Keeping Up With the Kestrels (storyline)/2017-11-03 - Bleaklands Details and 17 Percent Fails (log)

Eoantos 3-4, 5117

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]

Summary

• [[::Dennet_Kestrel|Dennet]] briefly lays out the plan for the following evening: though anyone's help is optional, he seeks aid and protection while he performs a ritual in the Bleaklands, mana from those willing to provide it, and a group to guard the portal so nothing gets through.

• Lornieh asks whether Quinshon might try to take the Talon in the Bleaklands and Dennet says publicly that Quinshon will be given the Talon after his work is completed...

• ...but signals that he's only saying so publicly.

• Dennet also adds that the work won't yet be completed after that night.

• Dennet reiterates that regardless of feelings for him, he asks for aid on [[::Reannah_Kestrel|Reannah]]'s behalf.

• [[::Ysharra_Nagorn|Ysharra]] asks about [[::Cyph_Kestrel|Cyph]] and Dennet says that Quinshon is wrong, and with rest and time Cyph will be fine.

• Dennet re-explains that he'll siphon energy from the fire elemental and imbue its power into the plinite, with an 83% chance of success, and then augment his pylons with the plinite.

• Dennet reiterates (publicly) that Quinshon will be given the Talon after the three steps--er, two steps--of his procedure are complete...

• ...but some people, not catching on, remind Dennet that he said he would kill Quinshon if he had to in order to stop him from getting the Talon. Dennet takes everyone back to the underground sanctuary where Quinshon can't listen.

• There Dennet explains that Quinshon only believes he'll be given the Talon after the three-step--er, two-step--procedure, but that actually Dennet won't hand it over.

• Dennet admits that they'll need a plan to stop Quinshon from taking the Talon after he's refused, but says they must deal with things one at a time (since, in any case, the work isn't complete after that one night).

• Dennet further says that he hasn't considered what to do with the Talon after using it, but wants to be rid of it.

Log

Dennet's Reminders of the Plan

[Town Square, East]

Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing hold various official, religious and social functions. Facing the square are some of the town's more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night.

Dennet fades into visibility.

Dennet grins slowly.

Dennet says, "Grand Evening."

Speaking to Dennet, Raelee says, "... Grand Magister."

Dennet grins at Raelee.

Dennet says, "Magister."

Dennet says, "Ah."

Dennet grins at Lylia.

Dennet says, "Lady Rashere, good evening."

Dennet asks, "A face I have not seen in awhile. I trust all is well?"

Dennet peers quizzically at Lylia.

Lylia says, "Wonderfully well. I was called away on some prosaic matter. Truly not worth my time."

(OOC) Kenstrom's player whispers to the group, "Daylight Savings on Sun!! KST becomes 1 hour earlier!!!"

Lylia waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Lylia adds, "And it is good to be back."

Lylia smiles.

Dennet says, "Thank you for coming this evening, I truly will not keep you long."

Dennet says, "Frankly, there's much to be done before tomorrow evening."

Dennet says, "Tomorrow I will be opening a portal again to the Bleaklands, to perform a...procedure to imbue my cache of plinite with the power of Cyph's old elemental."

Dennet says, "Your aid is optional, but I would certainly appreciate it."

Dennet says, "There are dangers in the Bleaklands, and it is always evolving."

Speaking to Dennet, Dergoatean asks, "Can you share any additional details, such that the volunteers might more adequately prepare?"

Dennet nods at Dergoatean.

Dennet says, "I will seek aid for those wishing to help protect us while we do what is necessary, in the Bleaklands, to perform the ritual. I would also need any who wish to help provide their mana in that endeavor. Furthermore, it might be wise to protect the portal, to help keep anything from...getting through."

You determinedly vow, "I'll certainly protect our home here."

You nod.

You quickly add, "Unless someone should be with Lady Reannah tomorrow eve, of course."

Dennet says, "My wife will be protected by Sir Thadston, she will be fine."

Zosozpage asks, "Any approximation of the time?"

You nod understandingly at Dennet.

Dennet says, "Late evening."

Dennet nods at Zosozpage.

Speaking to Dennet, Elementz asks, "I hear there's an expedition heading to the Bleaklands, am I correct?"

Dennet nods at Elementz.

Further Details

Speaking to Dennet, Lornieh asks, "Grand Magister... during this... ritual... would it be easier for Quinshon to possibly attempt to obtain the Talon?"

Lornieh raises an eyebrow in Dennet's direction.

Dennet glances at Lornieh.

Dennet says, "Quinshon will not get the Talon until our work is completed."

Dennet says, "Our work is not completed after tomorrow night."

Speaking to Dennet, Lornieh asks, "Wait... shouldn't he not ever get it?"

Dennet asks, "I truly do not understand what you mean?"

Dennet peers quizzically at Lornieh.

Speaking to Dennet, Lornieh asks, "Would it not be dangerous for such an artifact to fall into his hands?"

Dennet glances at Lornieh.

Dennet says, "I truly do not understand what you mean..."

Dennet squints.

Dennet taps the side of his head.

Dennet taps the side of his head.

Dennet winks.

Speaking to Dennet, Goldstr asks, "Toughts ye said Quinshom a never get da Talon, now will be ok after dis?"

Dennet frowns.

(OOC) Cruxophim's player whispers to the group, "GAIS, THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A SEEEKRET."

Lornieh whispers to the group, "I believe he is trying to say he'd rather not respond in case Quinshon is listening."

(OOC) Cruxophim's player whispers to the group, "Last time he took us to a mind-warded room to explain."

Madmountan whispers to the group, "Good call."

(OOC) Cruxophim's player whispers to the group, "OOC'ly, of course, but that's what happened."

Speaking to Dennet, Shinann asks, "You said the Talon is weak correct?"

Ysharra asks, "Why would it be?"

Shinann says, "I thought that is what he had said... that amethyst is not the proper color for it."

Dennet says, "The Talon is weakened in this environment here, yes."

Dennet says, "It is more powerful in an area, such as the Bleaklands."

Dennet says, "I do not know its original hue. It was red, when it was known as the Crescent."

Dennet says, "It became amethyst-hued after the fall of Toullaire."

Dennet says, "I will not take it personally, if anyone chooses not to aid me tomorrow."

Dennet says, "I will only ask this to be considered..."

Dennet says, "Regardless of your feelings for myself..."

Speaking to Dennet, Ysharra asks, "Has Quinshon discussed Cyph with you?"

Dennet says, "Please consider it for my wife, Reannah."

Dennet glances at Ysharra.

Dennet says, "Cyph will be fine."

Speaking to Dennet, Ysharra says, "That sounded a little practiced."

Dennet says, "The process he underwent was taxing, and of course a long recovery and road to stability is to be expected."

Dennet says, "I think I understand my children more than Quinshon."

Dennet says, "Rest, and time, will see Cyph restored."

Chamorr heartily says, "Question."

Dennet peers quizzically at Chamorr.

Chamorr heartily asks, "Yer gonna combine plinite with fire elementals, right?"

Dennet says, "I'm going to siphon the energy from the blue fire elemental, essentially killing it, and then imbuing its power into the plinite."

Dennet says, "Yes."

Speaking to Dennet, Osloe says, "Sounds dangerous."

Cryheart asks, "Will you be able to confine that energy within the plinite?"

Dennet says, "It is dangerous."

Chamorr heartily says, "And what happens if its the plinite combines with the fire elementals instead."

Dennet says, "There is a eighty three percent chance of that, yes Sir Cryheart."

Cryheart nods at Dennet.

Cryheart says, "Tis the 17 percent I worry about."

Dennet says, "This is merely step one of what I must do."

Dennet says, "Once the elemental is imbued within the plinite, I seek to augment some mana pylons with the new plinite, much as Pylasar once did when the Ithzir invaded."

Speaking thoughtfully to Dennet, Cruxophim guesses, "Is this essentially a drastically more effective version of the plinotherepy that has been used on Lady Reannah thus far?"

Speaking heartily to Dennet, Chamorr asks, "Why?"

Dennet says, "The pylons are being established beneath the Outpost. You may have felt it from time to time."

Dennet says, "Once activated, in theory, the pylons should provide a radius of comfort for my wife to live illness free."

Speaking simply to Chamorr, Cruxophim explains, "To cure Lady Reannah."

Dennet says, "But she would be confined to, well, the Outpost, or Wehnimer's Landing."

Dennet says, "Depending on how far I can stretch the radius."

Dennet grins at Cruxophim.

Speaking thoughtfully to Dennet, Cruxophim inquires, "Does that imply that proximity to the Talon itself would be required in future?"

Dennet nods at Cruxophim.

Dennet says, "The Talon will not need to remain, no."

Speaking thoughtfully to Dennet, Cruxophim guesses, "Curious. Will it superimbue the ambient energy of the area, then?"

The Failure of Secrecy in the Open

Speaking to Dennet, Dergoatean asks, "Do you have any plans for the Talon after this wildly successful undertaking is completed?"

Dennet says, "I do not know Mayor."

Dennet says, "Yes, of course, Quinshon has been promised the Talon in exchange for his services through the three steps."

Speaking to Dennet, Dergoatean says, "We've got a rather powerful summoner to the south, and a need for inconceivably powerful things if we hope to survive any confrontation."

Dennet says, "I'm sorry, I meant two steps..."

Speaking to Dennet, Lornieh says, "I believe you forgot to mention that previously."

Dennet asks, "Mention what?"

Lornieh says, "That Quinshon would be taking possession of the Talon."

Dennet says, "Why would I say anything to the contrary."

Dennet indicates a faceted obsidian ring etched with a tiny twelve-pointed golden star as a possible option.

Dennet glances at Lornieh.

Lornieh squints at Dennet.

Speaking to Lornieh, Goldstr says, "Words I members He kill Quinshom afer lettin him get da Talon."

Dennet frowns at Goldstr.

Evia says, "I could have sworn he said, "Quinshon will never get the talon, if he tries I will end him" . huh."

Cruxophim whispers to the group, "Remember that a certain Shaman seems and hears much from the minds of many."

Dennet says, "A rock decorated with spurs."

Lornieh whispers to the group, "Perhaps what he says is for the purpose of others who may and most likely are listening."

Elementz asks, "So whom is working for whom all this time?"

Elementz ponders.

Dennet asks, "You will explain this, yes?"

Dennet peers quizzically at Cruxophim.

Speaking to Dennet, Goldstr says, "I heards yer words Mister."

Speaking wryly to Dennet, Cruxophim inquires, "Which part?"

Cruxophim grins wryly at Dennet.

Dennet frowns.

Cruxophim raises his hands toward Dennet in surrender!

Cruxophim calmly explains, "The tentative plan is to offer Quinshon the Talon in exchange for his services and aid in using the Talon to cure Lady Reannah."

Away From Mind Readers

Dennet raises his hand, the runes along his arms glowing briefly and the ground begins to tremble...

The ground slowly opens beneath you, and the very earth shifts as it lowers you into darkness. Moments later you find yourself elsewhere.

[Outpost, Plinite Cavern]

The earthen walls are uneven and jagged, marred by hundreds of tiny circular fissures. Bursting forth from many of these small crevices are clusters of glowing plinite, each formation providing a myriad of colors from blue, to yellow, to red and green. The luminescent lights from the plinite shards cast a vibrant yet hypnotic pattern along the smooth stone ground. You also see a long rhimar-inlaid chest and some huge black mein golems.

Dennet frowns.

Dennet says, "Some of you..."

Dennet shakes his head.

Dennet glances at Goldstr.

Dennet asks, "Look around at the earthen walls Goldstr, do you recognize any of your brethren?"

Dennet smirks.

Speaking to Dennet, Goldstr says, "Front a Moot Hall was no place fer secrets."

Dennet says, "Quinshon cannot reach our minds here."

Goldstr nods at Dennet.

Cruxophim patiently explains, "Quinshon is only aiding in exchange for the Talon. However, I do not believe -- as Dennet is now saying -- he intends to hand it over at all, as such an artifact would be dangerous to have loose in the world."

Cruxophim slowly adds, "However, obviously, he doesn't wish Quinshon to KNOW that."

Speaking to Dennet, Lornieh asks, "So now that we are away from eavesdropping.... you will use caution in regards to Quinshon?"

Cruxophim slowly explains, "And Quinshon, being able to get into people's minds and thoughts, is rather difficult to keep secrets from."

Dennet says, "Quinshon believes, once we have completed our three procedures, then I will hand over the Talon."

Dennet says, "Once all steps are successful, I will not."

Evia says, "So three."

Dennet says, "No, sorry, two."

Dennet grins.

Speaking to Dennet, Elementz says, "You keep saying three."

Dennet glances at Elementz.

Dennet says, "No."

Speaking slowly to Dennet, Cruxophim ventures, "You will remember the proper steps and their order and number once the time comes, yes?"

Cruxophim stares off into space.

Cruxophim appears to be struggling to keep a straight face as he glances at Dennet.

Dennet grins at Cruxophim.

Kipa says, "Why three, then no I mean two...that is twice in that slip up."

Kipa glances at Dennet.

Dennet says, "I am quite exhausted."

Dennet nods at Kipa.

Speaking to Dennet, Desreth says, "Is there another team needed for the confrontation with Quinshon as well? If so that can be worked out while we're here."

Dennet says, "I am sure, once Quinshon is refused, he will try to take it."

Dennet says, "So yes, we must be prepared for that."

Dennet says, "But in all honesty, we must face one challenge at a time."

Dennet says, "We do not even know if we'll make it out the Bleaklands alive."

Speaking to Dennet, Dergoatean asks, "I understand Quinshon is on the record as intending to use the Talon to combat Grishom Stone in the future. While we may not believe him, Stone represents an existential threat. Would you also intend to aid in a conflict with him? What would you do with the talon after?"

Dennet chuckles.

Dennet says, "I jest, but..."

Dennet says, "I have not considered what to do with the Talon, beyond getting rid of it."

Dennet says, "I do not wish it near me anymore."

Dennet says, "For what it has done."

Speaking to Dennet, Shinann asks, "Will both steps happen tomorrow night?"

Dennet says, "No Shinann."

Dennet says, "I will need more time once the plinite is charged, to prepare the pylons for the merge."

Dennet says, "As for Grishom Stone..."

Dennet shrugs.

Dergoatean says, "I prefer to see it go to a party that appropriately prioritizes the threat gain strength in the sea of fire - Landing, Hall, or otherwise."

Dennet says, "My sights are focused on my wife."

Dennet says, "I cannot begin to contemplate much else, or others in this world."

Lylia says, "Would it be safe to say, then, that there will be some time between now and when Quinshon is denied his prize? If so, then you may wish to take precautions with those among us who cannot govern their thoughts well."

Dennet nods at Lylia.

Dennet says, "Yes, we will have time to form many a strategy, for Quinshon is denied his prize."

Ysharra says, "Would Rodnay help you, Grand Magister Dennet? I get the feeling he's still a little sore over his captivity and his treatment."

Dennet shrugs at Ysharra.

Dennet says, "I do not know."

Ysharra says, "This is all chaos. Not a single bit of it makes any sense or pattern."

Speaking to Ysharra, Deckits says, "I bet 2000 silver he blows up his wife."

Deckits nods at Ysharra.

Dennet glances at Deckits.

Deckits shrugs at Dennet.

Deckits asks, "83 percent.. 17 percent... explosion?"

Deckits says, "Surely, you must know that."

Deckits shrugs.

Dennet tightens his fist, small jagged spikes forming along an earthen wall near Deckits.

Dennet squints at Deckits.

Speaking to Dennet, Deckits says, "Just because it's the opposite side of the formula you put together.. doesn't make it not present."

Deckits nods.

Deckits says, "A balanced mind examines all angles.. Magister."

Deckits reaches inside one of the woven-hair pouches hanging from his harness and collects an opaque glass amulet.

Deckits hangs an opaque glass amulet around his neck.

Deckits shifts his eyes to Dennet.

Deckits rubs his glass amulet.

Deckits suddenly disappears.

Dennet says, "The hour is late, I am tired....and still much to do."

Dennet asks, "Have I missed any questions?"

Speaking to Dennet, Goldstr says, "Give yer wife our well wushes."

Dennet nods.

Dennet says, "Tomorrow eve then..."

Lylia asks, "One brief one, if you would; you said you are leaving your wife in Thadston's care. When I left, he was...not quite himself. How is he these days, if you know?"

Dennet says, "He is...I do not see him much."

Dennet nods at Lylia.

Dennet says, "I could not say."

Lylia nods once at Dennet.

Dennet gestures, the runes along his arm glowing.

The ground slowly opens and swallows Cruxophim and he vanishes below!

[cue others and end the night, as everyone reappears in Town Square East except for Dennet] \