The Vistix's Last Bride (storyline)/2023-10-23 - The Heads Rolled (log)

The official GemStone IV encyclopedia.
< The Vistix's Last Bride (storyline)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Ebon Gate-Prime (Storyline)/2023-10-26-The Heads Rolled (log) This is a log associated with Ebon Gate Prime Storyline. The Log is presented in the view of Opalina.

The Plea

[Nightfire Brews - 33958] (u8084811)

Occupying most of the exterior wall, a large bay window rimed in hoarfrost at its corners offers an unobstructed view of the winter wonderland beyond its panes, while pendant lanterns dangling from the exposed-rafter ceiling create a soft glow throughout the space. Tables and mahogany chairs are scattered throughout the area, their mahogany bodies arranged in social circles upon amber and niveous area rugs. A long counter stands before an archway leading to the kitchen, its surface covered in enticing offerings. You also see a lilac-colored wicker tray propped on tall haon legs with some stuff on it.

Also here: High Lord Alastir

Obvious exits: out

High Lord Alastir just slogged out.

You gaze heavenward.

On the wicker tray:

Food/Drink [13]: a polished basalt thimble, a foliated glowbark thimble, a two-toned marble thimble, a flora-etched glass thimble, a rippled terrcotta thimble, a grey-dipped amber clay thimble, a glossy striated onyx thimble, a sample of rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone, a sample of crumble-covered cherry almond scone, a sample of cheddar-mixed shredded apple scone, a sample of sugar-dusted strawberry and vanilla cream scone, a sample of maple-glazed banana bread scone, a sample of blackberry-glazed lavender honey scone

Total items: 13

You help yourself to a sample of rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone.

You take a bite of your sweet potato scone. Crispy bits of bacon dot the interior of the sweet potato scone, the balance of sweetness and saltiness complemented by the woody addition of fresh rosemary.

You have one bite left.

You take a bite of your sweet potato scone. Crispy bits of bacon dot the interior of the sweet potato scone, the balance of sweetness and saltiness complemented by the woody addition of fresh rosemary.

That was the last of it!

You feel something trickling down the front of your throat.

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

A voice whispers pleadingly in your ear, breath warm, "Save us. You must not let this happen. Please, save us."

You gulp.

You quietly ask, "How can I help?"

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

High Lord Alastir just slogged in.

High Lord Alastir just slogged through an archway.

High Lord Alastir just slogged in.

High Lord Alastir just slogged out.

The voice sounds very far away now, though you can barely make out the raspy whisper of, "Stop him... or... he'll...never cease."

You gaze heavenward.

An old memory bubbles up from your past, and causes you to reflect a moment. With a flash of insight, you realize you understand yourself a bit better than you did a moment ago. The sudden feeling of self-knowledge is a pleasant one.

[uberbarv: ******** 24 EXP Gained this Pulse **(2023-10-26_17:05:09)]

You pick idly at some sleek selshis skin gloves with kelyn-reinforced knuckles.

You quietly say, "Got any suggestions little voice on how to stop him.."

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

You help yourself to a sample of rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone.

You glance at a sample of rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone on a lilac-colored wicker tray propped on tall haon legs.

>look on counter

On the preparation counter you see a soapstone wash basin, a rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone, a crumble-covered cherry almond scone, a cheddar-mixed shredded apple scone mixed with dried sage, a sugar-dusted strawberry and vanilla cream scone, a maple-glazed banana bread scone and a blackberry-glazed lavender honey scone.

You put a sample of rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone in your white bearskin coat.

You see nothing unusual.

This is an enhanced wash basin that can be manipulated with CLEAN, PUSH, TAP, and TICKLE.

Dipping your fingers into the wash basin, you vigorously scrub your hands in the warm water.

You collect a glass from those arranged nearby and push it through the collected water within a soapstone wash basin.

You take a drink from your cool and clean water.

You have 5 quaffs left.

>go arch

[Nightfire Brews - 33958] (u8084811)

Occupying most of the exterior wall, a large bay window rimed in hoarfrost at its corners offers an unobstructed view of the winter wonderland beyond its panes, while pendant lanterns dangling from the exposed-rafter ceiling create a soft glow throughout the space. Tables and mahogany chairs are scattered throughout the area, their mahogany bodies arranged in social circles upon amber and niveous area rugs. A long counter stands before an archway leading to the kitchen, its surface covered in enticing offerings. You also see a lilac-colored wicker tray propped on tall haon legs with some stuff on it.

Obvious exits: out

>peer window

You gaze through the bay window and see...

[Winterbriar Way - 33958] (u8084811)

Snow lightly dusts the cobblestone path winding between bare-branched fruit trees and a smattering of fragrant cedars. Down a twisting pathway are several buildings, small icicles glittering off their eaves. To the south rests a large lake surrounded by buildings, a trellis of ice-veiled roses arching over the southwesterly path leading to it.

Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

To the Manor

[Winterbriar Way - 31879] (u8083071)

Snow lightly dusts the cobblestone path winding between bare-branched fruit trees and a smattering of fragrant cedars. Down a twisting pathway are several buildings, small icicles glittering off their eaves. To the south rests a large lake surrounded by buildings, a trellis of ice-veiled roses arching over the southwesterly path leading to it.

Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

[go2]>northeast

[Winterbriar Orchard - 31859] (u8083070)

Dark green hedges with rime-touched briars grow tall and thick, separating the area from the town beyond, and dozens of fruit trees grow in perfectly neat rows along one side of a wide cobblestone path. Across the path, several cozy homes are scattered across a tree-strewn meadow and tucked amidst the edge of the hedges. Several smaller walkways lead off the main path to more distant structures, and the main path forks widely, offering a choice between southeasterly and southwesterly. You also see a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a rimed lilac tree tunnel and a shambling pumpkin-headed snowman.

Obvious paths: southeast, southwest

[go2]>southeast

[Winterbriar Grove - 31860] (u8083072)

Unnaturally dark fruit trees reach crooked branches to the sky, forming the outer rim of a dense grove of spiky, ice-covered trees that crowds the rough cobblestone pathway cutting through it. Several riverstone structures fight for space between the grasping, twisting trees, and moonlight casts sinister shadows across the stone walls. A light dusting of snow covers the southernmost trees. You also see a wandering ghoul.

Obvious paths: southeast, northwest

[go2]>southeast

[Icebriar Lake, Oblivion Lane - 31861] (u8083077)

Snow blankets the ground, almost obscuring the cobblestone path wending its way through the area. Several almost identical houses overlook a large lake, and crimson-tipped spikes of ice bristle en masse to block all access to its frozen expanse. Set farther back, dark vines drape over numerous smaller structures and wind around snowmen looming in the shadows.

Obvious paths: southeast, west, northwest

[go2]>southeast

[Icebriar Lake, Winter's Edge - 31868] (u8083079)

Barely visible behind large drifts of cold-hardened snow, a frozen lake glitters in the ambient light. A large riverstone manor sits on a small rise, surrounded by several outbuildings, and the cobblestone path ends abruptly at a foreboding thicket of trees and briars. Several twisting trails lead behind the manor to additional buildings. You also see a large smithy.

Obvious paths: northwest

[go2]>go entry

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

[go2]>go hallway

As you approach the hallway, a black-clad butler steps towards you, leading you down the long corridor.


You walk by several closed doors, the handles covered in a fine coating of dust, the doorframes suspending brittle garlands of webbing.


You finally arrive at the end of the hallway, the butler indicating the various wings as he takes a bow, walking back through the passageway for his next escort.

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

[go2]>go doors

You approach the bloodwood doors, stopping for a moment as they open. You step through and a page announces, "Mistress Opalina has arrived." He bows formally before walking back through the doors, closing them as he exits.

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom - 33986] (u8089005)

Sprigs of alyssum and amaranth are hand-painted across the parquetry dance floor, the sanguine and ivory-colored flora traced in splatters of gilded ink across the sweeping ballroom. Pallid marble fountains spray water between the potted dark-colored foliage, the chilling mist clinging to the velvet-curtained windows, leaving the stained glass covered in rivulets of condensation. Chiseled marble busts flank the various thresholds, each profile covered in a veil of aged, discolored lace. You also see a wrought-silver arch and a set of garland-framed bloodwood doors.

Obvious exits: none

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

>go arch

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom Alcove - 33990] (u8089015)

Silver and iron twist artistically between panes of glaesineth, enclosing the entire alcove in glass. Starlight sparkles through the green-tinged panes, casting eerie shadows across the roses and violets hand-painted along the intricate parquetry floor. Several candelabra are positioned about the outer walls, the light from their ghost white and blood red tapers casting dim illumination throughout the area. You also see a wrought-silver arch.

Obvious exits: none

>go arch

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom - 33986] (u8089005)

Sprigs of alyssum and amaranth are hand-painted across the parquetry dance floor, the sanguine and ivory-colored flora traced in splatters of gilded ink across the sweeping ballroom. Pallid marble fountains spray water between the potted dark-colored foliage, the chilling mist clinging to the velvet-curtained windows, leaving the stained glass covered in rivulets of condensation. Chiseled marble busts flank the various thresholds, each profile covered in a veil of aged, discolored lace. You also see a wrought-silver arch and a set of garland-framed bloodwood doors.

Obvious exits: none

>go door

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

>go hall

As you go down the long hallway, the iron-caged sconces flicker briefly, plunging you into darkness between bursts of bright light.

The black-clad butler emerges from the shadows, raising his small lantern as he leads you back to the foyer.

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>go stair

You begin to ascend the iron-railed staircase, climbing upwards as you encircle the marble statue on the travertine floor. A faint shadow passes across the statue's visage as you pass, sinking into the marble as you reach the second floor.

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Obvious exits: north

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.


[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089008)

A myriad of stuffed quarries are affixed to the brocaded walls, their glass eyes gazing down from their petrified wood perches extending lengthwise above a wide bloodwood door. Charcoal sketches are set beneath each mounted animal, encased in panes of glass and fitted with riveted metal plaques. A solitary claw-footed bench stands against the right wall, its vivid scarlet cushion torn to reveal scraps of aged down.

Obvious exits: south

>look sketch

The edges of the faded parchment are torn and ragged, as though the piece was removed from a sketchbook or volume. Depicted in intricate detail are the anatomical drawings of several species of fauna, each hoof, antler, and claw labeled in scarlet-colored ink. Thick stripes of sanguine cover the surface of the drawings, bleeding down upon the bench.

>go door

As you attempt to go through the door, you feel an invisible field push you back, and a voice whispers, "No."

>sit bench

You walk over to the red velvet bench, turning around to face the room as your eye is drawn towards the charcoal-drawn sketches. You sit down as the stuffed creatures hang above you, shadowing your visage.

>stare door

You stare at a wide bloodwood door.

>pour water on door

You pour some of the contents of your cool and clean water on the door. The clear liquid quickly evaporates.

You have 4 quaffs left.

>stand

You stand back up.

>s

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Obvious exits: north

>pour water on candle

You pour some of the contents of your cool and clean water on the candlestick. The clear liquid quickly evaporates.

You have 3 quaffs left. >go stair

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>go hall

As you approach the hallway, a black-clad butler steps towards you, leading you down the long corridor.

You walk by several closed doors, the handles covered in a fine coating of dust, the doorframes suspending brittle garlands of webbing.

You finally arrive at the end of the hallway, the butler indicating the various wings as he takes a bow, walking back through the passageway for his next escort.

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

>look wing

You see some separate room wings. Looking at the wings, you see an alyssum-framed archway, a set of bloodwood doors, an antler-inset entryway and an iron-set glass egress.

>go arch

As you walk through the alyssum-framed archway, a page announces, "Mistress Opalina has arrived." He bows briefly to you as he slips back to the hallway.

[Yvalyst Manor, Dining Room - 33985] (u8089004)

An elongated brocade-draped table slices across the broad room, the candelabra-adorned surface covered in tiered dishes and decanters etched with stylized letter "A"s. Silk-padded chairs encircle the elaborate display, the avian-patterned motif echoed across the claw-footed benches set against the curtained windows. A widowwood-framed portrait dominates the northern wall, the subject's visage flickering as the wall-affixed sconces whip tongues of flame across the glass. You also see an alyssum-framed archway and a tri-tiered ivory iron cart forged into twining alyssum blooms with some stuff on it.

Also here: Pixie Seeker Erek, Gardener Elysia

Obvious exits: none

>look on cart

On the ivory iron cart:

Containers [3]: an ivory-washed crimson glass teapot, a red-labeled ivory glass bottle, an oversized bright orange jack-o'-lantern

Special [2]: a manor-carved mahogany charger encircled in crimson lacquer, an amaranth-painted plate crafted from pale white porcelain

Total items: 5

>look on cart

On the ivory iron cart:

Containers [3]: an ivory-washed crimson glass teapot, a red-labeled ivory glass bottle, an oversized bright orange jack-o'-lantern

Special [2]: a manor-carved mahogany charger encircled in crimson lacquer, an amaranth-painted plate crafted from pale white porcelain

Total items: 5

>look on bench

There is nothing on the bench.

Elysia laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement from Erek.

>look port

The vertical portrait is framed in lacquered widowwood, the reddish sheen of the blue-black wood reflecting against the sanguine-colored cloak draped across the subject's shoulders. Vistrix Akrath gazes out from beneath a sharply creased tricorn, his eyes focused somewhere beyond the confines of the rectangular canvas. His hand extends forward as it grasps towards the edges of the painting, a jewel-set ring cupped in his outstretched palm.

Erek sighs.

Erek glances at Elysia.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Dining Room - 33985] (u8089004)

An elongated brocade-draped table slices across the broad room, the candelabra-adorned surface covered in tiered dishes and decanters etched with stylized letter "A"s. Silk-padded chairs encircle the elaborate display, the avian-patterned motif echoed across the claw-footed benches set against the curtained windows. A widowwood-framed portrait dominates the northern wall, the subject's visage flickering as the wall-affixed sconces whip tongues of flame across the glass. You also see an alyssum-framed archway and a tri-tiered ivory iron cart forged into twining alyssum blooms with some stuff on it.

Also here: Pixie Seeker Erek, Gardener Elysia

Obvious exits: none

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>go arch

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

>look wing

You see some separate room wings. Looking at the wings, you see an alyssum-framed archway, a set of bloodwood doors, an antler-inset entryway and an iron-set glass egress.

>go entry

As you approach the antler-inset entryway, an attendant strides towards you, clearing the path before bowing and stepping back against the wall.

[Yvalyst Manor, Library - 33987] (u8089006)

Ceiling-high bookcases are filled with gilt-leafed volumes and tomes, the rigid leather spines covered in a veil of dust-riddled webbing spanning across the library. A stained mahogany ladder leans against the far wall, the bottom rungs half-buried with a haphazard pile of books and scrolls, the copper-tinged ink bleeding across the margins. An antler-mounted plaque has been affixed above the red-stained entryway, the sharpened tines dangling in broken angles along the doorframe. You also see a stack of old tomes.

Obvious exits: none

[uberbarv: ******** 24 EXP Gained this Pulse **(2023-10-26_17:14:30)]

>look book

Back-pendants of brittle webbing drape across the leather spines of several hundred books, the tome-laden shelves creaking with any ambient movement. The titles range across a spectrum of topics, from horticulture and wine distillation to lapidary projects and sewing. Two less dust-riddled volumes have titles printed boldly across their fronts reading, "Preservation Practices of Elanthia: A Farmer's Guide to Bountiful Harvests" and "Hematology: A Study of Healing."

>look tome

Several leather-bound tomes are stacked together near the ladder, dust showing signs of being recently, but haphazardly, brushed off their surfaces. A heavy metal paperweight sits atop the stack, holding them and a piece of alyssum-stamped paper firmly in place. The legible titles along the spine read, "Handling Hauntings: A First-Person Treatise," "Summoning Circles and Breaking the Veil: Sacrifices, Volume I," and finally, "Magic From Beyond the Veil."

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

You feel your forehead pulse as your mind hardens to deter invading thoughts.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Elysia steps through the antler-inset entryway, walking to the center of the spacious room.

Erek exclaims, "All the things!"

You smile.

Elysia carefully repositions the mahogany ladder, slowly maneuvering through the books and scrolls scattered across the floor.

>pour water on ladder

You pour some of the contents of your cool and clean water on the ladder. The clear liquid quickly evaporates.

You have 2 quaffs left.

>go entr

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling. You also see a sleek golden puma.

Obvious exits: none

>look wing

You see some separate room wings. Looking at the wings, you see an alyssum-framed archway, a set of bloodwood doors, an antler-inset entryway and an iron-set glass egress.

>go egress

The egress appears to be closed.

>go door

You approach the bloodwood doors, stopping for a moment as they open. You step through and a page announces, "Mistress Opalina has arrived." He bows formally before walking back through the doors, closing them as he exits.

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom - 33986] (u8089005)

Sprigs of alyssum and amaranth are hand-painted across the parquetry dance floor, the sanguine and ivory-colored flora traced in splatters of gilded ink across the sweeping ballroom. Pallid marble fountains spray water between the potted dark-colored foliage, the chilling mist clinging to the velvet-curtained windows, leaving the stained glass covered in rivulets of condensation. Chiseled marble busts flank the various thresholds, each profile covered in a veil of aged, discolored lace. You also see a wrought-silver arch and a set of garland-framed bloodwood doors.

Obvious exits: none

>look fountain

The tall androgynous forms extend their pale marble arms upwards, the cool waters spilling forth from their outstretched palms. Scarlet-colored veins creep across their unmarked faces, the streaks covering their stone visages.

>pour water in fountain

There is no way to pour something in there.

>pour water on fountain

You pour some of the contents of your cool and clean water on the fountain. The clear liquid quickly evaporates.

You have one quaff left.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom - 33986] (u8089005)

Sprigs of alyssum and amaranth are hand-painted across the parquetry dance floor, the sanguine and ivory-colored flora traced in splatters of gilded ink across the sweeping ballroom. Pallid marble fountains spray water between the potted dark-colored foliage, the chilling mist clinging to the velvet-curtained windows, leaving the stained glass covered in rivulets of condensation. Chiseled marble busts flank the various thresholds, each profile covered in a veil of aged, discolored lace. You also see a wrought-silver arch and a set of garland-framed bloodwood doors.

Obvious exits: none

>go arch

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom Alcove - 33990] (u8089015)

Silver and iron twist artistically between panes of glaesineth, enclosing the entire alcove in glass. Starlight sparkles through the green-tinged panes, casting eerie shadows across the roses and violets hand-painted along the intricate parquetry floor. Several candelabra are positioned about the outer walls, the light from their ghost white and blood red tapers casting dim illumination throughout the area. You also see a wrought-silver arch.

Obvious exits: none

>go arch

[Yvalyst Manor, Ballroom - 33986] (u8089005)

Sprigs of alyssum and amaranth are hand-painted across the parquetry dance floor, the sanguine and ivory-colored flora traced in splatters of gilded ink across the sweeping ballroom. Pallid marble fountains spray water between the potted dark-colored foliage, the chilling mist clinging to the velvet-curtained windows, leaving the stained glass covered in rivulets of condensation. Chiseled marble busts flank the various thresholds, each profile covered in a veil of aged, discolored lace. You also see a wrought-silver arch and a set of garland-framed bloodwood doors.

Obvious exits: none

>go door

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling. You also see a sleek golden puma.

Obvious exits: none

>look wing

You see some separate room wings. Looking at the wings, you see an alyssum-framed archway, a set of bloodwood doors, an antler-inset entryway and an iron-set glass egress.

>go hall

As you go down the long hallway, the iron-caged sconces flicker briefly, plunging you into darkness between bursts of bright light.

The black-clad butler emerges from the shadows, raising his small lantern as he leads you back to the foyer.

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>go stair

You begin to ascend the iron-railed staircase, climbing upwards as you encircle the marble statue on the travertine floor. A faint shadow passes across the statue's visage as you pass, sinking into the marble as you reach the second floor.

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Obvious exits: north

>look entry

You see a trio of wood-crafted entryways. Looking at the entryways, you see an ivory-washed wooden door, an onyx-colored mahogany egress and a scarlet red oak aperture.

>go eg

[Yvalyst Manor, Amaranth Suite - ] (u8089010)

A rack of sharp-tined antlers dominates the back of the bedroom, the length engulfing the wood-planked wall in a veil of brittle webbing. Set beneath the display is a tartan-covered bed, the red-on-ivory fabric neatly arranged beneath a faint layer of dust, the flat pillows concealed beneath the slices of color. A heavy leather-wrapped trunk sits at the foot of the bed, the lid affixed with a blackened iron lock wrought into the shape of a rearing stag. You also see an onyx-colored mahogany egress.

Obvious exits: none

>look in trunk

There is nothing in the trunk.

>look on bed

On the tartan-covered bed:

Special [1]: a red and ivory tartan blanket

Total items: 1

>go eg

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Obvious exits: north

>go aper

[Yvalyst Manor, Dog Rose Suite - ] (u8089011)

Dried garlands of foliage and flora are draped across the corners of the ecru-colored bedroom, the half-decayed petals spilling down across the mirror-attached dressing table filled with a variety of fragile glass bottles. The scent of perfume fills the room, the heady musk intermingled with a faint metallic note, the stale air visible amongst the dust particles seemingly suspended from bed to door. A bare dress form stands nestled in the corner, the wire frame contorted into a grotesque pose. You also see a scarlet red oak aperture.

Obvious exits: none

>go ap

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Also here: Pixie Seeker Erek, Gardener Elysia

Obvious exits: north

Gardener Elysia's group just wandered down a duo of iron-railed staircases.

>look entry

You see a trio of wood-crafted entryways. Looking at the entryways, you see an ivory-washed wooden door, an onyx-colored mahogany egress and a scarlet red oak aperture.

>go door

[Yvalyst Manor, Alyssum Suite - ] (u8089009)

Heavily layered curtains of scarlet-colored velvet block the arched windows in the room, the faint slices of moonlight cutting across the four post bed, the poles carved in sprigs of alyssum. A worn dark leather chair sits in the far corner of the bedroom, the oxblood-colored hide branded with a monogrammed letter "A". Mounted upon the nearby wall is a tall rectangular mirror, the surface covered in a veil of dust and cobwebs, the particles drifting across a trunk set behind the furniture. You also see an ivory-washed wooden door.

Obvious exits: none

>peer window

You gaze through the glass window and see...

[Yvalyst Manor, Garden - ] (u8089009)

Patches of unkempt grass threaten to overwhelm the wire-framed garden beds, the tangle of thorned vines and drooping flower heads creeping towards the chipped marble fountain at the center of the broken cobblestones. An ivory-colored statue stands within the curved bowl of the fountain, the masculine form's hands cupped upwards as rivulets of water drip down into the basin. A copse of decaying trees drape over the far corner of the garden, the greyish yellow bark peeling downwards in flayed strips. You also see an iron-set glass egress.

Obvious paths: north

Your pearl white lizard scampers across your shoulders, obviously deciding the view is better from your other side.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>ponder

You ponder.

>climb window

You take a few steps toward an arched glass window.

>sneak window

You sneak up to an arched glass window.

>pinch window

You pick idly at an arched glass window.

>open window

There doesn't seem to be any way to do that.

>jump window

That was fun.

>dive window

Please rephrase that command.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>peer mirror

You look at yourself carefully in the rectangular mirror...

You see Merrymaker Opalina Jalcon the Ice Gardener of the North.

Due to the sparkling blue mask she wears, it is difficult to determine her race...or even whether she is living or dead.

She is quite short for one of elven heritage. Her features are hidden beneath a sparkling blue mask with rose pink blush, though her large lagoon opal-hued eyes shine through. She has winter rose-dotted, curly deep auburn hair delicately rolled into an off-center chignon that leaves a few feathery tendrils to trail in front of her ears and down the nape of her neck. Little else about her appearance is easy to distinguish.

She has a niveous-inked fall of tiny snowflakes on her ear, a ring of red roses tattoo on her waist, a teacup-cradled clockwork mouse tattoo on her leg, a set of silver rings with tiny dangling crystalline snowflakes in the upper ridge of her left ear, a petite faceted ruby arrow in the upper ridge of her right ear, and a tiny flawless diamond stud in her right nostril.

She is in good shape.

She is holding a glass of cool and clean water in her left hand.

Swirls of pale silver snowflakes fall slowly across her form, glistening faintly as she moves.

She is wearing a crimson eahnor-plated pack with a tiny metal lever, a black raven-shaped paper bag, a glacial blue steel crown with icicle-shaped crystal spikes, a sparkling blue mask with rose pink blush, a silver belled choker, a silvery white bearskin coat lined with ermine, a twinned double winter rose, a wide brass spiral etched with rolling waves, a folded ebonwood chair slung over her shoulder, a sleeveless wrap-around plumille houppelande with pleated elesine-edged split skirts, a cape-sleeved aureate batiste cotehardie veiled in a fall of ice stone-swept elesine with an ebon lace corset visibly boned along the contours of the hips underneath, a lambskin-lined balenite armband forged into a series of breaking waves, a delicate vaalin wristchain centered with a small ruby charm, a silver-framed bracelet inset with skyglass panels, some sleek selshis skin gloves with kelyn-reinforced knuckles, a filigreed eonake wedding band with a nightscape motif, an abyssal black vaalin ring inset with a scarlet veniom spinner, an urglaes thumb-ring, a leather kit stitched with tiny shimmering tart-shaped patches, a vintage walnut basket ornately hand-painted with fiery copper tarts on the doors, a mosaic-inlaid copper key strung from braided rawhide cords, a timeworn elesine sack enhanced with bearpaw sewn-on pockets, some cable-knit niveous qiviut stockings, some fur-lined boots toe-capped with balenite bear claws, and an enameled orange pumpkin pin.

Flickering near Opalina is a regal emperor penguin, its luminous figure composed of misty ocean blue energy. Wobbling back and forth with an ungainly waddle, it circles around her protectively.

>look mirror

Entwined briars of pewter surround the rectangular mirror, the thorns resting against the reflective surface. The faint impression of fingerprints rests against the upper corner, the layer of dust gathering against the grooves.

You say, speaking quietly to a tall rectangular mirror, "You have no idea what your doing."

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

You find the mirror agreeable.

>ponder

You ponder.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Alyssum Suite - ] (u8089009)

Heavily layered curtains of scarlet-colored velvet block the arched windows in the room, the faint slices of moonlight cutting across the four post bed, the poles carved in sprigs of alyssum. A worn dark leather chair sits in the far corner of the bedroom, the oxblood-colored hide branded with a monogrammed letter "A". Mounted upon the nearby wall is a tall rectangular mirror, the surface covered in a veil of dust and cobwebs, the particles drifting across a trunk set behind the furniture. You also see an ivory-washed wooden door.

Obvious exits: none

>go door

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Obvious exits: north

>n

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089008)

A myriad of stuffed quarries are affixed to the brocaded walls, their glass eyes gazing down from their petrified wood perches extending lengthwise above a wide bloodwood door. Charcoal sketches are set beneath each mounted animal, encased in panes of glass and fitted with riveted metal plaques. A solitary claw-footed bench stands against the right wall, its vivid scarlet cushion torn to reveal scraps of aged down.

Obvious exits: south

>go door

As you attempt to go through the door, you feel an invisible field push you back, and a voice whispers, "No."

>peer door

You can't peer through that, it's closed!

>gaze door

You gaze with interest at a wide bloodwood door.

>s

[Yvalyst Manor, Upstairs Hallway - ] (u8089007)

Mahogany-framed portraits enclose the ivory-on-white brocade walls, the canvases marred by clawlike marks raked across the surface, leaving the subjects' visages indiscernible. Iron-wrought candlesticks hold yellowed stubs of wax, the trails of ash scattered along the braided runner draped over the console table. A raised pattern of red amaranth is woven into the pale carpentry, the thin threads unraveling as they traverse towards a trio of wood-crafted entryways. You also see a duo of iron-railed staircases.

Obvious exits: north

>go stair

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

Your pearl white lizard makes a little clicking sound as it smacks its jaws open and closed. You then notice it is watching a fly buzzing around a few feet away. Observant little critter!

The fire has almost died away, only a few flames totter about like old men seeking the youth they have lost.

>gaze fire

You stare into the gargoyle-set fireplace and find only bits and pieces of logs and limbs that glow outwardly a hot, red-orange hue.

>prod fire

But the fireplace is lit!

>exh fire

You glance at an imposing gargoyle-set fireplace and slowly exhale.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>look in vase

There is nothing in the vase.

>anal vase

You may attend to a web-veiled ivory marble vase.

You may gaze at a web-veiled ivory marble vase to see if it has any harvest-worthy items.

You may pinch a leaf off of a web-veiled ivory marble vase.

You may pluck a flower or mushroom off/out of a web-veiled ivory marble vase.

>turn vase

Turning your gaze to a web-veiled ivory marble vase, you keep your eye on a half-wilted pale white rose, knowing that you could easily PLUCK it free.

>turn vase

Turning your gaze to a web-veiled ivory marble vase, you keep your eye on a wilting scarlet dog rose, knowing that you could easily PLUCK it free.

>turn vase

Turning your gaze to a web-veiled ivory marble vase, you keep your eye on a half-wilted pale white rose, knowing that you could easily PLUCK it free.

>turn vase

Turning your gaze to a web-veiled ivory marble vase, you keep your eye on a wilting scarlet dog rose, knowing that you could easily PLUCK it free.

>pluck vase

Reaching over, you pluck a wilting scarlet dog rose free from the confines of a web-veiled ivory marble vase.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>put rose in my coat

You put a wilting scarlet dog rose in your white bearskin coat.

>look hall

You see nothing unusual.

>look stair

You see nothing unusual.

The fire has almost died away, only a few flames totter about like old men seeking the youth they have lost.

>get stick

You just grabbed yourself a wooden stick.

>get stick

Your hands are full!

>put water on vase

You can't seem to find a way to put a glass of cool and clean water on a web-veiled ivory marble vase.

>pour water in vase

There is no way to pour something in there.

>drink my water

You take a drink from your cool and clean water. Icy and refreshing, it cools you down from head to toe.

That was the last of it!

Shadows entwine along the walls, creeping slowly as they fade back into the wood.

>get stick

You just grabbed yourself a wooden stick.

>rub stick

You toss the wooden stick onto the fire and watch the flames rise higher as they feed on the fuel.

>get stick

You just grabbed yourself a wooden stick.

>get stick

You just grabbed yourself a wooden stick.

>rub stick

You toss the wooden stick onto the fire and watch the flames rise higher as they feed on the fuel.

>gaze

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>search

You don't find anything of interest here.

Roundtime: 4 sec.

Your pearl white lizard scampers across your shoulders, obviously deciding the view is better from your other side.

>go hall

As you approach the hallway, a black-clad butler steps towards you, leading you down the long corridor.


You walk by several closed doors, the handles covered in a fine coating of dust, the doorframes suspending brittle garlands of webbing.


You finally arrive at the end of the hallway, the butler indicating the various wings as he takes a bow, walking back through the passageway for his next escort.

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

>search

You don't find anything of interest here.

Roundtime: 3 sec.

>look sconce

The sconce is lit.

>look wing

You see some separate room wings. Looking at the wings, you see an alyssum-framed archway, a set of bloodwood doors, an antler-inset entryway and an iron-set glass egress.

>turn sconce

You turn to face an iron-caged sconce.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>push sconce

But the sconce is lit!

>anal sconce

This is a light source. You could LIGHT or EXTINGUISH the sconce.

>extinguish sconce

You gesture at the iron-caged sconce, which begins to dim and soon extinguishes its internal glow.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>look wing

You see some separate room wings. Looking at the wings, you see an alyssum-framed archway, a set of bloodwood doors, an antler-inset entryway and an iron-set glass egress.

>go egress

The egress appears to be closed.

>ponder egress

You gaze thoughtfully at an iron-set glass egress.

>look egress

You see nothing unusual.

>anal egress

You cannot reach an iron-set glass egress.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

>go hall

As you go down the long hallway, the iron-caged sconces flicker briefly, plunging you into darkness between bursts of bright light.

The black-clad butler emerges from the shadows, raising his small lantern as he leads you back to the foyer.

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

Joins with others

>out

[Icebriar Lake, Winter's Edge - 31868] (u8083079)

Barely visible behind large drifts of cold-hardened snow, a frozen lake glitters in the ambient light. A large riverstone manor sits on a small rise, surrounded by several outbuildings, and the cobblestone path ends abruptly at a foreboding thicket of trees and briars. Several twisting trails lead behind the manor to additional buildings. You also see a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist, a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts, a spacious pewter canvas tent flying black and white eclipse pennants and a large smithy.

Also here: Agathilea, Dahcre Reader Ordim, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel

Obvious paths: northwest

Ordim gazes thoughtfully at a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts.

Celefindel nods at Agathilea.

Agathilea glances at Ordim.

Agathilea smiles.

Jaysehn says, speaking to Ordim, "Just making preperations."

Ordim attempts to squish one of the black flies that spirals around his head out of the air.

Ordim growls, "Is good stick collection."

Ordim nods approvingly.

Agathilea nods in greeting to you.

Ordim growls, speaking to Jaysehn, "Yetdim help!"

Ordim snaps his fingers.

Ordim tugs at one of the twigs sticking out of his shaggy fur, and it breaks with a resounding *SNAP*!

A resounding *SNAP* resonates through the area.

Jaysehn nods.

You wave to Agathilea.

Kalyrra just swept in.

Haunted gaze intent, a shadowy spectral puppy surrounded by a luminous silver sheen bounds in, leaving a trail of ethereal paw prints in her wake.

Kalyrra just swept into a dark and foreboding thicket.

Agathilea glances at a dark and foreboding thicket.

Haunted gaze intent, a shadowy spectral puppy surrounded by a luminous silver sheen rushes off, each step leaving a brief ethereal paw print.

Ordim gazes thoughtfully at a large smithy.

You analyze your foreboding thicket and sense that the item is free from merchant alteration restrictions.

You get no sense of whether or not the thicket may be further lightened.

Dahcre Reader Ordim just flitted into a large smithy.

Ordim gobbles down his earth worm in one enormous bite.

Several outbuildings surround the area near Winter's Edge. A large smithy sprawls near the thicket, which is slowly encroaching on its walls.

Rivienne just arrived.

Agathilea nods in greeting at Rivienne.

Jaysehn says, "I kept some of them. In case I would ever need to bind wayward spirits to the Gate again."

Rivienne smiles at Agathilea.

Xorus just arrived.

You cannot reach a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts.

Xorus just went northwest.

>get bolt

Get what?

>get stake

Get what?

Rivienne just went through an arched cherrywood entry.

Scratching at his shaggy fur, Ordim frets at the tangled mess until a moldy bone charm is revealed, which he quickly pulls free. Slowly, the bone charm begins to enlarge in his hand until it has returned to its natural state.

Ordim carefully inspects his moldy bone.

Ordim collects a reinforced bronze-plated mechanism from a large compartment inside the witchwood case.

Ordim adopts an agreeable expression.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Jaysehn removes an Iyo-crafted firewheel hand crossbow adorned with a fractal burn pattern from in his dim grey pack.

Jaysehn gazes thoughtfully at his firewheel hand crossbow.

Ordim plops a reinforced bronze-plated mechanism into a large compartment inside the witchwood case.

Jaysehn attends to his firewheel hand crossbow, making the crossbow as presentable as possible.

You quietly ask, "We are going to stop this guy right?"

Ordim carefully places his moldy bone on the ground alongside him.

Ordim removes the pot from atop his head.

With a gentle hand, Ordim carefully removes the face from his cast iron stew pot.

Agathilea looks thoughtfully at you.

Ordim holds a cracked porcelain doll face in his hand for several seconds, and it slowly shrinks in size until it is no larger than a small charm. Ordim carefully parts the shaggy fur on his chest and deposits the face charm into the space he's created. With a lack of care, he tousles the fur and hides it from view.

Ordim picks up a moldy bone from alongside him.

Rivienne just arrived.

Ordim gently places his bone in his cast iron stew pot, taking care to arrange it just so.

Jaysehn says, "I suppose we will have to find out what he's doing first."

Ordim chuckles lightly, a rime of frost forming on the black fur around his mouth.

Lady Uniana just slogged in.

Lady Uniana just slogged through an arched cherrywood entry.

Ordim dons his cast iron stew pot.

Agathilea says, "Not sure we know what he is doing."

Jaysehn points his firewheel hand crossbow at a riverstone manor.

Agathilea smiles at you.

Jaysehn nods approvingly to an Iyo-crafted firewheel hand crossbow adorned with a fractal burn pattern.

Jaysehn put an Iyo-crafted firewheel hand crossbow adorned with a fractal burn pattern in his grey leather longcoat.

You quietly say, "The voice sure doesn't want him to do whatever he's planning."

Lady Uniana just slogged in.

Jaysehn nods.

You ponder.

Jaysehn says, "Seems so."

Agathilea nods slowly.

Jaysehn glances at Uniana.

Jaysehn gives a quick nod and tips his hat to Uniana.

Celefindel nods at Uniana.

Briefly chilling your skin, hoarfrost spreads like a blue plague across every inch of your body, but soon melts and evaporates from the heat of your flesh.

Bending slightly, Ordim scratches at the ground in search of food.

Silver mist-like tail wagging happily, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist rushes toward you at full speed. Just when it looks like the puppy will run into you, he runs directly through you, his insubstantial body shimmering back into sight on the other side. You feel a sudden shock of cold as the ghostly puppy passes through you. A silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist spins around, floating a few inches above the ground, and barks happily.

Uniana says, "I just want to point out if we wait out here, there is no wine out here."

Uniana raises her smoked red wine in a toast!

Agathilea nods respectfully at Uniana.

Uniana takes a drink from her smoked red wine.

Agathilea smiles at Uniana.

Agathilea chuckles.

Jaysehn says, "Oh...I have wine."

Uniana glances skeptically at Jaysehn.

Jaysehn says, "But I don't drink before a fight."

You shiver.

Celefindel says, "I don't drink on work nights. And this will be a work night."

Uniana airily asks, "Are we fighting?"

Jaysehn glances at Uniana.

Agathilea dramatically says, "Not yet."

Jaysehn says, "I suppose we'll find out."

Ordim chuckles lightly, a rime of frost forming on the black fur around his mouth.

Agathilea winks at Uniana.

Jaysehn points at a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts.

Jaysehn says, "If anyone needs....a tool."

Scratching at his shaggy fur, Ordim frets at the tangled mess until a short rattan fishing stick with a dark cork-wrapped handle charm is revealed, which he quickly pulls free. Slowly, the stick charm begins to enlarge in his hand until it has returned to its natural state.

Ordim waves a short rattan fishing stick with a dark cork-wrapped handle around.

Avawren says, speaking to Uniana, "I believe that remains to be seen ... but all signs point to likely."

Uniana muses, "There are enough tools about, no doubt."

Jaysehn smirks at Uniana.

Jaysehn says, "I cannot argue with that."

Rivienne smiles.

Uniana gazes thoughtfully at a riverstone manor.

(Agathilea gets a stake out of Jaysehn's plinth.)

Land Pirate Maylan just swept in.

Land Pirate Maylan just swept through an arched cherrywood entry.

Agathilea dusts off her hands.

Ordim holds a short rattan fishing stick with a dark cork-wrapped handle in his hand for several seconds, and it slowly shrinks in size until it is no larger than a small charm. Ordim carefully parts the shaggy fur on his chest and deposits the stick charm into the space he's created. With a lack of care, he tousles the fur and hides it from view.

Jaysehn nods at Agathilea.

From nearby, you hear Maylan yell, "It's dark in here!"

Jaysehn glances up.

Ordim chuckles lightly, a rime of frost forming on the black fur around his mouth.

Jaysehn removes a latticework octagonal domed lantern from in his grey leather longcoat.

Jaysehn lights his octagonal domed lantern, causing the wick to ignite into a small Liabo-hued flame.

Ordim yells, "Open eyes!"

Agathilea calls, "Come to the light!"

Uniana checks her equipment, adjusting and rearranging her gear.

From nearby, you hear Maylan yell, "Oh...."

You squint.

Land Pirate Maylan just swept in.

Celefindel adjusts his brigandine armor, apparently making it easier for him to cast spells.

Jaysehn raises his octagonal domed lantern overhead, allowing the Liabo-hued flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

[Icebriar Lake, Winter's Edge - 31868] (u8083079)

Barely visible behind large drifts of cold-hardened snow, a frozen lake glitters in the ambient light. A large riverstone manor sits on a small rise, surrounded by several outbuildings, and the cobblestone path ends abruptly at a foreboding thicket of trees and briars. Several twisting trails lead behind the manor to additional buildings. You also see a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist, a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts, a spacious pewter canvas tent flying black and white eclipse pennants, a large smithy and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Land Pirate Maylan, Lady Uniana, Rivienne, Dahcre Reader Ordim, Agathilea, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel

Obvious paths: northwest

Agathilea smirks at Maylan.

Dropping his front legs to the ground, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist extends his body into a luxurious stretch, his ethereal aura rippling across his back. Opening his mouth wide, he lets out a brief yawn, his transparent tongue lolling out briefly. With a small hop that sends him airborne for a few seconds, the ethereal puppy shakes himself, his body flickering in and out of view.

Maylan blinks at Agathilea.

Agathilea grins.

Maylan ponders.

Tabubu just arrived.

Tabubu just went through an arched cherrywood entry.

Land Pirate Maylan just swept through an arched cherrywood entry.

Agathilea asks, "Are you alright?"

Agathilea gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Agathilea glances at an arched cherrywood entry.

Uniana takes a drink from her smoked red wine.

Uniana looks rather relaxed.

Lord Teveriel just slogged in.

Jaysehn nods once at Teveriel.

Teveriel surveys the area.

Celefindel nods at Teveriel.

Agathilea remarks, "Everyone is in a hurry to get inside."

Teveriel lifts his chin slightly and, in a display of solidarity, taps his fist against his golden vaalorn plate-and-mail twice in quick succession.

Agathilea nods in greeting at Teveriel.

Avawren nods respectfully at Teveriel.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Teveriel walks toward Uniana.

You recognize Jaysehn using the Symbol of Recognition.

Jaysehn nods at Teveriel.

Agathilea just opened a gold-clasped sturdy leather pack.

Agathilea just closed a gold-clasped sturdy leather pack.

>'I was inside. Noticed someone locked the door to the garden

You quietly say, "I was inside. Noticed someone locked the door to the garden."

Rivienne agrees with you.

Jaysehn says, "There are undead near. Not unliving."

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Jaysehn says, "Three of them."

Agathilea agrees with you.

Ordim surveys the area.

Uniana shows Teveriel her smoked red wine.

Agathilea says, "I noticed that as well."

Land Pirate Maylan just swept in.

Mistress Saeria's group just arrived.

Mistress Saeria's group just went through an arched cherrywood entry.

Ordim growls, speaking to Jaysehn, "Yetdim not think puppy alive."

Ordim narrows his eyes.

Jaysehn says, "I have checked this entire area. It is inside."

Your pearl white lizard suddenly begins whining and hissing. You feel it erupt into a flurry of movement on your shoulder! Its tail smacks you several times on the side of your head. Wincing at the blows, you try to quiet the lizard by patting it reassuringly. Then you notice what caused the creature's agitation. A small black fly is winging away into the distance. The lizard follows the insect's progress, a wistful expression in its eyes.

Teveriel gives a sidelong glance at Uniana and quirks an eyebrow in her direction.

Mistress Saeria's group just arrived.

Ordim glances at a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist.

Jaysehn says, "Its not the puppy."

Maylan says, "I started a fire to warm things up in there."

Agathilea glances at an arched cherrywood entry.

Jaysehn nods approvingly at Maylan.

Ordim growls, speaking to Jaysehn, "Puppy alive then?"

As you stroke your pearl white lizard, its eyes slowly close and it drifts off to sleep.

Tiny ice crystals that cling to Ordim's face are dislodged as he blinks his black-lashed, argent eyes.

Tabubu just arrived.

Agathilea nods gratefully at Maylan.

Ordim runs his hand over the luminous silver fur of a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist, his fingers briefly sinking through the puppy's transparent body.

A silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist pants happily at the attention and tries to lick Ordim, but his tongue goes right through his hand!

Maylan suddenly pauses, a look of consternation crossing her features as she listens intently.

Tabubu gives a sidelong glance at Maylan.

Jaysehn says, speaking to Ordim, "There are many states of being beyond dead, or alive."

Maylan fully extends her wings and stands perfectly still, eyeing Tabubu cautiously.

Xorus just arrived.

Vikira just flitted in, followed by her group.

Vikira just flitted through an arched cherrywood entry, followed by her group.

Vikira just flitted in, followed by her group.

Ordim growls, speaking to a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist, "Puppy beyond life."

Ordim nods approvingly.

With a graceful discipline, Tabubu's shoulders straighten while her fingers interlock in the small of her back.

Scratching at his shaggy fur, Ordim frets at the tangled mess until a periwinkle seedhead of beebalm charm is revealed, which he quickly pulls free. Slowly, the beebalm charm begins to enlarge in his hand until it has returned to its natural state.

Ordim holds a periwinkle seedhead of beebalm in his hand for several seconds, and it slowly shrinks in size until it is no larger than a small charm. Ordim carefully parts the shaggy fur on his chest and deposits the beebalm charm into the space he's created. With a lack of care, he tousles the fur and hides it from view.

Scratching at his shaggy fur, Ordim frets at the tangled mess until a brightly colored bumblebee toy with corkscrew antennae charm is revealed, which he quickly pulls free. Slowly, the toy charm begins to enlarge in his hand until it has returned to its natural state.

Trying to draw the puppy's attention to his movement, Ordim waves a brightly colored bumblebee toy with corkscrew antennae enticingly in the air!

Spinning in an excited tornado of light around Ordim, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist leaps into the air to try to grab it, floating leisurely back down to the ground at the apex of his leap.

Leaning forward, Ordim wiggles a brightly colored bumblebee toy with corkscrew antennae in front of the ethereal puppy, trying to get his attention.

Spinning around in excitement, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist lets out an eerie echoing bark and surges upward to grab a brightly colored bumblebee toy with corkscrew antennae from him, his transparent teeth gripping it tightly. Rushing around the area with his paws churning a few inches above the ground, he squeezes the soft body of the toy and tosses it into the air, catching it deftly each time with a flourish. Eventually, the ethereal puppy swoops back down and spits out an ectoplasm-covered bumblebee toy at Ordim's feet, which he bends to pick up.

Growling deep in his throat, Ordim bites into the soft fabric of a brightly colored bumblebee toy with crooked ectoplasm-soaked corkscrew antennae, sinking his teeth into it. Looking pleased with himself, he lets go of it and grips it tightly in one hand, pausing to wipe some ectoplasm from his chin.

Maylan asks, "Is the puppy part of the ritual?"

Lucrecea just arrived.

Ordim holds a brightly colored bumblebee toy with crooked ectoplasm-soaked corkscrew antennae in his hand for several seconds, and it slowly shrinks in size until it is no larger than a small charm. Ordim carefully parts the shaggy fur on his chest and deposits the toy charm into the space he's created. With a lack of care, he tousles the fur and hides it from view.

Jaysehn smirks.

Avawren gives a sidelong glance at a riverstone manor.

Lucrecea lightly says, "Good evening."

Agathilea nods in greeting at Lucrecea.

Uniana nods respectfully at Lucrecea.

Jaysehn gives a quick nod and tips his hat to Lucrecea.

Rivienne smiles at Lucrecea.

Maylan greets, speaking to Lucrecea, "Ahoy."

Celefindel glances at Lucrecea.

Agathilea says, speaking to Lucrecea, "Good evening."

Saeria smiles at Lucrecea.

Tabubu scratches behind one of a silvery ethereal puppy's surrounded by a corona of luminous mist ears, her fingers slipping partially through his luminous silver fur.

With a huff of contentment that makes his ethereal glow ripple, the ethereal puppy tries to lean into the caress, but only manages to make Tabubu's entire hand disappear completely inside his transparent head!

Teveriel simply notes, "Lady Ruin."

Jaysehn gently layers his henna-hued shroud over his neckline, his fingers lingering momentarily against its soft fabric. As he does, for the briefest moment a somber expression flickers across his face.

Lucrecea adopts an agreeable expression.

Jaysehn runs the palm of his hand slowly across the fabric of his henna-hued shroud. For the briefest of moments, a somber expression flickers across his face, but it fades immediately.

You say, speaking quietly to Lucrecea, "Good evening."

Tabubu helps herself to some chunks of raw bloody meat.

Whistling to get a silvery ethereal puppy's surrounded by a corona of luminous mist attention, Tabubu places some chunks of raw bloody meat on the ground.

Ordim adopts an agreeable expression.

Ethereal glow flickering, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist starts to eat the raw bloody meat, morsels of it briefly visible through his transparent throat as he swallows each bite.

A silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist gobbles down the last of the raw bloody meat, his pale transparent teeth easily visible inside his mouth as he swallows the last bite. Sniffing the ground, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist searches for any remaining morsels, though gives an eerily morose sigh of disappointment when he doesn't find any.

Lucrecea says, "I see there isn't any blood pouring out of the Manor doors yet."

Sirona just arrived.

Sirona just went through an arched cherrywood entry.

Jaysehn says, "...yet."

Brave Soul Missoni flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

Ordim gazes thoughtfully at a riverstone manor.

Maylan offers, "I did start a fire."

Missoni casually observes her surroundings.

Agathilea nods in greeting at Missoni.

Kalyrra just swept in.

Sefina just flitted through an arched cherrywood entry.

Ordim gives a derisive snort that ruffles the shaggy black fur on his face as he glances about.

Sefina just flitted in.

Missoni nods in greeting at Agathilea.

Lucrecea looks thoughtfully at Maylan.

Sefina joins Vikira's group.

Rivienne nods to Kalyrra in greeting.

Sirona just arrived.

Agathilea nods in greeting at Kalyrra.

Brave Soul Meliyara just arrived.

Brave Soul Meliyara just went through an arched cherrywood entry.

Missoni carefully greets, "Fair eve."

Kalyrra nods to Rivienne in greeting.

Brave Soul Meliyara just arrived.

Agathilea smiles at Sirona.

Kalyrra grins at Agathilea.

Sirona smiles at Agathilea.

Maylan waves to Missoni.

Agathilea says, "Good evening."

Jaysehn gives a quick nod and tips his hat to Kalyrra.

Lucrecea says, speaking to Maylan, "Probably for the best given the chill here."

Sirona waves.

Meliyara greets, "Sh'rein."

Maylan nods to Meliyara in greeting.

Kalyrra grins at Jaysehn.

Sirona quietly says, "Evening all."

Tabubu nods to Meliyara in greeting.

Agathilea nods once at Meliyara.

Maylan says, speaking to Lucrecea, "Yarr, I'm surprised we're doing the waiting on the outside."

Samyrha just shuffled in.

Maylan lets out a yelp!

Tasthera wanders in.

Maylan turns around.

Maylan turns around.

Tabubu quietly says, "Sh'rein, Sho'nae."

Lucrecea asks, "Why are we doing the waiting on the outside?"

Agathilea nods in greeting at Samyrha.

Jaysehn glances between Samyrha and Tasthera.

Teveriel's spirits are no longer lifted.

The air stops shimmering around Teveriel.

Missoni smiles.

Tasthera reaches out and holds Samyrha's hand.

Agathilea nods in greeting at Tasthera.

Lucrecea lightly says, "Oh, hello."

The dog gazes ahead blankly, seemingly oblivious to its surroundings.

Missoni nods in greeting.

Samyrha smiles.

Meliyara asks, speaking to Samyrha, "You have decided?"

Meliyara gazes at Samyrha with an inscrutable expression, save for a solitary arched eyebrow.

Samyrha says, "I will listen to him."

You bite your lip.

Teveriel reaches up and removes the helm from his pale blonde hair.

Maylan glances between Meliyara and Samyrha.

Jaysehn cocks his head at Samyrha.

Agathilea nods once to you.

Samyrha says, "See what the ritual is."

Missoni furrows her brow.

Jaysehn nods slowly.

Tabubu shakes her head.

Meliyara nods once at Samyrha.

Tasthera squeezes Samyrha's hand in her own, using the opposit to smooth the skin.

Rivienne nods at Samyrha.

Samyrha says, "But if it can save my sister..."

Agathilea slowly empties her lungs.

Tasthera frets.

Teveriel neutrally says, "He had little to say the last time he was asked."

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Jaysehn says, "If anyone has that right to decide here, it is you."

Missoni nods slightly at Samyrha.

Tabubu quietly says, "I think its a mistake, you have got to break the cycle."

The powerful look leaves Celefindel.

You curtsy to Tasthera.

Kalyrra frowns.

Tasthera uneasily says, "We will see what it is but I won't sacrifice one daughter to save another."

Brave Soul Oishian just swept in.

Brave Soul Oishian just swept through an arched cherrywood entry.

Brave Soul Oishian just swept in.

Ordim grunts.

Tabubu nods approvingly at Tasthera.

Meliyara nods understandingly at Tasthera.

Maylan shrugs her shoulders, lifting her wings slightly.

Agathilea nods understandingly at Tasthera.

Ekros just skittered in.

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

Missoni says, speaking to Samyrha, "I have heard conflicting...opinions. I will follow your lead."

Jaysehn says, speaking to Tasthera, "I am sorry for this pain you must endure."

Samyrha winces slightly as Tasthera grips her hand even tighter.

Missoni bites her lip.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Tasthera looks at Jaysehn blankly, at a loss to express herself.

Celefindel says, speaking to Tasthera, "I think it more likely that should he succeed in what he set out to do, her fate will be only further solidified along with those of the others. I suppose we will have to see."

Meliyara admits, speaking to Tasthera, "A voice that sounded like it could have been Yraelia's urged me to help him. But I am not certain these voices can be believed, nor are they necessarily who or what they sound to be."

Agathilea just opened a gold-clasped sturdy leather pack.

Panting happily, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist wags his tail rapidly, his ethereal glow following every movement.

Agathilea removes some ornate vultite full plate with eahnor spikes fanning the pauldrons from in her sturdy leather pack.

Agathilea works her way into some ornate vultite full plate with eahnor spikes fanning the pauldrons.

Missoni agrees with Meliyara.

A faint silvery glow fades from around Tabubu.

Missoni slowly empties her lungs.

Samyrha softly says, "I just keep remembering how he looked at her."

Ordim rubs his hands together for a brief moment and then lets them flop at his side, his knuckles brushing the ground.

Samyrha sighs.

Tasthera exasperatedly says, "There's just so many voices."

Samyrha says, "Let us...let us go in."

Samyrha nods.
Tasthera frowns at Samyrha.

Lucrecea adopts an agreeable expression.

Maylan says, "Whelp they've made up their mind. The time for deciding is over. The time for doing is now."

Jaysehn nods.

Agathilea removes a gleaming vultite aegis from in her sturdy leather pack.

Uniana tucks her hand into the crook of Teveriel's arm as she moves next to him.

Maylan joins Samyrha's group.

Tabubu quietly says, "And how he looked at the ones before her."

Celefindel joins Samyrha's group.

Meliyara joins Samyrha's group.

Ordim joins Samyrha's group.

Lucrecea joins Samyrha's group.

Tabubu quietly says, "It will not stop."

Xorus joins Samyrha's group.

Avawren joins Samyrha's group.

Saeria joins Samyrha's group.

Missoni joins Samyrha's group.

Vikira joins Samyrha's group.

Tabubu joins Samyrha's group.

Agathilea joins Samyrha's group.

Oishian joins Samyrha's group.

Sefina joins Samyrha's group.

Agathilea just closed a gold-clasped sturdy leather pack.

Rivienne joins Samyrha's group.

Jaysehn joins Samyrha's group.

Hamley joins Samyrha's group.

Agathilea slings a gleaming vultite aegis over her shoulder.

Teveriel simply states, "Fine."

You join Samyrha.

Tabubu quietly says, "Till one of you puts your foot down."

Samyrha slowly empties her lungs.

Ekros joins Samyrha's group.

Lucrecea says, "We're right behind you."

Jaysehn draws an ornate ebony eahnor cresset sword with a glowing firewheel-shard pommel from his ghostwood scabbard with a flash of holy white fire. A ripple of Liabo-hued light shimmers over the surface of the sword as a faint shriek vibrates through it.

Teveriel dons his helm.

Kalyrra joins Samyrha's group.

Samyrha nods.

Uniana shakes her head.

Uniana joins Samyrha's group.

Samyrha just shuffled through an arched cherrywood entry, followed by her group.

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Also here: Dahcre Reader Ordim, Agathilea, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel, Rivienne, Lady Uniana, Tasthera, Land Pirate Maylan, Mistress Saeria, Hamley, Tabubu, Xorus, Vikira, Lucrecea, Brave Soul Missoni, Kalyrra, Sefina, Brave Soul Meliyara, Brave Soul Oishian, Ekros, Samyrha, Vistix Akrath

Obvious exits: out

Akrath paces back and forth in the foyer, his hands clasped behind his back.  He pauses, turning to look at Samyrha as the group enters the manor.

Uniana takes a drink from her smoked red wine.

Lord Teveriel just slogged in.

Agathilea grins at you.

Jaysehn cocks his head at Akrath.

Samyrha says, "Vistix."

Meliyara looks thoughtfully at Akrath.

Samyrha nods at Akrath.

Teveriel joins Samyrha's group.

With a graceful discipline, Tabubu's shoulders straighten while her fingers interlock in the small of her back.

Agathilea nods in greeting at Akrath.

Maylan greets, speaking to Akrath, "Visticks."

Akrath surprisedly says, "You came."

Missoni glances at Akrath.

Avawren raises an eyebrow.

Saeria smirks at Maylan.

Missoni nods slightly.

Jaysehn stops protecting Samyrha.

Lucrecea lightly says, "Of course we did."

Akrath glances around the room.

Maylan blinks at Saeria.

The fire sings its ancient song of security from the dangers of the night as you gaze into the comfortable blaze.

Jaysehn moves over to Samyrha and stands ready to protect her from attack.

Samyrha says, "I did." She waves her hand and states, "We all did."

Akrath coolly adds, "All of you."

Tasthera anxiously says, "We want to say Yraelia but not if it will cost us Sammy..."

You nod slowly.

Licks of Liabo-hued flame dance at the wick of Jaysehn's octagonal domed lantern.

Tasthera continues to pet Samyrha's hand.

Samyrha asks, speaking to Akrath, "Is there more you can tell us now, about this ritual?"

Akrath slowly empties his lungs.

Agathilea gazes with interest at her surroundings.

Ordim rubs his hands together for a brief moment and then lets them flop at his side, his knuckles brushing the floor.

You ponder the meaning of Akrath's existence.

Jaysehn frowns.

Jaysehn glances around the room.

You see Vistix Akrath Yvalyst.

Due to the featureless mask he wears, it is difficult to determine his race...or even whether he is living or dead.

He is very tall. His features are hidden beneath a featureless mask cut from smoothed bone, though his almond-shaped coffee-hued eyes shine through. He has short, ebon hair swept forward in an arc of uniform, ropy locks threaded with bone beads. Little else about his appearance is easy to distinguish.

He is in good shape.

He is wearing a night-dark devore velvet robe burned in runic symbols along the lapels, a thin lariat necklace trailing bone-carved amaranth down the center of the chest, a back-laced matte onyx cincher over a lustrous ebon chest wrap of overlapping silk, a pair of loose stygian trousers bound tightly around the calves, and some midnight-hued linen footwraps.

Lucrecea glances expectantly at Akrath.

The shadows creep over the walls, enveloping nearly everything.
Akrath glances up.

Ordim gazes heavenward.

Jaysehn narrows his eyes.

Jaysehn raises his octagonal domed lantern overhead, allowing the Liabo-hued flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

Missoni casually observes her surroundings.

Agathilea squints.

Chill winds whip through the foyer, a discombobulated muttering rising to a fever pitch.

Avawren shivers.

Akrath says, "We probably should not discuss this here."

Meliyara glances around the room.

Lucrecea runs her hands over the sleeves of her wool frock coat.

Maylan whines, "But it's warm in here."

Missoni closes her eyes for a moment.

Meliyara asks, speaking to Akrath, "Where, then?"

Teveriel clenches his jaw.

Brave Soul Taluric just slogged in.

Moans issue from the floorboards, causing a vibration to tremble through the heels.
A parade of headless women march through one wall and out the other.
A piercing shriek rings through the air.  Several of the crystal shards of the chandelier shatter, raining miniscule pieces over the crowd.

Agathilea stares off into space.

Tiny ice crystals that cling to Ordim's face are dislodged as he blinks his black-lashed, argent eyes.

Akrath quickly says, "The garden."

Lucrecea takes a few graceful steps backward.

A fine crimson mist begins to rise from the floor beneath you.

Meliyara strides a few steps backward.

Missoni winces.

Uniana tilts her head down.

Meliyara nods knowingly at Lucrecea.

Hamley blinks.

Agathilea warningly says, "Ah."

Uniana takes a drink from her smoked red wine.

Uniana looks rather relaxed.

In one brisk move, Teveriel slides a mirror-finish crimson eahnor heater off his shoulder.

Ordim growls, "Is very strange house."

Uniana leans to her right slightly.

Teveriel moves away from Samyrha, over to Uniana, and stands ready to guard her from attack.

Jaysehn glances down.

Agathilea glances down.

Jaysehn hisses.

Tabubu shakes her head, clucking her tongue.

Lucrecea lightly says, "Then let's to the garden if you refuse to discuss it here."

Tabubu suddenly looks very tired and lies down for a nap.

You gaze heavenward.

As Samyrha approaches the hallway, a black-clad butler steps towards her, bowing to her before leading her down the long corridor.

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Also here: Dahcre Reader Ordim, Agathilea, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel, Rivienne, Lady Uniana, Tasthera, Land Pirate Maylan, Mistress Saeria, Hamley, Xorus, Vikira, Lucrecea, Brave Soul Missoni, Kalyrra, Sefina, Brave Soul Meliyara, Brave Soul Oishian, Ekros, Lord Teveriel, Samyrha

Obvious exits: none

A lazy wild greyish-black dog arrives.

Missoni agrees with Lucrecea.

A black-clad butler arrives, escorting Akrath as he exits the long hallway. "Master Akrath has arrived," he announces before bowing and taking his leave, walking back through the corridor.

Ordim glances at a long sconce-filled hallway.

A skeletal grey wolf pads in.

Agathilea suggests, "Perhaps a different floor or room?"

A black-clad butler arrives, escorting Taluric as he exits the long hallway. "Master Taluric has arrived," he announces before bowing and taking his leave, walking back through the corridor.

Ordim growls, "Little lady fall asleep."

The sconces flicker red.

A black-clad butler arrives, escorting Sirona as she exits the long hallway. "Mistress Sirona has arrived," he announces before bowing and taking his leave, walking back through the corridor.

A black-clad butler arrives, escorting Tabubu as she exits the long hallway. "Mistress Tabubu has arrived," he announces before bowing and taking his leave, walking back through the corridor.

Ordim points at a long sconce-filled hallway.

Missoni murmurs, "The garden, as we saw..."

Tabubu joins Samyrha's group.

Akrath walks across the hallway, making his way in the direction of the iron-set glass egress.  A well-dressed attendant meets him at the entry, opening the doors as he slips through the passage.

Ordim says, "Oh."

Ordim nods approvingly.

Samyrha walks across the hallway, making her way in the direction of the iron-set glass egress. A well-dressed attendant meets her at the entry, opening the doors as she slips through the passage.

[Yvalyst Manor, Garden - 33988] (u8089013)

Patches of unkempt grass threaten to overwhelm the wire-framed garden beds, the tangle of thorned vines and drooping flower heads creeping towards the chipped marble fountain at the center of the broken cobblestones. An ivory-colored statue stands within the curved bowl of the fountain, the masculine form's hands cupped upwards as rivulets of water drip down into the basin. A copse of decaying trees drape over the far corner of the garden, the greyish yellow bark peeling downwards in flayed strips. You also see an iron-set glass egress.

Also here: Dahcre Reader Ordim, Agathilea, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel, Rivienne, Lady Uniana, Tasthera, Land Pirate Maylan, Mistress Saeria, Hamley, Xorus, Vikira, Lucrecea, Brave Soul Missoni, Kalyrra, Sefina, Brave Soul Meliyara, Brave Soul Oishian, Ekros, Lord Teveriel, Tabubu, Samyrha, Vistix Akrath

Obvious paths: north

Ordim growls, speaking to Tabubu, "Good nap?"

Meliyara asks, speaking amusedly in Dhe'narsi to Tabubu, something you don't understand.

Tabubu says, speaking quietly to Ordim, "Long day."

Becoming louder and more sinster, the moans that echo through the house ring hollow in the garden.

Lucrecea says, speaking to Missoni, "It has very unique topiaries."

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

Tabubu rolls her eyes at Meliyara.

Ordim chuckles lightly, a rime of frost forming on the black fur around his mouth.

Akrath carefully says, "I have set up this way."

Missoni agrees with Lucrecea.

Vistix Akrath just went north.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Samyrha just shuffled north, followed by her group.

[Yvalyst Manor, Garden - 33989] (u8089014)

Tall, brittle grass encircles a dozen toparies, their androgynous forms left in disarray along the fairy ring of dirt and loose rock. A contorted wall of overgrown briars forms the boundaries of the garden, the uneven hedges leaning precariously inwards, the sharp thorns threatening to engulf the garden beds. A trio of empty birdbaths sit tangled in vines in the back of the garden, filled with loose feathers intermingled with clumps of dirt. You also see a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden with a rune-incised obsidian basin on it.

Also here: Dahcre Reader Ordim, Agathilea, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel, Rivienne, Lady Uniana, Tasthera, Land Pirate Maylan, Mistress Saeria, Hamley, Xorus, Vikira, Lucrecea, Brave Soul Missoni, Kalyrra, Sefina, Brave Soul Meliyara, Brave Soul Oishian, Ekros, Lord Teveriel, Tabubu, Samyrha, Vistix Akrath

Obvious paths: south

Raising her arms slightly, Tabubu arches her back and gently lets her head rock back.

Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.

Missoni says, speaking to Lucrecea, "And a fountain that bleeds, more or less'."

Akrath folds his hands behind his back.

Lylia joins Samyrha's group.

Lucrecea takes a gander at the obsidian basin.

Brave Soul Taluric just slogged in.

Meliyara glances between a rune-incised obsidian basin and a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Tasthera glances at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Lylia inclines her head.

Jaysehn stares at a rune-incised obsidian basin on a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

>look pentacle

Etched deeply into the garden's grass is an oversized pentacle outlined in tiny obsidian stones. At each point, different flowers have been laid -- alyssum, amaranth, fairy primrose, mournbloom, and nightshade. A wide swath of salt encircles the pentacle, and dozens of colorful coneflowers are strewn about as well. An obsidian basin rests at the center.

Agathilea glances at a rune-incised obsidian basin on a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Sirona just arrived.

Lucrecea agrees, speaking lightly to Missoni, "More or less."

Xorus gives Lylia a lingering kiss on the wrist.

Samyrha glances at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Akrath sharply says, "Touch nothing."

Sirona joins Samyrha's group.

Jaysehn slowly empties his lungs.

Maylan whines at Akrath!

Avawren squints at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Agathilea takes a moment to observe a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Tabubu quietly says, "I have seen this act out before, over and over again."

Jaysehn snuffs the octagonal domed lantern, causing the Liabo-hued flame to go out.

Jaysehn put a latticework octagonal domed lantern in his dim grey pack.

Missoni takes a moment to observe a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Jaysehn deftly removes the nacreous longsword from his swordbelt.

(Ordim goes to reach out towards large pentacle, but stops.)

Ordim furrows his brow.

Tasthera squeezes Samyrha'ss hand tighter, an expression somewhere between pain and horror written on her face.

Meliyara says, speaking in Dhe'narsi to Tabubu, something you don't understand.

Lylia gazes with interest at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Rivienne pauses and studies a rune-incised obsidian basin on a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden with thoughtful consideration, moving to observe it from multiple angles.

Lucrecea gazes with interest at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Tabubu laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Tabubu agrees with Meliyara.

You glance at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Etched deeply into the garden's grass is an oversized pentacle outlined in tiny obsidian stones. At each point, different flowers have been laid -- alyssum, amaranth, fairy primrose, mournbloom, and nightshade. A wide swath of salt encircles the pentacle, and dozens of colorful coneflowers are strewn about as well. An obsidian basin rests at the center.

Samyrha leans close to Tasthera, placing her head briefly on her shoulder.
Akrath turns to face Samyrha.

Tabubu quietly asks, in Dhe'narsi, something you don't understand.

Taluric slides off his urglaes thumb-ring and slowly exhales as his posture slumps.

Taluric put a segmented urglaes thumb-ring in his travelling pack.

Meliyara looks over at Tabubu and shakes her head.

Akrath evenly says, "I suppose I owe you an explanation before I request you participate."

Rivienne glances at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Akrath gazes at Samyrha.

Tabubu gives Meliyara a rather puzzled look.

Jaysehn nods once at Kalyrra.

Kalyrra nods at Jaysehn.

Uniana gazes with interest at Akrath.

Avawren whispers something to Celefindel.

Samyrha firmly says, "An explanation would be appreciated."

Rivienne looks thoughtfully at Akrath.

Lylia glances expectantly at Akrath.

>look basin

Set directly in the center of the pentacle, the obsidian basin is covered in silver-filled runes incised along the exterior.

Tabubu arches a skeptical eyebrow as she takes in her surroundings.

>look in basin

There is nothing in the basin.

Akrath says, speaking to Samyrha, "They will not like it."

Agathilea turns an inquisitive ear toward Akrath.

Ordim bats at the black flies that constantly swarm around him.

The powerful look leaves Agathilea.

(Missoni leans forward to hover a hand over the salt surrounding large pentacle, then looks distractedly at Akrath.)

>read basin

There is nothing there to read.

Tasthera asks, "Say :Shri who?"

Lucrecea murmurs, "The flowers tell plenty as is."

Samyrha says, "Akrath If I am involved, then it is I who must like it."

Lucrecea glances meaningfully at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Akrath says, speaking evenly to Samyrha, "I require a sacrifice."

Tasthera stares at Akrath.

Missoni breathes in slightly.

Akrath quickly assures, "Blood, only."

Samyrha goes a bit pale and steps back slightly.

Ekros slowly empties his lungs.

Agathilea raises an eyebrow.

Ordim chuckles lightly, a rime of frost forming on the black fur around his mouth.

Tabubu quietly says, "That he uses a dagger on."

Meliyara glances skeptically at Akrath.

Tasthera pulls Samyrha into her arms.

Taluric squints.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

You frown at Akrath.

Tasthera anxiously asks, "How could you?"

The mirror images surrounding Taluric undulate and grow stronger.

Taluric renews his songs.

Samyrha fearfully asks, "My blood?"

Maylan says, "I bet we can wrastle up a chicken or two pretty easily."

Uniana slowly empties her lungs.

Tabubu says, speaking quietly to Samyrha, "It will not end with you if you do it, you have to stop this madness."

Missoni asks, speaking to Akrath, "Can it be anyone's?"

The dim aura fades from around Celefindel.

Akrath says, speaking to Samyrha, "You are the only one that can help. It must be shared blood, and you are her sister."

Maylan offers, "Or a goat?"

Akrath glances at Tasthera.

Lylia cautions, "Before you offer anything, make sure you understand the goal of the ritual."

Missoni frowns.

Tasthera shrieks, "Take mine!"

Jaysehn stares at Tasthera.

Ordim fidgets.

Missoni looks at Tasthera with concern.

Jaysehn says, speaking to Tasthera, "He has not even told you what you would gain."

Teveriel says, speaking to Tasthera, "Wait."

Meliyara glances dubiously at Tasthera.

Akrath says, speaking firmly to Tasthera, "No. It will not work."

Sirona folds her arms over her chest.

Tasthera says, "My daughter back, but not both my daughters.. please you can't take them both."

Celefindel squints at Akrath.

Samyrha squares her shoulders and steps forward again.

Agathilea touches Tasthera.

Samyrha asks, "How much blood?"

Akrath extends his arm, pointing at Samyrha. "It must be her."

Meliyara asks, speaking to Akrath, "Why?"

Tasthera reaches after Samyrha with a strangled sob.

Akrath snaps, speaking coldly to Meliyara, "Open your ears."

Jaysehn whispers something to Celefindel.

Avawren says, "Because primrose."

Meliyara stares unwaveringly at Akrath.

Rivienne frowns.

Agathilea squints at Akrath.

Avawren squints at Akrath.

Uniana cocks her head at Avawren.

Jaysehn nods once at Celefindel.

Ordim surveys the area.

Akrath says, speaking to Samyrha, "I do not know. As much as I will require."

Tasthera says, speaking waspishly to Avawren, "What do you mean because Primerose."

Samyrha asks, speaking to Akrath, "Will it bring her back?"

You see Samyrha.

She appears to be a Draugr.

She is petite. Her age is indeterminate due to the haunted visage that wreathes her being in a perpetually harrowed state of existence. She has azure-stippled vivid blue-green eyes and necrosis-wreathed mahogany skin. She has short, coiled blue-black hair with ianthine tips. Ravaged and gaunt, there is a hungry countenance to her.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a rose and vine-patterned silver necklace suspending a tiny fox agate teacup, a twilight blue linen dress veiled in a fall of deep blue lace, a battered leather satchel, and some dark leather ankle boots.

Akrath rolls his shoulders and tilts his head from side to side, trying to loosen a sudden tension that struck his form.
Tasthera vigorously shakes her head.

Avawren says, speaking to Tasthera, "The flowers on the circle. Love, madness, sorcery, death, youth."

Akrath says, speaking to Samyrha, "That is the intention."

Jaysehn asks, "He didn't even know where she was when she vanished. Why are we believing him now?"

Tasthera frowns at Avawren.

Sirona takes a moment to observe Akrath.

Lucrecea wryly says, "Or insanity, immortality, enchantment, grief, and sorcery."

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Tabubu waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Avawren nods in agreement at Lucrecea.

Meliyara grins wryly at Lucrecea.

Missoni asks, speaking to Akrath, "Where do you suppose she is, that this is how you propose to bring her back?"

Lylia says, "That is an evasive answer."

Tasthera says, speaking anxiously to Samyrha, "Please, Sammy, we can try another way to get her back..."

Akrath says, speaking to Lucrecea, "There is more than one meaning, you know."

Lucrecea lightly says, "I know."

Ordim sniffs.

Agathilea says, speaking to Akrath, "What will be the effect on Samyrha."

Tabubu quietly says, in Dhe'narsi, something you don't understand.

Meliyara says, speaking to Lylia, "It is a non-answer, as he has replied to every question asked of him."

You remove a sample of rosemary-sprinkled sweet potato scone from in your white bearskin coat.

Samyrha says, speaking to Tasthera, "How? We have tried everything. Exhausted everything."

Agathilea turns an inquisitive ear toward Akrath.

Jaysehn says, speaking to Samyrha, "This man has lied and concealed everything. If you believe this is truth, you have not been paying attention."

Akrath says, speaking hesitantly to Missoni, "I--I don't know exactly, but it...should work."

Tasthera flaps her hands at her side, clearly at a lose to respond.

Lucrecea says, "But it aptly fits what you have demostrated so far."

Sirona raises an eyebrow.

Missoni dubiously repeats, "Should work."

Jaysehn raises an eyebrow in Akrath's direction.

Samyrha asks, speaking to Akrath, "Tell me, Vistix, and lookat me as you do so." She stares intently at his face. "How much do you love my sister?"

Jaysehn glances between Missoni and Lylia.

Akrath says, speaking to Lucrecea, "Only because you choose to believe that."

Jaysehn asks, "I"m assuming 'should' is a poor standard in ritual summoning?"

Ordim gazes thoughtfully at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Lylia glances between Samyrha and Akrath.

Teveriel shakes his head.

Akrath glances at Samyrha.

Meliyara takes a moment to observe Samyrha.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Lucrecea says, "You have offered few other answers to the contrary."

Tasthera wrings her hands.

Rivienne gazes at the crystal moon around her neck for several moments and a glassy expression comes over her eyes.

Lylia says, speaking to Jaysehn, "Yes, although usually, it is the summoner who is devoured."

Agathilea cautions, "You will want to try giving us viable information instead of misinformation, Sir."

Teveriel bluntly states, "This is folly."

Rivienne says, "This is a bad idea."

Akrath says, speaking to Samyrha, "Enough to risk myself."

Akrath angrily exclaims, "It is the only idea!"

Maylan raises an eyebrow.

Tabubu agrees with Teveriel.

Tasthera concurs, "I agree."

Agathilea asks, speaking to Akrath, "Where is your risk?"

Jaysehn agrees with Teveriel.

Akrath says, speaking to Agathilea, "If I fail, it will be me."

Lylia says, "In fairness, summoners always face extreme risks. They are --"

Lylia nods at Akrath.

Lylia says, "Yes. That."

Uniana takes a drink from her smoked red wine.

Agathilea looks thoughtfully at Akrath.

Akrath asks, speaking to Samyrha, "Will you help or not?"

Agathilea nods understandingly.

Samyrha gazes thoughtfully at Akrath, then looks at her mother.

The dim aura fades from around Agathilea.

Tabubu looks over at Samyrha and shakes her head.

Tasthera vigorously shakes her head.

Samyrha says, speaking gently to Tasthera, "Mother, I believe him."

Tasthera hangs her head.

Missoni lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Agathilea slowly empties her lungs.

Akrath glances away, his eyes twitching slightly.
Samyrha gently takes her hand out of Tasthera's and steps forward to Akrath.

Tasthera regretfully says, "Oh Sammy."

Tabubu buries her face in her palm, shaking her head in frustration.

Meliyara looks thoughtfully at Samyrha.

Samyrha disbands her group.

You sigh sad.

Celefindel slowly empties his lungs.

Uniana tucks her hand into the crook of Teveriel's arm as she moves next to him.

Jaysehn slowly empties his lungs.

Avawren sighs.

Ordim rubs his hands together for a brief moment and then lets them flop at his side, his knuckles brushing the ground.

Jaysehn moves away from Samyrha, over to Tasthera, and stands ready to protect her from attack.

Tasthera lets her hand fall to her side now that it is empty of her daughter's.

Avawren quietly says, "We all make our own choices, life or unlife."

Samyrha says, speaking to Akrath, "I put my trust in you, my lord. Please do not fail us."

(Teveriel snarls under his breath.)

Agathilea moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Akrath glances around the area.

Agathilea moves over to Samyrha and stands ready to guard her from attack.

Lylia nods at Maylan.

The brilliant, rapidly shifting aura around Ekros shimmers and flickers briefly before fading.

Sirona looks thoughtfully at Akrath.

Rivienne stares at Akrath.

Teveriel adds Jaysehn to his group.

Akrath says, "If you are staying, then I have demands."

Teveriel adds Celefindel to his group.

Meliyara asks, speaking to Samyrha, "You are certain of this choice?"

Jaysehn nods at Teveriel.

Maylan groans.

Ordim gives a derisive snort that ruffles the shaggy black fur on his face as he glances about.

You ask, speaking quietly to Akrath, "Demands?"

Tasthera presses her forehead against Jaysehn's back, a well of sadness issuing from her.

Oishian glances down.

Jaysehn frowns at Tasthera.

Agathilea joins Teveriel's group.

Akrath firmly commands, "Do not cross the circle."

Lucrecea casually glances down.

Missoni tilts her head down.

Agathilea glances at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Ordim takes a few steps away from a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Sirona glances at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Maylan strides a few steps backward.

Akrath adds, "Do not break the circle."

Agathilea nods once at Akrath.

Sefina fidgets.

Jaysehn says, speaking quietly to Tasthera, "Fate decides, madam. Have courage. Your daughter has chosen a path."

Akrath vehemently says, "If you interrupt me, you will regret it."

Agathilea frowns at Akrath.

Missoni glances appraisingly at Akrath.

Saeria clasps Hamley's hand tenderly.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Akrath continues, "Touch nothing."

You quietly say, "You don't sounds very convincing that this will be safe for Miss Samyrha."

With a slight roll of her shoulder, Kalyrra slides a sleek firewheel long bow scored with azure-traced fractal burns free and grips it tightly in one hand. A spray of argent silver motes skitters over the surface of the bow before fizzling out with a fading screech.

Tiny ice crystals that cling to Ordim's face are dislodged as he blinks his black-lashed, argent eyes.

Suddenly coming to life, the aureate valravn face on Jaysehn's pauldron warns Jaysehn, "Attend to your duty, Sentinel. Darkness draws near."

Screwing her eyes upward, Maylan glares at her offending hair and sighs. She closes her right eye, juts her chin out at an angle, and blows upward across her face, which causes Maylan's hair to flutter in the air for several seconds before falling back down and away from her eyes.

Jaysehn glances at his ebony eahnor pauldron.

Kalyrra glances at Jaysehn.

Jaysehn mutters under his breath.

Akrath says, "And protect me from anything or anyone that wishes to do me harm."

Rivienne says, "We are unlikely to be able to help, once this starts."

Akrath glances between Jaysehn and Celefindel.
Samyrha shivers slightly as a faint moaning comes from the manor.

The mirror images surrounding Taluric undulate and grow stronger.

Taluric renews his songs.

Tasthera clenching her jaw tightly, tears showing in her eyes, she nods once and lifts her head.  As she squares her shoulders, a fierce determination fills her eyes, which lock upon Akrath with an unblinking gaze.

Agathilea asks, "Protect you?"

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Rivienne laughs!

Agathilea stares at Akrath.

Ordim chuckles lightly, a rime of frost forming on the black fur around his mouth.

Lylia removes an intricate clockwork staff tipped with a tapered black opal shard from in her wrap.

Lucrecea summons a torrent of spiritual and elemental mana and releases upon herself a flurry of abjurations.

Tabubu quietly says, "Good luck with that."

Missoni draws her surita staff from her widowwood-bound sling, tracing an arc of pulsing black energy in its wake. At her touch, a number of sigils worked into its grain take on a faint luminescence.

Meliyara repeats, speaking to Samyrha, "You are certain of this choice?"

Maylan summons a torrent of spiritual and mental mana and releases upon herself a flurry of abjurations.

Maylan draws her twining zydris runestaff from her runestaff sling, tracing an arc of prismatic light in its wake.

Jaysehn says, "We do not need instruction on our duty. Attend to your workings so they do not fail."

The powerful look leaves Taluric.

Jaysehn nods once at Akrath.

Akrath says, "If you do not wish to help, you do not have to stay."

Licks of flame rise up from Jaysehn's eahnor cresset sword.

Agathilea mutters under her breath.

Agathilea slowly draws her mithril handaxe from her leather thigh-sheath and holds it close, wary of the dangers before her.

Agathilea slings a gleaming vultite aegis off from over her shoulder.

Samyrha says, speaking to Akrath, "I put my life in your hands. And my sister's."

Agathilea moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Oishian equips a deep indigo ghezyte tachi with a fanning guard of sapphire blue dragonfly wings hanging from one of the straps on his paeline bandolier.

Rivienne grabs a tiny enruned mithril warding charm from inside her leather ritual satchel.

Rivienne waves her mithril warding charm vigorously in the air in an attempt to spread its warding powers over a large area.

Avawren sighs.

Teveriel grudgingly concedes, "It is her choice to make."

Avawren removes a helical witchwood staff fringed with clinging amethyst deceiver mushrooms from in her deeply hooded robe. A trail of shimmering bone white fungal particles showers from it, slowly floating away.

Kalyrra swears under her breath.

Akrath visibly tenses again, his eyes narrowing for a moment.

Rivienne tosses a tiny enruned mithril warding charm inside her leather ritual satchel.

Saeria removes a suit of twilight grey leathers emblazoned with ebon whorls from in her bourde cloak.

Tasthera implores, speaking to Akrath, "Please... please be careful."

Saeria dons her twilight grey leathers, deftly adjusting its fastenings for a sure fit.

Meliyara nods in agreement at Teveriel.

Missoni murmurs, "If you need protection, merely say so."

Celefindel says, speaking firmly to Akrath, "Do not fail. You will not have another chance. I promise you that."

Missoni nods at Samyrha.

Teveriel warns, "But Patrons help you if you are shown to be a liar."

Teveriel draws a silver-swept vaalorn warblade aloft a contoured hilt of faewood from his lasimor scabbard.

Hamley removes some burnished double leather from in his velvet frock coat.

You gaze up into the heavens.

As Meliyara reaches for her runestaff tattoo an ethereal haft protrudes from its center. She grabs the haft and pulls a glowing ethereal runestaff out.

Celefindel removes a white ora bastard sword from in his burgundy wool cloak.

Celefindel's bastard sword bursts into a powerful white flame!

Missoni agrees with Teveriel.

Akrath spits, speaking to Celefindel, "I will not fail if you do not meddle."

Hamley works his way into some burnished double leather.

A reeking odor wafts away from the dirty, unwashed hair and body of Ordim.

Akrath glances at Samyrha.

Missoni gazes at her surita staff as she ponders some weighty notion.

You ask, speaking quietly to Akrath, "What are you hoping to achieve?"

Hamley removes a faenor longsword from in his black leather sheath.

Hamley removes an ornate glaes aegis from in his velvet frock coat.

Agathilea concentrates deeply for a moment.

Saeria draws her villswood runestaff from her runestaff sling, tracing an arc of green necrotic haze in its wake.

Slipping its loop from her belt, Tabubu lightly holds her su'chao silk fan in her right hand.

Meliyara says, speaking to Akrath, "I do not think this is a promise you can make, given you have demanded protection."

Lylia whispers something to Maylan.

Akrath says, speaking to Samyrha, "When you are ready."

Ordim growls, "Not touch anything, no circle, smash anyone touch salt."

Ordim nods knowingly.

Samyrha nods.

You glance at a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Akrath holds out his hand.

Flicking her right wrist, Tabubu opens the blades of her su'chao silk fan in one smooth, silent motion.

You glance around the area.

Lylia nods at Xorus.

Akrath takes Samyrha's hand, and the pair step carefully over the ring of salt and into the pentacle.  Akrath positions himself on one side of the basin and guides Samyrha to the other.

Rivienne takes a few steps back.

Jaysehn surveys his surroundings carefully.

You gaze in wonder at your surroundings.

Missoni summons a torrent of spiritual and elemental mana and releases upon herself a flurry of abjurations.

You quietly ask, "No one is going to do anything?"

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff writhe and contort with a mind all of their own.

Rivienne removes an intricately carved rowan runestaff displaying a shackle-bound shadowling from in her velvet frock coat.

Lucrecea lightly says, "I'm going to watch."

Lucrecea says, "That's plenty."

Ekros takes a moment to observe a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Akrath points and nods once toward the ground and firmly instructs Samyrha, "Sit."

Rivienne says, "She chose."

Sirona glances between Samyrha and Akrath.

Rivienne shrugs.

Akrath sits down.
Samyrha sits down.

You frown.

Missoni says, speaking simply to you, "She has made the choice of her own will."

Meliyara says, speaking to you, "It is her decision to make."

Lylia replies, "I am going to assist in the ritual as needed. It was, after all, her choice."

Tasthera draws a trembling breath as she helplessly watches.

Meliyara nods in agreement at Lylia.

Jaysehn nods approvingly at Lylia.

Lucrecea nods slightly at Lylia.

Taluric ponders.

You glance at Tasthera.

Jaysehn says, "A professional touch would not go unwelcome."

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff pulse with a purplish-white energy.

Tabubu leans over and whispers, "They are already dead, what can become of them next?"

Lylia gently caresses her clockwork staff, her fingertips gliding delicately along its surface.

Agathilea nods once at Lylia.

Maylan says, speaking to Jaysehn, "He said *don't* touch."

Lucrecea says, speaking to Lylia, "Somehow I doubt he will accept further 'help'."

Maylan looks over at Jaysehn and shakes her head.

Tabubu shrugs at you.

Jaysehn glances around the area.

Jaysehn smiles quietly to himself.

Jaysehn nods understandingly at Maylan.

You shrug.

You quietly whisper to Tabubu, "Im not sure."

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff snake their way against her skin, clamoring to be closer to their master.

Akrath takes a circlet of crimson blood lilies out of his robe.

Tabubu flashes a wide grin at you.

You quietly whisper to Tabubu, "How are they losing their heads?"

Akrath offers Samyrha a circlet of crimson blood lilies.

Tabubu says, speaking quietly to you, "I think we are about to find out."

Samyrha accepts Akrath's crimson blood lilies.

Sirona gazes thoughtfully at a rune-incised obsidian basin on a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Uniana nods faintly at Celefindel.

Ordim rubs his hands together for a brief moment and then lets them flop at his side, his knuckles brushing the ground.

Akrath says, "Hold these and do not let them go."

Akrath asks, speaking to Samyrha, "Do you understand?"

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff snake their way against her skin, clamoring to be closer to their master.

Rivienne grabs a wire-wrapped crow prayer-feather from inside her leather ritual satchel.

Samyrha glances at the lilies in her hand, then nods firmly.

Rivienne brings her crow prayer-feather to her lips, whispering a silent invocation.

Akrath repeats, speaking to Samyrha, "Do. Not. Let. Them. Go."

Samyrha says, "I understand."

Rivienne gently slides her crow prayer-feather into her hair, tying it securely to a strand.

You kneel down.
A faint keening can be heard from the manor.

Tendrils of crimson mist crawl across the windows within the manor, lashing out as they hit the glass.

Jaysehn glances out.

Jaysehn turns around.

(Opalina beings to pray.)

The powerful look leaves Sirona.

Jaysehn narrows his eyes.

Jaysehn stares southward.

With a graceful discipline, Tabubu's shoulders straighten while her fingers interlock in the small of her back.

Missoni breathes in slightly.

Ordim growls, "House not happy."

Tabubu tilts her head back.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Sirona casually observes her surroundings.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Sirona just went south.

Avawren furrows her brow.

(Agathilea glances warily at the manor.)

Sirona just arrived.

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff writhe and contort with a mind all of their own.

Rivienne glances between Samyrha and Akrath.

Akrath removes a pentacle-inset ritual dagger from in his velvet robe.

An intense verdant glow surrounds Lylia for a moment.

Celefindel sets the tip of his bastard sword on the ground, bowing his head and murmuring a prayer to his patron.

Opalina prays for advice and help, if this is evil, please intervene
Akrath tilts his ritual dagger side to side, making the light play off it.

Agathilea kneels down.

Tasthera licks her lips, her hands clenching into fists at her side.
Akrath holds Samyrha's right arm over the basin in one hand, taking his pentacle-inset dagger in the other and making a deep slash across her forearm.
Tasthera hisses.

The air around Jaysehn becomes hot, as waves of heat rise from his eahnor cresset sword.

A voice whispers, "Do not let this happen."

Saeria winces.

Sirona winces.

Avawren shifts her weight.

(Opalina scratches at her arm.)

Ordim growls, speaking to Tasthera, "Is ok, is how Yetdim feed trees."

Jaysehn glances south.

Jaysehn closes his eyes for a moment.

Meliyara looks thoughtfully at Ordim.

You stand back up.

Agathilea bows to a gilt-spiked headpiece interspersed between eonake darts.

Jaysehn glances at Samyrha.

Sirona glances at Ordim.

Agathilea stands up.

Samyrha gasps involuntarily, closing her eyes in pain.
You hurl yourself at Akrath!

It's a bit trickier than it looked, your body goes wide and you land in a heap on the ground.

Roundtime: 6 sec.

Teveriel glances sternly at you.

Ordim glances at you.

Jaysehn blinks at you.

Akrath glances at Samyrha.

Lylia turns her head toward you to favor you with a silent, withering gaze.

Missoni sets her mouth in a thin line of disapproval.

Meliyara arches an eyebrow at you, her gaze otherwise unreadable.

Akrath stares at you.

A momentary flash of displeasure crosses Avawren's face before she offers you a mannered smile.

Meliyara asks, speaking to you, "What is wrong with you?"

Lucrecea lightly says, "I believe that is the cue to remove her."

Sirona shakes her head.

Maylan says, speaking to Meliyara, "I'd say her aim."

The pentacle wavers but holds firm, barely.

You stand back up.

Maylan leans on her runestaff.

Sirona smirks.

You scream!
You hurl yourself at Akrath!

It's a bit trickier than it looked, your body goes wide and you land in a heap on the ground.

Roundtime: 4 sec.

Uniana gets a blank look on her face.

Ordim growls, "Yetdim smash?"

Meliyara gazes up into the heavens.

Lucrecea nods at Ordim.

Missoni requests, speaking to you, "Please respect her choice."

Lylia rolls her eyes with such feeling that her head follows the skyward arc of her gaze.

Tasthera asks, speaking to you, "WHat are you hoping to accomomplish? Do you think this is a game? "

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff clink together audibly.

Akrath exclaims, speaking to you, "NO!"

A triumphant howl echoes across the garden and the manor.

Agathilea asks, "Can we bind her?"

Sirona shakes her head.

Jaysehn scowls darkly, angrily muttering a series of vowel heavy, indecipherable words.

You tremble.

You stand back up.

Agathilea reaches over and gently rests her hand on your shoulder.

With a terrified gasp, Samyrha drops the circlet of crimson blood lilies.  It breaks apart, and its petals drown in the blood-filled basin.

Ordim blinks.

Tasthera glances about.

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff writhe and contort with a mind all of their own.

Agathilea says, speaking to you, "Come, calm yourself."

Tasthera anxiously asks, "What is happening?"

Saeria gasps.

Missoni slowly empties her lungs.

Avawren stares off into space.

Lucrecea quietly says, "Too late."

A chorus of voices laugh as the winds begins to whip around the garden.

Avawren slowly empties her lungs.

Meliyara shakes her head, clucking her tongue.

Jaysehn exclaims, "Damn it all!"

Akrath glances in horror at the circle, the salt smudged from your attempted attack.

Jaysehn places a hand on his ghostwood scabbard, and a holy white fire erupts around his sword and longsword and envelops them.

Celefindel says, "And just like that, the choice is made."

Tasthera reaches across the space to Samyrha.

Maylan says, speaking to Samyrha, "No he said *don't* drop the circlet."

Maylan shakes her head.

Meliyara says, speaking to you, "How foolish."

Teveriel seethes, speaking to you, "You idiot."

Tasthera is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Jaysehn says, "Get her out of here."

Rivienne sighs.

Sirona mutters under her breath.

The mirror images surrounding Taluric undulate and grow stronger.

Taluric renews his songs.

Hamley shakes his head.

Jaysehn pulls Tasthera to her feet.

Lylia hisses, "Idiot. Call yourself a queen, queen of filth, queen of a festering garbage pile, look what you have done..."

(Missoni quickly attempts to secure the protective circle of salt, guiding it with the tip of her staff.)

Tasthera anxiously asks, "Can you fix it?"

Ordim blinks.

Ordim takes a few steps away from a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

Samyrha looks terrified, glancing about the crowd and back to Akrath.

Agathilea slides her mithril handaxe in her leather thigh-sheath without a sound.

Agathilea slings a gleaming vultite aegis over her shoulder.

Jaysehn stares at Celefindel.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Jaysehn glances at Samyrha.

A deep growl rips from Akrath's throat, and a voice emerges that is not quite his, "You have freed me."

Maylan suddenly pauses, a look of consternation crossing her features as she listens intently.

Tasthera blinks at Akrath.
The feminine voices cry out in unison, "IT IS DONE!"

Jaysehn turns to face Akrath.

Meliyara scowls.

Jaysehn glances south.

Uniana winces.

Sefina blinks.

Agathilea slowly draws her mithril handaxe from her leather thigh-sheath and holds it close, wary of the dangers before her.

Agathilea slings a gleaming vultite aegis off from over her shoulder.

Saeria thoughtfully studies Akrath, a satisfied expression quickly reaching her face.

Lylia gives a sigh of disgust.

Celefindel exclaims, speaking to Samyrha, "To me! Now!!"

An oppressive humming fills the air as a ghostly figure rips itself free from its confinement within Akrath.  The figure murmurs a spell, and with an insouciant wave of one hand, everything and everyone goes still.

Tabubu asks, speaking quietly to you, "You had heart, but for what?"

Akrath struggles to get to his feet, but is unable to.

Agathilea glances at Akrath.

Jaysehn tries to pull Tasthera towards him.

Avawren dryly says, "Wonderful."

Lucrecea asks, speaking to you, "What have you done?"

A pall of silence settles over the area.

The surrounding briars close in, weaving themselves into an impenetrable wall.

The mist surrounding the figure dissipates to reveal a noble-looking, masked man with similar but not identical features to Akrath.

Samyrha gazes in fright at the figure in front of her.

>gulp

This is not an appropriate place for that.

The man laughs loudly and proclaims, "I and mine are free " He turns to those gathered and bows merrily, "You have my thanks." He finishes in an ominous undertone, "But we cannot let a partial ritual stand."

Akrath pushes futilely against the ground, barely able to lift himself as he fails to get to his knees.
Tasthera gazes wild-eyed but seems unable to move, watching in helpless horror.
Samyrha shivers in fright, her face deathly pale.
Akrath widens his eyes behind his mask.

The man strides over to Samyrha. "Ah, blood of the wife, it is a pity you must die. You would have made an excellent next bride." He slashes the air with one finger, and at first, nothing seems to happen, but then a thin, red line appears across Samyrha's throat.

Samyrha falls to the ground, her head rolling off to one side.

>gasp

This is not an appropriate place for that.

Tasthera stares in abject horror at her fallen daughter.

All around you, people struggle to break free of whatever bond is holding everyone, but it is futile. The man watches, laughing quietly to himself. He turns to Akrath and says, "Don't stop watching now. My last bride is about to bring your last bride."

Jaysehn's eyes grow wide and his features fall slack as he slips into a deep trance.

Akrath lets out a muffled groan as he struggles to move.

Voices shriek, "Yes Yes Yes ." as the coneflowers strewn about the area rise up and begin to swirl in a colorful tornado of blossoms. In their midst, feminine shapes take form.

Jaysehn blinks several times as he slowly comes out of his trance.

>stare

This is not an appropriate place for that.

>look jaysehn

You see Commodore Jaysehn Ranshai the Exarch of the Ebon Blade.

Due to the ivory mask he wears, it is difficult to determine his race...or even whether he is living or dead.

He is taller than average. His features are hidden beneath a featureless ivory mask, though his calculating steel grey eyes shine through. He has shoulder-shorn, dense tawny hair swept back from cheek-grazing strands into a small, neat ponytail. Little else about his appearance is easy to distinguish.

Superimposed over Jaysehn's form is the ghostly silhouette of a Tehir warrior, a somber expression on his face. As you watch, he raises a ghostly hand to the wrapped scarf covering his features, adjusting it to fit.

He is in good shape.

He is holding an ornate ebony eahnor cresset sword enveloped in holy white fire in his right hand and a nacreous-bladed eonake longsword enveloped in holy white fire in his left hand.

He is wearing a wide-brimmed sleek leather hat adorned with a pair of driftwood species, a henna-hued shroud with vertical seams of ahmdir blue cross-stitching, an oval white jade locket, a raised-lapel grey leather longcoat with forearm-length gauntlet cuffs, an onyx eclipse emblem, an avian-etched suit of black alloy armor inlaid with starveil tracery, some black fingerless gloves, a hazy glass band swirled within with a coil of silver sand, an indigo-shot sash of rippled turquoise rusylka, a low-slung morduska hide swordbelt with a rhimar crowbill hanging from it, a tessellated ghostwood scabbard capped by an indigo starveil chape, some iron grey suede pants stitched with pewter accents, and some ahmdir blue cordovan knee-boots with firewheel heels.

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Garden - 33989] (u8089014)

Tall, brittle grass encircles a dozen toparies, their androgynous forms left in disarray along the fairy ring of dirt and loose rock. A contorted wall of overgrown briars forms the boundaries of the garden, the uneven hedges leaning precariously inwards, the sharp thorns threatening to engulf the garden beds. A trio of empty birdbaths sit tangled in vines in the back of the garden, filled with loose feathers intermingled with clumps of dirt. You also see a headless body, an imposing figure, the web-draped Missoni disk, the hammered silver Meliyara disk and a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden with a rune-incised obsidian basin on it.

Also here: Sirona, Brave Soul Taluric, Imperatrix Lylia, Tabubu, Lord Teveriel, Ekros, Brave Soul Oishian, Brave Soul Meliyara, Sefina, Kalyrra, Brave Soul Missoni, Lucrecea, Vikira, Xorus, Hamley, Mistress Saeria, Land Pirate Maylan, Tasthera, Lady Uniana, Rivienne, Dahcre Reader Ordim, Agathilea, Commodore Jaysehn, Lady Avawren, Celefindel, Vistix Akrath who is sitting

Obvious paths: none

As the storm of coneflowers subsides, a headless woman steps out of their midst, dragging Yraelia behind her.  She pushes Yraelia in front of the man and then curtsies deeply.

You see Yraelia Yvalyst.

She appears to be a Draugr.

She is tall. Her age is indeterminate due to the haunted visage that wreathes her being in a perpetually harrowed state of existence. She has long-lashed vivid sea green eyes and necrosis-wreathed soft, mahogany-hued skin. She has hip-length, unraveled blue-black hair left to frame her body in a tangle of dirt-matted tendrils, the metallic pigments dulled across the bloodstained strands. Ravaged and gaunt, there is a hungry countenance to her.

She has flourishes of hyacinthine ink swept across her bruised shoulder blades, the flora sliced by numerous thin cuts and scratches.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a corset-laced ebony lace gown torn to expose the bent steel boning protruding through the shot silk, a stained scarlet satin half-glove, a duo of manacles formed from crimson mist, and some broken-chained sandals embedding shards of onyx glass across the feet.

Tasthera issues a strangled sob, though she still seems unable to move or produce more than that.
Akrath manages a choked sob.

A severed woman's head drifts down and encircles the man, murmuring, "Your will, my husband, is done. Our love awaits." And with that, both the woman and her head drift away.

Akrath groans, "Nn..."

The imposing man gazes impassively at Akrath even as he runs a hand across Yraelia's throat. "You weren't Vistix enough to contain me, and for that, I thank you. But we cannot leave a true love just lying about, can we?"

Yraelia says, speaking sadly to Akrath, "My love, I tried."

Yraelia reaches a bloodied hand towards Akrath.

Yraelia mouths, speaking to Akrath, "I'm sorry."

The figure runs a finger across Yraelia's throat, drawing forth blood in a thin line of crimson that quickly widens into a gaping wound.  As he pushes her away, she trips and falls over the headless body of her sister, landing in a heap across her.
Yraelia's head slowly rolls across the garden to rest near Samyrha's.
Tasthera mouth falls slack, the hiss of a horrified scream falling from her lips, though her body seems held in place by some unforgiving power.

Still staring at Akrath, the man smiles as he speaks, "That is the face I have longed to see for so many years. One of my captors at last failing. And the cost! Oh, the cost is delightful, is it not, my farflung progeny?" He smirks then mutters, "But I grow tired of this. It is time. And your head? Your head I do not want."

Akrath only manages to shake where he is seated, shoulders tight and sobs wrenched from him.

Taluric's tower shield dissipates.

"Cannot leave you free to walk about though, can I?" the man laughs. He incants something in an unrecognizable language then snaps his fingers. Hungry briars wend their way from topiaries and hedges to wrap themselves about Akrath.

Taluric appears to be less protected.

The mirror images surrounding Taluric undulate and fade away.

Taluric's spirits are no longer lifted.

The air stops shimmering around Taluric.

Taluric appears to lose some confidence.

With a final indolent gesture, the man points to the briars, and they tighten against Akrath, yanking him down to and then through the ground.

The man draws himself up and looks about the mostly horrified and entirely captive audience. He grins and whispers loudly to Opalina, "I owe you a most amazing debt of gratitude. I am free to continue my research, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my lifeless heart."

It is not an appropriate time to do that.

>gaze down

This is not an appropriate place for that.

"You can carry on now," he says, "But I suggest you leave my home," and just like that, the oppressiveness is gone.

The pall of silence leaves the area.

With a howl of delight, several heads sail by, shrieking, "We are free!" as they disappear into the distance.

Maylan splutters.

Lucrecea shifts her eyes to you.

Meliyara scowls.

Jaysehn moves to stand in front of Tasthera.

Maylan makes a wheezing sound.

Tiny ice crystals that cling to Ordim's face are dislodged as he blinks his black-lashed, argent eyes.

Missoni breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

Taluric squints.

Lucrecea repeats, speaking to you, "What have you done?"

The man steps through the briars as if they are not there and disappears, calling back one last time to say, "Enjoy my parting gift!"

Maylan makes a wheezing sound.

Tasthera falls to her knees and crawls to the side of her daughters bodies.

Meliyara says, speaking to you, "E'ka nai."

Agathilea slowly empties her lungs.

Oishian gasps.

Tasthera kneels down.

Celefindel angrily says, "Damn you."

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!
A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!
You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Avawren gasps.

Vikira blinks.

Tasthera sobs.

a swarm of Undead attack the group but are vanquished

Evermore Hollow - 2023-10-23 - The Heads Rolled Battle (log)

Avawren exclaims, "Speak up if you need healing!"

Tasthera wails!

Taluric searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Taluric picks up some silver coins.

Vikira asks, "Are we... stuck here?"

Agathilea glances at a pair of headless bodies.

Maylan asks, "All are well?"

Jaysehn searches a half-formed flickering figure.

A half-formed flickering figure fades into oblivion.

A distorted phantasmal draugr dissolves away.

Lylia gathers all of the gems she can find and deftly stashes them in her pouch.

Missoni glances about with a look of concern on her face.

Meliyara's ethereal censer fades away, leaving only a faint lingering scent of incense.

A half-formed flickering figure fades into oblivion.

You pull Tasthera to her feet.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Oishian recites a series of mystical phrases while raising his hands...

Oishian gestures.

Oishian suddenly starts moving light-footedly.

Lylia joins Xorus's group.

Lylia searches a half-formed flickering figure.

A half-formed flickering figure fades into oblivion.

Sirona murmurs soft words into the air, the liquid syllables summoning the spirits to her aid.

Sirona concentrates.

Sirona looks a lot better.

Taluric stands up.

Ordim searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Lylia searches a distorted phantasmal draugr.

A distorted phantasmal draugr dissolves away.

Teveriel pulls on Taluric, trying to get him closer.

Lylia searches a half-formed flickering figure.

A half-formed flickering figure fades into oblivion.

Lylia picks up some silver coins.

Lylia searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

A sudden fierce gust of wind howls through the area!

Sirona is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Taluric is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Lylia is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Tabubu is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Teveriel is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Ekros is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Meliyara is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Sefina is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Kalyrra is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Missoni is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Lucrecea is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Vikira is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Xorus is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Hamley is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Maylan is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Tasthera is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Uniana is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Rivienne is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

You are buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Ordim is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Agathilea is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Jaysehn is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Avawren is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Celefindel is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Ordim searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Agathilea tries to pull Tasthera towards her.

Maylan stands up.

A half-formed flickering figure fades into oblivion.

Avawren stands up.

Meliyara searches a distorted phantasmal draugr.

A distorted phantasmal draugr dissolves away.

Meliyara picks up some silver coins.

Sirona stands up.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Missoni nods appreciatively.

Lylia picks up a badly damaged maoral chest.

Sirona murmurs soft words into the air, the liquid syllables summoning the spirits to her aid.

Sirona concentrates.

Sirona's neck looks better.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Teveriel stands up.

You stand back up.

Ordim stands up.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Rivienne stands up.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Oishian stands up.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Lucrecea stands up.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Teveriel pulls Uniana to her feet.

Tiny sparks of eerie green light suddenly blink into existence above you, whirling around and coalescing into a half-formed flickering figure!

A mournful wail carries through the area as a distorted phantasmal draugr fades into view!

You hear the sound of a thousand voices wailing discordantly as a crimson-eyed shifting shadow floats in!

Hamley stands up.

With a primal scream, Missoni issues a demand to the dead. Sinuous spirits rise from the ground and twine about her arms.

Missoni gestures at a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

Numerous grotesque limbs in varying states of decay suddenly burst out of the soil! With startling speed and ferocity, the arms grab at whatever they can!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

The arms snatch viciously at a distorted phantasmal draugr and drag her down to the soil!

Xorus stands up.

You are already standing. Lylia stands up.

Agathilea stands up.

Hamley stands up.

Jaysehn searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Samyrha seems hesitant.
Samyrha drops to the ground dead, gaze vacant and lifeless, before her body wastes away to nothingness right before your very eyes beneath a haze of crimson light.

Missoni stands up.

Avawren pulls Celefindel closer to herself.

Sefina sighs.

A distorted phantasmal draugr dissolves away.

Maylan says, "Stand up."

Tabubu stands up.

Sefina stands up.

You pull Tasthera to her feet.

Teveriel tries to pull Tasthera towards him.

Jaysehn removes a blue feather-shaped charm from in his dim grey pack.

The brilliant green veins within Maylan's eyes fade as her posture becomes noticeably more relaxed.

A pair of ghostly arms bearing black manacles thrash about briefly before decaying into dust.

Lucrecea nods appreciatively at Teveriel.

Jaysehn put a blue feather-shaped charm in his dim grey pack.

In a brisk move, Oishian slides a circular imflass aegis inlaid with arabesques of zydris zephyrs off his shoulder.

Lylia put a badly damaged maoral chest in her herb basket.

You pull Vikira to her feet.

A pair of decayed arms thrash about briefly before decaying into dust.

Rivienne tries to pull Tasthera towards her.

Lylia picks up a gem and deftly stashes it in her pouch.

Agathilea pulls Kalyrra to her feet.

You pull Taluric to his feet.

A mangled arm thrashes about briefly before decaying into dust.

Vikira says, "Thank you."

Lylia searches a distorted phantasmal draugr.

A distorted phantasmal draugr dissolves away.

Kalyrra grins at Agathilea.

Jaysehn says, "We need to go."

Vikira wobbles, looking a bit faint.

Ethereal shadows coalesce around Avawren and chant with her in unison as she prepares a spell...

Lylia dusts herself off.

Taluric searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Taluric picks up some silver coins.

You feel at full magical power again.

Ordim searches a distorted phantasmal draugr.

A distorted phantasmal draugr dissolves away.

Avawren gestures.

Avawren stands tall and appears more confident.

Ordim searches a crimson-eyed shifting shadow.

A crimson-eyed shifting shadow fades into oblivion.

Agathilea pulls on Taluric, trying to get him closer.

Lylia says, speaking coldly in Faendryl to you, something you don't understand.

With a discerning eye, Ordim gathers up a few items and casually stows them away.

Vikira asks, "Where can we go?"

Taluric hums an old Elven tune.

Jaysehn says, "Out."

Sefina casually observes her surroundings.

Teveriel points his vaalorn warblade at you!

Sirona quietly asks, "Anyone still hurt?"

The flames surrounding Celefindel's bastard sword blaze up for a moment.

Oishian suddenly stops moving light-footedly.

Agathilea moves into a defensive stance, ready to fend off an attack.

Vikira says, "Oh."

Tabubu snorts!

Missoni agrees with Lylia.

Vikira gives a short little hum of surprise.

Tasthera sobs.

Vikira chuckles.

Maylan asks, "Without her?"

Lord Teveriel just slogged south, followed by his group.

Vikira just flitted south, followed by her group.

Maylan glances at Tasthera.

The tendrils of crimson mist shatter the windows of the manor, pouring into the garden.

Commodore Jaysehn just arrived.

Ekros seems less resolute.

Ekros's movements no longer appear to be influenced by a divine power as the spiritual force fades from around his arms.

The manor hums merrily.

Lord Teveriel just slogged in, followed by his group.

Rivienne says, "Tasthera you must leave with us."

Hamley put a faenor longsword in his black leather sheath.

Tiny ice crystals that cling to Ordim's face are dislodged as he blinks his black-lashed, argent eyes.

Meliyara repeats, speaking to you, "E'ka nai."

Lylia says, speaking to you, "You were better off when you were merely beneath everyone's notice, not an active target of Naidem's scorn."

Tasthera says, "My daughters.. my beautiful daughters."

Vikira just flitted in, followed by her group.

Lucrecea says, "The way out is no longer blocked."

Jaysehn says, "We will take them with us."

Jaysehn nods at Tasthera.

Lylia touches Tasthera.

Ekros suddenly stops moving light-footedly.

Missoni says, speaking hesitantly to Tasthera, "I-- You should not stay here."

The lust for blood fades from Jaysehn's eyes.

Uniana gazes at Tasthera with a look of utter sorrow in her eyes.

Agathilea slides her mithril handaxe in her leather thigh-sheath without a sound.

Agathilea slings a gleaming vultite aegis over her shoulder.

(Jaysehn does his best to gather up one of the fallen daughters and drap the body over his shoulder.)

Hamley slings an ornate glaes aegis over his shoulder.

Lylia gently urges, "You must be somewhere safer than this."

>look

[Yvalyst Manor, Garden - 33989] (u8089014)

Tall, brittle grass encircles a dozen toparies, their androgynous forms left in disarray along the fairy ring of dirt and loose rock. A contorted wall of overgrown briars forms the boundaries of the garden, the uneven hedges leaning precariously inwards, the sharp thorns threatening to engulf the garden beds. A trio of empty birdbaths sit tangled in vines in the back of the garden, filled with loose feathers intermingled with clumps of dirt. You also see a pair of headless bodies, an imposing figure, the web-draped Missoni disk, the hammered silver Meliyara disk and a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden with a rune-incised obsidian basin on it.

Also here: Sefina, Vikira, Lucrecea, Lady Uniana, Agathilea, Lady Avawren, Celefindel, Lord Teveriel, Commodore Jaysehn, Sirona, Brave Soul Taluric, Imperatrix Lylia, Tabubu, Ekros, Brave Soul Oishian, Brave Soul Meliyara, Kalyrra, Brave Soul Missoni, Xorus, Hamley, Land Pirate Maylan, Tasthera, Rivienne, Dahcre Reader Ordim

Obvious paths: south

Sefina frowns.

Teveriel says, speaking to Tasthera, "I know, but we must leave this place and -then- mourn."

Missoni nods appreciatively at Jaysehn.

Avawren slowly says, "... I am so sorry."

Jaysehn exclaims, "Get her out!"

The forceful strain in Jaysehn's arms lessens.


Jaysehn stares at Tasthera.

The vines whip out, driving everyone away from the bodies.
Tasthera draws a shuddering breath.

Jaysehn hisses.

Tasthera joins Jaysehn's group.

Maylan says, "Drag her."

Xorus says, "Never break the salt circle around a pentacle."

>look bodi

The headless body of Yraelia lies draped across the corpse of Samyrha, both heads resting a few paces away and staring blankly at their surroundings.

Missoni agrees with Xorus.

Agathilea says, speaking sorrowfully to Tasthera, "We must get you to safety. I am so sorry."

Lucrecea nods once at Xorus.

Jaysehn is buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Taluric joins Jaysehn's group.

Maylan pulls Jaysehn to his feet.

Teveriel tries to pull Jaysehn towards him.

Translucent streams of mana cascade across Taluric's form as he lets loose with a rallying cry!

Vikira tries to pull Jaysehn towards her.

Agathilea tries to pull Jaysehn towards her.

Briars wrap around the forms, dragging them below the ground and out of sight.  The manor laughs madly.
Tasthera trembles.

Teveriel joins Jaysehn's group.

Tabubu quietly says, "She broke the cycle, this would of never ended."

Sirona joins Jaysehn's group.

Celefindel tries to pull Jaysehn towards him.

Vikira joins Jaysehn's group.

Sefina joins Jaysehn's group.

Meliyara joins Jaysehn's group.

Maylan joins Jaysehn's group.

Kalyrra joins Jaysehn's group.

Jaysehn scowls.

Avawren joins Jaysehn's group.

Lucrecea agrees, speaking to Xorus, "Only an absolute idiot would do that."

Uniana joins Jaysehn's group.

Tabubu joins Jaysehn's group.

Agathilea joins Jaysehn's group.

Ordim joins Jaysehn's group.

Rivienne glances at an overgrown dark-leafed topiary.

Lucrecea shifts her eyes to you.

Oishian joins Jaysehn's group.

Lucrecea joins Jaysehn's group.

Lylia says, "I knew as soon as the words 'do not' left the Vistix's lips, some fool would do just that."

Ordim grunts.

Meliyara says, speaking to Lucrecea, "Only an absolute idiot -did- that."

Ekros joins Jaysehn's group.

Jaysehn says, "Come on."

Rivienne joins Jaysehn's group.

Lucrecea nods at Meliyara.

Missoni joins Jaysehn's group.

A chorus of laughter echoes in your ears, mocking you as they shriek in joy.
The vines and hedges shift ominously.

Jaysehn says, "If you are leaving...be with me."

Maylan whines.

Maylan petulantly says, "They're mocking me."

Lylia intones, speaking coldly to you, "May you choke on their blood."

Commodore Jaysehn's group just went south.

Lylia nods at Xorus.

Xorus's group just went south.

Celefindel seems hesitant, looking unsure of himself.

Hamley seems slightly different.

You suddenly feel less protected.

You turn to face a large pentacle centered within the briar-bound garden.

You are buffeted by the wind and knocked to the ground!

Celefindel just went south.

You stand back up.

Hamley just went south.

A merry voice whispers, "Thank you!"

You close your eyes for a moment.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

You quietly say, "Your welcome I think."

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

You quietly say, "Turned out badly for those girls.. that was.."

With a sudden flash of insight, you realize you now understand more of what you have experienced.....

A colorful flare rises into the air high above Naidem.

You sigh.

Commodore Jaysehn just arrived.

A voice murmurs, "You have our eternal gratitude, but leave my home for now."

Jaysehn asks, "Are you coming?"

Jaysehn narrows his eyes.

Jaysehn seems hesitant, looking unsure of himself.

[Yvalyst Manor, Garden - 33988] (u8089013)

Patches of unkempt grass threaten to overwhelm the wire-framed garden beds, the tangle of thorned vines and drooping flower heads creeping towards the chipped marble fountain at the center of the broken cobblestones. An ivory-colored statue stands within the curved bowl of the fountain, the masculine form's hands cupped upwards as rivulets of water drip down into the basin. A copse of decaying trees drape over the far corner of the garden, the greyish yellow bark peeling downwards in flayed strips. You also see an iron-set glass egress.

Obvious paths: north

>go eg

[Yvalyst Manor, Grand Hallway - 33984] (u8089003)

Iron-caged sconces frame the vast hallway, the fractured glass illuminating the bloodwood frames lining the brocaded walls in patches of light as the passage branches off into separate wings. Narrow console tables of lacquer-covered mahogany are interspersed along the passageway, the heavily notched surfaces covered in ribbon-bound bouquets of dried tulips, the flora's colors long faded. Sanguine-dyed wool covers the parquetry floor along the corridor, the woven carpets subtly unraveling.

Obvious exits: none

>go hall

As you go down the long hallway, the iron-caged sconces flicker briefly, plunging you into darkness between bursts of bright light.

The black-clad butler emerges from the shadows, raising his small lantern as he leads you back to the foyer.

[Yvalyst Manor, Foyer - 33983] (u8089002)

A chandelier of jagged crystal hangs along the high beams of the foyer, the shards casting shadows across the expansive travertine floor leading to the gargoyle-set fireplace dominating the portrait-laden side wall. Iron-railed staircases frame a marble statue at the center of the room, the figure obscuring the long hallway branching off into the interior of the manor. Brittle veils of webbing cover the vases arranged along the perimeter, the decaying flowers drooping down towards the uneven carpet.

Obvious exits: out

>out

[Icebriar Lake, Winter's Edge - 31868] (u8083079)

Barely visible behind large drifts of cold-hardened snow, a frozen lake glitters in the ambient light. A large riverstone manor sits on a small rise, surrounded by several outbuildings, and the cobblestone path ends abruptly at a foreboding thicket of trees and briars. Several twisting trails lead behind the manor to additional buildings. You also see a skeletal grey wolf, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist, the hammered silver Meliyara disk, a lazy wild greyish-black dog, the web-draped Missoni disk, a collapsed pewter canvas tent, a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts and a large smithy.

Also here: Hamley, Imperatrix Lylia, Xorus, Celefindel, Sefina, Vikira, Lucrecea, Lady Uniana, Agathilea, Lady Avawren, Lord Teveriel, Sirona, Brave Soul Taluric, Tabubu, Ekros, Brave Soul Oishian, Brave Soul Meliyara, Brave Soul Missoni, Land Pirate Maylan, Tasthera, Rivienne, Dahcre Reader Ordim

Obvious paths: northwest

Lucrecea glares at you.

Agathilea slowly empties her lungs.

Meliyara nods in agreement at Lucrecea.

Uniana put a slim silk-plaited coraesine misericord in her silk low-heeled shoes.

Missoni grits her teeth.

Tabubu gazes with interest at you.

Tasthera shakes her head in denial, tears streaming down her face as she rushes down the street and away.

Meliyara stares at you for what seems like an eternity, doing her best to unnerve you.

Mistress Saeria just arrived.

Commodore Jaysehn just arrived.

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff snake their way against her skin, clamoring to be closer to their master.

Sirona quietly says, "Terrifying and terribly sad."

Sirona frowns.

Agathilea glances away.

Jaysehn takes a gander at the riverstone manor.

Meliyara says, speaking to you, "I hope you are pleased with what you have done."

The doors to the manor abruptly slam shut.

Missoni murmurs, "That poor woman."

Sefina agrees with Sirona.

Ordim glances at a riverstone manor.

Jaysehn says, "She has left?]"

Jaysehn glances at Missoni.

Avawren slowly empties her lungs.

Agathilea glances at a riverstone manor.

Taluric renews his songs.

Xorus shakes his head.

Saeria asks, "Might I get a bit of healing, please?"

Agathilea nods slowly at Jaysehn.

The ethereal chains hanging from Meliyara's ethereal runestaff clink together audibly.

Lylia smirks and mockingly applauds you.

Jaysehn slowly empties his lungs.

Jaysehn stows his eahnor cresset sword in his ghostwood scabbard with a flash of holy white fire. A brief shimmer of Liabo-hued light erupts from inside the scabbard along with a muffled shriek.

Sirona nods at Saeria.

Teveriel slides a mirror-finish crimson eahnor heater over his shoulder and it settles into place.

Sirona focuses on Saeria with intense concentration.

Saeria's chest wound gradually fades, forming on Sirona's chest instead.

Saeria's back wound gradually fades, forming on Sirona's back instead.

Uniana disappointedly asks, "What cause has she to stay?"

Saeria appears entirely restored.

Teveriel grasps his lasimor scabbard by the locket with his opposite hand, adjusting its position slightly. With practiced ease, he draws the blade of his vaalorn warblade across the scabbard's opening before smoothly sheathing it with a barely audible *snick.*

Jaysehn nods at Uniana.

Saeria says, speaking to Sirona, "Thank you so much."

The dog wanders over to Rivienne and sniffs at her suspiciously for a moment.

Sirona nods.

Saeria clasps Hamley's hand tenderly.

Missoni closes her eyes for a moment.

>look

[Icebriar Lake, Winter's Edge - 31868] (u8083079)

Barely visible behind large drifts of cold-hardened snow, a frozen lake glitters in the ambient light. A large riverstone manor sits on a small rise, surrounded by several outbuildings, and the cobblestone path ends abruptly at a foreboding thicket of trees and briars. Several twisting trails lead behind the manor to additional buildings. You also see a skeletal grey wolf, a silvery ethereal puppy surrounded by a corona of luminous mist, the hammered silver Meliyara disk, a lazy wild greyish-black dog, the web-draped Missoni disk, a collapsed pewter canvas tent, a wide box-shaped white marble plinth displaying a collection of wooden stakes and bolts and a large smithy.

Also here: Commodore Jaysehn, Mistress Saeria, Hamley, Imperatrix Lylia, Xorus, Celefindel, Sefina, Vikira, Lucrecea, Lady Uniana, Agathilea, Lady Avawren, Lord Teveriel, Sirona, Brave Soul Taluric, Tabubu, Ekros, Brave Soul Oishian, Brave Soul Meliyara, Brave Soul Missoni, Land Pirate Maylan, Rivienne, Dahcre Reader Ordim

Obvious paths: northwest

Sirona quietly says, "Of course."

Sirona wavers with sudden fatigue.

Uniana stares at a riverstone manor.

Sirona murmurs soft words into the air, the liquid syllables summoning the spirits to her aid.

Sirona concentrates.

Sirona's back looks better.

Sirona murmurs soft words into the air, the liquid syllables summoning the spirits to her aid.

Sirona concentrates.

Sirona's back looks better.

Runs from the scorning group not knowing where she is going

>go thick

[Darkbriar Woods, Shadowed Copse - 31869] (u8083088)

Snowladen trees arch high above, casting shadows across the copse. Several stone structures dot the depths of the woods, and several icy trails lead to additional buildings. Icicle-fraught briars and brambles cluster together beneath the trees, the occasional frozen wild rose blossom adding a splash of color.

Obvious paths: west, northwest

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Shadowed Path - 31870] (u8083087)

Dense thickets of black briars and stands of hawthorn, cedar, and birch obscure several buildings, deep snow further hindering access. An icy cobweb spreads its lacy pattern between two winterberry bushes, something rodent-sized trapped in a glittering array of ice and webbing at its center. Tree branches arch over the pathway, creating a canopy blocking the skies above. You also see a thatched hut perched on a pair of mithril chicken legs.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Shadowed Wilds - 31871] (u8083086)

Almost swallowed by the dark, briar-filled woods, many wooden edifices fight for life against the ice-hardened snow drifts blanketing the area. Strings of jacinthe-hued baubles glow against the dark green cedar boughs to light up the path cutting through the woods. Off to one side of the path, a giant ice sculpture sits, carved into the likeness of a jack-o'-lantern on a manticore's body.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Garden of Shadows - 31872] (u8083085)

Several stone buildings are set within the cultivated grounds of a large garden with trails wending this way and that off the main pathway. Tall trees entwined with brambles and vines outline the area, the canopy overhead dense enough to cast deep shadows while still allowing just enough light for the garden to thrive. Blue-black rosebushes climb trellises amidst ivory moonflowers, while pale pink jasmine blossoms near evening primrose, all seemingly unaffected by the chill air and massive snow drifts all around.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Iceblossom Glade - 31873] (u8083084)

A ring of fragrant, snow-covered cedars holds the rest of the woods at bay, forming a large glade with a path leading deep into the southerly woods. Iceblossoms, vibrant winterberries, and bright yellow aconite brighten the area, and snow blankets a merry-go-round in the middle of the glade. A few buildings can be reached through neatly cleared paths in the snow.

Also here: Brave Soul Randro

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Haunted Bridge - 31874] (u8083083)

Dark cedars, rowan, and ash crowd together and join branches over the main path, casting eerie shadows across the area, and trails lead through the snow and underbrush to a variety of buildings. A stream meanders to and fro with a twisting bridge arching from steep mossy bank to steep mossy bank.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Wilds - 31875] (u8083082)

Several structures lurk between towering trees, snowbanks, and dense thorny bushes. Briared vines twist between the tree tops, helping pull them together in a wide arch over the pathway, virtually blocking the sky from view. The faint burbling of water drifts in from the east, and tiny, magically lit baubles are strung along the main path and icy offshoots into the woods beyond.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

>look build

Several buildings are visible down narrow trails off the south side of the main path, including a bramble-caught shanty, a stone hovel, and a tiny hut.

>go shant

[Haunted Waters Artifacts - 33963] (u8084805)

Warped boards, dark with water stains and mottled with off-white acorn barnacles, form the walls of the small shop, which vaguely resembles a ship's bunk room. Tangle clumps of seaweed, rotted and foul, dangle in long ribbons from the ceiling, while eerily glowing glass orbs rest within fishing net and provide illumination for the space. Open chests and trunks are bolted to the uneven floor and are filled with reclaimed wares.

Obvious exits: east, out

>out

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

>go hov

The stone hovel appears to be closed.

>look build

Several buildings are visible down narrow trails off the south side of the main path, including a bramble-caught shanty, a stone hovel, and a tiny hut.

>go hut

[Beyond the Graver - 31904] (u8084323)

Carved jack-o'-lanterns flicker with an eerie yellow-green light in a semicircle along the circumference of the short, battered wooden interior walls of this tiny hut. Shadows dance across the remnants of a stained wooden workbench and a gouged patchwork table in the center of the space, clearly abandoned long ago. Indiscernible whispers echo throughout the hut, or maybe it is just a passing wind forcing its way through the gaps in its thatched roof.

Obvious exits: out

>look on table

On the patchwork table you see a thin fine-grit whetstone, a chunk of coarse pumice and a large porous stone.

>out

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

>go arch

[Icebriar Lake, Icewild Hall - 31866] (u8083078)

A dark stone hall sits back from the frozen lake, a crescent of matching stone cottages almost buried in the snow banks along the shore. The south shore of the lake is engulfed by a dark forest of cedars and briars, the cobblestone path ending at a dark briar arch leading deeper within. Several hedge animals cover the snow-blanketed ground between the dark forest and the hall.

Obvious paths: northeast

>look arch

You see nothing unusual.

>loo an

[Icebriar Lake, Icewild Hall - 31866] (u8083078)

A dark stone hall sits back from the frozen lake, a crescent of matching stone cottages almost buried in the snow banks along the shore. The south shore of the lake is engulfed by a dark forest of cedars and briars, the cobblestone path ending at a dark briar arch leading deeper within. Several hedge animals cover the snow-blanketed ground between the dark forest and the hall.

Obvious paths: northeast

>ne

[Icebriar Lake, Lodge - 31865] (u8083073)

Dark briar hedges loom behind a riverstone lodge, dozens of tiny, candelit gourds impaled on their thorns casting eerie shadows across the grounds. In front of the lodge, a frozen lake sparkles in the starlight, and large drifts of snow block access to everything except the lodge entrances and the pathway.

Obvious paths: northeast, east, southwest

>e

[Icebriar Lake, Lake's Edge - 31863] (u8083074)

Several lake houses cluster near the snow-covered banks of Icebriar Lake, while others nestle between clusters of trees set to the other side of the cobblestone path that winds along the length of the lake. Several snowmen loom atop large drifts of snow, many wielding weapons where stick hands would normally be found. While most of the lake's shore is inaccessible, a single icy bank appears relatively safe, albeit guarded by a squat snowman with a claidhmore.

Obvious paths: east, west

>e

[Icebriar Lake, Snowmere Way - 31862] (u8083076)

Clusters of trees thin out as they approach the lake, leaving drifts of snow surrounding numerous icy buildings. A cobblestone pathway wends east to west, and steep banks of snow block access to the glittering frozen lake. Dozens of ice-melded penguins swarm across a giant mound of snow, many sporting unnatural, serrated beaks holding tiny bits of flesh.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Icebriar Lake, Lake's Edge - 31863] (u8083074)

Several lake houses cluster near the snow-covered banks of Icebriar Lake, while others nestle between clusters of trees set to the other side of the cobblestone path that winds along the length of the lake. Several snowmen loom atop large drifts of snow, many wielding weapons where stick hands would normally be found. While most of the lake's shore is inaccessible, a single icy bank appears relatively safe, albeit guarded by a squat snowman with a claidhmore.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Icebriar Lake, Lodge - 31865] (u8083073)

Dark briar hedges loom behind a riverstone lodge, dozens of tiny, candelit gourds impaled on their thorns casting eerie shadows across the grounds. In front of the lodge, a frozen lake sparkles in the starlight, and large drifts of snow block access to everything except the lodge entrances and the pathway.

Obvious paths: northeast, east, southwest

>sw

[Icebriar Lake, Icewild Hall - 31866] (u8083078)

A dark stone hall sits back from the frozen lake, a crescent of matching stone cottages almost buried in the snow banks along the shore. The south shore of the lake is engulfed by a dark forest of cedars and briars, the cobblestone path ending at a dark briar arch leading deeper within. Several hedge animals cover the snow-blanketed ground between the dark forest and the hall.

Obvious paths: northeast

>sw

You can't go there.

>go arch

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

>e

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Wilds - 31875] (u8083082)

Several structures lurk between towering trees, snowbanks, and dense thorny bushes. Briared vines twist between the tree tops, helping pull them together in a wide arch over the pathway, virtually blocking the sky from view. The faint burbling of water drifts in from the east, and tiny, magically lit baubles are strung along the main path and icy offshoots into the woods beyond.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

>w

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Willow - 31878] (u8083080)

The winding path through the woods ends at a giant gnarled black willow, its unnaturally dark boughs dangling wide over the clearing. Dense briar thickets leave little room for egress except the path winding back to the east. Rowan and birch fighting for life under the umbral willow's boughs create a few gaps in the thicket, but most look unviable as a means of escape. Ice covers most the woods here, and deep drifts of snow pile along the path, except around a circle of bright toadstools.

Obvious paths: east

>e

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

>cover opalina

You bury your face in your hands.

>sob

You sob.

>exh

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

>look

[Darkbriar Woods, Umbral Path - 31867] (u8083081)

Dark roots shatter a cobblestone pathway running through a dark briar arch, and thick ice coats everything except a shadowed, windy path running east to west surrounded by dense trees and briars that arch overhead, nearly blocking the sky. Tucked between vine-wrapped oak, ash, and rowan are several smaller buildings, and narrow trails wander off the main path, disappearing in snow drifts, looming trees, and thorny bushes.

Obvious paths: east, west

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

>n

You can't go there.

>go arch

[Icebriar Lake, Icewild Hall - 31866] (u8083078)

A dark stone hall sits back from the frozen lake, a crescent of matching stone cottages almost buried in the snow banks along the shore. The south shore of the lake is engulfed by a dark forest of cedars and briars, the cobblestone path ending at a dark briar arch leading deeper within. Several hedge animals cover the snow-blanketed ground between the dark forest and the hall.

Obvious paths: northeast

>ne

[Icebriar Lake, Lodge - 31865] (u8083073)

Dark briar hedges loom behind a riverstone lodge, dozens of tiny, candelit gourds impaled on their thorns casting eerie shadows across the grounds. In front of the lodge, a frozen lake sparkles in the starlight, and large drifts of snow block access to everything except the lodge entrances and the pathway.

Obvious paths: northeast, east, southwest

>ne

[Winterbriar Way - 31879] (u8083071)

Snow lightly dusts the cobblestone path winding between bare-branched fruit trees and a smattering of fragrant cedars. Down a twisting pathway are several buildings, small icicles glittering off their eaves. To the south rests a large lake surrounded by buildings, a trellis of ice-veiled roses arching over the southwesterly path leading to it. You also see a wandering ghoul.

Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

>ne

[Winterbriar Orchard - 31859] (u8083070)

Dark green hedges with rime-touched briars grow tall and thick, separating the area from the town beyond, and dozens of fruit trees grow in perfectly neat rows along one side of a wide cobblestone path. Across the path, several cozy homes are scattered across a tree-strewn meadow and tucked amidst the edge of the hedges. Several smaller walkways lead off the main path to more distant structures, and the main path forks widely, offering a choice between southeasterly and southwesterly. You also see a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a rimed lilac tree tunnel and a shambling pumpkin-headed snowman.

Obvious paths: southeast, southwest

>go tunnel

[Evermore Hollow, Nature's Glade - 31571] (u8083008)

Framed by the shelter of viridian hedges, a well-trodden cobblestone pathway is interrupted by the sprawling presence of a cushioned blue-green lawn that spreads outward in a perfect circle. Silver-white sheets hide the backs of the shops and houses that abut the space to create a buffer between the noise of the inner ring, though the expanse is interrupted briefly by an arching arbor. Fragrant lilac trees dapple the space, their ornamental canopies carefully sculpted and laden with lacelike flowers. You also see a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a well-trodden cobblestone pathway and a shadowed lilac tree tunnel.

Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

>n

You can't go there.

>ne

[Evermore Hollow, Inner Ring - 31580] (u8083014)

A squat slate-shingled building with a silver coin-emblazoned sign over the entrance sits at precise angles to the cobblestone road, its face decidedly lacking windows which causes it to give off an air of sterility. Even the manicured lawn is unremarkable and dull. Unassuming spires hoist lackluster bulbs aloft as they line a simple path that connects the street to the structure. Opposite, descending steps lead to a view of the canal while cooing blackbirds hover nearby. You also see a moon-carved raffle box with some stuff on it, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a squat slate-shingled building with a silver coin-emblazoned sign over the entrance and a polished wooden bowl.

Obvious paths: southeast, southwest, northwest

>nw

[Evermore Hollow, Inner Ring - 31568] (u8083002)

Leaning like an aging uncle, a monstrous mansion rises above the cramped streets with slanted windows and crooked pillars that support a sprawling, if ill-repaired porch. Burgundy, chocolate, and black cherry roses weave through long trellises that decorate the facade, their creeping vines spreading to eclipse a dull green moss-covered stone arch. Looping over the canal, and opposite a pathway leading southwest, a cobbled bridge provides egress to the town's infamous inn. You also see a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a small orange jack-o'-lantern, a small orange jack-o'-lantern, a dull green moss-covered stone arch, a well-trodden cobblestone pathway, a monstrous mansion and a cobbled bridge.

Obvious paths: northeast, southeast, west

>ne

[Evermore Hollow, Inner Ring - 31560] (u8083012)

Teeming with fragrant, herbaceous growth, an overgrown garden tumbles across a cobbled pathway that departs from the crooked street toward a barely visible, squat cottage. Thin ribbons of smoke slip from the off-center chimney to disappear in the aura-tinted sky. Its nearest neighbor, a small confections shop, is festooned with colorful lights and pennants that create a festive air. You also see a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern and a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern.

Also here: Brimzstone

Obvious paths: northeast, southwest, northwest

>ne

[Evermore Hollow, Inner Ring - 31558] (u8083001)

Glistening in the perpetual twilight, large cobblestone pavers stretch across the cramped streets from the edges of gabled buildings to the bowing bridge. Lampposts wreathed in verdigris copper hold frosted globes aloft, the dim light spilling from them painting the area in a sheen of violet while doing nothing to dispel the shadows of a twining pathway. Double doors provide entry to a thatch-roofed building, a wooden sign in wrought iron scrollwork above, that is connected to a smaller structure by a moss-covered lancet stone archway. You also see an unwrapped ghoul-painted gift, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, an old has-been adventurer, a moss-covered lancet stone archway, a bowed cobblestone bridge and a violet-tinged cerulean tear.

Also here: Broyles

Obvious paths: southeast, southwest

Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.

Giogionni steps out of swirling mist.

The swirling portal shimmers slightly, the haze within its glowing outline growing opaque as it contracts to a pinpoint of blue-grey mist and vanishes.

>go bridge

[Evermore Hollow, The Hotel - 31569] (u8083011)

Surrounded by verdant foliage, cobbled pavers, and wrought iron railings, the small island sits within the inky waters of a becalmed canal. Ferrymen in gondolas offer passage off the island to parts unknown, while looping bridges lined in lanterns provide terrestrial access to the inner ring of Evermore Hollow. Rising high into the twilight sky, a grand ebon-hued hotel is the focus of all nearby. You also see a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern, a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern and a plump bright orange jack-o'-lantern.

Obvious paths: north, east, southeast, south, southwest, west

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Giogionni just whirled in.

Giogionni just whirled east.

>go hotel

Evermore Hotel Lobby In Shock - Haunted by the spirits

[Evermore Hotel, Foyer - 31570] (u8087101)

A brass bell gleams atop a polished ebony desk across from a set of paned-glass doors, the streaming sunlight illuminating the dust motes dancing above merlot-hued carpets running the length of the dark-stained wooden floors. Behind the desk, numerous keys hang in a wooden rack labeled with numbered brass plates above slots filled with addressed envelopes. An arrangement of velvet-tufted sofas in assorted jewel tones fill the space in front of a walk-in fireplace of grey riverstone. You also see a hollow-eyed bellhop, a carved mahogany door, an archway and a set of paned-glass doors.

Obvious exits: north

Brave Soul Walendria just came through an archway.

Brave Soul Walendria just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged in.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged through an archway.

A hollow-eyed bellhop mutters to himself, "Stop that infernal bell ringing..." The rest of the commentary is inaudible as an insistent bell rings, alerting the presence of a new hotel guest.

Brave Soul Queatus just came through an archway.

Brave Soul Queatus just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

Brave Soul Walendria just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Brave Soul Walendria just went through an archway.

Lady Soleste's group just came through an archway.

Lady Soleste's group just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

Brave Soul Queatus just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Brave Soul Queatus just went through an archway.

Pausing to rest, a hollow-eyed bellhop sets a battered leather case down and rubs his left leg for a moment before picking up his load and contemplating his next move.

Brave Soul Walendria just came through an archway.

Brave Soul Walendria just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

Lady Soleste's group just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Lady Soleste's group just went through an archway.

You hear very soft footsteps.

You hear very soft footsteps.

Pausing to rest, a hollow-eyed bellhop sets a battered leather case down and rubs his left leg for a moment before picking up his load and contemplating his next move.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Lady of Manor Katara just swept in.

Lady of Manor Katara just swept through a set of paned-glass doors, followed by her group.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

A hollow-eyed bellhop distractedly rubs the white-gloved tips of his thumb and index fingers together.

You hear very soft footsteps.

You hear very soft footsteps.

Lady of Manor Katara just swept in.

Lady of Manor Katara just swept through an archway, followed by her group.

A haunted voice whispers in your ear, "You killed us all."

You frown.

Ghostly severed heads swoop in and out of the area, shrieking in mad joy.

You quietly say, "You were already dead."

Gardener Prymrose just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Gardener Prymrose just went through an archway.

(Opalina gazes at the heads floating around her.)

A hollow-eyed bellhop mutters to himself, "Stop that infernal bell ringing..." The rest of the commentary is inaudible as an insistent bell rings, alerting the presence of a new hotel guest.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

A hollow-eyed bellhop mutters to himself, "Stop that infernal bell ringing..." The rest of the commentary is inaudible as an insistent bell rings, alerting the presence of a new hotel guest.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged in.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged through a set of paned-glass doors.

Delicieuse's group just came through an archway.

Delicieuse's group just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

The sad voice of Yraelia murmurs in your ear, "I could have been happy in my unliving with my husband."

You gaze heavenward.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged in.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged through an archway.

You sadly say, "I thought I was helping you."

Without expression, a hollow-eyed bellhop quickly circles through the keys on a large ring attached to his belt. He absently polishes an ornate brass skeleton key against the cuff of his bedraggled coat.

Essital just shuffled in.

Essital just shuffled through a set of paned-glass doors.

>look

[Evermore Hotel, Foyer - 31570] (u8087101)

A brass bell gleams atop a polished ebony desk across from a set of paned-glass doors, the streaming sunlight illuminating the dust motes dancing above merlot-hued carpets running the length of the dark-stained wooden floors. Behind the desk, numerous keys hang in a wooden rack labeled with numbered brass plates above slots filled with addressed envelopes. An arrangement of velvet-tufted sofas in assorted jewel tones fill the space in front of a walk-in fireplace of grey riverstone. You also see a hollow-eyed bellhop, a carved mahogany door, an archway and a set of paned-glass doors.

Obvious exits: north

You lean against a velvet-tufted sofa.

The heartbroken whispers of Samyrha surround you, murmuring, "I took the risk. Why? Why? I feel myself pulled, elsewhere, my unliving is ruined."

A hollow-eyed bellhop mutters to himself, "Stop that infernal bell ringing..." The rest of the commentary is inaudible as an insistent bell rings, alerting the presence of a new hotel guest.

You sadly say, "You took an unknown risk."

You quietly say, "I was taking an unknown risk.."

Brave Soul Queatus just came through an archway.

Brave Soul Queatus just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

You hear very soft footsteps.

You hear very soft footsteps.

Elumbrosba just slunk in.

Elumbrosba just slunk through a set of paned-glass doors.

Elumbrosba just slunk in.

Elumbrosba just slunk through an archway.

(Opalina rubs her head as it pounds.)

A trio of voices whisper, "You were told to not interfere..." The voices fade into nothingness.

A hollow-eyed bellhop limps in your direction, clutching a battered leather case to his chest.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

Hospitaller Kyaloria just wafted in.

Hospitaller Kyaloria just wafted north.

Brave Soul Queatus just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Brave Soul Queatus just went through an archway.

You frown.

Nazumi just loped in.

Nazumi just loped through an archway.

Nazumi just loped in.

Nazumi just loped through a set of paned-glass doors.

A hollow-eyed bellhop distractedly rubs the white-gloved tips of his thumb and index fingers together.

Delicieuse's group just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Delicieuse's group just went through an archway.

Milva just came through an archway.

Milva just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

A low chirping sound comes from within an iridescent quartz cricket box.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged in.

Brave Soul Retrone just lunged through a set of paned-glass doors.

Brave Soul Queatus just came through an archway.

Brave Soul Queatus just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

Pausing to rest, a hollow-eyed bellhop sets a battered leather case down and rubs his left leg for a moment before picking up his load and contemplating his next move.

You glance at a hollow-eyed bellhop.

Lady Chiharu just came through a set of paned-glass doors.

Lady Chiharu just went through an archway.

Lady Chiharu just came through an archway.

Lady Chiharu just went through an archway.

Lady Chiharu just came through an archway.

Lady Chiharu just went through a set of paned-glass doors.

A hollow-eyed bellhop distractedly rubs the white-gloved tips of his thumb and index fingers together.

Hospitaller Kyaloria just wafted in.

Hospitaller Kyaloria just wafted through a set of paned-glass doors.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.