Landing Events - 2020-03-10 - Endless Connections (log)

Charlatos 10-11, 5120

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

Summary

• Magister Cordarius comes to Moot Hall to... flirt with Nola?! No, that's not his main goal--though he does find time for that. He double checks with Magister [[::Raelee_Svala|Raelee]] that she's ready for the node fires on the 13th, then says that tonight, as a learning experience, he'd like to communicate again with the blight.

• [[::Ysharra_Nagorn|Ysharra]] leads on to a withered tree in the Lower Dragonsclaw, where she takes Faerinn's hand and attempts to open communication with the blight while Cordarius readies a crystal mirror. The tree begins to bend a branch down as Cordarius makes the surface of his mirror ripple. It announces that it is the Bleak, is endless, and is the Blight.

• Cordarius continues adjusting his mirror as the blight continues talking. Ysharra asks it how big its world is and dit says it's "Bleakworld. Allworld." Faerinn asks if he was in Talador when it was destroyed, and the tree draws an archaic symbol near his feet, but then buries it under dirt. Meanwhile, the crystal in Cordarius' changes to the color of the tree and shifts like ethereal liquid.

• Ysharra tells it that Raznel is dead and it cannot go on as it is, but it says all is dead and we will not end it. Our fires will burn until our bodies fade, but it is endless. Cruxophim says it needs a host, but it says it does not need our lives; Cordarius says no, rather it needs our mana. Cordarius gets his mirror to solidify.

• Ysharra asks if it has a place it belongs, where Raznel took it from; it says it is awakened and is the end. Faerinn asks what we are and it says "moments." Faerinn asks if we can coexist and it says every moment finds an end, which births new moments, and it is endless.

• Alvyara says the endldess must be tired, but it says it is rested. Faerinn asks if it can go back, but it says it's endless and allworld. Cordarius says he got what he needs and leaves, but the tree conntinues on saying that we're moments in each cycle.

• Two of the branches arc upward, splitting like fingers opening, and the small shape of a spore forms--but then it pulls the spore back within. Ysharra says it's part of the world and tells iit there's no reason not to find balance, for its sake and ours. A branch extends and caresses Ysharra's face, briefly taking on a wintry pale porcelain hue to match her skin, then withdraws and resettles into a still tree.

Log

Cordarius' Jovial Nature

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the white Ignito disk, the Asben disk, the Guarrin disk, the Fortiss disk, the Villorn disk, the Vandesmire disk, the Tinye disk, the Bumdor disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, the parrot-shaped Aplom disk, a large acorn, some wolifrew lichen, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a bundle of rough arrow shafts, a large acorn, a sunset-hued leaf-shaped sign that reads, "Vote Leafiara, a Night and Day Difference!", some stone benches with some stuff on it and an herbal remedy donation bin.

Also here: Lord Ignito, Dame Evia, High Lord Asben, Orlicks, High Lord Aplom, Felita, Leineshan, Viva who is sitting, Zosopage, Erlyte, Ameryea, Bardel, Guarrin, Fortiss, Great Lord Villorn who is sitting, Great Lady Sanvenae, Great Lord Vandesmire, Tinye who is kneeling, Bumdor who is sitting, Agamimnon, Pfarrah who is sitting, Oraijah, Cevlock, Tenzon, Gnarkko who is sitting, Leafiara, Small Game Huntress Rendena who is sitting, Althazor

The sky begins to fill with huge clouds, dark and grey on the bottom, pale and white atop, their puffy crowns ascending toward the heavens.

From nearby, you hear Gutstorm yell, "Kin ye provoke da roltonsh? I wanna see them shwarm da town!"

Speaking to Guarrin, Evia says, "A little fall of rain can hardly hurt us now."

Speaking deeply to Evia, Guarrin says, "Just trying to keep it out of my tea."

Zosopage says, "Wow, a late rain."

Villorn asks, "Rain?"

Villorn says, "Hmm."

Villorn asks, "Are we all going to die?"

Speaking musingly to Villorn, Leafiara says, "Depends what the blight has to say about it, I suppose."

Cordarius: "Good eve!"

Alvyara says, "He's here."

Evia: "Good evening."

Chaoswynd pinches Leafiara!

Leafiara tries to pinch Chaoswynd, but he leans away just in time.

Chaoswynd snickers at Leafiara.

Leafiara snickers.

Speaking amusedly to Chaoswynd, Leafiara says, "We're always so in sync somehow."

Speaking to Chaoswynd, Zosopage asks, "Did you make it rain?"

Evia says, "My my."

Speaking to Zosopage, Chaoswynd says, "Not that I'm aware of, no."

Speaking interestedly to Chaoswynd, Leafiara asks, "Have you ever made it rain before?"

Chaoswynd begins chortling at Leafiara.

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara asks, "Is that a euphemism?"

Speaking surprisedly to Chaoswynd, Leafiara says, "What? Legitimate question."

Speaking befuddledly to Alvyara, Leafiara asks, "Err, no?"

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "I have a charm that can make it rain, but only very briefly and very localized."

Aeith asks, "Can't wizards just cast a water ball up in the air or something?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara asks, "How localized? Can you make it rain in someone's pants?"

Speaking amusedly to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "No, the clouds don't go that low."

Leafiara amusedly exclaims, "That would be great, though!"

Rendena softly says, "They haven't discovered how yet, but I'm sure that is possible."

Speaking curiously to Siggurd, Leafiara asks, "Any idea when the next favor hunt is planned?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Siggurd says, "Not sure, I think there was a debate on making it a monthly thing."

Speaking approvingly to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "Ah, excellent."

Speaking to Leafiara, Siggurd says, "It definitely went over well."

Speaking to Siggurd, Leafiara says, "I was sad to have had to miss it because of other scheduled things."

Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm says, "We needsh to git yooz dat Cryheart shuit fer when he aint round."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara muses, "Better hope the Hall actually *can* find Pylasar, then."

Zosopage says, "I wonder what Cordarius has to say this eve."

Speaking to Zosopage, Leafiara says, "I think this is the night he wanted to try talking to the blight again."

Speaking to Zosopage, Alvyara says, "We can guess that at least half of it will be bluster and flirting."

Cordarius: "I will be along shortly, outside of Moot Hall!"

Leafiara exclaims, "Eastward then!"

[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. You also see a rough earth wyrdling, a bright painted campaign sign that reads, "Faerinn 5120: Painting a brighter tomorrow, together.", a shattered sign of bones fashioned into elegant calligraphy, "Civil Disobedience Is Still Disobedience: Obey Xorus.", a polished bleakstone statue and a large purple wooden barrel.

Also here: Gutstorm, Leafiara, Alvyara, Shinann, Aveigh, Chaoswynd, Dergoatean, Magister Raelee, Xorus, Dwa, High Lord Mongonator, Faerinn

Zosopage yells, "Everyone join Leafi!"

Speaking dubiously to Zosopage, Leafiara says, "You're not Pukk."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "I came armed wit a shnowball an a water cannon."

Speaking to Leafiara, Zosopage says, "Thank Koar."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Yooz shmokin gun shtunt me gwowf."

Gutstorm pounds the Moot Hall with his fist, but nothing happens.

Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Heddo!"

Lord Cordarius just arrived.

Cordarius removes the hood of his robe, revealing his features.

Cordarius gives a slight flick of his wrist, and a crisp green apple suddenly appears in his hand!

Cordarius exclaims, "Howdy!"

Cordarius takes a bite of his green apple.

Cordarius smacks his lips.

Speaking flatly to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... Cordarius."

Zosopage says, "Good evening."

Cordarius says, "Oo, so serious."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "Good evening Magister."

Cordarius deeply says, "...Raelee."

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Cordarius snickers.

Xorus greets, "... Citizens. Cordarius."

Speaking to Cordarius, Goldstr says, "Evenin Councilman."

Raelee quietly mutters, "... and stop eating the laboratory samples..."

Cordarius winks at Nola.

Speaking amusedly to Raelee, Leafiara asks, "Well, they do literally grow on trees, right?"

Cordarius asks, "So you are saying I am young and handsome?"

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "He's going to tell you to stop making them so tasty."

Cordarius peers quizzically at Nola.

Cordarius begins to flirt with Nola.

Nola clasps her hand over her mouth.

Nola asks, "Did I say the quiet part out loud?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee says, "He says a lot of things."

Cordarius says, "No, but it bears repeating."

Cordarius moves to stand in front of Nola.

Nola exclaims, "You aren't as old and fat as I thought you'd be!"

Speaking quietly to Faerinn, Ysharra asks, "How are you?"

Cordarius picks at Nola's onyx and jade prayer beads.

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Very nervous."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I was just telling Alvyara here I'm a little daunted myself."

Cordarius asks, "Well, are we still on track for this Eve of the Huntress?"

Cordarius peers quizzically at Raelee.

Cordarius deeply says, "...Raelee."

Speaking curiously to Cordarius, Cruxophim inquires, "Mana fires?"

Speaking flatly to Cordarius, Raelee says, "I am. I do not know about you."

Cordarius nods at Cruxophim.

Leafiara approvingly says, "Can't wait to see this one."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "I'm not sure there is an answer we can get tonight that I'll like."

Cordarius says, "I was born on track."

Cordarius says, "BUT..."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "And so was I, yet here we are."

Re-Establishing Communication

Cordarius says, "Tonight, for..."

Speaking incredulously to Raelee, Leafiara asks, "Was that a... a joke?"

Cordarius says, "Learning experience? Sure, for a learning experience."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I would like one that allows the town to recover in enough time to plant some seed and grain before the spring starts."

Cordarius says, "I'd like us to try to talk to Lord Blight again."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee asks, "No, why?"

Cordarius says, "Or Lady. Maybe it's a Lady."

Speaking relievedly to Raelee, Leafiara says, "Oh, good. Never mind, then."

Faerinn says, "Either is fine with me."

Ysharra says, "...like flax."

Goldstr asks, "Da blight be a Lord?"

Speaking evenly to Cordarius, Cruxophim explains, "It's an it. A collective organism."

Cordarius points at Ysharra.

Ysharra says, "The Blight is the Bleak. Death. The end. It was emphatic about those."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Alvyara says, "..thank you."

Speaking lightly to Cordarius, Cruxophim muses, "'Us' might be more appropriate."

Xorus says, "Charming."

Cordarius asks, "Shall you, lead us?"

Cordarius peers quizzically at Ysharra.

Speaking drunkenly to Alvyara, Gutstorm says, "Pwetend ye didnt shee da shnowball."

Ysharra says, "Of course."

Alvyara says, "Or at least, that is the blight's impression of itself. Heaven knows some of us think we're more dreadful than we really are."

Ysharra says, "Please."

Cordarius joins Ysharra's group.

Ysharra says, "Everyone, I'll be leaving in the count of three."

Cordarius snuggles up to Ysharra.

Cordarius gazes fondly at Ysharra.

Ysharra glances at Cordarius.

Cordarius winks.

Cruxophim recites:

"Form on Ysharra!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Zosopage says, "Too tired to pretend to be Pukk again."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "You're cute. But dozens of people have died."

[travel begins]

Cordarius asks, "Oh, too close?"

Speaking amusedly to Cordarius, Leafiara encourages, "Keep at it and maybe some day you'll get somewhere."

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Forest]

You come across a burnt-out fire pit, evidence that others have travelled through this deep forest. The charred remains of a large log hold no lingering warmth, but do provide a certain security with their assurance that others have passed the night here safely. You also see a withered patch of grass and a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking to Leafiara, Zosopage says, "And Crux took care of that."

Leafiara adds, "With someone."

Cordarius taps his elbow to Ysharra.

Ysharra reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "Yes, your joints are kinky. I get it."

Speaking loudly to Zosopage, Cruxophim teases, "Eh?"

Cordarius takes a bite of his green apple.

Goldstr says, "I beens seein dat tree."

Cordarius put a crisp green apple in his black cloth pack.

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "I hope you're as good at stirring up answers as you are obnoxious."

Alvyara asks, "I see your hair, there.. is it your hair?"

Alvyara glances at Ysharra.

'Cordarius says, "Nope."

Ysharra says, "It is."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Zosopage says, "I was Pukk earlier, you were that time."

>look tree

The grey modwir tree is large but withered like a gnarled finger, its bark drooping and cracked like old broken flesh. A lock of lustrous white-blonde hair seems to be stitched into its bleak trunk.

Ysharra says, "There's only two people 'round here with that shade, and my daughter is far wiser than I am when it comes to trouble."

Ysharra says, "Surprisingly so."

Goldstr says, "Blonde haired tree."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Zosopage says, "Thankfully not in the literal sense."

Alvyara amusedly says, "Mhm."

Cordarius pokes his finger at a withered grey modwir tree.

Guarrin deeply asks, "What do we hope to learn this time?"

Cordarius kneels down.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Evia says, "I am sorry, very handsy crowd." [various people touching the tree in different ways]

Cordarius touches a few blades of withered grass.

Cordarius stands up.

Cordarius says, "Well..."v

(Ysharra leans over and takes Faerinn's hand in her own, and winds her fingers in his, giving them both a little pressure, comforting and soft.)

Cordarius nods at Ysharra.

Cordarius removes a slate grey crystal mirror from in his black cloth pack.

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I think this may be harder on you than me."

Faerinn nods at Ysharra.

With careful precision, Cruxophim uses his jawbone dagger to slice a long, deep line across his right palm. Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

Cruxophim covers a withered grey modwir tree with his right hand, smearing it with some of his blood.

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "I suspect so. The time to really stew in it has made the anticipation worse."

Leafiara: "If any are looking for us, we've gathered at a withered tree in the Lower Dragonsclaw, where Ysharra will be attempting to communicate with the blight."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Evia exclaims, "Did you ask it first, you didn't, did you!"

(Ysharra reaches out with her free hand to the dead grey bark, stroking the rough surface with a few fingertips, and then placing her palm flat upon the trunk. Her eyes close, and her grip on Faerinn's hand grows a little stronger.)

(Faerinn returns the grip on Ysharra's hand.)

Alvyara whispers something to Ysharra.

A piece of grey bark on the tree cracks.

(Ysharra shivers a little and leans toward the trunk, nearly stumbling.)

Cruxophim whispers to the group, "Any Ivasians here?"

Cordarius runs a finger along his mirror and the crystal surface ripples slightly.

Raelee surreptitiously glances at Cordarius.

Ysharra says, "I...I hear something."

Cordarius winks at Raelee.

Faerinn glances at Ysharra.

Faerinn inclines his ear, listening intently.

(Raelee nods slightly at the mirror, rather than Cordarius.)

Cruxophim whispers something to Nola.

(Ysharra opens her eyes and looks at Faerinn, nodding slowly. She gazes over quickly at Melikor and Alvyara, giving them a ghost of a smile, and shutters her eyes again, concentrating.)

A twisted grey branch, shaped like a giant gnarled finger, begins to creak and crack as it bends lower to the ground.

Nola whispers something to Cruxophim.

(Faerinn darts his eyes between the branch and the mirror.)

Cruxophim whispers something to Nola.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Are you there?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Who are you...?"

The branch begins to dig into the ground, stirring the dirt beneath it. A deep, ragged voice emits from within the heart of the great trunk, "...I am the Bleak."

Cordarius furrows his brow.

Speaking drunkenly to a withered grey modwir tree, Gutstorm says, "Heddo Bweak."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "The same Bleak that is my home?"

Cordarius touches his mirror and the crystal surface shifts again, darkening in hue.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "Talador, is what the people who lived there, called it."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am endless."

Faerinn gulps.

Ysharra says, "Raznel is dead."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Are you connected to Talador? The resf of the Bleak?"

Xorus says, "We have much in common so far."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am the Blight."

Felita says, "Ye is in dere."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You are death. The end."

Cruxophim bemusedly mutters, "That makes two of us."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Goldstr asks, "From where ye be?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "The Bleak is endless."

Evia whispers something to Guarrin.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Am I...connected to you?"

Cordarius tilts his mirror, and the crystal surface begins to darken more, its hue almost matching that of the tree.

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Connected?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "My home from long ago became the Bleak."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am the end. All will see the end."

Faerinn says, "I see it when I close my eyes. It's all I dream about."

Speaking to Guarrin, Evia says, "If I happened to be a tree, I would say all life is connected."

Ysharra glances at Cordarius.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Nofret says, "All things die eventually, yes."

Cordarius shrugs at Ysharra.

Cordarius says, "It's your crush, not mine."

Cordarius shrugs at Ysharra.

'Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "You may be endless, but how big is your world?"

Speaking to Evia, Dergoatean says, "I don't think I'd say anything at all."

Cordarius brushes another finger across his mirror, moving the grey-hued color around the edges of the crystal as if filling in every last spot.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Are you what I am dreaming about? What haunts me?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "Endless and boundless are not the same. If you would want to thrive, you must leave here."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Bleakworld. Allworld."

Ysharra nods slowly.

Ysharra glances at Xorus.

Goldstr says, "Ahhhhh."

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "I would say that sounds like your summer home but I'm too scared to be that cheeky."

Cordarius says, "Keep it talking for a bit more."

Cordarius nods.

Speaking deeply to Ysharra, Guarrin says, "I think you just pulled it off."

Helsfeld says, "What did I win."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Was I in Talador when it was destroyed?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "I...can't remember."

The tree branch bends and stretches, slowly drawing an archaic symbol near Faerinn's feet, then pushes more dirt to bury it.

Faerinn glances down.

Ysharra glances at Faerinn.

Raelee quietly states, "Curious."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "What does that mean?"

Nofret says, "I never thought of a disease as literate before."

Cordarius tilts his mirror, and the grey crystal within it shifts, as if ethereal liquid.

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "It's showing you something. Perhaps part of your dream."

Nola whispers something to Nofret.

Speaking softly to Nofret, Cruxophim corrects, "Collective organism. It has rudimentary connectivity."

Speaking lightly to Nofret, Leafiara says, "Raznel got into some interesting studies, apparently."

A Path Forward

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "Raznel is dead, Bleak. And you cannot go on as you are."

Cruxophim absently remarks, "You'd be surprised what can grow if given a little... push."

Speaking calmly to Ysharra, Cruxophim wonders, "Why not?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "All is dead."

Ysharra says, "You reached out to me, though."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "And you did not kill me. You did not kill Faerinn."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Zosopage asks, "All what is dead?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "You will not end me."

Speaking to Ysharra, Dergoatean says, "Doesn't seem like the sort of tree that will be deterred by a few words."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "Then give us another way."

Speaking to Ysharra, Dergoatean says, "Though, honestly, it's always worth trying."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You let me live. You let us live."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Your fires will burn until your bodies fade. I am endless."

Cordarius furrows his brow.

Cordarius says, "...interesting."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "What can we do to make you leave me, leave us all alone."

Evia says, "A tree of deep convictions."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "Just because you were made for death, you have fires of your own, do you not?"

Speaking calmly to a withered grey modwir tree, Cruxophim reasons, "You need a host to survive. You cannot be, well, blight without the living to consume."

Speaking evenly to a withered grey modwir tree, Cruxophim inquires, "Does Blight wish to cohabitate with.... us? With the Ysharra?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "Let us find you a new home. There is no need to be so afraid."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I do not need your life."

Speaking evenly to a withered grey modwir tree, Cruxophim counters, "But you do need their deaths?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "No. You don't."

Cordarius says, "No...of course not. He, erm, she, he or she, whatever. Sir Blight...needs our mana."

Speaking evenly to a withered grey modwir tree, Cruxophim counters, "Their decay?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "What do you require then?"

Leafiara musingly says, "Well, that would be good, since we don't intend to give it."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Goldstr asks, "Ye be filled wid da lost souls in da Bleaklands?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "Go find it elsewhere."

Speaking evenly to a withered grey modwir tree, Cruxophim counters, "Their magical essence?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Nofret asks, "You have spoken about what you need. What do you want?"

Cordarius says, "Living or dead, doesn't matter about us, the streams exist."

Ysharra says, "The Bleak needs the natural mana in the earthnodes here."

Cordarius says, "Unless we infect all of the mana streams of the world and destroy magic forever..."

Cordarius cackles insanely, wild-eyed and drooling.

Cordarius says, "Hah, I kid, I kid."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "You and Xorus will get along famously."

Speaking to Ysharra, Xorus says, "But he was being ironic about it."

Speaking to Cordarius, Nofret says, "That does not seem like an ideal plan."

Speaking dubiously to Cordarius, Cruxophim mutters, "Mm-hmmm."

Leafiara indifferently says, "Would be fine with me. I'd just take up work at the warrior guild."

Cruxophim whispers something to Asben.

Speaking thoughtfully to Asben, Cruxophim murmurs, "Try that mandis shard?"

(Ysharra leans closer to the dead bark, almost resting against it, the dingy grey contrasted against her pale hair and skin.)

Ysharra reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Cordarius touches his mirror again, almost pushing the grey crystal like its shifting sand. He presses another finger to the glass surface, mutters something and it solidifies.

Speaking deeply to Leafiara, Guarrin says, "Plenty to do there."

Cordarius says, "There we go."

Cordarius put a slate grey crystal mirror in his black cloth pack.

Cordarius nods.

Asben offers Cruxophim a Mandis Crystal shard.

Cruxophim accepts Asben's Mandis Crystal shard.

Cruxophim points his Mandis Crystal shard at his Mandis Crystal shard.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Asben says, "I don't have any magics."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "What sort of endless did you mean, do you think?"

Cruxophim glances at a Mandis Crystal shard in his hand.

Cruxophim shows a withered grey modwir tree his Mandis Crystal shard.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You were once the giant beauty of this forest, the bough you're in, now. The canopy nearly reached the path to Darkstone."

Alvyara quietly says, "I don't mind it being endless, if it can be in balance with all the other forces of life and decay. Not above them."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am beyond this. I am endless."

Faerinn reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "But you could choose another path. And that is what endless means."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Zosopage asks, "Do you need mana to recover from some illness or some such?"

Cordarius asks, "Sounds like a Faendryl tree, am I right? Am I right?"

Cordarius snickers to himself.

Nola says, "Maybe it's not endless. It just doesn't know any better."

Leafiara philosophically says, "In a sense, it's all endless."

Cordarius smirks.

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "No."

Speaking to Nola, Alvyara says, "It wouldn't be the only one here with an inflated opinion of itself."

Xorus explains, "It has been following my campaign literature."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Can you return whence you came?"

Cordarius says, "Or a previously undiscovered sub-culture of the sub-culture Dhe'nar."

Cordarius smirks.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "Do you have a place where you belong? Where she took you from?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Asben says, "Perhaps it's not the right time."

Ysharra reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Goldstr asks, "Ye speak a endless death an sech, but I be sensin a plea fer help maybe?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Took me? I am awakened."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am the end."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "If you are beyond this, show me your home."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "I tink dish ish a majic mushroom."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "If you can be serious for a moment... what is interesting to consider is its perspective. It speaks of death and endlessness, but the meaning of 'death' is often different when speaking to that which is dead versus that which is alive."

Alvyara mutters, "It has a very narrow scope of interest."

Ysharra says, "It may be...I mean, from how it operates...more like a fungus, than a life."

Cordarius asks, "What do you think it means then?"

Cordarius peers quizzically at Raelee.

Ysharra reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Faerinn reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking guardedly to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "It has certain similarities to fungal organisms, one supposes."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "'Death' can be a change rather than an end."

Ysharra says, "A fungus is a curious sort of life, though. One that takes apart what we leave behind when we die, so that more can grow from our decay."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "If you are the End, and Death? What are we?"

Ysharra says, "Without the fungus, none of us would exist."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Moments."

Speaking to Raelee, Goldstr says, "Good thoughts magister."

Aeith quietly says, "Or it lives only to spread."

Nola says, "Rot isn't death."

Ysharra nods slowly.

Leafiara says, "In a sense it's not wrong."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Moments?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Moments."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "A fungus is a bridge, the transition from health to death, death to dissolution, and then new growth."

Faerinn nods to a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Goldstr asks, "Do ye wish our aide is some way?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "I'm pretty sure I know the answer...Can Moments and the End coexist?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Helsfeld asks, "Do you concur?"

Ysharra says, "Fungal life can't be gotten rid of, though. Perhaps contained, if you're fortunate. Or can find something else for it to feed upon..."

Alvyara quietly says, "Yes. There'd be no need to destroy it, if it could find its place in the natural order."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Every moment finds an end. The end births new moments. I am endless."

Ysharra nods once.

Ysharra says, "You have been awakened..."

Goldstr says, "Well now dat be verra true."

Leafiara admits, "I kinda like this thing now. It's really philosophical."

Alvyara asks, "Even if it is endless, need it be boundaryless?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "Do you mean when you learned to speak? To be aware?"

Ysharra sighs.

Ysharra says, "You poor thing."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Speak?"

Xorus indifferently says, "The boundary of a boundary is nothingness."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "Or were you always capable, but deigned not to speak? You know, communicate."

Ysharra says, "You hear us. See us, feel us. You hear me, and Faerinn, here."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You've got a lock of my hair in your bark, there. Well, your host's bark."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn asks, "Wait, but does it?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Hear us, I mean."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "Anything especially enlightening, though? We all get born, we all get dead, et cetera."

Shinann says, "Maybe it thinks it is in the Bleaklands. Possibly by awakened it means... I am sorry. I have nothing."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Perhaps it doesn't know."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "Or are you reading our thoughts as we say them."

Cruxophim slowly speculates, "Consciousness stemming from a connectedness of isolated points, a collective aggregation. A mind is nothing more than many such points operating in unison to form a synergy, a sum greater than the total of its parts. Life born from matter. Bleak born from..."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara acknowledges, "Not so far. But at least we've gotten beyond basic identity statements."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "And projecting responses into all our minds?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "Perhaps the more it absorbed, the more of those...nodes...it was able to make."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "And now it's evolved."

Xorus says, "Pylasar remarked that Raznel was 'birthing' at the very end."

Ysharra says, "Of course. That means it could evolve again. Endless."

Speaking carefully to Faerinn, Cruxophim speculates, "It is not the first time such a mechanism has existed."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Dergoatean says, "The smaller pieces are not self-ware, and the larger piece is self-aware... and the key point is that it's not a contradiction."

Speaking cryptically to Faerinn, Cruxophim adds, "Perception is twofold, and half of that can be manipulated. Perhaps unwillingly."

Raelee whispers something to Cordarius.

Cordarius frowns at Raelee.

Cruxophim pointedly concludes, "I've seen this before."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Dergoatean says, "I'm more or less prepared to say that an ant colony has consciousness."

Cordarius looks over at Raelee and shakes his head.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Alvyara whispers aloud, "If you're endless, you must be very tired."

Raelee says, "The curious point about consciousness... How does one discern the difference between intelligence and sentience or merely the fascimilie thereof? That which is sentient expresses that, 'I am." But... we can teach a golem to utter the same."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Tired?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "I can't help but think that this Blight...really is what it suggests."

Ysharra nods at Alvyara.

Speaking slowly to Dergoatean, Cruxophim states, "In the sense that they have social structure, yes."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "If you need a reference, the way you make me feel."

Speaking slowly to Ysharra, Cruxophim states, "I'm sure that it is."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Dergoatean exclaims, "Oh, no, the ants themselves, they're unthinking beasts!"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You do feel weary. Of all of this."

Aeith says, "Mushrooms are all interconnected to each other by their mycelia, the strands that bind them together into one.... If this tree is like that ...and connected to the bleaklands somehow and the other blight, and we are tapped into those strands somehow by... whatever it is we are doing right now, perhaps we can use this conduit to either heal the corruption or burn it out."

Nola softly asks, "Do you sleep? Do you want to?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Alvyara asks, "Tired, yes. Don't you wish rest?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Dergoatean says, "But the colony - it has goals, fears, hopes."

Speaking curiously to Raelee, Leafiara asks, "Does whether it's intelligent or sentient make a difference?"

Speaking to Aeith, Ysharra says, "Indeed, some colonies have been found that reach across vast distances."

Speaking amusedly to Leafiara, Cruxophim remarks, "Some would say yes, some would say no."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee asks, "In what way?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am rested."

Ysharra says, "Entire cave networks made out of the same spore."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am awakened."

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara clarifies, "In how we react from here."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "That likely depends upon who you ask."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am the end, and then the end, and then the end."

Speaking to Raelee, Dergoatean says, "I might even say there's no such thing as a facsimile of sentience. Only sentience, or not."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am endless."

Nola asks, "You don't like beginnings?"

Speaking to Raelee, Faerinn says, "But it has also communicated with written word or pictogram. We didn't prompt it with that. That was not borrowed language."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "The transition."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Dergoatean asks, "...but then what?"

Cruxophim slowly requests, "Can you vague that up for me a little more?"

Speaking to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "Some may say that, but I disagree with them."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "I have a feeling your answer is yes."

Cruxophim wryly mutters, "A little levity never hurt."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "Well, I'm glad one of us can be rested in this relationship, but..."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra asks, "I wonder if it's like those...hrm. Cordyceps?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "It makes it more interesting to study, absolutely."

Speaking dryly to Leafiara, Raelee asks, "... but how many sentient threats to this town have been killed in the past year?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "Where it inhabits just enough of the host to pilot to what it needs."

Speaking musingly to Raelee, Leafiara says, "Fair enough. ...on both points."

Speaking confidentially to Raelee, Leafiara confesses, "I kinda prefer ending the sentient ones anyway."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "I am aware."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Can you go back? Will you?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Go back?"

Speaking slowly to Ysharra, Cruxophim opines, "Either some sentient or psuedosentient force is controlling it, manipulating it, not unlike cordyceps, and in turn its affected... or it's stimulating a proximal response through some sort of rudimentary psyche manipulation. Perhaps."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "...I followed most of that."

Speaking slowly to Ysharra, Cruxophim drawls, "I would be remiss if I did not point out, logically, that we are all standing here talking to a tree."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "But mostly, that it's possible this thing is more or less...aware and not aware."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Goldstr asks, "If ye be da end where did ye start?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "Leave. Stop choking this stop. Stop haunting me. Stay in Talador, haven't you already taken enough?"

Speaking mildly to Cruxophim, Leafiara says, "I give it a 3 on the scale of Landing oddness."

Speaking slowly to Ysharra, Cruxophim concludes, "One wonders if the problem isn't with the Blight at all, but with us."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "You were prescient and vagued it up yourself."

Guarrin deeply says, "Or at least the entity that has taken up residence in a tree."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am endless, I am allworld. I am Bleakworld."

Speaking patiently to Ysharra, Cruxophim concludes, "What I am saying is... it is possible that we are all hallucinating."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Nola says, "I ate mushrooms earlier."

Speaking musingly to Cruxophim, Leafiara says, "So in that case we'd need an outside observer nearby..."

Cordarius exclaims, "I'm going to head back with, well. I got what I needed. We'll meet soon! Thank you all!"

Cordarius shuffles his feet.

Leafiara adds, "But not too nearby."

Lord Cordarius just went north.

Asben says, "I left and came back and am still hearin it."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "Who could also be hallucinating?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "If you're beyond us, can you stop killing us?"

Leafiarar surprisedly says, "Huh."

Aeith quietly says, "My question still is, can we save it, or must we kill it. No matter what I don't want the bleak to encroach any further on our wilds."

Alvyara faintly says, "Oh, dear.."

Cruxophim offers Ysharra a withered black mushroom embellished with a withered grey modwir tree design.

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn says, "We already have a Bleakland. I already have...I don't need. WE don't need a Bleakworld."

Ysharra accepts Cruxophim's withered black mushroom.

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "I am death."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara relents, "Multiple outside observers then."

Speaking affably to Ysharra, Cruxophim suggests, "Study this."

Ysharra glances at a withered black mushroom embellished with a withered grey modwir tree design in her hand.

Speaking to Ysharra, Melikor says, "Don't eat that."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "Thank you."

Speaking quietly to a withered grey modwir tree, Nola says, "I know what you are."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "Who all... well, ever hear someone says it's turtles all the way down?"

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "You are but moments."

Asben says, "Also all of us hearing the same thing would be quite special."

Speaking calmly to a withered grey modwir tree, Cruxophim echoes, "Me too. Death, I mean."

Speaking wryly to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Yep, I'm aware."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You're what takes our fire and makes it ash."

A deep, ragged voice emits from the tree, "Moments in each cycle. In each birth."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Goldstr asks, "Bleakworld er Bleaklands? Er dey one an da same?"

Nola says, "But we want to keep our moments while we have them."

Alvyara asks, "We are but moments, which is what makes us beautiful. I wonder if you've any beauty in you, at all?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Xorus says, "My child, you will make the world ash as the bleak widens, it is only a question of how many moments."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "Birth, hm?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "But you need moments to end to create new beginnings. Correct?"

Raelee flatly mutters, "... he never lingers where there is work to discuss."

Speaking uncertainly to Goldstr, Cruxophim guesses, "It's a... shared construct? Part of the same collective?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "What are you beginning?"

Speaking simply to Goldstr, Cruxophim explains, "Something grew out of the wasteland of the Bleak. Something that now, for whatever reason, has stirred into consciousness. Or something."

Nola softly says, "I stop at the surface of my skin, and you're endless. I might be a little moment, but I want to enjoy it."

Two of the tree's great branches bend and creak, arcing up towards the sky. The end of the branches split and curl, like open hands with spindley fingers touching the heavens.

Speaking curiously to a withered grey modwir tree, Leafiara asks, "Putting aside what 'is', do you have any thoughts on what 'should be'?"

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Faerinn asks, "What are you trying to start!?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Goldstr says, "Wha I was tinkin."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra asks, "Are you reaching for the moons?"

The small shape of a spore forms within one of the hand-like branches of the tree.

Ysharra nods once.

Alvyara says, "What -"

(Faerinn covers his mouth.)

Xorus says, "I was waiting for the spores."

Leafiara surprisedly says, "Hm."

Evia says, "Ah hail no."

Dergoatean says, "Evil trees spreading across the land as spores? Check. Existential threat? Check. Time to start looking for an urnon golem, a doomed mayor, and blue-eyed narcissist."

Ysharra says, "It's not necessarily a bad thing. Remember. Things evolve."

Goldstr says, "I be off wid dat."

Dergoatean exclaims, "Er, that last one is already back, too!"

The hand-like branch closes over the spore, pulling it within and out of sight. The branches shift again and lower, returning to their normal position.

Speaking patiently to Dergoatean, Cruxophim remarks, "History repeats."

Nofret says, "Seems bad to me."

Ysharra nods to a withered grey modwir tree.

Alvyara says, "I can find you a blue-eyed narcissist, if you really need. But I can't guarantee it'll be the one you're looking for."

Faerinn says, "I've inhaled enough bleak in my lifetime not to seek more."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Dergoatean says, "It's just uncanny, isn't it."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "You're pregnant."

Speaking to Alvyara, Dergoatean says, "Yes, I suppose there any plenty to go around."

Speaking amusedly to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "Hey, I'm always happy to see your brother."

Faerinn asks, "Congrats?"

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara admits, "Not in the way he'd like, but still."

Faerinn peers quizzically at Ysharra.

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Because it's got your..."

Parting Words

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "Listen to me. We've talked about how we know you're part of this world, even if you predate us and will postdate us, too."

Alvyara murmurs, "Poor old tree."

(Faerinn takes a chunk of his hair in his hand and waves it at Ysharra.)

Speaking sardonically to Ysharra, Cruxophim mutters, "Predate may be right."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "There is no reason not to find balance. For you, and your offspring. And us, too."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Yes. It left its mark on me last year."

Draught asks, "What has happened here?"

Speaking quietly to a withered grey modwir tree, Alvyara murmurs, "I think balance is a worthwhile goal, don't you?"

Ysharra says, "The first time it got chatty."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Right."

Asben says, "Balance is important."

Speaking deeply to Draught, Guarrin says, "Attempting to speak with the...blight, I believe. Although it seems to think it is something more."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "And it seeks to create new moments with us..."

Draught says, "Ohh."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn asks, "You don't think it used your hair as material?"

(OOC) Ysharra's player whispers to the group, "I really can't think of anything else to ask or theory to push. It's going on three in the morning."

Ysharra glances at a withered grey modwir tree.

Speaking gently to Ysharra, Cruxophim suggests, "You must be exhausted. Shall we head back?"

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "It may have. It's just dead parts of me."

A branch of the tree extends, curling like an arm and its twig-like fingers caress the side of Ysharra's face. For a moment, part of the branch takes on a wintry pale porcelain hue, before returning to normal. The tree branch coils back slowly and the tree resettles, a deep rattle echoing within the trunk then finally going still.

Ysharra reaches out and touches a withered grey modwir tree.

Faerinn glances at a withered grey modwir tree and cringes.

Evia says, "Nothing creepy there."

Leafiara admits, "Okay, that'll bump it up to a 5 on the scale."

Speaking to Ysharra, Dergoatean asks, "How do you feel?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Melikor says, "It's still got some of her hair."

Speaking to a withered grey modwir tree, Ysharra says, "See? You don't want us to leave you."

Speaking to Ysharra, Zosopage says, "Have a good rest, you muust be exhausted after that."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "I don't envy you explaining that to your family."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "It seems to have a bond with you."

Faerinn asks, "Did anyone else see where that spore headed?"

Alvyara says, "I believe the tree closed up around it."

Ysharra says, "Back within the bough."

Nola says, "It's still folded up in the tree."

Speaking slowly to Faerinn, Cruxophim states, "It swallowed it again."

Xorus says, "For now."

Shinann says, "Back inside the tree."

Nola says, "Like it wanted us to see."

Nola asks, "Can it want things, though?"

Faerinn says, "Gestating."

Speaking to Ysharra, Melikor says, "I don't think it's changed."

Ysharra says, "It wants to live."

Nofret exclaims, "I think it's controlling everyone's minds. This thing says it's death. It's sickened people and killed crops for months. And you're all talking as if you want it to remain!"

Speaking musingly to Nola, Leafiara says, "That's what I was trying to ask at the end, but it seemed to want to sleep just after that."

Aeith says, "I couldn't tell if withdrawing the spore inside itself was an act of mercy or an act of future evil."

Ysharra says, "It's like a fungus."

(Faerinn takes a moment to brush aside dirt looking for something until he gives up.)

Speaking amusedly to Nofret, Leafiara says, "Nah, I still want to see the node fires."

Nofret says, "Then burn it."

Nola says, "It says it's death."

Shinann says, "I do not."

Ysharra says, "It's like a fungus given potency and cohesion."

Alvyara says, "I don't think anyone wants it to remain."

Gutstorm forms several angular gestures while chanting rumbling phrases of power in the Dwarven tongue...

Nofret says, "Ysharra, I hate funguses."

Nola says, "A fungus is a kind of life, at least. Different, but life."

Gutstorm gestures at a withered grey modwir tree.

Gutstorm launched a flare at a withered grey modwir tree!

The grey modwir tree grows warm to the touch then quickly cools off.

Speaking deeply to Nofret, Guarrin says, "Not the correct location for...the plan Cordarius has, or so I gather."

Speaking lightly to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Wrong kind of fire."

Speaking thoughtfully to a withered grey modwir tree, Alvyara says, "Though I wouldn't mind this poor old tree remaining."

Asben asks, "If it's burned will that stop all the spores?"

Shinann says, "Not if it is a deadly fungus."

Ysharra says, "Without fungal life, none of us would exist."

Shinann says, "To us."

Nofret says, "With this fungal life, none of us will exist."

Speaking amusedly to Shinann, Cruxophim reasons, "You're actually all cesspools of disease and germs."

Shinann says, "Some mushrooms are poison and are not to be eaten."

Aeith says, "I don't know if I would call the Bleak life, sentience perhaps in some kind of way, but not life."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Evia says, "And moments, don't forget that part."

Speaking to Xorus, Nola asks, "Are there things living there in the bleaklands?"

Ysharra says, "We don't know how much it's responsible for. I am not saying that I want it to keep killing us. I lost my garden, the farmers have lost their crops."

Speaking to Aeith, Dergoatean says, "Plenty of dead stuff seems plenty alive, though. Sometimes I'm not sure why we have the worlds."

Aeith says, "It's... whatever the opposite of life is. Not death, but anti-life."

Raelee says, "... ultimately, my prediction is that will all be mostly satisfied and still vaguely unsatisfied with the resolution."

Ysharra says, "I sent my bird away and fed her chicks my dead body to keep them from coming back."

Dergoatean says, "Words, rather."

Ysharra says, "We've all lost things we cared about to the Blight."

Raelee says, "We burn it, clear the region, and given the indication that this 'consciousness' - if that is what it is - ties to the Bleaklands, it very well may simply retreat there."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "A lot."

Xorus says, "The Bleaklands will eventually widen and devour this region regardless."

Raelee continues, "... only to return later, possibly."

Alvyara faintly says, "Ah, I'm exhausted."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Me, too."

Speaking to Raelee, Nofret says, "I don't think we can stop it from retreating. I would like to stop it from taking over this region now."

Raelee says, "Not now."

Faerinn says, "So...occupied by this tree I did not see Cordarius leave."

Speaking to Nofret, Raelee says, "Later this week, however..."

Speaking to Nofret, Leafiara assures, "We're on it, on the 13th."

Speaking deeply to Raelee, Guarrin says, "It reminds me of the elementals we faced down south."

Speaking to Xorus, Nola says, "It told us it was endless."

Speaking to Xorus, Shinann says, "Always full of happy thoughts."

Ysharra says, "It is retreating. Something is working."

Ysharra says, "The velnalins, the kobolds."

Ysharra says, "The roltons."

Speaking to Guarrin, Raelee asks, "In which way?"

Ysharra says, "They're all better."

Xorus says, "The Wizardwaste would have eventually reached this far north as well. This will merely happen sooner."

Speaking to Raelee, Asben asks, "Is there any assurance that burning it would destroy it and not help it somehow?"

Nola asks, "What'd that dimpled man say when he left? He got what he needed?"

Ysharra says, "And the more they merge the more they will evolve."

Speaking to Asben, Leafiara acknowledges, "Not until we test the theory."

Nola asks, "So what'd he need?"

Speaking to Asben, Raelee says, "It has not precisely flourished in our small-scale tests."

Speaking deeply to Raelee, Guarrin says, "The way it indicated its timelessness seemed similar."

Nofret says, "He seemed very happy about something."

Ysharra says, "See, just like we need fungus, they need us, too."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "I'm still more concerned that having evolved, it's stepped up in the type of things it can occupy and use as hosts."

Speaking to Leafiara, Asben says, "Just gotta think about all the outcomes before we test it."

Speaking to Guarrin, Raelee says, "That is true."

Speaking frankly to Asben, Leafiara says, "Nah, we like to live too dangerously out here for that."

Nola says, "I don't like it."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Up until this point... it's been mostly passive."

Speaking soberly to Asben, Leafiara says, "But seriously, it's been discussed for months. At this point we just have to act."

Speaking to Nola, Alvyara says, "Yes, it seemed a bit self-serving of him."

Ysharra says, "Well, it seems to want mana."

Ysharra says, "It said it doesn't need our lives."

Dergoatean asks, "So did everyone else know what Cordarius was up to with the mirror-looking thing? Am I the only one unaware about all that?"

Faerinn says, "But it needed us to start something."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara admits, "No idea."

Faerinn says, "Something new."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Nofret says, "No clue."

Ysharra asks, "Could we find some other way for it to be here, without threatening us or our natural world?"

Nola says, "I saw him playing with it."

Cruxophim nonchalantly remarks, "Scrying, I presume."

Faerinn says, "Now, I just wish I could recognize that symbol."

Nola says, "Do we want to? I just want this thing gone."

Alvyara says, "Something he didn't wish to tell us about. I admit, I'm a little concerned about that spore as well."

Aeith says, "I wondered if he was tuning into whatever connection the tree shares with the Bleak, or is infused by the Bleak, or whatever is happening here."

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee says, "We *could*."

Speaking gently to Ysharra, Cruxophim suggests, "Get some rest."

Alvyara murmurs, "Now you've got me yawning."

Raelee asks, "The question is how much longer are you willing to let it fester here while we sort that out?"

Faerinn asks, "He was scrying wasn't he....was he tracing it back?"

Speaking amusedly to Raelee, Leafiara says, "About three more nights."

Speaking slowly to Faerinn, Cruxophim explains, "That's a form of scrying."

Speaking to Faerinn, Aeith says, "He seemed to be adjusting the longer you were connected to the tree."

Faerinn says, "We occupied it until he located where the bigger mass or its intelligence is."

Draught asks, "Should we not destroy the tree?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Which is not much time to concoct another plan."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I think so, too."

Speaking slowly to Faerinn, Cruxophim admits, "Not one I'm familiar with, but still."

Speaking to Draught, Raelee says, "Destroying the tree would be akin to attempting to kill me by removing one of my fingers."

Speaking to Raelee, Asben says, "It will have to do."

Speaking approvingly to Raelee, Leafiara admits, "I'm all for the node fires myself. Not to be too much of a Bekke or Maylan."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Evia asks, "How long has this tree been so chatty, anyway?"

Alvyara says, "Well, I'm not helping anything by sitting here falling asleep."

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "We'd have to infect your wound, and that sounds an awful way to go."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "As am I. Blight or not, they are a fascinating development and I would see them further tested."

Faerinn says, "I think regardless of what plans we can come up with Cordarius just figured out where he's lighting his fires."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra asks, "How are you?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Not as terrible as I thought I could be."

Raelee says, "Not here, if that is the implication."

Speaking to Raelee, Faerinn says, "Probably securing the actual location now."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Same. I...still feel a little regretful, which I didn't expect- but I'm very tired."

Speaking to Faerinn, Raelee says, "No. He went back to the Outpost."

Evia says, "G'night all...when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall, down will come spores..etc."

Speaking to Faerinn, Raelee says, "The locations were mapped some time ago."

Draught asks, "Spores?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Nola says, "Thank you."

Cruxophim whispers something to Ysharra.

Aeith says, "Be safe everyone."

Speaking to Ysharra, Nola says, "You were braver than any of us."

Speaking deeply to Ysharra, Guarrin says, "Well done."

Draught says, "And here I just woke up."

Speaking to Faerinn, Raelee states, "Go where the mana is the most plentiful. The earth nodes."