North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-07-30 - Brace to the Finish (log)
Koaratos 30-31, 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
After a storm from Melgorehn's Reach shows activity for six hours, Magister Enisius takes notice of its steady strength and says it's time to test whether the pull of the Reach will extract the poison in Casiphia's blood and at what distance. After two weeks of monitoring, she's seemed stable enough for it, so Enisius leads people--keeping them at a distance--to Melgorehn's Valley in the shadow of the mountain to find a suitable location that isn't too close.
First, to prepare the area, Leafiara creates a sanctuary at his request, then he sends a signal for his apprentices to bring Casi over. While waiting for them, Enisius and Magister Raelee create glyphs to stem the flow from the Reach for safer conditions to allow a gradual test.
Soon enough, the mages arrive and ease Casiphia to a blanket on the ground. Enisius gets her reaffirmation that he has permission to go forward with the experiment he and she discussed despite the possibility it might kill her. Raelee weakens some of her runes at Eni's request, allowing more motes near the area. Casi describes herself as cold, but her neck feels on fire; Eni asks Gutstorm to write it down and he does... on his palm... before Raelee suggests having a more literate and sober member of the research team take notes. Lylia takes up the effort.
Enisius weakens his runes, then ethereal energy dispels people's wards and Casi screams. Enisius gets Casi to explain that it hurt and that the fire feeling has moved to her neck and shoulders. Raelee weakens another rune and more sparks of energy pass through the area, leaving Casi screaming as her silver veins throb. Enisius weakens more runs and this time Casi's eyes bulge with popping blood vessels and blisters forming at her neck and shoulder. Raelee and Enisius conclude that the poison is either trying to escape or being taken; Eni confirms with Casi that it's okay to proceed, while Perigourd gives Casi a rope to bite down instead of biting her tongue.
Eni concludes that it's almost certain that getting rid of all runes won't kill her if nothing else has, so he and Raelee get rid of the remaining glyphs. Casi's body twists and contorts as she coughs up silver blood that floats in the air, with blisters and smoke coming from her skin, but soon enough the drops of silver fall and sink back into her flesh. People theorize over what to do--perhaps block the silver from entering her again, perhaps find another vessel for it--but, meanwhile, Casi lets out blood-curdling screams and foams at the mouth as the silver poison gets sucked out toward the Reach only to re-enter her body once more.
Eni explains to Casiphia that the most successful chance of removing the poison will mean moving her to the lake, but it's also likely to kill her. She says to get Thadston, but Enisius calls him unpredictable and says his exposure could create catastrophic results beyond Casi's death. Eni doesn't approve, but Casi calls for Thadston's help over thoughts and Leafi and Councilor Kayse let him know they're in Melgorehn's Valley.
Eni quickly uses an illusion to hide Casiphia, but when Thadston arrives, he already knows what's going on and says he'll shake his head off if he doesn't stop hiding her--so Enisius dispels the illusion and Thadston puts him down. He's angry and worried at first, but Casi tells him she did agree and not to make Eni soil himself. She requests he take her to the lake, but slowly, and thanks Enisius for his help. Eni says he won't stop them, but to recall that he warned against this, then leaves.
Thadston carries Casi toward Lake Eonak, though it's not without agony on the way. Thadston brings her closer to the lake and silver rips out of her arm and through Thadston's leg before flying up and away. He steps into the waters and then the kroderine in his own arms tear out and soar in the sky, as does more silver from Casi. As they both get torn to bloody shreds, even Thadston eventually calls for help holding Casi. Bernadette, Perigourd, Councilor Vaemyr, Councilor Kiyna, Leafi, Gutstorm, Kayse, Lylia, and Envoy Tikba offer their support in steadying the two of them, many getting their own arms shattered or severed in the process.
In time, all the kroderine shards leave Thadston and all the silver poison leaves Casi, but the two materials twine together in the sky over the Reach. Militia members rush in to help a nearly collapsing Thadston and possibly unconscious Casiphia back to town while bandaging them up. The adventurers who remain prepare for possible combat, but after the kroderine shards and silver poison join together, they disappear out of sight and nothing further happens... for now.
Comedic Highlights
Dergoatean says, "Pukk's not here to tell me to join someone." Dergoatean says, "This place is falling apart."
Leafiara surprisedly says, "Oh, he's not actually here yet." Leafiara considers, "Unless he's invisible." A soft, white glow briefly surrounds Leafiara as she focuses her thoughts. Leafiara gestures. Raelee is discovered by Leafiara! Leafiara flails her arms about. Leafiara ducks her head. Kelfyr says, "Wrong Magister." Raelee stares sternly down her nose at Leafiara. Leafiara wryly says, "Apparently." Leafiara raises her hands toward Raelee in surrender! Raelee's gaze takes on an intense focus as her eyes flare brilliantly with a hot white glow.
Enisius says, "We're too close, but you can follow me." [people start joining] Leafiara recites: "Everyone join Enisius!" Enisius says, "Ugh..." Enisius moves away from the group as it closes in. Enisius says, "But...keep your distance." Enisius says, "Don't touch me please." Gutstorm touches Enisius. Enisius glances at Gutstorm. Gutstorm wiggles his fingers. The mechanical limb on Kiyna's shoulder reaches out and taps Enisius on the shoulder. Raelee sharply says, "We are not your toys." Raelee glares at Gutstorm. Raelee glares at Kiyna. Enisius says, "Do. Not. Touch. Me."
Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean says, "I am standing at a socially appropriate distance to you, I think." Enisius says, "Your town's socially appropriate protocols are mystifying in general." Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes." Speaking to Enisius, Thrassus asks, "As in the general lack of them?"
(Raelee paces in the opposite direction around the field, drawing a sequence of glowing runes echoing those drawn by Enisius.) Enisius says, "Good enough, I suppose." Enisius ponders. Enisius says, "Hmm." Enisius moves over to the area where Raelee is standing, and redraws one of her glyphs, then nods. Speaking curtly to Enisius, Raelee says, "There was nothing wrong with that." Speaking quietly to Raelee, Dergoatean says, "I think your gylph was better." Speaking dryly to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "Indeed." Enisius says, "A discussion for another time." Enisius nods at Raelee. Enisius looks down at his palm. Enisius says, "We are a team." Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "The words on your hands are for them, not for me."
Casiphia weakly says, "I am cold, but my neck feels on fire. Like a collar of flames." Enisius says, "Interesting description." Enisius says, "Write that down." Enisius nods at Gutstorm. (Gutstorm scribbles some notes on his palm.) Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee asks, "Perhaps suggest that someone both more literate and sober take notes?" Enisius asks, "Is he not part of our research team?" Enisius says, "Very well." (Gutstorm turns his hand upside down to try and read what he wrote.) Enisius says, "Someone both more literate and sober please take notes." Tikba diplomatically says, "Gutstorm's strengths do not lie in documentation."
The air crackles with ethereal energy! Ethereal energies buffet the surrounds shoving a wall of air before it! Casiphia screams! Casiphia arches her back up, pushing her chest to the sky. Then she collapses back down. Enisius asks, "Did that hurt?" Casiphia weakly says, "YES it bloody hurt you prick." Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Write dat down Lylia." Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "...and then said, 'Yes, it bloody hurt, you prick'..." [slightly later...] Irval asks, "Maybe a small cut to maybe let it be pulled outta her?" Irval narrows his eyes in concentration as he draws the tip of his bone fleam slowly through the air in a straight line. Speaking flatly to Enisius, Kayse says, "Do not let him cut her." Enisius peers quizzically at Irval. Enisius asks, "What are you doing?" Irval says, "I just asked. It makes sense that if its being pulled up." Irval says, "I didnt cut her. I asked if I could." Irval says, "Just a small surgical incision." Enisius says, "You are to observe, and maybe talk. Maybe." Casiphia weakly says, "Cut me with that, and you better bury it in me. Otherwise you'll taste your bowels when I cut you from groin to grin." Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Write dat down Lylia."
Casiphia witheringly says, "...get him." Leafiara asks, "Get Thadston?" Enisius says, "He is unpredictable, despite what your enemies and friends claim." Enisius nods at Casiphia. Tikba amusedly says, "We claim he is unpredictable." Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I can't think of any other him, in this case." Speaking to Enisius, Raelee whispers aloud, "I trust him to control himself less than most of this crowd." Kayse lightly says, "I would not argue that." Enisius says, "His exposure could create even further catastrophic results, even beyond your death." Enisius says, "I do not approve, I am sorry." Leafiara slowly says, "I don't find Thadston unpredictable in matters concerning Casiphia." Kiyna says, "On this, the matter of Casiphia, he is the most predictable creature you'll ever meet." Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "I can also predict what he might do, and therein lies the problem."
Enisius sighs and holds his hands down to his side, twirling one finger in a circle. Ex-Mayor Thadston just came marching in. Speaking to Enisius, Kelfyr says, "If you don't want to invite an awful lot of touching by a former Mayor, I suggest not trying to stop him." Thadston asks, "Where is she?" Thadston gazes in wonder at his surroundings. Thadston glances at Enisius. Thadston says, "Look you little worm, stop hiding her from me." Thadston grabs Enisius by the arm and shakes him slightly. Thadston says, "Next time I will shake your head off." Kelfyr says, "And thus warned, he did not heed."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We left Casi." Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "He's holding her." Speaking to Gutstorm, Perigourd says, "He's carrying her." Speaking to Gutstorm, Vaemyr says, "Thadston has her." Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Oh, me think am drank to much." Speaking to Gutstorm, Perigourd says, "Doubt I'll ever hear that again."
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
[Rusty Cutlass, Grub Hall]
Burnished wooden planks curve out to form the massive hall of the tavern's entrance, with rows of sturdy oaken posts rising to connect with a network of rafters above. Dozens of blackened oil lanterns hang from the ceiling, their light at times a haze behind wisps of smoke drifting in from the galley. In the center rests a huge cast-iron pot surrounded by countless tables and barrel chairs. A half-circle driftwood bar is nestled in the corner beneath a salt-stained crest. You also see an open archway leading to a wooden plank bridge, a wide wooden ramp and a large driftwood box.
A clap of thunder shakes the heavens.
[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 Phereclese disk, the Disquiet disk, the Yaji disk, the Yhanse disk, the Raghnawl disk, 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: Whimweaver Leafiara, Brulgamin, Phereclese, Pendaloan, Disquiet who is sitting, Remodin, Rysul, Lord Yaji, Seaward Gutstorm, Yhanse, Raghnawl, Doktari
Leafiara optimistically says, "Surely only good things await tonight."
Rysul says, "Good things always awaits me."
Leafiara says, "Alternatively, we all get sucked into a temporal rift." [The Reach had shown activity three hours and six hours before this point. During the six-hours-prior incident, people in the square got rifted.]
Rysul says, "Sometimes just don't know what to do with the good tings."
Speaking to Rysul, Doktari says, "That's very optimistic."
Rysul exclaims, "That sounds funs!"
[General] Leafiara exclaims, "Looks like a mighty thunderstorm in the Landing!"
Rysul says, "Wonsded a shop."
Rysul says, "Don't know what to do with it."
Speaking to Rysul, Leafiara says, "Congratulations."
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Maybe we end up in the bleaklands, could use some soil samples."
Rysul says, "How it workses."
[General] Dergoatean thinks, "Thank you Mayor."
[General] Leviathoar thinks, "Im in."
Vibrant streaks of gold and silver light spiral out from the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach, trailing a glowing blaze in their wake as they bleed into the night.
Emperia asks, "Oh no...we aren't going to the lake, right?"
Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara considers, "Well, half the color is right for that."
Tikba says, "We may need to."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "No lake, no baff."
Leafiara says, "Let's hope not."
Rysul says, "Is okays Toxy help me tomorrows."
Rysul says, "I can see my Toxy as a shop keepers but not Rysul."
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "We should like try an convince Ilyiaas to make her portal two-way."
Dergoatean says, "Pukk's not here to tell me to join someone."
Dergoatean says, "This place is falling apart."
Awaiting Enisius
[General] Enisius thinks, "Hmm, the Reach's storm has maintaiined strength throughout the day. It might be time."
[General] Tikba asks, "Plans, Magister?"
Vaemyr says, "Gonna head over to the lake I guess..."
Leafiara wryly says, "Welp."
[General] Nathan asks, "Has the imperial magistrate reached a verdict? guilty or innocent?"
[General] Leafiara carefully asks, "Time for what?"
Kayse hesitantly says, "The reach..."
Leafiara mutters, "I really hate climbing that mountain."
Speaking to Kayse, Tikba says, "Rodnay needs our aid."
Kayse apprehensively says, "Seems Enisius has something planned."
Kelfyr says, "It's not the climbing, it's the waiting that irks me."
[General] Leviathoar thinks, "I lean guilty."
Gutstorm removes an overstuffed snow white polar bear with deep blue eyes holding a small makeshift sign that reads, "Hi, I'm Chompy." from in his scruffy red beard.
Tikba says, "We must find out what."
Speaking drunkenly to his scruffy red beard, Gutstorm slurs, "Go find Xorus."
Emperia says, "I think the lightning strikes, fires, and dopplegangers are worse than either."
Kayse says, "We're heading to the Reach."
Leafiara says, "...going by Enisius' lack of response, I'm just going to head to the lake and see."
Leafiara recites:
"Landing adventurers, move out!"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Lead da....way!"
Leafiara adds, "Or something."
[travel]
[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]
You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. You also see a rolton, an enraged wasteland spirit that is flying around, the leaf-shrouded Kelfyr disk encircled by overlapping leaves, a flame-eyed burnished ember fox, a grizzled porcupine, a cedar chip path and a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees.
Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Tikba, Town Councilor Kayse, Town Councilor Kiyna, Kelfyr
Vaemyr, Bernadette and Gutstorm followed.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We got all da cool people anyway."
Leafiara surprisedly says, "Oh, he's not actually here yet."
Leafiara considers, "Unless he's invisible."
A soft, white glow briefly surrounds Leafiara as she focuses her thoughts.
Leafiara gestures.
Raelee is discovered by Leafiara!
Leafiara flails her arms about.
Leafiara ducks her head.
Kelfyr says, "Wrong Magister."
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I was going to say that the lake was empty for now."
Raelee stares sternly down her nose at Leafiara.
Leafiara wryly says, "Apparently."
Leafiara raises her hands toward Raelee in surrender!
Tikba amusedly greets, "Magister."
Raelee's gaze takes on an intense focus as her eyes flare brilliantly with a hot white glow.
Speaking to a beautiful mountain lake, Dergoatean says, "Lake."
Speaking to Tikba, Dergoatean asks, "Am I doing it right?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Am needin a third arm."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse says, "I would have given you the whole campaign bag, but I figured you only wanted the whiskey."
Leafiara unhelpfully reminds, "Just remember, the real people look like real people and the doppelgangers look like ghosts."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We hunting goatsh?"
Speaking optimistically to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Maybe."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Vaemyr says, "Maybe the goats are hunting us."
Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "It works out - give me the rest of the bag and there's nothing left over."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Am in no contidion to fight."
Leafiara says, "Listen, Kayse once told a story that assured me I don't want to mess with goats."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Vaemyr asks, "Not drunk enough?"
Leafiara says, "Ghosts, sure. Goats, no."
Speaking to Kiyna, Kayse says, "You will have to wait for now."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dey ram dem boggin in yoo toosh and shent ye flyin."
Tikba says, "Ah, yes, that story."
Dergoatean exclaims, "Not the livestock!"
Vaemyr says, "Wonder if we need to clime..."
Vaemyr says, "Climb too."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hate climbin."
Emperia says, "This is as far up as I go."
Kayse flatly says, "Perhaps he didn't write it on his hand to tell us that."
[General] Leafiara curiously thinks, "We're gathered at the lake at the foot of the Reach if you're on your way, Enisius."
[General] Irval thinks, "Im working my way up from Solhaven Magister, Bandits running rampant on the road. Had a casuality im seeing too before I can make it that way."
[General] Enisius thinks, "Yes."
Leafiara says, "At this point, I'm wondering what kind of equipment he must be bringing with him."
Enisius Seeks a Location
Enisius fades into visibility.
Leafiara pleasedly says, "Oh, there he is."
Enisius says, "Hi."
Leafiara cheerfully exclaims, "Evening there!"
Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr asks, "So... you have something planned?"
Enisius says, "We're too close, but you can follow me."
[people start joining]
Enisius says, "Yes, in a sense."
Leafiara recites:
"Everyone join Enisius!"
Enisius says, "Ugh..."
Enisius moves away from the group as it closes in.
Enisius says, "But...keep your distance."
Enisius says, "Don't touch me please."
Leafiara amiably exclaims, "Noted!"
Gutstorm touches Enisius.
Enisius glances at Gutstorm.
Gutstorm wiggles his fingers.
The mechanical limb on Kiyna's shoulder reaches out and taps Enisius on the shoulder.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Leafiara affably says, "I see this night is going well already."
Lylia nods at Enisius.
Raelee sharply says, "We are not your toys."
Raelee glares at Gutstorm.
Raelee glares at Kiyna.
Enisius says, "Do. Not. Touch. Me."
Enisius nods.
Enisius nods at Gutstorm.
Gutstorm grins impishly.
Raelee sharply adds, "We are here... to work."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Den why we shtannin round yappin?"
Gutstorm taps his foot impatiently.
Perigourd whispers something to Raelee.
Leafiara interestedly asks, "And what are we working on?"
Enisius shivers.
Enisius dusts off his silk robes.
Lylia smoothly asks, "Just so, and it is not too much to ask, surely. Having moved past it, then, what sort of work did you have in mind?"
Enisius says, "We're going to test Casiphia against the pull of the Reach."
Leafiara understandingly says, "Ah."
Kayse suddenly asks, "What?"
Kiyna asks, "...So soon?"
Tikba politely says, "I see."
Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd asks, "You've safeguards in mind?"
Enisius says, "We've monitored her health for the last two weeks, she has remained stable. Some decline, but at the expected rate."
Enisius asks, "Wouldn't you agree?"
Enisius peers quizzically at Raelee.
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "... yes."
Leafiara says, "He did say it only looked like she had until mid-Phoenatos at best, so time is not with us here."
Enisius says, "We are not always afforded the luxury of time with the powers of the Reach, and the poison in her veins."
Enisius nods at Kiyna.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We gonna ride da trolley?"
Vaemyr says, "Honestly... things have seemed relatively stable today with the Reach as compared to... sometimes."
Enisius says, "We could still experiment with a corpse, but I am sure some of you would explicity prefer otherwise."
Tikba says, "The pull operates here, by the lake."
Kelfyr asks, "Is there a hypothesis being tested besides throwing things at the mountain to see what floats?"
Kelfyr says, "That didn't go well last time."
Speaking to Kelfyr, Raelee states, "Yes, there is."
Leafiara says, "The hypothesis is that the poison in her veins has a kroderine component and that the magnetic pull of the Reach magic might be able to siphon it out."
Enisius says, "We are testing if her blood will respond to the pull of the Reach, and by what distance."
Enisius says, "Which is why here, is too close. But we've mapped out a suitable location."
Dergoatean says, "So we're going to pull her blood out of her."
Dergoatean says, "Can't see any problems there."
Kiyna says, "I imagine they already have some."
Enisius says, "Her blood? No."
Dergoatean says, "Oh good."
Enisius says, "She would die without her blood."
Leafiara carefully asks, "Wait, do we not have any empaths on hand?"
Raelee says, "There is a reason we do not want to be too close."
Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean exclaims, "That's exactly what I was thinking!"
Tikba neutrally says, "The poison in her blood, perhaps."
Enisius says, "Consider if you will, the venom of a snake."
Speaking to Raelee, Kiyna asks, "The scarab effect?"
Enisius says, "Perhaps we could..."
Enisius shrugs.
Enisius says, "We will see."
Thrassus says, "I believe this is just to see if there is a pull at all."
Enisius says, "In small doses. She is able to be moved, but we will not over exert her."
Speaking to Kiyna, Raelee says, "We do not want to pull it out too... quickly, too violently."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Need me git her blood?"
Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "Unless the poison has bonded with the blood itself, and that's why it's replicated and spread."
Gutstorm taps a thin silver syringe, which is in his right hand.
Enisius says, "Then she will likely die."
Thrassus says, "Given kroderine's anti-mana properties there might not be any sort of pull."
Vaemyr says, "Not nessecarily, if she received an appropriate infusion."
A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Irval.
Leafiara says, "Unless it's fully bonded, maybe we could apply some manner of filter or sieve."
Irval says, "Sorry Im late."
Speaking to Enisius, Lylia asks, "You are suggesting that a small dose of the poison, properly tempered, acts as a cure?"
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Or replace the blood with non tainted if it came to it, seems to be something Empaths learn to do quite early on."
Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean asks, "And perhaps the smaller the dose, the better?"
Enisius says, "We were waiting for you to begin."
Enisius nods at Irval.
Enisius smirks.
Irval chuckles.
Irval says, "As you were then."
Enisius says, "It was humor."
Irval snickers.
Enisius says, "I tried."
Enisius says, "We were in fact, not."
Irval holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.
Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee says, "And time is not on our side tonight."
Enisius asks, "Are you all following me, grouped together at a safe distance as not to touch me?"
Leafiara nods rhythmically at Enisius.
Kelfyr says, "Just don't stop too quickly."
Leafiara dutifully affirms, "I am, at least!"
Enisius nods at Leafiara.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Am make no promish."
Speaking to Enisius, Lylia says, "Of course."
Enisius says, "A few of you are a little too close still. But, for the sake of time, I will allow it."
Enisius says, "But not forget it."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
You notice your companion Kayse slip away into hiding.
Enisius slowly empties his lungs.
You notice your companion Gutstorm slip away into hiding.
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Move over Kayse."
Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean says, "I am standing at a socially appropriate distance to you, I think."
The voice of Kayse flatly says, "Trust me, I am further away from any of you than Enisius is."
Tikba says, "Let us act with all haste, then."
Enisius says, "Your town's socially appropriate protocols are mystifying in general."
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me got me syringe jush incase."
Enisius nods at Dergoatean.
Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."
Irval stares at Enisius.
Irval asks, "Whats my stare tell you?"
Speaking to Enisius, Thrassus asks, "As in the general lack of them?"
Enisius smirks at Thrassus.
Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna observes, "This doesn't quite strike me as 'all haste' yet."
Enisius asks, "Have you Magister, or anyone on the team, yet tested the back shadow of the Reach?"
Lylia says, "Everywhere has their customs, and curiously enough, different communities consider different social distances appropriate."
Enisius peers quizzically at Raelee.
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It not like any of ush are nobilliesh."
Thrassus looks over at Enisius and shakes his head.
[travel begins; I'll show only rooms with props in them that Enisius reacts to]
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee asks, "For the strength of the pull?"
Enisius says, "For anything, over the years."
Enisius says, "Within the valley."
[Lower Dragonsclaw, Grasslands]
Growing among the warm grasses are a few scattered trees. It is hard to tell if the forest you can see to the west is encroaching upon the grasslands or if it is slowly being harvested and replaced for grazing. You also see a large stone outpost and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Enisius glances at a large stone outpost.
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "I do not believe it has been monitored continuously, no."
Arahnim's group just arrived.
Arahnim joins Enisius's group.
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gettem ROlton."
Enisius glances at Arahnim.
Arahnim says, "Me had drag body."
Arahnim says, "Had bring back."
Enisius says, "Too close..."
Arahnim grunts.
Enisius nods.
[Lower Dragonsclaw, Grasslands]
The ground slopes slightly here, giving you pause to look up at the thick, puffy cumulus clouds and their shapes, which are continuously altered by the four winds. You also see obvious signs of someone hiding.
Enisius steps in something in the field. He slowly lifts his shoe, rolton dung dripping from the sole.
A pained expression crosses Enisius's face.
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "Our monitoring efforts have largely been focused upwards."
Shadows dance between Lylia's outstretched fingers as she issues a command in archaic Faendryl.
Lylia gestures at a rolton.
Lylia stares at a rolton.
CS: +543 - TD: +3 + CvA: +25 + d100: +94 == +659
Warding failed!
The rolton lets out a blood curdling scream!
The rolton collapses to the ground, emits a final bleat, and dies.
Speaking to Enisius, Lylia says, "Your boot has been avenged."
Tikba produces a corked crystalline globe filled with glowing mineral water from the depths of her white flyrsilk toqua.
Tikba offers Enisius a corked crystalline globe filled with glowing mineral water.
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Now dat Irval, dat isha shtare."
Enisius accepts Tikba's crystalline globe.
Kelfyr says, "Can't say you weren't warned about the suede in these parts."
Enisius put a corked crystalline globe filled with glowing mineral water in his silk robes.
Speaking to Kelfyr, Lylia says, "Quite impractical. Lovely, but challenging to wear."
Enisius takes some navy brushed suede shoes off his feet.
The voice of Kayse offers, "I can make you some proper boots."
Speaking sympathetically to Enisius, Tikba says, "Water solves many such problems."
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Leasht ye wunt barefoot like dem halfalinsh."
Enisius throws his pair of suede shoes off into the distance, as far as he can, but looking incredibly awkward the entire time. He then reaches into his robes, and pulls out an identical set of brushed suede shoes.
Enisius puts some navy brushed suede shoes onto his feet.
Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "This is a forest with much life. It is likely one will step in some form of scat at one moment or another."
Tikba wryly says, "I understand fire is also effective."
Irval peers quizzically at Enisius.
Enisius asks, "You have only one pair of shoes?"
Thrassus says, "Prepared for anything."
Enisius peers quizzically at Irval.
The voice of Kayse mutters, "Or just make your own."
Irval says, "Only need one set of boots, one set of sandals, one set of dress shoes. So no I guess I don't only have one pair."
Irval produces some flat silver-laced sandals from the depths of his leather duster.
Irval shows Enisius his silver-laced sandals.
Enisius glances at a rolton.
Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "I typically do not carry additional sets of footwear while out and about no..."
Speaking to Enisius, Kiyna says, "Kayse makes excellent footwear - I highly recommend availing yourself of her services."
Enisius says, "I did not until coming here."
Enisius nods at Vaemyr.
Enisius says, "It is dirty. Everywhere."
Irval exclaims, "Shoo!"
Enisius says, "Everywhere."
Enisius shrugs at Kiyna.
Enisius nods.
Tikba politely agrees, "Yes, it is the frontier."
Enisius says, "Sure."
Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "You should look into the enruned versions that keep dirt and grime off."
Leafiara exclaims, "That's the frontier for ya!"
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee suggests, "Boots."
Enisius says, "Yes. Boots."
Bernadette softly says, "Got sumadeese."
Irval asks, "Boots?"
Tikba wryly says, "When you herd sheep, and eat sheep, you must be prepared for the products of sheep."
The voice of Kayse amusedly says, "He would have to deal with me measuring his feet though and I am not sure that is something he would like."
Irval says, "Or just sheep..."
Vaemyr says, "Oh so we are going to the other side of the reach."
Enisius says, "I will measure them myself."
Leafiara agreeably says, "This makes sense."
Enisius says, "Or measure Elidal's. We wear the same fit."
The voice of Kayse indifferently says, "Very well. As long as they are exact."
Speaking to Enisius, Irval asks, "The Rolton or someone's boots?"
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
The grass waves about you, rustling in the breeze. In the distance you can hear the river running, and the call of the occasional frog. A headless, dead fish lies on the ground, toothmarks evident in the body. Whatever took a bite from this fish had very large teeth. You also see obvious signs of someone hiding.
Enisius glances at a dead fish.
Enisius says, "Gross."
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
The grass here has died and part of the broken ground is sunken, as if a hole underground collapsed onto itself. In the dirt around the depression, skeletal fingers can be seen reaching for the surface. You also see a rolton, a lesser orc, a lesser orc and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Enisius looks at some skeletal fingers and gags.
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
Close off to the west, the Reach looms. This is the back face of the mountain, seldom seen by most. It rises out of the grassland as if striving to touch the stars, the upheaval of the rocks evident in the pristine mountainside. The flattened paths through the grass go no further west, instead leading off to the east, south, and southeast. You also see a lesser burrow orc, a lesser burrow orc, a lesser orc, a rolton, a lesser orc, a lesser burrow orc and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat lotta orc."
Enisius looks up and off to the west, where the Reach looms.
Enisius says, "Still a bit close."
Tikba says, "There are always orcs here in the Valley."
Tikba says, "Do not let them get your nose."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It hurt."
Thrassus says, "So many boots walking on the ground likely will stir up the burrow orcs."
Enisius says, "Hmm..."
Enisius walks in a slow circle, one foot out in front of the other.
Enisius says, "Near here..."
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
A wooden shield lies rotting in the dirt. It is half buried in the ground, grown over with grass and weeds. Its exposed surface is bleached bone-white in the moonlight and is deeply cracked, a testament to the time it has spent forgotten in this place. You also see a lesser orc and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Enisius says, "A lesser orc. As if a great orc exists."
Enisius shrugs.
Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "Some greater than others."
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "The greater variety is also local."
Leafiara says, "Well, there is our Steward of the Guard..."
Vaemyr says, "Technically... there are some greater orcs around..."
Lylia says, "That depends on what the orcs think of the matter."
Enisius says, "Greater in name only. I assure you."
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee adds, "It is largely a measure of size and strength."
Preparing the Spot
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
A small patch of wildflowers decorates the area, breaking the monotony of the grasslands. The shadow of Melgorehn's Reach blots out a wedge of the starry sky. In the distance, you can hear the call of a mountain bird. You also see a lesser orc and obvious signs of someone hiding.
Enisius says, "Here."
Enisius says, "Please make this spot, safe."
Leafiara calls upon the local spirits and directs them through the area...
Leafiara gestures.
A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.
Enisius nods.
Kayse says, "I did..." [she killed the orc]
Enisius says, "Thank you."
Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean asks, "How can you tell it's here? Not just barely north or southeast?"
Enisius nods at Leafiara.
Leafiara nods enthusiastically at Enisius!
Enisius says, "The flowers."
Leafiara amiably exclaims, "Welcome!"
>l wildf
This tiny patch of flowers is a pleasure to look at. The blooms are delicate, with small rounded petals of yellow and orange. They stand out in the grass, bringing color to the landscape.
Dergoatean asks, "Poppies?"
Thrassus says, "They are a bit standout."
Enisius says, "Look how the Reach pierces the sky."
Enisius says, "Fascinating."
Speaking to Enisius, Lylia says, "It is one of the benefits of field research that no workshop or library alone can convey."
Speaking to Perigourd, Dergoatean says, "The raspberries all be disappear."
Dergoatean says, "Well, almost, anyway."
Irval says, "All I see is lot of rain..."
Enisius says, "It has been observed, roughly so far by me, that much of the chaos of the storms occurs on the peaks, and towards the lake. The power seems...more dim here in the valley."
Enisius says, "I have not had time yet to determine why."
Enisius nods at Lylia.
Enisius says, "This may be a good enough spot to test and not kill her right away."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ish da goal to kill her eventually?"
Tikba neutrally says, "We will all die eventually."
Leafiara says, "If that were the goal, we'd just have to do nothing at all."
Bernadette softly says, "Jes waitin' 'll do dat."
Irval says, "Gods battling my father use to say, great battles he would say and to watch for the sign when the skies were torn asunder."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "To me it feellike him torching her."
Enisius raises one finger and a spark of dark red light leaps up like a scarlet serpent, coiling up into the night sky and then twisting its glistening form into the shape of a strange glyph. It brightens, then flashes, and burns away but leaves a visible afterglow for several moments.
Enisius says, "They'll bring her here now."
Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm slurs, "Dey not even letter drink da goot shtuff."
Enisius asks, "Shall we?"
Enisius peers quizzically at Raelee.
Speaking dryly to Enisius, Raelee says, "We should have half an hour ago."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye shore ye two not bruddersh?"
Enisius begins to slowly pace the area, moving along the field, drawing glowing runes into the air and talking to himself as he does.
Vaemyr says, "I had noticed at least the past few days it seemed like she had less activity durnig the stay at least while I was observing. So it is probably at least reasonable to take this risk... given the time constraints."
Raelee sighs.
(Raelee paces in the opposite direction around the field, drawing a sequence of glowing runes echoing those drawn by Enisius.)
Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm whispers aloud, "Am think we needa bard."
Enisius says, "Good enough, I suppose."
Enisius nods at Raelee.
Speaking to Gutstorm, Kiyna says, "You might be right."
Raelee nods at Enisius.
Enisius ponders.
Enisius says, "Hmm."
Enisius moves over to the area where Raelee is standing, and redraws one of her glyphs, then nods.
Irval says, "There."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Do yoo need ush to help yoo focish?"
Speaking curtly to Enisius, Raelee says, "There was nothing wrong with that."
Enisius smiles.
Speaking quietly to Raelee, Dergoatean says, "I think your gylph was better."
Speaking dryly to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "Indeed."
Enisius says, "A discussion for another time."
Enisius nods at Raelee.
Enisius looks down at his palm.
Enisius says, "We are a team."
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "The words on your hands are for them, not for me."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat summon magic?"
Enisius says, "Okay."
Enisius stretches.
Crossing the bridge, you see four blue-robed mages slowly escorting a woman, slowly moving with her as she pauses to catch her breath, and gaze as the stars.
Enisius says, "Good. Here she comes. It was getting awkward."
Leafiara tentatively asks, "The apprentices bringing her are at least powerful enough to get past the burrow orcs, yes?"
Irval tries to pinch Enisius, but he leans away just in time.
Enisius nods at Leafiara.
Irval cringes.
Irval holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.
Enisius says, "Do not touch me."
Leafiara relievedly says, "Okay, just checking."
Enisius nods at Irval.
Leafiara nods at Enisius.
Enisius says, "Ever."
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.
Irval says, "Mistake , I was too close. Meant to show you how almost awkward it was, then it definitely became awkward."
Gutstorm whispers something to Lylia.
Commence the Experiment
The blue-robed mages arrive, nod to Enisius and Raelee, and slowly guide Casiphia to the center of the field. They roll out a cloth blanket and help the woman ease down to the ground, laying on her back. She coughs, and silver veins throb along her neck and cheeks. Her eyes are distant, but fixed to the sky.
Casiphia gazes up into the heavens.
You see Lady Casiphia Malatina.
She appears to be a Human.
She is average height. She appears to be in the prime of life. She has long-lashed dark brown eyes and fair skin. She has shoulder length, curly bluish-black hair arranged in a twisted roll at the back of her head and held in place by some carved ivory beads. She has an oval face, a small nose and wide hips. Deep silver veins wreath around her neck and snake up along her jawline and spread across her face, and down her arms. Her cheeks are sunken, and her eyes seem hollow and stare off into the distance.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a suede-lined mantle of peppered wolf fur, a single-shoulder oiled leather vest, a wide leather baldric hung with a collection of various daggers, a trim black linen shirt left open at the collar, a slender clear crystal ring, a slotted leather belt displaying various tools and pouches, some crisp black brocade breeches, and some scuffed black suede knee-boots cuffed in grey fur.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo hungry Casi?"
Enisius gazes up into the heavens.
Enisius says, "It stopped raining. Good."
Speaking encouragingly to Casiphia, Leafiara says, "Hopefully solid steps forward tonight..."
Enisius moves to stand in front of Casiphia.
Enisius kneels down.
Enisius reaches out to take Casiphia's hand awkwardly, but then just pats her shoulder and puts his hands back in the pockets of his robe.
Enisius asks, "Please, state your name?"
Casiphia weakly says, "Casiphia...."
Enisius says, "Full name please."
Casiphia weakly says, "Casiphia Malatina."
Enisius nods.
Enisius asks, "Are we permitted to go forward with the experiment we discussed, in an attempt to cure you, with the extreme possibility it may also end your existence?"
Casiphia nods.
Enisius says, "I...yes or no please."
Casiphia weakly says, "Yes."
Enisius stands up.
Enisius nods at Raelee.
Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee says, "That was an affirmative."
Enisius nods to the blue-robed mages who head off into the distance, observing but far away.
Enisius says, "Weaken some of the runes on your end. Let's allow just a bit of the flow in."
Enisius nods at Raelee.
Enisius says, "I'll keep them strengthened on my side."
(Raelee gives Enisius a look, but says nothing and sets to work. She quickly scratches out some of the details in a few of the runes, and their glow dims partially.)
Enisius nods.
Enisius slowly empties his lungs.
Enisius glances at Casiphia.
Flashes of golden and silver light erupt on the other side of the Reach, their colors muted from this angle, but their glow still bright enough to cast a shifting hue along parts of the valley.
Casiphia coughs, turning slightly to get comfortable.
Enisius asks, "Anything, Casiphia Malatina?"
Thrassus says, "That was a fast reaction."
Casiphia weakly says, "...just the approach of death. Not soon enough."
Enisius says, "...that is not what I asked. But. Noted."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "No talk like dat!"
Speaking to Thrassus, Dergoatean says, "She can cough whether or not anything is happening with the reach."
Thrassus says, "I am referring to the reaction of the Reach."
Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "I'm not noticing any differences or reactions from the silver veins yet."
Thrassus says, "As soon as the dampening field was partially lowered the Reach reacted."
Speaking to Casiphia, Raelee suggests, "Perhaps a description of what you feel... more acutely, Casiphia."
Casiphia weakly says, "I am cold, but my neck feels on fire. Like a collar of flames."
Casiphia coughs.
Enisius says, "Interesting description."
Enisius says, "Write that down."
Enisius nods at Gutstorm.
(Gutstorm scribbles some notes on his palm.)
Enisius says, "I will weaken some on my end."
Speaking quietly to Enisius, Raelee asks, "Perhaps suggest that someone both more literate and sober take notes?"
Enisius nods.
Speaking to Casiphia, Lylia asks, "Only about your neck, nowhere else?"
Lylia removes a slim ki-lin horn stylus bound in silver from in her wrap.
Enisius asks, "Is he not part of our research team?"
Enisius says, "Very well."
(Gutstorm turns his hand upside down to try and read what he wrote.)
Enisius says, "Someone both more literate and sober please take notes."
Leafiara says, "It's late, but even so, overall cold on a summer night..."
Lylia removes a sheet of flora-pressed parchment dyed a pale tea green from in her wrap.
Gutstorm removes an ebon-banded pheasant plume quill from in his leather apron.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Oh!"
Gutstorm offers Lylia an ebon-banded pheasant plume quill.
Kayse curtly says, "Perhaps give him more credit. He was in fact picked for the research team for a reason."
Tikba diplomatically says, "Gutstorm's strengths do not lie in documentation."
(Lylia turns the parchment over to find a clear space to write.)
Lylia declines Gutstorm's offer.
Enisius paces for a moment, drawing his fingers in the air, the light of some of his original glyphs dimming.
Lylia waves a slim ki-lin horn stylus bound in silver at Gutstorm.
Lylia smiles.
Speaking to Gutstorm, Lylia says, "Thank you, though."
The air crackles with ethereal energy!
[everyone gets dispelled for a good 120 lines of scroll]
Perigourd says, "Hmm.."
Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara agrees, "Gutstorm has numerous other qualit--"
Ethereal energies buffet the surrounds shoving a wall of air before it!
[anti-mana seeps in]
Leafiara slowly says, "Well."
Casiphia screams!
Thrassus says, "Well now."
Kelfyr says, "Well, that's not a great sign."
Raelee asks, "Did that increase the pain?"
Casiphia arches her back up, pushing her chest to the sky. Then she collapses back down.
Thrassus says, "I would take that as a yes."
Enisius asks, "Did that hurt?"
Casiphia weakly says, "YES it bloody hurt you prick."
Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "Obviously."
Enisius gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Atta girl."
Irval says, "Shes still alive at least."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Write dat down Lylia."
Irval says, "And more lively..."
The air crackles with potent energy!
[more dispels]
Leafiara tentatively asks, "Okay, so... less flow than this but more flow than the first try?"
Silver veins coil up towards Casiphia's eyes.
Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "...and then said, 'Yes, it bloody hurt, you prick'..."
Tikba thoughtfully says, "The reaction is clear. But there is no sign of improvement."
Vaemyr says, "This seems to be making it worse."
Irval says, "Oh this might hurt to watch..."
Kayse sharply asks, "I am all for curing her, but perhaps have some damn compassion in these experiments?"
Enisius asks, "Is the sensation of fire changed?"
Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "We don't know that for sure... I've seen some thngs cured that looked very ugly throughout the process."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dish woman needsha drink to help witta pain."
Enisius says, "Compassion can cause errors. No one wants her to suffer or die."
Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara adds, "...and *been* through things cured that looked very ugly throughout the process."
Casiphia weakly says, "The fire is in my neck and shoulders. More in my left."
Enisius nods.
Enisius says, "Good."
Raelee quietly states, "Objectivity is key."
Enisius says, "Weaken another."
Enisius nods at Raelee.
Speaking quietly to Kayse, Dergoatean asks, "Hold on a second, you said research team?"
Raelee glances at Enisius.
Speaking indifferently to Dergoatean, Kayse says, "I didn't pick him."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "If we flip her around, will da pain move to her leg?"
Irval asks, "Maybe a small cut to maybe let it be pulled outta her?"
(Raelee removes a few tendrils from another rune. It flickers, then dims without quieting entirely.)
Irval narrows his eyes in concentration as he draws the tip of his bone fleam slowly through the air in a straight line.
Speaking to Kayse, Dergoatean says, "He's THAT Enisius. Ohh."
Speaking drunkenly to Dergoatean, Gutstorm slurs, "Me appleication wad hebbly shcrootinized."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Dergoatean says, "I guess we're coworkers."
The air crackles with potent energy!
[mana infuses into people]
Speaking flatly to Enisius, Kayse says, "Do not let him cut her."
Tikba notes, "If you feel a sudden headache, do not forget to release the excess mana."
Enisius peers quizzically at Irval.
Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "No incisions. Certainly not with that gross thing."
Enisius asks, "What are you doing?"
Enisius peers quizzically at Irval.
Irval says, "I just asked. It makes sense that if its being pulled up."
Irval says, "I didnt cut her. I asked if I could."
Irval says, "Just a small surgical incision."
Enisius says, "You are to observe, and maybe talk. Maybe."
Enisius nods at Irval.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "No talk."
Raelee says, "... do not create additional variables."
Thrassus says, "The 'pulling' may not be literal."
Lylia flatly says, "No. Nothing about any of this suggests a need to cut her."
Irval sighs.
Perigourd says, "Hmm.."
Irval asks, "No talk? really?"
Irval asks, "Even after im the one that has been suggested It to begin with?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Am jeshtin Irval."
Casiphia weakly says, "Cut me with that, and you better bury it in me. Otherwise you'll taste your bowels when I cut you from groin to grin."
Lylia incredulously asks, "Do you want...credit? Applause?"
Enisius says, "....well then."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Write dat down Lylia."
Irval asks, "Whats the price of one small cut in regards to an arrow?"
Speaking wryly to Enisius, Raelee says, "She does still have some fight."
Enisius says, "That is compelling news."
The atmosphere crackles and sparks of energy snap across the area!
[dispels, except by this point no one has any spells anyway]
Casiphia screams!
Tikba says, "The waves of energy have certainly increased."
Casiphia clutches at her shoulder, then her neck. Silver veins along her arms begin to throb.
The air ripples in sickening waves, distorting the surroundings!
The air ripples in sickening waves, distorting the surroundings!
A pained expression crosses Casiphia's face.
Enisius paces the field, dimming a few more glyphs. Only two more remain on his side.
The air crackles with potent energy!
[anti-mana]
Thrassus says, "They don't seem to be changing in size either growing or shrinking, at least so far."
Casiphia lurches up, biting her tongue violently as her eyes bulge and several blood vessels pop within their whites. A few blisters form along her neck and shoulder, as if her skin is bubbling.
Irval says, "Told ya."
Irval says, "Shouda let me cut her."
Enisius says, "Fascinating."
Irval says, "It of come out that instead of this."
Perigourd says, "You might want to give her something to bite on."
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "... it is as if it is trying to 'escape'."
Leafiara says, "No, I'm not sure that 'shoulda' is warranted."
Speaking to Irval, Kayse says, "That proves nothing."
Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "That is what we hypothesized."
Irval says, "It proves your not a healer where I am."
Enisius says, "Escape. Taken."
Enisius says, "I am undecided."
Tikba carefully says, "Trying to escape, but cannot."
Enisius asks, "Casiphia Malatina, may we continue?"
Kayse crisply says, "I believe last night you said you weren't much of a healer. But I guess it depends on the situation."
Irval exclaims, "Thats why you need an incision!"
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia snaps something you don't understand.
Casiphia spits blood. It is black and tarry.
Casiphia weakly says, "...yes."
Perigourd removes a length of flax rope from in his suede cloak.
Perigourd offers Casiphia a length of flax rope.
Perigourd says, "Bite on that for the pain."
Casiphia accepts Perigourd's flax rope.
Speaking to Casiphia, Perigourd says, "Better than harming yourself."
Irval says, "Just because I dont openly practice the healing arts. Doesnt mean Ive not studied them to become a master healer. Im just better at taking things apart."
Leafiara says, "This looks at least passingly similar to what some of us went through with curing the black blood curse. ...and not just because it's black, mind you."
The air crackles with potent energy!
Enisius traces his fingers through the air. The last of his glyphs fade.
'Enisius nods at Raelee.
(Raelee immediately approaches Casiphia and wipes up some of the expectorated blood with her fingers. She rubs it between her fingers briefly, examining it.)
Raelee glances at Enisius.
Irval offers Enisius a yellowed bone fleam with a bloodstained edge.
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee asks, "... the others, as well?"
Enisius declines Irval's offer.
Enisius nods at Raelee.
Shields Down
Enisius says, "If it did not kill her yet, this location will not. I am...almost certain."
(Raelee makes a swiping motion at each of the remaining glyphs. One by one, they flicker and fade away.)
The air crackles with potent energy!
[mana in]
The air crackles with potent energy!
[mana out]
The air crackles with potent energy!
[dispels]
The air crackles with potent energy!
[dispels]
(Lylia's stylus fairly flies across the parchment as she continues taking notes. She adds an illustration in the margin with a few quick strokes.)
Casiphia almost floats from the ground, her body twisting and contorting, even one leg bending awkwardly and surprisingly not snapping in half. She coughs up blood, silver now not black, and the tiny globules of spittle drift up from her throat and seem to float in the air. More blisters form along her neck and shoulders, wisps of smoke coiling up from her boiled skin. She collapses with a fit of coughing, and the drops of silver fall upon her, sinking into her flesh.
Enisius blinks.
Leafiara surprisedly says, "Huh..."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo shtill live?"
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee says, "... that is what we were looking for."
Dergoatean says, "That looked like it almost worked."
Casiphia weakly says, "It burns my neck, shoulder, and arms."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara says, "Exactly my thought."
Enisius sighs.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye need shum ice Casi?"
Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "That's a very similar reaction to what happened with Thadston's shards when he removed them."
Irval says, "Thats because its having issues escaping her body."
Enisius frowns.
Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "Agreed."
Tikba says, "It is beginning to work."
Kiyna says, "If we could only collect the stuff before it falls back onto her..."
Irval says, "You are literally torturing this woman more than she has to be or deserves to be."
Leafiara says, "So we need to somehow... blockade them from re-entering after the initial severing."
Enisius says, "Your voice is torture."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me agree wit Irval."
Speaking bluntly to Irval, Raelee says, "She consented."
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "And replace the blood as she loses it I think."
Kayse asks, "Is there another conduit or vessel the substance could be drawn to?"
Tikba says, "Or find something the poison desires more than her."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kin we giv her fresh blood?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hey me kin proddy handle da poison."
Kayse airily apologizes, "I am not part of the research team."
The atmosphere crackles and sparks of energy snap across the area!
[anti-mana]
Speaking to Kiyna, Dergoatean says, "Maybe if someone really quick caught the silvery bits in a cup."
Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "I suspect Thadston could probably draw it with what we've seen to his high affinity but... I'm sure you meant a non person vessel."
Irval says, "And we can collect samples."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Kiyna says, "I could try, but I don't think that will work."
Leafiara asks, "Didn't Thadston try sealing the shards in a box and it still didn't work? Or was that just an idea we tossed at him that hasn't been tested?"
Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse suggests, "Thadston might be able to handle the additional load of it."
Irval kneels before Casiphia.
Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "Possibly."
Irval asks, "She consented correct?"
Speaking to Irval, Raelee says, "That is what I said."
Casiphia screams, waves and waves of blood curdling screams. She twitches, foaming at the mouth Her eyes go black, then all silver, then back to normal. She shakes and veins of silver thicken along her body then patches of her skin begin to crack, rivulets of silver seeping out and bending towards the sky, towards the Reach, before they recoil back into her body.
Kayse says, "She consented to this, not whatever you are about to do."
Tikba says, "You should not suggest that idea to Thadston unless you are sure you wish it done."
Irval shrugs.
Irval stands up.
Enisius frowns.
Lylia clarifies, "She consented to work with the researchers from the Hall of Mages."
Enisius says, "It won't work here Casiphia."
Enisius says, "It isn't strong enough."
Speaking to Enisius, Dergoatean exclaims, "But the flowers!"
Kiyna says, "It seems close. But not quite there..."
Speaking to Enisius, Kayse says, "Getting closer seems like it could kill her."
Leafiara says, "So the Reach can't overpower the connection... or, if it can, at very least not here."
Tikba neutrally asks, "Is it possible to keep her alive closer to the Reach?"
Leafiara says, "And what Kayse said..."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Meybe on da alter under da moonbeam."
Leafiara says, "Conundrums."
Enisius says, "If we want to have the most successful chance of removing the poison, we'll need to move you to the lake. It is also likely to kill you."
Enisius asks, "Do you understand, Casiphia Malatina?"
Kiyna asks, "Is there no middle ground between here and the lake?"
The atmosphere crackles and sparks of energy snap across the area!
[mana in]
Casiphia squirms.
Speaking to Enisius, Vaemyr says, "I think it could be worth trying to see if Thadston could remove it, and then seeing if we can remove it along with the shards in his arms all at once... he has a stronger constitution for this certainly..."
Thadston Protocol
Casiphia witheringly says, "...get him."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We needa shronger veshel to carry her blood."
Speaking to Kiyna, Dergoatean says, "Doesn't seem like we can just inch closer and put her through this over and over."
Leafiara asks, "Get Thadston?"
Enisius says, "He is unpredictable, despite what your enemies and friends claim."
Enisius nods at Casiphia.
Tikba amusedly says, "We claim he is unpredictable."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "I can't think of any other him, in this case."
Speaking to Enisius, Raelee whispers aloud, "I trust him to control himself less than most of this crowd."
Kayse lightly says, "I would not argue that."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "In dish matter, he will do right thing."
Enisius says, "His exposure could create even further catastrophic results, even beyond your death."
Thrassus says, "He might be a bit of too chaotic a variable in this."
Tikba says, "Thadston's death would hurt the Landing."
Enisius says, "I do not approve, I am sorry."
Leafiara slowly says, "I don't find Thadston unpredictable in matters concerning Casiphia."
Lylia says, "Her words were clear."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yeah, dunt he love her?"
Enisius says, "No."
Kiyna says, "On this, the matter of Casiphia, he is the most predictable creature you'll ever meet."
[General] Casiphia thinks, "Help me."
Kayse says, "Perhaps she wishes to just see him right now."
Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "I can also predict what he might do, and therein lies the problem."
[General] Thadston asks, "Where are you?"
Enisius sighs.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We gonna hafta outvote ye Enisius."
Lylia says, "If you would wish to keep working with her, or upon her, then you would honor this for her."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Melgorehn's Valley."
Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "If her life is at risk, he may have a right to be present, and her to request it if you intend to continue."
[General] Kayse thinks, "We are in Melgorehn's Valley."
Thrassus says, "Too late."
Raelee whispers something to Enisius.
Tikba mildly says, "I fear he comes."
[General] Lylia thinks, "She has asked for you."
Kiyna says, "I'm not sure all of us could stop him now if we wanted."
The air crackles with ethereal energy!
[dispels]
Enisius sighs and holds his hands down to his side, twirling one finger in a circle.
Lylia adds, "I shall tell him that some of you wished to bleed her."
Leafiara says, "Well, one of us."
Leafiara glances at Irval.
Tikba says, "We must hope the attempt does not harm him."
Thrassus says, "It's possible his shards might boost the pull a bit."
Irval asks, "What?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "No chairsh here, we areall shafe."
Ex-Mayor Thadston just came marching in.
Speaking wryly to Irval, Leafiara says, "You might want to back away--"
Speaking to Enisius, Kelfyr says, "If you don't want to invite an awful lot of touching by a former Mayor, I suggest not trying to stop him."
Speaking to Thrassus, Vaemyr says, "I think his ability to draw out magic with the shards, will work on it."
Irval says, "Feel free."
Speaking to Thadston, Lylia says, "She has asked for you."
Irval asks, "Im a healer. Dont you know you need to listen to your healer?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Heddo Mayer!"
Irval says, "Sometimes."
Speaking to Thadston, Lylia says, "We have kept her from being flensed or bled."
Thadston asks, "Where is she?"
Leafiara points at Casiphia.
Gutstorm points at Casiphia.
Thadston gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Speaking to Thadston, Vaemyr says, "The silver in her veins, I believe will react with your arms... you may can help her."
Thadston glances at Enisius.
Lylia glances between Thadston and Casiphia.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Thadston says, "Look you little worm, stop hiding her from me."
Tikba simply says, "She asked for you."
Thadston grabs Enisius by the arm and shakes him slightly.
Speaking to Thadston, Kayse assures, "She consented to this first off."
Thadston says, "Next time I will shake your head off."
Speaking to Thadston, Lylia says, "He is attempting to help."
Speaking sharply to Thadston, Raelee exclaims, "Thadston!"
Leafiara slowly explains, "She's, uh... well, it's sort of similar to the problem with your own kroderine shards. We can briefly extract the poison, but then it goes back in--"
Lylia stresses, "With her consent."
Kelfyr says, "And thus warned, he did not heed."
Speaking politely to Enisius, Tikba says, "It is best to release the illusion."
Speaking to Enisius, Perigourd says, "You may wish to drop the illusion."
Enisius spins a circle with his finger, and Thadston suddenly spins his head, looking at Casiphia.
Thadston puts the wizard down.
Enisius dusts himself off.
Thadston asks, "What did you do to her?"
Thadston peers quizzically at Enisius.
Speaking drunkenly to Perigourd, Gutstorm slurs, "He do dat magic yoo do on me wit da doll."
Tikba says, "What she wished."
Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd says, "Nothing she didn't agree to."
Enisius says, "We tried to pull the poison from her."
Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd says, "He is attempting to remove the poison from her."
Thadston says, "Poke poke poke I bet..."
Thrassus says, "Attempt to cure her at her request."
Thadston grumbles.
Casiphia weakly says, "Thadston, please. I did agree."
Lylia repeats, "With her consent. Throughout. Including now."
Casiphia weakly says, "Do not make the boy soil himself."
Thadston sniffs.
Thadston says, "Too late."
Thadston smirks.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yeah break shtuff later, help Casi firsh."
Vaemyr whispers something to Thadston.
Lylia adds, "Moreover, he kept her from being bled."
Casiphia weakly says, "Take me to the lake please. But go slow. For once, don't rush into it."
Casiphia nods at Thadston.
Thadston nods at Vaemyr.
Speaking to Enisius, Irval says, "I hope for your sake if thats true, shoes aren't the only extra pair you brought."
Thadston glances at Enisius.
Tikba carefully says, "Thadston, you may also feel a reaction to the Reach."
Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "Quite likely."
Tikba says, "Please let us know what you experience."
Enisius says, "I will not stop you."
Speaking to Thadston, Raelee says, "There are problems to solve, Thadston... both in you and in her. Whether or not you like it, those solutions are going to come from experimentation."
Enisius says, "But recall, for the sake of it all, that I warned against this."
Speaking drunkenly to Enisius, Gutstorm slurs, "Omelettesh."
Thadston says, "We'll take it from here magic boy."
Thadston nods at Enisius.
Enisius frowns.
The air crackles with potent energy!
[mana into people]
Casiphia weakly says, "Enisius...thank you."
Enisius shrugs.
Magister Enisius's group just went southeast.
Magister Enisius's group just went northwest.
Enisius disbands his group.
Enisius dusts himself off.
Magister Enisius just went southeast.
To the Lake
Leafiara says, "Right then..."
Thadston nods.
Irval asks, "Err?"
Thadston kneels down.
Leafiara says, "I'm sure we can handle the rest."
Irval asks, "Did he go change his pants or somethng?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Need help carry her Thadston?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me gotta net."
Speaking slowly to Thadston, Raelee says, "You might chase him off, but only him."
Thadston kneels down and slowly pulls Casiphia into his arms, lifting her gently, and she places one hand weakly upon his arm.
Thadston stands up.
Tikba mildly says, "Magister Enisius has worked hard to solve the problems we put to him."
Kelfyr says, "Among many other things."
Thadston asks, "The lake?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Maybe da cure to dish ish more magical demn magic, mebbe it love."
Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd says, "So he said."
Leafiara says, "That's what she said, yes."
Speaking amusedly to Kelfyr, Tikba says, "Well put."
Irval says, "The lake."
Lylia says, "Yes, but slowly."
Thrassus says, "It will likely be sheer agony."
You see Ex-Mayor Thadston Andrews.
He appears to be a Human from Hendor.
He is very tall. He appears to be mature. He has sharp steel grey eyes and tanned skin. He has a shaven head of golden-brown hair streaked with white. He has a scruffy face, a broken nose and a trimmed golden-brown beard shot with flecks of white. Thin fragments of bluish-white kroderine seem woven into parts of the flesh along his forearms.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a weakened Casiphia in his right hand.
He is wearing a long charcoal black cloak with the faded image of a blue phoenix on the back, a battered blue steel aegis, a worn black leather pack, a silver-threaded blue tabard, some dull grey splint mail, a heavy black back scabbard, a slender deep blue battle horn, a silvery samite scabbard, some fitted dark leather pants, and a pair of stained black boots.
Irval says, "Your arms...might also be in pain as we go closer."
Leafiara says, "To be honest, he's probably been through worse."
Thadston asks, "You going to stop me Magister? Or huff and puff and march away too?"
Thadston peers quizzically at Raelee.
[travel begins]
Speaking evenly to Thadston, Raelee says, "I am not afraid of you Thadston, and I think you know that."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We know any magic to help wit pain?"
Thadston says, "Not what I asked."
Speaking to Thadston, Raelee asks, "I am still here, am I not?"
Kayse lightly says, "I believe she already mention she wouldn't leave."
Speaking neutrally to Thadston, Raelee says, "The observer never fails."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We left Casi."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "He's holding her."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Perigourd says, "He's carrying her."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Vaemyr says, "Thadston has her."
Speaking to Raelee, Kiyna says, "Unless they blink."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Oh, me think am drank to much."
Casiphia squirms in Thadston's arms, veins of silver throbbing along her flesh and smoke coils upward.
(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "As in he's literally carrying her as an item, heh."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Perigourd says, "Doubt I'll ever hear that again."
(OOC) Vaemyr's player whispers to the group, "In one hand at that."
(OOC) Thadston's player whispers to the group, "Not dragging away my NPC's this time haha."
(OOC) Perigourd's player whispers to the group, "I'm curious if she has a show but I felt gauche to inspect her."
(OOC) Dergoatean's player whispers to the group, "...Is she OHB?"
(OOC) Tikba's player whispers to the group, "Hahaha."
(OOC) Leafiara's player whispers to the group, "I was thinking THW."
(OOC) Thadston's player whispers to the group, "She assesses as a ball and chain."
(OOC) Lylia's player whispers to the group, "Hah, good! I think it's a very cool way to travel with her. Awesome, in fact."
(OOC) Vaemyr's player whispers to the group, "Lol."
(OOC) Gutstorm's player whispers to the group, "Ive always joked about using dwi has a weapon with disease flares<biting>"
(OOC) Kiyna's player whispers to the group, "PFFFFFFF."
(OOC) Dergoatean's player whispers to the group, "Ba dum tissss."
[Wehnimer's, Exterior]
Through a crack in the wooden palisade to the north, you can see the bustling traffic of Wehnimer. It is a stark contrast to the open path that you walk.
Casiphia screams, digging her nails into Thadston's arms. Drops of silver peel up from her flesh, but drop back down.
Thadston asks, "...is that okay?"
Irval says, "Happened before."
Vaemyr says, "Expected..."
Speaking to Thadston, Raelee says, "It will only grow worse as you approach the lake."
Irval says, "You really don't want them to absorb back into her."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We mish da lake?"
Tikba says, "The silver is what we are trying to remove."
Leafiara reiterates, "It's like your shards, so far it ends up going back in."
Irval says, "If you are to ask for my medical advice."
Tikba says, "It needs to go further."
Speaking to Gutstorm, Perigourd says, "No, we need to go around."
Speaking to Thadston, Kiyna asks, "Do you feel any pull on your shards right now?"
Leafiara says, "The hope is that getting closer to the Reach can strengthen the pull and keep the poison out for good."
Tikba neutrally says, "It will be very painful for her, and she may die."
Thadston says, "Yes."
Kelfyr says, "Not one person yet has asked for your medical advice."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat rolton gonna eatcha Kiyna."
Casiphia lifts her neck painfully and whispers something into Thadston's ears.
Irval says, "This was also a proposed option to help you rid yourself of the shards as well."
Speaking to Thadston, Vaemyr says, "It'll get worse as we get closer, you may be able to stablize it some with the shards in your arms, they seem similar in original, both potentially involving the bleaklands and kroderine."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "And then... poisoned reach? Poisoned Rodnay?"
Lylia says, "It is like watching iron shavings drawn to a lodestone, only the lodestone is too weak or distant to do more than stir them instead of collecting them."
Thadston nods.
Speaking slowly to Dergoatean, Tikba says, "I had not considered that."
Tikba asks, "Where will the poison go?"
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Inta Thadston."
Thrassus says, "Metals attracted by the Reach seem to be going through that rift to wherever it leads."
[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]
You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. You also see a cedar chip path and a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees.
Finality
Speaking to Tikba, Dergoatean says, "The reach is unthinkably poewrful; I hope it will overcome whatever is in Thadston and Casiphia. But who knows how they'll interact."
Thadston asks, "Here?"
Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "If the previous occurence of kroderine at the lake is an indication.. it may be used to open a tear."
Vaemyr says, "Aye."
Leafiara says, "Maybe it can fly into another plane. That's where some of the other things tested at the Reach went."
Kiyna says, "The alternative right now is not acceptable. I'm willing to deal with any knock-on effects when they reveal themselves."
Vaemyr says, "Here..."
Casiphia screams! She spasms, her eyes go silver, she grips Thadston's arms. Fissures rip along her flesh like the cracking of stone.
Thrassus says, "So it's possible it will end up empowering whatever it is on the othder side."
Tikba thoughtfully says, "The people in the altar chamber were struck with objects as they flew into the rift."
Thadston clenches his jaw.
Tikba says, "We must hope Iliyaas is not there tonight."
Thrassus says, "Or at least she stays low to the ground."
Leafiara says, "Even if she's up there, if she's heard our thoughts then she can know to duck."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "Hard to say if its effect can be stabilized or remains temporary as prior. IT may simply be a matter of amount."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ye know....wot could go wrong?"
Casiphia lets her arm dangle limp for a moment, then lifts it slightly to point at the lake.
Thadston disbands his group.
Thadston nods.
Thadston takes a step closer to the shore of the lake.
Udari says, "She doesnt look well."
Tikba says, "She is dying."
Leafiara says, "It'll always look ugly before it gets better."
A fragment of kroderine along Thadston's arm expands.
Irval says, "Darkest before the dawn..."
Leafiara says, "Or worse, for that matter, but..."
Thadston nods at Kiyna.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "If she were dwarf, she coulda hanneled dat poichin."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "It usually looks worse on the way to the worst, too."
Udari asks, "Why is she not at the town Healer?"
Tikba vaguely says, "Her case is difficult."
Kayse says, "It is not that simple of an illiness."
Speaking to Udari, Vaemyr says, "It is not a illness that can be healed by normal means."
Lylia says, "Ordinary healers have been unable to provide relief for her."
Speaking to Udari, Leafiara says, "This is far beyond Surtey."
A vein of jagged silver rips out of Casiphia's arm like a glistening spear and it stabs into Thadston's leg. It passes through his flesh then flies up towards the Reach, disappearing into the night.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kayse we inna hinnerland taday, me am sho hearty, me am only one not freeze. everone elsh freeze."
Thrassus says, "Because the healer cannot do anything about it."
Thadston suddenly stumbles for no apparent reason.
Kiyna determinedly says, "I trust Casiphia and Thadston. What happens now, will happen."
Irval says, "Oh look, at not nice incision."
Thadston says, "...not the first time she's stabbed me..."
Leafiara slowly says, "It did work, though."
Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm slurs, "While we here, we should marry dem."
Thadston walks to the edge of the lake, carrying Casiphia in his arms. She screams, making no sound this time, and her head drops back.
Speaking to Irval, Lylia asks, "Will there come a time that you do not remind us of everything you have said and done in the past as though it is momentous and we are all fools for not paying you the constant heed you so clearly and desperately require?"
The flesh along Thadston's arms begins to shift like clay.
Lylia asks, "And can we just...skip ahead to that day and time?"
Lylia says, "I would enjoy that."
Irval asks, "Im sorry what?"
Udari asks, "The lake might heal her?"
Irval asks, "You mean callin to fact that seem to escape you?"
Kayse says, "It has nothing to do with a cut, it has everything to do with being closer to the Reach."
Irval says, "Sure."
Udari says, "It is named after Lord Eonak."
Gutstorm yells, "Walk inta da light Casi!"
Leafiara whispers aloud, "You can do it. Both of you..."
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs something you don't understand.
As Thadston steps into the waters, a chunk of flesh rips from his arm as a jagged shard of kroderine, soaked in blood, soars up into the sky and disappears among the peaks of the Reach. Casiphia's body twitches and small rivulets of silver tear out of pores along her shoulders, but this time they do not fall, but instead snake up into the sky like moonlight colored lava.
Gutstorm says, "I'm goooin' fishink."
Thadston stumbles slightly, almost dropping Casiphia. He hoists her up higher, wading deeper into the waters of the lake.
Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd cautions, "Be careful."
Leafiara approvingly says, "It's very, very much working..."
Speaking to Thadston, Kiyna exclaims, "Hold fast, Thadston!"
Speaking apprehensively to Leafiara, Kayse says, "They still have to survive it though..."
Speaking quietly to Lylia, Tikba suggests, "Enisius will no doubt wish these observations as well."
Shards of jagged silver explode from Casiphia's side, shredding her flesh and clothes, spraying the lake with blood and soaking Thadston's chest. They sharp metal then skewers his arms and chest, peeling his own skin and leaving several gaping wounds as it burrows through him and up into the sky.
Thadston suddenly stumbles for no apparent reason.
A pained expression crosses Thadston's face.
Dergoatean quietly says, "I can't help but feel we're watching two defiant deaths in progress."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dey in love."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Kiyna says, "And if we are, they have chosen them. They have that right."
Speaking to Kiyna, Dergoatean says, "But tragic."
Thadston almost drops Casiphia again, her feet and back touching the water. He pulls her out, clenching his jaw, squeezing her to his chest. Blood covers them both, a mix of of one another. A sucking sound emanates from Thadston's arms as two more shards of kroderine rip free, flying up to the sky and leaving a trail of blood in the air.
Thadston says, "Help me....hold her..."
Perigourd walks toward Thadston.
Leafiara walks toward Thadston.
Gutstorm walks toward Thadston.
Thadston wobbles, one of his arms almost shredded beyond use.
Thadston says, "Please..."
Bernadette moves to stand in front of Thadston.
Thrassus says, "It will be wonderful if they survive, but I fear worse will happen after."
(Perigourd assists Thadston in supporting Casiphia's weight.)
(Vaemyr enters the land and steadies Thadston.)
(Kiyna bounds forward to assist, holding one of Thadston's legs.)
(Leafiara helps Thadston brace to support Casiphia through the ordeal.)
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Raelee says, "As you said."
(Gutstorm moves under Casi and pushes her up.)
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Now am wet."
(Kayse walks out into the mountain lake and helps hold up Casiphia.)
Lylia walks toward Thadston.
(Bernadette helps hold Casiphia as well.)
(Raelee remains on the shore, watching intently.)
Shards of silver erupt from Casiphia's body, shooting out like daggers forged of moonlight. They spray outward before reaching to the sky.
Tikba walks toward Thadston.
A flowing scarlet-sheened x'aganjira tunic emblazoned with a soaring phoenix partially deflects the onslaught of the puncture attack.
... 30 points of damage!
Well aimed strike shatters bone in left arm!
She [Kiyna] is stunned!
(Lylia stands beside Thadston and helps support Casiphia with a hand beneath her shoulder.)
Kiyna winces.
... 40 points of damage!
Strike to left arm shatters elbow and severs forearm!
He [Vaemyr] is stunned!
... 30 points of damage!
Well aimed strike shatters bone in left arm!
She [Lylia] is stunned!
Irval says, "Oh look, The solution I suggested months ago has helped rid Thadston and save Casiphia. Your welcome."
Irval whispers arcane incantations, and the air about him swirls with ghostly wisps of power.
Irval gestures.
Irval becomes blurred, and then vanishes!
... 34 points of damage!
Strike to left arm shatters elbow and severs forearm!
He [Gutstorm] is stunned!
A radiant red zelnorn tunic accented by a shining white leaf flourish partially deflects the onslaught of the puncture attack.
... 30 points of damage!
Well aimed strike shatters bone in left arm!
She [Leafiara] is stunned!
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me arm!"
(Tikba walks forward to help as she sees the injuries mount.)
... 25 points of damage!
Well aimed strike shatters bone in left arm!
She [Bernadette] is stunned!
(Kayse wraps her other arm around Thadston's waist to help support him as well.)
Leafiara woundedly gasps, "Worth it..."
(Gutstorm tries to hold Casiphia up with his good arm.)
Kiyna asks, "Come on, Thadston... you've taken blows from Amos! What's this compared to that brute's fists?"
Udari says, "This is quite gruesome."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Irval leff ush?"
Speaking in Faendryl to Thadston, Lylia murmurs something you don't understand.
(Leafiara digs her feet into the lake bottom to continue helping Thadston brace.)
Kelfyr says, "Weak blood, I suppose."
(Bernadette quickly bandages her arm and goes back to helping hold Casiphia.)
Tikba moves to stand behind Thadston.
More flesh shifts and sheds from Thadston's arms, but now, surrounded by others, Casiphia does not fall. She does not touch the water. Thadston leans to the left for support, then to the right, using anyone close enough as his arms are flayed by the magic of the Reach. The shards of kroderine lift from his body, glistening and slick with his blood. They fly to the heavens. Thin ribbons of silver leap from Casiphia's body and like reverse rain, they ascend to the sky.
Thadston kneels down.
>l thadst
You see Ex-Mayor Thadston Andrews.
He appears to be a Human from Hendor.
He is very tall. He appears to be mature. He has sharp steel grey eyes and tanned skin. He has a shaven head of golden-brown hair streaked with white. He has a scruffy face, a broken nose and a trimmed golden-brown beard shot with flecks of white. (no more kroderine)
He is in good shape.
He is holding a weakened Casiphia in his right hand.
He is wearing a long charcoal black cloak with the faded image of a blue phoenix on the back, a battered blue steel aegis, a worn black leather pack, a silver-threaded blue tabard, some dull grey splint mail, a heavy black back scabbard, a slender deep blue battle horn, a silvery samite scabbard, some fitted dark leather pants, and a pair of stained black boots.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Pretty."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... one does wonder what they will utilize this for."
(Kiyna holds Thadston up as best she can.)
Lylia breathes, "Yes...beautiful."
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus says, "It will be vicious, whatever the form it takes."
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Likely so."
New Material
The shards and veins of kroderine float in the sky above Melogrehn's Reach as the storm of the mountain rages on.
Leafiara tentatively asks, "Is... is it over...?"
A silver vein in the sky begins to stretch sideways, reaching for a shard of metal.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus says, "With luck it won't be immediate and we will have time to prepare."
Kiyna exclaims, "Block the shards from coming back! Raise a barrier or something!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Something else has just begun."
Leafiara says, "I think the force on the other side is trying to take them for itself, actually."
Thrassus says, "They aren't coming back."
Tikba carefully says, "They are joining together."
Speaking grimly to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "No, they're not."
Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "The shards in Thadston's arms are all gone."
The silver vein connects with a kroderine shard, coiling around it like an ivy vine climbing an ancient stone pillar.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We cure Thadston tooz?"
Bernadette softly says, "Wot 'er dey turning inta."
Tikba thoughtfully says, "When we saw the orbs, some time ago now, some felt that there was an intelligence within them, trying to speak to us."
Speaking to Thadston, Perigourd says, "You should take her to safety and healing, this could get ugly."
Thadston nods.
(Kayse adjusts her weight to continue to help support Thadston, her gaze drifting upward to watch the sky.)
Vaemyr says, "But... I do remember portals opening."
Udari says, "We might be witnessing the creation of a new metal."
Leafiara cautiously says, "You know, at first I wasn't all that worried since it's just some kroderine, but..."
Thadston coughs, unable to even talk, only groan.
Raelee observes, "... Enisius will regret missing this."
Vaemyr says, "The last time it ate anti magical metal..."
Speaking sharply to Thadston, Tikba says, "You need aid."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "He hot."
Speaking to Thadston, Kiyna says, "You can do this."
Thadston nearly collapses, but several militia rush in, helping Thadston and Casiphia to the shoreline and away from the lake. They begin applying bandages as they help them to town.
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Sure, NOW they show up."
Gutstorm yells, "Bring backa medic!"
Leafiara cautiously says, "They made it. Now the question is if we will."
Vaemyr says, "They are both some of the strongest folks I've seen, they'll survive."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Kin we fire Enisius?"
Lylia whispers something to Xorus.
Vaemyr says, "We should be prepared for company I think..."
Vaemyr says, "Just in case."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Den why we shtandin here?"
Udari says, "I think those love birds will survive."
A second silver vein extends from a shard in the sky, reaching out for another chunk of metal, pulling it towards the other. The myriad of veins and metal shards continue to float up towards the peak of the Reach, slowly drifting and twisting towards each other as they drift.
Tikba carefully asks, "Is it known how kroderine reacts with the mana fires?"
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.
Speaking to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "If there's company, it'll probably be here first."
Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara recalls, "I... don't believe that's been checked, no."
Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "I suppose we may learn soon enough."
Kiyna says, "And if all the kroderine that was swept away just becomes some kind of monster... who hasn't wished all their problems were mere monsters? Monsters you can slay."
Tikba wryly says, "I suppose, whatever the creature becomes, we will know not to use magic on it."
Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara agrees, "Well put."
A second shard is pulled together with veins of silver, as the twisting mass of metal and threads continue to drift to the sky. Then just like that, they are gone, out of sight, beyond your view. There is a flash of light and a clap of thunder, then the night is still.
Discussion Afterward
Leafiara surprisedly says, "...oh."
Bernadette softly says, "Hmm."
Dergoatean says, "So that's that."
Vaemyr says, "Looks like we'll get to worry about that another night."
Leafiara surprisedly says, "Well, no battle. For now."
Thrassus says, "That is not that."
Tikba says, "We will see it again."
Udari says, "Very pretty."
Leafiara pragmatically says, "More time to prepare, then, at least."
Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "Hope you have some good notes to make Enisius jealous for not being here."
Speaking to Thrassus, Dergoatean says, "I mean to say - there's no keeping those shards out of the reach now."
Speaking to Leafiara, Udari asks, "What are we preparing for?"
Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "Jealousy is not the point."
Vaemyr says, "Regardless, we did what we set out to do."
Speaking tentatively to Udari, Leafiara says, "Some kind of kroderine golem, maybe..."
Speaking raspily to Tikba, Tolene says, "Messy."
Tikba says, "For the thing we have made to return."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "I don't know if that's better or wose."
Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "... I do not think we did."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Worse."
Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "We did for most of us, perhaps not you though."
Leafiara considers, "Unlike with Gnul's forge and the giant Gnul, I'm definitely not forgetting to bring my claidhmore next time in case we need to bash something to pieces for half an hour."
Thrassus says, "I think whatever force is on the other side of that rift will replicate the materials for thier own use."
Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "But the poison was removed from Casiphia and we managed to get rid of Thadston's shards while we were at it... I'll call that all a win."
Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna asks, "Bring a little one for me, would you?"
Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "The problem has been ripped away. We have... far too many unanswered questions about its nature. And... we have likely created a new problem in its stead."
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Indeed."
Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "I'm with Kiyna, if it's turned into a monster, monsters can be slain."
Tikba says, "We must hope that Thadston will survive."
Kiyna says, "Casiphia and Thadston chose to do this. None has any right to gainsay their decision, so far as I'm concerned."
Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "He's a tough fellow."
Leafiara says, "I'm extremely confident Thadston will survive."
Speaking evenly to Vaemyr, Raelee asks, "At the expense of how many other lives?"
Speaking to Vaemyr, Udari asks, "But at what cost?"
Kiyna chants, "Freedom takes root."
Lylia says, "So do fungi."
Speaking to Lylia, Kiyna says, "So do people."
Lylia adds, "And weeds."
Leafiara says, "Casi, well... she'll probably survive. She didn't have it as badly, I think."
Speaking to Lylia, Kiyna says, "And large white towers."
Tikba says, "All plants take root."
Speaking to Udari, Vaemyr says, "Everything has a cost, we just have to make the best decisions we can as we go. Tonight we saved someone's life who would of certainly died."
Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Leafi cubber me, gotta do me fing!"
Lylia says, "She is quite strong. We may not see eye to eye on all matters, but Casiphia is braver than most could be."
Speaking offhandedly to Tikba, Leafiara says, "So, about that 50-50 chance I gave it that she'd just end up getting pardoned again... I think I might have to change the odds after what Thadston went through with her tonight."
Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba asks, "In which direction?"
Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "Some plants float on the surface of water. Whether they are rooted in it is a fascinating question."
Udari says, "A great day capped off with saving two lifes."
Speaking wryly to Tikba, Leafiara says, "I can just imagine him pleading with Alendrial for the pardon."
Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba agrees, "I am sure Alendrial would be amenable."
Tikba mildly says, "There are those who might take a different view."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean asks, "You can imagine Thadston pleading?"
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I shall want to get my notes in order before sending them along."
Udari says, "Anyhow. Its back to work."
The voice of Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We dead yet?"
Speaking to Dergoatean, Leafiara concedes, "Well, fair, more like 'requesting.' Or... 'demanding.'."
Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "We'll see I guess, I'm not sure Casiphia would accept one currently."
Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "Aye - those who are not Mayor."
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Missoni would most likely appreciate a copy as well."
Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "Yes, that last one."
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "She wasn't feeling well this eve."
[General] Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Thadston, Casiphia, yoo dokay?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tikba says, "Please give her my best wishes."
Kelfyr says, "The plea didn't conclude after she was healed. I'd imagine the rest of justice shall be administered once she's finished healing."
Speaking to Perigourd, Kiyna says, "Mine as well. Though I'm not sure she wants them."
Speaking to Perigourd, Lylia says, "Of course."
Speaking to Kiyna, Perigourd says, "I'm sure it will be appreciated."
Perigourd says, "And on that, I best tend to her myself. Fair eve all."
Leafiara says, "Certainly a memorable night, but I should get some rest as well."