North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-04-11 - And it Burns, Burns, Burns, His Mind's on Fire (log)

Olaesta 11-12, 5123

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.

Short Synopsis

Iliyaas has concerns about a shadow Tyrrax is wearing, which adventurers identify from her description as possibly related to Quinshon; she'll pass that along to Elidal. Other than that, however, Landing adventurers encounter a night of far more questions than answers due to a loresong for a bloated corpse washed up from a distant shipwreck and Rodnay communicating that someone's burning his mind and to make her stop.

Long Synopsis

As people chat in the Landing town square, two kids run by and one says he got a coin from a corpse at the Black Sands. Adventurers investigate to find a bloated body with two missing limbs, covered in blade wounds and blackened flesh. Marshal Stormyrain performs a loresong. She sees him heading out to sea on a ship with a crest that Xorus identifies as Estorian, then the ship being attacked by krolvin as he hides in the cabin. He manages to survive the ship being razed and calls for help to another passing ship as he floats on debris in the wreckage, but a halfling aboard the ship with a pear green-eyed man, half-elven man, dark elven woman, and other less visible figures fires her hand-pylon at him. Stormy calls for removal of the corpse and three militia members come; one of them nopes out at the sight of the body, but the others carry it back.

As the adventurers begin returning to town, they spot Iliyaas and meet with her say. She says the krolvin who came, Tyrrax, "wears" a dangerous shadow. She says it's fluid and she can't grasp it--it's "like liquid night, but full of teeth" and "a maw of darkness, of shifting shadows." Leafiara says she can think of two people fitting that description: Cruxophim and Quinshon, the latter having appeared that way when Rodnay attacked him in 5117. Iliyaas picks up on the Quinshon name and Leafi explains that he's known as the Black Shaman, formerly affiliated with the Hall of Mages. Iliyaas says Tyrrax and his shadow are dangerous and she'll inform Elidal.

Stormy asks if Iliyaas knows anything about the shipwreck corpse and Councilor Vaemyr asks if she knows anything about removing the scarabs, but in both cases the answer is no. Magister Raelee also suggests Elidal come to the outpost, since information on Quinshon lingers from what Grand Magister Dennet, who worked with him, left behind. Tikba asks if the things coming through the extraplanar cracks near Melgorehn's Reach are the "storm of worlds" Iliyaas mentioned previously and she says it may be, as "there is a wrongness, and things amiss" and that "the mountain is here and many wheres," being unlike anything she's seen in "all my lives."

Bronze and silver lights bein to swirl around the Reach in the shape of a crown, then rings--and so, after Iliyaas leaves for the evening, the group heads to Lake Eonak again. An azure web of lightning crackles along the peaks, then the lights form a forge, then the lights descend as veins.

Julenne's voice says "Help me," then Thrassus' voice says "Something is wrong"--though neither of them are the ones speaking intentionally. Rasson's voice asks for help, Skorrian's voice says "it is sick," then Peche groans and calls for help, then Citan's eyes begin to bleed as he says "It's sick. It burns. Stop it." Councilor Kayse says Rodnay touched her mind and said he is sick. Jadedragan says it's burning and to "make her stop."

After one last plea for help through Nalver, the image of a small blue-skinned boy flickers into sight and then out. Then he appears again, now covered in wounds with lines dotted along his body. Then he appears again, now with a swollen face, hunched back, crooked legs, and several eyes along the crown of his head. Then he appears again, now with seven arms, four legs, and rows of eyes along his shoulders. Then he appears again with a flat face, dozens of fingers, and bones like spikes growing out of his back and shoulders.

Then he appears again in a flowing white linen robe with blonde leather boots and fire coiling along his hands, akin to Raelee. Then he appears again with a rhimar tomahawk and layered in a cloak of dark fox furs, akin to Mourdeyan. People debate what this means; some think there are multiple Rodnays, others think it's a response to Vaemyr having suggested that Rodnay speak through someone in the crowd who looks most like whoever's hurting him, and still others think both.

Rodnay flickers out, but his voice continues speaking, saying he's sorry he ate them, but they would not have survived; better to be a sacrifice and "move us forward." Xorus explains that several Ithzir hybrid children were trapped in cocoons and Rodnay was the only survivor, feeding on them. Rodnay says something is burning his mind and making him sick, though not at first; Kayse asks who's hurting him and he says magic. He shows images of other children, then this time says he's not sorry he ate them, then says "They will eat your world" before finally fading away for the night.

Editing Protocol of this Log

• NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
• Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
• Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
• Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
• IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
• OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
• Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
• Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
• Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
• Combat is excluded.

Log

Corpse Investigation

A cool breeze stirs through the area.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Seems we have some weather in landing."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see a massive snowy white tiger, an enraged wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Grimsghost disk, a sinuous bone white serpent that is sitting, the glossy pink Astrilyn disk shaped like a jellyfish, the Ethilred disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, a large acorn, an errant shadow, the Amindyr disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, some basal moss, some wolifrew lichen, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, an old well, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin, a round silver-banded barrel and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Roelon, Tikba, Town Councilor Kayse, Great Lord Grimsghost who is sitting, Conquerer of Reim Perigourd, Astrilyn, Bernadette, Ethilred, Irval, Pukk, Seaward Gutstorm, Sir Cryheart, Town Councilor Kiyna who is sitting

Speaking deeply to Pukk, Roelon exclaims, "Is he paying the tab tonight? Drinks on him!"

Speaking to Roelon, Pukk says, "Why yes, yes he is."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Cryheart"

Leafiara amusedly says, "There we go."

Pukk says, "We have Irval in our group, so you know something interesting will be happening."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye know, when ye ply maff algarittem....if Cryheart or Roelon gave da other one direction, dey increase dere chance of gittin losht tenfold."

Leafiara amiably inquires, "So, should we brace for impact? Like a desk flying out a window?"

Seaward Gutstorm begins to walk east but suddenly trips and goes flailing out of sight!

From nearby, you hear Gutstorm yell, "All clear!"

Leafiara yells, "Good to know!"

Cryheart says, "Just be ready for anything."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Raelee, kin shee me wave?"

Roelon deeply says, "Ah got kilts, weapons, ale and an escape plan."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "She peein troo da orbsh."

Pukk says, "I'm thinking that Thadston is going to announce that he is going to officiate the wedding of Tyrrax and Pookia."

Speaking to Pukk, Kiyna says, "Political marriage strengthening the bonds between Glaoveln and Wehnimer's Landing, is it? Interesting strategy. Couldn't possibly backfire."

Pukk says, "Exactly."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Stormyrain croons, "If only you could give hugs, Owly. You'd be even more popular."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Iffin anyone git a sign on dem tnite, let it be known it not me."

Speaking thoughtfully to Missoni, Tikba says, "I had a question about extraplanar cartography."

Pukk says, "Owly can give hugs. But you have to imagine his wings wrapping around you for the feeling to set in."

(Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Gutstorm before double checking her back.)

Speaking curiously to Tikba, Missoni asks, "What sort of question?"

Kayse says, "Just take the damn mushrooms out."

Speaking to Leafiara, Stormyrain says, "I think we all took a quick glance."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody give Leafiara a hug!"

Speaking to Missoni, Tikba asks, "Is it possible to know whether the events taking place at the Reach are originating from another valence?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Shumbuddy grumpy."

Mourdeyan asks, "Now WHO could be grumpy wit you around?"

Two young kids run by, playfully trying to swat at each other. "Hey, where'd you get that coin?" The other kid ducks a strike, "Pulled it off a fat corpse at the sands! I tried to get his beads too, but that death grip was tight!" The two boys chuckle then scamper off down the street.

Pukk asks, "Did Mourdeyan call Gutstorm handsome?"

Speaking drunkenly to Mourdeyan, Gutstorm slurs, "Right?!"

Speaking to Tikba, Missoni says, "I do think it is possible, once we can study the portals a bit more an ascertain how they are being made."

Irval says, "The sands..."

Mourdeyan says, "Um...no."

Tikba asks, "Shall we?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Booty!"

Cryheart says, "Aye."

Cryheart says, "Moving to the sands."

Pukk says, "Smart kids. The weapons are always the easiest to get. You can sell them for silvers and get food."

Cryheart says, "Here we go."

Irval says, "Lets get to the body before its pick-cleaned by the urchins."

[travel]

Leafiara says, "Maybe the urchins need it, though."

Pukk asks, "I wonder what corpse it could be?"

Irval says, "Or who killed them."

Kelfyr says, "If it's yours, I'm gonna be real freaked out."

[The Black Sands]

A narrow strip of black sand winds between the pulsing sea and the huddled rocks. You look out at the dark waters of the bay, set against the grey sky. With the black sands beneath your feet and the frozen black lava behind you, you feel as though all the color has been blotted out of the world. You also see the Giogionni disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild crimson dog, a bloated human corpse, a tall wooden archery tower and the waters of Darkstone Bay.

Pukk says, "Xorus is here. That should explain the corpse."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Prayerbeardsh, me coulda tole him it not werk."

Thrassus asks, "What sect are those prayerbeads from?"

Mourdeyan says, "It's a stone." [OOC note: Multiple people brought this up because the INSPECT showed it as being of stone. By the end, it was fixed to organic material, heh.]

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara muses, "Nope, don't see the connection."

Tikba wryly says, "Beads are beads, I fear."

Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni says, "I cannot exactly tell."

Pukk says, "The fact that it is intact meant he was just playing."

A kid comes darting into view, skidding awkwardly to a stop in the sand. A shiny coin is in his hand. "I guess...okay, beads are all yours." The kid turns and runs off.

Speaking in Guildspeak, Stormyrain asks something you don't understand.

>l corp

The corpse is bloated, and half of his limbs are missing, gnawed away or detached from decomposition at sea. Perhaps once a young man, the body is covered in old blade wounds with blackened flesh along his chest and swollen face. A stained string of prayerbeads are still interwoven between the fingers of his right hand, clutched tight in death.

Irval says, "Ahah."

Pukk yells, "Now go sell the weapon while you can!"

Xorus whispers something to Thrassus.

Lylia says, "I would say 'good evening,' but finding a corpse on the beach is usually a presentiment of a rather less good evening."

Cryheart asks, "We hae a bard about?"

Irval asks, "Anyone recognize the beads?"

Lylia says, "At least for that fellow."

Leafiara points at Stormyrain.

Mourdeyan says, "Lil respect."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Leafi kin ye git him up?"

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain murmurs, "There is a history still lingering within the corpse, I can try to woe it's story?"

Cryheart says, "Oh..Stormy."

Cryheart says, "Can ye check out the corpse."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Never a bard round when we need one."

Thrassus says, "Might as well."

Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain says, "Yes, I already sensed that there is still history ---I can try to tease it out."

Citan deeply says, "Never a good thing to see."

Speaking softly to Stormyrain, Bernadette says, "Culd be impertent."

Tikba uncertainly says, "I do not know much of drowning, but he has been dead far too long for the spirit to linger."

Goldstr says, "Youngin wid Prayerbeads."

Mourdeyan says, "At least in Identifyin the poor bugger."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "To blave."

Stormyrain sings something in Guildspeak to a bloated human corpse that you don't understand.

The human corpse seems to respond to the magic of Stormyrain's song.

Lylia says, "Not enough of the flesh and sinew coheres to animate."

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.

The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Pukk says, "Somebody is watching us."

Giogionni says, "Jadedragan."

Thrassus says, "It's obviouslt been at sea for a good while."

Speaking to Lylia, Kelfyr says, "At best it'd hop around on one leg."

Mourdeyan says, "Not me."

Stormyrain sings something in Guildspeak to a bloated human corpse that you don't understand.

The human corpse seems to respond to the magic of Stormyrain's song.

Stormyrain blinks, staring off into the distance.

Irval says, "We'll I can tell you without the Marshal's singing that he didnt go peacefully..."

Stormyrain says, "Your vision blurs, colors melding together before reforming. A young man stands upon the edge of a pier, embracing his wife in a long hug before kneeling down to wrap his two young children in his arms, their faces red and soaked with tears. A ship rises up behind them, bearing the crest of a white horse clenching a black rose in its teeth on a field of blue."

Leafiara says, "I suppose it can't be related to the Ember Vale if it came from sea."

Citan deeply says, "Blaving eh."

Xorus says, "Estorians."

Mourdeyan says, "What abot..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me tried to aminate it, no werk."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "True. It could be the Krolvins."

Stormyrain sings something in Guildspeak to a bloated human corpse that you don't understand.

The human corpse seems to respond to the magic of Stormyrain's song.

Stormyrain blinks, staring off into the distance.

Vaemyr says, "Pretty far..."

Missoni murmurs, "Estoria?"

Stormyrain says, "Your vision blurs, colors melding together before reforming. The ship is now at sea and the young man spins at a loud booming voice from the crow's nest. Instinctively he rushes into the cabin, hiding behind the door while nervously thumbing his light crossbow and a string of prayer beads in his other hand. He yelps loudly as the face of a snarling krolvin appears in the window amongst a backdrop of smoke."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Den wot happent?"

Cryheart says, "That is the earldom of estoria."

Thrassus says, "Ah, must have been from one of those ships Thadston mentioned."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Jadedragan exclaims, "Let her get to it!"

Goldstr asks, "Tyraxx crew kiiled him?"

Lylia says, "Assuming it is Tyrrax's crew is akin to assuming all reivers are Haidan's creatures. Not that I have any love of any of them."

Kelfyr says, "Lotta Krolvin out there."

Citan deeply asks, "Well can anyone animate him and we can bring'em to the temple for a proper burial?"

Leafiara says, "There are a lot of krolvin out there on the ocean."

Mourdeyan says, "Dunno, was just wonderin really."

Stormyrain sings something in Guildspeak to a bloated human corpse that you don't understand.

The human corpse seems to respond to the magic of Stormyrain's song.

Stormyrain blinks, staring off into the distance.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Nope, aminate not werk, tried."

Stormyrain says, "Your vision blurs, colors melding together before reforming. The moon hangs high in the night as the ship floats in ruins, flames and cannons having rendered it into fragments. Fires still die and fizzle along wooden husks as they sink deeper into the water. The young man, wounds along his body, clings to a cluster of floating debris. He calls out to a new ship passing by, raising his weakened hand, and begging for help."

Cryheart says, "Let Stormyrain finish."

Lylia suggests, "We could listen to our singer as she learns more..."

Mourdeyan says, "Not nough leff of him t'animate."

Citan deeply asks, "Em's made of veil iron eh?"

Skorrian quietly says, "Stone."

Speaking slowly to Skorrian, Leafiara says, "I don't think Stone deals with the waters of Estoria." [OOC note: But, again, Skorrian was referring to the INSPECT...]

Stormyrain sings something in Guildspeak to a bloated human corpse that you don't understand.

The human corpse seems to respond to the magic of Stormyrain's song.

Stormyrain blinks, staring off into the distance.

Skorrian whispers, "Inspect the corpse."

>inspect corp

You carefully inspect a bloated human corpse.

It looks like this item has been mainly crafted out of stone.

(OOC) Leafiara quietly whispers to Skorrian, "Oh, heh."

Stormyrain squints.

Stormyrain casually observes her surroundings.

Stormyrain clears her throat.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Bringin prayerbeat toah shord fight, not werk out to goot ferrem."

Stormyrain says, "Your vision blurs. The man watches as a new ship passes, many figures upon its deck. The figures murmur. A pear green-eyed man points, as a taller than average red-haired halfling comes into view. Beside her stands a half-elven man in a grey silk cloak and a dark elven woman with long red hair. Three other figures stand in the cover of night. The halfling steps to the edge of the ship, steadies her hand-pylon and fires. A blast of energy rips across the sea as the man's vision goes dark upon impact."

Thrassus says, "Well, that was rude."

Stormyrain says, "That is all."

Kelfyr says, "That's a rather motley crew to be krolvin."

Cryheart says, "Hmm...there is a lot to mull over."

Thrassus says, "I don't think they were part of the same fleet."

Tikba says, "Those would not be krolvin."

Lylia says, "Clearly."

Kelfyr says, "Seems like just happenstance they passed by."

Thrassus asks, "And decided to slay a castaway for.... reasons?"

Mourdeyan says, "Wasn't happenstance that they aimed and hit the poor bloke."

Missoni softly asks, "Why would they not retrieve this fellow from the waters?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Him gotta name?"

Mourdeyan says, "Keep his story at bay."

Mourdeyan says, "My guess."

Thrassus asks, "Unless they didn't want anyone knowing they were in the region?"

Cryheart says, "There might hae been something on the ship they wanted no one to know about...."

Vaemyr says, "One wonders how long he was in the water..."

Cryheart says, "Or this poor bloke discovered something."

Mourdeyan says, "Or who they were."

Citan deeply says, "Well to be that bloated... it's not an over night thing."

Thrassus asks, "Could that have been this Ordlyn we have heard about?"

Roelon deeply says, "Leave nae witnesses, it seems."

Goldstr asks, "Do da Vale Reivers have ships?"

Leafiara ponders, "...where's Estoria, again?"

Thrassus says, "No."

Kelfyr says, "Southern part of the Empire."

Mourdeyan says, "The folk on tha deck."

Mourdeyan says, "Annaone ...."

Kelfyr says, "On the sea, though."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr asks, "South of Brisker's Cove, North of Idolone roughly I think?"

Xorus says, "The Earldom where Idolone is located, south of Tamzyrr."

Tikba carefully says, "He has come from quite far away, then."

Vaemyr says, "Best I think we can do is have him preserved and returned to his family..."

Goldstr says, "His wife an children concern me."

Pukk asks, "Maybe this corpse is a distraction. To keep our eyes looking at the sea and at the krolvin instead of towards the settlement?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kippe agrees, "The corspe should be taken care of."

Thrassus says, "Cremation would be the best."

Mourdeyan says, "Wif dignity an honor."

Evia says, "Bit waterlogged for that."

Speaking to Pukk, Kelfyr asks, "A distraction in what way? Someone deliberately left a water-bloated corpse on the sand?"

Cryheart says, "Blade wounds."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Militia, we need a corpse removal in the Black Sands please. As soon as possible."

Pukk says, "That is just tricky enough to work."

Vaemyr says, "Those wounds look pretty fatal... not counting the energy blast there."

Kelfyr says, "There's paranoia, then there's that."

Goldstr says, "Pukk do has a point."

Thrassus says, "He would have been eaten by something regardless."

Speaking surprisedly to Goldstr, Pukk asks, "I do?"

[General] Nalver asks, "Ya kill Guts?"

Pukk says, "I mean."

Pukk says, "I do."

Missoni softly says, "Does anyone have contacts in Estoria? We could see if anyone is reported as missing. And get word to his family."

Lylia says, "He has been eaten at, here and there."

Irval says, "I think the blade wounds are indicative of the attack against the krolvin."

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

Gutstorm gestures at a bloated human corpse.

A dull grey beam snakes out toward a bloated human corpse, but dissipates upon impact.

Irval says, "The missing limbs would be from the predators of the deep."

Speaking to Pukk, Jadedragan says, "Confidence in your analytics is the key thing here."

Irval says, "And the head wound...well we know where the head wound came from."

Mourdeyan says, "At least to the authorities."

Speaking to Missoni, Vaemyr says, "Thadston said he did... but dunno if he'd really be willing to help us."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Maybe don't disintegrate the body... the marshal just called for militia retrieval."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Missoni says, "Surely he would help this poor fellow."

Pukk exclaims, "I need to tell Owly that I made a point!"

Mourdeyan says, "Good idea."

Pukk says, "I saw we should burn the body right away. It might have diseases."

Pukk says, "Say."

Speaking to Pukk, Evia says, "Its waterlogged."

Cryheart says, "Dinnae think that will help."

[General] Zaaldine thinks, "So why did they take the xp bonus from finishing reim? I know they said it adds to loot cap now, but I didn't hear of this change."

Speaking to Pukk, Kippe repeats, "The Marshal is having a crew come retrieve it."

Speaking politely to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "Please do not butcher the corpse, as the Marshal has asked not to."

Mourdeyan says, "I say y....nothin, I say nothin."

Some town militia arrive, and one of them suddenly gags at the sight of the body. "Nope." He walks away. The other two remaining militia salute Stormyrain and kneel down at the side of the corpse.

Goldstr says, "Marshal Stormyrain may has da better idea."

Pukk says, "I can understand that first guys reaction."

Leafiara yells, "It's just bloat..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Goot job litia, bout time ye earn yoo keep."

Lylia suggests, "That one is not fit for the duty he fulfills."

Stormyrain murmurs, "Or he needs to spend more time on latrine duty to get over that."

Lylia says, "And should perhaps be put to work mucking stalls."

Vaemyr asks, "Should take him to the healer's hut perhaps, she should be able to, do what she can for the body I suspect?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kelfyr says, "I don't think those wounds will patch, but preserving the body for travel south would be a thought."

Mourdeyan says, "Praps get him on ice, or in a cool spot."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Pukk says, "That poor guy was disturbed. That is pretty crappy to put him on latrine duty."

The two militia carefully lift up the bloated corpse. As they do, swollen chunks of squishy flesh fall from its bones like well-cooked pork. One of the militiaman looks away, but they both complete the job as they haul off the body towards town.

Lylia adds, "And requisition a wagon for such duties."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat why ye need to carry shovel."

Stormyrain says, "We'll be passing bits of that body all the way back to town..."

Cryheart asks, "Shall we head back to town?"

Goldstr exclaims, "Yuk!"

Thrassus says, "Probably want to give those two a bonus."

Pukk says, "We can follow the bits of body chunks back to town if we want."

Mourdeyan says, "Please Sir."

Leafiara says, "Guess the sharks missed a bit, but..."

Cryheart says, "Ok..moving back."

Iliyaas Interjection

[travel]

Lady Iliyaas just arrived.

Lady Iliyaas just went east.

[travel]

Lady Iliyaas just went east.

Irval says, "I wonder if the spirit still lingers and mayhaps we can bring bim back from the veil."

[travel, as Cryheart didn't notice Iliyaas]

Mourdeyan says, "Illiyas."

Kiyna says, "Iliyaas is back there."

Stormyrain says, "That was the Lady Iliyaas."

Cryheart asks, "Back where?"

[travel back]

Speaking to Irval, Pukk says, "Let the poor soul rest. Just burn the body to avoid any dangers."

[The Black Sands]

A narrow strip of black sand winds between the pulsing sea and the huddled rocks. You look out at the dark waters of the bay, set against the grey sky. With the black sands beneath your feet and the frozen black lava behind you, you feel as though all the color has been blotted out of the world. You also see a shifting portal, the Wolfloner disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild crimson dog, a tall wooden archery tower and the waters of Darkstone Bay.

Iliyaas gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Perigourd asks, "Lady, what brings you here this eve?"

Speaking in Sylvankind to Iliyaas, Stormyrain greets something you don't understand.

Cryheart says, "Good evening."

Speaking to Cryheart, Missoni says, "Oh, you already did."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Vaemyr says, "Good evening..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Datchoo girlfriend Nalver?"

Iliyaas asks, "The krolvin came. He was here, wasn't he?"

Speaking to Iliyaas, Lylia says, "He was."

Leafiara says, "Tyrrax, indeed."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Nalver says, "Hus."

Nalver says, "Hush."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Vaemyr says, "If you mean Tyrrax? yes he was here."

Iliyaas nods.

Iliyaas says, "He wears a shadow. A dangerous one."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Perigourd asks, "Who are they?"

Pukk says, "Pookia's future husband."

Jadedragan says, "He's a krolvin. All they are is dangerous shadows."

Leafiara says, "I don't want to know, but suppose I have to know, what in the world that means."

Nalver says, "I just came here to get an aquamarine gem."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dont got dattun."

Iliyaas closes her eyes for a moment.

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "A shadow is that darkness that appears on the ground when you stand near the light."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "The people that killed that fellow with the pylon were likely following Tyrrax, in other words, shadowing him."

Iliyaas says, "No."

Iliyaas looks over at Perigourd and shakes her head.

Perigourd looks thoughtfully at Iliyaas.

Leafiara agrees, "I wouldn't have expected something quite that literal from her, no."

Iliyaas says, "It is fluid. I cannot grasp it."

Lylia says, "That is often the nature of shadows."

Iliyaas says, "Like liquid night, but full of teeth. So many teeth."

Xorus says, "Interesting."

Iliyaas says, "A maw of darkness, of shifting shadows."

Xorus says, "And familiar."

Kiyna pleads, "Damned scarab... stay still..."

Leafiara says, "Oh. Well, that sounds like one person I can recall. ...actually, two."

Pukk says, "Sounds like some ladies I know...a maw of darness full of teeth."

Leafiara asks, "Is that where Cruxophim's been?"

Speaking to Iliyaas, Nalver asks, "He from the rift?"

Speaking to Iliyaas, Missoni asks, "Does he know of this shadow?"

Iliyaas peers quizzically at Nalver.

Thrassus says, "I wondered what was taking everyone so long." [he just arrived back by familiar gate]

Iliyaas frowns.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me like yoo Thrashush."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Nalver says, "Sounds like something from the rift."

Leafiara says, "The other option being Quinshon. His... true form, or whatever it was, was very briefly revealed when Rodnay attacked him."

Leafiara looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Vaemyr asks, "In other matters actually... is it possible you know anything about these scarabs that came from beyond? or how to remove them?"

Iliyaas asks, "Quinshon?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Stormyrain says, "Just so."

Leafiara nods at Iliyaas.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Leafiara says, "A man known as the Black Shaman, formerly with the Hall of Mages... deals in mentalism."

Xorus says, "It would make sense for Quinshon to have surfaced, with Tyrrax intending on going into the Deadfall." [because Quinshon also intends to battle Grishom Stone one day]

Iliyaas says, "I am unfamiliar with the name."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Lylia says, "I would not be surprised if he went by others."

Leafiara ponders.

Leafiara nods absently at Xorus.

Iliyaas says, "I see...."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We gonna make shcrying hole in da shand agin?"

Thrassus asks, "What does Quinshon have to do with the corpse we just found?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Vaemyr says, "Probably nothing."

Pukk says, "Nothing. The corpse is a ploy to distract us."

Pukk says, "Don't fall for it."

Lylia says, "He may have something to do with the 'shadow' that clings to Tyrrax."

Kayse says, "Quinshon is hinted to possibly be the shadow following Tyrrax."

Thrassus says, "Ah, that makes sense."

Iliyaas says, "The krolvin and his shadow are dangerous. Lord Elidal will know this."

Iliyaas nods.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Da bugsh are gittin antshy...shee wot me did dere? make joke."

Leafiara says, "I suppose Quinshon is the sort who could stretch his power across great distances. Raznel was his daughter, after all."

Citan deeply says, "And elaborate ruse eh."

Iliyaas says, "I will speak with him soon. Thank you, for providing a name."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Stormyrain offers, "Did you see anything about the corpse that landed nearby? From a shipwreck? We just left it...and I pulled all I could from his body."

Leafiara nods at Iliyaas.

Thrassus says, "I'd be careful of him."

Iliyaas looks over at Stormyrain and shakes her head.

Stormyrain nods slowly.

Stormyrain murmurs, "Pity."

Pukk says, "Oh see. Even she didn't get anything from the body."

Iliyaas says, "I only sometimes c..."

Speaking evenly to Iliyaas, Tikba asks, "The things we have seen, coming through the crack, near the Reach, and attempting to elsewhere. Is this the storm of worlds you mentioned, or something else?"

Iliyaas says, "No."

Iliyaas says, "I care little for the dead."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Vaemyr says, "But please, if you know anything about these scarabs... I know you've spent a great deal of time on the reach as of the past several weeks." [she responds to this in a bit]

Speaking quietly to Iliyaas, Raelee suggests, "... tell him to come to the Outpost. Some information on Quinshon remains in what Dennet Kestrel left behind."

Iliyaas nods at Raelee.

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara agrees, "Oh, there's a good question."

Iliyaas nods at Tikba.

Iliyaas says, "It may be, yes."

Iliyaas nods at Tikba.

Tikba nods slowly at Iliyaas.

Iliyaas says, "There is a wrongness, and things amiss."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Lylia says, "And some of us at the Faendryl Enclave also know something of him. You are always welcome there. I believe you have visited the gardens."

Iliyaas says, "The mountain is here and many wheres."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "She can't answer your question. She deals only in unhelpful information, you see."

Nalver says, "The Kestrel name has come up a good bit in my research of Moonsedge. At least recently."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo make riddle?"

Iliyaas says, "I have."

Kelfyr asks, "Overlapping?"

Iliyaas nods at Lylia.

Pukk says, "This isn't the first time a bunch of scarabs started living in people in this town. A couple years ago the same thing happened. But what I would like to know was why Balley's scarab was a different color back then."

Thrassus says, "Alternate timelines, I would say."

Speaking slowly to Iliyaas, Tikba asks, "Then the creatures, or people, we see in these other worlds, are real, and not figments or phantasms?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wot timeline me in now?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Jadedragan says, "THAT timeline."

Iliyaas says, "I do not know of your scarabs. I can sense them, they pulse with a life, almost aligned with yours."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "How would me know?>"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Mourdeyan says, "Yer on Guts time...or borrowed time."

Pukk whispers something to Kiyna.

Iliyaas shrugs at Tikba.

Vaemyr says, "Being able to sense them is a start..."

Vaemyr rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Iliyaas says, "I do not know. The Mountain is unlike anything I have seen in all my lives."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "How yoo shensh dem Iliyaas, kin ye teach?"

Iliyaas says, "It is fascinating, and I fear it, but wish to guard it all the same."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Raelee asks, "Remarkable, is it not?"

Speaking to Missoni, Nalver asks, "Have we tried rubbing urglaes near the scarabs?"

Speaking slowly to Iliyaas, Kayse asks, "Have you seen sensed anything else atop the Reach? Has anyone tried to communicate with you?"

Speaking to Iliyaas, Goldstr says, "An we has lived wid, mostly in peace, all our lives."

Missoni says, "Ah, I have not."

Glittering motes of silver and bronze energy begin to form along the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach, slowly rotating like a metallic crown.

Iliyaas gazes up into the heavens.

Leafiara concernedly says, "Uh-oh."

Jadedragan says, "That's not ominous."

Vaemyr says, "Silver and bronze this time, not gold."

Rasson says, "Now we have to climb."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Kayse asks, "That is not you doing that?"

Pukk says, "See what happens when you keep talking about that damn reach."

Iliyaas shakes her head.

Thrassus asks, "The mana storm, perhpas?"

Iliyaas says, "I am here, I am not there."

Goldstr says, "Mays be Rodnay's US."

Lylia says, "This is manifestly so."

Kiyna says, "Should go see the invoker if there's to be another potential attack..."

Nalver says, "Hrm."

Speaking wryly to Kiyna, Leafiara says, "If the past is any indication, the invoker's spells will get taken immediately anyway."

Missoni asks, "Have you seen the extraplanar rifts open, as well?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Jadedragan asks, "Gotta keep her in business though right?"

Speaking to Jadedragan, Leafiara says, "... she doesn't charge."

Speaking to Leafiara, Jadedragan says, "Job satisfaction."

Silver annd bronze beads of light continue to swirl about Melgorehn's Reach, increasing their speed, going so fast as to form spinning rings.

Iliyaas smiles.

Citan deeply says, "Oh boy."

Leafiara says, "Well..."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

Nalver says, "Hm."

Missoni murmurs, "It is rather pretty though."

Raelee says, "... and timely."

Speaking to Missoni, Lylia says, "Lovely."

Citan deeply says, "The mountain again."

Rasson says, "Someone liked it and put a ring on it."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I find the word 'timely' a particularly amusing one when applied to the Reach."

Iliyaas says, "I should send for Elidal. My thanks, again, for a name."

Pukk says, "So, you control Elidal."

Iliyaas says the name again. Quinshon. Her voice drips with venom as she does.

Pukk says, "Good to know."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Missoni wishes, "Fair eve."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Nalver asks, "This ring thingy coming for our scarabs?"

Iliyaas says, "Control? I advise."

Speaking respectfully to Iliyaas, Tikba says, "Thank you, seer."

Evia says, "It smells crazy outside this night."

Lady Iliyaas just went east.

Xorus says, "The boy in the mountain hates Quinshon, as well."

Leafiara says, "...Elidal might already know the name if he's been researching the area thoroughly enough--"

Perigourd says, "Hmm.."

[travel]

Cryheart says, "She hae gone."

Pukk says, "She's a female. So we all know it's not advise it's control."

Lake Investigation

Tikba uneasily asks, "Should we climb the Reach?"

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr asks, "Or perhaps goto the lake?"

Cryheart says, "Nae sure I want to do that."

Leafiara says, "Usually the Reach... things... have been coming down to us."

Julenne says to Peche, "You, sir, are a currish baggage!"

Peche says to Julenne, "You, madam, are a knavish, rude-growing whipster!"

Evia says, "Stay below a little."

Julenne softly says, "Sometimes."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Hey!"

Vaemyr says, "Aye we can probably go to the lake... I would think."

Lylia says, "It may be to Rodnay's advantage that he and Iliyaas share their distaste for Quinshon."

Cryheart says, "Let us go to the Lake."

[travel]

Speaking to Cryheart, Pukk asks, "Have I told you that you are moving so much more lightly now?"

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]

You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. You also see the web-draped Missoni disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a lazy wild crimson dog, a cedar chip path and a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees.

The black sky behind Melgorehn's Reach lightens to a shade of violet, as bolts of electric blue lightning crackling along its peaks like a shimmering azure web.

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Perhaps."

Evia says, "Golly."

Vaemyr says, "That's... new."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yeehaw, da mirror shtill werk."

Leafiara says, "It's really intense tonight."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I hope you got a bunch of chrisms on you."

Citan deeply says, "That looks surprisingly pleasent."

Lylia says, "It is breathtakingly beautiful."

Jadedragan says, "Nothing bad ever comes from violet storms."

Jadedragan asks, "Right?"

Speaking to Jadedragan, Lylia says, "Never."

Speaking to Lylia, Kelfyr says, "I'll hope that remains figurative and not literal."

Falvicar whispers something to Roelon.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hadta reshtock."

Cryheart asks, "Ye think someone is controlling what is gong on around the Reach?"

Speaking to Lylia, Jadedragan says, "At least someone is trying to make us feel at ease."

Vaemyr says, "Umm... anyone else see some shadows..."

Vaemyr says, "Ok."

Leafiara asks, "Think that was just a wizard's portal?"

Tikba says, "We must hope it is controlled. If it is not, then the Reach has become more active on its own."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Ahh ok."

Kayse hesitantly asks, "Are we heading up there?"

Falvicar says, "Not everything in the shadows is with ill intent."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Am not climbin!"

Leafiara says, "Sometimes we all carry and do such exotic things we make our own selves jumpy."

Evia says, "Not a favorite hobby, climbing that mess."

Pukk asks, "You all know that this will end up with some destruction and a bunch of deaths right?"

Pukk says, "Just saying."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara agrees, "Oh yes. If not tonight, then another night."

Speaking to Pukk, Jadedragan says, "Have some faith."

Speaking to Pukk, Falvicar asks, "Are you offering everybody a deed?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Defnly not climbin den."

Nalver says, "Just another Leyan."

Speaking to Pukk, Vaemyr says, "Sometimes you need a magic death mountain to go with your magic death pillar, we just had ours first."

Kayse mentions, "At least up to the carriage? That's where the other odd stuff has happened."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Pukk says, "I said some destruction and a bunch of deaths...there is the faith."

Mourdeyan says, "And no dearth of bad PUNishments."

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Pukk says, "I like you."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wizard make portal up dere?"

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Jadedragan says, "That was uncalled for I think."

Speaking politely to Nalver, Tikba says, "It is Tilamaires."

Evia says, "If it tells us to climb up its sides, then maybe."

Nalver says, "Not anymore."

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Pukk asks, "You're a human and I'm a Pukk. How about we get a couple drinks later and we can talk about stuff?" Thin wisps of nebulous haze seep from Irval's dawn surita runestaff.

Silver, bronze and copper lights dance about the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach like the flickering sparks from a celestial forge, casting an eerie, chromatic glow over the ground and lake beneath it.

Mourdeyan says, "I think not."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "More scarab comin."

Thrassus says, "Interesting colors."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Jadedragan says, "Maybe our scarab overlords will be kinder to us than the current batch."

Tikba thoughtfully says, "A forge. Rings. A crown."

Speaking to Pukk, Goldstr asks, "Yw askin me wife fer a dste?"

Tikba says, "The Liabo arkati."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kelfyr says, "As long as someone keeps the krodera in their pocket this time, maybe you'll be alright."

Mourdeyan says, "Unless there's bourbon involved."

Nalver asks, "Ya know how we send junior wizards down into the sewer to cast fire at rats? Is that what is happening to us?"

Mourdeyan says, "For Goldy."

Speaking to Goldstr, Pukk says, "Oh no! I just want to get to know her because she likes puns."

Speaking to Goldstr, Pukk says, "You can come too."

Mourdeyan says, "And still."

Mourdeyan says, "I think not."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara ponders, "Interesting point. So Eonak, Lumnis, and Koar, possibly..."

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "Just what we need..."

Falvicar peers quizzically at Leafiara.

Speaking to Goldstr, Pukk says, "But I heard your puns. We need to work on those."

Speaking to Falvicar, Leafiara says, "Tikba had a good observation about the symbols appearing."

Speaking to Goldstr, Pukk says, "Plus she will have to buy the drinks since I'm poor."

Raelee quietly observes, "... we have work to do."

Gutstorm taps Raelee lightly on her shoulder.

Speaking distractedly to Gutstorm, Raelee says, "... no."

Falvicar says, "Crown.. Koar.... makes me think of the dead Blameless body we found."

Vaemyr says, "Bodies... plural."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee, ye look kinna badash right now."

'Veins of silver and bronze spread along the sky, descending like liquid streamers, and pulsing with energy.

Falvicar says, "I only saw one."

Pukk says, "That is always a good sign."

Leafiara admits, "That one doesn't particularly look like anything."

Calls For Help

Julenne says, "Help me." [OOC note: this was not Julenne, but it also wasn't presented in monsterbold, so bear with us as we figure it out]

Evia says, "Doubtful those are party streamers."

Speaking to Julenne, Pukk asks, "Yes?"

Speaking curiously to Julenne, Leafiara asks, "With what?"

Lylia says, "That was not her voice."

Vaemyr says, "Well it was..."

Speaking to Julenne, Pukk says, "You already married Citan. You're beyond help."

Leafiara says, "...oh. Imitations again, right..."

Kiyna asks, "Echoes from the past again?"

Lylia suspiciously says, "It was...layered."

Vaemyr says, "Just didn't come from her mouth..."

Pukk says, "Oh it's them."

Kialeigh says, "Great we're gonna get attacked by bugs again."

Thrassus says, "Something is wrong." [again, not Thrassus]

Leafiara acknowledges, "I'd suggest we all communicate with thoughts only to be sure, but somehow I doubt it would work that easily."

Speaking to Nalver, Jadedragan exclaims, "Show them!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Da people behind da film?"

Thrassus says, "I didn't say that."

Evia says, "Those lights are bewitching the magister."

Lylia says, "Not solely hers. The way a musician plays a chord, many notes forming a single one --"

Cryheart says, "Odd."

In a fair imitation of Thrassus, Gutstorm says, "Very wrong."

Julenne softly says, "Sorry."

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Just so. Your voice, composed of others' voices."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "That was pretty good."

Mourdeyan says, "Ahhhh."

Thrassus says, "Nothing unusual in the aura."

Lylia says, "I did not see you speak, yet I heard you. And not in my head, as with shared thoughts."

Speaking drunkenly to Pukk, Gutstorm slurs, "Been practickin."

Rasson says, "Please help."

Speaking to Rasson, Pukk asks, "With what?"

Vaemyr asks, "How can we help?"

Leafiara calls, "How can we help? If you can hear us?"

Rasson shrugs at Pukk.

Mourdeyan says, "Bugs."

Pukk says, "Oh."

Evia says, "Whatever it is isn't taking interviews."

Pukk says, "Them again."

Pukk says, "I wish they would stop doing that."

Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "Timelines converging, perhaps?"

Vaemyr asks, "Are you running from something? Is that why you are trying to come here?"

Cryheart asks, "Coming from the scarabs or ?"

Skorrian says, "It is sick."

Irval says, "Another lump of krodera maybe required..."

Kialeigh says, "I don't feel anything from Trouble."

Speaking distractedly to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Or at least... leaking."

Kayse repeats, "It?"

Falvicar asks, "It?"

Stormyrain asks, "What is sick?"

Leafiara calls, "What is?"

Pukk says, "I say we welcome them into the settlement and things will be peaceful then."

Rasson asks, "What is sick, the reach?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Da lake?"

Evia says, "I cannot understand what I am even hearing."

Cryheart asks, "Who is sick?"

Lylia quietly asks, "Is it Rodnay?"

Leafiara murmurs, "Oh, if the Reach is sick we're really in trouble."

Kiyna says, "I wonder if they can hear us..."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Rasson says, "Well the lake is full of heavy metals, that is a given."

Kayse asks, "Rodnay?"

Thrassus says, "It could be what is inside the mountain is sick."

Pukk says, "Whatever is sick probably had some of Helga's stew."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "They have been able to before, when they mirrored our speech."

Speaking to Skorrian, Stormyrain asks, "I am assuming you did not say that of your own accord?"

Goldstr yells, "Friend Rodnay, ye be abouts?"

Peche groans and says, "Help..."

Thrassus says, "That would fit with how he appeared the last I saw him."

Tikba carefully says, "We can help you, if you do not drive us away."

Pukk asks, "Not you?"

Peche cants his head to the side, and his blue-green-eyed gaze seem quizzical, though it is difficult to say as his expression is hidden by his feline mask.

Peche exclaims, "Wasn't me!"

Leafiara considers, "I guess Rodnay being sick would do wonders to explain why he couldn't see into the minds of the settlers before."

Citan deeply says, "Stick close good sir."

Falvicar says, "Rodnay isn't an it though."

Skorrian quietly asks, "I said something?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me sheen dish trick afore, dey prolly got whammied by Perigourd."

Vaemyr says, "We can help, if we know more."

Lylia says, "Rodnay is arguably now many Rodnays, a 'they.'."

Citan's eyes begin to bleed. "It's sick. It burns. Stop it."

Speaking to Skorrian, Stormyrain says, "Yes. You said "It is sick." Much like..Peche just did--though, not of his own accord."

Leafiara calls, "Yes indeed, we'd like to help, but we need more information!"

Citan blinks.

Tikba muses, "Or an 'us'."

Goldstr says, "Mer an US."

Julenne softly exclaims, "Dont hurt him!"

Leafiara slowly says, "Well."

Kayse concernedly asks, "Sick?"

Bernadette softly asks, "Him?"

Pukk says, "We will offer Irval as a medium for you to tell us exactly what you need."

Thrassus says, "Still nothing."

Tikba slowly asks, "Is something...within the mountain itself?"

Nalver asks, "Where are you all hearing things?"

Thrassus says, "Rodnay is."

Leafiara says, "Rodnay does live in the Reach."

Cryheart says, "From folks here."

Raelee says, "... the mountain itself was originally a glorified ladder."

Jadedragan says, "Something is speaking in our voices."

Speaking to Irval, Kialeigh says, "Shake yer stones and see what the stones have to say."

(Kayse reaches up and touches her temple.)

Tikba says, "Not just Rodnay. Something he did not expect."

Kayse repeats, "Rodnay said he is sick."

Raelee says, "The phenomenon that makes the Reach interesting floats above it. The mountain was created to reach it."

Speaking deeply to Raelee, Citan says, "It's always a great water slide in side."

Kayse distractedly says, "He touched my mind."

Pukk says, "Dear god, Irval is going to play with his stones in front of everybody."

Evia says, "Oh."

Jadedragan says, "It is burning. Make her stop."

Evia says, "Her eh."

Falvicar asks, "What is burning? Stop who?"

Vaemyr asks, "Who?"

Mourdeyan asks, "Iliyaas?"

Stormyrain asks, "Is it Iliyaas?"

Cryheart asks, "Who is her?"

Leafiara says, "Hmm... last time he was unwell, it was because the energy of where he was staying wasn't enough to sustain him anymore, which is why he moved to the Reach..."

Tikba urgently asks, "Who is her?"

Jadedragan says, "Look, I'm just the voice here."

Lylia asks, "Do the lights burn?"

Speaking deeply to Jadedragan, Citan says, "Stop going to the Frith's then."

Bernadette softly asks, "So her be hurtin him?"

Kelfyr asks, "Wasn't she up higher on the mountain, doing something, some weeks back?"

Thrassus says, "Iliyaas was not at the Reach when the lights started."

Kiyna says, "Bizarre..."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Leafiara says, "And there are blankets up there by now, so I think she might be up there fairly often..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat yoo know of."

Pukk says, "All these problems started when the settlers arrived and messed things up."

Kayse says, "Something she did weeks ago could be impacting him now though."

Lylia says, "Indeed, she had many witnesses putting her on the beach."

Tikba distractedly says, "Many things are 'her'."

Speaking to Thrassus, Vaemyr says, "She also seemed genuinne to want to protect this place."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "But if Rodnay is sick, we need to figure out how to help him."

Speaking to Pukk, Jadedragan says, "Don't point out the obvious here."

Speaking to Kayse, Kelfyr says, "Or if it has continued in the meantime."

Speaking to Jadedragan, Pukk says, "That is the only time I can point."

Falvicar asks, "Who is her?"

Speaking to Pukk, Jadedragan says, "Fair."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hey, dish not firsht time we inneract witta doppabanger."

Speaking to Falvicar, Stormyrain says, "Iliyaas is who we are discussing at the moment."

Stormyrain says, "Though--we are not sure if that is correct? Yet."

Kayse repeats, "He said he cannot see."

Nalver's hand tightens around his rune staff. He raises it high, "MAKE IT STOP!"

Cryheart asks, "Casiphia?"

Goldstr says, "Well a Her would nae be Rodnay."

Leafiara says, "Nothing stops it from being Aronia or... well, really, any number of 'her's... there are hundreds around."

Evia says, "He or..whatever..said something about his eyes."

Vaemyr says, "Can you speak from someone whom resembles "Her?"."

Bernadette softly asks, "Mebbe deh him?"

Speaking to Kayse, Raelee asks, "These phenomena... are they a symptom or a cause of his condition?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara agrees, "Great idea."

Mourdeyan says, "Well, tisn me."

Evia asks, "Last I recall, Rodnay is no weakling...who would have such ability to bring him harm?"

Rodnay Reaches Out

The image of a small blue-skinned boy flickers into existance at the edge of the lake. He is wreathed in a flaxen robe, with green veins along his arms and neck. He holds out his hand, then flickers away.

Nalver says, "Oh."

Kiyna says, "Just for a moment there, I saw..."

Kayse distantly whispers aloud, "Rodnay?"

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into existance. He is covered in wounds, dozens, with lines dotted along his body. He holds out his hand, but vanishes.

Goldstr says, "Aye Looks to ne Rodnay."

Evia says, "What the heck."

Kialeigh says, "Come back and we'll heal you."

Pukk says, "So, now we know they are doing something to Rodnay."

Tikba carefully murmurs, "Rodnay, did you send the vision of the kiramon to me because something is attacking you within the Reach?"

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. His face is swollen, his back hunched, his legs crooked and several eyes formed along the crown of his head. He raises his hand out, but vanishes.

Nalver says, "Come back and the empire will kidnap you and expirement on you."

Stormyrain asks, "Oh--many Rodnays?"

Vaemyr says, "His transformation..."

Vehiron says, "He is... becoming."

Goldstr asks, "Mayhaps da US be hurtin him?"

Nalver says, "Ohh."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Jadedragan says, "Or one Rodnay spread over who knows how much time."

Vaemyr says, "This is when they turned him into a hybrid I think..."

Speaking to Goldstr, Evia asks, "Is the US a her? she?"

Mourdeyan says, "All the time of transformation it 'pears."

Vaemyr asks, "Or this is something else?"

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. He has seven arms, four legs, and rows of eyes along his shoulders. He gasps, with a large mouth, then vanishes.

Jadedragan says, "That's. Just."

Citan deeply says, "Wow..."

Julenne softly says, "Wow, feel sorry for that boy."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me should shtop drinkin."

Raelee states, "Interesting."

Goldstr says, "Nae sure."

Cryheart says, "That sounds like the maw Iliyaas was talking about."

Kayse growls, "What did they do?"

Citan deeply asks, "Anyone needing bless?"

Mourdeyan says, "Aye, indeed."

Leafiara slowly say, "If I didn't already believe the research team should stop messing with the Reach, I'd certainly have gotten to that conclusion tonight."

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. His face is flat, almost unnaturally so, with dozens of fingers upon each hand. Bones grow out of his back and shoulders like huge spikes. He vanishes.

Speaking to Cryheart, Jadedragan says, "She mentioned multiple times, these visions seem to be going through some."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Who shpiked me draught?"

Thrassus says, "We haven't even started researching the Reach yet, don't blame it on us."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba asks, "How else do you propose we aid him?"

Citan deeply says, "Em's mutating more each time."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "... the research is more critical than ever now. Lest this simply... continue unchecked."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "They haven't hardly even started... if anything this tells me we need to go a lot faster with that research."

Leafiara says, "'We' might be able to figure it out. Enisius I don't trust."

Goldstr exclaims, "He be a changin!"

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. He is wearing a flowing white linen robe trimmed with golden thread and side-laced blonde leather boots. Fire coils along his hands. He vanishes.

Kialeigh says, "If that goes inside us....."

Leafiara says, "He doesn't have the familiarity to know what he's dealing with or how Rodnay communicates... such as it is."

Speaking to Leafiara, Jadedragan says, "Poking at unknown magic surely is nothing but a good idea."

Julenne softly asks, "Coils?"

Rasson says, "The visions are going in the same order as him talking through us it seems."

Thrassus asks, "I wonder if we are seeing multiple instances of Rodnay from different timelines?"

Mourdeyan says, "Poor, poor boy."

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. A tassled rhimar tomahawk hangs loose from his hand, his small body layered in a cloak of dark fox furs. He gasps, holding out his hand, then vanishes.

Goldstr asks, "If he kin appear, kin we heal him?"

Evia says, "Yup."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Mourdeyan, ye got hatchet like dat?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Stormyrain says, "That was my thought, many Rodnays."

Nalver asks, "Then me next?"

Missoni murmurs, "I recognize that weapon."

Tikba says, "He appears as us, to try to speak with us."

Mourdeyan softly says, "Speak thru me if ye will."

Speaking to Evia, Lylia says, "Nice boots."

Goldstr yells, "Rodnay Speaks to M'Lay Mourdeyan!"

Pukk says, "It might be the end of Landing as we know it and Lylia and Evia are trading fashion advice."

Pukk says, "God I love this place."

Evia says, "Truly."

Skorrian quietly asks, "How many scarabs, how many messages did we speak, how many visions?"

Speaking to Pukk, Jadedragan asks, "Isn't it always the end of the Landing?"

Speaking to Jadedragan, Pukk says, "And the women are always trading fashion advice."

Kiyna says, "Well, there are seven scarabs..."

Evia says, "So confused am I at this."

Lylia says, "If Vaemyr was correct, if he asked Rodnay to show us who 'she' is who is hurting him...we have seen two Human women."

Evia says, "Well that leaves me out."

Tikba thoughtfully says, "If Rodnay has heard our speech at all."

Vaemyr says, "If they could understand us at least."

Lylia slowly says, "It is just a possibility...but perhaps he is illustrating that a Human woman is wreaking this harm and havoc. Not Iliyaas."

Speaking to Tikba, Jadedragan says, "Feels more likely this is a one sided communication."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "Have you been doing any experiments on Rodnay that we don't know about already?"

Speaking to Lylia, Kiyna says, "Octaven springs to mind."

Speaking simply to Pukk, Raelee states, "No."

Evia says, "So we just have to locate..a..human woman or two."

Pukk says, "Raelee is good."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "She human."

Pukk says, "That is one clear and a bunch more to go."

Goldstr says, "We be mosly Landin folks who Rodnay loves, so should be no fear fer now."

Leafiara admits, "Hadn't even considered Octaven since she never shows her face publicly, but I guess that's all the better for her if she's up to something..."

Lylia says, "There are innumerable Human women."

Tikba evenly says, "We must find the injury to the Reach ourselves."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me bet Raelee da culprit who hurted Rodnay."

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "That is because humans get bored and summon babies all the time."

Lylia says, "And I may be..." she pauses and takes a deep breath. A word forms on her lips, but she bites it back. "I may be overly hasty in making surmises."

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk exclaims, "No!"

Speaking neutrally to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I have not done anything yet."

Vaemyr asks, "I wonder if there's a possibility that our many established magisters about, could request an audiance with Octaven... we're up to four now in the area?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "4? dat ish 4 to many."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I would not have presumed you had; I wondered if perhaps you were being shown as illustrative of 'her,' whomever 'she' may be."

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. "It burns...." He flickers out of sight.

Cryheart says, "The central issue is it burns."

Vaemyr says, "We'll do what we can to help..."

Pukk says, "You know. I'm getting a bad feeling with us standing here. Like something bad is going to happen."

Rasson says, "Should we maybe head up to see... I don't know something, maybe projecting from the moon chamber."

Irval says, "So we need to find where it burns then."

Goldstr says, "I see dat as Rodnay be in trouble, we needs to help him somehow."

Julenne softly says, "Darlin boy, come out a moment and let us tend to ya."

Evia says, "Jump into the fire, nope."

Irval says, "Not here."

Speaking comfortingly to Kayse, Kiyna says, "We'll do what we can to help him."

Kayse says, "I think he is still in his cocoon."

Xorus says, "You will have to be more specific, Rodnay. For all we know you are saying to put out the mana fires at the bone pillars."

Speaking absently to Kayse, Leafiara agrees, "Likely..."

Speaking to Kayse, Tikba says, "That is why he needs our aid, perhaps."

Speaking to Kayse, Rasson asks, "The caccoon on fire? or under attack?"

Evia asks, "He ... wasn't all in one time, saying things, was he?"

Kiyna says, "I doubt the burning is literal... it could be, though."

Speaking to Rasson, Kayse says, "I do not know. He just asked for my help when I was trying to reach out to him."

Kayse says, "And he said he can not see."

Orphan Memories

The image of a blue-skinned boy flickers into view. "Where is mother? When is she coming home?" He flickers out of sight.

Kayse annoyedly says, "I am unsure why I am even bothering trying to reach him when it's not even him appearing before us."

Evia says, "He can't see, it burns, he has scores of limbs and fingers and eyes, and several different outfits, now we're getting there."

Leafiara says, "We don't know where exactly in the Reach his cocoon is. He's only brought any of us there once before and it was by... direct transport akin to a familiar gate."

Goldstr says, "He up on da Reach in need a help."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hmmmmm."

Speaking uncertainly to Kayse, Tikba asks, "It is not him?"

Julenne softly says, "Come here darlin, we will help till yer ma comes back."

Kayse says, "Just images of him."

Irval says, "Could be a trick."

Pukk asks, "Our Mother? Like Mother mother or some other mother that is mother?"

Evia says, "That is from his early childhood."

Thrassus says, "Thats the first I have heard him sounding human in a long time."

Kayse says, "No, his mother..."

Kayse says, "She used to wear lavender I believe."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Casiphia him motter?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Evia says, "No."

A voice says, "I'm sorry I ate them."

Mourdeyan says, "Mother."

Kialeigh says, "No word from, Trouble..."

Julenne softly asks, "Ate what? his mother?"

Drazaa says, "Another voice."

Leafiara says, "He was an orphan, so... if this is a memory, his mother might never have returned from this point..."

Pukk says, "Too many sweets before bedtime."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "How dem taste?"

Vaemyr asks, "Ate who...?"

Xorus asks, "Your other pod children?"

Kayse slowly says, "No...the other Ithzir children."

Citan deeply says, "Ate them.... Usually I blame my rat for that."

Tikba uneasily asks, "Ate?"

Kialeigh says, "This mother sounds hungry.."

Evia says, "Could be anything."

Missoni whispers aloud, "What did he eat?"

Vaemyr says, "Ahh I didn't know."

Cryheart says, "The shadow, the dark maw, something ate them."

A voice says, "They would not have survived."

Speaking to Kialeigh, Lylia says, "Some mothers eat their young, when they have too many."

Speaking to Missoni, Thrassus says, "He wasn't the only child altered by the Ithzir."

Jadedragan says, "So ahh....maybe this is something that Rodnay lost, or will lose, a struggle with? We're making a lot of assumptions about it actually being him."

Evia says, "The others...the other children."

Goldstr says, "Rodnay was an Orphan, kisnapped an cocooned by da Ithzir."

A voice says, "Better to be a sacrifice."

Xorus says, "Rodnay was with several other Ithzir hybrid children in a cocoon. They were unconscious, kept in a tent. Rodnay is the one who survived, essentially fed on them."

A voice says, "Better to move us forward."

Kayse assures, "We know Rodnay. No one blames you for that."

Irval asks, "Who is us?"

Nalver asks, "Are you trying to turn people into spiders to better serve Archane?"

Speaking sternly to Nalver, Kayse says, "Rodnay has done nothing but protect and help this town."

Evia asks, "Does he refer to himself as Us, because of the other children then?"

Tikba carefully asks, "Rodnay, how can we come to help you?"

Speaking to Evia, Leafiara acknowledges, "Very reasonable theory..."

Evia says, "Still, it seems more memory than present."

A voice says, "It burns my mind. It is making me sick. Not at first."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Rodnay, why yoo no come out, no need hide."

A voice says, "But now sick."

Kayse asks, "What is making you sick? Or who?"

Irval asks, "What brought the sickness?"

Leafiara helpfully says, "We want to put a stop to it, but we'll need to know who or what is going on."

Evia says, "It."

Goldstr says, "Rodnay pulled us out a Talador jess befer Dennet turned it into da Nleaklands."

Kialeigh begrudgingly says, "Please don't say a scarab...."

Kayse says, "Chaston technically did that...."

Citan deeply says, "Let's hope not."

A voice says, "Itoni ti."

Cryheart asks, "Say what?"

Leafiara asks, "So... who here who isn't Goat understands Ithzir?"

Evia asks, "Alright so, if he consumed the cocoons with the other children, err...maybe they're growing out?"

Raelee says, "... he said 'help me'."

Missoni says, "Help me..."

Raelee adds, "In the Ithzir tongue."

Leafiara disappointedly says, "Nothing helpful then."

Goldstr says, "So do be Rodnay."

Kiyna pleads, "How can we help you, Rodnay?"

Falvicar says, "Help us, help you..."

Goldstr exclaims, "Ye be our family Rodnay!"

Vaemyr asks, "Kla lan itona?"

A voice says, "Korak."

Kayse asks, "Magic.....?"

Vaemyr says, "Magic..."

Cryheart asks, "Hmmm...what?"

Evia asks, "Huh?"

Tikba says, "There is certainly magic."

Leafiara admits, "...I didn't really have any doubt about that much."

Speaking to Kayse, Raelee says, "It is... a bit broad."

Goldstr says, "Dat name be familiar."

Lylia says, "'Korak' means 'magic?'."

Vaemyr asks, "We need to fix the magic? or provide you with some?"

Kayse says, "I asked who was hurting him in Ithzir."

Kayse says, "He said magic."

Evia says, "Ah."

Goldstr says, "Ah."

Citan deeply asks, "Well removing a scarab is to uncurse it right?"

Citan deeply asks, "Perhaps is a curse of some type?"

A blue-skinned boy flickers into view, stepping forward.

Mourdeyan asks, "How can we help?"

Leafiara encourages, "Yes, that's right, come forward..."

Goldstr asks, "Wha we kin do?"

Evia asks, "Is he suffering from overindulging in the eating of cocoons with potential Ithzir younglings in them?"

Youthful laughter echoes all around, as the ethereal images of other children come into view, dancing, skipping, playfully spinning around the blue-skinned boy. He smiles back at them.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo kin eat demsh."

Kayse says, "His time at the Wellington Home."

Evia says, "But...he is already blue skinned..."

Cryheart asks, "Or the children who were kidnapped as he?"

Kiyna cheerfully affirms, "Hold on that, Rodnay."

One by one, the children vanish, their haunting laughter dying into silence.

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara quietly says, "Was worth a try."

A voice says, "I am not sorry I ate them."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Wait wait wait.....dat make Cryheart....fotter of Rodnay?"

Evia asks, "He summuned a memory?"

Mourdeyan asks, "Will you show us Mother as well?"

Raelee remarks, "... needs must."

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Kayse says, "It is not THAT Mother."

Leafiara sympathetically says, "Drastic circumstances require drastic measures sometimes."

Lylia reluctantly says, "We do what we must. I understand that."

A voice says, "They will eat your world."

Speaking to Kayse, Mourdeyan says, "I know."

Thrassus asks, "Who?"

Cryheart asks, "Whom?"

Kialeigh says, "That's promising..."

Speaking to Evia, Jadedragan says, "Seems to not be linear time movement."

Leafiara says, "Metaphorically, I already knew that. But if we're talking literal, that's suddenly a lot more worrisome..."

Thrassus asks, "The scarabs?"

Mourdeyan says, "An is why I asked."

Vaemyr asks, "Kiramon?"

Tikba slowly asks, "The kiramon?"

Kayse flatly says, "Yes, let's make this night worse."

Drazaa says, "Surely, something more terrifying than the scarabs."

Nalver says, "I want to sleep, but I want to find out if I can eat people I don't like."

Lylia asks, "Have we met 'them,' Rodnay? Are they the ones who came to us through the gilded rift?"

Speaking to Drazaa, Mourdeyan says, "Not if ye have one buried in ye I wager."

Thrassus asks, "The hive queen?"

Speaking to Nalver, Rasson says, "Cook them well first, you don't know where they have been."

Thrassus asks, "The Kiramon Hive Queen is the 'her'?"

A voice says, "I'm not sorry."

[General] Nordred asks, "What's with everyone being up the reach?"

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "We're only at the base of the Reach!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat one reason me no baff, dat why me no taste good and not be eated."

Kayse assures, "You do not have to be."

Evia says, "We understand you are not sorry."

Goldstr asks, "About wha?"

Tikba says, "You survived."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Specifically Lake Eonak."

The image of the blue-skinned boy flickers away one final time as the motes of light fade around Melgorehn's Reach.

Discussion Afterward

Kayse observes, "His mind seems to be stuck in that time period."

Speaking to Goldstr, Evia says, "Eating them."

Leafiara helpfully says, "You don't need to be sorry."

Thrassus says, "I am conjecturing, but it would make sense."

Pukk says, "Huh."

Pukk says, "Nobody died."

[General] Nordred asks, "Late night swim?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "It would. A possibility, at least."

Leafiara says, "Well..."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Dey shtinky dippin."

Speaking to Pukk, Rasson says, "The people they ate may have."

Speaking to Thrassus, Xorus says, "Powerful enough a mentalist, certainly."

Drazaa whispers something to Kayse.

Kayse whispers something to Drazaa.

Vaemyr asks, "So... a "her" is doing something to the reach, making Rodnay sick... and perhaps causing it to be unstable and allow some kind of appocalyptic thing into our world that's going to eat us all?"

Tikba says, "And it burns."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "He poof?"

Evia says, "And scores of limbs and fingers and eyes."

Speaking concernedly to Kayse, Kiyna asks, "Are you okay?"

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "With how connected he is to the magic here, I imagine any change... well yeah burns."

Speaking quietly to Kayse, Tikba asks, "Are you all right, amisar?"

Jadedragan says, "I was hoping there'd be krolvin tonight to deal with. That's much easier to manage than a child trapped in a nightmare."

Lylia says, "Under great duress, some creatures will eat their young. When they know they cannot survive, when there are lean times ahead. This is little different."

Kayse stoically says, "I am fine."

Kialeigh says, "We may need all the allies at some point to battle whatevers coming... as long as us scarab people don't turn into the next wave of conductors..."

Evia says, "He said they would have suffered."

Speaking to his midnight black waraxe, Jadedragan says, "We'll get Tyrrax soon."

Evia says, "He did it to stop the same thing happening to the other children as did him and the two girls that whithered."

Tikba says, "I think that it is time to rest."

Lylia says, "I may rest, but I shall not sleep. Not with so much to think upon."

Leafiara acknowledges, "Definitely a fascinating night."

Mourdeyan says, "Indeed."

Lylia muses, "So very much to contemplate."

Irval says, "Right then, just because some of you speak."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "Just... worried."

Irval says, "Doesnt mean you are right."

Irval says, "Or wrong. Its on me to decide my own truth."

Irval says, "Just as anyone else."

Speaking firmly in Aelotian to Kayse, Tikba says something you don't understand.

A ragged earred wolf exclaims, "Hush, do what they tell you to!"

Kialeigh says, "We shall have to see what we see I guess."

Speaking concernedly to Kayse, Leafiara says, "You alright there? I know Rodnay's important to you..."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "We'll find a way to help him."

Speaking evenly to Leafiara, Kayse responds, "Fine enough."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara agrees, "We will."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "Just like we'll find a way to help all those with the scarabs too."

Kayse says, "Yes, the scarabs are more a priority."

Vaemyr says, "And whoever caused this... well we'll deal with them too."

Leafiara says, "Letting Tyrrax run wild on the Ember Vale is looking better and better. We have so many other problems to deal with."

Vaemyr says, "Now if only I could pin down Iliyaas to try and get her to explain how to sense the scarabs..."

Vaemyr says, "Probably not a chance of that though."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Would it even matter? Being able to sense them doesn't mean she could remove them..."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kelfyr says, "If one was crawling around inside you, you'd not have any concern with an ability to sense them."

Kiyna says, "It's about learning more about them."

Rasson says, "Where is raznel when you need her, she could get them out."

Leafiara concedes, "Fair."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "If you can sense, you can then see what might effect them, study them closer, and then use that to figure out how to remvoe."

Speaking to Rasson, Leafiara acknowledges, "I'll admit I've had the passing thought that I wonder if some sort of stray essence of Raznel infected the Reach and is now getting to Rodnay."

Leafiara says, "Under the Reach is where Naimorai got transported back in time in the first place..."

Speaking to Rasson, Vaemyr says, "Please... not when we're sitting where we are seeing past versions of people and events, and even having some of them interact with us... Raznel is the LAST thing we need coming back."

Speaking to Leafiara, Rasson says, "Between the scarabs, and this I thought of her first."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Raznel's gone for good. We had to eradicate every trace of her... soul, as it were, to finally get rid of her, due to how she'd split herself up across timelines."

Leafiara says, "That said..."

Leafiara says, "Obviously some effects she left on the world, like the Bleaklands, are still here."

Leafiara says, "And the blight still only being suppressed by the manafires."

Leafiara dubiously says, "Really hope this has nothing to do with her, but it's looking less likely."

Rasson says, "Maybe who ever put the scarabs in found one of her workshops, using the same blood magics, we saw enough visions of places she was back then."

Vaemyr says, "Something Raznel left could certainly be what is burning and what's making him sick."

Vaemyr says, "I think, from what we've seen."

Vaemyr says, "The "eating our world" are the gold lights that have come through."

Leafiara says, "It's even possible we need to stop relying on the manafires and figure out a permanent end to the blight."

Vaemyr says, "When they touch someone, they take part of the person they touched."

Vaemyr says, "Although that seems more of a symptom rather than the cause."

Leafiara says, "So much to ponder."