Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)

This is the hunting down of Enomna and Henshor on 01/22/2023.

Synopsis

Enomna the Betrayer is a Faendryl necromancer, who was trying to find a way to unnaturally extend the life of her dying human husband, a demon summoner named Henshor. Three months prior the Tristar Daesavreh (a family of fugitive hunters) had followed rumors in the desert to Behizet of a human sorcerer engaging in demonic summoning without safeguards. They discovered that he was shadowed by "the Betrayer," a wanted fugitive named Enomna, due to a prior incident that was not initially disclosed by the Tristar. They did not discover that Henshor's guardian shadowing him was actually Enomna until they had been followed to Barrett's Gorge. The Tristar pursued them north to Feywrot Mire, along the mountains on the outskirts of Nalfein borders, then outside the northern settlement of Mreanith Lake. These were massacred by a vathor summoned by Henshor, and Enomna emptying the cemeteries with necromancy. The Tristar had just defended another village whose cemeteries were emptied by Enomna.

Enomna had been ascertained to be trying to unnaturally extend her husband's life, and was trying to find old tomes at all of these sites. It was believed she was trying to amass a horde of undead to suppress the Ithzir while searching Old Ta'Faendryl for the ruins of some archive. She was burning through bodies quickly, and it was surmised that the behavior was desparation. Previously in Illistim court, Lihukshi Daesavreh asked the Illistim Mirror Myasara to allow the Tristar to capture Enomna, and remove her back to New Ta'Faendryl as a gift to the Patriarch. The Mirror was concerned that Old Ta'Faendryl might itself be a ruse, as Ta'Illistim has its own archives and old tomes, but allowed it on conditions of being accompanied by volunteers and bringing the captured to the court in Illistim custody or the unique story of their demise. The Tristar made clear later to volunteers that they did not care about capturing the human husband. Whether he died now or later was irrelevant. They only cared about thoroughly punishing "the Betrayer."

Lihukshi reveals that Enomna had reanimated the Patriarch's recently deceased mother to lure away the Patriarch's young son, hence why she is known as "the Betrayer," where Lihukshi said it was (presumed that) her plan was to raise the son to some dark design in the Wastes. But this was before they learned of her human husband, and their search for old archives. The Tristar Daesavreh tracked Enomna and Henshor to the Wraithenmist. The group travels there and has to make it through thick growth, while putting down undead and Evil Eye attacks from Enomna. When adventurers near their hut, they are attacked by a vathor.

When they unlock the hut and get inside, Henshor and Enomna attack, which ends in both of them being killed. Henshor's body is ripped apart by shadows (his severed head later appears in Naidem), but Enomna is lifekept and reanimated. Everyone questions Enomna. Lihukshi surmises that the kidnapping was itself just one of Enomna's distractions (implicitly to get access to restricted archives in New Ta'Faendryl), that the rumors she was after were always in the north (i.e. not the Wastes), and pieces together that Enomna was really all along just taking desperate / extreme measures trying to find some rumored means of life extension in Old Ta'Faendryl. Enomna complains about the restrictions on forbidden magic and research in Ta'Faendryl, claiming no one would have needed to die if it were not for the restrictions on knowledge. But that she would gladly have fed the life force of children to Henshor if it would save him.

Enomna is brought back to the Faendryl embassy in Ta'Illistim, where she is resurrected and temporarily taken into custody by the Sapphire Guard. Xociral of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild arrives unexpectedly, even for him, having been on another valence but followed his way here on the track of some demon(s). Which he said was only possible because it must have been summoned (the veil pierced) around here recently, and how unusual it is for him to hear anything from our world when he is "three layers deep" in the valences or return in such a way. Enomna was brought before the Illistim court in magic nullifying bindings a few days later.

NPCs:

• Lihukshi: Watch of the Tristar Daesavreh
• Anieit: Sorcerer of the Tristar Daesavreh
• Auait: Palestra Blade of the Tristar Daesavreh
• Enomna: Kidnapped Patriarch's young son as a distraction, Faendryl necromancer, trying to find rumored life extension magic for her human husband Henshor
• Henshor: Enomna's human husband, demon summoner, who does not have much longer to live
• Xociral: Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

Enomna the Betrayer Storyline:

• 01/19/2023: Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-19 - Faendryl Tristar Arrive in Ta'Illistim Hunting Sorcerous Fugitives (log)
• 01/21/2023: Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-21 - Ta'Illistim Court Session (log)
• 01/24/2023: Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-24 - Enomna in Ta'Illistim Court (log)

Log

This has been heavily edited to remove lots of battle spam and unimportant background activity.

Greetings

[Ta'Illistim Green]
At the southern end of the green, the expanse of carefully manicured lawn is broken up by a low pool, set flush to the ground and surrounded with a ring of cut stone socles. Beyond the statuary, the grass continues until hitting a low silver fence. You also see a huge dusky shrike that is flying around, a fiery-eyed nightmare steed, a cheerful woodland spirit that is flying around, a lazy wild smoky grey dog, a black-eared red and grey fox, a sterling silver serving cart with some stuff on it and some cushioned benches.
Also here: Blade Arku, Peltast Alanisse, Hunter Alisaire, Malinya, Xorus, Lady Starletdawn, Madam Naamit, Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Peltast Vaeldrys, Meril, Vorena, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Blade Yardie, Bakarus, Blade Durakar, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Akenna, Missoni, Perigourd
Obvious paths: north

Speaking to Yardie, Teveriel says, "The Daesavreh said they believe their quarry to be in the northwestern forest."
Naamit simply says, "Hm."
Speaking confusedly to Teveriel, Yardie asks, "So....is that in the old homeland?"
Speaking to Yardie, Teveriel says, "No, that lies eastward."
Suddenly losing her balance, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake sprouting snowball hydrangeas drops from Missoni's shoulders and onto the ground. Squirming on her back for several seconds, she seems to be giggling as she rights herself.
Alisaire grouses irritably on the subject of today's misguided youths.
Yardie nods at Teveriel.
Yardie glances at Alisaire.
Naamit says, "I trust it learned its lesson."
Speaking to Alisaire, Yardie mutters, "I'm not that young."
Alisaire wryly remarks, "You look it."
Speaking in Faendryl to Alanisse, Vaeldrys says, "It was informative even if it were not as conclusive as I had hoped. But such things should not pull me suddenly any longer."
Speaking hesitantly to Naamit, Missoni says, "Perhaps."
Yardie glances at Alisaire.
Speaking wryly to Missoni, Naamit says, "Time will tell."
Speaking in Faendryl, Alanisse says, "A moment."
Peltast Alanisse just went north.
Speaking to Arku, Yardie exclaims, "Ment....Bla.....Arku!"
Speaking in Faendryl to Arku, Vaeldrys says, "It is good to see you Blade."
Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Arku, Zolis says, "Greetings, friend."
Uniana politely asks, "Is anyone in want of elemental wards?"
Alisaire looks over at Uniana and shakes her head.
Yardie says, "I was hoping for a blessing from Starmizt, but she seems occupied."
Speaking to Uniana, Lylia says, "No, but thank you, Lady Anduin, for the offer."
Lylia nods appreciatively.
Jaysehn says, "Does anyone need armor adjusted."
Alisaire says, "I suppose I could offer mobility."
Alisaire examines her fingernails.
Speaking to Lylia, Uniana says, "Yes, of course. Who knows what is to be encountered."
Lylia murmurs, "I wonder myself."
Speaking respectfully in Elven to Alisaire, Agathilea says, "Very kind, thank you."
Speaking to Arku, Lylia says, "Always a pleasure."
Alisaire mildly says, "I do endeavor to help."
Jaysehn says, "Of course. Better we are all fully prepared."
Naamit says, "I trust everyone knows how to prevent being disarmed."
Naamit curls one side of her lips up into a furtive, playful smirk.
Speaking to Naamit, Perigourd says, "Practice."
Perigourd chuckles.
Speaking to Naamit, Yardie says, "Yes. You keep them attached to your shoulder sockets."
Speaking to Perigourd, Naamit says, "Keep your hands open."
Speaking in Faendryl to Divyne, Vaeldrys says, "It is good to see you again Blade."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "I'm not wrong, and you know this."
Speaking to Zolis, Naamit whispers aloud, "I am pleased to see something dragged you east."
Zolis grins crookedly at Naamit.
Speaking deeply to Naamit, Zolis says, "I did not have much of a choice, thus I am moderately happy to be hear. The company makes it more tolerable."
Speaking sardonically to Zolis, Naamit replies, "You perform well when not given a choice."
Speaking deeply to Naamit, Zolis says, "I prefer the pressure."
Speaking silkily to Zolis, Naamit says, "Indeed."
Naamit asks, "Are we waiting for someone to give us permission to hunt? Is that why we stand around?"
Naamit places her hand on her hourglass girdle.
Naamit shifts her weight.
Akenna says, "Yes."
Yardie says, "Not certain. But...I was a bit worried that there was a reluctance for help."
Teveriel neutrally says, "We await word from the Daesavreh."
Durakar says, "I'd personally like to know the targets I'm hunting."
Durakar shrugs.
Alisaire offers, "It is a Faendryl sorcerer and her human husband."
Missoni agrees, "The Daesavreh have been scouting, and can tell us where to go."
Zolis nods in agreement at Alisaire.
Alisaire adds, "Not Missoni and Perigourd. Allegedly."
Speaking to Durakar, Yardie says, "Sorcerers. One human...male. Demonologist. The other. Faendryl. Necromancer."
Missoni glances at Alisaire and folds her arms over her chest.
Perigourd smirks at Alisaire.
Alisaire smiles pleasantly.
Speaking deeply to Alisaire, Zolis says, "Allegedly."
Zolis gives a sidelong glance at Perigourd.
Speaking to Zolis, Alisaire agrees, "Allegedly."
Speaking to Durakar, Yardie says, "The Faendryl is female."
Speaking defensively to Alisaire, Missoni says, "The husband is also a sorcerer."
Lylia glances between Missoni and Perigourd.
Speaking to Missoni, Yardie says, "In darts, he is."
Speaking to Alisaire, Naamit adds, "There are only so many who dare venture into the Old City. It stands to reason any such pair matching those identities may be of value."
Speaking deeply to Missoni, Zolis says, "We saw him waving that wand."
Missoni whispers aloud, "The answer is no."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Here to entrance you with my good humours."
Speaking deeply to Missoni, Zolis says, "Sorcerous technique."
Jaysehn says, "They have apparently been leaving undead in their wake as well. So those of you of the Order should prepare your powers for such foes."
Speaking to Starletdawn, Yardie asks, "It's a combination of both....ele.....schools? Of sorcery?"
Uniana explains, "No one has remained alive long enough to provide a decent account of their current appearance. It is suggested they may be in disguise."
Speaking to Starletdawn, Yardie says, "More to that...they're desperate."
Starletdawn nods at Yardie.
Uniana adds, "Hence, we wait for the trackers."
Lylia says, "It is believed the man is injured in some way."
Speaking to Yardie, Starletdawn says, "A dangerous combination by the sound of it."
Naamit's expression sours as she issues an abrupt, indignant hum.
Jaysehn says, "The state of their bodies upon defeat will be up to them."
Speaking to Tylanthriel, Yardie asks, "I don't know if you know about certain professions....but take it as a bounty. You have restraints? Wires?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Jaysehn asks, "I assume you have your ropes?"
Naamit says, "If bonds are required, they can be provided."
Teveriel says, "The Daesavreh wish to bring them to justice according to their own people."
Speaking to Yardie, Tylanthriel says, "I do not, no."
Teveriel says, "And the Mirror has granted them leave to do so. We'd do well to keep that in mind."
Speaking to Tylanthriel, Yardie says, "I have wire, just in case."
Speaking to Teveriel, Jaysehn says, "Hard to predict how a fight will end."
Speaking to Naamit, Alisaire says, "You're always quite resourseful."
Yardie says, "So we dictate how the fight will go."
Yardie says, "Cut off the feet, there will be no more kicking."
Speaking deeply to Yardie, Zolis asks, "And if there is no fight?"
Speaking to Alisaire, Naamit says, "I prefer options. Unlike my friend here."
Alisaire gives a sidelong glance at Zolis.

Tristar Arrive

High above the embassies of Ta'Illistim a single vulture circles in slow, lazy spirals through the air.

Alisaire wryly says, "Indeed."
Speaking to Zolis, Arku asks, "Do you consider that likely?"
Speaking deeply to Naamit, Zolis says, "I enjoy options."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Around you? Around me? There's always a fi-"
Missoni says, "Ah."
Missoni tilts her head up.
Yardie glances up.
Vaeldrys glances up.
Jaysehn glances up.
Xorus says, "That must be Kristuh."
Jaysehn adjusts his rose gold spyglass, brushing his fingertips against its gold tube and tracing the filament-linked constellations, inspecting the piece closely. He raises the ocular lens to eye level, gazing out into the horizon.
Speaking deeply to Naamit, Zolis says, "All the violent options."
Speaking to Xorus, Yardie says, "I really hope they did not pursue matters on their own."
Alisaire amusedly says, "I see they brought a bird to help clean up afterwards."
Lylia says, "Sky burial."
Speaking cheerfully to Alisaire, Missoni asks, "As did you?"
Missoni glances at a huge dusky shrike.
Xorus says, "Nothing says 'take them alive' like a vulture."
Speaking to Missoni, Alisaire agrees, "Indeed. And he's hungry."
Tylanthriel says, "Must be Lihukshi's."
Alisaire says, "He didn't eat enough people last night."
Alisaire corrects, "Ah. Bandits, you call them."
Alisaire waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.
Speaking to Tylanthriel, Yardie asks, "Rather strange to see the companion without the other?"
Jaysehn asks, "I don't suppose that bird is meant as a signal to gather near the embassies?"

Lihukshi just arrived.
A large blue-black vulture glides into view.

Alisaire nods once to the blue-black vulture.

You see Lihukshi Daesavreh the Watcher.
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.
She is tall and has a compact, lithe frame. She appears to be in the prime of life. She has violet-haloed azurite blue eyes and dusky ebon skin. She has long, glossy raven black hair streaked with bone white strands that is woven into twin herringbone braids and nape-coiled into a knotwork chignon sprouting an array of vulture feathers. She has a thin face, an aquiline nose and a subtle sharpness in her countenance that is enhanced by her high cheekbones and upswept ears.
She has an ouroborous-encircled bone white pentacle inked beneath the hollow of her right ear, and a tracery of yellow oleander vines encapsulating three ravens tattooed along the collarbone.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a reticulated collar of lacquered lor segments, a single left-sided sculpted pauldron trailing wrist-to-shoulder scaling, and a wasp-figured black corset over a wide-necked blouse of pewter-on-corbeau blue bourde, a multi-wrapped narrow suede belt studded in cobalt, an expose-stitched ivory scroll tube, a lustrous dark rolaren chakram etched in oleander vines, a silver-edged rolaren chakram inlaid with sanguine tristars, a pair of side-laced weathered leather pants, a slender blue-banded black thigh-sheath, and a pair of back-laced dark antiqued blue knee-boots.

Auait wanders in.

Lihukshi frustratedly says, "The woods are easier to nagivate than you sparkly structures."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Jaysehn says, "There I agree."

Auait nods briefly.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Yardie repeats, "Follow the buildings until there's an opening."

Speaking sharply to Yardie, Lihukshi says, "I tried that, yet this inside."

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Zolis asks, "You are what the fuss is all about, eh?"

Alisaire says, "There's usually some urchin or another willing to point the way if you get lost."
Teveriel wryly says, "The city does have a labyrinthine reputation."

Lihukshi glances at Zolis.

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Zolis says, "Fuss-worthy."
Naamit quips, "I heard it was a defense mechanism devised by its builders."

Anieit glances around the area.

Lihukshi says, "I'm sure it confuses defenders and attackers alike."

Lihukshi says, "Excellent planning."

Jaysehn asks, "Was your tracking efforts fruitful?"

Lihukshi says, "Indeed."

Speaking to Auait, Anieit says, "Many people showed."

Lihukshi says, "Kristuh was very sharp-eyed and able to spy them from above."

Auait removes a sigil-branded dark leather half-mask, revealing her face.

Starletdawn softly says, "Pardon me for one moment."

Lihukshi says, "That is well, for what we find in these woods will not be to many likings."

Speaking quietly in Faendryl to Anieit, Auait says, "More than we anticipated."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "We would not have failed to travel where more of our own might be needed."
Akenna quietly says, "Some of us are used to that."

Lihukshi nods once.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Vaeldrys says, "Those of my class informed of a need for service. I could hardly refuse."

Speaking to Auait, Yardie says, "Alanisse was able to summon many of the Vanguard. Duty calls. She rallied us and am grateful that she did."

Lihukshi nods at Vaeldrys.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Missoni asks, "Kristuh spied just the two, I hope, and no...companions?"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lihukshi says, "Let us be clear, the Betrayer must be brought to justice."

Speaking evenly to Alanisse, Auait says, "You have our thanks."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lihukshi says, "If the human dies, we have no care."

Naamit says, "I cannot stand the idle standing. I shall meet you all near the portal."
Yardie raises an eyebrow in Lihukshi's direction.
Zolis nods in agreement at Lihukshi.
Missoni nods understandingly at Lihukshi.
Lylia nods understandingly.
Vaeldrys nods once.
Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Zolis says, "Waste to be disposed of."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "I'm curious as to what he might hold....what he might say."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lihukshi says, "Some of you had asked why she is called the betrayer...."

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Yardie, Zolis says, "I am sure we shall see."
Lylia nods at Lihukshi.

Speaking in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Missoni asks, "Do you mind if I translate for those who do not speak our tongue?"

Lihukshi frowns at Missoni.

Lihukshi says, "Fine, I'll share it in common."

Akenna appreciatively says, "Thank you."

Lihukshi cracks her knuckles!

Lihukshi says, "Earlier this year past."

Lihukshi says, "The mother of Korvath Dardanus Faendryl faded from the light."

Lihukshi says, "The Betrayer... before she could be prepared for final rest..."

Lihukshi says, "Animated her and brought her to the sleeping chambers of the Patriarch's son."

Lihukshi says, "Her plan was to lure him into the Wastes and raise him to her own dark design."

Lihukshi says, "She was stopped, but escaped."

Lihukshi says, "Since we three were not in the Basillica at the time this took place, we were assigned to track her down."

Missoni carefully asks, "Is it believed that others in the Basilica were... comprimised?"

Lihukshi says, "It is only prudent to investigate all avenues."

Anieit nods at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "We hunt her and her ... companion ... in the Wraithenmist."

Anieit nods at Lihukshi.

Xorus says, "Dark forest."
Teveriel says, "A vile place."
Alisaire says, "How ominous."
Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "I find the area strangely alluring."

Lihukshi says, "Prepare youself then."

Naamit says, "Still talking I see."
Naamit asks, "Where all are you going?"
Jaysehn says, "Hunting."
Speaking to Naamit, Missoni says, "To the Wraithenmist."
Naamit says, "Oh. Visitors. Perfect."
Naamit says, "I shall greet you when you arrive."
(Teveriel simply shakes his head, his expression unreadable beneath his helm.)
Missoni remarks, "I hope she has tea and cookies."
Jaysehn smirks at Missoni.

Auait slings a triskele-inset stygian steel shield off from over her shoulder.

Akenna asks, "Whom is it we're following?"
Uniana glances expectantly at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi raises an eyebrow in Uniana's direction.

Teveriel asks, "Our party has grown to what amounts to a troupe. Given what you know of our quarry, would it be wise to stay in one group or splinter into smaller bands?"

Teveriel glances at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi agrees with Teveriel.

Lihukshi whistles at a large blue-black vulture!

Lihukshi says, "When you are ready."

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Zolis says, "Marvelous creature, that."

Lihukshi agrees with Zolis.

Yardie asks, "Who are we joining?"

Lihukshi says, "She is."
Lihukshi raises her hand.
Lihukshi nods at Yardie.

(people joining Lihukshi)

Meril says, "I trust that many here know the ways in the Wraithenmist well enough, but try to mind the taller mushrooms."
Speaking to Meril, Wilver says, "Tall is a relative term. I'll avoid any and all mushrooms."

Lihukshi impatiently asks, "Is that everyone?"

Speaking simply to Missoni, Teveriel explains, "They are explosive. Our magic-users should keep that in mind, should we have cause to do battle."
Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Zolis says, "All that would matter, I am sure."

Lihukshi nods once.

Jaysehn says, "We were warned of undead. I shall use the wards of my Order as needed to aid us."
Speaking to Teveriel, Missoni says, "It has been a while since we walked those woods, but I do recall them."

Lihukshi nods once.

Teveriel nods at Missoni.

Lihukshi steps through the gate, passing under its arch in the direction of the Library Aies.
[Library Aies, Courtyard]
The courtyard is large and formal. At its center is an octagonal fountain, from which paved paths and walkways radiate out in a symmetrical, florally inspired pattern. The library overlooks the open space, cradling it between its main building and two extended wings. A marble colonnade separates the courtyard from the var beyond. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, some cushioned benches and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: out

Wilver exclaims, "Look at you all. These people don't stand a chance!"
Speaking to Wilver, Perigourd says, "One should never unederstimate a foe, especially one that has already proven it's danger."
Alisaire says, "I suppose the night means that we will not have a particularly surprising approach."
Alanisse says, "I believe it would be unwise to underestimate someone whoul could call forth a demon that could level an entire village."
The voice of Yardie says, "In truth, all it takes is one chance."

(note: most room movements are skipped for brevity and clarity)

Enter the Wraithenmist

[Wraithenmist, Narrow Trail]
The path leads further northward into a forest so thick with trees that little light is able to penetrate the canopy above. The area is strangely quiet, completely absent of the sounds one would expect to hear within a forest. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Lihukshi

Lihukshi moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Malinya notes, "Uncomfortably close to Sylvaaraend."
Speaking to Naamit, Wilver asks, "You live here?"
Speaking to Wilver, Naamit says, "High above."
Naamit points north.
Wilver uncertainly asks, "It's a nice place?"
Naamit nods firmly at Wilver.
Suddenly, small writhing tendrils of shadow reach out towards Durakar!
Durakar deftly avoids the writhing tendrils of shadow.
Teveriel coldly says, "Many dark things live in this place."
The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.
Teveriel adds, "Though 'living' is relative."
A darken melts into the shadows heading southeastward.
The chill in the air fades.

Anieit says, "This is a very dark place."

Alisaire says, "Oh, apologies. That was likely me."
Night follows in Alisaire's wake, suffusing the surroundings in dusky twilight.
The voice of Yardie says, "Not. Reassuring."
Alanisse says, "An ideal place to work with undead, however."

Anieit squints.

You suddenly notice a shimmering fungus!
Speaking in Faendryl, Vaeldrys says, "And to hide in.."

[Wraithenmist, Maze of Mist]
The silvery mist is so thick it is impossible even to see the trees nearby. The very air glows faintly, as if the mist were a light source on its own, instead of merely reflecting the light from whatever stars might shine above this desolate place. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a shimmering fungus and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit who is riding a fiery-eyed nightmare steed, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast, northwest

Anieit squints.

Alisaire nods to the shimmering fungus.
The voice of Yardie says, "Nothing wrong with hiding."
Suddenly, a shimmering fungus starts to shudder!
A shimmering fungus shudders violently and suddenly releases five spores into the air!
A maw spore stabs at Aureliano with its stinger!
A maw spore floats northwestward,
A maw spore suddenly rises upwards on a draft of warm air.
A maw spore bobs haphazardly southeastward on an air current.
A chorus of a thousand voices fills the air as a ghostly mara materializes!
Malinya mutters, "Never have liked this place."
Alisaire says, "I advise not touching them."
Shadows distort oddly underfoot, lengthening and creeping in disjointed angles to pool beneath Alisaire's dusky leather boots.
Night follows in Alisaire's wake, suffusing the surroundings in dusky twilight.
Lylia says, "They remind me of spores I have seen before. Dangerous things."
Alisaire says, "Meril had the right of it with them."
The voice of Yardie says, "Not even to distract. Interesting."

[Wraithenmist, Whisper Hollow]
The mist thins somewhat in this small clearing. A lone hollow tree occupies the center of the area, its dark grey bark nearly covered in silvery moss. The hollow is so quiet it seems even a whisper could be carried far away. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a ghostly mara, a ghostly mara and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit who is riding a fiery-eyed nightmare steed, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northwest

Alisaire gazes thoughtfully at a hollow tree.

Lihukshi kneels down.

Lihukshi searches around for a moment.
Lihukshi discovers the hiding place of a darken!

Alisaire greets a darken. Perhaps they're in cahoots!
Naamit smirks at Lihukshi.
Speaking to Lihukshi, Wilver asks, "Do you need a chair?"
The voice of Yardie asks, "Do you wish for us to search the area as well?"
Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "Damned things are everywhere."

Lihukshi raises an eyebrow.

[General] Thuunk asks, "Who are we looking for?"

Lihukshi says, "Why would I need a chair? Also, try being less noisy."

Lihukshi steps to the right of the tree and begins to tear down vines and leaves.

Missoni skeptically asks, "There is a way through that mess?"
Jaysehn says, "So it seems."
Bakarus says, "It has been ages, but I had never thought to try and break through there."
Naamit taps a barely discernible trail.
(Wilver moves to stand behind Teveriel, shielding himself.)

Lihukshi reaches out and touches a barely discernible trail.

Lihukshi just slipped quietly down a barely discernible trail, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail]
Twigs and slender saplings pad a skinny path through dying monir trees, the green, pliable quality evidence of a recent hacking from the mist-laced brush and new growth. An unsettling, profound silence suffocates the surrounding forest, devoid of even the subtle rustle of leaves. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a huge pile of felled sickly saplings and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: north, southwest

Anieit frowns at a huge pile of felled sickly saplings.

>look sapling
Disease discolors the deeply toothed leaves and young bark of the saplings. There are fresh cuts at the bottom of their scrawny trunks. The youthful trees are stacked in a latticework pattern, forming a dense wall that blocks any progress forward.

Perigourd says, "Freshly cut."

Lihukshi nods once.

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea says, "Latticework."

Lihukshi says, "We will have to clear the sapplings."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Anieit says, "You must be on the right path, as always, cousin."

Lylia says, "Too green to burn readily."
Speaking plainly to Zolis, Naamit says, "I can only gather so much from your tone of voice."

Lihukshi swings her dark rolaren chakram at a huge pile of felled sickly saplings, sending shards of diseased wood flying through the air.
(lots of whacking and casting)
All that remains of the pile of saplings are jagged hunks of wood and sickly leaves.

Anieit nods approvingly.

Lihukshi just moved quietly southwest, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail]
Black knots bulge from the trunks of disease-afflicted monirs and maorals, rotting bark sloughing off their naked limbs. The pervasive scent of vegetal decay hangs over the scrawny, freshly blazed trail as it picks a zigzagging path through the impending graveyard. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast

The voice of Yardie says, "Perigourd, you need practice."
Perigourd gazes thoughtfully at his hollowed root.
Perigourd put a small hollowed root in his tin vasculum.

Lihukshi warely watches the foliage.

Lihukshi just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail]
Crowded trees rise towards the mist hanging overhead, piercing easily through the shimmery veil. The trail squeezes through gaps between the scarred trunks, illumed by an eerie glow emanating from furrowed jelly fungus clinging to bark and gnarled roots. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northwest

Anieit says, "It seems the trail is lost again..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is very thick in here."

Lihukshi scans the terrain.

Anieit asks, "Do you see which trees it goes between?"

Anieit squints.

(Missoni takes a few steps in one direction, stopping as she finds it impassable.)

Lihukshi steps to a tangle of folliage to the southeast and begins pulling free leaves and vines.

Lihukshi releases her rolaren chakram, which gently glides to her side and hangs from her belt.

Speaking to Zolis, Auait states, "It's wiggling."

Alisaire says, "The fungus of this forest is quite fascinating."
Speaking deeply to Auait, Zolis says, "I wonder if it is edible."
Speaking to Alisaire, Naamit says, "With fungus, a variety of outcomes are possible."

(OOC) Anieit's player whispers to the group, "I'll save y'all the RT>.. it's not searchable :)."

Alisaire says, "I've read accounts that it is large network of a single entity, each bit communicating with the rest."
A faint trail of fiery light rises into the daytime sky above Ta'Illistim, vanishing from sight a heartbeat later.
(Akenna tries to find a way throught the trees but comes up empty-handed.)

Auait lowers her foot upon one of the scarred trunks and attempts to kick it aside.

Anieit stares at Lihukshi.

Speaking to Alisaire, Naamit says, "I have heard much the same. Curious how so many fruiting bodies can arise from a single network."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Anieit asks, "Have you found it?"

Alisaire agrees with Naamit.
Tendrils of shadow emerge from beneath the ivory leather scales of Alisaire's armor, roiling briefly around her like liquid smoke before seeping back into the scales.
Eddies of holy white fire twist and snake along the surface of Jaysehn's nacreous longsword.
Jaysehn asks, "If they fled this way, they concealed their passage with uncommon skill, no?"

Lihukshi yanks a large tangle of foliage free and points southeast.

Auait nods once at Jaysehn.

Starletdawn says, "Ah."
Starletdawn nods.
Lylia quietly says, "Yet they did so in some haste."
Speaking to Alisaire, Naamit remarks, "Birch and aspen follow a similar vein I understand."
Sarissa Xylador just arrived.
The voice of Yardie asks, "Are there sorcery skills that make for it?"
Lylia nods in greeting at Xylador.
Xylador casually glances around the area.
The voice of Yardie says, "Sarissa."

Lihukshi just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Foggy Forest - , ]
Dense fog wreathes indistinct arboreal silhouettes, wrapping them in a gently lit, argentine haze that lends fuzzy edges to the contours of their twisted forms. The trail slips in and out of perceptibility as it wends through the mist-swathed forest. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest

Speaking in Faendryl to Xylador, Lylia says, "Ah, good. You are here."

Anieit glances around the area.

Lihukshi just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely.
Roundtime: 15 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail - , ]
The semiopaque fog to the northwest bleeds between the copious trees, sinuous tendrils reaching out towards the swamp encroaching upon the forest from the east. Sulfurous waters soften the earth and gather in sunken footsteps along the muddy track. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Sarissa Xylador, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: east, northwest

Speaking to Xylador, Vaeldrys says, "Sarissa."
Speaking in Faendryl, Xylador says, "I do have a reputation to uphold for tardiness."
Xylador nods slowly.
Naamit says, "Ah, the swamps."
Speaking deeply to Xylador, Zolis says, "It wouldn't be a proper sacrifice without you."

Auait takes a moment to observe Xylador.

Jaysehn asks, "We've cut through quite a bit of the forest coming this way. The swamps are deep within, no?"
The voice of Yardie asks, "You realize, Lord Zolis, he took a charge of a vathor, full force, and stood up afterwards, yes?"

Lihukshi just moved quietly east, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail - , ]
Crowded trees rise towards the mist hanging overhead, piercing easily through the shimmery veil. The trail squeezes through gaps between the scarred trunks, illumed by an eerie glow emanating from furrowed jelly fungus clinging to bark and gnarled roots. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Wilver, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Sarissa Xylador, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southeast, west, northwest

Missoni murmurs, "Awfully foggy."
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Akenna lets out a long, contemplative breath.
Alisaire says, "Swamps are an excellent place to stay lost. Or to leave behind unwanted things."
Vaeldrys growls to himself.

Auait murmurs, "It all begins to look the same."

Missoni repeats, "Unwanted things."
Naamit says, "They have a preservative quality."
Vaeldrys says, "A good place to discard of things as well...."
Vaeldrys glances around the area.
Alisaire agrees, "Indeed."
The uncanny silence within the shrouded forest is abruptly broken by the sounds of snapping twigs and the crunching rustle of leaves.
Durakar says, "Ah, something's coming."

Auait warns, "On your guard."

Jaysehn tenses slightly as a flash of brilliant light rolls across the surface of his suit of ebon armor with an almost imperceptible speed. As he exhales, the light coalesces in his right hand, bathing his eahnor cresset sword in white-hot radiance.

Lihukshi snaps her fingers at her side, and her rolaren chakram flies into her waiting hand.

Vaeldrys says, "Let it begin."
Perigourd says, "I expect they know we're here then."
Jaysehn says, "Dead. Many. Over a dozen around us."
Zolis deeply says, "It has been quite the loud affair."
Lylia quietly breathes, "Of course they know."
Missoni frowns at Jaysehn.
Speaking to Perigourd, Bakarus says, "We were not quiet."
Aureliano nods grimly at Jaysehn.
Speaking in Elven, Xylador says, "Should make them easier to find."
Xylador shrugs.

Speaking to Perigourd, Auait says, "I suspect that barrier was enchanted."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a wingless skeletal aelotoi!
A bony giantkin zombie struggles up out of the ground!
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a hollow-eyed rotting gnome!
A vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse wheels about wildly as she stumbles in!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a ghastly withered elven soldier shambles in with a piteous moan.
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian shambles in with a piteous moan.
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a rotting elven seamstress!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar shambles in with a piteous moan.
The skeletal aelotoi wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.

(lots of killing)

Alisaire greets a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse. Perhaps they're in cahoots!
The voice of Yardie says, "Skeletal Aelotoi."
The voice of Wilver says, "That one looked a little like me.."
Jaysehn says, "Look at them..."
The voice of Yardie says, "They are just....summoning all sorts of the dead that they can find."
Jaysehn says, "Civilians."
Meril nods slowly.
Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "Poor elves."

Anieit asks, "...Likely from another graveyard?"

Alisaire says, "I think that one had wings."
Jaysehn says, "More around us."
A desiccated gaunt elven scholar totters in with a famished moan.
Durakar swings an ethereal mattock at a desiccated gaunt elven scholar!
Bakarus says, "One had the garb of a scholar."
Missoni remarks, "So it seems."
Agathilea swings a perfect vaalorn warsword at a desiccated gaunt elven scholar!
In a breathtaking display of ability and combat mastery, Vaeldrys whirls in a fury of unrelenting strikes and ripostes!
Vaeldrys attempts to jab a desiccated gaunt elven scholar!
Vaeldrys attempts to jab a desiccated gaunt elven scholar!
Akenna directs a radiant sphere of burning blue fire at a desiccated gaunt elven scholar!
With a last inhuman twitch, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.
The radiant sphere of burning blue fire strikes a desiccated gaunt elven scholar, blossoming into a much larger sphere of flame upon impact.

(much combat spam cut out)

Lihukshi drops all defense as she moves into a battle-ready stance.
Lihukshi moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Jaysehn hisses.
The voice of Yardie says, "Desperation."
Jaysehn says, "Twice as many. Be prepared."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a wingless skeletal aelotoi!
A bony giantkin zombie struggles up out of the ground!
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a hollow-eyed rotting gnome!
A vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse wheels about wildly as she stumbles in!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a ghastly withered elven soldier shambles in with a piteous moan.
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian shambles in with a piteous moan.
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a rotting elven seamstress!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar shambles in with a piteous moan.

(kill kill kill)

The grey gnome corpse falls to the ground, rotting flesh falling from her bones.

Lihukshi just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Shrouded Spring - , ]
From the sodden earth, water steadily pours in a double cascade down a low pair of striated rocks, disappearing beneath a thin layer of mist. The silvery haze extends out in an amorphous shape, reedy shadows cast over it by a wild border of wisp-topped rushes. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a ghastly withered elven soldier, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian, a hollow-eyed rotting gnome, a rotting elven seamstress, a hollow-eyed rotting gnome, a bony giantkin zombie and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Sarissa Xylador, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest

The giantkin zombie falls to the ground, a lifeless lump of flesh.
Auait deftly catches her stygian steel shield on the rebound.
A desiccated gaunt elven scholar totters in with a famished moan.
A hollow-eyed rotting gnome shambles in!
With a last inhuman twitch, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.
The rotting gnome falls to the ground motionless.

(lots of killing)

Jaysehn blinks.
Alisaire glances at a hollow-eyed rotting gnome.
Jaysehn says, "We are."
Jaysehn says, "They are coming."
Arku concentrates deeply for a moment.
Jaysehn says, "Wave upon wave."

With A View To A Kill

Lihukshi just moved quietly southwest, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail - , ]
As the thin path winds through the darkened forest from the northeast, arcs of snaggy brush devour it entirely. Almost lost beneath a sparse cover of unhealthy foliage, a steel machete glints in the ambient light, its lengthy blade not yet rusted by the damp environment. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar, a rotting elven seamstress, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian, a ghastly withered elven soldier, a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse, a hollow-eyed rotting gnome, a bony giantkin zombie, a wingless skeletal aelotoi, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar, a ghastly withered elven soldier, a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse, a ghastly withered elven soldier, a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse, a bony giantkin zombie, a dome of tangled brush and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Bakarus, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Perigourd, Hunter Alisaire, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Sorcerer Anieit, Lady Akenna, Meril, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Durakar, Malinya, Madam Naamit, Sarissa Xylador, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Lihukshi

With a last inhuman twitch, a ghastly withered elven soldier falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.

Missoni says, "Ah."

The giantkin zombie falls to the ground, a lifeless lump of flesh.
Arku swings a dark-bladed khopesh at a rotting elven seamstress!
The elven seamstress wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.

Naamit frowns.

Naamit says, "That one was my maid."

Lihukshi asks, "Your maid was undead?"

Lihukshi says, "That seems counter productive."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Naamit says, "She is now."

Auait glances down.

Naamit folds her arms over her chest.
Lylia quietly says, "Presumably not at one point, but there are advantages to undead servants."
Alisaire says, "Undead can be quite singleminded in their purpose. Including sweeping floors."
(Vaeldrys growls low in his throat.)

Anieit squints.

Jaysehn says, "There will be no more undead here in short order."

Lihukshi says, "There is always more undead."

Lihukshi glances at Jaysehn.

The voice of Yardie says, "Capture the source, we stop the undead."

(more killing)

With a last inhuman twitch, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.

Aureliano says, "I agree. This seems like a delaying or tiring tactic."

Anieit says, "The way ahead is blocked again."

Jaysehn says, "I can stay behind and hold these if it helps the rest of you continue the hunt."

The iris in a floating coppery sepia eye suddenly expands.

Anieit glances at a floating coppery sepia eye.

Missoni gestures at a floating coppery sepia eye.

Lihukshi moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

The voice of Yardie says, "I assume that is her eye."
Missoni shrugs at Perigourd.

Lihukshi says, "She watches."

Lihukshi nods once.

Arku swings a dark-bladed khopesh at a disfigured skeletal elven librarian!
With a last inhuman twitch, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.

Alisaire mildly greets, "Good evening."

Casually Missoni pushes her finger into her eye socket. After a moment to get proper leverage, she pops the eyeball from her skull, sending it tumbling in your direction. Suddenly a couple of small batlike wings pop from its bloody sides and it begins to hover just out of reach, looking about.

Speaking to a floating coppery sepia eye, Vaeldrys says, "Your time is limited."
A ghastly withered elven soldier totters in with a famished moan.
Teveriel swings a silver-swept vaalorn warblade at a ghastly withered elven soldier!
With a last inhuman twitch, a ghastly withered elven soldier falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.

A floating coppery sepia eye wanders over to a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake sprouting snowball hydrangeas, inspecting her in curiosity and causing the little plant to give off a shrill giggle in response.

Speaking to a lazy wild smoky grey dog, Missoni asks, "Can you find the owner of the eye?"
Missoni murmurs, "She is warded of course."
(Jaysehn cocks his firewheel hand crossbow and lets a warning shot fly in the direction of the eye.)
The voice of Yardie says, "I hope Winston will be safe."
The voice of Yardie says, "And he is."

Anieit traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Speaking to Missoni, Lihukshi asks, "Wouldn't you be?"

Anieit gestures at a dome of tangled brush.
Sections of the a dome of tangled brush burst into spasmodic flame!

Jaysehn swings his eahnor cresset sword at a dome of tangled brush, sending brambles and thorns flying through the air.
A disembodied eye zips past you and heads straight for Missoni, who casually snatches it out of the air with a sticky splat sound. Without hesitation, Missoni pushes her elusive peeper back into her eye socket. With a few blinks it seems to function properly once again. Missoni wipes some icky residue from her face and looks about the area.

Lihukshi nods.

Speaking to her ghezyte-scaled whip, Naamit says, "You are no match for the brush."

Naamit's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Naamit.
 CS: +560 - TD: +410 + CvA: -8 + d100: +100 == +242
 Warding failed!
Naamit looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Naamit turns pale then falls limp to the ground, killed by some inconceivable fear!
 * Naamit drops dead at your feet!
Aureliano's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Aureliano.
 CS: +560 - TD: +528 + CvA: -31 + d100: +4 - -5 == +10
 Warded off!
Aureliano stares back at the a floating coppery sepia eye without fear.
Xylador's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Xylador.
 CS: +560 - TD: +282 + CvA: -25 + d100: +62 - -5 == +320
 Warding failed!
Xylador looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Xylador turns pale then falls limp to the ground, killed by some inconceivable fear!
 * Xylador drops dead at your feet!
Malinya's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Malinya.
 CS: +560 - TD: +377 + CvA: -23 + d100: +79 - -5 == +244
 Warding failed!
Malinya looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Malinya turns pale then falls limp to the ground, killed by some inconceivable fear!
 * Malinya drops dead at your feet!
Wilver's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Wilver.
 CS: +560 - TD: +337 + CvA: +14 + d100: +15 == +252
 Warding failed!
Wilver looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Wilver turns pale then falls limp to the ground, killed by some inconceivable fear!
 * Wilver drops dead at your feet!
Durakar's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Durakar.
 CS: +560 - TD: +440 + CvA: -21 + d100: +16 - -5 == +120
 Warding failed!
Durakar looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Durakar suddenly bolts northeast!
Alanisse's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Alanisse.
 CS: +560 - TD: +284 + CvA: +15 + d100: +35 - -5 == +331
 Warding failed!
Alanisse looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Alanisse turns pale then falls limp to the ground, killed by some inconceivable fear!
 * Alanisse drops dead at your feet!
Starletdawn's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Starletdawn.
The dull golden nimbus surrounding Starletdawn suddenly begins to glow brightly.
 CS: +560 - TD: +445 + CvA: +6 + d100: +30 - -5 == +156
 Warding failed!
Starletdawn looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Starletdawn collapses to the ground screaming!
Starletdawn is stunned!
Meril's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Meril.
 CS: +560 - TD: +555 + CvA: +3 + d100: +19 - -5 == +32
 Warded off!
Meril stares back at the a floating coppery sepia eye without fear.
Akenna's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Akenna.
 CS: +560 - TD: +510 + CvA: +14 + d100: +97 - -5 == +166
 Warding failed!
Akenna looks at the coppery sepia eye in fear!
Akenna collapses to the ground screaming!
Akenna is stunned!
Anieit's coppery sepia eye turns to stare at Anieit.
 CS: +560 - TD: +559 + CvA: +25 + d100: +8 - -5 == +39
 Warded off!
Anieit stares back at the a floating coppery sepia eye without fear.

Speaking to a floating coppery sepia eye, Anieit says, "We are coming for you."

Anieit stares at a floating coppery sepia eye.

Missoni gestures at Akenna.
The glazed look leaves Akenna.
Missoni gestures at Starletdawn.
The glazed look leaves Starletdawn.
Akenna says, "Thank you."
Speaking to Meril, Vaeldrys says, "My thanks."
Perigourd says, "That was a concern."
Starletdawn says, "Thank you."
The ghostly voice of Wilver says, "That was.. terrifying."
Speaking in Faendryl, the ghostly voice of Xylador says, "Interesting."
The ghostly voice of Naamit asks, "Hm?"
Missoni gestures at a dome of tangled brush.
A dome of tangled brush becomes a bit unsubstantial, and a shrill noise pierces the air as pieces of it simply disappear into nothingness!
The dome collapses into a scattering of pointy debris. The brambles burst a puffball mushroom that was hidden beneath the dome, releasing several glowing spores.
Missoni says, "We had best get the dead to safety before..."
Alisaire offers, "Before they rise up against us?"
Speaking to Xylador, Vaeldrys asks, "Again?"
The coppery sepia eye shakes violently, spraying gore and blood all over.
Speaking to Alisaire, Missoni says, "That, too."
Esana gestures at Naamit.
Esana begins mouthing a silent prayer, her gaze fixed on some distant point. Luminescent silver specks form in her pupils and spiral outward, consuming the irises until her eyes are shimmering pools of liquid silver. Esana extends her wings downward, gently encompassing Naamit's corpse in an emotionless embrace. As her lips stop moving, a thick tendril of silver mist flows from Esana into Naamit carrying with it a surge of power. When Esana carefully withdraws her wings, her eyes have returned to normal.
Naamit seems slightly different.
The iris in a floating coppery sepia eye suddenly expands.
Naamit says, "How invigorating."
Naamit dusts herself off.

A floating coppery sepia eye uses its iris to blink a few times.

A floating coppery sepia eye floats over towards Missoni and stares straight into her eyes.

Speaking to a floating coppery sepia eye, Perigourd says, "Unwise."
Speaking to a floating coppery sepia eye, Naamit says, "I see you."
Speaking to a floating coppery sepia eye, Missoni warns, "I may stare back."

Healing Pause

Anieit asks, "Who is here to recover the dead?"

Anieit taps his foot impatiently.

Speaking in Elven, Esana says, "I am."
Esana says, "I can."
The ghostly voice of Wilver says, "Do you think it can hear us? It doesn't have ears."
Missoni shrugs at Wilver.

Lihukshi drops all defense as she moves into a battle-ready stance.

A floating coppery sepia eye floats over towards Wilver and stares straight into his eyes.

Speaking in Faendryl, the ghostly voice of Xylador says, "That is the thing about magic."

A floating coppery sepia eye's iris blinks fives times.

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea says, "5 times."
Agathilea glances at a floating coppery sepia eye.

A slight breeze causes the tiny pink threads dangling from a floating coppery sepia eye to flutter softly while hovering in mid air.

A floating coppery sepia eye floats over towards Agathilea and stares straight into her eyes.

The coppery sepia eye shakes violently, spraying gore and blood all over.

Speaking to Auait, Anieit says, "Get it."

Speaking to Agathilea, Teveriel warns, "I wouldnt."

The eye explodes!

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea says, "Ha."
Jaysehn blinks.
Aureliano hisses.
Esana gestures at Malinya.
Esana begins mouthing a silent prayer, her gaze fixed on some distant point. Luminescent silver specks form in her pupils and spiral outward, consuming the irises until her eyes are shimmering pools of liquid silver. Esana extends her wings downward, gently encompassing Malinya's corpse in an emotionless embrace. As her lips stop moving, a thick tendril of silver mist flows from Esana into Malinya carrying with it a surge of power. When Esana carefully withdraws her wings, her eyes have returned to normal.
Lylia ducks her head.
Arku ducks his head.
Aureliano gestures at Esana.
The glazed look leaves Esana.
Speaking in Faendryl to Zolis, the ghostly voice of Xylador asks, "What... Did you do?"
Esana says, "Thank you."

Lihukshi licks a silver-edged rolaren chakram inlaid with sanguine tristars in her hand.

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea says, "Lost that staring contest."
Starletdawn says, "She must be distracted."
(Alisaire flicks a bit of eye goo off her fingers.)

Lihukshi moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Xylador, Zolis says, "Spiced it up a bit."
The voice of Yardie says, "We know what she's doing. I worry about what he is doing."
Speaking in Faendryl to Zolis, the ghostly voice of Xylador says, "Well, that was effective."
The voice of Yardie says, "Unless he is too wounded to do anything."

Lihukshi asks, "Are there any here for the fallen?"

Speaking proudly in Elven to Agathilea, Aureliano says, "You handled that well."
Speaking in Elven to Aureliano, Agathilea says, "Never back down."
Speaking in Faendryl, the ghostly voice of Xylador says, "There is one overworked Vaalorian."
Alisaire says, "I believe we only have one cleric present."

Lihukshi nods at Xylador.

Jaysehn says, "They may have to trust their Fate to the Gatekeeper."

Anieit paces back and forth.

Naamit says, "I trust some shall now see a banshee in their worst dreams... As I do."
Naamit carefully looks herself over.
The voice of Yardie says, "I see far worse in my dreams."
Bakarus says, "I can take one."
The ghostly voice of Wilver says, "Thank you."
Naamit wryly says, "May you enjoy them then."
Alisaire says, "Ah, very good."
Alisaire nods at Bakarus.
Arku says, "I still see Yardie in mine. The banshee would be a relief."
Uniana smirks.
Vaeldrys laughs at Arku!
The voice of Yardie exclaims, "Hah!"
The voice of Tylanthriel exclaims, "At least you are in someone's dreams Yardie!"
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Zolis grins crookedly at Arku.
Uniana encourages, "Can we respell the recently raised? Malinya is absent spiritual wards."

Lihukshi gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...
Lihukshi gestures at Malinya.
Nothing happens.

Akenna says, "I made sure she had elemental ones."

Lihukshi makes a nearly imperceptible motion while whispering a soft phrase...
Lihukshi gestures at Malinya.
Malinya suddenly looks much more dextrous.

(a bunch of Lihukshi and others casting buffs)

Esana tiredly says, "Thank you."
Naamit says, "You are resting, but your assistance in raising me is appreciated."
Speaking in Faendryl to Zolis, Xylador says, "I knew something was missing."
Malinya says, "Thank you all for the help."
Speaking in Faendryl, Missoni says, "If only I knew that one."
Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Xylador, Zolis says, "Now you look properly protected."
Esana humbly says, "Tis an honor to be of assistance."
The voice of Perigourd says, "I imagine with such a delay they will have either fled, or fortified."
Akenna says, "Thank you."
Speaking in Faendryl to Alanisse, Vaeldrys says, "Welcome back. We will make sure she pays for that..."
Lainae says, "This looks dangerous. I'm going to go now."
Lainae blurs into a white fog and vanishes!
Jaysehn says, "No undead linger in the area....for now."

Lihukshi says, "Can any of you shield the recently raised? We need to advance."

Missoni amusedly says, "You will have to reveal yourelf."
Yardie says, "I did."

Anieit says, "At this pace, they may elude us again."

Wilver says, "I will return to Illistim."

Speaking frustratedly to Anieit, Lihukshi says, "I know."

Alisaire mildly asks, "Did I miss anyone?"
Yardie says, "Thank you."
Wilver says, "Good luck to you all."
Jaysehn says, "When their dead failed to halt us, the eye did."
The voice of Yardie says, "With you."

Deeper Into The Woods

Lihukshi just moved quietly west, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail]
Cloaking the forest to the northwest, a vaporous wall comes to an abrupt vertical face behind the only exposed layer of contorted trees, as though being held back by the nodose trunks. The narrow track escapes the arboreal shadows as it slips into the dense, luminous mist. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake sprouting snowball hydrangeas, a grey cat and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, Sarissa Xylador, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Madam Naamit, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: east, northwest

Lihukshi just moved quietly northwest, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Foggy Forest]
Backlit by the natural silvery glow softly illuminating the persistent fog, monstrous shadows wait motionless behind the shroud that obscures the forest. The slender tips of bare branches poke through the veil like bony fingers reaching for the barely discernible path. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, Sarissa Xylador, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Madam Naamit, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southeast, southwest

Anieit says, "Ah, I can't see anything..."

Meril says, "The swamp ways are not easy to find on one's own."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a wingless skeletal aelotoi!
A bony giantkin zombie struggles up out of the ground!
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a hollow-eyed rotting gnome!
A vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse wheels about wildly as she stumbles in!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a ghastly withered elven soldier shambles in with a piteous moan.
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian shambles in with a piteous moan.
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a rotting elven seamstress!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar shambles in with a piteous moan.
The skeletal aelotoi wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The aelotoi's paralyzed body slackens in the grip of death.

(fight fight fight, kill kill kill)

Jaysehn says, "Sorry, I will warn us next time."

Auait snaps her arm forward, hurling her stygian steel shield at a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse with all her might!

The stygian steel shield flashes toward a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse!
The grey gnome corpse wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The stygian steel shield ricochets off the grey gnome corpse and flashes toward a rotting elven seamstress!
The elven seamstress wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The stygian steel shield ricochets off the elven seamstress and flashes toward a rotting elven seamstress!
The elven seamstress wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The stygian steel shield ricochets off the elven seamstress and flashes toward a hollow-eyed rotting gnome!
The rotting gnome wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The stygian steel shield ricochets off the rotting gnome and flashes toward a wingless skeletal aelotoi!
The skeletal aelotoi falls to the ground motionless.

Auait deftly catches her stygian steel shield on the rebound.

Lihukshi drops all defense as she moves into a battle-ready stance.

Lihukshi swings a lustrous dark rolaren chakram at a desiccated gaunt elven scholar!
The chakram strikes true, but the gaunt elven scholar shrugs off some of the damage!
The rotting gnome falls to the ground motionless.

A bony giantkin zombie shambles in!
Jaysehn says, "More, and growing in numbers."
Xylador swings a jagged-spiked Faendryl spikestar at a ghastly withered elven soldier!

(etc.)

With a last inhuman twitch, a ghastly withered elven soldier falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.
Anieit gestures at a ghastly withered elven soldier.
Nothing happens.

Anieit frowns.

Lihukshi just moved quietly southwest, with her group following closely.
Roundtime: 15 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Foggy Forest]
Heavy mist, radiant with a silver-white inner aura, swallows any hints of flora or fauna in every direction. Nothing is visible beyond the all-consuming cloud of fog, the resulting air thick with moisture and chilled by the icy particles suspended within. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian, a hollow-eyed rotting gnome and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, Sarissa Xylador, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Madam Naamit, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northeast

Esana gestures at a disfigured skeletal elven librarian.
Mana swirls into the visible spectrum and manifests as an ethereal, silver censer swinging pendulously through the air beside Esana. A green haze of incense smoke trails in its wake, quickly spreading in sinuous tendrils through the area.
A disfigured skeletal elven librarian becomes enveloped in the incense smoke!
With a last inhuman twitch, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.

Auait warns, "Careful."

Starletdawn says, "I hope she isn't drawing us into a trap."
(Jaysehn puts his back against Akenna's forming a defensive circle around them.)
Perigourd says, "Be wary where you swing."
Zolis nods at Auait.
Aureliano glances at Auait.
Jaysehn says, "More are out there."

Anieit says, "I can't see the trail through this fog."

Missoni frowns.

Lihukshi gazes about in the fog.

Lylia asks, "A breeze to dispel it?"
Naamit says, "Someone can surely Call some Wind."

A haze of black mist gathers around Alisaire as she prepares a spell...
Alisaire gestures.
A strong breeze suddenly picks up and begins to blow around in different directions through the area!
With a barely perceptible twitch of her fingers, Uniana mouths a quiet phrase.
Uniana gestures.
A gust of wind tugs at your sleeves. Suddenly, a fierce wind rips through the area, scattering everything in its path and making it difficult to remain standing.
The wind then subsides.
Meril rummages through a silver-capped birch scroll tube and removes a scrap of silvery papyrus from in it.
A strong breeze continues to swirl through the area.
Lihukshi gestures while summoning the spirits of nature to her aid...
Lihukshi gestures.
A sudden breeze stirs the air about Lihukshi, swirling and tugging at her clothing.
A strong breeze continues to swirl through the area.

Warchief Archales just arrived.
Archales says, "Allos."
Archales asks, "Did you find what you were searching for?"
Archales joins Lihukshi's group.
Jaysehn says, "Not yet."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a wingless skeletal aelotoi!
A bony giantkin zombie struggles up out of the ground!
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a hollow-eyed rotting gnome!
A vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse wheels about wildly as she stumbles in!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a ghastly withered elven soldier shambles in with a piteous moan.
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian shambles in with a piteous moan.
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a rotting elven seamstress!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar shambles in with a piteous moan.
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a wingless skeletal aelotoi!
A bony giantkin zombie struggles up out of the ground!
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a hollow-eyed rotting gnome!
A vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse wheels about wildly as she stumbles in!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a ghastly withered elven soldier shambles in with a piteous moan.
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian shambles in with a piteous moan.
A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a rotting elven seamstress!
Vital fluids seeping from its orifices, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar shambles in with a piteous moan.
Teveriel draws an intricately glowing pattern in the air before him.
A ghastly withered elven soldier backs itself northeast.
A vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse lets out a blood curdling scream!
A bony giantkin zombie lets out a blood curdling scream!

(lots of fight kill)

A bony giantkin zombie quickly decomposes before your eyes.

Lylia says, "You could say she found us."

The grey gnome corpse wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The skeletal aelotoi wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.
The rotting gnome falls to the ground motionless.

The voice of Tylanthriel asks, "Does that thing up there fyling belong to any of you?"
Archales says, "Got their attention at least."

Lihukshi shrugs.

Naamit quips, "Maybe she wants him dead."
Archales says, "I will stay with the group."
Alisaire starts chortling.
A huge dusky shrike casts a watchful eye from above.
The voice of Yardie says, "She could have done that already had that been the case."
Lylia says, "She has gone too far for that. She must know it as well as we do."
A huge dusky shrike casts a watchful eye from above.
Naamit says, "Not necessarily..."

Anieit says, "I think I see a way ahead."
Anieit points southeast.

Jaysehn says, "Let's take it. We are still surrounded."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Anieit asks, "Do you see it?"

Naamit says, "Fetid swamp that it is..."

Lihukshi just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely.
Roundtime: 15 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Foggy Forest]
Dense fog wreathes indistinct arboreal silhouettes, wrapping them in a gently lit, argentine haze that lends fuzzy edges to the contours of their twisted forms. The trail slips in and out of perceptibility as it wends through the mist-swathed forest. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a bony giantkin zombie, a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, Sarissa Xylador, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest

A desiccated gaunt elven scholar moans out a garbled spell.
A disfigured skeletal elven librarian lets out a horrible retching sound, its gut pulsing and bulging in places. The distensions travel sickeningly up the librarian's chest and wasted gullet before, with a noisome belch, the librarian vomits brackish bile at Perigourd!
[SMR result: 42 (Open d100: 39)]
Perigourd somehow manages to dodge the roiling glob of corrosive fluid.

Lihukshi just moved quietly southeast, with her group following closely.
Roundtime changed to 12 seconds.
Roundtime: 15 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Hidden Trail]
The semiopaque fog to the northwest bleeds between the copious trees, sinuous tendrils reaching out towards the swamp encroaching upon the forest from the east. Sulfurous waters soften the earth and gather in sunken footsteps along the muddy track. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a bony giantkin zombie, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian, a rotting elven seamstress, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian, a hollow-eyed rotting gnome, a bony giantkin zombie, a wingless skeletal aelotoi, a rotting elven seamstress and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, Sarissa Xylador, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: east, northwest

Meril focuses on Lihukshi with intense concentration.
Lihukshi's head wound gradually fades, forming on Meril's head instead.

Lihukshi lets out a flaming volley of invective that makes your ears burn.

Lihukshi appears entirely restored.

Lihukshi nods at Meril.

Lihukshi moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Lihukshi just moved quietly east, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Shallow Swamp]
Velvety with a silver shimmer that matches the unending thin mists, olivine mosses drape from the barren branches of water-rotted trees. The soggy ground plays an accommodating host to the multitudes of gloomy mushrooms ringing scattered, slime-skinned puddles. You also see a hollow-eyed rotting gnome, a bony giantkin zombie, a bony giantkin zombie, a rotting elven seamstress, a wingless skeletal aelotoi, a hollow-eyed rotting gnome, a wingless skeletal aelotoi, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar, a rotting elven seamstress and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Xorus, Peltast Vaeldrys, Legionnaire Esana, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: east, west

Lihukshi just moved quietly east, with her group following closely.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Shallow Swamp]
Bald cypresses grow in abundance throughout the misty swamp, their vine-strangled trunks flaring out to wide bases. Woody, spiked knees protrude from the glassy surface of the olive-tinged water, roughly surrounding the masses of moss-draped trees. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a floating void black eye that is flying around, a ghastly withered elven soldier, a vacant-eyed grey gnome corpse, a bony giantkin zombie, a ghastly withered elven soldier, a desiccated gaunt elven scholar, a damp pile of mossy felled trees and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: west

Perigourd says, "Another blockade."

Anieit glances around the area.

Auait says, "Her eye has not returned yet, but be on your guard."

Vaeldrys says, "Ow."
Jaysehn says, "These creatures are moving into the rest of the Wraithenmist. If they escape there, they could threaten Sylvarraend. We need to end this."
Vaeldrys says, "I got left behind and took some spit."

Lihukshi agrees with Jaysehn.

[Realm] Jaysehn thinks, "Beware the Wraithenmist if you are typical hunter of the region. Undead, stronger than typical have it overrun."

Anieit trudges through the swamp towards the felled trees.

Archales says, "I am so glad I didn't wear my new shoes."
Jaysehn says, "More still around us, but growing less in number."
Speaking to Jaysehn, Naamit says, "That's the way of a swamp."
Speaking to Jaysehn, Missoni says, "Over a score, still, though."
Speaking to Jaysehn, Auait says, "She thinks to tire us out with these waves, but the sheer number seems to be decreasing."

(lots of fight kills happening)

The skeletal aelotoi wails in terrifying pain one last time and lies still.

Archales says, "I feel safer."
Bakarus says, "The numbers they have created are impressive."

Anieit says, "They were emptying cemeteries on their journey."

Meril says, "They have woven another layer of magic atop an old curse. It will not be so easy to untangle."
Jaysehn says, "It is more than should be possible while on the move and with just a single necromancer to do the work."
Lylia says, "Anywhere there has been a battle or a township, there will be the raw materials of necromancy."
Missoni murmurs, "Winston senses a few demons. Hopefully they are minor."

Anieit traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...
Anieit gestures at a damp pile of mossy felled trees.
Sections of the a damp pile of mossy felled trees burst into spasmodic flame!

Jaysehn says, "Very few of the dead remain. For now."
Meril says, "We will need to make some more headway through these felled trees."

Anieit traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...
Anieit gestures at a damp pile of mossy felled trees.
Sections of the a damp pile of mossy felled trees burst into spasmodic flame!
The flames engulfing a damp pile of mossy felled trees leap higher!

Alas Poor Paerys

Nalver asks, "How are they drawing life from me as I kill them?"

The pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck just arrived!

A large blue-black vulture lunges forward in an attempt to rake her talons across the pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck, but impacts nothing but air.
Greenish-black flames spring to life in Lylia's hand...
Lylia gestures at the pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck.
Lylia hurls a ball of greenish-black flame at the pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck!
 AS: +457 vs DS: +391 with AvD: +52 + d100 roll: +70 = +188
 ... and hits for 52 points of damage!
 Crackling blue plasma roasts a smoking hole in the corpse of paersy's neck!
With a last inhuman twitch, the pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.
The ball of greenish-black flame strikes the pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck, blossoming into a much larger sphere of flame upon impact.

Meril blinks.
Archales blinks.
Teveriel glances down.
Missoni furrows her brow.
Perigourd furrows his brow.
Naamit asks, "The ghost of Paerys, is that who I see?"

>look
[Wraithenmist, Shallow Swamp]
Bald cypresses grow in abundance throughout the misty swamp, their vine-strangled trunks flaring out to wide bases. Woody, spiked knees protrude from the glassy surface of the olive-tinged water, roughly surrounding the masses of moss-draped trees. You also see the pallid corpse of Paerys with heavy stitching around his neck that appears dead, a sturdy iron trunk, a t'ayanad crystal, some ragged orange pants, a corroded coin, an oaken wand, a small statue, a blue crystal, a weathered haon chest, a weathered wooden trunk, a bent horseshoe, a simple monir strongbox, some ambrominas leaf, a crystal amulet, a scorched scroll, a dull gold coin, some glimmering blue essence dust, a simple maoral chest, a sturdy silver coffer, some glimmering blue essence dust, a weathered thanot coffer, a plain brass chest, a scratched thanot trunk, some glimmering blue essence dust, a n'ayanad crystal, a lazy wild smoky grey dog, some ambrominas leaf, a green tree frog that is sitting, a grey cat, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake sprouting snowball hydrangeas, the Lylia disk, the Archales disk, a tiny golden-hued frog, a cloud of pale slate grey haze that is flying around, a cheerful woodland spirit that is flying around, a huge dusky shrike that is flying around, a billowing misty grey scorpion hovering in mid-air, a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a damp pile of mossy felled trees and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, Nalver, Peltast Vaeldrys, Madam Naamit, Warchief Archales, Hunter Alisaire, Bakarus, Meril, Perigourd, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Lady Starletdawn, Lady Akenna, Blade Auait, Blade Arku, Missoni, Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: west

Lylia turns around.
Archales says, "Most unfortunate."
Lylia asks, "You know this thing?"

Auait curiously asks, "Was that someone of note?"

Vaeldrys swings his short sword at a damp pile of mossy felled trees, sending soggy chunks of moss-coated wood flying through the air.
The last of the mossy trees collapses into the swamp, creating a sodden path across the water.
Akenna frowns.
Speaking to Auait, Perigourd says, "No one I know."
Zolis starts chortling.
Naamit chuckles to herself.
Zolis starts chortling.
Lylia indifferently says, "All clay on the potter's wheel to a necromancer of sufficient desperation, it seems."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Anieit says, "It seems the path forward is cleared."

Archales says, "Not comforting..."

Lihukshi just slipped quietly across a sodden path of mossy felled trees stretching across the water, with her group following closely.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Shallow Swamp]
Foliose lichen climbs up the trunk of a sickly haon tree, lending its papery texture to the smooth bark, the distinct purple-grey hue dulled by disease. A rot-eaten mass of translucent leaves floats lifelessly on the murky water stagnating around its exposed roots. You also see obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: north, east

Jaysehn says, "Then let's find them and end this."
Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "These two have certainly earned their fate."

Vathor Time

Lihukshi just moved quietly east, with her group following closely.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Shallow Swamp]
Scraggly reeds, dreary as a corpse, shoot up out of the low, slimy water, their tips bent under the weight of cinereous, plumed blooms. Scattered trees take foothold in the swamp, veils of hanging moss shrouding the gnarled shapes of their trunks and limbs. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Lady Starletdawn, Peltast Alanisse, Malinya, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, Legionnaire Esana, Legionnaire Agathilea, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northeast, west

Nalver gestures at a disfigured skeletal elven librarian.
Nalver hurls a stream of fire at a disfigured skeletal elven librarian!
With a last inhuman twitch, a disfigured skeletal elven librarian falls down, decay rapidly eating away at its lifeless body.

Perigourd says, "A structure to th enortheast."

Anieit says, "We must be getting close."

Jaysehn says, "More dead yet surround us."

Anieit asks, "There is a potential they are ahead... Is everyone prepared?"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia scornfully says, "A humble end to one who had such high aspirations, if they are hiding in that little hovel."

Anieit asks, "No injuries?"

Anieit glances around the area.

Missoni cheerfully says, "Ready."
Lylia inclines her head.
Akenna nods grimly.
Vaeldrys nods at Anieit.

Anieit gives a sidelong glance at Auait.

Jaysehn says, "The dead are clear. Now is our moment."
Vaeldrys says, "Let us end it."
Meril says, "There are no serious enough injuries, at least."

Auait nods briefly at Anieit.

Nalver asks, "Am I the only one losing health?"
Nalver asks, "Am I the only one losing health?"
Meril focuses on Nalver with intense concentration.
Nalver appears entirely restored.
Meril begins to look a little better.
Nalver says, "I keep smelling...blood."

Lihukshi slowly says, "We've heard this before..."

Jaysehn says, "I am not. You may be poisoned."
Teveriel says, "I am hale."

A massive incarnadine vathor moves into the area, surveying the surroundings with its burning eyes.

Esana speaks a quiet phrase in flowing elven...
The demonic essence bathing the vathor deflects the power of the attack!

Nalver says, "Well, something metallic. I assume that's blood."
Vaeldrys says, "I am poisoned as well."

A burning ripple of intense blue flames moves outward from a massive incarnadine vathor.
Nalver is buffeted by the intense blue flaming ripples, and is knocked to the ground.
 ... 40 points of damage!
 Left arm burnt away at elbow. Ointment won't help.
 He is stunned!
Lihukshi is buffeted by the intense blue flaming ripples, and is knocked to the ground.
 ... 60 points of damage!
 Flames engulf body. Chest left a smoldering ruin.
 * Lihukshi drops dead at your feet!

(fight fight fight)

Zolis brings his tetsubo around in a tight arc to batter a massive incarnadine vathor into submission!
 AS: +704 vs DS: +165 with AvD: +36 + d100 roll: +43 = +618
 ... and hits for 241 points of damage!
 Massive blow smashes through ribs and drives the incarnadine vathor's heart out the back.
A massive incarnadine vathor's lets loose an unearthly howl as the raging inferno dies around it.
The silvery luminescence fades from around a massive incarnadine vathor.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around a massive incarnadine vathor.
With a final, explosive breath, Zolis pulls his tetsubo back to a ready position.

The spirit of Lihukshi sighs softly, raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

Meril focuses on Lihukshi with intense concentration.
Lihukshi's chest wound gradually fades, forming on Meril's chest instead.
Lihukshi appears entirely restored.

Anieit nods approvingly at Zolis.

Lylia gazes admiringly at Zolis.
Arku nods at Zolis.
Alisaire says, "I was hoping to get one of its horns."
The voice of Yardie says, "Well done, Zolis."
Jaysehn says, "I doubt it will be the only one."
Archales asks, "Did ou?"
The voice of Yardie asks, "How many demons? How many undead?"

Esana gestures at Lihukshi.
Esana begins mouthing a silent prayer, her gaze fixed on some distant point. Luminescent silver specks form in her pupils and spiral outward, consuming the irises until her eyes are shimmering pools of liquid silver. Esana extends her wings downward, gently encompassing Lihukshi's corpse in an emotionless embrace. As her lips stop moving, a thick tendril of silver mist flows from Esana into Lihukshi carrying with it a surge of power. When Esana carefully withdraws her wings, her eyes have returned to normal.
Lihukshi's body suddenly grows darker.

Speaking in Faendryl, Auait asks, "Are you all hale and whole?"

Alisaire gestures at Lihukshi.
The glazed look leaves Lihukshi.

Anieit says, "Other than our cousin..."

Alisaire says, "Perhaps we should reform."
Alisaire says, "I suggest all rejoin the Watcher."
Anieit joins Lihukshi's group.
Speaking to Jaysehn, Nalver says, "This is all very familiar."
Nalver says, "In a weird way."
Speaking to Nalver, Jaysehn asks, "A cursed forest?"
Nalver says, "Still losing health rapidly.."
Nalver says, "And no idea why."
Speaking to Nalver, Jaysehn asks, "You are tasting metal?"
Nalver nods at Jaysehn.
Speaking to Nalver, Jaysehn says, "You are cursed."
Speaking to Nalver, Jaysehn says, "Badly cursed."
Nalver removes a praying white ora figurine from in his elesine cloak.
Nalver rubs a praying white ora figurine in his hand.
Nothing seems to happen.
Starletdawn says, "I may backtrack a bit to be sure she doesn't try to slip by us in that direction."
Esana tiredly says, "Thank you."

Anieit asks, "ARe we prepared to move?"

Speaking to Nalver, Jaysehn says, "If you die, you will rise as the undead."
Zolis nods at Anieit.
Starletdawn says, "Be safe, and I'll see you all back in the city."
Arku says, "Ready."
Esana draws her lor staff from her runestaff sling, tracing an arc of radiant blue-white aura in its wake. At her touch, a number of sigils worked into its grain take on a faint luminescence.

Lihukshi cocks her head at Esana.

Esana nods once.

The Betrayer's Hut

Lihukshi fights against the pull of the swamp with each step, the slimy water sloshing around her.
Lihukshi just moved quietly northeast, with her group following closely.
Roundtime changed to 1 second.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
[Wraithenmist, Dead Tree - , ]
Diaphanous silver mists swathe a wild structure built around the waterlogged remains of a colossal tree, split several feet above a massive hollow. Nature adds an additional layer of camouflage to the vine-ensnared, makeshift hut, blanketing it with blackened mosses and shimmering lichen. You also see obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Commodore Jaysehn, Sorcerer Anieit, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southwest

J>look hut
Built around the massive, dead tree, the hut is cobbled together from various natural components, including thick sheets of rough bark, vine-lashed wattle fashioned from rotting branches, and full trunks. The result is a crooked and rugged hut shrouded in the untamed flora of the swamp. A solid maoral door is set in the front, slightly to the left of the center. Smoke streams steadily from the opening in the top of the decapitated tree.

The voice of Yardie asks, "Alive, yes?"
Alisaire asks, "Is that a hut?"
Desorceri says, "Burn it."
Desorceri smirks.
Missoni says, "Smoke, though. Someone is inside."
Nalver yells, "I know of Tormtor!"
Archales says, "I dont think all of us should rush inside."

Lihukshi asks, "What are the odds one of you is good with a lockpick?"

Desorceri says, "It might collapse if we did."
Lylia says, "She is to be taken alive if at all possible."
Arku nods at Lihukshi.
Perigourd says, "Fairly good."
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Archales says, "I am decent."
Yardie says, "I can try, Arku might be better."
Speaking deeply to Lihukshi, Zolis says, "Better with just crashing through..but perhaps that isn't the best method here."

Speaking in Faendryl, Auait simply says, "The other is expendable."

Speaking to Arku, Yardie says, "All yours, Mentor."
Tylanthriel says, "Quite a lock on it."
Zolis grins at Auait.

Anieit searches around for a moment.

Agathilea asks, "I could take a swing with my axe?"

Lihukshi nods in agreement.

Agathilea glances at Lihukshi.
The voice of Yardie says, "See if it is trapped first."

Lihukshi says, "Let him try first."

Speaking to Alisaire, Naamit whispers aloud, "Leaving a trail, are you?"
Tylanthriel says, "I did check."
Tylanthriel says, "I would need to get lucky with those tumblers."
The voice of Yardie asks, "It's trapped?"
Tylanthriel says, "Such an intricate lock for a hut of this nature."
Alisaire grins wryly at Naamit.
Arku chuckles.
Tylanthriel says, "I saw no trap."

Lihukshi searches around for a moment.

Tylanthriel says, "And I have been meddling with the lock."
Speaking quietly in Elven to Tylanthriel, Aureliano says, "Keep an eye behind us that we are not ambushed."
Tylanthriel says, "So if there was one on the lock I would have set it off by now."

From nearby, you hear Enomna yell, "Go away!"

Anieit yells, "Betrayer, we will reach you!"

Lihukshi yells, "Betrayer, we will get to you this time."

Lihukshi glances around the area.

Tylanthriel says, "Bash away."
Arku detaches a slim vaalin grandmaster's lockpick from a dented steel keyring.
Yardie asks, "Arku have you tried? Should i try?"

Lihukshi searches around for a moment.

Tylanthriel says, "Unless someone else wants to try."

Anieit says, "Perhaps there is another way in."

Anieit searches around for a moment.

Yardie says, "There's a rock."

Anieit glances at Yardie.

Yardie says, "And unusual one."

Speaking to Yardie, Anieit asks, "A rock?"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia exclaims, "Yell You know we cannot! And you know why!"
Speaking to Yardie, Arku says, "I was making sure it's not trapped."

>look rock
Partially hidden in the reeds surrounding the hut, something about this rock seems off. The color is strangely uniform, and the surface is a bit too smooth. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be made out of matte grey steel.

Agathilea taps an unusual rock.

You hear the hoarse voice of a man shout from within the hut, "You will make fine additions to the corpses in this swamp! Does the taste of heroism bring you so close to the brink of your demise!?"

Lihukshi asks, "Are you going to throw it through a window?"

Anieit says, "So there is."

Perigourd removes a tiny damp monir chest with rusted hinges from under an unusual rock.

Anieit blinks at Perigourd.

Perigourd furrows his brow.

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia warns, "Silence your pet, Enomna, lest others do it for him...."
Speaking to Perigourd, Naamit says, "Perfect place to leave a spare key."

Speaking to Perigourd, Anieit asks, "That was under the rock?"

Teveriel says, "It looks more metal than rock. Curious."

Auait yells, "Careful old man, else your energy expended yelling might be your undoing."

Arku says, "Want to try it? That's about the best attempt I could make and can't even tell how many tumblers."

Lihukshi yells, "How's the leg? Shall I hit the other one? Perhaps you'd like to be bound to a chair for the rest of your short life."

Perigourd says, "Seemingly."

Anieit nods at Perigourd.

Nalver says, "That rock isn't a rock."
Nalver says, "It's metal."
The voice of Yardie says, "I figured something was off, but I am not certain what or how."
Perigourd says, "It will need a smith."
Nalver says, "It's....hollow."
(Forcing stance down to guarded)
Desorceri asks, "Does it hold a spare key of sorts?"

Lihukshi asks, "What is this chest?"

Lihukshi asks, "Why are we bothering with it?"

Yardie yells, "Surrender, Madame! Perhaps we can save the both of you."
Speaking to Naamit, Archales says, "Well it was worth a shot."
Alisaire chuckles to herself.
Naamit agrees with Archales.
Arku says, "I can't unlock the hut."

Lihukshi slowly says, "Unlikely..."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Anieit says, "This human found it under this rock..."

Missoni says, "Perhaps it is of use."
The voice of Yardie says, "Never hurts to try."

Lihukshi nods once.

Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "Sometimes, it certain hurts to try."
Perigourd accepts Arku's damp monir chest.

Anieit raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.

The voice of Yardie says, "And that would be no different than earlier."

Perigourd says, "Ah."

Perigourd removes a rusted steel key from in his damp monir chest.

You hear the hoarse voice of a man shout from within the hut, "Your bones will feed our demons! Begone!"

You hear a click as Perigourd unlocks a vine-ensnared hut.

Missoni says, "Ah, a key..."

Anieit yells, "You will answer for your crimes!"

Perigourd nods approvingly.
Naamit quips, "Just as I thought."
Zolis yells, "We already fed one of your demons."
Archales says, "Its a very big log."

Lihukshi indicates a vine-ensnared hut as a possible option.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Perigourd says, "It's open."
Archales says, "Lock."

Enomna and Henshor

Lihukshi just slipped quietly into a vine-ensnared hut, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hut]
Sheets of bark board up the windows, blocking any outside light and trapping the smell of mildew and mold inside the small, slightly crooked room. Muddy footprints track across the reed-woven rug thrown over the weak, sodden plank floor. Tightly arranged in the cramped space, dilapidated furniture is draped with damp clothing and gear. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Commodore Jaysehn, Lihukshi
Obvious exits: north, out

Lihukshi just moved quietly north, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hut]
Patchwork walls and a low ceiling stretch to the natural hollow of a decaying tree. Two bedrolls rest on the floor in front of the natural void, which houses a dying fire that fails to bring any warmth to the bone-deep chill of the air. The orangey glow highlights the streaks of mold on every surface, including the oval table holding a smattering of stale food. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a thick-furred deep black aishan and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Commodore Jaysehn, Lihukshi, Lord Henshor, Betrayer Enomna
Obvious exits: south

Enomna holds her lor runestaff protectively out in front of her at an angle, her eyes frantic as they bounce back and forth at the group.

You see Betrayer Enomna.
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.
She is of moderate height and has a subtle hourglass figure. She appears to be in the meridian of life. She has almond-shaped coppery sepia eyes and golden brown skin. She has long, wavy silver hair shaved along the sides with the remainder teased and twisted into several locks pulled back by a black silk hair-tie. She has a narrow face, an upturned nose and narrow pointed ears. Though her cheekbones are well-defined and cheeks somewhat hollow, her features retain a somewhat youthful appearance.
She has a swollen right eye.
She is holding a splintered and rotted lor runestaff encasing a cracked viridian vaelfyren sphere in her right hand.
She is wearing a spiral-inset black leather pack, a poorly patched set of charred verdigris suede leathers, some fitted black leather pants slashed to reveal a shredded green silk lining, and a pair of faded black leather boots capped at the toes with rusted steel plates.

Henshor scowls.

Missoni nods to a thick-furred deep black aishan in greeting.

You see Lord Henshor the Sorcerer.
He appears to be a Human from Trauntor.
He is hunched over. He appears to have one foot in the grave. He has brooding dark eyes and ashen skin. He has balding, black hair with silver streaks running through it. He has a gaunt face, a hooked nose and a small goatee.
He has a mangled left leg.
He is holding a slender bone rod with a bloodstained groove along its length in his left hand.
He is wearing a cracked crystal amulet, an ensigiled black pack, some sigil-stamped black vruul skin armor, a thin ruby-buckled dark leather belt, a waxed black leather pouch, some elegant crimson trousers, and a pair of dark leather boots with burnished electrum tips.

Alisaire mildly greets, "Good evening."

Enomna despairingly exclaims, "Go away!"

Henshor feeds a severed, rotting arm to a deep black aishan. The wolf-like demon quickly devours the limb, chomping it down hungrily!

Lylia haughtily says, "You aimed so high, and look at where it has brought you. Not to the wide Wastes, but...here."
Arku frowns.
Vaeldrys stares at Enomna.

Henshor hoarsely exclaims, "They have broken in!"

Archales says, "Someone beat you up."

Henshor rummages through an ensigiled black pack with a frantic look of loss.

Lihukshi strides over to stand before Enomna.

Henshor hoarsely says, "I am out of chalk beloved. We will have to fight them here."

The voice of Yardie says, "It's over."

Speaking to Enomna, Lihukshi says, "You will pay."

The voice of Yardie says, "I can attempt to subdue."
Perigourd urges, "Surredner, there need be no bloodshed!"
Speaking fervently to Enomna, Lylia asks, "Why?"
Desorceri asks, "You're quite outnumbered. Will you come peacefully?"
Akenna says, "Let us... not fight. Please surrender, peacefully."
Jaysehn nods in agreement at Akenna.

Enomna ruefully exclaims, "You cannot stop me... You WILL NOT stop me!"

Missoni frowns at Enomna.

Henshor hoarsely exclaims, "No, you wil die! You will be bones!"

Speaking to Akenna, Anieit says, "He does not deserve peace."

Enomna traces a simple rune while intoning a short, mystical phrase...
Enomna gestures.
A sphere of dark ethereal ripples expands outward from Enomna.

(knock downs)

Henshor traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...
Henshor gestures.
Numerous grotesque limbs in varying states of decay suddenly burst out of the floor! With startling speed and ferocity, the arms grab at whatever they can!

(knock downs)

Auait surreptitiously glances at a thick-furred deep black aishan.

Perigourd grunts.
Bakarus says, "There is no need for further violence."

Enomna traces a sign that contorts in the air while she forcefully incants a dark invocation...
Enomna gestures.
Numerous grotesque limbs in varying states of decay suddenly burst out of the floor! With startling speed and ferocity, the arms grab at whatever they can!

(knock downs)

Perigourd lunges forward and tries to hamstring Henshor with his kelyn warsword!
[SMR result: 144 (Open d100: 49, Bonus: 40)]
With a vicious strike Perigourd slashes at Henshor's right leg!
 ... 35 points of damage!
Slash to Henshor's left leg hits high!
 Kinda makes your knees weak, huh?
Blood sprays from Henshor's right leg in a crimson arc!
 ... 20 points of damage!
 ** Luminescent motes of deep amber eject from Perigourd's kelyn warsword and propel toward Henshor with increasing speed, finally bursting in a blinding flash! **
Henshor appears less secure.
A hazy film coats Henshor.
Henshor waves a slender bone rod with a bloodstained groove along its length at Meril.
 CS: +552 - TD: +480 + CvA: +3 + d100: +19 - -5 == +99
 Warded off!
A decayed arm quickly snatches at Jaysehn, dragging him down before retreating into the floor!
 ... 1 point of damage!
Trickles of blood course from Henshor's right leg.
 ... 22 points of damage!

Arku swings a dark-bladed khopesh at Henshor!
 AS: +635 vs DS: +513 with AvD: +34 + d100 roll: +60 = +216
 ... and hits for 53 points of damage!
 Throat nearly crushed. Henshor makes gurgling noises.
 He is stunned!
A dark shadowy tendril rises up from Henshor's skin, writhes its way up a dark-bladed khopesh towards Arku and lashes out malevolently...
 CS: +552 - TD: +395 + CvA: 0 + d100: +60 - -5 == +222
 Warding failed!
Arku contorts in excruciating agony!
 ... 54 points of damage!

Perigourd lunges forward and tries to hamstring Henshor with his kelyn warsword!
[SMR result: 181 (Open d100: 36, Bonus: 90)]
With a vicious strike Perigourd slashes at Henshor's right leg!
 ... 35 points of damage!
 * Henshor drops dead at your feet!

Alanisse says, "That answers that."

Auait tries to pull Lihukshi towards her.

Enomna traces a simple rune while intoning a short, mystical phrase...
Enomna gestures at Perigourd.
 CS: +531 - TD: +463 + CvA: -25 + d100: +9 == +52
 Warded off!

Perigourd hurls himself at Enomna!
[SMR result: 79 (Open d100: 24, Penalty: 14)]
Perigourd fails to bring Enomna down, but manages to scramble to his feet!

With a primal scream, Missoni issues a demand to the dead. Sinuous spirits rise from the ground and twine about her arms
Missoni gestures at Enomna.
 CS: +558 - TD: +470 + CvA: +14 + d100: +51 - -5 == +158
 Warding failed!
Enomna's eyes flash with a searing jolt of light!
She is heavily stunned!

A shadowy figure springs from hiding and aims a blow to Enomna's head!
[SMR result: 142 (Open d100: 31, Bonus: 31)]
Enomna appears paralyzed and is driven to her knees!
The figure quickly disappears from view.

Archales says, "Foolish."

Desorceri gestures at Enomna.
Enomna is able to move again.
The glazed look leaves Enomna.

Perigourd hurls himself at Enomna!
[SMR result: 235 (Open d100: 79, Bonus: 86)]
Perigourd pins Enomna to the ground, knocks the wind out of her, and quickly jumps to his feet!
 ... 35 points of damage!
The attack exposes a vulnerability in Enomna's defenses!

Jaysehn swings an ornate ebony eahnor cresset sword at Enomna!
 AS: +696 vs DS: +392 with AvD: +44 + d100 roll: +53 = +401
 ... and hits for 172 points of damage!
 Awesome slash severs Enomna's right arm!
 A jagged stump is all that remains!
 * Enomna drops dead at your feet!

Missoni says, "Bind--"
The voice of Yardie asks, "Why?"
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.

Lihukshi says, "Quick, keep her."

Jaysehn scowls.
Archales says, "You got blood on me."
Lylia says, "She was to be taken alive."
The voice of Yardie says, "I had her subdued."
Teveriel says, "Less than ideal."
Missoni mutters, "I had her stunned."
Lylia says, "She is kept."

Henshor's corpse is suddenly torn apart by tendrils of inky black shadow, viciously rending his body and clothing!

Uniana states, "I was attempting to subdue them into sleep."
The voice of Alisaire says, "A corpse is quite easy to sbudue."
The voice of Yardie says, "Fair enough."
Naamit admonishes, "Now look what you've done."
Zolis starts chortling.

Anieit smirks.

Archales blinks.
Arku says, "She attacked."
Arku shrugs.
Desorceri says, "Uh oh."
Aureliano squints.
Akenna glances down.
Lifting first one foot and then another, Archales slowly backpedals.
Akenna frowns.
Meril shakes her head.
Nalver ponders.
Zolis strides over to stand before Enomna.
Jaysehn glances around the room.
(Lylia spares only a glance toward the remains of Henshor.)

A small murky black rift opens up out of seemingly nowhere and a thick-furred deep black aishan is pulled through it, followed by the rapid closing of the rift.

Zolis takes a moment to observe Enomna.
Jaysehn glances down.
Jaysehn glances at Enomna.
Perigourd grunts.

The spirit of Enomna sighs softly, raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

The voice of Tylanthriel asks, "Did none of you remember the orders?"

Lihukshi stradles Enomna, binding her hands behind her back despite her currently lifelessness.

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "And this... is what was to come of things..."

The ghostly voice of Enomna despairingly says, "My love... my heart... you have taken him from me."

Anieit kicks aside some of the pieces of Henshor's corpse.

With great effort the spirit of Enomna gives a keening cry, spectral tears falling to the ground.

The voice of Yardie says, "I'm sorry."

Speaking to Enomna, Nalver says, "What was that rod..."
Speaking in Faendryl, Vaeldrys says, "Enomna It was easy to do too."

The ghostly voice of Enomna exclaims, "No you are not, you bastard!"

Speaking to Enomna, Desorceri says, "You could do better..."
Speaking to Enomna, Nalver asks, "Was he using it on you?"
Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Enomna, Zolis says, "It is the least of the pain you shall suffer, I am sure."
Speaking to Enomna, Yardie says, "No....I truly am."

Speaking to Enomna, Lihukshi asks, "You lost your way long ago... what is your heart to the Faendryl people now?"

Speaking to Enomna, Missoni says, "It is the way of things."
Lylia says, "You had to know better than to reach for a Patriarchal scion..."

Speaking to Lihukshi, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "My heart is nothing now..."

Speaking to Enomna, Yardie says, "Love is love. I have no quarrel with who you chose as your mate. It si simply for your crimes that you must pay for."

Speaking to Enomna, Lihukshi says, "You will wish that were true in the days ahead."

Lihukshi grins slowly.

A pained expression crosses Missoni's face.

Auait slips a curved black steel falcata hilted in branchlets of pale lor into one of the thin leather-knotted loops sewn inside of her stygian wool shroud.

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Yardie, Zolis says, "I believe that wasn't the point."
Speaking to Enomna, Naamit offers, "There is life after widowry."
Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Vaeldrys says, "It is a shame your actions brought his death."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Doesn't matter now....but that was my point."

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Be done with it... you have already killed me... let me rot in peace to be with my husband... That is the fate this cruel world, and harsh time have dealt us."

Lylia says, "I can animate her and walk her back to the city."
Meril quietly says, "I had not tried to use a spell of war, for what it is worth. He looked about to unleash his magic, and it was a counterspell."
Lylia coldly says, "You have questions to answer."

Speaking to Enomna, Lihukshi says, "No... that isn't your fate."

Speaking calmly to Enomna, Auait says, "You will answer for your path of destruction."

A white-eared frosty grey wolf asks, "Need a portal to the Dais?"

Speaking to Lihukshi, Lylia asks, "Shall I make her fit to march?"

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Either way, it will be death... now... or later... what difference does it make."

Zolis glances between Lihukshi and Auait.

Lihukshi nods at Lylia.

Lylia says, "There are good deaths, and bad deaths."
Speaking to Enomna, Teveriel says, "You will find no more pity here than you showed for the villages you tore asunder."
Yardie sighs at Enomna.
Shadows dance between Lylia's outstretched fingers as she issues a command in archaic Faendryl.

Lylia gestures at Enomna.
Lylia intones deeply over Enomna's body as slender glowing wisps gather around Lylia's body like a swarm of moths to a lantern. After a few moments Lylia begins to take on a slight glow and Enomna's body starts to show subtle signs of movement. Finally, the glow surrounding Lylia envelops the body and flares brightly before fading out, revealing an upright animated Enomna.

Lylia beckons Enomna closer with a slow curl of her forefinger.

Jaysehn nods in agreement at Teveriel.
Yardie asks, "What were you aiming for?"
Uniana shudders.
Zolis grins slowly.

Lihukshi gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...
Lihukshi gestures at Lylia.
Nothing happens.

Jaysehn says, "They were offered the chance to surrender. And it seems one at least will be a captive one way or the next."

Speaking to Enomna, Anieit says, "Your crimes are unforgiveable."

Yardie says, "She was subdued."
Yardie sighs.
Yardie says, "No matter."
Yardie says, "We have her."
Lylia notes, "She still is subdued."
Zolis agrees with Lylia.
Jaysehn nods in agreement at Lylia.

Lihukshi nods once.

Vaeldrys shrugs.
Naamit asks, "Which idiot killed the human?"

Lihukshi says, "Seems fitting."

Anieit glances at Naamit.

Speaking to Naamit, Anieit says, "The human was dispensible. We only wanted the Betrayer."

Lihukshi asks, "Who cares?"

Jaysehn says, "I'll shed not a tear for her or her husband. Or...I'll shed as many as they did for the villages they razed and animated on this fools errand."
Speaking to Naamit, Alisaire says, "The human husband of the Faendryl."
Speaking amusedly to Anieit, Naamit says, "Indeed."

The spirit of Enomna sighs softly, raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Yardie says, "Strangely enough...I do. Who knows what he could have known....would have known."
Speaking to Jaysehn, Perigourd says, "Quarter was offered."

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "To you, he was dispensible... to me, he was the world... I pray you have your heart ripped from your ribs in the same manner as you have done to me."

Speaking to Anieit, Nalver says, "That is an interesting tattoo you have."
Nalver stares at Anieit.
Yardie asks, "You came far...but I wish you would two have surrendered?"
Speaking to Enomna, Lylia asks, "Was it true? That you sought the Patriarchal scion using the Patriarch's own mother?"
Missoni bites her lip.
Speaking to Missoni, Yardie says, "I see you...."
Speaking to Enomna, Jaysehn says, "You might have chosen to ask for help and not tread in the creation of undead or summoning of vathors. Look to your own sins."
Speaking to Perigourd, Yardie says, "....and you."
Speaking coldly to Enomna, Aureliano says, "Many of us have lost love ones. You are not unique in that. Your path of destruction is what makes you stand out."
Speaking quietly to Enomna, Missoni says, "This is the wrong way to go about such things."
Speaking to Perigourd, Yardie says, "And that's why it was important....to me."

Anieit says, "You have destroyed innocent lives. Your heart deserved to be ripped from you. I have done no such things."

Lylia quietly adds, "Not that I question the veracity...but to hear it from you would make your end a better one."
Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Vaeldrys says, "And yet, you traveled with him knowing who hunted you. Were you to have separated - you know who we would have followed."

Speaking seriously to Lylia, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Progress sometimes requires severe action to be taken."

(Uniana spares Aureliano a short, kind glance before turning back to the corpse.)
Speaking to Enomna, Agathilea says, "Love is not justified by the taking of innocent lives."
Speaking to Enomna, Perigourd says, "Some things ought not be broken."
Lylia agrees, "It does, but you must have known such an overreach would send you toppling..."
Speaking to Enomna, Perigourd says, "The cycle of life is one of them."

Speaking deeply to Enomna, Zolis asks, "And quite a few needless deaths, eh?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Yardie says, "I'm sorry if I presume...but you'd do anything for her. And she you. And now, well....all she has is her hate."
Zolis deeply says, "Not that I mind a few needless deaths, mind you."
Speaking in Faendryl, Vaeldrys says, "You brought your husband's fate yourself and have no one to blame but yourself for his being torn asunder."
Nalver asks, "Why are we helping these Faendryl?"
Speaking deeply to Yardie, Zolis says, "She'll not likely have her hate or her life for long."
Speaking to Enomna, Xorus asks, "What is it you were seeking?"
Speaking neutrally to Lihukshi, Teveriel says, "At any rate, you have her. You have acted honorably, so I know I need not remind you of the Mirror's stipulation."

The ghostly voice of Enomna bitterly says, "The only needless death was my husband's... if the Basilica would stop their restrictions on these things, no one would have needed to die."

Speaking to Nalver, Jaysehn says, "We aren't. We are apprehending her."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Only time will take."
Speaking to Enomna, Yardie says, "And there it is."
Lylia gazes with interest at Enomna.
Yardie sighs at Enomna.

Speaking to Teveriel, Lihukshi says, "I need no reminder."

Speaking to Enomna, Yardie says, "You did all this for love, then....to be with him."

Speaking to Enomna, Missoni asks, "Their restrictions on summoning?"

Teveriel nods at Lihukshi.

Lihukshi says, "We came here in honor and we will leave in honor."

Speaking to Enomna, Arku says, "He knew the rules, and the consequences for breaking them. It was his choice."
Speaking to Nalver, Tylanthriel says, "This betrayer ventured through Illistim lands destroying villages and summoning demons."
Lylia gives a sigh of exasperation.
Uniana nods faintly at Lylia.
Lylia says, "Oh, so mawkish. No, this was not solely about love. This was about power."
Lylia waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Speaking vaguely to Missoni, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Research... other things..."

Missoni nods thoughtfully at Enomna.
Arku agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Agathilea says, "Indeed."
Speaking to Tylanthriel, Nalver says, "And there was a dark elf that wrote a note about being pulled through the gates by the call of ravens."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Perhaps I've been around the other races for too long...but I don't know."
Yardie knowingly sighs, "Happy in my status."

Lihukshi just moved quietly south, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Hut]
Sheets of bark board up the windows, blocking any outside light and trapping the smell of mildew and mold inside the small, slightly crooked room. Muddy footprints track across the reed-woven rug thrown over the weak, sodden plank floor. Tightly arranged in the cramped space, dilapidated furniture is draped with damp clothing and gear. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Commodore Jaysehn, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lihukshi
Obvious exits: north, out

Zolis deeply says, "Love is no excuse for all this killing.. or the attempt on a scion of the Patriarch."

The ghostly voice of Enomna ruefully says, "Time is an illusion in Lorae'tyr, after all... Imagine... IMAGINE if we could harness that..."

Akenna delivers an eye roll before exasperatedly uttering, "By the Drake and all my ancestors!"
Zolis nods at Yardie.

Anieit glances at Nalver.

Vaeldrys blinks.
Yardie glances at Akenna.

Lihukshi just moved quietly out, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Dead Tree]
Diaphanous silver mists swathe a wild structure built around the waterlogged remains of a colossal tree, split several feet above a massive hollow. Nature adds an additional layer of camouflage to the vine-ensnared, makeshift hut, blanketing it with blackened mosses and shimmering lichen. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and a blue whortleberry.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Missoni, Blade Arku, Blade Auait, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Commodore Jaysehn, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southwest

Alisaire nods knowingly at Naamit.
Vaeldrys stares at Enomna.
Missoni murmurs, "In that sense I do not disagree."
Yardie says, "You think considering similar relationships, one would know."
Naamit nods knowingly at Alisaire.

Speaking to Lihukshi, Auait says, "I shall sweep the area before any undead are let loose."

Speaking to Missoni, Yardie says, "But the job is done."

Auait slips away between the trees.

Speaking deeply to Yardie, Zolis says, "Their relationship has nothing to do with their actions or their punishment."
Missoni says, "But there are appropriate channels to go through when conducting such research, for safety reasons."
Lylia glances at Enomna.
Lylia furrows her brow.
Meril says, "We should return to the city to meet the guard. If there is some reprimand for failing to saving Henshor's life, I will answer for it."

Speaking to Enomna, Lihukshi asks, "Is that what you needed the innocent blood for? Or was that another of your distractions, too?"

Speaking to Meril, Perigourd says, "My sword took it."
Speaking to Meril, Alisaire offers, "I suggest the one who dealt the final blow should face that."
Jaysehn points at Enomna.
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Agreed. Punishment is punishment. We bring her and him back alive. There was no intention of absolving of crimes, Lord Zolis."
Jaysehn says, "Let her answer for it."
Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Vaeldrys asks, "What did you seek with the power of Lorae'tyr?"
Speaking to Meril, Agathilea says, "They struck first."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Now, the justice will be the same. One less, then. But still."
Speaking deeply to Yardie, Zolis asks, "Then why are you still waxing semi-intellectual about it?"
Meril says, "There are always other ways."

Speaking scornfully to Lihukshi, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "I do not have to answer to you."

Yardie stares at Zolis.
Speaking to Zolis, Teveriel says, "This is what he does."
Speaking plainly to Zolis, Yardie asks, "Do you know me by now?"
Speaking to Meril, Agathilea says, "Yes, there are. They chose not to heed your offer."

The ghostly voice of Enomna quietly says, "Anything... any step... something... to keep him with me."

Zolis nods slowly at Yardie.
Naamit touches Enomna.
Lylia says, "Ah. So it was love and power. Together."
Speaking to Agathilea, Meril says, "I am a healer first, and not a legionary. We shall see."
(Vaeldrys rubs his hands and forearms while staring at Enomna.)
Speaking deeply to Enomna, Zolis asks, "Perhaps we can send someone to gather some ash?"
Jaysehn says, "Toxic combination."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "Right wrong...I speak what I feel. I'll be the death of me someday...but hopefully not today."

Enomna's body suddenly grows darker.

Speaking deeply to Yardie, Zolis says, "This is not about you, either."

You see a wave of energy emanate from Lylia toward Enomna. It coalesces around her body and then seeps in, leaving a glow around the body.

Lylia says, "Not that easy, I fear."
Speaking to Zolis, Yardie says, "No, it's not."
Jaysehn smiles quietly to himself.

Speaking to Yardie, Lihukshi asks, "He used his power without any preventative measures, as a Palestra... Do you not see the shame in that?"

Speaking to Meril, Agathilea says, "I will always defend you because of that."

Enomna falls to the ground in a heap.

Speaking to Enomna, Naamit whispers aloud, "Some believe that you can be together again in another time and place, if you simply let go... It is a gamble, but so is your future."
Speaking to Lihukshi, Yardie says, "I do. Make no mistake, they both would answer for their sins."

Shadows dance between Lylia's outstretched fingers as she issues a command in archaic Faendryl.
Lylia gestures at Enomna.
Lylia intones deeply over Enomna's body as slender glowing wisps gather around Lylia's body like a swarm of moths to a lantern. After a few moments Lylia begins to take on a slight glow and Enomna's body starts to show subtle signs of movement. Finally, the glow surrounding Lylia envelops the body and flares brightly before fading out, revealing an upright animated Enomna.

Speaking to Yardie, Arku says, "Our duty was done today. Nobody said it would always be easy,"

Lihukshi nods once.

Arku nods at Yardie.
Lylia nods at Lihukshi.
Speaking to Enomna, Lylia says, "This is not the way to persuade the Basilica...you had to know."

Speaking to Enomna, Lylia murmurs, "Was time so short?"

Speaking to Arku, Yardie says, "That's the discipline. But....so close."
Lylia sighs.
Speaking to Enomna, Meril says, "In the old elven faith, it is said that the souls of the bonded are reunited somewhere beyond the darkness that awaits us all. Life is not itself an ending, whether the Seven Houses have lost their belief or no."

The ghostly voice of Enomna mutters, "Did you not see him? It would not have been long..."

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "A day... a week... a month... it was closing in..."

Speaking to Enomna, Yardie says, "The price of humanity. Finite lives."
Vaeldrys clenches his jaw.
Lylia gently says, "No, it would not have been long."
Missoni nods slightly at Enomna.

Speaking to Enomna, Anieit says, "At least it was swift."

Anieit smirks.

The ghostly voice of Enomna growls, "I would spit at you if I could..."

Speaking to Yardie, Perigourd says, "A gift, perhaps."
Lylia calmly notes, "You are under my command now, at least in body. It could have been worse."

Speaking to Enomna, Xorus asks, "Why wander this way, into the north?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Yardie asks, "Is it, Perigoud?"
Lylia nods to Xorus
Lylia says, "Good question."
Speaking to Perigourd, Akenna says, "My late Daerd, he burned bright... if short."
Speaking to Yardie, Perigourd says, "I think to find each moment more important knowing that at some point it will end."
Jaysehn smiles at Akenna.

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Chasing rumors... and a glimmer of hope."

Jaysehn says, "Fate."
Missoni nods sympathetically at Akenna.
Akenna smiles at Missoni.
Xorus asks, "Rumors, you say?"
Speaking to Enomna, Missoni asks, "What were these rumors?"

Lihukshi just moved quietly southwest, with her group following closely.
[Wraithenmist, Misty Trail]
The trail threads its way through the thickening forest, barely visible in the eerie light filtering through the mist. Droplets of condensation fall to the ground with a soft *plop*, their incessant noise the only sound to be heard. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, a ghostly mara and a ghostly mara.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Missoni, Blade Arku, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Commodore Jaysehn, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

Speaking to Enomna, Agathilea asks, "Rumors?"
Speaking to Enomna, Lylia says, "It is a hope that more than a few Humans I know have."

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Rumors that I would find what I needed... everything I needed... was said to be here."

Speaking to Enomna, Missoni asks, "Here in the Wraithenmist?"

Speaking sarcastically to Missoni, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Yes, here, in the Wraithenmist. Right here."

Speaking to Enomna, Agathilea says, "You will have to explain more."
Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Vaeldrys asks, "Why mention Lorae'tyr earlier? Were the rumors to do with it?"
Zolis deeply asks, "Who knew the fountain of youth was bogwater?"

The ghostly voice of Enomna says, "It doesn't matter anymore."

Speaking to Enomna, Missoni says, "It might matter to some."
Speaking to Zolis, Naamit assures, "It's not the bogwater."

Lihukshi chuckles.

Lylia says, "It may matter. You can die well, or you can die poorly. And your beloved, perhaps he has family."

Lihukshi asks, "Why would she help you extend your humans lives when she has lost her own?"

Speaking amusedly to Missoni, the ghostly voice of Enomna chides, "Yes... speak on such things after my own capture... let my jailors know your intentions."

Lylia hints, "It may matter very much to them. Sons, daughters..."
Speaking to Lihukshi, Yardie says, "And now you see."
Perigourd glances at Lihukshi.
Anieit gives a sidelong glance at Missoni.
Speaking to Lihukshi, Perigourd says, "I'm my own human."
Perigourd chuckles.
Speaking to Anieit, Naamit says, "Ah, the human had value."
Yardie says, "Let's hope...she didn't know."

Speaking to Perigourd, Lihukshi says, "I meant no offense."

Jaysehn says, "I will stay here . Make sure the dead are gone. At least, these new dead."
Speaking evenly to Enomna, Missoni says, "Having the information doesn not mean I would use it."
Jaysehn gives a quick nod and tips his hat.
Yardie stares at Missoni.

Speaking dismissively to Missoni, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Of course. Why would you use any means necessary to keep your love? What monster would do that sort of thing? Certainly not you. Not at all."

Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Vaeldrys says, "It may - afterall, time is so very interesting there. Who knows what possiblities are available, should knowledge be discovered."
Speaking to Lihukshi, Nalver says, "Wouldn't be the first time a Faendryl has gone looking to the undead for eternal life."
Vaeldrys shrugs.
Yardie glances at Nalver.
Speaking to Enomna, Perigourd says, "She knows well enough that such means are distasteful at best to me."
Speaking to Enomna, Akenna says, "Because all things die and it is not for us to disrupt nature."

Lihukshi sarcastically says, "Yes, let's publicly do more things to have the rest of the world hate us."

Yardie snickers at Lihukshi.
Speaking to Lihukshi, Yardie says, "Funny how some get the benefit of the doubt."
Speaking to Enomna, Nalver asks, "Were you looking for Amasalen?"
Naamit exclaims, "I bid you farewell now that you are out of my realm. Be gone!"
Alisaire nods at Naamit.
Naamit waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Returning to Ta'Illistim

Lihukshi just slipped quietly down a narrow path, with her group following closely.
[Sylvarraend Road]
This section of the roadway has fallen into a bit of disrepair. The stones are cracked and worn, with some of them missing entirely, and the wagon grooves are deeper than what you've seen in other sections, as if their drivers tried to pass through this part of the road as quickly as possible. The brush has grown tall along the northeast side of the road, but not enough to entirely conceal a narrow path leading northward. The pathway is barely visible and doesn't seem to have been used much. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Missoni, Blade Arku, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Madam Naamit who is riding a fiery-eyed nightmare steed, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest

Zolis grins at Naamit.
Naamit rides on a fiery-eyed nightmare nightmare steed up a narrow path.
Alisaire says, "It was good to see you again."
Speaking to Enomna, Nalver says, "He's the one that has the key to life eternal."

Speaking to Missoni, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "One day... you may find a path in your desperation upon you sooner than you could imagine... and your choice... I wonder what that would be when truly faced with it."

Missoni reasonably says, "Surely it is best to know the rumors so that any loose ends can be tended."
Speaking to Agathilea, Yardie says, "I am Faendryl, but you know I see things.....unusually. We are not monolithic."

Speaking to Nalver, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "Fool... Why look to a spirit or an arkati if I can manage it myself."

Speaking to Yardie, Agathilea says, "I know this. I know you."
Speaking to Agathilea, Yardie says, "Partly, in thanks to someone like you."
Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "We only do what it takes to save the world and the thanks we get.."
Speaking to Enomna, Missoni says, "I am fairly sure I would not kidnap a child for such an end."
Lylia gazes with interest at Enomna.

Speaking to Missoni, Lihukshi asks, "Did you really think she could find something left in Old Ta'Faendryl after all these years?"

Lihukshi says, "She's clearly gone mad."

Speaking to Enomna, Missoni says, "I would lose my beloved down that path, anyway."
Speaking in Faendryl, Yardie slowly stammers, "Not.....sur....sr...surppr..ised."
Lylia says, "She sounds angry, but not mad."
Speaking to Lihukshi, Missoni agrees, "No, I do not suspect there is anything of use under those old paving stones."

Lihukshi just moved quietly north, with her group following closely.
[Whistler's Pass, Road]
The road levels out briefly before continuing on. The grey cobblestones begin to create a more complicated pattern as the road travels up the hill. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Missoni, Blade Arku, Lady Akenna, Perigourd, Meril, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: east, south

Enomna falls to the ground in a heap.

(there was leaving the room here)

Alisaire says, "You left-- ah."
Alisaire says, "The corpse."
Desorceri says, "Wait."
Bakarus says, "We left the body."
Teveriel neutrally says, "If it would ease the journey, from here I can call my horse to carry the Betrayer."
Zolis deeply says, "Can't lose that."

Lihukshi just moved quietly west, with her group following closely.
[Whistler's Pass, Road]
The road levels out briefly before continuing on. The grey cobblestones begin to create a more complicated pattern as the road travels up the hill. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and a cheerful woodland spirit that is flying around.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Missoni, Blade Arku, Lady Akenna, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Squire Legionnaire Tylanthriel, Lihukshi, Perigourd, Meril, the body of Betrayer Enomna who is lying down
Obvious paths: east, south

Speaking in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Vaeldrys says, "I would not doubt that there is still knowledge to be discovered in the old city for those who are able to explore it."

Lylia gestures at Enomna.
Lylia intones deeply over Enomna's body as slender glowing wisps gather around Lylia's body like a swarm of moths to a lantern. After a few moments Lylia begins to take on a slight glow and Enomna's body starts to show subtle signs of movement. Finally, the glow surrounding Lylia envelops the body and flares brightly before fading out, revealing an upright animated Enomna.

Teveriel dryly says, "It would cause less of a scene as we enter the city regardless."
Zolis deeply says, "Not so fast."
Xorus indifferently says, "Sorcery has progressed greatly over the past twenty thousand years."
Speaking to Enomna, Lylia says, "I cannot leave you in such a state. You have more to answer for."

Lihukshi just slipped quietly into the inner portcullis, with her group following closely.
[Ta'Illistim, City Gate]
The inner gateyard is one in a series of circular chambers of silvery blue stone, its walls rising to a domed ceiling above. The cobblestones are worn smooth, more so in the center of the chamber than around the walls. A portcullis, raised upwards into a hidden compartment, reveals only its teeth. You also see a large blue-black vulture that is flying around, the ice-covered Karona disk, a melanistic gold-striated jaguar, a disheveled blue fox that is sitting and a city guardsman.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Perigourd, Meril, Missoni, Blade Arku, Lady Akenna, Bakarus, Hunter Alisaire, Warchief Archales, Peltast Vaeldrys, Nalver, The Infamous Desorceri, Lihukshi, Grand Lord Karona
Obvious paths: west, northwest

Desorceri asks, "What was it you were hoping to recover?"

Lihukshi releases her rolaren chakram, which gently glides to her side and hangs from her belt.

Lihukshi releases her dark rolaren chakram, which gently glides to her side and hangs from her belt.

Auait wanders in.

Speaking to Enomna, Yardie asks, "You two....how did you....how did you two meet? What drew you to him?"

The ghostly voice of Enomna irritatedly mocks, "What were you looking for? Do you not think that maybe if I knew the specifics, the details, I would have found it already? Rumors, whispers on the wind, that is what I chased for the hope."

Aureliano glances at Yardie.

Lihukshi says, "And murdered a lot of people."

Yardie glances at Aureliano.
Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Lylia says, "You understand why the Basilica cannot support this."
Speaking to Enomna, Nalver asks, "And what were those rumors?"

Speaking snidely to Lihukshi, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "What was the term... ah, yes... they were DISPENSIBLE."

Speaking to Aureliano, Yardie says, "I harbor no mercy, Aurel. Don't mistake my inquiries for weakness."
Desorceri says, "Going on a hunch for the hunchback."

Speaking quietly to Enomna, Auait asks, "Even the children?"

Lihukshi glances at Enomna.

Speaking to Nalver, Arku says, "Perhaps better they die with her rather than lead others down her path."
Speaking to Aureliano, Agathilea says, "I as well, but the fact that there were demons does not sit well with me, nor the idea of something she sought out there."
Agathilea glances at Enomna.
Aureliano nods in agreement at Agathilea.
Speaking to Enomna, Yardie says, "So this was your quest to lash out on the world. Because of intolerance."
Speaking to Arku, Nalver says, "I doubt she is the only one that has heard this rumor. In fact, I think she is likely just the most noticed one to be following whispers."
Uniana rolls her eyes.
Speaking to Arku, Nalver says, "There are hands pulling powerful people...things...into the open."

Speaking to Auait, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "All of them. If I had the knowledge to feed their lifeforce into Henshor, I would have, but know... there was no closure to my search."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Imagine what happens if every Human, or even their royalty, become immortal, or effectively so. If it existed, of course it would be suppressed. With no exceptions for softer feelings."
Alisaire offers, "I believe she cast a few of those hands earlier."
Speaking to Uniana, Yardie says, "Roll them all you wish....but I understand this feeling. I care not what anyone thinks of that....or me."
Perigourd nods thoughtfully at Nalver.
Agathilea glances sternly at Yardie.
Speaking to Enomna, Nalver asks, "Were you looking for the Famifiri?"
Desorceri says, "Luukos like to plant seeds that'll never sprout into desperate minds."
Bakarus gazes at Desorceri.
Perigourd gazes blankly at Enomna.

Speaking evenly to Enomna, Auait says, "If it were in my power, I would raise you only to strike you down for every innocent life you took away."

Bakarus smiles.

Anieit glances at Auait.

Xorus says, "Several years ago I reversed the age of a cursed human girl and returned her to youth."
Xorus shrugs.
Nalver says, "They were the dark elves that went out into the world and were able to give their blood to another and grant them eternal life...at a great cost."
Lylia nods to Xorus.
Teveriel says, "It would seem there is camaraderie in victimhood."
Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "Unusual circumstances."
Speaking to Agathilea, Yardie says, "No, Agathilea. Wrong is wrong. She will answer, he has passed. But what if it were someone else? Another human? Missoni and Perigourd. You and perhaps a gnome? And so while I hope she pays...I feel as I feel."

Speaking to Yardie, Anieit says, "I would hope they would not slaughter innocents in their quest."

Speaking deeply to Yardie, Zolis says, "This has nothing to do with their races. Nothing."
Speaking surprisedly to Agathilea, Alisaire asks, "Was that gnome with us your betrothed?"

Speaking blandly to Nalver, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "What exactly do rumors and whispers mean to you? If they were more than that, would they not instead be clear answers? You ask your questions assuming that your words have meaning to me. They don't."

Teveriel says, "Or perceived victimhood."
Speaking to Yardie, Perigourd says, "I'd rather pass on, for the record."
Speaking to Anieit, Yardie says, "That is also my hope."
Speaking to Yardie, Agathilea says, "Do not disrespect others over your feelings."
Speaking to Anieit, Missoni says, "We would not."
Speaking to Agathilea, Yardie says, "I responded, Aga."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.
Yardie says, "And...that's it. I've nothing else to say."
Speaking to Yardie, Teveriel asks, "Are you certain?"
Speaking to Yardie, Agathilea warns, "So did I."

Speaking to Yardie, Anieit asks, "We are not offended by their relationship, we are horrified at what they did to preserve it. You seem to be okay with this. Why did you help, then?"

Speaking dismissively to Yardie, the ghostly voice of Enomna says, "I don't need your pity."

Speaking to Enomna, Perigourd says, "I am curious as to where these rumors came, and what you hoped to find."

Lihukshi says, "I don't care who she beds. Bedded, wetted, it doesn't matter."

Speaking to Enomna, Perigourd says, "There has been much talk of restoring life of late."
Agathilea begins chuckling at Lihukshi!
Perigourd says, "From different corners of Elanith."
Speaking to Enomna, Lylia says, "We all do what we must, Enomna. What you did to the Patriarchal scion must not stand."

Enomna falls to the ground in a heap.

The ghostly voice of Enomna plaintively says, "Then just let me die here and now."

Speaking deeply to Lylia, Zolis says, "I am quite certain this nation might have some issues with what they have done to their citizenry, as well."
Alisaire stares at Enomna's lifeless body, apparently lost in thought.
Alisaire says, "The orpse."
Akenna says, "She's..."

Lihukshi sighs.

Bakarus glances at Enomna.
Lylia replies, "I cannot. I was tasked with taking you alive. This is the closest I can achieve to that."
Speaking deeply to Enomna, Zolis says, "That would be no punishment."
Speaking in Faendryl to Enomna, Vaeldrys says, "That is not how this works. Death is a release you have not earned."

Speaking to Vaeldrys, Anieit says, "You speak the truth."

A pale green glow briefly envelops Esana's hands.
Esana gestures at Enomna.
Nothing happens.

Outside Faendryl Embassy

The air around you begins to warp and distort, prismatic fractals shimmering as a sliver between here and somewhere else tears open before you. Stepping through the sliver, Xociral appears looking a bit confused and mildly shaken. The sliver closes rapidly behind him, a faint plume of scintillating chalk on the ground where it once was.

Perigourd glances appraisingly at Xociral.

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.

Yardie says, "Oh dear."

Xociral blinks.

Alisaire mildly greets, "Good evening."
Yardie blinks at Xociral.
Speaking to Lihukshi, Esana says, "Would you like them to be on their feet."

Speaking in Faendryl, Xociral hoarsely asks, "What? Why am I here?"

Speaking to Esana, Lihukshi says, "Begrudgingly, yes."

Meril dusts Enomna off.
Meril focuses on Enomna with intense concentration.
Enomna's right eye wound gradually fades, forming on Meril's right eye instead.
Enomna's right arm wound gradually fades, forming on Meril's right arm instead.
Enomna appears entirely restored.
Meril concentrates.
Meril looks a lot better.

Speaking in Faendryl, Xociral says, "This is not where I was suppose to be."

Speaking to Xociral, Auait says, "We were hoping you'd tell us."

Speaking deeply to Meril, Zolis says, "Be not gentle with that one."

Xociral clears his throat.

Speaking curiously to Xociral, Missoni asks, "Where were you supposed to be?"
Speaking to Zolis, Meril says, "It is a sacred duty to be, even to our enemies."

Xociral says, "Something pierced the veil recently near here. That is the only way I could have passed through."

Esana gestures at Enomna.
Esana begins mouthing a silent prayer, her gaze fixed on some distant point. Luminescent silver specks form in her pupils and spiral outward, consuming the irises until her eyes are shimmering pools of liquid silver. Esana extends her wings downward, gently encompassing Enomna's corpse in an emotionless embrace. As her lips stop moving, a thick tendril of silver mist flows from Esana into Enomna carrying with it a surge of power. When Esana carefully withdraws her wings, her eyes have returned to normal.
Enomna's body suddenly grows darker.

Speaking to Xociral, Perigourd says, "A vathor."

Desorceri gestures at Enomna.
The glazed look leaves Enomna.

Esana politely says, "Thank you."
Alisaire says, "Someone might want to get some rop--"

Lihukshi respectfully says, "Harrower."

Xociral turns to face Lihukshi.

Alisaire says, "Ah. Well, now she's unstunned."

Speaking to Alisaire, Anieit says, "She is already tied."

Alisaire nods once.

Xociral bows to Lihukshi.

Lylia says, "She is not able to flee at this point."

Xociral says, "Your have remnants of a demon about you."

Xociral sniffs.

Speaking to Xociral, Anieit asks, "A bit late to the hunt, aren't you?"

Lihukshi grabs the bindings on Enomna'ss wrist and pulls her close.

Desorceri says, "Hmm."
Speaking in Faendryl to Xociral, Vaeldrys says, "It is good to see you again Harrower. I trust the valences have been interesting."

Lihukshi pulls Enomna to her feet.

Xociral asks, "Palestra here? Are you hunting someone?"

Speaking in Faendryl, Vaeldrys says, "We were."
Missoni says, "She has been captured."

Enomna growls ferociously!

Missoni glances at Enomna.

Xociral frowns.

Anieit glances at Enomna.
Desorceri says, "Whatever shed from Henshor's corpse perhaps."

Xociral says, "I suppose the Clerisy should be notified."

Speaking to Xociral, Anieit asks, "Did you not know of the vathor a few days past?"

Speaking to Xociral, Anieit says, "This one's now deceased husband summoned it on a small settlement."

Speaking to Xociral, Lylia says, "She claimed to have been hunting rumors here. She did not find what she sought."
Anieit glances sharply at Enomna.

Xociral says, "I was in a valence beyond three layers deep. It is not often I hear things from our land unless I have reason to return and report my findings."

Enomna glances sharply at Bakarus.

Bakarus smiles.

Anieit nods at Xociral.

Missoni nods thoughtfully.

Anieit put a slim lor staff wrapped in a spiral of razored vaelfyren in his runestaff sling.

Xociral asks, "Now I appear to be in some city. Elven? Yes?"

Xociral sets about preparing himself to be as presentable as possible.

Anieit says, "Ta'Illistim."

Lihukshi says, "Ta'Illistim."

Xociral glances about with a look of concern on his face.

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Xociral frowns.

Vaeldrys smirks as a haughty expression flits across his face.
Speaking sympathetically to Xociral, Missoni says, "A bit disorienting, I am sure."
Anieit glances at Perigourd.

Xociral asks, "Summoning the vathor would certainly make a path for me to find, I thought it would have been something worse based on the trail that was blazed. But you said... two vathors?"

Lihukshi says, "We will keep her bound and locked and chained, and anything else I can think of to keep her from escaping."

Lihukshi grins slowly at Enomna.

Lihukshi says, "And then, we will bring her before your Mirror."

Lylia nods at Xociral.
Missoni nods at Xociral.
Perigourd cocks his head at Anieit.

Xociral furrows his brow.

Speaking to Xociral, Desorceri asks, "Know about any demons that tear apart afflicted corpses?"

Enomna bitterly spits, "Add gagged to that list, may as well."

Akenna nods appreciatively at Lihukshi.
Teveriel nods at Lihukshi.
Speaking to Xociral, Lylia says, "There may have been more, but her husband planned poorly with his chalk."
Missoni surreptitiously glances at Enomna.
Speaking deeply to Enomna, Zolis says, "Anything to end your incessant wailing."
Nalver's expression briefly flickers with bewilderment.

Speaking to Enomna, Lylia says, "On the contrary. Your conversation is enlightening. I cannot imagine anyone wishes you gagged."

Lihukshi looks thoughtfully at Lylia.
Lihukshi points at herself.

Anieit examines Nalver closely, sizing him up and taking note of all the details.

Agathilea appears to be struggling to keep a straight face as she glances at Lihukshi.

[Ta'Illistim, Linsandrych Var]
Beautiful white roses adorn a natural wall that lines one side of the cobblestone var, alabaster columns rising up from the verdant foliage. A smooth marble walkway splits the hedge, leading to a domed rotunda. Opposite the thick greenery is a wrought-iron fence, which allows a view of a well-tended garden beyond its bars. You also see a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake sprouting snowball hydrangeas, a grey cat, the Archales disk, the Lylia disk, a lazy wild smoky grey dog, a huge dusky shrike that is flying around, a billowing misty grey scorpion hovering in mid-air, a cheerful woodland spirit that is flying around, a large blue-black vulture that is flying around and a domed alabaster rotunda.
Also here: Cartographer Xociral, Meril, The Infamous Desorceri, Nalver, Peltast Vaeldrys, Warchief Archales, Hunter Alisaire, Bakarus, Lady Akenna, Blade Auait, Blade Arku, Missoni, Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Zolis, Lady Uniana, Lord Teveriel, Xorus, Sorcerer Anieit, Legionnaire Agathilea, Legionnaire Esana, High Legionnaire Aureliano, Malinya, Peltast Alanisse, Blade Yardie, Perigourd, Betrayer Enomna, Lihukshi
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

Speaking to Desorceri, Xociral says, "A demon? Perhaps one that was bound to its master and unwilling to leave it behind in this realm. The Clerisy is interesting in any reports of new behaviors, however."

Speaking to Xociral, Desorceri says, "Henshor's corpse was consumed in shadow. Clothes and all. It was very unsual."
Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "I like you, Watcher."

Lihukshi grins crookedly.

Speaking to Desorceri, Anieit says, "It left some bits behind."

Yardie shrugs at Enomna.
Desorceri nods at Anieit.

Anieit says, "I might still have one on my boot."

Anieit glances down.

Vaeldrys grins at Anieit.
Zolis grins at Anieit.
(Agathilea glances at Anieit's boot.)
Speaking to Anieit, Desorceri says, "I wouldn't expect good table manners."

Xociral says, "If I were to dilvulge any such information about demons, it would be to the Clerisy. They would determine who is fit to carry the knowledge with them."

Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "There is a dusty spot just there."
Desorceri nods at Xociral.

Xociral joins Lihukshi's group.

Lylia notes, "It was the Clerisy this one spoke and acted against, in fact."

Xociral says, "Since I have no means to return from here, I will accompany you."

Lylia says, "Feeling their restrictions chafed her too much."

Enomna glowers.

Xociral says, "I hope to return to my work as soon as possible."

Anieit shakes his right foot, flinging off a tiny scrap of flesh.

Lihukshi says, "We are required by our oaths to bring the Betrayer before the Mirror."

Lihukshi says, "If you need to return, it may be without us."

Lihukshi says, "Our last petition took three days."

Xociral adjusts the murky shadowglass orb on his headband, turning it slightly in one direction then another.

Speaking to Xociral, Nalver asks, "What are you working on?"
Alisaire mildly offers, "Politics in the City-States tends to progress slowly."

Speaking in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Vaeldrys says, "You will let us know when you are granted audience with the Mirror? I would prefer to attend if possible."

Lihukshi says, "It should be made public."
Lihukshi nods at Vaeldrys.

Lylia nods appreciatively.
The sun sets to the west, causing a pale yellow hue to bathe the ground.
(Yardie pats Vaeldrys on the back.)

Speaking to Nalver, Xociral says, "I'm am assigned to duties within the Extrachthonic Cartographers Guild."

Speaking to Lihukshi, Arku says, "You seem to have this in hand. If you need any further assistance do not hesitate to reach out."

Lihukshi nods at Arku.

Xociral says, "But most of my time is in places far from it."

Anieit glances around the area.

Speaking in Faendryl to Alanisse, Auait says, "You have our gratitude for rallying the others."

Anieit leans towards Auait.

Speaking to Enomna, Arku says, "Think on this, your beloved chose escape through the shadows rather than to face the consequences with you."
Akenna politely says, "I fear I must be away myself. I appreciate the opportunity to aid you."
Akenna nods politely at Lihukshi.
Arku mutters coward.
Blade Arku just went southwest.

Enomna glances haughtily southwest.

Speaking in Faendryl, Alanisse says, "Our duty called us, all would have come but some were not available on such short notice."

Xociral asks, "Since I must return home from here, I will notify the Clerisy you have apprehended this criminal and are keeping her here to face judgement. Will she be brought to justice in our homeland?"

Xociral squints at Enomna.

Missoni offers, "I believe that is the goal."
Speaking in Elven to Esana, Aureliano asks, "I think we have served our role," He adds a nod to Agathilea, "Shall we return to the Fortress, Legionnaires?"

Enomna scowls at Xociral.

Agathilea nods once at Aureliano.

Xociral nods slowly.

Esana nods once at Aureliano.
A small company of Sapphire Guards arrives, led by a wary captain. Dragging her by the bound wrists, Lihukshi shoves Enomna into the captain. He catches her, moving her back through the ranks until she is completely surrounded.
Nodding once, the guards reverse their path and depart.

Lihukshi says, "I expect her back as I gave her to you."

Speaking seriously to Aureliano, Auait says, "You have our thanks."

Anieit says, "We appreciate the help you all have given us."

Auait bows to Aureliano.

Aureliano nods politely at Auait.

Speaking to Aureliano, Anieit says, "Your House is very skilled."

Lihukshi disbands her group.

Aureliano diplomatically says, "Thank you for your efforts in seeing to a threat in these lands. You acted honorably."

Anieit grabs Auait's hand.

Speaking in Elven to Uniana, Teveriel says, "Likewise, I see no need for us to remain."

Xorus says, "Considering the crimes committed in multiple places, the most fair thing may be to cut her in half and let her be punished in both."

Lihukshi nods at Aureliano.

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Admirably suited to the purpose."
Speaking in Elven to Malinya, Aureliano asks, "Squire Legionnaire, will you be joining us?"
Alisaire says, "I believe I will return west, now that this hunt has concluded."
Lylia smiles at Xorus.

Speaking slowly to Xorus, Lihukshi says, "I doubt the Patriarch would agree."

Bakarus grins at Xorus.
Malinya stiffly says, "Excuse me."
Alisaire mildly says, "Good evening."
Xorus nods slowly.
Bakarus says, "Eternal Light, all. well fought."
Speaking to Alisaire, Missoni says, "See you in Solhaven, I am sure."
Missoni wishes, "Lord and Lady Anduin, farewell."

Lihukshi joins Anieit's group.

Anieit says, "I am weary from the energy of that forest."

Lihukshi says, "I am sure we will meet before we depart."

Vaeldrys agrees with Anieit.
Teveriel says, "We are all, I am sure, glad to see this threat quelled."
Yardie bows to Lihukshi.
Zolis grins crookedly at Lihukshi.

Anieit nods at Lihukshi.

Lylia says, "We are."

Lihukshi nods.

Aureliano nods once.
High Legionnaire Aureliano's group just went northeast.

Speaking deeply in Faendryl to Lihukshi, Zolis says, "This one hopes so."

Lihukshi raises an eyebrow in Zolis's direction.

Lihukshi examines Zolis closely, sizing him up and taking note of all the details.

Lihukshi smirks.

Xociral says, "I should be leaving this city now. The towers here give me a perculiar feeling. Powerful, unsettling, magic."

Missoni glances between Zolis and Lihukshi.

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "I look forward to our meeting once again, before the Mirror if not sooner."

Lihukshi nods at Lylia.

Speaking in Faendryl to Anieit, Vaeldrys says, "It drew the Betrayer here, which means it will likely draw more with similiar intentions."

Auait inclines her head.

Speaking in Faendryl, Zolis deeply says, "It is good to see such skilled kith."
Speaking in Faendryl to Xociral, Lylia says, "I prefer home."

Xociral nods in agreement.

Lihukshi says, "Harrower."

Xociral turns to face Lihukshi.

Anieit nods once.

Speaking to Vaeldrys, Yardie mouths, "More?"
Xorus says, "I do not much care for the towers."
Speaking in Faendryl to Xociral, Missoni says, "Travel safely."

Auait bows to Xociral.

Lihukshi nods.

Speaking to Xociral, Yardie asks, "Can.....can I write you?"

Lihukshi just slipped quietly into a domed alabaster rotunda, with her group following closely.

Xociral nods once.

Xociral exclaims, "I need chalk!"

Cartographer Xociral just went northeast.