Landing Events - 2020-01-25 - Right Blight Sight (log)

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Lormesta 25-26, 5120

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


Summary

  • Magister Cordarius greets everyone in the Raging Thrak Inn's Trophy Room to discuss the blight. He asks Magister [[::Raelee_Svala|Raelee]] to present their findings so far and Lyrna to share her theory.
  • Raelee summarizes as follows:
    • The blight originated from the bleakstone statue, acting as a catalyst to unleash it.
    • The blight is restricted to a confined radius and is not spreading, nor does moving infected objects outside the radius spread it. Lyrna adds that the center of the radius is roughly the statue.
    • Severing the blight from a source of mana can cure it, regardless of how that severing is done. This was noted when the blight had been observed to be weakened when Raznel unleashed anti-magical fields during some battles against the [[::Wehnimer's Landing|Landing]].
    • The problem, then, is severing mana on a large enough scale. Cordarius adds the concern that trying to do so will make the blight evolve and grow outward to seek nourishment.
  • Discussion begins as Maags brings up the Mandis crystals as a previously-used antimagic tool, but Sir Bristenn says they cause permanent damage and Raelee explains that the ones used by Jantalar were amplified by blood sacrifice aided by the Order of Luukos, so it would only be a possibility with enough blood sacrifice from the Landing. Sir Goldstr asks if his Mandis crystal shard might help, but Raelee says she doesn't believe so. Captain Stormyrain says that so much blood sacrifice with Grishom Stone nearby might be unwise, and Raelee clarifies that the Hall of Mages itself does not use blood sacrifice, which is why the Mandis crystals aren't being considered.
  • Leafiara asks if mana can be siphoned away to a concentrated area and Alvyara picks up the thread, asking if the blight would migrate if an intensified node were created. However, Raelee says no movement has been recorded. Later in the night, Magister Bekke and Zosopage propose similar ideas of shrinking the radius and containing the blight there to be destroyed, but Raelee says it depends on proving what defines the radiius.
  • Raelee mentions that another complication in severing the blight from mana comes in the potent magical flow in the environs, notably Melgorehn's Reach as perhaps the greatest source of mana in the region.
  • Lyrna presents her paper to Cordarius, having mapped the Landing and the spread of the blight from the statue to show the patterns of mana flows, earth nodes, and possible points that might cut off the mana from areas further along--in other words, if you cut off mana at one point, it might cure another point.
  • Cordarius raises another question without an answer: why the blight spoke to [[::Ysharra_Nagorn|Ysharra]]. She guesses that's because she spoke to it; Cruxophim says he has a theory that blight has a rudimentary consciousness or hive mind.
  • Chamorr raises the question of how the Landing got rid of the Maw; Cordarius says they didn't, but transported it into the Deadfall.
  • Puptilian brings up the idea of overfeeding the blight rather than starving it, similar to overwatering plants, perhaps by harnessing the Reach. Cordarius says channeling mana to specific points might work if Lyrna's theory is correct, but says it also might backfire and expand the blight. Later in the night Soneiken suggests something similar based on the violent explosions caused by a [[::Mana_Focus_(418)|Mana Focus]] spell and a [[::Song_of_Power_(1018)|Song of Power]] occurring in the same location.
  • Stormy raises the idea of using the pylons to target the statue and duplicate the spread of the blight with a blast of mana. Crux says the bone pillars are another option and Raelee agrees they're more viable than the pylons, which in essence are very large wands.
  • Cordarius raises the possibility of a trap within the blight in case Raznel planned for this.
  • Chamorr asks if there's a central root we can affect; Cordarius says he'd thought about it, considering where the blight reached out to Ysharra. Later in the night, Crux says that if his theory about a consciousness is right, then there might be a system they can infect.
  • Cordarius says that he's been researching a way to conjure a mana-suffocating fire. Leafi revisits the ideas from Stormy and Lyrna, using the statue to spread either anti-blight magic, general antimagic, or this "fire" in the same pattern as the blight originated. In other words, Alvyara summarizes, use the statue to administer the cure. Raelee summons a fireball and brings up an operative difference between antimagic and Cordarius' idea: a magical fire consumes mana as fuel, transforming that mana into another form, while antimagic merely acts as a barrier to it. Sending antimagic along the patterns would thus push the blight elsewhere instead of curing it. [[::Xorus_Kul'shin|Xorus]] says it sounds similar to when the Reach bursts its surroundings into flames.
  • In her explanation of antimagic, Raelee had brought up the first law of conservation of mana--that it cannot be created or destroyed, but only change form. Cordarius asks what if we could destroy it; Raelee says that would be revolutionary.
  • Chamorr asks why the blight stopped spreading; Lyrna says she believes it had only so much energy powering it and Raelee says perhaps Raznel constructed it with a certain radius or its fuel has a limited radius.
  • Xorus says the Reach's power can bleed through the veil into other worlds. Cordarius asks if the blight can be sent to another world; Xorus says perhaps, as the blight might follow the major flow of the Reach. Ysharra raises the possibility of somewhere where it has nothing to survive on.
  • Cordarius raises the idea of temporally removing the blight to return in cycles every thousand years.
  • Crux and Pukk ask respectively how the statue acted as catalyst and how the blight spread. Raelee says the most promising theory on the former is that Raznel used a blood ritual, and says the blight spreads like a magical fungus.
  • Cordarius says he'll continue researching his fire and that, even if it doesn't work against the blight, maybe it can create a perimeter around the environs so that no matter which method we try, the blight won't expand outward.
  • Revisiting ideas from Crux, Chamorr, and Pukk about infecting the blight, Cordarius wonders if mana can be poisoned. Pup and Lyrna say that could be dangerous since it might spread throughout the area. Cordarius does wonder if the blight will be aware enough not to consume poison. Raelee advises considering what's at risk by tainting the mana, since it wouldn't untaint itself following the destruction of the blight. Pup says most things in the world use mana in some capacity.
  • Soneiken brings up the idea of seeking help from the Chronomages to reverse the time of the blight so it undoes itself.
  • Cordarius wonders if the blight is a predator of sorts that can be convinced to move or provided better food. He acknowledges a concern with starving it in case it moves, in desperation, to find a new source. Raelee says if it's relocated, we may need to do this again later--and Cordarius agrees, unless there's a valence void of mana.
  • Soneiken proposes using the interdimensional gate of Talondown Arena in Danjirland to funnel mana to Talon Isle.
  • Cordarius says there have been many great ideas--risky, but great. He says we'll meet again in a week and then it's time to act.


Highlights

Puptilian offers Stormyrain a snifter of dark cherry brandy.
Speaking to Stormyrain, Puptilian says, "It's that type of night I am betting."
Raelee says, "We can, of course, recreate these if you are willing to offer sufficient blood sacrifice from your citizenry."
Speaking thoughtfully to Raelee, Leafiara says, "You know, there's a non-zero possibility enough people might be into that sort of thing..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "I am aware."
A droopy-eyed tan bloodhound sniffs curiously at Cruxophim's black apple but quickly lifts his nose and turns away.
Cruxophim frowns at a droopy-eyed tan bloodhound.
Speaking disapprovingly to a droopy-eyed tan bloodhound, Cruxophim mutters, "I leave you alone for a year..."
Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... you and I will discuss that timeline."
Cordarius bows to Raelee.
Cordarius says, "Of course."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "They remind me of a married couple."
In a fair imitation of Raelee, Pukk says, "WE will discuss this."
In a fair imitation of Cordarius, Pukk says, "Yes dear."
Cordarius says, "Please, continue to discuss anything you wish. But I am only human, so I need some rest."
Cordarius says, "I know with these dimples, one assumes "Deity, right?"."
Cordarius says, "But no. Just human."
Xorus shows Cordarius his small statue.
Xorus says, "The resemblance is uncanny."


Log

Reflections in the Snow

[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 Aderion disk, a jam-filled blackberry cookie, the Semiera disk, the Eldillor disk, the Stormicore disk, the Donbeard disk, the Dougross disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a knapsack, a large acorn, an emerald-eyed haughty black cat that is sitting, some flaxen slippers, a large acorn, some cuirbouilli leather, some stone benches with some stuff on it and an herbal remedy donation bin.

Also here: Diamondelille, Ashrynn, Weiryna who is sitting, Boonz, Lady Hithyr, Great Lord Canens, Avalera, Bernadette, Alvyara, Ysharra, Pukk, Event Planner Leafiara, Great Lord Kroviec, Great Lord Jackke, Tilbin, Ifanna, Sir Bristenn, Sir Cryheart, Puptilian who is sitting, Aderion, Lord Shyloche who is sitting, Dougross who is sitting, Guarrin, Zaneon who is sitting

The sky is filled with a blanket of low clouds, pale and unmoving. Sounds seem muffled and the air feels thick and takes on a quiet stillness.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Pukk.

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "He's obnoxious." (Lazaryth, her brother)

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk says, "I was so upset that they wouldn't allow you in with us during the meeting."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "But if you know him, maybe you already know that."

The coppery barn owl hoots at Pukk.

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "He can be, of course."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "What are you trying to unravel?"

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "But if you're patient, I suppose it's a good match for his rashness."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "Oh, I'm not."

Speaking wryly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "The imperial problem."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I really hate knots....I usually just cut them."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Imps are always a problem."

Speaking to Leafiara, Puptilian says, "It's not a problem. Yet."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra asks, "So you're both still furious with one another?"

Speaking to Puptilian, Leafiara says, "...optimist."

Alvyara says, "No, not furious."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra asks, "Something has to have given, no?"

Cryheart says, "Imperials hae protected this town and it's citizens at times."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "If Happy was here, we could just wind him up and set him loose on them."

Cryheart says, "Lest ye forget."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "I think there are some lingering resentments. But there always are, between family members."

Speaking to Cryheart, Pukk asks, "And how many problems have they caused as well?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Puptilian says, "Realist. Nothing has changed at the moment. Once things have we will see if it's a problem. I rather not look for trouble and be always worried. When trouble finds me I'll deal with it then."

Speaking deeply to Cryheart, Guarrin adds, "Including many of the Earl's forces."

Speaking to Cryheart, Pukk says, "Lest we forget Dennet."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Yes. I was none too pleased when the girls showed up."

Cryheart says, "There are good Imperials, and bad Imperials."

Alvyara says, "...ah..."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "There were...ah, adjustments."

Cryheart says, "Ye cannae judge the Empire on a few lot."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "I was trying to remember how I knew you."

Speaking to Leafiara, Puptilian says, "Doesn't mean I'm happy."

Speaking to Cryheart, Pukk says, "Only when they are in big positions."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Cryheart!"

Cryheart says, "Nae."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Yes. Xanthium introduced you to me. As Alvy. I didn't catch it then. I certainly did just now."

Pukk says, "It's time."

The coppery barn owl moves closer to Cryheart.

Cryheart says, "Tis nae time yet."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "She's quickly become my best friend in this part of the world."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk asks, "Will you try to explain to him please?"

The coppery barn owl hoots at Pukk.

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "Although I was introduced to Leafiara the other day."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk says, "I know, can only try..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Ysharra says, "You were instrumental into my getting into trouble on the regular."

Speaking apologetically to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "A pleasure. Sorry, if I'm not very talkative tonight... a bit low on energy for once."

Alvyara says, "That's quite alright. I'm exhausted myself."

Speaking to Leaifara, Ysharra asks, "Are you all right?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "I was curious about the blight situation."

Alvyara says, "It's a terrible thing."

Speaking to Ysharra, Leafiara says, "Not for the moment, no. Not after last night."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "It is. It's affected plants, people, and wild creatures."

Bekke says, "I'm here because I heard a tale earlier about our town council. I'd hate to have to start burning things."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "And morale, it seems."

Alvyara asks, "What was going on with the town council?"

Speaking to Bekke, Puptilian says, "But Magister I thought you would be happy one of your order would be involved."

Speaking to Puptilian, Bekke says, "Oh, absolutely thrilled. It should be me, shouldn't it? A Magister, and a citizen."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "The Hall of Mages is installing a permanent member from their ranks to serve as their primary liaison here. For the Empire."

Speaking musingly to Bekke, Leafiara says, "Would be the best we could hope for, but I think you needing to burn things is a lot more likely."

Alvyara says, "I see."

Speaking deeply to Bekke, Guarrin admits, "That makes quite a bit of sense."

Bekke says, "One can only hope."

Speaking to Bekke, Leafiara offers, "And if you need help, I'm sure you can find... a great deal of it."

The ginger cat lightly bumps Pukk's leg with his head.

The ginger cat lightly bumps Pukk's leg with his head.

The ginger cat lightly bumps Pukk's leg with his head.

The ginger cat lightly bumps Pukk's leg with his head.

The ginger cat lightly bumps Pukk's leg with his head.

The ginger cat lightly bumps Pukk's leg with his head.

Alvyara says, "The town seems very attached to its independence."

Pukk pets a short-haired ginger cat, which nuzzles his hand softly.

Puptilian offers Stormyrain a snifter of dark cherry brandy.

Ysharra says, "I'm being corrected."

Speaking to a short-haired ginger cat, Pukk says, "Okay you frisky little kitty."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Puptilian says, "It's that type of night I am betting."

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara flatly says, "If I wanted to live under imperial rule, there are a lot of options of where to move."

Cordarius: "Eve all!"

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "The Sentinel has installed the council member, and he has chosen a representative from the Hall of Mages."

Lyrna: "Good evening."

Cryheart: "Good evening."

Nehor: "Good even."

Cryheart says, "Moving to Thrak's Inn."

Stormyrain says, "Coradius on the net."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara asks, "I presume there are also a lot of options that would place you even further from Imperial rule than this. Yet you've chosen here. Why?"

Goldstr: "Evenin Magister!"

Leafiara mutters, "Great, here he comes again."

Stormyrain asks, "Er, how do you say his name?"

Stormyrain says, "Cordarius."

Puptilian asks, "And what is his title?"

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Cryheart!"

Cryheart says, "Cord..ar..ius."

Ysharra: "Good evening, Cordarius."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Corrig asks, "Talkin' or fitin' tanights?"

Cryheart says, "Moving out."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "If you'd like to find out more, you can join us."

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "Things are more interesting here, where we believe in all walks. Some of them we even create ourselves."

Alvyara says, "I certainly do."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara says, "I'll drink to that."

Cordarius: "I'll be in to the Trophy Room soon."

Speaking to Corrig, Leafiara says, "Probably talking."

Cryheart says, "Moving."

Alvyara says, "Speaking of which... drinks."

[travel]

[Raging Thrak, Trophy Room]

Tiny smudges of soot mar the fieldstones used to create the grand fireplace in this cozy room. A collection of plaques hangs above an immense grey marble mantel cluttered with trophy cups and bowls. Fashioned from a single stone slab, the hearth extends to an impressive black bear rug with its maw frozen in a silent roar. Several overstuffed wingback chairs, each covered in deep jewel-tone chintz, are scattered about the room. Against the back wall, a tall glass-front curio houses several ancient mementos and a thrak hide curtain hangs nearby. You also see a forest wolf, a summoning circle, the earth brown Mistyfall disk, the parrot-shaped Katami disk, the parrot-shaped Tarine disk, the Silvynn disk, a droopy-eyed tan bloodhound, a carved wooden sign, a shifting twilight grey rift, a basket of sticks and an intricately woven straw wastebasket. Also here: Guarrin, Tilbin, Pukk, Ysharra, Alvyara, Bernadette, Avalera, Diamondelille, Zosopage, Magister Bekke, Stormyrain, Lord Lycurgus, Piptin, Maags, Sir Cryheart, Puptilian, Ifanna, Sir Bristenn, Lord Faerinn, High Lady Lauranathalasa, Flockmaster Nehor, Lady Tarine, Lady Mistyfall, High Lady Katami, Silvynn, Grand Lady Roelaren who is sitting, Zaj

Speaking carefully to Faerinn, Nehor informs, "We are, I believe, awaiting a very important visitor."

Speaking to a forest wolf, Puptilian says, "Be quiet tonight Aatu."

Speaking to Nehor, Ysharra says, "It's about time you started showing up regularly again."

Speaking to Nehor, Faerinn asks, "So you think...he's going to come out from behind the curtain?"

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra asks, "What are you on about, Counselor?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Raelee says, "You should have taken the window."

Maags says, "Has not seen so manies friends together at once in a veries long time."

A scruffy voice can be heard from behind the curtain that shouts, "I WANT A BROADSWORD!" The old voice can be heard lecturing someone on how that is not at all appropriate.

Pukk yells, "You tell em Thrak!"

Nehor disapprovingly says, "It seems *everyone* was invited. How...common."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Nehor tells me someone important will be here tonight. I thought this was just a line to see the man behind the curtain -"

Speaking to a thrak hide curtain, Faerinn says, "He is emerging."

Faerinn says, "And he hungers."

Faerinn says, "For broadswords."

Speaking to Nehor, Maags says, "Problies yous were first, relish that."

Speaking to Maags, Bekke says, "I heard something SO troubling it caused me to race back to the Landing."

Speaking brightly to Raelee, Ifanna chirps, "Oi magester we're 'ere t' 'ear yer um whotset treatise sort'er sitcheration."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "And to tell you where to find healers and locksmiths."

Speaking wryly to Bekke, Leafiara says, "Welcome back."

Speaking amusedly to Bekke, Cruxophim states, "Long time no see."

Nehor noncommittally drawls, "Mmmm."

Speaking to Ifanna, Raelee says, "I am not here to offer a treatise."

Speaking to Bekke, Maags asks, "Tells?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Well, actually, I hope he would because I looked in all those places and couldn't find any."

Speaking to Ifanna, Ysharra says, "I understood about a third of that, but I think it's enough."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Bekke says, "I haven't been this angry in quite some time, so if I happen to spark a bit, I apologize beforehand."


Cordarius' Introductions

Magister Cordarius just arrived.

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "He's been in that curtain a long time."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "The local magisters from the Hall seem to be breeding...I think they are getting out of control."

Speaking thoughtfully to Bekke, Cruxophim ventures, "Oh?"

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

Ifanna awkwardly blathers, "Oh aye um well guess t' support regardless yeah?"

Cordarius bows.

Cordarius says, "Evening friends."

Puptilian says, "Evening."

Speaking to Cordarius, Bekke says, "Good evening. I don't believe we've met."

Bernadette softly says, "Good eve."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra asks, "So, it is Magister Cordarius, is it?"

Cordarius grins at Bekke.

Cordarius says, "Magister Bekke."

Diamondelille says, "Good to meet ye."

Maags says, "Three magisters! Should be able to figure things out."

Cordarius says, "I've heard about you."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "All this time I've been cheeky and calling you by your name."

Cordarius grins at Bekke.

Cordarius begins chuckling at Ysharra!

Bekke says, "Oh, have you. All good I hope."

Cordarius says, "You can call me whichever pleases you."

Cordarius nods at Ysharra.

Speaking to Cordarius, Shinann says, "I do owe you an apology. I am sorry that I lumped the entire Hall together because of my anger at Dennet."

Cordarius says, "If it pleases you, it pleases me."

Cordarius winks at Ysharra.

Faerinn asks, "Are this many magisters allowed to be in the same room at a time?"

Speaking to Maags, Puptilian says, "Last time we had that many magisters in town things were not good."

Cordarius grins at Shinann.

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra asks, "We'll see, hm?"

Cordarius shrugs at Shinann.

Cordarius says, "Thank you. But unnecessary."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk says, "Whichever pleases you....kinda long name..."

Cordarius says, "I cannot imagine what you endured, and still do."

Speaking to Cordarius, Shinann says, "However, if you ever want the details, Magister Raelee was there and can fill you in."

Cordarius says, "But thank you."

Cordarius nods at Shinann.

Speaking to Puptilian, Maags says, "Different time different things. Tries to be optimistic tall one."

Lyrna says, "And well, Magister Whichever Pleases You is even longer. I think I'd rule that one out."

Speaking to Maags, Puptilian says, "I'll be more optimistic when the lands and Imaera's children are healed from this blight."

Nehor dryly says, "Such humor at such a time."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk says, "I heard your nickname is Cordie-poo."

Pukk says, "I like that one."

Speaking to Pukk, Faerinn says, "No, it's Corduroy."

Speaking to Nehor, Lyrna says, "Sometimes humor helps to lighten that which might feel overwhelming without it."

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

Cordarius leans on Ysharra.

Speaking to Lyrna, Pukk says, "I guess his last name is You....so if you say 'Hey You' he should answer."

Cordarius says, "Large crowd tonight."

Cordarius exclaims, "We should be able to cure the lands in one day!"

Cordarius smirks.

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee asks, "That is what you wanted, no?"

Speaking to Nehor, Ysharra says, "I've seen and heard much worse, but I take your point."

Speaking to Cordarius, Maags says, "Nehor invited all of us."

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Cordarius says, "Indeed."

Faerinn says, "Lots of people concerned about the Blight here."

Speaking simply to Ysharra, Nehor says, "Indeed."

Cordarius says, "No mind is too small."

Cordarius says, "No face too handsome."

Speaking to Lyrna, Nehor asks, "We will see what the evening brings, no?"

Alvyara says, "It's understandable why people would be interested in this topic, surely."

Speaking to Pukk, Nehor declares, "Hear that? Your small mind is quite welcome."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "I was so interested it gave me grey hair."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Literally."

Cryheart says, "And evil is just a stone's throw away."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "I didn't know that could actually happen. I thought it was an old wives' tale that worrying would make your hair turn grey."

Speaking calmly to Cordarius, Cruxophim states, "Magister Svala has some promising research, as does Lyrna here."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "It is."

Cordarius says, "Well..."

Cordarius exclaims, "Good!"

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "The blight, however..."

Cordarius nods at Cruxophim.

Speaking vaguely to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "It was a bit more complicated..."


Raelee Summarizes

Cordarius says, "Let's begin with a few things then."

Speaking flatly to Cruxophim, Raelee says, "He knows what I have."

Speaking gently to Raelee, Cruxophim explains, "I'm endorsing you."

Cordarius says, "Magister Raelee, would you please briefly review what we know so far? And Lyrna, I would like to hear your theory in full."

Cordarius says, "Then we will go from there, open dialogue, hear thoughts, ideas..."

Cordarius says, "Nothing is off the table."

Cordarius says, "Except burning down the town."

Cordarius says, "That IS off the table."

Cordarius smiles.

Faerinn says, "Spoilsport."

Pukk asks, "Can we burn down the outpost?"

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "I had a brief and barely audible conversation with the blight, some weeks ago. This lock of grey was its parting gift."

Cordarius glances at Pukk.

Cryheart asks, "Ye would harm the child in the Outpost?"

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara says, "If fire's no good, there's always the flooding option if things get too bad. We know you're good at that one."

Cordarius says, "Proceed Magister. We don't have all blight."

Cordarius snickers to himself.

Nehor whispers something to Ysharra.

Speaking calmly to Ysharra, Cruxophim states, "As have I. In a manner of speaking."

Zosopage says, "To get rid of the statue we could make Pukk sit in front of it. It would undoubtedly crack sooner or later."

Speaking to Pukk, Goldstr says, "Da Outpost has come to our aid many times me friend."

Ysharra whispers something to Nehor.

Raelee whispers something to Cordarius.

Cryheart whispers something to Zosopage.

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Cordarius bows to Raelee.

Pukk asks, "And how many times has Dennet and company hurt us from there?"

Raelee rolls her eyes at Cordarius.

Puptilian says, "Enough joking guys. Let's hear what the magister has to say."

Cordarius whispers something to Raelee.

Speaking to Puptilian, Maags exclaims, "Hard to hear when she whispers!"

Speaking calmly to Puptilian, Cruxophim corrects, "Svala. And Lyrna. At his behest."

Speaking to Pukk, Goldstr says, "Nae really from der."

Pukk says, "Sure."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Puptilian says, "I was right. Magister."

Raelee curtly says, "What we know, conclusively is that the blight originated with the bleakstone statue. It served as a catalyst object to unleash it."

Speaking amusedly to Puptilian, Cruxophim repeats, "And Lyrna."

Puptilian says, "Unless she lost her title again. Last time we had this many magisters in town....was about that time."

Raelee curtly continues, "It is now inert."

Cordarius takes a bite of his green apple.

Raelee says, "We also know that the blight is restricted to a confined radius. It is not spreading and moving infected objects outside of said radius does not carry the infection outwards."

Berost deeply says, "There better be stout tonight."

Roelaren says, "I don't see any drinks."

Diamondelille says, "It spredin but not so much."

Raelee says, "We know that, akin to a fungus, it can affect flora and fauna alike."

Speaking to Roelaren, Faerinn says, "I saved some from last night and brought them here."

Ysharra whispers something to Nehor.

Raelee says, "And we know, conclusively, that severing it from a source of mana can cure it."

Cordarius takes a bite of his green apple.

Roelaren says, "Are they about in a sack or container."

Leafiara says, "Ah, hence the previous antimagic field idea..."

Bernadette softly says, "Wish I had some mana."

Maylan says, "Well I for one say we burn that statue down."

Maylan says, "No offense."

Cordarius says, "How do we know that though? For those present."

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Cryheart whispers something to Silvynn.

Puptilian asks, "How long must it be away from mana to kill it?"

Guarrin whispers something to Cryheart.

Bernadette softly asks, "Is dere a way to move it?"

Speaking to Maylan, Shinann says, "I agree. It serves to remind everyone of what they have lost."

Chamorr heartily asks, "What is the center of the radius?"

Nehor whispers something to Ysharra.

Speaking to Chamorr, Lyrna says, "Roughly the statue."

Raelee says, "We have run a number of experiments, all showing replicable results."

Speaking to Shinann, Maylan says, "And we could maybe burn down Moot Hall while we're at it."

Ysharra whispers something to Nehor.

Speaking to Shinann, Maylan says, "Just to be thorough."

Diamondelille asks, "Will it let us get near it?"

Speaking thoughtfully to Raelee, Cruxophim agrees, "So it either feeds on magical essence, or propagates through it somehow? My research would seem to confirm this, as well."

Speaking to Roelaren, Faerinn says, "Hmm actually all the drinks I got last night seem to have vanished."

Ysharra says, "It's a parasite. Deny it a host."

Pukk says, "Isn't Krodera anti-magic. Too bad we can encase the statue in it."

Roelaren says, "I was noticing that."

Cordarius says, "The statue no longer controls the blight."

Speaking dryly to Cruxophim, Nehor drawls, "Of course you've researched the blight."

Lyrna says, "Er, denying it a host would imply killing everything in the area."

Raelee says, "The idea originated with our observations that when Raznel created anti-magical fields, the blight within range of said fields was weakened."

Ysharra says, "The statue no longer is a -"

Speaking calmly to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "That's one solution."

Ysharra nods at Cordarius.

Raelee says, "Based on those observations, we severed the blight from mana through a multitude of means."

Speaking thoughtfully to Raelee, Cruxophim speculates, "Why would she do that, though? Why weaken her own machinations?"

Cordarius says, "And we've been able to produce healthy fruit in mana-starved pockets."

Cordarius indicates a crisp green apple as a possible option.

Cordarius takes a bite of his green apple.

Alvyara says, "But it's not feeding exclusively on mana, is it? It's feeding on the.. the roltons and things, too."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Raelee says, "Incidental, I expect. The anti-magic was typically to disable casters fighting against her."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Everything in this region is saturated in mana from the earth nodes."

Bernadette softly asks, "I see ye has a good apple is that from round here?"

Raelee says, "And yes, Cordarius does so enjoy eating the fruit of our experiments."

Speaking to Alvyara, Nehor asks, "The roltons and life may simply be a...symptom. A side effect, rather than a food source for this Blight?"

Speaking to Bernadette, Faerinn says, "No, he made that."

Alvyara says, "Hm."

Bernadette softly says, "Ahh."

Raelee says, "And we have found that the method of severing the mana is not terribly important - numerous methods have shown success."

Roelaren says, "Perhaps."


Considering Possibilities

Raelee says, "The problem at hand is replicating this on a large enough scale."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "There are infestations in nature that are similar. In some ways, it may be using these creatures and people as harbingers to carry it to other sources of power for it."

Roelaren says, "Perhaps."

Speaking to Raelee, Nehor inquires, "Does the blight come back, after it has been severed from an area?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "Now that is an interesting idea."

Cordarius says, "Short of throwing the Landing and its environs into a zone of anti-magic for..."

Diamondelille says, "Hope ye aint got no woims init."

Cordarius says, "Weeks? Months? However long to starve it."

Speaking dryly to Leafiara, Raelee says, "We cannot place the entire town in a kroderine box."

Lyrna says, "That is where my research may help."

Speaking to Cordarius, Maylan says, "No thank you."

Maags says, "How long do yous think it would take? What about those crystals. Forgot where they came from."

Speaking amusedly to Raelee, Leafiara says, "That was Pukk's idea, not mine." (well, he said krodera and not kroderine, but same gist)

Cordarius says, "...also assuming it will not evolve and root outward trying to seek nourishment."

Speaking to Nehor, Raelee says, "No. At least, Cordarius has not taken ill yet."

Berost deeply says, "Bare knuckle fistcuffs, no magicks."

Hleef says, "I don't want to go in a box."

Speaking to Maags, Raelee says, "The Mandis crystals."

Speaking pragmatically to Raelee, Leafiara says, "I know it would be far too expensive."

Speaking to Maags, Raelee says, "Those are not an option."

Bernadette softly says, "Ahh."

Speaking to Raelee, Maags says, "Those."

Maags says, "Oh."

Lyrna offers Cordarius a piece of white paper.

(what the paper shows...)

A sketched map of Landing and surrounding area fills the paper.  There are several very thin layers of paper over it, each showing something different.  They are labeled "Earth nodes", "Mana Flows", "Lylia Statue 1", "Lylia statue 2", "Underground" and "Elevations."

Nehor thoughtfully muses, "Mmm. Then perhaps the scale need not be large...simply many hands working on a small scale, piece by piece."

Raelee says, "Mandis, if you may recall, can create anti-magic fields."

Nehor says, "As one eats an elephant."

Alvyara says, "Is there nothing else it requires for life? Fire needs both air and fuel, deny it just one and it dies."

Cryheart says, "Veil iron has anti-magic properties as well."

Bristenn neutrally mentions, "They cause permanent damage."

Guarrin deeply says, "We are not making Mandis crystals."

Raelee says, "However, the ones employed in the war against Jantalar were greatly amplified..."

Diamondelille says, "Aye tha be true."

Speaking to Nehor, Faerinn asks, "So you get to make food analogies now?"

Raelee says, "... through blood sacrifice that was, in part, aided by the Order of Luukos."

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "By ripped apart souls of -"

Puptilian says, "What about the animals and insects sick from eating plants from the blight? My observations with help with the kobolds is that the sickness can be spread to other animals outside this range. It's not just the plants we have to think about."

Leafiara speculatively inquires, "Can we find a way to siphon mana away from here to a concentrated area, temporarily?"

Ysharra says, "Just so."

Speaking to Raelee, Goldstr says, "Would Mandis crystal shards help? I have one if needed."

Speaking primly to Faerinn, Nehor says, "I am a wordsmith of some expertise. Not simply ah....whatever you are."

Xorus says, "This sounds sensible enough."

Raelee says, "We can, of course, recreate these if you are willing to offer sufficient blood sacrifice from your citizenry."

Speaking to Goldstr, Raelee says, "I do not believe so."

Zosopage asks, "Some made weapons using mandis crystals. Would they help in any way?"

Maags exclaims, "I was unaware of that part!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara asks, "That's an interesting idea, too. If we created a massively intensified node, would the blight migrate to it?"

Cryheart says, "Those bane weapons were used against Baron Hochstib."

Roelaren says, "I do not give my blood in a blood sacrifice."

Speaking thoughtfully to Raelee, Leafiara says, "You know, there's a non-zero possibility enough people might be into that sort of thing..."

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

Maags says, "Though blood sacrifice given freely for a good cause..."

Speaking deeply to Maags, Guarrin says, "It was not spoken of often. Bad publicity and all."

Speaking patiently to Cordarius, Cruxophim explains, "They're notoriously supertitious around these parts."

Stormyrain quietly offers, "I would think that offering a blood sacrifice into any type of--item that captures it, with Grishom Stone so close would be potentially unwise?"

Cruxophim offers Cordarius a glistening black apple embossed with an unctuous black tree design.

Stormyrain says, "At least; one of the magnitude we are discussing."

Speaking to Raelee, Alvyara asks, "Have you seen any evidence that the blight seeks mana to the degree that it would migrate to a 'better' node somewhere?"

Stormyrain says, "It would certainly garner his attention, if nothing else."

Bernadette softly says, "Not many would volunteer."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Raelee says, "The Hall of Mages does not actually utilize blood sacrifice. This is why Mandis crystal is not being considered."

Xorus wryly says, "Maybe he would be willing to help."

Speaking neutrally to Raelee, Cruxophim opines, "It's got merit. That's one possibility."

Speaking to Bernadette, Stormyrain says, "I think you would be surprised."

Maags says, "Then we can be readies for him on our time."

Chamorr heartily says, "A blood sacrifice. Let's start wif the outpost."

Raelee says, "No movement has been recorded." (answering Alvyara)

The bandages on Zosopage's right leg come loose and he begins to bleed again.

Speaking to Alvyara, Raelee says, "The radius of effect seems quite fixed."

Speaking wryly to Zosopage, Leafiara jests, "Offering blood already, huh?"

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

Raelee says, "The other complication in severing the blight from mana is the nature of this region itself."

Pukk says, "Too bad we can't taint the mana around here for a bit and cause the blight to change or leave."

Speaking to Puptilian, Ysharra says, "There are fungal infections in nature that operate that way. They take over colonies of ants to shuttle them to new places to thrive, even though they don't feed on them, so to speak."

Alvyara wonders, "How does one taint mana?"

Speaking amusedly to Ysharra, Cruxophim agrees, "Yes. Interesting specimens, those."

Zosopage says, "Leaving wouldn't be an option I do not think."

Raelee says, "It is quite potent. There is the typical ambient mana that one would find everywhere. Likewise, there are a number of natural earth nodes."

Speaking to Alvyara, Pukk says, "Helga's cooking."

Cordarius nods at Lyrna.

Speaking to Ysharra, Puptilian says, "That is my point. The point is not as fixed as the Magister thinks. We need to take into consideration the wildlife too. Not just the plants."

Cordarius says, "Please, hand it back. Sorry."

Cordarius takes a bite of his green apple.

Lyrna offers Cordarius a piece of white paper.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "I'm not surprised you know of them and their habits, pretty."

Thrassus says, "We must remember that the Reach is likely one of, if not the, most intense locus of mana on the continent."

Cordarius accepts Lyrna's white paper.

Raelee says, "... but the magical flow above Melgorehn's Reach, that is perhaps the greatest source of mana in the region."

Cordarius carefully inspects his white paper.

Maylan says, "Yes yes. Let's burn the Reach down."

Ysharra says, "And it is singular."

Xorus says, "Exacerbated by the temporal warp making lunar conjunctions within it."

Speaking to Raelee, Maylan says, "That's the greatest idea you've ever had."

Speaking to Maylan, Pukk says, "You always have great ideas."

Lyrna says, "If you take a look... I started by wondering if the pattern of Lylia's statue had an effect on how it spread."

Speaking to Maylan, Raelee says, "The Reach is no more than a ladder. The mana remains."

Ysharra asks, "If the mana here in the Landing and its environs are affected and altered by the Reach, would that be why the Blight has remained here?"

Speaking to Raelee, Maylan asks, "Can we burn it down anyway?"

Cordarius gestures at the paper in his hand and motes of light begin to swirl about it then glide over to his other, empty palm. Seconds later the flecks of light begin to converge and take shape, seemingly creating a second, identical copy of the paper.

Speaking to Raelee, Puptilian asks, "You know, if one waters a plant too much it dies just as much as if you do not water it at all. What happens if we use the power of the reach to in essence....overwater the blight?"

Cordarius offers Lyrna a piece of white paper.

Cordarius grins.

Speaking to Maylan, Raelee says, "Do as you will."

Speaking to Lyrna, Alvyara asks, "What do you mean?"

Maylan exclaims, "Huzzah!"

Lyrna says, "The maps ... well, I did quite a bit of cartography in Ta'Vaalor."

Lyrna accepts Cordarius's white paper.

Speaking to Maylan, Raelee says, "Given that it is earthen, however, the degree of heat you will need is quite extreme."

Leafiara remarks, "Pretty decent use of a duplication spell. Usually it's for wands and such."

Cordarius put a piece of white paper in his ashen-hued robe.

Speaking to Raelee, Bekke asks, "Can the radius be made smaller, to concentrate the blight, thus making it possibly easier to contain for destruction?"

Diamondelille says, "Mappin be a good thing."

Cordarius says, "I'm an outside of the strongbox kind of thinker."

Cordarius nods at Leafiara.

Speaking to Puptilian, Pukk says, "Don't forget that mold can flourish in a very humid environment...it might backfire for us."

Leafiara nods briefly at Cordarius.

Speaking to Bekke, Raelee says, "If we could conclusively prove what is defining the radius."

Zosopage says, "What about making a mana pool so strong that the blight would be drawn to it and then trap it and destroy it. Just have to figure out HOW to destroy it."

Speaking to Cryheart, Lauranathalasa says, "Don't burn down the Inn."

Speaking to Bekke, Raelee says, "My own theory is that the reach of the... reach... is a large factor."

Speaking to Pukk, Puptilian says, "Every plant no matter what it is will die if you give it too much nourishment."

Speaking to Zosopage, Leafiara agrees, "That's more or less what I said earlier. I think it might work."

Cordarius says, "We have some other questions without answers."

Speaking to Bekke, Raelee says, "... alternatively, it may simply be how Raznel designed it."

Cordarius says, "Like..."

Cordarius says, "Why it spoke to you."

Cordarius nods at Ysharra.

Ysharra says, "Because I spoke to it."

Ysharra says, "At a guess."

Roelaren says, "Wow."

Cordarius says, "Well, guessing is dangerous."

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee says, "Not all that one speaks to replies."

Nehor confesses, "I do not understand. The blight has been cured before, in people and locations? Yes? Is it not just a matter of replicating that method over and over until the blight is contained within an acceptable area or destroyed? I am probably missing something."

Cordarius says, "Now as for your plan..."

Cordarius nods at Puptilian.

Cordarius asks, "Overpowering it?"

Lyrna says, "Ultimately though, what I did, was show patterns of how the mana flows, the earth nodes and possible points that might cut off the mana from areas further along so that only small areas can be nullified at a time."

Speaking calmly to Cordarius, Cruxophim explains, "I have a theory on that, based up my research on the Shadows. A collective web of rudimentary conciousness, perhaps, a hive mind formed by the individual amalgamation of the Blight."

Speaking to Nehor, Raelee says, "It would likely take years."

Cordarius asks, "Focusing too much mana?"

Speaking to Nehor, Raelee says, "It is a matter of scale."

Cordarius asks, "Kind of like when what can happen to us at times?"

Cordarius nods at Cruxophim.

Lyrna tucks a piece of white paper into a small pocket inside of her grey jacket.

Cordarius says, "Perhaps."

Maags says, "Also caused by different factors thinks."

Diamondelille says, "Anytin kin happen."

Guarrin whispers something to Bekke.

Speaking evenly to Nehor, Cruxophim explains, "Yes and no."

Ysharra says, "I admit, one thing I am concerned on. We've seen the anti-magic effects in Talador."

Chamorr heartily asks, "How did we get rid of the Maw?"

Ysharra says, "And it told me, several times, that it is the Bleak."

Cordarius says, "You didn't."

Puptilian says, "Anyone that spends time in the garden knows that overnourishing a plant is just as deadly. If we are going to have trouble taking away mana, flooding it may also cause it to die off. No idea if it will but worth a thought."

Cordarius says, "You transported it into the Deadfall."

Goldstr asks, "Years back we did Mana Infusion partys. Would that work to draw mana to jess one place?"

Puptilian says, "Especially since we have a good lighting rod with the Reach."

Cordarius nods at Puptilian.

Lyrna grabs a piece of white paper from a small pocket inside of her grey jacket.

Cordarius says, "Right, but...how."

Umbazi says, "The circumference of the blight doesn't seem to extend beyond Lower Dragonsclaw, by my observation. If that's pertinent."

Chamorr heartily says, "But it was all bound up."

Bernadette softly says, "Might work."

Speaking to Puptilian, Leafiara says, "And thanks to Dreaven we're pretty good at flooding things with mana..."

Alvyara says, "It's an intriguing idea. But we'd have to consider what other effects a surge of mana would have on the area."

Cordarius says, "If the theory of specific locations is correct.."

Cordarius says, "Channeling too much mana to those points could in theory kill it."

Speaking thoughtfully to Cordarius, Cruxophim admits, "I'm not so convinced that depriving of mana has caused it to die off. I have a suspicion -- largely unfounded, to be fair -- that Raznel has anticipated this reaction."

Ysharra says, "Or what if it just soaks it up and gets even more potent."

Lyrna says, "See if you, cut off this spot here, for instance..." She points to a spot on the map. "It might help cure this whole area... here."

Speaking to Umbazi, Raelee says, "We set up some quarantine checkpoints at the border, crossing into Vornavis to monitor such. We dismantled them once it became clear that the border was static."

Speaking to Cordarius, Puptilian says, "I admit I only know the energy of nature and Imaera's wishes. I'll leave it to those that study mana to figure that out."

Ysharra asks, "How many people have we already lost?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "So we have him do a Dreavening in a certain place to lure the blight?"

Cordarius says, "...or potentially backfire and expand it."

Speaking to Raelee, Stormyrain inquires, "Could the Pylons be reconfigured to target the statue in a way that would recapture, or replicate the spread? Follow its trend and conduct the blast of mana outward?"

Lyrna offers Nehor a piece of white paper.

Zosopage says, "So overload it with mana."

Speaking to Cordarius, Puptilian says, "Isn't that why you test first."

Speaking understandingly to Lyrna, Nehor says, "So it is a matter of excising it from specific locations..."

Nehor accepts Lyrna's white paper.

Diamondelille says, "Lotta folks in town gettin sick."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "I doubt it could make it past the Glatoph. Solhaven, though..."

Roelaren says, "Good idea Stormy."

Nehor adds, "Like a surgeon with a scalpel?"

Cordarius says, "I am also worried, and your thoughts are better than mine..."

Speaking thoughtfully to Stormyrain, Cruxophim offers, "Or the pillars. There's been promising research on that front."

Stormyrain says, "Or the pillars."

Cordarius asks, "But did Raznel plan for any of this? Is she expecting a move?"

Nehor inquires, "And these locations here are the ones that would have...greatest effect?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Raelee says, "The pylons are, in essence, very large wands. The bone pillars may be more apt."

Cordarius asks, "Is there a trap within the blight?"

Alvyara says, "If there's any way we could confirm it is a fungus, there are certainly ways to kill fungi, though I wouldn't know how to apply them on a large scale..."

Lyrna says, "Potentially, and once it has been cut off for enough time....."

Bekke says, "From past experience, a mana surge of such proportion is a beacon to any with magical skill, good or ill. All are drawn to the sheer power of it, and that could attract much we do not desire."

Thrassus says, "She's not expecting anything now."

Lyrna says, "I think there are 4 spots that are most promising."

Nehor offers Lyrna a piece of white paper.

Cordarius says, "Well, you know what I meant."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "It is very difficult."

Speaing to Raelee, Cruxophim calmly offers, "I would be happy to share the remainder of the research with you, as in the past."

Speaking to Bekke, Stormyrain asks, "Grishom is already here. If anyone else comes, he can just eat them for dinner?"

Leafiara frankly says, "I really couldn't figure out any planning of Raznel's at any point, but if she did have a last ditch plan then I'd think it's related to the scarabs."

Lyrna says, "Although you could add more or take a few away."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Best to hope it's not, and just has some commonalities."

Stormyrain says, "Put him to use in some way, at least."

Lyrna says, "Well, one away."

Lyrna says, "And still get part of the area of another, I think."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara says, "I hope you're wrong."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Ashrynn asks, "This Grishom can be relied on to do that?"

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara reasons, "It's all that's left of her now, aside from the blight itself and some siegery toys."

Diamondelille says, "Her sense dun makes sense."

Puptilian says, "The witch was no friend of Stone. I doubt she would do anything to aid Stone. If we jump at every shadow thinking about Stone then we will never fix the current issue at hand."

Lyrna asks, "Does anyone else wish to look at the maps?"

Speaking slowly to Ashrynn, Stormyrain says, "No."

Faerinn says, "Grishom can't be relied on the reliable die."

Speaking gently to a white-tailed broom hare, Ysharra says, "Pest."

Ashrynn says, "I would."

Lyrna offers Ashrynn a piece of white paper.

Ashrynn accepts Lyrna's white paper.

Zosopage says, "Grishom would ask too high a price for his aid."


Kill It With Fire

Cordarius says, "I know someone mentioned the Mandis crystals."

Goldstr says, "Da Abandoned Inn's Crystal room be a strong Mana center."

Puptilian says, "Stone never helps unless he can gain from the exchange."

Speaking to Zosopage, Stormyrain says, "I wasn't going to ask him for aid, just hope he, like a wolf spider, would emerge from his web to devour anyone he felt was a big enough meal if you would."

Cordarius says, "While we're not about to go reproducing those just yet, I have thought of something else as an alternative."

Leafiara says, "What did he gain from curing Walkar? That was before my time here."

Speaking to Zosopage, Pukk says, "We can offer him Balley. I'm sure in a couple of months he will pay us to take her back."

Puptilian says, "And every time people of this town takes that deal with Stone we never come out the better for."

Cordarius says, "But it isn't tested just yet."

Diamondelille says, "Fair payment fer services rendered."

Xorus says, "I wonder what the blight would do to the Deadfall."

Speaking to Leafiara, Puptilian says, "Freedom."

Umbazi asks, "And what would stop Stone from devouring us?"

Speaking to herself, Stormyrain mutters, "Have our own Blood God and can't even use him. Pity."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Bekke says, "He can't resist a mana surge. He'd be like a moth to a flame regardless."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Puptilian says, "You are too obvious of an answer."

Maags says, "Stone is worse than blight, period."

Hleef asks, "Is the entrance to the Sheruvian Monastery a strong mana center?"

Speaking to Bekke, Stormyrain says, "Well yes, but he's right here as it is. Just in the Deadfall."

Speaking to Puptilian, Stormyrain says, "Me? What did I do now."

Chamorr heartily asks, "Could this blight have a central root that we can affect?"

Cordarius says, "I've considered that."

Cordarius nods at Chamorr.

Cordarius points at Ysharra.

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "The modwir."

Zosopage says, "A tap root."

Speaking amusedly to Chamorr, Cruxophim scolds, "You know, the adages about roots and evil are just... metaphors. You're aware of that, right?"

Cordarius says, "I have not yet finished my research on it but..."

Leafiara says, "I didn't hear who said this in the noise, but the idea of using the statue a second time with some sort of--anti-blight magic might be workable." (I think this was a mishearing of Stormy's idea, which I think was piggybacking off Pup's idea to overfeed the blight. However, it ironically wound up being a segue into what Cordarius is about to say...)

Ashrynn offers Guarrin a piece of white paper.

Cordarius says, "As we know fire burns air...suffocates it.."

Guarrin accepts Ashrynn's white paper.

Speaking amusedly to Ysharra, Cruxophim guesses, "Out on the bay?"

Speaking to Cordarius, Leafiara says, "Talking Maylan's language now."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara asks, "You mean - if the statue was used to spread the blight, use it to administer the cure?"

Lyrna says, "If it could spread it in the same pattern..."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "What about cold."

Cordarius says, "I had been researching a way to conjure a mana-suffocating fire, if you will."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra asks, "Would cold kill it?"

Maags says, "Interesting."

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "Right, that's the theory... if Lyrna's right that the patterns of the statue direct the magic."

Cordarius shrugs at Ysharra.

Cruxophim dryly jokes, "Oh yes, let's invite more fires into this soot-ridden heap."

Speaking heartily to Cruxophim, Chamorr says, "No, of course we met afore."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara says, "I am curious about that."

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "I gots an idea."

Guarrin offers Lyrna a piece of white paper.

Cordarius turns an inquisitive ear toward Soneiken.

Speaking deeply to Lyrna, Guarrin says, "Thank you."

Lyrna says, "Who else wished to see it."

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "If antimagic could be moved in the same patterns as magic, maybe they'd cancel one another out."

Roelaren says, "Yes very interesting."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara says, "It seems logical, on its face."

Speaking to Chaoswynd, Puptilian says, "Ranger."

(Lyrna taps the map in her hand.)

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "There are times when I create a special focus to bring massive amounts of mana together at one point."

Lyrna offers Bernadette a piece of white paper.

Speaking to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "Or, going by what the Magister is saying now, then 'mana-suffocating fire' moving in exactly the same pattern as the blight did originally."

Bernadette accepts Lyrna's white paper.

Cordarius nods at Soneiken.

As Raelee rubs her bronze and gold band, a ball of niveous white fire builds in her right hand.

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "Tis a magical talent I learned when I was training."

Bernadette softly says, "Ahh."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "The operative difference in."

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "However."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "How was the blight spread? Was it a magical aura? Or was it a spore that was spread by air? Or something else?"

Bernadette offers Lyrna a piece of white paper.

Speaking to Leafiara, Puptilian says, "I worry about how that will be affected by the Reach and also lasting affects. More then just us magic users deal with mana and long term affects could hurt the area for generations."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "The operative difference in mana-suffocating fire versus 'anti-magic' is in the nature of mana itself."

Lyrna says, "The exact pattern can be interpreted differently because it is a differently shaped object spreading something through an area, however... the two most likely paths are the ones I attached to the map."

Bernadette softly says, "Hmm."

Speaking thoughtfully to Cordarius, Cruxophim speculates, "If it does bear an autonomic consciousness of sorts, even a rudimentary one, this could be a potential weakness for it. Networks or systemic structures are susceptible to collapse, infection, and other vectors."

Speaking seriously to Cordarius, Cruxophim suggests, "We could poison the Blight. Infect it."

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "If a bard was to also created his/her Song of Power in near proximity of me, then KaBOOOM, a big explosion occurs of Mana, Pure mana, that kills almost everything in its path."

Speaking to Lyrna, Alvyara says, "You've done quite a lot of work on this, it seems."

Xorus says, "It sounds similar to when the Reach bursts its surroundings into flames, which has not happened in some time but is quite spectacular."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "This fire that I hold is fueled by mana rather than air, much akin to what Cordarius speaks of. The mana is suffocated because it is fuel."

Lyrna accepts Bernadette's white paper.

Stretching out into a tear shape, Raelee's niveous white fire wavers slightly.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Pukk says, "Poison the mana, poison the blight."

Speaking approvingly to Cruxophim, Leafiara says, "Ahh, exactly what an empath or other mentalist would think of. I like it."

Speaking heartily to Cruxophim, Chamorr asks, "Ain't that what I said?"

Lyrna says, "Most of the last month."

Bernadette softly says, "Interestin.."

Cordarius grins at Soneiken.

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "But, according to the first law of the conservation of mana, mana cannot be created or destroyed, it merely changes forms."

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "What if..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Anti-magic serves not to destroy, but as a barrier... whereas the fire consumes it because it is utilizing it."

Cruxophim amusedly warns, "Let's perhaps table the scorched earth solution as a last resort."

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara says, "...ahhh, I think I see."

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "I would demonstrate now, but surely all would perish or nearly perish."

Alvyara says, "I do think infecting the blight could be a good solution, but it could take decades of research to find or alter some organism that might feed on it.."

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara says, "So burn it out, rather than merely... barricade or quarantine it."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Thus to send anti-magic along the patterns is, effectively, to push it. The mana still has to go somewhere."

Cordarius nods at Soneiken.

Cordarius says, "Exactly."

Pukk asks, "Aren't there some creatures that eat mana?"

Cordarius says, "What if we could destroy mana."

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Speaking calmly to Alvyara, Cruxophim muses, "That's why I'm here. What do you think I've been doing for the last months?"

Zosopage says, "Somehow lure it to the Sea of Fire...."

Speaking to Leafiara, Umbazi asks, "How do you plan to quarantine the kobolds?"

Speaking tentatively to Pukk, Leafiara says, "The Vvrael, kind of, but moving them would be a bit difficult."

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken asks, "Did you understand my suggestion?"

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "The problem is what could kill the blight might be even worse."

Cordarius nods at Soneiken.

Cordarius says, "I do. and it's potentially very dangerous."

Cordarius nods at Soneiken.

Speaking to Umbazi, Leafiara says, "Oh, they'll be killed off in time either way..."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Then we would be revolutionary."

Chamorr heartily says, "Question."

Puptilian says, "My one worry about the fire. Would it affect the area just like a natural forest fire. Would it pave the way to destroy old blight and leave the area raw and ready for the blight to grow even more? In nature you see destructive forces being used by Imaera to ready the area for new and healthy growth."

Speaking to Cordarius, Leafiara admits, "Well, we do kind of thrive on danger here. It's part of the appeal of the frontier."

Umbazi says, "It's strange that us touching the infected doesn't infect us."

Lyrna tucks a piece of white paper into a small pocket inside of her grey jacket.

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "As is the Blight, it's more dangerous because it lulls us to sleep with its toxicity, before we know the true damage."

Chamorr heartily says, "Why did the blight stop spreadin, what caused it to reach a certain radius and stop."

Thrassus says, "It would be like burning a village to combat a mundane plague spread by rodents, I think."

Lyrna says, "There was only so much energy powering it."

Lyrna says, "I believe."

Speaking to Chamorr, Alvyara says, "That is an interesting question."

Speaking to Chamorr, Raelee says, "Either Raznel simply constructed it with a limited radius, or its primary source of fuel has a limited radius."

Lyrna says, "And it is being maintained by the natural mana flows."

Speaking to Lyrna, Ysharra says, "That's my understanding."

Speaking calmly to Umbazi, Cruxophim explains, "Your body has more complex defense, or may not have evolved sufficiently to gain noticable foothold. You may already be infected, but show no symtoms."

Speaking calmly to Raelee, Cruxophim opines, "I suspect the latter."

Alvyara asks, "The blight hasn't shown any signs of dying off on its own? Is it weaker than it used to be?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Raelee says, "As do I. It has been my operative hypothesis."

Speaking to Raelee, Soneiken says, "Or it feeds upon something here, so it's sustaining here, but afar, it cannot survive."

Ysharra says, "Like most infections, there are probably several factors that determine its severity. We may all be infected."

Speaking to Alvyara, Raelee says, "No."

Speaking to Chamorr, Puptilian says, "Why does a forest end where it ends? I assume what we see is just the ability for it to spread. The question is what ideas we try will give it the ability to spread beyond the initial growth."

Speaking to Soneiken, Raelee says, "That is correct."

Thrassus says, "I suppose if we evacuate everyone within the radius so they don't die in the flames it would be a good solution."

Xorus says, "The power of the Reach is also able to bleed through the veil into other worlds. If one were to redirect the river off world, temporarily, it would be akin to a voidal absence of mana."

Speaking to Soneiken, Raelee says, "And likely why it cannot be manually carried outside of the defined radius. That was our first experiment in attempting to combat this."

Faerinn asks, "Is this the question and answer portion yet?"

Cordarius asks, "Could we send it to another world?"

Speaking amusedly to Umbazi, Cruxophim suggests, "Perhaps you're a fruiting body right now."

Cordarius peers quizzically at Xorus.

Faerinn asks, "And did I just use mine?"

Speaking heartily to Puptilian, Chamorr says, "Now, that just makes me brain hurt."

Speaking to Raelee, Puptilian asks, "Are you positive the statue or more importantly the bleakstone isn't being used as a way to pull more mana into the blight itself?"

Speaking to Faerinn, Leafiara says, "More like the question and question and question portion."

Lyrna says, "If you look at the patterns where it stopped, there are definite spots where the mana thins and it stopped spreading."

Speaking wryly to Cordarius, Cruxophim muses, "Didn't we do that one already?"

Speaking to Xorus, Goldstr says, "Good thought der."

Xorus says, "Perhaps."

Speaking to Puptilian, Raelee says, "Yes. The statue is inert."

Speaking to Raelee, Zosopage says, "So perhaps it can only grow so large and get weaker whereas it would get stronger if condensed, so to speak."

Alvyara says, "I'd humbly suggest sending it to whatever planet the Aelotoi came from."

Speaking to Zosopage, Raelee says, "Possibly."

Ysharra says, "We could vent it somewhere, where it has nothing to survive on."

Puptilian says, "It probably hasn't grown simply because the witch isn't here to culture it anymore."

Alvyara says, "We could, if we had any idea how."

Pukk says, "Darkstone castle."

Cordarius nods at Ysharra.

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee says, "Or accept the potential consequences of simply venting it elsewhere. We may not know if it can truly survive or not."

Speaking to Puptilian, Leafiara wonders, "Did it really grow even when she lived, though? Other than the very early weeks, it seems to have been in the same place."

Xorus says, "The blight may follow such a stream off this world."

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "True."

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "A clever idea."

Thrassus says, "If we could find a valence with a greater supply of mana than the Reach, that would work."

Bernadette softly asks, "Would it spread somewhere else in time?"

Chamorr heartily says, "If it's reached its limit of growth, couldn't ya start at the edge and take back the land bit by bit."

Speaking thoughtfully to Raelee, Cruxophim inquires, "Do you have any further research on what caused the initial reaction to bleakstone in the first place?"

Cordarius says, "Or can we temporarily and temporally remove the blight..."

Zosopage asks, "If it survives on mana, what about leeching mana from it?"

Cordarius says, "Perhaps it returns every one thousand years....to cycle through, and vanish once more."

Bernadette softly says, "Or culd we contain it."

Xorus says, "Since the major flow above the Reach is in a sense the major river of the lesser flows."

Shinann says, "Too bad we cannot send it back to the Bleaklands."

Chamorr heartily says, "Instead of figurin a way to blow it up all at once."

Speaking dubiously to Cordarius, Cruxophim muses, "That sounds an awful like a planned occurance."

Speaking musingly to Shinann, Leafiara says, "Hmm, that reminds me that the Bleaklands themselves were said to be expanding."

Speaking to Xorus, Lyrna says, "I did try to take the Reach into account for both maintenance and possible means of blocking."


A Slew of Options

Puptilian says, "If we send it somewhere else or some other time all that will do is leave it for some other person to learn and use it. All that means is we may end up having to deal with it at a later time. You don't move a weed in case it spreads back. You kill it."

Umbazi says, "I agree. And it could mutate elsewhere and become even worse."

Speaking to Puptilian, Alvyara says, "That statement assumes that all weeds survive equally well in all places."

Faerinn asks, "Isn't the definition of weed highly subjective?"

Speaking nonchalantly to Puptilian, Cruxophim repeats, "That's why I recommend we infect it. Neuter it. Render it dormant."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Puptilian says, "Agree."

Leafiara whispers something to Lyrna.

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Gardeners use the term rarely."

Speaking to Alvyara, Puptilian says, "Never underestimate life."

Umbazi says, "I would not want to do to others what I would hate to suffer myself. Let us not afflict others with this thing."

Speaking to Puptilian, Raelee says, "I actually tend to agree. Relocating it versus eradicating it... one presents potential consequence and recurrence that the other does not."

Pukk whispers something to Leafiara.

Goldstr says, "Starvin it sounds bout da best."

Alvyara says, "Another way to manage living things is to introduce another living thing competing for the same resource."

Alvyara says, "But we don't know any such thing, do we."

Guarrin deeply asks, "Is there any reason we couldn't try several of these options?"

Thrassus says, "The cyclic idea at least gives folk time to prepare for it to arrive and pass."

Speaking calmly to Cordarius, Cruxophim emphasizes, "It's the only way to be sure."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Weed is just something you don't want wherever it grew."

Umbazi asks, "And again, how do we know that introducing something else that competes with it for mana would not be just as bad, if not worse?"

Speaking to Cruxophim, Raelee says, "And to answer your question, our most promising theory is that Raznel did utilize a blood ritual to activate the statue. We do believe it was a manual act, and not simply something that occurred due to the nature of the stone."

A droopy-eyed tan bloodhound sniffs curiously at Cruxophim's black apple but quickly lifts his nose and turns away.

Speaking to Umbazi, Alvyara says, "Quite true."

Cruxophim frowns at a droopy-eyed tan bloodhound.

Alvyara says, "I don't think we can know."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Then that might be accurate in this case."

Speaking disapprovingly to a droopy-eyed tan bloodhound, Cruxophim mutters, "I leave you alone for a year..."

Speaking to Umbazi, Leafiara muses, "Depends on the definition of worse. Some would say it can't really get much worse than inevitable permanent famine."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I know. I just..."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Lauranathalasa asks, "Old friend?"

Lyrna says, "You could try, for instance, to take the least populated or sensitive area that I marked and see if starving it works. Using one of the ... points..."

Speaking to Alvyara, Puptilian says, "That is really the question. Do we starve it or do we overwater it? Both ideas have pros and cons enough to do more testing in both cases to see what is best."

Goldstr says, "Winston still bouts, jess a bit older."

Bekke says, "If whatever is tried does not work, the fear I have is that it mutates into something worse."

Leafiara says, "Could isolate two parts of the blight and try different methods on each."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "How did the blight spread? Is it a magical aura? Or a spore like thing?"

Speaking to Raelee, Alvyara asks, "How easy is it to experiment on this thing?"

Speaking to Lyrna, Raelee says, "We do know that starving it works. Most of Cordarius's apples that he so enjoys have been similarly starved."

Cordarius nods at Bekke.

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "The spread is most akin to that of a fungus, simply magically instead of biologically."

Speaking to Puptilian, Umbazi says, "So try both. One small area for starving, One for overwatering. See which works better."

Speaking absently to Raelee, Cruxophim emphasizes, "I agree that the bleakstone acts as a catalyst of sorts. I suspect that -- beyond the planned incubation -- the activation may have as much to do with an interaction between the Bleak and the Bleakstone.... or its place of origin."

Alvyara says, "If the experiments are relatively easy to do.. it seems the town could survive while more are conducted."

Pukk asks, "So like a magic spore?"

Speaking to Raelee, Puptilian says, "Things in the lab does not always work out in the field. I think Lyrna's idea of taking an isolated area and testing before we try the whole city."

Lyrna says, "But this would be to see if the small point would starve the larger area long enough to help the whole area..."

Cordarius says, "I will continue to experiment on the fires I am researching."

Speaking to Cordarius, Bekke says, "I would contain it, rather than destroy it, but you all know far more than I. I have only just returned."

Cordarius says, "Perhaps they will do no good against the blight but..."

Cordarius says, "It could help serve as a barrier to help starve a perimeter around the environs."

Speaking dubiously to Raelee, Cruxophim warns, "Starved... or dormant. He could have just infected himself by eating that."

Alvyara says, "A mana-snuffing fire does seem like it could be a useful thing, overall."

Lyrna says, "A bottleneck point."

Cordarius says, "So whatever we decide to do, there's no mana for it to spread or move outward."

Cordarius asks, "And what then, when contained?"

Cordarius peers quizzically at Bekke.

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "Can you create a counter to that magic spore? Kinda like how our bodies will sometimes fight off infections without an empath's help?"

Cordarius says, "Arguably it is already contained to this area."

Berost deeply says, "Ya know, some liquor make all this talk go better. Best dwarven monuments and dwellings be thought up whilst drunk."

Speaking to Cordarius, Goldstr says, "Jess keep starvin it."

Cryheart says, "Too bad one could not poison the blight."

Speaking to Cordarius, Bekke says, "Concentrate it into something smaller. Attempt the mana starve, perhaps."

Chamorr heartily says, "If Razzy designed it, is it possible to find out how she did it."

Roelaren says, "It might poison the soil."

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "Perhaps so. The majority of research to this point has been following another vein, however. It may take some time to start anew, as it were."

Speaking to Roelaren, Puptilian says, "Or worse."

Cryheart says, "Feed it something to give it heartburn."

Chamorr heartily says, "Is there a recipe for it."

Diamondelille says, "As long as we dun kill the grass around it."

Speaking to Pukk, Zosopage asks, "You mean something that would feed on it?"

Cordarius says, "As for infecting it..."

Cordarius rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Speaking to Zosopage, Pukk says, "Like a special spell just for that...or something."

Cordarius glances at Cruxophim.

Cordarius rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Cordarius says, "Can we infect mana? Is there a way where we could..."

Cordarius rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Cordarius says, "Hmm."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I worried that since Talador appears to be affected by time disruptions.."

Speaking to Zosopage, Raelee says, "It would have to be quite specifically crafted. One would want to be certain that once it has no more blight to feed upon, that it does not feed upon something else."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk asks, "Taint the mana it feeds on temporarily and poison it that way?"

Speaking to Pukk, Zosopage says, "That isn't a bad idea but it would take something worse to do that I would fear."

Speaking cryptically to Cordarius, Cruxophim suggests, "Ask Raznel."

Cordarius nods at Pukk.

Speaking to Cordarius, Umbazi says, "A pity that there is nothing that would eat the cause of the blight and then eat itself once the blight was gone."

Alvyara asks, "Is there any precedent for tainting mana?"

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I was afraid we were looking at its catalyst."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk says, "I wish I would have thought of that earlier."

Puptilian says, "If we infect mana, we risk that affecting the Reach and spreading that throughout the surrounding area. I would be very careful of that idea."

Alvyara asks, "Is this something that's been done before?"

Lyrna says, "That seems like a dangerous path to tread."

Bernadette softly says, "Dun think I ever heard of that."

Speaking dryly to Umbazi, Cruxophim mutters, "Yes, real pity."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn asks, "Were you worried that you talked to Talador in the far flung future where it had already consumed everything?"

Zosopage says, "It could spread to the mana that is needed."

Alvyara says, "Poison is effective based only on dose."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Or somehow talking to it before it became that."

Alvyara says, "If it were to spread, theoretically it would dilute."

Speaking lightly to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "Welcome to the Landing, where virtually every experiment is new and untested enough to drive Magister Svala insane."

Speaking patiently to Cordarius, Cruxophim corrects, "Not the mana. The Blight itself."

Raelee mentions, "... most anything we do will come with consequences. That is often the nature of working on such a scale."

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "That whatever we do to it isn't going to work."

Speaking to Alvyara, Puptilian says, "Problem with poison though is that it ruins the soil too."

Cordarius says, "Yes, but if we taint the mana, it eats it."

Cordarius nods at Cruxophim.

Cordarius says, "The Blight may be...aware enough not to become infected."

Goldstr asks, "Kin a big group a magikers infuse enough mana to one spot to starve da Blight?"

Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "..but I migt have some issues with fatalism."

Speaking slowly to Cordarius, Cruxophim explains, "That's merely a delivery mechanism."

Cordarius asks, "But will it be aware enough not to eat a poisoned apple?"

Cordarius smirks.

Cordarius nods at Cruxophim.

Speaking to Raelee, Zosopage says, "So we'd have to try to choose the lesser of all the evils."

Cruxophim offers Cordarius a glistening black apple.

Alvyara asks, "Right, this is a thing we haven't talked about. How far does your communication with the Blight go?"

Cordarius declines Cruxophim's offer.

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken asks, "Perhaps another solution is to not affect the Blight at all, but affect its temporal existence, so as time moves forward, so does the blight develop, but when that lens is looked at in reverse, the blight is nonexistent. If we go back far enough, I think maybe seeking the council of the Chronomages, might lend another alternative, maybe they can reverse time for just the blight, therefore rending it to nonexistence?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Take it from me, you can never EVER escape Talador."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara asks, "I don't suppose you'd be able to.. convince it?"

Speaking to Raelee, Puptilian says, "It's why even if I like my idea of overfilling it with mana, my instincts is screaming the starving idea may be the least dangerous to the lands."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "At times, such experimentation is critical. If the mana is 'tainted' but we do not have enough of a handle on the process... consider what you risk. Consider what could happen in a region so potent as the one beneath the Reach."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk asks, "Maybe it will sense the taint and we could use that to move the blight to a controlled area and seal it off there?"

Cordarius says, "Possible."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "It was not the most articulate conversationalist."

Speaking deeply to Ysharra, Guarrin says, "The blight spoke to you...was that before or after Raznel was disposed of."

Cordarius nods at Soneiken.

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "But we could try."

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara asks, "Have you tried speaking with it, since then?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "It would not spontaneously 'untaint' itself with the destruction of the blight."

Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "Several times. I have gotten no response since."

Speaking to Guarrin, Ysharra says, "Before."

Maags says, "If the mana could be infected there would has to be an antidote and too manies other things and people would be infected thinks."

Cordarius says, "If the blight is 'death'..and it is hungry...and it must eat...if it is a predator..."

Speaking dubiously to Raelee, Leafiara asks, "Then how do the Magister's apples get untainted so quickly?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "Perhaps it's for the best. You'd be grey before your time."

Maags says, "That is too big a risk."

Cordarius asks, "Can we communicate with it? Can we convince it to move?"

Umbazi says, "I think most people would flee rather than endure the loss of their mana, and they would likely curse those who tainted the Landing's mana and made it inaccessible. Which would solve nothing."

Cordarius says, "Can we provide a better source of food."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "It could have killed me."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Because it is not a matter of tainted mana, it is a matter of tainted apples."

Speaking thoughtfully to Cordarius, Cruxophim speculates, "It's possible, with a targetted infection of a host body."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "When it spoke. And it did not."

Zosopage says, "Meddling with time isn't an idea I'd use unless there is nothing else."

Speaking suddenly to Raelee, Leafiara says, "Oh. Makes sense."

Roelaren says, "That is a terrible thought that it is sentient."

Speaking carefully to Cordarius, Cruxophim warns, "But it's risky."

Speaking to Cordarius, Alvyara asks, "What's a better source of food than mana?"

Bernadette softly says, "Does it have an ability to understand .. or just react."

Speaking to Cordarius, Puptilian says, "Most all things in this world needs mana even if it doesn't cast spells. Mana is like air or water. If we taint that I fear all of Imaera's children will be harmed."

Faerinn asks, "Could a mentalist of some sort touch whatever collective mind that is the Blight?"

Speaking heartily to Zosopage, Chamorr asks, "Go back in time, would Razzy be alive again?"

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara muses, "Right, because like you said, the mana can't just 'disappear'. Something has to burn it out."

Speaking to Roelaren, Alvyara says, "Yes. And a fascinating one."

Cordarius nods at Puptilian.

Goldstr says, "Nae good to have it kill another stead a us."

Speaking bemusedly to Cordarius, Cruxophim explains, "Feed it a brain, make it smart."

Guarrin deeply says, "Controlling it seems a dangerous path to pursue."

Speaking to Cordarius, Faerinn asks, "Is that a magic that we have access to?"

Maags says, "I like the idea of overfeeding it."

Speaking to Chamorr, Zosopage says, "Perhaps perhaps not, it's too unpredictable."

Maags says, "Burning it out."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "When it touched me, it left behind my new highlight."

Maags says, "But how."

Speaking wryly to Faerinn, Cruxophim jests, "There's always Quinshon."

Leafiara surprisedly says, "I must have lived here too long. This is all starting to make sense to me."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "I imagine if it spoke again, it would do the same."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "I would think of it so..."

Lyrna says, "I do worry that 'overwatering' it, so to speak, will just allow it to spread."

Cordarius says, "I am also concerned with starving it because..."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "But perhaps...I could hold it long enough."

Cordarius says, "If it were desperate...if it wanted to survive..."

Speaking calmly to Ysharra, Cruxophim explains, "It is rapacious, like most viral contagions, without awareness or forethought."

Cordarius says, "As a man dying in the Sea of Fire of hunger..."

Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn asks, "You think we could provoke it to talk again with the right prompting?"

Leafiara pragmatically asks, "If every option has risks, why don't we just start with the option that has the least risk and then move on to the next one if the first doesn't work?"

Cordarius asks, "Would it turn to find a new source?"

Speaking to Lyrna, Puptilian says, "That is why like starving it we need to test it first. I like to see isolated test of both and see what the best result is."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Mana is akin to water, for this analogy. The blight requires water to survive. Thus, we starved the apple of a water source and the blight died. To 'taint' the mana is akin to poisoning the water instead."

Cordarius says, "Would it learn to eat something else? Or try, to survive."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alvyara says, "Quite pragmatic."

Speaking evenly to Cordarius, Cruxophim wonders, "And do you know such a man?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "... but consider how much else requires water to survive."

Cordarius says, "No."

Bekke says, "One of you will have to explain to me at another time why, if it was created by blood magic, it cannot be undone by blood magic."

Speaking to Alvyara, Maags says, "And not typical of her too."

Maylan says, "Let's start with the option of the greatest risk. Then everything else we try won't seem so very bad by comparison."

Speaking mildly to Cordarius, Cruxophim offers, "It's a metaphor."

Ysharra says, "We could try just to ask it."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "And ultimately if it is merely relocated, we may find ourselves doing this again in six months."

Speaking to Maylan, Leafiara confesses, "I like that thought too, but I'm less sure everyone else would go along with it."

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Maags says, "Has to starve it or stuff it."

Cordarius says, "Unless there exists a valence void of mana."

Speaking to Bekke, Puptilian says, "Because the price needed to gather enough energy for blood magic to destroy this is too steep a price if we can find another option."

Speaking thoughtfully to Cordarius, Cruxophim suggests, "If you truly wanted to 'speak' to the Blight, I have some research that might offer an answer."

Speaking to Bekke, Puptilian says, "But yes it could be used."

Speaking puzzledly to Ysharra, Umbazi asks, "The blight speaks?"

Zosopage says, "If it is sentient and can think then starving it could make it desperate."

Cordarius nods at Cruxophim.

Cordarius agrees with Zosopage.

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Indeed. It would need to be relocated somewhere that it would die, not somewhere it would be sustained."

Maylan asks, "Have we tried flirting with it?"

Maylan says, "Maybe it's just lonely."

Berost deeply says, "That idea works well as any, lets go fer it."

Umbazi says, "I'm having a hard time picturing a blight speaking Common."

Faerinn asks, "Can we starve the Blight then bargain with it?"

Speaking thoughtfully to Umbazi, Cruxophim speculates, "Either it speaks, or it stimulates the perceptive awareness of the infected in a crude form of communication."

Speaking amusedly to Faerinn, Leafiara asks, "Blackmail?"

Alvyara asks, "Negotiate?"

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "Speaking of temporal, there is an isolated pocket of food for it, which would affect none, cept for a few fish, Talon Isle, that has loads of mana, there is a portal to that Island here in Danjirland, however, Talondown Arena, actually does not exist here but on that isle, and yet it is here in the Landing, we could funnel the blight to feed upon Talon Isle through the interdemsional gate of the Arena."

Raelee mentions, "... not all that communicates is actually sentient."

Speaking to Leafiara, Faerinn says, "Torture."

Cordarius nods at Soneiken.

Speaking to Soneiken, Alvyara says, "Breathe."

Speaking helpfully to Alvyara, Leafiara says, "That's just how he is."

Cordarius says, "Could we find somewhere here...on our valence...that we can create a place of no mana."

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "No. But it's a pretty good sign of it."

Cordarius says, "Somehow move it..."

You notice a vein pulsing in Cordarius's forehead.

Cordarius rubs his eyes.

Goldstr says, "Maybe lead da Blight to da Maw where dem poison trees were taken."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra asks, "...are you all right?"

Puptilian asks, "Pick a krolvin held island?"

Chaoswynd softly suggests, "Lure it into the vast void between valences. The only things that dwell within are demonic, and the rest is a vast emptiness."

Speaking to Ysharra, Lauranathalasa says, "He looks tired."

Cryheart says, "Deadfall with Stone in it."

Xorus says, "From what I recall of visions of the future, the Deadfall was still present in the Bleakworld."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "That seems... overcomplicated. Consider this."

Leafiara musingly says, "Maybe Goblyn could have an idea. She seems to know all kinds of mysterious things."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Puptilian says, "One of the rules of war. Let your enemies fight themselves."

Xorus says, "Perhaps the blight cannot feed in its barrier."

Cruxophim simply concludes, "Kill it, infect it, trap it, or burn it out."

Speaking to Cryheart, Alvyara says, "If we could kill two birds with one blight, that would be ideal, I suppose."

Cordarius says, "Yes. So many choices and possibilities. I have not been this torn and unsure since I walked in on a beautiful woman mage apprentice and her sister."

Cordarius smirks.

Speaking to Cordarius, Soneiken says, "I would use Stone's isle, if we could reach that place, that would be fun."

Raelee says, "We would have to create a place of no mana, then move the blight. Alternatively, we could simply create the place of no mana *here* and eliminate the extra step."

Maylan says, "Let's start a propaganda campaign as to why the Landing is not a very nice place to live. Then the Blight might decide to move."

Lyrna says, "My apologies, I must head to bed."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Faerinn says, "Shame it until it leaves, torture it, seduce it..."

Speaking to Cordarius, Umbazi asks, "And you didn't pick both?"

Faerinn says, "No, scratch that one."

Maylan says, "Maybe it will go visit the Elven Nations instead."

Speaking to Maylan, Raelee says, "It is not a 'very nice' place to live."

Speaking to Lyrna, Maags says, "Nightnight."

Speaking to Raelee, Maylan exclaims, "Oh you're doing a great job already!"

Speaking warmly to Lyrna, Leafiara wishes, "Sleep well, love. We all appreciate your mapping and everything you've done."

Zosopage says, "Or perhaps create a place where it can live in peace and not effect anyone."

Speaking wryly to Faerinn, Cruxophim suggests, "So a typical Restday night?"

Lyrna shortly says, "The Elven Nations are NOT a good idea."

Cordarius nods at Raelee.

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk asks, "Kinda like herdin cattle then instead of using a yappin dog that scares it use a lack of mana and force it to move to the area you choose?"

Bernadette softly says, "Aye lotta hard werk."

Speaking to Lyrna, Alvyara says, "Thank you for your work."

Speaking to Zosopage, Loamian says, "Perhaps it doesn't mean harm."

Cordarius says, "The hour is late. I think we've had some great ideas, risky, but great."

Speaking affably to Lyrna, Cruxophim praises, "Well done, nicely charted."

Cordarius says, "We'll meet again next week, but then it will be time to act."

Speaking knowingly to Cordarius, Leafiara says, "That's the way of it around here."

Cordarius says, "On something."

Umbazi asks, "Let's not infect another locale with this. If we could move it anywhere, why not to one of the moons?"

Maags says, "Somebodies said moving it is a bad idea and I would agree with that unless out of this world."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Faerinn says, "Like create some kind of Pleasure Palace of the Mind to communicate with it in."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "Faerinn probably has the right of it. At least, by my impression."

Alvyara says, "I see."

Puptilian says, "The blight supposedly isn't spreading too much more if at all. Let's take the time, test a few of the ideas in isolated locations and come up with what works the best."

Speaking to Faerinn, Alvyara asks, "What did you say?"

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "He might be a little..whimsical about how he says it..."

Chamorr heartily says, "How bout that valence place beneath the Reach, where Cross bought it."

Faerinn says, "No, that's not quite the right phrase either..."

Lyrna says, "If there is more I can add to it, I will do my best."

A sleek midnight black kitten wearing a silver-inlaid leather collar hisses at a droopy-eyed tan bloodhound and rasps a tiny gutteral yowl.

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... you and I will discuss that timeline."

Cordarius bows to Raelee.

Cordarius says, "Of course."

Lyrna says, "The inital pattern would be the only thing I can think of immediately."

Leafiara says, "In case some of you run off too quick for me to say it otherwise, it was good to see all of you tonight. Despite last night, this has somehow cheered me up a bit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "They remind me of a married couple."

Xorus indifferently says, "I would just as soon move it to the shadow world, it amounts to the same as moving it to the Bleaklands."

Pukk glances between Raelee and Cordarius.

Speaking curiously to Pukk, Leafiara asks, "Who?"

Speaking to a sleek midnight black kitten wearing a silver-inlaid leather collar, Zosopage says, "Piper, be nice."

Cordarius says, "Please, continue to discuss anything you wish. But I am only human, so I need some rest."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "Good to see you, Magister."

Bernadette softly says, "Have a good rest."

Cruxophim politely offers, "Evening Magisters, Landingers."

Faerinn says, "Good night Magister Corduroy."

Speaking to Cordarius, Alvyara says, "Thank you for your expertise."

Cordarius says, "I know with these dimples, one assumes "Deity, right?"."

Speaking to Cordarius, Ysharra says, "I can try again, if you wish."

Cordarius says, "But no. Just human."

Cordarius nods at Ysharra.

Speaking to Cordarius, Maags says, "Has a good rest. Yous will need it."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Leafiara says, "And you especially. Thanks for helping my Lyrna... reminds me of when *we* worked together undoing Raznel's nonsense too."

In a fair imitation of Raelee, Pukk says, "WE will discuss this."

In a fair imitation of Cordarius, Pukk says, "Yes dear."

Cordarius says, "Goodnight everyone."

Pukk says, "Married couple."

Zosopage says, "Rest well."

Xorus shows Cordarius his small statue.

Speaking bemusedly to Leafiara, Cruxophim purrs, "Those were the days."

Xorus says, "The resemblance is uncanny."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Leafiara agrees, "Good ones indeed."

Cordarius bows.

Cordarius pulls the hood of his robe down over his face, concealing his features.

Puptilian says, "Thank you Raelee and Lyrna for your work on this."

Magister Cordarius just went east.