Witchful Thinking - 2019-07-18 - Not Disean Eye to Eye (log)

Koaratos 18-19, 5119

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]

Summary

• Balley begins seeing visions in Town Square Central of a slender figure in grey robes with a message for her. No one else can see her at first, but eventually she briefly appears to all--and it's the Future Stormyrain. Balley relays her message: "When you find them, kill them all. Every. Last. One. Even..."

• Before adventurers can suss out the meaning of it, Disean drags Balley outside the west gate and slays her with a black blade wreathed in oily white maggots. He runs off, leaving behind infestations of scarabs and beetles, but returns the moment Stormy explains that he's Thadston's son, to declare "Hardly that. Hardly ever was." Now with hollow eyes and pale flesh as white as death, he says his mother--referring to Raznel--has given him true purpose and reiterates that she warned them, but they came anyway. He then seems to hear her speaking to him and says he knows there's no convincing them.

• Balley asks why kill her, when she's done nothing to Raznel and never met her, but Disean only says it won't be "just" her for long. With that, he sends a shadowy black scarab to burrow into Balley, then releases another infestation and makes his escape. Leafiara, Lyrna, and Captain Shinann split up and give chase, but find no trace of him.

• The group withdraws to outside Moot Hall, trying to consider options to help Balley and the question of why target her. However, they're interrupted by an attack of the undead, magic-immune Blameless--as well as more crackling anti-mana in the air dispelling foreign magic! The town defenders win a hard-fought battle.

• Amidst the chaos, a farmer gives shout as two [[::Brotherhood of Rooks|Rooks]] drag him toward Shanty Town. The group pursues and finds itself face to face with Mother. Shinann asks who was taken, but Mother says he's been "borrowed", so some in the crowd ask why while others demand he be released.

• Berkana attacks one of the Rooks, severing both legs, but Leafi [[::Minor Sanctuary (213)|sancts]] and suggests talking things out--as Captains Shinann and Stormyrain, along with Goldstr and Bernadette, also say to stop attacking in town. The wounded Rook crawls away.

• Mother asks the farmer what's going on here, as Sir Cryheart asks if she suspects something. Goldstr, Cryheart, and Madmountan bring up the recent plague withering the crops, but Mother asks the farmer if he's lost them. Mayor Lylia says he has the right to be angry, but Mother challenges that and asks again if the farmer's lost his crop--and he shakes his head. She asks if his crops are, oddly, far more expensive now; he says it's not a crime, but she disagrees and whispers something in his ear, then asks if he'll make amends for his "lapse of judgment."

• Lyrna says Mother isn't the law or its enforcement; Lylia says Lyrna's not the voice of the town; Shinann says she agrees with Lyrna; Lylia hisses at Mother to do as she wishes, saying all she's done is see to it that the rot in the bay is stopped, people are fed, and farmers are not beggared; Mother tells her that her house isn't in order and others refuse to allow dirt to collect. Lylia says she's met with insolence and Mother says she's never seen a Faendryl splinter so quickly and that it's a shame since "we both" liked her. As Lylia leaves, Mother tells the farmer to return and make things right.

• Mother tells the crowd not to forget the people who call the [[::Wehnimer's Landing|Landing]] home as they continue their rightful hunt of Raznel, saying she won't forget them. Cryheart tells her she isn't the law nor town council; she says she didn't interject justice any more than he and his knights do; he says they don't kidnap citizens; she challenges the idea that it was a kidnapping.

• Leafi asks Mother if she knows any way to disable the crimson orbs since Raznel's making use of them, but she doesn't.

• Stormy says she has other things to do and will find Thadston, but Mother says he's cowering in his barracks and wouldn't dare face his son again. Dame Evia asks how she'd know, but she only says "Mother knows all." Stormy snaps that Disean is no longer his son, but a corpse controlled by a witch--so Mother says to bury it. The night ends with retaliation as an arrow flies through Berkana's throat.

Highlights

Balley softly asks, "Did anyone else see her?"
Lazaryth says, "I've seen a lot of women tonight.  I can't keep them all straight."

Speaking thoughtfully to Balley, Leafiara says, "Well, I'd say maybe you're seeing things, but since this is the Landing I'll go with a firm no."

A loud clap of thunder echoes in the distance.
Evia says, "Kaboomzi."

Xitu joins Cryheart's group.
Speaking to Cryheart, Lazaryth asks, "How'd you get so popular?"
Speaking to Lazaryth, Stormyrain says, "He's a good meat shield."

Balley softly says, "It was Raznel."
Balley softly says, "The first I have seen her."
Balley softly says, "I know it is her."
For the briefest of moments, the ethereal image of a woman in a tattered grey robe appears behind Balley.  She appears more wraith than woman, with wispy silver locks of hair falling down over sorrowful amethyst eyes.  Her hands rise up and touch Balley's shoulders, and blood red sigils seem to almost glow on the woman's hands.  She fades soon after.
Speaking tersely to Balley, Stormyrain says, "That's not Raznel."

Cryheart says, "Ye was just touched by an ethereal woman."
Cryheart asks, "A spirit?"
Stormyrain can offer Cryheart only a blank expression.
Stormyrain pushes the pampilion-trimmed lambskin hood of her ebon lambskin jacket onto her shoulders, exposing herself to the rainfall.
Stormyrain flutters her eyelashes at Cryheart.
Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain asks, "Did she look familiar?"
Stormyrain settles her gaze on Cryheart, watching him intently.
(Stormyrain snorts softly.)
Cryheart glances at Stormyrain.
Cryheart gawks at Stormyrain.
Stormyrain glances at Cryheart and slowly exhales.
Speaking gently to Cryheart, Leafiara teases, "Is your sight fading with age?"
Cryheart says, "Apparently."
Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Instead of polishin his armor, he be cleanin his glasses."

Lyrna asks, "What did I miss?"
Evia says, "A spooky ethereal woman."
Stormyrain stares at Evia.
Speaking to Evia, Stormyrain says, "I'm hardly spooky--now or then."
Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.
Evia says, "Errr....a lovely ethereal woman."
Speaking suddenly to Stormyrain, Leafiara says, "But some--"
(Leafiara suddenly shuts up.)
Leafiara nods.
Evia says, "With luxurious hair."

Balley softly says, "Stormy's are not blood red."
Stormyrain says, "Yes..they are."
Cryheart says, "She can get blood red mad."

Balley softly says, "The message was When you find them, kill them all. Every. Last. One. Even..."
Speaking to Stormyrain, Leafiara sighs, "I really wish your future self would be more specific."

Nairena says, "I had a vision..."
Speaking to Nairena, Evia says, "A beautiful ethereal woman with amethyst eyes and glorious hair and a vengeance."
Nairena says, "I foresee something great in my hands."
Nairena pours herself a glass of sweet Sylvan wine.
Nairena says, "And the greatness arrives."

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean exclaims, "Wait, that statue moved all on its own!"
Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "Oh, sorry, it's just... the likeness is so uncanny, I get confused."

Evia says, "But the puzzling thing is ....Balley ....is NOT a killer."
Evia asks, "So how shall she kill them all?"
Speaking mischievously to Evia, Leafiara says, "Oh, from what I've seen of her hunting, I beg to differ..."

Disean lifts his hand, tiny white maggots crawling along his fingers.
Evia asks, "Finger foods, eh?"
Tsarok grabs a rotting severed finger from a small pocket inside of his direwolf fur cloak.
Tsarok plucks a writhing maggot off his severed finger and pops it into his mouth!

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr asks, "Can I whack him?"
Speaking evasively to Chamorr, Leafiara suggests, "Ask the captains, not me."
Speaking heartily to Stormyrain, Chamorr says, "Kin I whack him."
Speaking to Chamorr, Stormyrain says, "We're outside the walls of town. I have no jurisdiction here."
Disean moves to stand in front of Balley.
Disean stretches out his hand.
Disean raises his hand up, and a tiny shadowy black scarab flies up out of his palm.  The scarab flits directly toward Balley, burrowing straight into her arm!
Speaking to Chamorr, Pietra says, "You shoulda whacked him."

Balley softly says, "First I am murdered."
Balley softly says, "Now I have a bug in me."
Balley softly says, "Why me."
Evia says, "No, first you saw some visions, then you were murdered, then the bug."

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "Limb removal usually makes a lot of us feel a lot better."
Speaking to himself, Dergoatean says, "The remover, anyway."

Balley softly says, "I do feel it in my arm."
Balley softly says, "It is moving around."
Lylia says, "Yes. It will do that. It is unsettling. There is no respite."
Lylia says, "Bear it with dignity until it is done, and plot your vengeance. That is my best advice."

Balley softly asks, "Why are these things attacking us?"
Pietra says, "They're angry and undead."
Pietra says, "I'd attack too if I was those things."

The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "Dead again."
The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "At least I have a lot of deeds."

The ghostly voice of Alisette angrily says, "Must be nice to control an army from afar and not show yourself, that is truly a coward's way."

Dretta proudly says, "I poked a crusader and it said 'ouch'."

The farmer spits, "Let me go you birded bastards!" 

Kembriana melodically says, "Definitely a farmer, look at all the manure he's spreading."-

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean asks, "Am I missing something, or are we watching organized crime carry out a trial?"

Speaking inquisitively to Mother, Leafiara says, "While you're here, do you know any way to disable the crimson orbs, by any chance? Raznel's already started turning them against us, you see--"
Mother softly says, "I have no way to deal with the orbs in place."
Leafiara sheepishly says, "Was worth a try."
Stormyrain says, "I have..other things to do than listen to the rest of this--conversation."
Stormyrain says, "I will go find Thadston."
Mother softly says, "Don't bother. The man is cowering in his barracks."
Speaking to Mother, Evia says, "And how would you know."
Mother softly says, "Mother knows all dear."
Speaking quietly to Mother, Neelin says, "Except how to deal with the orbs."

Mother steps back into the shadows of an alley.
Cryheart says, "Well..if arrogancy was a prize, she sure won it."

Log

Future Stormy's On the Ball-ey

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see some stone benches with some stuff on it and an herbal remedy donation bin.

Also here: Stormyrain, Greycrown, Lord Chamorr, Xitu, Alisette, Great Lord Scarswyrth, Tocsine, Soneiken, Lazaryth, Dame Evia, Sir Cryheart, Lyrna, Lord Tanndrill, Event Planner Leafiara, Gypsy Scribe Balley, Nodyre, Shinann, Saurost, Falvicar, Avalera, Bernadette, Great Lady Shaliegh who is sitting, Diamondelille, Zosopage, Dazzareuin, Lord Chamorr, Octix who is sitting, Jhenni

Balley softly says, "Anyone see that figure."

Balley softly says, "That walked by."

Cryheart says, "Errrr."

Leafiara curiously says, "Where? I step away to the bank for one moment..."

Balley softly says, "Um."

Shinann says, "I did not."

Cryheart says, "I dinnae."

Speaking to Falvicar, Zosopage says, "I didn't get wet at all, bounced right off of me."

Speaking to Balley, Tanndrill asks, "Who's figure?"

Xitu asks, "Anyone else see that lightning?"

Balley softly says, "I saw a slender figure in grey robes."

Bernadette softly says, "Me either."

Speaking suddenly to Balley, Leafiara asks, "Oh. Where'd she go?"

Speaking helpfully to Balley, Leafiara says, "Maybe ya should follow."

Balley softly says, "I did not see what way she went."

Balley softly says, "Just saw in the corner of my eye."

From nearby, you hear Cryheart yell, "See nothing!"

Speaking musingly to Balley, Leafiara says, "Well, maybe she'll come back."

Shinann says, "There are lots of people about."

Speaking to Balley, Leafiara asks, "But those were the same color as St--the captain's, right?"

Speaking curiously to Balley, Leafiara asks, "From before?"

Balley softly says, "Nope."

Leafiara musingly says, "Oh, even more interesting."

Balley softly says, "These were blood red this time."

Speaking sagely to Lyrna, Leafiara says, "Maybe it's the future Larsya."

Leafiara squints.

Chamorr heartily says, "I dinna se nuffin."

Speaking amusedly to Balley, Leafiara says, "That was for you, I meant."

Lyrna says, "We don't look that much alike."

Speaking vaguely to Lyrna, Leafiara says, "Distractions and darkness."

Evia asks, "Are we seeing things?"

Lyrna says, "I think so."

Bernadette softly says, "Mebee."

Balley softly says, "Interesting."

Speaking heartily to Evia, Chamorr says, "Bad scotch."

Balley softly asks, "Did anyone see her?"

Bernadette softly says, "Meant fer some."

Balley stares off into the distance for a moment, an odd glaze to her eyes.

Speaking curiously to Balley, Leafiara asks, "Seeing anything more?"

Lazaryth asks, "Are we having fun yet?"

Stormyrain just arrived.

Balley softly says, "Well I saw a woman and she had a message."

Bernadette softly says, "We always has fun."

Speaking curiously to Balley, Leafiara asks, "What was it?"

Balley softly asks, "Did anyone else see her?"

Speaking heartily to Balley, Chamorr says, "Nope."

Lazaryth says, "I've seen a lot of women tonight. I can't keep them all straight."

Bernadette softly says, "I tink ye was the only one."

Balley softly says, "She was right here."

Avalera says, "I didn't see anyone."

Balley softly says, "Looked me directly in the eyes."

Evia says, "That's what she said."

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain asks, "Seeing visions? Or temporal distortions?"

Speaking thoughtfully to Balley, Leafiara says, "Well, I'd say maybe you're seeing things, but since this is the Landing I'll go with a firm no."

Chamorr heartily says, "Rainin."

Balley softly says, "Not sure."

A loud clap of thunder echoes in the distance.

Speaking to Balley, Leafiara suggests, "Get your bowl, maybe?"

Zosopage says, "Now that I heard."

Chamorr heartily says, "Uhoh."

Lazaryth says, "Nothing like a thunderstorm on a summer evening."

Evia says, "Kaboomzi."

Speaking to Cryheart, Xitu says, "If I'm to die tonight."

Xitu joins Cryheart's group.

Speaking to Cryheart, Lazaryth asks, "How'd you get so popular?"

Lazaryth says, "I might have to talk with you about that."

Lyrna says, "He's always popular."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Stormyrain says, "He's a good meat shield."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Leafiara explains, "He's the finest knight in the region."

Balley softly says, "I guess it was a message just for me."

Shinann says, "There you go."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Leafiara adds, "And the shiniest."

Speaking curiously to Balley, Leafiara asks, "But what was it?"

Balley softly says, "Not sure I can repeat it."

Speaking to Cryheart, Lazaryth says, "You also have very good posture."

Leafiara relents, "Fair enough."

Lazaryth mutters something about rain.

Lazaryth runs a hand through his long silver blonde hair, trying to make himself presentable.

Stormyrain surreptitiously glances at Lazaryth.

Balley stares off into the distance for a moment, an odd glaze to her eyes.

Speaking insistently to Balley, Leafiara says, "Private communications are meant to stay private, after all. Anything else would be..."

Leafiara shakes her head.

Leafiara looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Evia says, "I cleared the tacks and nails off it for ya again."

Lyrna says, "I've even managed to stay out of more trouble than I can handle."

Lyrna nods at Stormyrain.

Speaking in Sylvankind, Stormyrain says, "Your hair is fine, and Cryheart doesn't fancy males. Not even male elves."

Dragauth deeply asks, "All well over here or is there danger on the horizon?"

Balley softly says, "I need to find something."

Balley softly says, "I am not sure what or where."

Speaking in Sylvankind to Stormyrain, Lazaryth asks, "And what about you?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Soneiken says, "I'm da finest Gnome...named Soneiken."

Balley softly says, "And need to kill them everything."

Evia says, "Perhaps some drinks should be had by one and all."

Evia glances at a circular ebonwood cart.

Speaking in Sylvankind to Lazaryth, Stormyrain asks, "What about me, what? Do I fancy male elves?"

Speaking curiously to Balley, Leafiara says, "Well, if ya don't know what you're looking for, searching in any direction is as good as any other."

Speaking thoughtfully to Balley, Leafiara says, "But those words sound familiar."

Balley softly says, "It was Raznel."

Speaking to Balley, Leafiara asks, "Kill the paragon, then the rest?"

Speaking to Balley, Alisette asks, "Maybe focus on the things that have been happening recently?"

Speaking in Sylvankind to Stormyrain, Lazaryth asks, "Sure. Do you?"

Balley softly says, "The first I have seen her."

Stormyrain whispers something to Lazaryth.

Balley softly says, "I know it is her."

Evia asks, "How?"

Gypsy Scribe Balley just went east.

[Leafi follows, but Balley shortly heads back to the square anyway]

For the briefest of moments, the ethereal image of a woman in a tattered grey robe appears behind Balley. She appears more wraith than woman, with wispy silver locks of hair falling down over sorrowful amethyst eyes. Her hands rise up and touch Balley's shoulders, and blood red sigils seem to almost glow on the woman's hands. She fades soon after.

Balley softly says, "Do not know what I am supposed to look for."

Speaking to Cryheart, Avalera says, "I was jok..."

Speaking in Sylvankind to Stormyrain, Lazaryth says, "Lazaryth. A pleasure."

Avalera says, "Okay, that I saw."

From behind Balley, the voice of Leafiara muses, "Probably, that."

Cryheart asks, "Ye ok?"

Balley softly says, "What."

Speaking tersely to Balley, Stormyrain says, "That's not Raznel."

From behind Balley, the voice of Leafiara amusedly says, "We all saw that one."

Cryheart says, "Ye was just touched by an ethereal woman."

Tocsine says, "You were in her grasp."

Cryheart asks, "A spirit?"

Zosopage says, "Hrmm, interesting."

Shinann says, "Well, I saw that."

Stormyrain can offer Cryheart only a blank expression.

Stormyrain pushes the pampilion-trimmed lambskin hood of her ebon lambskin jacket onto her shoulders, exposing herself to the rainfall.

Stormyrain flutters her eyelashes at Cryheart.

Evia says, "Yeek."

Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain asks, "Did she look familiar?"

Leafiara helpfully says, "It's the future captain."

Stormyrain settles her gaze on Cryheart, watching him intently.

Avalera says, "I think perhaps it might be faster to ask who didn't see it."

Cryheart says, "I saw it."

(Stormyrain snorts softly.)

Cryheart glances at Stormyrain.

Speaking in Sylvankind, Lazaryth says, "I didn't see it. But I was distracted."

Stormyrain glances at her black thorns tattoo.

Stormyrain traces the lines of her sanguine runes.

Cryheart gawks at Stormyrain.

Stormyrain glances at Cryheart and slowly exhales.

Balley softly says, "The ones I saw were blood red."

Speaking carefully to Stormyrain, Avalera says, "And she didn't exactly look unlike you."

Speaking gently to Cryheart, Leafiara teases, "Is your sight fading with age?"

Stormyrain can offer Balley only a blank expression.

Cryheart nods to Leafiara.

Speaking slowly to Balley, Stormyrain says, "Yes. Mine are."

Cryheart says, "Apparently."

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Alisette suggests, "She reached up and touched your shoulders, Balley almost as if comforting?"

In a perfect imitation of Balley, speaking to Leafiara, Soneiken asks, "I'm a wraith you say?"

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Instead of polishin his armor, he be cleanin his glasses."

Lyrna asks, "What did I miss?"

Lyrna says, "I..."

Speaking to Lyrna, Leafiara explains, "The future Captain Stormyrain has visited Balley again."

Evia says, "A spooky ethereal woman."

Stormyrain stares at Evia.

Bernadette softly says, "Was it..."

Speaking to Evia, Stormyrain says, "I'm hardly spooky--now or then."

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Speaking coyly to Lyrna, Leafiara says, "Ya can't miss a moment here, truly."

Balley softly says, "I do not think it was."

Evia says, "Errr....a lovely ethereal woman."

Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Balley.

Speaking suddenly to Stormyrain, Leafiara says, "But some--"

(Leafiara suddenly shuts up.)

Leafiara nods.

Speaking to Leafiara, Chaoswynd says, "Wise."

Balley softly says, "It was different."

Lyrna says, "I thought I was paying attention."

Lazaryth asks, "We certainly get some big storms here, don't we?"

Evia says, "With luxurious hair."

Ethereal carnelian foxfire flickers in the shadows.

Glowing specks of light red energy begin to spin around Falvicar.

Ethereal carnelian foxfire flickers in the shadows.

Falvicar looks considerably more imposing.

Ethereal carnelian foxfire flickers in the shadows.

A silvery luminescence surrounds Falvicar.

Speaking to Lyrna, Lazaryth says, "I didn't see it either."

Cryheart asks, "Hmm...what was that?"

Alisette comments, "And her eyes were sorrowful, unlike Stormy's."

Balley softly says, "I saw a slender figure in a tattered grey robe walk by the corner of my eye, blood red sigils along her thin hands."

Stormyrain clenches her jaw.

Leafiara says, "The foxfire was someone's magic, probably."

Zosopage asks, "So who could that have been?"

Evia asks, "What is foxfire pray tell?"

Cryheart says, "Ahhh."

Bernadette softly says, "I seen that."

Cryheart says, "Never seen that afore."

Balley softly says, "I saw the blood red."

Balley softly says, "Stormy's are not blood red."

Tocsine says, "Greenish sparks."

Stormyrain says, "Yes..they are."

Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Balley.

Stormyrain glances at her sanguine runes.

Alisette says, "Oh."

Lazaryth says, "I'm going to need a drink if I have to stand out in the rain any longer."

(OOC) Chaoswynd's player whispers to the group, "FYI sanguine = red."

Tocsine says, "Reddish I suppose,"

Cryheart says, "She can get blood red mad."

Balley softly says, "In the past they were always sanguine."

(OOC) Alisette's player whispers to the group, "Ah, yes I see."

(OOC) Evia's player whispers to the group, "Blood red to be exact."

Lazaryth reaches out and touches a glass of spiced agave wine on a circular ebonwood cart.

(OOC) Zosopage's player whispers to the group, "But not necessarily blood red."

Lazaryth pours himself a goblet of red Faendryl wine.

Lazaryth takes a drink from his red Faendryl wine.

Speaking affably to Lazaryth, Leafiara says, "Help yourself to all ya want, courtesy of Twilight Hall."

(OOC) Chaoswynd's player whispers to the group, "That's the defenition of sanguine :P The color of blood."

(OOC) Alisette's player whispers to the group, "Sanguine is the color of blood."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lazaryth says, "Why thank you. I think I will."

(OOC) Cryheart's player whispers to the group, "Aye."

(OOC) Zosopage's player whispers to the group, "Or not."

Balley softly says, "It did not sound like her either."

Stormyrain sighs slightly and rubs her temples.

Balley softly says, "Telling me to find things and kill them."

Evia says, "Well that is vague."

Cryheart helps himself to a maple bacon rat roll.

Speaking slowly to Balley, Leafiara says, "Well, I would think that a ghost wouldn't sound like their own live self either..."

Speaking to Balley, Goldstr asks, "Wha tings?"

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain asks, "What were her words, exactly?"

Speaking to Balley, Shinann asks, "Kill what?"

Cryheart asks, "How about some bacon wrapped rat roll, Owly?"

Cryheart shows a pale-faced coppery barn owl his bacon rat roll.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Cryheart.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Cryheart.

Cryheart feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of his bacon rat roll.

Cryheart says, "Looks tasty."

Leafiara remarks, "Maybe Praxopius wasn't the paragon."

Speaking to Cryheart, Goldstr asks, "Ragnor like dat?"

Cryheart feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of his bacon rat roll.

Shinann can offer Cryheart only a blank expression.

Cryheart nods at Goldstr.

Cryheart says, "I get ye would."

Cryheart feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of his bacon rat roll.

Balley softly says, "I do not know."

Cryheart feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of his bacon rat roll.

Cryheart feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of his bacon rat roll.

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Evia says, "I had a chocolate fudge brownie, but you weren't here so I ate it."

Cryheart feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl the last of his bacon rat roll.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Evia.

Evia says, "Donut I mean."

Cryheart says, "Last bite Owly."

Balley softly says, "The message was When you find them, kill them all. Every. Last. One. Even..."

Razanetika softly says, "I seriously need spectacles."

Speaking seriously to Balley, Stormyrain says, "It was me. I saw her, me? As well."

Lyrna asks, "Even?"

Balley softly says, "That is what I was told."

Lyrna asks, "Even who?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Leafiara sighs, "I really wish your future self would be more specific."

Stormyrain's eyes glaze over as she stares, unfocused, into the distance.

Stormyrain intones, "A woman in a tattered grey robe stands at the end of the town square, locking eyes with you. There is sorrow in the deep amethyst of her eyes. Wisps of pale silver hair curl out from the shadow of her cloak's hood. She slowly moves towards you, more wraith than woman, and then whispers, "When you find them, kill them all. Every. Last. One. Even..." Her voice trails off and she vanishes from sight."

Goldstr says, "Hopes dat nae be us."

Leafiara curiously says, "Well, on the bright side, we know it's something that we haven't found yet."

Lazaryth says, "That wasn't ominous at all."

Mjolek says, "Hrm."

Evia says, "Hmmmm."

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain asks, "Is that what you saw as well? And heard?"

Avalera says, "It must be interesting to get such visions. I'm lucky I get any even in my sleep anymore."

Speaking to Tsarok, Pietra says, "You can hide again now."

Balley nods.

Balley softly says, "Yes."

Balley softly says, "It is."

Avalera says, "Difficult too, I'm guessing."

Leafiara musingly says, "Maybe Raznel's split herself into multiple beings and we'll have to kill them all--"

Speaking to Avalera, Alisette says, "I sleep so soundly I would just kick a vision if it tried to disturb me."

Leafiara suddenly asks, "Wait, what was it Quinshon said once about seeds?"

Evia says, "Yikes."

Zosopage asks, "But what would even mean?"

Speaking to Chamorr, Nairena says, "Another fun Bowels hunt."

Speaking heartily to Nairena, Chamorr says, "Fun stuff."

Speaking to Zosopage, Stormyrain says, "Clearly something that causes the future sh--I? Am in can still be stopped."

Speaking to Chamorr, Nairena asks, "I seen some lightning in the sky. What's going down?"

Lyrna says, "Visions."

Speaking heartily to Nairena, Chamorr says, "Some visions so far."

Nairena says, "I had a vision..."

Speaking to Nairena, Stormyrain asks, "Was future me visiting you, too?"

Nairena nods at Stormyrain.

Speaking to Nairena, Evia says, "A beautiful ethereal woman with amethyst eyes and glorious hair and a vengeance."

Nairena says, "I foresee something great in my hands."

Nairena pours herself a glass of sweet Sylvan wine.

Nairena says, "And the greatness arrives."

In a perfect imitation of Chamorr, speaking to Nairena, Soneiken says, "Balley is a wraith with Blood Red Eyes that is going to kill every last bottle of beer on da wall."

Leafiara peers quizzically at Nairena.

Speaking to Leafiara, Nairena says, "Something great in my hand."

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean exclaims, "Wait, that statue moved all on its own!"

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain asks, "How are you feeling now?"

Speaking curiously to Dergoatean, Leafiara asks, "It... did?"

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "Oh, sorry, it's just... the likeness is so uncanny, I get confused."

Balley softly says, "I am wondering what we are to find and kill."

Speaking to Balley, Lylia asks, "Finding and killing...?"

Nairena says, "I'm just glad they are not messing with my mind."

Nairena says, "I feel for those that recieve the bad visions."

Evia says, "But the puzzling thing is ....Balley ....is NOT a killer."

Evia asks, "So how shall she kill them all?"

Speaking mischievously to Evia, Leafiara says, "Oh, from what I've seen of her hunting, I beg to differ..."

Balley softly says, "Yes there was a vision of Future Stormy telling me seek them out and kill everything."

Evia says, "Well that is something anyway."

Lylia dryly remarks, "If there is to be killing, carry on east of the Dragonspine. Apparently, it is open season on Handmaidens there."

Bernadette softly asks, "Who be the.. all she gonna kill?"

Balley softly says, "No clue."

Leafiara offhandedly says, "We'll get to killing east of the DragonSpine eventually, no doubt."

Speaking to Lylia, Evia exclaims, "Hand Mirrors...they are Hand Mirrors!"

Speaking abruptly to Lylia, Stormyrain inquires, "Did you manage to draw out and dispatch the scarab Raznel gifted you with?"

Lyrna glances at Leafiara.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Lylia says, "I did not. It extracted itself."

Lyrna asks, "Why would we wish to do that?"

Leafiara sheepishly says, "I mean, you know, maybe in a thousand years. Um... yeah. Not any time soon, obviously."

Speaking to Lyrna, Lylia assures, "We do not."

He's Disean Better Days

A tiny white maggot skitters across the ground.

Evia says, "Ack."

Speaking thoughtfully to Lylia, Stormyrain says, "Was yours crafted of blood marble? Or just a standard--"

Nazriel stamps his feet.

Avalera says, "Ugh."

Roblar stamps his golvern-plated boots on the ground.

Bernadette softly says, "Maggots."

Evia stamps her feet.

Shallimar deeply says, "Maggot."

Claudaro whispers the words to his spell, tracing his fingers across the sky. A vibrant stream of rainbow colors burst forth, streaming alongside his motions before dispersing into an imperceptible mist.

Claudaro gestures.

Claudaro suddenly disappears.

Dergoatean says, "Ew."

Aerchodryn stamps his feet.

The voice of Claudaro says, "Nope."

Chamorr starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.

Leafiara curiously says, "Hrm."

Alisette says, "Aack."

Leafiara stamps her foot, causing the bells on her red silk skirt to clamor discordantly.

Chamorr heartily says, "Ewwww."

Madmountan says, "Yum."

Chamorr heartily says, "Bugs, hate bugs."

Stormyrain murmurs, "More rot."

Evia says, "Something rotted bad."

Cryheart asks, "Maggot?"

Roblar points at Pietra.

Roblar deeply exclaims, "Iz in yer hair!"

Zosopage says, "Kill all the maggot."

Shinann says, "Probably off that cart."

Speaking to Roblar, Pietra says, "I'm not a maggot."

Roblar deeply says, "Not you."

Evia says, "Or some rotted foods."

Leafiara glances at a circular ebonwood cart.

Leafiara's face turns slightly pale.

Roblar deeply says, "Da maggot iz, da one in yer hair."

[Leafi returns the cart, then comes back]

Madmountan asks, "Can I eat it?"

Lyrna says, "I can see that as a reason the town might burn - if the rot were so... infested... that it could not be cleared."

Lylia asks, "Has anyone seen...hm, Cayde, I believe the name is?"

'Disean just arrived.

Lyrna says, "It does seem like an extreme solution."

Disean grabs Balley and drags her west.

Shallimar deeply asks, "Wut were them big maggots in the sewers called?"

[Leafi follows]

[Wehnimer's, West Ring Rd.]

The lane to the east leads into the heart of town and the main square. The back wall of the grocer's shop borders the road, its wide door surrounded by piles of rough gunny sacks and stacks of wooden crates, some empty, others still to be unpacked.

Also here: Gypsy Scribe Balley, Disean

Disean grabs Balley and drags her south.

[more following]

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a happy forest spirit that is flying around, a town guard, a tall wooden archery tower and a reinforced large wooden gate.

Also here: a stunned Gypsy Scribe Balley, Disean

A heavy shudder passes through Balley, but she remains helplessly stunned.

Leafiara sways her hips side to side in time with a hummed melody, attempting to entice the local spirits to offer aid...

Leafiara gestures at Balley.

The glazed look leaves Balley.

Disean swings a black blade at Balley!

AS: +631 vs DS: +439 with AvD: +33 + d100 roll: +86 = +311

... and hits for 93 points of damage!

Deep slash to Balley's right side!

Several inches of padding sliced off hip....

From the inside!

Balley drops dead at your feet!

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.

The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.

The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Disean just went north.

[Leafi attempts to follow, but can't find him and soon fogs back]

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The muted sounds of loud bartering from within Wehnimer's Landing, and the lonely calls of a pair of mated fenvaoks high up in the air vie for your attention as you march along the outer western edge of the town. You also see a tiny shadowy black scarab, a miniscule lustrous sable scarab, a miniscule glossy red beetle, a tiny glossy red scarab, a skittery blue-black beetle, a skittery dark-spiked scarab, a skittery light vermilion scarab, a rolton, a green leaf, a town guard, a tall wooden archery tower and a reinforced large wooden gate.

Also here: Event Planner Leafiara, Shinann, the body of Gypsy Scribe Balley who is lying down

A militia archer fires from the tower, his arrow striking a tiny glossy red scarab!

... 25 points of damage!

Strike pierces gall bladder!

That's gotta hurt!

Speaking to Balley, Leafiara says, "Couldn't catch up in time."

Xorus just came through a reinforced large wooden gate.

[combat with the scarabs while people make their way over, then more scarabs, and more people making their way over]

[just as Cryheart's group makes it...]

Dragauth falls to the ground!

[along with everyone else]

The ground beneath you violently shakes and rumbles causing you to fall down!

Roundtime: 6 sec.

[more scarabs and beetles]

The ground begins to rumble slightly with a disconcerting humming sound, as if something were digging beneath you. Suddenly, several tiny mounds push upward, each revealing a set of pincers emerging from within!

Cryheart says, "Ooof."

[eventually dozens of scarabs in multiple waves are killed off]

Speaking confusedly to Balley, Leafiara asks, "Why you?"

Evia says, "Golly."

The town guard steps in front of Felita and says, "Excuse me, madam, there's an entrance fee to use this gate. Five silvers please."

Felita just skipped merrily north.

Lyrna stares at a town guard.

Zolis starts chortling at a town guard.

Chamorr heartily says, "Awww."

Cryheart says, "Well...that was quick."

Leafiara confusedly says, "Hrm."

The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "Um I was murdered."

Stormyrain: "Militia; be on the lookout. Disean has been seen in town. If one of you sees Thadston--roust his arse and let him know as well yes?"

Cryheart says, "Disean dragged ye here."

Speaking confusedly to Balley, Leafiara says, "Right, but... why you..."

Cryheart says, "I saw him drag ye."

Lyrna asks, "But whom?"

Cryheart says, "Disean."

Leafiara says, "Disean did it."

Falvicar quietly asks, "The hell is wrong with that kid?"

Zosopage asks, "Who is he?"

Shinann says, "I saw him."

The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "Who is Disean."

Speaking to Shinann, Stormyrain says, "I put the word out--and for someone to try and roust Thadston."

Shinann says, "Not kill her... but I did see him."

Speaking in Faendryl, Xorus says something you don't understand.

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain says, "Thadston's son."

Speaking to Shinann, Leafiara reports, "I saw him kill her."

Disean just arrived.

[raising]

>look disean

You see a man in bleached white armor that is covered in blood red runes and seems to shift as if something moves beneath it. A huge bleakstone scarab carapace serves as the breastplate of the man's armor. His eyes are hollow and a dark, dark grey. Scars in the shape of a crown encircle his bald head, but rivulets of glistening blood flow along the jagged mutilations in his skin. His flesh is pale and as white as death.

Pietra asks, "Who what.... huh?"

Balley softly says, "Thank you."

Disean darkly says, "Thadston's son..."

Cryheart says, "Disean."

Balley softly asks, "Why did you kill me sir?"

Disean darkly says, "Hardly that. Hardly ever was."

Speaking to Disean, Leafiara says, "Last I remember, the real you was saving lives, not taking 'em..." [referring to [[::Eyes_of_the_Dawn_-_5116-10-08_-_Emperor%27s_Denouncement_and_Chaston%27s_Attack#Leafiara.27s_Capture|this incident]] in 5116]

Disean cocks his head.

Balley softly asks, "Why did you take me and strike me down?"

Disean glances at Leafiara.

Cryheart: "Disean is outside the west gate and we are speaking with him."

Speaking to Disean, Madmountan says, "I like the new armor."

Speaking heartily to Disean, Chamorr says, "What do you want."

Speaking to Disean, Shinann asks, "Why?"

Disean tilts his black blade side to side, making the light play off it.

Cryheart asks, "Wy did ye drag Balley away, Disean?"

Speaking angrily to Disean, Alisette says, "Yes, I would like to know why you murdered her as well."

Pietra says, "Well there's a face only a mother could love..."

Disean points his black blade at Balley.

Disean put a large black blade that is wreathed with oily white maggots in his white sheath.

Speaking to Disean, Shinann asks, "Why?"

Disean lifts his hand, tiny white maggots crawling along his fingers.

Tsarok sniffs at Disean.

Speaking to Tsarok, Pietra says, "He only seems appetizing. He's not, I assure you."

Speaking to Disean, Madmountan asks, "What do those taste like?"

Speaking adamantly to Disean, Leafiara says, "I'm sure Raznel realizes... nothing will stop this town's pursuit."

Disean darkly says, "My mother has given me true purpose and life."

Zosopage says, "Now we know where the maggots came from."

Evia asks, "Finger foods, eh?"

Lylia hollowly says, "You are a dead man and do not have the sense to lie down and do it properly. My condolences to your father."

Leafiara wryly says, "Always with the 'Mothers' around here..."

Speaking quietly to Shinann, Stormyrain murmurs, "Clearly Thadston is not going to like the..state? Of --things."

Tsarok grabs a rotting severed finger from a small pocket inside of his direwolf fur cloak.

Tsarok plucks a writhing maggot off his severed finger and pops it into his mouth!

Speaking to Disean, Shinann asks, "So you are following your mother's orders here?"

Roblar deeply says, "Sad lad."

Balley softly asks, "Disean why did you attack me?"

Roblar deeply says, "From Chaston to da witch."

Speaking to Disean, Goldstr says, "Ye should listen to yer father."

Speaking deeply to Disean, Roblar says, "Grow some stones."

Disean darkly says, "She had warned you. All of you."

Balley softly asks, "But why me?"

Disean darkly says, "It is you who came to her. You followed him."

Cryheart says, "Disean may nae hae a choice, being under her control."

Speaking lightly to Disean, Leafiara says, "We don't respond well to warnings."

Speaking to Disean, Stormyrain says, "Raznel is no one's mother. Her "womb" expels death, not life."

Bernadette softly says, "Ahh."

Avalera says, "A vague warning, at best, to my mind."

Lyrna asks, "What would you have us do? Just give up and let her do whatever she wishes?"

Speaking to Disean, Goldstr exclaims, "Lad she be a Witch! Nae yer mum!"

Cryheart says, "You can go back and tell Raznel, that we are nae afraid."

Chamorr heartily says, "Vision said kil dem all."

Chamorr points at Disean.

Disean turns his head, as if listening to something.

Lylia demands, "Warnings and portents are all she offers, and no sign of what she wants beyond some inchoate desire to...make a mess. Let her send something other than scarabs and dead boys to me, if she wants something of me."

Speaking to Disean, Leafiara suggests, "Since you know we won't stop, let's have it out here and now."

Alisette growls, "A real witch would not send a boy to do the job."

Disean darkly says, "Yes mother, there's no convincing them. I know."

Cryheart says, "And what does your master whisper to ye, Disean."

Dergoatean says, "Someone get him some tkaro root somehow."

Avalera carefully asks, "Mother?"

Balley softly exclaims, "Why ME!"

Lylia asks, "Convince of what?"

Balley softly asks, "What did I do to your mother?"

Disean darkly says, "It won't be just you for long."

Balley softly says, "I have never met her."

Disean nods at Balley.

Speaking to Balley, Leafiara speculates, "Maybe you were getting too close to the answer."

Dergoatean raises his purple broadsword in triumph!

Cryheart says, "Raznel is mad."

Speaking to Tsarok, Dergoatean exclaims, "From the purple one himself!"

Lyrna asks, "You speak in riddles, have you anything to say with clarity?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Evia says, "Or like, breaking the mirror to destroy the reflection."

Speaking quietly to Disean, Falvicar says, "I don't know what bugs me more.... your "mother".. or that armor on you."

Speaking to Pietra, Dergoatean says, "I figure it has to have some anti-Raznel in it."

Lylia whispers something to Shinann.

Zosopage says, "Clearly the maggots are affecting his brain and speech."

Evia says, "Indeed."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr asks, "Can I whack him?"

Avalera says, "I think the maggots have eaten his brain, personally."

Lylia notes, "Seems to me, we are outside the town's walls."

Speaking evasively to Chamorr, Leafiara suggests, "Ask the captains, not me."

Speaking to Falvicar, Dergoatean asks, "He really isn't looking so good, si he?"

Speaking to Disean, Shinann asks, "When you say mother, do you mean Saraphene?"

Disean twists his head slightly, cracking his neck. He looks relieved.

The town guard says, "Kilron was tryin ta sell me a drake falchion the other day. He wanted twelve thousand silvers! Really now, I don't know where he gets off."

Alisette suggests, "Anything can happen outside the gates in the wilds, even accidental slaying."

Lylia says, "There is no law in the wild frontier. I have been told this time and time again, when I sought to assert some power over our own horizons..."

Speaking heartily to Stormyrain, Chamorr says, "Kin I whack him."

Speaking to a town guard, Evia says, "Not the time."

Roblar deeply says, "Admire ez father, he shud come out to see dis."

Leafiara wryly says, "It really is anything goes, apparently, one step away from the gates."

Leafiara nods at Lylia.

Speaking to Chamorr, Stormyrain says, "We're outside the walls of town. I have no jurisdiction here."

Balley softly says, "I still do not understand why you grabbed me to kill me."

Disean moves to stand in front of Balley.

Disean stretches out his hand.

Disean raises his hand up, and a tiny shadowy black scarab flies up out of his palm. The scarab flits directly toward Balley, burrowing straight into her arm!

Speaking to Chamorr, Pietra says, "You shoulda whacked him."

The ground begins to rumble slightly with a disconcerting humming sound, as if something were digging beneath you. Suddenly, several tiny mounds push upward, each revealing a set of pincers emerging from within!

[scarabs and beetles emerge]

Speaking to Disean, Leafiara says, "Tell Raznel she's running low on tricks."

Disean just went north.

[his escape goes unnoticed by some in the chaos of the scarabs]

Leafiara suspiciously asks, "Where'd he go?"

[Leafi goes scouting]

Leafiara: "I can't find any trace of him."

[Voln - Dergoatean] "Disean's not undead yet, at least!" [I believe he'd used the Symbol of Recognition, though at very least I know Lylia had]

[Leafi returns to the main group]

Balley softly says, "Why did I get one now."

Lyrna: "Shinnan and I could not either."

Pietra asks, "You find him?"

Madmountan says, "At least it was a pretty one."

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain says, "Because Raznel has plans for you."

Shinann says, "No."

Lyrna says, "No."

Cryheart says, "Moving to Moot Hall."

Goldstr says, "Da poor Lad's mind really been twisted by da Witch."

[travel]

Lylia says, "The 'poor lad' has never had much of a mind. He was Chaston's creature. Now he is Naimorai's."

Cryheart asks, "How do ye feel?"

Cryheart glances at Balley.

Roblar deeply says, "Shud av grown up wid ez father and learned to be a man."

Speaking tentatively to Balley, Leafiara says, "What to do with you..."

Roblar deeply says, "Instead of."

Lylia coldly says, "There should be no pity or quarter given to him, as much as that grieves me for Thadston's sake."

Lazaryth says, "I believe it's time for another drink."

Alisette angrily says, "There was no reason given for his actions. He must be held accountable."

Speaking to Roblar, Pietra says, "He's got mother issues instead. And a pretty ugly face too."

Balley softly says, "First I am murdered."

Balley softly says, "Now I have a bug in me."

Roblar deeply says, "Whatever he iz."

Balley softly says, "Why me."

Speaking to Melikor, Lazaryth asks, "Care for one yourself?"

BOOM! Thunder claps in the distance.

Speaking musingly to Balley, Leafiara says, "That really is the question, isn't it..."

Lyrna asks, "Now you have one as well?"

Speaking heartily to Lylia, Chamorr says, "Shoulda said that afore."

Evia says, "No, first you saw some visions, then you were murdered, then the bug."

Speaking to Balley, Nairena asks, "You got a bug in you?"

Speaking deeply to Pietra, Roblar says, "From being a Blameless."

Cryheart: "Anyone watching the gates?"

Speaking to Lazaryth, Melikor says, "Not tonight, I don't think."

Speaking to Lylia, Goldstr says, "I canna help it Madam Mayor, it be da Witch turns his mind."

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "He looks worse than Walkar's last days, I swear."

Lazaryth says, "Mm."

Balley softly says, "Yes."

Speaking to Cryheart, Leafiara offers, "I'll go."

[Leafi scouts the gates for a bit, but returns after nothing seems amiss]

[Town Square, East]

Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing hold various official, religious and social functions. Facing the square are some of the town's more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night. You also see a polished bleakstone statue, a bone-framed bulletin board and a large purple wooden barrel.

Arianiss says, "I tried that the moment the scarab went into her."

Cryheart whispers something to Berkana.

Lylia says, "It is pointless, but if it makes you feel you have acted, by all means."

Speaking to Cryheart, Leafiara says, "The gates seem safe."

Balley softly says, "I do feel it in my arm."

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "Depends on what you mean by "work"."

Balley softly says, "It is moving around."

Speaking to Lylia, Alisette says, "Sorry, Madame Mayor, I just want to make her better."

Sofal says, "Maybe contain it in the arm and remove in."

Balley softly asks, "Why me?"

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "Limb removal usually makes a lot of us feel a lot better."

Lylia says, "Yes. It will do that. It is unsettling. There is no respite."

Speaking to himself, Dergoatean says, "The remover, anyway."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Lazaryth asks, "Yes, but whose limb?"

Lylia says, "Bear it with dignity until it is done, and plot your vengeance. That is my best advice."

Speaking to Balley, Pietra says, "Perhaps because you are innocent and full of guile. Or however that statement goes. Injure the healer, why not."

Speaking to Balley, Leafiara speculates, "Does she need the talents of a seer, perhaps?"

Lyrna says, "There is something specifically."

Balley softly says, "I am not sure."

Speaking to Alisette, Lylia says, "I understand the desire to help."

Suddenly, Blameless

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a rotting white-armor crusader!

Lylia softly says, "Many people wish to, but --"

Shallimar deeply asks, "Didn't the old mayor have a thing for maggots and such?"

Shallimar deeply says, "Undead, gotcha."

Balley softly asks, "What was that?"

Cryheart: "Keep alert citizens...white crusader showed up and attacked."

Speaking to Shallimar, Leafiara explains, "The remnants of the Blameless."

[combat, more crusaders, more combat]

You see a lump moving about just under Chaoswynd's skin!

Cryheart says, "Cay."

Evia says, "Ugh."

Lazaryth asks, "Who on Elanith are they?"

Speaking to Cryheart, Chaoswynd says, "Trust me, I am aware."

The ghostly voice of Mistyfall says, "Do not concern yourself with me, for I can preserve myself a long while. See to those stronger."

Evia says, "Cay has a lump of something."

Speaking to Evia, Leafiara says, "He does."

[lots more crusaders, more combat]

The ghostly voice of Berkana says, "You know... changing ensembles does come with some risk."

Cryheart: "Attacks outside of Moot hall."

Speaking to Evia, Chaoswynd says, "It's not going anywhere any time soon, and I'm not going to suddenly pop either."

Evia says, "Ok."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Stormyrain asks, "Are you sure you don't want to stand behind me?"

Cryheart glances at Mistyfall.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Lazaryth asks, "I don't know. How's the view?"

Speaking to Berkana, Melikor says, "Come this way." as he animated her

Melikor just went west.

Cryheart says, "We got a body."

From nearby, you hear Timoen yell, "Should I come drag people?"

Stormyrain says, "Hard to keep track of when I'm moving in battle."

Speaking to Cryheart, the ghostly voice of Mistyfall says, "I appreciate the gesture, but, truly, focus on those stronger than I."

[more crusaders, more combat]

Balley softly asks, "Why are these things attacking us?"

Cryheart says, "Raznel."

Speaking wryly to Balley, Leafiara says, "Raznel."

Balley softly says, "Oh."

Pietra says, "They're angry and undead."

Cryheart says, "She is a mad sorcerous witch."

[more crusaders, more combat]

Balley softly asks, "Not my fault right?"

Lyrna asks, "But really, why?"

Pietra says, "I'd attack too if I was those things."

Lazaryth asks, "But where is she getting them from?"

Madmountan says, "The Bleaklands."

Cryheart says, "The dead."

Arianiss says, "Not everyone is grouped so please watch your spells."

Pietra says, "Mmmm, lightning smell."

Stormyrain says, "..or here. We did battle them multiple times nearby."

Cryheart says, "No area effect spells."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Leafiara explains, "The dead remnants of Chaston's former army, the Blameless."

[more crusaders, more combat]

Cryheart asks, "All ok?"

[more crusaders, more combat]

The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "Dead again."

Zosopage says, "Sofal as well."

The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "At least I have a lot of deeds."

The ghostly voice of Balley softly says, "And an empty mind."

The air crackles with potent energy!

Jynai flashes with a bright ethereal light!

[and everyone else, as outside spells are dispelled in a glorious 600-line burst]

Leafiara suspiciously says, "Hmm."

Avalera says, "Well."

[more crusaders, more combat]

Shallimar deeply says, "Ow."

Lazaryth says, "Deeds."

Lazaryth says, "I knew there was something on my to-do list."

The ghostly voice of Alisette angrily says, "Oof."

The air crackles with potent energy!

[more dispels]

[more crusaders, more combat]

Cryheart says, "Clear your targets."

[more crusaders, more combat, more scarabs]

The air crackles with potent energy!

Black tendrils of anti-mana climb over Jynai draining her power!

Jynai seems to slow down and become a bit less nimble.

[and others, with dispels and mana drain]

[more crusaders, more combat]

The ghostly voice of Alisette angrily says, "Must be nice to control an army from afar and not show yourself, that is truly a coward's way."

The atmosphere crackles and sparks of energy snap across the area!

Black tendrils of anti-mana climb over Shallimar draining his power!

[and others]

Speaking somberly to Stormyrain, Lazaryth says, "I should have protected you better."

The atmosphere crackles and sparks of energy snap across the area!

Shallimar appears less battle-ready as a soft glow dissipates from around his form.

[and others]

[more crusaders, more combat]

Speaking amusedly to Lazaryth, the ghostly voice of Stormyrain says, "Mhmm."

[over at triage...]

Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Timoen asks, "Is it finished?"

Speaking to Timoen, Leafiara says, "I wouldn't bet on it, no."

[now back outside Moot Hall]

Evia says, "One of them dropped their PURSE."

Cryheart asks, "Hmm...where is Balley?"

Xorus whispers something to Lylia.

Dretta says, "I believe I hit one."

Zosopage says, "TSC."

Speaking to Cryheart, Leafiara says, "Back in the square."

Cryheart says, "Ok."

Lazaryth: "More fighters needed outside Moot Hall. I'm running out of people to hide behind."

Bernadette softly says, "Is the statue bring dis stuff."

Scruffylopolis says, "Wow."

Arianiss whispers something to Shinann.

Scruffylopolis says, "How come there's so many people here too."

Lyrna says, "Really though, this means we're doing something right, because ..."

Cryheart says, "Defending."

Shallimar deeply says, "Undeads."

Lyrna says, "We must be doing something right, because she sees us as a threat."

Cryheart says, "Being attacked by white crusaders and bugs."

Speaking mischievously to Lyrna, Leafiara says, "Indeed..."

Scruffylopolis says, "Hmm."

Dretta disgustedly exclaims, "I hate bugs!"

Lyrna says, "And by 'us', I mostly don't mean myself, although I did hit them."

Scruffylopolis asks, "Defending?"

Evia says, "Eve of Huntress should prove interesting."

Cryheart says, "They hae killed folks here."

Speaking to Scruffylopolis, Lazaryth says, "There've been some attacks by.. hells, I don't know what."

Speaking cautiously to Dretta, Leafiara suggests, "Might want to stay from town for a bit while we sort out this witch problem, in that case... gonna see a lot of bugs."

Cryheart says, "You can find the bodies west of here."

Dretta proudly says, "I poked a crusader and it said 'ouch'."

Berkana says, "Some of us have arisen."

As the last crusader has fallen, and others still stand ready and on edge, there is a nearby shout from a man as he is being dragged off in the distance by two dark hooded figures that seem to try to carry him off towards Shanty Town under the cover of the recent chaos.

Farmers' Markup

[Wehnimer's, Shanty Town]

The tracks of wagon wheels rut the path through here, forming tiny rivulets that connect the puddles. A few sparse bushes and a tiny garden outside one of the shanties do little to relieve the monotony of the otherwise indistinguishable dwellings to the north and east. The western path leads back to town. You also see an angry town farmer, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure and a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

Also here: Event Planner Leafiara, Sofal, Commander Roblar, Otsakleia, Lord Neelin, Relic Hunter Madmountan, Mayor Lylia, Shallimar, Pietra, Tsarok, Nazriel, Bernadette, Dretta, Melikor, Claudaro, Lyrna, Shinann, Dergoatean, Yakushi, Xorus, Lady Tarine, Avalera, Lord Zolis, Aerchodryn, Razanetika, Goldstr, Falvicar, Dragauth, Lord Chamorr, Dame Evia, Lazaryth, Nodyre, Sir Cryheart, Lord Arianiss, Mother

Xorus dryly says, "The other Mother."

Mother shakes her head.

Cryheart: "Mother in Shanty town."

Speaking heartily to Mother, Chamorr says, "Hello."

Cryheart says, "Good evening, Mother."

Shinann asks, "Did anyone see who was taken?"

Evia says, "No."

Lylia flatly says, "What a surprise."

The angry farmer squirms in the grip of the dark hooded figures.

Cryheart says, "Angry farmer."

Mother softly says, "Not taken, but borrowed."

Razanetika softly exclaims, "Ack!"

Stormyrain offers, "The fellow on the ground, mayhaps?"

Speaking to Mother, Shinann says, "Against his will."

Cryheart asks, "May we ask why, Mother?"

Lyrna asks, "And why?"

Speaking heartily to Mother, Chamorr says, "Let him go."

Shinann asks, "Why?"

Falvicar quietly says, "Release him."

Leafiara perplexedly asks, "And... what's going on here, exactly?"

Leafiara peers quizzically at Mother.

The farmer spits, "Let me go you birded bastards!"

Talonir says, "Farming makes most people angry."

Scruffylopolis says, "Mm."

Mother softly says, "Yes, indeed. What is going on here."

Leafiara furrows her brow.

Speaking quietly to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Falvicar says, "Release him."

Speaking to Mother, Shinann says, "We do not need riddles. Answers."

Cryheart asks, "Are ye saying this farmer is a collaborator of the Blameless?"

Lyrna asks, "Besides being attacked by undead and more bugs?"

Berkana traces a sign that contorts in the air while she forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Berkana gestures at a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

CS: +531 - TD: +400 + CvA: +9 + d100: +39 == +179

Warding failed!

Berkana exhales a virulent green mist toward a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, instantly infecting it. The dark hooded figure convulses violently!

... 45 points of damage!

Both legs are frightfully stripped down to the bone marrow! Sadly, the small amounts of tissue remaining are nowhere near what is needed to support the dark hooded figure's body.

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure falls to the ground grasping its mangled right leg!

Scruffylopolis says, "Hmm."

Lylia says, "You should let that man go, unless you care to charge him with some sort of crime."

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

Leafiara gestures.

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

Speaking quietly to Mother, Neelin says, "Let em go and you'll keep your fingers."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure wails as painful boils form and erupt causing 12 points of damage!

... 5 points of damage!

Blast creates interesting designs on torso, but little damage.

Mother squints.

Avalera says, "Well, that's one way to handle it."

Boils rupture all over a grey-beaked dark hooded figure causing 14 points of damage!

... 10 points of damage!

Small patches of right forearm disappear into red mist.

Speaking to Chaoswynd, Stormyrain mouths, "Birded. Bastards."

Scruffylopolis says, "Whoa."

Pustules break out all over a grey-beaked dark hooded figure causing 9 points of damage!

... 5 points of damage!

Blast creates interesting designs on torso, but little damage.

Shinann says, "Stop attacking."

Leafiara says, "I think we can resolve this peacefully... let's try to talk things out first."

Scruffylopolis says, "I really shouldn' be here."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure's skin necrotizes and falls away as an indiscernible mass causing 6 points of damage!

... 5 points of damage!

Flesh painfully vaporized from side!

Boils rupture all over a grey-beaked dark hooded figure causing 4 points of damage!

... 2 points of damage!

Unpleasant wound to right arm!

Kelrion says, "Lovely suffering."

Cryheart says, "Ye should be ok."

Cryheart nods at Scruffylopolis.

Goldstr exclaims, "Hold Folks!"

Stormyrain says, "--we are in town. If death occurs, then there will be a price to pay to the town guard."

Bernadette softly says, "Talkin be good."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure begins hemorrhaging from multiple orifices causing 2 points of damage!

... 5 points of damage!

Flesh painfully vaporized from side!

Dergoatean says, "I don't know, abduction isn't really peaceful in the first place."

Cryheart says, "Just dinnae provoke them."

Mother softly says, "That is unfortunate..."

Falvicar warningly says, "Let the farmer go."

Shallimar deeply asks, "They popping zits at us?"

The wounded Rook crawls off into the shadows of an alley.

Mother glances at an angry town farmer.

Lylia says, "Nicks and scratches, at least at this point. Let us start again."

Leafiara says, "Cooler heads -can- prevail... I know everyone's stressed by recent events, but still."

Cryheart asks, "Ye suspect the farmer in something, Mother?"

Mother moves near the farmer, her gloved hand lightly brushing beneath his chin as her red soulstone ring glimmers.

Evia asks, "Did she say that?"

Speaking to Mother, Goldstr says, "Dat farmer has lost his crops an needs help."'

Mother softly asks, "What is going on here?"

Mother softly asks, "Did he lose his crops?"

Mother glances at an angry town farmer.

The farmer glares.

Mother seems to be waiting for something.

Mother softly says, "We're awaiting an answer."

Cryheart says, "It seems the crops hae all withered."

Speaking to Mother, Goldstr says, "Aye der seems be a plague."

Balley softly says, "Lost of bugs."

Madmountan says, "A lot of folks lost their crops, so that wouldn't be a stretch."

Speaking in Guildspeak, Mucarluk says, "Maybe the fields became cursed."

Wanion softly says, "Maybe too much rain, washed em out."

Speaking to Mother, Pietra says, "Your son has infected our nice healer and apparently unleashed havoc."

Mucarluk says, "Maybe the fields became cursed."

Lylia says, "He has a right to be angry."

The farmer spits, "Piss off. Go wash in a birdbath ya scum."

Speaking to Pietra, Chaoswynd says, "Wrong person."

Mother softly asks, "Does he?"

Mother softly asks, "Who has the right to be angry?"

Zosopage says, "Such language."

Mother softly asks, "Is your crop gone Sir?"

Lylia asks, "Would you not be angry, if your livelihood were imperiled?"

Speaking to Pietra, Goldstr says, "Anoder mother."

Speaking to Chaoswynd, Pietra asks, "So this is some other guy's mother?"

The farmer looks around then finally shakes his head.

Speaking to Pietra, Leafiara explains, "Disean was talking about his own mother, Saraphene. Though... that's a whole other story."

Pietra says, "So many mothers."

Cryheart says, "Farmer, watch ye mouth..and answer the question."

Speaking to Pietra, Chaoswynd says, "In a manner of speaking."

Mother softly says, "I see."

Mother softly asks, "So what then, why are you brought before me here?"

The farmer scowls.

Madmountan says, "I think the kitten has his tongue."

Cryheart says, "The sooner ye answer, perhaps we can resolve this issue."

Chamorr heartily says, "Let's kill em all."

A hooded figure says, "We can remind him Mother..." He reaches for something in his cloak but Mother raises her ringed hand to stop him.

Mother softly says, "That won't be necessary."

Speaking to Shinann, Pietra says, "Thank you." [guessing a whisper exchange explaining Disean's mother]

Evia says, "Yes because lords know we think it's fine and dandy for these bird beaked hooligans to snatch people off the street."

The farmer scowls, "My crops are fine."

Falvicar quietly says, "Those hooligans should be in jail."

Nazriel says, "And demand that they answer questions surrounded by armed, bloodthirsting individuals."

Mother softly asks, "Indeed. They are. And oddly, far more expensive now, aren't they?"

Aleid asks, "How come your crops are fine when other crops aren't?"

Lylia silkily says, "Oh, I see."

Mother softly says, "One might argue, unjustly so."

Kembriana melodically says, "Definitely a farmer, look at all the manure he's spreading."

The farmer scowls, "It isn't a crime!"

Mother smiles.

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean asks, "Am I missing something, or are we watching organized crime carry out a trial?"

Speaking to an angry town farmer, Lylia says, "That may change."

Mother softly says, "Mother disagrees."

Speaking to Dergoatean, Lylia says, "No."

Evia asks, "What isn't a crime?"

Speaking to Dergoatean, Nazriel says, "Looks like it."

Madmountan says, "He probably just had an enterprising wizard mix up a batch of maggot'be'gone."

Leafiara ventures, "Price gouging?"

Mother nods to Leafiara.

Cryheart says, "That his crops are fine."

Lylia says, "That is the Common term for it, yes."

Zosopage says, "Depends on why your crops are not damaged and others are."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says something you don't understand.

Speaking quietly to Mother, Lyrna says, "You are not the law, or its enforcement though."

Speaking surreptitiously to Zosopage, Leafiara says, "Hrm, now that -is- a thought..."

Speaking to Lyrna, Lylia says, "And you are not the voice of this town."

Cryheart says, "It is highly suspicious farmer."

Falvicar quietly says, "Last I checked... Mother isn't the law."

Mother leans in towards the farmer, and whispers something in his ears. His eyes open wider for just a brief moment before he catches his resolve.

Speaking to an angry town farmer, Goldstr asks, "Ye be a liein to us?"

Shinann says, "I agree with Lyrna."

Mother nods.

Evia says, "We are all the voice of this town...or so I thought."

Lylia says, "Ah, I see."

Lylia says, "Goodnight, then."

Mother softly asks, "You will make amends for this lapse of judgment, correct?"

Mother glances at Lylia.

Speaking to Mother, Lylia hisses, "Do as you wish. All of you."

Xorus wryly says, "How fortunate, then, we have such warm trade relations. Imperial imports will push the prices back down."

Lylia says, "All I have done is see to it that the rot in the bay is stopped, that people are fed, that farmers are not beggared..."

Mother softly says, "If your house is not in order Mayor, do not be surprised when others sweep the dust."

Mother softly says, "Some refuse to allow dirt to collect and breed."

Kelrion hopefully asks, "This will end in torture?"

Cryheart says, "Ye should nae judge so harshly."

Lylia says, "Mockery in the east, insolence in the west..."

Speaking quietly to Mother, Falvicar asks, "That a threat?"

Dergoatean says, "Here I am, stuck in the middle with you."

Speaking to Mother, Shinann says, "It is the mayor's decision what happens to this man."

Mother softly says, "Fascinating. I've never seen a Faendryl splinter so quickly. A shame. I liked you. We both did."

Leafiara surreptitiously asks, "Both?"

Speaking to Lylia, Lyrna says, "I'm afraid I don't understand in what way I misspoke."

Lylia commands, "Report if this woman ever speaks in anything other than riddles."

Mother softly says, "Now, return to your farm. Make this right. We will know."

Balley softly asks, "You are not working alone?"

Mother nods to an angry town farmer.

Lylia turns around.

Mayor Lylia just went west.

The farmer nods and the hooded figures release him and he runs off.

Speaking to Lyrna, Stormyrain says, "You didn't. I believe the Mayor has had a difficult few days."

Cryheart asks, "Ok..what just happened?"

Leafiara indifferently says, "I'm sure she's fine."

Lyrna says, "I truly don't know."

Lazaryth says, "She's a hotheaded one, alright."

Pietra says, "Well the Mayor is pretty pissed. And something about farmers. And a lot of mothers."

Lazaryth says, "Redheads."

Leafiara scoffs at Lazaryth.

Falvicar whispers something to Avalera.

Tocsine says, "Ruffled."

Mother softly says, "I suppose without a re-election in sight, every gem is bound to have flaws."

Leafiara runs a hand through her shoulder length cherry red hair, trying to make herself presentable.

Speaking softly to Lazaryth, Razanetika asks, "What about us redheads?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Lazaryth says, "Come on, you know I'm right."

Bernadette softly asks, "Whatsa wrong wit' redheads?"

Mother nods to the dark hooded figure.

Speaking to Razanetika, Lazaryth says, "You can't deny it."

Lyrna says, "Can't imagine."

Aleid carefully says, "I'm sorry, I'm kind of confused as to what crime has been committed."

Speaking to Bernadette, Dergoatean says, "Absolutely nothing."

The dark hooded figures slip off into the shadows.

Speaking to Aleid, Madmountan says, "Meticulous farming."

Speaking heartily to Mother, Chamorr says, "You are not the mayor here."

Maternal Instincts

Mother softly says, "Do not forget those who call this town home."

Speaking to Madmountan, Aleid asks, "Why is this a crime?"

Mother softly says, "If you continue your rightful hunt of this witch, do not forget the people."

Razanetika softly says, "Someone's hiding."

Cryheart says, "I would advise ye Mother, ye are nae the law or the town council."

Mother softly says, "I will not forget them."

Speaking inquisitively to Mother, Leafiara says, "While you're here, do you know any way to disable the crimson orbs, by any chance? Raznel's already started turning them against us, you see--"

Speaking to Mother, Goldstr says, "Ye should talk wid da Mayor befer havin yer Rooks do any dirty work."

Leafiara frowns at Mother.

Mother peers quizzically at Cryheart.

Cryheart says, "And we hae nae forgotten the citizens."

Speaking to Aleid, Madmountan says, "Good question. I think this woman is implying price gouging after his farm was not affected by the plague."

Aleid understandingly says, "Ooooh."

Mother softly says, "I did not interject justice anymore than you or your Knights do good Sir."

Talonhawke quietly says, "I think it had something to do with overcharging for using a birdbath."

Mother nods at Cryheart.

Speaking to Mother, Leafiara says, "We're doing what only we can do, in fighting the witch."

Cryheart says, "We usually dinnae kidnap the citizens."

Aleid says, "What a con...conun....difficult thing."

Balley softly says, "Today has been an interesting one."

Mother softly asks, "Did I kidnap him?"

Leafiara adds, "I do appreciate those who spend all their time on the everyday citizens, of course. I sure couldn't do it. Unique gifts."

Speaking heartily to Mother, Chamorr asks, "Why was the farmer's crops not ruined?"

Aleid says, "On one hand you have a group of citizens, trying to look out for one another and make sure all are taken care of."

Cryheart says, "We can appreciate the intervention, but the method."

Aleid says, "While on the other hand..."

Mother softly says, "I have no way to deal with the orbs in place."

Mother nods to Leafiara.

Leafiara nods understandingly at Mother.

Aleid says, "...you have a group of citizens, trying to look out for one another and make sure all are taken care of."

Leafiara snaps her fingers.

Stormyrain says, "Pardon me, all."

Leafiara sheepishly says, "Was worth a try."

Stormyrain says, "I have..other things to do than listen to the rest of this--conversation."

Nazriel says, "Aye, excuse me. This doesn't look like business meant for me."

Mother grins. [I assume in response to Leafi, but could be Stormy as well]

Stormyrain says, "I will go find Thadston."

Shinann says, "Let me know."

Mother softly says, "Don't bother. The man is cowering in his barracks."

Speaking to Mother, Zosopage says, "When something like this happens we should all decide what to do. All the law enforcers of the town that is."

Balley softly says, "I should find my bed, before I die or get murdered again."

Dretta says, "What a day to visit the Landing..."

Aleid says, "Well, this is mere stuff and nonsense, and I think I'll go to bed myself."

Stormyrain offers, "Mmhm."

Speaking to Mother, Evia says, "And how would you know."

Mother softly says, "Face his son again? He wouldn't dare."

Mother softly says, "Mother knows all dear."

Mother nods at Evia.

Speaking to Zosopage, Leafiara says, "Sometimes--and I'm not saying this was necessarily one of those nights--there's no time to think before acting."

Balley softly says, "This thing tickles I shall never sleep."

Stormyrain snaps, "That's not his son, that's a corpse being controlled by a Witch!"

Stormyrain turns around.

Chamorr heartily says, "Enough a this."

Stormyrain just went west.

Speaking quietly to Mother, Neelin says, "Except how to deal with the orbs."

Mother softly says, "Then bury it."

Speaking to Leafiara, Zosopage says, "That is true."

Mother steps back into the shadows of an alley.

Evia says, "Good riddance and stay there."

Lazaryth says, "She's probably a redhead too."

Leafiara befuddledly says, "Sheesh, all the calm and collected people are, well--losing their cool tonight."

Lazaryth says, "Maybe someday we'll find out."

Cryheart says, "Well..if arrogancy was a prize, she sure won it."

Balley softly says, "I stil want to know why I got this bug in my arm."

Balley softly says, "I guess I will find out."

Cryheart says, "Ok..head back to Moot Hall."

Dragauth deeply says, "I haven't lost my cool just yet."

A sleek black arrow comes flying out of the shadows and strikes Berkana in the throat!

... 39 points of damage!

Incredible shot clean through the throat severs the spine!

Berkana drops dead at your feet!!