The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-09-10 - Shadows From Revalos (log)

A shadow beast, summoned by Draezir, has been plaguing Solhaven while his scouts scour the Cairnfang Forest for any hint of the second shard. The shadow comes under cover of night or during heavy rain, and it leaves behind grisly trophies from its kills. It has captured two - Haxley and Revalos - on different occasions, doing something to them. Haxley managed to purge himself of the beast's touch, but Revalos remains linked in some way.

Another storm begins as night falls on 9/10/02. The shadow beast returns. Alisaire starts her watch for it on the promontory of the Cascade of Tears, but eventually moves to the widow's walk atop Niima's Temple, as it affords a spectacular view of both the bay and the southern half of the city. She is among many who brave the weather - and the risk posed - in defense of Solhaven against them. It is sighted, and it temporarily ensnares her, Charna, and Azorack before leaving behind a grisly trophy. Revalos begins to feel something stirring. Though others try to save him - from himself, or others from him - he is snatched from within a major sanctuary by the shadow. When he is finally found again on the streets of South Haven, he is in a stupor. And then, he dies, a second shadow beast birthed from the ruins of his skull. All begin to slowly realize that now there are two such creatures to worry about, at a time when just one was far too many.

This log is from Alisaire's perspective. It has been heavily edited.

Atop the Widow's Walk

You hear the faint thoughts of Kelfyr echo in your mind:
"Here it comes..."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"It is out there..."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"Be on guard everyone..."

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"The Creature."

You hear the faint thoughts of Paxia echo in your mind:
"Anyone else see that silhouette against the sky?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Gafur echo in your mind:
"Dat wha ya meant ta be 'on guard' Kilthal?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"Nae, the Creature is out there.  Everyone should be on guard, or seek shelter indoors where it be safe."

You hear the faint thoughts of Elfhame echo in your mind:
"what creature?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"Shadow given life, darkness given purpose."

You hear the faint thoughts of Elfhame echo in your mind:
"can it be killed?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Paxia echo in your mind:
"Um, I think the folk that have had a good look at it are pretty much... dead"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"It isnae believed that it can be harmed currently."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"Making it vulnerable may yet come, but as of now it doesnae seem able tae be harmed."


[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
The western view from the widow's walk is much more somber, looking out over nature in a more raw state.  Rolling waves crash against The Fang, the breakwater that protects the Solhaven Bay harbor to the south, subtly visible in the dark-on-dark of the night sky and the rough Western Sea.  Off to the southwest, the sparkling Kraken Sands occasionally glint in the moonlight.  You also see a wrought iron fence.
Obvious paths: north, east.

You focus your mind on Kelfyr and think:
"Do you still see the beast?  I cannot sight it from atop Niima's temple."

The heavy rainfall makes it difficult to see more than just a few feet ahead.

You hear something stir below, the faintest sound of *skritch-skritch-skritch* reaching your ears through the roaring downpour.

You softly ask, "Was that from the sea or from the streets?"
(Alisaire tries to peer outward from the walkway into the gloom, shaking her head in frustration from the lack of light.)

You focus your mind on Kelfyr and think:
"Wait, just now I heard something from below.  I could not tell if 'twas from the bayside or the cityside."

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

(Alisaire shakes her head again, staring outwards through the fence toward the bay for a long moment before turning back to the city.)
You softly say, "Where is that thing.."
You glance at a naginata.
You think to yourself, "It will feel my blade if need be."
You softly say, "Where was that sound from..?  It didn't sound like something from the water, but.."

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Suddenly, a hazy silhouette zooms up from the black depths below, the force of its speed slamming you to the ground.  With one great wingbeat, it glides into the sky, completely hidden by the darkness.

You furrow up your face and wince.

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"The thing is out there.  Have a care.."

You stand back up.
Your body tenses as you tighten your grip on your naginata.
You survey the area.

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"It flew just over Niima's temple just now.."

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

You hear the faint whisper of Charna saying, "in the temple itself? Are you alone?"

You softly ask, "Beast of shadows.. come from the sea is it?"
You take a few steps back.
You softly ask, "Where did it go..?"

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"I am alone.   I was atop it and it flew straight out of the bay!  Bloody thing knocked me over!"

You scowl.
You clearly exclaim, "Beast!  Show yourself, should you wish to face a blade this eve!"

You hear the faint whisper of Charna saying, "Where are you now?"

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

Rumbles of thunder echo across the surroundings, but the faintest sound of a sharp wing cutting through the air underlies the thundrous booming.

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"Still atop the widow's walk, in Niima's temple.  But I've lost sight of the thing."

(Alisaire squints against the downpour, turning around to try to find the source of the sound.)

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"I still hear it."

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"It flies above this eve..!  But from the bay it arose!"

You take a few steps back.

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

You quietly say, "Where did that thing go to.."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

You hear the faint thoughts of Charna touch your mind:
"I beseech you, get inside."

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

(Alisaire glances out toward the bay for a long moment, then upwards to the skies.  She readjusts her grip on her weapon, stepping slowly to one side of the walk.)

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"I will not run from this thing."

You mockingly say, "Fear is what you desire, beast?  You'll not have it from these quarters this eve."

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

The whistling sound of something approaching fast reaches your ears, as if the very air itself was being sliced by a razor.

You take a few steps back.

You hear the faint whisper of Charna saying, "You are still on the walk?"

You quietly say, "You've a thing or two to learn if mere passes are your method of striking fear.  There are greater dangers in this world than but death."

(Alisaire stares outward from the walk almost contemptuously, but keeps her weapon out in front of her.)

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"I will not run from it."

You survey the area.

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

>east
[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
Along the south side of the walk, the visible lights of Fisherman's Quay reveal a quiet night compared to the flurry of daytime activity.  Lobster skiffs are tied up along the docks, or moored a slight distance away.  You also see a wrought iron fence.
Obvious paths: north, west.

The sound continues to grow closer, but a subtle undercurrent to the booming thunder and droning chorus of rain.

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"It comes, can you not hear it?"

(Alisaire scans the horizon towards the south, brow still furrowed as she tries to discern the origins of the sound.)

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

You focus your mind on Charna and think:
"The storm.. it hides.. but it cannot hide forever."

You mockingly ask, "Ah, hiding are you?  Have to rely upon the storm to give you strength?"

Suddenly, the shadows of the building appear to writhe of their own accord and deepen to a blackness unparalleled.  A chill grips the area like the withered hands of a long-dead corpse.

You stare at a wrought iron fence.
(Alisaire whirls around, trying to pinpoint the shadow movement.)

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"It comes."

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.
The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

(Alisaire readjusts her grip once more, this time the motion more nervous.)

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"It flies low tonight."

Charna's group just arrived.

>look
[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
Along the south side of the walk, the visible lights of Fisherman's Quay reveal a quiet night compared to the flurry of daytime activity.  Lobster skiffs are tied up along the docks, or moored a slight distance away.  You also see a wrought iron fence.
Also here: Azorack, Charna
Obvious paths: north, west.

The shadows writhe and boil as if alive, swimming across the surroundings like liquid.  Within moments, they lash out at you and surround you in their embrace.

The buzz of thoughts in your mind subsides.
You quietly exclaim, "Have a care!  It comes..!"
You don't seem to be able to move to do that.

Charna shifts her weight, trembling slightly.
Charna gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

You manage to make a faint wheezing sound.

Azorack shifts his weight.
Azorack quietly says, "I.. I cannot move.."

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

Charna makes a faint wheezing sound.
Charna nervously says, "Gah... what is this..."

You quietly exclaim, "Where is it...?"  She tries to scan the roofline, struggling to move. "Where did it go to?!"

Darkness swims across your vision, the rain being blocked out by clouds and clouds of impenetrable darkness.

Charna nervously says, "I can't answe.."
Charna nervously says, "They.. they whisper... bu.. "

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

Azorack gravely asks, "What.. is this?"

You manage to make a faint wheezing sound.
You quietly exclaim, "Darkness, is it?  Is that what you desire to bring?  Even darkness can be destroyed in the end, beast!"
You don't seem to be able to move to do that.
You quickly ask, "Charna, you saw it come?  From the bay?"

Suddenly, a whistling sound passes overhead, and the reality snaps back in a sickening blur.  A flash of lightning illuminates the hazy form of a something massive and blacker than any normal shadow.  With an unearthly, shrill cry, it lets something loose from its talons that drops to your feet and rolls along the walk.

Azorack stares at a bloodied skull.

The skull appears to have a strange pattern etched in a haphazard fashion by some exceedingly sharp instrument.  A thick coating of blood still stains the grisly relic, but in all other fashions it appears to be picked completely clean.

Your hypnotic gesture makes your mind receptive to the thoughts of others.  You feel their distant, comforting presence.
You exclaim, "Where is it?!"
You turn around.

Charna makes a wheezing sound.
Charna gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Azorack tightens his grip on his naginata.
Azorack kneels down.
Azorack gazes thoughtfully at the bloodied skull.

A Grisly Gift

The shadow beast withdraws, but it has left behind a skull. Many converge on top of Niima's Temple.

[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
Along the south side of the walk, the visible lights of Fisherman's Quay reveal a quiet night compared to the flurry of daytime activity.  Lobster skiffs are tied up along the docks, or moored a slight distance away.  You also see a bloodied skull and a wrought iron fence.
Also here: Azorack who is kneeling, Charna
Obvious paths: north, west.

(Charna gazes about her eyes trying to pin point the source.)
Charna shifts her weight, trembling slightly.

Azorack quietly says, "What odd markings.."

Your hand trembles.
You quietly ask, "Did you see which way it went to, Charna?"

Charna vigorously shakes her head.
Charna nervously says, "I..."
Charna breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

You stare at a wrought iron fence.
You close your eyes for a moment.

Azorack quietly says, "I only saw it for a moment."

A near-blinding flash of lightning illuminates the surrounding area for miles... revealing nothing at all save for the outlines of buildings and the rain.

Charna's whole body trembles with fear.

(Alisaire opens her eyes slowly, staring outwards to the darkened roofline.)

Charna weakly says, "It was here...."
Charna gasps in terrified panic, trembling and flailing her arms about!

Azorack points at a bloodied skull.
Azorack quietly says, "It left us a preasent.."

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

You turn around.
You stare at a bloodied skull.
(Alisaire mutters, "Lovely.")

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"Did anyone see which way it went?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kateerina echo in your mind:
"no but id be going the other way if I knew"

A colorful flare rises into the air high above the southern part of Solhaven.

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"It left a gift."

You hear the faint thoughts of Lhel echo in your mind:
"Where?"

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"At my feet, atop Niima's temple."

Charna groans.
Charna just went north.

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
You glance at Azorack.

Azorack blinks.

>north
[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
At this angle and height, the only view afforded is that of the causeway leading to and from Niima's Isle and the rooftops of the immediate South 'Haven neighborhood.  You also see a wrought iron fence.
Also here: Charna who is kneeling
Obvious paths: south, west.

Charna scans her surroundings with the alertness of a seasoned scout.

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

You quietly ask, "Are you alright, Charna?"

(Charna glances up at Alisaire with despair.)
Charna weakly says, "There is nothing to follow."

Azorack just arrived.

(Alisaire glances back toward the bay cautiously, still gripping her weapon tightly.)
You frown.
You say, "It came from the bay."

Charna nods to you.

Azorack quietly asks, "Love? What is it?"

You quietly say, "I saw it, heard it, ere it knocked me over when it ascended from the depths of the water."

Charna weakly says, "Aye, but... but..  I can't find it."
Charna glances at you.
Charna weakly asks, "Where you injured?"
Charna weakly asks, "Did it mark you?"

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

You take a few steps back.
You say, "I'm fine."
You nod to Charna.
You firmly say, "It did not mark me."
You say, "One moment."


[She goes to get several who are lost inside Niima's temple.]


[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
Along the south side of the walk, the visible lights of Fisherman's Quay reveal a quiet night compared to the flurry of daytime activity.  Lobster skiffs are tied up along the docks, or moored a slight distance away.  You also see a bloodied skull and a wrought iron fence.
Obvious paths: north, west.
Kelfyr and Ysharra followed.

You stare at a bloodied skull.
You say, "That.. is its gift."

Ysharra kneels down.

Kelfyr kneels down.
Kelfyr deftly slings a sylvan defender's shield over his shoulder in one graceful movement.
Kelfyr just touched a bloodied skull.

(Alisaire glances outward toward the bay again, brow knitted.)

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Kelfyr quietly says, "How...odd"

Kilthal just arrived.
Kilthal frowns.

Ysharra asks, "What had you seen before, Alisaire?"

You quietly say, "It came from the bay.  I think it has already returned to it."

Ysharra nods to you.
Ysharra sighs.

Kelfyr sniffs at a bloodied skull.
Kelfyr scratches at a curly blond beard.

Kilthal squints at a bloodied skull.
Kilthal shudders.

Azorack's group just arrived.

You point west.

Ysharra says, "I wonder who this was."
Ysharra stands up.

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"It has struck and gone."

Kelfyr quietly says, "How odd"

You hear the faint thoughts of Lhel echo in your mind:
"Where Kilthal?"

Kilthal put a silver-etched rolaren badelaire in his inlaid leather sheath.

Charna quietly says, "I couldn't think to you.. I chouldn't whisper.. I could do nothing."

You hear the faint thoughts of Katealya echo in your mind:
"another murder?"

You say, "It.. flew straight from the waters below, upwards.  Then eastward, I think."
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
You say, "It flew for awhile ere returning."
You say, "But I could hear its wings all along."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"On the Widow's Walk atop Niima's Temple."

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

You hear the faint thoughts of Gafur echo in your mind:
"Tha shadow murdered, eh?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Katealya echo in your mind:
"it struck on a temple?"

Charna quietly says, "It wrapped this darkness about us.. it... swallowed us in it."
Charna shifts her weight, trembling slightly.

Ysharra glances at Charna.

Kelfyr quietly asks, "Why would the creature...come in over the bay, come to the east side of town, and then come back west to attack someone?"

Ysharra asks, "Do you speak literally?"

Azorack rests a gentle hand on Charna's arm, smiling softly.
Azorack nods to Ysharra.

Ysharra asks, "It wrapped you in darkness?"

Azorack quietly says, "She does."

Kelfyr quietly says, "Unless it brought the body here."

Marthanis's group just arrived.

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"It left a skull there at the least."

(Charna glances back and forth between those gathered, he eyes round with fear the whites showing clearly in the dark.)

You quietly say, "Its.. grip is strong.  I could not move, either."

You hear the faint thoughts of Silverwolf echo in your mind:
"desecrating temples what is this place coming to"

You hear the faint thoughts of Katealya echo in your mind:
"thats terrible"

Kilthal firmly asks, "Did anyone hear a scream though?"
Kilthal ponders.

You shake your head.
You say, "I saw no body, only the head."

Marthanis shakes his head.

Radoria just arrived.

Charna quietly says, "NOthing.. my body was not my own.. I could do nothing."
Charna quietly says, "I couldn't think to you"
Charna quietly says, "I couldn't breath.."

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Lady Aramana's group just arrived.

Kelfyr frowns.

Kilthal firmly says, "Perhaps this it the from an earlier murder..."

You hear the faint thoughts of Kateerina echo in your mind:
"its that nasty beast"

Ysharra asks, "Did it touch any of you?"

Witcheaven glances at a bloodied skull.

Azorack quietly says, "Yes, it something let out a cry."

Kilthal blinks at Charna.
Kilthal firmly asks, "What happened?"

(Alisaire glances westward again, her fingers flexing and unflexing on her weapon haft.)

Charna nervously says, "It... it knocked over Alisaire... but she says it marked her not."
Charna chatters to herself, apparently engaged in a spirited debate with her alter ego.

You firmly say, "It didn't mark me."
You stare at Charna.

Ysharra glances at you.
Ysharra carefully diagnoses your injuries.

Kelfyr stands up.

You wave a hand at Ysharra, dismissing her indifferently.

Lhel just touched a bloodied skull.
Lhel furrows her brow.

You glance at Witcheaven.
You make a horrendous warthog-like noise.

Witcheaven raises an eyebrow.

Ysharra says, "Leave off, Ali'shara.  Tis my watch."

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Kilthal firmly says, "Careful touching it."

>get skull
You can't pick that up.

Witcheaven says, "I must say. I've not been in Niima's Temple before, but.. it is rather nice.."

Azorack quietly says, "It is a skull, Kilthal."

Charna's whole body trembles with fear.
Charna nervously exclaims, "We could do nothing!"

(Witcheaven nudges the skull with her foot.)

Kilthal firmly says, "And the blood splotch last night was just blood."

Charna nervously asks, "DOn't you people see?"
Charna nervously exclaims, "Our thoughts, our whispers.. nothing!"

Witcheaven says, "Has a bit of charm too."

Aramana chuckles.


[Alisaire leaves briefly.  Ysharra demands to check her in case she was marked by the creature, as Haxley and Revalos had been before.]


[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
Along the south side of the walk, the visible lights of Fisherman's Quay reveal a quiet night compared to the flurry of daytime activity.  Lobster skiffs are tied up along the docks, or moored a slight distance away.  You also see the Kilthal disk, the Lhel disk, a bloodied skull and a wrought iron fence.
Also here: Azorack, Kilthal, Lady Witcheaven who is kneeling, Lady Aramana, Radoria, Lhel, Marthanis, Charna who is seated, Kelfyr who is kneeling
Obvious paths: north, west.

(Witcheaven runs her finger along the side, coating it with blood before raising her finger back to her lips.)
Witcheaven says, "Yes, definitely human."
Witcheaven stands up.

Kelfyr glances at Witcheaven.

Aramana smiles at Witcheaven.

Kilthal frowns at Witcheaven.

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

Kelfyr stands up.
Kelfyr quietly asks, "Has the creature sailed back over the bay for certain?"

Kilthal strides a few steps toward a bloodied skull.

Inky black liquid streams from the hollow eyesockets of the skull, and with a faint hiss like that of steam escaping, it melts away into a puddle of soupy black-red liquid.

Ysharra blinks.

Aramana grins.

A pained expression crosses Kilthal's face.

You take a few steps back.

Azorack quietly says, "Hm, how odd."

(Charna scoots away from the skull.)

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Ysharra says, "And no more..."

Charna chatters to herself, apparently engaged in a spirited debate with her alter ego.
Charna's eyelid begins to twitch and quiver uncontrollably.

Kilthal softly says, "Twisting blood tae shadow."

Witcheaven smiles.
Witcheaven laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

You say, "It's but a skull.  Things decay quickly in this region."

Lhel furrows her brow.

Witcheaven says, "None of this would happen if you would just give in."

Kilthal softly says, "And perhaps it was more."
Kilthal glances at Witcheaven.

(Kelfyr slides his foot away from the puddle, dragging the muck from his boot onto the floor.)

Witcheaven says, "The pain would be quick, but not fleeting."
Witcheaven says, "However, the fear would last an eternity."

(Alisaire keeps glancing out over the bay as she paces, only halfway paying attention to the conversations.)

Charna glares at Witcheaven.

Kilthal coldly asks, "Why dunnae we just nail yer skull tae the Hangman's Bridge now and get it over with?"
Kilthal stares at Witcheaven.

Witcheaven asks, "And that would do what good besides proving that your sword is sharp?"

Revalos just arrived.
Revalos rubs his chin thoughtfully.

You nod to Revalos in greeting.

Kelfyr quietly says, "The skull just melted away..."
Kelfyr nods to Revalos.

Revalos asks, "in the same way as the others?"

Kilthal coldly says, "Give ye a new view of the city."

Charna covers her ears.
Charna clasps her arms around her knees and rocks back and forth.

(Witcheaven gazes at Revalos thoughtfully.)

Kelfyr quietly says, "I am not sure"

Revalos glances at Witcheaven.

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

Witcheaven says, "Good evening."
Witcheaven smiles at Revalos.

Kilthal softly says, "An inky black liquid poured out from the eyes."
Kilthal nods to Revalos.

Kelfyr quietly says, "I heard the beast..."
Kelfyr nods to Revalos.

Revalos says, "the same then..."
Revalos gazes up into the heavens.
Revalos asks, "and this happened not long ago?"

Kelfyr quietly says, "I heard it walk across cobblestones, and the click of it's claws."

Witcheaven kneels down.

Kilthal softly says, "And then it all melted intae a blackish-red puddle."

Charna nervously says, "It bathed us in darkness... thick.. cloying darknes.... it paralized us... Couldn't think.."
Charna clasps her arms around her knees and rocks back and forth.

(Witcheaven touches the ground where the skull had lain lightly with her fingers.)

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

Kilthal softly says, "It happened a minute or two ago."

Revalos asks, "you were...paralyzed by it?"

Kelfyr quietly says, "I watched as the flames flickered when it flew overhead...  It has no fear of being sought out anymore."

Charna nods to Revalos.
Charna nervously says, "It chocked us.. we... we... couldn't breath.. couldn't think.. or whisper... nothing."
Charna clasps her arms around her knees and rocks back and forth.

Revalos softly asks, "and darkness...you were enclosed within a greated darkness?"

Witcheaven says, "Why should it fear being sought out? The creature is of the shadows itself."
Witcheaven stands up.

Charna nods to Revalos.
Charna weakly says, "Yes... it was... all consuming."
Charna weakly says, "No.. no movement.. nothing."

Revalos hangs his head.

Kelfyr quietly says, "But it walks along without care."

Kilthal softly says, "Because even shadows can be banished."

Ysharra says, "Shadows hide when light comes."
Ysharra says, "And it always does."

Witcheaven says, "No, Kilthal, they can't. Even in the brightest light, there is always a sliver of dark."

Charna stares at Ysharra.

Ysharra nods to Charna.
Ysharra smiles at Charna.

>whisper ysharra It wished us to fear.  It desired that from the three of us, and mocked me ere the other two arrived.
You whisper quietly to Ysharra.

>whisper ysharra It would be a perfect pet of his.
You whisper quietly to Ysharra.

Revalos says, "know this...if you have felt what you described...you may have been adversely affected by it, much as Haxley, much as myself."

Charna weakly says, "It attacked in the morning..."
Charna groans.

Kilthal frowns.

You look at Revalos and shake your head.
You say, "It marked us not."

Kelfyr glances at Revalos.

Charna ducks her head.
Charna buries her face in her hands.
Charna clasps her arms around her knees and rocks back and forth.

Revalos says, "it does not need to do so...as was seen with Haxley"

Kilthal softly asks, "And ye would know better than one who has experienced it?"
Kilthal glances at you.

You firmly say, "It didn't."
You nod to Kilthal.

Revalos says, "that is why Ulstram warned us all, to stay inside"

Aramana smiles.

Ysharra stands in front of you.
Ysharra says, "I will watch over Alisaire."

You fold your arms over your chest.

Witcheaven asks, "But the night is so beautiful. Why ruin it by staying indoors?"

Azorack quietly says, "Heh.. that old man? Doesn't know morning from night.."

Kelfyr smirks.

(Alisaire opens her mouth, starting to say something, but apparently thinks better of it.)
You shake your head.

Ysharra smiles quietly to herself.

Revalos says, "it has already been ruined"
Revalos says, "and will continue to be so...for me...until this thing leaves here forever"

Revalos asks, "Charna, you said the beast attacked again this morning?"

Aramana gazes up into the heavens.
Aramana closes her eyes for a moment.

You blink.
You glance at Charna.
You ask, "It did?"

Kelfyr says, "I think she meant that it has attacked in daylight."

Charna weakly says, "No.. in the morning.. a morning.. one morning.. back."
(Charna waves her hand behind her.)

Ysharra asks, "You mean the kitten?"

You say, "Oh, the cat."
You nod.

Revalos says, "ah...sorry..I misunderstood"

Charna's lower lip trembles slightly.
Charna nods.

Ysharra asks, "But that was in a shaded garden, was it not?"
Ysharra says, "And very early in the morning..."

Revalos says, "it was raining as well"
Revalos says, "if I remember your recounting of it"

Ysharra nods to Revalos.

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Charna groans.
Charna weakly says, "The rain..."

Revalos wraps his hooded cloak tightly around himself, as if to keep out the cold.

Ysharra says, "And I rarely spend evenings here...I would imagine, on the coast, the mornings are quite dim from the sea mist."

Charna weakly asks, "Lhel?"
Charna touches Lhel.
(Charna gazes at Lhel, her eyes sad and scared.)

Lhel kneels down.
Lhel quietly asks, "Aye my friend?"
Lhel gently rests her hand on Charna's shoulder.

Lord Rekarth just arrived.
Rekarth surveys the area.

Ysharra smiles at Rekarth.
Ysharra says, "Good evening, Rekarth."

Rekarth says, "Greetings."

Kilthal softly says, "It always strikes during storms."
Kilthal softly says, "Storms give it all the cover it needs."

Charna weakly asks, "Can you look me over, check make sure?"
Charna's lower lip trembles slightly.

>whisper charna Be strong.  It lusts for fear.
You whisper quietly to Charna.

Witcheaven glances at Charna.

>whisper charn Do not give into it, or it will have won.
You whisper quietly to Charna.

(Alisaire glances sharply at Charna.)

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

Lhel kisses Charna tenderly on the forehead.
Lhel nods.

Charna closes her eyes for a moment.

Lord Kraygon just arrived.

Revalos quietly says, "I am glad I was still working on my maps inside...I felt nothing of this attack"

(Charna nods her head to Alisaire.)

>whisper charn It is our fear that it wants.. and it will not have it.
You whisper quietly to Charna.

You nod to Charna.

Lhel begins a careful examination of Charna -- she takes her pulse, checks her temperature, and checks for broken bones or any other ailments.

Charna grins bravely, ignoring her obvious pain.
Charna breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

You say, "That is a relief at any rate."
You nod to Revalos.

Kelfyr says, "I was glad to hear that you slept through it."
Kelfyr says, "Or at least, were kept away from the visions..."

You say, "Perhaps its hold grows.. thin as time progresses."

Revalos quietly says, "it does, two nights ago, when I was locked in the inn...the pull was quite strong"

Kelfyr says, "I still do not understand though..."
Kelfyr asks, "Why would it come in over the bay, head all the way to the east side of town, and then come back here to kill?"

Lhel quietly says, "There is nothing, nothing I can see anyways my friend. Except for a minor case of the shakes"
(Lhel rests her hand on Charns's cheek)

Revalos asks, "was it seen flying from the west?"

(Witcheaven fingers the ruby jackal clasped to her leathers, gazing up at the sky.)

>whisper revalos It came from the bay.
You whisper quietly to Revalos.

Revalos nods to you.

>whisper revalos I saw it rise from the depths ere taking flight.  The thing knocked me over on the west part of this walk.
You whisper quietly to Revalos.

Charna gazes in awe at Lhel.
Charna softly says, "Thank you."

Kelfyr says, "I thought so, unless I was turned around at the time..."

Revalos glances at you.
Revalos whispers, "did it touch you?"

Kilthal softly says, "It flew it along the Bay."

Kelfyr says, "Charna and I saw the bay, the moonlight and stars glimmering on it's surface."

>whisper revalos It did not mark me.
You whisper quietly to Revalos.

Revalos whispers, "it needs not...Haxley was not marked, nor was I...until much later"

Kilthal softly asks, "Why did it come in along the Bay period?"
Kilthal softly says, "It has always come down from the clouds."

Lhel quietly says, "I could quickly take care of the physical shakes if you wish my friend"

>whisper revalos It did not mark me.
You whisper quietly to Revalos.

You nod to Revalos.

Ysharra says, "Perhaps it hides in the sea caves."

Azorack quietly says, "Storms off the water."

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Kelfyr says, "And we heard the creature within mere feet of us on the east side of town"
Kelfyr says, "And it went here to kill."

Charna smiles softly at Lhel, her eyes still twitching.
Charna nods to Lhel.

You cock your head at Kelfyr.
You ask, "Where in the east?"

Lhel nods.

Ysharra says, "Where the mist keeps it protected during fine weather."

Kilthal softly says, "Scaup Road."

Charna softly says, "Before the stand of yew trees."
Charna softly says, "The ones that are potted."

Revalos says, "Kelfyr...it is not affected by distance as we know of it...it moves at a speed beyond our vision"

Kelfyr nods to Charna.

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
You say, "I think I know the spot, although I cannot recall the streetname."

Kelfyr asks, "Then why would it walk?"

Azorack quietly asks, "Where are the seacaves?"
Azorack peers quizzically at Ysharra.

Charna wearily says, "To the south and west."

Lhel stands up.

Revalos says, "it can if it chooses to"
Revalos says, "it enjoys the fear"

Ysharra says, "I would imagine there are several, but I referred to the dwarven ones Songie took us to yesterday."

Kelfyr sighs.
Kelfyr asks, "But I mean, why kill a victim here of all places?"

Charna bites her lip.
Charna wearily says, "Because they were out."

You cock your head at Kelfyr.
You say, "It mocks."

Revalos nods to you.

Azorack quietly says, "It dropped the body here."
Azorack quietly says, "Or.. part of it."

You say, "Skull."
You nod to Azorack.
You say, "No body."

Charna passes a hand over her freckled face.
Charna closes her eyes for a moment.
A pained expression crosses Charna's face.

Kilthal softly says, "It may have killed elsewhere."

You nod to Kilthal.
You survey the area.
You frown.

From Revalos, Shadows

Alisaire steps west, to better see the bay again. Ysharra, Revalos, and Kelfyr follow. Revalos suddenly realizes that something is very wrong.

[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
The western view from the widow's walk is much more somber, looking out over nature in a more raw state.  Rolling waves crash against The Fang, the breakwater that protects the Solhaven Bay harbor to the south, subtly visible in the dark-on-dark of the night sky and the rough Western Sea.  Off to the southwest, the sparkling Kraken Sands occasionally glint in the moonlight.  You also see a wrought iron fence.
Also here: Ysharra
Obvious paths: north, east.

Revalos just arrived.

You say, "It came from there, from the waters."
You say, "Straight up, at this very spot."

Ysharra says, "From the water?..."

You quietly say, "Its wings beat strong; that's what knocked me over when it flew above."

Revalos nods to you.

You say, "I don't know if it came from the water itself or merely was skimming it."
You say, "It flew low, or swam, then took air right here ere flying over the city."

Revalos says, "it only is seen when it wants to be seen, it is not affected by speed or distance"

Kelfyr just arrived.

You quietly say, "It uses the storm to hide.  It tries to use that to strike fear."

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

You quietly say, "That and the darkness it brings."
You turn to face Revalos.

Ysharra says, "So we are always in terror when the rain falls."
Ysharra shivers.

You ask, "Do you recall any visions of water when you were.. in contact with it?"
You say, "A bay or.."

Revalos shakes his head.

You frown.
You ask, "Merely the skies?"

Revalos says, "no, only the sky and the clouds"
Revalos nods to you.

You nod to Revalos.

Ysharra says, "What about..."
Ysharra asks, "Others?"
Ysharra asks, "Of its kind?"

Revalos says, "that has...been considered"

You glance at Revalos.

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Kelfyr asks, "What is out there on The Fang?"
Kelfyr asks, "Just open land protecting the bay?"

Ysharra says, "Tell me if you saw others, in your vision."
Ysharra nods to Revalos.

Revalos says, "never"

You say, "I am not as well-versed in the terrain here as others."

Ysharra nods to Revalos.
Ysharra rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Lord Rekarth just arrived.

Revalos says, "dear lord no..."
Revalos just went east.

Rekarth surveys the area.

You blink.

Revalos just arrived

You cock your head at Revalos.


The heavy rainfall makes it difficult to see more than just a few feet ahead.

Revalos asks, "where...where do I get inside?"


You clasp Revalos's hand tenderly.

Ysharra asks, "Revalos, what's wrong?"

>north
[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
Twin golden spires climb towards the night sky, ornately configurated with tiny crabs, starfish, and seashells.  Black wrought iron fences run parallel, a few feet apart and in from the roof's edge, creating this narrow widow's walk.  To the north, lights along Solhaven Bay and Baron's Quay are clearly visible.  Off to the northeast, busy North Market Bridge and the North 'Haven quays teem with life.  Moonlight casts its silvery glow over the ocean, twinkling as it dances upon the waves.  You also see a glaes and mistwood door.
Obvious paths: south, east.
Revalos followed.

>go door
[Niima's Temple, Bell Tower]
Overhead, a large brass bell is suspended from a timber beam.  Rope threaded through a series of pulleys used to make it swing out and ring has been securely tied off with a large fisherman's knot.  You also see a glaes and mistwood door.
Obvious exits: down.
Revalos followed.

You ask, "What is it?"
You cock your head at Revalos.

Ysharra came through a glaes and mistwood door.

Lord Rekarth came through a glaes and mistwood door.

Revalos says, "I...felt it"
Revalos points at a grey silk vair-trimmed doublet.
Revalos says, "inside"

You frown.
You shake your head.
You say, "Deny it."

Revalos says, "I cannot deny its existence"

You say, "Let's go further down inside this building."

Ysharra nods to Revalos.
Ysharra says, "We'll keep you watched."

>down
[Niima's Temple, Stairwell]
Halfway up this spiraling staircase, an opening has been cut into the wall, revealing the nave and altar below.  At this height, the clerestory windows are almost eye level, and it becomes apparent that they are each a mosaic of blue and green translucent glaes.
Obvious exits: up, down.
Rekarth, Ysharra and Revalos followed.

Revalos says, "I can only deny it control"

You say, "You can dey its touch."
You nod to Revalos.

>down
[Niima's Temple, Stairwell]
Enclosed limestone spiral stairs lead upward along this corner towards the top of the temple, inlaid with a centered pattern of frolicking dolphins.  A haon-linteled archway leads out to the garden.
Obvious exits: southeast, up.
Rekarth, Ysharra and Revalos followed.

>southeast
[Niima's Temple, Chancel]
Set off from the main nave by a mistwood banister, the haon benches here have been cushioned with seats of plush blue-green velvet, indicating a more elite seating during services.  On the far wall, a wave has been skillfully painted in the changing colors of the sea complete with a white foamy crest.  Above the roiling water, an indigo starry sky adds a bit of surreal depth to this end of the temple.  A white alabaster altar stands at the center, raised up slightly on a round white marble dais.
Obvious exits: northwest, up, out.
Rekarth, Ysharra and Revalos followed.

Ysharra says, "Her altar is as good as any..."
Ysharra asks, "You said you felt it?"

Revalos sits down.
Revalos says, "tell the others...get them off the widow's walk"
Revalos says, "it may be returning"

You quietly ask, "What did you feel?  Merely its presence or..?"

Revalos' eyes flicker, turning a stark black for a moment before returning to normal.

Revalos cringes.

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"It is strongly advised that those outdoors seek shelter."

You stare at Revalos.

Ysharra stares at Revalos.
Ysharra asks, "Did  you see something else?"

Rekarth looks thoughtfully at Revalos.

Azorack's group just arrived.

Revalos softly asks, "are...they inside?"

Azorack cocks his head at Rekarth.

You say, "They are coming."
You nod to Revalos.

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"And especially off of the walk."

Revalos softly says, "something draws near"

Ysharra asks, "It's returning?"

You hear the faint thoughts of Kilthal echo in your mind:
"Why do ye say that, Alisaire?  Lightning?"

Charna weakly asks, "What?"
Charna groans.
Charna weakly says, "Noo.."

You hear your own faint thoughts echoing in your head:
"No, the beast may be returning."

Revalos softly says, "I know not Ysharra...something stirs in the darkness"

You hear the faint thoughts of Ysharra echo in your mind:
"No, because Revalos says so!"

You quietly say, "Pardon a moment."

You think to yourself, "I will not run from it."
You think to yourself, "Fear is what it desires, and what it will not obtain."


[Alisaire goes back up onto the widow's walk, followed shortly by Ysharra, Rekarth, and Lhel.  Meanwhile, Revalos asks to be bound, feeling the creature drawing something from within him.  When they return..]


[Niima's Temple, Chancel]
Set off from the main nave by a mistwood banister, the haon benches here have been cushioned with seats of plush blue-green velvet, indicating a more elite seating during services.  On the far wall, a wave has been skillfully painted in the changing colors of the sea complete with a white foamy crest.  Above the roiling water, an indigo starry sky adds a bit of surreal depth to this end of the temple.  A white alabaster altar stands at the center, raised up slightly on a round white marble dais.  You also see the Kilthal disk.
Also in the room: Marthanis, Kilthal, Kelfyr, Charna who is kneeling, Azorack, Revalos who is seated
Obvious exits: northwest, up, out.

Shadows suddenly whirl around Revalos in a frenzied dance, the black maelstrom funnelling ever-closer to him as it draws to a close.

You see Revalos Lykanderon the Frontiersman.
He appears to be a Human from Mestanir.
He appears to be advanced in years and average height.  He has clouded milky blue eyes and olive skin.  He has long, thick dark blonde hair swept back from the temples.  He has a weathered face, a thin nose and bushy sideburns.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a narrow gold ring, some leather falconer's gauntlets, a map-embossed ceramic stein, a diamond laje compass, a black leather hooded cloak, a silver stick pin, a blue black glaesine orb, a grey oilcloth fishing vest, a blockade runner pin, some forest green brigandine trimmed with soft doeskin around the armholes, some scuffed grey sailing boots, some strapping stone-grey trousers, a soft tan fringed belt, a faded grey vellum map case, a grey silk vair-trimmed doublet, a grey leather multi-pocketed backpack, a gold square button, a carved haon wolverine locket, a carved wooden talisman, a drab grey waterstained harness, a hand-tied fishing fly with russet and grey streaks, a veniom-bound rolaren tower shield, a pair of wire-framed spectacles, a crystal amulet, and a salt-stained fishing hat.

You blink.

Azorack traces a sign while petitioning the spirits for cognition...

Kelfyr says, "Creature, leave the body of this man.  His heart is too pure for you.  You do not want him."

Charna signals, "Do it now!"

Azorack nods.

Kilthal strides over to stand before Revalos.

Azorack gestures.
Azorack's group is surrounded by a brilliant swirling mist and vanishes!

>look
[Niima's Temple, Chancel]
Set off from the main nave by a mistwood banister, the haon benches here have been cushioned with seats of plush blue-green velvet, indicating a more elite seating during services.  On the far wall, a wave has been skillfully painted in the changing colors of the sea complete with a white foamy crest.  Above the roiling water, an indigo starry sky adds a bit of surreal depth to this end of the temple.  A white alabaster altar stands at the center, raised up slightly on a round white marble dais.
Also in the room: Marthanis
Obvious exits: northwest, up, out.

You say, "Huh."

Ysharra just arrived.
Ysharra raises an eyebrow.
Ysharra asks, "Where was he taken to?"

(Alisaire stares at the empty spot in the chancel.)

Lhel just arrived.

You say, "It seems that... well.. they have decided to maintain a barrier between this room and their sanctuary."

Marthanis says, "maj sanct"

You sense that you are not a wizard and thank your lucky stars.

Ysharra says, "Oh."

Lhel quietly asks, "Who?"

You say, "Azorack."


[Back atop the widow's walk, Alisaire, Lhel, Rekarth, and Ysharra keep watch over the bay, and they worry about Revalos.]


[Niima's Temple, Widow's Walk]
The western view from the widow's walk is much more somber, looking out over nature in a more raw state.  Rolling waves crash against The Fang, the breakwater that protects the Solhaven Bay harbor to the south, subtly visible in the dark-on-dark of the night sky and the rough Western Sea.  Off to the southwest, the sparkling Kraken Sands occasionally glint in the moonlight.  You also see a wrought iron fence.
Also here: Lhel, Ysharra, Lord Rekarth
Obvious paths: north, east.

Lhel quietly says, "Revalos"
Lhel moans.

You cock your head at Lhel.
You ask, "What?"

Ysharra glances at Lhel.
Ysharra asks, "What of him?"

You ask, "What is it?"

Rekarth raises an eyebrow in Lhel's direction.

Lhel quietly says, "He has been taken"

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Ysharra blinks.

Rekarth gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...
Rekarth gestures into the air.
Rekarth gets a frustrated look on his face.

You stare at Lhel.
Your body tenses as you tighten your grip on your naginata.

Lhel taps a crystal amulet.
Lhel quietly says, "The shadow took him"

Ysharra asks, "Taken?  From a Sanctuary?"
Ysharra blinks.

You ask, "Where to?"

You survey the area.

Rekarth ponders.

Rekarth says, "Curious."

Ysharra says, "Rekarth cannot find him, then none of us can, most likely."

Lhel quietly says, "I saw how easily Draezir can break a gods protection the other night"

You chuckle.
You mockingly say, "Gods did not show the other night."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

You say, "Merely the touch of a delusional former-paladin."

Ysharra smiles at you.

Rekarth takes a drink from his Faendryl absinthe.
Rekarth closes his eyes for a moment.

Lhel paces back and forth.

You say, "It flies not again this eve."

Ysharra nods to you.
Ysharra says, "But it has retrieved its pawn."

Lhel quietly says, "I will return.. I will go below for a moment"
Lhel just went north.

(Rekarth gazes out over the bay.)

You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
You swear under your breath.

Ysharra folds her arms over her chest.

Lhel just arrived.
Lhel paces back and forth.
Lhel quietly says, "There is no one in the temple"


[Some time passes.  They spread out and begin searching South Haven.]


[Solhaven, Baron's Bridge Road]
The footfalls and rasp of wagon wheels on stone accompanying the traffic from the north suddenly take on a hollow aftertone as solid ground and stone roadway are replaced by the timbers and planking of South 'Haven.  No less busy than Bayside Road north of the bridge, the smocks and leather aprons of tradesmen are more evident here.
Also here: Kelfyr
Obvious paths: north, south, east, west, northeast.

You cock your head at Kelfyr.

Lhel just arrived.

Kelfyr glances at you.

You ask, "What happened?  I heard he was.. taken?"

Kelfyr nods to you.
Kelfyr says, "Like Haxley.  Gone."

You frown.

Lhel paces back and forth.

A piercing scream echoes across the dark streets.

Ysharra blinks.

You flinch.

Kelfyr roars!


[More searching.  Revalos is finally found, on No Name Road.]


[Solhaven, No Name Road]
On the north side of the road, an open-walled barn gives shelter to a four-wheeled wagon and two large carts in different stages of construction.  All manner of tools have been safely locked away, but the floor is still littered with shaving, sawdust and several large smears of axle grease.  You also see a bloodied corpse.
Also here: Kelfyr, Revalos
Obvious paths: south, east, west.
Rekarth and Ysharra followed.

You glance at a bloodied corpse.

>look corpse
The ribcage of the corpse appears to be torn open, its heart missing.

Rekarth says, "The heart again."

Ysharra says, "Indeed..."

Kelfyr says, "Revalos..."

You frown.
You ask, "Was it him or the beast?"

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

Ysharra says, "And he has a knife."

Rekarth looks thoughtfully at Revalos.
Rekarth asks, "Are you eating them?"

You see Revalos Lykanderon the Frontiersman.
He appears to be a Human from Mestanir.
He appears to be advanced in years and average height.  He has clouded milky blue eyes and olive skin.  He has long, thick dark blonde hair swept back from the temples.  He has a weathered face, a thin nose and bushy sideburns.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a carved thanot hilted skinning knife in his right hand.
He is wearing a narrow gold ring, some leather falconer's gauntlets, a map-embossed ceramic stein, a diamond laje compass, a black leather hooded cloak, a silver stick pin, a blue black glaesine orb, a grey oilcloth fishing vest, a blockade runner pin, some forest green brigandine trimmed with soft doeskin around the armholes, some scuffed grey sailing boots, some strapping stone-grey trousers, a soft tan fringed belt, a faded grey vellum map case, a grey silk vair-trimmed doublet, a grey leather multi-pocketed backpack, a gold square button, a carved haon wolverine locket, a carved wooden talisman, a drab grey waterstained harness, a hand-tied fishing fly with russet and grey streaks, a veniom-bound rolaren tower shield, a pair of wire-framed spectacles, a crystal amulet, and a salt-stained fishing hat.

Kelfyr says, "Revalos..."
(Kelfyr lightly shakes Revalos.)

You glance at Revalos.
You quietly say, "Revalos."

Ysharra cocks her head at Revalos.
Ysharra asks something in guild speak.

Kelfyr says, "Come on, buddy..."

Rekarth ponders.

You hear the faint thoughts of Revalos echo in your mind:
"nothing could stop it....nothing could end it"

Shadows begin to swirl around Revalos in a frenzied dance, and something massive bursts from the tatters of his now-ruined skull.  It screams with an unearthly cry and ascends into the night sky, obscured utterly by the downpour.

 * Revalos drops dead at your feet!

Ysharra blinks.

You stare at Revalos.

Kelfyr roars!

Rekarth blinks.

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.
The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Ysharra forces Revalos's mouth open, and pours in a small amount from her white flask.
A luminescent web briefly forms around Revalos, then fades into the body.

Kelfyr kneels down.

Rekarth says, "Now that was rather curious."

Ysharra kneels down.

You tilt your head up.

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

Rekarth gazes up into the heavens.


[A short while later.]


[Solhaven, No Name Road]
On the north side of the road, an open-walled barn gives shelter to a four-wheeled wagon and two large carts in different stages of construction.  All manner of tools have been safely locked away, but the floor is still littered with shaving, sawdust and several large smears of axle grease.  You also see a hawk and a bloodied corpse.
Also here: Lord Turinrond, Katealya, Marthanis, Lhel, Lady Witcheaven, Lady Aramana, Ysharra, Lord Rekarth, Kelfyr who is kneeling, the body of Revalos who is lying down
Obvious paths: south, east, west.

Witcheaven smiles.

Kelfyr asks, "The creature has left you?"
Kelfyr glances at Revalos.

You hear the ghostly voice of Revalos softly say, "it is gone...from me now...it will not return"

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

Rekarth says, "Something did explode out of his head and rise into the sky..."
Rekarth gazes up into the heavens.

Kelfyr sighs.

Turinrond furrows his brow.

You cock your head at Revalos.

Katealya asks, "it will not return tonite, or ever?"

You hear the ghostly voice of Revalos softly say, "it will not return to me."

Kelfyr says, "It has been birthed into the world..."

Turinrond quietly says, "I suppose that is good news, of a sort."

You hear the ghostly voice of Revalos softly say, "there are now two"

Kelfyr says, "There is now..another"

Turinrond stares off into space.

Ysharra says, "A plague."

Rekarth says, "Curious."

Aramana grins.
Aramana gazes up into the heavens.

You hear the ghostly voice of Revalos softly say, "and there will be more...many more"

You stare at Revalos.

Kelfyr says, "Revalos, I've failed you."

Rekarth says, "Undoubtedly."

Corpse Collection

Several investigate a false lead, and then return several minutes later. An undertaker has arrived to retrieve the corpse. This is far from the first time he's had to do this recently, and he asks about the killer on the loose. Meanwhile, Revalos decides to leave the city, to retreat to the wilds and find himself again.

[Solhaven, No Name Road]
On the north side of the road, an open-walled barn gives shelter to a four-wheeled wagon and two large carts in different stages of construction.  All manner of tools have been safely locked away, but the floor is still littered with shaving, sawdust and several large smears of axle grease.  You also see a gaunt man, a small cart, the Kilthal disk, a hawk and a bloodied corpse.
Also here: Kilthal who is kneeling, Azorack, Charna, Lord Turinrond, Katealya, Marthanis, Lhel, Lady Witcheaven, Lady Aramana, Kelfyr, Revalos who is seated
Obvious paths: south, east, west.
Rekarth and Ysharra followed.

(Revalos glances down at the bloodied knife in his hands.  Then glances up at the gaunt man.)

>look man
It is your typical gaunt man.
It is in good shape.
It has nothing at this time.

You have never seen anything quite like a gaunt man, so you are not really sure what to make of it or how dangerous it might be.

Witcheaven asks, "You have come to remove the corpse from the streets?"

A gaunt man says, "Ol' Jebba... she was sayin she felt dat chill in 'er bones."

Turinrond nods to the gaunt man.

A gaunt man sighs.

Revalos put a carved thanot hilted skinning knife in his falconer's gauntlets.

Kelfyr says, "Go sit in your blissful ignorance"
Kelfyr says, "Your end will come soon as well."

Witcheaven smirks.

Charna raises her hand.
Charna angrily says, "Stop, please"
Charna weakly says, "Haven't we had enough."

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

A gaunt man asks, "Ah well.  Guess it were her time.  Ya folks find dat killer yet?"

Turinrond quietly says, "If ye see a blind prophet wandering about.."
Turinrond quietly says, "He will help us find the killer."
Turinrond nods to the gaunt man.

Rekarth says, "I see that you live again."
Rekarth nods to Revalos.

Marthanis says, "We are looking"
Marthanis nods to the gaunt man.

Kilthal softly says, "We know of the Creature."
Kilthal nods to the gaunt man.
Kilthal softly says, "And are working tae stop it."

Lhel quietly says, "Them"

Revalos glances at Marthanis.
Revalos stands up.

Rekarth says, "Creatures, now."

Ysharra nods to Rekarth.

A gaunt man says, "'Ssa creature?  I thought thems was jest tavern-tales."

Turinrond shakes his head.

Ysharra says, "It is.  Several here have seen it."
Ysharra nods to the gaunt man.

A gaunt man says, "Aw, naw time fer chit-chat... there be serious bizness ter be handlin."

Marthanis shakes his head.

You say, "Hardly.  Tavern tales do not knock one over that easily."

A gaunt man glances grimly down at the corpse.

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Turinrond quietly says, "Nae. It's as real as the corpse there."
Turinrond glances at a bloodied corpse.

(Revalos looks as if he wants to say something...but stops himself.)

Witcheaven smiles at Revalos.

Kilthal softly says, "The Creature isnae a tale.  It is quite, quite real."

You say, "Even more so.  It is two now."

Marthanis asks, "What kina tales have you heard ?"
Marthanis glances at a gaunt man.

Charna shifts her weight, trembling slightly.

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

A gaunt man slowly bends down and grabs the corpse of the old woman by her shoulders, and with as much respect as he can muster, places her atop the cart and covers her with a blanket-sized leather tarp.

Ysharra rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Ysharra says, "Excuse me."
Ysharra nods to the gaunt man.
Ysharra asks, "Where do you take them?"
Ysharra strides a few steps toward a gaunt man.

(Charna wraps her arms tightly about her.)
Charna trembles as if a cold chill just ran up her spine.

Aramana smiles at Charna.

Katealya just arrived.

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

A gaunt man says, "Temple.  Corpse dat died dis messily hasta be havin' the Lady's blessin.  Don't want 'em ta not get ta 'er Gates now."

Marthanis nods to the gaunt man.

Ysharra nods to the gaunt man.
Ysharra asks, "Of course.  May I accompany you?"
Ysharra says, "I would...pay my respects."

(Lhel bows her head and recites a pray under her breath for Jebba)

Kilthal nods to the gaunt man.
Kilthal sighs sadly.

A gaunt man says, "Ain't much ta see in dere, dem priests ain't much fer visitors, if ya know what I'm meanin."

Lhel nods to the gaunt man.

Charna slowly empties her lungs.

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Witcheaven folds her arms over her chest.

Ysharra says, "I understand.  I do not wish to press them."

Marthanis says, "We ant all that bad"
Marthanis smiles at the gaunt man.

Ysharra says, "I just wished to see...the others."
Ysharra nods to the gaunt man.

Katealya shudders.
Katealya asks, "you want to see more of this gore?"

Witcheaven chuckles.

Charna's eyelid begins to twitch and quiver uncontrollably.

A gaunt man grabs up the yoke of the cart and begins to haul it toward the north.

Ysharra says, "Do I want to?  Of course not."

(Witcheaven leans over and whispers something to Aramana.)

A gaunt man slowly disappears in the dreary grey downpour.

Revalos hangs his head.

Aramana grins at Witcheaven.

Ysharra says, "Do I think looking at the whole over pieces might be productive?  Perhaps."

Rekarth looks thoughtfully at Revalos.

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

Kilthal stands up.
Kilthal gently rests his hand on Revalos's shoulder.

Katealya says, "its been so long since the first few there probably isnt much left of what was left"

(Charna looks up as thought struck by some odd thought.)
Charna clearly says, "Wait."

Ysharra glances at Charna.

Lhel cocks her head at Charna.

Revalos softly says, "I must leave Solhaven.  I must find myself again, free of this beast."

Charna clearly asks, "Why doesn't this body resolve into shadow?"
Charna clearly asks, "Why have only three?"

Revalos softly says, "it has ascended."
Revalos softly says, "it needs no more"

Lhel quietly says, "I believe it had something to do with pattern"

Ysharra says, "This one was killed by Revalos.  As was the one last week."

Turinrond glances at Ysharra.
Turinrond quietly says, "Was not Revalos' doing."
Turinrond shifts his weight.

Witcheaven asks, "Wasn't it?"

Lhel quietly says, "This was a feeding of the new one"

Charna clearly says, "But the first three..."
Charna clearly says, "They.. they were not ... not devoured by shadow."
Charna vigorously shakes her head.

Ysharra says, "It was done by his hands.  Perhaps that means something in terms of what happens to the body."
Ysharra nods to Charna.

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Ysharra says, "I do not blame Revalos."
Ysharra nods to Turinrond.
Ysharra says, "He obviously has enough of his own without getting more from me."

Kilthal gently rests his hand on Revalos's shoulder.

Turinrond quietly says, "It was not his doing. That is all."

Rekarth says, "Although it probably would have been wiser to destroy him before the thing was able to grow, I see no need to pursue it now."

Revalos softly says, "and I have learned...Ysharra, to not blame myself.  For that is what the beast wants.  That is what it craves...it seeks defiance."

Ysharra nods to Revalos.

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

Ysharra says, "No matter what it does, the only power it has is what you give it.  What it takes...that is not power."
Ysharra folds her arms over her chest.

Witcheaven chuckles.
Witcheaven says, "All of you are quite amusing."

Aramana smiles at Kelfyr.

Witcheaven says, "I can safely admit, I've not enjoyed something this much in years."

Revalos softly says, "I will head across the dragonspine tonight, I will stay in the wilderness for a day, and then I'll return."

Marthanis smiles at Witcheaven.
Marthanis says, "We've nothing compared to you"
Marthanis chuckles.
Marthanis says, "Youre flat out hysterical"

Ysharra rubs Revalos.

Witcheaven says, "You protect the very one.. oh, nevermind. You shall see soon enough."
Witcheaven grins.

Revalos hangs his head.

Charna shifts her weight, trembling slightly.
Charna moves to stand in front of Revalos.
Charna kneels down.

Kelfyr says, "Take your hatred elsewhere."

Witcheaven asks, "Hatred?"

Charna tilts her head up.
Charna gazes fondly at Revalos.
Charna softly says, "Don't let the despair in."

Ysharra says, "No.  Her fear and need."
Ysharra glances at Witcheaven.
Ysharra says, "Otherwise you'd find some other way to amuse yourself besides at suffering's expense."

Kelfyr says, "Your dark servitude sickens me."

Witcheaven says, "Fear? What would I fear, dear one? This town belongs to my Lord now."

Charna says something in guild speak.
Charna gently rests her hand on Revalos's shoulder.

Ysharra says, "It belongs to the people who live in it."

Revalos softly says, "goodbye my friends I will return once I have cleansed my soul of the feelings I have felt"

Lhel quietly says, "Not yet m'lady, not yet"

Aramana says, "Suffering is the amusement of Mularos."

Witcheaven says, "The fear of those that live in this town, locking their doors at night. Not daring to even peek out of a window."

You cock your head at Revalos.

Kelfyr glances at Revalos.

Ysharra says, "He can destroy it and them, and that does not change."

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Witcheaven says, "You can destroy nothing."
Witcheaven says, "You can't even see it."

Turinrond bows to Revalos.

Ysharra says, "Neither can you.  Insanity is not vision."

>whisper revalos Kris har'esh, Revalos.  May you find your true path again.
You whisper quietly to Revalos.

You nod to Revalos.

Ysharra says, "It is only clouds and nonsense."

(Revalos waves, then walks east.)