Witchful Thinking - 2019-11-18 - Laking the Final Test (log)

Eoantos 18-19, 5119

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

Summary

• As a crowd gathers at Moot Hall in anticipation of Pylasar's arrival, they're instead met by Walkar. He explains the guards only let him out briefly--as he points to a sandwich in his hand--and he's now returning to the Brass Tower. Before that, though, Maylan delivers a letter to him and Walkar says he's asked for materials or maps surrounding the Bleaklands since he suspects Kiske may be there. He leaves afterward, saying he hopes to meet with everyone again later in the week to discuss a plan to go there.

• Pylasar's purple lightning hits the ground and a slimy purple grub crawls out of the trash barrel and starts to sprout limbs. [[::Animal Companion (630)|Owliver]] attacks it, but it shakes and glides away--only for Kobant to skewer it with a javelin! However, purple ooze drips from Kobant's eyes and forms into a pillar, revealing Pylasar alive and well! He has Sir Cryheart lead onward to Lake Eonak once more.

• He says Thadston's working up battle plans to deal with [[::Brumas Brightforge|Brumas]] and meeting with Grand Magister Octaven, then will speak to everyone during the week after things are settled. Meanwhile, though, there's that possible new paragon Raznel made to replace [[::Larsya_Caulfield|Larsya]]. He thinks he actually might have helped make that one too and wants to explore a last memory, thinking that if he's right then the last paragon will be at a present-day location.

• With no [[::Chrysamber Epoch|Chrysamber]] present to record while testing the theory, Pylasar instead asks Captain Stormyrain to aid him in a blood ritual and cut him when needed. She agrees after some clarification and helps cut his palms to spill blood into the water.

• Memories form of [[::The_Rone_Resurgence_-_5118-10-05_and_5118-10-07_-_Two_Tales_of_Larsya#Light_of..._Hope.3F|the night Larsya was being cured]], as Rachel's voice is heard saying "Another one then Peter...another one." Rachel claws into her skin to form the words "Feastday, 6 Jastatos, 5118"--the same thing Larsya had clawed into her skin that night. Peter touches the words on Rachel's arm...

• Pylasar switches to another memory, saying "Fire with fire... blood with blood," and images form of a natural trail leading through thick trees, surrounded by mostly undisturbed ground, leading to a small outpost. Before it can be considered any further, orcish grunts come from the lake...

• Pylasar realizes Raznel knows. He tries to move to shore, but freezes as beads of blood appear on his forehead--and suddenly Raznel's got control of his body! He rips skin from his forehead to bleed into the lake, and soon several witchworms assault the gathered crowd as Pylasar aids them with [[::Grasp of the Grave (709)|Grasp of the Grave]]! Though the witchworms are immune to magic, adventurers eventually kill them all and take heavy casualties along the way.

• As Pylasar regains control, he apologizes, saying he knew there was a risk. However, Raznel didn't stop him in time--he doesn't know who the paragon is, but can get everyone to the pocket where it's found. He admits not knowing what to expect since he helped shape the previous landscapes and tried to create a world the paragons might enjoy, but wonders if the witch could have found a time pocket. Pylasar says he began the worlds, but going from everyone's reports, the paragons expanded it--especially Brumas walking among everyone. He says he'll know more soon and be ready for the Eve of the Huntress or Feastday.

Highlights

Leifa asks, "Folks interested in some pretty colors?"
Speaking deeply to Leifa, Guarrin says, "A nice mauve perhaps."
Leifa recites:
"Join up for Guarrin's favorite color mauve"
Chamorr heartily says, "Mauve, what is mauve."
Chamorr heartily asks, "Green?"
Speaking flatly to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "No."
Leafiara says, "It's kinda a... magenta-ish."
Maags traces a sign while petitioning the spirits for cognition...
Maags gestures at Guarrin.
A dim aura surrounds Guarrin.
Speaking to Maags, Leifa asks, "Does the dim make the mauve more of a taupe?"
Chamorr heartily asks, "Taupe?"
Chamorr heartily says, "Is that grey, like duck taupe."

Pukk pokes Walkar in the ribs.
Pukk says, "He's real."

Speaking softly to Walkar, Wintersylph asks, "Been a very long time since we last met Wellington, right around the time ya hung me for a quick little smooch, remembers that?"
Walkar grins at Wintersylph.

Some townspeople pass by and slow, many taking a moment to gawk at Walkar, some staring in disbelief and suspicion, others outright admiring from afar.
Walkar says, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to draw such attention."
Speaking to Walkar, Leafiara suggests, "Could always get a mask, though not everyone's very fond of those..."
Lylia dryly remarks, "Unavoidable, unless you wish to wear a mask and gauntlets. And then, depending on the ones you choose, you might draw a different sort of attention."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Lylia.
Lylia winks at Leafiara.
Lylia nods knowingly.

Still asleep, the grub grows a second arm and two legs.
Kobant throws a vultite javelin at a slimy purple grub!
AS: +478 vs DS: +18 with AvD: +27 + d100 roll: +63 = +550
... and hits for 210 points of damage!
Strike through both ears, the purple grub is quite dead!
The grub rolls over and dies.
The grub-Pylasar dies and Raznel wins.

Kobant begins to cough and his dark eyes turn purple.
Purple ooze drips from Kobant's eyes and form into a jelly-like pillar that soon takes shape into Pylasar!
Pylasar picks chestnut hairs out of his mouth.
Pylasar spits.
Pylasar says, "Man, that was close."
Pylasar says, "I had two exits. Your eyes and...."
Pylasar says, "Whew. Glad I made the right turn."

Speaking softly to Pylasar, Wintersylph exclaims, "So a Javelin directly through the Head, but managed NOT to hit any vital organ? That says it all!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Ysharra says, "I'm no seer, but I'm certain this won't be the last time we follow a madman to test a wild theory.  With or without murder spiders."
Speaking heartily to Ysharra, Chamorr says, "Don't we always."
Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee mutters, "They accept the spiders, but a lack of proper experimental method is never an issue."

Log

Idle Chatter

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the Carefyre disk, a black-toed saddleback foxhound, the Skipjack disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, the Biinc disk, an ancient cinereous vulture that is flying around, the Othael disk, the Aderion disk, some stone benches with some stuff on it and an herbal remedy donation bin. Also here: Nroth, Dreyzin who is sitting, Event Planner Leafiara, Journeywoman Carefyre, Leifa, Lord Chamorr, Skipjack, Shinann, Magister Raelee, Isterio, Biinc, Trallihn who is lying down, Zaxabar, Sir Cryheart, Zaneon who is sitting, Alondir, Othael, Lord Oldale, Kobant, Aderion who is sitting, Skyz

The sky is filled with a blanket of low clouds, pale and unmoving. Sounds seem muffled and the air feels thick and takes on a quiet stillness.

Othael curiously asks, "Has much happened since the visit to the Graveyard?"

Cryheart says, "We found a paragon."

Speaking to Cryheart, Othael asks, "Oh?"

Cryheart says, "Harland the bastard."

Othael says, "I left once a visit was paid to the hound."

Speaking to himself, Skipjack says, "I was woried it was me..."

Leafiara distantly says, "Just Brumas and the mystery paragon left. We're closing in."

Cryheart says, "A son of a past Empress and a high priest of Koar."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "And to rescue Kiske."

Speaking musingly to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "Only if that's really Walkar."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Maags exclaims, "Sleepieshead!"

Skipjack says, "Walkar...don't tell me that rotting bag a bones is back..."

Speaking to Cryheart, Maags says, "What are yous up to tonight."

Speaking to Trallihn, Skipjack says, "We need a good grave digger to put him back to rest."

Speaking to Skipjack, Leifa asks, "The old mayor?"

Speaking cautiously to Skipjack, Leafiara says, "Well, something looking like him is back and has a lot of his memories."

Speaking to Skipjack, Leafiara acknowledges, "I don't think it's him, but others have different thoughts."

Maags says, "I find it hard to believe Walkar is back despite that face I saw in the window."

Skipjack says, "That's what ya get for sub standard funeral services."

Cryheart says, "Aye."

Speaking to Skipjack, Othael says, "I believe it's him, but there is much to be seen sitll."

Leafiara says, "A golem, an illusion, a doppelganger, a projection from a paragon--could be anything."

Rainedrop quietly says, "Aw."

Speaking to Cryheart, Othael asks, "Are we forming up on you?"

Speaking heartily to Skipjack, Chamorr says, "Shoulda buried him deeper."

Cryheart asks, "Aye?"

Leafiara adds, "And he was pretty adamant about not seeing Winston."

Leafiara notes, "Very suspicious."

Cryheart says, "Ye trying to weigh me down."

Rainedrop scratches her fingernails on a poofy piebald flop-eared kitten.

Leifa says, "I have a sign from when he was mayor saying that he must go...wonder if I pulled it out now...."

Rainedrop quietly exclaims, "I love you kitten!"

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Wintersylph asks, "I was married to Walkar, did you know that?"

Speaking deeply to Cryheart, Guarrin exclaims, "Oh aye, my evil plot foiled!"

Speaking to Cryheart, Othael responds, "Word has spread, some beings are marching this way from the glacier."

Speaking amusedly to Wintersylph, Leafiara says, "I doubt it since he's saying he married Kiske."

Skipjack says, "Good luck puttin him back where he belongs..."

Cryheart asks, "Say what?"

Speaking deeply to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Guarrin asks, "What's your evil plot?"

The coppery barn owl hoots at Guarrin.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Guarrin.

Skipjack says, "You know what ya have to do with the undead."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Wintersylph says, "That was after I divorced him, so don't doubt."

Leifa offhandedly says, "Haven't seen Kiske in ages."

Maylan: "Has anyone checked on Walkar recently?"

Leafiara says, "Apparently Kiske hadn't been back here since Lormesta... ten months ago."

Shinann: "I just went to the tower."

Maylan: "He is well?"

Leifa asks, "Folks interested in some pretty colors?"

Speaking deeply to Leifa, Guarrin says, "A nice mauve perhaps."

Leifa recites:

"Join up for Guarrin's favorite color mauve"

Maags says, "That is almos as bad as orange."

Leafiara amicably says, "Hey, works for me."

Leafiara exclaims, "It is a natural color! On some flowers!"

Speaking deeply to Maags, Guarrin says, "Almost."

Chamorr heartily says, "Mauve, what is mauve."

Chamorr heartily asks, "Green?"

Speaking flatly to Chamorr, Leafiara says, "No."

Speaking to Guarrin, Maags says, "Almost indeed. It almos is not horrid."

Leafiara says, "It's kinda a... magenta-ish."

Chamorr heartily says, "Purpley green."

Speaking to Leafiara, Maags exclaims, "Has to squint veries hard!"

Maags says, "Yous know."

Speaking heartily to Maags, Chamorr says, "You look taller this ways."

Leifa asks, "I did colors, but let's change mauve to something more...battle worthy?"

Cryheart says, "Let's blend in with the snow."

Maags exclaims, "Pink!"

Chamorr heartily says, "Sanguine."

Chamorr heartily says, "Color o' blood."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Maags says, "Problies yous has yous own magic."

Lylia traces an arcane sigil in the air, but something goes wrong, causing an explosion of demonic energy.

... 25 points of damage!

Waves of nausea spread from stomach, incapacitating Lylia.

She is knocked to the ground!

She is stunned!

Leifa says, "Oh dear."

Leafiara sheepishly says, "Getting noisy out here."

Cryheart says, "That worked Owly."

Chamorr heartily says, "Now, why she do that."

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

Maags gestures at Guarrin.

A dim aura surrounds Guarrin.

Lylia admits, "Arrogance to try to summon something here."

Speaking to Maags, Leifa asks, "Does the dim make the mauve more of a taupe?"

Cryheart says, "Well..ye survived."

Speaking to Cryheart, Lylia says, "Just an arashan."

Cryheart says, "Ahhh."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Pukk exclaims, "Nice sand you have there!"

Speaking to Leifa, Maags says, "Hopefullies."

Chamorr heartily asks, "Taupe?"

Maags says, "Unmauve regardless."

Chamorr heartily says, "Is that grey, like duck taupe."

Speaking thoughtfully to Shinann, Leafiara asks, "No word on tracking down Thrayzar, I assume?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Shinann says, "The guards would be the first to know."

Shinann says, "If I knew."

A bolt of purple light streaks across the snow-filled sky.

Guarrin deeply says, "Oh."

Pukk recites:

"Everybody join Cryheart!"

Cryheart says, "Moving east..reallly soon."

Leafiara musingly says, "Wonder if Pylasar wants to test his... 'theory.'"

Cryheart says, "Moving."

[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 and a large purple wooden barrel.

Also here: Event Planner Leafiara, Aculina, Guarrin, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Melikor, Xorus, Mayor Lylia, Lady Staceyrain, Bernadette, Chaoswynd, Lady Wintersylph, Maags, Leifa, Lord Chamorr, Sir Cryheart, Shinann

Leifa says, "Purple haze up in the sky."

Speaking to Leifa, Leafiara says, "It's the sign of Pylasar, our resident goofball purple mage."

Cryheart forages briefly and manages to find a wild carrot!

Cryheart offers Maylan a wild carrot.

Cryheart says, "For the horse."

Maylan accepts Cryheart's wild carrot.

Gently sniffing at the wild carrot in Maylan's palm, a chunky apricot-hued cob opens his mouth around her offering and pulls it into his mouth with his flapping lips. He begins to chew vigorously, bobbing his head up and down as if offering her a gesture of gratitude.

Speaking merrily to Cryheart, Maylan exclaims, "Thank you!"

Leifa says, "Stating the obvious."

Speaking heartily to Maylan, Chamorr says, "Howdy."

Cryheart says, "Welcome."

Maags says, "Sweet sweet pony."

Maags removes a plush chestnut toy pony fitted with a polished dark leather saddle from in her linen carryall.

Walkar's Plans

Walkar just limped in.

Speaking to Maags, Maylan says, "His name is Chonker."

Maags's chestnut toy pony shrieks in protest as she pulls it in for a hug, "Assault! I demand the constable!"

Cryheart says, "Some day perhaps, Miss Maags."

Speaking curiously to Walkar, Leafiara asks, "You've been let out, huh?"

Maags says, "Uh."

Cryheart says, "Errr."

Speaking concernedly to Walkar, Maylan asks, "Are you ill?"

Cryheart asks, "How did ye get out?"

Shinann says, "I got no orders to let you out."

Speaking curiously to Walkar, Leafiara observes, "And are you injured? Walking with a limp there."

Othael asks, "Did Pylasar let him out?"

Walkar says, "No I am fine. A little sore."

Speaking to Walkar, Leifa asks, "Brought me a sandwich?"

Walkar says, "Do not hold it against the guards. I am out only briefly."

Walkar indicates a hearty mutton sandwich as a possible option.

Speaking heartily to Walkar, Chamorr asks, "Out fer a stroll, are we?"

Speaking to Walkar, Pukk asks, "You dropped the soap did you?"

Lylia says, "He is not, strictly speaking, a prisoner."

Shinann says, "Umm."

Speaking to Walkar, Maylan says, "Well mister, while you're here I do have a letter for you."

Cryheart asks, "On a furlough ye say?"

Walkar says, "I'm returning to the brass tower right now."

Maylan offers Walkar a pale sheet of vellum.

Walkar put a hearty mutton sandwich in his wicker basket.

Walkar accepts Maylan's sheet of vellum.

Leafiara slowly says, "Ahh, I see. Quick round of food, got it."

Avalera says, "Well, I have to say, while rumors do run amok in this town, this one seems to have some merit."

Maags says, "If yous can leave as yous please what is the point."

Walkar opens his vellum, scanning its contents.

Walkar nods at Maylan.

Walkar bows to Maylan.

Walkar says, "Thank you."

Maylan nods at Walkar.

Walkar says, "I've asked for some materials or maps surrounding these Bleaklands."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh which rumors? Most of them are mine! I take pride in the ones I start!"

Walkar says, "I suspect Kiske may be there."

Avalera blinks at Pukk.

Avalera says, "That one."

Avalera points at Walkar.

Speaking quietly to Xorus, Ysharra says, "Maybe later."

Speaking heartily to Lylia, Chamorr says, "Great job da guards is doin."

Maylan says, "If she is, my doodad will find her."

Leafiara says, "Hopefully you have better luck getting those materials than Thadston's had."

Othael confusedly asks, "Kiske is the wife, yes?"

Pukk says, "Nope, not my rumor."

'Walkar nods at Othael.

Pukk pokes Walkar in the ribs.

Pukk says, "He's real."

Othael comments, "Sorry, brushing up on my research of the town and its inhabitants."

Speaking softly to Walkar, Wintersylph asks, "Been a very long time since we last met Wellington, right around the time ya hung me for a quick little smooch, remembers that?"

Speaking to Othael, Leafiara acknowledges, "It's a lot to take in."

Walkar grins at Wintersylph.

Walkar put a pale sheet of vellum in his wicker basket.

Corrig: "Sick ah dis snow!"

Cryheart says, "Evening."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Thats true."

Lylia: "It keeps the stink down. There are advantages."

Some townspeople pass by and slow, many taking a moment to gawk at Walkar, some staring in disbelief and suspicion, others outright admiring from afar.

Othael responds, "Indeed. Although I'm primarily here for the sake of protecting the mayor."

Speaking to Walkar, Leifa says, "Quite the ladies man."

Speaking to Avalera, Maags says, "From the outside, yes."

Othael: "Always remember, do not eat the yellow snow."

Walkar says, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to draw such attention."

Speaking to Walkar, Pukk whispers aloud, "You play your cards right, you might be able to be Mayor next year."

Walkar says, "Just grabbing a meal, and returning."

Cryheart says, "It is to be expected."

Walkar looks over at Pukk and shakes his head.

Speaking to Walkar, Maylan says, "Folks are just excited, is all."

Walkar says, "I am not long for here."

Speaking to Walkar, Leafiara suggests, "Could always get a mask, though not everyone's very fond of those..."

Speaking to Walkar, Pukk asks, "You're not that crazy then?"

Lylia dryly remarks, "Unavoidable, unless you wish to wear a mask and gauntlets. And then, depending on the ones you choose, you might draw a different sort of attention."

Avalera wryly says, "I was expecting Peter."

Leafiara nods knowingly at Lylia.

Lylia winks at Leafiara.

Lylia nods knowingly.

Leifa remarks, "Walkar has been the Mayor and that didn't go so well."

A bolt of purple lightning streaks across the sky.

Walkar gazes up into the heavens.

Maags says, "Walkar was a good mayor."

Walkar says, "It appears you still might."

Speaking to Walkar, Maylan says, "We have another visitor coming."

Lylia says, "Urnon fist in a velvet glove."

Avalera says, "I always worry out here in all this metal with all the purple."

Pukk asks, "Okay, who let the purple lightning out of the house?"

Leifa says, "Matter of opinion."

Maags exclaims, "As most things!"

Walkar asks, "I'll be along and leave you to your night. Perhaps we can all meet again this week?"

Cryheart says, "His purple hazeness is arriving."

Chamorr heartily says, "Our purple Pylasar psychopath."

Speaking to Walkar, Lylia says, "I would like that."

Chamorr heartily says, "Peter."

Walkar says, "Discuss what we know of the Bleaklands and a plan to go there."

Leafiara evenly says, "Mm, don't see why not."

Speaking to Walkar, Maylan says, "Yes, you have my full support."

Walkar says, "Something in me tells me she is there. I can't quite explain it."

Speaking to Chamorr, Ysharra says, "I don't think you've ever said anything so true."

Speaking to Walkar, Maylan says, "We will have help from the spirit world. I have seen to it."

Speaking to Walkar, Berkana asks, "Can we take that... thing... with us?"

Walkar says, "Goodnight everyone."

Walkar nods.

Berkana glances at a polished bleakstone statue.

Speaking heartily to Ysharra, Chamorr says, "It could happen."

Walkar removes a hearty mutton sandwich from in his wicker basket.

Walkar just went east.

Speaking to Berkana, Lylia says, "Oh, I am wounded, Berkana. It is a work of art."

Lylia admits, "I may be biased."

Maags says, "So everybodies has been convinced that is the true Walkar? I was not here when he arrived."

Speaking to Maags, Othael says, "Not everyone it seems."

Speaking to Maags, Maylan says, "It was Winston who convinced me."

Speaking casually to Maags, Leafiara says, "Nah, many still doubt. I do too."

Maags says, "Alrights."

Avalera says, "I have no reason to believe anything one way or the other."

Speaking heartily to Maags, Chamorr says, "Not entirely, but he's here."

Berkana asks, "Speaking of... did Winston recognize Walkar?"

Speaking to Berkana, Maylan says, "He did, from afar. He caught his scent."

Speaking to Maylan, Goldstr asks, "Winston saw him?"

Cryheart says, "We heard him howling the other evening."

Maylan says, "Not saw, smelled."

Pukk says, "No it turns out, somebody had some sausage in their bag."

Pylasar's Troubled Arrival

A flash of purple lightning strikes the ground and a puff of lavender smoke erupts from the purple wooden barrel outside of Moot Hall!

Avalera says, "I was in Barret's Gorge when he...allegedly died, I suppose."

Goldstr says, "Ahhh."

Maylan says, "And the poor fella got worked up in the worst way, only to be utterly disappointed."

Felita exclaims, "Oo purple!"

Cryheart says, "When we went to Thrak's Inn afore, he smelled several folks."

Maags says, "Jus quite difficult to believe. Also Winston can be manipulated."

Speaking to Goldstr, Ysharra says, "I wouldn't...trust that. I don't think a dog howling meets most investigative standards."

Speaking to a large purple wooden barrel, Leafiara prompts, "C'mon out!"

Lylia says, "He howled and pined a bit, but I would not ascribe motives to a hound."

Maags says, "Or .... duplicated."

Cryheart says, "Good landing Peter."

Speaking heartily to a large purple wooden barrel, Chamorr says, "We know yer in there."

Berkana asks, "That barrel going to catch on fire?"

Speaking to a large purple wooden barrel, Pukk says, "You're surrounded."

Cryheart says, "Hopefully nae."

Speaking to Lylia, Maylan says, "I've never seen him like that before."

Kobant asks, "Did I win?"

Maylan says, "It was no coincidence, surely."

A slimy purple grub oozes out of the barrel and crawls down the side.

Speaking to Maylan, Maags says, "An old handkercheif in the pocket could do that."

A slimy purple grub just arrived!

Pukk says, "Ooh."

Dipping into a lazy dive, the coppery barn owl glides to the ground and lands.

Othael says, "A bug! Owlee may get it."

The grub begins to grow an arm.

Chamorr heartily says, "Ewwww."

Kobant draws a glowing pattern in the air before a slimy purple grub.

A slimy purple grub's eyes roll up into its head as its body goes limp on the ground.

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

Leafiara gestures.

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

The grub snores.

Cryheart says, "Owly, dinnae grab the grub."

Lylia says, "For all we know, the animal whined because he recognized the look but not the scent of his lost person. He cannot speak to tell us what distressed him."

Chamorr heartily says, "Step on it, quick."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Ysharra says, "I don't think this is the sort of ooze that impregnates people."

Speaking amicably to a slimy purple grub, Leafiara exclaims, "Wake up!"

Pukk exclaims, "Get it!"

Leifa says, "Don't get it on your sandals."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Ysharra says, "I remember that well enough."

Speaking quietly to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Falvicar asks, "Hungry for grub?"

Warclaidh says, "It's a grub of implosion. If you kill it, the whole town dies."

Speaking to Maags, Maylan says, "Walkar's grave was empty. There were no old articles or mementos to pick up. Nay, Winston sniffed out his friend as sure as Helga is fat and ugly."

Speaking to Ysharra, Lazaryth says, "Oh, so do I."

Othael says, "Fast little bugger."

A look of concentration briefly passes across Leafiara's face.

The sense of peace and security begins to wane from the area.

Speaking to Ysharra, Lazaryth says, "I'm glad you can joke about it now."

Speaking to Maylan, Maags says, "Quite certain an old momento could be found."

Still asleep, the grub grows a second arm and two legs.

The sense of peace and security passes away from the area.

Chamorr heartily says, "More like a roach than a grub."

A spotted great horned owl lunges forward and rakes his talons across a slimy purple grub faster than it can react!

... 25 points of damage!

Berkana says, "Nice."

The coppery barn owl hoots at a spotted great horned owl.

Pukk says, "Oh wait..."

The coppery barn owl hoots at a spotted great horned owl.

Cryheart says, "That was nae Owly."

Leafiara slowly says, "Well alright then."

Chamorr heartily says, "Excellent."

Speaking to a slimy purple grub, Maylan says, "Well do you sorta look like owl food."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Ysharra says, "I can only shed so many tears for your outfit, that night."

The grub shakes and glides away from the owl.

Cryheart says, "That was the Owliver."

A quick flick of Kobant's wrist sends a vultite javelin into flight!

Kobant throws a vultite javelin at a slimy purple grub!

AS: +478 vs DS: +18 with AvD: +27 + d100 roll: +63 = +550

... and hits for 210 points of damage!

Strike through both ears, the purple grub is quite dead!

The grub rolls over and dies.

Kobant says, "Whoops."

Leafiara muses, "Should've left the sanct up after all."

Speaking to Kobant, Maags exclaims, "So strong!"

The grub-Pylasar dies and Raznel wins.

Kobant says, "Javelin slipped."

Speaking to Lylia, Berkana says, "And this is why we cannot have nice things."

Kobant searches a slimy purple grub.

A slimy purple grub decays into compost.

Cryheart says, "Ey, dinnae blame Owly."

Maags exclaims, "Lesson learned hopes!"

Speaking heartily to Kobant, Chamorr says, "Really, I hope ya has deeds."

Kobant says, "Dwarf bards for the win."

Maylan exclaims, "Some owls eat more than donuts!"

Speaking to Kobant, Yakushi says, "I knew you would be great one day."

Speaking to Kobant, Pukk exclaims, "He is our villain!"

Warclaidh says, "Let's kill Kobant and avenge grub-Pylasar."

Speaking to Maylan, Maags says, "Fake ones."

Lylia wearily says, "If we could perhaps settle down..."

Kobant begins to cough and his dark eyes turn purple.

Kobant says, "You guys could just give me a hug."

Leafiara musingly says, "Well, as disturbing as that is, now we need to figure out the last paragon without him..."

Bernadette softly says, "Ye was right."

Cryheart says, "Revenge."

Speaking heartily to Kobant, Chamorr says, "Seeya."

Speaking cautiously to Kobant, Leafiara says, "Well, this could be interesting. And ugly, probably."

Speaking to Kobant, Ysharra says, "I don't envy you."

Othael comments, "Purple explosion I imagine."

Purple ooze drips from Kobant's eyes and form into a jelly-like pillar that soon takes shape into Pylasar!

Pukk exclaims, "I bet Kobant explodes!"

Cryheart says, "He will probably grow a purple nose now."

Pylasar dusts himself off.

Pylasar dusts himself off.

Guarrin deeply whispers aloud, "Look. More mauve."

Maylan says, "Now THAT'S an entrance."

Speaking to Pylasar, Lylia says, "Good evening."

Othael disappointedly says, "That was a sad ending."

Speaking to a poofy piebald flop-eared kitten, Maags says, "He is more hungries than playful. play with the cloaked figure."

Speaking to Pylasar, Leafiara marvels, "I almost don't even wanna know."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra says, "Hello, Peter."

Zosopage says, "The purple gave it away."

Felita exclaims, "Ye fun!"

Chamorr heartily says, "Awwww."

Kobant looks at Pylasar and hums.

Pylasar picks chestnut hairs out of his mouth.

Chamorr heartily says, "I was hopin fer a head explodin."

Pylasar spits.

Pylasar frowns at Kobant.

Speaking to Pylasar, Kobant asks, "Are we together forever?"

Pylasar says, "Man, that was close."

Warclaidh says, "He will always be inside you Kobant."

Speaking to Kobant, Leafiara advises, "Be careful about the meaning of 'forever' with this one..."

Pylasar says, "I had two exits. Your eyes and...."

Speaking to Kobant, Leifa says, "Like plums of a feather."

Pylasar says, "Whew. Glad I made the right turn."

Zosopage says, "Exit stage left."

Diamondelille says, "I tot there was purple fun goin on."

Pylasar says, "I see I missed Walkar."

Pylasar says, "What a strange thing to see."

Speaking to Pylasar, Maylan says, "Only just."

Lylia says, "Only barely."

Speaking heartily to Gutstorm, Dwi says, "It's da mayer...."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra asks, "We see stranger things every week-end. Dead and undead mayors were all the rage, a few seasons ago, yes?"

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "I'm so glad you set a new trend."

Speaking to Ysharra, Lylia says, "I prefer living mayors, personally."

Dwi heartily says, "My noggin herts."

Speaking to Maags, Kobant says, "I need a donut."

Pukk says, "They are having a lovers spat now."

Felita says, "Dun hurt misser Pylasar."

Pukk glances between Pylasar and Kobant.

Speaking to Kobant, Maags says, "My ingredients go bad here latelies."

Speaking to Razanetika, Siggurd asks, "Are guards and blurs needed?"

Theorizing

Pylasar says, "Alright..."

'Pylasar says, "So..."

Pylasar says, "I want to test something."

Dwi heartily says, "I needs snitch some noggin fixer."

Speaking to Kobant, Maags says, "Onlies fresh mana tarts if yous eat fast."

Speaking softly to Pylasar, Wintersylph exclaims, "So a Javelin directly through the Head, but managed NOT to hit any vital organ? That says it all!"

Pylasar exclaims, "...and I am very glad you are here!"

Chamorr heartily says, "Uhoh."

Pylasar nods at Stormyrain.

Pylasar joins Cryheart's group.

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra says, "You mentioned that."

Leafiara says, "The theory you mentioned..."

Pylasar exclaims, "To the LAKE!"

Stormyrain can offer Pylasar only a blank expression.

Lylia asks, "Excellent. What did you have in mind?"

Cryheart recites:

"Moving in three"

Speaking to herself, Stormyrain mutters, "Great."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Oh, good, couldn't go without one more lake trip."

Maags quickly prompts, "Threetwoone!"

Speaking to Pylasar, Kobant says, "Did I win."

Cryheart recites:

"Two"

Chamorr heartily says, "Last time he tested sumthin he released a bigarse demon."

Speaking to Kobant, Pukk says, "Sometime in the next two weeks you will be having babies."

Cryheart recites:

"Moving"

[travel begins]

Speaking sincerely to Lazaryth, Leafiara says, "I really am gonna miss these if we survive. It's a routine by now."

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]

You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. You also see a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees and a cedar chip path.

Also here: Guarrin, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Melikor, Xorus, Mayor Lylia, Lady Staceyrain, Bernadette, Chaoswynd, Lady Wintersylph, Maags, Leifa, Lord Chamorr, Great Lady Wyrden, Othael, Land Pirate Maylan, Avalera, Ysharra, Lazaryth, Lady Alisette, Falvicar, Death Knight Warclaidh, Arasleaf, Mistress Berkana, Goldstr, Lord Pylasar, Event Planner Leafiara, Kobant, Rasson, Zosopage, Felita, Diamondelille, Stormyrain, Razanetika, Alakazim, Zaxabar, Aleid, Sir Cryheart

Speaking to Leafiara, Ysharra says, "I have a feeling that this environment will often attract...attention."

Speaking to Leafiara, Ysharra says, "I'm no seer, but I'm certain this won't be the last time we follow a madman to test a wild theory. With or without murder spiders."

Cryheart: "If anyone wants to join a group by the Lake Eonak, Pylasar is going to test something."

Speaking deeply to Ysharra, Guarrin says, "Usually have to pay extra for the murder spiders."

Speaking to Ysharra, Lazaryth says, "That's it. You said it out loud."

Lazaryth says, "Here they come."

Speaking heartily to Ysharra, Chamorr says, "Don't we always."

Speaking to Ysharra, Leafiara remarks, "Works for me. But I meant the nearly-weekly trips will probably be in the past."

Leifa says, "Careful of rabid ferrets."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Ysharra says, "You weren't having any fun yet, anyway."

Pylasar slowly empties his lungs.

Pylasar says, "Okay so..."

Maylan asks, "So, what are we testing?"

Pylasar says, "We've one to two paragons remaining."

Ysharra says, "Brumas."

Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee mutters, "They accept the spiders, but a lack of proper experimental method is never an issue."

Speaking heartily to Leifa, Dwi asks, "Rabbit barrettes?"

Ysharra says, "And the theory."

Pylasar says, "Brumas, somewhere in the Bleaklands..."

Pylasar says, "Likely beneath Doggoroth Keep."

Speaking to Dwi, Leifa says, "Ferrets live here and everything is diseased."

Pylasar says, "Thadston is working up some battle plans as we speak. He's meeting with ice lady."

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Ice lady? ...Octaven?" [pure guess since I actually can't remember any previous indication of what Octaven's element is]

Ysharra asks, "...the ice lady?"

Pylasar says, "He said he'll speak to you all this week once some things are settled."

Pylasar nods at Ysharra.

Ysharra says, "Raelee uses fire, most oft-"

Pylasar says, "Octi."

Othael asks, "Mayor of Icemule?"

Ysharra says, "Ah."

Othael asks, "She's an ice mage, yes?"

(OOC) Dwi's player whispers to the group, "Dis is when Pukk says... ice ice lady."

Pylasar says, "Oh, maybe."

Pylasar exclaims, "She's as cold as one!"

Speaking to Pylasar, Kobant says, "Hi."

Speaking to Othael, Leafiara says, "She's an empath. He's talking about Grand Magister Octaven."

Othael exclaims, "Oh!"

(OOC) Dwi's player whispers to the group, "Cause he's a doofus."

Pylasar says, "But I have a feeling Raznel has made a new paragon to replace Larsya."

Lazaryth says, "Good. Somehow everyone here seems to have that feeling too."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra asks, "Is that what we're here to test?"

Maags says, "That is some talent."

Leafiara says, "Question is how to figure out who or where since you didn't help with this one. No memories to delve into..."

Dwi heartily asks, "Is der gonna be ghosties?"

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "Last time he tested a theory, he made a butterfly, that morphed into a demon."

Speaking to Kobant, Maags says, "Everybodies has a talent."

Speaking abruptly to Chamorr, Leafiara asks, "Wait, what?"

Pylasar says, "Except..."

Pylasar says, "I might have."

Wintersylph softly says, "Dat sounds actually...fun."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr says, "True, and it kilt most folks helpin."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra says, "Stop halting every few seconds for suspense and spit it out."

Pylasar says, "I don't know for certain, but, with all of these memories being explored..."

Leafiara adds, "Either that or we just get to the experiment and test."

Pylasar says, "I feel the need to explore one more."

Pylasar says, "But Chrysamber is not here to record it."

(OOC) Othael's player whispers to the group, "I feel the need....the need for speed!"

Pylasar says, "This will be done without her, and on our terms."

Speaking emphatically to Pylasar, Maylan says, "We don't need her."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Wintersylph says, "Dat would suit you just fine, most folks dying, da rescuer, would come in in you in an instance."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra asks, "Can you reach your grounded recollections?"

Pylasar says, "Well, due to the absence of the chrono mage..."

Maags says, "I shant tell on yous."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra asks, "If you need to?"

Pylasar says, "We will need another method."

Pylasar glances at Stormyrain.

Stormyrain glances over her shoulder.

Pylasar says, "We'll need to use blood."

Stormyrain blurts, "What?"

Maylan says, "Blood, that's easy."

Leafiara muses, "It's always blood."

Chamorr points at Leafiara.

Maylan says, "We've got plenty of blood about."

Lylia asks, "Yours?"

Pylasar says, "Mine."

Maags says, "I would think the Magister Raelee has a scribe for all her notes."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lazaryth says, "Took the words right out of my mouth."

Chamorr heartily says, "She records everything."

Stormyrain looks thoughtfully at Pylasar.

Maylan says, "Even easier."

Pylasar asks, "Are you...willing to help?"

Pylasar peers quizzically at Stormyrain.

Speaking slowly to Pylasar, Stormyrain says, "That depends on what you're asking of me."

Speaking to Maags, Raelee says, "I trust my own hand over that of a scribe."

Lazaryth mumbles, "Sometimes I think blood has taken the lead from ale for most popular liquid in this town.."

Pylasar says, "I want to explore something in my mind. I'll need your help."

Pylasar nods at Stormyrain.

Othael says, "Ooh, a mind game."

Speaking to Pylasar, Stormyrain asks, "Yes I understood that, but what role do you see me playing?"

Pylasar takes a pair of unlaced black boots off his feet.

Speaking to Raelee, Maags says, "I spose that is not surprising and is wise. Jus assumed with all yous research yous would has one."

Pylasar says, "Cut me. When needed."

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

Speaking to Pylasar, Maylan offers, "Step into the circle."

Speaking to Pylasar, Warclaidh asks, "Do the voices tell you to kill everyone like mine do?"

Speaking heartily to Stormyrain, Chamorr says, "The really scary bardess."

Dwi heartily says, "Minds games..."

Razanetika softly asks, "Where's Cruxophim?"

Falvicar whispers something to Avalera.

Speaking to Maags, Raelee says, "Only when absolutely required."

Stormyrain twists her head slightly, cracking her neck. She looks relieved.

Speaking to Razanetika, Leafiara says, "He's not the only blood mage, but I know just what ya mean."

Pylasar says, "Because if I'm correct..."

Pylasar says, "We'll be doing more than pursuing a memory of a time past."

Pylasar says, "We'll be pursuing a present location."

Speaking suggestively to Pylasar, Othael adds, "And dying?"

Dwi heartily says, "Shields up folks."

Goldstr says, "Wow."

Lylia murmurs, "Fascinating."

Falvicar quietly says, "Shields are for sissies."

Speaking to Pylasar, Stormyrain offers, "Is there a reason you cannot cut yourself?"

Speaking heartily to Falvicar, Dwi says, "Aye...reminds me o' dat when yer flat onna yer back."

Pylasar asks, "Everyone can sing but they still ask bards you know?"

Stormyrain wrinkles her nose.

Zosopage says, "Them be fighting words."

Speaking softly to Pylasar, Wintersylph says, "Using Blood magic to rid the world of the Bloodwitch, because she uses Blood magic, how Ironic."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra says, "But you were Rachel's partner."

Stormyrain grumbles, "Not everyone can sing."

Speaking smugly to Dwi, Falvicar says, "Feel free to try."

Stormyrain whispers aloud, "Folks just think they can."

Madmountan says, "The ironic is a bit delicious."

Madmountan says, "Irony that is."

Speaking heartily to Falvicar, Dwi says, "I will try to pertect ye...yes I will."

Speaking to Madmountan, Pietra says, "No, you were right, they are both delicious."

Maylan says, "It's Raznel's mental magic I fear more."

Lazaryth appreciatively says, "Wise Maylan."

Throwing his boots over his shoulder, Pylasar wades out into the waters of the lake, stopping once the surface reaches his waist. He turns, looking back to the shore and rolls up the sleeves of his mantle, looking and waiting.

Pylasar glances at Stormyrain.

Stormyrain sighs loudly.

Stormyrain reaches into the sleeve of her ebon blouse and retrieves a bone-hilted serrated faenor dagger.

Stormyrain mutters under her breath.

Speaking heartily to Pylasar, Chamorr says, "I'll cut ya."

Pylasar closes his eyes and holds his arms outward.

Ysharra says, "I suppose he's not too traumatized by being near-drowned."

Dwi heartily exclaims, "Do a back stroke!"

(Stormyrain wades into the lake next to Pylasar and holds his right wrist, placing the blade of her dagger against the palm of his hand.)

Pylasar winces.

'Stormyrain whispers something to Pylasar.

Pylasar says, "Be gentle."

Othael says, "I'm afraid my blade may be too big for this job."

Dwi heartily says, "Dat's da only swimimin I kin do...I always float dat way."

Maylan says, "It's just a bit of blood."

Speaking to Othael, Leafiara agrees, "He does need a precision touch, I think."

Chamorr yells, "Take da whole arm!"

Ysharra offers, "I have thorns. They're small."

Othael says, "Just got to the town, I'd rather not be the villain this fast."

Pylasar moves his hand against Stormyrain's blade, cutting his flesh. His blood spills out from his palm, coating Stormyrain's blade and dripping into the lake.

Maylan says, "See? That wasn't so hard."

Pylasar utters something, his voice sounding younger.

Warclaidh says, "Gonna be a swarm of blood grubs now."

Speaking to Lazaryth, Ysharra teases, "Well, they are."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lazaryth says, "Remind me to never get drinking water from this lake."

Speaking offhandedly to Lazaryth, Leafiara says, "You wouldn't want it even if not for this, with all the iron that gets chucked in here..."

Ysharra says, "It's amazing this town hasn't been taken over by sentient fungi, really."

(Stormyrain moves her blade to Pylasar's left palm and places it against his flesh.)

Speaking thoughtfully to Ysharra, Leafiara asks, "...give it time?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Xorus says, "That can be arranged."

Speaking heartily to Ysharra, Chamorr says, "That was a few years ago."

Speaking to Ysharra, Othael says, "You may have jinxed it now."

Stormyrain whispers something to Pylasar.

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "I'm sure you've got it all in hand. Or pod."

Pukk says, "Ah reminds me of our wedding."

Pylasar drags his other hand across the blade, his blood spilling more into the lake. Soon a blanket of blood spreads out all around him in the water, far more than he has bled so far.

Pylasar slowly empties his lungs.

Cryheart says, "Dinnae eat fish from that lake."

Pylasar closes his eyes and holds his hands beneath the water.

Speaking to Cryheart, Maylan exclaims, "They've got a taste for human blood now!"

Goldstr says, "Dat be lot a blood."

Leafiara mumbles, "As long as he doesn't bleed out, I guess."

Speaking to Cryheart, Maylan exclaims, "Mayhaps our next invasion will be man-eating fish!"

Rasson says, "May have cut a bit deep."

Dwi heartily says, "He should be doin dis inna hot bathtub."

Berkana says, "Hopefully there's no hungry fish in there."

Pukk says, "I thought for sure his blood would be purple."

(Stormyrain moves back from Pylasar, staying ahead of the blanket of blood.)

Speaking heartily to Pukk, Dwi says, "He aint no elf."

The lake begins to stain crimson like a shimmering table of sanguine glass. It churns and images form within the blood water.

Speaking to Berkana, Rasson says, "All the iron in there killed the fish long ago I am sure."

(OOC) Othael's player whispers to the group, "Omg, he made a hot tub time machine guiz."

(Stormyrain cleans her blade while murmuring under her breath.)

Berkana says, "Hmm... my forte. Divination."

Speaking to a white-tailed broom hare, Ysharra says, "I still don't like you. At all."

Speaking softly to Stormyrain, Pietra says, "He did ask you, it is okay."

Zosopage whispers to the group, "These fish are fortified with iron. Very healthy."

Speaking to Pietra, Stormyrain says, "Yes, it was his will--if it had not been it would not be working."

Speaking to a white-tailed broom hare, Lazaryth says, "Shoo."

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Dwi asks, "Ye gonna raise his corpse when he's all bleeded out?"

Recall: Curing Larsya

A shrill voice echoes from the lake, "What is what is it what is it what is it!"

Speaking tentatively to Dwi, Leafiara says, "If it comes to it."

A shrill voice echoes from within the bloody waters, "It hurts it hurts it hurtsithurtsithurts..."

Goldstr asks, "Who be da voice?"

Xorus says, "Larsya."

Goldstr says, "Ahhhh."

Chamorr heartily says, "How do you know these things."

Leafiara says, "Curing her... that night."

Cryheart asks, "Oh no, ye hurting Larsya?"

(OOC) Dwi's player whispers to the group, "Oohh.. a Funkadellic song!"

Aleid says, "I remember her."

Speaking to Chamorr, Maags explains, "He is a professor."

Xorus says, "I was curing her."

Leafiara says, "Thought it sounded familiar--I remember being so bad at trying to calm her down while Evia did great."

Cryheart says, "Ahhh."

Zosopage says, "I remember that."

Within the bloody waters, Zosopage appears and Larsya can be seen baring her teeth, hissing and clawing at him. She spits, thrashes, and she curses.

Speaking heartily to Maags, Chamorr says, "Oh, well that explains it."

Speaking to Zosopage, Leafiara says, "And that would be exactly why you remember it."

Zosopage says, "Yep."

Speaking to Zosopage, Maylan accuses, "What did you do to her?"

Balley softly says, "Someone likes to bite you hon."

Balley softly says, "You must not have been nice."

Zosopage says, "I did nothing but comfort her."

Dwi heartily says, "Good lake."

Speaking skeptically to Zosopage, Maylan says, "She doesn't look very comforted."

The images shift within the bloody waters.

Speaking to Maylan, Zosopage says, "If you were in her shoes, neither would you be."

Leafiara explains, "This was the way of undoing the aging. ...and apparently the paragon process too, though we didn't know that yet."

A woman screams in pain!

Speaking to Zosopage, Maylan concedes, "That is a good point. The poor lass..."

Pylasar hoarsely asks, "What...what is it?"

Cryheart says, "The sound of someone in pain."

Cryheart says, "Sounded like."

From within the lake, Rachel says, "Another one then Peter...another one."

Razanetika whispers something to Leafiara.

Pylasar hoarsely asks, "When...when does it happen?"

Dwi whispers to the group, "What is hip...hipper den hip?"

Leafiara whispers something to Razanetika.

(OOC) Dwi's player whispers to the group, "It was Tower o' Power... I'm dum."

Rachel appears within the bloody waters, sprawled out on the floor next to a bed. Rachel begins to claw at her own skin. Her nails dig, and dig, peeling flesh as she winces. She is fast, unearthly fast, as she carves some words into her flesh, creating a wound. The bloodied words read, "Feastday, 6 Jastatos, 5118."

Leafiara uneasily says, "...mm. I remember that."

Madmountan asks, "What day was that again?"

Xorus says, "That is interesting."

Aleid distantly asks, "Not terribly long before Eve of the Reunion, last year?"

Zosopage says, "One year and one month ago."

Pylasar leans forward in the waters.

Zosopage says, "Plus a few days."

Dwi heartily says, "I dont memmer a few days ago. I hope der aint a test."

Xorus says, "Granted, we did hear Naimorai, that night."

Within the bloody water, Pylasar appears, much younger, as Peter, and he leans forward. He grabs Rachel's wrist, touching his hand to the bloody clawed words on Rachel's arm.

Pylasar hoarsely says, "There it is..."

Pylasar says, "Now..."

Maylan softly says, "At least this vision wasn't as painful as the others."

Forest Outpost

Pylasar begins to chant, raising his hand above the lake. Despite the moisture of the water, one of his palms is covered in dried blood.

Pylasar begins to scratch away the dried blood from one of his hands, letting the old flakes drop and flutter to the surface of the lake and they dissolve away.

The surface of the lake begins to ripple and shift as Pylasar closes his eyes.

Pylasar says, "Fire with fire....blood with blood.."

Images begin to appear within the lake.

Within the lake....a natural trail leads through some thick trees, sunlight warming the ground and surrounding foliage. The ground seems mostly undisturbed, seemingly to have seen little use...

Within the lake...the path continues through the woods, the forest growing thicker as it does. The innate sounds of the woodlands can be heard, from creatures shuffling among the trees, to a bird's squawk further away.

Cryheart says, "That is interesting."

Speaking musingly to Cryheart, Leafiara says, "Not yet it isn't..."

Leafiara mumbles, "Bet it's about to be..."

Within the lake...the forest path ends at the base of a small outpost nestled among the woods. Wide tree canopies above keep the clearing shaded and cool.

Dwi heartily says, "Dem some craggly trees."

Aleid curiously asks, "Where is that?"

Goldstr says, "Different outpost."

Speaking heartily to Chamorr, Dwi says, "Dare ye."

Chamorr heartily asks, "Hidden village?"

Cryheart says, "Outpost."

Pylasar squints.

Chamorr heartily says, "Elven outpost."

Felita says, "Ye be ok misser Pylasar."

A guttural grunt echoes within the lake.

Cryheart says, "Dwarven."

Pylasar says, "No..."

Speaking heartily to Cryheart, Dwi says, "It's a good lake."

Pylasar turns his head up to the sky, wincing in pain.

Zosopage asks, "The new Elven Outpost that we haven't found as yet?"

Aleid ruefully says, "I will never swim in that lake again."

Cryheart says, "Perhaps."

Maags says, "Seems an outpost would has a worn trail."

Maags says, "Looks more like a hideaway."

Bernadette softly says, "Kinna like the giantman village, always hidin."

The lake waters continue to ripple and guttural orcish grunts can be heard and then suddenly all goes silent.

Lylia notes, "All lakes are cesspools for the creatures that dwell within them. Things die in lakes. They rot. I would not consider it any less clean now than it ever was."

Speaking heartily to Cryheart, Chamorr says, "Last year when Ta'Vaalor took over the settlement."

Hostile Takeover

Pylasar says, "...she knows."

Speaking to Lylia, Maylan agrees, "Water is bad."

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "It reminds me of close to here, but I'm not sure."

A bead of blood forms on Pylasar's forehead.

Lylia clarifies, "When the Red Elves chose to rejoin Ta'Vaalor."

Leafiara slowly says, "...oh."

Dwi heartily says, "Same ol same ol der."

Pylasar tries to move towards the shore but freezes.

Pukk says, "Not good."

A second drop of blood appears on Pylasar's forehead.

Speaking to Pylasar, Stormyrain murmurs, "Your will is stronger than hers."

Rasson asks, "We goin in after him?"

Ysharra says, "Mm. Red elves, red orcs."

Chamorr heartily says, "Or when we found the hidden orcs and wiped em all out."

Ysharra says, "Red waters."

(OOC) Dwi's player whispers to the group, "Red rum."

Berkana says, "Red snow..."

The bloody waters begin to bubble.

Lazaryth says, "And read memories."

Zosopage says, "Better than yellow snow."

Maylan concernedly says, "Erm..."

Stormyrain says, "I'd prepare for her onslaught if I were everyone."

Speaking to Maags, Stormyrain says, "Blood calls to blood."

Speaking heartily to Stormyrain, Dwi asks, "Are ye e'eryone?"

Speaking to Dwi, Stormyrain says, "I'm no one."

A thin line begins to form along Pylasar's forehead and blood begins to seep down over his eyes.

Speaking to Stormyrain, Maylan asks, "Should we fetch him out of there?"

Speaking heartily to Stormyrain, Dwi says, "Bedder den me den."

Guarrin deeply suggests, "Perhaps we get him out of there..."

Pietra asks, "Should someone... heal him?"

Goldstr says, "He needs be fogged out a der."

Pylasar darkly asks, "...what did you say Pylasar?"

Zosopage says, "I wouldn't disturb him and perhaps injure him because of that."

Leafiara says, "She hasn't directly interfered like this before... she's sent minions and such, but while down to her last two paragons she must be getting desperate--"

Dwi heartily says, "Putcher shoes on."

Maylan says, "Is that her? If that's her, I'm leaving."

Pylasar asks, "Fire and fire?"

Pylasar asks, "Blood and blood?"

Pylasar cackles!

Cryheart asks, "She has taken his body?"

Pylasar says, "Not everyone can sing..."

Pylasar cackles!

Speaking to Cryheart, Goldstr says, "Looks to be so."

Zosopage says, "But then if that's the case....."

Chamorr heartily says, "Web him." [can't target him... yet]

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra says, "Peter. I think that's enough."

Pylasar reaches up to his forehead and grabs at the wound along his face. He begins to peel off the skin like a mask of flesh, flaying his own forehead as blood gushes out and pours into the lake.

Lauranathalasa says, "Ewww."

Maags says, "I am not liking this experiment."

Dwi heartily says, "Dis feller is serious."

The waters begin to bubble and forms appear within their depths.

Leafiara disgustedly says, "Well okay then..."

Maags says, "I might tell after all."

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "You should try being wrong sometime."

The forms within the lake disappear suddenly and the ground rumbles.

Speaking to Raelee, Ysharra says, "It might be educational."

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee replies, "No."

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Wyrden as a hair-covered bulbous witchworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

Rocks and dirt pelt Wyrden as she is thrown into the air!

Wyrden is struck by heavy debris!

... 145 points of damage!

Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!

Wyrden screams and falls to the ground grasping her mangled left leg!

Wyrden drops dead at your feet!

[OOC: from here out there are 8,299 lines of combat by the time the last in a string of witchworms is dead; I've left in only the dialogue and the interactions with Pylasar for story progression, so just assume hundreds or thousands of lines of combat between lines]

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Dwi: "So yer all dead eh?" [sensing mass deaths]

Pietra says, "Ouch."

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Corrig: "Dat ain't lookin' goot at all."

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Pylasar gestures at Stormyrain.

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

Pylasar cackles!

Pylasar cackles!

Pylasar cackles!

Stormyrain draws a glowing pattern in the air before Pylasar.

Pylasar's eyes roll up into his head as he slumps to the ground.

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Leafiara exclaims, "We're making headway!" [against the creatures]

Pylasar laughs!

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Pylasar gestures at Chamorr.

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

Leafiara hums a cheerful tune! Pure white and bold red mana wisps dance about her like wind-borne leaves, then pulse brightly as she sings a sylvan phrase in a strong, clear voice.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

[SMR result: 103 (Open d100: 59, Bonus: 3)]

A rich tapestry of music weaves itself out of the air, and Pylasar pauses to listen.

The music reaches a crescendo, and the sheer force of it staggers Pylasar for 1 points of damage!

... 20 points of damage!

Pylasar's stomach muscles ripped apart violently.

He is stunned!

The music reaches a crescendo, and the sheer force of it staggers Pylasar for 1 points of damage!

... 15 points of damage!

Minor muscle tearing on Pylasar's left leg.

The music reaches a crescendo, and the sheer force of it staggers Pylasar for 1 points of damage!

... 20 points of damage!

Major bones in Pylasar's left arm crack loudly!

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

Nothing happens. [spell hindrance]

The music reaches a crescendo, and the sheer force of it staggers Pylasar for 1 points of damage!

... 15 points of damage!

Strips of flesh flayed from Pylasar's back.

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

CS: +454 - TD: +276 + CvA: +25 + d100: +65 == +268

Warding failed!

Pylasar suddenly stops all movement.

The music reaches a crescendo, and the sheer force of it staggers Pylasar for 1 points of damage!

... 15 points of damage!

Strips of flesh flayed from Pylasar's back.

After a gentle concluding passage, the music surrounding Pylasar fades away.

Leafiara exclaims, "I've got Pylasar bound!"

Guarrin deeply says, "This is ridiculous." [again, keep in mind there are hundreds of lines of combat between each line left in]

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

Nothing happens. [spell hindrance]

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

CS: +454 - TD: +268 + CvA: +25 + d100: +80 == +291

Warding failed!

Pylasar suddenly stops all movement.

The ghostly voice of Berkana says, "Well, this is useless." [anti-magic enemies]

The ghostly voice of Razanetika softly exclaims, "Y'all need to stop playing with them and kill em already!"

Pylasar traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

CS: +454 - TD: +268 + CvA: +25 + d100: +78 == +289

Warding failed!

Pylasar suddenly stops all movement.

[finally everything's cleared out]

Cool Down

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]

You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. There are obvious signs of someone hidden in the area. You also see a hair-covered bulbous witchworm that appears dead, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, an enruned silver box, a white-tailed broom hare, the Arasleaf disk, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees and a cedar chip path. Also here: Falvicar, Relic Hunter Madmountan, Yakushi, High Lady Lauranathalasa, Stormyrain, Rasson, Kobant who is lying down, Pylasar who is immobilized, Arasleaf who is lying down, Event Planner Leafiara, the body of Guarrin who is lying down, Chaoswynd, Lord Chamorr

Speaking to Pylasar, Leafiara says, "Now then..."

The ghostly voice of Razanetika softly says, "Sheesh."

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

CS: +454 - TD: +268 + CvA: +25 + d100: +56 == +267

Warding failed!

Pylasar suddenly stops all movement.

The ghostly voice of Razanetika softly says, "Took y'all long enough."

The ghostly voice of Pukk says, "Somebody uncover me please."

>search

You notice Goldstr who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Bernadette who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Pietra who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Aleid who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Razanetika who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Ysharra who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Othael who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Wyrden who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Pukk who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

You notice Cryheart who is quite obviously attempting to remain hidden.

The ghostly voice of Bernadette softly says, "Pylasar ye know how to throw a party."

The ghostly voice of Cryheart says, "I am hidden."

The ghostly voice of Ysharra says, "...well, good work-"

The ghostly voice of Ysharra says, "Ouch."

The ghostly voice of Cryheart says, "Dinnae join a dead body."

Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee asks, "What was I supposed to be incorrect about, precisely?"

Pylasar's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

CS: +454 - TD: +268 + CvA: +25 + d100: +57 == +268

Warding failed!

Pylasar suddenly stops all movement.

Berost deeply asks, "What in the dern hells goin on?"

Speaking heartily to Raelee, Chamorr says, "Ya got another coffin."

Speaking to Chamorr, Raelee says, "Not conveniently, no."

Stormyrain says, "Does anyone have clean water with them? It might help to clean all of her blood off of him, from where he touched her in the past."

Speaking to Berost, Madmountan says, "Witchworm attacks."

Stormyrain says, "Or if a wizard could---"

Pylasar's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...

Stormyrain says, "Give him a bath."

Chamorr heartily says, "Web him."

Ethereal ribbons form and hover around Leafiara, twisting about in the air as if preparing to reach for something.

Leafiara gestures at Pylasar.

CS: +454 - TD: +268 + CvA: +25 + d100: +100 == +311

Warding failed!

Pylasar suddenly stops all movement.

Pylasar cackles!'

Falvicar quietly says, "Form on Cryheart."

The ghostly voice of Razanetika softly says, "Put him in a coffin."

Maylan recites:

"Form on Cryheart"

Lazaryth says, "Oh, dear."

Lylia says, "He is dead."

The ghostly voice of Othael says, "Well, I did rather well during all of that."

The ghostly voice of Pukk exclaims, "Grab my dead lifeless hands and drag me along!"

The ghostly voice of Pukk exclaims, "I can still help!"

Cryheart says, "Oy."

The ghostly voice of Pukk exclaims, "I can point things out or I can try to bite them!"

Speaking to Pukk, the ghostly voice of Pietra says, "Just lay there, and be funny."

Lazaryth says, "We're triaging here? Ah."

The ghostly voice of Pukk says, "Try again."

Pylasar begins to cough.

Dwi heartily asks, "Who wanna go to town?"

Speaking to Pylasar, Leafiara says, "Regain control..."

Berost deeply says, "So why them worms comin for ..."

Berost deeply says, "Oh."

Cryheart says, "Let's get the folks up."

Pylasar coughs.

Pylasar says, "I'm...I'm sorry."

Speaking quietly to Pylasar, Falvicar says, "So help me Ronan if you don't regain control."

Pylasar says, "I knew there was a risk..."

Speaking to Pylasar, Leafiara says, "...it wasn't you. Don't worry."

Stormyrain evenly says, "There is always a risk."

Speaking seriously to Pylasar, Raelee says, "Knowledge often comes with risk."

Cryheart says, "Ye could hae warned us."

Pylasar says, "But she didn't stop me in time."

Dwi heartily asks, "Ye sure bout dat lass?"

Pylasar says, "It wasn't for naught."

Speaking heartily to Pylasar, Chamorr says, "Are you back."

Leafiara interestedly asks, "Oh?"

Pylasar says, "I do not know who the paragon is..."

Lylia snaps, "We all knew there was a risk, yet somehow, you remain alive and I am facing her endless gouts of magic-deflecting worms."

Speaking to Goldstr, Maylan says, "I can't reach you."

Pylasar says, "But I can get us to the pocket where it is."

Lylia asks, "Tonight?"

Speaking to Pylasar, Leafiara agrees, "That -is- good news, then."

Pylasar asks, "Tonight?"

Pylasar says, "Heavens no."

Lazaryth asks, "You're saying you can bring us to them, but you don't know who we'll be facing?"

Zosopage says, "We are not prepared for that."

Pylasar says, "By week's end."

Pylasar says, "We'll need to prepare."

Pylasar says, "I have no idea what we will be expecting."

Speaking to Pylasar, Raelee asks, "Prepare how, precisely?"

Pylasar says, "I..I don't know."

Speaking heartily to Pylasar, Chamorr says, "You need to wear a foil hat."

Madmountan says, "Put our big boy panties on."

Pylasar says, "I helped shape the previous landscapes."

Pylasar says, "She had little to no hand in those."

Berost deeply says, "As usual."

Lylia flatly says, "Prepare. If you have ideas on how to prepare for not knowing what we shall be facing, or whom, while knowing she is aware of it all, I welcome your suggestions."

Pylasar says, "I do not know what to expect with this one."

Madmountan says, "Death."

Pylasar says, "It is fascinating if she found a time pocket. She struggled for so long to create them."

Leafiara admits, "We didn't fully know what to expect on any of them, really."

Zosopage says, "We have no idea who it is. That is unfortunate."

Speaking to Pylasar, Raelee says, "What do you know? Succinctly."

Pylasar asks, "Huh?"

Pylasar asks, "About what?"

Speaking flatly to Pylasar, Raelee says, "Whatever you can offer."

Pylasar says, "I would like to think I am a good man. Or was."

Cryheart says, "He is still immobilized." [OOC: Couldn't do anything about that one; channeled dispels don't work once targeting is turned off. A Troubadour's Rally could have fixed him up, though.]

Speaking to Melikor, Ysharra says, "I got a little impatient."

Speaking to Pylasar, Rasson says, "Can be again."

Raelee says, "Good is relative depending on ethical and moral perspective one approaches the question from."

Lylia says, "'Good' is not an absolute. And it is immaterial."

Dwi heartily says, "Am..was...not as portant as ...is."

Leafiara guesss, "So... the outpost in a forest, then? Do we know at least that?"

Maylan asks, "Is it Thrayzar?"

Lylia whispers something to Xorus.

Maylan asks, "Or would he know something about it, perhaps?"

Xorus says, "So. Naimorai was linked in the past with Larsya, who was a paragon being made by her future self."

Pylasar says, "Being a good man...or so I thought..."

Pylasar says, "I did my best to weave a world that the paragons might enjoy."

Pylasar asks, "I could give them that at least, right?"

Speaking heartily to Pylasar, Chamorr says, "Really."

Pylasar says, "This one I do not know what to expect or who."

Lylia says, "Ah, I see. So you had a hand in creating some of their false narratives."

Speaking to Pylasar, Ysharra says, "...you made them worlds where they fought endless wars."

Speaking offhandedly to Ysharra, Leafiara says, "That -is- enjoyable to some."

Lylia says, "If they were warriors, that may have been their hope."

Pylasar says, "I begin their worlds."

Pylasar says, "According to what some of you've reported..."

Pylasar says, "They expanded it."

Pylasar says, "Brumas alone, walking among us as some sort of projection...is a peculiar evolution of sorts."

Lylia asks, "I never knew you exerted so much influence over this. How were you able to shape these visions from the outset?"

Speaking deeply to Pylasar, Berost says, "An one left it ..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Ysharra says, "I don't think even you would want to be on the Demonwall for all your days. Especially if you had no other hours past it."

Rasson says, "It did always seem to be a world of their making."

Dwi heartily asks, "Ebolooshun?"

Stormyrain asks, "Do you know when you will be ready to attempt this?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Leafiara admits, "Not all the time, no, but I assume Oronthal still slept sometimes in his illusion world."

Pylasar says, "Some shape metal with fire and hammers. Some shape flesh or blood. Some shape time."

Speaking heartily to Dwi, Chamorr says, "Elbowlution."

Speaking to Leafiara, Ysharra says, "...I don't know."

Speaking heartily to Chamorr, Dwi asks, "Yeah...huh?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Leafiara concedes, "I don't either. But it was my thought at the time."

Speaking heartily to Dwi, Chamorr says, "Like bendin yer elbow drinkin ale."

Speaking heartily to Chamorr, Dwi says, "Oh."

Pylasar says, "Huntress....or Feastday...I will know more soon."

Pylasar says, "I...I need to rest."

Pylasar wanders off into the night.