North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-07-26 - Poisonous Ponderings (log)

Koaratos 26-27, 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

Landing adventurers find Wintora reading a poem to Casiphia, which she obliges to re-read for everyone present. It's "The Heart's Crusade," a tragic story of a woman's bravery, love, and sacrifices to protect a kingdom. Wintora also relays that Rheshay has concerns for her people over what Tyeid might do during the coming prisoner exchange.

Meanwhile, Thadston marches in just long enough to check on Casi's conditions, then grumbles and leaves. People take note that the glyph near Casi glowed red when Thadston approached as well as when she moved around; Envoy Thrassus postulates that Thadston's kroderine arms might be triggering it; Sir Cryheart notices the similarity in appearance to Kroderine Soul abilities; Pukk raises the possibility that the poison has kroderine in it. Magister Raelee affirms that the glyph always glows when she's witnessed Thadston arriving.

Various possible solutions are theorycrafted, then Magister Enisius arrives to get filled in on the speculation. He concludes that we'll need to conduct experiments soon. Councilor Kiyna notes the unusual circumstance of the substance proliferating, but has no theories as to why. He asks Raelee about her confidence in her and others' ability to channel power from Melgorehn's Reach and she says she looks forward to the opportunity to try.

Enisius says that we'll monitor Casi's health and if she remains without further decline, we might be able to move her for the sake of research. Pukk requests safety, but Leafiara says no action nor inaction is safe; Enisius amps it up and says inaction is guaranteed death, giving Casi until mid-Phoenatos at most based on her decline over the last few weeks.

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

[General] Pukk thinks, "Some clouds forming in landing."

[General] Chuco thinks, "The low rumble of thunder sounds in the distance."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Weather near Landing."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see an enraged wasteland spirit that is flying around, a black mastiff, a lazy wild white dog, the web-draped Missoni disk, the Budroux disk, a flame-eyed burnished ember fox, an animated flayed gigas disciple, a shot of crisp cedar whiskey, a shot of crisp cedar whiskey, the Disquiet disk, the Corbanstorm disk, the Evlakaan disk, a thickly-slatted moonlight silver mistwood chair with suede ice dragon-motif cushions, the mist-hazed Noctiss disk, a ghastly open-mawed skeletal pegasus with flaring bat-like wings, the granite Sluggard disk, the leaf-shrouded Niffly disk encircled by overlapping leaves, the Yaji disk, the Naliya disk, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, a bone-inlaid wooden sign that reads, "Bigger is Better. Vote for Irval!", a painted winged heart sign that reads, "Vote Saraphenia: For Love, For Wehnimer's!", 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: Conquerer of Reim Leafiara, Zanbrik, Stormyrain, Tikba, Forreya, Aramu, Missoni, Budroux, Crimsoneve, Dergoatean, Town Councilor Kiyna, Preservationist Perigourd, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Sir Cryheart, Bernadette, Darphin, Calamoor, Disquiet who is sitting, Pukk, Corbanstorm, Evlakaan, Lord Noctiss, Sluggard who is sitting, Plantsman Niffly, Lord Yaji, Naliya, Deddalus

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "We are joining Cryheart."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "Ah, back as things should be."

Dergoatean asks, "I've missed a few weeks. Do we have expectations for either combat or dialog tonight?"

Speaking to Dergoatean, Vaemyr says, "Good question."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Pukk says, "Yes."

Leafiara says, "Either are very possible."

Sluggard says, "Now we just gotta strap a whisky barrel to your back."

Leafiara says, "Although... if it's combat, it would probably begin with a surprise attack of orbs."

Darphin asks, "Ive missed a few years, who and why are we getting ready to die?"

Leafiara muses, "Either that or things coming out of the Reach."

Crimsoneve deeply says, "Cause it's raining."

Sluggard says, "I'd take one for each shoulder. Whisky and Decaf."

Speaking squeakily to Sluggard, Niffly says, "They got these piercing kits at Ebons, that I can't wait to get."

Sluggard asks, "Are these exchangable?"

Niffly squeakily says, "Once it heals."

Sluggard exclaims, "Like, can I swap in skulls for corpses!?!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I dunno, it's been a while since we've had doppleganger reach people attacking."

Niffly squeakily says, "Unfortuntely, I can't pierce myself."

Speaking to Darphin, Pukk says, "We have come to understand something very important. Clouds form, people mourn. When you hear a thunder boom, we are doomed."

Sluggard says, "I'll get the other brow done, have "punch" and "Me" studs."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "If you see any more fake Kiynas running around with handaxes, put 'em down."

Speaking to Kiyna, Dergoatean asks, "Are YOU a fake Kiyna?"

Leafiara considers, "Well, let's see. How to summarize why we might be about to die? Interplanar or possibly intertemporal incursions from the Reach, a faction of shadow agents operating on the old money that used to fund Rysus, one group of reivers who want to kill the Imperials, a reiver shaman who doesn't like the other group of reivers nor even the one he's in, krolvin who want to kill the reivers and take the Talon from Octaven of the Hall of Mages..."

Speaking to Kiyna, Pukk says, "I will just go up to all the Kiynas and ask them if they are the fake ones."

Leafiara wryly muses, "Did I miss anything?"

Speaking to Pukk, Kiyna says, "That just might work."

Speaking squeakily to Sluggard, Niffly says, "We should hunt."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "The amazing thing is how we're just collateral damage in so many of those scenarios."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara agrees, "Exactly."

Sluggard asks, "Such as?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "You did not mention the deadly magical obelisk."

The voice of Thrassus says, "The obelisk is on our side."

Sluggard says, "My hunts tickle you, yours scare the life out of me."

The voice of Thrassus says, "Which makes it good."

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna corrects, "Magic death pillar. Close, though."

Leafiara knowingly says, "Ah, yes, the secret superweapon that's been in development for months, of course."

Speaking squeakily to Sluggard, Niffly says, "As in we each."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Gutstorm?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "What about the imperial doomsday weapon errr uhh perfectly safe magic defense device on glatoph."

[General] Crimsoneve thinks, "Someone yell if hostilities start...."

Speaking squeakily to Sluggard, Niffly exclaims, "You gotta catch up!"

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara immediately says, "No, he's been in development for years."

Sluggard says, "Right, I knew that. I suppose it would be smart of us."

Dalzashel says, "There any healer working perhaps? Little but of a mess right now."

Speaking squeakily to Sluggard, Niffly says, "Been awhile since I have."

Pukk exclaims, "Cryheart's a golem!"

Pukk exclaims, "Get him!"

[General] Crimsoneve thinks, "Or not..."

Cryheart asks, "Say what?"

Kiyna sarcastically says, "Yes, the death pillar is on our side, perfectly safe. Capable of massive destruction, but no cause for alarm."

Speaking to Kiyna, Pukk says, "Oh good. You put me at ease."

Perigourd says, "Many people here are capable of massive destruction."

Sluggard says, "I forgot you carry an entire town's worth of mana."

Tikba says, "Sometimes massive destruction is called for."

Speaking to Perigourd, Pukk says, "Look. I took a bath. So not anymore."

Speaking squeakily to Sluggard, Niffly says, "I got ya."

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "Okay, Marlu."

Speaking to a black mastiff, Dergoatean asks, "Who's a good boy??"

Leafiara considers, "Oh, and we didn't mention the Darkstone commander who doesn't listen to his Baron or the sickness affecting an extraordinarily powerful Ithizr-human hybrid in the Reach."

Sluggard says, "Back in a bit."

Speaking to a black mastiff, Dergoatean exclaims, "It's you! You're a good boy!!"

Forreya says, "That's Theo."

Leafiara says, "Or the corrupt Navy Captain who's imprisoned here whose associates could presumably come for us at any time."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "Or the Arachne cult that has dug tunnels beneath all the surrounding land."

Leafiara muses, "This hole just keeps getting deeper."

Forreya says, "He's just a bit drooly but a good hunter."

Leafiara says, "The Everblood-augmented reivers."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "Amos could just unleash an boundless swarm of armigers."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Or the fact that apparently Glaoveln is going to erupt, which could cause who knows what damage."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba jests, "We must hope it does not get deeper."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "And don't forget the worst of them all. Chandrellia."

Kiyna says, "If we let the spiders dig away more, the entire town could sink into the ground. Become more like Zul Logoth."

Pukk exclaims, "We have Kippe!"

Meeting With Wintora

[General] Wintora asks, "Can she even hear me, beyond this glass?"

Speaking to Kippe, Pukk says, "We have joined Cryheart."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "I do."

Leafiara says, "I guess Wintora is visiting Casiphia."

[General] Leafiara asks, "Visiting Casiphia there?"

Cryheart asks, "Where is that?"

Vaemyr says, "Imperial camp."

Leafiara says, "The crystal structure inside the camp and north."

Cryheart says, "Let us go."

Cryheart says, "All aboard."

Tayler asks, "Where are we going?"

Leafiara says, "I spent some time there last night after the mayor asked us to, but nothing seemed to have changed--at least yet."

Speaking to Tayler, Leafiara says, "Observation dome."

Cryheart says, "Moving."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I was with you for a bit."

[travel]

Tayler says, "Ah."

Speaking sadly to Leafiara, Pukk says, "It hurt me to see her like that."

Cryheart asks, "Where is this dome?"

Leafiara says, "Inside the camp and north."

[Crystal Chamber]

The inside of the small dome crackles with palpable energy, while a low, almost soothing hum emanates all around. The crystalline walls are encrusted with shimmering amethyst, sapphire and emerald crystals, each one casting ethereal hues of purple, blue and green that play and dance along the room. You also see a rune-etched crystal partition and a wooden stool.

Also here: Conquerer of Reim Leafiara, Stormyrain, Tikba, Forreya, Dergoatean, Bernadette, Darphin, Pukk, Goldstr, Earthdiver who is invisible, Sarissa Tayler, Sir Cryheart, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Lord Thrassus, Town Councilor Kiyna, Missoni, Preservationist Perigourd, Lady Wintora who is sitting

Wintora nods.

Speaking to Wintora, Vaemyr says, "I know Elidal is hard to get to warm up but he'll come around eventually like Enisius did."

Cryheart says, "Good evening, Lady Wintora."

Wintora begins chuckling at Vaemyr!

Tikba says, "I believe that she can hear you."

Wintora quietly says, "I meant the other."

Vaemyr grins at Wintora.

Wintora quietly says, "I believe so too."

Wintora nods at Tikba.

Wintora quietly says, "She moved a few times, as I started my poem."

Turning onto her side, Casiphia slowly peels her eyes open. She looks beyond the crystalline partition and mouths the words, "End me." She tries to move her lips again but cannot seem to muster the strength, then drifts off into unconsciousness.

Wintora frowns.

Speaking curiously to Wintora, Missoni asks, "Were you reading her poetry?"

Speaking sadly to a rune-etched crystal partition, Pukk says, "Just hang on people are working to help you."

Wintora nods at Missoni.

Wintora quietly says, "I was."

Speaking to Wintora, Missoni says, "That is very kind of you."

Wintora quietly says, "It does not have a happy ending, mind you..."

Wintora quietly says, "But, I thought she needed to hear it."

Speaking to Wintora, Perigourd asks, "What is it about?"

Leafiara says, "I wonder if she's lucid enough to grasp it at the moment."

Tikba curiously asks, "What is the story?"

Wintora quietly says, "Our minds are fascinating things. My husband could sometimes hear me with just a glance."

Wintora smirks.

Wintora quietly says, "...or perhaps more of a glare."

Wintora chuckles.

Wintora quietly says, "But he understood."

Leafiara nods absently.

Wintora quietly asks, "Should I start it over?"

Wintora peers quizzically at Tikba.

Goldstr says, "Please do."

Leafiara unfolds her chair and carefully places the chair on the ground.

Leafiara practically pounces into a white lor chair colorfully painted with whimsical leaf-shaped sweets. After a small jump and half-twist in mid-air, she lands perfectly poised onto its seat.

Tikba politely says, "I would be interested to hear it."

Wintora nods.

Wintora glances at a rune-etched crystal partition.

Wintora shifts her weight on the stool, getting more comfortable. Well, trying to.

Wintora quietly says, "It's more comfortable outside the cell with Rheshay."

Tikba nods sympathetically at Wintora.

The Heart's Crusade

Wintora quietly says, "I believe my mother called this one, the Heart's Crusade."

Wintora quietly says, "Her writing has faded some, but the rest is visible."

Wintora recites quietly:

"In realms of old, where shadows danced,

A tale of love and sacrifice chanced.

A woman of strength, with a heart of gold,

In a kingdom's defense, her fate unfold."

Wintora recites quietly:

"Amidst enchanted lands, she stood tall,

A guardian brave, to heed the kingdom's call.

With armor gleaming, and sword in hand,

She vowed to protect her beloved land."

Wintora recites quietly:

"Yet love and duty intertwined,

For in her heart, a rare love she'd find.

A noble heart, a valiant knight

Their love like stars, shining bright."

Wintora recites quietly:

"Through battles fought and darkness faced,

Her kingdom thrived, her love embraced.

But sacrifices asked their toll,

As destiny's grip began to unfold."

Wintora recites quietly:

"A darkness rose from depths unknown,

A formidable force, to claim the throne.

She faced the choice, her heart grown weak,

To safeguard all, the love she'd seek."

Wintora recites quietly:

"In shadows cast, she made her stand,

Against the darkness, hand in hand.

Through blood and tears, the fight ensued,

But victory came with a price accrued."

Wintora flips a page in her tome.

Wintora recites quietly:

"The kingdom saved, yet love's demise,

Her beloved knight met tearful skies.

A bitter truth, she can't deny,

For love's tender touch would never comply."

Wintora recites quietly:

"With heavy heart and soul forlorn,

She watched her love and dreams be torn.

Her sacrifice was not in vain,

But left her broken, full of pain."

Wintora recites quietly:

"In the end, she stood alone,

Her heart a kingdom turned to stone.

She gave her all, her love sincere,

Yet lost it all, to destiny's sheer."

Wintora recites quietly:

"In this fantasy realm, a legend's made,

Of a woman's sacrifice, her heart's crusade.

Though fate may wound, and love recede

Her bravery shines, an eternal creed."

Wintora closes the tome.

Wintora nods to a rune-etched crystal partition.

Pushing herself to her feet, Casiphia approaches the crystalline wall. A red glyph on the other side begins to glow until she steps away and lays back down.

Missoni murmurs, "That was quite tragic."

Faiyth says, "Sounds normal..."

Wintora quietly says, "She has sacrificed a lot. So I have been told."

Speaking to Wintora, Kiyna says, "She has."

Faiyth says, "That's what ye get for getting too close."

Leafiara says, "Been through a great deal."

Prisoner Exchange

Wintora quietly says, "Your other prisoner, Rheshay, she has concerns."

Thrassus says, "Sit still."

Thrassus nods to a rune-etched crystal partition.

Leafiara slowly asks, "Right then, what new round of concerns this time?"

Wintora quietly says, "She has told me she is worried about the Spider during your exchange."

Vaemyr says, "I'm sure she does, given the time everything has taken."

Perigourd says, "As well she should be."

Wintora quietly says, "I assured her that wiser and stronger folks than me are in charge."

Wintora quietly says, "She does not fear death for herself, but for her people."

Speaking to Wintora, Missoni asks, "Has she given any indication of how we might prepare for his meddling?"

Tikba asks, "Does she think Tyeid will openly act against Haidan?"

Wintora quietly says, "One can respect that."

Wintora looks over at Missoni and shakes her head.

Vaemyr says, "Aye both the Spider and Sablo and heck maybe the Krolvin are all potential concerns for disrupting the exchange."

Speaking to Tikba, Stormyrain asks, "Against her, mayhaps?"

Wintora quietly says, "I know my son is worried."

Wintora quietly says, "He will not say he loves Aronia, and maybe he is too young to know it fully, but he worries."

Wintora quietly says, "He may not see every dagger in the darkness."

Wintora quietly says, "Be careful."

Wintora nods.

Missoni nods firmly at Wintora.

Tikba mildly says, "He is young."

Irval says, "Thats why I always carry a torch."

Faiyth says, "He'll learn."

Formation of the Kroderine Theory

Marching into view comes a burly, tall human with bright steel grey eyes. Shards of bluish-white kroderine gleam within the flesh of his arms. Thadston pays no mind to anyone else, save the woman behind the glass. As he approaches the wall, a red glyph glows, and he seems to pause and count the woman's labored breaths. He grumbles as he quickly leaves.

Faiyth says, "Never good to get too close to people."

Vaemyr says, "Thadston's been here a few times."

Wintora quietly says, "That man is angry and sad."

Vaemyr says, "Every so often."

Leafiara says, "Probably more than a few."

Leafiara says, "Far, far more than a few."

Wintora quietly asks, "He comes often?"

Speaking to Wintora, Perigourd says, "He used to serve as Mayor."

Speaking to Wintora, Vaemyr says, "Several times a day."

Leafiara says, "He loves her or at least did at one point."

Wintora nods.

Kiyna says, "Despite everything, he can't help himself but still love her. I think that much is writ plain."

Wintora quietly says, "He is her noble heart, her valiant knight."

Goldstr says, "Still does."

Vaemyr says, "Fairly sure he still loves her, even if he knows they can't have that kind of relationship anymore."

Wintora quietly says, "A tale that was born before us, and will survive long after us."

Thrassus says, "Something like that, I suppose."

Irval asks, "The lady in your ballad was a criminal too?"

Irval glances at Wintora.

Irval shrugs.

Wintora peers quizzically at Irval.

Wintora quietly asks, "Are you free of crime and sin?"

Wintora peers quizzically at Irval.

Speaking to Wintora, Darphin says, "Your tome doesnt seem to shine the brightess light for the future of such a relationship."

Irval says, "Free'er then her."

Irval points at a rune-etched crystal partition.

Wintora quietly says, "Mind you, if you say no, then you're guilty of being a liar."

Wintora smirks.

Irval shrugs.

Tikba thoughtfully says, "The woman in the story got what she fought for, in the end."

Wintora quietly asks, "I have never seen him yet here. Her knight. Does the light always glow red when he arrives?"

Wintora nods at Tikba.

Speaking to Tikba, Missoni agrees, "At a price."

Leafiara notes, "It seemed to be glowing red a couple of times even before he arrived..."

Irval says, "It was."

Thrassus says, "I would assume so. The kroderine in his arms are likely triggering some alarm in the structure."

Wintora quietly says, "Tragedy never lies in accomplishing what we strive for. Tragedy lies in what we decide to fight for."

A pair of glowing white eyes briefly flash amongst the shadows.

Raelee suddenly fades into view.

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara insists, "I didn't touch a thing except my own chair."

Speaking curtly to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Noted."

Faiyth says, "I didn't touch anything... promise."

Wintora peers quizzically at Thrassus.

Wintora quietly asks, "That is real metal in that man's arms?"

Thrassus nods.

Speaking to Raelee, Darphin says, "I have touched many things, i cant keep my hands to myself."

Perigourd says, "Kroderine, to be exact."

Wintora quietly says, "I thought it was some strange adornment or fanciful item from Bloodriven."

Speaking to Darphin, Sadiyah says, "That is what I was thinking just now."

Thrassus says, "He's done quite a bit of sacrificing himself."

(Leafiara scoots her chair significantly further away from Darphin.)

Speaking to Wintora, Kiyna says, "He only wishes that was so. We are working on a way to relieve him of those shards, albeit very slowly. Many other pressing concerns."

Pushing herself to her feet, Casiphia approaches the crystalline wall. A red glyph on the other side begins to glow until she steps away and lays back down.

Speaking to Wintora, Vaemyr says, "Worse, it's not able to be safely removed as it is... it grows back sort of."

Wintora glances at a rune-etched crystal partition.

Faiyth says, "Like warts."

Wintora quietly asks, "Why does it glow for her?"

Thrassus says, "Moving about aggravates her condition."

Speaking to Wintora, Kiyna says, "Your son says it's monitoring, or testing something."

Thrassus says, "As I understand it."

Tikba says, "I suppose as she comes closer to the partition, it must detect more of whatever it seeks."

Vaemyr says, "Aye the more she moves the more pain and visible symptoms show."

Irval says, "I wonder if the reach's anomalies would pull the shards from Thadston's arms."

Leafiara says, "So... Thadston probably triggers it inadvertently with the kroderine, but Casi triggers it by being active, I see."

Tikba neutrally says, "I fear her movement will only make things worse."

Cryheart says, "It appears she has a touch of kroderine soul herself."

Cryheart glances at a rune-etched crystal partition.

Wintora quietly asks, "What did you say?"

Wintora peers quizzically at Cryheart.

Darphin asks, "Can she not be kept in a sleeping or meditative state?"

Perigourd says, "Or perhaps there's a shard of metal in her too, that hasn't been removed."

Missoni says, "The veins look very much like that."

Pukk asks, "Maybe the poison has kroderine in it?"

Cryheart says, "The silver veins."

Cryheart nods.

Speaking to Irval, Kialeigh says, "It sure loved the metal you gave it... before it exploded and everyone got bugged."

Thrassus says, "It could be that both are causing some sort of fluctuation in the ambient mana."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "That... is a rather potent theory coming from you."

Speaking to Cryheart, Vaemyr says, "Aye it does seem similar."

Wintora points at Pukk.

Wintora quietly asks, "What if that?"

Pukk flails his arms about.

Pukk raises his hands in surrender!

Pukk says, "Oh..."

Pukk nods slowly.

Wintora quietly asks, "How often have you seen her knight come here?"

Cryheart says, "When I focus on using my kroderine soul skills, grey veins flow through me."

Cryheart nods.

Thrassus says, "That's.... not something I had expected."

Raelee mutters, "... too often. He does not have the patience to stay, nor the wisdom to see the result is always the same."

Kiyna says, "Liquid kroderine... as a poison...? Not something I would have expected, but..."

Thrassus says, "Kroderine based poisons..."

Tikba thoughtfully says, "If the poison is kroderine, surely she should exhibit some resistance to magic."

Wintora quietly asks, "...and each time it glows in his wake?"

Wintora peers quizzically at Raelee.

Vaemyr says, "Several times, maybe even a dozen times a day."

Speaking to Wintora, Raelee says, "That I have witnessed."

Goldstr says, "Rest Cassie! Thadston waits fer ye to heal."

Vaemyr says, "Same here."

Kiyna says, "If that is so, then perhaps Irval has the right of it. The Reach might strip her of it. Perhaps to her relief, and perhaps to her immediate demise."

Leafiara says, "Wouldn't shock me if all if Thadston's training lately is in the forest just near here so he can quickly come in at any moment."

Speaking to Kiyna, Raelee says, "The latter seems more likely."

Kialeigh says, "It yanked the very earrings out of peoples ears... it's likely to leave her in shreds."

Wintora quietly says, "I'm sorry, forgive me. I'm trying to catch up on as much as possible of your town and people. You have a vast, vast history."

Tikba apprehensively says, "I think we should not allow the Reach to pull a large amount of kroderine into its storm."

Wintora quietly asks, "The Reach. Melgorehn's Reach. But, stripping people of what?"

Wintora quietly says, "I am confused."

Kialeigh says, "Metal. It loves metal."

Speaking to Wintora, Perigourd says, "The Reach has been reacting to certain metals and attracting them in odd ways."

Leafiara says, "The idea of using the Reach to extract the liquid kroderine, if that's what it is."

Speaking to Tikba, Tayler says, "I doubt it can make things much worse."

Speaking to Tikba, Irval asks, "Even if its the cure?"

[General] Falvicar thinks, "Hum de dum dum dum."

Speaking to Wintora, Perigourd says, "Kroderine being one of them."

Speaking to Tayler, Tikba says, "Archious suggested that disrupting a mana storm could destroy the universe."

Tikba mildly says, "That would be worse."

Speaking to Tikba, Tayler says, "Then we wouldn't have very long to be concerned."

Raelee adds, "... not regularly. Only during specific events."

Perigourd says, "At times using it to shape some sort of break between planes or some barrier that allowed other things to come through."

Irval says, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Wintora frowns.

Thrassus says, "It will very likely kill her. The silver on her body might be areas convered to some sort of kroderine-infused flesh or the like."

Irval says, "Keep healers on standby."

Wintora touches her necklace briefly.

Irval says, "Easing the burden."

Vaemyr says, "I just realized... it possible, with the affinity Thadston has with his shards... the fact they return to him even if removed, if the poison is kroderine based, he might actually be able to absorb it... but I can't imagine it being good for him."

Kialeigh says, "So during the next one take them there and have a life giver on standby."

Leafiara considers, "Maybe if we could just... gradually extract and replace the--"

Thrassus says, "So all those parts might just get ripped away from her body."

Vaemyr says, "It might be possible that is."

Speaking curiously to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Now there's an idea."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "He'd do it, too. You know he would."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "He will not care if it is healthy for him or not."

Enisius Hears It Out

Enisius suddenly fades into view.

Wintora smiles at Enisius.

Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "Magister."

Irval asks, "You dont think that woulda happened unintentionally with them in their tryst's?"

Cryheart says, "Greetings, Enisius."

Speaking happily to Enisius, Leafiara greets, "My favorite Darkstonian official."

Leafiara says, "Good eve."

Tayler says, "Worse than rogues, these wizards. Always in the shadows."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "She wasn't poisoned, then."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Darphin says, "Love lost for the kingdoms strenght. worth a shot."

Wintora quietly asks, "You were quick. You always come when mother calls, don't you Eni?"

Enisius grins.

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "Her poisoning was very recent. Ordlyn's blade."

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "I know, but... it could be a way to treat one person instead of two."

Wintora quietly asks, "You are her favorite?"

Wintora peers quizzically at Enisius.

Leafiara nods rhythmically at Wintora.

Wintora quietly says, "Already making more friends."

Enisius shrugs.

Leafiara affirms, "He's made amazing progress since coming here."

Tayler says, "Perhaps the quickest way to find a remedy would be to get our hands on Ordlyns blade to study."

Speaking to Kiyna, Irval asks, "You don't think that they met in the times between?"

Raelee quietly mutters, "'Friendship' can be unidirectional."

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "...Not in that way, no."

Wintora quietly says, "They've come up with some interesting theories."

Wintora nods at Enisius.

Thrassus says, "She is the one that pointed it out."

Enisius asks, "Are you...reading to her?"

Wintora nods.

Enisius says, "She can't hear you."

Wintora quietly says, "Oh, she can hear us Eni. I believe that."

Enisius says, "No, really. Watch."

Enisius stands in front of a rune-etched crystal partition.

Speaking to a rune-etched crystal partition, Faiyth exclaims, "Blink once if you can hear us!"

Enisius touches a yellow rune and passes to the other side of the partition.

Irval says, "Quick close him in! I jest."

Faiyth says, "She blinked. She can definitely hear us."

Behind the partition, Enisius mouths something, then taps his foot.

Wintora nods to a rune-etched crystal partition.

Speaking to Wintora, Leafiara says, "This is where you repeat the part about being able to hear something from just a glance."

Behind the partition, Enisius narrows his eyes.

Wintora chuckles.

Tayler says, "I like him better like that."

Behind the partition, Enisius touches a yellow rune and passes back through.

Enisius squints.

Wintora quietly says, "Perhaps she approaches death, and the silk between worlds is thinner for her."

Speaking politely to Enisius, Tikba says, "As you say."

Wintora nods.

Enisius says, "...perhaps."

Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "So, people have made some observations."

Leafiara explains, "Back to the observation subject, though... We're currently musing over the possibility of liquid kroderine-based poison or something similar, based on the glyph's reactions to Casi and Thadston alike."

Speaking to Enisius, Tikba says, "It has been suggested that the poison might contain kroderine."

Wintora quietly says, "Your friends have deduced that there may be kr...."

Wintora nods.

Wintora quietly says, "Yes, that."

Enisius turns an inquisitive ear toward Leafiara.

(Darphin reaches towards the runes.)

Enisius asks, "Is your thought random?"

Leafiara says, "The glyph glows when Thadston approaches, as well as when Casi is more active."

Speaking sharply to Darphin, Raelee says, "No."

Enisius says, "Many glyphs glow from time to time."

Leafiara says, "The question is why it would react to Thadston, especially outside the partition."

Wintora quietly says, "Both red, Eni."

Irval says, "And the possibility of using the reach's anomalies to pull the kroderine outta her , as it seems to react, to that metal in most interesting ways."

[General] Mauss asks, "Any sign of invaders near Landin'?"

Enisius says, "Fascinating."

Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "Also the silver veins, are very similar."

Enisius glances at a rune-etched crystal partition.

Kialeigh says, "I dunno how "interesting"...."

Speaking to Enisius, Kiyna says, "Sir Cryheart suggested that his own kroderine-derived abilities manifest similar grey veins in his skin."

Speaking to Raelee, Darphin says, "Easy to mime not being able to hear, just wanted to see for myself."

[General] Dergoatean thinks, "None that I've heard of. But some of us are checking in on Casiphia in the Crystal Chamber."

Leafiara says, "Yes, Cryheart noted the--"

Enisius asks, "Magister, thoughts?"

Kialeigh says, "I sure wasn't interested."

Enisius peers quizzically at Raelee.

Leafiara says, "What Kiyna said."

Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "It is plausible."

Speaking to Kiyna, Pukk says, "Cryheart is old. So of course it would be grey."

Thrassus says, "It should be easy to test."

Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "Though we ought to bring Thadston back so we can observe in a less... incidental fashion."

Wintora stands up.

Leafiara asks, "How would we test this theory? Extract a blood sample and determine if it resists magic to any degree?"

Wintora put a leather-bound tome in her silk cloak.

Enisius says, "The beginnings of such, yes."

Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "I pondered that if so, with Thadston's strong affinity for the kroderine shards he has, to the point they return to him even when removed, that he perhaps could absorb it from Casiphia. In a similar manner to how he has absorbed magic and such in the past."

Enisius nods.

Zeminar darkly says, "Cryheart isn't old. Time is a construct."

Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "Mana is in near everything. Kroderine in the body can... create absolute havoc in that internal balance."

Irval says, "With Thadston and the Reach, I think that would be prudent."

Vaemyr says, "With the Reach being sick, I would prefer to keep her away from there."

Irval says, "And her blood."

Enisius says, "We'll need to conduct some experiments. Very soon."

Enisius nods at Raelee.

Wintora glances at Enisius.

Pukk says, "I would suggest getting a vial of blood then boiling it down until it is just a powder then seeing if the powder reacts to kroderine."

Enisius looks at his palm.

Pukk says, "But that is me."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Darphin asks, "What about a sample of her blood to test the reach theory?"

Enisius says, "...and everyone is welcome."

Raelee takes a slow, deep breath then pinches the bridge of her nose.

Speaking tiredly to Enisius, Raelee asks, "Why?"

Speaking surprisedly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "You know, it's astonishing how quickly your competence, intelligence, and creativity spiral up when it's a subject you're interested in."

Wintora quietly says, "Thank you all for your company tonight. I should find my husband in the camp. Walk the stars before we sleep."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "She is Mother."

Enisius says, "Do not tell him."

Enisius looks over at Wintora and shakes his head.

Wintora smiles.

Irval says, "Fair well."

Speaking to Enisius, Darphin says, "I love experiments."

Speaking to Wintora, Missoni says, "Thank you for sharing the poem."

Speaking to Darphin, Vaemyr says, "We can test several things I think, but the reach is in a very... dangerous situation as of late."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I was still waiting for a punchline, to be honest."

Wintora quietly says, "Do not be afraid to fail him. Failure is the fire to forge true success."

Wintora nods at Enisius.

Wintora quietly says, "It was a long time ago. He has forgotten."

Faiyth says, "Good luck with that."

Enisius says, "No he has not."

Wintora quietly says, "The best part of him has."

Wintora quietly says, "Goodnight."

Lady Wintora just went out.

Irval says, "So you could do one experiment testing with Thadston and the partioner's blood. See what I did there."

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee says, "Someone once told me... the observer never fails. At times, we need to readjust what our actual goals are."

Pukk says, "Thadston isn't poisoned. He has shards. It wouldn't be the same."

Vaemyr says, "I mean... the moment we tell Thadston about this, he's gonna break that partition and try and absorb the stuff out of her..."

Irval says, "Well speaking to what was discussed about the shards returning to Thadston."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Darphin says, "I find when many things are going wrong at once, they can often be related. solutions are clearer sometimes when the whole problem is infront of you."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Just because he hasn't died doesn't mean the shards aren't slowly killing him."

Speaking simply to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "...well, yes, there is that."

Tikba politely says, "He has certainly forgotten many things."

Kiyna posits, "The oddest thing to me is how it seems the kroderine - if indeed it is kroderine - seems to be proliferating. The silver spread and spread and spread, and now it seeks to coat her skin. There is far more in her now than there was originally."

Faiyth says, "Or effecting his brain."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "We could remind Thadston that given its suspected place in her blood... absorbing without care is likely to be *messy*."

Speaking to Perigourd, Pukk says, "True. But for experiments you would need similar subjects."

Enisius turns an inquisitive ear toward Kiyna.

Enisius asks, "...and why do you think that is?"

Enisius peers quizzically at Kiyna.

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "Good thought."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "The blood coming out of all orifices, pores, and so forth... I suspect he would find it disquieting."

Speaking to Enisius, Kiyna says, "I'm not the magic person. I can't say I know."

Kiyna shrugs at Enisius.

Thrassus says, "The poison obviously contains more than just kroderine."

Irval says, "And you could also experiment with Thadston and the Reach's anomalies."

Speaking to Kiyna, Tayler says, "Which would probably suggest it's not kroderine, but perhaps a similar substance? I can't imagine kroderine magically proliferating."

Leafiara says, "Maybe it has an organic component that uses her body's ability to heal against her, as it were."

Tikba says, "It would not be proliferating itself. Her body must be doing it."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara says, "Right."

Irval says, "Instead of it pulling itself out of thadston and being turned into a portal through the Veil to wherever those bugs came from, He might be able to open portals himself..."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "Couldn't you slice a part of the body and make that the path of least resistance?"

Enisius ponders.

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "No matter what we do, it will be an experiment. I would be foolish to assert any... particular expectations."

Irval asks, "Good ole fashion bloodletting?"

Tikba says, "If the poison has convinced her body to itself become kroderine, then removing the kroderine will not save her."

Enisius asks, "How confident do you feel in your ability, or others ability, to channel power from the Reach?"

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "Of course. But as you say you have to start with a theory."

Enisius peers quizzically at Raelee.

Speaking to Irval, Darphin says, "I do love when we get to the part of the evening for random blood letting in the name of research."

Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean says, "We have a mixed track record with the Reach, generally."

Enisius looks down at his other palm.

Enisius says, "All things done safely."

Perigourd says, "The Reach doesn't even seem to be behaving to it's typical standard now, so I'd think that's quite unpredictable."

Speaking evenly to Enisius, Raelee says, "I look forward to the opportunity to try. Greatly."

Kiyna says, "I don't study magic, but I have studied poisons, and I know very few which increase their quantity or potency once introduced to a victim. Strange, is all."

Leafiara optimistically says, "On the bright side, as much as I miss Hapenlok at times, not seeing him around makes anything involving the Reach slightly more likely to succeed."

Speaking pointedly to Enisius, Raelee adds, "*This* is why we are here."

Leafiara adds, "But, on the other hand, well... the Reach 'sickness'."

Casiphia slowly rolls to her side, inching her feet to touch the ground and then grimacing as she rises to stand. Silver veins seem to almost expand along her flesh as she moves around slowly, then shrink as she returns to rest.

Leafiara says, "Hmm, the expanding and shrinking of the veins would also fit into the current theory..."

Enisius glances at a rune-etched crystal partition.

Tikba says, "Observing a sample seems like the best way forward."

Speaking to Enisius, Darphin asks, "Is there an issue with your hands?"

Enisius says, "We will study her health for the next day and night. Watch for any further decline. The glyphs wi..."

Enisius glances at Darphin.

Speaking politely to Darphin, Tikba explains, "They serve as an aid to politeness."

Enisius asks, "No?"

Enisius looks down at his hands, turning them over, and over, his eyes quite concerned.

Kiyna says, "Would that Kayse were here to bounce ideas off. She is the poison expert. Taught me most of what I know. I would look into it myself, but it's clearly a novel poison."

Enisius asks, "Did you see something?"

Enisius peers quizzically at Darphin.

Darphin shrugs.

Tayler says, "So... when her veins flare up like that, it looks awfully similar to when one with a soul of Kroderine goes to absorb an offensive spell targeted at them."

Cryheart says, "He noticed ye observing your palms."

Speaking to Enisius, Pukk says, "I think you might have got a little of that poison you in there."

Vaemyr says, "The proliferating part, still reminds me more of a curse than a poison."

Enisius says, "Oh."

Tayler says, "I wonder if it is kroderine, if you could offer it something else to feed upon, mana, perhaps."

Enisius says, "They are reminders, to "be more human"."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "Perhaps we could work on this one together, then."

Speaking to Enisius, Darphin says, "Ive seen you looking at the palms, and given then number of things to be interested in tonight, they seemed oddly uninteresting."

Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee says, "... that is not necessary."

Enisius says, "Yet interesting enough for you to ask."

Enisius nods at Darphin.

Leafiara says, "I wonder if any part of the poison is derived from Bleaklands soil. Praxopius once compared that to a living being, if I recall."

Enisius shrugs.

Speaking to himself, Dergoatean asks, "They look like big, good, strong hands, don't they?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "The most human magister I know is Owly."

Speaking to Enisius, Darphin says, "Curiosity, thought maybe i had missed something."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "I think we've given the research team at least a few days worth of speculation to look into."

Enisius says, "We'll monitor her health, see how steady she remains."

Thrassus says, "I would say the effects would be markedly different if Bleak soil or stone was in the mix."

Enisius shrugs at Darphin.

Raelee whispers something to Enisius.

Tikba amusedly suggests, "Perhaps 'more personable' is better than 'more human.'."

Enisius says, "If she remains...without further decline, we may be able to move her for the sake of research."

Pukk says, "Only if it can be done safely. Please."

Enisius looks down at his other palm.

Enisius says, "All things done safely."

Enisius nods.

Leafiara says, "Neither action nor inaction are safe at this point, to be honest."

Vaemyr says, "Might be more prudent to just see if we could draw small samples of blood to use."

Enisius says, "Inaction is a guaranteed death."

Leafiara nods.

Speaking sadly to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I know."

Irval asks, "So you gonna go get a vial of blood?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Darphin says, "Then minimize the risks,"

Enisius says, "In her current state, based on the level of decline over the last few weeks, she has until mid Phoenatos, if she is lucky."

Speaking to Darphin, Leafiara says, "Based on best possible assessments, I agree."

Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean says, "It's like you wrote down your lines on your hands in case you forgot them."

Speaking to Leafiara, Darphin says, "We could move, er remove a toe for research."

Speaking offhandedly to Dergoatean, Leafiara explains, "It's Elidal's fault."

Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd asks, "Is it not likely to become more rapid as more of her is overtaken?"

Tikba neutrally says, "Not long, then."

Enisius says, "Which, if she does expire, we would still be able to glean more information."

Enisius nods at Perigourd.

Cryheart says, "I would dare hope we would not be so barbaric."

Thrassus says, "Grim, but true."

Enisius looks down at his hands, then up to Cryheart, and shrugs.

Speaking to Anyauma, Dergoatean asks, "I can imagine! But do humans really do that so much?"

Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "I think if she passes, you probably will want to take a vacation."

Speaking to Cryheart, Raelee asks, "There is nothing barbaric about learning, Sir Cryheart. If the opportunity is left behind, then what do we do for the next person afflicted so?"

Cryheart nods at Enisius.

Speaking to Dergoatean, Darphin says, "I think he has done something..unsafe, as the nervous twitch is often followed by a comment about safety."

Cryheart says, "I meant about removing a part of her to study."

Cryheart smiles.

Dergoatean says, "Raised my voice a bit more than I meant to..."

Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "There could be some very uhh... angry furniture in your future otherwise I suspect. So probably should try to make that not an outcome."

Speaking to Raelee, Kiyna says, "Hopefully the next person afflicted so is Ordlyn, and we leave him to suffer."

Enisius says, "We have a lot to think about. I have even more to think about."

Enisius says, "Goodnight."

Magister Enisius just went out.

Discussion Afterward

Cryheart says, "If she perspires, that is another matter."

Leafiara asks, "Three seconds until he comes with back with something to read off his hand?"

Irval says, "He should have a omove dramatic exit then that."

Tikba says, "He did not need to look at his hand to say goodnight."

Speaking to Kiyna, Perigourd says, "Likely he has the antidote."

Leafiara says, "But I hope he doesn't. I like it more when he's himself."

Irval says, "More..."

Speaking to Perigourd, Kiyna says, "...That's possible, yes."

Pukk feebly says, "Not talk as if she is already dead. While she lives there is still hope."

Cryheart says, "Ok..moving back to the Landing, it that is ok with all."

Speaking to Darphin, Dergoatean says, "It's an interesting thought, for sure."

Leafiara says, "I really do like him, he's maybe the only official here I totally believe in."

Speaking to Cryheart, Vaemyr says, "Oh Thadston will probably kill him if she dies and he tries to use her body for... well anything."

Leafiara says, "No, not even maybe, definitely."

[travel]

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "Okay, but what's with the hands thing?"

Goldstr says, "He speaks like she jess an experiement Nae a livin soul."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Like I said, Elidal's fault."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "But how so?"

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "He's, uh... trying to make Enisius do this routine of saying 'the right things'."

[Town Square, East]

Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing hold various official, religious and social functions. Facing the square are some of the town's more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night. You also see a dark-haired half-elven priestess, a carved modwir sign that reads, "Let us work with all our citizens and resisdents to build the best Wehnimer's Landing we can. Vote Vaemyr For Town Council.", a black imperial wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it, the Moot Hall and a large purple wooden barrel.

Speaking to Dergoatean, Tikba says, "Elidal has decided that Enisius must be more polite. Enisius has taken notes on how to do so on his hands."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Tikba says, "He felt using paper would be wasteful."

Speaking to Goldstr, Darphin says, "Get too close to a problem and you can fall victim to inaction due to feelings."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "Wait... so he really DID copy the test answers there."

Dergoatean says, "Poor man."

Leafiara says, "Irony is he's fine when he's on his own. The hand notes initially were a source of distrust for some because it made him look too... carefully crafted."

Leafiara says, "He's awkward and a poor communicator, but at least I believe his every intention when he says it. Unless it comes off his hand."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Darphin says, "Hope he doesnt take too much offense to me asking, id ask an amputee about their missing limb too."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "At least you know you're hearing from Elidal at that point, then?"

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "From Enisius, but yeah."

Leafiara says, "Elidal, not sure why people see him as trustworthy. Maybe just hope."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "I mean.. if he's reading off his hands, it's something Elidal wanted to have said, not necessarily Enisius, right?"

Leafiara says, "Elidal's the type who invites people to a meeting for ideas on how to start an alliance, then shoots down half a dozen items only to propose his own..."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Oh, right, I see what you're saying."

Dergoatean says, "Oh, I've NEVER worked with people like that before."

Leafiara says, "The current town council knows what I'm talking about with that one."

Dergoatean says, "I'm going to attend to some other matters."

Leafiara says, "I wonder why the Wraith even went with this kroderine poison plan, if that'swhat it is, instead of just killing her."

Speaking to a carved modwir sign that reads, "Let us work with all our citizens and resisdents to build the best Wehnimer's Landing we can. Vote Vaemyr For Town Council.", Darphin says, "Election time again... perhaps i should fly one of Crux's banners for old times sake."

Leafiara says, "I mean... really, honestly, just... if you're going to kill someone, just kill them. Don't poison them with something that takes six months and then they might find a cure by then."

Leafiara says, "Welp... should see to a few things before bed, I suppose."

Speaking to Leafiara, Darphin says, "Long lasting and prolific poison does make a statement though."

Speaking to Darphin, Leafiara says, "There is that."