Ensign Ensign has been assisting a local Apothecary in exchange for use of their backroom workspace. We find them amongst a sprawl of chrome metal components and alien blinking lights. A waft of smoke rises from a narrow metal tube as Ensign connects a stray copper wire to a foreign component. Though not an engineer by specialty, their years in the trenches of Merit XII had made them resourceful and constructive. That is where Reylendor finds them for their arranged meeting.
Reylendor There’s a knock at the Apothecary’s shop door followed by a tan, elven man nudging the door open with a shoulder while his hands fumble with a bag. “Excuse me?” He finally looks up and shuts the entrance behind him. “I heard I could find a person by the name Ensign here? I have some things of interest.” He holds up two vials of frothing, green liquid pulled from his bag.
Ensign Ensign turns around, their blue skin and alien grey eyes showing little emotion on their face. "I am known as Ensign. Greetings friend, I see you" Ensign says, gesturing to their left eye. "Can I assist you?" Their slow, awkward grasp of Common furthers their mysterious aura.
Reylendor “I believe you can. You mentioned that you study medicine?” Reylendor approaches from across the store and hands over one vial. Though Ensign’s impressive stature and indiscernible aura certainly hold some level of intimidation, Reylendor remembers them lending him their cloak on their previous journey together—that coupled with his apparent dedication to healing make him far more approachable. “I collected this sample from a Goblin—one that underwent the strangest mutation. The poison in that saliva is potent enough to cripple a Barbarian. At least, temporarily.”
Ensign Ensign takes the vile and examines it in the light before standing up and moving to a different table "Indeed. Fascinating." They pull their medical case off the floor and with a series of beeps and whirs it begins to unfold into an alchemical workstation.
Reylendor “You mentioned that it was able to cripple a humanoid, as I analyze the substance, could you provide more information on how it was... applied? Given?”
Reylendor “Well, first, I can’t quite stress enough just how thoroughly mutated the Goblin this came from was- is. I assume it’s still alive and being tested by that alchemist, but that’s besides the point. Its jaw and teeth were bulging and it’s head was so large. Not to mention it’s stature—it was very nearly my height.” Reylendor realizes he’s rambling with excitement and clears his throat. “Ahem. To answer your question, the poison was administered via bite. To use it now, we would likely have to coat weapons with it and inflict injury.”
Ensign Ensign maintains a slow, deliberate speech "I am not... unfamiliar with biological modifications. Though your description seems to indicate a certain... primitive? primal? basic?... level of execution. You mentioned that this was a test creature? From a scientist of some kind?" Ensign continues working, applying re-agents and entering samples into the medical analysis tools, occasionally checking the datapad for any new information.
Reylendor Reylendor looks curiously over Ensign’s equipment, being unfamiliar with such tools himself. “The creature seemed to have been altered by an alchemist of some sort. It’s currently in the custody of another alchemist who I have reason to assume is studying it.” After a moment, Reylendor remembers his other reasons for seeking out Ensign. “To go a bit off topic, are you familiar with a place called Relith Tower?”
Ensign Ensign stops work and looks at Reylendor "This is the second time I have heard mention of this tower. The first was from the mouth of a powerful arcane practitioner, known as Yggilwiv. They were unable to inform me of a location. I am interested because the tower shares a name with my home." Ensign lets out a sigh "to where I hope to someday return."
Reylendor Reylendor’s eyes go wide. “Your home?” He nods to himself. “I assumed you may have had some knowledge given that you, pardon my verbiage, don’t seem to be from anywhere of this world.” He looks Ensign in the eye. “I visited Relith Tower not too long ago. On the top floor is-,” at recalling the place and the Far Realm energy it radiated, Reylendor shudders and clutches the amulet around his neck. He mutters a string of words in Elvish that sound distinctly curse-like. It appears he may need a moment to collect himself.
Ensign "Atrocities, whenever done are sickening. But those committed in the name of science feel worse, like a... betrayal." "Do you think you could mark the location of the tower on a map? I wish to investigate myself whenever possible."
Reylendor Reylendor nods after a moment. “Yes. I can do that. Sorry.” He shakes his head to clear it, but thoughts of the Far Realm bring other unpleasant memories. He remembers being chased into the forest and knows it’ll happen again; it’s only a matter of time. “Say, Ensign, have you made any progress with that scrying crystal we found? Not to rush you—I know fixing something of that caliber will take time.”
Ensign Ensign gestures to the pile of miscellaneous components they were working on "I believe I have devised a way to utilize the device without further damaging it, and recent adventures have allowed me to procure all necessary materials." Ensigns mouth twists into an awkward, closed-eyed smile, "now it is merely a matter of the actual assembly, and due to the precise nature of the work, I will require additional time." "In the interim," they say, turning back to the alchemical devices, "let's see what we've found concerning this poison."
"This seems to derivative of normal, humanoid saliva, but it seems to have a... catalyst, which essentially triggers its dangerous properties." The odd arcane tablet glows as Ensign glides their fingers across the glassy surface, "This could certainly be applied to a weapon to get a similar, though muted effect. Until I discover the activating agent, I will not be able to replicate it.
Reylendor “I see. How very, very interesting.” Reylendor taps his chin in thought, wondering what further study of that now captive Goblin may uncover. “You’re free to keep the vial I gave you. It only seems fair given how much insight you’ve provided on it. And I’ll mark the location of Relith Tower for you.” He pauses. “Do be careful out there. When I visited the tower there was an… incident of sorts. You may encounter strange spirits during your travels if you haven’t already.”
Ensign "I have noted a surprising number of encounters with non-corporeal beings in my logs, it will be an interesting note of study when I return." Noticing the confused reaction on Reylendor's face, Ensign continues. Perhaps to clarify, perhaps to change the subject, Ensign adds, "I will be cautious. Thank you, friend. I see you."
Reylendor “You’re welcome. I thank you in turn.” Reylendor checks his bag to ensure he hasn’t left anything in the shop in his excitement. “I wish you well.” With a smile, he leaves the Apothecary behind.
