Chapter 366: Often… Frustrating
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Chapter 366: Often... Frustrating
Tala was curious to see what the little bear would do, given the incredibly complex magics that she could see bundled into it. Thus, she watched with anticipation as Kannis addressed the little artifact.
The mageling seemed resolute as she held the item, but Tala could still detect a note of uncertainty. What they knew of the artifact implied sapience, and while that was expected in powerful arcanous creatures like Terry, and virtually all magical creatures, it was rare in objects outside of forbidden experiments and the like.
-Well, Kit shows all the signs of either sapience or incredibly intricate procedural magics, on the order of complexity far beyond our ability to create at the moment.-
Thats true enough.
Finally, the young woman firmed her resolve and spoke, Hello, Im Kannis. Whats your name?
At the first sentence, power seemed to be pulled toward the bear. Tala was able to see it being drawn starward, out of the otherwise stoneward streams of power.
Natural magical pathways seemed to awaken from their dormant state, much as silver inscriptions would for Mages.
At the second sentence, another set of interweaving spell-forms immediately started to draw in power, and Tala thought she saw flickers of power moving between Kannis and the bear.
Forming a connection, just as expected.
With all the moving pieces of the spellform, spreading out to overlay every part of the small bear, it was a wonder how fast it progressed.
Less than three seconds after Kannis had asked her question, the bears eyes opened.
They looked like doll eyes as it looked up at Kannis. Hello, Kannis. I am Mathan Fannas Geard. Do you have a magical source attuned to you already?
The voice was melodic, like Mathan was barely keeping itself from singing. Even so, it was surprisingly deep, wholly incongruous with the tiny thing.
Kannis was clearly taken aback by the articulate artifact.
Even so, she cleared her throat and answered, Yes. I have a magical source.
Wait It isnt speaking. Tala narrowed her focus on the magic around the artifact.
-No it isnt. It is pushing what it wants to communicate through an insane lattice of magic its not a powerful effect, but it is complex. It looks like its outside of the range of anything weve seen and analyzed, ourselves.-
Not human magic, then concept magic? We werent able to analyze too much concept magic even while among the arcanes. Is it simply using the concept of communication to communicate?
-Thats a reasonable guess. Thats why were all hearing it, because thats what we expect and will receive best.-
And its verbose because thats the only way to convey exactly what its trying to convey.
-Precisely. The concepts involved are likely incredibly simple, from the artifacts perspective, but the magic expands and elucidates it until we can understand it precisely as intended.-
Thats useful?
-Indeed.-
The magical pathways widened and deepened within Mathan. Excellent. It is convenient that you are so equipped already, and we do not have to seek out a source to claim. In that case, initiating our magical bond will only require your consent. Simply extend some of your power to me as a form of agreement, and I will do the rest.
The mageling was obviously, rightly hesitant, Is that required?
The second set of pathways drew more deeply, thickening and deepening within the dimension of magic.
Give truth to bind, ask truth to befriend... Is it purposely cycling on its own conditions to add to the two-way bond?
-That seems likely. If something like this was set up to do harm, it would be insidious.-
Indeed.
Mathan was silent for a moment before responding, No. A magic bond is not required, though I believe that I could not leave this region without it. The magic here sustains me, but now that I am active, I would waste away elsewhere. I sense much power nearby, but without a proper bond, I cannot detect its nature or how to access it for use elsewhere.
Kannis nodded, understanding.
Tala, Rane, and Lyn had all discussed that portion of artifacts with the mageling so that it wouldnt be a surprise or require detailed answers while within Artias shop.
Rane, Lyn, and Artia, for their parts, were all standing back and watching with various looks of fascination.
Ironically, Artia seemed the least surprised by the developments.
I suppose doing this for a couple of decades has made things like this, if not every day, certainly not unique.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
The mageling considered for a long moment, then pulled her own power up and into her hands, which were still clasped around the bears middle.
There was a pulse of power as the drop of Kanniss magic seemed to change the composition of all the power within the small thing, like dipping a teabag into hot water.
With a wave of black fire, the hair burned away, leaving a surprisingly lifelike metal bear in its wake.
Kannis gasped, pulling her hands back and allowing Mathan to drop the few inches to the counter, where it landed in a crouch.
No, not a bear, a bear-man. It was eerily similar to the wolf-men theyd seen in the recording the night before, but mainly in that it was an obvious blending of man and predator.
In Mathans case, there was none of the wrongness that the wolf-men had exuded.
The little figure stretched, the metal moving as if it were flesh. It then looked down at the wooden counter and tapped one foot.
Immediately, wood seemed to flow up through the material, and it was a wooden figure instead.
It looked up with a smile. There. I determined that you did not have any form of enhanced strength, so the added weight of a metal form would be a burden. Did I do well?
There was a look of childlike need for approval in the little wooden face.
Then, Mathan frowned. You look startled. Did my transformation shock you? I apologize. It looked down at its articulate paws. I only have my nature to act upon, and it seems that it has been so very long since one of my kin was able to gain foothold here. I do not know what I should be doing.
Kannis cleared her throat, moving a bit closer, Your kin?
Yes, I am a keeperling, born of the ordered void.
Tala felt her eye twitch. What?
-What?-
The little wooden bear-man nodded as if satisfied. Your people have done an excellent job keeping the devourlings from gaining a foothold within this place of magic and power. While the power you have supplied is minor, I can do much with it. You have a truly excellent, unending source.
Master Grediv looked up to Kannis, deciding that he should talk with her, given shed stayed his hand. Im sorry, Mistress. I do not know you.
Kannis colored, lowering her head. My apologies, but I am no Mistress. I am a mageling to Mistress Lyn. She gestured to Lyn. This is an artifact that we just purchased and are trying to understand.
Master Grediv sighed. A potentially sapient artifact? Those are often frustrating.
I am fully sapient, thank you. I do have the potential for more, though. The bear seemed positively gleeful to share information.
No wonder. Every time it does, the node grows.
Tala cleared her throat, drawing everyones attention, though Mathan didnt orient on her. Its magics are creating a relational connection between itself and whoever its speaking with, growing it in depth and meaning. I believe that it might be doing something similar with everyone as questions are asked and answered. Additionally, it is more present every time it reveals truth or has truth revealed to it.
The bears node grew.
Really? I suppose I revealed truth to others, around it? That counts?
-Thats so unfair-
Tala sighed. I cannot judge its intent, but if we arent careful, you all might regard it as a long-known friend before were aware of whats happening. Ive protected myself, but I dont think I can protect any of you.
Master Grediv narrowed his eyes, gazing pointedly at the little wooden bear. Is this true?
Is what true? It seemed genuinely confused.
Are you magically forming relational connections?
Yes.
The Paragon seemed taken aback by the simple, forthright answer. Still, he seemed hesitant, Do you wish to explain?
I very much would like to, yes.
There was a momentary pause before Master Grediv prompted, Please explain.
Of course! The magics that make up my being are not hidden or obscured in any regard. I have no core morality, because morality implies the ability to choose, and I have none. Though, I do have sapiencethere was almost a hitch in the little artifact as it seemed to try to comprehend what it had just said"I do not understand that contradiction so I will not focus on it. I simply act upon my base magics and the instructions of my bound, either directly or those implied which I interpret. Thus, without a morality, I have no need to hide from either those you would deem good or bad. Neither should want me destroyed because I oppose neither. I am wonderfully compatible with all thinking beings.
Master Grediv opened his mouth, then closed it in a motion that was hauntingly reminiscent of Rane.
I guess we know where Rane learned it, then?
-So it would seem.-
The Paragon shook his head, a hardness entering into his eyes. I dont like that you are magically forging emotional ties with me, little creature. Are you capable of stopping?
No. If I severed that portion of my magic, I would no longer be me, thus I cannot stop.
After a short moment, Master Grediv nodded. But you can stop, and leave an altered you who doesnt do so?
The bear tilted his head to the side, seemingly considering. Yes. It would cause a cascade, the results of which are beyond my understanding, but it would leave me without that portion of my functionality.
-That was another big boost in its reality node.-
Yeah do we know what a larger reality node even means?
-I think weve found it correlates to how much sway a being generally has over the world around it?-
Thats not vague or unhelpful at all
-Sadly, its what we have.-
I know
Master Grediv nodded once. I am not comfortable with the magics this artifact is demonstrating. We do allow sapient artifacts on occasion, if their functions are not hostile, but I believe the emotional connections that are being forcibly formed should be considered a form of hostility.
The bear nodded once. If my bonded agrees, I will initiate the severing. I feel I should note: I cannot be held responsible for the results. The connections you wish to prevent go in both directions, and my magic has quite a lot of sub-aspects to deal with anything not so connected.
There was a beat of silence before the bear continued.
But, as I will no longer be me, thats his problem. I pity that guy and all of you, but mostly him. Kannis? Is this your wish?
Was that a joke?
-I think so? Maybe he is flexing his sapience?-
Possibly.
I I have no idea. Kannis looked to the Paragon. Isnt this like cutting off a part of a persons brain?
Master Grediv shook his head. No, it is more like castrating a particularly aggressive dog. He paused. It isnt ideal, but it is preferable to putting down the creature. At least, that is how I have always understood it. I know much but not everything.
And if I say no?
I will suppress his magics until they cease to be, leaving a well sculpted wooden statue.
Ahh
Mathan looked between the two. I am glad you find me well crafted. I do not wish to be sent back to the void, but I will not contest any action taken.
Kannis sighed. In that case, Mathan, yes. Lets remove the involuntary connection building magics if thats what they are called.
The little bear gave a serious nod. Understood. You have all taught me so much in my short stint of existence. Thank you. Goodbye.
Without further delay, a blossom of power reached out from the core of the magics within the artifact and struck at itself, savaging one section of the magical pathways within.
There was a flash and the majority of the power held within the destroyed spellforms was sucked back into the remainder of the structure of the artifacts natural magics.
Tala watched as the remaining magic severed from the artifact, now identical to Kanniss magic, snapped back to its source. It was more than ten times what the girl had offered the magical item to begin with.
Kannis jerked and gasped as if shed been slapped, but Lyn caught her shoulders and steadied her.
The little bear shifted, looking around itself before reaching out and touching a silver coin artifact laying on the counter within its reach.
The wood gave way to silver, the shape of a bear morphing into that of a stocky man, before it lifted its gaze to Kannis. Hello, bonded. I am Fannas Geard. Am I more acceptable to you, now?
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Chapter 366: Often... Frustrating
Tala was curious to see what the little bear would do, given the incredibly complex magics that she could see bundled into it. Thus, she watched with anticipation as Kannis addressed the little artifact.
The mageling seemed resolute as she held the item, but Tala could still detect a note of uncertainty. What they knew of the artifact implied sapience, and while that was expected in powerful arcanous creatures like Terry, and virtually all magical creatures, it was rare in objects outside of forbidden experiments and the like.
-Well, Kit shows all the signs of either sapience or incredibly intricate procedural magics, on the order of complexity far beyond our ability to create at the moment.-
Thats true enough.
Finally, the young woman firmed her resolve and spoke, Hello, Im Kannis. Whats your name?
At the first sentence, power seemed to be pulled toward the bear. Tala was able to see it being drawn starward, out of the otherwise stoneward streams of power.
Natural magical pathways seemed to awaken from their dormant state, much as silver inscriptions would for Mages.
At the second sentence, another set of interweaving spell-forms immediately started to draw in power, and Tala thought she saw flickers of power moving between Kannis and the bear.
Forming a connection, just as expected.
With all the moving pieces of the spellform, spreading out to overlay every part of the small bear, it was a wonder how fast it progressed.
Less than three seconds after Kannis had asked her question, the bears eyes opened.
They looked like doll eyes as it looked up at Kannis. Hello, Kannis. I am Mathan Fannas Geard. Do you have a magical source attuned to you already?
The voice was melodic, like Mathan was barely keeping itself from singing. Even so, it was surprisingly deep, wholly incongruous with the tiny thing.
Kannis was clearly taken aback by the articulate artifact.
Even so, she cleared her throat and answered, Yes. I have a magical source.
Wait It isnt speaking. Tala narrowed her focus on the magic around the artifact.
-No it isnt. It is pushing what it wants to communicate through an insane lattice of magic its not a powerful effect, but it is complex. It looks like its outside of the range of anything weve seen and analyzed, ourselves.-
Not human magic, then concept magic? We werent able to analyze too much concept magic even while among the arcanes. Is it simply using the concept of communication to communicate?
-Thats a reasonable guess. Thats why were all hearing it, because thats what we expect and will receive best.-
And its verbose because thats the only way to convey exactly what its trying to convey.
-Precisely. The concepts involved are likely incredibly simple, from the artifacts perspective, but the magic expands and elucidates it until we can understand it precisely as intended.-
Thats useful?
-Indeed.-
The magical pathways widened and deepened within Mathan. Excellent. It is convenient that you are so equipped already, and we do not have to seek out a source to claim. In that case, initiating our magical bond will only require your consent. Simply extend some of your power to me as a form of agreement, and I will do the rest.
The mageling was obviously, rightly hesitant, Is that required?
The second set of pathways drew more deeply, thickening and deepening within the dimension of magic.
Give truth to bind, ask truth to befriend... Is it purposely cycling on its own conditions to add to the two-way bond?
-That seems likely. If something like this was set up to do harm, it would be insidious.-
Indeed.
Mathan was silent for a moment before responding, No. A magic bond is not required, though I believe that I could not leave this region without it. The magic here sustains me, but now that I am active, I would waste away elsewhere. I sense much power nearby, but without a proper bond, I cannot detect its nature or how to access it for use elsewhere.
Kannis nodded, understanding.
Tala, Rane, and Lyn had all discussed that portion of artifacts with the mageling so that it wouldnt be a surprise or require detailed answers while within Artias shop.
Rane, Lyn, and Artia, for their parts, were all standing back and watching with various looks of fascination.
Ironically, Artia seemed the least surprised by the developments.
I suppose doing this for a couple of decades has made things like this, if not every day, certainly not unique.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
The mageling considered for a long moment, then pulled her own power up and into her hands, which were still clasped around the bears middle.
There was a pulse of power as the drop of Kanniss magic seemed to change the composition of all the power within the small thing, like dipping a teabag into hot water.
With a wave of black fire, the hair burned away, leaving a surprisingly lifelike metal bear in its wake.
Kannis gasped, pulling her hands back and allowing Mathan to drop the few inches to the counter, where it landed in a crouch.
No, not a bear, a bear-man. It was eerily similar to the wolf-men theyd seen in the recording the night before, but mainly in that it was an obvious blending of man and predator.
In Mathans case, there was none of the wrongness that the wolf-men had exuded.
The little figure stretched, the metal moving as if it were flesh. It then looked down at the wooden counter and tapped one foot.
Immediately, wood seemed to flow up through the material, and it was a wooden figure instead.
It looked up with a smile. There. I determined that you did not have any form of enhanced strength, so the added weight of a metal form would be a burden. Did I do well?
There was a look of childlike need for approval in the little wooden face.
Then, Mathan frowned. You look startled. Did my transformation shock you? I apologize. It looked down at its articulate paws. I only have my nature to act upon, and it seems that it has been so very long since one of my kin was able to gain foothold here. I do not know what I should be doing.
Kannis cleared her throat, moving a bit closer, Your kin?
Yes, I am a keeperling, born of the ordered void.
Tala felt her eye twitch. What?
-What?-
The little wooden bear-man nodded as if satisfied. Your people have done an excellent job keeping the devourlings from gaining a foothold within this place of magic and power. While the power you have supplied is minor, I can do much with it. You have a truly excellent, unending source.
Master Grediv looked up to Kannis, deciding that he should talk with her, given shed stayed his hand. Im sorry, Mistress. I do not know you.
Kannis colored, lowering her head. My apologies, but I am no Mistress. I am a mageling to Mistress Lyn. She gestured to Lyn. This is an artifact that we just purchased and are trying to understand.
Master Grediv sighed. A potentially sapient artifact? Those are often frustrating.
I am fully sapient, thank you. I do have the potential for more, though. The bear seemed positively gleeful to share information.
No wonder. Every time it does, the node grows.
Tala cleared her throat, drawing everyones attention, though Mathan didnt orient on her. Its magics are creating a relational connection between itself and whoever its speaking with, growing it in depth and meaning. I believe that it might be doing something similar with everyone as questions are asked and answered. Additionally, it is more present every time it reveals truth or has truth revealed to it.
The bears node grew.
Really? I suppose I revealed truth to others, around it? That counts?
-Thats so unfair-
Tala sighed. I cannot judge its intent, but if we arent careful, you all might regard it as a long-known friend before were aware of whats happening. Ive protected myself, but I dont think I can protect any of you.
Master Grediv narrowed his eyes, gazing pointedly at the little wooden bear. Is this true?
Is what true? It seemed genuinely confused.
Are you magically forming relational connections?
Yes.
The Paragon seemed taken aback by the simple, forthright answer. Still, he seemed hesitant, Do you wish to explain?
I very much would like to, yes.
There was a momentary pause before Master Grediv prompted, Please explain.
Of course! The magics that make up my being are not hidden or obscured in any regard. I have no core morality, because morality implies the ability to choose, and I have none. Though, I do have sapiencethere was almost a hitch in the little artifact as it seemed to try to comprehend what it had just said"I do not understand that contradiction so I will not focus on it. I simply act upon my base magics and the instructions of my bound, either directly or those implied which I interpret. Thus, without a morality, I have no need to hide from either those you would deem good or bad. Neither should want me destroyed because I oppose neither. I am wonderfully compatible with all thinking beings.
Master Grediv opened his mouth, then closed it in a motion that was hauntingly reminiscent of Rane.
I guess we know where Rane learned it, then?
-So it would seem.-
The Paragon shook his head, a hardness entering into his eyes. I dont like that you are magically forging emotional ties with me, little creature. Are you capable of stopping?
No. If I severed that portion of my magic, I would no longer be me, thus I cannot stop.
After a short moment, Master Grediv nodded. But you can stop, and leave an altered you who doesnt do so?
The bear tilted his head to the side, seemingly considering. Yes. It would cause a cascade, the results of which are beyond my understanding, but it would leave me without that portion of my functionality.
-That was another big boost in its reality node.-
Yeah do we know what a larger reality node even means?
-I think weve found it correlates to how much sway a being generally has over the world around it?-
Thats not vague or unhelpful at all
-Sadly, its what we have.-
I know
Master Grediv nodded once. I am not comfortable with the magics this artifact is demonstrating. We do allow sapient artifacts on occasion, if their functions are not hostile, but I believe the emotional connections that are being forcibly formed should be considered a form of hostility.
The bear nodded once. If my bonded agrees, I will initiate the severing. I feel I should note: I cannot be held responsible for the results. The connections you wish to prevent go in both directions, and my magic has quite a lot of sub-aspects to deal with anything not so connected.
There was a beat of silence before the bear continued.
But, as I will no longer be me, thats his problem. I pity that guy and all of you, but mostly him. Kannis? Is this your wish?
Was that a joke?
-I think so? Maybe he is flexing his sapience?-
Possibly.
I I have no idea. Kannis looked to the Paragon. Isnt this like cutting off a part of a persons brain?
Master Grediv shook his head. No, it is more like castrating a particularly aggressive dog. He paused. It isnt ideal, but it is preferable to putting down the creature. At least, that is how I have always understood it. I know much but not everything.
And if I say no?
I will suppress his magics until they cease to be, leaving a well sculpted wooden statue.
Ahh
Mathan looked between the two. I am glad you find me well crafted. I do not wish to be sent back to the void, but I will not contest any action taken.
Kannis sighed. In that case, Mathan, yes. Lets remove the involuntary connection building magics if thats what they are called.
The little bear gave a serious nod. Understood. You have all taught me so much in my short stint of existence. Thank you. Goodbye.
Without further delay, a blossom of power reached out from the core of the magics within the artifact and struck at itself, savaging one section of the magical pathways within.
There was a flash and the majority of the power held within the destroyed spellforms was sucked back into the remainder of the structure of the artifacts natural magics.
Tala watched as the remaining magic severed from the artifact, now identical to Kanniss magic, snapped back to its source. It was more than ten times what the girl had offered the magical item to begin with.
Kannis jerked and gasped as if shed been slapped, but Lyn caught her shoulders and steadied her.
The little bear shifted, looking around itself before reaching out and touching a silver coin artifact laying on the counter within its reach.
The wood gave way to silver, the shape of a bear morphing into that of a stocky man, before it lifted its gaze to Kannis. Hello, bonded. I am Fannas Geard. Am I more acceptable to you, now?
Chapter 366: Often... FrustratingTala was curious to see what the little bear would do, given the incredibly complex magics that she could see bundled into it. Thus, she watched with anticipation as Kannis addressed the little artifact.The mageling seemed resolute as she held the item, but Tala could still detect a note of uncertainty. What they knew of the artifact implied sapience, and while that was expected in powerful arcanous creatures like Terry, and virtually all magical creatures, it was rare in objects outside of forbidden experiments and the like.-Well, Kit shows all the signs of either sapience or incredibly intricate procedural magics, on the order of complexity far beyond our ability to create at the moment.-Thats true enough.Finally, the young woman firmed her resolve and spoke, Hello, Im Kannis. Whats your name?At the first sentence, power seemed to be pulled toward the bear. Tala was able to see it being drawn starward, out of the otherwise stoneward streams of power.Natural magical pathways seemed to awaken from their dormant state, much as silver inscriptions would for Mages.At the second sentence, another set of interweaving spell-forms immediately started to draw in power, and Tala thought she saw flickers of power moving between Kannis and the bear.Forming a connection, just as expected.With all the moving pieces of the spellform, spreading out to overlay every part of the small bear, it was a wonder how fast it progressed.Less than three seconds after Kannis had asked her question, the bears eyes opened.They looked like doll eyes as it looked up at Kannis. Hello, Kannis. I am Mathan Fannas Geard. Do you have a magical source attuned to you already?The voice was melodic, like Mathan was barely keeping itself from singing. Even so, it was surprisingly deep, wholly incongruous with the tiny thing.Kannis was clearly taken aback by the articulate artifact.Even so, she cleared her throat and answered, Yes. I have a magical source.Wait It isnt speaking. Tala narrowed her focus on the magic around the artifact.-No it isnt. It is pushing what it wants to communicate through an insane lattice of magic its not a powerful effect, but it is complex. It looks like its outside of the range of anything weve seen and analyzed, ourselves.-Not human magic, then concept magic? We werent able to analyze too much concept magic even while among the arcanes. Is it simply using the concept of communication to communicate?-Thats a reasonable guess. Thats why were all hearing it, because thats what we expect and will receive best.-And its verbose because thats the only way to convey exactly what its trying to convey.-Precisely. The concepts involved are likely incredibly simple, from the artifacts perspective, but the magic expands and elucidates it until we can understand it precisely as intended.-Thats useful?-Indeed.-The magical pathways widened and deepened within Mathan. Excellent. It is convenient that you are so equipped already, and we do not have to seek out a source to claim. In that case, initiating our magical bond will only require your consent. Simply extend some of your power to me as a form of agreement, and I will do the rest.The mageling was obviously, rightly hesitant, Is that required?The second set of pathways drew more deeply, thickening and deepening within the dimension of magic.Give truth to bind, ask truth to befriend... Is it purposely cycling on its own conditions to add to the two-way bond?-That seems likely. If something like this was set up to do harm, it would be insidious.-Indeed.Mathan was silent for a moment before responding, No. A magic bond is not required, though I believe that I could not leave this region without it. The magic here sustains me, but now that I am active, I would waste away elsewhere. I sense much power nearby, but without a proper bond, I cannot detect its nature or how to access it for use elsewhere.Kannis nodded, understanding.Tala, Rane, and Lyn had all discussed that portion of artifacts with the mageling so that it wouldnt be a surprise or require detailed answers while within Artias shop.Rane, Lyn, and Artia, for their parts, were all standing back and watching with various looks of fascination.Ironically, Artia seemed the least surprised by the developments.I suppose doing this for a couple of decades has made things like this, if not every day, certainly not unique.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.The mageling considered for a long moment, then pulled her own power up and into her hands, which were still clasped around the bears middle.There was a pulse of power as the drop of Kanniss magic seemed to change the composition of all the power within the small thing, like dipping a teabag into hot water.With a wave of black fire, the hair burned away, leaving a surprisingly lifelike metal bear in its wake.Kannis gasped, pulling her hands back and allowing Mathan to drop the few inches to the counter, where it landed in a crouch.No, not a bear, a bear-man. It was eerily similar to the wolf-men theyd seen in the recording the night before, but mainly in that it was an obvious blending of man and predator.In Mathans case, there was none of the wrongness that the wolf-men had exuded.The little figure stretched, the metal moving as if it were flesh. It then looked down at the wooden counter and tapped one foot.Immediately, wood seemed to flow up through the material, and it was a wooden figure instead.It looked up with a smile. There. I determined that you did not have any form of enhanced strength, so the added weight of a metal form would be a burden. Did I do well?There was a look of childlike need for approval in the little wooden face.Then, Mathan frowned. You look startled. Did my transformation shock you? I apologize. It looked down at its articulate paws. I only have my nature to act upon, and it seems that it has been so very long since one of my kin was able to gain foothold here. I do not know what I should be doing.Kannis cleared her throat, moving a bit closer, Your kin?Yes, I am a keeperling, born of the ordered void.Tala felt her eye twitch. What?-What?-The little wooden bear-man nodded as if satisfied. Your people have done an excellent job keeping the devourlings from gaining a foothold within this place of magic and power. While the power you have supplied is minor, I can do much with it. You have a truly excellent, unending source.Master Grediv looked up to Kannis, deciding that he should talk with her, given shed stayed his hand. Im sorry, Mistress. I do not know you.Kannis colored, lowering her head. My apologies, but I am no Mistress. I am a mageling to Mistress Lyn. She gestured to Lyn. This is an artifact that we just purchased and are trying to understand.Master Grediv sighed. A potentially sapient artifact? Those are often frustrating.I am fully sapient, thank you. I do have the potential for more, though. The bear seemed positively gleeful to share information.No wonder. Every time it does, the node grows.Tala cleared her throat, drawing everyones attention, though Mathan didnt orient on her. Its magics are creating a relational connection between itself and whoever its speaking with, growing it in depth and meaning. I believe that it might be doing something similar with everyone as questions are asked and answered. Additionally, it is more present every time it reveals truth or has truth revealed to it.The bears node grew.Really? I suppose I revealed truth to others, around it? That counts?-Thats so unfair-Tala sighed. I cannot judge its intent, but if we arent careful, you all might regard it as a long-known friend before were aware of whats happening. Ive protected myself, but I dont think I can protect any of you.Master Grediv narrowed his eyes, gazing pointedly at the little wooden bear. Is this true?Is what true? It seemed genuinely confused.Are you magically forming relational connections?Yes.The Paragon seemed taken aback by the simple, forthright answer. Still, he seemed hesitant, Do you wish to explain?I very much would like to, yes.There was a momentary pause before Master Grediv prompted, Please explain.Of course! The magics that make up my being are not hidden or obscured in any regard. I have no core morality, because morality implies the ability to choose, and I have none. Though, I do have sapiencethere was almost a hitch in the little artifact as it seemed to try to comprehend what it had just said"I do not understand that contradiction so I will not focus on it. I simply act upon my base magics and the instructions of my bound, either directly or those implied which I interpret. Thus, without a morality, I have no need to hide from either those you would deem good or bad. Neither should want me destroyed because I oppose neither. I am wonderfully compatible with all thinking beings.Master Grediv opened his mouth, then closed it in a motion that was hauntingly reminiscent of Rane.I guess we know where Rane learned it, then?-So it would seem.-The Paragon shook his head, a hardness entering into his eyes. I dont like that you are magically forging emotional ties with me, little creature. Are you capable of stopping?No. If I severed that portion of my magic, I would no longer be me, thus I cannot stop.After a short moment, Master Grediv nodded. But you can stop, and leave an altered you who doesnt do so?The bear tilted his head to the side, seemingly considering. Yes. It would cause a cascade, the results of which are beyond my understanding, but it would leave me without that portion of my functionality.-That was another big boost in its reality node.-Yeah do we know what a larger reality node even means?-I think weve found it correlates to how much sway a being generally has over the world around it?-Thats not vague or unhelpful at all-Sadly, its what we have.-I knowMaster Grediv nodded once. I am not comfortable with the magics this artifact is demonstrating. We do allow sapient artifacts on occasion, if their functions are not hostile, but I believe the emotional connections that are being forcibly formed should be considered a form of hostility.The bear nodded once. If my bonded agrees, I will initiate the severing. I feel I should note: I cannot be held responsible for the results. The connections you wish to prevent go in both directions, and my magic has quite a lot of sub-aspects to deal with anything not so connected.There was a beat of silence before the bear continued.But, as I will no longer be me, thats his problem. I pity that guy and all of you, but mostly him. Kannis? Is this your wish?Was that a joke?-I think so? Maybe he is flexing his sapience?-Possibly.I I have no idea. Kannis looked to the Paragon. Isnt this like cutting off a part of a persons brain?Master Grediv shook his head. No, it is more like castrating a particularly aggressive dog. He paused. It isnt ideal, but it is preferable to putting down the creature. At least, that is how I have always understood it. I know much but not everything.And if I say no?I will suppress his magics until they cease to be, leaving a well sculpted wooden statue.AhhMathan looked between the two. I am glad you find me well crafted. I do not wish to be sent back to the void, but I will not contest any action taken.Kannis sighed. In that case, Mathan, yes. Lets remove the involuntary connection building magics if thats what they are called.The little bear gave a serious nod. Understood. You have all taught me so much in my short stint of existence. Thank you. Goodbye.Without further delay, a blossom of power reached out from the core of the magics within the artifact and struck at itself, savaging one section of the magical pathways within.There was a flash and the majority of the power held within the destroyed spellforms was sucked back into the remainder of the structure of the artifacts natural magics.Tala watched as the remaining magic severed from the artifact, now identical to Kanniss magic, snapped back to its source. It was more than ten times what the girl had offered the magical item to begin with.Kannis jerked and gasped as if shed been slapped, but Lyn caught her shoulders and steadied her.The little bear shifted, looking around itself before reaching out and touching a silver coin artifact laying on the counter within its reach.The wood gave way to silver, the shape of a bear morphing into that of a stocky man, before it lifted its gaze to Kannis. Hello, bonded. I am Fannas Geard. Am I more acceptable to you, now?
