Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Enchanting Lab


    Elf Guy has mentioned a Voice a couple times, but hasnt borated on what it is. I check my core, wondering if it might be an option there, but its not. Thats just where my various expansion options are, and a few more detailed numbers on things.


    I grumble to myself and make a mental note to try to figure it outter. For now, I really should keep paying attention to the inspection. I almost want to pull a few undead to toss at Elf Guy and the kids, but I dont want to go opening that can of worms, or that crypt of corpses, as the case may be.


    Encounters significantly diminished in the catbs, no sign of undead. Neverrest would have certainly assaulted us by now, and Fourdock should have ess to undead if its Subsumed the boneyard.


    Yvonne speaks up. The dungeon does have the undead spawners. Theyre located in a crypt on the surface, which its sealed. There are the two undead Scions, though. Thing, the crawling hand, and Grim, the Grounds-Reaper.


    The whole party all look a bit surprised by that, and the elf speaks up first. Can you take me to see them, then? Undead scions tend to make the guild anxious. Freddie nods at that, looking unhappy at that development. I have Teemo nod, and so Yvonne nods as well.


    Thing should be in the enchantingb not far from here. I believe the dungeon intends to use it to enchant things, just as it uses the ant scion for alchemy. Come. She has to lead them around even more traps, as the enchantingb was one of Neverrests most important rooms. Im just looking forward to the traps wearing off so I can look over the shoulders of whatever enchanterse delving.


    Elf Guy and the kids definitely seem a bit more tense now, which I cant really me them for. Undead scions kinda imply an intent to use more undead, which not many would like to see happen. I do actually have a n to use more undead, but that willeter.


    I give Thing a heads up to expect visitors, so dont get into anything that would require too much focus. I dont want him to blow himself and/or theb up because the inspection interrupts him. Looks like hes doing a few minor testing enchants along some lines I asked him to pursue, which is good. That project has been on the backburner for long enough.


    Yvonne opens the door and steps inside, and Thing gives her a wave before scribbling a few notes and turning to a different page in his studies. Elf Guy and the kids cautiously peer inside, and Thing waves for them to eithere in or go away. Hes got his hand full, and can only juggle so much.


    Theye in, and cautiously look around the room as Elf Guy takes notes. Confirm crawling hand Scion. No Enchanter title yet, but looks to be well on its way. Enchantingb is well furnished, but seems low on books.


    Yvonne nods at that. Neverrest had extensive tomes on enchanting, which Fluffles took to the secret library. I assume on orders of the dungeon itself. Elf Guy sighs at that and resumes talking.


    Fourdock has sequestered Neverrests notes on enchanting in its secret library. Fourdock has shown a pointed interest in information and controlling what information is made avable. Cant confirm definitively, but seems most likely Fourdock doesnt wish knowledge of Neverrests more odious enchantments to be made public. He nces towards Yvonne and lowers the rock as he addresses her.


    Though if it does find something to more easily counter Lifedrinking, I hope youll be able to convince it to share? She stiffens a bit at the mention of that enchantment, and simply gives a tight-beaked nod. Elf Guy may be a professional, but hes not the most diplomatic, I guess.


    While thats been going on, Rhonda has been watching Things experimenting and taking notes, and Freddie seems to be watching Thing itself. Both seem fascinated in their own way. Rhonda is definitely watching Things technique, and I think is trying to copy his motions to remember with her own magic weaving.


    Freddie is watching Things movement, and seems to just be growing more confused. Its not acting anything like a crawling hand should, he finally says to himself, though Rhonda can obviously hear.


    What do you mean?


    He gestures at Thing as he hops off the table to grab a few reagents, tossing them from their various jars and bottles and onto the work surface. Crawling hands are supposed to be grasping, crushing undead. They instinctively seek to restrain victims so stronger undead can get them. This one has no interest in us at all. Thing swats at Freddies ankle to get him out of the way, before hopping back up onto the table.


    Well no interest except when were in the way, I guess, he says, having moved his foot. Rhonda thinks on that for a few moments.


    Well, the other scions dont act like normal denizens, so why should a crawling hand be different?


    The other scions are fully and naturally alive, points out Freddie as he watches Thing measure out the various reagents on the scales. Rhonda watches as well, even pulling out her own little book and a charcoal stick to note the measurements, before she speaks up to Elf Guy.


    Mr Tarl? Do other undead Scions act like normal undead? Tarl, huh? He nods.


    Every other undead Scion that Ive personally seen has been part of a Beligerrant dungeon, at best, and sobat oriented. With this hand, though it would seem their behavior has more to do with what the dungeon wants of them, like with other Scions. Yvonne can only chuckle as she gestures towards the door.


    If you think this one is odd, you should see Grim; the skeleton Scion and Grounds-Reaper.