Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)

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Synposis

Harrower Moravius Faendryl arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source in another valence, most likely the Shadow Realm valence, and that they are not actually being killed during invasions but merely banished back temporarily.

Moravius said its animate matter or flesh is unnatural, but is now being rejuvenated in a self-sustaining process, owing to how it feeds on the mana of its surroundings and the powers reminiscent of Sacrifice methods with shadow essence. He said it is apparently not a mere animate, but retains something of a more sentient or sapient source through the veil. He noted the complication of ordinary Ithzir being reincarnated energy beings.

There was discussion on more than one point about to what extent this thing is unliving and the nature of how it works.

There was discussion on how to trace mana through the veil from the shadows or shadowy Ithzir eating it. The ideas from several people generally involved using pure elemental mana as a contrast or dye, which would stand out in the background of shadows, which Moravius said is what bleeds through the veil into shadow valences. There was discussion specifically of Dark Catalyst, as the shadows eat mana, but they are susceptible to having this ignited into elements that way.

Missoni had submitted a proposal to Vortelis for a device to capture a shadows entity with mirrors. Moravius said he would give others more time to submit other proposals.

There was also discussion on whether to try to "triangulate" with this mana through multiple entities, as Moravius has been doing so far during invasions, or if they would prefer to try to capture one and try to trace a thread through the veil with a controlled captured entity. People mostly preferred the latter. There was some confusion later on the distinction. Triangulation as a concept involves using several references to calculate a source location.

Moravius noted that the shadow entities, once they have siphoned off all your expendable mana, then begin stripping spells off you instead when they drain your power. It was suggested by people that a spell could be "seeded" on a target for tracing purposes in this way as well. There was a question of whether to use an elemental mana source (especially plinite) or "live bait" for the shadows. People generally preferred live bait, and questioned whether the low-grade pseudo-plinite of the Confluence is potent enough to be a real lure for the shadow entities. ("Plinite" really refers to the high concentration stuff artificially invented by Plin, the Confluence "plinite" is a naturally occurring much weaker analog.)

Moravius also said he wishes the locals to suppress hostile forces deep in the Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador, for him so that he can assess the viability of entering the Shadow Realm through the rifts in that place. Tierus questioned whether the Faendryl had sought permission from the Emperor, for which Moravius was dismissive. Moravius implied to Perigourd that the Harrowers do not want to involve the Armata in the lands claimed by humans. He also said that while Vespasius might be open to invading Northwatch, the Patriarch is likely not interested. There was also some noting around the Hall of Mages, where Raelee also does not want herself officially present, so as to not be on the hook for having authorized anything.

The net effect being no one really wants the Turamzzyrian authorities involved in that. Moravius said he is leaving all political considerations to Ambassador Vespasius Koryth Faendryl, who a month earlier had issued an ultimatum statement basically telling the Turamzzyrian Empire to not interfere with them. (Technically, this discussion was happening inside the borders of the Barony of Darkstone, but Talador is a significantly older claim.)

Moravius also noted that Vortelis will want to go see the bleakstone statue of Lylia soon. Which is in another less dangerous part of the Bleaklands. Moravius did not mention the Ithzir pyramid, recharging the soulstone, Harrower Ersix or the roots and Deadfall, nor Harrower Xociral and the hazy tenebrous orbs.

Previously in Lost Palestra:

Log

Most background ambients, verb actions, greetings and farewell, and other noise has been cut out. There is a zested Ithzir prop in the room, its messaging is italicized.

Preceding

[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 mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

>look gibbet
Vicious barbs and spikes protrude the limbs and torso of the shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, whose reanimated corpse writhes within an exotic cage of low steel bands hovering off the ground.  Its skull has been trepanated with shadowglass, through the trio of black tattooed stripes over the crown of its bald, blue-skinned head.  It has been ripped open in unliving vivisection.  Its chest is a hollow cavity of darkness, except for faintly glowing essences, and flesh vainly failing to melt into shadows.

[General] Moravius thinks, "Good evening."

Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

[General] Lylia respectfully thinks, "Good evening to you."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "... has it said anything else?"

Lylia says, "Something like "Hor Kla val ptath," although I am probably mangling the pronunciation."

[General] Moravius thinks, "I stepped away momentarily.  But the creature is pliable and restrained."

Skulligei just arrived.

Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

[General] Lylia thinks, "The word 'kla' is interesting to me. It puts me in mind of 'klaloc,' the word that was written on the railing at Moot Hall. Quintessence, or the vital power. Blood, perhaps."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It sounds... confused. Several interrogative words strung together."

Missoni cheerfully says, "Hello again."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee adds, "... and greetings."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee adds, "... I think."

Missoni cocks her head.

Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.

Lylia nods slowly.

Skulligei cocks his head.

[General] Lylia thinks, "My compliments to those responsible for maintaining it in such a state."

Thrassus leans on his staff.

[General] Tierus thinks, "They're probably preparing for its campaign for Mayor."

Missoni folds her hands.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is an etomological connection in their tongue. Kla... perhaps translating most directly to 'how' is indicating something about the basic 
existance..."

Missoni tilts her head up.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was going to note that we have never had an undead mayor, but Cruxophim had aspects that were surely not entirely lively."

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Thrassus smirks.

Raelee nods absently.

Lylia confesses, "I am not entirely certain that the language has roots and suffixes the way Common and Kannalan and Elven languages do. Although it seems likely."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Raelee says, "A language without such would certainly be... unusual."

Thrassus says, "Well, it is alien to our valence after all."

Lylia says, "Given how they communicate amongst themselves, it might not be necessary for them."

Lylia says, "A pity Thadston is not nearer. He no doubt had a great deal of experience with their language."

Thrassus says, "He'd just pummel it into mush."

Lylia snickers.

Missoni says, "Certain words do seem to follow a pattern of roots and suffixes, like johm, which is birth, and johmno, which is death."

Thrassus says, "Along with the cage it is in."

Lylia says, "Probably, although his horror of them is earned."

The voice of Tierus says, "One really must wonder how intelligent the Ithzir are."

Skulligei removes a dark parchment from in his black leather pouch.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni admits, "Of course it has been a while since I studied Ithzir."

Raelee says, "A more complex concept building upon the etomology of a simpler one."

Skulligei glances at a dark parchment and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

The voice of Tierus says, "After all, they've been puttering about in our ruins for a couple of decades without doing anything of value."

Lylia nods.

The voice of Tierus says, "Even the aelotoi managed to build a village out of *their* elven ruins."

Skulligei taps a dark parchment, which is in his right hand.

Lylia gazes with interest at Skulligei.

Missoni asks, "But how could our ruins be improved upon?"

Lylia says, "Their ruins were considerably less ruinous."

Missoni says, "They are clearly the very best of ruins."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... by not being ruined."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd suggests, "Fewer demons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It was a calculated ruination."

Missoni just nudged Perigourd.

The voice of Tierus asks, "I say, did you think I meant 'runes'--that is to say, magical writing--or 'ruins'--a set of destroyed buildings?"

Missoni says, "The latter."

The voice of Tierus says, "Ah. I am glad we don't have confusion like that often."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Something on that parchment in your hand seems to be quite absorbing."

Raelee says, "... proper enunciation helps."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Skulligei raspily says, "Just an idea."

Skulligei offers Lylia a dark parchment.

Lylia accepts Skulligei's dark parchment.

Lylia nods slowly.

Lylia offers Skulligei a dark parchment.

Skulligei accepts Lylia's dark parchment.

Skulligei raspily says, "Unfortunately, my magical skills are a bit lacking."

Skulligei tries to eat his dark parchment.

Skulligei put a dark parchment in his black cloak.

Lylia admits, "I do not know the extent of such magic, if it allows understanding of all languages or only those someone has heard before."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Raelee asks, "What is the idea?"

Lylia says, "Although I have heard enough Ithzir that...well. possibly."

Unliving Ithzir?

Harrower Moravius just arrived.

[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 Harrower Moravius, a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Skulligei, (Tierus who is invisible), Perigourd, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

Lylia explains, "Magical comprehension of language."
Missoni smiles.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Skulligei raspily says, "Exactly my thought."
Missoni nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.

Harrower Moravius says, "Good evening."

Skulligei nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Perigourd gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd ponders.
The voice of Tierus says, "Is it? I hadn't noticed."

Harrower Moravius says, "I trust you have become acquainted with our guest."

Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and grins.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.

Lylia says, "Yes. I admire the craftsmanship."
Missoni says, "Quite."
Thrassus says, "A bit, yes."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "One often treats their guests better."

Perigourd nods slowly.
Lylia says, "Any time we do not have blood rains and tempests, it is a good evening around here."
Lylia chuckles.

Harrower Moravius says, "It was more of a vivisection that I expected."

Tierus suddenly fades into view.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How?"

Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Tierus says, "Proper preparation prevents that sort of thing."
Skulligei nods.
Tierus nods to Perigourd in greeting.
Lylia says, "If they wanted to be guests, they should show better manners."
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Harrower Moravius says, "It had seemed to merely be a reanimated corpse, but there is still much of what it 'is' still about it."

Lylia nods to Moravius.
Lylia says, "I thought that was unusual! My animates are never so garrulous."
Thrassus says, "That's unusual, yes."
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Language."

Tierus asks, "What have you discovered?"

Missoni asks, "I suppose it is more than just a sympathetic response to the stimuli then?"

Harrower Moravius says, "It is stubbornly persistent in its difficulty to distinguish between being a shadows corrupted Ithzir or some sort of shadows counterfeit manifestation."

Speaking flatly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "Disappointing."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How have you attempted to differentiate?"

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "So....we need more of them...for science."

Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir have bones and blood, blue blood as I recall."

Thrassus asks, "Do we need a more 'normal' speciment of Ithzir here for comparison?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "I have no trouble slaughtering them if need be."
Missoni agrees, "It is an easy task."

Harrower Moravius says, "The trouble is that what we know of them is that they are incarnated energy beings.  According to their death religion."

Skulligei raspily says, "I'll wait here and protect the snack truck."
Skulligei glances southwest.
Lylia grins at Skulligei.

Lylia says, "Whenever you get religion tangled in, everything becomes messier."

Harrower Moravius nods.

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Depends upon the religion."
Perigourd chuckles.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "And a lack of blue blood does not disqualify either possibility, not truly."

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Does it? Most things claiming to be gods aren't."
Speaking thoughtfully to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "This fellow had no blood, then?"

Harrower Moravius says, "It has what seems to be black blood, but that boils into shadows, which then merge again with its body."

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods.
Lylia says, "I noticed that."
Lylia says, "Observe."

Lylia scratches down the forearm of the shadowy Ithzir, effortlessly making its flesh rip loose as if it were being flayed. The mutilated flesh immediately degenerates into shadows. The shadows move away from the arm, but the spikes and bands of the gibbet glow, making the shadows recoil and the Ithzir thrash in torment.

Harrower Moravius says, "We have trapped it from escaping, but it resists being torn apart."

Lylia removes a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip from in her wrap.
Missoni says, "It *looks* as though the shadows wish to escape, but they are being held."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I believe it does, as some seem above the general pettiness of power."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia maneuvers the pointed tip of her glass nail file beneath her fingernails in sweeping arcs to clean them.
Thrassus says, "I assumed that was an effect of whatever conversion process it went through."
Lylia put a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip in her wrap.

Missoni asks, "Are they puppeting these Ithzir, then?"

A few robed Faendryl toss a mysterious orb over the lake, which suspends mid-air, then shoots up into the storm out of sight. One of them tears open a rift and disappears through it.

(note: that is a room ambient at Lake Eonak right now, it is kept here because people reacted to it)

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

Tierus puzzles over the shadowglass shard protruding from the skull of the shadowy Ithzir. For a moment he locks eyes with the Ithzir, then painfully shakes his head, breaking away as the Ithzir thrashes and the shard pulses.

Lylia asks, "Or bound inextricably with them, as sugar mixed with salt? Can they even be separated?"

Harrower Moravius says, "I will need to capture one of those shadows entities to see if there is anything Ithzir about it."

Missoni nods in agreement.

Tierus says, "Some sort of lingering sentience to it."

Skulligei tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Skulligei. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Lylia asks, "The mirror trap?"

Harrower Moravius nods at Lylia.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei reaches out and touches a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Harrower Moravius says, "The low steel is for the psionic and extraplanar qualities, the shadowglass is mostly to keep its head bound in that place on its body."

Missoni nods understandingly.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni approvingly says, "Effective."
Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Harrower Moravius says, "The sorcery used to reanimate it is more or less self-perpetuating now."

Thrassus asks, "Those essence motes, do you think that is part of its normal physical makeup or are they remnants of its feeding process?"

Thrassus nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Speaking nonplussedly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "At the risk of sounding unimpressed, have you learned anything of value at all about the creature through your... artistry?"

Tierus throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.

Perigourd casually glances around the area.
A rolton trots in!
Skulligei clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

Tierus's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...
Tierus gestures at a rolton.
The ground beneath a rolton begins to boil violently!
Craggy debris explodes from the ground beneath a rolton!
[SMR result: 440 (Open d100: 61)]
 ... 55 points of damage!
 Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!
The rolton bleats loudly as he collapses to the ground in obvious pain and favors his mangled left hind leg.
The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.
The ground beneath a rolton suddenly calms.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Harrower Moravius says, "It was originally the sorcerous essence used to reanimate it.  When it feeds from the mana of its surroundings, that is getting replenished."

Missoni tilts her head down.
Tierus glances at Missoni.
Tierus glances at Raelee.
Tierus whispers something to Raelee.

Harrower Moravius says, "The particular nature of the shadow essence has it behaving much like the sacrifice methods."

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

Harrower Moravius says, "It is able to rejuvenate its flesh."

Tierus nods slowly to Moravius.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Can it rejuvenate a limb?"

Missoni muses, "I noticed that when I scratched it."
Tierus asks, "Is its flesh actually flesh at all?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I don't think it really has "limbs" as we do...it will simply re-form them from it's....whatever."

Harrower Moravius says, "Most likely.  If not immediately, then eventually."

Perigourd says, "I've yet to see an Ithzir do so of it's own accord."

Harrower Moravius says, "No.  I would not think an ordinary Ithzir could."

Thrassus asks, "So are we even truly killing them when they make their raids, or are they merely going back to the shadow valence to reincorporate?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Good question."
Tierus looks thoughtfully at Thrassus.

Harrower Moravius nods at Thrassus.

Harrower Moravius says, "I suspect it is the latter."

Thrassus says, "That is not good."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.

Harrower Moravius says, "I think this one being stuck here has the door left a slight crack open."

Lylia says, "I appreciate metaphors about the futility of action as much as anyone, but that is a bit too literal for my tastes."
Thrassus says, "It means they can keep this up forever."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Missoni sighs, "Wretched."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Efficient and sustainable."
Thrassus nods.

Harrower Moravius says, "It does seem to be unnatural animate matter.  Its flesh."

[General] Cassis asks, "Wasn't mayor walker undead?"
[General] Peggyanne thinks, "A death knight..."

Lylia nods.

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "He even has a limited edition death knight siegery."

Skulligei raspily asks, "Does it have muscles? or simply shaped flesh?"

[General] Cassis thinks, "I mean, so there is president."

Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.

Tierus says, "I wonder if they can be obliterated in their home valence."

Harrower Moravius says, "Closer to shaped flesh, in the sense that it seems to revert, in and out of shadows."

Harrower Moravius nods at Tierus.

Skulligei nods.

Harrower Moravius says, "We will probably have to go there to actually put them down."

Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I have wondered that often."

Tracing Mana Through Veils

Harrower Moravius says, "This is at a strange intersection of demonology and necromancy.  But I do think their feeding draws mana through the veil to their sources."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "And if they could no longer access that mana?"

Skulligei gazes with interest at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Then we can find their source, after all."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.

Harrower Moravius asks, "This one by itself is just a trickle.  Did any of you have ideas on how to trace the mana?"

Tierus says, "Alternatively, we could determine how to control them ourselves."
Missoni says, "Flames of essence, like the sort we draw upon when we cast Dark Catalyst, are drawn to mana. I thought perhaps we could use that to trace a path."

Harrower Moravius says, "I think we would only be delaying things to try to block them off here.  There are partly formed rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "I had thought it might be feasible to mark a being's essence for tracking, then feed it to them the next time they attack."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "While mana is mana... do you find that they are typically feeding via one method or another? Mental? Elemental?"

Lylia says, "I was working on some notes in that regard, but it is hard to speak of it except in metaphorical fashion."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "They could be useful. Also quite risky, though."

Harrower Moravius says, "They seem to drain from all kinds of magic wielders."

Perigourd says, "Beings ought to attend their own valences."
Perigourd grunts.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "But the output? If we could introduce something unique, an typical formation..."

Raelee says, "Atypical formation, rather..."

Raelee clears her throat.
Lylia says, "They drain from all wellsprings of magic, and you wish to trace where the flows of essence lead."
Earthdiver rides a fluffy white cat out of the starlit doorway.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Earthdiver a subtle wave.
The mechanical arm on Earthdiver's belt comes to life, making a waving motion at Missoni.

Harrower Moravius says, "An output?  The Ithzir cause yellow crystalline formations as they drain mana, and those shadows entities form those tenebrous orbs in them."

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "We could reshape them into something more appealing, mind you."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Tierus.

Raelee says, "Perhaps I am not phrasing the question correctly..."

Harrower Moravius says, "You have to wonder if they are being controlled by some force."

Raelee asks, "They drain from all manner of sources, but when the mana goes back to their valence, is it being sent in a uniform fashion? Once the mana is captured... how is it being transferred on?"

Missoni cocks her head.
Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

Tierus knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.

Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows themselves bleed through the veil to the valences similarly constituted.  So if I am understanding your Common, it would be a sorcerous mode of transference."

Tierus smiles in spite of himself.

Missoni asks, "If they are not being directly controlled, then there is a cause for their presence that is not mere consumption of mana, perhaps?"

Missoni says, "But we may not know that, until we trace the mana back."

Harrower Moravius nods.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is a way to force a thread of another mode. An elemental thread to follow amongst the shadow and sorcery."

(Tierus continues poking and prodding at the Ithzir absently.)

Harrower Moravius says, "For all we know right now, they might be directed, by the same thing antagonizing the storming the Reach."

Skulligei raspily says, "When trying to find a path through an unknown cave, scented smoke is often used to find the path of airflow. maybe you can do something like that...but...magic-y."
Missoni cheerfully says, "Like flames of essence."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

Harrower Moravius nods.

Harrower Moravius says, "That could stand out against the background."

Raelee says, "... the complication being, of course, that mana changes forms as it is utilized. Thus finding a way for it to not be so altered as it is processed through the Ithzir..."
Perigourd says, "Much like me on a demonic plane."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Lylia says, "I was thinking along those terms, albeit with a different metaphor, as Missoni noted about flames of essence. A sort of...stain, a dye, to use an analogy, that we could more easily see as it moves."

Speaking absently to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "Are you certain it can't feel pain like this?"

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Speaking encouragingly to Lylia, Missoni says, "Glitter."
Raelee quietly says, "... I think that is precisely what I am saying..."
Skulligei raspily says, "It certainly seems to...."

Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking eagerly to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Yes, best to be certain."

Tierus suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.

Harrower Moravius says, "It has earned some pain."

Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... is my common failing me here?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I may have missed it when the Harrower suggested it does not feel pain."
Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd agrees, "I think the armor would be a dead giveaway on most planes."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Sorry, I was distracted."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the beard."

Harrower Moravius says, "It sounds you are all saying much the same thing."

Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Yes."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I'm uncertain that elemental magic alone can be used to interface with such a thing."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Tierus says, "There may be some fundamental incompatibilities."
Raelee scrubs her hand over her long copper red hair in frustration.
Earthdiver pokes his finger at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Harrower Moravius says, "The dark catalyst works by destabilizing the mana, which spontaneously erupts into the various elements.  Which will ignite inside even those shadows entities which feed on power."

Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

Harrower Moravius says, "So we are looking to trace the elemental mana as it that flow is trespassing the veil."

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those fundamental incompatibilities could be useful. Something that is not processed and converted and thus easier to follow."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I see."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "To your question, given that it is technically unalive, I would think it definitional that the creature cannot feel pain."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That depends upon the direction of the combustion."

Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows by themselves would exclude wide sets of valences.  The elements would help sight out which exactly it is leading."

Perigourd nods at Missoni.

Unliving and Anti-Magic

Tierus says, "However, this does not appear to be merely an impression of agony."

Tierus tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Tierus. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.

Harrower Moravius nods.

Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Tierus smiles again, his eyes almost feverishly intent as they study the Ithzir.
Missoni glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can this thing still speak?"
Tierus clears his throat.
Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus turns around.
Earthdiver pounds a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Earthdiver shrugs.
Speaking to Skulligei, Missoni says, "I heard it say something about how it cannot move earlier."
Lylia says, "Somewhat, yes."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni shrugs slightly.
Skulligei raspily says, "Most interesting."
The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

Harrower Moravius says, "Animates can sometimes parrot the phrases that were known by their corpses."

Earthdiver stomps down hard with one of his black boots.
Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a giant ovate leathery winged cockroach's presence.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni says, "The shadows did seem to respond, in a way, but perhaps they were only parroting as well."
Earthdiver climbs down from the black leather saddle on a black horse and carefully detaches some frayed black reins from his bit.
Earthdiver put some frayed black reins in his black shirt.

Lylia says, "It would not parrot phrases about being bound. Nor say 'help me,' I would imagine."

Thrassus asks, "So we infuse something with, say, an overabundance of fire attuned mana and feed it to the Ithzir before it burns up. Then, we trace that same mana back to the souce?"
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "The V'reen would speak as well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I haven't heard of others saying such things. perhaps being disconnected, as it were, is having some effect on it's mind."

Harrower Moravius says, "But if this is some kind of manifestation, an incarnation, projected through the veil, it might be linked to something more sentient or sapient than an animated dead."

Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Yes. Though the question is whether the Ithzir will process it or not."
Missoni says, "Yes, there may be a collective."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... if you send me mana spiritually, I can still toss the elements about with it, after all."
Skulligei raspily says, "Normally, Ithzir are a collective, as I understand it."
Missoni agrees with Skulligei.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "True."
Missoni asks, "But are the shadows, also?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Likely, more literally acting as a single entity."

Harrower Moravius says, "It is certainly more interesting than I was expecting when I was sent here."

Thrassus says, "But that means we need to refine the mana even more before feeding it to them."
Skulligei raspily says, "Rather than a collective."
Speaking lightly to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Worth the trip, I hope."
Lylia grins at Missoni.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "What were you expecting, exactly?"

Skulligei works his fingers under his riveted tin monocle and scratches his head.
Skulligei put a stygian valravn quill in his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei gently closes his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei put a wax-speckled scarlet leather folio in his black leather satchel.
Lylia says, "It is a pity we cannot give them poison and let them take it back to blight the whole hive."
Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can we not?"

Harrower Moravius says, "The most likely thing seemed to be an Ithzir problem that vanished on its own when a cycle of mana storming halted."

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "Nothing seems to sicken them."
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

Harrower Moravius says, "Much as was the case ten years ago."

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus asks, "Perhaps antimagic?"

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "We're not usually that lucky."
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia says, "Anti-magic tends to sicken me."
Lylia chuckles.

Harrower Moravius says, "Those shadow entities are somewhat anti-magical themselves."

Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Thrassus snickers at Tierus.

Harrower Moravius says, "They are resistant to most sorcery."

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Lylia says, "I noticed."

Missoni agrees, "They have used antimagic to their benefit in battle, too."

Harrower Moravius says, "Yes.  Once they have drained you of expendable mana, they begin ripping the spells off you."

Raelee nods faintly at Missoni.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Have you tried shooting them with a pylon?"

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "... that is a good point, actually."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably. I do not recall the results though."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "A spell upon a target could be a method of 'seeding the mana', so to speak."

Missoni ponders.

Harrower Moravius nods.

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni cheerfully says, "Bait."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Magical leeches."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we could place a nearly completed spell within a subject and trace that?"
Skulligei frowns.

Triangulation versus Tracing Threads

Harrower Moravius says, "There is also the matter of whether doing this in the wild, more of a triangulation, or capturing one of the shadow masses similar to this Ithzir and following a thread."

Missoni says, "The latter seems more controlled, and more likely to yield a good result."

Harrower Moravius nods.

Thrassus says, "Agreed."
Raelee nods faintly.

Tierus asks, "I wonder if we might gorge one of these things. What would happen if we were to feed it too much mana?"

Skulligei raspily asks, "I don't suppose I could have one of it's eyes? or would it just melt away when taken from the main body?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it would explode."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Tierus asks, "Would it simply pop like an overstuffed goose?"
Skulligei takes a dented riveted tin monocle framing a fresh violet eye off his head.

Harrower Moravius says, "Like a mosquito made to rupture from being unable to pull off."

Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Pate. Delightful."
Skulligei carefully pries a fresh violet eye out of a dented riveted tin monocle.
Skulligei carefully fastens a dented riveted tin monocle around his head, positioning it over his right eye.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect it would probably just dissapear ephemerally back unto it's own valence."
Lylia nods.
Perigourd says, "We saw some of them seem to melt away during the last breach."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Perhaps if I had a shadowglass needle to pin it into shape."
Skulligei laughs!

Harrower Moravius says, "Capturing one the shadows will likely require constructing some apparatus.  I know that Vortelis just received one from the Missoni Sabretache, but I can give you more time to imagine up possibilities."

Missoni nods appreciatively.
Tierus nods.

Harrower Moravius says, "This 'Ishzir' we just had to keep bound, preventing it from slipping away."

Speaking to herself, Raelee mouths, "... Ishzir..."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "Ithzir-ish."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Perigourd asks, "If they're attracted to mana, could you not bait whatever trap with an essence core or so?"
Perigourd says, "I'd say plinite, but I'm not sure I'd want to see one that fed on it."
Lylia says, "They seem to like living sources. But possibly."
Thrassus says, "Or just put a volunteer in the trap."
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I would."
Speaking quietly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "We could use some of that so-called plinite from the Confluence."

Harrower Moravius says, "It is most likely, almost certainly, the Shadows valence.  The same one as the lost Palestra, given the concordance of evidence.  But even if we knew that for certain, a tracing would help find where within the valence to look."

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Would they even be attracted to it? It has... so little power."
Raelee says, "It is akin to tossing crumbs."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perhaps we should rename it sigh-nite."
Tierus asks, "Lie-nite?"
Tierus ponders.
Lylia nods in agreement to Moravius.
Lylia snickers at Tierus.

Skulligei throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply.  Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.

Skulligei winces.

Skulligei raspily says, "Sorry."

Harrower Moravius says, "It would rip you apart if it could."

Missoni shakes her head at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and clucks her tongue.
Skulligei nods.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "You're not concerned that leaving this valeence open a crack is allowing it to communicate back to the source?"

Perigourd glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Perigourd asks, "And thus it might understand everything we've been speaking about?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "They don't seem to have much of a mastery of Common."

Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir can read our minds.  They do it often enough when they come here during the storms."

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

Harrower Moravius says, "It seems more of a sooner or later matter."

Speaking to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "Renta ti?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But they have been known to speak Tehiri."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder...."
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.

Another sorcerer walks over and speaks to Harrower Moravius, gesturing at the lake and storm, making adjustments to his twisted faenor headband.

Harrower Moravius nods.

(note: this is just Moravius reacting to that room ambient involving him)

Lylia says, "They can learn to speak whichever languages the person whose head they currently invade speaks."

Lylia suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Perigourd grunts.

Tierus reaches into the gibbet and wrenches with the bar of the scold's bridle as the shadowy Ithzir shouts "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!" When gagged by it, the mouth dematerializes into shadows, reforming in multiple places. The mouths exclaim, "Hor? Kla val ptath?" Then they collapse back into its head, and the Ithzir's mouth is once more gagged.

Earthdiver says, "So how are we building this triangulation device."

Lylia says, "Good question."
Lylia grins at Earthdiver.
Skulligei squints at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Lylia says, "I have been largely silent as I sort it all out in my mind."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

Harrower Moravius says, "Well.  Vortelis has one proposal from th... from Missoni, for capturing the shadows, but I would be willing to give you all time to come up with ideas for apparatus."

Earthdiver asks, "Are we using plinite as the power source?"

Harrower Moravius says, "Since it seemed to be favored to capture one first."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Tierus says, "I think the Harrower is correct. The lure must be living."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "It has not been decided. But it is likely impractical."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "We would have to source some plinite of value first."
Skulligei glances at Raelee and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "I concur. A living lure is best."
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "Wait, are we luring, or triangulating?"
Earthdiver looks rather confused.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "Both. Luring in order to impart something that can be utilized to triangulate."
Lylia says, "Yes. Luring it to one spot, wherein it may be trapped."

Political Considerations

Tierus says, "Unless we were to invade Northwatch and take their plinite, but that adds extra steps to this whole endeavour."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Earthdiver says, "Right. I am just curious about the triangulation mechanism. Not the luring."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a lich would stop us."
Perigourd nods slowly.

Harrower Moravius says, "Vespasius might be open to that, but I doubt the Patriarch wishes to do such invasions."

Tierus nods sagely at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Well, former lich."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "For--"
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "It hasn't precisely worked well for other elven houses, for whatever that's worth."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.

Skulligei raspily asks, "And we are doing this....where? the Bleaklands?"

Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "The core concept is to 'pollute' the mana it draws and passes on to create a traceable thread."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... and this plan is not even an hour old. Details are to be determined."
Earthdiver says, "Ah."

Harrower Moravius says, "That is another matter. I will want you all to help secure the surroundings in the deep Bleaklands."

Tierus says, "Triangulation implies that we must 'seed' more than one of these creatures."

Harrower Moravius says, "Ideally within the next two weeks."

Earthdiver says, "I was excited for the triangulation math. Perhaps I am getting ahead of things."
Lylia says, "Like smoke drifting in a passage to indicate the direction of a draft, as Skulligei noted."
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni asks, "Should we build a base of operations there?"
Skulligei nods.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Don't you have an Armada for that?"

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Lylia chuckles.

Harrower Moravius says, "This is in the depths of it near the ruins of Talador itself.  Which is very intense with hostile forces."

Harrower Moravius asks, "You would have us bring the Armata to the Barony of Talador?"

Skulligei nods.
Missoni shifts her weight.

Perigourd says, "I suppose not, no."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

Harrower Moravius nods.

Lylia mildly says, "It might create big feelings."
Skulligei raspily says, "We're going to need more than an Armada if these things are allowed to accumulate power."
Tierus says, "I suspect all-out war with Turamzzyr would be just as unnecessary as an invasion of Northwatch."

Harrower Moravius says, "There are rifts to the Shadow Realm valence in the deep Bleaklands."

Skulligei nods.

Harrower Moravius says, "I wish to ascertain if they are useful for traveling there more safely than through this lake."

Tierus asks, "Do you plan to seek the permission of the Emperor?"

Perigourd nods grimly at Missoni.

Harrower Moravius smirks.

Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus says, "I doubt they have any controlling presence that deep in the Bleaklands to begin with."
Skulligei gazes with interest at the midnight black apple in his hand.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

Harrower Moravius says, "The Emperor can come speak to me in the Bleaklands."

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Nonetheless, it is within their borders, and humans are highly territorial creatures."
Missoni grins wryly.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "The subtle thing to do would be to engage in all of the necessary niceties."
Thrassus rolls his eyes.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus adds, "I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a Magister of the Hall will most likely be present."
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "It's not going to be an army."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That makes this vastly worse, not better."
Lylia coolly says, "If they wish Faendryl help dealing with a problem that affects us all, then they will have to accept Faendryl solutions."
Missoni says, "Just a few of us on a weekend jaunt."
Speaking mildly to Lylia, Tierus says, "Ah, I wasn't aware that they had asked for our help. Let us carry on, then."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "For then, the Royal Magister inquires to *me* why I authorized this. And that is not a conversation I am interested in having."
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Harrower Moravius says, "I will leave such considerations with Vespasius."

Perigourd nods knowingly at Raelee.
Lylia says, "They would, if they but knew the seriousness of the breach. It is perhaps best they do not."
Missoni politely says, "I am sure he will know how to smooth things over."
Lylia says, "No need to worry everyone unduly."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd chuckles.
Tierus says, "Very well. It seems that this particular die is cast."

Other Issues

Tierus idly says, "I wonder if there's enough bleakstone to build a statue of me within our fortifications. Something tasteful, no larger than twice life-size. Rugged, though. And staring off into the distance with determination written across my brow."

Tierus abruptly says, "I suppose the rest of you could be in it, too."
Thrassus says, "I am sure there is."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "One bleakstone statue at a time, I think, is more than sufficient."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I do not need another statue. One is too many as is."
Lylia grins at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite happy without being depicted."

Harrower Moravius says, "Vortelis will want to see that bleakstone statue soon."

Missoni says, "Bleakstone statues are nothing but trouble."
Tierus pleasantly says, "More stone for me."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I enjoy mine; I just wish it were not so inconveniently placed."
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking raspily to Lylia, Skulligei says, "It's a relaxing area though....aside from the ghostly wailing and manastorms of course."
Lylia begins chuckling at Skulligei!
Skulligei raspily says, "Could get a bench out there."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus prompts, "In front of the statue."
Lylia nods.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' folks."

Raelee gestures.
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.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Tonari thinks, "Evening, Lord Tebon."
Tebon steps out of the shifting portal.
Skulligei nods to Tebon in greeting.
Lylia inclines her head.

Tebon says, "E'enin', folks."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Thrassus says, "There's an altar out there that seems to be a recent addition, while we are on the expedition it might be a good idea to look it over and see if it an offshoot from the Horned Society or the like."

Tebon nods warily to Skulligei.
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Sir Tebon."
Tebon nods curtly to Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "M'lady Missoni."
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The Cabal?"

Harrower Moravius says, "I do not know much about religion."

Perigourd ponders.
Tebon glances at Perigourd.

Harrower Moravius asks, "But if there is something sorcerous about it?"

Harrower Moravius shrugs.

Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Thrassus says, "I do not think it is connected to anything of our concern though, so be at ease there."
Thrassus snickers.
Thrassus says, "It might not be anything to be concerned about."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "We've been asked to secure some point in the bleaklands soon."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Tierus says, "I suppose I should find an inn. It sounds like there will be some preparations needed for such a scintillating adventure."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Perhaps in a fortnight or so."
Missoni cheerfully agrees, "Air out your tents and bedrolls."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Lylia suggests, "Silvergate is lovely."
Tebon whispers something to Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Yes, at least at the beginning of the evening."
Tierus nods.

Harrower Moravius says, "Yes.  I suppose I do not have much else for you right now."

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Tebon ponders.
Lylia says, "I appreciate your time, Harrower Moravius, and your work on that."

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Thank you for the enlightening discussion, Harrower."

Lylia nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

Harrower Moravius nods at Missoni.

Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Thrassus nods once.
Perigourd nods slowly to Moravius.

Harrower Moravius just went southwest.
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