yourself. This is a concept I've never come across before. It might be unique. But if you have control over it, and no power outside of yourself [i]allows or denies[/i] you to use your abilities, then this is nothing to be frightened of."[/color]

	Hopefully easing the mind of the neophyte Sorcerer, Victoria smiled and drew from her education, stating, [color=9932cc]"Some sorcerers can get the impression of dragonscale across their skin. Others channel random, sometimes dangerous effects of magic whether they want to or not. Still others have changes to their eyes, skin, grow wings... it's all very personal. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. This is merely the magic that lives within you. Yours... Likely has its roots in Necromancy. It's powerful, Lizbeth. And one day, you may be powerful as well."[/color] She smiled broader as an idea came, which she related without delay. [color=9932cc]"Until the others figure out how to access this other study, please tell me - what magic have you been able to do so far?"[/color] Victoria's eyes seemed to sparkle. [color=9932cc]"I am [i]markedly[/i] curious, and I am sure that you are safer trying this with us than elsewhere."[/color]