Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)

Synopsis

The night sky got brighter with crimson light, then there was a crimson flash from Lake Eonak. When people arrived they found Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild, holding out his arms toward the lake and chanting oblivious to his surroundings. The lake was shrouded in writhing shadows. But people arriving and talking broke his concentration, so he stopped, and pulled his urglaes sphere back to himself. He asked what is it, and who are you people.

People introduced themselves. Vortelis said he was doing his preliminary research on the veil, having been directed by Archchancellor Malevort Hexmor Faendryl. He acknowledged that he has to answer to Vespasius Koryth Faendryl, but that Vespasius is not "all powerful", meaning that Vortelis inherently answers to Malevort as his Archchancellor and Vespasius is not the Patriarch. He said the dark Ithzir had them thinking it could be Kol Granoth, the mythical valence where the Shadows invaded and twisted much of the Ithzir race, leading the others to scatter to other valences. But the soulstone clearly indicates the Shadow valence, due to Aralyte, which makes less sense to them.

Vortelis surmised that that there were two distinct "entangled" nexuses that potentially pertain to shadows and Ithzir. The first is the apparently entangled Reach, Bleaklands, and Shadow Realm. The second is the Deadfall forest, with the original black trees that Althedeus used to try to cross over under the Reach, as well as the Ithzir obsessed Grishom Stone and the Star of Khar'ta which the Ithzir call the Emerald Sun. Vortelis said that he hopes there is no direct relevance to the second, because if they have to go after that artifact in a front assault, a lot of people will get killed as the artifact is very powerful.

Vortelis also addressed numerous confounding factors, such as the Bleak blight, as well as the same elements or people being involved in multiple places or uses. This includes such things as the Talon of Toullaire, the Star of Kha'rta, the bleakstone statue, the Ithzir pyramid under Darkstone Bay, the bone pillars, the anti-magical mana fires, and Lich's Landing which has an obelisk of the Shadows which made Barnom Slim into a lich and was near the shadowy maw root nexus of the black trees that was removed by Harrower Ersix Severus Faendryl. He knows about Rodnay, but that if the "half-Ithzir" is dormant, they should avoid dealing with that issue right now.

Vortelis took temporary possession of the soulstone of the Palestra Blade Aralyte Halanori Faendryl to study it. He recognized that the way it was tethered to (presumably) her was reminiscent of the way minor demons are linked to their home valences is safety summoning methods. He is an expert on using such "anchor" equipment for the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild. But that Aralyte would not have had one of these "quasi-spheres" that he had with him, because they are very rare and so she made this thing. Vortelis said he would have to eliminate the possible causes to figure out the root cause of this Ithzir problem, without enmeshing themselves in every minutae of the unresolved issues of this location, implicitly aside from trying to get rid of the Reach and its mana storm entirely. But that they also have to ascertain whether it is possible and not too dangerous to go after Aralyte.

Harrower Xociral Glodinal Faendryl of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild arrived through a rift at Lake Eonak, finding that the veil was weak in this place and that he was able to follow Vortelis to it. Xociral did not know where he was, and asked Vortelis what he had learned from the "rabble." Vortelis filled in Xociral. Xociral found that the Reach was making his panoptic act badly and was giving him a headache, with Vortelis corroborating that it was head aching to use the panoptic here with these fluctuations. Missoni handed Xociral a hazy tenebrous orb from one of the invasion shadows. Vortelis said it looks like some kind of ambergris or bezoar of the shadows. Xociral suggested it would be useful to attune the panoptics to it. Vortelis and Xociral ended up lodging at the Alabaster Spire, receiving offers from the Faendryl Enclave, which actually has its own Harrower resident named Nallius.

Previously:

• 12/13/2025: Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation
• 12/17/2025: Shadowy Ithzir Invasion and talking with Thagoria
• 12/19/2025: The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl

Log

A Harrowing Encounter

The sky briefly brightens with crimson light.

[General] Trouble asks, "Is no one concerned for the Crimson Light?"
[General] Lylia thinks, "If it is who I think it is, I am the opposite of concerned."
[General] Dwi thinks, "Dat helps ye see inna cabern."
[General] Yardie asks, "What's the Crimson Light?"
[General] Lylia thinks, "We are, after all, expecting a delegation to arrive soon."
[General] Puptilian thinks, "Not sure yet but we have ideas of some guest showing up."
[General] Dwi thinks, "Issa thing da helps ye see when yer inna cabern! Pay attenshun Yappie."
[General] Redimption thinks, "If you got prollems seeing in the dark.. you might have some other problems."
[General] Directed to Dwi, Yardie thinks, "Sounds like you're the one forever stuck in a mental cave."
[General] Dwi thinks, "Oh wait...maybe some ye kint see like sum us."
[General] Directed to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "Keep me informed about what the delegation says, yeah?"
[General] Directed to Redimption, Dwi thinks, "Heh... Yappie want to talk to a lantern."
[General] Redimption thinks, "If it talks back that is the time when everyone should worry."

There is a flash of crimson light from the direction of Melgorehn's Reach, coming up from the horizon somewhere around Lake Eonak.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]
You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. You also see a cedar chip path, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees and an enormous blue crystal monolith.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis
Obvious paths: southwest

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average.  He appears to be ancient.  He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin.  He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid.  He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears.  He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a wretchedly fleshy thew bark runestaff in his right hand.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Perigourd strides in with fluid grace, each footstep leaving behind a faintly glowing, forest green imprint of a doe's cloven hoof on the ground behind him.

Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.

The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.

[General] Docktoer thinks, "Well that doesnt look good."

Blades just arrived.
Perigourd tilts his head up.
Blades surveys the area.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Probably Thagoria."

Blades nods at Perigourd.
Perigourd turns toward Blades and renders a sharp hand salute.

Imperatrix Lylia's group just arrived.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

Blades cocks his head at Vortelis.
Perigourd takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Missoni smiles.
Missoni nods respectfully at Vortelis.
Puptilian just moved quietly into the area, his group following closely.
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd greets, "Fair eve."
Lylia places a hand over her heart.
Lylia bows to Vortelis.
Leafiara observes her surroundings with a keen eye.
Skulligei bows to Vortelis.

Vortelis blithely continues chanting with his arms held out toward the lake.

Puptilian raises an eyebrow in Vortelis's direction.
Blades glances at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.
Missoni glances appraisingly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian asks, "And this is?"
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd observes, "I'm fairly certain that crimson light is this fellows."
Speaking raspily to Vortelis, Skulligei asks, "Uhhmm....what are you doing?"
Blades says, "Sorcerers doin sorcerer things. Don't stand too close."
Blades nods at Perigourd.
Missoni agrees with Perigourd.
Leafiara chuckles.

Shadows writhe over the surface of Lake Eonak, which pulses in patches with crimson light, the stars made red in their reflection of the night sky.

Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.
Raelee steps out of the shifting portal, followed closely by her group.
The shifting portal shimmers slightly, the haze within its glowing outline growing opaque as it contracts to a pinpoint of blue-grey mist and vanishes.
Raelee glances around the area.

Speaking to Raelee, Puptilian says, "Magister."
Speaking carefully to Puptilian, Raelee says, "... greetings."

Vortelis stops his low chanting and lowers his arms, shaking his head as his concentration is broken.

Speaking quietly to Puptilian, Lylia says, "I have yet to make his acquaintance myself."
Speaking to Raelee, Regwen says, "Magister."

[General] Directed to Dwi, Yardie asks, "You try to be on your best behavior when the delegation comes in. And someone ask them if the Tristar got my letter?"

Vortelis gestures with his hand and pulls his sphere back toward him from Lake Eonak.

Vortelis pushes his headband up and rubs his eyes.

Vortelis asks, "What is it? Who are all of you?"

[General] Directed slyly to Yardie, Dwi thinks, "I dunno why yer all uppin arms bout a light sorse. Ye kin buy one up inna Dwarf Town!"

Blades says, "Came for the light show."
Blades shrugs.
Speaking to Vortelis, Kothos says, "The welcoming committee."
Leafiara admits, "Pretty much what he said."
Skulligei raspily says, "I am but a humle Reasearcher. I couldn't resist the lights."
Tearieyes softly says, "We wanted to make sure there wasn't any trouble bout."
Kothos says, "We work all the hours."

Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia asks, "Good evening to you. Guildmaster Thagoria mentioned that we would have a delegation from the City...?"

Vortelis says, "Ah. I was told this might happen."

Perigourd says, "It typically does when the Reach seems to light up."

Vortelis says, "More of a task force than a delegation."

Regwen raises an eyebrow in Vortelis's direction.

[General] Yardie thinks, "Can someone explain to Dwi.....that I'm not looking for a light source? Would be antithetical for a person who takes comfort in the shadows to look for a light source."

Raelee settles her gaze on Vortelis, watching him intently.
Leafiara nods understandingly.

[General] Dwi exclaims, "Also my behaibior...hah. Murry Thrakmass eberyone!"

Lylia murmurs, "Indeed. I stand corrected."
Lylia smiles.

Speaking cheerfully to Vortelis, Missoni says, "We have been eager to make your acquaintence."

[General] Dwi happily thinks, "Imma totally onna da nice list dis year!"

Vortelis nods at Missoni.

Perigourd casually glances at Missoni.
Lylia nods in agreement.
Skulligei glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Vortelis says, "I am Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild."

Lylia says, "Do forgive the interruption; we noticed the light-show."
Kothos nods slowly at Vortelis.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Vortelis.
Missoni slowly exhales as her posture slumps.
Tearieyes softly asks, "Maps?"
Leafiara amiably exclaims, "Well met!"
Missoni introduces, "Missoni Sabretache Faendryl."

Vortelis says, "I was tasked by Archchancellor Malevort to come here to study the veil."

Skulligei raspily says, "A pleasure indeed."
Speaking to Tearieyes, Puptilian says, "You have to ask Lylia about the structure of NTF. She can explain."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Malevort, then."

Lylia gives a sigh of relief.
Lylia says, "Lylia Rashere Faendryl."
Lylia inclines her head.

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Speaking softly to Puptilian, Tearieyes asks, "But the person who was chanting is right here to answer....?"
Speaking to Vortelis, Regwen says, "Regwen Maritin, well met."
Geijon waves to Kothos.
Speaking warmly to Vortelis, Kothos greets, "Brother Blud, of the Vipershroud Order of Ivas."
Puptilian grins at Tearieyes.
Leafiara states, "Leafiara Autumnwind."
Leafiara nods rhythmically.

Vortelis says, "I am aware that I have to answer to Vespasius, but even the High Legate is not all powerful."

Speaking to Tearieyes, Puptilian says, "Yes but we are distrubing his work so Lylia may give you an answer at the moment."
Lylia says, "I shall remain deaf to those words."

Vortelis nods in greeting.

Lylia grins at Vortelis.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Speaking softly to Puptilian, Tearieyes asks, "Well we could just leave if we're disturbing it?"
(Raelee silently stares at Vortelis, and offers no introduction.)
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "Puptilian Peregrinus. Town Militia and humble ranger. Well met."
Lylia asks, "Sorry, was there a question?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Regwen asks, "May I ask, Do you think the veil is responsible for the doings here at the Reach?"

Vortelis says, "I am doing my preliminary study of the veil in this place, trying to ascertain its weaknesses and what intersections are happening."

Sir Tebon just arrived.
(Regwen glances at the mountain.)
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Tebon says, "Hail, all."

Speaking to Regwen, Vortelis says, "It would be the other way around, the mana storm is what causes the problems."

Kothos looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Perigourd says, "Possibliy a good reason to have prevented two of them from interacting not too long ago then."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Vortelis glances at an enormous blue crystal monolith.

Missoni reaches out and pats an enormous blue crystal monolith.

Vortelis says, "There were dossiers about that, involving a Nalfein that looked like a human."

Kothos nods at Vortelis.
Skulligei glances at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods.
Kothos says, "Something like that."
Missoni says, "Ah yes, the former Magister."
Leafiara says, "Hall-trained for... untold years."

Vortelis says, "This lake must be where that Palestra broke through to the Shadow Realm."

Puptilian says, "Not too far from here."
Dwi just arrived.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Dwi grunts loudly in annoyance and impatience!
Lylia says, "Aralyte Halanori Faendryl."
A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Bilfords.
Dwi heartily asks, "It baff nite?"
Tearieyes shrugs at Lylia.

Vortelis says, "It was scabbed over, for lack of a better word. It feels like something else punctured the wound open again later."

Speaking to Vortelis, Regwen says, "Puptilian led the group who ventured through the veil with Aralyte's help."

Leafiara says, "Probably multiple times, knowing this place."
Leafiara chuckles.

Speaking to Vortelis, Kothos asks, "Have you seen anything like it before?"

Vortelis nods at Regwen.

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "More than likely."
Kothos glances up.
Speaking to Perigourd, Bilfords asks, "Is a "Harrower" as bad as they sound?"
Lylia chuckles.
Speaking heartily to Bilfords, Dwi says, "Prolley."
Tearieyes rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Skulligei shakes his head.

Speaking to Kothos, Vortelis says, "This is a very unusual situation. With this mountain and storm."

Kothos nods at Vortelis.

Vortelis says, "I am trying to disentangle all of its entanglements."

Speaking to Bilfords, Perigourd says, "I'm married to a Witch so I find that titles don't often reveal the nature of one's character."
Speaking to Vortelis, Kothos says, "And thus why you have to come here."
Skulligei agrees with Vortelis.
Speaking to Perigourd, Bilfords says, "True enough."
Lylia nods.
Speaking to Bilfords, Puptilian says, "And with all titles some are good and some are bad. We will see."
Leafiara says, "Quite an undertaking."
Leafiara says, "Given the... history."
Speaking heartily to Perigourd, Dwi says, "It's da marryin dat does it."
Perigourd begins chuckling at Dwi!
Blades says, "Listening to sorcerers requires more booze."
Blades just went southwest.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Speaking to Dwi, Bilfords asks, "So we are all Faendryl now or something?"

Dangerous Entanglements

Vortelis says, "The principal issues seem to be the Reach being entangled in some fashion with the Bleaklands, which itself is entangled with the Shadow Realm."

Speaking to Dwi, Bilfords says, "I read some missive."
Tearieyes softly says, "That's a big knot..."

Vortelis says, "But then the Reach itself has this Shadow Realm wound here at the lake."

Lylia says, "Harrowers are with the Extrachthonic Cartographers' Guild. They investigate and explore other valences. Other worlds, you could say. To speak simply."
Leafiara says, "Seems like a fine summary."

Speaking to Vortelis, Regwen says, "Very interesting. Some of the adventurers who were on the expedition still bear lingering effeccts of that trip."

Blades just arrived.
Puptilian says, "If I remember correctly, wasn't it more by the waterfall that we went in."

Speaking to Regwen, Vortelis says, "I am not surprised. It would be a highly corruptive valence."

Speaking quietly to Bilfords, Dwi says, "Perigourd's here...it kint be all DAT bad."

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "The bleaklands has a manastorm now too, if the one trailing Darkstone Castle is still anchored to it."

Lylia nods at Perigourd.
Dwi points at Puptilian.
Speaking heartily to Bilfords, Dwi says, "Pupper's too."

Vortelis says, "Ah, yes. Complications."

Leafiara says, "If I recall, Vlashandra's portal was opened here too."
Leafiara ponders.
Kothos nods slowly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Kothos asks, "An anchor point, hm?"
Kothos gazes up into the heavens.
Vortelis says, "That must be the wound I sense in it."
Lylia nods at Kothos.
Kothos says, "So as long as it's here. Events like this will go on."

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "There are some of us that brought back an...essence from the Shadow Realm. Would that cause the wound to stay open?"

Leafiara furrows her brow.

Speaking to Puptilian, Vortelis says, "Harrower Ersix said some of the shadows bled off people when he opened a portal here which caused it to anchor on the Shadow Realm."

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Puptilian rubs his eyes.
Missoni ponders.

Vortelis says, "But that is more of a general principle. A few people with some energy on them would not cause what we are seeing now."

Speaking to Puptilian, Regwen asks, "The shadow specks bothering you again?"
Leafiara nods understandingly.

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "Some of us still feel the shadows."

Vortelis nods at Puptilian.

Vortelis says, "There is a separate, or hopefully separate, entanglement involving a forest to the south."

Perigourd raises an eyebrow in Vortelis's direction.
Missoni cocks her head at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods in agreement.
Lylia gazes with interest at Vortelis.

Vortelis says, "Which is highly infested with demonic blood eating trees."

Perigourd says, "Ah."

Skulligei raspily asks, "That tangly mess of gnarled black roots?"

Leafiara says, "Well, yes."

Vortelis says, "Yes."

Tearieyes softly says, "Blood trees..."
Skulligei nods.
Tearieyes nods slowly.
Missoni murmurs, "Ah, that."
Lylia says, "Where the roots were flung when Ersix was here and it was decided not to make the roots some other world's problem. If memory serves."

Vortelis says, "I am told the Ka Ilidoye Klaktoth relic is there, now, behind a druidic energy barrier."

Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Bilfords works his fingers under his mithril greathelm and scratches his head.

Vortelis says, "The Emerald Sun. In the East they call it the Eye of Ta'Ashrim."

Lylia asks, "Also known as the Star of Khar'ta? Or the Eye of Ta'Ashrim?"

Leafiara says, "The energy barrier certainly. The relic... probably, assuming--"
Leafiara nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Puptilian says, "The eye or sevearl other names like the stone."

Vortelis asks, "Khar'ta? Is that krolvin?"

Puptilian nods at Vortelis.
Missoni agrees with Vortelis.
Lylia replies, "It is."

Vortelis says, "It does get around."

Leafiara chuckles.
Lylia says, "So do the krolvin."
Perigourd asks, "I thought Girshom Stone possessed it?"
Perigourd says, "Or was thought to."

Vortelis asks, "That is the human sorcerer from the blood island of the Shadows?"

Leafiara says, "That's why it's in that forest."
Speaking to Perigourd, Puptilian says, "He does."
Puptilian nods at Vortelis.
Leafiara says, "Or, put another way, it's his forest."
Lylia says, "That is the last known whereabouts of it, yes. And now it is as red as an angry sun."
Perigourd asks, "Than he can pierce the druidic barrier?"

Vortelis says, "The dossiers say he broke into that forest with it and has made some kind of lair of it."

Leafiara says, "It's also his druidic barrier."
Perigourd says, "Ah."
Geijon nods.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Leafiara says, "He has control of... Briarstorm, I believe, was the name."
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "He created the forest and made the barrier around it."
Puptilian nods at Leafiara.
Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Yes, I recall him."
Geijon says, "And we cannot breach it."
Leafiara nods.
Dwi squints.
Skulligei works his fingers under his sterling silver crown and scratches his head.

Vortelis says, "The Wyrdeep druids made the barrier after Harrower Ersix moved the nexus of roots to the forest."

Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Puptilian ponders.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Regwen ponders.
Leafiara nods slowly.
Tearieyes glances warily around the area.
Puptilian nods.
Speaking quietly to Bilfords, Dwi says, "I think dey talkin bout elf barbers. Dey work onna hairrowers."

Vortelis says, "These reports I have been given say that sorcerer used the.. Star... to break through the barrier with widely harvested Elven blood."

(Note: This is imprecisely worded. Stone did that to force his way to those Wyrdeep elves in the Wyrdeep, then abducted Briarstorm to use his Wyrdeep blood to get through the Deadfall's barrier. He had previously tried to get some of Larsya's blood freely given to him for this end because of her mother's bloodline in the Wyrdeep elves.)

Regwen asks, "Was that the trip to the Wyrdeep with Hap and was it Bekke?"
Regwen ponders.
Puptilian says, "A lot of people went."
Lylia nods slowly.
Puptilian says, "And idiots helped Stone without realizing it."
Leafiara nods absently.
Skulligei raspily says, "Oh dear..."

Vortelis says, "The relic is speculated to have origins in the times the Ithzir were preyed upon by the Shadows."

Puptilian closes his eyes for a moment.
Geijon says, "It is not so easy, even in straight combat when th' masks are all Grishom has attained an incredibly level of powers and demonic minions or factors that help him."

Vortelis says, "It sounds as though he has corrupted it in some way in that direction."

Regwen rubs Puptilian tenderly.
Geijon says, "He's also lost numerous times as well."

Lylia says, "Speaking of Ithzir and shadows, we have had incursions of both of late."

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Vortelis says, "Yes. That is what I was getting at with it."

Dwi heartily asks, "Speak o...Ithszir a point to alla dis?"

Vortelis says, "When we heard there were dark Ithzir, shadows corrupted Ithzir, we presumed it might have been Kol Granoth."

Vortelis says, "Which is an unknown valence to us, it holds mythical status in their religion."

Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Puptilian frowns.

Lylia asks, "Do they hold it in reverence or dread?"

Vortelis says, "Supposedly their Grak'na'Den, the Shadows, preyed upon them there, twisted up their race and they fled."

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]
You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side.  There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain.  You also see some fried cockatrice wings dipped in sweetened mustard, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, the discordant Tearieyes disk, the Regwen disk, the prismatic Leafiara disk, a maddened mountain spirit that is flying around, a forest wolf, a lazy wild dark red dog, a featureless marbled white imp, a cedar chip path, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees and an enormous blue crystal monolith.
Also here: Blades, Bilfords, Dwi, Sir Tebon, Magister Raelee, Kothos, Whimweaver Leafiara, Tearieyes, Fisherman Skulligei, Sister-at-arms Regwen, Puptilian, Sir Geijon, Bathcwyn Missoni, Xorus, Imperatrix Lylia, Perigourd, Harrower Vortelis

Lylia says, "I am not always sure there is a difference."

Missoni gazes with interest at Vortelis.

Puptilian asks, "If the shadows can corrupt Ithzir, is there worries about them corrupting here?"

Lylia snaps her fingers.

Lylia says, "Grak'na'Den. I have heard that phrase before."

Vortelis says, "Anything of the shadows is corrupting here."

Skulligei glances at Lylia and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Puptilian glances at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "Althedeus' other name."

Skulligei raspily asks, "I thought it meant something more literal?"

Skulligei nods at Lylia.
Tearieyes glances at Lylia.

Vortelis says, "The Ithzir feared the.. yes, Althedeus."

Speaking to himself, Tebon says, "There is still light here ta combat that shadow."
Kothos nods slowly.
Perigourd nods in agreement at Tebon.

Vortelis says, "Father of the Black Heavens."

Speaking heartily to Lylia, Dwi says, "I thought it meant, "Boil her befer eatin" inna orc."
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.
Speaking to Vortelis, Regwen says, "We have had shadows here that wrote Ithzir word and terrorized the town."
Lylia says, "A bit nastier than orcs, I would say."
Lylia nods at Dwi.
Speaking heartily to Lylia, Dwi asks, "Who's tryin to cook ye!?"
Dwi shakes her head, clucking her tongue.

Vortelis says, "But then there was this matter of the soulstone, with the lost Palestra, which unambiguously is related to the Shadows valence."

Leafiara nods in agreement.
Bilfords says, "That is certainly always our hope."
Bilfords nods at Tebon.

Vortelis says, "Which makes considerably less sense to us."

Lylia quietly says, "The soulstone."
Puptilian says, "She saved our lives for our own."
Kothos gazes at Lylia.
Puptilian says, "She saved our lives for her own."
Puptilian mutters under his breath.
Raelee settles her gaze on Vortelis, watching him intently.
Leafiara asks, "Twice, in a sense, yes?"
Lylia says, "Yes."
Leafiara nods.

Vortelis says, "Those black trees are carnivorous and feed on blood. The Shadows it seems used them to help fuel its attempted cross-over below this mountain."

Puptilian nods at Vortelis.
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Hardly the first Faendryl to have done what needed to be done and suffered for it."
Lylia narrows her eyes.

Vortelis says, "Then later they were a nuisance, and Harrower Ersix helped sever the core of their roots."

Puptilian says, "The shadows had agents that helped to fuel the death in this region, started wars, just to feed the blood into those trees."
The voice of Tierus sincerely says, "What responsible horticulture."
Kothos nods slowly at Lylia.
Vortelis nods at Puptilian.
Leafiara chuckles.
Regwen appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Speaking in Faendryl, Kothos says, "I am glad for my lessons, now. And I agree, Imperatrix."
Tierus suddenly fades into view.
Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Lylia nods appreciatively at Kothos.
Raelee surreptitiously glances between Kothos and Lylia.
A pale-faced coppery barn owl briefly puffs up into a ball of feathers.
Tierus nods patiently at Perigourd.

Vortelis says, "So. What I am hoping is that this Ithzir related relic, in that forest of shadows and demonic trees, is not related to this shadowy Ithzir issue here outside the barrier."

Lylia nods at Tierus.
Leafiara nods slowly at Vortelis.
Tierus nods slightly at Lylia.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Tearieyes nods in agreement.

Shadows Corruption

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "Is there any known way to remove any corruption of the shadows in this world?"

Skulligei raspily says, "No such thing a coincidence around here."
Perigourd asks, "How do you plan to determine this?"
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Vortelis says, "That is a very powerful artifact and many people will get killed if we have to try to take it in a frontal assault."

Skulligei nods with satisfaction.
Speaking to Puptilian, Tebon says, "I know a good way."
Missoni nods slightly.
Leafiara says, "Indeed."
Perigourd glances appraisingly at Tierus.
Speaking politely to Perigourd, Tierus says, "You were thinking it."
Speaking to Dwi, Bilfords asks, "Which relic? THe Star?"
Perigourd nods thoughtfully at Tierus.
Speaking heartily to Bilfords, Dwi asks, "Da Boss?"
Puptilian frowns.
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.
Puptilian glances at Regwen.

Speaking to Puptilian, Vortelis says, "There is some amount of cleansing that can be done, to the extent of siphoning the energy out of the host."

Puptilian glances at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Skulligei raspily exclaims, "Sooo we get some brave adventurers to go knock on the front door while some sneaky types go around back and steal it!"
Skulligei nods.
Regwen glances at Puptilian.

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "But?"

Lylia flashes a quick grin at Skulligei.

[General] Dhevlyn asks, "Ana word on this delegation?"

The dog paws at the ground, and its fur twitches and quivers for a moment.

Vortelis says, "The effects of radiations are distinct from the radiations themselves."

[General] Lylia thinks, "We are speaking now to Harrower Vortelis at the edge of Lake Eonak."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "The Harrower is at Lake Eonak, as we speak."

Tebon says, "So there's a doorway that needs ta be closed, an' locked.....an' there's some magiks that needs ta be done, while this door is bein' closed."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "And more a task force than a delegation, as he's put it."

Vortelis says, "We try to limit our exposures, though our people are fairly hardy against them."

Puptilian frowns.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Kothos ponders.
Tierus glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Speaking to Regwen, Puptilian says, "Maybe. Maybe I can finally be rid of it."

Speaking neutrally to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "And other... peoples?"

Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Or after to remove whatever corruption is left."
Kothos asks, "Does it result in physical injury?"
Perigourd nods in agreement at Tebon.
Raelee levels her gaze at Vortelis, staring intently at him without blinking her eyes.
Tebon agrees with Perigourd.
Kothos asks, "Or mental trauma? Or both?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Regwen says, "You can see the shadow specks in Puptilians eyes. That is what he's referring to. They cause nightmares as well."

Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "Giantkin go berserk rather quickly in Rhoska-Tor."

Kothos lightly places his hand on the coppery barn owl, which responds by moving his body beneath his hand for a thorough rubbing.

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Yardie asks, "Wait, a task force?"

Tebon casually glances at Vortelis.

Vortelis nods.

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Yardie thinks, "Sounds like Enomna all over again."

Skulligei glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Speaking evenly to Vortelis, Raelee says, "Fortunately, I am not that tall."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "I have no idea who or what Enomna is."

Vortelis says, "I am sure the Palestra Blade, Aralyte, would have warned about being changed by that valence."

Perigourd begins chuckling at Raelee!
Tearieyes laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Perigourd nods at Kothos.
Raelee surreptitiously glances at Perigourd.
Bilfords raises an eyebrow.
Speaking in Faendryl, Tierus mildly says, "Yes, we're so resistant that our entire culture is in decline and half of us are mad."
Kothos smiles at Perigourd.
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "Some things were worth the risks we took to destroy the entity there."
Raelee surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Speaking in Faendryl, Tierus says, "Bully for us."
Blades takes a drink from his Tamzyrrian Reserve.

Confounding Factors

Vortelis says, "I am trying to understand the history of entanglements involving these places."

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "But its not been the most easy 10 odd years."
Speaking to herself, Regwen says, "There wasn't much choice at the time."
Speaking sincerely to Raelee, Tierus says, "I was inquiring about dinner."
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Tierus.
Speaking knowingly to Tierus, Raelee says, "No, you were not."
Speaking patronizingly to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perceptive."
Kothos glances at Raelee.
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "And that is still better than most fare."
Kothos smiles quietly to himself.

Vortelis says, "There were these black trees with their roots, then there is the mana storm here, which it sounds like was made to interact with another storm."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Yardie thinks, "She was a Faendryl who tried to evade capture. Three Palestra, well, two, and a sorcerer asked the Mirror at the time for permission to retrieve her. Circumstances sound...similar."

Lylia nods at Vortelis.

Vortelis says, "Which was over a castle that got pulled into the Bleaklands."

Raelee squints at Tierus.
Regwen says, "Darkstone."
Regwen nods sagely.
Lylia nods at Regwen.
The dog opens its mouth wide in an extended yawn.

Vortelis says, "Then there is an unnatural blight related to the sickness of the Bleaklands."

Leafiara mutters under her breath.

Vortelis asks, "Except that is here, and was feeding off the Reach?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "Quite the supper recipe that makes."

[General] Villhelm asks, "Can there be an invasion tonight?"

Lylia says, "A troubled region, to be sure. But the Ithzir are another form of trouble altogether."
Viva just arrived.
Speaking mildly to Raelee, Tierus says, "You see, I told you I was talking about dinner."
Lylia nods at Viva.
Viva smiles.
Raising both eyebrows slightly, Raelee regards Tierus with an unimpressed look.

Vortelis says, "Then it sounds as though the Hall of Mages suppressed that sentient blight with anti-magical mana fires on some bone pillars."

Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian says, "Out of the trouble we have had here, outside Stone I think Ithzir has been the hardest."
Leafiara says, "The blight is all about thre region, but that does include here."
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Most of those have been snuffed out."
Leafiara says, "That about sums it up."
Speaking evenly to Vortelis, Raelee says, "We did, yes."
Lylia says, "They are the greater threat. They devour worlds whole."

Vortelis says, "Which themselves were made by this Grishom Stone, to break protective wards established by the criminal Estrion."

The dog opens its mouth wide in an extended yawn.
Tearieyes shudders.

Vortelis asks, "... and, it seems, were being converted into a kind of wards generator, by a semi-lich known as a Cruxophim?"

Dwi smirks.
Leafiara recalls, "One time we also purged shadow essence out of ourselves into the bone pillars in--"
Dwi heartily says, "Dog smart."
Leafiara says, "Yes, that."
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "Those protective wards protected the town for a while before they were destroyed."
Leafiara nods at Vortelis.
Lylia chuckles.
Tierus airily says, "It sounds like potential apocalypses all the way down."
Lylia says, "I shall enjoy telling him this."

Vortelis slowly empties his lungs.

Perigourd nods grimly.
Speaking to Puptilian, Regwen says, "Crux and the black apples in the orchard."

Vortelis says, "Then you all extinguished those blight suppressing fires, which Arwenia Liadon Nalfein used to blast and weaken the Reach."

Vortelis says, "So that she could find the hollows in it to access the Eonforge relic in it."

Lylia asks, "Arwenia...ah, Octaven?"

Leafiara says, "I believe Marlu extinguished the final one, but otherwise yes."
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "She did the extinguishing, as I recall, using an artifact to absorb them."

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Vortelis says, "Yes. That sounds familiar. She had hundreds of names over the centuries."

Vortelis says, "The Basilica gave me a lot of papers. Many papers."

Lylia says, "It seems you have read them assiduously."
Geijon nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Yoiu do seem quite well informed."
Geijon says, "It shows you read them."
Lylia chuckles.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Kothos says, "Perhaps the Harrower was an academic in a previous life."
Kothos smiles.
Tierus idly asks, "So, where does this daisy chain of horrors leave us now?"
Leafiara begins chortling at Tierus.
Skulligei shakes his head.
Speaking slowly to Vortelis, Raelee says, "Perhaps you would find some value in speaking to Arwenia Liadon Nalfein."
Bilfords asks, "Are not all Harrowers academics?"
Tierus glances down.
Skulligei nods at Bilfords.
Speaking mildly to Leafiara, Tierus says, "Other than here."
Speaking to Tierus, Tebon says, "There's a magick door that needs ta be closed, usin' magiks, sounds like."
Speaking to Skulligei, Bilfords exclaims, "I read that!"
Bilfords nods enthusiastically!
Lylia says, "Academics, but not only academics."
Speaking to Tebon, Tierus states, "Hm."
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Bilfords asks, "Assasins too?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Isn't Stone still around too? maybe he'd cooperate for some apples."
Lylia chuckles.
Lylia says, "Usually not."
Missoni glances skeptically at Bilfords.

Vortelis says, "Then there are the confounding elements of various artifacts. The Talon of Toullaire, the Star of.. Khar'ta, the bleakstone statue which I read started the blight."

Skulligei glances at Vortelis.
Lylia mutters something about statues.
Missoni says, "It is a very applied sort of research."
Puptilian grins at Lylia.
Blades glances at Lylia.
Bilfords grins at Missoni.

Vortelis says, "There is also some obelisk in the Lich's Landing, near where the roots were, which made some Barnom into a lich."

Leafiara says, "More a conduit for magic than the start of the blight, if I recall."
Bilfords says, "As long as it's not apllied to me."
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian says, "It had a stricking likeness."
Blades asks, "Don't want more statues erected for you?"
Bilfords nods at Missoni.
Blades peers quizzically at Lylia.
Skulligei raspily says, "Still does..."
Dwi smirks.
Skulligei raspily says, "Though the statue has seen better days."
Tebon says, "I'm down fer destroyin' that."
Speaking to Geijon, Tebon says, "Jus' sayin'."
Lylia sets her mouth in a thin line of disapproval.
Speaking stridently to Tebon, Tierus asks, "I suppose there's a reason we haven't sat Raelee down in front of said door with some magic chalk and a few handfuls of plinite?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But it is very much still there."

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "That obelisk i thought was destroyed."

Lylia says, "I would like it back."
Tierus glances between Tebon and Raelee.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Puptilian, Perigourd says, "The Talon is likewise seemingly destroyed."

Speaking to Puptilian, Vortelis says, "Some goblin woman put it back together."

Speaking to Tierus, Tebon says, "She'd prolly wanna study it first."
Speaking wearily to Tebon, Tierus says, "Oh."
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "A course she did, damn it."

Fun Pause

Speaking to Tierus, Tebon says, "Ye's know that'll take awhile."
Speaking to Tebon, Raelee says, "Not the door, not truly. What is behind it is far more interesting."
Puptilian ponders.
Speaking to Raelee, Tebon says, "Fair 'nuff."
Speaking disappointedly to Raelee, Tierus says, "No chalk. No plinite."
Dwi heartily says, "I been waitin years fer a door prize."
Speaking to Puptilian, Leafiara says, "Lich's Landing was temporally displaced by said Goblyn around that time. It's still out there somewhere. Or somewhen."
Dwi heartily says, "Sum doors is worth waitin fer."
Speaking neutrally to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those I do have in my pockets."
Speaking to Leafiara, Puptilian says, "I really wanted that one to stay destroyed."
Speaking excitedly to Raelee, Tierus says, "Wait. Maybe chalk."
Tierus produces an ornate Marlu statuette from the depths of his ebon silk cape.
Skulligei raspily asks, "I've heard rumors of Lich's Landing. You say it was...or is.. real?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "She's quite adept at throwing it, I'd be careful."
Speaking to his Marlu statuette, Tierus says, "Ah. Not chalk."
Perigourd nods knowingly at Tierus.
Raelee runs her fingers along the surface of her plinite shard, and the yellow-gold motes of energy within shift about.
Tierus's Marlu statuette vanishes into the depths of his ebon silk cape.
Speaking to Puptilian, Regwen says, "I think they just covered it up."
Speaking to himself, Tebon says, "I'd like ta visit this Lich Landin'."
Speaking to Skulligei, Leafiara says, "Quite real. Maybe not in the present, though, but in the past or future... it's a bit complicated."
Speaking solemnly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "I never leave home without a good Wizard's Shield."
Skulligei raspily says, "I think i understand the gist of it."
Leafiara says, "Raelee and I had struck a deal to help Barnom get back to Lich's Landing in exchange for information and a truce."
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara says, "Well, two deals, technically, I suppose."
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Cheap tricks. Well done."
Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "The information was... disappointing."
Leafiara pragmatically says, "Both worked--"
Speaking surprisedly to Raelee, Leafiara says, "Oh."
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd suggests, "Burn the lich next time."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Leafiara says, "Okay, just the truce worked."
Leafiara nods.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to himself, Tebon says, "Lich's shoul' be released."
Tierus applauds Raelee politely.
Skulligei glances at Tebon.
Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Information was provided. It was simply... not enough."
Speaking to Tebon, Puptilian says, "Yes."

Vortelis rubs his temples.

Leafiara nods slowly at Raelee.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Why? is it not a personal choice for alich to become so?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee adds, "... at least not by my standards."
Leafiara grins wryly at Raelee.
Xorus's eyes grow wide and his features fall slack as he slips into a deep trance.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tebon says, "An' they shoul' be released, choice or nae."
Regwen glances at Xorus.
Xorus says, "Just a vision."
Speaking to Skulligei, Puptilian says, "Barnon was kind of forced to become a lich. He really didn't have a choice."
Speaking to Xorus, Lylia murmurs, "You shall have to tell me about it later."
Tebon says, "But we digress..."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow in Xorus's direction.
Leafiara says, "Barnom's phylactery was in an unknown location, so it wouldn't have been possible. This is a bit beside the point, though, for the current situation."
Speaking suspiciously to Xorus, Tierus asks, "Were you eating glowing fruit again?"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Speaking heartily to Vortelis, Dwi says, "Less dark boots wouldnt show up so much dust."
Xorus nods at Tierus.
Dwi grunts and nods.
Xorus taps a bottle of disturbing black apple juice, which is in his left hand.
Dwi quietly says, "Jus sayin."
Speaking to Xorus, Tierus says, "Remember the rhyme: if it glows, it doesn't go."
Perigourd gives a sidelong glance at Xorus.
Tierus slowly empties his lungs.
Skulligei grins.
Tearieyes blinks at Tierus.
Dwi kicks her blue leather boots together, knocking clumps of dirt and mud from the heels.
Dwi stares at Tierus.
Dwi heartily says, "Goes."
Dwi mutters something about rymin.
Dwi shakes her head, clucking her tongue.
Tierus blinks at Dwi.
Tierus shakes his head.

Ithzir Pyramid

Vortelis says, "I apologize. I lost my train of thought."

Dwi heartily says, "Or glow."
Dwi grunts at Tierus, amused.
Dwi chuckles to herself.

Vortelis says, "You also have a sunken Ithzir pyramid in your Bay."

Leafiara acknowledges, "Various schemes around here do that to people."
Dwi mutters something about oldsters.
Tierus says, "A--"
Tierus asks, "...a what now?"
Dwi shushes Tierus!
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "I've thrown many a line in the bay and haven't hooked it yet."
Perigourd nods somberly.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... you did not know about that, Tierus?"
Puptilian grins at Raelee.
Puptilian nods at Vortelis.
Missoni lets out a long, contemplative breath.
Speaking flatly to Raelee, Tierus says, "No, I suppose I must have missed it while doing all of my free diving out in Darkstone Bay, Raelee."
Leafiara says, "This is how another train of thought gets lost."
Leafiara nods knowingly.
Skulligei cackles!
Lylia says, "Yes, well, there is that."
Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee murmurs, "I do have ideas for raising it above the surface."

Vortelis says, "They use those as anchors. They can keep portals to their worlds open with them, which helps them invade and conquer other worlds."

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Enisius could possibly manage it."
Speaking smoothly to Raelee, Tierus says, "Shocking."

Vortelis says, "But if that was the situation here, we should expect it to be the Ithzir of Kol Tar'sken."

Speaking flatly to Perigourd, Raelee asks, "I could manage it. What do we need him for?"
Skulligei raspily says, "That other representative mentioned that."

Lylia says, "These do not seem to be those Ithzir."

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "I've not heard of your levitation prowess, but I'd be happy to observe it."
Perigourd nods at Raelee.
Dwi heartily asks, "Ithszir any dat is?"
Missoni says, "Perhaps it remains dormant, then. Or they simply have not cared to invade."

Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "That thing was kind of shot down. Maybe we broke something keeping it from being an ancher?"

Vortelis nods at Puptilian.

Skulligei raspily says, "I seem to recall something about someone seeing a ghost or something in the pyramid rather recently."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "Levitation was never the plan."
Viva says, "Perhaps that's where those roots were spring up from."
Speaking quickly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Technically, it's not levitation if it's making it float underwater."

Xociral Arrives

A shimmer along the edge of the lake widens as a nebulous expanse of colors and stars briefly form a gap in the fabric between this world and another beyond. Xociral steps through the gap as it closes swiftly behind him.

You see Cartographer Xociral Glodinal Faendryl the Harrower.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is tall.  He appears to be an adult.  He has piercing milky white eyes and ebon skin.  He has short, platinum hair neatly cropped around an intricate twisted faenor headband adorned with a murky shadowglass orb.  He has an angular face, an upturned nose and thin pointed ears.  A scintillating, web-like scar covers his entire left cheek.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a layered black veniom-threaded shroud, some enruned midnight black vruul skin leathers, a crystal-flecked urglaes bracer, a fang-clasped midnight black satchel, some fitted black veniom-threaded leggings, and a pair of midnight black vruul skin boots with intricate veniom tips.

Vortelis says, "I doubt there are Ithzir living inside it, under the water, after ten years."

Leafiara says, "Nothing's come from the Ithzir pyramid in the past decade--or, well, six months short of a decade. Oddly enough."
Speaking curiously to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "What is your plan?"
Skulligei glances at a beautiful mountain lake.
Tierus blinks at Xociral.
Leafiara nods at Vortelis.

Vortelis says, "Ah. Xociral."

Perigourd glances appraisingly at Xociral.
Missoni smiles at Xociral.
Tearieyes gazes in wonder at her surroundings.
Tebon glances at Xociral.
Lylia smiles.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow in Xociral's direction.
Tearieyes softly says, "People just popping in."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "Earth. Raise the earth beneath it and the pyramid comes up."
Perigourd turns toward Xociral and renders a sharp salute with his bastard sword.
Missoni greets, "Xociral."
Lylia places a hand over her heart.
Skulligei raspily says, "You HAVE to teach me how to do that."
Skulligei frowns.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Xociral.
Lylia bows to Xociral.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Won't that make it hard for the ships in the bay to come to port?"
Leafiara places one foot behind the other and drops into a respectful curtsy, a swirl of glimmering cherry red hues surrounding her body.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "We can drop it again later."

Xociral says, "Vortelis. Have you learned much from the rabble of this town yet? I hope my efforts are not being called upon too hastily."

Blades glances at Xociral.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "It could perhaps cause the bay waters to flood local environs as well."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "You could just drain the Bay, you know."
Speaking to Xociral, Tebon asks, "Rabble?"
Perigourd casually glances at Raelee.
Puptilian smirks.
Blades smirks as a haughty expression flits across his face.

Speaking to Xociral, Vortelis says, "I have only just started. Truly."

Tebon raises an eyebrow in Xociral's direction.

Leafiara says, "To be fair, we have rabble from many places gathered here."

Skulligei gasps at Tierus.
Leafiara starts chortling.
Tierus says, "That way, you wouldn't damage the pyramid."

Xociral nods respectfully at Vortelis.

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Also a possibility."

Xociral smirks at Leafiara.

Tierus glances at Skulligei.

Vortelis says, "There are a lot of confounding elements to rule out."

Skulligei glances at Tierus and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Grinning arrogantly, Xociral laces his fingers together and squares his shoulders in righteous indignation.

Tierus serenely says, "And think of the hayday that the fishmongers would have before everything started to rot."

Xociral asks, "Elements? Which ones?"

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Levitation sounds far less likely to have collateral effects."

Vortelis says, "This lake was made into a portal with an Ur-Daemon relic once, by a missing Palestra named Aralyte."

Tebon says, "Insults is nae a promisin' first impression."
Skulligei glances at Xociral.
Skulligei raspily says, "The criminal variety."
Thrassus suddenly fades into view.
Speaking curtly to Perigourd, Raelee says, "Then ask Enisius if you would prefer he do it."
Lylia smiles at Thrassus.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Thrassus a subtle wave.
Tearieyes stares at Thrassus.
Tearieyes searches around for a moment.
Thrassus nods once.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Tearieyes softly asks, "Anyone else coming?"

Speaking to Xociral, Vortelis says, "There were demonic trees with deep roots that Althedeus used to help try to bring itself into this world a decade ago."

Geijon chuckles.

Vortelis says, "Which still exist in a sealed off forest to the south."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "I expect he's possibly still incercerated."
Skulligei raises his hand.
Skulligei raspily says, "I have heard the trees exist in other places as well, though rare."

Vortelis says, "And this mountain with its mana storm seems to be entangled with the Bleaklands and the Shadow Realm. Which are also entangled with each other."

Speaking to Dwi, Bilfords asks, "They are talking about the Treekin?"
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a beautiful mountain lake.
Speaking softly to Bilfords, Tearieyes exclaims, "Blood drinking trees!"
Speaking thoughtfully to a beautiful mountain lake, Tierus opines, "It's pretty."
Tearieyes stares off into space.
Archales just came down a cedar chip path.
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Archales coughs.
Archales shuffles his feet.
Lylia nods in greeting at Archales.

Xociral says, "It was especially easy to pierce the veil here. Although, I believe your messenger may have been turned into a vathor's new toy after delivering his message to me."

Archales nods in greeting.

Vortelis smirks.

Lylia furrows her brow.
Tierus glances at Xociral.
Tierus says, "...vathors do love their toys."
Speaking to himself, Tebon says, "He says wit nae emotion."

Vortelis says, "The veil is especially weak here, and that Shadows valence is normally hard to reach."

Speaking softly to Tebon, Tearieyes says, "I noticed that."
Tebon nods slowly at Tearieyes.
Thrassus says, "Among other places."
Thrassus nods in agreement.
Lylia nods at Tierus.

Xociral says, "Which side of the DragonSpine are we on again? I rarely visit these lands."

Vortelis says, "What I was told was that there was a shock wave in the veil here a few weeks ago. Centered on this mountain."

Xociral attends to his twisted faenor headband, carefully smoothing the hair underneath, and adopts a regal air as he surveys the area.

A featureless marbled white imp kneels down and licks some fried cockatrice wings dipped in sweetened mustard. Smacking its lips quizzically, it stands back up and ponders the wings from a new angle.
Thrassus says, "Western."
Thrassus nods.
Speaking to Xociral, Bilfords says, "This side."
Leafiara chuckles.

Speaking to Xociral, Vortelis says, "We are on the northwest of it."

Tebon mutters thankfully.

Xociral nods respectfully.

Tierus ponders.
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at an enormous blue crystal monolith.

Xociral says, "West. So where the humans live. That explains the horrible taste in clothing."

Tierus pokes his finger at an enormous blue crystal monolith.
Tierus reaches out and touches an enormous blue crystal monolith.
Tearieyes scoffs at Xociral.
Blades chuckles.

Vortelis says, "Some of our people live here as well."

Regwen raises an eyebrow in Xociral's direction.
Speaking to Xociral, Perigourd says, "We prefer pragmatic."
Leafiara says, "It explains a lot more than that, but sure."
Leafiara chuckles.

Xociral says, "The best dressed of them all, no doubt."

Thrassus nods at Xociral.

Vortelis says, "Undoubtedly."

Speaking to Xociral, Tierus says, "I assume you dressed yourself. If not, fire that servant."
Speaking to Perigourd, Tebon says, "It's gettin' more difficult ta hold my tongue."

Looking a little flustered, Xociral nervously chew on his lower lip and repeatedly attempts to tuck an imagined strand of hair under his twisted faenor headband. Realizing what he's doing, he quickly lowers his hand as a faint blush creeps up his neck and face.

Lylia notes, "We are nearest a frontier town, as well. Practicality is a virtue."
Speaking to Xociral, Bilfords says, "Just rabble after all."
Tearieyes nods in agreement at Tebon.
Bilfords smirks at Xociral.
Archales nods in agreement.
Tierus says, "Vruul is mightily Fifty-One Twenty."
Luminary Berkana just arrived.
Blades glances at Berkana.

Aralyte's Soulstone

Vortelis says, "There was a woman who works with the sorcerer guilds in the Rachis, who gave my name to Archchancellor Malevort for this task."

Berkana grins at Blades.
Missoni smiles at Berkana.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Tierus nods to Berkana in greeting.
Blades flutters his eyelashes at Berkana.
Speaking politely to Berkana, Tierus says, "Scourge."

Vortelis says, "She thinks there is a soulstone involved in causing that shock wave that I would be able to make sense of."

Lylia nods slowly at Vortelis.
Lylia lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Xociral asks, "I have spent more years mapping the valences than I have here, or in what some would say is my homeland. Is veniom not in fashion these days?"

Speaking brightly to Xociral, Tierus says, "Our new friend from the East was just making ill-advised fashion commentary."

Xociral is admiring himself again.

Vortelis asks, "Does veniom ever go out of fashion?"

Lylia removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in her wrap.
Speaking to Xociral, Thrassus says, "It still is, yes."

Vortelis says, "Even in antiquity the Child Argent had a floating capelet of it."

Vortelis says, "That was before they learned how to refine it."

Dwi heartily says, "Beniom floats inna anna out."

Dwi grunts, amused.
Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "Enough veniom can uplift any wardrobe, true."
Raelee asks, "... are there not more pressing queries than the status of local fashion?"
Tearieyes sighs.
Lylia suggests, "Perhaps this is not the time for discussing such --"

Xociral glances at Dwi.

Xociral asks, "What?"

Raelee squints at Tierus.
Missoni gazes in amusement at Tierus.
Leafiara chuckles.
Dwi grunts at Xociral in obvious annoyance.
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni bites her lip.
Raelee nods faintly at Lylia.

Vortelis says, "Yes. This soulstone which supposedly belonged to the missing Palestra."

Admiral Peggyanne arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grim raven made of purple-black light flapping beside her.

Xociral mutters something about rabble.

Blades says, "Start speakin fashion and this one wanders in."
Blades says, "Maybe give em some pointers."
Leafiara marvels, "Night for the record books, when even Lylia doesn't want to discuss fashion."
Leafiara snickers.

Vortelis asks, "The.. what was her name... Thagoria?"

Lylia says, "Thagoria, the Guildmaster, yes."
Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni agrees, "Thagoria."
Skulligei nods at Vortelis.

Xociral reaches up and removes the headband from his platinum hair.

Blades glances at Berkana.
With a gentle hand, Xociral carefully removes the orb from his twisted faenor headband.

Xociral put a murky shadowglass orb in his midnight black satchel.

Xociral removes a petrified aivren egg from in his midnight black satchel.

Xociral gently places his egg in his twisted faenor headband, taking care to arrange it just so.

Vortelis says, "Thagoria seems to think that soulstone is linked to that Palestra, and that it implies the Palestra survives in the Shadows valence."

Xociral dons his twisted faenor headband.

Speaking to Blades, Berkana says, "I still look the same."
Leafiara nods absently.

Vortelis says, "Which is rather staggering, as that was over ten years ago."

Tearieyes peers quizzically at Vortelis.
Leafiara agrees, "Yep."
(Lylia rubs her thumb across the soulstone's dull surface.)

Vortelis glances at Lylia.

Vortelis asks, "Is that it?"

Lylia says, "It is."
Speaking quietly to Bilfords, Dwi says, "Now dey discussin dem elf royal dog-walkers."
Lylia says, "It has not left me for a decade."

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Lylia offers Vortelis a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord.

Vortelis accepts Lylia's red soulstone.

Vortelis says, "I understand."

Lylia nods appreciatively.
Speaking to Dwi, Bilfords asks, "But their Poobah sent them to help with the Ithzir yes?"
Dwi coughs.
Dwi grunts at Bilfords in agreement.

Vortelis says, "I will have to study it for some time, but I will get it back to you later."

Tearieyes glances skeptically at Vortelis.
Raelee surreptitiously glances at Lylia.

Vortelis tilts the soulstone around in his hand.

Speaking quietly to Bilfords, Dwi says, "I hear Yappie's one dem dog-walkers...dat's why he dont know nuffin."

Xociral asks, "Ithzir? What of ithzir? West of the DragonSpine?"

Lylia points out, "Harrower Ersix could perhaps tell you more, but it was Sir Aydan who handed it to me, as he knew it belonged in Faendryl hands."

Vortelis nods at Xociral.

Xociral narrows his eyes.

Skulligei glances at Xociral.
Skulligei squints at Xociral.
Speaking brightly to Xociral, Tierus exclaims, "Don't forget the pyramid. Don't tell me you haven't heard of the pyramid!"
Lylia adds, "He was also a sharp dresser."
Speaking to Xociral, Bilfords says, "Isn't that why you are here."
Bilfords asks, "?"
Tebon nods at Geijon.
Lylia says, "Oh, yes. The pyramid."
Bilfords works his fingers under his mithril greathelm and scratches his head.
Tierus blithely says, "There's a pyramid."
Geijon bows.
Sir Geijon just went southwest.
Skulligei sighs.

Vortelis says, "There have been recent Ithzir invasions here, but strange ones corrupted by the shadows."

Tebon says, "Tha Ithzir that 'ave showed up, 'ave been dispatched wit sum prejudice."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.
Skulligei agrees with Vortelis.
Lylia nods at Tebon.
Tearieyes softly says, "Some that just don't seem to want to die."

Vortelis says, "There was another Ithzir invasion here ten years ago."

Lylia says, "They do not act quite like other Ithzir."

Xociral says, "I am here because the veil is weak and there are more troubling things than Ithzir to deal with, should that present itself."

Skulligei raspily says, "The most recent one was particularly "Shadowy"."
Tearieyes softly says, "Shadow puppets."

Vortelis nods at Xociral.

Dwi grunts, a quizzical look on her face.
Blades yawns.

Vortelis says, "It is a dangerous valence."

Xociral nods respectfully at Vortelis.

Speaking heartily to Blades, Dwi exclaims, "It's finally gittin innerestin!"
Blades glances at Dwi.

Vortelis says, "It would in some ways be better if it was just Ithzir."

Xociral nods in agreement.

Speaking to Xociral, Tierus says, "Ah. So not for submerged buildings erected by geometric purists."

Vortelis says, "This is a strange soulstone."

Raelee glances between Vortelis and Xociral.
Lylia asks, "In what way?"
Missoni ponders.
Archales casts an appraising gaze over his surroundings, seemingly taking in every detail.
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "Nobody erected it there, we shot it down."

Vortelis says, "It feels tethered to a soul."

Leafiara furrows her brow.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Oh. Nifty."
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps a priest can determine more about the spirit it's tethered to."
Lylia says, "It has a song to it."

Vortelis says, "But more specifically, through the veil, much as the links made in certain safety methods of summoning demons."

Vortelis says, "Ah. That must be why that Thagoria dropped my name to the Archchancellor."

Perigourd leans softly against Missoni.

Vortelis taps a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson that he is wearing.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is this an area of particular focus and expertise for you, then?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "So it can be used to summon what is anchored to it?"

Speaking carefully to Thrassus, Tierus says, "It occurs to me that you could have shot it down over dry land."

Vortelis says, "These are chthonic anchors, 'quasi-spheres', that we sometimes use to get our way back to this valence from others."

Speaking to Tierus, Xociral says, "Shapes can be signs and show much when aligned in certain ways. It all can tell a story when you see a larger picture across the stars and embers of another realm."

Speaking heartily to Blades, Dwi says, "Trust me."
Blades asks, "No?"
Tierus nods at Xociral.
Blades accepts Dwi's whiskey-stained canteen.
Blades tilts his whiskey-stained canteen side to side, making the light play off it.
Blades glances at a rusted whiskey-stained canteen in his hand.
Dwi heartily says, "Tree tahoo one..."
Dwi nods at Blades.
Blades carefully inspects his whiskey-stained canteen.
Dwi stares at Blades, tapping her foot impatiently as she waits.
Blades says, "Probably dwarf urine."
Blades slowly empties his lungs.
Blades takes a drink from his whiskey-stained canteen.
Blades falls to the ground with a "thud". He doesn't appear to be moving.
 CS: +315 - TD: +325 + CvA: -10 + d100: +99 - +10 == +69
 Warded off!

Speaking to Thrassus, Vortelis says, "I would say it is the anchor, and something tethered to it might use it to find its way back here."

Blades asks if you have seen his mother.
Dwi cackles!
Dwi heartily says, "Nope."
Speaking idly to Blades, Tierus says, "Really, the best kind."
Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Dwi rolls Blades over.
Blades giggles a little then starts to cry.
Blades's muscles twitch and a strained look crosses his face.
Blades stands up.
Blades stumbles about in a daze, trying to regain his balance.
Berkana pokes Blades in the ribs.
Skulligei works his fingers under his sterling silver crown and scratches his head.
Leafiara gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Xociral yells, "Medic!"

Dwi grunts at Blades happily, grinning.

Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "It was used in a similar fashion to reclaim the outpost."

Xociral points at Blades.

Blades looks drunk.
Speaking to Blades, Bilfords asks, "What does she look like?"
Dwi shushes Xociral!
Blades says, "Worse, Gutstorm urine."
Leafiara chuckles.
Dwi heartily says, "He's fine."
Blades turns to you abruptly and tells you that he loves you.
Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "That's concerning."
Tierus blinks.

Vortelis says, "Like a beacon if there were an opening between our valence in whichever other one."

Xociral stares at Blades.

Speaking to Blades, Lylia says, "Everyone does."
Lylia nods in agreement.
Blades says, "Don't drink the dwarven water."
Blades nods at Xociral.

Vortelis waves the soulstone over the lake and the soulstone faintly glows red.

Tebon glances at a beautiful mountain lake.
Tearieyes softly says, "Red hm."
Missoni furrows her brow.
Bilfords raises an eyebrow.
Berkana glances at Vortelis.
Skulligei raspily says, "It's doin that thing again."

Vortelis says, "I will have to study this more, but it must have been used for something along those lines."

Tearieyes softly asks, "Trusting someone we just met?"
Archales nods slowly.

Xociral says, "It could prove a useful tool for the Clerisy."

Lylia simply says, "He is a Harrower. Of course I trust him."

Xociral nods in agreement at Vortelis.

Skulligei glances at Xorus.
Speaking to Tearieyes, Bilfords says, "They sent a missive saying we had to, or something."

Vortelis says, "It is an innovation, certainly."

Tearieyes softly says, "So he says."
Berkana asks, "Don't we trust people we just meet every day while wandering o'er the continent?"
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Berkana shrugs.
Perigourd asks, "Presuming this is the Blade Aralyte that it's connected to, what do you expect to come back from that realm should she find herself here?"
Tebon furrows his brow.

Xociral glances up.

Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus asks, "So, to hazard a plan--maybe not a plan. Call it a concept of a plan--why don't we just destroy the nefarious glowing soulstone?"
Speaking softly to Bilfords, Tearieyes asks, "How do we know this is the right one?"
Earthdiver rides in on an emaciated black horse.

Vortelis says, "These sphere are very rare, she surely would not have had one."

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "I assume it's tethered to consequences."

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Because while it could be an anchor to lead something here, we can also utilize it to find our way there."

Earthdiver runs his hand along his hat, smiling softly.
Speaking to Tearieyes, Bilfords says, "I think we aren't suppose to question."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Indeed."
Tearieyes gawks at Bilfords.

Vortelis nods at Raelee.

Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Yes, but I like here."
Speaking to Tearieyes, Bilfords says, "We're just rabble."
Lylia firmly says, "She must either be brought back, if that is possible, or she must be cleanly ended, lest she become something worse than Althedeus."
Speaking softly to Bilfords, Tearieyes asks, "Don't question the random guy chanting at a lake?"
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Then you may remain behind. 'Hold down the fort' or whatever the saying is."
Tearieyes laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Vortelis says, "We may need to track down that improbably surviving Palestra. If that is feasible, and not too dangerous."

Archales nods in agreement at Lylia.
Speaking hastily to Raelee, Tierus says, "...well, not precisely here, but geographically adjacent places are delightful."
Speaking to Tearieyes, Bilfords says, "Exactly."
Lylia says, "It is essential to know what is at the other end of that tether."

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "That valence is hideously dangerous."

Speaking to Bilfords, Xociral exclaims, "Oh. Certainly you would not insult rabble by claiming to be one of them. You're dressed far worse!"

Vortelis nods at Thrassus.

Vortelis says, "It is not the kind of valence we would ever ordinarily go."

Speaking hopefully to Raelee, Tierus asks, "Can it be two forts?"
Missoni says, "It does not seem prudent to leave her in such a place."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "If you so wish."

Xociral squints at Bilfords.

Perigourd glances at Missoni.
Speaking to Bilfords, Tebon says, "Oh, he fairs himself a jester an' thinks it's funny now."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Good. I have many furnishings."

Lylia says, "It is too dangerous not to seek her, I feel. I have written letters -- so many letters." She pauses, visibly considering her words. "It is gratifying to see the Basilica has read them."

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Being left and choosing to sacrifice for others are somewhat different."
Raelee takes a moment to observe Lylia.

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Bilfords grins at Tebon.
Xociral glances at Lylia.

Vortelis says, "I think it is something of a scandal that your Emporion channels did not get the more alarming details up to high enough eyes."

Tearieyes furrows her brow.

Vortelis says, "But truthfully, this Palestra was tasked at a very high level, and handlers would not likely have understood fully."

Vortelis says, "I did not know of it in any real detail until I was pulled into this by the Archchancellor."

Dwi quietly asks, "Owlie dont eat puppies...rite?"
Bilfords ruffles the scruffy grey and white fur on the shaggy puppy's head, making his ears flap with the motion.
Bumping Bilfords's hand with his snout, a shaggy grey and white puppy with a plump round-haunched body spins excitedly in a circle, stumpy tail wagging in a blur of motion.
Thrassus says, "It is an understandably difficult to believe bit of information, yes."

Speaking to a shaggy grey and white puppy with a plump round-haunched body, Xociral says, "Careful, you'll get fleas."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia coolly asks, "Our discipline rules all worlds, yet if we do not practice proper husbandry of this one, who are we, truly?"
Tebon glances at Xociral.
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Tebon frowns.

Xociral steeples his fingers together as he glances at Tebon.

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Emporion eyes and ears and hands are everywhere, but they must inform the head."
Lylia clears her throat.
Bilfords asks, "So we are going to try to sve the lady Palestra yes?"
Missoni nods in agreement at Lylia.
Speaking in Faendryl, Tierus says, "I feel like that level of ambition sounds good, but our people struggle to hold much land outside of Rhoska-Tor. Perhaps we should work on bringing our reach up to match our aspirations."
Berkana agrees with Lylia.
Speaking heartily to Bilfords, Dwi says, "Dog-walker."
Speaking in Faendryl to Lylia, Tierus says, "I'm just saying."

Next Steps

Vortelis says, "I will have to eliminate the possible causes of all this one by one."

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee states, "I have a question."

Vortelis says, "Harrower Ersix may be of some use in discerning if that forest is an issue."

Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis asks, "Yes?"

Blades says, "Fired."
Leafiara says, "The wizard guild is pretty close to here, actually."
Leafiara chuckles.

Bilfords asks, "How many Harrowers are coming?"

Speaking to Bilfords, Vortelis says, "As many as it takes."

Blades says, "Probably cause he can't even feed that bloody horse."
Speaking heartily to Bilfords, Dwi says, "Pends onna nummer o' hair cuts needed."

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "A large percentage of your inquiries regarding past events have been... somewhat addressed. But what is your prevailing question moving forward?"

Bilfords nods slowly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Bilfords, Lylia says, "This is twice as many as I have ever seen here before."

Xociral asks, "Is silver still the common currency in the human's lands?"

Skulligei nods at Xociral.

Xociral gazes up into the sky.

Lylia nods at Xociral.
Skulligei tosses a lustrous midnight black apple into the lake. It makes a loud splash and quickly sinks out of sight.
Tierus blinks at Skulligei.
Speaking wryly to Skulligei, Leafiara says, "Hopefully that doesn't somehow make things even worse."
Tierus glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

Vortelis says, "The prevailing question is the true cause of the shadows and Ithzir invasion, and how to cut it off in the simplest way possible without being enmeshed in every minutae of this place."

Skulligei shakes his head.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Those poor fish."
Berkana chuckles to herself.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Tebon shifts his weight.
Speaking to Vortelis, Bilfords asks, "So reinforcing the valence?"
Skulligei raspily says, "This is where I've been comin' to get rid of these things."
Speaking to Skulligei, Leafiara suggests, "Maybe try the volcano."

Vortelis says, "Which I will start resolving by studying this soulstone, and by investigating these various places entangled with this Reach."

Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus says, "At least it wasn't a pear. Then you'd be a real monster."
Berkana smirks.
Missoni nods thoughtfully.

Vortelis says, "We will also have to ascertain the condition of this lost Palestra."

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "Should you avoid that enmeshment, I will certainly admire your success."
Tearieyes glances warily at Vortelis.

Xociral asks, "What presence do we know of that points most strongly to that moment?"

Skulligei raspily says, "I wouldn't give them dis pear. it's all mine."
Leafiara nods knowingly.
Leafiara appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Vortelis says, "If she can be reached. Recovered or otherwise."

Tierus smirks at Skulligei.
Dwi heartily says, "I hope dey dint lose da doggie too."
Bilfords asks, "We think she's in there with the Ithzir?"
Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus asks, "There must be some way to disentangle the Reach from its constant parade of woes. Is that one of your aims?"
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "We saw her again. Not only on the night that we fled the shadow valence where Althedeus was unmade."

Vortelis says, "If the Ithzir are coming from that valence, which is in itself a strange place for them."

Bilfords says, "Maybe she can help close the valence on her way out."

Thrassus says, "I suspect they may be using the link of that soulstone to come here."

Speaking to Thrassus, Vortelis says, "I will have to discern how much this soulstone is responsible for it."

Perigourd glances appraisingly at Thrassus.
Bilfords says, "If she had the soulstone...."
Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni agrees, "A beacon can attract unwanted attention."

Xociral says, "Perhaps the question is when this occurs, rather than where. Such things are not as linear in places between realms."

Vortelis nods.

Leafiara nods slowly.
Bilfords asks, "Hs it occured regularly? Or sporadic?"
Lylia says, "Just so."

Xociral asks, "But that adds an entirely new facet to the conversation, doesn't it?"

Speaking carefully to Xociral, Raelee says, "... we have some expertise in non-linear sequences of events here."
Thrassus says, "It happens whenever the storm above the reach fluctuates, it seems."
Bilfords begins chuckling at Raelee!

Vortelis says, "The mana storm up there seems to weaken the veil when the storm intensifies."

Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus says, "We have witnessed some things, yes."

Vortelis says, "This soulstone could be why it is pointing toward that valence."

Xociral asks, "A storm you say? The one above this large rock?"

Vortelis says, "If indeed that is the valence at fault."

Thrassus nods at Xociral.

Xociral glances up.

Vortelis nods at Xociral.

Tearieyes glances between Xociral and Vortelis.
Speaking slyly to Blades, Dwi asks, "How ye feelin, feller?"
Dwi grunts, amused.
Bilfords says, "Maybe it want to be reunited with the Palestra."
Blades glances at Dwi.

Vortelis says, "The Ithzir invaded here a decade ago because of similar storming."

Dwi winks at Archales.

Vortelis says, "I believe the Palestra wants to be reunited with it."

Blades asks, "I feel like throwing dwarves off reaches. Maybe we can go for a climb?"

Vortelis says, "As it is now here, and not there."

Dwi heartily says, "Bilfords anna me could do a good job walkin der doggies."
Bilfords nods understandingly at Vortelis.

Panoptics on the Fritz

Xociral says, "What a strange place. Things are moving differently here. My panoptic has been incapable of focusing the entire time. Perhaps if I... adjust..."

Xociral reaches up and removes the headband from his platinum hair.

With a gentle hand, Xociral carefully removes the egg from his twisted faenor headband.
Skulligei glances at Xociral.

Xociral put a petrified aivren egg in his midnight black satchel.

Leafiara furrows her brow.

Xociral removes a swirling purple thunderstone from in his midnight black satchel.

Xociral gently places his thunderstone in his twisted faenor headband, taking care to arrange it just so.

Xociral dons his twisted faenor headband.

Vortelis says, "There are a lot of temporal fluctuations with this particular place."

Xociral frowns.

Speaking to Xociral, Thrassus says, "The storm does change the temporal flows, especially at the peak."
Berkana looks thoughtfully at Xociral.

Vortelis says, "But I have heard there are time warps in the Bleaklands as well."

Skulligei raspily says, "Well it IS a magnet, of sorts, for people attempting particularly insane things."
Speaking to Xociral, Raelee says, "... one can witness the moons cycle in minutes."
Thrassus says, "That is true."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "This does explain why I don't have my new shirt yet."
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Perigourd says, "One does dislike temporal magic."
Berkana begins chuckling at Tierus!
Lylia innocently asks, "Oh, has it not yet arrived?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I find it fascinating."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus reassures, "Temporal fluctuations."
Lylia nods understandingly.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "It's certainly interesting, but quite problematic."

Xociral turns the purple thunderstone on his headband as he squints his milky white eyes, concentrating intently.

Lylia says, "Ah, good. Then I am sure that shall soon be rectified, with 'soon' being a highly fluid term, locally speaking."
Tebon scratches his chin.
Tebon folds his arms over his chest.

Xociral winces.

Missoni glances appraisingly at Xociral.

Xociral shakes his head.

Berkana chuckles.
Speaking to Xociral, Raelee asks, "And what do you see? Or not see?"

Xociral says, "It is chaos. Perhaps as though a second fluctuation is moving through the other. It makes my head ache."

Lylia nods slowly.
Speaking to Xociral, Bilfords asks, "Do the different inserts change the resonance somehow? To see different valences?"
Blades says, "Time to head north since no one wants to set the landing on fire tonight. I do enjoy watching it burn."
Blades glances at Dwi.
Blades waggles his fingers mystically. Ooh...impressive.
Lylia chuckles.
Speaking to Blades, Tierus says, "I wouldn't go that far."
Skulligei raspily says, "Sounds like the perfect opportunity to exploit a weak spot if you ask me."
Lylia says, "It seems there is to be no fire tonight."

Vortelis says, "I removed my panoptic earlier from the head aching."

Speaking to Xociral, Raelee says, "If it is the second fluctuation moving through the first, perhaps it is not truly chaos. There is likely a pattern to be found."

Xociral nods respectfully at Vortelis.

Xociral says, "Perhaps that is best."

Speaking to Raelee, Xociral says, "Perhaps more than two. Collisions that form in the mind, as though water coming to a boil."

Xociral reaches up and removes the headband from his platinum hair.

Vortelis taps a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord, which is in his left hand.

Thrassus says, "There was a period of time where phantoms of the past would manifest here and assault the town."
Leafiara wistfully says, "Ah, good times."
Missoni frowns.

Xociral says, "Sometimes having an item from a creature or object infused with the valence's presence in some way helps guide the panoptic to focus properly."

Lylia says, "Good times, and times, and times again."
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus asks, "High taxes? Voting for liches?"
Leafiara chuckles.
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.

Xociral says, "But this is impossible to decipher."

Xorus says, "It can be antagonized with plinite, causing things of the past to manifest. Copies of things from the past."
Lylia nods to Xorus.
Speaking to Xociral, Missoni says, "I did collect the ah...heart, I suppose, from one of the shadows."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni offers Xociral a hazy tenebrous orb.
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "Attacks by forces from decades or more in the past."
Missoni asks, "Perhaps it might help?"

Vortelis glances up.

Xociral accepts Missoni's tenebrous orb.

Tebon casually glances at Missoni.

Vortelis says, "This whole thing really should not exist."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You must have missed it while dispatching it."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking hopefully to Thrassus, Tierus asks, "Any... particular forces?"
Missoni gazes in amusement at Perigourd.

Leafiara asks, "What, the Reach?"

Leafiara glances up.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "I do not miss."
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "None that you are likely thinking of, unfortunately."

Vortelis nods.

Perigourd glances skeptically at Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Unfortunate, although I suppose legs like those only come once in a lifetime."
Missoni leans softly against Perigourd.
Thrassus begins chuckling at Tierus!
Lylia gazes in amusement at Tierus.
Speaking to Leafiara, Bilfords says, "The missive did say something about misusing the power that is here. They seemed mad about it."

Vortelis says, "There is not much I can discern without studying these things and places more."

Vortelis asks, "Were there questions I missed?"

Speaking to Bilfords, Leafiara says, "Makes sense to me after Octaven a couple years ago."
Leafiara says, "...just as the most recent issue..."

Xociral asks, "I will see if I can put this to some use. It will take some time to calibrate the panoptic to this orb, so I may stay awhile. Is there a place of comfort nearby, that isn't scented by old ale?"

Bilfords nods at Leafiara.
Thrassus says, "You'll definiately want to examine the peak, then."
Bilfords says, "That name came up earlier."
Skulligei raspily says, "The chamber up at the top is very interesting."
Perigourd glances expectantly at Lylia.
Speaking to Xociral, Thrassus says, "There is the Spire."

Xociral shows Vortelis his tenebrous orb.

Speaking to Skulligei, Bilfords asks, "Where the moonlight comes in?"

Xociral asks, "Have you seen one of these?"

Skulligei nods at Bilfords.
Bilfords says, "Haven't been up there in ages."
Lylia nods.

Vortelis says, "Interesting."

Lylia says, "The Alabaster Spire is yours to use, should you wish it."

Xociral offers Vortelis a hazy tenebrous orb.

Speaking to Perigourd, Tebon says, "One more, an' I'll end up sayin' sumthin I may regret later."

Vortelis put a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his vortex of shadows.

Tierus helpfully says, "There are also some delightful water tunnels."

Vortelis accepts Xociral's tenebrous orb.

Tearieyes softly says, "Oh I have one of those orbs."
Skulligei raspily says, "There are some picnic blankets set outside to relax on. perfect studying the stars in relative peace."
Tearieyes nods enthusiastically!
Speaking to Xociral, Lylia says, "You might especially enjoy the observatory at its peak."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "I suspect they're more absinthe drinkers than ale."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Thrassus says, "You could say the Spire is our own little slice of New Ta'Faendryl in the region."
Tebon grunts.
Tebon nods slowly at Perigourd.

Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "Just one question: Would it help if I accompanied that soulstone? To answer any questions you might have, of course."

Lylia bites her lip.
Perigourd begins chuckling at Tierus!

Xociral says, "Missoni of Sabretache handed it to me. Perhaps we can attune the panoptic to use it in our investigation here."

Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Entirely."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.

Xociral nods at Vortelis.

Tierus nods at Perigourd.

Vortelis says, "This is like some kind of ambergris or bezoar of shadows."

Vortelis nods at Xociral.

Speaking softly to Lylia, Tearieyes says, "Good idea."

Xociral asks, "This orb was from a creature?"

Tearieyes stares off into space.
Dwi heartily says, "Ew."
Missoni smiles.

Vortelis offers Xociral a hazy tenebrous orb.

Tearieyes nods at Xociral.

Xociral raises an eyebrow in Missoni's direction.

Dwi heartily asks, "Shadows puke stuff out?"
Dwi shudders.

Xociral accepts Vortelis's tenebrous orb.

Dwi stares off into space.
Tearieyes softly exclaims, "I could have told you that!"

Speaking to Xociral, Missoni says, "Yes, one of the ah... shadows that attacked the town."

Tearieyes flails her arms about.
Lylia says, "I hate to tell you, but so do Dwarves sometimes."

Speaking to Lylia, Vortelis says, "Yes, of course."

Xociral nods respectfully at Missoni.

Lylia nods appreciatively at Vortelis.

Vortelis says, "You say you have held onto it for a decade or so."

Xociral put a hazy tenebrous orb in his midnight black satchel.

Leafiara says, "We can probably find a lot more of those orbs during the next attack if they're helpful in any way."
Missoni says, "Sometimes they come along with the Ithzir. They are immune to most forms of attack, save the elements."
(Dwi combs her beard with her fingers!)

Vortelis says, "You may know things I am not thinking to ask."

Lylia says, "It has not left me in all that time."
Speaking to Missoni, Tierus says, "Yes. Surprisingly resistant to lances."
Tierus says, "...I've heard."
Missoni nods sympathetically at Tierus.
Lylia says, "Hard to imagine anything resisting a lance."
Tierus nods at Lylia.

Xociral says, "I will study this a bit more, and see if I can use it as a focus within the panoptic. Even part of a map may prove useful."

Missoni nods appreciatively at Xociral.
Skulligei glances at Xociral and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Speaking to Xociral, Bilfords asks, "You are going to put that orb in your panoptic?"

Vortelis says, "I would like to study one of those entities. Maybe we can capture one of them."

Speaking to Perigourd, Tebon says, "We coul' prolly subdue one fairly easily between us."
Dwi heartily exclaims, "Ober der!"
Leafiara says, "Some of them are much easier to subdue than others--shouldn't be a problem, I don't think."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "If one can contain a shadow, perhaps."
Raelee glances between Vortelis and Xociral.
Thrassus says, "They are able to absorb mana from the ambient flows, so they will be difficult to detain."
Perigourd says, "The ithzir would not be too hard to handle."
Tebon agrees with Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "I wonder."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "We did have one "subdued" it refused to communicate."
Leafiara suddenly says, "Oh, the shadows rather than the Ithzir."
Perigourd says, "The shadows fear light."
Leafiara ponders.

Despanal, Blood Marble, Bleakstone, Plinite, and Hazy Tenebrous Orbs

Xociral asks, "Did someone have any recommendation on lodging nearby?"

Lylia nods at Xociral.

Perigourd asks, "What if we could force one into an arathiel jar?"

Xociral raises an eyebrow in Lylia's direction.

Speaking to Xociral, Missoni says, "I believe the Alabaster Spire was offered."

Lylia says, "You are welcome to the Alabaster Spire. It is the Faendryl Enclave's seat locally."

Tebon says, "Tha Wayside Inn, shoul' be sufficient fer yer needs."

Speaking to Xociral, Vortelis explains, "They are slowly turning the alabaster into a Despanal Spire with their sorcery."

Xociral nods respectfully at Lylia.

Missoni flashes a quick grin.

Vortelis says, "Clever. If long sighted."

Bilfords asks, "Does Helga have a room?"
Lylia says, "From the top of the Spire, one has a very long view."
Lylia smiles.

Xociral asks, "Alabaster, like the constructs found in the old homeland?"

Missoni adds, "And the food is excellent!"
Lylia says, "Just so."
Thrassus says, "Plus we have locust, which is bafflingly hard to come by here."

Vortelis says, "A thousand years from now, that spire and that obsidian tower may be all that still remains here of this time, other than possibly this mountain."

Vortelis says, "Which seems to come and go."

Missoni tilts her head up.
Lylia adds, "And fishcakes. Missoni has seen to those. They are delightful."
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd asks, "Who will catch her fish in a thousand years?"
Missoni nods enthusiastically!
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "We'll have to come back then and--oh. Right."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Perigourd glances appraisingly at Missoni.
Missoni frowns at Perigourd.

Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "It is hard to say whether the mountain will be here then, considering it is not all that solidly here now."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "Hmm?"

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "You will, if I have my way."
Perigourd looks over at Missoni and shakes his head.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Lylia smiles.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That won't happen."

Vortelis says, "Time and space warps seem to be shot through its interior."

Missoni scowls and mutters for a moment, looking rather trod upon.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "The mountain is a construct. A construct can be repaired."
Leafiara nods absently.

Xociral asks, "Was there more than one such storm near here?"

Skulligei glances at Xociral.
Thrassus ponders.

Vortelis says, "There was one over a castle to the west, which is now far to the east in the Bleaklands."

Speaking mildly to Raelee, Tierus says, "I doubt you'd want to be shambling around with a middle-aged me, anyway. I'll be positively distinguished by then."

Xociral nods at Vortelis.

Perigourd nods at Missoni.

Vortelis says, "There is a much smaller mana storm over the obsidian tower to the south."

Tierus disgustedly says, "Respectable, even."
Missoni agrees, "The two were poised to collide."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... and?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "It wouldn't be fun. I like fun."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "I do not."
Tierus can offer Raelee only a blank expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Presumably this is why we get along."
Leafiara snickers.
Leafiara nods knowingly at Raelee.
Perigourd nods at Raelee.
Bilfords appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Raelee glances between Perigourd and Leafiara.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "For someone who does not like fun, you are certainly the source of it often enough."

Vortelis says, "It may bear some scrutiny to understand how exactly that castle got moved into the Bleaklands."

Speaking skeptically to Tierus, Raelee asks, "Am I?"
Speaking to Tierus, Leafiara agrees, "It is astonishing."
Perigourd glances appraisingly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "You sunk a town. That's just... a level of peachy that I strain to describe."

Vortelis asks, "You sunk a town?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "She sunk a town."

Vortelis says, "Impressive."

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "We had intended only to move the storm, but the Talon was being used in the Castle at the time..."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Parts of it are re-emerging though."
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "Technically, I did not."
Tierus thoughtfully asks, "Sank?"
Tierus firmly says, "Sank."
Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "There was chalk."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "And during the Eonforge being activated."

Xociral says, "I did not realize this side of the mountain has such prolific anomalies, or such powerful wizards. Perhaps we should test the Palestra against her instead of the vathor."

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "I created a reaction between two portals that was expanding at an expontential rate and would have eventually swallowed the whole region, if not more."
Xociral nods at Vortelis.
Berkana chuckles.
Vortelis glances at Raelee.
Tearieyes glances at Xociral.
Speaking to Xociral, Tierus says, "Depending upon the test, I'd wager on the Magister."
Leafiara casually says, "Details, details."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Xociral.
Raelee glances between Tierus and Xociral.

Vortelis says, "This must be the one that Ambassador Vespasius said could be helpful to us."

Tierus says, "I took one look at her spellcraft and asked Azorack to teach me how to wield a lance. I haven't regretted it for an instant since."

Xociral asks, "Magister? What is that? Some sort of title I should know about?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee states, "Magister Raelee Svala, and yes."
Bilfords raises an eyebrow.
Skulligei raspily says, "This place is awe-inspiring to say the least."

Speaking to Xociral, Tierus says, "Yes, it means she survived bureaucracy and can make fire."

Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Xociral, Raelee says, "A Mage of the Imperial Hall of Mages."
Speaking to Tierus, Leafiara says, "In that descending order of impressive feats."
Speaking to Xociral, Raelee says, "The quaint collection of colleges that survived after the Arcanum's destruction."
Speaking to Leafiara, Tierus says, "Just so."
Leafiara adopts an agreeable expression.

Vortelis says, "Their Royal Magister is something like our Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy."

Tearieyes rubs her pistachio-hued eyes.
Lylia nods at Raelee.

Vortelis says, "At least up to a point."

Raelee nods at Vortelis.

Xociral says, "Making fire is one quality that I've noted about vathors."

Berkana says, "I'd trust the Magister as well, however, classifying other mages or spellcasters as skilled or of great talent... I think there might be much risky endeavours and just plain stupidty."
Berkana shrugs.

Xociral nods at Tierus.

Speaking to Xociral, Tierus says, "They wasted their wizards, and now there is a Wizardwaste. It's a whole deal."

Tierus looks thoughtfully at Raelee.
Berkana says, "Which results in happy accidents."

Xociral says, "If vathors make fire, and wizards make fire, are wizards vathors or are vathors wizards? This is something I've pondered for many years."

Leafiara gazes up into the heavens.
Berkana smirks.
Tierus glances between Xociral and Raelee.
Speaking to Xociral, Perigourd says, "They are not."
Tierus helpfully says, "After she's had her morning tea, she becomes decreasingly like a vathor."

Vortelis says, "Xociral is a philosopher."

Berkana begins chuckling at Tierus!
Missoni grins wryly.
Speaking proudly to Raelee, Tierus says, "You see, I have your back."
Leafiara snickers.
Speaking flatly to Tierus, Raelee says, "Indeed."

Vortelis taps an enormous blue crystal monolith.

Xociral says, "I'm a cartographer. I only seek to understand the valences, and I often think about my survival while doing so. Among other things."

Vortelis asks, "What is this made of?"

Speaking to Xociral, Raelee says, "Vathors and wizards may simple by two intersecting categories in need of a more universal definition to encompass them both."
Berkana says, "Blue crystal."
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Much of my sweat, among other things."
Perigourd chuckles.
Berkana begins chuckling at Perigourd!
Leafiara interjects, "Figuratively speaking."
Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "Yes, it's fed with crystalline fragments."
Tearieyes laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Thrassus says, "Quite a bit of alchemical work went into that, if I recall correctly."
Skulligei puzzles over an enormous blue crystal monolith.
Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "It was a complicated process to create. Essence of storm, some bleakstone, eye of direwolf, wendigo hair..."
Perigourd says, "I expect Missoni has the alchemical breakdown still."

Speaking to Raelee, Xociral says, "It is far more simple to just accept that everything is a demon, to some extent."

Skulligei raspily says, "I've always wondered what it does."
Perigourd nods.
Skulligei prods an enormous blue crystal monolith with the tip of his finger.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Shimmertine shards too, I believe."
Speaking to Skulligei, Leafiara says, "It moved Darkstone Castle."

Vortelis asks, "Bleakstone?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "I can provide the alchemical formulae, if needed."

Vortelis nods at Missoni.

Skulligei raises an eyebrow in Leafiara's direction.
Missoni nods at Vortelis.
Thrassus gives a slight flick of his wrist, and a sliver of bleakstone suddenly appears in his hand!
Speaking to Xociral, Raelee says, "I have heard others make a similar argument."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.
Skulligei raspily asks, "The one with the talkin' gate?"
Thrassus taps a sliver of bleakstone, which is in his left hand.
Thrassus says, "Here is a small bit of it."
Berkana says, "The silent screams of many frustrated people, too, I imagine."
Speaking to Skulligei, Leafiara agrees, "That's the one."
Skulligei's jaw drops.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Thrassus.
Leafiara chuckles.
Perigourd nods in agreement at Raelee.
Tierus asks, "If we were to erect such pillars in the Bleaklands, could we move Darkstone back here?"
Thrassus offers Vortelis a sliver of bleakstone.
Skulligei raspily says, "Sooo what does it do now? it seems like ti wants to be fed."

Vortelis accepts Thrassus's of bleakstone.

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Though not always accurate."
Speaking eagerly to Raelee, Tierus says, "It could be my second fort."

Vortelis says, "Ah. That makes more sense."

Raelee's expression briefly flickers with bewilderment.
Speaking to Tierus, Missoni says, "The process destroyed the Talon, so I am not sure."
Thrassus says, "It's a small shard of it, but it's a transmuted sort of stone from the Bleaklands."
Speaking to Skulligei, Leafiara says, "It's just dormant since its purpose is complete and nobody's powering it. ...that we know of..."
Leafiara glances at an enormous blue crystal monolith.

Vortelis says, "Curious stone."

Thrassus says, "It has some rather interesting properties."
Tebon shifts his weight.
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "The local hill trolls had mounds of it."
Speaking sagaciously to Missoni, Tierus says, "Yes, well, we'll just have to be more careful next time."
Speaking raspily to Thrassus, Skulligei asks, "Bleakstone?"
Skulligei nods at Thrassus.
Leafiara says, "That type of bleakstone is what the statue was made of that was used as a conduit to start the blight."
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Skulligei raspily says, "VERY interesting."
Missoni agrees with Tierus.
Missoni blinks at Raelee.
Lylia nods at Leafiara.
Tearieyes furrows her brow.

Vortelis says, "I had heard of blood marble from the mines of Talador. I do not know if this substances is related."

Skulligei raspily says, "And what about the monolith near the statue then? it still hums."
Lylia says, "The statue's whereabouts are uncertain. But it was certainly made of bleakstone."
Thrassus nods.
Missoni whispers something to Raelee.

Vortelis offers Thrassus a sliver of bleakstone.

Thrassus says, "It is."

Thrassus accepts Vortelis's of bleakstone.
Lylia removes a small piece of blood marble from in her wrap.
Skulligei glances at Lylia.
Lylia offers Vortelis a small piece of blood marble.
Thrassus put a sliver of bleakstone in his silk longcoat.

Vortelis accepts Lylia's piece of blood marble.

Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Skulligei works his fingers under his sterling silver crown and scratches his head.
Lylia explains, "There was a bit of a craze for it at one time, until the method of manufacturing was revealed."
Lylia says, "People found that distasteful."

Vortelis asks, "Much death?"

Thrassus says, "The bleakstone is transmuted blood marble, I believe."

Leafiara says, "There's still an entire altar of blood marble in the nearby outpost's shrine."

Leafiara chuckles.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Raelee.
Lylia says, "A great deal of death, yes."

Vortelis nods at Leafiara.

Vortelis says, "I heard the Ithzir of Kol Tar'sken avoided that altar."

Vortelis offers Lylia a small piece of blood marble.

Leafiara nods understandingly at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "Yes."
Lylia accepts Vortelis's piece of blood marble.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow in Vortelis's direction.

Speaking to Thrassus, Vortelis says, "I think that is likely."

Lylia put a small piece of blood marble in her wrap.
Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "Everyone's a critic."
Skulligei cackles at Tierus!
Berkana reaches out and touches her bloodstone ring.
Lylia says, "It was one of the few places in the abducted outpost that they did not invade."
Tierus says, "It's a perfectly serviceable altar."
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tearieyes smiles at Tierus.

Rodnay

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd asks, "One presumes you're also aware of Rodnay?"

Thrassus says, "It seems to pop up with regularity in the Bleaklands, though. So either there was far more blood marble made than was thought, or it is being generated wholesale somehow."
Skulligei raspily says, "I have never heard of this blood marble before."
Speaking idly to Tearieyes, Tierus asks, "Though it could use more roses and thorns. Maybe manacles?"

Xociral asks, "For what use what this altar made to accomplish? And when was it used? The equinox? A solstice of note?"

Tearieyes nods at Tierus.
Tearieyes grins.

Vortelis says, "The substance of the Bleaklands is clearly closely related to the shadows."

Vortelis asks, "Rodnay?"

Lylia says, "The altar-stone was placed there by Chaston Griffin, a mad priest who has since been turned into goo."
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus asks, "He's some sort of freak, right?"
Tearieyes softly says, "Rodnay, I have a miniature of them."
Missoni bites her lip.
Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "A...what is the word? Ithzir cambion."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "A boy the ithzir experimented on, I believe."
Leafiara says, "I'm jsut inferring from past conversations that 'cambion' was--"
Thrassus says, "Rodnay is a human-Ithzir cambion that resides in the interior of the Reach."
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "So, yes."

Vortelis says, "Ah. The half-Ithzir."

Xociral asks, "A boy that was experimented on?"

Leafiara concludes, "The term for this."
Thrassus nods at Xociral.

Vortelis says, "I suppose he would not be a cambion in the strictest sense of the word."

Vortelis says, "He began as a human."

Tearieyes softly says, "That doesn't sound pleasant."
Tierus says, "A malformed mutant, then."

Vortelis says, "It sounds as though their human sorcerer criminal, Grishom Stone, made a pact with the Ithzir of Kol Tar'sken."

Vortelis says, "And they used some of his blood magic methods to mutate a child into something like themselves."

Tierus asks, "I hadn't heard that part. Why did they do so?"
Tierus asks, "...is that how Ithzir are made?"
Tearieyes shudders.

Vortelis says, "It is unclear what the details of that pact were, that human seems obsessed with the Ithzir."

Tierus nods at Vortelis.

Perigourd says, "Rodnay seems more powerful than your typical Ithzir."

Leafiara says, "He's coherent most of the time as long as you can parse his riddle-like speech. Well, telepathic speech. But he might still be sleeping and evolving at the moment."

Vortelis says, "The dossiers I have read say it is pupating inside and feeding upon the Reach."

Leafiara nods.
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd asks, "Has he been heard of since the night the Castle moved?"
Skulligei raspily asks, "A...pact? with Ithzir?"

Vortelis nods at Perigourd.

Speaking to Vortelis, Tierus says, "Well, I'm sure that that won't lead to any trouble down the line."

Xociral says, "The Ithzir are quite the fiends. But how they create others of their kind is not something I've put on my schedule to investigate."

Speaking to Xociral, Tierus says, "Budding, perhaps."
Speaking to Perigourd, Leafiara says, "I think Kayse would know best in that regard... she's often who he reaches out to first."

Vortelis says, "The Ithzir as I understand it have some strange reincarnation beliefs. Or perhaps even methods."

Perigourd nods thoughtfully.

Xociral says, "Like a terrible disease..."

Xociral squints.

Skulligei glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Missoni ponders.
Tebon shifts his weight, restlessly leaning back and forth.

Vortelis says, "But this half-Ithzir thing sounds as if it can leverage its powers through the Reach."

Xociral says, "Someone said there was something of note on top of it."

Skulligei nods to Xorus.

Vortelis says, "If it is dormant it would be simpler for us to not deal with the hybrid creature now."

Skulligei flails his arms about.
Xorus smirks.
Thrassus nods at Xociral.
Xorus says, "Not the first time that has happened when I have been around Xociral."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Xorus.
Skulligei hangs his head.

Vortelis nods at Xociral.

Lylia glances between Xociral and Xorus.

Vortelis says, "They can recharge artifacts up there in a chamber."

Xociral says, "I'll have quite the journal entry for tonight, it seems."

Leafiara chuckles.
Skulligei raspily says, "There is also a tunnel you can ride if you are into recreational water stport."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "It occurs to me. I wonder if the focused power there could be used to enhance plinite."

Vortelis says, "Some incredibly reckless wizard warped time to make a rare lunar conjunction happen up there every few minutes."

Xociral nods respectfully at Skulligei.

Xociral says, "No thank you."

Tierus asks, "Especially plinite that has gone dun. After all, it's all just energy of a sort, isn't it?"

Vortelis says, "Saturating his artifacts with power."

Skulligei nods at Xociral.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "I would be willing to test that, yes."
Skulligei glances at Xociral.
Tierus nods with satisfaction at Raelee.

Speaking to Skulligei, Xociral asks, "Are you a scribe?"

Skulligei nods at Xociral.
Skulligei raspily says, "Something of the sort. I like to take notes."

Xociral asks, "Do you have notes for us on this area?"

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee continues, "... I have often contemplated temporal overchanneling - to utilize temporal magic to increase the amount of power one might transfer in any given moment."
Skulligei raspily says, "Nothing we haven't gone over already."

Xociral says, "Very well."

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee continues, "... if you could repeatedly stutter back in time, as it were, and channel the same mana in the same moment, but multiple times over..."
Bilfords asks, "Did we need to show them to The Spire?"
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "As long as you match the resonance?"
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "One would likely need to take care to."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "It could detonate and destroy multiple space-time continua at once. Excellent."

Farewells

Vortelis says, "I know where the Alabaster Spire is, it is over on the other side of the river."

Xociral nods.

Bilfords nods at Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee states, "Possibly."
Thrassus says, "It's fairly easy to find."

Speaking to Vortelis, Xociral says, "I will follow you then, and we will go over some notes as we travel."

Lylia says, "You will find a library, clerical staff, gardens, and a fine kitchen."

Vortelis says, "You could sink a town into another existence. It is the next logical advancement."

Lylia murmurs, "And ask Nallius about the lor trees."

Vortelis nods at Xociral.

Thrassus says, "Do try the locust kabobs."
Thrassus nods.

With a gentle hand, Xociral carefully removes the thunderstone from his twisted faenor headband.

Missoni agrees, "And the fishcakes."

Vortelis says, "I suppose it is late, for this particular location."

Xociral put a swirling purple thunderstone in his midnight black satchel.

Tierus says, "And I will go find myself a tavern with a wait staff that doesn't ask many questions."

Xociral removes a dark-spoked crystalline wheel from in his midnight black satchel.

Bilfords says, "Late for me."

Xociral gently places his wheel in his twisted faenor headband, taking care to arrange it just so.

Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

Xociral dons his twisted faenor headband.

Tebon folds his arms over his chest.
Bilfords says, "Everyone be safe out there."
Leafiara waves to Bilfords.
Bilfords waves.
Tierus nods at Bilfords.
Bilfords gestures.
Bilfords becomes blurred, and then vanishes!

Vortelis says, "I will study this soulstone and see what I can figure out about it."

Tierus flings his arms skyward with a flourish! The silk of his cape surges with the motion, coruscating with incarnadine light. With one final flash of brilliance, he is gone!

Xociral nods respectfully at Vortelis.

Xociral says, "And... I will see about attuning the panoptic to the orb we received."

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "Be well."
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Tearieyes softly says, "It was...interesting meeting you."

Vortelis says, "That could be useful if we have to travel to that valence."

Tearieyes bows with sweeping grace, like a hawk gliding on the wind.
Lylia says, "I should go as well."

Vortelis nods at Lylia.

Leafiara says, "I should be off, but this has been productive and informative, which is refreshing. Bodes well."
Leafiara chuckles.

Xociral nods once at Vortelis.

Missoni smiles.
Tearieyes nods in agreement at Leafiara.
Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "I am stealing you, but you can steal back if you wish."
Lylia reaches over and gently traces Xorus's cheek with her fingertip.
Thrassus says, "I should return to Moot Hall as well."
Imperatrix Lylia's group just went southwest.
Leafiara wishes, "Do have a good evening, all."
Skulligei focuses all of his attention on his vellum, writing carefully with his quill. Satisfied, he considers what he's written.
Tebon grunts.
Skulligei bows.
Leafiara raises an open palm to her mouth, purses her lips, and blows a gentle kiss into the air.

Xociral says, "Enjoy the stars."

Her hand lowered, Missoni gives a subtle wave.
Tearieyes gestures.
Tearieyes becomes blurred, and then vanishes!
Leafiara nods rhythmically.
Leafiara invokes a guiding spirit, imploring it to return her to safety...
Leafiara gestures.
Leafiara becomes blurred, and then vanishes!
Thrassus grins.
Missoni wishes, "Enjoy the Spire."

Vortelis says, "The Alabaster Spire is over this way..."

Xociral says, "There are not often stars where I go."

Vortelis flicks his wrist and tears open a rift.

Skulligei's jaw drops.
Skulligei seems slightly different.
Thrassus nods once.
Thrassus gestures crisply and utters a practiced phrase as raw elemental energies issue forth from his dimly glowing eyes.
Thrassus gestures.
The shadows around you twist and undulate towards each other until they converge into a pillar of darkness with indistinct edges.
Thrassus steps into the pillar of darkness.
The pillar of darkness ripples for a moment as it separates into shadows that recede into the darkness from which they came.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives a subtle wave.

Vortelis steps through the rift.

Xociral slips through the rift, vanishing from sight.