Between the Lines

Wednesdays 8PM - 10PM Central Time USAMateus - Shirogane - Ward 9 - Plot 46Teleport Anchors Available By Request

Are you in search of a rare tome or knowledge lost to the ages? Perhaps a relic of unknown properties has come into your possession, and you wish to have it appraised and potentially sold to the highest bidder? Or maybe you desire an item of antiquity? We also offer translation and restoration services.Between the Lines is a library of rare (and not so rare) books, esoterica, and antiquities. The library is open on Wednesday nights (Central Time USA) or by appointment for discerning individuals who can afford the wares.And remember, not all things may be bought with gil...

Feature Collection

"The Sands of Saffron and Silk: Tales and Treasures of Thavnair"This collection showcases books on Thavnair's vibrant history, including its exotic trade routes, alchemical marvels, traditional art forms like dance and music, and fabled myths of the radiant Isle of Radz-at-Han. Titles explore the origins of Thavnairian incense, the secrets of weaving iridescent silks, and the rich lore of its divine guardians and ancient ruins. Perfect for transporting visitors to the heart of this dazzling, sunlit land!

• About
• Rules
• Floor Plan
• Gallery
• Application
• Tea & Tentacles
• Eorzea Inter Library Exchange
• Discord
• Kugane Night Market
• Appointment Request

About

Sokhor, as most know him, serves as Qaelemont's Majordomo, managing the Elezen's estates and affairs with a quiet, authoritative presence whenever Qaelemont is otherwise occupied. This tall, enigmatic Xaela is the senior-most member of Qaelemont's staff, with all others deferring to his judgment in the absence of their master. His age is indeterminate, though he appears to be in his thirties, yet there is something unsettling about him—particularly his eerie, thousand-malm gaze that seems to pierce through the veil of the mortal realm and into something far beyond. His presence is most often felt during the night, when he oversees the household in the hours of darkness.

Naohiro

The second in command among Qaelemont's staff is Naohiro, a Raen whose near-silent efficiency rivals that of Sokhor. Though he occasionally engages in conversation, it is always with measured brevity, revealing only what is essential to address a question or convey important information. While Naohiro may not exude the same unsettling aura as Sokhor, there is an unmistakable peculiarity about him that can be disconcerting. His watch is typically during the daylight hours, ensuring the smooth operation of the household under the sun's gaze.

Deryk

A familiar face in the library, Deryk greets everyone with a warm smile and a cheerful wave. The ginger-haired Hyurzen, rarely seen far from Qaelemont's side, can occasionally be found tending to various parts of the estate when his master is away. In his early twenties, Deryk’s emerald eyes sparkle with youthful energy, and his smile could melt even the coldest heart. Always eager to assist, he takes pride in helping others find the perfect tome, though one should be careful what they wish for—Deryk is more than willing to escort anyone to Qaelemont for such requests.

Devin

Devin, a loyal servant and companion, is frequently seen bustling about the grounds, always eager to lend a hand. With a bright smile and an upbeat demeanor, he takes joy in assisting everyone, especially Qaelemont and Deryk. But don’t be deceived by his innocent appearance—Devin is well-versed in the arcane arts, and while he may blush easily, he’s a formidable protector of those he holds dear. A lover of romance novels, Devin enjoys spending time in the library, though his passion for helping often sees him taking on nearly every chore in the house.

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Tea and Tentacles

Welcome to our book club—yes, it’s that kind of book club.Between the Lines presents a one-of-a-kind experience: Tea and Tentacles, hosted by Scarlett Clover. Time to be announced!We showcase writers from all corners of Eorzea and beyond. Sip on Scarlett’s handpicked teas while enjoying an evening of poetry, short stories, skits, and more on our open stage. After the performances, there will be a brief Q&A session, followed by an informal "signing" of their works. (Tipping is encouraged but not required.)We can't wait to see you there!

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Floor Plan

Between the Lines utilizes the Sharlayan Decimal System for the organization of its collection. The Reference Page mammet is always glad to assist patrons in finding the perfect book if they're unable to navigate the card catalogue at the center of the library by themselves.

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Gallery

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Application

Interested in joining the Between the Lines team? We invite you to join our Discord server, where you can get to know our community, explore the atmosphere, and discover the various roleplay opportunities available. Within the server, you'll find a staff application link, and note that an in-character interview is required for all potential employees.Please be aware that Void Hunter-type characters are generally not considered for employment. Lawfully aligned characters may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Between the Lines is managed by a villainous character and staffed by the same. It is an occult/dark/horror-themed RP community that maintains a facade of civility and normalcy. We expect all staff members to be at least 18 years old (preferably 21+) and to conduct themselves in a mature, respectful, and adult manner.

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Rules

1. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this venue. While business hours are Safe For Work, there may be Mature IC themes (occult, horror, etc.) discussed during library hours pertinent to in game subjects.2. Be polite and respectful. No attacking allowed. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Disagreements are allowed, but keep them civil or take them to private channels (party, tells, etc.). While intellectual debate is allowed and encouraged, hostilities are not permitted on the premisis.3. No politics, no religion, and no conspiracy theories about real life subjects. Want to theorycraft and discuss in game politics, religion and conspiracies? Have at it. But leave real life issues at the door.4. No hate speech. This is a sex, kink, and equality positive space. Between the Lines is not an ERP venue, but we acknowledge that people are allowed, within reason, to be free to express themselves. Please no nudity or any sexual behavior which might offend non-consenting parties.5. No trolls allowed.6. Nothing underaged allowed in an NSFW form. This is to include loli and shota images/writings. Anything under 18 years old is considered underaged. The caveats to this rule are historical and factual artistic and literary references to such art and literature may be discussed (but NOT in detail) and that ageplay can be discussed as long as it is abundantly clear that the participants are consenting adults. Characters which appear to be minors are also not allowed. Lalafells are welcome to participate in the venue, but may not interact in an NSFW manner.7. No harassment will be tolerated. Treat the staff and fellow patrons with respect.8. Do NOT request money, subscription time, in game gil, items, etc. from other people here. We are all adults and should be financially responsible for ourselves in and out of game. All transactions are strictly IC RP only. Nobody will ever ask you for money or items, either in game or real life. If this occurs, please report it to a member of the staff.9. Consent is still vital, even in role play. While noncon RP scenes may take place, please be certain OOC that such a scene is welcome among all participants. Understand that no means no and if someone does not want to participate in a role play with you, respect their no and move along.10. Please treat everyone with kindness and respect. This is a safe place for roleplay and for people to have fun. IC sassiness and villainy are fine, but expect IC consequences for your character's IC actions. "It's just RP" is not an excuse to trample on people's consent, and if it is brought up in OOC that it isn't really welcome, we ask you to please respect that. This venue is a place for FUN RP. If you wish to engage in conflict RP here, you MUST seek OOC consent of the staff and all participants before doing so and, again, expect IC reactions to disruptive behavior.For any questions or concerns, please reach out to any staff member.

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Kugane Night Market

07 Nov 2024 - 7:00pm CDT - Coeurl - Kugane, Rakuza District

Rumors have reached you... it's a rare opportunity. Beyond the watchful eyes of the law, a renowned dealer of rare books and antiquities is preparing to offer an exclusive selection of items for discerning collectors...

Books

If you're looking for the more mundane literature to be found at Between the Lines, you might be sadly disappointed. Only select esoteric volumes have been brought for sale for this night. One might find what they seek, be it fame, fortune, power, or glory, but there is always a price to pay...

1. "The Bloodbound Accord" - SOLDAppearance: Bound in cracked, deep-red leather and stitched with silver thread, the cover pulses faintly with an eerie crimson light. Silver clasps shaped like claws keep it shut, and it smells faintly metallic, like old blood.Description: This Mhachi tome reveals the darkest secrets of Voidsent summoning, annotated by a rogue scholar from the Great Gubal Library. Said to contain the rituals for binding Voidsent as eternal guardians, the text itself seems to exude a cold, uncomfortable presence.2. "Dreamers of the Endless Dawn" SOLDAppearance: Wrapped in pale parchment with deep indigo ink, its cover is soft, like aged vellum, with illustrations of radiant crystals and luminescent clouds. The book emits a faint, lavender-like fragrance that seems to calm the reader’s mind.Description: This Sharlayan text delves into the phenomenon of ancient memories from past lives, experienced by those touched by the Echo. It explores theories that some Echo visions are not random but guided by Hydaelyn herself. As readers explore its pages, they may feel a gentle pull toward aetheric memories they never knew they had, surfacing hints of their own ancient connections.3. "The Hidden Petals of Lost Hingan Beauty" - SOLDAppearance: Elegantly bound in silken fabric of deep jade with a delicate lotus pattern, the book features tassels of crimson and gold at its corners. Opening it reveals watermarked parchment with delicate brushstrokes that form landscapes and figures.Description: A precious collection of poems and artworks from an enigmatic Hingan artist rumored to be able to paint the dreams of those around him. Each poem captures a mysterious place within Hingashi, where legends say memories are woven into landscapes. Many readers claim they can almost smell the rain and flowers described within its verses, as if the book holds the spirit of Hingan beauty itself.4. "Songs of the Slumbering Ones" - SOLDAppearance: Encased in a lavender velvet cover with silver corner guards, this book has a cover embossed with intricate patterns of trees and waves. A faint, floral fragrance seems to surround it, and the texture of the pages is unusually soft.*Description: This poetic collection speaks of Ancients who slumber eternally, their souls trapped in dreams. Each poem hints at lost histories and legends of beings from before the Sundering, inspiring fascination yet tinged with melancholy. It's said that prolonged reading can induce vivid dreams of forgotten realms.5. "The Forbidden Arts of the Amdapori" - SOLDAppearance: Bound in pure white leather with faint, silver runic inscriptions that only appear in dim light, the book is cold to the touch. Its cover is scuffed with age, and a subtle, golden sheen gleams along the spine.Description: This ancient Amdapori text reveals conjury techniques meant to suppress and bind Voidsent, as well as healing arts lost to time. Said to be used by Amdapori priests, it’s rumored to inspire visions of a towering white city at dusk, but the voices of its fallen conjurers can sometimes be heard whispering from its pages.6. "Whispers of the Lost Steppe" - SOLDAppearance: This sand-colored tome, with a cover made from leather and textured like windswept stone, has a turquoise bead clasp and feathers tied to its spine. The edges of the pages are dusted with grit that makes fingers itch slightly.Description: A book of stories from the Azim Steppe, detailing warriors who ventured into the Aetherstream and returned changed or not at all. Its words are woven with Xaela chants and strange lullabies that seem to echo long after the book is closed. Some say the book’s spirit is restless and drifts like a breeze through each reader’s dreams.7. "Doom of the Allagan Empire" - SOLDAppearance: Encased in tarnished silver with crimson runic engravings, this hefty tome feels almost as if it carries the weight of the empire’s past. A faint hum, like distant machinery, can be felt by those sensitive to aether.Description: Chronicling the rise and fall of the Allagan Empire, the book is filled with cautionary tales of their experiments with primals, void magic, and magitek. Rumor holds that each chapter evokes a vision of the empire's greatest—and most terrible—innovations, from horrific battlefields to grand cityscapes lost to time.8. "Aetherial Embers: Tales of Soulkin Creation" - SOLDAppearance: Bound in rich blue hide that glows faintly in dim light, this book’s cover shimmers with runic patterns, resembling a mosaic of stars. The spine bears tiny, etched illustrations of etheric creatures, almost like constellations.Description: A forbidden Ishgardian text on Soulkin, artificial creatures forged from living aether. Containing blueprints and tales of tragic creations, the book exudes an unsettling calm, as if touched by the souls it describes. Legends say the book occasionally feels warm, as if breathing with a quiet heartbeat.9. "The Dark Songs of Mhach" - SOLDAppearance: A deep purple tome with heavy gold accents, its thick leather cover glimmers in dim light. The book hums faintly, like a distant melody, and the spine is studded with tiny, ruby-like gemstones.Description: Collected from long-lost Mhachi ruins, this book holds hymns of haunting beauty. Each verse is said to evoke deep memories of past lives in listeners, and many have fallen into trances or madness after hearing its melodies. It seems to carry an echo of the Thirteenth, like a bridge to Voidsent memories.10. "Echoes from Beyond the Void" - SOLDAppearance: A translucent, glass-like cover encases this dark, mysterious tome, swirling with shadows as if alive. Faint tendrils of black seem to curl around its surface, and each page feels strangely heavy, despite being thin as spider silk.Description: This chilling text is a collection of testimonies from the Voidbound and those who tried to reach beyond the veil. Written by an exiled Sharlayan scholar, the book is filled with tales that seem to whisper in the mind of the reader, lingering like dark shadows long after the book is shut.

Items

1. The Prism of Reflections - SOLDAppearance: A crystal roughly the size of a plum, its shape akin to a faceted teardrop, each angle carved to capture even the faintest light and amplify it. The colors shift with each movement, transitioning through ethereal shades of emerald green, violet, and pale blue. Encased in a web of silver filigree, tiny stars and moons dangle from delicate silver chains attached to the casing, creating a faint, chiming sound when touched.Description: Said to be crafted by a reclusive Sharlayan historian, this crystal grants brief glimpses into the past of a person, place, or object held close to it. While some scholars revere its insight into hidden histories, others warn of its side effects: memories from the crystal often bleed into the user’s own mind, and prolonged use risks disturbing the barriers between past and present, causing temporal disorientation and haunting echoes of forgotten voices.2. Gale’s Heart CharmAppearance: A locket the size of a small thumbprint, crafted from ancient whalebone with detailed engravings of ocean waves and winds swirling across its surface. It’s weathered and smooth, as if polished by years in seawater, and opens to reveal a single, faintly glowing aquamarine gemstone. The pendant is suspended from a braided leather cord, knotted to evoke old sailor's knots used on the high seas.Description: This charm once belonged to the captain of a feared crew of sky pirates and is imbued with the power to summon wind. Its magicks range from gentle breezes to fierce gales, but every use chips away at the user's warmth and leaves behind whispers of souls lost to the sea, their voices clinging to the winds it conjures. Those who ignore these warnings find their dreams filled with storms, waves, and specters reaching from the depths.3. The Allagan Memory Shard - SOLDAppearance: This shard resembles a shard of obsidian, but the faint pulse of pale aetheric energy within suggests its true origin. It’s bound in a metallic clasp engraved with ancient Allagan symbols, its design streamlined yet haunting. When held, it emits a faint hum, almost as if echoing with a long-lost voice or memory.Description: A relic from the fall of the Allagan Empire, this shard holds fragments of memories from an Allagan soldier, mage, or engineer. Its purpose was to preserve knowledge, but the memories are flawed, interrupted by flashes of war, desperation, and even betrayal. Those who attune themselves to it find flashes of lost skills and spells, but must endure visions of a collapsing empire and the downfall of ancient powers.4. Veil of the Hidden Moon - SOLDAppearance: A sheer scarf, its fabric as fine as mist, glimmers with shades of deep midnight blue under natural light, shifting to silvery gray when touched by moonlight. Stars embroidered with faintly luminescent threads dot the fabric, twinkling as the veil moves, creating the illusion of a night sky. Its cool texture almost feels otherworldly, as though woven from the night itself.Description: This veil was crafted by a nameless seamstress of the Mhachi, who imbued it with shadow magicks. Wearing it allows the user to cloak themselves in darkness, rendering them near-invisible in low light. However, as the magic takes hold, it draws warmth from the wearer, leaving them shivering, and prolonged use is said to cause a pallor that even the warmest fires cannot reverse. Some say the veil has a life of its own, ever-seeking to consume light and warmth.5. Ashen SunstoneAppearance: This gemstone, large and roughly cut, glows faintly orange from within, as though embers are nestled inside. The gemstone is housed in a tarnished bronze setting decorated with tiny engraved flames. Its surface is marred with minute cracks and chips, giving it a scorched appearance, and it emits a faint warmth, carrying a subtle smell of smoke and burnt herbs.Description: The Ashen Sunstone is known to be a beacon against voidsent and creatures that recoil from aetheric light. It can illuminate entire areas, banishing dark forces, but each use dulls its inner flame, and legends claim that to recharge it, a worthy sacrifice is required. The stone has been passed through countless hands, many of whom claim it whispers in dreams, calling out for flames fed by sorrow and loss.6. The Cartographer’s Lens - SOLDAppearance: An aged monocle with a cracked lens that gleams with a faint green hue. The glass is encased in a tarnished bronze rim, attached to a long, rusted chain. Strange markings are etched along the lens’s edge, believed to be ancient cartographic symbols from a forgotten age. Through the lens, faint impressions of maps and markings are visible, though they vanish when not looked at directly.Description: Used by navigators seeking hidden paths and forgotten lands, the Cartographer’s Lens reveals secrets on any map. Legends say it unveils treasure-laden caverns and uncharted islands, but users often find themselves lost in twisted illusions. The lens’s enchantment is strong, and it is said to bind the minds of those who are too eager, forever drawing them toward mirages that may never yield reward.7. The Warden’s Pendant - SOLDAppearance: A weathered iron pendant in the shape of a protective sigil, with a smooth black onyx stone embedded in the center. Its surface is engraved with layered, concentric wards, and a faint shimmer runs over the stone, as though something stirs within. The pendant feels heavy, grounding, with a sense of intense, yet calm, vigilance.Description: This pendant is a powerful ward against manipulation, defending its wearer from mind-altering magicks and illusions. Its origins trace back to ancient Ishgard, where it was used to protect knights from enemy charm spells. However, its barrier effect isolates the wearer from others’ emotions and even beneficial magicks, leaving them feeling alone and often detached, a price many find difficult to bear.8. Elixir of the Forgotten Bloom - SOLDAppearance: Housed in a glass vial wrapped in white silk and silver thread, the elixir glows with a gentle, sky-blue light. When shaken, tiny flecks of shimmering silver dance within the liquid, resembling a meadow of bluebells under moonlight. The elixir has a faint scent of wildflowers and fresh morning dew, delicate and enticing.Description: Known as the Elixir of the Forgotten Bloom, this potion is sought for its ability to unlock lost memories. Drinking it grants unparalleled clarity for a short time, often unlocking forgotten names, places, or even spells. But users have also reported strange visions of another’s life interwoven with their own memories, as though they shared a common fate across ages. Some feel haunted by these glimpses, forever tethered to lives not their own.9. Feather of the Void Crow - SOLDAppearance: A long, black feather with an iridescent sheen, the edges shifting from dark purple to green when tilted in the light. Tiny silver runes are carved into the quill, and it’s tied to a leather thong with a single, pale-blue bead. When held, the feather seems to pulse faintly, as though alive with an eerie, unearthly energy.*Description: Known to have been plucked from a Void Crow—a creature that crosses between worlds—this feather allows the wearer to slip through shadows, moving short distances unseen. But each use pulls the bearer closer to the Void, leaving faint traces of its darkness upon their own aether. Some who used it too frequently began seeing visions of the Void and hearing faint, beckoning whispers from within.10. Seal of the Eternal FlameAppearance: An iron ring, heavy and cold, with a large, unpolished ruby set into it. The ruby flickers with a faint inner fire, even in the absence of light, and etched into the iron are symbols of protection and binding. The surface of the ring is scarred and worn, bearing the evidence of ages past.*Description: This ring grants the wearer resistance to flames and extreme heat, allowing them to walk unharmed through fire. Forged in the depths of an ancient volcano, it draws strength from destructive forces and seems to resonate with the essence of eternal flame. However, it binds the user to the presence of fire and destruction, causing dreams filled with the ruin of flames, scorched landscapes, and endless, haunting embers.

Antiquities

These are the most extraordinary items offered at tonight's Night Market. Rare and powerful, they cannot be obtained easily. Mastering them will demand strength, determination, and dedication. Suggested quests for role-play flavor are included.

Alchemia's Essence

Description: Alchemia's Essence is an exquisite alembic, forged from an alloy of rare metals and adorned with intricate alchemical symbols and runes that gleam with an otherworldly luminescence. Its design is both elegant and functional, with multiple chambers and conduits designed to channel and refine magical essences.Features:1. Magical Distillation: Alchemia's Essence possesses the ability to distill magical energies from various sources, including rare herbs, elemental essences, and mystical artifacts. It can extract, purify, and concentrate these energies into potent elixirs, essences, and potions imbued with specific magical properties.2. Transmutation: The alembic is capable of transmuting mundane substances into magical counterparts. Through a precise combination of alchemical processes and arcane incantations, it can transform base materials such as lead into precious metals like gold, or imbue ordinary liquids with mystical properties in small quantities.3. Aura Analysis: Alchemia's Essence has the ability to analyze the magical aura of substances and individuals. By capturing samples within its chambers and subjecting them to alchemical scrutiny, it can discern the nature, potency, and alignment of magical energies present, providing valuable insights for alchemical experimentation and spellcraft.4. Alchemy Automation: Through the infusion of enchanted mechanisms and arcane sigils, Alchemia's Essence can operate autonomously, following pre-set alchemical protocols and recipes. This automation feature allows for the continuous production of magical elixirs and potions, freeing the alchemist to focus on more complex experiments and rituals.5. Temporal Manipulation: In its most advanced configuration, Alchemia's Essence can manipulate the flow of time within its chambers. By harnessing temporal energies and channeling them through its conduits, it can accelerate or decelerate the aging process of substances, allowing for rapid maturation of potions or the preservation of delicate ingredients.6. Ethereal Conduit: As a conduit for magical energies, Alchemia's Essence serves as a focal point for rituals and spellcasting. It can amplify the effects of incantations and enchantments performed in its vicinity, drawing upon the latent energies stored within its chambers to empower magical workings and rites.Origin: Legend has it that Alchemia's Essence was crafted by a master alchemist of Allagan times, who sought to unlock the secrets of the cosmos through the synthesis of magic and science. Through years of tireless experimentation and mystical insight, the alchemist succeeded in creating this wondrous artifact, which had been thought lost to the ages...Limitations: Despite its remarkable powers, Alchemia's Essence is not without limitations. Its abilities are contingent upon the skill and knowledge of the alchemist wielding it, and misuse or mishandling of its powers can have dire consequences. Moreover, the creation of certain elixirs and potions may require rare and exotic ingredients, making them challenging to procure.Quest: Those seeking Alchemia's Essence must embark on a quest of alchemical discovery, delving into ancient texts, consulting with wise sages, and overcoming trials of intellect and intuition. Only those deemed worthy by the alchemical spirits and attuned to the subtle rhythms of magical alchemy will be granted access to its full transformative powers.

Heart of the Slumbering Abyss

Description: The Heart of the Slumbering Abyss is a sizeable black opal, the size of a clenched fist, nestled in an intricately designed, claw-like iron mount. Its dark surface shifts, illuminated by nebulous streaks of blue and violet that glimmer beneath the stone’s polished surface. Light plays off the deep, iridescent colors in a way that feels almost organic, as if it has a pulse—slow and rhythmic, like a heartbeat echoing from some distant place. Tiny etchings in ancient Mhachi script circle the mount, with some characters worn smooth by time, leaving faint indentations of warding spells and commands of restraint. Suspended on a woven cord of ancient leather, the mount is crowned with a tiny piece of voidsilver, a metal rumored to be mined from the darkest, most arcane depths. When held, the Heart radiates a mild warmth, its pulse faint but palpable, like a slumbering presence awaiting reawakening. It emits a low hum to those attuned to magick, a resonant reminder of untold power lying dormant, its potential as terrifying as it is tempting.Features:1. Void Summoning: The bearer can summon low-tier voidsent creatures (shadows, specters, minor fiends) to aid in battle. These voidsent act as temporary allies, defending the bearer and absorbing damage, though they dissipate once the Heart’s energy begins to wane.2. Dark Aether Manipulation: Allows the bearer to manipulate aether more easily in shadow or dark environments. This feature grants proficiency in spells that draw on the Void’s energies, including shadow-based attacks and ethereal bindings. It enhances the potency of dark magick for the wielder, but it does not grant knowledge or skill to those unfamiliar with dark arts.3. Aetheric Resilience: The Heart strengthens the bearer’s aetheric resistance, granting temporary immunity to Void corruption. This resilience allows the user to travel in areas with Void taint or resist the influence of voidsent energies, such as charms or possession attempts.4. Wraith’s Gaze: By focusing on the Heart, the bearer can briefly peer into the Void, revealing hidden magickal pathways or identifying voidsent disguises. This ability can be used once a day for up to one minute and requires deep concentration, as it carries some risk of attracting attention from Void entities.5. Dream-Linking: At night, the bearer may enter a trance that enables contact with sleeping individuals, sharing visions or brief communication through dreams. This ability is enhanced when contacting others who have been touched by the Void, though repeated use may cause nightmarish aftereffects.Origin: The Heart of the Slumbering Abyss was crafted by Mhachi voidmages during the Third Astral Era, when the Mhachi sought mastery over the Void to bolster their empire. During an attempt to tap into the boundless energies of the Abyss, Mhachi scholars discovered a way to capture a fragment of the Void’s essence within an opal. Through extensive binding rituals and the sacrifice of captured voidsent, the artifact was forged as a vessel to contain—and control—the energies within. The Heart was believed lost after Mhach’s fall, but rumors hint that it was safeguarded by a group of shadowy caretakers who hid it among relics they hoped would never be disturbed.Limitations:Corruption Over Time: Despite its protective wards, prolonged use erodes the bearer’s aetheric stability. Each use of its dark magick features slowly attunes the bearer’s soul to the Void, risking an eventual transformation into a voidsent creature or causing physical and mental manifestations of Void corruption (e.g., shadowy aura, worsening nightmares, uncontrollable surges of dark energy).Psychic Vulnerability: The Heart’s power leaves a psychic link to the Void, which can attract the attention of voidsent. Overuse may cause these creatures to seek out the bearer, sensing the artifact’s presence. As a result, the Heart-bearer may frequently experience disturbing visions, hear strange voices, or be more prone to Void-influenced charms and mind-control attempts.Power Restraint Requirements: To prevent corruption and balance the artifact’s power, the bearer must periodically perform rituals to cleanse or “quiet” the Heart. These rituals typically involve rare reagents found only in places heavily influenced by the Void or ancient Mhachi relics. Failing to perform these rituals increases the artifact’s strain on the bearer, causing temporary aetheric drain, leading to chronic exhaustion and weakness in magickal defenses.Wielding Knowledge Requirement: The Heart’s powers cannot be accessed without a base knowledge of dark magicks or aetheric manipulation. Attempting to use it without proper skill or focus can backfire, causing accidental discharge of dark energy or attracting voidsent hostility. Additionally, its dream-linking abilities may pull untrained users into the Void itself if not used cautiously.Blood Payment: Each use of the Heart’s more powerful features requires a small sacrifice of the bearer’s own life force or aether. This manifests as temporary physical frailty, a shortened lifespan, or gradual scarring, with the opal growing warmer and more intense in color as it consumes this life force.Quest: To unlock the Heart’s full potential, the bearer must travel to the Ruins of Mhach, where ancient sigils still linger in hidden pockets, safeguarding the ruins’ deep secrets. Only by reaching the inner sanctum of the voidmages and performing a binding ritual under the Watcher’s Tower—a location said to still resonate with the powers of voidbound spirits—can the Heart be awakened and its power controlled.

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