#lithomancer

[haaaaaaaaaaaave-you-met-ted]

Nahiri, Forged in Fury by Marta Nael

[plounce]

see tomte adorable

[phi8]

The Lithomancer and the Gorgon ⚔

Nahiri meets Vraska during the War of the Spark! They figure out some sweet combo moves~ Based on an idea by @jacebeleren

Bonus: Sorin and Jace react ;)

[magic-the-girlbossing]

The Multiversal Girlboss battle is over!

Let's take a moment to look at the top 8 of our fine competition.

#1 - Vraska, Queen of the Golgari

With a resume sporting feats of assassination, piracy, and a successful hostile overtaking of a swarm-like guild, it's unsurprising she'd find herself at the top.

#2 - Alesha, Khan of the Mardu

This Khan who smiles at death viciously fought her way to the top, on the back of not only her incredible list of feats but also the fact that she is, indeed, transgender.

Tied for #3 - Liliana Vess

Though I doubt she'd settle for tying, she'll have to accept it. This intrepid necromancer has seen the most limelight of any of the girlbosses in this tourney. I would go so far as to say that in her early years she defined what it meant to be a Magic girlboss. Unfortunately for her, her recently compromised girlboss status due to a pesky thing called "character growth" doomed her to third place.

Tied for #3 - Teysa Karlov

Opportunistic and cutthroat, Teysa's slow climb of the Orzhov ladder, leaving her effectively at the top of a corporate AND religious hierarchy, gave her a strong case for her ascension to the title of ultimate girlboss. Unfortunately, she lost out to someone who was actually able to take over a guild.

Tied for #5 - Queen Marchesa D'Amati

Long may reign the queen of Fiora, but let it be known that this is the highest title that she will achieve.

Tied for #5 - Nahiri, the Lithomancer

While Nahiri has surely taken some girlboss actions (read: committed some war crimes), her status as a repeated failgirl blocked her from ascending any further in this competition.

Tied for #5 - Ashnod the Uncaring

Speaking of war crimes, it's Ashnod! In spite both of her numerous felonies and her sporting that bob (one of the most girlboss hairstyles) she fell just short of greatness in this one.

Tied for #5 - Emrakul, The Promised End

Rounding out our list we have Emrakul. We hope she's having fun up there in the moon, and we hope she knows we're ready for her to join us whenever she wants.

Link to final round masterpost.

[mtglore]

Five Eldrazi-Related Stories Republished for Modern Horizons 3

Limits by Ari Levitch

Dreams of the Damned by Nik Davidson

Nissa, Worldwaker by Adam Lee

The Battle of Fort Keff by Jenna Helland

The Lithomancer by Kelly Digges

[big-bi-rakdos]

Lithomancer? I hardly know her

[swordandsable]

Nahiri, the Lithomancer

[quiesphere]

I. The Lithomancer

[klopford]

My sage is 89 so I did The Mothercrystal duty support because Urianger will DPS if you go as a healer! He's basically a summoner but his job is called "Lithomancer." I only managed to hear two new unique voice lines for him as DPS:

-"My magicks are without peer!"

-"'Tis a most fearsome familiar!"

I was kinda hoping he might actually LB, since I've gotten Alphinaud to LB as a DPS before (he shouts "For the House of Leveilleur!" when he does that) but Y'shtola kept beating everyone to it :P

[saemi-the-writer]

The Arcana Heart Hunter - Réamann

Here's Réamann^^!

The Shop: (smiling) “Oh, hey MC. Niamh and Asra are busy right now, but maybe I can help you?”

Forest: (relaxed, holding his Crwth)“*hums gently*”

Forest (night): (smiling, , holding his Crwth) “If you like this, I could recreate a similar scene with my magic. Just tell me.”

Cave: (nostalgic) “My sister and I used to explore places like this together…”

Cave (night): (blushing) “I don’t know what is inspiring me more, all this magic or you, MC.”

Docks: (smiling holding his Crwth) “Watching the sea reminds me of an old song, do you want to hear it?”

Town Square: (smiling, holding his Crwth) “With all this crowd, it’s not always easy to draw and keep the attention. But when you do, it’s worth it!”

Community Theatre: (pleased) “I’ve discovered this place not so long ago, and I love it!”

Coliseum: (serious) “This place should serve as a memorial…”

Red Market: (shocked) “Oh nice! I had no idea such a market was here! Wait… aren’t these substances illegal?!”

The Rowdy Raven: (laughing) I haven’t had such a drink in so long! Anyway, cheers MC!”

Market: (pleased) “Were you looking for something special? Here, I have a pumpkin bread for you.”

Flooded District: (serious) “I hope the Countess will do something about it soon. The inhabitants have suffered long enough.”

Fields: (playful, holding his Crwth) “Do you want to hear a tale, MC? This place is a perfect scenery for some!”

South End: (confused/awkward) “I always get lost in this side of the city…”

The Lazaret: (appalled) “……I’m feeling sick. Please, let’s go…”

Mazelinka’s House: (pleased) “There is something cosy about this place, I like it!”

Portia’s Cottage: (playful) “Oh, Portia planted new flowers! How about I surprise her and help them grow?” *winks*

Muriel’s Hut: (blushing) “…what do you mean I’m blushing? I-I’m not, I’m just sitting too close to the fire, and-and-and that’s it!”

Asra’s Sanctuary: (smiling) “There is a festival today, would you go with me after resting a bit?”

The Palace: (wry smile) “Some people are really too big-headed for their own good. How about we serve them some humble pie?”

Palace Gardens: (relaxed) “I could stay here for hours; this garden is amazing.”

Lucio’s Wing: (worried) “I have a bad feeling about this. Here, take one of these charms with you.”

Interactions

The Shop

Réamann (teasing): I knew the smell of my sister’s cooking can lure anyone, but not to the point of trying to break in!

Julian (blushing): O-oh! Hello Réamann! Fancy seeing you here!

Portia (amazed): I wish I could have all of this stuff too!

Réamann (grinning): You could find many of it, I’m sure you would be a great treasure hunter!

Lucio (curious): I wanted Niamh to give me a tarot reading but she’s busy. Do you know how to do it?

Réamann (smiling): I’m not as good as Niamhy, but I could try to give you either a prediction or teach you meditation with crystals!

Nadia (smiling): So your sister is the cartomancer and you are the lithomancer?

Réamann (smiling): Not really. Divination is not my chosen field, but I still can do some reading with crystals and incense. Otherwise, it’s more Niamh and Asra’s thing.

Réamann (amazed): Oooooh! What kind of instrument is that? It looks like what Aunt Izumi described me once!

Asra (smiling): It’s called a qanun. It’s played on the lap while sitting or squatting by plucking the strings with fingernails or tortoise-shell picks.

Réamann (smiling, Ceres on his shoulder): Your charms are amazing! Have you ever thought about selling them or becoming the shop’s suppliers?

Muriel (embarrassed): No, I never thought about it and I’m not sure I want to.

Niamh (grinning): Hey there, Réa! Here, I packed up your lunch for today!

Réamann (grinning, Ceres on his shoulder):Thanks Niamhy! I see you even made a little box for Ceres!

Erwin (smiling): It’s been a while since we had tea time together, the three of us.

Réamann (smiling, Ceres on his shoulder): True. Let’s hope it will be the whole family soon.

Forest

Réamann (laughing, holding his Crwth): The name of this tune? “Lost in the woods”!

Lucio (crossed): …I am giving you 5 seconds to run, right now!

Réamann (surprised, holding his Crwth): Nadia? What are you doing so deep in the forest on your own?

Nadia (blushing): I-ahem, I was just taking a stroll to admire the forest, then I followed a little squirrel until I heard the sound of your Crwth. I am glad it guided me to you.

Portia (grinning): I love this tune, it makes me want to dance!

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Would you like to dance with me then?

Julian (embarrassed): Um, no offense, but I really have a hard time trusting anything magic. I’d rather stick to my regular medicine and standard ingredients.

Réamann (confused): Why are you picking mandrake roots then??

Muriel (smiling): The animals love your music and singing.

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth, Ceres on his shoulder): Ceres says the animals love you too.

Asra (laughing): I caught this little one feasting in my bag! I am afraid she is now paying for her gluttony!

Réamann (surprised): Ceres, no! I’m so sorry Asra, please let me help you find your ingredients again!

Réamann (curious): Ceres keeps running after a black wolf lately. It’s weird, but I kinda think she has a crush on this wolf??

Niamh (mischievous): Like magician, like familiar!

Erwin (serious): Be careful when you’re on your own here, Réamann. I heard the Courtiers speaking about the forest when they were away from curious ears.

Réamann (shocked, Ceres on his shoulder): What?... Thanks, Erwin! I’ll keep that in mind!

Forest (night)

Réamann (singing, eyes closed): “All of your sorrow, grief, and pain; Locked away in the forest of the night. Your secret heart belongs to the world ; Of the things that sigh in the dark.”

Muriel (saddened): “…Of the things that cry in the dark.”

Julian (curious): Your er… “story-telling magic” is very similar to this! Is it the same magic?

Réamann (pensive): It’s not the same magic, but I couldn’t tell exactly what it is!

Réamann (smiling): I made you a crown of flowers for you, try it! Even when they will dry, they will keep glowing at night!

Portia (happy, wearing a glowing crown flowers): Thank you so much! I really feel like a fairy princess like this!

Réamann (smiling): When I was very young, I got lost in the forest and Aunt Lucina found me only in the middle of the night. It was scary at first, but seeing all this magic had amazed me so much that it became my main inspiration.

Nadia (smiling): Which is why your magic looks so similar when you tell stories. You are so full of surprises, Réamann!

Lucio (pouting): All of this magic is very nice, but I can’t find my purse now!!

Réamann (amused): It’s not shameful to ask for help. Here, I’ve found it!

Asra (amazed): Incredible! Your magic has become so strong!

Réamann (smiling): It’s not just mine, Asra. Yours has strengthened a lot too!

Niamh (smiling): Would you play and sing “Tir Na Nog” with me? Pleeeeease?

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Again? Just kiddin’! Of course!

Réamann (overjoyed): Did you just quote-

Erwin (blushing): Yes, I did! Not another word about it!

Cave

Portia (mischievous): Your voice could resonate very well in here!

Réamann (laughing): I’m already partly responsible for the rumours about the forest, I’d rather not start another for this place!

Julian (surprised): What are you doing with these pebbles and chalks?

Réamann (smiling): Equipping myself for exploration! You wouldn’t want us to get lost, would you?

Lucio (smiling): Reminds me when I found my “yelling cave” as a kid, that Musk bear had almost caught me.

Réamann (shocked): …A what?! Are you sure you’re alright?!

Nadia (surprised): Are you using these pebbles to mark our trail?

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): It’s an old trick. Look, the pebbles glow at the sound of my music.

Réamann (smiling): Don’t worry. If we really get lost, I have my Rift chalks.

Asra (surprised): Rift chalks? They’re so rare! Where did you get them?

Faust: Rocks!

Réamann (surprised): Oh, sorry Faust! Did I hurt you?

Réamann (smiling): I have several types of chalks. Do you want to try one?

Muriel (pouting): I’m not sure I’m good at drawing…

Niamh (relaxed): It’s nice and quiet here.

Réamann (smiling): True. Perfect place to meditate!

Erwin (nostalgic): It reminds me of some caves we had, back in the South.

Réamann (surprised): You rarely speak of your life in the South!

Cave (night)

Julian (worried): Come on, Réa! It’s not funny anymore, stop with your pranks!

Réamann (confused): I’m not doing anything??

Lucio (furious, drenched): “The snail is in the pool, plunge into the water” you said!! IF I CATCH YOU!!!!

Réamann (awkward, sweating a bit): Would you jump from a roof too if I told you to?!

Asra (mischievous, drenched): An eye for an eye, a splash for a splash!

Réamann (laughing, drenched): Haha, I yield!

Réamann (smiling): Did you know that “Niamh” means “shiny”, or “radiant”?

Faust: Niamh! Shiny friend!

Muriel (blushing): Why are you staring at me like this?

Réamann (smiling, blushing): You are my new Muse. I want to carve all of your beautiful features lit by these lights in my memory.

Nadia (smiling): Seems like the magic snail came to you. How adorable.

Réamann (smiling, Ceres on his shoulder): He must have been lonely in there. Hello, little one.

Réamann (smiling): Wait a second, Portia. Let me take a good look at you. I’d like to paint your portrait in this environment if you permit it.

Portia (surprised, blushing): A portrait of me? You’re so sweet!

Réamann (smiling): It’s so beautiful! I think I will do a painting of it once we go home.

Erwin (smiling): I will be looking forwards seeing your artwork.

Réamann (mischievous): Ceres says the snail is down the pool.

Niamh (smirk): Then by all means, dive in first!

Docks

Nadia (smiling): The sound of your singing never fails to soothe me. Thank you Réamann.

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): Don’t mention it. I am happy to sing for you.

Portia (curious): You often sing this song when you’re near the sea, does it mean something special?

Réamann (nostalgic, holding his Crwth): My father often did the same, so I made it a tradition.

Réamann (flirty, Ceres on his shoulder): If I were a Selkie, I would shed my skin to go live with you without any hesitation.

Muriel (blushing, confused): …………………..what’s a Selkie?

Réamann (worried): You don’t have to stay here with me if this place makes you feel uncomfortable.

Asra (smiling): It doesn’t. And I like listening to you singing here.

Julian (jolly, singing): “Un jour, je reviendrai chargé de cadeaux. Hissez haut Santiano! Au pays j’irai voir Margot, à son doigt je passerai l’anneau!“

Réamann (jolly, singing with his Crwth): “Tiens bon le cap et tiens bon le flot! Hissez haut Santiano! Sur la mer qui fait le gros dos, nous irons jusqu’à Püspömiklós!“

Réamann (laughing, holding his Crwth): Now this is what I call an A! Very nice!

Lucio (embarrassed smile): O-of course, I knew I could do it!

Faust: Mermaid!

Réamann (amused): Want to hear a song about mermaids?

Niamh (surprised): Oh, I recognize this song! Asra sang it to me several times!

Réamann (upset): Did he.

Erwin (smiling): I know that a lot of people just come at this hour hoping to find you here, to listen to your singing.

Réamann (laughing): Oh! That would explain a lot!

Town square

Réamann (wry smile, singing, holding his Crwth): “Watch now he'll soon be along, He's finer than any sailor so! Come on now pick up your spoons, He's waiting to hear you play them woo!”

Muriel (blushing, embarrassed): What’shedoingwhyishestaringatmelikethatwhenhesingsit??

Julian (laughing): Encore! Encore!

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Alright, alright! (starts playing another melody)

Portia (smiling): You’re really popular here! Especially with kids!

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): I do my best. And I love children, I love telling them stories and watching their awestruck little faces as they watch my illusions.

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): I need a volunteer to help! How about you, Gentle Lady?

Nadia (in disguise, surprised): Oh! How can I help you, Gentle Bard?

Réamann (neutral, holding his Crwth): Thanks for your offer, but I don’t want to become a Bard for the Nobles. Most of them make a nasty public, and I don’t want to bend backwards to please their ego.

Lucio (awkward, sweating a bit): …You’re not completely wrong. Thanks for your wisdom, pal.

Asra (grinning): This was fun! You really pick the best songs to light everyone’s mood up!

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): Thanks! Seeing a smile one everyone’s face is one of the best rewards.

Réamann (grinning, holding his Crwth): Thanks for playing along, Erwin! The kids loved it!

Erwin (smirking): “Captain Stone-face” at your service, young Bard.

Réamann (smiling): Hey, Niamh! Do you have some spare time?

Niamh (grinning): Do you need me to sing along or play a role?

Community theatre

Réamann (stunned): Wha- Did you just throw salt at me??

Lucio (smirking): Well, you told me to “take it with a pinch of salt”, so I’m giving you a good fistful of it! Jules is next!

Réamann (laughing): You were awesome, Julian! Give me a pound!

Julian (grinning): Thanks for your feedbacks and ideas! We outdid ourselves tonight!

Nadia (laughing): I did not know I could laugh that much, my sides hurt!

Réamann (grinning): The theater troop should consider it their greatest achievement!

Réamann (grinning): Bravo Portia! You did an amazing improv! The public loved you too!

Portia (touched, blushing): Really? Thank you for giving me the chance to be on stage!

Asra (laughing): Was breaking the candlestick on purpose during the chase scene or an accident?

Réamann (laughing): An accident that the comedians quickly pretended to be part of the show!

Réamann (wry smile, blushing): Bringing me here, away from prying eyes, it’s just the two of us… What are your intentions, handsome?

Muriel (blushing, embarrassed): I- just to watch the show from here!!

Niamh (smiling): Are you helping with the staging tonight too or-?

Réamann (relaxed): Nah. Just coming as a spectator tonight!

Réamann (smiling): Seems like you need to clear your mind. Let’s enjoy the show together!

Erwin (smiling): Knowing you, I am sure you picked the right play for that.

Coliseum

Muriel (emotional): I can’t understand how you can still sing to me like that knowing what I did… but thank you. Thank you so much.

Réamann (concerned): I am not here to judge anyone. And I will always have your back, Muriel.

Réamann (pensive): It’s too soon to demolish the Coliseum and let its history half-buried out of guilt. We should acknowledge it all. How about using the place as a memorial, for example?

Nadia (thoughtful): You’re right. This idea needs to be explored, I shall look into it.

Asra (surprised): What music are you playing?

Réamann (serious, holding his Crwth): It’s a Funeral March. I am paying a tribute to all the victims who lost their lives in there. Criminals or not, their spirits should be put to rest.

Portia (neutral): So you never went to watch the games?

Réamann (pale, sweating a bit): I could never, I can’t bear the sight of a corpse! Even the ones of the worst criminals and from afar!

Réamann (ill-at-ease): I just can’t understand how public executions could be made into a special show! Or duels that only end either by death or yielding!

Julian (soothing smile): I think you’d better watch the competitions in Jeodreovar. No harm, no blood drawn unless by accident, and especially: no death!

Réamann (serious): Meet me at this address in two hours, I’m getting you an energetic cleansing and a therapy session. Non-negotiable.

Lucio (stunned): What did I say wrong this time??

Niamh (shocked): I went to watch the games? Really?!

Réamann (ill-at-ease): Only twice, and for very specific reasons I’m not sure I can tell you. Don’t worry about that.

Réamann (sad): Maybe some criminals deserved what they got there, but their spirits haunting the place ad vitam aeternam isn’t a good thing.

Erwin (neutral): I guess not. Do you have a song to appease these restless souls?

Red market

Réamann (angry): Really?! Selling loincloths that belonged to someone else? You, mister, are a sick man!! And so are those who bought your merch! You perverts!!

Muriel (serious): You tell them, Réa.

Réamann (in a daze, smiling): Dis is zoooo good! I gonna buy zome of this “Green F-Fairy” thingy!

Asra (sweating, worried): Did you just chug a glass of absinth?! REAMANN!!

Julian (smirking): Careful there, Réa! They can smell that you’re new here. Just follow my lead!

Réamann (neutral): There’s not much they could get from me.

Réamann (unimpressed): Is this guy seriously selling Zircon powder as Diamond powder?

Nadia (smirking): They were certainly not expecting someone with eyes such as good as yours, my friend.

Réamann (smiling): I found some rare nuts for my familiar, Ceres! She will be so happy!

Portia (smiling): If you see anything nice or magic that is cat-friendly, let me know!

Réamann (serious): I can understand that you’d want to keep a beloved pet close to you, but these animals need to be set free to be happy. You love animals, I’m sure you know it.

Lucio (pouting): Way to spoil my fun, Nice-Nelly!

Niamh (surprised): This mask…! Oh Réa, you shouldn’t have!

Réamann (smiling, Ceres on his shoulder): Allow me to spoil you a little, Niamhy. I don’t have many occasions to do so.

Erwin (shocked): Did you pilfer that guy’s merch?!

Réamann (smirking): I didn’t steal anything, I’ve just hustled a hustler!

The Rowdy Raven

Réamann (grinning): What do you want us to do? Enjoy some drinks, or play them our famous duet?

Julian (smirking): Both sounds good! How about we flip a coin to decide where to start?

Nadia (surprised): Oh my! I did not expect you to possess such a high tolerance to alcohol!

Réamann (smiling, blushing): I don’t drink very strong alcoholic drinks, but I do enjoy a good beer or some wine once in a while!

Réamann (grinning): Thanks for the ginger ale, Portia! Next round is on me!

Portia (mischievous): You’re welcome! Let’s see how many rounds we’ll hold!

Muriel (smiling): It’s quite pleasant when you’re playing your music.

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): I’m glad you think so. Cheers!

Asra (grinning): No matter the type of crowd, you know how to work them with your music!

Réamann (smiling): It took some time to adjust here, but I managed!

Réamann (drunk, blushing): -a-and since I c-couldn’t talk again yet, I kept throwing things to call for help! But then, people started thinking the forest was h-haunted and the r-rumours spread!

Lucio (laughing): Pffffrtt… HAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh my Gods!!

Réamann (smiling): It’s very good! Pour me another glass, please!

Erwin (shocked): Réamann, this is not the kind of drink you just chug like that!!

Réamann (menacing):I didn’t like how he was looking at you. If he ever comes near again, I’ll knock him out!

Niamh (raising an eyebrow): What if this guy was just the waiter?...

Market

Nadia (surprised): The Countess is offering you to buy anything you want, and you ask for food?

Réamann (grinning): Well, sure! It’s such a pleasure to savour good food! Especially with someone you care about.

Muriel (little smile): I like this. What is it?

Réamann (smiling): It is “tapenade”, it’s made with olives! Which one do you like better?

Réamann (concerned): Portia! Excuse me, but have you seen Ceres? I can’t find her!

Portia (smiling): There she is! I caught this little troublemaker before she reached a dry fruits shop!

Réamann (grinning): Hey, this merchant was really nice! Look at all of this!

Julian (stunned): I can’t believe it! It’s not a commercial gesture at this point!!

Asra (laughing): You are the nightmare of bacchanals’ organizers and gamblers!

Réamann (pouting): Hey!

Lucio (mischievous): Hey, would you mind picking the tickets for me?

Réamann (confused): Sure?

Réamann (grinning): I got a discount for this! Do you want some?

Erwin (jaded): How come you always get a discount for everything?

Réamann (smiling): Here are the blooms I talked to you about, I picked some of them for you.

Niamh (smiling): Thanks a bunch, Deer! I will make enchanted necklaces with them!

Flooded district

Réamann (serious): The inhabitants adapted and found some quick fix-it solutions, but they’re still living in a precarious way. I wish it could go back like it was before.

Muriel (serious): Not everything in the past was good, but I see your point.

Réamann (sad, holding his Crwth): I can’t do much for them, except bring some entertainment…

Portia (soothing smile): And it is better than nothing! You bring some hope and fun, it is something good!

Nadia (concerned): It was not supposed to happen. I was only trying to set up a new system to improve the flow of water.

Réamann (raising an eyebrow): By setting exactly the same one that you had in Prakra? I know you didn’t mean harm, but were you really thinking about the sake of Vesuvia back then? Or were you trying to create a second Prakra?

Réamann (deadpanned): Do you want an honest answer, or do you wish to be reassured?

Lucio (embarred, sweating a bit): Okay, okay! Dumb question…

Julian (sweating a bit, awkward smile): Well, it seems to float alright so far!

Réamann (pouting): Wow, so much for trusting a friend!

Réamann (grinning): I’m trying to customize the gondolas, to strengthen the wood. Would you mind trying one?

Asra (deadpanned): …is this a favour or a trick?

Faust: Music!

Réamann (smiling): Is there a song you want me to sing?

Réamann (singing):” The water is wide, I can't cross over. And neither have I wings to fly.”

Niamh (singing): “Build me a boat that can carry two. And both shall row, my love and I.”

Erwin (smiling): Thank you for coming, small deer. Your music sparked joy for everyone here.

Réamann (smiling, holding his Crwth): Don’t mention it.

Fields

Nadia (teasing): It seems like you and your sister Niamh have a thing for wild things, Réa. Or are they attracted to you and wish to be tamed?

Réamann (blushing, teasing): Maybe I do. But it also seems like prim and a bit snobbish creature like me too, maybe they wish to be shown how to be wild?

Réamann (ill-at-ease): I-I am not at ease with battlefield or violent fighting stories, sorry.

Lucio (smiling): Would you rather hear how I met your cousin Erwin?

Portia (curious): With all the songs about travelling and adventure, didn’t you ever want to leave?

Réamann (thoughtful): Not really, I love my home. It’s not perfect, but I can’t imagine leaving Vesuvia for good.

Asra (saddened): I shall be back in two weeks at best… Please, take care of Niamh while I’m away.

Réamann (frowning): I’ve always taken good care of my sister.

Réamann (compassionate): Do you miss your home?

Muriel (saddened): It’s hard to miss something you barely remember.

Réamann (laughing): No? They really said that?!

Julian (laughing): They did!! I almost burst out laughing myself!!

Réamann (laughing): Funny how the same story is different depending on who tells it!

Erwin (smirking): I can only imagine how Lucio told you about it.

Niamh (smiling): It’s a lovely story, did you make it up?

Réamann (nostalgic): Only partially.

South End

Lucio (grinning): Nice swing! Reminds me when I killed a Lich with a luth!

Réamann (surprised, holding his Crwth): With a luth?! How was that possible?

Julian (smiling): You’re a beacon of light for the orphans here, Réa.

Réamann (smiling): They deserve to hope and smile like any child.

Portia (smiling): Did you lose track of the time telling stories to the kids? How sweet!

Réamann (embarrassed): I was actually waiting for you or Julian to find me, I got lost on the way…

Nadia (embarrassed): Well, it seems the two of us were not paying enough attention.

Réamann (embarrassed, Ceres on his shoulder): Lead the way, Ceres!

Réamann (smiling): See? To the kids, you are a guardian!

Muriel (unconvinced): Why though?

Asra (surprised): Are you alright? Why are these men fighting?

Réamann (smirking): They were looking for trouble with the wrong bard, don’t pay attention!

Faust: Squirrel!

Réamann (relieved): Oh! Ceres found the way, thank Gods!

Réamann (smirking): Works every time! Let’s go!

Niamh (amused): What do they think they are fighting, Réa?

Réamann (teasing): You’re awfully familiar with the way, Erwin!

Erwin (poker face, in disguise): Your point?

The Lazaret

Muriel (concerned): Hold my hand and take a deep breath in, Réamann.

Réamann (crying): I should have stopped them…

Nadia (worried): I’ll go inside and look, wait for me here. Niamh could not have gone too far.

Réamann (crying): Niamh…

Asra (tearful): …

Réamann (crying): …

Réamann (terrified, tearful): So many corpses! I couldn’t even walk in the streets anymore!

Julian (sad): Don’t think about it anymore. Let’s go away.

Réamann (sickly, pale): I’m going to throw up!

Portia (worried): I’m taking you to Mazelinka’s! Hang on!

Réamann (crying): You lived a whole year ill with the plague, it must have been awful. You should know better than anyone the suffering of all the victims!

Lucio (sad, deep in thoughts): …

Réamann (panicked, tearful): Niamh? NIAMH!!! Where are you? Please, come back!!

Niamh (mesmerized): Veni ad me…

Réamann (crying): …

Erwin (mournful): Let’s go home.

Mazelinka’s house

Réamann (disappointed): Alright, let’s avoid sensitive subjects. I’ll be in the other room waiting for dinner.

Muriel (disgruntled): I am not “gratuitously nasty” towards Julian!

Portia (grinning): Mazelinka likes you a lot!

Réamann (grinning): The feeling is reciprocated! I’d love to write a song about her adventures!

Réamann (nostalgic): It reminds me of our family dinners back then. I miss those times.

Nadia (pensive): I must admit, my friend, that I sometimes envy the bond there is between you and your twin sister and between the Devorak siblings.

Julian (grinning): Looks like you could use a pick-me-up! Here, have a drink and a bowl of Mazelinka’s soup!

Réamann (surprised): Is this homemade liqueur? It’s good!

Lucio (teasing): Your appetite could put Volta’s to shame!

Réamann (deadpanned): Wow, thanks?

Réamann (raising an eyebrow): You and Julian were a thing, right?

Asra (annoyed): Where are you getting at?

Réamann (grinning): Dinnertime have a great atmosphere when the Devoraks are here!

Niamh (grinning): Exactly what I thought! Never a dull moment with them!

Erwin (concerned): I am surprised that Mazelinka welcomes me so warmly despite everything.

Réamann (smiling): Why wouldn’t she? She’s smart enough to figure out you’re not a creep!

Portia’s cottage

Réamann (awkward): Sorry Portia, I thought that it would be less annoying that his screeching?...

Portia (unimpressed): Asking repeatedly “Who’s there?” or saying randomly “The well-digger”? Less noisy, yeah, but not less annoying!!

Réamann (smiling): I’ve just finished this painting of you. How do you like it?

Nadia (surprised, blushing): Oh, my! I am at loss for words…! Thank you so much, Réamann!

Lucio (grinning): I don’t know how you could teach Camio how to dance, but thanks!

Réamann (laughing): I didn’t really teach him to, he followed the beat of my music on his own.

Réamann (embarrassed smile, Camio on his shoulder): Oh, uh, have you been here the whole time?

Julian (amused): Just long enough to be entertained. You have some very creative humorous stories.

Asra (mischievous): Watch out, Portia! There’s a notorious petnapper in your garden!

Réamann (shocked): Hey!! Don’t joke with that!!

Réamann (smiling): Here, I draw a picture of you in this garden. I hope you can someday look at yourself with the same kindness.

Muriel (blushing): Is that how you see me?

Erwin (neutral): Réa, what have you been teaching Camio?

Réamann (awkward smile): Er… some funny lines?

Niamh (grinning): You know what’s missing?... A swing!!

Réamann (grinning): Oooh! Let’s make a surprise for Portia then!

Muriel’s hut

Réamann (pensive, holding a pen): Maybe some asters would look good in the background…

Muriel (smiling): When he’s focused on his drawings, it’s like the world around him vanishes. Right, Inanna?

Asra (smiling): I haven’t seen Muriel so serene in a while. You really bring joy to his life, and I am grateful for that.

Réamann (blushing): Do I? Did Muriel say anything about me?

Réamann (smiling): You can sit over here, near the fire. Muriel shouldn’t be long.

Nadia (smiling): Thank you, Réa. I am looking forwards meeting your darling Muriel.

Réamann (ill-at-ease): Look, it isn’t the place or the moment to talk about that. How about tomorrow, with a clearer mind and a nice drink?

Lucio (disgruntled): Tomorrow, sure. If one person tells me I’m the one ignoring the elephant in the room today, I’ll-!

Julian (disappointed): Aw, I thought we were staying for tea! I even brought some and coffee in case he preferred it!

Réamann (embarrassed): And it was very nice of you, Julian! How about we take tea at my place?

Portia (smiling): It’s pouring outside! I’m going to prepare some soup for when Muriel comes back!

Réamann (smiling): Good idea! I’ll help you!

Réamann (soothing smile, Ceres on his shoulder): I’m sure you and Muriel could be good friends. Just give him time to sort some things out.

Niamh (sad smile): …I believe you.

Réamann (surprised): Why are you giving me those weapons?

Erwin (serious): I know the Courtiers are lurking around and you’re often here. Be prepared for anything.

Asra’s sanctuary

Réamann (smiling): How about we paint here, instead of going to the Festival? I’ve brought my material!

Muriel (smiling): I would like that.

Nadia (smiling): Do you like your henna tattoo? I have not done any in a while, I hope I did well.

Réamann (grinning): It looks wonderful! Thanks, Nadia! Would you like to try some body painting in exchange?

Réamann (unsure, covered in colourful powder): Er, sorry about your vest! I’ll immediately go and clean it up!

Lucio (grinning, covered in colourful powder): Are you kidding?! This phoenix drawing is grand! I’m never washing it off!!

Julian (excited): Are you writing a new song? Had I known, I’d have brought my violin!

Réamann (smiling): I’ve brought a luth along with my crwth, do you know how to play it?

Réamann (grinning): Alright, ready for the Festival?

Portia (grinning): You bet I am! Hurry up!

Faust: Friend!

Réamann (smiling): Hey there, Faust!

Réamann (happy): Your rice pudding is so good! Did you put cardamon in it?

Asra (smiling): Among other spices, yes. Glad you like it!

Réamann (laughing): Everything you made for tea-time is flower flavoured today! Getting into a theme?

Niamh (grinning): Well, it is the “Painted Daisy festival”!

Erwin (eyes closed): …

Réamann (unsure): Is he meditating or sleeping?

The palace

Asra (smiling): Given your opinions on nobles, I am pleasantly surprised to see you getting along so well with Nadia.

Réamann (smirking): I like Nadia a lot, her courtiers are another story!

Réamann (smirking, singing): “Il court, il court, le furet~” (whistles)

Julian (concerned): Uh, Réa? What did you do? Hey, Réa!

Portia (raising an eyebrow): Consul Valerius is furious, his bottles of wine keep vanishing. He even said they “ran away from him” a moment ago… Anything you want to tell me?

Réamann (smirking, singing): “He had it coming, he only has himself to blame~!”

Lucio (unconvinced): Very funny. Now give me back my eye-liner before I get angry.

Réamann (confused): Uh, it wasn’t me this time? Oh wait! Ceres?!

Nadia (wry smile): You’re always welcome here, Réamann. But please, some of my courtiers seem to be at their wits’ end.

Réamann (smirking): I promise you, Nadia, to not cause any ruckus and stay discreet.

Réamann (laughing): Oh hey Muriel! Sorry, I’m in a rush! I’ll join you in a sec!

Muriel (smiling): Pulled another prank on a noble?

Niamh (frustrated): Do you mind? I don’t need you or Erwin to escort me every time I come here!

Réamann (stunned, sweating a bit): Was it something I said?...

Erwin (neutral): If you have enough guts to prank the nobles, you should be able to leave Niamh on her own. She’s not a child.

Réamann (concerned): But what if something happens to her and she needs help?

Palace’s garden

Lucio (sweating, out of breathe): Mercedes, Melchior, heel! Leave Réa’s squirrel alone!! NO MORE TREATS IF YOU DON’T LISTEN!!!

Réamann (sweating, out of breathe): CERES!! Let go of that toy and come back!! Or climb a tree!!

Réamann (concerned): You won’t chase after Ceres or eat her, right?

Faust: Not eat! Friend!

Réamann (teasing): Remember when you jumped the queue, hoping to get a kiss from my sister?

Asra (blushing): I didn’t! The child was too shy to step in!

Muriel (smiling): I like this poem. It makes me think of you.

Réamann (blushing, stunned): Ah- gah! R-really? Oh, boy! I mean thanks!

Réamann (laughing): The “garden” in this poem is actually a metaphor for the body of the protagonist’s lover. When you know that, you see it’s quite erotic!

Portia (blushing): So that’s why Ilya kept teasing me about it!

Nadia (saddened): I did not expect a poem called “The Garden of Love” to be so depressing.

Réamann (apologetic): Allow me to sing you a more joyous song!

Julian (smiling): It’s a quite popular song in Nevivon, it means “By the long road”.

Réamann (smiling): It’s amazing! Can you teach it to me, please?

Niamh (happy): I did it! Prooofooweet!

Réamann (smiling, emotional): I’m glad to hear that sound again.

Réamann (smiling): So? Did Lucio like the poem?

Erwin (laughing): He was speechless and red-faced, I call it a grand victory!

Lucio’s wing

Nadia (scornful): I will never understand my ex-husband’s taste. Look at this painting! How tacky!

Réamann (upset): Sorry that my work is too tacky for you, Countess!

Réamann (blushing): Back then, the Count commissioned me a lot of paintings, mostly of red-eyed white animals. I did my best to fit his taste.

Portia (impressed): Wow! This is amazing! I don’t think much of most of his portraits, but I’ve always thought these paintings were good!

Réamann (saddened): Are you angry with me? Because I was one of Count Lucio’s official painters?

Muriel (gloom): That would be uncalled for. Asra chose to work for him… and so did I.

Asra (gloom): Lucio was not the kind of person who takes “no” for an answer.

Réamann (frowning): That’s not the only reason why you and Muriel worked for him. And you know it.

Julian (afraid): Wh-what was that?!

Réamann (afraid): Departure signal! RUN!!

Lucio (unsure): I like the sketch and concept but… would that be enough?

Réamann (serious, small smile): You really should stop to try and impress everyone. You would be better as yourself.

Réamann (laughing): You should add to your shop “clean spirits away” with the fortune-telling!

Niamh (pouting): Not you too!

Réamann (upset): You know that we would have been heartbroken if you too had burnt in there that night!

Erwin (sad): I know… I’m sorry.

[circle-girls-tower]

Her urge to nuke Nelairi aside...She really does love Cadwyn's new look, and anyone suggesting it makes the lithomancer less attractive WILL be recieving a laser to the skull.

She's shoving Melusine's face between her titties.

"C-Calm down...she just likes...'w-whales', as she calls them...I-I'll be fine..."

[plounce]

made this chart because i think the role/class assignments are such fun pieces of characterization for story NPCs! information pulled from here.

footnotes under the cut:

many NPCs have fancy titles instead of job names - for example, ysayle is referred to as "oracle of ice", and pre-edw alphinaud is an "academician". the jobs i marked them as are pulled from the icons of their classes + the movesets they use.

i didn't include the nameless fill-in NPCs like "temple chirurgeon" or "scion lancer". i am aware that the ARR duty support npcs have dialogue and mini-arcs, but that isn't relevant to my interest in making this chart. and sorry to j'moldva and any fans she has, but she also does not meet the threshold of character significance to be included in the chart.

thancred, urianger, and alphinaud can only dps in specific duty support instances: thancred in the antitower (if he tanks, this is the only time he can GLD - without a shield equipped! uh oh), alphinaud during hvw & stb, and urianger in the mothercrystal (if the player heals, alphinaud is your other healer). y'shtola will only heal in the burn and edw patch dungeons (funny, since her introductory epithet is "cultured conjurer"). all of these can only be used in duty support and not in trust, so they are on the cusps of their overlaps, not properly in them, as i feel this more accurately reflects their actual roles.

alphinaud functions as a scholar with his special massive carby. urianger also pulls out an even bigger carby to somehow be a summoner ("lithomancer") who can use bahamut and phoenix, but not the other three egis! due to his involvement in the bahamut coils raids?

there are no pure healers, outside of the fill-in NPCs!

DPS is a girl job, tanking is a boy job, and healer is equality. ysayle and venat are the only women who can tank, and both use a sword & shield, which makes me want to eat drywall, also i'm also kissing them both on the mouth.

apparently samurais can tank (🔄Third Eye🔄) and apparently gladiators are DPS.

g'raha is notable outside of being an all-rounder in that all of his jobs are, well, jobs. the majority of characters use class icons, while he gets to be full-fledged versions of all of these things. something something soul crystals / the crystal tower / the exarch / etc etc. frankly i'm a little fuzzy on soul crystal lore. i just think this is an interesting distinction.

if you're interested in this kind of stuff, @trustinsighters is a great resource for character dialogue, actions, and many more interesting details in the characters' programming in duty support and trust dungeons! they have great infographics and videos, including localization differences. one of my favorite accounts. their twitter has charts for every trust dungeon from shb onwards, and high-res versions are available on their kofi!

now look at my wol's adorable starlight RDM fit. isn't she so cute. she's my angel. i think about her lore and i weep. her heart is so Good. tomte peregrin on maduin ♥

that is all.

[gainprincess]

"My Lancer Self has taken full appropriation of my first ascension. I find it irritating, but not problematic, since she seems so thrilled..."

"Time to show Caddy, time to show Caddy...!~"

"But I won't be using it anymore. That's her damage."

Which means if you wanna get dicked down by a shortstack with too much ass and WAY too much cock, and you are NOT a lithomancer from the Circle...

Go to this shortstud.

[josies-not-suicidal-now]

The lithomancer looked positively disgusted as he barked "So any powerless vagrant is just allowed to swoop in and take whatever orphan he chooses to be his apprentice now? Is that how things are done in this blasted forest?"

"Please sir, let's all stay calm, Elyahoo is perfectly capable of training an apprentice, he does have powers." Andra tried to calm the large man.

"What, so any old idiot who can learn a spell or two has powers now?" The lithomancer retorted.

"No, Elyahoo has powers that go beyond the natural ability of a normal human." Andra corrected.

"I'm a mage." Elyahoo tried to interject.

"Alright then, prove it." The lithomancer demanded

Elyahoo, looked at Andra who looked expectantly back at him, he coughed, "I can't really do it on command like this, not under pressure."

The confusion the lithomancer experienced upon hearing this mixed with the anger and formed a displeasing expression on his face.

"Do you think you'd have an easy time doing magic under this amount of duress?" Elyahoo said, in an attempt to clarify.

The lithomancer grew wide eyed with frustration, "That's our job, how can you call yourself a mage?"

Andra and the lithomancer continued to argue about this for some time. Elyahoo looked at 9 and Victoria who were watching this whole interaction. They looked more worried than he was, which worried him.

The argument continued, other mages interjected at times. The argument came that Elyahoo was unqualified, and Andra was unmoved by it. The argument came that the children would not develop into real mages, and Andra was not swayed. The argument came that 9 might be a fire mage, and yet had no aura, and that young firemages who present without an aura often times become uncontrollable and dangerous.

To which Elyahoo responded "Well then it's good that according to you people, I'm not powerful enough to teach him any fire magic."

Andra gave Elyahoo an icy glare and he kept quiet from then on.

The argumentation around the risks of firemages continued for some time, with input from all around the amphitheater, many mages with many opinions. With time though Andra relented, and said that if 9 turned out to be a fire mage it would be reported at the next gathering so he could be kept for observation.

By the end the Lithomancer only had one more retort, "So you're willing to house and feed three vagrants regardless of what they may be able to provide for you?"

"Yes." Andra responded calmly, "6 thousand years ago, when the elders charged me with immortality, that's exactly what they told me to do."

"Well good luck getting the council to recognize them as mages." The lithomancer concluded, as he walked away he muttered "Coming here was a mistake."

[preheville]

merilance walks into the lithomancer’s house and there’s a bunch of cartoon squeaky silly sound effects and she steps out alone with a thousand yard stare

[iamthespineofmybook]

So, some years ago, before Magic: the Gathering properly introduced Nahiri and Ugin, I had a crossover idea for Yu-Gi-Oh! In it, the Lithomancer was Akhenaden, which, for those who don’t know Yu-Gi-Oh! is the name of The Nameless Pharaoh AKA Yami’s father (and, yes, I know we have Yami’s actual name, I’m just trying to use the general knowledge).

The core of the crossover, though, was that, during the Battle City Finals, when Yami Marik sent Mai to the Shadow Realm, her Planeswalker Spark Ignited, instead.

Her first ‘walk landed her on Innistrad, where the third member of the Eldrazi sealing trio lived: the vampire Sorin Markov.

It turns out that, during the battle to seal the Eldrazi Titans in Zendikar, Akhenaden was Touched By Emrakul, which caused him to have a bit of a psychotic break, which in turn lead to the creation of the Shadow Games and the Millennium Items.

That’s about as far as I got in that idea before they released the one-shot that revealed who The Lithomancer was (Nahiri) and what Ugin was actually like.