Toxins and Treats(Cerberus)

[Xue Zhongli]

It was a mild day in the town of Hapshass as people walked to and from in the markets and docks of the port town, the air was warm and the sun shone down strongly with not a single cloud in the sky, a silver haired stranger walked down the steps of the town and stretched a bit as he yawned showing his boredom, he was garbed in attire that looked normal for commoners with a white shirt with a black tunic over it along with finger less gloves on his hands, below that he wore a simple set of green slacks along with a pair of simple sandals and leather greaves. The other noticeable thing about him was the violet marking on his neck and was more easy to see as Xue stretched his arms again. Since he had some free time he figured that it would be a good time as any to visit the market place in the common region and from what he knew Hapshass had the best apothecary in the region possible in the kingdom. while the man was known to not be to thrilled about most getting a look at and purchasing new plants and specimens was one of the few things that could get his attention quick.

As he turned to step into the area where the apothecary ingredients were being shown and purchased the darkness mage could instantly catch a faint whiff of something foul but given the ingredients that were up for purchase thankfully the wind and being outside somewhat helped the odor from being far to strong. Glancing around Xue grabbed a few sprigs of wolfsbane and some foxglove which most would never grab if they knew the toxicity of the items but then one item caught his eye, a small pile of what looked like red pears with a black dot on them.”Rosary peas but they are rather uncommon tell me how much for some?” he asked the merchant running the shop.”hmm not many use them due to the danger of a poisoning by accident so I could part with a small satchel of them for 50 yul ontop of the other things you have it would come up to 75 yul in total” the man said while Xue reached out and put a small bag of Yul on the table and waited for his order to be filled.

wc-400

[Cerberus Hades]

“Oh dear…lost again”, shrugged Cerberus

This time Cerberus was on a whole new chapter of “delightfully lost”; he was going on his usual midnight ride on “Dusk” when a wave of exhaustion decided to strangle him. When he finally woke up “Dusk” had taken him to a stretch of old ashen oak trees; a normal person would be horrified however Cerberus was distracted by his new finding. All along the trees were a verify of mushrooms and other herbs; “Death Caps”, Destroying Angels, and Jack o’ lanterns were among a few of the flourishing fungi. Many of the herbs he found were in excellent condition, to the point where he is glad he had “gloves” in his saddlebag along with some storage supplies.

Granted with his magic he can rid himself of any lingering residue, pollen, or secretions that can prove fatal but acquiring such specimens requires care. Satisfied with his haul he safely assesses that he could produce multiple different types of poisons and antidotes for all of them given he had time. Guiding “Dusk” through the woods Cerberus was able to find a clean stream that had multiple people filling water jugs, and pots. Taken back from seeing someone just appear out of the woods, they were actually very blissful. Having explained how he ended up this far, they shared with him an apple, and pointed him in the right direction. They even pulled out his “map” and they marked where he was.
Hapshass?...Hapshass; no matter how many times he said its name it still had an “empty” ring to it. Like one is missing the end of a joke, or some sort of cheeky phrase. Riding “Dusk” in was easy enough, however people did look at him like they have never seen a “Horse” before. A briney musk wafted the air, saturating it as he got closer; the particular path he took lead him up a hill giving birth to an impressive view of this port city.

Riding down he saw various merchants and farmers carrying goods and other products in impressive quantities. He spotted silks, crops, packages, and even precious stones, drifting this way, and that way, exchanging hands faster than he cared to follow. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a man looming over a particular stall; he appeared to be traveling lite judging by his lack of gear. It was when the merchant held up herbs did Cerberus’s interest peak. Urging “Dusk” forward he promptly dismounted and guided him; briefly ignoring the man, he saw that the Merchant was an Herbalist of sorts. His inventory were a variety of “Herbs” however the majority of them had one thing in common; their application for poison. The man bore colors resembling the very genus of plant he seeks; a black tunic complimented by a pair of green slacks, down to pair of brown sandals.

“A rather unusual choice in herb; Rosary Peas are often in pine-rich lands or pastures. I vaguely recall seeing a “Glade” a few miles back.”, Cerberus observes. “However this area’s soil consistency coupled with the salt from the sea would make such a delicate specimen wither off too quickly. The only trees that grow this close to the ocean would be a species of oak or oleander”, he explained


wc: 551

[Xue Zhongli]

Xue gained a small smile as he paid for the purchases he had made and put the satchel filled with his peas and the other deadly herbs in a safe place in his tunic, while Hapshass was known for being a hot spot for apothecary ingredients the section he was in was privy to very few since it was actually a branch of the black market, though he was not the only one to know of such channels due the his family Xue was rather familier at least with where the general location was for each city and town and he knew how to bargin and play ball with the vendors there, browsing over a few of the other wares that were currently being shown in the section though some were hidden rather well between some were plain to hide more dangerous species Xue blinked for a moment when he had someone speak to him and he turned to the one who spoke and saw a well dressed man on a horse. He heard the man explain that he had seen a glade of plants much like the ones on display the darkness mage gained slight look of interest.

“its why I mentioned that it was rare to see such a plant given the climate of the surrounding area, though if you could give directions to that glade I might seek to grab some more when I leave,these things are rather useful for dealing with pests around the house if used correctly”he mentioned,in truth it was a bit of a play on words given that more often then not the pests that he had to deal with were ones that were around his size and something with the toxicity of a rosary pea would be rather useful, of course he wouldnt let a complete stranger know that and while he seemed knowledgeable Xue still had felt it prudent to give a valid yet understandable reason for obtaining such items,” im guessing your a traveler given your attire and being on horseback what brings you to Hapshass?” he questioned his silver eyes looking at Cerberus with a look that was rather bored but in truth was analyzing him like a hawk from his body language to how he spoke he was focused on the mage

wc-385

total wc- 785

[Cerberus Hades]

Throughout his years, he has been asked by his family and kinsmen about people. Cerberus enjoys the study of people and their habits, so he knows when a person is sizing him up. This silver haired man is an exceptional specimen; built on the leaner side in comparison to Cerberus, the man was probably fit more for speed than maneuverability. From his height advantage Cerberus can see the tension in his neck, meaning the muscles in his back are engaged. Usually this trait is common around terrestrial predators as a sign of weariness or mistrust; not that he could blame him. At six foot four inches tall, dressed in nearly all black, armed with a smile, he has every right to be wary of him. However Cerberus does enjoy “playing” these games; the man before him probably looks at the world as “boring”. His posture was straight and statueste while he bore a rather unphased and confident air about him.
Though Cerberus would not care to fight he knows a certain Lightning Mage who would hate his guts..

The mans features reminded him of a “Mountain Lion”; strong, proud, focused..yet completely an ambush predator. Direct confrontation may not be this man’s strong point; with that point it may be safe to assume that he lacks an amount of “Social Grace”. Quite possible that he rarely socializes with anyone other than a close few unless it is absolutely necessary. Feeling out his “Mana”, it had a familiar rhythm to it, similar to “Lord Zaven’s” but lacking the “bite” that his Lord has. Granted Cerberus isn’t looking for a fight, but he doesn’t quiet view the man as a “threat”. By chance Cerberus would never had met him if the “stand owner” didn’t have such a rich baritone vocal range. Stopping his musings Cerberus’s mind stilled, into focus~

“A “Traveler”?, Hmm, more or less”, he smiled. “ Truth be told, I happened to get delightfully lost and ended up here. Back to the topic at hand~

Cerberus slung off his pack and opening it, revealing the three fleets of fungi

“I’ve found plenty of Deathcaps, Destroying Angels, and Jack-o-Lanterns, from being lost in the woods; naturally I found plenty of edible roots, bulbs and herbs for my journey home.”, he said smiling. “ About a 6 mile walk, and a three mile ride if you wish to venture it, mister…”

Chuckling at the situation he shook his head

“Pardon, I didn’t quiet catch your name”, he grinned

wc 418
twc: 969

[Xue Zhongli]

Xue looked at the man as he stated that he mearly had gotten lost and had happened to arrive in town by a happy coincidence which made the darkness mage a bit skeptical but it was not seen on his features, if it were true then the man before him had the sense of direction that could be only be described as disastrous. However it was quickly put on the back shelf of Xues mind as the man in question pulled out a few fleets of fungus that caught his eyes and he blinked a bit.”hmm two variants of amanita mushrooms and a less poisonous breed, its surprising how lethal the first two are and yet if you know where to look they are rather common sadly most might mistake them for something edible the fate that befalls them is grim to say the least” he observed before he reached into a satchel on his waist and held out a small fleet of dark looking mushrooms.”i happened to find some of these on my way into town they are ink caps edible but I wouldnt suggest a bottle of mead with them” he said gaining a tiny smile on his face.

He wasnt lieing as the mushrooms were harmless on their own and could be eaten without any ill side effects it was only when alcohol was introduced as well that they became toxic and potentially deadly. While it might have seemed odd that they were going over deadly flora like it was everyday dealings Xue was actually rather enjoying someone that had some interest in such plants. When he was asked his name Xue spoke in the same calm tone as before.”ah Im Xingke im from an area near Nairn I tend to come out here to look at the markets and see the ingredients they have on sale theres always something new showing up or being discovered” he added since it seemed like this man could provide him a rather good conversation, “by chance what is your name sir I only ask since I gave mine but I have yet to have yours” he asked politely.

wc-360
total wc-1155

[Cerberus Hades]

Introverted, Calculated, Educated and yet…lonely; the rhythmic pattern of his voice almost painfully painted those words in vivid detail. When he began speaking of an interesting method that Cerberus immediately committed to memory he heard the faintest hints of passion. When he pulled out the adorable “Ink Caps” Cerberus’s trained eyes quickly examined them. By their state of being he recently had picked them, preserving them as much as he can; compared to others in their “genus” this species actually thrive in sunlight. Granted they prefer damp soil, but nonetheless they were in immaculate condition; the subtly sweet notes turned sour rather quickly when he spoke his name.

Cerberus can understand the concept of keeping ones identity a secret, considering the line of work he is a part of it would be wise for him to use such methods. The man before him may be lying to him, which gives Cerberus a chance to practice. Cerberus never did enjoy lying to someone's face directly; seeing it as rude he prefers to answer a question by filling it with details.

“My name is Asmodeus, “Oz” for short; of the Goetic “Clans” as a “Liaison”, the “Face” as you will”, he smiled. “*Technically I am not lying*”, he thought. “*With the businesses being self sustaining, Lord Zaven did give us free reign in management*”

As the eldest Cerberus does act as a pseudo-envoy for his parents; though he would never impose his will on the rules they have made. Spreading their name around is beneficial in establishing dominance in their select field. And when under orders of his “Lord” he is technically his “Envoy”; musing to himself he walked past the man and towards the stand.

“Pardon, do you know of any orchards nearby? Specifically “Saltbush”, my horse deserves something for putting up with me for so long.”, he inquires

“Hmmm, Saltbush?, down near the bay there is a stream that feeds into it. There should be some in that direction”

“Perfect, thank you so much”

Turning to face his acquaintance, he offered his hand

“Would you like for me to accompany you to the spot or did you have reservations elsewhere?”, he smiles looking Xingke in the eye


WC 367
twc: 1336

[Xue Zhongli]

Xue crossed hims arms a bit as he heard the man now identified as Oz and a member of the Goetic clans which the silver haired rogue resisted raising an eyebrow to. It seemed a bit odd for a house to be split into different clans but then again different cultures worked differently though at the mention of the name Zaven Xue blinked a bit in surprise.”Zaven as in Zaven Blake the captain of the golden dawn” he questioned. Sure he didnt make a habit of interacting with magic knights but he made sure to keep up on current events and who the captains were in the squads as well as up and coming knights too since not knowing could be a troublesome. As Oz would ask his questions he would wait before he heard the man ask if he wanted to be lead to the orchard or if he had other plans,“hmm I didnt have many more plans after this other then heading home so I wouldnt mind a bit more company for the time being” he said as he motioned for the man to lead the way politely.

As he would follow the man Xue was actually a bit wary since someone who would come into the black market with such deadly mushrooms was already a bit of a red flag but Xue knew how to handle such situations and he knew that such mushrooms would be useful in poisons to deal with the pests he mentioned before, that and he knew that his family employed such poisons often when needing to take out a target with discretion

wc- 270

total wc- 1425