The Binding of the Noctis Ultima

[DirectorBright]

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The most incredible acts require the most profound works...
... and often, sacrifice.
Equivalence, balance, the asymmetric equation only destroys and unmakes...
Creation is Symmetry.
Equations must be balanced...
To gain, something of equivalence must be lost. Materials, Time, Energy...
... on occasion, flesh, blood, and lives.

Ever keep that in mind, when presented with what you desire...

Nothing is gained without loss, and your cost may not yet be paid in full.

Especially when it's what you want most.

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A message goes out to the republic, from the Knight-Captain of Logistics Grey Aundeoth. An invitation to bear witness to the binding and final step of of his great tome, the Noctis Ultima, and an impromptu explanation of the highest level of shadow magic known to date that goes into creating it. A brief explanation of the concepts of Order and Chaos will also be provided.

This demonstration will be performed within the as of yet incomplete Catacombs, the immense project that has been the result of decades of work and countless materials invested. For security reasons, only those of the Republic of Paritas, as well as approved by the General and High Chancellor Garret Richter, will be allowed within this mid-construction facility.

Three metaphysical shards are to be carved and engraved, for setting within the cover, one to evoke Chaos, one to evoke Order, and one to evoke Shadows. Said cover is to be forged from a melted-down once-Nyctorre-eternite staff, the soul long since freed by said melting, and treated in a manner accordant to metallurgy of old Barsburg and my own studies. The pages are of a fabric and text more real than the world around them, more real than you or I, and the knowledge within is every ounce that I have learned of the art for the past thirty some years. The writing itself, utterly priceless in it's material composition, was scribed with the Right Hand of Creation and the Author's quill.

If any would like to make a donation of their own shadow towards the furthering of the text via binding to the shards, to contribute a fragment of their own Reality to the work... experience the apex technique themselves, to ponder how it functions and perhaps glean insight, they are invited to do so. However, a warning: It is extremely unpleasant and will leave you diminished for quite some time. (Unhealable Temp, duration of your choice.)

This is not necessary, but appreciated. Regardless of contribution, those who wish to learn, may.

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Date: Tuesday, 12/31
Time: 4pm EST
Location: Martyr's Vigil Garrison Workshop
Invitees: Republic of Paritas (Gloomlight, Goldlight) with the exception of two, and others permitted by High Chancellor Garret Richter and Knight-Captain Grey Aundeoth in that order

Specific Invitees outside this list include: Aricles & Tiche Alline, Vinaska, Koretheia

Contact the two permitters if entry is desired.

Aricles Alline will be serving as security

Fel are obviously banned as well from this demonstration. If we see you, you're getting used as a demonstration and added to the book. For this reason, Catherine Aratel and Halcyon Waves are explicitly invited to participate in such a manner.

Note: The Technique in question is Shadow Rush (Exalted Signature) combined with Chaos

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An addendum is attached as well, from the hosting Knight-Captain, a perhaps apologetic statement:

Tenacity/Dawn De LaCroix and Sterling Montelione/Khe'Ria Kori are not permitted into this demonstration. This is not a result of personal slights or crimes committed by the self (mostly, but let's not inflame tensions where it needn't be done, regardless of ire... you have it hard enough as is) but of a personal failing and weakness of myself.

I am a man of Permanence and Stasis at my core, my focus on the spirit over the soul, and you are beings formed of  fundamental Change and Annihilation of that same spirit. Your essential nature is anathematic to my own, and elicits a deep horror and loathing to the very core of my being that renders focus, reasonable action, and thought impossible by me. In part, also a reminder of a fate that nearly befell myself, and so a jab directly into a particularly traumatic event, and a history of- Let's just say it touches a great deal of personal wounds in a very unpleasant way to be reminded of the existence of such occurrences.

I don't care if you learn the information present through another's memories or writings, or see the works as citizens of the republic yourself by means of disguise or invisibility, but you are not to be seen by me. If I do, then the lesson will be ruined as my composure is lost (I would prefer the first method, it is less likely to go wrong).

Would that I could bear it, I would show you both. I am truly sorry, and the fault is in me, but it is for the best we never meet.

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I don't know if Loramelian would've found this fascinating or horrifying, but a part of me wishes that they could see it.
And you, old friends, who wished to witness my greatest works. Perhaps someday I will summon you, and show you what I've done with the gift you have given.

[DirectorBright]

A letter goes out, a missive following the successful process of the tome's creation.

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A warm thanks to those in attendance, and doubly so to those who volunteered a fragment of their reality. The names of they who contributed to the creation of this tome will be recorded within, though I will not name such here at this time - Such an act weakens the constitution for a while, and I would not want to put out a letter stating someone is effectively a free target. Their sacrifices will be honored, paving a path towards dark horizons that, until now, were left unventured.

In time, may we see wonders from this work... though it may be many years before it is ready to be used. I hope it was instructional to all. To those with questions of the workings within, who could not make it, there will be other opportunities to learn, I am sure.

The completion of the Catacombs, and the tools to wield it, draw near.

Warm Regards,
- Knight-Captain Grey Aundeoth, Goldlight Order