Dave approaches the mages enclave

[Dave]

Dave walks up to the mages enclave in the late evening.  Looks for a junior mage and asks "Be lookin' tae speak tae Enchanter by te name o' Lysandus"

[spawind]

An apprentice nods, directing Dave inward. Lysandus himself, golden robes included, smiles at the arrival, "Ah. Dave. Glad you could make it." Lysandus himself bobs his head to the apprentice as he departs, leaving the pair alone, "I do indeed have business, though there is only so much I can discuss with the Guild of Mages so actively watching the spread of information."

Leaning back, he exhales, "Please take a seat." Waiting for a moment for the offer to be accepted, he continues, "With Barra in the state it is and..." He checks for a moment, a gesture of the hand to make sure they are not being magically listened into, "With current developments, I am interested in the army within our gates. Specifically the automatae. I know you are also interested, Dave. Specifically interested in the mundane construction behind them."

Standing up then, he moves over to a window, back to Dave in a thoughtful pose, "I will take this city back, Dave. There are too many innocent lives to be dragged into a war. Because believe me, one is coming and not just in regards to the Faith. I gave a commitment to do as such and whilst I might only be a single elf, I am one who will see this through. So I need your help. The others too, but that involves me heading towards Dunlirron."

"I aim to capture, or at least magically observe one of the automatae that are being used to hold the city. The Meeksist would have to have a master, or someone of equivilant power within their ranks to control them all. To this end, I also hope to study and find a well of soulfire in the region. Suffice to say, they are being messed with in several different areas about the country, according to other magi. If they are connected, which I feel they might be, there might be a way of deactivating them all at once. At least in this area. It would cut the fighting power of them down somewhat."

"I am sure that the framework of standard automatae would be very interesting to look at from a blacksmiths perspective. What say you?"

[Dave]

"Ly, Thanks fae te invitation" Dave takes the offered seatand listens "Aye, canne aregue that this be a mess o a situation. I also be concerned that now te faithful be ousted, what will come next?" dave considers the offer " Well I canne deny I be curious as tae how they be built... might be some practical applications tae makin' better armour fae folks or even tae make an automata ma self then hae a mage do what they can wit it..." daves eyes have started looking to the distance at this point. they snap back into focus "Sorry Ly call me a dreamer, but it nae te time fae that... What exactly ye be askin' o me fae ye plan?"

[spawind]

"Dreams are one of the many strengths of mortals, my friend." Lysandus smiles, "If you have an opportunity to examine one of them... Far be it for me to notice you taking notes..." A sly grin passes his features before gesturing comfortably, "It depends by what source the automatae in this area have been activated. If using the leylines... There are more options. ...If Enchantment was used... Well... Fates forbid such a possibility. Truly, that thought is terrifying."

"Personally, I want one. Of the automatae, I mean. To examine more closely. Getting that, however and remaining inconspicuous is another matter. Perhaps between you and I, we can formulate a plan that suits both our needs, mn?"

[Dave]

Dave ponders Ly's plan. "I dinne think we could get one inside o Barra witout serious risk an luck, they usually travel in groups an reinforcements would likely be near-by. per'apse one outside o barra be easier tae find an' arrange fae somewhere tae have a look at it?"