North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-05-12 - Connections Loosely Tyeid (log)

Ivastaen 12-13, 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.

Synopsis

As a storm rages over Wehnimer's Landing and motes descend from Melgorehn's Reach, Commander Sablo is seen moving toard the Imperial camp. An arrow flies out of the Lower Dragonsclaw and gets a Darkstonian soldier in the throat--then reivers rush toward the camp, but are caught by traps in the forest as Sablo rushes out to attack. Some get past him, where adventurers drive them off.

Sablo soon arrives, asks if people are ready to hunt, and says scouts spotted reivers near the baystone mine. More reivers draw near the camp, though the Imperial soldiers gather too. Eventually Sablo heads off and says he'll let people know what he finds at the mines.

Groups scatter to handle different areas and Sablo reports reivers and spiders near the mines as Sir Cryheart offers reinforcements. As battles continue through the environs, Perigourd eventually signals with the Symbol of Need that they've found Tyeid. Soon enough, they dispatch him and bring his corpse to the Order of Voln.

However, while downed, Tyeid only laughs--and huge arachnids swarm the area! While everyone fights them off, other tiny red spiders burst forth to carry Tyeid away to the underground. As people consider the ramifications of Tyeid being able to breach the Voln wards, Perigourd says it seemed Tyeid was using the mine as a breeding ground. Sablo asks, a bit too late, where the shaman (Tyeid) is.

People begin to wonder if it's over and they just need to clean up against stragglers... but then a loud horn bellows and reivers with bulging red veins are seen among the trees. However, no attack seems to come from the forest--instead there's another charge against the mines. Eventually they're driven back and a warhorn finally sounds a retreat. Sablo goes in for a final strike and many of them cease their retreat to fight back, but he kills them all.

He returns to Voln eventually and describes that the reivers he was fighting came back to life several times, but did eventually die--which leads everyone to presume they're augmented with something like diluted Everblood. Sablo suggests upping the guard at the baystone mines since they've been attacked three times and says Lady Aronia is doing what she can to find the Ember Vale, but it's escaped her so far. He expresses good night after saying he needs to wash off guts.

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.
• Rights are reserved to include anything that seems especially amusing, all of the above notwithstanding.

Log

Idle Chatter

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Chamorr disk, the Umberteca disk, a dirty river rat, the flaming Nairena disk, the Aenternoll disk, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the Kialeigh disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Arahnim disk, the Faiyth disk, the Bellaja disk, the Kelfyr disk, the Stormyrain disk, a grizzled porcupine, a large acorn, the Nordred disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a large acorn, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it and an old well.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Chamorr, Bakarus, Great Lord Linguist, Umberteca, Zemnia, Algerone, Cypheir, Lady Nairena who is sitting, Anlaric, Aenternoll, Grorin, Markx, Sepoid, Kialeigh, Lady Katissa, Irval, Grand Lord Arahnim, Goldstr, Faiyth, Bellaja, Magister Raelee, Dame Evia, Kelfyr, Stormyrain, Sister-in-arms Mourdeyan, Lady Guennwhfar who is sitting, Lord Nordred, Zenzi, Miss Chandrellia, Lord Herod, Sarissa Tayler, Sir Cryheart, Sir Geijon, Sjofn who is lying down

The sky begins to fill with huge clouds, dark and grey on the bottom, pale and white atop, their puffy crowns ascending toward the heavens.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Bakarus says, "That experiment, let us talk further."

A cool breeze stirs through the area.

Arahnim says, "If anything, all in all, being a Rook and serving on the council casts doubt and suspicion on those in regards to any and all attacks on the citizens of landing in recent history."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia asks, "Tho I suppose you live in a glass house and can see everything from within yes?"

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja asks, "You know I mean nothing bad towards you, but does it really matter?"

Cryheart says, "Seems a storm is comnig."

Evia says, "It was nice to visit the invoker, never babbled a single word."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "There is a huge difference of opinion here and we need to stop pointing fingers all around."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "I give no judgement. Only pity for your obliviousness."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Seems storm clouds arriving over the Landing."

Speaking softly to Chandrellia, Nairena says, "I got your back, sister."

Speaking to Katissa, Tayler says, "It is pitch black out."

Speaking to Bellaja, Chandrellia says, "Does what matter? we were hung on suspicion of a crime, I want to know what crime, Geijon seems to think he has all the answers I would like to hear them."

Guennwhfar says, "I got yer front."

Cryheart says, "I feel we need to focus on what might be coming."

[General] Karona asks, "Interesting. Speculation?"

Stormyrain just closed the Stormyrain disk.

Guennwhfar says, "Bah."

Leafiara gazes in amusement at Stormyrain.

Speaking to Cryheart, Bakarus asks, "You suspect ...something?"

Leafiara glances appraisingly at Gutstorm.

Guennwhfar says, "She left."

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "Yes, but Thadston gave an answer. None of us can change that, I suppose."

[General] Tikba helpfully suggests, "Rain."

Stormyrain says, "I refuse to smell like Cruxophim because Guts is in a mood."

A clap of thunder rattles the sky.

Katissa asks, "Who, Guen?"

Bakarus says, "Have a small contingent if we may join."

Guennwhfar says, "Nairena."

Speaking to Bellaja, Chandrellia says, "He gave an excuse, not an answer but yes you are correct."

Zenzi says, "Oh. I saw a list of crimes. One was hanged for theft, one for arson, things like that."

Nairena asks, "Yes?"

Guennwhfar asks, "Hey?"

Guennwhfar asks, "Where ye hiding?"

Nairena says, "In plain sight."

Geijon says, "People speak of th' Rooks as if it was last week or a month ago. Drangell killed, murdered and formed them thirteen years ago. They have never been your support. While they make up some disillusioned souls they have long been funded by th' Silver Kings. Now that the blood must be paid th' Remnants have come to collect on Alendrial, Rysus and Casiphia's debt. I do not pity you. You chose."

Speaking amiably to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Leafiara says, "Hoping to have a fresh new cookie recipe ready in the next month or so for ya, Owly."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "I was unhappy to see you hung."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Markx says, "Bork."

Katissa says, "I could see her when you said you couldnt, Guenny."

The coppery barn owl hoots at Leafiara.

Guennwhfar says, "Another run."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Bellaja says, "I can tell you all about being on the end that is falsely perceived."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "You decided your path."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Mourdeyan says, "Ya got borked."

Speaking to Geijon, Chandrellia says, "Perhaps another time, seems there are more important thngs about then your ego at the moment."

Speaking drunkenly to Lylia, Gutstorm slurs, "Ye not hafta come all way over here to shee me ye knowed."

Nairena exclaims, "Fopoon!"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Lylia says, "Oh, of course I did. Your legs are shorter than mine; i would not make you walk all that way just to see me."

Speaking to herself, Guennwhfar says, "Trying to coordinate this group is like herding cats."

Nordred asks, "So we are judging Chandrellia because of some one else?"

Speaking drunkenly to Chandrellia, Gutstorm reminds, "Me got dib on Lylia."

Lylia reminds, "There are no 'dibs.'."

Katissa says, "I'm still not sure what she's being judged on."

Markx says, "I have a feeling something is goin to happen."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Chandrellia says, "Yes I am aware and I would never trodden on what you have dbs on."

Leafiara surprisedly says, "Hmm, no Pukk again."

Leafiara muses, "Ah well."

Speaking to Nordred, Bellaja says, "She's upset about being hung."

Leafiara recites:

"Everyone join Cryheart!"

Speaking to Bellaja, Lylia says, "Understandably so."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Geijon says, "Sand to bury your head is along th' shore."

Bellaja says, "Can't say I'd blame any of them."

Speaking to Bellaja, Chandrellia says, "Actualy no, I'm upset in the manner in which it was carried out."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Pukkiara shay to join Cryhear!"

Nordred says, "Suppose I would be to."

Guennwhfar says, "Well one thing that can happen is another bandit run."

Bellaja says, "Ah.."

Nordred says, "I do have bandits still."

Speaking to her long-tailed jerboa, Mourdeyan says, "Calm down awreddy."

Guennwhfar says, "Add us in."

The storm clouds gather, swirling ominously overhead. Lightning forks across the sky, illuminating the world below with brilliant flashes of light.

Bakarus says, "So no trouble this evening."

Leafiara muses, "Especially wild tonight."

Bellaja breathlessly says, "Gorgeous."

Faiyth says, "Great.. it's gonna rain and make us all wet."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I can feel the lectricty in the air,its, illuminating."

Cryheart says, "The thunderstorm indicates otherwise."

Tayler says, "Pay someone well to climb the tree and hold a lance up in the air."

Speaking to Tayler, Bellaja asks, "What will you charge?"

Geijon says, "I do appreciate when enemies just break on th' walls."

Speaking to Bellaja, Tayler says, "Well my only lance is..."

Evia says, "The invoker is still present, if needed, for a few moments more."

Mourdeyan says, "Hey guts take yer lance t'top on yon tree a minute so we can get a fix on the height."

Speaking to Geijon, Perigourd says, "Better if they were stone."

Speaking to Perigourd, Kiyna says, "Still working on that."

Speaking to Kiyna, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Speaking to Perigourd, Geijon says, "Prepared for that as well."

Speaking to Tayler, Bellaja says, "Oh that's not much help."

Cryheart says, "Prepare for anything."

Speaking to Bellaja, Tayler says, "It's made of air."

Mourdeyan says, "Egads."

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Evia says, "Tryin to get him lightning struck huh."

Bellaja offers Tayler a scratched spoon.

Speaking to Tayler, Bellaja says, "Here's some metal."

Speaking to Perigourd, Bakarus asks, "Should violence occur, I trust I will be safe behind all of your honorable armor and such?"

Tayler declines Bellaja's offer.

Tayler knocks on a suit of spiked Faendryl field plate.

Mourdeyan asks, "Lightnin?"

Speaking to Bellaja, Tayler exclaims, "I've got a good bit of that too!"

Mourdeyan says, "Nahhhhh."

Speaking to Bakarus, Perigourd says, "Depends on how closely you follow."

Speaking to Tayler, Bellaja says, "Perfect good spoon."

Speaking to Bellaja, Tayler says, "Looked a little scratched to me."

Kialeigh says, "Really should invest in a raincoat.."

The air becomes charged with an electric energy and the wind picks up, howling in and gusting in unpredictable directions. Clouds swirl and roil above, lit from within by bursts of silver and gold motes of light, casting an eerie otherworldly glow across the forests beyond.

Goldstr says, "Amos likes to show off his approach."

Speaking to Perigourd, Aenternoll says, "He's quite feeble. He'll be very far behind."

Tayler says, "Oh."

Tayler asks, "Tyrrax?"

Speaking to Tayler, Bellaja says, "Well, good enough for someone with no spoon."

Leafiara marvels, "It's really something tonight."

Kiyna says, "Tyrrax is just gold motes. Add the silver and it seems like the Reach acting up..."

Speaking to Goldstr, Kelfyr says, "If he's got weather machine money, we need to raise his taxes."

Perigourd says, "I suspect he could summon one last sprint in need."

Cryheart asks, "Ye think Tyrrax?"

Cryheart says, "We shall find out."

A flash of lightning illuminates the Upper Trollfang, where a hatchet wielding figure stands admist two tall modwir trees. Darkness rushes back in and the figure seems to dissolve into the night.

Speaking to Raelee, Chandrellia says, "Evening Magister."

Vaemyr says, "Might be the reach, or Rodnay, or part of both."

Leafiara says, "If it's Tyrrax, I hope Pookia's here tonight. If it's Rodnay or the Us... totally different story..."

Anlaric softly says, "Here we go."

Nazarr says, "Ah."

Leafiara cautiously says, "Or it... could be neither."

Speaking slowly to Leafiara, Kayse asks, "Who did you think it was?"

Evia asks, "The mad woodchoper of the woods?"

Mourdeyan says, "Sablo."

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain asks, "Sablo?"

Stormyrain says, "That's who that looked like to me."

Cryheart says, "Two modwird trees..close to the camp."

Cryheart says, "Let us go check on the camp."

Leafiara says, "I suppose the motes are just coincidentally also acting up tonight."

Cryheart says, "Moving out."

[Leafi leaves the group as it heads to the camp; switch of perspective to another character]

Sablo and the Scouts

[Imperial Campsite]

A line of silk pavilions casts a colorful array of numerous Imperial flags representing the different territories of the Empire. Craftsmen work diligently outside their shops, the aroma of hops, meat, and freshly cut lumber consuming this division. You also see a large black leather tent, a length of sturdy wooden walls and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Bellaja, Stormyrain, Kelfyr, Chamorr, Aenternoll, Dame Evia, Sarissa Tayler, Bakarus, Goldstr, Magister Raelee, Sister-in-arms Mourdeyan, Sir Geijon, Miss Chandrellia, Town Councilor Kiyna, Imperatrix Lylia, Nazarr, Faiyth, Lord Diablic, Light Keeper Kayse, Tikba, Irval, Sir Cryheart

A barbed arrow flies out of the Lower Dragonsclaw, slicing through the air to strike the throat of a Darkstonian soldier standing watch along a wooden tower of the imperial camp. A clap of thunder drowns out the sound of him gurgling on his blood as he topples from his post to the ground with a thud.

The voice of Thrassus says, "Remnants."

Bellaja says, "Hell of a shot."

The voice of Thrassus says, "Or Reivers."

Chandrellia says, "Aahh its play time."

Kelfyr says, "Seems an assumption."

Cryheart says, "Prepare."

Stormyrain states, "Ready."

Chandrellia says, "Ready."

Kiyna says, "I'm going to defend the town gates."

[General] Cryheart asks, "Anyone sight anything?"

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Am found comfy hammock."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Safe and sound, good."

[General] Leafiara dutifully thinks, "Guarding west gate with Kiyna."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Ok."

Cryheart says, "Modwir trees are around this area."

Emerging form the forest, a dozen reivers rush forward, faces reddened with glistening blood and eyes wild in fury. They press quickly upon the imperial camp but their ranks are broken quickly as traps within the forest are sprung, a few are smashed by swinging logs, while others are ensnared by ropes and suddenly lift into the air, dangling like humanoid pinatas. A burly man exits the camp, two tomahawks in his hands, and he slowly moves among the twisting reivers, cutting open their sides like draining cattle.

Chamorr heartily says, "Going to the gate."

Kelfyr says, "Oh, there's Sablo."

Tikba admiringly says, "That is Sablo."

Nazarr asks, "Oh?"

[combat]

Geijon says, "Hold."

[General] Wubby thinks, "Keeping the manticore population contained."

Xorus says, "They are going to fall in love with each other."

Cryheart says, "They are attacking the camp for sure."

Gutstorm picks up a plain tanik trunk.

Gutstorm sings with jollity:

"Yoink"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Contact at the settlement."

Commander Sablo just arrived.

Cryheart says, "We are here."

Sablo twists his head slightly, cracking his neck. He looks relieved.

Lylia says, "People have been muttering about why the Imperial camp is not defending itself and relies on the town. Well, it seems this problem has been admirably solved."

Tikba politely greets, "Commander."

Sablo shakes his tomahawks, flicking blood to the ground.

Mourdeyan says, "Evenin."

Sablo nods.

Speaking to Sablo, Irval asks, "Save any?"

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Typically happens when you bring an army with you."

Sablo says, "Eve."

Sablo asks, "Are we ready to hunt?"

Cryheart says, "Indeed."

Speaking to Sablo, Stormyrain says, "Always."

Speaking to Sablo, Goldstr says, "Hail Commander."

Lylia says, "Oh, my, yes."

Speaking to Sablo, Perigourd says, "To defend, at any rate."

Speaking to Perigourd, Chandrellia says, "Untrained as they are, but sure."

Speaking to Sablo, Geijon asks, "Perhaps, but why?"

Nazarr says, "Let's."

Faiyth says, "That's all we ever do.."

Speaking to Sablo, Mourdeyan exclaims, "Aye!"

Missoni cheerfully says, "Surely."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Let me gitta bounty firsh Sablo."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Perigourd says, "They're not all untrained, ma'am."

Bellaja says, "I'd like to think of it as safeguarding."

Sablo says, "Because reivers only know violence, my good man."

Sablo nods at Geijon.

Speaking to Perigourd, Chandrellia says, "Not the ones doing the training."

[General] Pookia exclaims, "Ballistas loaded and ready!"

Speaking to Sablo, Perigourd says, "That's not entirely true."

Speaking to Sablo, Geijon says, "I know violence, Sablo."

Sablo says, "Good."

Speaking to Sablo, Bellaja says, "Still, it sounds less hostile."

Cryheart says, "Especially the Ember Vale clan."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me am a pashtafisht, abhor violench."

[SMR result: 421 (Open d100: 83, Bonus: 10)]

A grizzled porcupine charges forward and bites down on a kobold faster than he can react!

... 35 points of damage!

Strike clean through neck, what a shot! Good form!

The kobold crumples to a heap on the ground and dies.

Faiyth says, "That was a kobold...."

Sablo says, "They have moved to the woods. I am also told a few scouts spotted some near the mines briefly."

Evia says, "Now that was violent."

Faiyth asks, "If we fighting kobolds....?"

Missoni sighs, "They do seem fond of the mines."

Faiyth says, "I'm joining the other side..."

Speaking to Bakarus, Aenternoll says, "Now that Zeminar is here, we could reenact your trial."

Tikba asks, "Do your scouts have any idea what they seek in the mines?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me wit Faiyth, am on team kobold."

Cryheart asks, "Ye expect them to continue to attack the camp?"

[combat]

Tayler says, "I think he wanted to talk."

Bellaja asks, "He can't be retried, right?"

Cryheart asks, "Oh?"

[General] Faerrow thinks, "An empath in voln -- that's not much of a vote of confidence in your abilities."

[combat]

Cryheart says, "These wanted to attack."

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

Cryheart says, "Hold."

Lylia says, "It is what they do."

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

A rugged imperial soldier charges in!

Faiyth says, "Well then..."

Cryheart says, "Dinnae attack the soldiers."

Irval asks, "Someone really sanctified the area?"

Lylia says, "We call them reivers for a reason."

Irval says, "Oh."

Bakarus says, "Seems things are safe now."

Chamorr swings his glaes broadsword at a rugged imperial soldier's gleaming steel voulge!

[SMR result: 186 (Open d100: 45, Bonus: 10)]

Chamorr connects!

A rugged imperial soldier's gleaming steel voulge is knocked from his grasp and out of sight!

Sablo says, "I'm leading some men to the mines. I will keep you aware."

A rugged imperial soldier says, "Hey, Chamorr! I'm on your side! Watch it!"

Speaking to Sablo, Geijon asks, "What area do you target?"

Sablo glances at Chamorr.

Sablo asks, "Do you have a problem Chamorr?"

Cryheart says, "Dinnae attack the soldiers."

Speaking to Sablo, Kelfyr says, "Watch out, they've been taking blood from their victims."

Sablo nods at Kelfyr.

Thrassus says, "They do have a blood shaman after all."

Speaking heartily to Sablo, Chamorr says, "Yup, i think ya should go home an leave da reivers be."

[General] Wubby thinks, "I think using cursive makes it classy, but it's up to you."

Bakarus says, "This may be unfortunate."

Sablo asks, "I think you should piss off, how about that?"

Speaking heartily to Sablo, Chamorr says, "You first."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Thrassus asks, "You weren't aware?"

Lylia flatly says, "They attacked here. If you wish someone to go home, tell the reivers."

Speaking to Sablo, Missoni asks, "Would you prefer some of us to cover your flank, or remain nearer to the camp?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Evia says, "And yet here you are safe in the arms of the Blob."

Speaking to Thrassus, Stormyrain says, "I was not."

Speaking to Chamorr, Geijon says, "I can bearhug pretty fierce too, Chamorr."

Speaking heartily to Evia, Chamorr says, "I thought we was goin drinkin."

Arahnim says, "Gentlemen, Ladies, Please. There are Reivers to stop for pillaging both fronts. No need to throw down here. Use it. Just not here."

Speaking to Chamorr, Evia says, "I don't think so."

Speaking heartily to Geijon, Chamorr says, "Betchya can."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Thrassus says, "They and thier Arachne follower allies have been trying to collect Everblood it seems."

Sablo says, "Do as you wish, I suspect they'll come in larger force soon. I'll let you know what I find at the mines."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Let us support the advance. It was likely Haidan we saw earlier."

Sablo says, "I better never see you in our camp."

Sablo nods at Chamorr.

At the Gates

[Switch of perspective back to Leafi now and a bit of a time rewind to before Sablo arrived at the camp.]

[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 sinuous bone white serpent, the Katissa disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild deep red dog, the vermeil Myasarie disk draped with silver strands of tidal pearls, the Kialeigh disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the Arahnim disk, a large acorn, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it and an old well.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Pilkor, Grand Lord Arahnim, Zaekia, Quietrroar, Tenor, Zeysa, Zemnia, Draelor, Lady Katissa, Missoni, Myasarie, Kialeigh, Perigourd, Sepoid, Sjofn who is lying down

Speaking to herself, Pookia says, "Hatchet man..."

A barbed arrow flies out of the Lower Dragonsclaw, slicing through the air to strike the throat of a Darkstonian soldier standing watch along a wooden tower of the imperial camp. A clap of thunder drowns out the sound of him gurgling on his blood as he topples from his post to the ground with a thud.

Speaking to Pookia, Leafiara says, "They've gone off to the camp."

Leafiara says, "Ah, guess the Remnants are about again."

Pookia exclaims, "Im gonna make sure the oils hot!"

Leafiara says, "If they wish to attack the camp, not my problem. If they wish to attack in town... my problem."

[General] Cryheart asks, "Anyone sight anything?"

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a raven that is flying around, a rolton, a town guard, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Am found comfy hammock."

Town Councilor Kiyna just came through a reinforced large wooden gate.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Safe and sound, good."

[General] Leafiara dutifully thinks, "Guarding west gate with Kiyna."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Ok."

Kiyna says, "I'm not going to sit there defending their camp. They have an army now. They can do it themselves."

Leafiara says, "Indeed."

Emerging form the forest, a dozen reivers rush forward, faces reddened with glistening blood and eyes wild in fury. They press quickly upon the imperial camp but their ranks are broken quickly as traps within the forest are sprung, a few are smashed by swinging logs, while others are ensnared by ropes and suddenly lift into the air, dangling like humanoid pinatas. A burly man exits the camp, two tomahawks in his hands, and he slowly moves among the twisting reivers, cutting open their sides like draining cattle.

Leafiara says, "I left as soon as I knew that was where they were heading--"

Leafiara surprisedly says, "Oh, reivers."

Leafiara says, "I thought..."

Leafiara says, "Huh."

Kiyna says, "Sablo."

[General] Wubby thinks, "Keeping the manticore population contained."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a rolton, the Linguist disk, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a town guard, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Also here: Town Councilor Vaemyr, Great Lord Linguist, Town Councilor Kiyna, Whimweaver Leafiara

You hear a "Woosh!" of breath.

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Contact at the settlement."

Leafiara says, "Alright, who's opening voids..." [I thought that was the messaging for opening voids, but maybe not]

The voice of Kayse says, "You will not find me."

Kiyna says, "It's no reason not to try, but you're probably right."

Leafiara dramatically exclaims, "Councilors past and present, assemble!"

Vaemyr says, "I'm just scouting about, they already have like 20 some folks outside the camp."

The voice of Kayse corrects, "Rooks....and Vaemyr."

Vaemyr says, "Better served if the reivers do something else."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Sure, let's go with that too."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see the Axanders disk, a rolton, the Linguist disk, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a town guard, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Also here: Lord Axanders, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Great Lord Linguist, Town Councilor Kiyna, Whimweaver Leafiara

Vaemyr exclaims, "Who knows maybe I was a rook all along and none of you knew!"

[General] Pookia exclaims, "Ballistas loaded and ready!"

Leafiara theatrically roars, "Avengers of the Alleys! Shadows of the Shanties! Repel the enemy!"

Leafiara throws her head back and howls!

Leafiara glances expectantly around the area.

Leafiara despondently asks, "...what, no applause?"

[General] Linguist thinks, "Triage setup at TSC, but I can come wherever needed."

Kiyna snickers at Leafiara.

The voice of Kayse flatly says, "I am holding two daggers."

Leafiara wryly says, "It's not like we're engaged here yet... need to pass the time."

[General] Nyaria thinks, "Theres a cleric and empath in voln if needed."

The voice of Kayse says, "They are speaking with Sablo."

Kiyna says, "They may not attack the gates at all. That would be the smart decision."

Leafiara says, "Indeed."

[General] Faerrow thinks, "An empath in voln -- that's not much of a vote of confidence in your abilities."

Leafiara says, "And if they don't..."

Vaemyr says, "I'll at least see what he's planning..."

Kiyna says, "Lylia says Sablo wants to pursue them into the woods."

Leafiara says, "Not my problem."

[General] Linguist exclaims, "There is a Cleric here with tinctures, just as good!"

Leafiara jovially jests, "Wait, Lylia is consorting with the Rooks?"

The voice of Kayse sarcastically says, "Yes, let's go chase them into the woods."

Kiyna says, "Apparently so. Scandalous."

The town guard says, "Just when I think I've seen it all, someone like Leafiara walks by and well...." The town guard smiles at you.

Kiyna says, "That's what I was going to say, Kayse. Let's abandon our fortified position and fight them on their territory spontaneously. Nothing bad will happen."

The voice of Kayse says, "I think Sleepy is hitting on you."

Leafiara ruefully intones, "Councilors, mayors, when will the corruption end?"

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

The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Pookia just skipped merrily through a reinforced large wooden gate.

[General] Wubby thinks, "I think using cursive makes it classy, but it's up to you."

Pookia waves.

Pookia just pranced away energetically, moving north.

Leafiara mentions, "I can't check back on those spells."

Leafiara yells, "Evenin Pookia!"

Kiyna says, "Gone as soon as she came."

Leafiara says, "She was going to ready the ballista towers."

Kiyna says, "I've long suspected Pookia is less a person and more a weather pattern."

Leafiara helpfully explains, "She's a Zelian."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "So is my girlfriend."

Leafiara knowingly says, "Zelians are great in certain capacities..."

Markx says, "What in tarnatuon is goin on."

Speaking to Kayse, Nairena says, "Evening, ladies."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me took out da imperial soldiers leafi."

Kayse affably greets, "Fair--"

Leafiara says, "Reivers attacking the camp, which falls under 'not my problem'--" [Kayse and Leafi both cut off as they sense several deaths]

Vaemyr says, "Well Sablo's about to go provoke them."

Kiyna says, "Sablo can do whatever he likes."

Nairena says, "The imperial soldiers look like a tougher bunch."

Nairena says, "Not gutsy proof."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "I'm just saying to be prepared is all."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse asks, "So we're just going to poke the hornet's nest?"

Kayse flatly says, "Smart."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "We're not; Sablo is."

Leafiara says, "Poking the hornet's nest is what he does."

Leafiara says, "Last time it was the griffins he lured to town."

Speaking to Kiyna, Kayse says, "There are many with him."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "True."

Kayse says, "So we is still accurate."

Markx asks, "Soo what's headed our way?"

Speaking to Markx, Leafiara exclaims, "Nothing yet, but if it comes, we'll be ready!"

Kayse says, "Probably a bunch of reivers shortly after this."

A large-eyed reiver brute just arrived.

A large-eyed reiver brute just went through the gate!

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[they go chase it down and kill it]

Kiyna says, "Excuse me."

[and then return to the gates]

[Wehnimer's, Exterior] The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a velnalin, a rolton, a rolton, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Crimsoneve, Nairena, Markx and Kiyna followed.

A wide-eyed reiver skald just arrived.

A wide-eyed reiver skald heads north.

Leafiara says, "Hmm, they're running fast."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Da wildlife all shtirred up."

The voice of Kayse says, "Perhaps they are running from Sablo."

Vaemyr says, "That one moved fast..."

A rolton just went through the gate!

A rolton just went through the gate!

Gutstorm yells, "Get inshide da town lol ROlton!"

Nairena says, "Be safe rolton1."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Big reivers."

Nairena says, "That doesnt look good."

Markx says, "Toss me lead. We will get into a fight."

Vaemyr says, "They ran into sympaths..."

Kiyna says, "If they try the gate with weapons drawn, that's the line."

Speaking to Markx, Leafiara says, "I could find a fight if I wanted to, but..."

Leafiara says, "Exactly."

Leafiara says, "Just look for Cryheart's group, you'll find a fight... if you want it."

Nairena says, "Better to wait."

Leafiara says, "My duty's here at the gates."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see the Chamorr disk, a rolton, a rolton that appears dead, a velnalin that appears dead, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, the flaming Nairena disk, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Also here: Chamorr, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Crimsoneve, Lady Nairena, Markx, Town Councilor Kiyna, Whimweaver Leafiara

Chamorr heartily says, "Well."

Markx says, "I'm going. Join me if you want to."

Leafiara says, "Barony has its own army and its own problems."

Leafiara says, "That's my opinion."

Chamorr heartily says, "Sablo told me to piss off."

A militia archer fires from the tower, his arrow striking a rolton!

... 30 points of damage!

Great shot penetrates thigh and shatters bone!

The rolton collapses to the ground, emits a final bleat, and dies.

[General] The ghost of Diablic asks, "So mind control is a thing?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "Sounds about right."

The voice of Kayse says, "Sounds about right."

Nairena asks, "He did?"

Markx says, "I'm going."

Nairena says, "That was rude."

Chamorr heartily says, "I did however tell him he should go home and leave the reivers be."

Tikba says, "I looked in on them. I fear the sympaths have wreaked havoc again."

Leafiara says, "The archers are on edge shooting at roltons."

Speaking to Chamorr, Nairena asks, "Want me to beat him up for ya?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "Indeed."

Tikba says, "Some bodies at the Order of Voln."

A wide-eyed reiver skald just arrived.

Chamorr heartily says, "Then he said not welcome in camp and to piss off."

A wide-eyed reiver skald heads north.

Town Councilor Kiyna just went north.

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

Chamorr heartily says, "Then i said you first."

Town Councilor Kiyna just arrived.

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara asks, "Tracked him down?"

Kiyna says, "Some tried the north gate. Looks like Vaemyr got them."

Chamorr heartily says, "Hes going to the mines."

[General] Cryheart asks, "Need reinforcements in the Old Mines?"

A large-eyed reiver brute just arrived.

Chamorr heartily says, "I like it right here."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Rather... weak ones..."

Leafiara says, "These barely even know how to lift what they're holding."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Leafi, find me shum boxes."

Speaking amusedly to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Go follow Cryheart's group and pick up whatever they leave behind."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dokay!"

Seaward Gutstorm just went north.

Leafiara adds, "It's usually a lot."

Tikba says, "He has already stolen several voulges."

Nairena says, "Gutsy is rich for a reason."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Where ya send him."

Leafiara says, "Gutstorm, as it turns out, is far better at not getting caught than the Rooks."

The voice of Kayse perplexedly asks, "The mines again...why?"

Speaking amusedly to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "I think he's just running out looking for the trail of treasure left by Cryheart."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "That's a good question."

Chamorr heartily says, "Reivers were going there."

Tikba says, "I asked Sablo if his scouts could ascertain."

[combat]

Speaking to Kiyna, Kayse says, "I think I know why possibly."

Leafiara asks, "Didn't Thadston say he authorized the Red Guard to push back against the reivers at the mines?"

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna asks, "Oh?"

Nairena asks, "Materials to make weapons?"

Speaking to Kiyna, Kayse says, "I need more evidence I don't want to speculate yet."

[General] Sablo thinks, "Lots of reivers near the mines. Pressing in."

Leafiara asks, "Wait... the baystone mine or the kobold one?"

Tikba says, "I thought Thadston was referring to the militia."

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "Here."

Tikba says, "But I am sure Amos gave similar orders."

[General] Cryheart asks, "Need to be reinforced, Commander Sablo?"

Chamorr heartily says, "Oh."

[General] Sablo thinks, "Aye, some pressed into the mines. Spiders too."

Leafiara says, "I don't know if the baystone mine has material for weapons. The kobold one... does, I suppose, but it's just iron..."

[General] Kayse asks, "What is their fascination with the mines? What are they looking for?"

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "We need help."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "What started it, a bunch a imp soliders came in and i disarmed one."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Amos no want yoo playing with him gemsh."

Kiyna says, "Baystone is just an ordinary gemstone. I was skeptical of that, too, but Vaemyr got access to a substantial amount of it, and we've worked it into the decorations in our home."

[combat]

Kiyna says, "No special properties to speak of, just pretty."

[General] Irval thinks, "Got reiver's up the bank beyond the bridge near the path to Voln."

Tikba says, "There is iron in the baystone mine as well, in the upper levels, but it was mined out years ago."

Speaking to Kiyna, Kayse says, "That has been said for a long time now."

Leafiara says, "Good to verify."

Leafiara says, "Never know with anything discovered in the vicinity of the Landing, what with our... Reach and our Darkstone Castle and our suppressed Raznel blight..."

Seaward Gutstorm just arrived.

Kelfyr says, "Three bodies retrieved so far."

Speaking interestedly to Gutstorm, Leafiara asks, "Got the goods?"

Kelfyr says, "Feels like that kind of night."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dey gettin webbed at da mines."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "Down the empire, up the reivers."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me got 3 boxes."

Kiyna says, "Spiders..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kayse open me box?"

Gutstorm offers Kayse a rotting modwir trunk.

Kayse accepts Gutstorm's modwir trunk.

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kiyna says, "I can open 'em, probably, too."

Kayse asks, "Can't you open it?"

Leafiara says, "Some of these foes are so weak even I could probably open them."

Gutstorm offers Kiyna a plain tanik trunk.

Kiyna accepts Gutstorm's tanik trunk.

Leafiara muses, "Oh, except I don't have my hairpin lockpick with me, apparently."

[combat and locksmithing]

[General] Cryheart thinks, "We hae come to the Mine."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Do friendsh gotta tip?"

[combat and locksmithing]

[General] Peche thinks, "Need a cleric for Wubby at Voln please."

Chamorr heartily says, "Why we killin dem."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Gold is in bad shape."

Kelfyr asks, "Anyone leading this defensive stand?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Nairena asks, "Because its fun?"

Kayse points at Leafiara.

Leafiara says, "If they're at the gates, it's our problem. If they're not at the gates, it isn't."

Leafiara glances at Kelfyr and raises her hand.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Had to rescue Missoni."

[combat]

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse says, "No, you do not have to tip."

[General] Goldstr exclaims, "I be OK wid a lot a leaf!"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "I am your leaf."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a faewood arrow tipped with a crescent, some wolifrew lichen, a faewood arrow tipped with a crescent, the Gutstorm disk, a grizzled porcupine, the Kelfyr disk, a chipped brick, the Chamorr disk, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, the flaming Nairena disk, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Also here: Tikba, Seaward Gutstorm, Kelfyr, Town Councilor Kiyna, Chamorr, Crimsoneve, Lady Nairena, Light Keeper Kayse, Whimweaver Leafiara

Tikba uncertainly says, "Those arrows do not seem very pointed."

Kiyna says, "...Faewood, isn't it? My bolts are faewood, too. Weird tip, though..."

Leafiara offhandedly says, "Different tools for different jobs..."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Think i gonna switch sides a become a knight."

Kayse asks, "Whose arrow?"

Leafiara grabs a bundle of fireleaf arrows from inside her leaf-patterned tote.

Kelfyr asks, "Meant for lighter armor, isn't it?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dankoo Ladiesd."

Leafiara says, "Not mine, mine are fireleaf."

Leafiara indicates the fireleaf arrows as a possible option.

Leafiara cheerfully says, "That way people can say they see Leafi fire fireleaf."

Kayse gives a sidelong glance at Leafiara.

Leafiara glances expectantly around the area.

Leafiara murmurs, "Tough crowd tonight."

Tikba gazes in amusement at Leafiara.

Speaking to Leafiara, Kayse speculates, "You have given that way too much thought."

Nairena says, "Nice one, porcupine."

Leafiara looks at Kayse and hums.

[SMR result: 447 (Open d100: 68, Bonus: 66)]

A grizzled porcupine charges forward and bites down on a rolton faster than she can react!

... 35 points of damage!

Strike to wrist severs right hand!

The rolton bleats loudly as she slumps to the ground and cradles her wounded right hoof.

The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

Speaking to Kelfyr, Kiyna says, "That little one's got some moves."

Kelfyr says, "He's in no mood for intruders."

Speaking to a grizzled porcupine, Leafiara says, "You eat that rolton--"

Crimsoneve deeply says, "Porcupine of death there."

Leafiara says, "Well."

Tikba wryly says, "Irval is near the mine. The fighting seems to still be there."

Leafiara says, "It decayed quickly, but."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Kayse agrees, "I hate people too."

Leafiara says, "Do porcupines even eat roltons? I don't know."

Leafiara says, "Probably not."

Kelfyr says, "He eats almost everything."

Leafiara relievedly says, "Oh, good, just like my experience growing up with wolves then."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Cryheart's group does not have one I do not believe."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "He not eated porcupine meat when me tryta feedem."

Kiyna says, "One moment..."

Kelfyr says, "And if you try it again, I'll replace your intestines with thorns."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Good thnig me inteshtine on me inshide."

[General] Chandrellia asks, "Can someone in his group let me know, exactly, where they are privately please?"

Kelfyr points down.

Kelfyr points up.

Kelfyr says, "Right on through."

[SMR result: 359 (Open d100: 19, Bonus: 10)]

A grizzled porcupine charges forward and bites down on a rolton faster than he can react!

... 35 points of damage!

Awesome shot shatters ribs and punctures lung!

The rolton collapses to the ground, emits a final bleat, and dies.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gonna nook fer more box."

Speaking amiably to a grizzled porcupine, Leafiara says, "So hungry."

Kiyna says, "Vaemyr needed some help. I won't defend the campsite, but I'll defend my friends."

[General] Qatari thinks, "In town."

Crimsoneve deeply asks, "What's the porcupine's name?"

Kelfyr says, "Pokey."

Leafiara says, "I presume the bulk of the fighting is still at the mine? ...whichever mine it is."

[General] Qatari thinks, "They are past the gate."

The Symbol of Need begins to burn in your mind and an image appears before you of Perigourd...

[Mine]

The wide passage continues north and south, but an eastern tunnel is readily visible as you examine the hewn rock walls along which you travel. You also see the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs and a fresh dark tunnel.

Also here: Sir Geijon, Perigourd, Tyeid

Crimsoneve deeply says, "He's becoming my spirit animal...."

Kelfyr says, "The one north of the Reiver village."

Speaking to Kelfyr, Nairena says, "Simple and to the point."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "I am looking for Cryhearts group."

Tikba says, "They are inside."

Nairena says, "I would have thought Fluffy or Cuddles."

Kiyna asks, "Inside the gate?"

[General] Evia thinks, "Just inside the mine by a bit."

Tikba says, "Northwest side of town."

Leafiara says, "Ah, Perigourd just sent a signal from Voln. They've spotted Tyeid."

Tikba says, "Ah, it was just one, perhaps."

Kayse says, "That is concerning then...."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Ok Bell and I are on our way."

Kelfyr asks, "Is there a group at the North gate?"

Chamorr laughs!

Chamorr heartily says, "Piss off."

Kayse asks, "Do we think Tyeid is the one who drained those Blameless in the tunnels?"

Leafiara says, "Hmm, there was, but... not sure if there's still a group there."

Speaking to Kiyna, Tikba says, "There was just one, I think."

Speaking to Kayse, Leafiara asks, "Possibly?"

Kiyna says, "There were two stragglers in town. Maybe got in through the north gate."

Kelfyr says, "Nope."

Speaking to Chamorr, Nairena says, "Not a very knightly thing to say."

Kelfyr says, "I'll head that way."

Speaking to Kayse, Tikba says, "One Arachne cult is more likely than two."

Kiyna says, "'Were' is the operative term."

Speaking to Nairena, Leafiara says, "Sablo's not a knight, he's just a commander."

Leafiara says, "As curious as that is."

Speaking heartily to Nairena, Chamorr says, "Thats what sablo said to me."

Leafiara suddenly says, "Oh. You were chiding Bear, got it." [Because Bear was joking that he'd switch sides and become a knight.]

Tikba says, "It does make him more effective."

Nairena says, "Sablo is hardly considered a man as far as I am concerned."

Leafiara says, "That's a fair point. Knights have all this 'honor' stuff to work around."

Kiyna says, "Too effective, maybe. That's a wholly separate problem."

Nairena says, "But he gets the job done."

[General] Qatari thinks, "There still around the trail to voln."

Chamorr heartily says, "He should go home."

Leafiara says, "One day Sablo will probably find his way into the Ember Vale and start butchering children."

Nairena asks, "How do you defeat a monster?"

Nairena says, "Unleash your own bigger and meaner monster."

Leafiara says, "Then people will act shocked."

Nairena says, "Hense... Sablo."

Kayse offers, "Cut off its head?"

Leafiara says, "...I suppose, in fairness, some will actually be shocked."

Leafiara says, "Somehow."

Kiyna says, "The knights will hate the comparison, but they aren't so different from us Rooks. We, too, have things we will not do to accomplish our goals."

Leafiara says, "Indeed."

Tikba says, "If the children will be a danger to us in the future, then killing them is the wisest course."

Speaking to Kiyna, Nairena says, "Good point."

Tikba evenly says, "It is not an easy task, to be sure."

The Symbol of Need begins to burn in your mind and an image appears before you of Stormyrain...

[Lysierian Hills, Rocky Path]

A bend in the path here marks a significant change in the terrain. To the south, the trees are much thicker and the ground less rocky. To the northeast, the trees are somewhat thinner and the ground rougher, with large rocks and boulders protruding from the underbrush in many spots. The rising foothills to the east are barely visible in the darkness. You also see an iced almond muffin, a table leg, a column of swirling grey ash, a sharp-eyed reiver hunter that is lying down, a sharp-eyed reiver hunter that appears dead, a sharp-eyed reiver hunter that appears dead, a sharp-eyed reiver hunter that appears dead, a sharp-eyed reiver hunter that is lying down, a sharp-eyed reiver hunter that is lying down, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a dark-haired reiver loremaster that appears dead, a dark-haired reiver loremaster that appears dead, a dark-haired reiver loremaster that appears dead, a dark-haired reiver loremaster that appears dead, a black bear that appears dead, a black bear that appears dead, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, the Evia disk, the Aenternoll disk, the Bellaja disk, the faenor Chandrellia disk inlaid with intersecting bands of jet, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur and a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur.

Also here: Jiarine who is lying down, Miss Chandrellia who is lying down, Bellaja who is lying down, the body of Lord Thrassus who is lying down, the body of Sarissa Tayler who is lying down, Aenternoll who is lying down, Zeminar, the body of Berean who is lying down, the body of Xorus who is lying down, the body of Stormyrain who is lying down, Dame Evia who is lying down, Bakarus, a stunned Sister-in-arms Mourdeyan who is lying down, Sir Cryheart

[General] Mourdeyan thinks, "Down."

[General] Gutstorm exclaims, "Oh No! me Lylia!"

Leafiara amiably says, "On that note, if anyone would like to join the ranks, maybe we can reopen membership after we emerge victorious in this trial--"

Leafiara says, "Huh, that's a rather small force to have gotten all of them."

Speaking heartily to Kiyna, Chamorr says, "I thought ya liked da empire."

Speaking to Chamorr, Kiyna says, "Why would you think that? I'm a Rook."

Tikba wryly says, "Wow."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kayse agrees, "We should wait until after the trial. Otherwise others will be tried most likely considering... WHAT CHARGES ARE THERE?" [OOC note: You can't end dialogue with a question mark, but Kayse OOC whispered what she meant, so I edited it as if such a thing were possible.]

Speaking to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "Some people were far sneakier about Rook sympathies or membership than me..."

You notice Pookia try to tiptoe silently by you.

Speaking heartily to Kiyna, Chamorr says, "Dunno."

Speaking to Kayse, Leafiara says, "That's what I said, after the trial. But I agree."

Leafiara yells, "Evening again Pookia!"

Kiyna says, "I didn't go around advertising my membership, but I was never dishonest about my beliefs."

Nairena says, "Shes returned with lots more energy."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "We are back in Voln..with some bodies and wounds."

Nairena says, "Love it."

[General] Jubbley asks, "Which voln? mule?"

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Landing."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Landing."

[General] Tikba asks, "Who is at the Order of Voln who is not immune to magic?"

[General] Topps thinks, "Meee."

Kayse observes, "She is not very sneaky."

[General] Geijon thinks, "Care of Tyeid th' Reiver."

[General] Chamorr thinks, "At least the camp is safe."

Leafiara asks, "Oh, did Pookia pass by again?"

[General] Cryheart asks, "You with Tyeid?"

Leafiara says, "I actually didn't spot her."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "We are."

* Tyeid is off to a rough start! He just bit the dust!

Kiyna says, "They found Tyeid, huh..."

Kayse says, "Oof."

Leafiara says, "It's amazing she can sneak at all with how she... prances."

Speaking to Leafiara, Nairena says, "I believe..."

Nairena says, "In mercy."

[Locate Person spell]

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see a skittish stone grey arashan, a slimy green tree frog, an amber-eyed smoke greatfang, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the faenor Chandrellia disk inlaid with intersecting bands of jet, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, the Linguist disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, the Evia disk, the Aenternoll disk, the Bellaja disk, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: the body of a webbed Tyeid who is lying down, Perigourd who is lying down, Conquerer of Reim Peche, the body of a webbed Great Lady Grimguls who is lying down, Imperatrix Lylia, Xorus, Tikba, Goldstr, Great Lord Rahj, Bakarus who is kneeling, Yaba, Stormyrain who is sleeping, Sarissa Tayler, Miss Chandrellia, Topps, Berean, the body of Lord Thrassus who is lying down, Great Lord Linguist, Sir Cryheart, Sister-in-arms Mourdeyan, Dame Evia who is sitting, Zeminar, Aenternoll, Bellaja, High Lord Jahira, Faiyth

Kayse asks, "Perigourd kill that shaman?"

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Nice shot."

Leafiara says, "Huh, they've got Tyeid at Voln."

Nairena yells, "She was asleep!"

Leafiara muses, "Guess that's worth looking into."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "How fireweaver casht when he got no arm?"

Tyeid Dies, Then Escapes

>symbol return

Your surroundings blur into a white fog . . .

[Courtyard] A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a skittish stone grey arashan, a slimy green tree frog, an amber-eyed smoke greatfang, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, the faenor Chandrellia disk inlaid with intersecting bands of jet, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, the Linguist disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, the Evia disk, the Aenternoll disk, the Bellaja disk, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Speaking to Stormyrain, the ghostly voice of Thrassus says, "That's the blood shaman I was speaking of."

>l tye

You see Tyeid.

He appears to be a Reiver.

He is tall and has a lean but muscular form. He appears to be mature. He has sunken black eyes and ruddy skin. He has chin-length, matted dark reddish-brown hair. He has a narrow face, a thin nose and ashen bone studs in his eyebrows and lips. Blood stains his bare feet and the corners of his mouth.

He appears to be DEAD!

He has a completely severed right hand.

He is bleeding slightly from the right hand.

He is wearing a glistening incarnadine necklace made from twisted intenstines, a bird skull amulet, a bone-inlaid dusty grey cloak, a bone-clapsed worn leather pack, some bone-studded black leathers, a pair of black fingerless gloves, a carved white bone ring, a bloodstained leather sling, and a small grey seed pouch.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Linguist says, "I had mana for ya."

Speaking to Tyeid, Leafiara observes, "Well..."

Speaking dreamily to Linguist, Stormyrain says, "I do not share well with others, but it is appreciated." [OOC note: "dreamily" because she's using Symbol of Dreams to recover from dying]

The ghostly laughter of Tyeid echoes through the area, sending a shiver down your spine.

The ghostly laughter of Tyeid echoes through the area, sending a shiver down your spine.

The ghostly laughter of Tyeid echoes through the area, sending a shiver down your spine.

[General] Daiyon asks, "Where is the fight?"

[General] Jiarine thinks, "Spiders in the mine again."

[General] Chandrellia thinks, "Both Missoni and I are webbed."

Leafiara asks, "This... represents the end of the spiders, then?"

Speaking to Tyeid, Kiyna asks, "Something something all part of your plan, huh?"

A huge bulbous incarnadine arachnid just skittered in.

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Never mind."

[combat]

Speaking in Aelotian, the ghostly voice of Grimguls asks something you don't understand.

[extended combat]

[General] The ghost of Chandrellia thinks, "Do not come here unloess you are very strong."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Tayler says, "You were saying."

[combat]

[General] Linguist thinks, "Invaders at voln..."

[combat]

[General] Daiyon thinks, "Headed to voln."

[combat]

[General] Jubbley thinks, "Omg voln is mean to be sanct."

[combat]

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "They want him back."

[combat]

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara agrees, "Seems so."

[combat] The ghostly voice of Tayler asks, "Who's idea was to bring him here then?"

The ground bursts open and a sea of tiny red spiders skitter into view, swarm over Tyeid's body and carry him down into the dirt where they disappear together.

Regrouping

Perigourd asks, "Where'd he go?"

The voice of Kayse remarks, "Gross."

Bakarus says, "Arachne."

Leafiara muses, "Welp."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Aye, we just got swarmed by the big spidrs."

Kiyna says, "Well, there goes Tyeid."

Stormyrain says, "I could use healing if someone is able."

Nairena says, "I hate spiders."

Kayse says, "The spiders took him."

Mourdeyan says, "Bugger."

Bakarus says, "That seems fine."

Cryheart asks, "They drag him off?"

Kayse says, "They took him into the ground."

Speaking to Cryheart, Perigourd says, "His spiders did."

[General] Lightfoote asks, "What level these invaders be?"

Mourdeyan says, "Took em to ground."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Similar thing rescued the Arachne priest when we killed him as well."

[General] Kelfyr thinks, "If no one's that busy, getting a steady stream of them at the North Gate. Pokey and I wouldn't mind some company."

[General] Faerrow asks, "What next? Bees + reivers = beavers??"

Stormyrain says, "So it should be noted that wherever he goes, the spiders will find a way to circumvent any natural protection afforded the area."

Vaemyr says, "I'm going back to it..."

Perigourd says, "Oh."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "She is here."

Speaking to Leafiara, the ghostly voice of Chandrellia exclaims, "Those spiders are nasty!"

Bellaja asks, "Like which?"

[General] Jahira thinks, "Then I saw her face. I'm a bee reiver."

The ghostly voice of Chandrellia says, "I tried getting Missoni but I couldnt."

Cryheart says, "Leafiara got her."

[General] The ghost of Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Leafi git me box!"

Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "Okay... so Tyeid's spiders are definitely the dangerous ones and the Arachne temple ones less so, got it."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Missoni says, "I appreciate the attempt."

Cryheart says, "Good job Leafiara."

Geijon says, "Don't recall th' courtyard being breeched often."

[fogs to Gutstorm; grabs him and immediately returns]

[Aillidh Brae, Slope]

Prickly bushes dominate the slopes -- their dark-orange flowers attracting countless fireflies. The colors are so vibrant, you can distinguish them easily in the moonlight. The flowery slope ends abruptly further down, as it crashes into a dark forest. You also see a scratched monir strongbox, a severed geomancer arm, a black-haired reiver spiritweaver and a ruddy reiver geomancer that is lying down.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, the body of Seaward Gutstorm who is lying down

Perigourd says, "He's using the mine as a breeding ground as well."

Leafiara exclaims, "There we go!"

Nairena says, "Gutsy thinking about the boxes."

Evia says, "Hardly ever."

Perigourd says, "Or so it seemed."

[combat]

[General] Izden thinks, "Bee reiver, I believe she can get me through the night."

[General] Sablo asks, "Where is the shaman?"

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "In the ground."

[General] Kayse thinks, "The spiders took him into the ground."

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "Voln is not entirely safe."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "He escaped."

[General] Sablo thinks, "Damnit."

[General] Faerrow thinks, "It's 5123. That's sha-person."

Nairena says, "I guess Voln isn't safe."

Cryheart says, "If ye be weak from blood loss..head into Voln temple if ye are able."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, if Voln is compromised then..."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Spiders took him underground, even through the wards around voln."

[General] Mourdeyan thinks, "The spiders took em to ground."

Topps says, "Or not."

Chandrellia says, "Thank you everyone that looked in or tried to help."

Mourdeyan says, "Aww Guts..."

Thrassus wearily asks, "Does anyone find it ironic that a follower of the Huntress supplied weapons to followers of Arachne?"

Tikba says, "If they took Tyeid into the ground here, that means the spider caverns extend further underground than we have seen."

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "I hope it gives him dyspepsia of the soul."

Bakarus says, "The Order of Eternal Light will continue to try and aid however we are able."

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "Perhaps they'll sink the whole Landing and we'll be like Zul Logoth, all underground."

Kiyna says, "At least we'd be out of the rain."

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Chandrellia says, "Stay safe."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Nairena says, "Im sorry to tell you this, Gutsy, but the box didn't make it."

Mourdeyan says, "Thank you again."

Leafiara shields her cherry red cloak with one hand as she retrieves a scratched monir strongbox from within the cloak.

Leafiara offers Gutstorm a scratched monir strongbox.

Gutstorm accepts Leafiara's monir strongbox.

Gutstorm offers Leafiara a scratched monir strongbox.

Jahira recites:

"Dreavening in 14 minutes at Wayside, for the recently deceased."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo earned it!"

Leafiara accepts Gutstorm's monir strongbox.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It big?"

Leafiara says, "It's pretty light, to be honest, but hey."

Perigourd says, "They drug him."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Nah, fourteen pounds or so."

Perigourd's group just went west.

Leafiara asks, "Drug... who?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Meybe got nice rock."

Kayse asks, "How many times do we have to say it?"

Speaking to Chandrellia, Tikba says, "I would appreciate it, my friend."

Leafiara says, "Oh, Tyeid." [OOC note: by this point it had been long enough since Tyeid had been taken away by the spiders that I couldn't have even imagined that was still under discussion, nor did I see anyone asking either at the time or even now in editing]

Cryheart says, "Peche is down in the Mine."

Speaking to Kayse, Bellaja asks, "Say what?"

Leafiara says, "I thought one of ours might have been getting pulled around by a spider still."

Bellaja says, "Sorry, I've missed a big of things raising the fallen."

Cryheart says, "Ye did ye job."

Jahira says, "Any time."

Kiyna asks, "Is the attack over?"

Goldstr asks, "Alls well fer now?"

Speaking to Bellaja, Nairena says, "Just wait. spiders are attacking here."

Leafiara says, "Not sure... will go scout a bit."

[General] Lightfoote asks, "I would be happy to help, but I'm only 35 trainings, I think I'd get in the way?"

[scouting, combat]

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[combat]

[General] Jahira thinks, "You wouldn't be in the way for long, if that helps."

[combat]

[General] Evia thinks, "Well, maybe its quieted a bit."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Aye, but I think the attack might be over."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Few strays between Voln and the gates."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "But the bulk seems to be through."

[scouting, combat]

Next Wave

A loud horn bellows in the distance.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Ah, there's the retreat signal. ...usually."

[travel all throughout]

[General] Kayse asks, "Retreat or attack?"

[General] Pookia exclaims, "Toot!"

Trees rustle within the Trollfang.

[General] Irval asks, "Anyone injured and in need of assistance?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "I believe that particular horn is re--never mind."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Sticking at the gate."

[General] Leafiara adds, "But no contact at west gate currently."

There is a flash of lightning and a large reiver appears tucked between a cluster of trees. Bulging red veins spread across his skin.

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "I can say still significant forces about."

Kiyna asks, "Anything else feel like attacking tonight? Remnants? Giant mountain-sized Gnul zombie?"

Leafiara cautiously says, "Err..."

[General] Tikba thinks, "There are still reivers between Voln and town, but they are quite weak."

Kiyna says, "...Didn't that look like..."

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara says, "Ya had to say it..."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Careful that reminds me of the blameless."

Another flash of lightning illuminates several more reivers moving through the forest, red veins bulging along their ruddy skin.

Tayler says, "I'm sure it's fine."

Kiyna says, "Eyes up."

Leafiara says, "Welp."

[General] Pookia thinks, "Extra buffo reivers incoming."

[General] Bellaja asks, "Anyone have a location on the big reivers?"

[General] Irval thinks, "Looked like trollfang."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "No contact at West Gate yet. Small group available here in case."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Seeing warmongers now."

Leafiara asks, "Do I even want to know how they've... augmented themselves?"

[General] Daiyon thinks, "Where."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Camp seems clear."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "IN the mine."

Vaemyr says, "I think it's the blameless blood."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "Blameless blood, most like."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Well, if it's just that then we have plenty of salve..."

[combat]

Tayler says, "Oh joy, blameless reivers."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Tikba says, "Ah."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a ball and chain, a large-eyed reiver brute that appears dead, a rolton that appears dead, an animated ruddy reiver geomancer, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a chipped brick, a reinforced large wooden gate and a tall wooden archery tower.

Also here: Sir Cryheart, Town Councilor Vaemyr, the body of Tikba who is lying down, the body of Sarissa Tayler who is lying down, a stunned Town Councilor Kiyna who is lying down, Whimweaver Leafiara who is lying down

Vaemyr says, "Dangit." [his animate Major Elemental Waved us, heh]

The ghostly voice of Tikba says, "An excellent ally."

Cryheart says, "What happened."

Kiyna says, "Ow..."

Leafiara says, "Reivers happened."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Oh, wait."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "No, an animate happened."

Vaemyr says, "It used an ability it shouldn't have."

Cryheart grabs Tayler's body and drags it north.

Leafiara asks, "Can anyone bring Tayler back to town?"

Vaemyr says, "It's on passive atm."

Kiyna says, "I'm small, it's hard to drag tall folk around."

[General] Leafiara asks, "Are there major skirmishes anywhere?"

[General] Jiarine thinks, "I am finding random reivers."

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

Kayse says, "I was at the North gate, they were still approaching at times."

Leafiara says, "I'll have my anti-Everblood salve gathered and ready to distribute before the next battle just in case."

Vaemyr says, "Looking about."

Kayse says, "Hello Pookia."

Leafiara admits, "I didn't see her that time either."

Imperatrix Lylia's group just arrived.

Kiyna joins Lylia's group.

Leafiara asks, "Such a... show in the forest, but nothing to follow up?"

Kiyna says, "I'll patrol with you a bit."

Lylia says, "I wish there were more to find."

Lylia says, "So far, only glimpses and susurrations."

[General] Nairena thinks, "The Settlers got a solid wooden wall and guard towers. Good for them."

A rolton sniffs the air anxiously.

A rolton glances around, sure that he has missed something...

Kayse searches around for a moment.

Leafiara searches around for a moment.

You notice Daiyon who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

Kayse searches around for a moment.

[General] Jiarine thinks, "Another body near the mines would be useful."

Kayse searches around for a moment.

Leafiara says, "Evening there."

Kayse says, "Ah."

Speaking in Sylvankind, Kayse says something you don't understand.

Speaking in Sylvankind, Leafiara says something you don't understand.

Kayse admits, "I am surprised it took me so long."

The voice of Daiyon says, "I haven't seen anything big yet."

Leafiara says, "Me neither."

Nairena says, "Im a little disappointed."

Kayse says, "They have been in the mines mostly--not near town."

Leafiara says, "Strange, it looked like they were bracing for something big and then... nothing."

The voice of Daiyon says, "Which mine."

Nairena says, "I wanted to see a large ruddy reiver ravenging rookie recruits."

Kayse says, "On the mine road."

The voice of Daiyon says, "I just got here."

The voice of Daiyon says, "Ok."

[General] Stormyrain asks, "What is happening, and where?"

[General] Perigourd thinks, "It seems their skirmishers are falling back after a last charge in the mines."

Kayse amusedly says, "I have been man-handled enough this week."

[General] Leafiara tentatively thinks, "Nothing at West Gate still and not hearing reports anywhere else."

[General] Bakarus thinks, "The Order has cleared the wilds...be safe Landing citizens."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "I am drowning by the mountainside."

[Locate Person spell]

[Liath Bheinn, Ridge]

The mountain rises sharply to the east, affording some relief from the wind. It looks like there's a small ledge a ways up the mountain, though only a mountain goat or a dwarf would enjoy the climb up to it. You also see a rune staff, a cudgel, a dark-haired reiver loremaster, a dark-haired reiver loremaster, a grey-robed reiver windcaller, a dark-haired reiver loremaster, a dark-haired reiver loremaster, the Stormyrain disk, a red-veined reiver warbringer that is lying down and a steep incline.

Also here: Stormyrain

Nairena says, "Between the booze I drank and the action, im ready for a little fun."

Nairena says, "To much talky talk."

[Locate Person spell]

[Liath Bheinn, Ridge]

The mountain rises sharply to the east, affording some relief from the wind. It looks like there's a small ledge a ways up the mountain, though only a mountain goat or a dwarf would enjoy the climb up to it. You also see a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a simple wooden chest, a red-veined reiver warbringer, a grey-robed reiver windcaller, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, a tattooed reiver sympath, a reinforced shield, a dark-eyed reiver icebringer, a rune staff, a cudgel, a dark-haired reiver loremaster, a dark-haired reiver loremaster, a dark-haired reiver loremaster that is sitting, a red-veined reiver warbringer that is lying down and a steep incline.

Also here: the body of Miss Chandrellia who is lying down, the body of Stormyrain who is lying down

[fog over, combat]

Speaking to Stormyrain, the ghostly voice of Chandrellia says, "I tried. again, and failed again."

[Leafi's magic has no shot to hit the warbringers and, since she's stayed out of nearly every clash with the reivers, I have absolutely no idea if swinging blades at them would be remotely safe. Either way, she just pulls back to Voln immediately.]

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see a dejected spring spirit that is flying around, a rose-marrow potion, a wolf skin dress, an iced ginger muffin, some sanguine deer skin slippers, an amber-eyed smoke greatfang, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: the body of Stormyrain who is lying down, the body of Miss Chandrellia who is lying down, Whimweaver Leafiara, High Lord Jahira, Great Lord Rahj

Leafiara says, "Whew..."

Speaking to Chandrellia, the ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "The casters are quite impressive."

Jahira says, "I'd have come for you myself, but... you would have crushed me."

Jahira says, "I know the effects of sympathy when I see it."

Speaking to Jahira, the ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "Indeed...it's a brutal spell."

Tikba wryly says, "Late."

Leafiara says, "I'll get Axanders."

[she gets Axanders and returns]

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, a dejected spring spirit that is flying around, a rose-marrow potion, a wolf skin dress, an iced ginger muffin, some sanguine deer skin slippers, an amber-eyed smoke greatfang, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: the body of Lord Axanders who is lying down, Whimweaver Leafiara, Tikba, a stunned Great Lord Linguist, Stormyrain who is lying down, Miss Chandrellia who is sitting, High Lord Jahira, Great Lord Rahj

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara exclaims, "No longer late!"

Leafiara says, "Going back to check the gates..."

[scouting; eventually a Locate Person spell]

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Forest]

The forest floor slopes noticeably downhill here, thinning out somewhat at the bottom, where modwir, thick pine and fir trees predominate. You also see a column of swirling grey ash, an animated ruddy reiver geomancer, a rolton that appears dead, a tattooed reiver sympath that is lying down, a ruddy reiver geomancer that is lying down, a dark-haired reiver loremaster that appears dead, a rolton that appears dead, a threadbare green tartan cloak, some brigandine armor, a wooden shield, a cudgel and a white truffle.

Also here: a sympathetic Town Councilor Vaemyr, the body of Xorus who is lying down, the body of Town Councilor Kiyna who is lying down

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Oh noesh!"

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Kiyna says, "Sympath..."

Vaemyr says, "Yeah."

Leafiara says, "Right, let's see..."

[Leafi brings Kiyna and Xorus back to Voln]

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see the Novictus disk, a dejected spring spirit that is flying around, a rose-marrow potion, a wolf skin dress, an iced ginger muffin, some sanguine deer skin slippers, an amber-eyed smoke greatfang, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: the body of Town Councilor Kiyna who is lying down, the body of Xorus who is lying down, Whimweaver Leafiara, Novictus, Lord Axanders, Tikba, Great Lord Linguist, Stormyrain who is sleeping, High Lord Jahira, Great Lord Rahj

[General] Thrassus thinks, "There are still some reivers outside the camp it appears."

The ghostly voice of Kiyna says, "Oh, wait."

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara asks, "What?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, right."

An audible **click** comes from the body of Kiyna. A dull white glow flickers from where her chest is until a small orb begins to rise from her corpse. It spins with unimaginable speed and gains even more. The air is drawn towards the orb of white until it bursts into blinding light, and you are forced to shield yourself.

Kiyna seems slightly different.

Leafiara says, "Keep forgetting about that."

Tikba asks, "What did you encounter?"

Kiyna says, "Vaemyr. And a sympath."

Tikba wryly says, "Vaemyr has been very effective tonight."

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "He feels bad about it, don't rub it in."

Tikba says, "Do not tell him what I said, please."

Lylia says, "Give my regards to Sablo."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, the battle seems... sporadic or stretched. Or both." [she's been locating various people throughout and unable to get a grasp of where the primary front is]

[General] Stormyrain asks, "Status?"

[General] Jiarine thinks, "They are outside of town."

[General] Geijon thinks, "Heavy engagement in Liath Bheinn."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Still thick on Liath Bheinn."

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "Warbringers."

[General] Ares thinks, "The status is..theyre dead, theyre all DEAD! its just me, and mason and now he says he's leaving..."

[travel, combat]

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

You are feeling a bit uneasy as you walk around this part of the outer wall. Glancing up, you notice the reason for this apprehension. Several of the town militia are staring down at you from their guard posts high on the walls of the barricade. Though you see no weapons, you are quite sure that each guard has one handy and is well versed in its use. You also see a black-haired reiver curate, a young reiver mender, a black-haired reiver curate, a young reiver mender, a black-haired reiver curate, a young reiver mender and a young reiver mender.

Leafiara says, "Whoa."

[...but they're all weak. Combat.]

[travel, combat]

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "If any are able, we are still knees deep here."

[combat]

[General] Kiyna thinks, "I'll join you when I can. No good to anyone until I've recovered some."

[combat]

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "Ware th' Warbringers."

[General] The ghost of Bellaja thinks, "I could use a rescue along the ridge in the camp but honestly. Don't come unless you're an amazing fighter."

[combat, then fogging to grab Bellaja]

[Liath Bheinn, Ridge]

To the south stands an ancient cromlech, defying time and nature. The circle of giant, grey rocks is only flawed by one crumbled monolith. The massive red-grey slab roofing the cromlech looks sturdy enough to last a millennium or two, despite the constant bone-gnawing winds. You also see a humpbacked puma, a black-haired reiver spiritweaver, a short sword, a rune staff, some burnished arm greaves, some double leather and a handaxe.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, the body of Bellaja who is lying down

[spiritweaver goes down quick, but a geomancer shows up too]

The ghostly voice of Bellaja says, "I'm several areas away from where I was."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, that one's tougher..."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Bellaja thinks, "Leafiara is here and has located one of the bad ones."

[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 chubby ivory ceramic narwhal with an arathiel-beaded horn, a silver-shaded fluffy manul that is sitting, a capricious wasteland spirit that is flying around, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, the Kialeigh disk, a thin crisp of hummus-topped bread, a large acorn, an ivy-covered white monir tower, the Katissa disk, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it and an old well.

Also here: the body of Bellaja who is lying down, Whimweaver Leafiara, Lord Daniels, Tikba who is kneeling, Lord Thrassus, Medesann, Great Lord Linguist, Erinaya, Azyel, Zemnia, Kialeigh, Yaba, Zaekia, Zeysa, Lady Katissa, Sjofn who is lying down

[Realm] Geijon thinks, "Fighting remains intense."

[General] Jahira thinks, "The sanct just dropped at Voln... This is fine."

Leafiara says, "Will go to check on the area for others."

[~3500 lines of combat as Leafi locates the primary front]

[General] The ghost of Nairena thinks, "Me and pookia facing off agianst some close tot he mine."

[~700 lines of combat]

[General] Faerrow thinks, "I think your face fell off first."

[travel]

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see a plump calico cat, the Pookia disk, a dejected spring spirit that is flying around, a rose-marrow potion, a wolf skin dress, an iced ginger muffin, some sanguine deer skin slippers, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Pookia, the body of Lady Nairena who is lying down, the body of Seaward Gutstorm who is lying down, Great Lord Linguist, High Lord Jahira

Pookia says, "The stormcloud."

The ghostly voice of Nairena says, "I think I found one too."

Leafiara says, "Welp..."

Pookia exclaims, "Nairena got zapped!"

The ghostly voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We need a wizard to casht call wind."

Leafiara sayss, "One raise and then back to battle."

The ghostly voice of Nairena says, "Its all your fault, Gutsy."

The ghostly voice of Nairena says, "I blame you."

Tikba says, "Oh."

Speaking to Nairena, Pookia says, "It was definitely gutstorms fault."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Linguist asks, "Or some rum?"

The ghostly voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hey me literally walk inta room and POW."

Nairena exclaims, "That ruined my buzz!"

Pookia says, "Only a future mayor can have that much blame riding on his back and not give a care."

Leafiara says, "Messier by the minute."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Linguist says, "I got enough rum in you to kill a moose."

[scouting]

[General] The ghost of Chandrellia thinks, "Gotta love Sympaths."

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a sleek raven black kitten masked in stormy grey fur, a plump calico cat, the Pookia disk, a dejected spring spirit that is flying around, a rose-marrow potion, a wolf skin dress, an iced ginger muffin, some sanguine deer skin slippers, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Missoni, the body of Irval who is lying down, Conquerer of Reim Peche, the body of Miss Chandrellia who is lying down, the body of Faiyth who is lying down, Pookia, Lady Nairena who is sitting, a stunned Seaward Gutstorm who is lying down, a stunned Great Lord Linguist, High Lord Jahira

Nairena says, "Die by the elements."

Pookia exclaims, "Eat by the elements! sleep by the elements!"

Speaking to Leafiara, the ghostly voice of Chandrellia exclaims, "Hey, I think I have done something right, I have dying down to an art!"

[scouting, combat]

[General] Bellaja thinks, "I'm afraid I will not help those of you at Voln as I do not frequent the place, but we do have help in the Square."

[very extended combat]

[General] The ghost of Stormyrain thinks, "Sympathy here, be careful."

[very extended combat]

[General] Bellaja thinks, "Do not go into the mountain near their capm."

[combat]

Cleanup

A warhorn sounds in the distance.

[combat]

[General] Pookia exclaims, "War toot!"

[combat]

[General] Irval exclaims, "After them Darkstonians!"

[extended combat]

[General] The ghost of Stormyrain thinks, "Sablo is at Voln for any who wish to hear him."

[combat]

[General] Kiyna asks, "Anyone explain why twenty-some imperial soldiers just pushed their way through the north gates?"

[Aillidh Brae, Slope]

Prickly bushes dominate the slopes -- their dark-orange flowers attracting countless fireflies. The colors are so vibrant, you can distinguish them easily in the moonlight. The flowery slope ends abruptly further down, as it crashes into a dark forest. You also see a thrak, a small statue, an uncut diamond, a rune staff, a fleshless arm, a clawed arm, a moldy cherry cupcake, a dark-eyed reiver icebringer, a rune staff, a ruddy reiver geomancer that is lying down, a gnarled arm and the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk.

Also here: Seaward Gutstorm, Whimweaver Leafiara

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me make sure dey no casht."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, need to check on what Kiyna's talking about."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We kill dem."

[travel]

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

To the west, the landscape is gradually changing from a thick dark forest to an open, green grassy plain. You also see a reinforced wooden defense tower and a weathered canvas tent.

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[General] Bellaja thinks, "I do want to hear him, but perhaps I can hear it from someone else."

Leafiara says, "I don't see the soldiers she was talking about..."

[Wehnimer's, North Ring Rd.]

The cobbled road girds the town along the inner side of the northern palisade. Just to the north stand the twin sentinels of the gate's guardtowers, silhouetted against the night sky. Guardsmen come and go through the main gates, keeping a close eye on the people of all races who move to and fro. Opposite the gates, you see the shop of Dakris the Furrier. You also see a rugged imperial soldier, a rugged imperial soldier, a rugged imperial soldier, a rugged imperial soldier and a muscular red-armored guard.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ma gonna check out voln."

Leafiara says, "Never mind, there they are."

[travel; Gutstorm kills every soldier that he and Leafi pass by]

[Wehnimer's, North Dock]

The dock's planks are dull and weathered from the salt spray of many seasons. Northward beyond the massive sea gates, a flock of ice geese passes, silhouetted against the sky over the waters of Darkstone Bay. The hulk of a derelict coastal sailer is tethered to the end of the pier. You also see a huge grey imperial warship, a rope-lined wooden plank bridge that leads to the archway of a large moored white-masted ship, a wide ramp, a stack of empty crates and a portly portmaster.

Gutstorm followed.

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Me took care dem Kiyna."

Leafiara says, "Okay, they weren't coming to the Cutlass..."

Leafiara says, "Surprisingly."

[travel]

[General] Algerone thinks, "I knew they were headed to Helgas."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "Good work, Guts."

[General] Rasson thinks, "He went somewhere else so you can hear him where ever that is."

As several reivers continue their retreat through the woods, a sudden roar erupts behind them as a burly warrior rushes into view, blood caked across his face, and two tomahawks raised high. He crashes with the reivers, severing a leg here, splitting a chest there. The reivers do not run, but instead turn to fight, but their numbers do not turn the tide. The bloodstained man matches their ferocity, snarling and howling as he cuts through their ranks, staining the ground in their blood and shattering bones and splitting flesh until every last one surrounding him is dead. He stalks off into the forest.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Sablo yappin at voln."

Leafiara says, "Apparently he went back out to the battlefield."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Oh."

Leafiara exclaims, "Time to search for more loot!"

[travel, combat]

[General] Nairena thinks, "You seem like you got things handles, Commander Sablo."

[combat]

[General] Sablo asks, "I see no others. Reports? Have they all tucked tail and ran?"

[combat]

[General] Missoni thinks, "Some still linger near Liath Bheinn, but they have mostly retreated."

[General] Vaemyr thinks, "Still a few in the valley, and such, clewaring them though."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "He's not getting their loot before I get it."

[combat]

[General] Nairena exclaims, "Those reiver b-tards killed me and the good buzz I was working on!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I had so many gems I had to visit Murdos..."

[combat]

[General] Nairena asks, "War crimes, Gutsy?"

Vaemyr says, "So I'll let you have these ones."

[combat]

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Box!"

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Okay..."

Leafiara says, "Think we're good..."

[Courtyard]

A well maintained and healthy garden occupies the entirety of the courtyard. The air here is cool and crisp, but the bulk of the monastery shelters you from wind and makes the air bracing instead of chilling. In the center of the garden is a natural spring bubbling up several inches above the surface of the encircling pool of crystal clear water. A large stone and iron gate blocks the entrance to the monastery flanked by a statue of a woman carrying a crystal staff and a set of crystalline keys facing a second statue of a kneeling young man bedecked in battle-worn black chain armor. You also see the Faiyth disk, an animated red-veined reiver warbringer, the Kialeigh disk, a silver-tipped smoke grey wolf, the Kelfyr disk, the Pookia disk, a capricious wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Aenternoll disk, a floppy-eared white puppy masked with a patch of void black fur, a dejected spring spirit that is flying around, a rose-marrow potion, a wolf skin dress, an iced ginger muffin, some sanguine deer skin slippers, a scorched black marble bench with some stuff on it and a large fel tree.

Also here: Seaward Gutstorm, Whimweaver Leafiara, Missoni, Faiyth, Bakarus, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Kialeigh, Zeminar, Commander Sablo, Rasson, the body of Conquerer of Reim Peche who is lying down, Irval, Astrilyn, Town Councilor Kiyna, Lord Thrassus, Kelfyr, Pookia, Tikba, Aenternoll, Perigourd, Light Keeper Kayse, the body of Grand Lord Arahnim who is lying down, Sir Geijon who is sleeping, Stormyrain, Miss Chandrellia, Lady Nairena, Great Lord Linguist, High Lord Jahira

Missoni reports, "Well, it seems clear of them now."

Sablo says, "I won't tell you how to do your business, but the reivers have three times now attacked those baystone mines. You might want to up your guard."

Perigourd says, "It was mentioned to Juramis before."

Chandrellia says, "May want to explain it to AMos he is the one digging there, not to be smart."

Geijon says, "Curious they are hellbent on th' mines."

Tikba asks, "Did you find anything that might explain their interest?"

Chandrellia says, "We Landing citizens arent allowed deeper into teh mines."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me it like ancient tribal burial ground dey want back."

Speaking to Perigourd, Geijon says, "Seemed like we took th' brunt of their attack."

Speaking to Geijon, Perigourd says, "Well, I expect that might have to do with sticking a pylon in Tyeids face."

Irval says, "'I wonder if there are more blameless lying in wait in the mines. They surely can't just be after baystone."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Vaemyr says, "We've been deeper in a couple times, but yes I suspect there's more than Baystone down there that's attracted Haiden's gaze."

Irval asks, "Maybe thats why the Reivers are after the mines?"

Sablo says, "Good hunting. We all did well tonight."

Sablo nods at Thrassus.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo find lotta boxesh, Sablo?"

Thrassus smiles quietly to himself.

Peche asks, "Oh, no more targets?"

Faiyth says, "Yeah I did do pretty good..."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Chandrellia says, "I'm just saying on the norm we arent allowed deeper in unless we get Amos's permission."

Geijon says, "A worthy death for victory."

Sablo says, "Aronia is doing what she can to try to find the Ember Vale. It's escaped even her so far."

Leafiara say, "Hmm, perhaps not Blameless in that mine but instead stored anti-Everblood salve... the Consortium did once have a large shipment of it brought to the area."

Faiyth says, "Didn't even muss my dress."

Thrassus says, "The shaman is likely concealing its location."

Kelfyr says, "Might be worth following their scavengers back."

Speaking uncertainly to Leafiara, Tikba asks, "Would anti-Everblood salve be as useful to them as Everblood?"

Sablo nods at Thrassus.

Speaking to Sablo, Missoni asks, "I hope she will let us know if we can aid her?"

Faiyth exclaims, "Didn't even spill my drink!"

Thrassus says, "Have her look for voids in the ambient mana flows."

Sablo nods at Missoni.

Sablo says, "I'm sure she will."

Irval says, "If that backwards society finds some reason to launch raids like this at the mines, we can surely figure out what they are after. I think a discussion with Amos is warranted."

Sablo shrugs.

Tikba says, "We are not Chaston. We do not have Blameless to deploy against them."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara admits, "Plenty of holes in the idea that I can think of, but if they could take out the counter to their primary weapon, that would benefit them..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Not even sure it would work on whatever they've done here. Like Sablo said, these ones do actually die."

Geijon says, "Even a weakened Everblood is daunting. I thought we put that to rest with Drangell and Raznel."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara asks, "In my best Yardie voice... wait, what?"

Leafiara asks, "It's not Everblood they're using?"

Tikba mildly adds, "And Chaston."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Their blood infused reivers, they die, they do heal... but."

Irval says, "I think a better look at the mines is also warranted. With the magical research team."

Leafiara says, "Hmm, maybe something watered down."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "Like people said, it may be... thinned, or weakened."

Speaking to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Some say it may be a diluted version of it."

Izden quietly asks, "Where are all the reiver's at?"

Leafiara says, "Yeah, that's what I'd surmise too from the description..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "It took me a minute and a half of straight stabbing, but I brought one down. He turned to dust."

Sablo twists his head slightly, cracking his neck. He looks relieved.

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "It might be everblood it could be something different, it's why I animated one before it could decay. Plenty of blood to test with."

Sablo says, "I need to wash these guts off. Goodnight."

Commander Sablo just marched off to the west.