North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-12-13 - Octaven Reaches Out After Dual Deaths (log)

Eorgaen 13-14, 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

Afternoon reports come in about a strange chill in the forest as Evii discovers a body with a golden hawk amulet jammed into his throat and torn apart by ice shards. Loresongs turn up nothing, but based on the evidence, gathered adventurers conclude he's a witch hunter killed by Octaven.

Later in the evening, people meet with Samfelt, get attacked by ice creatures outside Darkstone Castle, and discover the body of a second dead witch hunter killed by Octaven. Samfelt says he'll report the recent developments to Elidal. Meanwhile, snow begins to fall up from the ground.

Octaven's familiar is spotted overhead, then green light and the shape of a talon seeps out of Melgorehn's Reach--and then orange light rises from Darkstone Castle. The manafire near Darkstone begins to wane and its energy gets sucked into the crescent over the Reach until it's extinguished entirely. Bloody spotted velnalins begin to run through the area and Rodnay screams out in pain, acting as a precursor to fissures of light cracking the sky.

Soon enough, the echoes return: memories of the White Sparrows, the Blameless, Taladorian soldiers, the first iteration of the blood cult, and the Knave mercenaries attack the area! With Rodnay too in anguish to unravel them this time, an extensive battle breaks out throughout the region as even griffins and mein golems begin to swarm.

During the conflict, blue energy from the Reach lashes toward Darkstone, but can't reach it before dissipating. Rodnay tries to speak through Mourdeyan, conveying a message of "Silver...mont..." People try to get to Lake Eonak to see if they can somehow assist him, but the town square falls under attack again, sending them rushing back! In the battle, Rodnay tries again, this time saying through Blades: "Lord Silvermont, she is ready for you."

Eventually, the talon above Darkstone dims and floats back into the vicinity of the castle. Liquid drips from Councilor Kayse's eyes. However, no more direct commmunication occurs; she only relays that she felt the fire in her mind while trying to reach out to Rodnay.

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

First Dead Witch Hunter

[General] Evii thinks, "A strange chill is creeping across the forest."

[General] Issiah asks, "Wrong kid?"

[General] Evii interestedly thinks, "There is a broken golden hawk amulet crammed into his throat."

[Leafi fogs over]

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Wooded Hills]

The narrow trail curls around the side of the hill, swerving to avoid clumps of trees. The wind is coming up the hill now, and the trees offer little protection to your chilled limbs. You also see the mist-hazed Ghwen disk and a ravaged human body.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Miss Evii, Ghwen

>l body

The body of the man is twisted in a grotesque display of defeat. His light armor is shattered in several places, leaving behind icy crystalline fragments embedded deep within. His face is frozen in an expression of both shock and agony, his skin bearing the blue-tinged pallor of the merciless cold. His deep-set eyes stare up to the sky, open and wide in death. The tip of a broken golden hawk amulet has been wedged into a deep wound in his throat.

Leafiara curiously says, "Well then."

Speaking casually to Leafiara, Evii denies, "I didn't do it this time."

Dendum says, "Oh we are going to get blamed for this."

Speaking offhandedly to Evii, Leafiara says, "Oh, I'm aware."

Speaking suspiciously to Leafiara, Evii says, "I dunno, you were kinda giving me the eye."

From right behind Leafiara, a voice says, "You deal with this."

Ghwen asks, "Do we have a songmaster who might glean anything from it?"

Dendum says, "Hrmm."

Leafiara says, "So..."

Leafiara asks, "Have the witch hunters they sent for Octaven already failed miserably?"

Evii asks, "You think it has anything to do with the weird girl that was out here after the whole Elidal debacle?"

Leafiara says, "Because this would be a poor record outdoing even the Red Brigade."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dendum says, ""Could have been any Magistar killing this human."

Ghwen says, "I'm not caught up on the goings-on of the landing."

[General] Leafiara curiously thinks, "Could use a bard to our location in the Wooded Hills to possibly glean information from a deader."

Evii softly sighs, "This is what happens when I try and go fishing."

Leafiara mutters, "I'm just going to assume this is the first of many casualties of fifth-rate witch hunters they sent out here."

Evii says, "Aii."

Speaking to Leafiara, Evii says, "Great."

Dendum says, "Wonder if that is the humans amulet then."

Leafiara wryly says, "But, you know, the Empire could crush the Landing if it really wanted. Even though it can't catch a single Grand Magister gone rogue."

Dendum says, "The Empire can not scratch its own backside without help."

Khirem quietly says, "Sorry, lost in mem'ries, tryin ta remember."

[General] Dendum thinks, "A Bard that can sing to the dead magistar."

Leafiara says, "To be honest, I'm just glad it doesn't appear to be Cordarius since he's the only competent Imperial official anywhere in the vicinity."

[General] Jehboltle thinks, "Hawkseer xaveryn should be able to use it with magic item use and arcane symbols alone."

Leafiara says, "I came flying once I heard about the amulet, but I think his was a falcon, not a hawk."

[General] Jehboltle thinks, "Thinking is hard."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dendum says, "That is the symbol of the magistars."

Dendum says, "Pylasar wears one."

Dendum asks, "Wore one?"

Evii quietly admits, "I'm not up on heraldry."

Dendum asks, "Will wear one?"

Eralice asks, "So does anyone recognize the gold hawk emblem?"

Leafiara asks, "So... no bards?"

Khirem quietly says, "I vaguely r'member seein one."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dendum says, ""The cold probably does mean it in eight-tavious."

Khirem quietly says, "Sorry, nae."

Leafiara says, "Regwen's all the way in Icemule."

Ghwen says, "What about Toxyrox."

Leafiara says, "Toxy's out at sea."

Leafiara says, "Don't sense any other bard friends awake..."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Evii offers, "I could ask Kai. Call in a favor."

Eralice says, "Maybe a ranger wouldn't be remiss either."

Missoni murmurs, "How dreadful."

Eralice says, "To see if there are tracks."

Speaking to Leafiara, Evii says, "See if he'll bother Lorminstra for us."

Khirem quietly asks, "Trakesh?"

Leafiara suddenly asks, "Oh! Do we have any bards here now?" [the crowd had grown]

Ghwen says, "Doesn't seem a particularly soothing way to pass."

Leafiara admits, "We've got a corpse and little to go on."

Evii laughingly says, "Cause if we don't, I'm bothering Arkati next."

Vanneth says, "I'm not sure how I can help."

Leafiara elaborates, "A loresong might clear things up. It also might not, but it's worth a try."

As the light of Lornon bathes a white-masked reddish brown puppy with high triangular ears, she starts to writhe fitfully on the ground. Thick-coated fur starts to shed in large clumps as the puppy's whines turn into a howl.

Rising to her feet with a roiling burst of radiant multihued flames, a cherry red fire puppy ablaze with a dancing blue-violet inferno bounds boldly forward amidst a flurry of flying embers, bright white fire-plumed tail wagging wildly.

Speaking to Leafiara, Dendum says, ""Seems we have enough to guess, the Leafiara is most likely correct...a Magistar hunting a Magistar and killed by that lover of cold magic..."

Eralice says, "Woah."

Eralice glances at a cherry red fire puppy ablaze with a dancing blue-violet inferno.

Eralice asks, "Is that normal??"

Speaking amiably to Eralice, Leafiara says, "She does it occasionally."

Speaking happily to Bjornsong, Leafiara exclaims, "Oh! A bard!"

Bjornsong asks, "Did you find a bard?"

Speaking to Eralice, Ghwen says, "Werepuppies do that."

Bjornsong casts an appraising gaze over his surroundings, seemingly taking in every detail.

Speaking dubiously to Bjornsong, Leafiara says, "We have some kind of vague mystery to unravel, maybe."

Eralice says, "I had never seen that before."

Eralice says, "Wasn't sure if it wasn't related."

Leafiara says, "But I'm relatively certain it's a failed witch hunter."

Bjornsong says, "I dont sense lore in the area, but I can try a loresong."

[General] Lee exclaims, "K spies!"

Missoni agrees, "The amulet would seem to indicate that."

Ghwen comments, "Strange to see a falcon at this time of night."

Bjornsong sings happily:

"Ravaged human body, so sad and forelorn

Sing your tale, of loss and lore

Shall we learn what became of you?

Who is the culprit and what did he do?"

Eralice says, "A lot of odd things about."

Eralice asks, "Did any of you also see the icy mist coming from lower dragonsclaw?"

Dendum whispers, "One less empire human to drive back south."

Bjornsong says, "Hmm, I'm sensing no lore here."

Speaking calmly to Eralice, Evii explains, "That's what brought us out here."

Leafiara offhandedly says, "That's probably just former Grand Magister Octaven."

Ghwen says, "That's why I came to look, it was very curious."

Speaking to Evii, Eralice says, "You did very well. Without this find we would be much less concerned."

Speaking to Eralice, Evii mentions, "Gwhen found it first."

Evii says, "Him. I suppose."

Speaking curiously to Bjornsong, Leafiara asks, "Nothing turns up?"

Evii says, "They're all it's to me after the soul is gone."

Bjornsong gazes into his crystal scrying bowl, his expression growing blank and eyes unfocused. After a short while he blinks a few times and seems to be aware of his surroundings again.

Bjornsong recites:

"After a moment colors and shapes begin to coalesce into a jumbled vision of a rainbow."

Bjornsong shrugs.

Evii says, "Hrm."

Ghwen asks, "Is that from the bowl? or the body?"

Bjornsong says, "The bowl."

Speaking to Leafiara, Dendum says, ""Well...someone should bury it or something."

Bjornsong says, "From the body, nothing."

Speaking to Bjornsong, Missoni asks, "What do you make of such a sign?"

Speaking carefully to Dendum, Evii offers, "Maybe burn it. The last one turned into toxic goo."

[the discussion carries on quite a while longer, but nothing more happens, so we'll cut it here]

Second Dead Witch Hunter

[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 Taineo disk, the Murharzarm disk, a gargantuan cloudy grey tiger, the mist-hazed Nairena disk, a white-eared frosty grey wolf, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, some acantha leaf, a tiny cup of polar bear fat soup, some woth flower, a Dabbings Family special tart, a gelatinous elk fat tart, a tiny ram's bladder tart, an iceberry tart, a vanilla bean, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Taineo, Murharzarm, Jaffrey, Lady Nairena, Dativoy who is sitting, Andromalius who is sitting

A deep chill settles across the area.

[Leafi fogs to find Alosaka, who's dead]

[Imperial Campsite]

A roaring bonfire demands attention from the center of this temporary town, its coppery gold flames mesmerizing as they dance. Rows of tents bordering the fire create purposeful pathways to other areas of the camp. You also see the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Tamma disk, the Asben disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the sparking Leafiara disk, the Ifanna disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, the Bristenn disk, a battered antique faewood crate, a tremulous ocean spirit that is flying around, a bereaved wasteland spirit that is flying around, a lazy wild deep crimson dog, a long wooden log and a stained wooden keg.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, the body of Squire Alosaka who is lying down, Berost, Emissary Samfelt, Dinaden, Lady Tamma, Sister-at-arms Ifanna, Bathcwyn Missoni, Tikba, Sir Cryheart, Sir Bristenn, Magister Raelee, Sister-in-arms Mourdeyan, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Urchin Gutstorm, Stormyrain, Asben, Town Councilor Irval, Perigourd

Speaking curiously to Alosaka, Leafiara asks, "Do I even want to know?"

Berost deeply says, "See, just goin fer a stroll through tha castle .. and get caught up with you lot."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Roater ate him leafi."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Ooops..the campsite."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "A BIG one."

Speaking to Tikba, Alosaka says, "Thank you."

Leafiara puzzledly asks, "Roa'ters? What, were you all roaming around the Stronghold?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Never mind."

Leafiara asks, "Or Darkstone Castle, for that matter?"

Vaemyr says, "Darkstone."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Blade me shwipte a few boxesh."

Blades asks, "I show up and then no more fun?"

Samfelt moves over to a log and sits down.

Speaking to Samfelt, Missoni asks, "I hope that was useful?"

Speaking to Blades, Asben asks, "Why'd you show up then?"

Stormyrain says, "Who knows why he did."

Blades says, "No."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Isha dat a potato in yoo pant or yoo happy to see me?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Kayse says, "I could wager a guess."

Blades says, "Its a potato."

Speaking to Samfelt, Raelee says, "Regardless of any of this - the work should continue."

Speaking softly to Asben, Nairena asks, "Whats up?"

Samfelt asks, "Are you certain that this Octaven is responsible for the frozen creatures that attacked us outside the castle?"

Speaking to Samfelt, Raelee says, "Reasonably so."

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd says, "Beyond a doubt? no."

Alosaka says, "It fits her nature."

Samfelt nods once at Raelee.

Leafiara admits, "No, it's only just extraordinarily likely."

Perigourd says, "But it is the most likely cause."

Tikba says, "If it is not Octaven, it is someone very dedicated to convincing us that it is."

Samfelt pours himself a mug of blue Darkstone draught.

Tikba wryly says, "And as capable at ice magic as she is."

Speaking drunkenly to Kayse, Gutstorm slurs, "Me wanted to go back and getcha but dey shcolded me."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "The castle seemed to conjure nightmares on one of the explorations."

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "It would not be the strangest thing to happen."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "Hence the roa'ters."

Samfelt says, "Did you already know that Octaven was doing something in the castle? This is all fairly new to me."

Cryheart says, "Somewhat."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "It's possible, though slightly, those ice creatures were the same."

Speaking to Samfelt, Missoni says, "Her familiar has been seen nearby, yes."

Tikba says, "We knew that she was..."

Leafiara says, "We only heard that she was sighted in the vicinity of the castle."

Samfelt asks, "This might confirm that then?"

Tikba carefully continues, "Doing something illicit."

Missoni says, "I should say so."

Irval asks, "You think shes carrying out her experiments somewhere in Darkstone?"

Green flecks of snow fall gently from the sky.

Perigourd says, "Looks like it at any rate."

Gutstorm sticks his tongue out and manages to catch a snowflake on its tip!

Samfelt glances up.

Blades says, "Don't eat the snow."

Irval says, "Hmm."

Blades says, "Or do."

Samfelt takes a drink from his blue Darkstone draught.

Pukk says, "We are already in a group so I guess I don't have to say it."

Irval asks, "Sure its not from Gutstorm's ice?"

A green snowflake melts on Gutstorm's tongue.

Irval exclaims, "See!"

Samfelt can offer Gutstorm only a blank expression.

Mourdeyan asks, "Green? really?"

Cryheart says, "Dinnae swallow it."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It not haff bad."

Cryheart says, "Too late."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Perigourd says, "Hopefully it's not.. diseased."

Leafiara explains, "Gutstorm is a researcher, as proven by his joining the research team. This is only natural for him."

Mourdeyan says, "May make him act....nevermind."

Blades asks, "Is the snow immune to Gutstorm?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Irval says, "Pretty sure anything that goes into his stomach after all his alcohol disolves instantly."

Speaking to Blades, Perigourd asks, "Is anything?"

Blades says, "Unlikely."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Not da wersh fing me done."

Samfelt says, "I'll have to go report what I've found to Lord Elidal. It seems there might be more at stake regarding the castle then he had originally considered."

Samfelt stands up.

Ashen flakes of snow drift up from the ground, dissolving into the night sky as they ascend upward.

Vaemyr says, "I think similar greene snow happened the nights that we had mixups involving the reach."

Samfelt says, "I am not certain how urgent that information is to him."

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd says, "Find a drakar blade."

Mourdeyan says, "Snow falling...up."

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd says, "You may need it before long."

Tikba politely says, "I had thought he knew the danger."

Vaemyr says, "With past situations that happened."

Tikba mildly says, "But I suppose I should not assume."

Speaking heavily to Tikba, Leafiara admits, "I certainly hadn't."

Samfelt says, "If you will excuse me. Feel free to enjoy as much of the draught as you like."

Vaemyr says, "Uhhh snow doesn't usually fall up..."

Emissary Samfelt just went southeast.

The antique faewood crate snaps its lid viciously at the spirit. Satisfied that dominance has been established, the crate trots smugly back to stand beind Leafiara.

Speaking to Tikba, Missoni agrees, "Odd."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I like your crate already."

Mourdeyan whispers to the group, "Excuse me a moment, going to patrol about town."

Speaking idly to Bristenn, Ifanna asks, "Back 'ome t' Vorn'vis then now the row's over ser?"

Speaking uncertainly to Alosaka, Tikba suggests, "You should not touch the fire."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me um, gotta drop me loot off."

Blades says, "He was gettin lighter."

Speaking to Bristenn, Missoni says, "Travel safely."

Speaking to Perigourd, Pukk asks, "Okay leader. Where to next?"

Speaking to Blades, Stormyrain says, "He probably realized."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "I expect as long as it's peaceful enough, we can mull about or return to town."

Tikba says, "I suppose, if the Reach can make enemies appear from the past, it can also make time appear to reverse."

Alosaka says, "Lovely. Not just cold, but cursed snow too."

Stormyrain murmurs, "Welcome to the Landing."

Irval asks, "I wonder what fragment of the past we shall fight this time, and if its a ghastly abberation, in the form of a child. WE still kill it with fire, agreed?"

[Realm] Mourdeyan thinks, "Snowing more heavily outside town."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "The bodies ought to be recovered."

Leafiara asks, "More bodies? What did I miss?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Look frozen."

Alosaka says, "Octaven's victims, likely."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "We found another body on the approach to the castle."

Speaking to Leafiara, Missoni says, "There was another near the drawbridge."

Drazaa says, "Good eventide all."

Pukk excitedly exclaims, "Can you imagine if we get to fight a bunch of phantom Irvals?!"

Speaking wryly to Leafiara, Tikba says, "I fear the witch hunters that were sent to meet Octaven have met her."

Speaking to Perigourd, Stormyrain says, "I sent word to Elidal about the earlier corpse."

Leafiara says, "Ah, so two witch hunters down, some unknown number to go."

Stormyrain says, "Earlier today."

Stormyrain says, "The new one, however."

Blades says, "Dead magisters."

Kayse whispers something to Drazaa.

Blades says, "Should probably burn everything to the ground."

Speaking pleasantly to Drazaa, Tikba says, "I hope the same for you, vaerno."

Speaking to Pukk, Irval says, "They still wouldnt be for sale."

Drazaa whispers something to Kayse.

Alosaka says, "Well, enough excitement for me for one night."

Speaking to Irval, Pukk says, "Oh..I didn't even think about that..."

Speaking to Pukk, Irval says, "Would drive that market down though. Since there's no longer one of me IF i was to be sold."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa says, "Seems like much has happened."

Mourdeyan says, "Snow, and not much else."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "One doesn't like the idea of her toying around in Estrion's laboratory with whatever else she has in her possession."

Pukk says, "Would drive it up. Only one original and the rest are fakes..."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee asks, "One... meaning you?"

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Yes."

Perigourd says, "I don't like it."

Falcon Sighting

A sleek white falcon soars over the imperial campsite within the Dragonsclaw forest.

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "I am not fond of it either."

Leafiara yells, "Hello up there!"

Irval exclaims, "There!"

Pukk says, "Falcon."

Pukk asks, "Is that someones familiar?"

Vaemyr says, "Well She did have Ice soldiers about."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Octaven's.\."

Mourdeyan says, "Octaven."

Cryheart says, "Octaven."

Pukk says, "Ah."

Cryheart says, "She is peeking."

Irval exclaims, "Try to drive it from the sky!"

Leafiara calmly asks, "Do we want to shoot it?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Great idea."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "The last time someone did, the town was attacked."

Blades says, "Sounds like fun to me."

Missoni worriedly says, "We should not blame the falcon."

Pukk says, "Oh."

Raelee says, "Do not shoot it."

Speaking confusedly to Perigourd, Leafiara asks, "Wait, why are you worried about that now given your earlier conversation with Yardie?" [Yardie's position was basically "leave Darkstone Castle alone now that an ultimatum was received" and Perigourd's position was "confront evil"]

Irval says, "He can wing it at least."

Raelee says, "The falcon is a means to potentially trace Octaven's location."

Raelee says, "If you shoot it down, it no longer is."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Because I don't believe the castle to be any less a danger with us in or out of it."

Irval says, "Well I can try to catch it.."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "And it's long since needed to be dealt with."

Blades says, "Start flappin."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "You know, you are so frustrating when you make sense and use logic."

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee asks, "Thus, always?"

Pukk says, "Exactly."

Speaking to Perigourd, Leafiara asks, "But you believe Octaven will be more dangerous if we attack her familiar than she's already been?"

Speaking to Blades, Irval says, "My power of flight seems to be , dead."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I think she will be more prone to harm those she otherwise might not based on the last time her familiar was shot at."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I may be wrong."

Speaking in Aelotian, Kayse asks something you don't understand. [OOC note: Concurrently to the storyline, a separate mini-storyline was going on as a precursor to the release of the Ascension hunting ground, the Hive, full of kiramon. Aelotoi across the world were seeing visions and suffering as part of the buildup.]

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

Irval says, "Yea no go."

Leafiara says, "The Rooks killed her familiar in 5120--that would be years before I was a member, by the way--and her retaliation was exactly nothing. Though, to be fair, that did greatly surprise me."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We gonna shoot down dat falcon?"

Leafiara relents, "But fine, I'll leave it alone."

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

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Was that before we were members? I can't remember anymore."

Speaking wryly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "I just said that. Yes."

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

Blades says, "Bzzzt bzzt."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd asks, "Why did they kill her familiar?"

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "No one else felt it."

Irval says, "Is it still up there, I lost track of it."

Speaking to Perigourd, Leafiara says, "To send a message about her illegitimate trial of Pylasar while he wasn't present."

Speaking grimly to Kayse, Tikba says, "It is only our people who feel it."

Lights from the Reach and Darkstone

Green motes of light seep out from the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach, drifting amidst the snow like viridian fireflies.

Cryheart says, "Hard to see in the snow."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Oh yeah."

Perigourd says, "I'm moving to Lake Eonak."

Leafiara distractedly says, "Although... maybe we have more pressing things to ponder."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat cold."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Kayse hisses, "Stop it."

[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.

Kayse whispers something to Tikba.

[General] Grimguls thinks, "Are Aelotoi still having those thoughts we had last week? i just felt like my skull was about to crumble. i'm just not sure if it was related to whatever was going on last week, or soemthing else."

[General] Kayse weakly thinks, "Yes, I felt it."

[General] Tikba evenly thinks, "Yes."

[General] Saesyra thinks, "You aren't alone, I felt it too."

[General] Nazca thinks, "I felt it also, it's getting much worse."

Speaking to Cryheart, Pukk says, "Although Perigourd is the group leader tonight, we still like you."

Speaking to Cryheart, Perigourd says, "I'm happy to turn the reins over, Sir Cryheart."

Cryheart says, "Ye are doing fine."

Speaking in Aelotian, Tikba asks something you don't understand.

Perigourd says, "Hmm..."

Leafiara concernedly asks, "Aelotoi problems are continuing?"

(Kayse shifts her eyes slowly downward to the ground.)

Leafiara says, "Ah. That's a yes..."

[General] Kalyrra asks, "Did you all sense that, as well?"

Kayse evenly says, "Something is affecting all the aelotoi right now again."

[General] Grimguls thinks, "I did yes."

Pukk says, "Aelotoi have problems? I thought they were all so very happy and merry."

[General] Hollybear thinks, "It seems that I dinnae."

Tikba evenly says, "There is something...down, inside the ground."

Tikba evenly says, "That calls us to find it."

Speaking concernedly to Kayse, Perigourd asks, "Are you alright?"

Cryheart says, "Seems trouble maybe brewing."

[General] Tikba evenly thinks, "Yes."

Pukk says, "Look at Kayse...she is always so charming and never in a bad mood."

[General] Saesyra exclaims, "I felt this before, last week -- the same urge!"

Leafiara says, "Well, Faireve does like digging, so maybe we can get help."

[General] Nazca thinks, "I still blame the Kiramon, and this one doesnt help get rid of that blame."

Kayse reticently says, "I will kill you, Pukk."

Blades says, "Do it."

Pukk says, "See! She loves me."

Speaking worriedly to Tikba, Missoni asks, "Does it call you to find it...ah... in a friendly way?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gettem!"

Kayse says, "It is enchanting and frightening at the same time."

Kayse says, "Familiar but not."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "A danger below."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Perhaps not one to be digging for."

A flickering crescent of reddish-orange light rises in the sky above Darkstone Castle, lifting up into the sky and its fiery glow reflecting along the crystalline snowflakes fluttering down from the sky.

Tikba slowly says, "I am not sure it knows what friendly is."

Speaking softly to Perigourd, Missoni says, "It is what she said."

Blades asks, "Nuts?"

Kayse remarks, "So many colors this evening."

Stormyrain says, "Mhm."

Leafiara tentatively asks, "I'm guessing the aelotoi visions are unrelated to this, since they're indicating below instead of above...?"

The reddish-orange crescent of light begins to shift its hue, turning a dark violet but glowing just as bright.

Speaking carefully to Leafiara, Tikba says, "It seems to affect all of us, everywhere."

[General] Monza asks, "Helps getting to misty chamber?"

Missoni murmurs, "Should we not have left the castle?"

Kayse whispers something to Drazaa.

[General] Kalikak thinks, "Darkstone castle hey i died there 40 min ago."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "We had to withdraw Samfelt at the least."

Stormyrain asks, "Or mayhaps it's good that we did?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "It would not necessarily mean this place specifically."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Let Octaven do Elidal werk fer him."

Speaking suddenly to Tikba, Leafiara says, "Oh, that's a good point."

Perigourd says, "We can scout the approach though."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa asks, "What do you mean?"

Tikba wryly says, "This night is too eventful."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "Never a dull evening."

[travel]

Blades says, "Dropped that."

Leafiara curiously asks, "...where are we going?"

Perigourd says, "The wooded hills."

Tendrils of sickly green fire begin to coil upward from the Wooded Hills, spiralling up towards the floating violet crescent in the sky.

Blades says, "We're safe."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo dropt dat."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Stormyrain says, "Stay out of my damned pockets."

Missoni mutters, "That looks fine."

Irval says, "The wooded hills."

Leafiara considers, "Oh, I suppose that makes sense."

Irval says, "Hmm."

[Lower Dragonsclaw, Wooded Hills]

Clumps of modwirs obscure your vision up the hill, but also act as a windbreak. The strong pine scent of the trees fills the area, making your eyes water. Strange chitterings and cracklings make you very aware that you're not alone here. You also see a crackling sickly-green fire and a black-whorled ashen bone pillar.

Vaemyr says, "So what memories from the past are we getting tonight I wonder."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "Touch the fire."

The crackling fire begins to flicker and wane.

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ow."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Will this not return the bleak?"

Missoni worriedly asks, "Why is it waning?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "It could, yes."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Drazaa warns, "It is not a kind fire."

Speaking drunkenly to Drazaa, Gutstorm slurs, "Pukk trikt me."

Kayse whispers something to Tikba.

Vaemyr says, "Hmm."

Leafiara says, "The apparition zombie spirit girl did warn about blight, famine, and the fire starving the area until children cannibalize the elderly."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "I didn't trick you. I just told you what you would have done anyways."

Speaking seriously to Raelee, Perigourd says, "She must be mad."

Speaking to Leafiara, Irval says, "Sounds like a real sweet heart."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Mourdeyan says, "We're just lucky you didn't go up in flames."

Raelee asks, "There are five in total. If we lose one, we may be able to compensate... but more?"

Mourdeyan says, "Whatever you do, don't breath on it."

Speaking to Perigourd, Stormyrain says, "..considering what we've seen her do--yes I think mad fits the situation."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "We do not know if *this* is Octaven. There are a lot of factors about right now."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Do those in the town contribute as well?"

Tikba uncertainly says, "We had discussed extinguishing the fires ourselves, after all."

[General] Grimguls thinks, "It looks like tonights was quick, a lot more intense though."

Tikba says, "Perhaps it must be done."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I do not know."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "If we lose one more with the blight stuff come back?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I mean, the fire kills everything, the bleak kills everything, not great choices there."

Leafiara asks, "Could we just establish another one in a different location? I suppose all of the current manafires were nearby these pillars, but... do they have to be?"

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "It could."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "These bone pillars were placed quite deliberately."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "The fires are near them for the same reasons."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "What was that above Darkstone then?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "This is Landing. It's not over yet."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I do not yet know."

Asben says to Markx, "You, sir, are a clouted, shag-eared dorper!"

Stormyrain offers, "Perigourd leads, if you'd like to join."

Markx says to Asben, "You, sir, are a hideous, rolton-loving jack-a-nape!"

Great columns of twisting green fire churn upward towards the heavens, weaving through the sky like flowing ethereal rivers. They burn the air around the crescent, and the sickly fires begin to shrink and seep into the violet light of the floating talon-shaped shard high overhead.

Speaking to Raelee, Leafiara says, "And yet two more have somehow formed on the Landing streets..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "We have several manafires in town still."

Heshlon says, "Very well."

[General] Monza thinks, "Pukk dids it again."

Raelee says, "... that is rather more telling."

Missoni mouths, "Oh."

Vaemyr says, "Oh great."

Leafiara understandingly says, "Ah, so she's siphoning their power."

Vaemyr says, "Octaven's using that."

Tikba says, "With the talon."

Speaking to Leafiara, Raelee says, "Or their fuel."

The crackling green fire flickers and dies.

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "If it takes all the mana in the area.."

Raelee says, "The fires burn mana..."

Stormyrain murmurs, "Well now."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Will the bleak go with it?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk exclaims, "It's your fault!"

Cryheart says, "She is bottom line, powering up the talon."

Speaking to Perigourd, Vaemyr says, "Doubtful."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "If there is no mana to fuel it."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Fire hone."

Stormyrain asks, "Where is the next closest fire?"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "In down."

Kayse says, "There is one near the mine road."

Stormyrain says, "Since this one is--no more."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "TSSW."

Raelee says, "But... if she briefly siphons mana from the region to extinguish the fires."

Perigourd says, "That or the cliffs, I'd thnk."

Leafiara says, "Black Sands, perhaps."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Raelee says, "They are all positioned by the bone pillars."

Vaemyr says, "Probably the ones in town, or the cliffs yeah."

The crescent-shaped stone in the sky turns from violet to green, its energy glowing wider and wider. In response, emerald motes of energy seep out from the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach.

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Da fire in TSSW shtill burnin."

Tikba slowly says, "Or the Reach."

Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee asks, "... what are you doing, Octaven?"

[General] Nairena thinks, "Now thats a firework."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "We should have shot her familiar."

Leafiara says, "Thankfully, I'm sure the Hall has deployed its very best witch hunters to resolve this."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Da fire on Glaptop shtill burnin."

Vaemyr says, "Oh great... so waiting on the fires to slowly distort the reach wasn't enough, gotta up the dose huh."

Tikba gazes in amusement at Leafiara.

Kayse glances skeptically at Leafiara.

Stormyrain offers, "Gathering a significant amount of power, would be my guess."

Leafiara adds, "...that was sarcasm."

[Realm] Pukk thinks, "For those that do not know. This is usually a sign to go indoors or just be wary of where you are resting. You just know something is going to happen."

Leafiara murmurs, "Trust me, I'm not surprised at two casualties in one night after the last time a Grand Magister went rogue and someone was sent here to deal with it."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I mean that or Vornavis better start building a demonwall of their own, not exactly sure if demons but... well."

Tikba says, "If only we knew what the power is meant for."

[Realm] Murharzarm thinks, "I thought it was a sign that it was time to load a ballista, ready a few bolts and pretend that I'm helping, to be fair."

Vaemyr says, "Close enough probably."

Speaking simply to Tikba, Stormyrain says, "Destruction."

Bands of blazing viridian flames burn across the night, from the Talon above Darkstone Castle to the Reach, crossing the sky like a bridge of verdant lava. Light and fire connect and the air feels alive with crackling energy.

[Realm] Pukk thinks, "That was implied, yes."

A bloody spotted velnalin charges into view!

Vaemyr asks, "Is she... trying to connect the mana storms?"

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Tendrils of lightning."

Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee breathes, "It is remarkable though, is it not?"

Leafiara says, "Well, this'll get ugly."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I know it's bad, but that looked pretty."

Tikba irritatedly says, "Hold still."

Heshlon says, "That didn't look normal."

Leafiara says, "I don't exactly mean dangerous, I mean--literally ugly."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Missoni says, "We thought they might already be connected."

Cyvaexie whispers something to Heshlon.

A bloody spotted velnalin trots down.

A bloody spotted velnalin trots in!

Leafiara muses, "They sure do run fast."

Speaking to Missoni, Vaemyr says, "Merge then might be the better word."

Rodnay's Screams

A boy screams wildly in the distance. A crazed, sickening cry. Your head pounds, your vision blackens for a moment and pressure builds behind your eyes.

Leafiara says, "Maybe we should see if we can exam--"

Leafiara abruptly says, "On second thought, no, let's contact Rodnay."

Vaemyr says, "Rodnay."

Pukk asks, "Did everybody see that oo?"

Tikba evenly asks, "Was that for all of you as well?"

Drazaa says, "To the Reach."

Leafiara says, "The velnalin herd looks strange but doesn't seem dangerous... yet."

Mourdeyan says, "I think the Velnalin are fleeing."

Cryheart says, "The velnalin's changed."

Leafiara adds, "At least not more than usual."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Dangerous for people whom might normally hunt them perhaps."

Tikba uncertainly says, "They might just be covered with blood."

You feel a sharp stab of pain behind your eyes.

Irval says, "Gah."

Stormyrain says, "Ow."

Mourdeyan says, "Gads."

Leafiara woundedly suggests, "Maybe the lake again..."

Pukk says, "That hurt."

Tikba says, "We should return to the Reach."

[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.

Green flames crawl up the length of Melgorehn's Reach, wreathing it in a inferno of green fire.

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain asks, "Anything from Rodnay?"

Kayse tiredly says, "I am trying."

Missoni murmurs, "Oh no."

A boy's scream echoes from every direction!

Stormyrain softly says, "Oh."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Weird creatures outside the gates."

Stormyrain murmurs, "I believe that answers my question."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "If the storms connect, can Estrion's spirit infect the Reach?"

Mourdeyan says, "Here we go."

Irval says, "Not good."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "We most definitely do not have enough information to answer that question authoritatively."

[General] Kalikak thinks, "Yep zombies."

Raelee says, "In fact, I believe the existing body of work on that particular conundrum is... nil."

The sky begins to crack. A fissure of green light spreads across the heavens like the first shatter of a broken mirror. Then a second, then a third. A web of jagged viridian veins stretch across the sky.

Stormyrain mutters, "Be ready."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Everybody be wary. Take shelter."

Irval says, "Heaven's torn asunder..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Zombies outside the gates?"

Blades says, "This probably isn't going to end well."

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "No, he's hunting Potter's Field."

Pukk says, "Oh good."

[General] Leafiara asks, "The bloody spotted rolton and velnalin, yes?"

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Did the game in the area look this way the last time the Bleak was free?"

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was about to say 'good evening,' but I am not so certain it is good at the moment."

[General] Nazca thinks, "Ghost white faced warriors now."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "No, nothing good so far tonight."

[General] Nazca thinks, "Swimging claids."

[Leafi fogs away]

Commence Combat

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

To the west, the landscape is gradually changing from a thick dark forest to an open, green grassy plain. You also see a shadowy dragon, a ghost white face-painted warrior, a weathered canvas tent and a reinforced wooden defense tower.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, High Lady Grimguls, The Infamous Nazca

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Aye, be alert."

[combat]

[General] Directed to Lylia, Stormyrain thinks, "I would..agree. We are at the Lake."

[combat]

[General] Lylia thinks, "Thank you for the warnings."

[combat]

[General] Smalrog thinks, "Crusader at the north gate."

[General] Stormyrain asks, "How easily are the warriors falling?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "Call out the locations of what you are seeing."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "These look like the White Sparrows Praxopius led against us in 5119."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "...and the Blameless are also back."

[combat]

[General] Kalikak thinks, "Beer brats at a lakehouse sounds nice."

[extended combat]

[General] Peggyanne asks, "Is aid needed for the defenses?"

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Most likely."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "Speaking of which... Rooks, to the roofs!"

[General] Pukk thinks, "Rooks take to the rooftops and provide cover for the towns people."

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "I shall join shortly, sorry i didnt respond sooner."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "We think alike."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "There was no sooner. This skirmish literally just began."

[combat]

Leafiara mutters, "Okay, who's brought the necrotic ring this time."

Cryheart says, "Stand when ye be able."

[General] Peche thinks, "Grey robed figure wearing a carved red oak mask by the campsite."

[General] Kalyrra thinks, "Is this all west of the 'spine? Other than the odd feelings and visions, of course.."

Mourdeyan says, "Mines off."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me got drool on me chin."

Blades says, "Thats normal."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Yes, facing trouble over in the west with memories brought to life of three factions of past foes so far."

[General] Directed to Peche, Leafiara thinks, "And that would be the blood cult."

[General] Peggyanne asks, "Where to muster Leafiara?"

Speaking to Asben, Pukk says, "It's okay. Don't be afraid. Raelee won't hurt you...much."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "North Gate so far, but we might need to split up if the enemies do."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "Going to scout and see if any other areas are besieged."

[travel]

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "There was some stuff around the West Gate as well, but it seems to have been reduced to roltons at this time."

[return to North Gate]

Leafiara says, "It looks clear elsewhere, so far."

Irval asks, "Someone know what the crest of the Taldorians look like?"

Speaking to Irval, Missoni says, "It was a white square on black."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Find anything?"

Stormyrain asks, "Peche mentioned a figure in a mask near the campsite, is that one of the settlers?"

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Nothing yet so far."

Leafiara says, "The mask sounds like the blood cult's."

[combat]

Speaking to Missoni, Irval says, "Real creative."

[combat]

Speaking to Stormyrain, Missoni says, "I went there and did not see a figure."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "And here come the Knave mercenaries."

[combat]

Peggyanne asks, "Who is the commander?"

Leafiara wryly says, "Reliving all the classics."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat guy."

Tikba mildly asks, "When is Gnul?"

[combat]

[General] Peche thinks, "Well.. the figure ran off.."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara exclaims, "We already had Gnul!"

[combat]

Leafiara muses, "Then again, we already had the Blameless too."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "Ah yes."

A grey robed figure wearing a carved red oak mask charges in!

[combat]

A grey robed figure wearing a carved red oak mask says, "That's it, Rasson! You've attacked me, and now you'll die!"

A grey robed figure wearing a carved red oak mask says, "That's it, Rasson! You've attacked me, and now you'll die!"

[combat]

A grey robed figure wearing a carved red oak mask says, "That's it, Leafiara! You've attacked me, and now you'll die!"

[General] Jaffrey thinks, "Mos green troll scout on north road. Killed it but got arrested for it."

Cryheart says, "Hmmm."

Irval says, "I was wondering if the crest was the same as the crest that supplied gnull with plinite."

Leafiara says, "That's what they said last time too, a few weeks before they unleashed Stone's blood golems."

[General] Monza asks, "What the hecks?"

Irval says, "Or at leasat found within the same region."

[~3000 lines of combat]

[General] Jaffrey thinks, "Happened last invasion too. Cost me 65k."

[~2500 lines of combat]

[General] Jaffrey thinks, "I'm out."

[combat]

Vaemyr says, "Were some blood cult ones around, but I took care of the ones I found."

[combat]

[General] Raelee thinks, "At least one mana fire still burns. We have not yet checked the other three."

Leafiara says, "We saw one here too, but it ran quick."

Irval says, "Runner down."

Perigourd says, "It seems more localized than the last occurences."

[General] Leafiara asks, "How are the streets? Or anywhere else besides outside the gates, for that matter?"

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "The streets seem mostly calm as far as I've seen going from tower to tower."

Irval asks, "When was landing last attacked by the Taldorians?"

Tikba says, "Twenty years ago or so."

The voice of Kayse says, "5116 roughly."

[General] Eralice asks, "Why are you asking about the streets Leafi?"

Mourdeyan says, "Long ago."

Stormyrain says, "Years ago."

Vaemyr says, "Doesn't seem to be a lot of them tonight."

Speaking to Tikba, Stormyrain says, "Not that long ago."

Irval says, "I am trying to get a time period for these echoes."

The voice of Kayse says, "Or...last fall after Chaston's Edict was removed."

Tikba amusedly says, "Ah, I was thinking of Jantalar."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Invasion."

Tikba says, "So many baronies."

The voice of Kayse says, "Well, the blameless I mean."

Perigourd asks, "Has anyone gone into Darkstone to look for her since the Talon was activated?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Attacks are occurring outside the gates. Just making sure they're contained."

Perigourd says, "I can't imagine she'd be too far off of it."

[General] Meishera thinks, "The mean streets of wehnimers landing ... is a dangrous place to earn a living."

Speaking to Perigourd, Vaemyr says, "I'll go check the entrance and courtyard there."

Stormyrain asks, "Would she be in the castle, or the reach?"

[extended combat]

[General] Eralice thinks, "I KNEW something was coming."

[~5500 lines of combat]

[General] Meishera thinks, "Wouldn't that be a home invader dressed in red who leaves gifts to spoil children and eats up all their cookies."

[General] Leafiara agrees, "And like I said at the time... workingn from the ballistas to provide covering fire might help!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me got a shot off."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara adds, "Assuming the ballistae have been unlocked."

[combat]

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "There's a red masked weirdo outside the walls."

[combat]

[General] Meishera thinks, "Yes fire the balistta' s as him as he approacheds."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Eralice thinks, "They're not clear now."

[combat]

[General] Enville asks, "Is there someone or somethings bothering the town ?"

[~2500 lines of combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "More conjured memories of the past brought to life by temporal magic."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Eralice thinks, "Taladorian axemen and I dont know what else."

[combat]

[General] Raelee thinks, "All four remaining fires are accounting for - and that is not including those burning in town."

Leafiara hurriedly says, "They're in the streets."

[combat]

[General] Berost thinks, "Crusaders at tha west gate too."

[combat]

[General] Pukk asks, "Are the town streets still safe?"

[combat]

Monza exclaims, "Someone kickeds me!"

[combat]

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "They aren't! The square is compromised!"

[extended combat]

[General] Meishera thinks, "The imperial forces are invading no wonder you got arrested for killing their scout."

[combat]

[General] Pukk thinks, "We need Rooks to the rooftops please."

Villorn says, "Crazy."

[General] The ghost of Munck thinks, "Im dead outside the bank."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Eralice thinks, "Well, I'm down in front of Moot Hall whenever someone gets the time."

[extended combat]

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Owly, how ye let TSC git overruned?"

Perigourd says, "We ought to divide."

Mourdeyan says, "Aye."

Monza exclaims, "They used the wells!"

Perigourd says, "We have numbers to man at least two battle parties."

Leafiara says, "More surrounding the square too."

[General] Smalrog thinks, "Some big things approaching the north gate again."

[combat]

[General] Meishera thinks, "Only safe place seemto be here in potters feilds."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Enville thinks, "' Well thats what I get for trying to help."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "I recommend the archery towers and ballistae for those who can't survive the front lines!"

[~1000 lines of combat]

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Hey, one dem troll hit me wita tree trunk."

A pitiful scream wracks your mind.

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Me Lylia."

Asben says, "I killed the thing here."

[General] Meishera asks, "Did we all hear the pitiful scream?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Stormyrain asks, "Hold a moment?"

Perigourd says, "Holding."

[General] Ibar thinks, "I just woke up, not sure whats goin on."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Well, it was not me. I had my throat slit before I died. Hmph."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Me learnt to tune out lady screamsh."

Leafiara tentatively says, "The streets look clear for now."

[~1000 lines of combat]

[General] Meishera asks, "Oh do ladies scream when with you Gutstrom?"

[combat]

[General] Ehlorian asks, "TC clear yet?"

[combat]

[General] Asben thinks, "For now."

[~5000 lines of combat]

[General] Villorn thinks, "Hmm the older invaders are coming."

[~4000 lines of combat]

[General] Meishera asks, "They have canes? nurses with them?"

[~3000 lines of combat]

Irval says, "They explode." [mein golems have arrived to the party]

[combat]

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Careful, dem golem explode."

[combat]

[General] Irval thinks, "They explode careful."

Leafiara says, "Don't--"

[a bunch of people explode]

Leafiara mutters, "Every time."

Heshlon says, "Jeez."

[combat]

[Wehnimer's, Outside Gate]

Citizens, merchants and assorted dregs of society jostle against you before the great wooden gates of Wehnimer's Landing. Harried guards and militiamen try to keep the chaos to a minimum, but it is hard to keep track of those entering, let alone leaving, this large trading post. A dirt path encircling the wooden palisade of the town leads east and southwest. Nailed prominently to the wooden wall beside the gate is a sign you really should read. You also see a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem that is lying down, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a brilliant crimson mein golem that appears rooted, a drake greataxe, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a black void, the obsidian Peche disk, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a fiery tempest, a cherry red fire puppy ablaze with a dancing blue-violet inferno, a bushy-tailed golden brown coyote, the sparking Leafiara disk, a bistre-rosetted caramel kitten with pale blue eyes, the Dzorix disk, the Heshlon disk, the Cyvaexie disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the Darphin disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, the Aevilir disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, a crop-tailed dusky raccoon, a lazy wild deep crimson dog, a bereaved wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Wayside inn and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, a stunned Peche, Berost, the body of Tikba who is lying down, Bathcwyn Missoni, Town Councilor Irval, Strategist Heshlon, a stunned Lord Darphin, Admiral Peggyanne, Dzorix, Lady Aevilir, Markx, Lady Cyvaexie, Sister-in-arms Mourdeyan, Drazaa who is hiding, Town Councilor Kayse who is hiding, Sir Cryheart, Stormyrain, Pukk, Perigourd

[~500 lines of combat]

[General] The ghost of Onsa thinks, "Dun worry bout me."

[combat]

Perigourd exclaims, "Go through the gate if you can't sidestep them!"

[General] Ibar asks, "Where should i be headin to assist?"

The ghostly voice of Peche says, "Bah."

[General] Meishera thinks, "Okayh."

[~700 lines of combat]

The ghostly voice of Tikba irritatedly says, "I see."

[combat] [General] Villorn thinks, "The white armored crusaders are... very healthy.."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Remind me to get a strong friend with me the next time I have to do this."

[General] Leafiara agrees, "That would be recommended."

[General] Ibar thinks, "Could be."

A whimpering child can be heard all around you.

[General] Riptyl thinks, "Taladoran axeman outside the AG."

Missoni says, "Is there anything we can do for him? The fire...."

Asben asks, "Couple golems were here?"

[Wehnimer's, Outside Gate]

Citizens, merchants and assorted dregs of society jostle against you before the great wooden gates of Wehnimer's Landing. Harried guards and militiamen try to keep the chaos to a minimum, but it is hard to keep track of those entering, let alone leaving, this large trading post. A dirt path encircling the wooden palisade of the town leads east and southwest. Nailed prominently to the wooden wall beside the gate is a sign you really should read. You also see the Blades disk, the Asben disk, a cherry red fire puppy ablaze with a dancing blue-violet inferno, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild deep crimson dog, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a drake greataxe, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a crimson mein shard, a bistre-rosetted caramel kitten with pale blue eyes, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around and the Wayside inn.

Stormyrain says, "..yes."

Speaking to Asben, Perigourd says, "More than a couple."

Mourdeyan says, "Couple."

Stormyrain says, "One..or two."

Kayse asks, "Anyone else's head feel on fire?"

Speaking to Asben, Leafiara replies, "Only once tonight so far!"

Perigourd says, "There's still one north."

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain says, "I just hear screaming randomly."

Peggyanne says, "Yeeesh."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Where?"

Peggyanne says, "That hurt."

Speaking curiously to a battered antique faewood crate, Leafiara says, "Huh, you hold more than I thought you did."

A blue whip of energy lashes out from Melogrehn's Reach, trying to stretch to Darkstone Castle but failing to reach it before recoiling and dissipating.

Stormyrain says, "I'd say she's on the Reach."

Stormyrain asks, "Or..was that Rodnay?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Perigourd says, "I believe it was."

Cryheart says, "Could be."

Drazaa darkly says, "I worry when the mana storms intermingle."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Only a few on the streets."

Kayse says, "It might have been him trying to escape."

Leafiara agrees, "I assume Rodnay was trying to retaliate."

Perigourd says, "But he seems too weak to make the distance.."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd asks, "Or to strike out at his attacker?"

Kayse says, "I was reaching out my mana to him and my mind felt like it was on fire."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "It shafe?"

Stormyrain says, "No."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Deez heavy." [the shards]

Peggyanne says, "Guts."

Rodnay's Efforts

Mourdeyan stumbles forward, then says, "...Silver...mont..."

Peggyanne says, "Stop."

Peggyanne says, "Sheesh."

Missoni asks, "Silvermont?"

Pukk says, "What a strange thing to say."

Mourdeyan exclaims, "Mountain!"

A blue whip of energy lashes out from Melogrehn's Reach, trying to stretch to Darkstone Castle, almost connecting with the glowing green Talon in the sky, but recoils and fades.

Leafiara speculates, "Maybe we need to gather down at the lake and help him?"

Speaking to Mourdeyan, Pukk says, "If you want a silver mount you should get one...not talk about it during a time like this."

Vaemyr says, "I'm gonna head to the lake, maybe we can help."

Leafiara puzzledly says, "I'm not sure what silver has to do with that, though..."

Mourdeyan says, "Yes, please."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kayse says, "I am trying to extend my ribbon of thoughts to him. Maybe if we all try it can help him."

[travel]

Kayse wryly asks, "What could go wrong?"

Speaking optimistically to Kayse, Leafiara says, "Let's hope..."

[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 an animated grey-armored human mercenary, a cedar chip path and a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees.

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk says, "Owly, we need to you to protect the town."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "14 troll zerker norf gate."

Vaemyr says, "Going to try and infuse the mana I can."

Leafiara says, "Mana foods to help if that's what we need."

Blades says, "Ooh."

[General] Tikba thinks, "Acolytes in town square."

[General] Amn thinks, "Town square being massecred."

Missoni says, "Town Square is under attack again."

Leafiara says, "More trouble in the square..."

[~1500 lines of combat]

[General] Leafiara slowly thinks, "Amn isn't kidding."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara adds, "Nor exaggerating."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see a large gold ring, an engraved haon chest, a weathered thanot strongbox, a brilliant crimson mein golem, a falchion, a wooden shield, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, a brilliant crimson mein golem that is lying down, a bistre-rosetted caramel kitten with pale blue eyes, a bloody arm, a gnarled arm, a mangled arm, a salt-crusted soft blue crab pincer mottled with barnacles, some thick salt-encrusted crab pincers, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the web-draped Missoni disk, the Aevilir disk, the Blades disk, a bushy-tailed golden brown coyote, a plains osprey that is flying around, a lazy wild deep crimson dog, a silver-tipped smoke grey wolf, a cherry red fire puppy ablaze with a dancing blue-violet inferno, a deformed arm, a pair of phantasmal arms with black-nailed hands, a bloody arm, a mangled arm, a battered antique faewood crate, the Asben disk, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Blades, Rasson, Bathcwyn Missoni, Master Ibar, Lady Aevilir, Berost, Markx, Pukk, Stormyrain, Admiral Peggyanne, Drazaa, Town Councilor Kayse, Sir Cryheart, Urchin Gutstorm, Perigourd, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Tikba, Town Councilor Irval, Asben, the body of Sethius who is lying down, the body of Dextr who is lying down, the body of Deyrok who is lying down, the body of Ellowan who is lying down, the body of Lord Darphin who is lying down, the body of Benga who is lying down, the body of Smalrog who is lying down, the body of Peche who is lying down, the body of Lady Ehlorian who is lying down

[~700 lines of combat]

Perigourd says, "Golems."

Ibar says, "Oof."

Kayse says, "He is trying to show us something."

Speaking to Blades, Stormyrain asks, "Are you feeling better?"

Thin fingers of blue energy grasp across the sky.

Irval asks, "Wha?"

Blades asks, "Was i unwell?"

Speaking to Blades, Stormyrain says, "You stumbled and muttered something odd."

Stormyrain asks, "Lord Silvermont, she is ready for you?"

[combat]

Missoni asks, "Does the name Silvermont mean anything? To anyone?"

[combat]

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Quit follerin me."

Speaking to Blades, Stormyrain says, "I'm not the only one who heard and saw it."

Perigourd asks, "What is Quinshon's last name?"

[combat]

Pukk says, "They seem to focus on TSC the most from what I see in town."

Leafiara muses, "I don't believe we ever found out Quinshon's last name..."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perigourd and Stormyrain asked me about that name near simultaneously."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Raelee says, "Silvermont, that is."

Raelee asks, "Why?"

Stormyrain says, "Yes, Blades stumbled and was not himself, and said Lord Silvermont she is ready for you."

The voice of Kayse says, "Blades said his name."

Leafiara speculates, "Maybe Silvermont is someone working with Octaven..."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Could it be Quinshon's last name?"

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Welcome to the fold..."

The voice of Kayse says, "Does not seem fitting for him."

Leafiara says, "Quinshon was supposedly working with Tyrrax, though, and Tyrrax was trying to take the Talon from Octaven."

Blades asks, "You all been drinkin?"

Lylia says, "Not lately ."

[combat]

Leafiara wryly says, "I suppose Tyrrax will be surprised when he gets caught up on recent developments, if he isn't already."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Perhaps to trade it."

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "We know Tyrrax wants the Star of Khar'ta in the end."

[combat]

Leafiara says, "At least the trolls die quickly, unlike the crusaders..."

[combat]

[General] Taineo asks, "Is the invasion over?"

[General] Meishera asks, "Are we there yet?"

Cryheart says, "Seems quiet."

[General] Directed to Meishera, The ghost of Darphin thinks, "Come on in, waters fine."

Mourdeyan says, "Last time someone said that though..."

[scouting, but no more combat...]

[General] Meishera thinks, "Sounds like its room tempeture."

[General] Monza asks, "Cold and dark?"

Ibar says, "That was unfomfortable."

[General] The ghost of Darphin thinks, "Its getting warmer, lots of people peein in it."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Gross."

[General] Leafiara tentatively thinks, "Streets look clear for now..."

[return to the main group]

Pukk says, "All babies are demons."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Perigourd says, "At least, that's what it sounds like to me."

Peggyanne says, "I enjoy slaying demons... let them come."

The green cracks scattered along the sky begin to slowly fade.

Lylia points out, "Demons have far greater utility. And less incontinence."

Mourdeyan says, "Nah, just....uncivilised."

[General] Meishera asks, "That could be okay or not okay is it a wadding pool of water or an ocean?"

[General] Tikba uncertainly asks, "Is that good?"

Blades says, "Imma need this demon to speak through you and not me."

Cryheart says, "Cracks are fading."

Blades nods at Stormyrain.

Pukk says, "Best way to fight demons is to stop having babies."

[General] Directed to Tikba, Leafiara confesses, "When in doubt, I assume no."

Speaking slowly to Blades, Stormyrain asks, "Rodnay is not quite a demon?"

Blades says, "Well either way."

Blades says, "Not me."

Stormyrain hesitantly says, "He's more..Ithzir than anything."

Kayse hesitantly asks, "Are the other fires going to be targets in the future?"

Blades says, "Even worse."

Speaking to Kayse, Raelee says, "It seems possible."

Speaking to Kayse, Lylia says, "I wondered that too. They do still burn."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "If Octaven needs the power to do.. whatever she did this eve, most likely."

Kayse asks, "Can we protect them?"

Leafiara speculatively admits, "I'm half surprised the other fires still stand, but only half. Maybe she needs the majority of the blight to remain suppressed..."

Vaemyr says, "Or do we put them out preemptively? The blight's spread would at least be slow enough to give us some time, another thing like tonight could be the end."

Irval says, "No sign of any stragglers, but I saw the cracks in the sky begin to fade."

The blue fingers of light recoil from the sky, slowly sinking back into the shadows of Melgorehn's Reach. The glowing green Talon high above Darkstone Castle begins to dim, and floats down, vanishing into the gloom surrounding the black keep.

The voice of Guennwhfar asks, "Whi is leading?"

Cryheart says, "Looks like it is calming down."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "If Xorus was here he would say.."indeed"."

Xorus says, "Indeed."

Speaking to Xorus, Pukk says, "Too late."

Leafiara seriously says, "Cordarius better stay safe out there. He of all people might have the most insight into Octaven's thought processes."

Stormyrain says, "Well then."

Speaking to an animated grey-armored human mercenary, Vaemyr says, "Ok you did your job go die now."

Cerulean rivulets drip from Kayse's eyes.

Kayse tentatively says, "I am assuming he is safe for now....Rodnay."

Heshlon says, "Take care, mercenaries in town are attacking some defenders..."

Speaking dubiously to Kayse, Leafiara says, "I'm not certain about that..."

Blades says, "You're bleeding blue from your eyes."

Speaking concernedly to Kayse, Leafiara says, "You're not looking too great."

(Kayse wipes the rivulets from her eyes and skin.)

(Kayse glances down at her hand.)

Peggyanne says, "The energy that ithzir thing has been using to try to control our bodies has been blue."

Pukk says, "Kayse always bleeds from her eyes. It's like her thing."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Anyone got shnowball? me want to do wot me got acooshed of."

Heshlon uncertainly says, "That didn't look like blood."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "I haven't seen anything outside the tower in awhile, it seems."

Peggyanne says, "Kayse is possessed."

Speaking hopefully to Kayse, Leafiara asks, "Did he provide information?"

Kayse says, "I asked if he was okay---this is not exactly making me feel at ease."

Speaking quietly to Kayse, Drazaa asks, "That was unusual. How do you feel?"

[General] Meishera thinks, "Zombies in potters field."

Speaking drunkenly to Peggyanne, Gutstorm slurs, "Dat kinna mornal fer her if ye axe me."

Peggyanne says, "It tried to possess me, i resisted."

Perigourd says, "Moving to town center, perhaps there are still fallen that can be helped as we discuss."

[General] Darphin thinks, "Really? how odd."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa agrees, "Rodnay has not been well."

[travel]

Andromalius says, "Was just chilling in TSC, but I guess there's another invasion."

Pukk says, "I announced earlier that people should go inside..but nooooo...nobody listens."

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "Apparently I am--or was leaking blue liquid from my eyes."

Speaking to Pukk, Vaemyr says, "You did good."

Speaking to Pukk, Vaemyr says, "Gave people plenty of warning."

Speaking to Drazaa, Kayse assures, "I am fine for now, but worried."

Speaking to Pukk, Eralice says, "I only went out after the streets were said to be clear."

Speaking uncertainly to Kayse, Tikba asks, "The presence, or Rodnay?"

Tikba says, "I suppose we cannot be sure."

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "I am sure it was Rodnay....."

[General] Meishera thinks, "But they are perfect picnic pests.. they keep the ants away."

[General] Darphin thinks, "They do bring the flies though."

Eralice says, "Sheesh too many friends here."

Murharzarm says, "They weren't lying. Wow."

[General] Meishera thinks, "And drop random body parts."

Tikba says, "Well, at least we understand Octaven's plan a bit more."

Tikba says, "But still not her goal."

Vaemyr says, "A lot of us are worried, not really sure what to do, but I don't think we can let what happened tonight happen again if at all possible, the next might kill Rodnay, and or cause the storms or whatnot to merge for whatever end."

[General] Darphin thinks, "Think of them as cheap pinatas, the candy isnt as good as when you go the rich friends party."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Perigourd says, "If at all possible, I agree."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "What? The candy is even better when you get to mooch off the rich."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Tikba says, "There is always the obelisk."

[General] Meishera thinks, "I think of them as converstaion interrupters."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "I mean. Not that I'd ever mooch. I instead provide amazing company and so on and so forth."

[General] Meishera thinks, "They only attack when you trying to talk."

Speaking to Asben, Eralice says, "Next time I'm hiding behind you."

Ellowan exclaims, "Thank you so much!"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Missoni says, "Perhaps there is a way to track her, as Raelee said, and at least prevent her from... using the Talon."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "How can we find her?"

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "I actually think the Obelisk could be one key here."

Speaking to Eralice, Asben says, "Prob not right there... too much bad around me."

[General] Darphin thinks, "Alas, the worlds is against us talking, the shame,"

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I cannot answer that question."

Leafiara mentions, "Cordarius said he was working on finding her through having half of her magical pendant..."

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "He has the power to do something similar to what Octaven did with the Talon tonight."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "If I knew how to find her, she and I would be having a conversation right now."

[General] Meishera thinks, "We are left to thinking only and thats hard as is so well known."

Speaking to Tikba, Vaemyr says, "Rather with the obelisk perhaps that is."

Kayse says, "He was able to possibly lash out at what was happening. I do not know if it was strength he had or strength from sending him thoughts. I also felt the fire in my mind which I think was the pain he was experiencing."

Leafiara considers, "Of course, if I were her, I'd see that coming and dispense with the pendant unless it's absolutely crucial..."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "It may be beyond that."

[General] Darphin thinks, "Aye, thinking is hard."