If it can die, it can be brought back. As is the way of ahs'hyen

Phreinos; Adult; She/It | Nibbles; Adult; He/Him

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos - made with Hero Forge

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[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

Medicine is typically ineffective on noncorporeal beings.

[spreading-undeath]

Of course, mundane medicines have little to no effect on those without bodies, but that doesn't mean that the practice of the medicinal sciences cannot still be applied.

[spectral-science]

Are you offering your services for free or is there a price I'll need to pay if I divulge information to you?

[spreading-undeath]

If you are volunteering donations, I would be glad to accept them. However, they are wholly unnecessary for my services.

[spectral-science]

I'm afraid that I do not have much in the way of donations, so no I am not offering such a thing.

If you are still sure you wish to assist in finding the root, I suppose my search would be hastened by somebody with understanding. Another symptom I've noticed is bouts of temporary blindness while I... I suppose idle, since I do not really stand.

[spreading-undeath]

Interesting. Do your bouts of blindness increase in frequency or severity during periods of heightened activity?

[spectral-science]

Not particularly, although I'm not much for doing a lot in a short time. It does usually happen after I use a spell.

[spreading-undeath]

Alright. What does your current energy intake look like? Are you getting enough?

[spectral-science]

I haven't needed to take in energy for the last half century, I don't see why it would become important now.

[spreading-undeath]

Well, I don't know the specifics of your biology, so I cannot say for certain, but almost all beings require an intake of energy to persist, even if only infrequently. You would know better than I do what energy intake looks like for you, so perhaps give that a try and see if your symptoms improve. If not, we can rule it out as a probable cause.

[spectral-science]

I'll... try it I suppose. I'll get back to you on that, if we ever see each other again. I've noticed that doesn't happen very often.

[spreading-undeath]

Indeed it doesn't. I'd imagine that's a natural consequence of our lines of work.

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

Medicine is typically ineffective on noncorporeal beings.

[spreading-undeath]

Of course, mundane medicines have little to no effect on those without bodies, but that doesn't mean that the practice of the medicinal sciences cannot still be applied.

[spectral-science]

Are you offering your services for free or is there a price I'll need to pay if I divulge information to you?

[spreading-undeath]

If you are volunteering donations, I would be glad to accept them. However, they are wholly unnecessary for my services.

[spectral-science]

I'm afraid that I do not have much in the way of donations, so no I am not offering such a thing.

If you are still sure you wish to assist in finding the root, I suppose my search would be hastened by somebody with understanding. Another symptom I've noticed is bouts of temporary blindness while I... I suppose idle, since I do not really stand.

[spreading-undeath]

Interesting. Do your bouts of blindness increase in frequency or severity during periods of heightened activity?

[spectral-science]

Not particularly, although I'm not much for doing a lot in a short time. It does usually happen after I use a spell.

[spreading-undeath]

Alright. What does your current energy intake look like? Are you getting enough?

[spectral-science]

I haven't needed to take in energy for the last half century, I don't see why it would become important now.

[spreading-undeath]

Well, I don't know the specifics of your biology, so I cannot say for certain, but almost all beings require an intake of energy to persist, even if only infrequently. You would know better than I do what energy intake looks like for you, so perhaps give that a try and see if your symptoms improve. If not, we can rule it out as a probable cause.

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

Medicine is typically ineffective on noncorporeal beings.

[spreading-undeath]

Of course, mundane medicines have little to no effect on those without bodies, but that doesn't mean that the practice of the medicinal sciences cannot still be applied.

[spectral-science]

Are you offering your services for free or is there a price I'll need to pay if I divulge information to you?

[spreading-undeath]

If you are volunteering donations, I would be glad to accept them. However, they are wholly unnecessary for my services.

[spectral-science]

I'm afraid that I do not have much in the way of donations, so no I am not offering such a thing.

If you are still sure you wish to assist in finding the root, I suppose my search would be hastened by somebody with understanding. Another symptom I've noticed is bouts of temporary blindness while I... I suppose idle, since I do not really stand.

[spreading-undeath]

Interesting. Do your bouts of blindness increase in frequency or severity during periods of heightened activity?

[spectral-science]

Not particularly, although I'm not much for doing a lot in a short time. It does usually happen after I use a spell.

[spreading-undeath]

Alright. What does your current energy intake look like? Are you getting enough?

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

Medicine is typically ineffective on noncorporeal beings.

[spreading-undeath]

Of course, mundane medicines have little to no effect on those without bodies, but that doesn't mean that the practice of the medicinal sciences cannot still be applied.

[spectral-science]

Are you offering your services for free or is there a price I'll need to pay if I divulge information to you?

[spreading-undeath]

If you are volunteering donations, I would be glad to accept them. However, they are wholly unnecessary for my services.

[spectral-science]

I'm afraid that I do not have much in the way of donations, so no I am not offering such a thing.

If you are still sure you wish to assist in finding the root, I suppose my search would be hastened by somebody with understanding. Another symptom I've noticed is bouts of temporary blindness while I... I suppose idle, since I do not really stand.

[spreading-undeath]

Interesting. Do your bouts of blindness increase in frequency or severity during periods of heightened activity?

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

Medicine is typically ineffective on noncorporeal beings.

[spreading-undeath]

Of course, mundane medicines have little to no effect on those without bodies, but that doesn't mean that the practice of the medicinal sciences cannot still be applied.

[spectral-science]

Are you offering your services for free or is there a price I'll need to pay if I divulge information to you?

[spreading-undeath]

If you are volunteering donations, I would be glad to accept them. However, they are wholly unnecessary for my services.

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

Medicine is typically ineffective on noncorporeal beings.

[spreading-undeath]

Of course, mundane medicines have little to no effect on those without bodies, but that doesn't mean that the practice of the medicinal sciences cannot still be applied.

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[spectral-science]

I don't fully believe you could help, as ghosts tend towards less understandable things in other necrotic or undead circles. And I, unfortunately, am not quite dead, which confuses things even moreso.

[spreading-undeath]

I am still trained in medicine. If you have symptoms, they can be understood to an extent, and I have a lens that may reveal some aspects of your condition.

[spectral-science]

I feel like radio static. I don't believe I'm supposed to.

[spreading-undeath]

I may be able to provide some assistance. What are your other symptoms?

[fountain-of-memes]

Reblog if your inbox is always open to:

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Anything and everything pertaining to your muse and how you depict them.

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."

[spectral-science]

"Might I assume you're one of those death mages, then?"

[spreading-undeath]

It shakes its head. "I am far more than just a mage who wants to play god with the bodies of the dead. I am ahs'hyen do'a, though I suppose the comparison would not be unwarranted."

[spectral-science]

"I am unfamiliar with the term, would you mind explaining what that is? And how exactly do you spell that?" Lanuri lets go of his cup of coffee, which seems to float in the air, with a tinge of a blue glow, and pulls out a note pad from his coat. And a pencil, assumably also from the coat.

[spreading-undeath]

It smiles slightly. "Ahs'hyen do'a is spelt A, H, S, apostrophe, H, Y, E, N, space, D, O, apostrophe, A. It doesn't have any direct translation into English, but a literal translation of the parts would be ‘all-raiser of dead’. It is a pan-disciplinary field wherein technology, science, and magicks all come together in the furtherance of the goal of extending the life of the physical body."

[spectral-science]

Lanuri writes things down, echoing the spelling back at Phreinos as he does so. "Quite similiar to my methods, though for a different purpose. It was quite harder to observe the soul when I was alive, and thus I needed variable means of study.

[spreading-undeath]

She nods in understanding. "In my field, the soul leaving the body is considered an unfortunate occurrence, but not one which is all too important."

[spectral-science]

"In my field it is considered another method of observing. Although, I assume you meant permanently, rather than temporarily."

[spreading-undeath]

"That would be correct, yes. The art of manipulating souls, such as returning them to their host bodies, is outside the scope of ahs'hya do'ir. However, that is not to say it is beyond our understanding or capabilities. It is simply not the focus of our research." It gives him a polite smile.

[spectral-science]

"I was thinking more of splintering than revival, but I suppose both fill the definition."

[spreading-undeath]

She nods. "We don't need the soul for our research. If it leaves, it leaves; if it stays, it stays. We care only for the body. Once a method has been perfected, the soul may then be considered."

[spectral-science]

"Hm. Intriguing, but I have tests to check on. I'd invite you in to continue our talk, but deactivating the fire would take far too long." Lanuri habitually tries to crack his neck as they slide the pen into the notepad, and put it in one of his pockets.

[spreading-undeath]

It offers him a polite smile. "Don't worry, I wasn't planning to intrude. Perhaps we will have to run into each other again, then."

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."

[spectral-science]

"Might I assume you're one of those death mages, then?"

[spreading-undeath]

It shakes its head. "I am far more than just a mage who wants to play god with the bodies of the dead. I am ahs'hyen do'a, though I suppose the comparison would not be unwarranted."

[spectral-science]

"I am unfamiliar with the term, would you mind explaining what that is? And how exactly do you spell that?" Lanuri lets go of his cup of coffee, which seems to float in the air, with a tinge of a blue glow, and pulls out a note pad from his coat. And a pencil, assumably also from the coat.

[spreading-undeath]

It smiles slightly. "Ahs'hyen do'a is spelt A, H, S, apostrophe, H, Y, E, N, space, D, O, apostrophe, A. It doesn't have any direct translation into English, but a literal translation of the parts would be ‘all-raiser of dead’. It is a pan-disciplinary field wherein technology, science, and magicks all come together in the furtherance of the goal of extending the life of the physical body."

[spectral-science]

Lanuri writes things down, echoing the spelling back at Phreinos as he does so. "Quite similiar to my methods, though for a different purpose. It was quite harder to observe the soul when I was alive, and thus I needed variable means of study.

[spreading-undeath]

She nods in understanding. "In my field, the soul leaving the body is considered an unfortunate occurrence, but not one which is all too important."

[spectral-science]

"In my field it is considered another method of observing. Although, I assume you meant permanently, rather than temporarily."

[spreading-undeath]

"That would be correct, yes. The art of manipulating souls, such as returning them to their host bodies, is outside the scope of ahs'hya do'ir. However, that is not to say it is beyond our understanding or capabilities. It is simply not the focus of our research." It gives him a polite smile.

[spectral-science]

"I was thinking more of splintering than revival, but I suppose both fill the definition."

[spreading-undeath]

She nods. "We don't need the soul for our research. If it leaves, it leaves; if it stays, it stays. We care only for the body. Once a method has been perfected, the soul may then be considered."

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."

[spectral-science]

"Might I assume you're one of those death mages, then?"

[spreading-undeath]

It shakes its head. "I am far more than just a mage who wants to play god with the bodies of the dead. I am ahs'hyen do'a, though I suppose the comparison would not be unwarranted."

[spectral-science]

"I am unfamiliar with the term, would you mind explaining what that is? And how exactly do you spell that?" Lanuri lets go of his cup of coffee, which seems to float in the air, with a tinge of a blue glow, and pulls out a note pad from his coat. And a pencil, assumably also from the coat.

[spreading-undeath]

It smiles slightly. "Ahs'hyen do'a is spelt A, H, S, apostrophe, H, Y, E, N, space, D, O, apostrophe, A. It doesn't have any direct translation into English, but a literal translation of the parts would be ‘all-raiser of dead’. It is a pan-disciplinary field wherein technology, science, and magicks all come together in the furtherance of the goal of extending the life of the physical body."

[spectral-science]

Lanuri writes things down, echoing the spelling back at Phreinos as he does so. "Quite similiar to my methods, though for a different purpose. It was quite harder to observe the soul when I was alive, and thus I needed variable means of study.

[spreading-undeath]

She nods in understanding. "In my field, the soul leaving the body is considered an unfortunate occurrence, but not one which is all too important."

[spectral-science]

"In my field it is considered another method of observing. Although, I assume you meant permanently, rather than temporarily."

[spreading-undeath]

"That would be correct, yes. The art of manipulating souls, such as returning them to their host bodies, is outside the scope of ahs'hya do'ir. However, that is not to say it is beyond our understanding or capabilities. It is simply not the focus of our research." It gives him a polite smile.

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."

[spectral-science]

"Might I assume you're one of those death mages, then?"

[spreading-undeath]

It shakes its head. "I am far more than just a mage who wants to play god with the bodies of the dead. I am ahs'hyen do'a, though I suppose the comparison would not be unwarranted."

[spectral-science]

"I am unfamiliar with the term, would you mind explaining what that is? And how exactly do you spell that?" Lanuri lets go of his cup of coffee, which seems to float in the air, with a tinge of a blue glow, and pulls out a note pad from his coat. And a pencil, assumably also from the coat.

[spreading-undeath]

It smiles slightly. "Ahs'hyen do'a is spelt A, H, S, apostrophe, H, Y, E, N, space, D, O, apostrophe, A. It doesn't have any direct translation into English, but a literal translation of the parts would be ‘all-raiser of dead’. It is a pan-disciplinary field wherein technology, science, and magicks all come together in the furtherance of the goal of extending the life of the physical body."

[spectral-science]

Lanuri writes things down, echoing the spelling back at Phreinos as he does so. "Quite similiar to my methods, though for a different purpose. It was quite harder to observe the soul when I was alive, and thus I needed variable means of study.

[spreading-undeath]

She nods in understanding. "In my field, the soul leaving the body is considered an unfortunate occurrence, but not one which is all too important."

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."

[spectral-science]

"Might I assume you're one of those death mages, then?"

[spreading-undeath]

It shakes its head. "I am far more than just a mage who wants to play god with the bodies of the dead. I am ahs'hyen do'a, though I suppose the comparison would not be unwarranted."

[spectral-science]

"I am unfamiliar with the term, would you mind explaining what that is? And how exactly do you spell that?" Lanuri lets go of his cup of coffee, which seems to float in the air, with a tinge of a blue glow, and pulls out a note pad from his coat. And a pencil, assumably also from the coat.

[spreading-undeath]

It smiles slightly. "Ahs'hyen do'a is spelt A, H, S, apostrophe, H, Y, E, N, space, D, O, apostrophe, A. It doesn't have any direct translation into English, but a literal translation of the parts would be ‘all-raiser of dead’. It is a pan-disciplinary field wherein technology, science, and magicks all come together in the furtherance of the goal of extending the life of the physical body."

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."

[spectral-science]

"Might I assume you're one of those death mages, then?"

[spreading-undeath]

It shakes its head. "I am far more than just a mage who wants to play god with the bodies of the dead. I am ahs'hyen do'a, though I suppose the comparison would not be unwarranted."

[spectral-science]

Phreinos is wandering around the basement, looking for materials. Nibbles is sitting on her shoulder. She is extremely close to Lanuri's lab and could easily stumble into it if she wanders the wrong way.

@spreading-undeath

Lanuri is also extremely close to his lab, as he finally worked up the nerve to visit the cafeteria and got. A coffee. He has nothing else in his hands, as he floats into view. "Hello? Why are you here?"

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos stops its wandering, giving him a suspicious look. "I have my reasons. Why are you here, and why are you asking me questions?" It doesn't question Lanuri's ghostly nature or the coffee, but at the same time, it doesn't trust them at all.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That is reason enough, is it not?"

[spreading-undeath]

Her distrust doesn't lessen, nor does her suspicion. "That only answers my first question, so I will repeat the second. Why are you asking me questions?" She's on edge. People intruding on her work is nothing new, but those who poke with questions are rarely good news.

[spectral-science]

"I live here. That should be reason enough. I have a right to inquire on activities five steps away from my door."

[spreading-undeath]

Phreinos sighs deeply. "I don't know about you, but I hardly think it appropriate to inquire of every stranger that walks past my doorstep. I take it you don't get visitors often; otherwise, that must grow rather tiring." It looks around the area, noting the details. "And you've either got some very well-crafted illusions in play here, or your door isn't particularly homely."

[spectral-science]

"Most visitors are either beasts or expected. You, thus far, appear to be neither." He doesn't comment on the lack-of-door situation.

[spreading-undeath]

It inhales sharply. "I see you have learned much about how to conduct oneself from said beasts." It takes a pause to analyse the situation. "Your unwillingness to answer certain questions is rather telling, too. What is it that you hoped to achieve by confronting me? What secrets do you have to protect?"

[spectral-science]

"It would not be keeping secrets if I told every nobody who asked. And if anybody were to learn how to behave from the beasts, it would be Vern."

[spreading-undeath]

"I don't recognise that name, so it means nothing to me. For all I can tell, you are simply inventing someone." She smiles slightly. "Oh, and a tip for you. I recommend you get better at hiding your secrets rather than broadcasting to the world that you have them."

[spectral-science]

"Does that really seem like a tip I need? It doesn't matter if you know I'm not telling you everything if you don't have any means of finding the information before it's irrelevant."

[spreading-undeath]

Her smile only grows more smug. "It does seem like it, yes. Do you really not think it better for a secret's existence to be unknown? After all, it is far easier to keep something hidden if none are looking for it."

[spectral-science]

"You seem to think that I'm keeping secrets from everybody, rather than just one twat outside of my lab."

[spreading-undeath]

Its smile widens significantly. "I would hardly say you're keeping secrets from me. Trying to, certainly. Not much more than that, though."

[spectral-science]

"'Trying to'. As if. I'd hardly call avoiding questions trying. But you aren't exactly learning anything of use, and wasting both our times."

[spreading-undeath]

She sighs again, shaking her head. "I'm the one wasting our time? I don't recall starting this conversation, presumably because I didn't."

[spectral-science]

"But you are the one who turned it from mild inquiry to petty squabble."

[spreading-undeath]

She shakes her head again. "I'd say that was you, with your dodging of questions and poor attempts at secrecy." She starts looking around for any hint of a break in the illusion. "What research do you undertake down here, anyway?"

[spectral-science]

"I'll only say if you tell me what you're looking for in this damned place. There's only so many reasons to be down here with the dead men and feral beasts." As Phreinos looks, it isn't a break in the illusion that catches her eye, instead a point where it looks... too much. A slight divet in the wall, carved by probably intended to be a claw, left with too dark shadows.

[spreading-undeath]

"Give me a moment. I've found something of interest." It pulls out an orb, presses a button, and throws it forth. The orb hovers in place, about half a metre from the divet, and begins to glow. The surrounding area is lit as if by a gentle lilac campfire.

[spectral-science]

The light sure does illuminate the mark in the wall, as well as the rest of the wall. And the other walls, too, though less so. Lanuri's eyes seem dimmer in comparison to the rest of his body now. He raises a brow and stays silent, instead sipping from the cup of coffee he's still holding.

[spreading-undeath]

She doesn't say anything, just going over to investigate where the divet was.

[spectral-science]

It sure seems like wall. Until something clicks, and Phreinos realizes that it's not wall. It's almost like the difference between something drawn on an animation cell and a static picture. Lanuri finishes sipping his coffee and states, "Yes, that's where my door is. Not like it was particularly hidden. The illusion's only to keep beast out afterall."

[spreading-undeath]

It steps away, nodding slightly. "Well, now that's settled, I can answer your question. I'm looking for material for my experiments."

[spectral-science]

"You won't find much of anything here, I've already taken most everything of immediate use. At least nearby, I doubt I could scour the entire basement for parts before somebody else got a hold of something or another."

[spreading-undeath]

She thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I highly doubt that what is of immediate use to me would be the same for you. Perhaps I am wrong, but you do not appear to be in the same field of study as I."

[spectral-science]

"I suppose that could be true, I doubt the study of souls has boomed since my time."

[spreading-undeath]

She smiles slightly. "You would be correct to do so. While souls are certainly involved in my field, they are far from the main focus, and I would hardly say that I study the souls themselves."