North by Northwest (storyline)/2024-02-06 - Burning Up For You (log)

Fashanos 6-7, 5124

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Disclaimer

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

Synopsis

As Councilor Kayse reiterates the current plan to contain one manafire and extinguish the rest, Emissary Samfelt pays a visit and ultimately joins the group. They head out to the manafire at the Coastal Cliffs. Councilor Vaemyr uses a summoning circle to isolate the pillar and the fire, Drazaa uses rangers' resistance magic to shield the area from elemental backlash, and then gives Envoy Tikba the talisman in which the fire is meant to be contained. Tikba presents Kayse with a bloodletting bowl, which she uses a dagger to bloodlet into.

Tikba (a cleric of Marlu) petitions Marlu for aid and offers Kayse's blood. Samfelt begins to freak out as Tikba's prayer proceeds, but the group disregards him as Marlu's aid does indeed guide the fire into Drazaa's talisman and Kayse's wings become shadow-hued. The air around Kayse ripples with colors in the shape of writhing tentacles, then fades, sending Samfelt screaming and running away. However, the talisman eventually fills with the energy of the manafire, extinguishing it.

The group proceeds to the manafire at the glacier and repeat the ritual, which they expect to be easier going in. One difference is that this time Drazaa summons the winds to aid with containment. However, this manafire is more dangerous and lights Asben, Zeminar, and Tayler ablaze in the process, though the group quickly puts them out. The fire loses potency and can't lash out far enough to reach Xorus or Pukk, though. Magister Raelee ponders whether it's more volatile due to weakening the overall system of fires. Nonetheless, Marlu comes through and stifles the fire eventually.

The group moves on to the final manafire in the Upper Trollfang. This time, a third summoning circle appears in addition to the ones Vaemyr creates. Then a fourth. Then a fifth and sixth. People at first speculate that there are six because of Marlu, but then a seventh one appears--back just outside the Landing. Drazaa, Kayse, Tikba, and Vaemyr begin to experience heat and the theory switches to the manafire itself fighting back. As the group renews efforts, additional summoning circles appear throughout the Landing. Coils of flame strike Drazaa, Vaemyr, Tikba, and Kayse--not setting them ablaze, but cutting off their connections to the mana flows!

The manafire escapes by burrowing itself underground, then travels toward Melgorehn's Reach! It ignites the edges of the mountain, then flows inside before erupting out like a volcano! However, instead of setting things on fire, the falling flames turn into humanoid shapes and begin to attack throughout the Landing. All forces split up to fight off various fire elemental-like beings and phoenixes through the Landing, the environs, and the grasslands! The battles themselves go smoothly, but occasional bursts of sheer flame tear a few of of the combat groups asunder. Rodnay's heard crying, but as the air ripples around the Reach and eventually stifles the fire out of existence, it's unclear whether it was his doing, Octaven's, or the fire simply ran out of power.

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

Welcome to the Broken Low

[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 a large driftwood box, a wide wooden ramp and an open archway leading to a wooden plank bridge.

Polished flakes of snow fall lightly from the sky.

[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 gargantuan cloudy grey tiger, a flame-eyed burnished ember fox, the porcelain Alexandrena disk laced with tiny cracks, the Korpacz disk, the Osdreg disk, the Krishan disk, the Neaka disk, a large acorn, the Maedoc disk, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Town Councilor Kayse, Jaffrey, Lady Guennwhfar, Kiyna, Lady Alexandrena, Sir Cryheart, Novarian, Korpacz who is sitting, Osdreg, Deyrok, Krishan who is sitting, Neaka, Maedoc, Lord Endaro

Pukk says, "Whewww."

Pukk says, "I made it."

Speaking to Tikba, Pukk asks, "Can you heal me?"

Kayse can offer Pukk only a blank expression.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Snowing in the Landing."

Tikba looks over at Pukk and shakes her head.

Pukk asks, "She is a healer right?"

Pukk snaps his fingers.

[General] Anferis thinks, "Bet that's a nice sight."

Tikba begins to do her best to bandage Pukk's wounded head.

Pukk says, "Oh that helps I can think better now."

Pukk says, "Sorry. Was bleeding out there."

The voice of Thrassus says, "You could dive into that bin."

Pukk says, "I might have to...it's going to be a bunch of herbs."

The coppery barn owl hoots at Pukk.

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk says, "Of course you would eat anything."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "There's nothing nice abouut snow. It's cold, and clings to everything."

Cryheart says, "Owly is armed."

[General] Izden thinks, "You should not come to Mule."

Kayse says, "We are going to attempt to capture and extinguish the remaining fires. If you wish to observe. You may gather around me."

Leafiara says, "He always is."

Murharzarm says, "I believe I'm going to hug a ballista in case things go awry."

Pukk asks, "Are we joining Kayse?"

Murharzarm says, "Felspeed."

Speaking approvingly to Murharzarm, Leafiara says, "Also a good idea."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Cr...Everybody join Kayse!"

Emissary Samfelt just arrived.

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd says, "Long time."

Speaking to Cryheart, Guennwhfar says, "Lookes winged to me."

Cryheart says, "Good evening, emissary Samfelt."

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd asks, "How is everyone in the settlement?"

Samfelt says, "Good evening, friends."

Pukk says, "I hope we don't get Samfelted tonight."

Vaemyr says, "Evening Samfelt."

Speaking cheerfully to Samfelt, Leafiara greets, "Good eve!"

Speaking cheerfully to Samfelt, Missoni says, "It is good to see you."

Speaking to Samfelt, Kayse asks, "Are you joining us on this adventure?"

Cryheart says, "Form on Kayse."

Samfelt says, "Doing well. Much better than last winter."

Speaking to Cryheart, Guennwhfar asks, "What ye folks up to?"

Cryheart says, "We are going on an adventure."

Leafiara acknowledges, "Well, yes, everyone's better off for Bodohal being dead now." [Leafi hadn't realized Samfelt was saying the camp was doing better than last winter, not just himself personally; nonetheless, he responded, so it gets bolded]

Guennwhfar asks, "Yesyes but where?"

Samfelt nods in agreement at Leafiara.

Leafiara grins at Samfelt.

Samfelt asks, "An adventure? I was told about something happening, by Lord Elidal. Perhaps I should come along?"

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd says, "Probably best to have a representative there."

Speaking mildly to Samfelt, Tikba says, "You might find it educational."

Speaking wryly to Samfelt, Kayse says, "As long as you haven't ratted us out to Octaven..."

Samfelt nods understandingly at Perigourd.

Leafiara muses, "Could be dangerous, but it's a free town."

Leafiara considers, "For now."

Speaking to Samfelt, Thrassus says, "It's going to be an adventure, alright."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Kayse says, "We are heading out shortly if you wish to join."

Speaking teasingly to Kayse, Drazaa asks, "Am I?"

Kayse says, "Last call for those to gather around."

Speaking to Kayse, Samfelt says, "I would never do that, if I knew it would end up harming people that trusted me."

Speaking mildly to Samfelt, Tikba asks, "Only those who trust you are safe?"

Samfelt nods once at Perigourd.

Samfelt removes a sharply-honed veil iron short sword from in his leather scabbard.

Speaking raspily to Drazaa, Zeminar says, "Is it night? Time has blended together for me, among these days."

Samfelt shows Perigourd his veil iron short sword.

Perigourd nods approvingly.

Cryheart says, "A gift from Mourdeyan."

Eralice softly says, "I won't be going this time."

Eralice softly says, "I would be more in the way than anything."

Kayse says, "We are heading out then. We have much to do this evening."

Speaking to Eralice, Pukk says, "It should be okay. Nothing should go wrong."

Speaking to Eralice, Perigourd says, "Obliged."

Tayler asks, "Going? Where are we going?"

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Militia, be on guard as we discussed."

Speaking to Tikba, Samfelt asks, "Safe from what? The next Gnul? Or Octaven?"

Eralice softly says, "Be safe all."

Speaking to Eralice, Pukk says, "It's a quiet night. We will be okay."

Speaking to Tayler, Kiyna says, "We don't know yet."

[travel begins]

Speaking to Kiyna, Tayler says, "Excellent."

Leafiara amusedly repeats, "Safe, she says."

Tayler says, "I love surprises."

Speaking wryly to Samfelt, Tikba says, "From you. You said you would only not betray those who trust you."

Get Me Once and Right

[Coastal Cliffs]

As the wind picks up speed it wails through the chasms in the cliff rock, sounding eerily like the cry of a woman in distress. You also see a crackling sickly-green fire, a black-whorled ashen bone pillar, a steep path and a point of elemental instability.

[Zeminar kills a bunch of carrion worms]

Blades says, "Terrifying."

Speaking to Zeminar, Pukk says, "Good job."

Vaemyr asks, "Do we know if Enisius was going to be coming to observe?"

Blades says, "You killed my pet."

Leafiara ponders, "He disapproved of the plan, but I guess that doesn't preclude him observing."

Cryheart asks, "Which one?"

Blades says, "It was a nice worm."

Kayse whispers something to Leafiara.

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd asks, "On what grounds?"

Leafiara calls upon the local spirits and directs them through the area...

Leafiara gestures.

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

Cryheart says, "Such a loss then."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "He thought it was hasty, he was definitely interested in the results and outcome though."

Kayse advises, "I would hope that everyone can let the group work and attempt this."

Blades says, "I will grieve."

Raelee states, "He is not needed. He knows I will eventually report what I need to."

Tikba carefully says, "I am glad you are all here to join us."

Kayse says, "We are going to capture this fire first--in case something goes..." Kayse's voice drifts off..."wrong."

Speaking to Perigourd, Leafiara says, "What Vaemyr said. He's a man wanting more time than we might actually have to... stop and ponder."

Kayse nods firmly at Vaemyr.

Pukk says, "Now we need a bard to create a story about Blades and his worm. And how they frolicked everyday."

Tikba glances appraisingly around the area.

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Likely."

Drazaa glances appreciatively at Tikba.

Vaemyr nods.

Speaking to Blades, Pukk says, "Hey, it was your pet."

Tikba evenly says, "Please be careful not to come too close."

[General] Myasarie thinks, "Anything be possible around the landing area."

Samfelt takes a few steps back.

Speaking to Pukk, Kiyna says, "They only frolicked every other day, Pukk."

Vaemyr says, "Alright, I'm going to start by isolating the pillar and fire, so that we can reduce and stop the flow of mana to it."

Tikba nods understandingly at Vaemyr.

Samfelt says, "I'll stand over here. Away from anything that might incinerate me."

Vaemyr closes his eyes for a moment.

Vaemyr takes a long, deep breath, and the veins along his exposed skin pulse with a soft crimson glow.

Cryheart says, "Wise."

Vaemyr removes some waxy translucent chalk from in his scroll case.

Vaemyr glances at some waxy translucent chalk in his hand.

Vaemyr nods.

(Vaemyr begins to draw an intricate circle around the fire and pillar. Every now and again he stops for a moment and inspects runes at specific points before continuing on.)

Samfelt nods in agreement at Perigourd.

Vaemyr uses his translucent chalk to outline a large circle upon the ground.

Blades says, "This snow is getting ridiculous."

Kayse glances down.

Kayse pulls the cowl-necked vanilla paeline hood of her leather jacket over her head, gaining coverage from the snowfall.

(Vaemyr slowly finishes the final markings of the circle, and his eyes dart across as if inspecting everything one more time.)

Drazaa settles his gaze on Vaemyr, watching him intently.

Vaemyr pores over a summoning circle, engrossed in the study of it.

Tikba casually observes her surroundings.

Tikba produces an ornate Marlu statuette from the depths of her white flyrsilk toqua.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

Speaking to Vaemyr, Pukk says, "That side of the circle looks a little oblong."

Vaemyr asks, "Alright, is everyone ready?"

Kayse nods briefly at Vaemyr.

Vaemyr put some waxy translucent chalk in his scroll case.

Vaemyr removes an ancient yellowed tome from in his scroll case.

Kayse urges, "Continue."

Cryheart says, "Always."

Vaemyr removes a wyrwood rattle from in his scroll case.

Icy flakes descend from the sky.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

Vaemyr waves his wyrwood rattle in an arcing motion. A dark grey mist seeps from the eye sockets of the imp skull set on the rattle. The mist slowly coalesces into a gaping imp maw which expands to great proportions. A loud growl can be heard as the image fades.

Tikba mutters, "Nice weather for it."

Vaemyr touches the aged parchment page of his yellowed tome and suddenly bright amber sigils and glyphs twirl out of the ink and rotate slowly in the air about a foot above the open book. Vaemyr studies them for a moment, before they fade away.

(Vaemyr closes his eyes completely as he begins several arcane chants, making several gestures at the circle.)

Kayse's eyes slowly roam over the area, an intense concentration in her eyes contrasting her otherwise impassive face. Her wings flick back and forth in piqued curiosity as she absorbs every detail.

Samfelt glances about with a look of concern on his face.

Drazaa observes his environment carefully.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

Speaking to Blades, Samfelt says, "I was told Octaven uses ice magic."

Speaking to Samfelt, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

A sheen of green energy ripples along the ring of the summoning circle.

Blades asks, "Well its lookin icy?"

Tikba nods approvingly.

Kayse thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

Pukk says, "That doesn't look good."

Tikba kneels down.

Kayse lightly says, "It is also winter. Proceed."

Tikba carefully places her Marlu statuette on the ground alongside her.

Leafiara says, "It doesn't look bad either."

Blades says, "Good thing i brought whiskey."

(Vaemyr continues to chant additional arcane phrases.)

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

Samfelt perspires delicately.

Tayler asks, "Are any of us entirely sure what it's supposed to look like?"

Speaking evenly to Drazaa, Tikba asks, "Do you have it?"

Samfelt asks, "Is it supposed to look like that?"

Samfelt removes a sharply-honed veil iron short sword from in his leather scabbard.

Blades says, "Green is never good."

Drazaa nods in agreement at Tikba.

A small ribbon of green fire crackles and peels away from the main fire, stretching like an elongated, ethereal finger and bends towards the summoning circle.

Drazaa agrees, "Yes, now is the time."

Speaking to Blades, Tayler says, "I'm quite fond of it."

Blades asks, "Like my eyes?"

Drazaa shades his eyes with his hand and gazes into the distance.

Stormyrain asks, "Is it supposed to do that?"

Tayler says, "Plus, it was green already."

Drazaa breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

Alosaka asks, "Are we summoning something?"

(Kayse observes the summoning circle around her with a critcal eye.)

Drazaa carefully offers, "This will provide us with a protective ward that should limit any backlash from the balefire. If I am able to concentrate the effect that is."

(Drazaa moves both hands in an simple and elegant pattern that appears at times to mimic a surging flame.)

Drazaa whispers quietly into the wind, summoning the forces of nature to his call.

Speaking to Blades, Tayler says, "More of a viridian, but I've seen worse."

Drazaa makes a complex gesture.

Only faintly visible, red-gold filaments spiral inward from the local surroundings toward Drazaa and weave a web of protection about him.

Drazaa adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Alosaka, Perigourd says, "Fiddling with the mana fires."

Samfelt glances between a point of elemental instability and a crackling sickly-green fire.

Drazaa says, "Now -- the talisman."

Drazaa removes a cracked figure-shaped black walnut talisman from in his cambric tunic.

Speaking coaxingly to his figure-shaped talisman, Drazaa says, "Now to use you as a bulwark against this very balefire itself. Be kind to us and all those that depend on you. There is much riding on your capacities."

Pukk says, "Just a normal day in Landing. This will be easy peasy."

Closing his eyes, Drazaa lowers his forehead to his figure-shaped talisman in a reverent gesture.

Samfelt can offer Pukk only a blank expression.

Tikba gazes respectfully at Drazaa.

The emerald ribbon of fire begins to twist, trying to snap back to the main fire.

Drazaa whispers quietly into the wind, summoning the forces of nature to his call.

Drazaa tightens his grip on his figure-shaped talisman.

Drazaa gestures at a cracked figure-shaped black walnut talisman.

Drazaa takes a moment to observe his figure-shaped talisman.

Drazaa turns to face Tikba.

Drazaa offers Tikba a cracked figure-shaped black walnut talisman.

Tikba accepts Drazaa's figure-shaped talisman.

Samfelt asks, "Does anyone know about these fires? Do they do this normally?"

Speaking to Tikba, Drazaa says, "Please, continue the process."

A second, small funnel of emerald fire churns off from the main fire, twisting forward to touch the summoning circle.

Tikba glances warily at a crackling sickly-green fire.

Speaking to Samfelt, Thrassus says, "They do not."

Samfelt looks at Thrassus with concern.

Speaking to Samfelt, Thrassus says, "This is all untested."

Speaking to Samfelt, Raelee says, "Normal no longer applies when they are being actively interfered with."

You Better, Better Begin the Prayer

Tikba evenly says, "Kayse."

Tikba offers Kayse an abyssal onyx bloodletting bowl inlaid by argent scoria.

Tayler says, "I'm sure it's fine, up until the moment it stops being fine."

Alosaka says, "They're some... thing that mages squawk and fret about. I've never seen them do anything useful."

Kayse slowly empties her lungs.

Speaking offhandedly to Samfelt, Leafiara explains, "Vaemyr's... trying something."

Drazaa glances between Tikba and Kayse.

Kayse strides over to stand before Tikba.

Kayse accepts Tikba's bloodletting bowl.

Blades waggles his fingers mystically at Stormyrain. How nice.

Blades asks, "More?"

Stormyrain grabs a silver pitcher with an indigo coral handle from a small pocket inside of her ebon lambskin jacket.

Stormyrain tips her silver pitcher slightly, and swirls of glittery light cascade from her pitcher down to her palm. In a brilliant flash of light, a glass appears in her hand.

Speaking to Alosaka, Raelee asks, "... was managing the blight not useful?"

Stormyrain offers Blades a glass of golden whiskey.

Blades accepts Stormyrain's golden whiskey.

Kayse slips a hand to her sleeve, deftly retrieving a sard-pommeled dark vultite scramasax.

Alosaka says, "Oh, mana fires, not mana storms."

Tikba produces a sharp silver ritual dagger couched in a talon-shaped hilt from the depths of her white flyrsilk toqua. Tayler shrugs a shoulder and slides the ebon Faendryl pavis against his back. The once energetic surface of the ebon Faendryl pavis visibly darkens.

Baring the crook of one arm, Kayse angles her dark vultite scramasax upwards and presses the tip deep into her flesh, watching as the blood begins to well up. Quickly retracting the blade, she lets her arm dangle at her side and settles her bloodletting bowl beneath it to catch the steady stream of blood that flows down her limb.

Tikba's silver ritual dagger vanishes into the depths of her white flyrsilk toqua.

A rivulet of bright red blood continues to flow down Kayse's arm and into her bloodletting bowl.

Alosaka says, "Sorry, I was thinking about the other mana-related phenomena."

Tikba nods approvingly at Kayse.

A third bend of fire almost leaps from the main fire, arcing towards the summoning circle and passing into a small void within the ring. All three ribbons of flame crackle, but flicker in their glow.

A rivulet of bright red blood continues to flow down Kayse's arm and into her bloodletting bowl.

Speaking to Blades, Pukk asks, "Maybe if you poured some whiskey on the fire it will go out?"

Drazaa settles his gaze on Kayse, watching her intently.

A rivulet of bright red blood continues to flow down Kayse's arm and into her bloodletting bowl.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

(Kayse hisses slightly as her blood pools into the bowl.)

A final few drops of sanguine blood fall from Kayse's arm into her bloodletting bowl before the wound closes up.

Kayse offers Tikba an abyssal onyx bloodletting bowl inlaid by argent scoria.

Blades says, "Nope."

Tikba solemnly says, "Marlu, the Destroyer, greatest of arkati."

Tikba accepts Kayse's bloodletting bowl.

Samfelt stares at Tikba.

Speaking to Tikba, Pukk says, "Cholen is the bestest."

Blades says, "What a waste of whiskey."

Alosaka asks, "Are we... praying to the Destroyer to put Out a fire?"

Tikba solemnly intones, "Marlu, O Master, my friend has come today to offer you her blood, freely given, in honor of your power, that you may hear us."

(Kayse wipes off her blood from the dark vultite scramasax onto the thigh of her legging.)

Momentarily revealing the small leather wrist sheath hidden underneath her sleeve, Kayse deftly sheathes her dark vultite scramasax, concealing both it and the sheath once more.

Bracing her fingers along the unevenly smoothed rim of her bloodletting bowl, Tikba bows her head over it, closing her celadon-hearted viridian eyes and murmuring a few prayers.

Tikba raises her bloodletting bowl skyward!

Xorus just arrived.

Tikba carefully tilts her bloodletting bowl to one side, letting a stream of blood pour over its unevenly smoothed rim and to the ground. With a few taps on the abyssal onyx of the bowl, she forces the last few sanguine drops to escape.

Pukk exclaims, "You summoned Xorus!"

A small bubble forms at the surface of the blood within Tikba's bowl, then pops.

Pukk exclaims, "I knew it!"

Kayse gives a sidelong glance at Tikba.

Tikba chants a short but reverent orison, asking for complete destruction.

Tikba raises her figure-shaped talisman skyward!

[General] Pukk thinks, "Tikba beseeched Marlu for power and Xorus showed up. It's now confirmed. Xorus is Marlu."

The blood in the bowl begins to bubble and smoke.

Tikba reverently intones, "Marlu, the Destroyer, aid us in shattering our enemy's power. Marlu, who knows the forbidden magics, let this banefire, and its rending of mana, be dedicated to you."

(Kayse furrows her brow a bit as she glances over at the bowl, then schools her face back into a neutral expression.)

Tikba chants, raising her blood marble prayerbeads to her lips as she calls forth her invocation!

Tikba gestures at a cracked figure-shaped black walnut talisman.

A quick prayer uttered by Tikba causes the figure-shaped talisman to glow slightly.

Blades says, "This won't end well."

Samfelt splutters.

The sickly-green fire begins to darken.

Samfelt frowns.

Kayse takes a moment to observe a crackling sickly-green fire.

Speaking raspily to Perigourd, Zeminar says, "The demons shall aid us all."

Speaking raspily to Perigourd, Zeminar says, "I think."

Speaking to Zeminar, Perigourd says, "I've no need of a demon's aid."

Tikba calmly intones, "Marlu, here in the sight of all, let them recognize and quail before your power. Let this banefire be consecrated unto this talisman, and be contained as you contain your power, only until the time comes to let it burn again."

Pukk says, "We should do the summoning again and see if we can summon Lylia this time."

Tikba focuses her attention on the air before her. Her white flyrsilk toqua ripples and sways, the flyrsilk lifting as though windblown. Lines of ash grey power leap from her and etch themselves upon the emptiness in an intricate collection of angles, arcs, and whorls, until they form a jagged ash grey glyph emblazoned in the air.

Samfelt chokes out, "Demon?"

Dark smoke begins to rise from the bowl of blood in Tikba's hand, slowly creeping across the black walnut talisman. The green fire flickers, and a glow of crimson washes over it briefly.

Speaking quietly to Samfelt, Raelee mentions, "... are unlikely."

Tikba shuts her eyes for a brief moment.

Perigourd whispers something to Samfelt.

Tikba continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Xorus says, "Rites of Eorgina are more likely to summon Lylia."

Kayse gazes at her reflection in the antique ivory mirror.

Kayse pushes the cowl-necked vanilla paeline hood of her leather jacket onto her shoulders, exposing herself to the falling snowflakes.

Speaking to Samfelt, Tayler says, "There's at least a couple trained professionals here when it comes to demon removal, if that comes up."

Kayse folds her wings across her back.

The blood in the bowl bubbles more, boiling now as it pops over and over. Kayse's sparkling champagne wings darken for a moment.

Speaking raspily to Xorus, Zeminar says, "We would all be better for it."

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

Alosaka quietly asks, "Whose idea was this?"

Tikba perspires delicately.

Blades says, "Your wings gunna fall off."

Kayse glances between Blades and Pukk.

Speaking to Alosaka, Perigourd says, "The Councils, seemingly."

Kayse glances over her shoulder.

Blades says, "Or you're going to turn into a kiramon i'm not sure."

(Kayse curves her wings inward momentarily.)

Kayse shrugs her shoulders, lifting her wings slightly.

Wisps of red and black smoke rise up from the bowl in Tikba's hand, and the talisman begins to glow with a pale light.

Tikba nods approvingly.

Speaking to Perigourd, Tayler says, "I only ever see the two."

Kayse gazes with interest at a crackling sickly-green fire.

A thin trail of green fire begins to bend towards the summoning circle, but then twists, jerking violently and quickly towards the talisman in Tikba's hand.

Tikba winces.

The talisman begins to glow with a pale green energy as Kayse's wings darken to the hue of shadows. [OOC note: Her wings now look like this: "She has a pair of oval niveous-veined shadowy black wings."]

(Kayse places a hand on Tikba's arm.)

Tikba tightens her grip on her bloodletting bowl.

Speaking to Kayse, Pukk says, "That's a good look."

(Kayse glances off to the side and notices her wings, but continues her gaze toward the fire.)

Samfelt gasps.

Tikba glances uneasily between Kayse and a cracked figure-shaped black walnut talisman.

The air around Kayse ripples with a faint miasma of black, violet and green. The haze shreds after a moment, giving the impression of six writhing tentacles before fading into nothing.

Drazaa narrows his eyes.

Tikba looks thoughtfully at Kayse.

Pukk says, "Huh."

Pukk says, "That was interesting."

Kayse furrows her brow.

Samfelt screams!

Blades says, "We should probably put her down."

Emissary Samfelt just went east.

Tikba looks thoughtfully at Kayse.

Kayse whispers something to Tikba.

The green fiery tendrils lift from Vaemyr's summoning circle, and now leap towards the talisman in Tikba's hand.

Speaking to Blades, Stormyrain says, "She's quite herself, I'm sure."

Tikba nods slowly at Kayse.

Pukk says, "Darn it. He ran off before I could throw him into the fire."

Speaking evenly to Kayse, Tikba says, "I think...it is working."

Tikba carefully intones, "Praise Marlu."

Kayse measuredly says, "Then the cost will be worth it. Continune."

Kayse idly flicks her oval niveous-veined shadowy black wings for a few moments and sleekly rests them against her back.

Stormyrain mutters, "Proceed."

Tayler asks, "Aren't there a bunch of other fires?"

The talisman is jerked from Tikba's hands and floats up into the air, hovering near the crackling green fire.

Tikba glances appraisingly at a crackling sickly-green fire.

Tayler asks, "Are we going to run out of ritualistic Aelotoi before we run out of fires?"

Tikba stands up.

Kayse glances up.

Stormyrain offers, "Have we..an idea of what to do if this has a mind of its own?"

Blades says, "This is how they make lightnin bugs."

Speaking neutrally to Stormyrain, Raelee says, "Watch."

Drazaa takes a moment to observe a crackling sickly-green fire.

Thrassus asks, "Vacate the area?"

Blades says, "Shhh."

Speaking to Tayler, Kayse says, "A sacrifice was only required for one fire."

Tikba mildly suggests, "Samfelt seems to."

Vaemyr pants.

(Kayse stares upward at the talisman.)

Tikba glances between Kayse and a crackling sickly-green fire.

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

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

Perigourd removes an ear-shaped clasp from in his suede cloak.

Perigourd raises his ear-shaped clasp skyward!

Perigourd's eyes gleam with a newfound understanding.

Tikba gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

Kayse nods slowly at Tikba.

Tikba amusedly says, "I said she seems different."

The green fire begins to flicker and dim in color, as dozens, then hundreds, then thousands of tiny fiery green tentacles stretch from the flames and reach out towards the floating talisman, wreathing it in a glow of emerald light. The flames of the fire begin to stretch one last time, extended into the shape of elongated, devilish wings, then the crackling fire snuffs out.

Vaemyr kneels down.

Tikba nods once.

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "Those who make deals with demons often are never the same."

Vaemyr pants.

The talisman, now whorled with green energy, drops to the ground.

Kayse picks up a green-whorled figure-shaped black walnut talisman.

Tikba lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Leafiara muses, "Hmm, seems easier than expected."

Vaemyr asks, "Did it... work?"

Vaemyr pants.

Kayse evenly says, "One down. Two to go."

Blades asks, "Hi? have you met my entire home?"

Stormyrain says, "Look at her wings."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You just had to say it."

Stormyrain says, "There's nothing easy about that."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Spoilsport."

Vaemyr stands up.

Speaking to Blades, Perigourd says, "Indeed I have."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Tayler says, "Kind of reminds me of Crux."

(Kayse extends her wings, the once shimmering membrane is now shadowy black.)

Tikba tiredly says, "Thank you all for your help."

Leafiara says, "I was prepared for everyone to die in a horrific explosion, to be honest."

Kayse eyes Tayler with a stern expression, her dark sclera reduced to mere slits.

Thrassus says, "That step seems to have worked, at least."

(Raelee stares for a long moment at where the fire previously burned.)

Stormyrain says, "She is nothing like that bat."

Kayse glances askance at Raelee.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Tayler exclaims, "Just the wings!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Yes, but you leave those comments to me! It's the little fun I can have now-a-days."

Kayse airily says, "I assure you, I am far from Crux."

Kayse hangs a green-whorled figure-shaped black walnut talisman around her neck.

Vaemyr says, "I need to remove the circle... it is, uhh quite charged with energy."

Kayse tucks her figure-shaped talisman underneath her leather jacket.

Blades asks, "Less....skeletal?"

Speaking to Asben, Kayse says, "That is the cargo."

Pukk asks, "I thought Crux was a lich?"

Drazaa whispers something to Tikba.

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara concedes, "Fine, fine."

Kayse asks, "Shall we continue?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Stormyrain says, "Well be quick about it, and safe. We've a long night if you're not."

Blades exclaims, "Kayse is a lich?!"

Drazaa adopts an agreeable expression.

Tikba nods at Drazaa.

Speaking encouragingly to Kayse, Drazaa says, "We have much work still to do."

Tikba appreciatively says, "Well done, my friends."

Speaking to Kayse, Tayler says, "I didn't mean it like that, just that the only other black wings that I've seen were on him."

Tikba glances around the area.

Tikba says, "And all of you here. Your presence honored Marlu."

Vaemyr nods.

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "We can proceed."

Kayse designates Vaemyr as the new leader of the group.

Tikba calmly says, "I am sure he will recognize all of you one day."

Vaemyr rubs the palm of his hand against the chalk lines, erasing the summoning circle.

Tikba picks up an ornate Marlu statuette from alongside her.

Tikba's Marlu statuette vanishes into the depths of her white flyrsilk toqua.

Blades says, "No thanks."

Speaking to Tikba, Tayler asks, "With like, cookies? Or...?"

Speaking tiredly to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "I am rather weak, proceed."

Vaemyr says, "Alright next off is the fire at Galtoph."

Speaking to Tikba, Goldstr says, "I honor me Lord Kai meself."

Pukk asks, "Cryheart left?"

Tikba nods understandingly at Goldstr.

Welcome to My Rocky Show

[travel again]

Speaking to Goldstr, Tikba says, "There are many arkati, each with their role to play."

[Glatoph, Glacier]

Through the ice-laden gusts of wind you see a large crack in the ice. Too large to cross and certainly large enough for you to fall into, it blocks the eastern path, forcing a detour to the southeast if you choose to travel that direction. You also see a fidgety white imp, some full leather, a war hammer, a leather helm, a crackling sickly-green fire and a black-whorled ashen bone pillar.

Vaemyr put an ancient yellowed tome in his scroll case.

Vaemyr put a wyrwood rattle in his scroll case.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Rooks, don't shoot at Kayse. She isn't a lich, no matter what she looks like now."

Tikba lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Kayse stares at Pukk.

Kayse untucks her figure-shaped talisman.

Speaking to Kayse, Pukk says, "I needed to make sure."

Kayse rubs her figure-shaped talisman, and small ribbons of sickly green flames dance along the surface.

Vaemyr asks, "Tikba, Drazaa are you both ready for the next one?"

Speaking to Tikba, Tayler says, "Xorus is way more powerful than most of them, though."

Speaking to Kayse, Pukk says, "I don't want them shooting you in error."

Drazaa nods at Vaemyr.

Vaemyr nods.

Tikba grins at Tayler.

Tikba nods slowly at Vaemyr.

Tikba says, "Yes, we must go on."

Vaemyr says, "Alright lets begin, hopefully just putting this one out is not as taxing."

Vaemyr nods slowly.

Vaemyr removes some waxy translucent chalk from in his scroll case.

Tikba says, "These fires should be easier. We will not need to control the spell as if it were our own."

Leafiara asks, "Why... wouldn't it be?" [to Vaemyr]

Leafiara says, "Ahh." [to Tikba]

(Vaemyr begins to draw an intricate circle around the fire and pillar. Every now and again he stops for a moment and inspects runes at specific points before continuing on.)

Vaemyr uses his translucent chalk to outline a large circle upon the ground.

Kayse whispers something to Raelee.

(Vaemyr slowly finishes the final markings of the circle, and his eyes dart across as if inspecting everything one more time.)

Tikba says, "If we understand the Blight to be living, then these fires are like a curse upon the Blight, which saps its strength."

Vaemyr takes a long, deep breath, and the veins along his exposed skin pulse with a soft crimson glow.

Vaemyr says, "Ok number two..."

Tikba says, "We need merely remove the curse."

Vaemyr put some waxy translucent chalk in his scroll case.

Tikba says, "As I might aid any of you with a curse that caused you difficulty."

Vaemyr removes an ancient yellowed tome from in his scroll case.

Vaemyr removes a wyrwood rattle from in his scroll case.

Vaemyr waves his wyrwood rattle in an arcing motion. A dark grey mist seeps from the eye sockets of the imp skull set on the rattle. The mist slowly coalesces into a gaping imp maw which expands to great proportions. A loud growl can be heard as the image fades.

Vaemyr touches the aged parchment page of his yellowed tome and suddenly bright amber sigils and glyphs twirl out of the ink and rotate slowly in the air about a foot above the open book. Vaemyr studies them for a moment, before they fade away.

(Vaemyr closes his eyes completely as he begins several arcane chants, making several gestures at the circle.)

[General] Cryheart asks, "All of ye still alive?"

Tikba gazes thoughtfully at a summoning circle.

[General] Kayse thinks, "Yes. We are extinguishing the next one."

[General] Leafiara optimistically exclaims, "So far!"

[General] Tayler thinks, "Certainly, certainly."

An emerald light sparks at six points within the circle before spreading out across the entire ring.

The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

Tikba glances appraisingly at a summoning circle.

Kayse gazes thoughtfully at a summoning circle.

[General] Murfey asks, "Are there any warrior guild masters around the landing?"

Speaking amusedly to a lazy wild fiery dog, Tikba says, "Do not fear, Winston. You know my friend who comes to call already."

Kayse glances between Drazaa and Tikba.

Tikba nods at Kayse.

Drazaa loudly shares, "My efforts now will be to minimize the spread and scale of the banefire through harnessing the Wind. It will not destroy it, but shall aid in the containment process. Tikba will continue with her work afterwards."

The green light within the summoning circle begins to thicken and expand, soon filling part of the circle in a ring of what appears like viridian teeth, with the center churning and darkening to black.

Drazaa continues, "What you see may seem underwhelming, but I assure you, it is requiring much of the local spirits and of my concentration."

Tikba glances apprehensively down.

Drazaa rubs his flint grey eyes.

Kayse nods approvingly at Drazaa.

Drazaa closes his eyes for a moment.

Drazaa looks around, a disturbed expression on his face.

(Tikba takes a tiny step backwards before her heels approach the edge of the summoning circle and she can go no further.)

(Drazaa begins to quietly utter short phrases in an effort to encourage the local spirits to assist his efforts.)

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Perigourd and I are standing guard at the north gate, in case something evil this way comes."

Drazaa recites pointedly:

"Local spirits, hear my plea!

Harness the wind to work with me.

Arrest this flame, enclose this bane.

Restore these lands once again."

Drazaa beckons the turbulent and angry wind spirits to tear through the dangers before him.

Drazaa gestures.

A strong breeze suddenly picks up and begins to blow around in different directions through the area!

[General] Kayse appreciatively thinks, "Thank you. We will keep you informed."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Oh...good idea Cryheart."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "I'm manning a ballista at the west gate, and can provide a little bit of scoting around the place via eye."

Speaking to Tikba, Drazaa says, "It is finished."

Tikba nods approvingly at Drazaa.

Tikba shuts her eyes for a brief moment.

Drazaa closes his eyes for a moment.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Rooks, rise up and guard from the rooftops. Help Cryheart."

The green fire suddenly springs to life, actively crackling and twisting, fiery tendrils thrashing from its main core as it tries to lash about at something or someone.

Zeminar whispers something to Missoni.

Drazaa glances up.

A fiery tendril of green flames leaps outward!

Kayse watches the surroundings in breathless anticipation.

Speaking to a crackling sickly-green fire, Tayler says, "Bad fire, NO."

Drazaa breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

[General] Ahkasha thinks, "Are they poking his eyes out/."

Asben suddenly bursts into flames!

Kayse just pushed Asben over!

Leafiara begins to frantically roll Asben around on the ground trying to put out the flames!

Leafiara manages to put out the flames surrounding Asben! Asben sits up and brushes some smoldering ashes from his clothing.

Tikba rhetorically intones, "Marlu, who shatters all bonds, this fire is a fetter, which binds the Blight, preventing it from bringing about destruction. Let that fetter pass away as though it never was."

Speaking to Asben, Pukk says, "You look hot."

A second tendril of fire leaps out!

Zeminar suddenly bursts into flames!

Leafiara just pushed Zeminar over!

Blades begins to frantically roll Zeminar around on the ground trying to put out the flames!

Blades manages to put out the flames surrounding Zeminar! Zeminar sits up and brushes some smoldering ashes from his clothing.

(Tikba does not glance aside at the people bursting into flame.)

Asben asks, "Thanks for puttin me out?"

Tikba kneels down.

Leafiara muses, "Guess I might as well save people the trouble."

Leafiara lies down.

Tikba continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

Blades says, "Prolly helped with your boils."

Speaking to Asben, Pukk says, "They just wanted to feel you up."

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

A third flame leaps out!

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

Tayler suddenly bursts into flames!

Tayler says, "Perhaps someone more stern and motherly should scold the fire."

Kayse just pushed Tayler over!

Blades begins to frantically roll Tayler around on the ground trying to put out the flames!

Blades manages to put out the flames surrounding Tayler! Tayler sits up and brushes some smoldering ashes from his clothing.

Tayler says, "Appreciated, all."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Emissary Samfelt has joined us at the north gate."

(Kayse glances down at her burnt hands.)

A fourth fiery tendril of flames snaps out to suddenly stop inches before Xorus's face.

Tikba carefully intones, "Marlu, O Destroyer, rend this spell asunder."

Xorus nods slowly.

Kayse gives a sidelong glance at Xorus.

Raelee asks, "... is it more volatile due to the overall weakening of the system of fires?"

Xorus says, "Praise Marlu."

Blades says, "Apparently it thinks you're too pretty."

Speaking evenly to Xorus, Tikba agrees, "Praise Marlu."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Asben and Tayler caught on fire. They were hot for each other."

Speaking to Blades, Tayler says, "It just knows better."

Another fiery tendril snaps outward, stopping just before Pukk.

Pukk flails his arms about.

Kayse looks thoughtfully at Pukk.

Pukk raises his hands in surrender!

Speaking to Pukk, Stormyrain urges, "Praise Marlu?"

Pukk says, "No, I praise Cholen."

Kayse appears to be trying hard not to grin.

The fiery tendrils recoil from Xorus and Pukk, sinking back into the main fire.

Leafiara raises her Marlu figurine skyward!

[General] Broad asks, "It finally bubbled over huh?"

Zeminar raspily says, "Praise Marlu."

Blades says, "This fire is weird."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Things are still quiet along the trail to Darkstone."

Speaking in Aelotian, Kayse observes something you don't understand.

Speaking to Raelee, Drazaa admits, "It is lashing out."

A shadow rises behind the green fire.

Speaking to Drazaa, Raelee says, "Indeed so."

Speaking sternly to a crackling sickly-green fire, Tikba commands, "I enjoin you, banefire. Relinquish your hold upon the Blight."

Stormyrain slowly says, "That doesn't look right."

Drazaa gazes watchfully at a crackling sickly-green fire.

Tayler says, "Nice, warmed my cider up."

Kayse narrows her eyes.

The shadow stretches, expanding into a host of barbed tentacles, as dark as a starless night. They slowly rise and extend.

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

Tikba lets out a long, contemplative breath.

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

Kayse taps her figure-shaped talisman, and a small puff of viridian fire leaps up from its surface.

Tikba reverently intones, "Marlu, who brings the end of things, let this fire be destroyed."

The barbs of shadow arc up and bend, slowly enveloping the crackling green fire as if in a tender embrace. The viridian flames resist, twisting, thrashing, trying to burn away the darkness. What sounds like a thousand squealing, dying beasts echo from the depths of the fire before the darkness completely entombs it.

Pukk says, "Huh."

Tikba lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Kayse winces.

Vaemyr pants.

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

Vaemyr says, "And... that is... two."

Tikba reverently intones, "Praise Marlu."

Drazaa slowly empties his lungs.

Tikba stands up.

Kayse says, "We may need more assistance with the last..."

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "I'd rather not."

(Vaemyr begins to undo the summoning circle.)

Drazaa agrees with Kayse.

Vaemyr rubs the palm of his hand against the chalk lines, erasing the summoning circle.

Tikba grins wryly at Kiyna.

Vaemyr put an ancient yellowed tome in his scroll case.

Interlocking her fingers above her head, Leafiara stretches slowly, extending her spine in a satisfying stretch.

Vaemyr put a wyrwood rattle in his scroll case.

Kayse commends, "Excellent job so far you three. And everyone else as well."

[General] Broad asks, "How ya get outa the ooze in hiwi?"

Speaking to Leaifara, Pukk says, "I know how you feel."

Tikba wobbles, looking a bit faint.

Tikba's bloodletting bowl vanishes into the depths of her white flyrsilk toqua.

Tayler says, "We can sacrifice Pukk to the last, he volunteered, he told me."

Vaemyr says, "Alright, I'll move to the last, along the old mine road."

Ribbons of bluish-green light burn into existence and swirl around Tikba's hand before quickly forming into a sturdy shepherd's crook incised with jagged black runes.

Tikba leans on her crook.

Come Over, Over the Top

[travel]

[General] Directed to Cryheart, Stormyrain thinks, "Second one extinguished. Moving to the third."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Attack the ooze's organ until it... spits you out."

[General] Broad thinks, "Thanks."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Tell the ooze how much you like it and that you want it to meet your parents..after that the ooze should spit you out and run away."

[General] Emindala slyly thinks, "Leafiara! Never would I have expected you to talk like that in 'public'!"

[Upper Trollfang]

As you reach the crest of a small hill you can see a trail to the south that leads in the general direction of Wehnimer's Landing. You also see the gradual climbing slope of the hills as you proceed to the northeast. You also see a fidgety white imp, a crackling sickly-green fire and a black-whorled ashen bone pillar.

Vaemyr nods.

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "That's because she's thinking that way in public."

Leafiara says, "Oh..."

Vaemyr says, "Alright."

Leafiara says, "Someone else will need to maintain the sanctuary this time."

Leafiara says, "My hands are... burned."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kayse says, "As are mine."

Tikba whispers a short prayer to Marlu followed by a soft incantation.

Tikba gestures.

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

Vaemyr frowns.

A kobold swings a short sword at itself!

AS: +18 vs DS: +4 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +62 = +116

... and hits for 9 points of damage!

Jarring blow to the kobold's back.

The kobold blushes furiously!

Blades asks, "Mine..were?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Stormyrain asks, "...heal them?"

Tikba looks thoughtfully at a kobold.

Speaking to a kobold, Pukk asks, "Gutstorm?" [Enisius had turned Gutstorm into a kobold the night before]

Blades says, "Look its Yardie's mom."

Speaking to a kobold, Tikba says, "Be at peace. There is no need for violence here."

[General] Broad exclaims, "It was pressing ooze all over me from its organ, ive never felt so violated!"

Drazaa appears to be struggling to keep a straight face as he glances at Blades.

Vaemyr removes some waxy translucent chalk from in his scroll case.

[General] Emindala thinks, "Yes thought net fanatic, it's not all perfect in the world of thoughtfulness."

Speaking to a kobold, Pukk exclaims, "Run man, run!"

Vaemyr asks, "Do people need a moment to heal themselves?"

Tikba nods approvingly at Zeminar.

Kayse says, "We might need some assistance with this fire. Any mana, or spells you can aid in to assist after these three have done their part."

Thrassus says, "It might be wise to do so."

[General] Anferis thinks, "Probably bathtime."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "What a terrible day to be connected to a telepathic network.."

Leafiara concedes, "True."

Leafiara says, "I'll be back momentarily."

[Leafi runs off, gets a healer...]

[General] Emindala thinks, "You're free to unlink any time you want hon."

[General] Broad exclaims, "I was just gardening!"

[...and returns]

Hento asks, "Someone call for a medic?"

Drazaa clarifies, "This one should be the final active balefire pillar."

Tikba sighs.

Tikba gazes thoughtfully at a crackling sickly-green fire.

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "I knew you would come back. I had faith in you. Kayse said no, but I knew."

[General] Anferis thinks, "Gardening ooze apparently."

Speaking to Hento, Kayse says, "I could use some healing, yes."

[Realm] The invoker thinks, "Residents of Wehnimer's Landing, I will be arriving to Town Square, Small Park in approximately 15 minutes to offer spells to those in need."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "Proceed when you are able to."

Hento asks, "Anyone else?"

Vaemyr says, "Alright I'll begin."

Vaemyr takes a long, deep breath, and the veins along his exposed skin pulse with a soft crimson glow.

(Vaemyr begins to draw an intricate circle around the fire and pillar. Every now and again he stops for a moment and inspects runes at specific points before continuing on.)

Speaking to a lazy wild fiery dog, Pukk says, "No, it would be like eating a really really dried up beef jerky."

(Vaemyr this time draws a second smaller circle around the bone pillar itself.)

Vaemyr uses his translucent chalk to outline a large circle upon the ground.

Drazaa takes a moment to observe Vaemyr.

Kiyna expresses, "I don't like this..."

Tikba glances appraisingly at a black-whorled ashen bone pillar.

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

(Vaemyr slowly finishes the final markings of the circles, and his eyes dart across as if inspecting everything one more time.)

Speaking curiously to Kiyna, Leafiara says, "Why not? It's working."

Vaemyr pores over a summoning circle, engrossed in the study of it.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

Vaemyr says, "Alright I'm going to again try and isolate the mana away from the fire, the second circle is in case something happens with the pillar..."

Tikba gazes thoughtfully at a black-whorled ashen bone pillar.

Vaemyr put some waxy translucent chalk in his scroll case.

The summong circle begins to glow with a green light.

Vaemyr removes an ancient yellowed tome from in his scroll case.

Vaemyr removes a wyrwood rattle from in his scroll case.

(Vaemyr closes his eyes completely as he begins several arcane chants, making several gestures at the circle.)

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna admits, "I don't even want to enter temples at the best of times. The invocation of Arkati is... disturbing to me."

Kayse settles her gaze on Vaemyr, watching him intently.

Tikba grins wryly at Kiyna.

Speaking to Kiyna, Tikba deadpans, "I have seen you in the Sanctum often enough."

Vaemyr nods at Drazaa.

Speaking to Kiyna, Pukk asks, "Even Cholen?"

Speaking to Tikba, Kiyna says, "To kill those within, in that case."

Leafiara says, "To be fair, she's there to--yeah, that."

Tikba nods understandingly.

Drazaa passes a hand over his sun-bronzed, coppery face.

Speaking to Kiyna, Tayler says, "If it makes you feel better they're not really gods, just extraordinarially powerful beings that managed to con...coer.. convince enough people into following them."

The summoning circle flashes with an emerald light, then expands, sifting along the ground as it forms into two circles.

Leafiara says, "...but back to focus..."

Drazaa closes his eyes for a moment.

Vaemyr closes his eyes for a moment.

(Tikba glances between the two circles with a momentary doubt.)

Speaking to a glowing green summoning circle, Drazaa says, "Hold for us this one last time."

Tikba gazes respectfully at Drazaa.

Drazaa touches one hand to the ground and chants a respectful bird-like trill.

Drazaa's fingernails flash briefly with a tinge of green coloring.

(Kayse stares at the ground, her face painted in confusion.)

Drazaa recites pointedly:

"Local spirits, hear my plea!

Harness the wind to work with me.

Arrest this flame, enclose this bane.

Restore these lands once again."

The circles flare with a brilliant light, and a third ring appears.

Drazaa beckons the turbulent and angry wind spirits to tear through the dangers before him.

Drazaa gestures.

A strong breeze suddenly picks up and begins to blow around in different directions through the area!

Tikba glances dubiously around the area.

Vaemyr winces.

Drazaa nods encouragingly at Tikba.

Tikba nods slowly.

Tikba kneels down.

Tikba shuts her eyes for a brief moment.

[General] Pukk thinks, "We are on the third fire. The other two was easy. So, of course, please get everybody ready to take refuge in the inns or Voln. Get your deeds, make your prayers. Man the rooftops."

Kayse asks, "Perhaps you should all step in one?"

Kayse nods at Drazaa.

Kayse nods at Tikba.

Kayse nods at Vaemyr.

Drazaa's winds swirl about the area, and a thin finger-like shape briefly glides up the length of the bone pillar.

Vaemyr nods slowly.

Tikba uncertainly intones, "Marlu, O Destroyer, rend this fire as well, and let the Blight be freed from its curse."

Drazaa takes a moment to observe a black-whorled ashen bone pillar.

A sudden fierce gust of wind howls through the area!

A strong breeze continues to swirl through the area.

A sudden fierce gust of wind howls through the area!

[everyone gets knocked over, then gets up]

[General] Broad thinks, "And make sure you die before the invoker gets here."

Drazaa kneels down.

Kayse dusts herself off.

Drazaa glances around the area.

Speaking doubtfully to Drazaa, Tikba asks, "Is this intended?"

Speaking amusedly to Drazaa, Kayse says, "So much for being tired."

A fourth circle burns into existance.

[General] Leafiara pragmatically agrees, "Tactical."

Drazaa looks over at Tikba and shakes his head.

Speaking uncertainly to Tikba, Drazaa says, "I will try to hold it for longer though."

Tikba uncertainly says, "I think..."

Speaking worriedly to Vaemyr, Kiyna asks, "Are there supposed to be more than two?"

Tikba lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Tikba kneels down.

Kayse hesitantly asks, "Are there four sorcerers here?"

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "We just got hit by some strong winds here.."

[Realm] Perigourd asks, "What is happening?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "A strong wind knocked many of us down."

[General] Kayse thinks, "That was Drazaa's spell."

[General] Polveiss thinks, "Same at tsc as well."

Speaking to Kayse, Missoni says, "Yes."

Vaemyr says, "No... but I'll try to continue to maintain them for now..."

Vaemyr says, "Any help, would be appreciated."

[General] Broad asks, "Helga's chilli night?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "There are three others who could assist."

Vaemyr nods at Kayse.

Kayse says, "If they are willing."

Drazaa stands up.

(Drazaa appears focused and concentrated on containing the balefire.)

[General] Anferis thinks, "Hah."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Stew."

A fifth and sixth circle appears along the ground.

Drazaa agrees with Kayse.

Tikba firmly intones, "Marlu, who Opens the Way, let this balefire pass away and begone."

Kiyna says, "That... doesn't seem good."

Missoni dubiously says, "Mmm..."

Stormyrain slowly says, "That's a lot of circles."

Xorus asks, "Assist, how?"

Blades says, "This won't end well."

Raelee quietly says, "... curious."

[General] Broad thinks, "Gutstorms revenge."

Speaking to Raelee, Kayse asks, "You mentioned the crack...it was designed to do what exactly?"

Pukk asks, "You know when Raelee says curious that means we are all going to die right?"

Speaking simply to Pukk, Leafiara agrees, "Yep."

Tikba gives a sidelong glance between Kayse and Raelee.

Tikba continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "The summoning circles..have a mind of their own here. There are now--many."

Pukk says, "As long as you know."

Thrassus says, "Six makes sense for the Arkati being called upon."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "There's a summoning circle here.."

Vaemyr says, "I believe Marlu... is interacting with the circles..."

[Realm] Perigourd asks, "What are you doing?"

Stormyrain says, "There's a circle at north gate now."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "A summoning circle just formed outside the north gate."

Thrassus says, "Ah."

Speaking to Kayse, Raelee says, "Nothing at all."

[General] Directed to Perigourd, Stormyrain thinks, "Nothing that you did not witness."

Missoni worriedly says, "There is a circle at the gate, too."

Kayse can offer Raelee only a blank expression.

Tayler says, "I hope it's vathors."

Tikba's eyes flash with an emerald light.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Rooks, rise up to the rooftops now. This doesn't look good."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "Well, it seems to have a decidedly different effect than what I witnessed."

Kayse's eyes flash with an emerald light.

Tikba winces.

[General] Directed to Perigourd, Stormyrain thinks, "Yes, we--are witnessing that too."

Drazaa glances at Kayse.

Speaking to Kayse, Raelee says, "... merely offer opportunity."

(Kayse winces suddenly and rubs her arms.)

Drazaa's eyes flash with an emerald light.

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Things are still quiet on the roads at least."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "That is nae good."

[General] Leafiara acknowledges, "Not entirely certain these are all ours..."

Vaemyr's eyes flash with an emerald light.

Drazaa closes his eyes for a moment.

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain asks, "What is happening?"

(Kayse rolls her leather jacket off her shoulders, fanning herself.)

Tikba uncomfortably intones, "Marlu, Lord of Demons, cast this fire down and let it be no more."

Heavy droplets of sweat drip from Tikba's brow.

Vaemyr pants.

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "As fun as this is, I'm going back to town to make sure everything is okay."

Kayse slowly says, "I feel very intense heat through my veins."

Tikba weakly asks, "Is it very hot?"

Drazaa winces.

Missoni carefully notes, "It is still winter."

Kayse slips out of a shoulder-clasped vanilla leather jacket cropped beneath the bust and folds it over her forearm, making sure it doesn't drag on the ground.

Tayler says, "There is a fire right there though."

Kayse says, "It is inside us all."

Kiyna reiterates, "I definitely don't like this..."

Tikba wearily says, "It seems very hot."

Leafiara says, "Only one circle near Perigourd, Pukk, Fahlo, and Cryheart..." [she located]

(Tikba glances wearily down at her hands in confusion.)

Glowing viridian roots of energy branch off from the base of the fire, burrowing deep into the dirt, blackening the ground as it sinks into the earth.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "I would hate t think what those secondary circles belong to."

Tayler attempts to move towards a glowing green summoning circle, but is stopped in his tracks by some unseen force.

Tayler attempts to move towards a glowing green summoning circle, but is stopped in his tracks by some unseen force.

Kayse glances down.

Speaking to Tayler, Tikba says, "Do not touch the circles."

Tikba says, "If they are broken, it will be worse."

Kayse urges, "Proceed. I had a feeling it would fight back."

Speaking tensely to Tikba, Drazaa says, "You are focused ne'mara. We must maintain."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Landing, be prepared as summoning circles are appearing."

Tikba firmly says, "Marlu, O Destroyer, shatter this fire to pieces and let it be gone. Let the Blight and the land breathe free of its curse."

Tikba points at a crackling sickly-green fire.

[General] Leafiara asks, "I still only see one near you all. Are there more?"

(Kayse touches the tip of one of wings.)

[General] Missoni asks, "There are more near you, now?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Fahlo said one west of the warehouse."

The green fire begins to expand, its emerald roots still stretching into the ground.

Tikba breathes rapidly, her nostrils flaring.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm... just as a precaution, perhaps keep watch over both areas..."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Now one in near town square."

Kayse perspires delicately.

Tikba lifts herself to her feet with the assistance of her shepherd's crook.

Tikba points her shepherd's crook at a crackling sickly-green fire.

Speaking to a crackling sickly-green fire, Tikba commands, "In Marlu's name, begone!"

A coil of green flames arcs upward, caressing the ashen bone pillar, before it leaps forward and sinks into Drazaa's chest!

Heavy droplets of sweat drip from Drazaa's brow.

Kayse looks at Drazaa with concern.

Drazaa clenches his jaw.

Tikba glances sharply at Drazaa.

A coil of green flames arcs upward, caressing the ashen bone pillar, before it leaps forward and sinks into Vaemyr's chest!

Vaemyr winces.

Kayse commands, "Hit it again with your spells. Holy water...breeze. Whatever you can."

Tikba chants, raising her blood marble prayerbeads to her lips as she calls forth her invocation!

Vaemyr nods.

Speaking worriedly to Vaemyr, Kiyna asks, "Old man! Are you alright?"

Drazaa beckons the turbulent and angry wind spirits to tear through the dangers before him.

Drazaa beckons the turbulent and angry wind spirits to tear through the dangers before him.

Drazaa gestures.

Drazaa appears to be waiting for something that never comes.

A coil of green flames arcs upward, caressing the ashen bone pillar, before it leaps forward and sinks into Tikba and Kayse's chests!

Tikba flinches.

Tikba falls over.

Drazaa grits his teeth.

Drazaa kneels down.

(Kayse is taken back and stumbles. She grabs at her chest as the fire hits it, sinking to her knees.)

Vaemyr winces.

Tikba takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a moment. A faint aura flickers around her.

Tikba whispers a short prayer to Marlu followed by a soft incantation.

Vaemyr says, "Uggg..."

Tikba gestures.

Tikba appears to be waiting for something that never comes.

Tikba slowly says, "Marlu...I cannot reach him."

Vaemyr kneels down.

(Kayse blinks rapidly.)

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Now two of those circles around the town square."

Tikba rapidly sucks in air through her teeth in pain.

Vaemyr gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...

Drazaa says, "I'm losing control."

Kayse slowly says, "I do not feel the little bit of magic I usually am able to summon."

Vaemyr gestures.

Vaemyr appears to be waiting for something that never comes.

[General] Directed to Cryheart, Stormyrain thinks, "Kayse, Vaemyr, Drazaa and Tikba were hit by the fire in the chest. They're alive, for now."

Tikba sits up.

[General] Talismanblue asks, "Should we move to Voln for bodies?"

Leafiara absently says, "That... makes perfect sense considering the original purpose of these fires."

Suddenly, the green fire stretches up tall, then collapses into the ground, burrowing deep into the earth.

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "It's probably time for those not involved or following the ritual to gird their metaphorical loins."

Vaemyr says, "The threads of mana are... out of my grasp."

Vaemyr stands up.

Drazaa winces.

Tikba pleadingly intones, "Marlu, let the fire be..."

[General] Directed to Cryheart, Stormyrain thinks, "The fire has burrowed into the earth."

Tikba sighs.

The ground rumbles.

Kayse glances down.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Great Kai."

Thrassus says, "Not good."

[General] Directed to Cryheart, Stormyrain asks, "..something is coming, do you feel it there?"

[Realm] Perigourd asks, "It's not going to erupt through those in town.. is it?"

Tikba lifts herself to her feet with the assistance of her shepherd's crook.

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "I can feel the rumbling form this tower.."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Unknown, but I wouldn't write off the possibility."

Vaemyr put an ancient yellowed tome in his scroll case.

As her eyes narrow in concentration, Kayse's wings sweep outward in a graceful movement as the air around her sparkles with an iridescent shimmer. Quietly in an Elven verse, she deftly flicks her wrist, pulling the elemental energy to her hands, the multicolored essence awaiting her command.

Vaemyr put a wyrwood rattle in his scroll case.

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "I have no idea but we are--prepared for anything here."

Kayse gestures.

Kayse appears to be waiting for something that never comes.

Vaemyr carefully unlimbers his staff from his harness.

Vaemyr winces.

Kayse breathes, "Nothing..."

Drazaa weakly asks, "What is happening?"

Speaking to Drazaa, Stormyrain asks, "Can you cast?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "I'm with Sir Shiny and Peri. We got this."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Stormyrain asks, "Can you?"

Drazaa looks over at Stormyrain and shakes his head.

Vaemyr looks over at Stormyrain and shakes his head.

Tikba says, "My connection is cut."

Thrassus says, "It seems to have taken your magic."

Drazaa closes his eyes for a moment.

Tikba places her hand on her six-tentacled star.

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee observes, "Perhaps it is the influence of the ayana'al. A fire designed to interfere with the flow of mana..."

Drazaa beckons the turbulent and angry wind spirits to tear through the dangers before him.

Drazaa gestures.

Drazaa appears to be waiting for something that never comes.

Asben says, "That's less than good."

Drazaa hisses.

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee adds, "... curious."

Missoni murmurs, "Oh dear."

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "The four here are cut off from their magic."

Suddenly, fissures of earth rip open from the Upper Trollfang, ground, rock and dirt flying in a great earthen shower, as huge columns of sickly green fire leaps up, one by one, blasting a trail through the ground as it travels towards Melgorehn's Reach.

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "That seems likely."

Stormyrain breathes, "Oh no."

Tikba gazes with dread at her surroundings.

Thrassus says, "That's really not good."

Vaemyr mutters under his breath.

Drazaa weakly says, "Disconnected."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "That... seems less than ideal.."

Tayler says, "Ah, this is the part where it's no longer fine."

(Kayse's jaw drops slight as she glances over her shoulder toward the Reach.)

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Mana storms, what else."

Leafiara slowly notes, "Now *that's* more like what I meant when I said I was expecting worse from the outset..."

Drazaa glances over his shoulder.

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr asks, "Better one than three?"

Vaemyr winces.

Thrassus says, "Who knows what it's going to do when it reaches the mountain."

Tikba lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Vaemyr sighs.

Kayse fans herself.

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Better trying than not trying."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Owly is lying down."

Speaking to Kayse, Stormyrain asks, "Rodnay?"

Stormyrain asks, "Will he survive this?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Kayse says, "I...don't know."

Tikba glances between Stormyrain and Kayse.

Thrassus asks, "Will we survive this, more importantly?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Kayse says, "I can't reach out with my mana being cut off."

[General] Directed to Cryheart, Stormyrain exclaims, "Save Owly!"

Vaemyr nods at Kayse.

Swathes of green fire each the base of Melogrehn's Reach and then spark upwards, igniting the edges of the mountain as the flames flow towards the peak before melting into the depths of the mountain.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Something odd here."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna offers, "I can... try in your stead, but it probably won't work..."

Leafiara asks, "...are they going for the statue?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Now he is standing."

Kayse slowly says, "Well, it's out here...."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kayse says, "It is possible..."

Vaemyr says, "I'll head to the lake at least."

Kayse asks, "Did she catch on to what we were doing?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Hearing that the portals or circles in town are gone."

From the peak of Melgorehn's Reach, a huge globule of glowing green fire propels into the sky, erupting from the mountain and arcing off into the forest.

Vaemyr says, "Or."

Vaemyr says, "Perhaps leaving these circles is unwise."

Vaemyr glances at a glowing green summoning circle.

Tikba wearily says, "I suppose...for the last one, we tried too many changes."

Tikba nods at Vaemyr.

Leafiara asks, "I'd imagine so, but can we destroy them?"

Speaking to Vaemyr, Tikba asks, "Can you rub them out as you did the others?"

Leafiara adds, "...are we even certain what they are?"

Kayse repeats, "Perhaps this is Octaven's doing. It did go towards the mountain. Perhaps we were fighting with it."

Tikba wearily says, "No."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "We still have the summoning cirlce outside the north gate."

Vaemyr nods at Kayse.

Tikba says, "We are not certain."

[General] Directed to Cryheart, Stormyrain thinks, "Still ones here, too. We are unsure how to safely dispatch them."

Kayse says, "That is theme of the year."

Raelee says, "The statue was an anchor for the blight once..."

Raelee says, "If the fire is drawn to the blight..."

Tikba looks thoughtfully at Raelee.

Vaemyr says, "The circles kept multiplying to try and absorb the mana going to this fire..."

Leafiara ponders, "That makes sense."

Eruption after eruption, huge clouds of emerald fire and ash explode up and out from Melgorehn's Reach, blanketing the forest and the streets of Wehnimer's Landing in falling green fire.

Tikba glances warily up.

Kiyna says, "Damnit. Those won't go out..."

Drazaa ducks slightly and covers his head with his arms.

Vaemyr says, "Right now I suspect without my magic they may be almost self-contained similar to... dang it."

Vaemyr sighs.

Kayse gazes up into the heavens.

Drazaa glances up.

[Realm] Perigourd exclaims, "Citizens of the Landing, take cover!"

Tikba tiredly says, "This will be difficult."

Green flames erupt along the streets of Wehnimer's Landing and take on humanoid forms, spreading along the town.

Stormyrain slowly says, "What are those."

Blades says, "Oh time for fun."

[General] Zurwen thinks, "Smoke-covered sickly green flameborn are at moot hall or were a moment ago."

Leafiara suddenly says, "On second thought, maybe town first."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Stormyrain says, "Move."

[travel]

Stormyrain says, "We need to go."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "The town is overrun with flameborn."

You'll Have a Night of Fire

[OOC note: switching to invasion-style editing since that's the rest of the night; just assume there's constant travel through the rest of this]

[OOC note: combat, but the initial massive swarms of flameborn are like level 5 weaklings or something]

Vaemyr says, "I can't really fight."

[combat]

Tikba wearily says, "I cannot aid now."

Stormyrain says, "Smack them with your runestaff."

Vaemyr designates Leafiara as the new leader of the group.

[General] Kalikak asks, "So anything at north gate?"

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Town but weaker foes for now."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "We're back in town."

Xorus says, "How fortunate. They are not immune to magic."

A local guard runs by yelling, "Invasion, invasion! Open the towers! Any and all archers, to arms, to arms!"

Vaemyr says, "I have some tools at least."

Stormyrain says, "Over the head, bop them--grab a stick, man."

[combat]

[General] Cryheart thinks, "I recommend cold flaring weapons."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "If anyone spots more dangerous foes, send a thought."

[General] Kayse asks, "Are there any fires within the town...besides from the creatures?"

Tayler says, "Kind of weak."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "So far these are... very manageable."

[combat]

Speaking to Tayler, Stormyrain says, "I will take that."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara adds, "Despite sheer numbers."

Stormyrain says, "Over the alternative."

[combat]

Tayler says, "I find challenges much to be like snacking, much better after midnight."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Aye..they be youngish."

[combat]

Deep green rivulets of lava begin to flow from the peak of Melgorehn's Reach, spreading out across the mountain as they stretch down towards the base and world below.

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara says, "That's the spirit." [Tikba's swinging her runestaff and the low level creatures have non-existent enough DS that she can't miss]

[General] Zaaldine thinks, "Summoning circles sound like something to bring demons. don't jynx yourselves."

[combat]

Deep green rivulets of lava begin to flow from the peak of Melgorehn's Reach, spreading out across the mountain as they stretch down towards the base and world below. [yes, the messaging repeated]

[combat]

A muscular red-armored hiresword says, "Hey, Leafiara! I'm on your side! Watch it!"

A muscular red-armored hiresword says, "Hey, Leafiara! I said I'm on your side! Watch it!"

A muscular red-armored hiresword says, "Hey, Leafiara! I said I'm on your side! Watch it!"

Leafiara says, "Then stop jumping in my way."

[combat]

Tayler says, "It's kind of more impressive he said that while dead."

From the glowing, emerald lava pouring from the Reach, dozens and dozens of fiery creatures rise from the rivers of flame.

[current group is Leafi, Asben, Tayler, Thrassus, Tikba, Vaemyr, Xorus]

Leafiara says, "Hm."

Raelee quietly observes, "... I have never seen an inert mountain converted into a volcano before..."

Vaemyr says, "That seems like stronger ones, coming from the reach."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Currently handling the South Ring Road area."

Leafiara says, "Okay, we'll take a look."

Tayler says, "Volcanos are kind of a trend lately."

Tayler says, "FWI, Teras, here..."

[combat]

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "Be wary in the environs if those creatures approach the Palisade."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Aw and I was feeling strong for once.."

Leafiara says, "While we're here..."

Leafiara points at a half-elven invoker garbed in colorful layered robes.

[General] Drazaa exclaims, "Enemies at the North Gate!"

[Wehnimer's, Land's End Rd.]

Vigilant night guardsmen scrutinize the citizens and travelers arriving and departing through the wide gates spanning the land route into Wehnimer's Landing. The cluttered streets of the city to the south are a far cry from the deceptively calm expanse of the wilds of Elanith outside. Two daunting towers survey the countryside and protect the town, flanking the road to the east and west. You also see a huge sickly green emberwraith, a towering emerald molten sentinel, a huge sickly green emberwraith, a huge sickly green emberwraith, a huge sickly green emberwraith, a drake greataxe, a green malachite stone, a turquoise stone, a polished green steel lantern mounted on a wooden post and a large wooden barrel.

[combat; now the emberwraiths and sentinels are capped]

Leafiara agreeably says, "Right then, here are the bigger ones."

[combat]

Tikba uncomfortably says, "Oh."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Seems we've found the bigger ones..."

[General] The ghost of Kalikak thinks, "I shoulda just gone hunting."

Vaemyr says, "Yeah a bunch outside the gates."

Vaemyr says, "Of the big ones."

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Cryheart says, "Oof."

[extended combat]

The ghostly voice of Pukk says, "That coffer is mine."

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Pukk says, "Just saying."

[combat]

Leafiara wryly says, "Gotcha."

[combat]

Tayler says, "Oh, pukk."

The ghostly voice of Pukk says, "So, there I was...me against the world..."

Tikba says, "I fear my connection to Marlu is severed, so I cannot raise you."

Leafiara says, "Hrm."

Leafiara says, "Messy."

Speaking sympathetically to Tikba, the ghostly voice of Missoni says, "Hopefully it will return."

A huge shriek fills the night sky, echoing from the glowing fires of Melogrehn's Reach.

Tikba murmurs, "Rodnay."

Brute asks, "Anyone need cleric?"

[General] Leafiara asks, "Do we still have a front line to speak of anywhere, or are too many of us regrouping?"

Speaking to Brute, the ghostly voice of Pukk says, "I always thought you were a warrior."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "I'm holding the approach best as I can."

The ghostly voice of Cryheart says, "I am a crispy knight."

[General] The ghost of Murharzarm thinks, "Some guardians are inside.." [guardians are also capped]

Speaking to Cryheart, Tayler says, "Extra crispy."

Leafiara recites:

"Heading back to the battlefield shortly if any wish to join. Alternatively, if not, leave my group now..." [group's down to Leafi, Kayse, Raelee, Xorus, and Tayler]

Novarian says, "Cryheart will need some healing."

Leafiara mutters, "I really hate nights where I have to not use my swords." [these being fire elementals, melee attacks heated up her blades]

From the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach, fiery green globules continue to erupt into the sky, but some of them begin to twist and reshape in the air, growing sweeping majestic wings of flame and sharp hooked beaks. One by one, the green ethereal birds take flight towards Wehnimer's Landing.

Speaking to Crytek, the ghostly voice of Pukk says, "So, you decided to finally join us."

[General] Leafiara asks, "Is any particular area overwhelmed?"

[combat]

Perigourd says, "Cloud."

[combat]

Perigourd says, "Cloud."

[combat; cloud gets dispelled; phoenixes are now in the mix]

Tayler says, "Aw they're so pretty." [the phoenixes]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Okay... approaching toward the Reach is what's overwhelmed."

[General] Drazaa thinks, "The West and North Gates have been facing only occasional forces. Currently well managed enough that no one is constantly posted at either."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Getting the grasslands back under control."

[~2400 lines of combat]

Kiyna says, "Phoenixes..."

Leafiara says, "Phoenixes."

[~1000 lines of combat]

Perigourd says, "Cloud."

[extended combat]

Leafiara says, "Okay..."

Tayler says, "Nice purse."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Lake Eonak is clear... for now..."

[Realm] Perigourd asks, "How is town?"

Speaking to his rhimar greataxe, Perigourd says, "I suppose I ought to keep you now."

[combat]

[Realm] Tikba wearily thinks, "Still flameborn on North Ring, eastways."

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "I wonder if this is what it feels like for those whom have a kroderine soul."

[Realm] Tikba thinks, "And a few on South Ring."

[combat]

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Bigger flaming things on the outer road too..."

[combat]

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "I do not know. Raznel sealed me temporarily, many years ago... I found it quite... cold."

[combat]

[General] The ghost of Polveiss thinks, "Holy crow."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "Perhaps Sir Cryheart might have some perspective on kroderine."

Kiyna says, "Whoops."

[General] The ghost of Roonie thinks, "STAY OUT OF TOWN CENTRAL."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Guarding the area between the Reach and the Landing."

A viscous sphere of flame arcs into the area!

The viscous sphere of flame impacts the ground nearby, dispersing fiery globules all over!

[the group sets set on fire; burning]

Vaemyr says, "Ugg."

[burning]

The ghostly voice of Tayler says, "Rude."

[Realm] Tikba thinks, "Also, it seems everybody in Town Square has been set on fire."

The ghostly voice of Leafiara admits, "The guarding could be going better."

The faint sound of a weeping boy can be heard.

[combat]

The ghostly voice of Vaemyr says, "Welp."

[General] The ghost of Leafiara admits, "The guarding could be going better."

[combat; Drazaa and Raelee survived]

[General] Kayse asks, "Rodnay?"

[Leafi obviously breaks away by necessity to raise herself]

[General] Leafiara determinedly exclaims, "Will be back out there shortly!"

Brute says, "The heck."

Brute says, "Nearly fried to death."

[General] The ghost of Roonie thinks, "We lost a few folks from magic fire in the Town Square Central. Looks like its stopped."

Perigourd exclaims, "Back into the fray!"

Cryheart says, "Smoldering fires did the damage."

Green-tinted ash and emerald fire still suffocate the sky as ribbons of light and flames twist from the edges and peaks of Melgorehn's Reach.

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "They're pushing heavier into town."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "Be on guard."

Fahlo says, "Need some water on some of these."

Speaking to Soliere, the ghostly voice of Polveiss says, "I know you."

[General] Kalikak asks, "I really should have just gonr hunting and why wew folks melting in tsc?"

Kayse slowly says, "I can not..."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Fire."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Smoldering armor and such."

A small ripple appears along the edges of Melgorehn's Reach and a small fissure appears for a brief, brief second before the air shimmers and it is gone.

Speaking slowly to Kayse, Tikba says, "He seems alive, at least."

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "He will hopefully not have to suffer much longer."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "If he can get through this outburst, there should be no more fire left to attack him, besides what's in that amulet... we just need to guard that."

Speaking to Kayse, Tikba asks, "Yes, the talisman is still safe?"

[General] Leafiara asks, "How are the battlefronts looking?"

Kiyna says, "Did everyone see that? I think Octaven just entered the Reach..."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "There's still a fair few sentinels along the west wall."

Kiyna says, "I saw a little fissure that opened and then closed. Someone went in, or something came out."

Speaking to Kiyna, Thrassus says, "Or something came out."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Okay, will head that way shortly."

[General] Wadsworth thinks, "North Gate is quiet for now."

Leafiara says, "Once more unto the breach."

[current group is just Kiyna and Leafi, but there's not much left to battle]

The air around Melgorehn's Reach shimmers again, and half a dozen fissures appear, darkness within. Flames crawl along the mountain, and soon the air ripples and the gaps are gone.

[General] Wadsworth thinks, "One at the dingy."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Actually, not seeing anything more at the moment... at least as far as grounded foes."

[combat]

Kiyna asks, "That was Marlu, wasn't it?"

Leafiara asks, "Maybe?"

[combat]

A muscular red-armored hiresword says, "Hey, Leafiara! I'm on your side! Watch it!"

Leafiara says, "They always jump in the way of my magic."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Huh. I had just been pelting them with balefire."

[General] The ghost of Kalikak thinks, "O my dead again."

Kiyna asks, "Can we check out by my house if the town is clear?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Doing a perimeter check, but still..."

[General] Talismanblue asks, "How are things in town square, are people's metal items burning?"

Kiyna says, "They were swarming there earlier."

[combat]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Clearing out a few stragglers roaming the forest."

Kiyna says, "Looks like they've thinned out now."

The viridian flames stretching across Melgorehn's Reach begin to slow and fade, some streams disappearing entirely.

Tikba says, "It is diminishing."

Leafiara says, "The ground battle seems to be calming."

Leafiara says, "Will still take a look around the streets just in case."

Kiyna asks, "No more manafires than before?"

Leafiara says, "Doesn't look like it..."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "I suggest we.. try Voln if the fires return to Town Square."

Leafiara says, "Don't see any more manafire creations."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "This assumes the fires aren't directed where it may do the most damage, but any chage may help."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "I don't see any more of those fire beings."

Thrassus says, "There are stll fires in town after all that."

Broad says, "Nothin doin out der."

Tikba says, "Yes, we did not extinguish them."

Thrassus says, "I suggest not doing so."

Tikba wearily says, "Perhaps a project for another night, when Marlu will bless me with his presence again."

Leafiara considers, "The manafires in town might to be our benefit if they can at least suppress the blight inside the gates."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna counters, "Conversely, I'd have thought the ones in town were of the highest priority. If Octaven needs more fires, and the ones without pillars will do, the ones in town are the only ones left."

[General] Drazaa agrees, "I don't either."

Tikba says, "We felt that the pillars were key to Octaven's interest."

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara admits, "There are a lot of unknowns. It's unclear which fires were worse from Rodnay's perspective and which better from Octaven's..."

Tikba says, "The ones here in the walls we thought were perhaps symptoms."

Vaemyr says, "The fires in town should die away, without the core fires that are linked to the mana focus spots, they should be able to be extinguished."

Broad says, "Well that was fun."

Kiyna says, "Well it's done now."

Tikba says, "The fire is contained. The other is extinguished."

Tikba uncertainly says, "And the one on the mountain seems to be dying down."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa replies, "Me neither."

Kayse hopefully says, "It appears that way."

Leafiara reflects, "Overall, I'd call that a pretty successful night."

Asben says, "After all that fire i'm kinda glad we get so much snow..."

Tayler says, "The fire was quite rude."

Speaking to Leafiara, Tikba says, "Marlu provides."

Leafiara explains, "Unsuccessful is when a pylon ship shows up and vaporizes several dozen buildings."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I think it succeeded the goal, and again, one fire's worth of energy going out of control is vastly superior to three."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."

Tikba wryly says, "Although he does not just at this moment, but at other times he provides."

The fires wreathing Melgorehn's Reach fade and vanish and the sky begins to return to a normal shade of dark, with only a few stars peaking through the black velvet heavens. Green-tinted flakes of ash continue to fall.

Broad says, "Stars."

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "If at all possible I might wish for some assistence on my... condition."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee agrees, "If at all possible."

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "I'm welcome to be studied as well of course in exchange."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Raelee says, "That would be helpful."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "You need to get your magic back. Without your magic you're just an old man with altogether too many maps."

Tikba says, "Yes, if this disconnection is something you can aid with."

Speaking to Raelee, Tikba says, "I would appreciate that very much."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "Haha indeed."

Speaking to Tikba, Raelee says, "I shall contemplate it."

Tayler says, "Oh wow."

Speaking to Kiyna, Vaemyr says, "I'll need to rely on you a lot more for now."

Tayler says, "Two hundred pound box."

Murharzarm says, "Hey. Paper cuts smart."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kiyna says, "I wish you'd done that from the start..."

Tayler says, "Probably 35k."

Raelee says, "Knowing the source of properties of the fire to be ayana'al, we may be able to utilize ayana..."

Raelee continues, "But I rather doubt merely drinking the juice will be sufficient. We will likely need to process it alchemically first."

Vaemyr says, "Likely."

Roonie says, "Oh my."

Tikba wearily says, "I think...I need to sleep."

Speaking to Tikba, Drazaa ventures, "I believe you have pleased Marlu tonight."

Tayler says, "You all did good work."

Tikba admits, "I was not sure I knew how to do this."

Speaking to Tayler, Kayse says, "That perhaps could have been worse."

Kiyna hopefully says, "We'll see if this turns out to have been a good idea after all."

Speaking to Tikba, Drazaa says, "Perhaps, there are some things you intuitively know when it comes to devotion."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara reasons, "Nobody's ever certain until they've actually done it."

Speaking seriously to Kayse, Tikba says, "And thank you for what you have given tonight."

Speaking curiously to Kayse, Kiyna asks, "Those... are gonna stay like that, aren't they?"

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "I think I gave more than I bargained for...."

Speaking gently to Kayse, Tikba says, "Do not fear."

Speaking to Kayse, Asben says, "Usually that's the case."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa says, "The bargain came with a cost."

Speaking to Kiyna, Kayse says, "It appears I have been marked by Marlu... in multiple ways..."

Asben says, "There is always a heavy cost... more so than they tell."

Vaemyr says, "That is how deities work I'm afraid, they always have a more expensive price than what you receive in return."

Vaemyr says, "But... sometimes time gives you no other options."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Around here... arguably more often than not." [OOC note: Leafi actually missed the entire context of the previous sentence, which she would have disagreed with, and thought he was just generally talking about needing to use a risky plan.]

Kayse says, "It will be worth it, I hope."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "It is certainly a prime piece of bait."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa says, "At least the banefires are contained."

Kiyna asserts, "Nothing to do with the Arkati is worth it. I've said it before and I suspect I will keep saying it... but that's just my belief."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk says, "Thanks for keeping an eye out for me."

Speaking evenly to Kiyna, Kayse says, "The fires would still be burning then. We are a step closer to ending this with Octaven."

Sissi exclaims, "That was quick!"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Seems so, at least for now."

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Hopefully for tonight at least."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "And the Blight would be much further away, too."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "I truly hope it works out."

Pukk asks, "So a couple of days ago, the elementals were cold right?"

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Because those were Octaven's."

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "Octaven favors water, and particularly ice, as her element."

Leafiara says, "These were the manafires' elementals."

Leafiara tentatively says, "I don't... *think* we're likely to see lightning elementals. At least, let's hope not."

Leafiara mutters, "Those are the worst."

Pukk says, "I was wondering if there was a pattern. Next would be air, lightning or earth at this rate."

Vaemyr says, "I'm somewhat worried about my summoning circles, I think they are still there, they'll be maintained by the mana focus that was maintaining the manafire itself..."

[General] Fahlo exclaims, "I dunno there's still a bunch more Lornon to court! We can do it!"

[General] Leafiara exclaims, "All in due time!"

Raelee says, "I shall see what I have in the laboratory."

Raelee says, "... but for now, good evening."

Speaking to Raelee, Vaemyr says, "Thank you and good night."

[General] Fahlo thinks, "Ha yah I'm sure with the bright ideas and good intentions running around there's plenty of time for all of it."

Pukk says, "You know Raelee had fun tonight. Anything to do with magic experiementation always thrills her."

Vaemyr says, "I should try and get some rest as well... I can focus on my... problems tomorrow."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Missoni says, "Rest well."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "For what it's worth, we've dealt with this sort of problem many times before."

Speaking to Drazaa, Vaemyr says, "Twas good work tonight."

Leafiara says, "Sometimes the antimagic wore off its own, other times people ran straight off to Grishom Stone."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "And thanks for everything you put together... and sacrificed, I do hope it makes a difference."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Drazaa agrees, "The summoning circles held; well done."

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

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

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "I think Raelee is on track with how to potentially treat and cure it, it just might take a bit of time, hopefully not too long."

Leafiara affirms, "She's seen this antimagic phenomenon often enough that I'm certain she has good leads to resolve it quickly."

Kiyna says, "Oh, right..."

Leafiara says, "And even if her ideas go astray, Cordarius should know what to do since the manafires were his creation."

Speaking to a flame-eyed burnished ember fox, Kiyna says, "There you are."

Leafiara thoughtfully acknowledges, "Some rather twisted part of me almost wants to climb up the Reach right now to see what the statue looks like..."

Leafiara reiterates, "Almost."

Kayse wistfully says, "There were costs, but a lot of risks have them."

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Good luck."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Well she explained a lot of their creation to me before, including the herb used to cause mana disurptions like what is happening to us."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Probably will climb it tomorrow and see just to see if it changed."

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

Leafiara says, "I might have the energy to scale the mountain in... half an hour, maybe." [OOC note: she didn't]