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Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-17 - Shadow Abductions and Impending Harrowers (log)

2026-02-16T08:43:51Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: Created page with "==Synopsis== Melgorehn's Reach stormed with some partial purple (feystone) colored snow and light. (Feystone is the eye color of the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte Halanori Faendryl.) There was then a shadowy Ithzir invasion, including swirling void black shades. Ithzir omenbearers cast Sympathy, which resulted in a lot of friendly fire deaths. Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl of the Sorcerer Guild was trying to discern if they were shadows-corrupted Ithzir or m..."

==Synopsis==
Melgorehn's Reach stormed with some partial purple (feystone) colored snow and light. (Feystone is the eye color of the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]].) There was then a shadowy Ithzir invasion, including swirling void black shades. Ithzir omenbearers cast Sympathy, which resulted in a lot of friendly fire deaths.

[[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] of the Sorcerer Guild was trying to discern if they were shadows-corrupted Ithzir or manifestations imitating Ithzir. Shadows were seen absorbing and taking away a woman and a town guard in town. (In later invasions this would also be seen with other abductions.) Thagoria raised the possibility of capturing one.

Afterwards, Thagoria said she had recommended that the Basilica send Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] to study [[Aralyte]]'s soulstone, and Harrower [[Ersix]] to look at the black roots given his past history with them. Thagoria also said that Harrower [[Xociral]] is a gadfly and likely to show up at times. Thagoria had recently spoken of the Basilica sending investigators over the Ithzir and the soulstone's setting off a veil quake through Melgorehn's Reach. Not long after this invasion, Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] made a declaration on it.

There was also a figure who dropped a bunch of the black apples in Town Square. These proved to have a darker nature than the earlier verdant fruit. There was also a note on the ground about experimental results. There was miscellaneous discussion on the black roots, the history involving [[Walkar Wellington]], beliefs about Despana, cannibals, Bir Mahallah (though no one brought up the weird Ithzir history with the Sea of Fire), the mutagenic nature of the shadows, and corrupted wastelands such as the Wizardwaste and Rhoska-Tor.

'''Invasion creatures:'''

* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a swirling void black shade

'''Previously on Lost Palestra storyline:'''

* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)]]
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]

==Log==
The invasion fighting itself is not included. Thagoria briefly appeared during the fighting. Most of the log is post-invasion discussion, though missing some earlier talk about the fruits. Most noise and verb actions have been cut out.
===Ithzir Invasion===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Bright crystalline flakes dance in the sky, tangled in the night as they descend to the ground.'''

'''Crystalline flakes of snow fall from the sky, many gleaming in the moonlight, while a handful of others hold a lavender shade, like glittering feystones falling from the heavens.'''

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "Even the snow here is purple."'''

[General] Missoni thinks, "It is rather pretty."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "You should have seen Pylasar's heyday."
[General] Thrassus thinks, "The shadows are skuling about."
[General] Lylia thinks, "I am grateful it is not red as blood."
[General] Pukk thinks, "Rooks prepare to defend, just in case."

'''Motes of azure and lavender light drift from the shadows of Melgorehn's Reach towards Wehnimer's Landing, like glitterning, faceted spores.'''

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "The storm is acting up."'''

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Indeed, it seems the shadow things are returning."
[General] Lylia thinks, "These are similar to the shadows we saw before you arrived, Guildmaster."
[General] Lylia thinks, "Ithzir, but not Ithzir, when we saw them last."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "If you'd like to come see them for yourself, now is the time."
[General] Henriche thinks, "North gate! Ithzir."
[General] Tierus thinks, "This is the obligatory point of the evening where I remind you people that your town seems perched on the very maw of Luukos."
[General] Tierus thinks, "You could simply found a settlement somewhere that isn't cursed."

''(Sympathy deaths start happening due to Ithzir)''

[General] The ghost of Thrassus thinks, "The Maw would be a much more sedate and orderly place, I would think."
[General] Lylia thinks, "I am better off on my own, it would appear."
[Help] Fayotae: "TSNW bunch."
[Help] The ghost of Henriche: "Be careful, Justice is turned."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Several of us working on the areas surrounding the square."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Oathguards on the battlefield."

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "They certainly look like Ithzir. Aside from these shadows."'''

[General] Arissiya asks, "Is town center safe?"
[General] The ghost of Skulligei thinks, "Maybe they've been eating the apples."
[Help] The ghost of Grenidor: "Yes TSC is safe."
[Help] The ghost of Fayotae: "For the moment."
[General] The ghost of Thrassus thinks, "They speak like them too, when they deign to."
[General] Tierus thinks, "You should elect one Mayor."
[Help] The ghost of Grenidor: "NW of TSC is not safe."
[Help] Korsare: "Empaths needed in TSC?"
[General] Leafiara thinks, "And here come the masses of shadows."
[General] Bagagwa thinks, "I cant have all the fun, sure. Need clerics for sure."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Shadow on south road near the prison."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Shadow has disappeared. Not sure where."
[General] Bagagwa thinks, "Shadow bind my soul."
[General] Pukk exclaims, "Lylia has volunteered to be thrown into the shadows to see what happens!"
[General] Perigourd thinks, "Shadows."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Smaller shades now too."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Aye, melee doesn't seem to work against them."
[General] Ralkean asks, "Only some spells work?"
[General] Draegar thinks, "'They keep blooding my hands up when attempt to fight them."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Perhaps only the holy can fight them effectively? Not sure."
[General] Nikhiliam asks, "I havne't found a way to hit them as a cleric yet, any others?"
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Also be careful casters, the shadows steal your mana."
[General] Ralkean thinks, "609 working for ranger base."
[General] Luxelle asks, "How about a Voln symbol?"
[Help] Fayotae: "I killed one but got lucky i think."
[General] Duffield thinks, "Are they demons? My temporal can hit them but nothing else."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "My weapon sometimes lands but often doesn't. It might be only blunt weapons or strikes heavy enough to crush... as it were."
[General] The ghost of Pukk thinks, "I knew Raelee would kill me one day."
[General] Leafiara muses, "Alternatively, they might just not obey what we'd call the 'physical laws' of this plane."
[General] The ghost of Pukk thinks, "My arrows are the same."
[Help] Roselyne: "Shadows hate light. Maybe a pre hit of searing light may help. IDK."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Warcries worked against the shade, though didn't allow me to attack it afterwards."
[General] Ralkean thinks, "I thought maybe this is 135's time to shine, but didn't get it working."
[General] Tijay thinks, "No such time exists."
[General] Ralkean sadly thinks, "Indeed."
</pre>
===Thagoria Appears In Invasion===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[Wehnimer's, South Ring Rd.]
Many of the travellers through this part of town appear to be pilgrims, priests and monks. They travel to and fro, moving along the quiet road to the north. The hoot of an owl echoes from somewhere beyond the palisade wall. You also see a shadowy ithzir omenbearer.
Also here: '''Thagoria''', Magister Raelee, Monthas, Duffield, Tierus, Imperatrix Lylia, Bathcwyn Missoni, Perigourd
Obvious paths: north, east, west

''(killing shadowy Ithzir)''

'''Thagoria says, "Strange."'''

Perigourd grunts.

Perigourd subtly splays the first two fingers and thumb of his hand, waving them Thagoria's way in a casual Turamzzyrian salute.

[General] Draegar asks, "'Area just around the square are clear as of now. Anyone see more in the vicinity?"

Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "It is."

Lylia nods at Thagoria.

Speaking to Thagoria, Perigourd asks, "In what way?"

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "You'd be surprised at how many people claim they're possessed when they assail me for no reason."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Few at the west end of South Ring Road."
[General] Duffield thinks, "Some just appeared on south ring."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "But being handled."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Ok."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'One is three east of TSC."

[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. You also see a '''swirling void black shade''', a swirling void black shade and a tall mithril postern gate.
Also here: '''Thagoria''', Magister Raelee, Monthas, Duffield, Tierus, Imperatrix Lylia, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Perigourd
Obvious paths: north, east, south

'''Thagoria says, "These shadows. I am wondering which are purely of darkness, and which are Ithzir formed out of shadows."'''

'''Thagoria says, "If there is even a difference."'''

Perigourd says, "I'm curious why they're attracted to the Landing."

Lylia says, "I am able to animate those in Ithzir form."

'''A woman goes running through the streets, dropping her pack as she flees, lunging for safety. But suddenly a void black shade leaps out of the darkness of an alleyway, absorbing the woman into its shadowy depths, then sinks into the ground as her scream echoes, then goes instantly silent.'''

Tierus quietly says, "And they appear to be crossdressing, if that gown is any indication."
Lylia wryly asks, "Are we going to speculate once again that it is me, and not, say, the giant angry mountain of magical doom? Or the pyramid? Or that obelisk? Perhaps the blight-fires?"
Perigourd frowns.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "I'm more confident now that only crushing blows work. I've yet to land a hit with my slasher that's too small to crush."

Lylia muses, "Why would Lylia do this?"
Speaking dryly to Raelee, Tierus says, "I wasn't judging. I was just pointing it out."
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "I'm simply wondering if we have any answers. One is not blaming you."
Perigourd nods at Lylia.

[General] Ryasha thinks, "Well that was sad."

Lylia nods understandingly at Perigourd.

'''Thagoria says, "The mana storm of the Reach weakens the veil to the valence where they originate."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "You are more exciting a prospect than a mountain."

The air crackles with potent energy!

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

[General] Jaisey thinks, "Just saw her at the front gate at the same time."

Speaking to Missoni, Lylia says, "Thank you, lovely. I cannot argue with that."

'''Thagoria says, "The Ithzir of [[Kol Tar'sken]] were able to slip in sometimes much like this [[Return to Sunder|in 5116]]."'''
</pre>
===More Invasion===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[General] Arkim asks, "So what was in her pack?"
[General] Jaisey thinks, "Then just moments later my partner lost all of her spells in an instant."
[General] Pukk exclaims, "Geesh...you all are starting to sound like me!"
[General] Marcellah thinks, "That was really odd."
[General] Arkim asks, "As in, were they after anything in particular?"
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Appears they're after bodies."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "If they were, they would have taken the pack, not her."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Bodies for what, I do not know."
[General] Marcellah thinks, "They should have lasted another two hours but an Ethereal energie buffeted the surrounds and shoved a wall of air at me."
[General] Arkim thinks, "Fair. Apologies for how that sounded."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Slews of shades on South Ring Road. Thankfully the Rooks seem to have gotten the message and are using blunt-tipped arrows that damage them."
[General] Marcellah thinks, "I'm still alive. though its now snowing in Voln."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'TSC surrounded again."
[General] The ghost of Duffield thinks, "Sympathy is a hell of a thing."
[General] Leafiara agrees, "That would be why I'm off fighting on my own."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'If anyone has the ability to fight them, assistance would be appreaciated. Many of us trapped here in TSC."
[General] Leafiara pragmatically adds, "Well, that and it's good to split up to cover all fronts when the enemy also splits up..."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Any physical means been discovered yet? My sword, and fists, are ineffective."
[General] Nimmira asks, "Anywhere in particular an empath should be waiting for wounded?"
[Help] Grenidor: "TSC would be best."
[General] Nimmira thinks, "TSC is kind of dangerous right now."
[General] Nimmira thinks, "I'm in Thraks if anyone needs a heal."
[General] Draegar thinks, "'Tried that Leafiara, still ineffective against the shadows."
[General] Pukk exclaims, "I said I'm sorry! I had gas and couldn't hold it!"
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Odd... in that case, I'm out of theories on why I can hit them sometimes."

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "The shadows do not like bright light."'''

[General] Luxelle asks, "Blesse Blades?"
[General] Draegar exclaims, "'Ahh, interesting. Will try that!"
[General] Zaaldine thinks, "Odd because shadows only exist because of light."
[General] Pukk thinks, "Blades only likes to be blessed by Stormy."
[General] Pukk thinks, "I blessed my bow and it didn't seem to hit them."
[General] Duffield thinks, "So many poets and philosphers, maybe we can bore the Ithzir to death."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm, that would explain why my warblade can connect, but my slasher should connect too if it's about blessings..."
[General] Luxelle asks, "Do your Voln symbols work against them?"
[General] Thrassus thinks, "They may not be fully in this valence."
[General] Tierus thinks, "My lance can't strike them, and it's about as holy a weapon as I've seen."
[General] Tierus thinks, "I mean, for something that's not a sword with a conspicuous griffin motif."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "This omenbearer has turned on its oathguard compatriot and is attacking it."
[General] Leafiara adds, "Good news for me."
[General] Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we can split your lance into bits and scatter them worldwide to make the final leap?"

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "Things of other valences do not necessarily behave in ways intuitive to our world."'''

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Oh good thinking! Throw the black apples at them!"
[Help] Nimmira: "Is it over?"

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "These might only be crushed, but not pierced, or slashed with edges."'''

'''A town guard stumbles through the street, blood seeping from a limp arm, as he grips a sword tightly in the other. Shades come alive, pushing towards him as he backs towards an alleyway. He turns to escape, not realizing that the darkness of the alley is a shade itself, and he vanishes into its depths.'''

[General] Perigourd thinks, "The shades seem to be taking people."
[General] Pukk thinks, "Stay out of the alleyways."
[General] Pukk exclaims, "Stay away from the dark alleyways!"
[General] Leafiara thinks, "But on the other hand, if the shades were there consistently, it would be an efficient way to take the fight to them..."
</pre>
===Post-Invasion===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[General] Draegar thinks, "'South ring road clear for now."
[General] Draegar asks, "'North ring road was clear just now as well. Anyone see any remnants of them?"
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Not seeing more at the moment..."

[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 web-draped Missoni disk, a smoky fire wyrdling, a vacillating glacier spirit that is flying around, a lazy wild dark red dog, a plain modwir strongbox, the sparking Leafiara disk, a battered antique faewood crate, a white-masked reddish brown puppy with high triangular ears, a scratched silver chest, a crude stained chest swathed in rust-red symbols, a gilded carved modwir case engraved with the image of a pile of gems, a troublesome stream spirit that is flying around, a skeletal stygian scarab beetle that is flying around, a snowflake-cut diamond, a golden breakfast tart, a golden breakfast tart, a key-shaped diamond, a key-shaped diamond, a willow-carved diamond, a willow-carved diamond, some scored peppercorn flatbread, a pair of barely tolerable dark panther pelt shoes, some fresh catnip, a slender steel needle, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a slender steel needle, a drake greatsword, a metal wand, a trail of aster-wreathed silver hedgehogs leading southwest, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin and some wide stone benches with some stuff on it.
Also here: Earthdiver, Master Tercolla, Perigourd, Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Tierus, Imperatrix Lylia, Bathcwyn Missoni, Draegar, Whimweaver Leafiara, Sinistral of Tyranny Daenamaryllis, Lady Karasye who is kneeling, Lord Tovaris who is kneeling, Korelon, Lankas, Fisherman Skulligei, Monthas, Ellisarr, Harbenjer who is lying down, Pukk, Lord Ahseetah
Obvious paths: northeast, east, southeast, southwest, west, northwest

Karasye asks, "Is this happening often of late?"
Leafiara holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus asks, "And what have your experiments on the fruit told you?"
Kayse says, "I have other side effects I have documented. I am not sure this is the time for it though."
Speaking to Karasye, Leafiara says, "Often enough, yeah... one or two times a week."
Skulligei raspily asks, "The apples seem to be...fine...now?"
Speaking silkily to Raelee, Tierus asks, "You are a wizard under all that fire, aren't you?"
Kayse looks over at Skulligei and shakes her head.
Missoni grins wryly.
Speaking to Skulligei, Kayse says, "Unless you built up a tolerance."
Karasye says, "Seems I should make my rounds more often then."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "You know that I am, Tierus."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus asks, "Very good. And?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Hmm....perhaps."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Alchemical analysis is, as of yet, inconclusive."
Speaking to Tierus, Pukk says, "She isn't just a wizard..I think she is a fire elemental mage disguised as a person."
Speaking in Guildspeak, Korelon says, "Looks like this situation is under control. good luck and be safe."
Speaking flatly to Raelee, Tierus says, "You determined that they glow green."
Speaking to Pukk, Tierus says, "Accurate."
Draegar deeply says, "Thank you all for your efforts, especially the healers. Appreciated."
Thrassus says, "She didn't need an experiment to see that."
Draegar bows.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "I do have eyes. It was not a difficult determination."
Karasye says, "Now I'll at least have one if needed."
Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "So there's complex magic to them, or something otherworldly and beyond our ken."
Skulligei raspily says, "Someone came by and left the chrisms. they said "use them" and ran off."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Well, it was fun still."
Tovaris says, "Now you have two."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Lylia and Raelee were slaughtering everybody in sight."

[General] Draegar asks, "'So are we confident the Landing is safe, and silent, for now?"

Leafiara amusedly says, "Oh, so that's what happened out there."
Leafiara chuckles.
Tierus squeezes his eyes shut, brow creasing.
Skulligei turns to Raelee and cheers!
Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Next time everyone follows you."
Skulligei turns to Lylia and cheers!
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "You would of enjoyed watching that."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee corrects, "Beyond our ken... for now."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "A seasoned Magister such as yourself then undoubtedly started considering other avenues."
Lylia says, "Oh, not everyone. Just everyone we happened to see."
Skulligei raspily exclaims, "I bonked one with my shield!"
Karasye says, "Though I'll save these for those that need my attention."
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "And they are being provided to the town, for free and in seemingly infinite amounts, by a pair of ex-smugglers."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus asks, "What do you know about the people behind the fruit?"
Thrassus nods at Tierus.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "The Ithzir carry those."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "There is a strong chance it relates to the soil it was grown in... given that the producers were seeking rare soil samples."
Skulligei raspily says, "Then it killed me...."
Speaking to Perigourd, Pukk says, "Nah. I enjoyed it all. You did a good job despite not being Cryheart."
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus exclaims, "Oh, points to Thrassus!"
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "One is a former Rook. The other is a mage, though not one of the Hall."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "A hedgemage? How scandalous."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not particularly good quality."
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "No?"
Perigourd says, "But quite tangible."
Speaking to Kayse, Thrassus says, "So, I am curious as to what you saw from that apple."
Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Lylia was like "blam!" and Raelee was like "sizzle!" and I was like "Oh noes *died*"."
Leafiara starts chortling.
Tierus grimly says, "It does seem that we've moved past the point of Ish-zir to actual Ithzir."
Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "... we could do it again."
Lylia says, "It was more of a 'hiss' than a 'blam.'."
Speaking to Thrassus, Kayse says, "I saw nothing until I was mind controled and died. Before that, my tongue felt rigid and wooden. I will have to do another test."
Thrassus removes a lustrous midnight black apple from in his silk longcoat.
Thrassus offers Kayse a lustrous midnight black apple.

'''Thagoria wanders in.'''

Kayse accepts Thrassus's midnight black apple.
Lylia says, "If these are indeed Ithzir, then the Basilica will --"
Thrassus grins.
Lylia turns to face Thagoria.
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Kayse.
Earthdiver nods to Thagoria in greeting.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Amongst the soil samples they sought were some from Talador, pre-Bleak. I had contemplated if they were sought for a control."

'''There is some movement behind the oak tree, a hooded figure, and a moment later several black apples roll out onto the ground and the figure is gone.'''

Missoni smiles at Thagoria.
Thrassus glances at an oak tree.
Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "You know...if any other female said that..I would think they were flirting with me and I would smile..but when you just said it...I felt my deed count drop just from hearing it."
Kayse glances down.
Tercolla hoarsely says, "Hmm."
Missoni tilts her head down.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Mm."
Xanthirra softly asks, "Anyone else see that?"
Karasye frowns.
Thrassus says, "Ah ha."
Tovaris says, "That wasn't ominous at all."
Tierus picks up a lustrous midnight black apple.
Harbenjer says, "Oh, Apples."
Karasye says, "I dd."
Karasye says, "Did."
Leafiara asks, "Has an apple competition started when I wasn't looking?"
Missoni picks up a lustrous midnight black apple.
Xanthirra picks up a lustrous midnight black apple.
Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "An appropriate response, yes."
Leafiara picks up a lustrous midnight black apple.
Lylia nods in greeting to Thagoria.
Speaking thoughtfully to Raelee, Tierus says, "This one tastes different."

[General] Draegar thinks, "'Someone seems us to want apples... ">"

Tierus takes a bite of his midnight black apple.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "How so?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Never mind. It was dirt."
Xanthirra softly says, "I do not trust this."
Pukk says, "Oh the heck with it. I already died once..."

'''Thagoria asks, "These are the apples you all have been speaking of?"'''

Tovaris says, "You know, this looks like it might be a bad idea."
Speaking to herself, Leafiara muses, "Seriously, where *is* Cordarius? Might as well make it a three-way apple competition."
Leafiara gazes in wonder at her surroundings.
Karasye says, "I wouldn't trust them now for certain."
Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni agrees, "They are."
Xanthirra nods at Thagoria.
Speaking deeply to Xanthirra, Draegar says, "'Seems conspicuous indeed."

[General] Beldannon asks, "Did they ask how do you like them apples?"

Thrassus says, "If I only had some vellum and a quill."
Speaking magnanimously to Raelee, Tierus says, "I don't normally eat things off the ground, but I figured that while I was in Wehnimer's, I should be polite and adopt local custom."
Speaking deeply to Pukk, Draegar says, "When your skin boils off..."
Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni asks, "Now that you have seen these Ithzir for yourself, what do you make of them?"
Speaking neutrally to Tierus, Raelee says, "But of course."
Speaking deeply to Pukk, Draegar says, "Unknown apples.."
Pukk says, "Okay. I ate one...let's see if I die..or turn into a Thrassus."
Pukk asks, "Woah..did you all just hear that too?"
Tierus delightedly says, "Oh, how ominous."
Speaking to Pukk, Kayse assures, "That wasn't the apple."
(Tierus claps his hands together.)
Solinar says, "Oh another would be conqueror."
Pukk exclaims, "Oh good!"
Tovaris asks, "Talking about destruction?"
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd ventures, "Perhaps both types of produce come from the same supplier."
Speaking deeply to Pukk, Draegar asks, "Or was it the apple?"
Missoni slowly exhales as her posture slumps.
Karasye asks, "Do you think one should be taken for study?"
Leafiara optimistically says, "Maybe I'll invent some cherry red apples next since color changing is all the rage. I know that's not *as* different, but it's cherry red, not apple red."
Leafiara nods sagely.
Speaking to Perigourd, Thrassus says, "Possible."
Lylia dismissively says, "Some local spirit playing pranks. I heard something, but I do not startle at whispers and shadows."
Speaking to Leafiara, Karasye says, "Silly."
Speaking to Karasye, Raelee says, "One? No. One is rarely enough for thorough study. More would be better."

[Help] Roselyne: "Those apples grow on trees in the Void garden in the SE corner of TSC. There is a locked gate to the underground in there."

Kayse ponders, "Perhaps regular fruit is modified with aspects of the black apples."

'''Thagoria says, "I think they are shadows corrupted Ithzir, but it is unclear to me if the more incorporeal shadows are shadows entities, or the Ithzir in some other phase."'''

Pukk exclaims, "I heard a voice tell me to hug Raelee and everything would be okay. I know it was a trap then!"
Speaking to Leafiara, Missoni says, "I would be more inclined to sample that than this."
Leafiara nods understandingly to Thagoria.

'''Thagoria says, "Perhaps the investigators will be able to capture one."'''

Missoni nods thoughtfully to Thagoria.
Speaking to Thagoria, Perigourd says, "Some of the townsfolk seemed to be absorbed by the shadows in some way."
Thrassus says, "That would be good."
Speaking to Raelee, Karasye says, "I wouldn't want to carry them in bare hands even. A container is needed."
Lylia nods at Thagoria.
Xanthirra softly asks, "Wait a minute...where are these apples grown?"
Xanthirra rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Speaking to Xanthirra, Karasye says, "No one knows."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Tierus says, "Best not to think about it."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Leafiara says, "Only they know."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Pukk says, "Sorry. I sneezed."

[Help] Roselyne: "Maybe that will help you figure out a few things."
[Help] Roselyne: "The door I believe is a mushy black door. I haven't been in there in a while."
[Help] Beldannon: "Makes me miss goblyn."

Leafiara says, "Fynric and Briselle, I mean."
Draegar deeply says, "How would they go about catching one though. They were, incorporeal, to say the least."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Lylia says, "We have all hoped to see the orchard."
Speaking softly to Tierus, Xanthirra says, "No, I think we should be thinking about it, actually."
Xanthirra softly says, "I don't trust the timing here."
Speaking to Thagoria, Thrassus says, "If we could put a tracing spell on one of those Ithzir we might be able to track them back to thier point of origin."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Missoni says, "That is a good instinct."

'''Thagoria nods at Thrassus.'''

Speaking to Thagoria, Lylia asks, "Do you have any word on the delegation, so I might prepare?"
Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Speaking to Raelee, Pukk asks, "Do you know any type of tracing magics?"

'''Thagoria says, "They are most likely coming from the Shadows valence when the storm intensifies."'''

Speaking simply to Pukk, Raelee states, "Yes."
Leafiara says, "She just used tracing magic before with the Ember Vale."
Pukk exclaims, "Good. I volunteer Raelee!"
Speaking to Xanthirra, Tierus says, "We haven't met. Most of what comes out of me is sarcasm."
Missoni muses, "Perhaps if we moved the storm."
Thrassus says, "Yes, but where in the valence may also be important."
Tierus says, "...although, occasionally blood when an ally suddenly turns and tries to incinerate me."
Tierus glances at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Lylia, Thagoria says, "I have recommended to Archchancellor Malevort that Harrower Vortelis look at the soulstone."'''

Speaking to Kayse, Karasye says, "Is something the matter? You don't look well."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps a resonsance remains."
Lylia glances at Tierus.
Perigourd says, "Resonanance, rather."
(Kayse shakes her head a moment.)
Lylia nods at Thagoria.
Tierus mouths, "New shirt."
Tierus shifts his weight uneasily, glancing down at the ground.
Kayse asks, "What do you mean?"
Karasye peers quizzically at Kayse.
Lylia reluctantly says, "Of course, I shall make it available whenever it is needed."
Xanthirra sighs.
(Kayse casually touches her temple, then shakes her head again.)

'''Thagoria says, "He is a relative specialist in the anchoring devices they use when traveling to other valences."'''

Thrassus says, "Totally mundane, nothing lingering on it that I can determine."
Tierus nods in agreement.
Speaking to Kayse, Karasye says, "You didn't realize? You were looking disoriented."
Pukk exclaims, "Uh oh. Karasye and Kayse are teaming up! Team Ka-Ka!"
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Missoni gazes with interest at Thagoria.
Karasye asks, "Who is a healer here?"
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Thagoria.
Draegar deeply asks, "Has anyone else read this?"
Draegar taps a sheet of smoke-striated vellum, which is in his right hand.
Speaking dismissively to Karasye, Kayse says, "It is probably the apple's side effects."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "Ithzir don't seem to be particularly decent smiths."
Speaking to Tovaris, Pukk says, "Glad somebody appreciates my humor."
Speaking to Draegar, Kayse says, "Someone just dropped it on the ground."
Draegar deeply says, "It seems it was discarded here... it states: "Lustrous Midnight Black Apples - Experiment One subject A) Muriyel reports no significant changes. Subject admits to suffering from gas. Though observation reveals that she may be suffering from mild hallucinations. Subject remains well after 1 hour. Seemingly unaffected."."

'''Thagoria says, "I have also suggested that Harrower Ersix return here, given what I have heard of the black roots."'''

Speaking to Kayse, Karasye says, "All the more reason you need a healer near you."
Thrassus nods at Thagoria.
Lylia gives a sigh of relief.

[General] Draegar thinks, "'A note was left in TSC: 'It seems it was discarded here... it states: "Lustrous Midnight Black Apples - Experiment One subject A) Muriyel reports no significant changes. Subject admits to suffering from gas. Though observation reveals that she may be suffering from mild hallucinations. Subject remains well after 1 hour. Seemingly unaffected."."

Lylia says, "Good news. He is more familiar with them than most."
Missoni nods appreciatively to Thagoria.
Tierus ponders.
Karasye moves to stand behind Kayse.
Speaking to Perigourd, Thrassus says, "Thier focus is more on the spheres of the mind, I think."
Speaking to Thrassus, Kayse informs, "Some light knocking at the moment in my skull."
Skulligei raspily says, "My apologies. I must have dropped that by mistake."
Karasye says, "Just in case you fall."
Draegar deeply asks, "Does the note mean anything to anyone?"
Draegar taps a sheet of smoke-striated vellum, which is in his right hand.
Earthdiver says, "That was a tasty apple."
Skulligei raspily says, "Those are just research notes."
Draegar deeply says, "It states: "Lustrous Midnight Black Apples - Experiment One subject A) Muriyel reports no significant changes. Subject admits to suffering from gas. Though observation reveals that she may be suffering from mild hallucinations. Subject remains well after 1 hour. Seemingly unaffected."."
Speaking to Kayse, Thrassus asks, "Any colors?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus asks, "How deeply unethical. Can you imagine performing an experiment on an entire town?"
Speaking to Kayse, Thrassus asks, "Scents?"

'''Thagoria says, "Xociral is something of a gadfly, it would not surprise me if he turned up."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Yes, I can."

'''Thagoria says, "Whatever support staff they might need."'''

Kayse amusedly asks, "Not yet?"

[General] Roselyne thinks, "I would check that garden. Trees make you sick in there, as well as black apples."

Speaking to Draegar, Leafiara guesses, "Earlier incarnations of the verdant apples before later magical breakthroughs were made?"
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Thagoria.
Xanthirra softly says, "Is anyone else at all concerned that shadows - ostensibly midnight black - are abducting townsfolk, and then we end up with these midnight black apples floating about? I cannot shake the timing..."
Speaking to Raelee, Karasye asks, "What is known of the effects of these apples?"
Skulligei raspily says, "If we need a sample of the domesticated variety, I can obtain one."
Speaking deeply to Leafiara, Draegar says, "'Could be, the magical realm is not my forte. So my insights are minimal."
Speaking to Karasye, Raelee says, "Largely what we have witnessed. Mild hallucinations."

[General] Kayse thinks, "They are not the same apples."

Karasye nods slowly.
Speaking to Xanthirra, Earthdiver says, "Isn't that where they normally come from."
Thrassus says, "I don't think the Ithzir are connected to these apples."
Speaking to Karasye, Tierus says, "Apparently some elation."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Lylia says, "I am not planning on baking them into any pies, I can tell you this much."
Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni says, "Ah. Xociral. It would be nice to see him again."
Speaking to Kayse, Karasye says, "When it passes I'll quit worrying, not until then."
Speaking softly to Thrassus, Xanthirra asks, "But why not?"
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "Some apples, but not the ones dropping here."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Pukk says, "While that is normal around here, we are still watching it and they, Leafi Raelee and gang, are figuring out what to do. I'm here for comedic relief."
Speaking deeply to Lylia, Draegar asks, "But you're saying, you do make pies?"

[Help] Roonie: "Whats invading the lands?"
[Help] Roselyne: "Ok. Worth a shot. Brain storming."

Speaking indifferently to Karasye, Kayse says, "I am not worried. I often test poisons and things like this in mild doses."
Speaking to Pukk, Karasye says, "You're Always the comic relief."
Lylia says, "I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of pie recipes in my kitchen."
Thrassus says, "Someone started leaving them here in the square before the abductions happened."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "No, he wasn't fond of my ideas of extraplanar exploration."
Xanthirra shrugs at Missoni.
Lylia gazes with interest at Kayse.
Thrassus nods at Xanthirra.
Pukk says, "Things would be too depressing if I wasn't here."
Speaking to Kayse, Karasye asks, "And do you know just what dosage was in the apple? And what the dosage contained?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I think these apples are related to that supposed farmer....whether he is aware..well. I have my theories."
Speaking deeply to Leafiara, Draegar says, "I will hold onto the vellum if needed later."

'''Thagoria says, "The Shadows exploited the black roots to fuel its attempted breach into this world."'''

Speaking to Kayse, Lylia says, "You look very like Thrassus did after eating one. Similar course of symptoms."
Pukk asks, "Has anybody noticed that is the women that are figuring things out right now?"

'''Thagoria says, "Whether that is a causal factor here, or a coincidence, I could not say."'''

Speaking to Pukk, Karasye says, "It usually is, just normally in the background."
Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus asks, "Would you care to elaborate?"

'''Thagoria says, "There are so many confounding elements in this region."'''

(Kayse wraps her leather jacket around her tighter.)
Missoni asks, "Do you suppose they are taking advantage of the fires being out? The ones that kept the Blight at bay?"
Speaking to Lylia, Thrassus says, "I have not noticed any light from the eyes yet."
Speaking to Karasye, Raelee says, "The challenge in determining dosage at this time is that the agent itself has not been identified."
Lylia says, "'Confounding elements' is a polite way to describe the region, yes."
Missoni cocks her head at Thagoria.
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "It is likely they weakened the storm above Melgorehn's."
Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus says, "Yes, well, it's rather clear that the entire town is terminally cursed. But it's more exciting than Icemule Trace and they have more living horses here, so... here we are."
Thrassus nods at Thagoria.
Speaking to Missoni, Lylia says, "That is one of many things that concern me."
Speaking to Karasye, Kayse says, "One bite. That's all I can measure for now. Bites or wholes of fruit. This fruit has a bit different side effects than the green ones."

'''Speaking to Tierus, Thagoria says, "The original [[Black Blood Trees|black roots]] came from demonic seeds from a [[Therendil|Marluvian priest]], and they ended up feeding on blood and animals and people."'''

Speaking wonderingly to Leafiara, Pukk whispers aloud, "Confounding must be the word of the day."
Draegar deeply says, "That doesn't sound like a good origin. Downright hateful in fact."
Draegar shivers.
Speaking thoughtfully to Thagoria, Tierus says, "Oh."
Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara admits, "It's a good one at this moment."
Speaking to Draegar, Tierus says, "Or inventive, from a certain point of view."
(Tierus attempts another winning smile.)
Speaking to Raelee, Kayse remarks, "I might have theory on the fruit after this."
Kayse pulls the cowl-necked vanilla paeline hood of her leather jacket over her head, shadowing her face.
Pukk says, "I'm going to go to a table and confound myself for a bit."
Speaking to Kayse, Raelee asks, "What is that?"
Missoni looks at Kayse with concern.
Speaking to Pukk, Tierus says, "Don't sprain something."
Speaking deeply to Tierus, Draegar says, "Invention sounds like it may be ours, or theirs, downfall. Not sure how to perceive that."
Draegar ponders.
Peche asks, "Are those apples from the similar to the ones in the Bleaklands?"

'''Thagoria says, "One of the mayors of this town had a blood hunger. The notion was to make blood fruits, so he would not have to feed on prisoners."'''

Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "Walkar Wellington."
Tierus blinks at Thagoria.
Skulligei tilts his black apple side to side, making the light play off it.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Oh, yes, one."
Speaking to Raelee, Kayse says, "I need to feel these other effects to determine."

'''Thagoria nods at Raelee.'''

Missoni frowns.
Tierus says, "That is the precise sort of madness that I have come to expect from Wehnimer's Landing."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Good night all!"

Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "... though another mayor often ate them, largely out of enjoyment..."

'''Thagoria says, "I do not suppose that was your only mayor who ate people."'''

Missoni says, "But these blood fruits, are unlike those blood fruits, I am told."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "One that likely should not have been accepted."
Lylia says, "One of two. Allegedly."
Speaking to Thagoria, Thrassus says, ".... no."
Speaking softly to Tierus, Xanthirra asks, "It is a bit of a cursed town, isn't it?"
Lylia says, "I am not certain about Puptilian."
Kayse says, "These black apples taste like apples--they are not flesh like the orchard southeast of here."
Tierus mocks, "Our Mayor is a bloodthirsty fiend! Let's not put him down like a rabid dog--quick, off to the orchards so we can figure out a way to make evil fruit for him!"
Draegar deeply says, "There are many good peope in this town, though a bit to trusting at times."
Leafiara pragmatically says, "Listen, sometimes those Blameless needed to be devoured to ensure they wouldn't keep regenerating."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Tierus says, "Cursed indeed."
Lylia grins at Leafiara.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "I would lean toward...no."
Tierus slowly empties his lungs.
Lylia winks at Missoni.
Draegar deeply says, "Good people taken advantage of, is not the fault of the good citizens. Rather a larger condemnation of those that would take advantage."
Speaking to Draegar, Tierus says, "Well, it does feel like the good citizens keep walking into the same fist and then complaining of black eyes."
Kayse clutches her chest briefly, jaw clenched.
Speaking deeply to Tierus, Draegar says, "A valid point."
Missoni surreptitiously glances at Kayse.
Kayse gasps.
Speaking quickly to Draegar, Tierus says, "But admittedly, I am just a humble visitor."
Speaking softly to Skulligei, Xanthirra says, "This one seems different."
Leafiara glances at Kayse.
Missoni frowns at Kayse.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "But accurate."
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "A humble visitor with a keen sense of the obvious, yes."
Speaking to Kayse, Missoni whispers aloud, "Perhaps you should sit."
Speaking deeply to Tierus, Draegar says, "Two things can be true. You make a valid observation."
Missoni reaches out and pats some wide stone benches.
Skulligei raspily says, "Apparently a domesticated variety of the previous apple incursion."
Draegar nods at Tierus.
A brief shudder runs through Tierus as his skin pales to an ashen grey.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "The most common of senses."
Xanthirra softly says, "Indeed."
Tierus shrugs innocently.
(Kayse places a hand on her paeline sweater at her ribcage and slowly breathes in.)
Speaking deeply to Perigourd, Draegar asks, "No sense at all?"
Missoni bites her lip.
Draegar chuckles.
Thrassus cocks his head at Kayse.
Perigourd says, "Though some do say it's best to hide things in plain sight."
Skulligei raspily asks, "Has anyone else built up a tolerance to these new apples?"
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
A young woman strolls past, biting into a verdant-sheened apple that seems to glint briefly.
Speaking softly to Skulligei, Xanthirra asks, "What did you give me again?"
Xanthirra grins at Skulligei.
Lylia admits, "I have not tried. The black ones did not seem particularly enticing to me, although I did sample the greenish fruit."
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus says, "No, best to keep eating the blatantly tainted fruit and be the first."
Speaking to Raelee, Kayse says, "The green fruit makes things rush. Pulse racing, heart pounding, veins thumping. The black fruit is slowing things down."
Speaking to Skulligei, Leafiara says, "I'll await finding out whether that's possible first. Discretion, valor, and so forth."
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "The green fruit was not quite so harmful it seemed."
Speaking raspily to Xanthirra, Skulligei says, "A less lustrous variety of black apple."
Speaking to Perigourd, Lylia says, "After I saw how it affected you, I decided to risk it myself. I found it quite pleasant."
Leafiara earnestly states, "For anyone who would like to test any oddly colored apples, know that we'll remember you for years if anything goes wrong."
Leafiara nods sagely.
Xanthirra softly says, "If ever there were a time to try it, I suppose nothing beats the present."
Speaking to Kayse, Raelee says, "Whatever it may be, I believe it is either alchemical or magical... rather than a conventional toxin."
Thrassus says, "They aren't fatal at least."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "You know, there are some pollutants that never leave the body."
Speaking deeply to Leafiara, Draegar says, "You can always take a bite first.."
Draegar nods at Leafiara.
Speaking politely to Draegar, Leafiara says, "Everyone else first, I insist."
Kayse admits, "I have not experienced any euphoria yet with the black fruit."
Speaking deeply to Leafiara, Draegar says, "Ladies first, as I have been raised."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "They say that those who drink from the waters of Bir Mahallah are forever changed, cursed to never feel at home in this world again." Belatedly, he adds, "As an example."
Speaking to Kayse, Thrassus asks, "Head feeling clear yet?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "Equally true of wood-smoke, yet people still build campfires."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "That is a rather vague curse."
Speaking deeply to Skulligei, Draegar says, "I wish you the best.."
Speaking to Kayse, Missoni asks, "But the verdant fruit imparted euphoria?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "The city isn't so bad. A little cold at night."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "And they say that those who live too close to Rhoska-Tor are forever changed, as well."
Xanthirra softly says, "That was not tasty."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Some folk have already decided the same about Fishkey."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "I am not often bothered by the cold."
Kayse says, "I would compare this black fruit to that of a tiny dose of nightshade."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "And it isn't even out yet."
Speaking wryly to Xanthirra, Leafiara says, "It didn't look it from this vantage point either."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Thrassus says, "You need to make friends with the trees in the orchard first."
Speaking ominously to himself, Tierus says, "And then there are the vampiric shadows that chase you, and haunted dreams of other times and other planes."
Skulligei raspily says, "Definitely not like the the shiny ones."
Tierus says, "...but plenty of nice real estate."
Speaking to Xanthirra, Thrassus says, "Then they are quite good."

'''Thagoria says, "The most interesting places are so often in deserts and wastelands."'''

Perigourd glances skeptically at Thagoria.
Thrassus nods at Thagoria.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Fishkey sounds truly haunting, though."
Xanthirra softly asks, "Worth the experiment, I suppose. Does anyone have an extremely strong rum drink I can wash this down with?"
Thrassus says, "All sorts of forgotten nooks and crannies to find what was once lost."
Leafiara admits, "Best I have available at the moment is wine."

'''Thagoria says, "Sometimes places have to be made into wastelands to become interesting."'''

Tercolla looks thoughtfully at Thagoria.
Thrassus grins at Thagoria.
Draegar deeply says, "I am a simple man of mortal measures. The magical forces you all are dealing with... seems, foolhardy.."
Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus says, "It worked for Toullaire."
Tierus winces faintly, fingertips brushing his temple.

'''Thagoria nods at Tierus.'''

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Xanthirra says, "This will work, thank you."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd replies, "Many seem to have judged it on concept, but I think they'll be surprised."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Xanthirra takes a drink from her Faendryl red wine.
(Kayse rolls her leather jacket sleeves back a moment and examines her forearm, before pulling them back down her arm.)
Leafiara turns toward Xanthirra and renders a sharp hand salute.
Leafiara grins.

'''Thagoria says, "Ba'Lathon is a fascinating place."'''

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Xanthirra says, "Faendryl. How appropriate."
Skulligei raspily asks, "Does any need an apple or 3 before I toss em' in the lake?"
Xanthirra raises her Faendryl red wine in a toast!
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I should go there."
Skulligei raspily says, "They're gettin kinda heavy."
Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "It is."
Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus says, "Have you been? I stopped near there, just short of a town full of inbred Koar worshippers with cloven tongues. Not exactly welcoming."
Kayse says, "I suppose those are trees..."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "But you're right, we should totally visit."
Earthdiver says, "Pretty tasty."
Missoni admits, "I have not been. What is so interesting about it?"
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Toullaire was Chastonia's better city... prior to the destruction."

'''Thagoria says, "Only the outer rims of it. I have never gone into its depths."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Tierus says, "I've heard that the laws of reality break down around there."
Perigourd says, "It also tends to alter those who stay for long within it."
Lylia says, "I have read accounts of what lies deeper within; I believe I would prefer to vacation on Ornath, overall."
Tierus says, "But also, plenty of hideous freaks, I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Missoni says, "One can find that almost anywhere."
Xanthirra smiles.

[General] Draegar thinks, "'Ba'Lathon. The Wizardwaste. Known by many names, to her, it signified one thing: monotony. Five miles northeast, ten miles southwest, five miles northeast again."

Xanthirra sighs.
Speaking to Missoni, Tierus says, "Yes, but you can throw fruit at them there and no one judges you."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "We have the stocks for that."

'''Thagoria says, "I made this corselet from what was left of someone who did not survive the Demonwall."'''

'''Thagoria says, "Well. I had a tailor work it."'''

Speaking to Thagoria, Earthdiver says, "That is a nice corselet."
Speaking humbly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "I see now that I wasted a lot of walking."
Earthdiver says, "It is a quite useful material."
Missoni agrees, "Mine is made of the same."
Missoni reaches out and pats her lamellar corselet.
Tierus says, "We've gone from mutated cannibals to showing off our armor rather quickly."
Perigourd says, "Armor always wins."
Tierus helpfully exclaims, "Look!"
Tierus pokes his finger at a set of pale morduska hide casting leathers graced with translucent crimson scales.
Speaking casually to Tierus, Leafiara says, "Town's seen a lot."
Tierus drums his fingers on his hide casting leathers. With every strike of his fingertips, a ripple of muted incarnadine light wells up from its surface.
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "You get used to these things eventually."
Speaking slowly to Leafiara, Tierus says, "Shiiiiny."
Missoni says, "Good armor is important."
Lylia asks, "What of armor made from the warty hides of mutated cannibals, then?"

'''Thagoria says, "The [[Travels in the Wizardwaste|Quladdim]] were a natural bridge between subjects."'''

Tierus blinks hard, his face paling.
Xanthirra softly says, "On that note, I shall be off for bed. If I return as a shadow, after eating that apple...put me down."

[General] Draegar thinks, "'Thagoria says, "The Quladdim were a natural bridge between subjects."."

Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus says, "Oh, that's quaint. Now I know what to call them when Raelee and I wander down that way."
Kayse says, "I think the rest of these symptoms are best to monitor in quiet."
Speaking firmly to Raelee, Tierus says, "We must buy fruit."
Speaking hastily to Raelee, Tierus says, "But not here."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "Why do we need to buy fruit?"
Jaffrey says, "Here you go."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "To throw at the Quladdim. My goodness, woman. Keep up."

'''Thagoria says, "My Kannalan is not great. I am not absolutely certain I pronounced it right."'''

Jaffrey says, "Sleep well."
Speaking deeply to Thagoria, Draegar says, ""Quladdim? I have never heard this term."
Speaking ominously to Missoni, Tierus says, "Yes, this will do nicely."
Lylia admits, "I would not know if you had; I can read it, albeit haltingly, but I know my pronunciation is dire."
Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni says, "It was perfect to my ear."
Speaking to Raelee, Roonie asks, "Healin needed?"
Speaking to Lylia, Roonie asks, "You too?"
Lylia says, "Thank you."
Lylia nods appreciatively.

'''Thagoria says, "Pre-Kannalan tribes of the Wizardwaste. They speak a variant dialect."'''

Draegar nods at Thagoria.
Speaking deeply to Thagoria, Draegar says, "Thank you for the clarification."
Missoni admits, "Most of the Kannalan I know is from buying fish at the docks."

[General] Draegar thinks, "'Quladdim: Thagoria says, "Pre-Kannalan tribes of the Wizardwaste. They speak a variant dialect."."

'''[General] Thagoria thinks, "That is a fair impersonation."'''

(Tierus stares off into the distance, obviously deep in thought.)
Speaking deeply to Earthdiver, Draegar asks, "No side effects for your horse?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "To Perigourd's earlier point..."
Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "Study of Kannalan is an important component of a thorough education within the Empire."
Perigourd glances expectantly at Tierus.
Raelee glances at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Raelee.
Speaking to Draegar, Earthdiver says, "I usually assume his condition could only improve."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "We could simply travel to Vornavis and throw fruit at Kilthal instead."
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus asks, "I think that's what you were trying to say, right?"
Perigourd says, "I expect the barrier of air would rebound it."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "Why must fruit be thrown?"
Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "I have been intending to explore it further."
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus asks, "Spells, or the hot air that he seems to have in such abundant supply?"
Speaking deeply to Earthdiver, Draegar says, "His condition is quite poorly. I see what you mean."
Tierus clutches his forearm briefly, grimacing as if something crawled beneath his skin.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Because I'm entering into a second or third or fourth childhood. I've grown weary of this world."
Thrassus asks, "Feeling okay?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Try living for a few hundred years. You'll understand."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "I am not presently reverting to a childlike state."
Tierus says, "Well, that was odd."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... though I will attempt to at least survive that long. Perhaps I may see your point in time."
Speaking to Tierus, Missoni whispers aloud, "I think she is trying to live a few hundred years, ideally."
(Tierus blinks down at his arms and begins pinching the skin there.)
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Lylia gazes with interest at Tierus.
Speaking absently to Raelee, Tierus says, "You should become... a lich. Or something."
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus asks, "Let me guess.... black roots in your arm?"
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "One expects you were much the same as a child."
Speaking flatly to himself, Tierus says, "Ow."
Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee adds, "... I never threw fruit at anyone as an actual child, however."
A dark-haired half-elven priestess says, "You must not fear the dragon."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "As I am told."

'''Speaking to a dark-haired half-elven priestess, Thagoria says, "Dragons are frightening."'''

Speaking deeply to a dark-haired half-elven priestess, Draegar says, "I think the dragon is the least of our concerns at this point."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "And you are not the first to suggest it."
Speaking distantly to Raelee, Tierus says, "You should try it." He changes his tone, more sharply saying, "Yes. Roots in my arms."
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "If you'd ever care to indulge, I could loan you one of my yo-yo's."
Speaking to Raelee, Missoni asks, "Did you ever throw fruit as an adult?"
Earthdiver says, "It does feel like my veins want to be outside."
Tercolla grins at Thagoria.
Draegar winks at Thagoria.
Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "Not to my recollection."
Thrassus nods.
Earthdiver says, "That happens sometimes."
Missoni nods understandingly.
Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It can be fun."
Tierus says, "Not my favorite vision, and I spent a not-inconsequential amount of time being tortured by both Ronan and Sheru with all sorts of nonsense."
Raelee says, "The aforementioned hallucinations."
Raelee nods at Tierus.
Thrassus says, "That confirms it. The hallucinations are of a singular nature."
Tierus glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Lylia nods slowly.
Tierus asks, "Are they trying to tell us something, perhaps?"
Missoni asks, "Veins?"
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "I ate one of those apples last evening."
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "Had the very same hallucination."
Speaking raspily to Earthdiver, Skulligei asks, "A lot. want a couple more?"
Earthdiver nods at Skulligei.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Oh, bully to that."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "What do you see, exactly?"
Skulligei raspily exclaims, "Limit of 3!"
Tierus says, "I smelled iron and sap. Then there were roots burrowing into my skin."
Earthdiver says, "Three is plenty."
Thrassus nods at Tierus.
Lylia says, "Iron and sap."
Thrassus says, "The same as he just said."
Missoni asks, "Iron?"
Tierus says, "Oh, and then my arms ached, but... you know, Mularosian."
Thrassus says, "Blood."
Earthdiver says, "An exciting experience."
Tierus waves his hand in a dismissive gesture.
Lylia says, "The actual roots we encountered had a smell that was both metallic and sweet."
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Lylia.
Tercolla ponders.
Jaffrey says, "Prolly bloody sap."
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus stares off into space.
Skulligei raspily says, "Didn't we smell something like that the other day? with that mist and all."
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "Once you are used to such things visions of that sort lose thier edge, I have found."
Missoni sighs, "That would make for some dreadful pancake syrup."
Tierus exclaims, "Wait: another vision!"
Draegar deeply says, "I do wish you all a safe evening. I'm glad the evening has settled. I do require sleep as of now. I hope your ruminations... bear fruit."
(Tierus gropes blindly at the air for a moment.)
Tierus haltingly says, "I see..."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "I see something in silk. Maybe gemstone buttons. And tailored, not off-the-shelf. I'm not common, after all."
Speaking to Everall, Missoni greets, "Fair eve."
Speaking to Missoni, Everall says, "And to ye as always."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia asks, "And a lining, I presume?"
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus urges, "Spare no expense."
Speaking skeptically to herself, Missoni asks, "Plain silk, though?"
Earthdiver says, "Now I see something about dark eyes and bark-split skin."
Speaking to Missoni, Tierus says, "It doesn't have to be plain."
Speaking to Missoni, Raelee asks, "... is plain silk undesirable?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Thrassus says, "To answer your question in full, I saw my veins glowing with red light, felt something burrowing along my spine, smelled iron and sap amidst darkness, and saw roots burrowing in my arms."
Speaking to Thagoria, Lylia asks, "Do you also speak much Ithziri?"
Speaking to Raelee, Missoni demurs, "I suppose it is fine, if that is one's preference."
Earthdiver says, "Perhaps I will get to become a tree."

'''Thagoria says, "I am far from fluent in Ithzir."'''

Earthdiver says, "I have dreams about that some times."
Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee asks, "Have you ever witnessed them so influenced by another valence before?"

'''Thagoria says, "With glossaries I could piece together some of it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Thrassus says, "It was only for a brief time, and I was perfectly fine."
Speaking to Thagoria, Thrassus says, "Those shadow Ithzir scratched a word on the railing of the Moot Hall roof."
Thrassus says, "Klaloc, which I believe refers to essence of some nature."
Lylia asks, "I animated one of them. I do not speak much of it at all, but I know it spoke to me, almost with familiarity. I wonder if these were shadows taking the form of Ithzir, would they speak it?"
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "A fine question."

'''Thagoria says, "They hunger for mana of valences like ours, I do not know if there is much precedent for them in highly mutagenic realms."'''

'''Thagoria nods at Lylia.'''

Earthdiver asks, "What is a mutagenic realm?"
Speaking to Earthdiver, Thrassus says, "A place that changes you from just being there."

'''Thagoria says, "A place that is highly radiant in energies that mutate people."'''

Earthdiver says, "Oh oh."
Missoni ponders.
Missoni says, "Like the shadow valence."

'''Thagoria says, "It is the dose that makes the poison."'''

Speaking to Thagoria, Perigourd asks, "What if one is exposed to highly radiant energies in this realm..?"

'''Thagoria nods at Missoni.'''

Earthdiver says, "That is a difficult thing to avoid."
Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "They seek mana akin to ours. Thus the shadow realm is akin to drawing from a tainted stream, as it were."
Lylia furrows her brow.
Lylia nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "The mana there is volatile. I can only imagine if they would consume it..."

'''Thagoria nods at Raelee.'''

Earthdiver says, "But if you can control light...it is similar."
Speaking to Perigourd, Thrassus says, "You have seen the effects of such before."
Perigourd nods grimly at Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "More than most, I think."
Thrassus asks, "Remember the black veins?"
Perigourd says, "I remember the Reiverbolt."
Perigourd grunts.
Missoni shifts her eyes to Perigourd.
Lylia nods at Thrassus.

'''Thagoria says, "From the dossiers I have read, Harrower Ersix reported that those who were exposed to Althedeus, as that is the name you all seem to prefer, were cursed with shadows."'''

Lylia narrows her eyes.

'''Thagoria says, "That there were shadowy energies pulling off you into the rift he had opened."'''

Missoni admits, "I never met the fellow."

'''Thagoria says, "Then the rift got stuck on the Shadows valence."'''

Lylia says, "That feels rather pejorative. I had a few lasting marks. Like a bruise. I did not feel changed."
Lylia sets her mouth in a thin line of disapproval.
Perigourd quietly says, "I'm going to go mutate for the evening."
Missoni gazes in amusement at Perigourd.
Earthdiver grins at Perigourd.
Lylia begins chuckling at Perigourd!
Everall chuckles.

'''Thagoria says, "It is not a place we would want to spend more time than necessary."'''

Thrassus says, "Unfortunately."
Thrassus sighs.
Thrassus says, "It'd be a prime research opportunity if it wasn't for the effects of being there."
Missoni says, "Surely some consequences are worth it."
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Thus... it would behoove us to find a way to ward the effects."
Tierus says, "Mutagenic realms sound terrifying, but my people do well enough. Other than hereditary madness and a constant string of bad choices."
Skulligei raspily asks, "Is there nothing that can be done to protect onself?"
Thrassus nods at Raelee.

'''Thagoria says, "Often those in the thaumaturgical asylums felt the same way."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Oh no. Are my teeth going to fall out again?"
Skulligei cackles at Thagoria!
Speaking to Skulligei, Raelee says, "Something can be done."
Lylia asks, "Bad for whom?"
Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Is this a common occurrence for you?"
Speaking to Skulligei, Raelee says, "A lack of immediate knowledge should never be mistaken for impossibility."
Skulligei nods at Raelee.
Skulligei raspily says, "Indeed."
Earthdiver says, "Well, it has been some time."
Tierus asks, "Is it possible that Faendryl have some resistance to these mutagenic effects due to the marks of Rhoska-Tor upon us?"
Thrassus says, "Not these."
Skulligei raspily says, "These shadows-afflicted Ithzir...."

'''Thagoria nods at Tierus.'''

Speaking innocently to Thrassus, Tierus says, "We won't know unless you try."
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps two apples was two too many."
Lylia nods at Tierus.
Earthdiver says, "Poison in moderation and all."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Lylia holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.

'''Thagoria says, "There is something to be said for that."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus mouths, "Be brave."
Skulligei raspily says, "Maybe they could be useful somehow."
Thrassus says, "Come to think of it, I suffered none from my visit."

'''Thagoria says, "Rhoska-Tor has been known to act fast and harsh on other races."'''

'''Thagoria says, "The Grot'karesh, for example, after Maelshyve."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Speaking to Skulligei, Earthdiver says, "Are there roots in there."
Missoni says, "I have met some of them. They still think Despana lives."

'''Thagoria nods at Missoni.'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "....you...saw that too?"
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

'''Thagoria says, "There are cultists who venerate her with similar notions."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I just thought the apples started working again."
Earthdiver says, "I've always been surprised that there aren't more plants that parasitize the animals here."
Missoni gazes in amusement at Thagoria.
Missoni asks, "It seems a silly notion, really. What would she have been doing these past twenty millenia?"
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Earthdiver says, "Oh interesting. My fingertips have roots now."
Skulligei glances at Earthdiver.
Skulligei raspily says, "Luck."
Earthdiver says, "That is going to be pretty useful."
Lylia says, "It is a rather long time to be twiddling one's thumbs and polishing one's toenails."

'''Thagoria says, "They are often rooted in reincarnation beliefs."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "Lucky."

'''Thagoria says, "Or the notion that she is banished and will make her way back."'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "It's probably nothing....right?"
Skulligei laughs!
Missoni firmly says, "Highly unlikely."
Speaking to Skulligei, Earthdiver says, "One hopes it is the start of an exciting transformation."
Skulligei gives his apple a little prod with the tip of his finger.
Speaking to Missoni, Tierus says, "Knitting."
Skulligei raspily says, "I just hope it's not into a tree."
Missoni blinks at Tierus.
Speaking to Tierus, Missoni asks, "Knitting?"
Speaking to Missoni, Tierus says, "I was just thinking about it."
Skulligei takes a bite of his midnight black apple.
Tierus nods at Missoni.
Lylia shifts her eyes to Skulligei.
Speaking to Tierus, Missoni says, "It is a relaxing pastime."
Tierus says, "There's a good chance that, if she's really that old, she does a lot of knitting."
Earthdiver says, "Some might say that any experience is more interesting than the nothingness."
Skulligei blinks.
Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "You may want to lie down a bit after that."

'''Thagoria smirks.'''

Tierus says, "I mean, after ruling an undead empire, it's really the only place else to go."
Thrassus asks, "What would Despana even knit?"
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Flesh."
Missoni defensively says, "Knitting is not only for the old."
Skulligei raspily exclaims, "I feel fine though! really!"
Thrassus says, "I don't know if a flesh sweater would work very well."
Tierus says, "I read one scrap in one of my grandfather's libraries that suggested that she was ripped into another valence and become a demonic monstrosity."

'''Thagoria says, "It might help. To find her way back to this valence, to precisely this place in it, must be like finding a needle in an ocean."'''

Skulligei squints at an oak tree.
Tierus says, "It's probably hogwash. My grandfather believed a great many stupid things."
Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Thagoria.
Missoni shakes her head.
Lylia gazes with interest at Thagoria.
Speaking to Skulligei, Earthdiver says, "We are not that different from the tree..."
Missoni says, "We would not have left the work unfinished. She would have been undone, not simply banished."

'''Thagoria nods at Tierus.'''

'''Thagoria says, "I have encountered such beliefs regarding her."'''

Everall rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Lylia says, "As have I."
Raelee nods faintly at Lylia.
Missoni stubbornly says, "Well, anyone may believe what they want."
Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Missoni, Lylia asks, "Even if it is wrong-headed, yes?"
Lylia grins at Missoni.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Missoni exclaims, "Even so!"

'''Thagoria says, "You do have a human orphan living as an Ithzir hermit in your mountain."'''

'''Thagoria asks, "Who is to say?"'''

Thrassus snickers.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Tercolla scratches his head.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Isn't there...?"
Speaking mildly to Missoni, Tierus says, "We didn't exactly finish the job with the Ashrim, you know."
Skulligei shakes his head.
Tierus says, "A singularly efficient machine, our people are not."
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "It was finished enough."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.

'''Thagoria holds up two fingers and slowly pinch them together until they are almost touching.'''

Speaking to Tierus, Missoni says, "How precisely..."
Skulligei glances around the area.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Yes, but leaving scurvy to do the rest? Tacky."
Lylia says, "Not by my reckoning."
Speaking to Skulligei, Earthdiver says, "Now it has spread to your eyes."
Earthdiver asks, "What things you will see with your new eyes?"
Skulligei raspily exclaims, "This was like before!"
Speaking to Tierus, Thrassus says, "The apples."
Speaking loudly to Skulligei, Tierus insists, "Maybe you should stop eating the evil apples."
Skulligei raspily asks, "Surely an apple can't be evil?"
Lylia snickers at Tierus.
Tierus closes his eyes and slaps one hand across his face. As he slowly slides it down, his revealed expression is one of deep-seated frustration.
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "It is akin to hitting yourself on the head with a hammer because it feels so good when you stop."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Again, m'lady: Mularosian."
Missoni sighs.
Lylia says, "Then perhaps you should have more apples yourself."
Tierus stares at Earthdiver.
Lylia tries hard to stifle a laugh and covers her failure with a loud clearing of her throat.
Missoni gazes in amusement at Lylia.
Tierus exasperatedly says, "This is rather like going to a home with a bunch of pug dogs. You wonder how they're going to try to kill themselves today."
Skulligei raspily says, "When you eat enough they stop working."
Earthdiver says, "That is a shame."
Tierus says, "Bulging eyes rolling, tongues lolling, wheezy little lungs..."
Skulligei raspily says, "Some say I'm immune."
Earthdiver says, "It is common to develop a tolerance to many things."
Missoni says, "I suppose I should go make sure Perigourd does not mutate in his sleep."
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives a subtle wave.
Missoni cheerfully wishes, "Fair eve."
Lylia begins chuckling at Missoni!
Missoni performs a bow characteristic of those from Solhaven.
Lylia says, "Be well."
Tierus nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "If mildy shadowy hallucinations aren't your thing, you'll be happy to know you quickly build up a tolerance."
Tierus glances at a pair of barely tolerable dark panther pelt shoes.
Thrassus says, "I should be back to my duties as well."
Lylia says, "I prefer the mild euphoria to the mild shadowy hallucinations, but I suppose everyone has their favorite flavor."
Thrassus says, "Do have a good evening, all."
Thrassus nods once.
Raelee says, "Likewise, my time is better spent in the laboratory, I believe."

'''Thagoria says, "Those who bred pugs are treated as blameless, yet we are the ones accused of dealing in abominations."'''

Tierus nods at Thrassus.
Lylia inclines her head.
Raelee adds, "... good evening."
Thrassus grins at Thagoria.
Speaking to Thagoria, Lylia says, "Just so."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus says, "No one involved with those monstrosities is blameless."

'''Thagoria says, "I should be off as well."'''

Tercolla grins at Thagoria.

'''Thagoria nod in agreement at Tierus.'''

Skulligei starts chuckling at Thagoria!

'''Thagoria says, "They are a travesty."'''

Skulligei waves to Thagoria.
Lylia says, "I was thinking the same thing. It has been a trying evening of annihilating my friends."
Tierus says, "And I. Icemule Trace might melt if I stay down this way for too long."
Tercolla turns toward you and renders you a sharp hand salute.
Tierus says, "And those halflings need someone to put the fear of Lornon into them."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "Good for the crops if it did."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee asks, "Is that not more reason to stay away?"
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I've grown... accustomed to it."
Solinar says, "So much work to do."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "But you have a point."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "Yes...bulging eyes rolling, tongues lolling, wheezy little lungs..."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Also I do not believe you are the elemental anchor at the center of the ever-creeping cold."
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Besides, if cannibalism ever comes back into vogue, I'm well positioned."
Lylia raises her voice in merry laughter.
Lylia says, "Fair enough."
Lylia smiles.
Lylia turns to face Thagoria.
Lylia inclines her head.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I've been called worse."
Speaking to Thagoria, Tierus says, "It has been a pleasure."

'''Thagoria says, "Eldritch ice is an excellent preservative."'''

Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee says, "... yes, I was leaving."

'''Thagoria nods at Tierus.'''

Solinar says, "Or informative at least."
Skulligei works his fingers under his sterling silver crown and scratches his head.
Tercolla nods in agreement to Thagoria.
Speaking to Thagoria, Lylia says, "Be well. I look forward to welcoming the investigators when they arrive."

'''Thagoria nods at Lylia.'''

Raelee nods slightly.
Raelee rubs her medallion and fog billows from it in a thick cloud, quickly obscuring her form from sight. As the murk clears, you see Raelee is no longer there.

'''Thagoria says, "It will be soon enough."'''

'''Thagoria wanders off.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-02-16T08:31:24Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)]]
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-17 - Shadow Abductions and Impending Harrowers (log)]]
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]
* '''02/04/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-16T03:58:40Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]]. These rifts to the Shadow Realm have been seen by adventurers before, and have been in the Bleaklands for almost ten years.

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence. Vortelis has wanted in general to keep the soulstone de-energized unless or until needed, due to the hazard it poses from whatever dark forces in the Shadow Realm as it is tethered to Aralyte.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* The Harrowers have also been more focused on triangulating or tracing the source of the shadowy Ithzir. It has not been clear that Aralyte survives, or that the Shadow Realm valence is directly relevant to the Ithzir problem, which is their primary concern from the Basilican Sorcerer. (i.e. The pre-existing Shadow Realm ties of these places could be an extraneous confounding factor.) So it has potentially been the case that going after Aralyte in the Shadow Realm may be a separate issue, which they will only undertake if: (1) It is feasible and non-dangerous enough to travel to that valence, and... (2) Aralyte manifestly survives and/or poses a threat to House Faendryl by remaining in that demonic valence. The Harrowers checking these rifts in the Bleaklands was specifically about Aralyte and not the Ithzir, unless it turns out the Ithzir are coming from that valence for some reason.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakwalkers, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned "dull white" again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "dull white" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands. This is the first time there was unambiguous evidence of the shadowy Ithzir coming specifically from the Shadow Realm. The other creatures had all previously been seen in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. Viselda was telling the Harrowers that they all need to leave right now. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Moravius reluctantly agreed to leave after Vortelis left.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They also effectively determined that it is too dangerous to fast charge the soulstone, especially if it means doing so directly off rifts to the Shadow Realm.

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. It is also much more certain now that they have to do it, whereas before there was a more reasonable chance the Ithzir were coming from somewhere else and that Aralyte was not a viable or imperative matter. (i.e. They will have to go to the Shadow Realm after her, even if it still turns out the Ithzir are some other issue.)

* Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Viselda glances warily around herself.'''

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

'''Viselda scans her environs slowly and cautiously.'''

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus asks, "I wonder if the shadow is connected somehow to the Vvrael?"

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

'''Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."'''

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "I will use my quasi-sphere for that when we find a more suitable rift."'''

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

'''Viselda nods slowly.'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."'''

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

===Recharging Soulstone===

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A spark of light flashes within the red talisman in Vortelis's hand.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

'''Skin begins to slowly flake off of Vortelis's fingers.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The red talisman begins to glow brightly!'''

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

''(everyone falls down to quake)''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

'''Speaking sharply to Vortelis, Viselda says, "Vortelis! We need to leave. Now."'''

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis turns away from Viselda, ignoring her.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

''(primordials and bleakwalkers invading with oculoths)''

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

'''The ripple in the air spreads as a crack through the fabric of space, spilling out with shadowy monstrosities from beyond the veil.'''

''(voidwalkers and hellhounds start invading)''

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

'''Viselda glares at Vortelis.'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out the rift!'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

''(bleakwalkers, writhing shadows, and veilstalkers invade)''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

''(Ithzir veilstalkers invading through the rift)''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Viselda exclaims, "Vortelis!"'''

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

'''A star bleeds out of existance in the sky.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

'''Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

'''Stars in the sky above begin to blink out of sight.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

'''The storm clouds above the Reach rain hot blood in the freezing air. The sky turns and glows with dark crimson.'''

'''Dark hooded figures run along rooftops of town, firing arrows down on the invaders.''' ''(seen in town itself)''

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

'''The glowing red darkens into a shadowy portal.'''

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!] ''(everyone gets hit with Sympathy)''

''(oculoths invade along with hellhounds and Ithzir and bleak knights)''

'''Moravius says, "This bloody thing..."'''

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius exclaims, "That is a rather serious gamble!"'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Do not even think about it."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I do not think the odds are fully established yet."

'''Moravius says, "It ripped through the tether of Vortelis's quasi-sphere."'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "This is flatly a Palestra matter at this point."'''

'''Moravius frowns at Viselda.'''

Thrassus asks, "Why is that?"

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Do you ever vary the energies in the tether? Or is the method used to establish that connection constant?"

'''Moravius says, "Take that up with the politicians."'''

'''Speaking to Thrassus, Viselda says, "That Blade Aralyte is at the heart of all this, she was totally twisted with dark power."'''

Thrassus says, "She is not, actually."

Thrassus says, "I am starting to suspect it is the Prelate."

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

'''Moravius gestures vaguely at the air above the lake.'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]
[[Category:Logs]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-10T04:01:20Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakwalkers, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned "dull white" again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "dull white" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. Viselda was telling the Harrowers that they all need to leave right now. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Moravius reluctantly agreed to leave after Vortelis left.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Viselda glances warily around herself.'''

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

'''Viselda scans her environs slowly and cautiously.'''

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus asks, "I wonder if the shadow is connected somehow to the Vvrael?"

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

'''Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."'''

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "I will use my quasi-sphere for that when we find a more suitable rift."'''

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

'''Viselda nods slowly.'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."'''

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

===Recharging Soulstone===

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A spark of light flashes within the red talisman in Vortelis's hand.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

'''Skin begins to slowly flake off of Vortelis's fingers.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The red talisman begins to glow brightly!'''

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

''(everyone falls down to quake)''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

'''Speaking sharply to Vortelis, Viselda says, "Vortelis! We need to leave. Now."'''

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis turns away from Viselda, ignoring her.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

''(primordials and bleakwalkers invading with oculoths)''

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

'''The ripple in the air spreads as a crack through the fabric of space, spilling out with shadowy monstrosities from beyond the veil.'''

''(voidwalkers and hellhounds start invading)''

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

'''Viselda glares at Vortelis.'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out the rift!'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

''(bleakwalkers, writhing shadows, and veilstalkers invade)''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

''(Ithzir veilstalkers invading through the rift)''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Viselda exclaims, "Vortelis!"'''

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

'''A star bleeds out of existance in the sky.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

'''Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

'''Stars in the sky above begin to blink out of sight.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

'''The storm clouds above the Reach rain hot blood in the freezing air. The sky turns and glows with dark crimson.'''

'''Dark hooded figures run along rooftops of town, firing arrows down on the invaders.''' ''(seen in town itself)''

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

'''The glowing red darkens into a shadowy portal.'''

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!] ''(everyone gets hit with Sympathy)''

''(oculoths invade along with hellhounds and Ithzir and bleak knights)''

'''Moravius says, "This bloody thing..."'''

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius exclaims, "That is a rather serious gamble!"'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Do not even think about it."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I do not think the odds are fully established yet."

'''Moravius says, "It ripped through the tether of Vortelis's quasi-sphere."'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "This is flatly a Palestra matter at this point."'''

'''Moravius frowns at Viselda.'''

Thrassus asks, "Why is that?"

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Do you ever vary the energies in the tether? Or is the method used to establish that connection constant?"

'''Moravius says, "Take that up with the politicians."'''

'''Speaking to Thrassus, Viselda says, "That Blade Aralyte is at the heart of all this, she was totally twisted with dark power."'''

Thrassus says, "She is not, actually."

Thrassus says, "I am starting to suspect it is the Prelate."

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

'''Moravius gestures vaguely at the air above the lake.'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl

2026-02-10T03:56:49Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Tales of Wehnimer's Landing 
|storyline2= Lost Palestra
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl
|relationships =
|alias = Harrower, Guildmaster
|affiliation = Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild}}

'''Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl''' is a Harrower of the [[Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild]] of [[House Faendryl]]. He is one of its guildmasters. Vortelis is a specialist and expert in "chthonic anchor" methods, which are safety precautions for aiding Harrowers, ensuring they are able to return home from other valences. He carries a small void black urglaes sphere, called a "quasi-sphere", which acts as an anchor or beacon for the sorcerer who remains tethered to this world through the rift. Which is described as analogous to [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning#Summoning|the links]] used in certain safety methods of demonic summoning.

Vortelis was tasked to study the veil in the vicinity of Melgorehn's Reach by Archchancellor [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] in late 5125 Modern Era. This was following a [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)|massive shock wave]] in the veil, ostensibly caused by the soulstone of the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] interacting with the [[mana storm]] of the Reach. [[Thagoria]] of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Rachis|Rachis]], who liaises with sorcerer guilds in the outlands, suggested Vortelis to the Archchancellor given the soulstone's properties. Aralyte had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for over a decade but appeared tethered to it.

===Appearance===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a wretchedly fleshy thew bark runestaff in his right hand.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.
</pre>
;Logs
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)|Lost Palestra - Harrowers Arrives at Melgorehn's Reach]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)|Lost Palestra - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)|Lost Palestra - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue]]
* '''02/04/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)|Lost Palestra - Astrolabe-or of Love]]

Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl

2026-02-10T03:55:58Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Tales of Wehnimer's Landing 
|storyline2= Lost Palestra
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl
|relationships =
|alias = Harrower, Guildmaster
|affiliation = Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild}}

'''Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl''' is a Harrower of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild]] of [[House Faendryl]]. He is one of its guildmasters. Vortelis is a specialist and expert in "chthonic anchor" methods, which are safety precautions for aiding Harrowers, ensuring they are able to return home from other valences. He carries a small void black urglaes sphere, called a "quasi-sphere", which acts as an anchor or beacon for the sorcerer who remains tethered to this world through the rift. Which is described as analogous to [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning#Summoning|the links]] used in certain safety methods of demonic summoning.

Vortelis was tasked to study the veil in the vicinity of Melgorehn's Reach by Archchancellor [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] in late 5125 Modern Era. This was following a [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)|massive shock wave]] in the veil, ostensibly caused by the soulstone of the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] interacting with the [[mana storm]] of the Reach. [[Thagoria]] of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Rachis|Rachis]], who liaises with sorcerer guilds in the outlands, suggested Vortelis to the Archchancellor given the soulstone's properties. Aralyte had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for over a decade but appeared tethered to it.

===Appearance===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a wretchedly fleshy thew bark runestaff in his right hand.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.
</pre>
;Logs
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)|Lost Palestra - Harrowers Arrives at Melgorehn's Reach]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)|Lost Palestra - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)|Lost Palestra - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue]]
* '''02/04/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)|Lost Palestra - Astrolabe-or of Love]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-10T03:37:38Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife."

===The Harrowers===
Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild is a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl. The internal structure of the guild is not well-defined. Titles that have been seen on Harrower NPCs include "guildmaster", "veilmaster", and "cartographer."

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline. They have specialist roles in the guild, but it is not systematically defined.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to disperse extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia from other valences.

* (1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

* (2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

* (3) Related to this issue, there is the "cosmic abyss" problem, where there are a vast number of other valences. It is not trivial to find our own universe without already knowing where it is relative to some other valence, especially when exploring unknown worlds and potentially falling into other ones. Getting lost means needing the luck to "sense" and find random veil weaknesses from Elanthia.

* (4) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by stable flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift) from being within that valence, you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground. This is a "not going in blind" problem of knowing the destination and travel path.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>
The tethers can also be used for probes through the veil, as well as testing whether the tether (at the binding strength that would be used on a person) will be ruptured by rifts being too violently unstable.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.

The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.

The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

===Valencial Astrolabes===
The Harrowers have veil devices called "astrolabes", that are metaphorical analogs of astrolabes for valences instead of astronomy. Where an astronomical astrolabe serves as a star chart and physical model of the visible dome of the sky, and has the function of allowing the identification of stars and latitudes and times, a valencial astrolabe is used in the location of valences through the veil. ([[Grishom Stone]] notably used an astrolabe when trying to gain access to the Ithzir world of [[Kol Tar'sken]] through the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach during the [[Return to Sunder]] storyline.)

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a phasing black alloy astrolabe'''

'''a convoluted valencial cartograph'''

Example of use:

Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.
Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.
The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.
Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.
Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.
</pre>

The precise way this works is not clearly described. In this example Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] was probing [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)#First Rift|unstable rifts]] in the [[Bleaklands]] to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, trying to determine if they were suitable for forming a stable gateway portal. Or if they would eject travelers into the interplanar void, or land them in some other valence, or rip them apart in the "tidal forces." Moravius was essentially using the "astrolabe" and "valencial cartograph" to assess if the rift was cleanly leading to the single location desired and not others. He was also seeing if they were "too narrow" or too unstable.

It functions by phasing in and out of reality through the veil. The astrolabe terminology is analogy and not literal. The "mater" is the base plate, the "rete" is a star chart, the "tympanum" is a latitude-dependent interchangeable disc compared against the rete, the "revolving rod" or alidade is a sight for star or sun angles on the back, and the "index" is a pointer on the front aligning the rete against the mater and tympanum. Instead of stars and the night skies, this is some kind of cosmological mapping. It is outside of the space of this valence, so this is some kind of abstract or higher dimensional model.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-10T03:23:01Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife."

===The Harrowers===
Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild is a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl. The internal structure of the guild is not well-defined. Titles that have been seen on Harrower NPCs include "guildmaster", "veilmaster", and "cartographer."

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline. They have specialist roles in the guild, but it is not systematically defined.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to disperse extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia from other valences.

(1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

(2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

(3) Related to this issue, there is the "cosmic abyss" problem, where there are a vast number of other valences. It is not trivial to find our own universe without already knowing where it is relative to some other valence, especially when exploring unknown worlds and potentially falling into other ones.

(4) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift) from being within that valence already, you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>
The tethers can also be used for probes through the veil, as well as testing whether the tether will be ruptured by rifts being too violently unstable.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.

The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.

The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

===Valencial Astrolabes===
The Harrowers have veil devices called "astrolabes", that are metaphorical analogs of astrolabes for valences instead of astronomy. Where an astronomical astrolabe serves as a star chart and physical model of the visible dome of the sky, and has the function of allowing the identification of stars and latitudes and times, a valencial astrolabe is used in the location of valences through the veil. ([[Grishom Stone]] notably used an astrolabe when trying to gain access to the Ithzir world of [[Kol Tar'sken]] through the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach during the [[Return to Sunder]] storyline.)

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a phasing black alloy astrolabe'''

'''a convoluted valencial cartograph'''

Example of use:

Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.
Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.
The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.
Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.
Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.
</pre>

The precise way this works is not clearly described. In this example Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] was probing [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)#First Rift|unstable rifts]] in the [[Bleaklands]] to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, trying to determine if they were suitable for forming a stable gateway portal. Or if they would eject travelers into the interplanar void, or land them in some other valence, or rip them apart in the "tidal forces." Moravius was essentially using the "astrolabe" and "valencial cartograph" to assess if the rift was cleanly leading to the single location desired and not others. He was also seeing if they were "too narrow" or too unstable.

It functions by phasing in and out of reality through the veil. The astrolabe terminology is analogy and not literal. The "mater" is the base plate, the "rete" is a star chart, the "tympanum" is a latitude-dependent interchangeable disc compared against the rete, the "revolving rod" or alidade is a sight for star or sun angles on the back, and the "index" is a pointer on the front aligning the rete against the mater and tympanum. Instead of stars and the night skies, this is some kind of cosmological mapping. It is outside of the space of this valence, so this is some kind of abstract or higher dimensional model.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-10T03:18:24Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife."

===The Harrowers===
Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild is a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl. The internal structure of the guild is not well-defined. Titles that have been seen on Harrower NPCs include "guildmaster", "veilmaster", and "cartographer."

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline. They have specialist roles in the guild, but it is not systematically defined.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to disperse extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia from other valences.

(1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

(2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

(3) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift) from being within that valence already, you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>
The tethers can also be used for probes through the veil, as well as testing whether the tether will be ruptured by rifts being too violently unstable.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.

The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.

The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

===Valencial Astrolabes===
The Harrowers have veil devices called "astrolabes", that are metaphorical analogs of astrolabes for valences instead of astronomy. Where an astronomical astrolabe serves as a star chart and physical model of the visible dome of the sky, and has the function of allowing the identification of stars and latitudes and times, a valencial astrolabe is used in the location of valences through the veil. ([[Grishom Stone]] notably used an astrolabe when trying to gain access to the Ithzir world of [[Kol Tar'sken]] through the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach during the [[Return to Sunder]] storyline.)

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a phasing black alloy astrolabe'''

'''a convoluted valencial cartograph'''

Example of use:

Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.
Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.
The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.
Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.
Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.
</pre>

The precise way this works is not clearly described. In this example Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] was probing [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)#First Rift|unstable rifts]] in the [[Bleaklands]] to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, trying to determine if they were suitable for forming a stable gateway portal. Or if they would eject travelers into the interplanar void, or land them in some other valence, or rip them apart in the "tidal forces." Moravius was essentially using the "astrolabe" and "valencial cartograph" to assess if the rift was cleanly leading to the single location desired and not others. He was also seeing if they were "too narrow" or too unstable.

It functions by phasing in and out of reality through the veil. The astrolabe terminology is analogy and not literal. The "mater" is the base plate, the "rete" is a star chart, the "tympanum" is a latitude-dependent interchangeable disc compared against the rete, the "revolving rod" or alidade is a sight for star or sun angles on the back, and the "index" is a pointer on the front aligning the rete against the mater and tympanum. Instead of stars and the night skies, this is some kind of cosmological mapping. It is outside of the space of this valence, so this is some kind of abstract or higher dimensional model.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-10T03:02:27Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife." Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", they are a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl.

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to disperse extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia.

(1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

(2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

(3) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift), you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>
The tethers can also be used for probes through the veil, as well as testing whether the tether will be ruptured by rifts being too violently unstable.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.

The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.

The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

===Valencial Astrolabes===
The Harrowers have veil devices called "astrolabes", that are metaphorical analogs of astrolabes for valences instead of astronomy. Where an astronomical astrolabe serves as a star chart and physical model of the visible dome of the sky, and has the function of allowing the identification of stars and latitudes and times, a valencial astrolabe is used in the location of valences through the veil. ([[Grishom Stone]] notably used an astrolabe when trying to gain access to the Ithzir world of [[Kol Tar'sken]] through the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach during the [[Return to Sunder]] storyline.)

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a phasing black alloy astrolabe'''

'''a convoluted valencial cartograph'''

Example of use:

Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.
Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.
The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.
Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.
Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.
</pre>

The precise way this works is not clearly described. In this example Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] was probing [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)#First Rift|unstable rifts]] in the [[Bleaklands]] to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, trying to determine if they were suitable for forming a stable gateway portal. Or if they would eject travelers into the interplanar void, or land them in some other valence, or rip them apart in the "tidal forces." Moravius was essentially using the "astrolabe" and "valencial cartograph" to assess if the rift was cleanly leading to the single location desired and not others. He was also seeing if they were "too narrow" or too unstable.

It functions by phasing in and out of reality through the veil. The astrolabe terminology is analogy and not literal. The "mater" is the base plate, the "rete" is a star chart, the "tympanum" is a latitude-dependent interchangeable disc compared against the rete, the "revolving rod" or alidade is a sight for star or sun angles on the back, and the "index" is a pointer on the front aligning the rete against the mater and tympanum. Instead of stars and the night skies, this is some kind of cosmological mapping. It is outside of the space of this valence, so this is some kind of abstract or higher dimensional model.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-10T02:44:04Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife." Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", they are a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl.

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to disperse extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia.

(1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

(2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

(3) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift), you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

===Valencial Astrolabes===
The Harrowers have veil devices called "astrolabes", that are metaphorical analogs of astrolabes for valences instead of astronomy. Where an astronomical astrolabe serves as a star chart and physical model of the visible dome of the sky, and has the function of allowing the identification of stars and latitudes and times, a valencial astrolabe is used in the location of valences through the veil. ([[Grishom Stone]] notably used an astrolabe when trying to gain access to the Ithzir world of [[Kol Tar'sken]] through the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach during the [[Return to Sunder]] storyline.)

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a phasing black alloy astrolabe'''

'''a convoluted valencial cartograph'''

Example of use:

Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.
Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.
The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.
Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.
Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.
</pre>

The precise way this works is not clearly described. In this example Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] was probing [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)#First Rift|unstable rifts]] in the [[Bleaklands]] to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, trying to determine if they were suitable for forming a stable gateway portal. Or if they would eject travelers into the interplanar void, or land them in some other valence, or rip them apart in the "tidal forces." Moravius was essentially using the "astrolabe" and "valencial cartograph" to assess if the rift was cleanly leading to the single location desired and not others. He was also seeing if they were "too narrow" or too unstable.

It functions by phasing in and out of reality through the veil. The astrolabe terminology is analogy and not literal. The "mater" is the base plate, the "rete" is a star chart, the "tympanum" is a latitude-dependent interchangeable disc compared against the rete, the "revolving rod" or alidade is a sight for star or sun angles on the back, and the "index" is a pointer on the front aligning the rete against the mater and tympanum. Instead of stars and the night skies, this is some kind of cosmological mapping. It is outside of the space of this valence, so this is some kind of abstract or higher dimensional model.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Moravius Faendryl

2026-02-10T02:11:34Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl

2026-02-09T20:15:56Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Tales of Wehnimer's Landing 
|storyline2= Lost Palestra
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl
|relationships =
|alias = Harrower, Guildmaster
|affiliation = Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild}}

'''Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl''' is a Harrower of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild]] of [[House Faendryl]]. He is one of its guildmasters. Vortelis is a specialist and expert in "chthonic anchor" methods, which are safety precautions for aiding Harrowers, ensuring they are able to return home from other valences. He carries a small void black urglaes sphere, called a "quasi-sphere", which acts as an anchor or beacon for the sorcerer who remains tethered to this world through the rift. Which is described as analogous to [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning#Summoning|the links]] used in certain safety methods of demonic summoning.

Vortelis was tasked to study the veil in the vicinity of Melgorehn's Reach by Archchancellor [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] in late 5125 Modern Era. This was following a [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)|massive shock wave]] in the veil, ostensibly caused by the soulstone of the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] interacting with the [[mana storm]] of the Reach. [[Thagoria]] of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Rachis|Rachis]], who liaises with sorcerer guilds in the outlands, suggested Vortelis to the Archchancellor given the soulstone's properties. Aralyte had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for over a decade but appeared tethered to it.

===Appearance===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a wretchedly fleshy thew bark runestaff in his right hand.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.
</pre>
;Logs
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)|Lost Palestra - Harrowers Arrives at Melgorehn's Reach]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)|Lost Palestra - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)|Lost Palestra - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue]]

Viselda Faendryl

2026-02-09T20:13:00Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

Moravius Faendryl

2026-02-09T20:12:46Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-09T19:57:02Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: a few more gaps

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakwalkers, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned "dull white" again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "dull white" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. Viselda was telling the Harrowers that they all need to leave right now. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Moravius reluctantly agreed to leave after Vortelis left.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Viselda glances warily around herself.'''

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

'''Viselda scans her environs slowly and cautiously.'''

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus asks, "I wonder if the shadow is connected somehow to the Vvrael?"

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

'''Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."'''

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "I will use my quasi-sphere for that when we find a more suitable rift."'''

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

'''Viselda nods slowly.'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."'''

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

===Recharging Soulstone===

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A spark of light flashes within the red talisman in Vortelis's hand.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

'''Skin begins to slowly flake off of Vortelis's fingers.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The red talisman begins to glow brightly!'''

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

''(everyone falls down to quake)''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

'''Speaking sharply to Vortelis, Viselda says, "Vortelis! We need to leave. Now."'''

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis turns away from Viselda, ignoring her.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

''(primordials and bleakwalkers invading with oculoths)''

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

'''The ripple in the air spreads as a crack through the fabric of space, spilling out with shadowy monstrosities from beyond the veil.'''

''(voidwalkers and hellhounds start invading)''

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

'''Viselda glares at Vortelis.'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out the rift!'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

''(bleakwalkers, writhing shadows, and veilstalkers invade)''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

''(Ithzir veilstalkers invading through the rift)''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Viselda exclaims, "Vortelis!"'''

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

'''A star bleeds out of existance in the sky.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

'''Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

'''Stars in the sky above begin to blink out of sight.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

'''The storm clouds above the Reach rain hot blood in the freezing air. The sky turns and glows with dark crimson.'''

'''Dark hooded figures run along rooftops of town, firing arrows down on the invaders.''' ''(seen in town itself)''

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

'''The glowing red darkens into a shadowy portal.'''

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!] ''(everyone gets hit with Sympathy)''

''(oculoths invade along with hellhounds and Ithzir and bleak knights)''

'''Moravius says, "This bloody thing..."'''

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius exclaims, "That is a rather serious gamble!"'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Do not even think about it."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I do not think the odds are fully established yet."

'''Moravius says, "It ripped through the tether of Vortelis's quasi-sphere."'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "This is flatly a Palestra matter at this point."'''

'''Moravius frowns at Viselda.'''

Thrassus asks, "Why is that?"

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Do you ever vary the energies in the tether? Or is the method used to establish that connection constant?"

'''Moravius says, "Take that up with the politicians."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Viselda says, "That Blade Aralyte is at the heart of all this, she was totally twisted with dark power."

Thrassus says, "She is not, actually."

Thrassus says, "I am starting to suspect it is the Prelate."

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

'''Moravius gestures vaguely at the air above the lake.'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-09T04:50:42Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: gap filling

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "pale" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Viselda glances warily around herself.'''

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

'''Viselda scans her environs slowly and cautiously.'''

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

'''Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."'''

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

'''Viselda nods slowly.'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."'''

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A spark of light flashes within the red talisman in Vortelis's hand.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

'''Skin begins to slowly flake off of Vortelis's fingers.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The red talisman begins to glow brightly!'''

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

''(everyone falls down to quake)''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

'''Speaking sharply to Vortelis, Viselda says, "Vortelis! We need to leave. Now."'''

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis turns away from Viselda, ignoring her.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

''(primordials and bleakwalkers invading with oculoths)''

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

'''The ripple in the air spreads as a crack through the fabric of space, spilling out with shadowy monstrosities from beyond the veil.'''

''(voidwalkers and hellhounds start invading)''

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

'''Viselda glares at Vortelis.'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out the rift!'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

''(bleakwalkers, writhing shadows, and veilstalkers invade)''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

''(Ithzir veilstalkers invading through the rift)''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Viselda exclaims, "Vortelis!"'''

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

'''A star bleeds out of existance in the sky.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

'''Stars in the sky above begin to blink out of sight.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

'''The storm clouds above the Reach rain hot blood in the freezing air. The sky turns and glows with dark crimson.'''

'''Dark hooded figures run along rooftops of town, firing arrows down on the invaders.''' ''(seen in town itself)''

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

'''The glowing red darkens into a shadowy portal.'''

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!] ''(everyone gets hit with Sympathy)''

''(oculoths invade along with hellhounds and Ithzir and bleak knights)''

'''Moravius says, "This bloody thing..."'''

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius exclaims, "That is a rather serious gamble!"'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Do not even think about it."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I do not think the odds are fully established yet."

'''Moravius says, "It ripped through the tether of Vortelis's quasi-sphere."'''

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "This is flatly a Palestra matter at this point."'''

'''Moravius frowns at Viselda.'''

Thrassus asks, "Why is that?"

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Do you ever vary the energies in the tether? Or is the method used to establish that connection constant?"

'''Moravius says, "Take that up with the politicians."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Viselda says, "That Blade Aralyte is at the heart of all this, she was totally twisted with dark power."

Thrassus says, "She is not, actually."

Thrassus says, "I am starting to suspect it is the Prelate."

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

'''Moravius gestures vaguely at the air above the lake.'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-07T16:48:56Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "pale" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

'''Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."'''

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."'''

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A spark of light flashes within the red talisman in Vortelis's hand.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

'''Skin begins to slowly flake off of Vortelis's fingers.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The red talisman begins to glow brightly!'''

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

''(everyone falls down to quake)''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

''(primordials and bleakwalkers invading with oculoths)''

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

'''The ripple in the air spreads as a crack through the fabric of space, spilling out with shadowy monstrosities from beyond the veil.'''

''(voidwalkers and hellhounds start invading)''

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out the rift!'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

''(Ithzir veilstalkers invading through the rift)''

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

'''A star bleeds out of existance in the sky.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

'''Stars in the sky above begin to blink out of sight.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

'''The storm clouds above the Reach rain hot blood in the freezing air. The sky turns and glows with dark crimson.'''

'''Dark hooded figures run along rooftops of town, firing arrows down on the invaders.''' ''(seen in town itself)''

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

'''The glowing red darkens into a shadowy portal.'''

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!] ''(everyone gets hit with Sympathy)''

''(oculoths invade along with hellhounds and Ithzir and bleak knights)''

'''Moravius says, "This bloody thing..."'''

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-07T16:44:15Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "pale" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A spark of light flashes within the red talisman in Vortelis's hand.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

'''Skin begins to slowly flake off of Vortelis's fingers.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The red talisman begins to glow brightly!'''

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

''(everyone falls down to quake)''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

''(primordials and bleakwalkers invading with oculoths)''

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

'''The ripple in the air spreads as a crack through the fabric of space, spilling out with shadowy monstrosities from beyond the veil.'''

''(voidwalkers and hellhounds start invading)''

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out the rift!'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

''(Ithzir veilstalkers invading through the rift)''

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

'''A star bleeds out of existance in the sky.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

'''Stars in the sky above begin to blink out of sight.''' ''(seen back in town)''

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

'''The storm clouds above the Reach rain hot blood in the freezing air. The sky turns and glows with dark crimson.'''

'''Dark hooded figures run along rooftops of town, firing arrows down on the invaders.''' ''(seen in town itself)''

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

'''The glowing red darkens into a shadowy portal.'''

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!] ''(everyone gets hit with Sympathy)''

''(oculoths invade along with hellhounds and Ithzir and bleak knights)''

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-07T16:07:34Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "pale" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

'''The ripple in the air shakes violently. The veil warps around the urglaes sphere, making waves in space, until finally the dark tendril snaps!'''

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!]

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-07T16:01:30Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave. The soulstone had gone from "pale" to "light red" by this point.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.'''

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

'''Moravius inserts a new tympanum in his astrolabe, then rotates the rete around the mater as he examines the ripple in the air.'''

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

'''The large ripple in the air contracts, then wavers unstably and shifts around in space.'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

'''Moravius adjusts a small revolving rod on the astrolabe, orienting it with the tear in reality and consulting his valencial map.'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

'''Moravius incants and gestures at the ripple of air, making its inner space glow and tear open wider.'''

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree. 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands] 
Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see '''a large unstable ripple in the air.''' 
Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]'' 
''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''Motes of yellow light drift down the mountainside of Melgorehn's Reach like a cascade of sallow tears.'''

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!]

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-07T15:37:05Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath''

''them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!]

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-07T15:21:16Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: partial filling in of log gaps

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

'''Invasion Monsters:'''

* a flickering shadow spectre
* a glistening ashen bleakworm
* a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight
* a fluid shadowy bleakwalker
* a huge shadowy primordial
* a massive tenebrous oculoth
* a slender shadowy voidwalker
* a snarling vapor hellhound
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer
* a thin shadowy Ithzir augur
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

'''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
'''01/05/2026:'' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
'''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
'''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
'''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==Log==
This is a composite log by different people. The bulk of the action has most of the background chatter, activity, and combat messaging removed.

===Calm Before The Storm===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 the Arelder disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Arelder, Magister Raelee, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Speaking to Arelder, Thrassus asks, "Are you joining this night's excursion to the Bleaklands?"

Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "An excursion to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus nods.
Raelee nods at Arelder.
Arelder glances between Raelee and Thrassus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have... mixed feelings on the subject..."
Raelee says, "We have research to conduct."
Thrassus says, "We are providing one of the Faendryl Harrowers a security escort for some research."
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder continues, "...but feel somehow I should push past them tonight."
Arelder nods understandingly at Thrassus.
Arelder frowns.
Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder repeats, "Research."
Arelder nods once.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "Yes. Research."
Speaking quietly to Thrassus, Arelder offers, "If I could provide a hand, certainly I would like to join."
Arelder nods glumly at Raelee.

'''Yellow motes of light flicker through the air, falling to the earth like disintegrating ash.'''

Thrassus says, "There will likely be newly discovered horrors, just like every trip we take to the deeper parts."
Arelder glances up.
Arelder turns to face Thrassus.
Arelder nods absently at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "That's new."
Thrassus gazes up into the heavens.
Arelder gazes up into the heavens.
Vivaldi just arrived.
Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "What do you think yellow motes indicate?"
Raelee gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "We know blue and purple ones tend to foreshadow attacks from lightning elementals."
Vivaldi mutters yellowsnow.
Raelee says, "... similar motes... yes."
Vivaldi gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Raelee agrees, "Elementals."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps fire?"
Arelder leans against a huge dark wagon.
Thrassus shrugs.
Alatheus just arrived.
Alatheus just went west.
Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

'''Town militia patrol the streets of Wehnimer's Landing.'''

Perigourd reaches out and pats a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Perigourd says, "Soon."
Perigourd nods to a glowing blue-white pylon.
Missoni squints at Perigourd.
Speaking idly to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "Is this the first journey by the Faendryl Harrowers to the Bleaklands?"
Thrassus raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction.
Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.
Thrassus says, "One this deep, yes."
Lylia inclines her head.
Missoni nods to Lylia in greeting.

[General] Pukk thinks, "Militia look like they are having more activity."

Vivaldi grunts.

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Thrassus says, "We took a trip to the outskirts earlier this week."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

Raelee nods slowly at Lylia.
Arelder nods thoughtfully at Thrassus.
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... we will have to reschedule."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Perigourd glances between Raelee and Lylia.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Reschedule wat?"
Thrassus says, "It was relatively safe."
Lylia says, "It would appear so."
Perigourd says, "What, rather."
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Raelee states, "Tea."
Lylia says, "Tea."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "The storm appears to be in the early phase of one of its cycles."'''

Brother-in-arms Oxhammer arrives, his figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a grizzly bear made of misty green light lumbering beside him.
Perigourd turns toward Oxhammer and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni nods sympathetically.
Oxhammer turns toward Perigourd and renders a sharp hand salute.
Missoni smiles at Oxhammer.
Lylia smiles at Oxhammer.
Perigourd asks, "Fishtea?"
Oxhammer asks, "Evening all...somethin cookin?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "... no."
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "I have not been... to the area in some time. Certainly not since it has been the Bleaklands."

[General] Lylia thinks, "As you had expected, I believe."

Perigourd ponders.
Lylia nods at Arelder.
A passerby carries a wicker basket brimming with verdant-sheened produce, sampling a few berries as he walks off.

[General] Pukk asks, "Storm?"

Thrassus grins at Arelder.
Lylia says, "It is deeply changed."
Speaking to Oxhammer, Missoni says, "There seems to be a bit of a storm."
Lylia nods at Oxhammer.

[General] Nordred asks, "So the town militia is getting ready because its raining?"

Thrassus says, "It might as well be another valence."
Oxhammer nods.

[General] Joffee asks, "Are we expecting trouble tonight?"
[General] Tearieyes asks, "If someone were to have, I don't know, set a root on fire in town, it won't spread....will it?"

Speaking glumly to Thrassus, Arelder agrees, "Yes."
Vivaldi rests the end of his hoe on the ground at his feet, grasping the handle casually.
Oxhammer says, "Be back."
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I wouldn't go that far."

[General] Valandsa thinks, "What an odd thing to ask.."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall."'''

[General] Leafiara thinks, "They've proven resilient to fire so far, so it's a moot point either way."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Burn baby Burn!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's not fire that I used."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "It's a white flask."

Thrassus says, "I would say at least some of the things that live there now meet that description."

[General] Pukk thinks, "The town militia probably saw that Lylia and Missoni was around so they are being vigilant."
[General] Lylia asks, "Town of wood and wattle, what could go wrong?"
[General] Nordred thinks, "If I was evil, I'd do stuff when the weather was clear and nice. Starts raining, reschedule."
[General] Joffee thinks, "Heh."
[General] Thuffir exclaims, "Boil it dip it in chocolate and enjoy!"
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "And it's certainly burning here in TSSW."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Lylia leans against her clockwork staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.
Thrassus says, "Unless you mean those large blue vulture things with partial human faces are totally natural to this valence."
Lylia adds, "And whatever it was Vortelis pulled out of the ash, that small writhing monstrosity."
Perigourd says, "There are other magical means by which one can presume the guise of others."
Perigourd says, "I wouldn't immediately reach to say they're extraplanar."
Perigourd says, "Though I wouldn't rule out the possibility either."
Pukk just arrived.
Thrassus says, "I don't think those were disguses."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, yes, that strange leech."
Oxhammer nods at Pukk.
Speaking sincerely to Thrassus, Arelder replies, "I am largely ignorant of such things... I tried once many years before my recent adventuring, but the heavy dust is what I remember the most."
Oxhammer says, "Evening Pukk."
Thrassus nods at Arelder.
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Arelder asks, "How are the Faendryl Harrowers going to deal with the dust?"
Pukk waves.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Thrassus asks, "The dust?"
Thrassus says, "They are concerned with the rifts to the shadow valence more."
Arelder flashes a quick grin.
Whimweaver Leafiara arrives, her figure partially obscured by the flickering form of a silver-winged dragonfly made of ivory-haloed scarlet light hovering beside her.
Arelder nods once.
Lylia waves to Leafiara.
Leafiara waves to Lylia.
Missoni gazes in amusement at her surroundings.
Leafiara says, "Apparently the roots get set on fire by white flasks, Tearieyes discovered."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Thrassus, Arelder admits, "Perhaps so."
Leafiara says, "Of all the things..."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Someone had mentioned pure potions before."
Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "I hadn't given it a try though."
Leafiara nods at Perigourd.
Missoni says, "How odd."
Leafiara says, "I heard that too... from Svardin,, I believe."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Not entirely odd considering they're cursed."
Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Pukk nods.
Lylia says, "Fascinating."
Monthas asks, "Can I try on this root?"
Lylia says, "Please do."
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Vortelis walks in through a brief tear in the fabric of reality.'''

Arelder takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I presume so."

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Vivaldi blinks.
Lylia nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Missoni nods respectfully to Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Leafiara nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Leafiara amiably greets, "Good eve!"
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Arelder nods almost imperceptibly to Vortelis.
Perigourd nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Speaking to Monthas, Thrassus says, "Looks like it needs another pour."
Missoni nods encouragingly at Monthas.
Lylia gazes with interest at Monthas.

Flames completely engulf a huge deep black gnarled root, the heat driving you back!

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 a huge deep black gnarled root.
The black gnarled root whips a tendril out, lashing Leafiara with its glistening spiked tip.
Nothing happens.

Oxhammer nods at Vortelis.

Monthas pours his flask on the root.
The flames engulfing a huge deep black gnarled root leap higher!

Raelee gazes watchfully at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Speaking teasingly to Raelee, Arelder whispers aloud, "Ah, Magister... this gentleman finds it to be a 'good' evening already."
Lylia gazes with interest at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.
Earthdiver laughs at a huge deep black gnarled root!

'''Vortelis says, "We expect the rifts in the Bleaklands will expand and become most viable as this mana storm intensifies."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus says, "Just doing a bit of gardening."
Lylia nods once at Vortelis.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Leafiara nods understandingly.
Perigourd places his hands on his hips and hitches his thumbs under the sides of his leather belt, taking on a posture of unconcerned repose.
Speaking to Arelder, Raelee says, "The research has not yet begun. It seems premature to label the night thusly."

'''Vortelis says, "The effects have a way of spilling over."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Earthdiver pounds a huge deep black gnarled root with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Arelder's grin fades as he looks at Raelee.
Arelder clears his throat.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi asks, "Is that feller with the fancy drop in someone ah needa worry 'bout?"
Vivaldi glances at Vortelis.
With a sudden look of surprise, Leafiara quickly backpedals away from a huge deep black gnarled root.
Earthdiver nods at Vivaldi.

'''Vortelis says, "They are essentially sinkholes in the veil formed by the intense concentration of shadows."'''

Monthas frowns.
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods.
Monthas says, "It sure burns."

[General] Directed to Tearieyes, Leafiara exclaims, "Now we're flasking other roots! Thanks for the idea!"

Speaking to a huge deep black gnarled root, Lylia says, "Take that."
Leafiara chuckles.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Vivaldi says, "Fair enuff."
Monthas nods at Lylia.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is there anything in particular we should be observant of?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia asks, "Anyone I know?"

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Monsters trying to tear us into pieces."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Not unusual."
Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Arelder gazes blankly at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "Very long ago."

[General] Directed to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "If a white flask does that to a root, will your spell do the same?"

Missoni sighs, "Daily occurrance really."
Leafiara nods knowingly at Missoni.
Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "About the same era as that child.."

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Bad news, mine went out."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "You need to spend more time gardening."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Why, when you are so good at it?"
A passerby tilts a handful of verdant-sheened berries into their mouth before vanishing into a nearby crowd.
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "When I tried to more on to reignite it, it lashed out instead of catching."
[General] Thuffir thinks, "Time to raid the cleric shop for pure potions."

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Hmm. Maybe we just need to find the right followup to the white flask. Oil for the fire, as it were."
[General] Lankas thinks, "I tried to keep the root and nothing. Tried holy bolt and nothing."
[General] Tearieyes thinks, "That's a really good idea."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to enter the Bleaklands through a portal at Lake Eonak. He is 'hijacking' the natural rifting of the storm so that it collapses with it."'''

Leafiara nods understandingly.
Thrassus nods once.
Missoni nods understandingly at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes thinks, "Oh, it DID set it back on fire."

Pukk says, "A magical pirate..."
Pukk nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "I trust Harrower Moravius to know what he is about."

'''Vortelis says, "So we should travel to the lake."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

[General] Thuffir thinks, "Maybe attack it with a axe while its burning."

Pukk recites:
"Everybody join Perigourd!"
Thrassus nods.
Leafiara snickers.
Missoni turns around.
Missoni gets a blank look on her face.
Lylia nods.
Leafiara amusedly says, "Welp."
Monthas chuckles.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

[General] Tearieyes exclaims, "I don't have one!"

Perigourd glances at Pukk.
Earthdiver says, "I will open a door to Lake Eonak momentarily."
Pukk chuckles.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Earthdiver.
Leafiara turns to Earthdiver and cheers!

Earthdiver gestures.
A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.

Pukk says, "Okay Missoni."
Earthdiver nods to a starlit doorway.

[General] Thuffir exclaims, "And get out the marshmallows graham crackers and most importantly chocolate!"
</pre>
===Lake Eonak===

'''Vortelis steps through the starlit doorway.'''

[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 starlit doorway, a fluffy white cat, the Amathea disk, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment. 
Also here: Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius, Blade Viselda 
Obvious paths: southwest

'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.''' 
She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears. 
She is in good shape. 
She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand. 
She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face. 
He is in good shape. 
He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand. 
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.''' 
He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf. 
He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. 
He is in good shape. 
He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath''

''them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!]

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)

2026-02-06T19:52:21Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synopsis==
* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] arrived at Moot Hall shortly after Melgorehn's Reach began having mana storm effects. He explained again that they were going to the Bleaklands during the storming event, and that this is probably the last opportunity for the next month due to the storm cycle.

* The premise is that the "shadows" energy in the Bleaklands has caused partially formed rifts into the Shadow Realm (which they are calling "sinkholes" in the Veil) and that these rifts will be most easily widened and exacerbated during the mana storming. This is due to Melgorehn's Reach, the [[Bleaklands]], and the [[Shadow Realm]] being magically "entangled" for historical reasons, due to all the things done for [[Althedeus]] and by [[Raznel]].

* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] wished to go study these sinkhole rifts to test their viability for forming full stable portals to the Shadow Realm. Since he has been testing for the optimal location for them to travel there, as that demonic valence is relatively difficult to reach safely. It has been previously established it is easier in certain places due to past damages to the veil.

* This includes Lake Eonak, where the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] opened a portal to the Shadow Realm with an Ur-Daemon artifact (the Staff of Ith'can), and [[Vlashandra]] reopened a "wound" there with a bloody ritual several years later. (To bring back [[Barnom Slim]], who climbed his way past Aralyte.) It also includes the Bleaklands, which were turned into a demonic undead wasteland, where the soil has oculoth blood in it.

* Other potential spots have included the Deadfall (sealed off by a druidic energy barrier and has the black trees root maw as well as [[Grishom Stone]]'s stronghold) and Lich's Landing (where the black trees roots were first concentrated and where Barnom Slim was turned into a lich by an obelisk) which is phased out of reality still by [[Goblyn]]. These have been deemed impractical. Harrower [[Ersix]] also had mostly ruled out the Deadfall as the source of the Landing's current black roots problem. (The next night it was discovered [[Briselle]] is responsible for that, apparently in some way caused from her botany using Bleak soil and materials.)

* Harrower Vortelis also wished to go study these sinkhole rifts in the Bleaklands as a potential fast way to recharge Aralyte's soulstone, whose energy can be used to force portals toward forming, possibly sufficient for reaching the Shadows Realm in a place that is already weak in the veil toward that valence.

* The Harrowers have wanted to avoid reopening the Lake Eonak portal for several reasons: (1) It is too major of a breach and located right next to Melgorehn's Reach, which is seemingly being used to power bringing the Shadow Realm and Elanthia into stronger intersection in at least the Bleaklands. (2) Aralyte's soulstone caused a massive shock wave in the Veil two months earlier, apparently forming a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadow Realm through it. Vortelis has been staying away from their encampment at Lake Eonak as he is carrying the soulstone. They think it is being used as leverage by something trying to get into Elanthia. (3) It is dangerous to have a major portal next to a mana storm, as the storm can tend to force it to stay open. (4) It is very near the town and Shadow Realm monsters and demons are likely to invade through it.

* [[Earthdiver (prime)|Earthdiver]] opened a portal and everyone went to Lake Eonak. Harrower Moravius drew a summoning circle and opened a portal to the deep Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador itself, where they know there are Shadow Realm rifts. Moravius wanted to do this at Lake Eonak as he expected the portal would naturally collapse with the mana storm, as there's been past issues with Bleaklands behemoths being drawn toward such portals.

* Moravius, Vortelis, and [[Viselda Faendryl]] (the Palestra guarding Moravius) brought everyone into the Bleaklands. They examined three "sinkhole" rifts, which appear as ripples in the air, but are larger now than they were in past visits. Locations in the Shadow Realm could be seen through the rifts. Moravius used a phasing valencial astrolabe device and cartograph while studying the rifts for portal viability. There were occasional attacks by Bleaklands monsters, including shadowy spectres and Bleakworks, then eventually Bleak knights.

* Moravius determined the first rift was too "narrow" and unstable. He said that trying to go through it would tear them apart with "tidal forces", or eject them into the interplanar void, or potentially land them in some other valence entirely. The second rift was somewhat better, but Vortelis sent a probe through it with a magical tether on his quasi-sphere "chthonic anchor", and the tether ended up breaking. Which implied that if this happened while traveling there, they could all get stranded in the Shadow Realm like Aralyte.

* Moravius determined that the third rift, next to the ruins of Talador, was the best they're likely to do unless the veil is totally broken through in there somewhere. Vortelis tried to partially recharge the soulstone directly off the rift to the Shadow Realm. The soulstone burned his hand. He half-joked that he hopes his hand does not transform into a tentacle from it.

* Vortelis expended energy from the soulstone (which had gone from "pale red" to "bright red") into the third ripple as a "penetration test" of the rift. This significantly injured his hand. The soulstone turned pale again. The rift got bloody and started showing a montage of Shadow Realm locations. Then the rift turned black and two feystone lights appeared. (The color of Aralyte's eyes.) Then there was a vision of Aralyte engulfed in shadows and blood, reaching toward the rift with a shadowy arm.

* There were writhing shadows lashing out from the rift. (This kept happening later at the other rifts when everyone was returning to the Landing.) The soulstone also shot a red beam into the western sky, which struck the mana storm above Melgorehn's Reach, causing another smaller veil shock wave.

* There was then a surge of invasion from shadows entities, including shadowy bleakwalkers as well as the writhing shadows masses, shadowy primordials, as well as oculoth demons. There were Shadow Realm monsters coming through the veil, including voidwalkers, and there were vapor hellhounds. The shadowy Ithzir also began attacking at this spot in the Bleaklands.

* After the soulstone lashed out, Moravius noted the veil was thinning all around them. The Harrowers realized the veil there was at risk of collapsing into the Shadow Realm. Vortelis left the Bleaklands with the soulstone, getting it away from the Bleaklands rifts, as it was a driving factor in this collapse process. Viselda made Moravius leave.

* The shadowy Ithzir were then invading in the normal way at Wehnimer's Landing. So everyone made it back toward the portal. When they were getting near the portal, a behemoth was seen dropping out of the sky, moving toward the portal. Once everyone returned to Lake Eonak, that portal turned dark, and Shadow monsters were invading at Lake Eonak. As well as the Ithzir. The bound reanimated Ithzir in the gibbet was calling out to them. The portal was staying stuck open, so Moravius collapsed it by hurling a spear of kroderine into it.

* The mana storm died down and the Ithzir invasion stopped. The Harrowers had determined the Bleaklands was not a viable entry strategy for them: (1) The motivation of keeping the soulstone away turned out to be refuted, as it's actually worse having it in the Bleaklands. (2) The Bleaklands itself is too dangerous during peak storming. (3) The rifts in the Bleaklands are too unstable, too high a risk of stranding them in the Shadows valence. (Especially since they'd need to bring the soulstone with them to search for Aralyte.)

* They determined that the Lake Eonak portal is probably their only viable option. This will be more dangerous to the town. Viselda was mad and insisting that this is clearly a Palestra matter now, given what was seen of Aralyte, as well as the confirmation that she is actually alive there and the Ithzir and Shadow Realm/Aralyte situations are virtually certain to be the same source valence now. Though where in the valence still needs to be figured out. People disagreed on whether it established Aralyte was twisted in mind with corruption. Viselda complained earlier that there were not enough Palestra there for what they were doing. She was told by adventurers they have experience fighting demons, but her complaint was partly related to having authority to regulate the Harrowers. Moravius and Viselda left to go report to higher authorities about what happened.

==Log==
===Lake Eonak===
'''You see Blade Viselda the Palestra of Shamsiel Academy.'''

She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.

She is average height. She appears to be mature. She has long-lashed sea green eyes and dark skin. She has long, platinum hair. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and thin pointed ears.

She is in good shape.

She is holding a barbed high steel claidhmore in her right hand.

She is wearing a long grey cloak, a well-fitting weapon harness, a black leather bodysuit, a lor triskele inset with three wine-veined scarlet despanals, some grey rugged pants, and some black leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.'''

He appears to be a Dark Elf.

He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.

He is in good shape.

He is holding a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his right hand.

He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

'''You see Harrower Moravius the Veilmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.'''

He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.

He is taller than average. He appears ageless. He has dark-rimmed jade green eyes and deep umber skin. He has shoulder length, unruly silver hair only partially tamed into a single braid. He has a fine-boned face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears.

He is in good shape.

He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband, a banded chalcedony cameo, a whorled black leather case, some silver-shot ebon bourde robes with a grey silk tunic notched at the high collar underneath, a bezel-set ruby and silver signet ring, some jet leather leggings, and a pair of polished black leather boots.

'''Moravius says, "Ah, good. Bodies."'''

Amathea quietly says, "Oh dear."

Vivaldi says, "Sounds like ah'm gonna die."

Lylia says, "Encouraging."

The voice of Leafiara says, "I certainly wouldn't count on it being a safe trip, at least."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Thrassus says, "Very possible."

Vivaldi says, "Guess won't be the first.."

'''Vortelis says, "I will be coming along to test the soulstone, as well, though I would like to spend as little time with it near this mountain as possible."'''

(Arelder adjusts his scabbard, leaving his sword sheathed for the moment.)

'''Azure and celadon lights flash in the churning clouds high above, with the occasional mote of golden essence flickering by like a flake of snow.'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes. We should go now. Before the storm intensifies."'''

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

'''Moravius put some waxy translucent chalk in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius throws his arms around the air above the summoning circle, forming a swirling cloud of energy, with burning runes emerging from the fabric of reality within the vortex.'''

'''The vortex of energy swirls into a maelstrom, morphing together into solidity, finally stabilizing as a glowing dark red portal.'''

'''Moravius says, "There we are."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Arriving in the Bleaklands===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a glowing dark red portal.

Thrassus says, "The effects are quite a bit more heavy here."

'''Vortelis says, "This whole land is sick with shadows. It is corruptive even to be here, fortunately we do not have to stay long."'''

Lylia says, "Evocative phrase. 'Sick with shadows.'."

Thrassus says, "Even the sky is corrupted."

[We noticed we were having some trouble with spells...]

Lylia's magic fizzles ineffectually.

Vivaldi says, "Smells bad."

Missoni adopts a look of utter repugnance before sputtering an emphatic, "Fishcakes!"

Perigourd says, "Interesting."

'''Viselda says, "This is more dangerous than that other region."'''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

The voice of Pukk says, "Ewww anti magics....this is going to be interesting."

The voice of Leafiara calmly agrees, "Yes."

Thrassus says, "And mana-bereft."

Perigourd says, "It would seem the chaos of the shadow breach nullifies the mana flows."

Vivaldi says, "Hells."

Missoni declares, "Perfectly wretched."

Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "It's not so bad..."

Winrie says, "I would rather be dragged from here, than smell this air any longer."

Thrassus says, "The mana has been drained away to the shadow plane."

Speaking morosely to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "It is not so bad. It is worse."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Just kick them."

From behind Earthdiver, Leafiara's voice says, "Just wait until the shadows show up and almost nothing physical damages them either."

'''Moravius says, "The suffocating blanket should raise with the storm."'''

'''The air ripples and warms.'''

[Magic is restored!]

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, we can do that."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Perhaps we ought to have been here earlier. There may have been ample opportunity to trace that mana."

Missoni nods approvingly.

Thrassus says, "That is a good point."

'''Moravius says, "There are certainly anti-magical qualities to the shadows."'''

Missoni murmurs, "That is better."

Lylia says, "As if I needed another reason to dislike them."

'''Moravius says, "I can sense the sinkholes in the Veil. They are that way, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

===First Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver says, "Let us not tarry..."

Missoni murmurs, "It is so thin one can see right to the Shadow Realm."

Arelder raises his oak torch overhead, allowing the flame to illuminate the surroundings better.

'''Moravius says, "Pure darkness is what you would call anti-mana, it is an aspect of the shadows as an energy."'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''Traveling to the peak of this bit of land, the climb is made more steep simply by the volume of bones scattered across the ground. Layer upon layer, the remains are heaped until it is near impossible to even see what lies beneath''

''them. Tendrils of shadow writhe and curl in the air where the rise drops off in a sheer cliff, leaving nothing but crimson clouds of mist to haunt the darkness beyond the field of bones.''

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Such as in the rift with the Vvrael?"

Winrie painfully says, "That name again."

'''Moravius says, "That is a collective sentience of anti-mana."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... can we send something through there?"

Monthas says, "The Vvrael have no problem hurling that anti-mana back at me."

Oxhammer says, "Just stay hidden Pukk...everything will work out fine."

'''Moravius looks over and inspects the ripple in the air.'''

'''Moravius removes a phasing black alloy astrolabe from in his black leather case.'''

'''Moravius removes a convoluted valencial cartograph from in his black leather case.'''

Perigourd removes a burnished silver spyglass from in his green leather cloak.

Perigourd peers east through his silver spyglass and slowly turns the eyepiece to focus it.

Perigourd polishes his silver spyglass with the edge of his sleeve.

The voice of Pukk asks, "Perigourd, did you look into the right end?"

Perigourd says, "I did, yes."

Perigourd says, "Bit dark here though, unsurprisingly."

'''Moravius hovers the astrolabe near the ripple, gesturing as it phases in and out.'''

Amathea quietly says, "You have to attune the thingy! silly..."

Vortelis says, "Teasing the tail of the dragon."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

[Fighting!]

'''Moravius says, "Impolite."'''

(Raelee moves closer to Moravius, attempting to see the astrolabe and cartograph more closely, seemingly unbothered by the hostiles.)

'''Moravius says, "This narrow passage is too tight. It impractical for forming a stable gateway."'''

Missoni asks, "Perhaps further in, then?"

For a moment, the ground trembles and cracks, and oddly, seems to expand as if stretching outward.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... what else do your readings say?"

Dirt and rock explode from the ground beneath Amathea as a glistening ashen bleakworm erupts from underground and crashes onto the surface!

[More fighting!]

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Yes then, your readings?"

'''Moravius looks unfazed and continues speaking.'''

Pukk says, "I felt the ground rumble and was just about to tell Leafi that she needs to cut down on the chocolate."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "If we were to try to breach here, we might fall into the interplanar void, or end up in some other valence entirely."'''

Speaking defiantly to Pukk, Leafiara says, "Never."

'''Moravius says, "But then it might simply rip us into pieces through the tidal forces."'''

Winrie says, "Amathea..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I'm here somewhere."

'''Moravius points at Amathea, ruining her hiding place.'''

Raelee asks, "Have you any mechanism amongst your tools for sending something inside without following it yourself?"

'''Moravius says, "Hide and seek will not work when you are dead."'''

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk asks, "Oh hi there. Did you know that you are dead?"

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "Have you thought about not dying? It's what everybody is doing now-a-days."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "I did, in fact."

Earthdiver says, "Is there someone to raise her."

Winrie says, "She is ready."

Arelder gestures at Amathea.

With each passing moment during Arelder's slow chant, his eyes flutter rhythmically. He folds his right arm and rests his chin upon his hand, then gazes down at the lifeless corpse of Amathea, as if contemplating her existence.

Blinking once, Arelder thrusts his hand over Amathea, and crackling raw power flows from Arelder's fingertips into Amathea.

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "How do you remain in contact with it once it passes through?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "There is a tether of energy that binds the probe to the sphere, so long as it does not get severed by the forces of the rift."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... curious."

'''Viselda impatiently says, "We should keep moving, Moravius..."'''

'''Moravius says, "Oh, yes."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak,

resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

[Oh so much fighting! We lost a few.]

Speaking to Vivaldi, Pukk says, "So, you have died my friend..."

Earthdiver says, "Is there...someone to raise the farmer fellow."

'''Moravius says, "That will not do at all. You could get possessed laying around that way."'''

Leafiara tentatively asks, "Does anyone have a chrism on hand?"

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Ah mean.. fertilizer is fertilzer."

Arelder glumly admits, "I cannot, unfortunately..."

Speaking to Vivaldi, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Thrassus says, "Nothing natural will grow here, though."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "For now."

Thrassus says, "Optimistic."

Thrassus snickers.

'''An old church bell rings hauntingly all around you, its distorted sound resonating throughout the broken lands.'''

The ghostly voice of Vivaldi says, "Yall run along and ah'll mebbe get the ground a li'l growin' like."

Earthdiver says, "No insects. It is indeed desolate compared to the other parts of the Bleaklands."

Arelder incredulously asks, "Did anyone hear that?"

A melodic chant escapes Leafiara's lips, singing the praises of the joys of living. Leafiara's eyes light up, and a sparkling yellow aura soon surrounds her as she revels in her ceremony. Caught up in the moment, she dances lively

around the body of Vivaldi, the exultant energy flowing from her to Vivaldi with every step. Leafiara takes a small bow at the end of the ritual that has left both her and Vivaldi slightly out of breath.

Speaking offhandedly to Arelder, Leafiara says, "It's, ah... not an uncommon sound around here..."

Leafiara says, "But, truly, what you'd better hope is that it doesn't signal the arrival of echoes of the Blameless."

Speaking to Leafiara, Lylia says, "Do not even speak them into existence."

'''Moravius says, "Blameless? Yes, I suppose we are, blameless in it."'''

Thrassus says, "If it was a few weeks older it would likely have turned into a maw on the end of a vine or something."

Monthas says, "Ohh thats right."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie asks, "What happens when those fruits come home?"

Monthas says, "Dirt from the bleaklands."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia says, "Well, naturally, but this is rather a different sort of...hmm. We can talk about it later."

Speaking to himself, Everall says, "This place..."

Earthdiver says, "Growing anything in this is almost certainly a terrible idea."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "They mean zealots."'''

Earthdiver says, "Unless you grow it here, of course."

Lylia says, "Koarites."

Earthdiver says, "Then it's probably ok."

'''Moravius asks, "Koarites?"'''

'''Moravius frowns.'''

Speaking to Vivaldi, Winrie exclaims, "Not on our watch, turnip!"

Amathea quietly asks, "Devotees?"

'''Moravius says, "Those zealots do not even appreciate demons."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Thrassus says, "A brief description of them would be a political faction that still thinks invading us was a good idea."

Lylia says, "Everblood, zealotry, madness, destruction."

Leafiara says, "They've been here before--in the Bleaklands, that is--but they aren't always."

Winrie exclaims, "Good!"

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Harrower Moravius

Winrie exclaims, "Why would anyone?!"

Leafiara says, "But I think I recall seeing them last time we encountered those worms, so..."

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

The spectre moans evilly!

[Still more fighting!]

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

===Second Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

'''Moravius exclaims, "There we are!"'''

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''The face of the tumultuous mountain is altogether unlike any that can be found in the waking world. Strips of cloth that may have once been banners peek out from beneath rocks and within crevices, their countenances torn and frayed, making their crests all but unidentifiable. Sandwiched between the boulders that create the base of the range are humanoid limbs that twitch and swat at the empty air from time to time.''

Monthas says, "So much to see and look at."

Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''Vortelis says, "This one seems more well-formed."'''

Thrassus asks, "Could that be the equivalent to the Reach on the shadow valence?"

(Pukk tries to poke the ripple in the air.)

(Lylia falls silent and peers avidly at the ripple as if searching for something beyond it.)

The temperature drops suddenly as a flickering shadow spectre materializes!

A flickering shadow spectre hisses an evil incantation!

[Periodic bouts of fighting!]

'''Vortelis fixes a small metallic orb to a dark tendril of energy from his urglaes sphere.'''

Arelder concernedly asks, "Is everyone alright?"

Thrassus says, "Quite fine."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "That thing!"

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "Oh..what is the that orb for."

'''The probe vanishes into the ripple of air. The tendril of dark energy flickers around, as if being drawn like a line of rope, then begins thrashing and grows taut.'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, the probe."

Leafiara steeples her fingers together, quietly observing her surroundings.

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Is the energy connection stable enough?"

Earthdiver asks, "Does the probe also communicate through the tether?"

Thrassus says, "Something must have thought it was bait."

'''Vortelis says, "The issue is that the passage is too violently unstable. But yes, we can gleam some information, in this way."'''

Earthdiver says, "Somewhat like a Familiar, I suppose."

'''Vortelis says, "This will not do. We should get closer to the epicenter of the destruction."'''

Monthas says, "That sounds like a bad idea."

Pukk says, "That is why we are going to do it."

'''Vortelis says, "The shadows will be more intense there, we may be able to use the soulstone on it."'''

Thrassus says, "I have always wondered what it looks like there, anyways."

Earthdiver says, "It will be exciting."

Vivaldi says, "Dead farmers ain't too excitin'."

'''Viselda says, "These particular beasts have been limited. But this is dangerous. There should be more Palestra here right now."'''

Lylia says, "Keenly exciting. I have not seen some of these sights."

Monthas asks, "What is a palestra?"

Amathea quietly says, "More of that insight."

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "A demon slayer."

Speaking to Viselda, Thrassus asks, "As in how many more?"

'''Speaking smugly to Viselda, Moravius asks, "Where are your wandering Palestra of the outlands?"'''

Speaking to Viselda, Earthdiver says, "Do you have any advice."

'''Viselda scowls at Moravius.'''

Speaking to Viselda, Perigourd says, "Some of us here have fair experience at slaying demons as well."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Pukk says, "Don't die."

Speaking to Monthas, Lylia explains, "They are Faendryl expressly trained in the dispatching of demons, among other skills."

Harrower Moravius's group just went northeast.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The land is desolate and broken, with an endless terrain of fragmented, grey earth that is caked in layers of ash. The air is suffocating, with a thick, rancid odor and a faint heat still lingers in the area. The sky is bleak, resembling an expanse of ink-whorled slate.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: east, southwest

Monthas says, "Thank you."

Winrie proudly says, "Leave the dying to me."

Monthas says, "Did not know that."

Amathea quietly exclaims, "No!"

(Arelder rests the flat of his blade on his shoulder, tapping it idly.)

'''In the distance you hear a faintly unreal old bell ringing out. Soon this is met with a massing number of decomposing red-eyed bleak knights, shambling toward you with malicious and bloody intent.'''

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Hey!"

Thrassus says, "Ah, here they are."

A cold, dank wind blows in, followed by a decomposing red-eyed bleak knight!

A decomposing red-eyed bleak knight clatters to its feet.

[Fightinnnngggg!]

'''Speaking to Moravius, Vortelis says, "That is only going to get worse as the storm intensifies."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went east.

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

The great northern mountains rise up like a wall of jagged, icy fingers in the distance. Their peaks are obscured by heavy black clouds, and the once fresh mountain air has been replaced by the stagnant, putrid odor of burnt flesh and scorched earth. You also see a towering oily black tree.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Amathea, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a towering oily black tree's presence.

Thrassus says, "Oh.."

Monthas says, "Black apples."

Winrie exclaims, "Apples!"

Earthdiver says, "Where..where is that black apple fellow."

Perigourd says, "We saw this the last time we came through."

Speaking quietly to himself, Arelder remarks, "Like the old tales..."

[Frequent skirmishes throughout our time here]

Speaking to a towering oily black tree, Thrassus asks, "Well aren't you magnificent?"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Look at how big it is!"

Speaking encouragingly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "You made it so far. No giving up now!"

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "It looks taller when you are lying down, I have no doubt."

Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius says, "Yes, I know. The situation is improving by the minute."

Thrassus asks, "I do wonder if the fruit are the same as the ones in the orchard?"

Leafiara says, "Ah, good, now we more demonstrably prove that these black apples are different than the other black apples."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we have someone to raise her?"

Leafiara says, "Oh, I thought she wanted to be fed to the tree."

Speaking firmly to a towering oily black tree, Arelder says, "Cold steel and prayer..."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie exclaims, "Still not buried!"

Leafiara reassuringly exclaims, "Maybe next time with some other tree!"

'''Moravius says, "Unfortunately we have other experiments remaining."'''

Perigourd says, "Plenty of nicer trees to be absorbed by."

Perigourd nods slowly.

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "Thus we should continue, yes? What is next?"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Moravius asks, "There is one near here, can you feel it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Moravius.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Near the ruins to the north."'''

Harrower Moravius's group just went north.

===Third Rift===

[Talador, The Bleaklands]

Rows and rows of crumbled, charred stones are strewn about the broken landscape where the towering walls of Talador once stood. Even the wind is hot, swirling around and scattering ash and smoldering debris all about. You also see a large unstable ripple in the air.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Winrie, Vivaldi, Harrower Vortelis, Harrower Moravius

Obvious paths: south

Vivaldi says, "Still smells bad here."

You gaze through the large ripple and see...

''[Shadow Realm]''

''The air hums with an unseen energy, and tendrils of deep shadow trail across the ground like snakes hungrily searching for prey. In the distance, a scarlet light pulses, distorting the bruised sky and smearing the colors like so much paint under an artist's brush.''

Thrassus says, "Oh, we are at the center for certain."

Lylia quietly says, "It smells cleaner than Chaston Griffin's camps."

Lylia purses her lips in a thin line of disapproval.

Earthdiver says, "At least it is warm here."

'''Moravius tweaks the index of the astrolabe along the ecliptic hyperbolic engraved on its rete, looking between his map and the rift as well as the mater.'''

Pukk says, "It's so quiet."

Pukk says, "And peaceful."

Vivaldi says, "So's a grave."

The voice of Pukk says, "I better hide."

Winrie says, "Warm, like a fermenting pile."

Thrassus says, "That light..."

'''Speaking to himself, Moravius says, "This is the best we are going to be able to do, unless the veil is totally broken through somewhere in that wreckage."'''

Thrassus says, "That's the center."

'''Vortelis says, "I will check to see if this rift can be used to charge the soulstone."'''

Monthas asks, "What does the soulstone look like?"

===Recharging Soulstone===

'''Vortelis says, "If I can get a reasonable amount of shadows into it, we can try to open a test portal to the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "It looks approximately like this."'''

Monthas produces a gleaming multicolored soulstone from the depths of his spidersilk duster.

Monthas says, "Different than mine."

'''Vortelis holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.'''

Lylia says, "It is pale now, but it was once a vibrant red."

Lylia explains, "It belonged to Aralyte, a Palestra Blade who was instrumental in destroying Althedeus, a sentient creature of shadows that sought godhood."

'''Vortelis brings the pale soulstone up to the ripple in the air and utters some arcane incantations in Faendryl.'''

Earthdiver says, "Godhood sounds like so much...responsibility."

'''The soulstone begins to glow red. Vortelis winces as it heats up and pulses.'''

Lylia quietly says, "She remained within the shadows."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Arelder explains, "I know we have bigger problems than my memories... but it is a strange feeling seeing it. I grew up a bit west of here... we only rarely visited the capital. These stones seem like they should speak to me. But yet... they don't."

Perigourd nods grimly at Arelder.

'''Writhing shadows bleed through the ripple in the air, forming wispy tendrils that peel off the rift, which get drawn toward the soulstone and siphon into it.'''

Speaking gently to Arelder, Missoni says, "It cannot be an easy thing to see."

Thrassus says, "That pulsing light in the distance just might be where the bells are coming from."

(Winrie spreads her arms wide.)

Speaking quietly to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... are there no further readings to take with the astrolabe or quasi-sphere?"

'''Vortelis swaps the bright red soulstone to his left hand. His right hand is visibly burned on the palm with the imprint of the soulstone on it.'''

Thrassus says, "He is likely there."

Everall glances over at Vortelis and winces.

Earthdiver says, "That heated up surprisingly fast."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk says, "You should see a healer about that."

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "He is going to try to fully open the rift into a portal."'''

Winrie flatly says, "Or, maybe not see one."

'''Moravius says, "Which would allow us to walk in ourselves."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia murmurs, "I have held fires that burned me to the bone. It is nothing we cannot bear."

Monthas asks, "First trip to the bleaklands, and then we go to shadow?"

'''The air abruptly grows cold, the shadows suddenly seem alive.'''

Earthdiver says, "That feels better."

A fluid shadowy bleakwalker drifts in smoothly, trailed by a shadowy haze.

The dark power of the shadowy bleakwalker draws at Grhim.

[Fights...so many fights.]

Vivaldi glances at a delicate azure bonnet.

Vivaldi says, "Killed some poor granny."

===Soulstone Penetration Test===

'''Vortelis says, "We will do a penetration test on the rift with the soulstone, as Moravius was saying, seeing if it might be able to form a stable portal to the Shadows valence."'''

Thrassus says, "That was a bleakworm."

Thrassus says, "Not a granny."

Lylia says, "A city died here. More than one 'granny' died, I am certain."

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "It may have eaten one, however."

Thrassus says, "Fair point."

'''Vortelis says, "It is not charged fully. But siphoning directly off this rift was fairly fast."'''

Missoni says, "That is promising."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully my hand does not transform into a tentacle."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it can siphon the entirey and close this.. tear."

Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Amathea says, "It might be an improvement."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "That could be exciting."

Monthas says, "That would be a deal breaker."

Lylia says, "On the other hand -- or tentacle -- it could be useful."

Vivaldi says, "Easier to scratch wit tho."

Speaking to Vortelis, Pukk exclaims, "But if it does think of how quickly you can eat food then!"

Missoni says, "That would be fascinating."

'''Vortelis confusedly says, "What? More shadows would only deepen the tear."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Thrassus asks, "Is something wrong?"

'''Vortelis chants in a dark tongue and faces the ripple, swapping the soulstone back to his burned hand and reaching out with it.'''

'''A flash of bright red light ripples outward into the Bleaklands.'''

Monthas says, "Thats the "hello we are here" beacon."

Thrassus says, "That's going to get more attention."

Earthdiver says, "A price for everything."

'''The tear in the fabric of reality looks unstable for a moment, and a bolt of energy soars off it, lashing past Vortelis and arcing up into the night!'''

'''More skin peels back from Vortelis's fingers, leaving ribbons of incarnadine blood and bone in its wake.'''

Pukk says, "I guess shooting a demon with a bow is still not going to work."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia hisses, "Steady on."

'''The light within Vortelis's talisman begins to churn and slowly dissipate until it grows paler, murky, then dull white.'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim says, "The lantern enjoys the taste of other shadows."

Speaking to Vortelis, Vivaldi says, "Don't look too good feller."

Earthdiver says, "How does that keep happening."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "I think they have it out for you."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk says, "You know...I'm starting to think you like being dead."

'''The ripple in the air becomes darker, and the world beyond it begins to melt away, slowly turning bright red as if blood were seeping out across it.'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "It's a small price for knowledge."

Thrassus says, "It's stabilizing."

Vortelis carefully surveys his surroundings.

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Sure! I like risks."

Leafiara agrees, "Well, alright then!"

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "It is beautiful."

Leafiara says, "I like the spirit."

Speaking to Leafiara, Winrie says, "Go easy."

'''The bloody hue dims away. Through the rift are shifting vistas of black skeletal trees, piles of bones, cliffs of crimson haze, iron chains through the skies, and a floating island of flesh stabbed through with obsidian. It keeps unstably expanding and contracting.'''

Vortelis gazes with interest at a large unstable ripple in the air.

Earthdiver asks, "What does that mean?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite sure the bleaklands don't quite look like that."

Thrassus says, "Well, that's quite the sight."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

'''Vortelis exclaims, "Gah!"'''

'''The soulstone suddenly glows intensely bright and fires a beam of red into western sky!'''

'''Vortelis falls over.'''

'''The storm above Melgorehn's Reach is struck with a beam of red light. Its clouds turn bloody red, and for a moment time slows to a crawl, then suddenly snap back with a tidal wave of bright red light!'''

Missoni says, "Mind the storm."

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... curious that the energies can be so attracted to the storm at the Reach, even at this distance. One wonders how far that connection could extend..."

'''Vortelis dusts himself off.'''

'''Vortelis glances at a light red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his hand.'''

'''Moravius asks, "The veil is thinning all around us. Vortelis?"'''

Oxhammer says, "Sounds like landin starting to pop."

'''Space itself seems to thin out and stretch, and what little color there is wanes in the bleak lands. The landscape itself seems like a mirage of black trees and soil of flesh threatening to become real.'''

Vivaldi says, "Soil of flesh."

Vivaldi says, "Nawps."

Vivaldi says, "No."

Thrassus says, "It might have stabilized things too much."

(Lylia flicks her gaze uneasily to the south.)

Perigourd says, "One might concur."

Earthdiver asks, "Do we?"

Amathea quietly exclaims, "Not yet!"

'''Vortelis says, "Hold."'''

'''The whites of Vortelis's eyes go dark as he chants forcefully in an archaic tongue.'''

'''Shadows peel off the rift and begin forming into masses of eyes and shadowy tentacles...'''

Monthas says, "Umm."

Thrassus says, "More of them."

(Winrie covers her face with her right arm.)

A massive tenebrous oculoth's central eye suddenly bleeds with a variety of hues, the colors roiling in a shadowy vortex until it finally blossoms with a solid incarnadine hue.

[Big fights!]

Vivaldi says, "Nawp nawp nawp nawp."

Amathea quietly says, "What is THAT."

Earthdiver says, "Ahhh. Finally."

Thrassus says, "Oculoth."

Earthdiver says, "My favorite animal."

Leafiara pleasedly says, "It's been too long."

Speaking to Amathea, Vivaldi says, "Nasty buggers."

Speaking to Amathea, Earthdiver says, "It's a giant eye with teeth."

Lylia says, "Do not implode them."

Pukk asks, "Implode them?"

Earthdiver says, "They...eat...the voids."

Lylia says, "I learned that lesson the hard way."

Earthdiver says, "And will vomit them on you."

Monthas says, "Eww."

Lylia says, "Messily."

Earthdiver says, "What do we have...that attracted the oculoths."

Earthdiver says, "They are normally such uh..peaceful creatures."

Speaking to Amathea, Leafiara exclaims, "We'll make sure it's clear first!"

===Aralyte Encounter===

'''Vortelis keeps incanting with his urglaes sphere hovering between him and the rift. The soulstone streams a thread of darkness and incarnadine light through the sphere into the rift.'''

Leafiara muses, "Relatively speaking..."

Speaking to Vortelis, Earthdiver says, "We will defend you."

Speaking concernedly to Amathea, Winrie says, "If you keep dying, you might not come back."

'''The rift becomes black as midnight, and pierced with two feystone lights.'''

Monthas asks, "Glowing eyes?"

Monthas says, "Or something else."

Leafiara says, "Ah, that's what she looked like last time, I believe."

'''The darkness of the rift resolves around the feystone lights, which burn in the shadowy orbs in the face of a dark elven woman, with a bald head and blood red sigils over her eyes. She is surrounded in blood, and her body is wreathed in shadow. She reaches a shadowy arm out toward you as from the other side of a dark mirror.'''

Perigourd says, "That doesn't seem right."

Thrassus says, "It's Aralyte."

Pukk says, "Yeah..doesn't look crazy at all."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia breathes, "Oh, I am not far..."

Winrie exasperatedly exclaims, "It better be!"

Speaking to himself, Arelder remarks, "No... it can't be..."

Thrassus says, "She's closing the rift, it seems."

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Speaking in Faendryl, Grhim asks, "Have you been inside of there?"

Leafiara says, "Was more or less what she looked like last time..."

Lylia says, "Many of us have been in the realm of shadows."

'''The soulstone burns hot and bright.'''

Speaking to Lylia, Pukk says, "Well, you are married to Xorus so..."

Earthdiver says, "Seems like we are still good."

'''Vortelis says, "I have to get this away from here, you should get back to the portal."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Surely you will not remain."

Lylia says, "Get it away from here how? I left her; I do not intend to leave you."

Monthas asks, "Are we raising or dragging?"

Earthdiver says, "At this rate, we could persist indefinitely."

'''Vortelis says, "Through a rift, away from these sinkholes, and the mana storm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "For now."'''

Earthdiver says, "Most of us."

Speaking loudly to Amathea, Winrie asks, "Do you still have deeds?"

Speaking quietly to Earthdiver, Arelder replies, "But not with body and soul together."

'''Vortelis tears open space and disappears through it.'''

Leafiara slowly says, "Ah, correction, no, I'm not raising... she died again too quickly."

Thrassus says, "That means we move."

Monthas says, "So drag it is."

'''There is a loud, demonic shrieking through the ripple, which once again becomes unstable and contracts.'''

Earthdiver says, "I wonder what that one could be."

Monthas says, "Ohh yeah we dragging."

Lylia says, "We do not need to drag her."

Earthdiver says, "It has been SOO long since I have talked with a demon of some ability."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "That's probably not good."

Speaking to Amathea, Lylia asks, "Do you object to animation?"

Vivaldi says, "A critter."

Pukk exclaims, "Ooh animate her!"

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly exclaims, "Nope!"

Pukk exclaims, "That's always fun!"

Monthas says, "That works."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Can't die if i'm dead."

Monthas says, "You sorceress are so efficient."

Speaking to Amathea, Pukk exclaims, "And if Lylia wants she can make you explode too!"

Moravius reluctantly says, "This rift is not viable for us. We should leave this place."

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "You never miss the opportunity to reanimate a corpse."

Speaking to Amathea, Winrie says, "You are now an apple."

Monthas asks, "Wait, did he go into that rift?"

Speaking to Monthas, Perigourd says, "He fled."

Speaking to Monthas, Earthdiver says, "A personal rift."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "A fancy apple."

Lylia says, "His own rift."

Thrassus says, "He went into a different one he created."

Lylia says, "He did not flee so much as he took a dangerous object out of immediate proximity to the rift."

Speaking offhandedly to Amathea, Lylia says, "There may be some side effects. They are usually mild once you are raised."

Earthdiver says, "Can we stay a while yet."

Thrassus says, "I was worried for a moment."

Pukk says, "Landing is being invaded."

===Exiting Bleaklands and Behemoth===

[Fighting breaks out as we make our way toward the portal.]

'''Writhing tendrils of shadow lash out from the rift!'''

'''Moravius says, "We are almost there."'''

Earthdiver says, "I would like to have an oculoth one day."

Speaking to Pukk, Perigourd says, "Not surprising considering the Reach pulled some of the portal it looked like."

'''The sky darkens as a huge, mammoth oily black mass peels away from dark patches in the sky. Its gargantuan maggot-like body is a shadowy abomination of arms and thousands of teeth. It slowly descends toward you in the direction of the portal.'''

'''Moravius gazes up into the heavens.'''

'''Moravius says, "Fascinating."'''

Thrassus says, "Another one..."

Leafiara says, "Ahh, the maggot abomination..."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Curious."

Missoni says, "One of those...things."

Earthdiver says, "That could be a large one."

Thrassus says, "They can be killed."

Perigourd says, "Most things can."

Speaking to Raelee, Pukk says, "He says many of the things you always say. I think you might be related."

'''The massive shadowy blob of abomination moves closer with its tendrils and jagged teeth.'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "We are not."

Perigourd says, "Though with the town imperiled, we may wish to assist there."

'''Moravius says, "Ah, yes. I should get that portal closed."'''

Moravius's group just went through a glowing dark red portal.

===Closing the Portal===

[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 yellow verlok feather, a glowing dark red portal, a lazy wild deep red dog, a wide-beaked copper verlok'asha that is flying around, a phantasmal indigo-eyed eel that is flying around, a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path and a shielded worker encampment.

Also here: Blade Viselda, Arelder, Magister Raelee, Pukk, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Whimweaver Leafiara, Monthas, Squire Everall, Earthdiver, Vivaldi, Perigourd, Brother-in-arms Oxhammer, Winrie, Moravius

(Winrie adjusts her jaw.)

Perigourd says, "I'm going to aid in town."

Leafiara says, "Likewise."

Monthas says, "Thank the gods, we are back."

Thrassus says, "While the pylons can kill the things, it's still a hard fight."

Monthas says, "Not that I didn't enjoy my first trip to the Bleaklands."

A faint song draws attention to an odd silhouette that fades into a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer!

A shadowy Ithzir omenbearer raises her arms as she sings!

[Everyone's least favorite fight!]

'''The reanimated Ithzir omenbearer in the gibbet clacks with a hollow metallic voice, "Itona ti! Te lenak rom!"'''

'''Moravius walks over to the encampment and picks up a spear of kroderine, then walks back and hurls it into the shadowy portal!'''

'''The shadowy portal abruptly and violently collapses!'''

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly asks, "Oh great...these things followed us through?"

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "That is a handy spear."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "They lead us here!"

Thrassus says, "No, they are manifesting here."

Lylia says, "Not any more, I believe."

The ghostly voice of Amathea quietly says, "Ooohh.....it's all a bit of a blur."

The ghostly voice of Winrie exclaims, "That stupid stone!"

Earthdiver says, "It looks like the town needs a hand."

'''The dark red in the storm clouds of Melgorehn's Reach slowly bleeds away, becoming replaced again with azure and celadon flashes of light.'''

'''Moravius says, "That is marginally better."'''

'''Moravius put a phasing black alloy astrolabe in his black leather case.'''

Thrassus says, "Somewhat, yes."

'''Moravius put a convoluted valencial cartograph in his black leather case.'''

Shadows in the surface of the lake pulse with dark crimson light, for a moment vaguely resembling an otherworldly landscape in its depths.

===Post-Invasion Discussion===

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "From your readings, what is the primary source of instability in those ruptures?"

'''Moravius says, "If you had all died like this sooner, it would have made triangulating faster."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... for if we could find a way to stabilize them, it seems it would be better both for research and charging the soulstone..."

Speaking to Moravius, Vivaldi says, "Ah already died twice.."

Speaking to Amathea, the ghostly voice of Winrie says, "We did our paty."

'''Moravius says, "It is the chaos of the Bleaklands, and the haphazard way they are formed."'''

Speaking quietly to Winrie, the ghostly voice of Amathea exclaims, "We sure did!"

'''Moravius says, "Eventually they may collapse more fully into portals."'''

Thrassus says, "They might be easier to close at that point."

'''Moravius says, "But it seems quite likely we could get ourselves stranded in the Shadow Realm if we forced one open and it did not hold."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "... then we ought to ensure it holds, yes?"

[missing part of log]

'''Viselda incredulously asks, "What Prelate?"'''

Thrassus says, "Chaston Griffon of course."

Thrassus asks, "You saw that red pulsing light in the distance through the rift, yes?"

Thrassus says, "That might be him."

'''Moravius asks, "In the Shadow Realm?"'''

Thrassus says, "Indeed."

Lylia firmly says, "Prelate Chaston Griffin is a smear of oily soot on a pair of my once-favorite boots and the reason I cannot wear them anymore."

'''Moravius says, "Vortelis is more versed in the history of the Bleaklands than myself."'''

Lylia says, "If any shred of him remains, I shall be happy to sacrifice another pair of boots."

Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "Although perhaps not this pair."

Thrassus says, "Suffice it to say a witch's device detonated in the capital and created the Bleaklands."

Thrassus says, "Taking the Prelate and most of his Blameless along with it."

Perigourd says, "It may just be my persepctive, but it looked like Aralyte dirtected them to attack us."

Thrassus says, "I suspect it might not have destroyed them, however."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Viselda says, "That was how I perceived it."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps she has changed."

Lylia reluctantly says, "I have said before that she must be found. That is one of the reasons why."

Thrassus says, "Those tendrils she directed were reaching for the rift, it appeared to me."

Missoni carefully says, "She was reaching for us. Perhaps she was unaware of the effect she was having."

'''Moravius says, "We did not see her very long."'''

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Lylia says, "I thought that too. It was...ambiguous, in all the chaos."

Earthdiver says, "If only we had some way to track her presence in the Bleaklands."

Perigourd says, "She seemed imbued with shadow, herself."

'''Moravius says, "But there were these Ithzir, as well as shadow entities, spilling out into the Bleaklands from it."'''

Leafiara says, "We're dealing with shadows that appear like Ithzir and might not be them, so it's not implausible to face shadows that also appear like Aralyte and might not be her."

Leafiara says, "Just theorizing."

Perigourd asks, "Is there a point at which the shadows so saturate a person that they cannot be separated from them?"

Leafiara adds, "Although the soulstone does cast doubt on that particular one..."

'''Moravius says, "Siphoning energy out is one thing, but the mutations caused are something else."'''

Lylia says, "I do not recall her name. She spent a great deal of time with Cruxophim. She was so thoroughly taken by shadows that she may as well have been one."

'''Viselda says, "That would be settled with observation and treatment in a thaumaturgical asylum."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee asks, "And how many of those mutations are supported by the shadows? Are they survivable without the shadows?"

'''Speaking to Raelee, Moravius says, "That is a difficulty. Aberrations often become physically dependent."'''

'''Moravius says, "Or they might be able to sustain themselves in some parasitic fashion."'''

Lylia stiffly says, "If she is contaminated in this way, then we must still find her."

Thrassus says, "Another concern is that titanic leech."

'''Viselda says, "I consider this a Palestra matter at this point. But that will be up to the Basilican Magistrate and Dracovir."'''

Thrassus says, "It very well may eventually make its way here."

Thrassus says, "That's what the last one did."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "I have been working on a device to track shadow energy. Perhaps it could be of some use."

Thrassus says, "It scented its prey in the Bleaklands and slowly floated its way here."

Lylia quietly says, "Perhaps. I hope that it might."

'''Moravius says, "The tracing methods will prove useful, even if now it is a virtual certainty that it is all stemming from this valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "You know, it is like saying, Korvath is somewhere on Elanthia."'''

'''Moravius says, "But I think Vortelis will want to enter the Shadows valence from here at Lake Eonak."'''

Thrassus says, "That's likely the safest option."

Perigourd says, "Considering that the breach expanded to the Reach here, it would seem from a safety standpoint to presume the same risks."

Speaking to Moravius, Lylia asks, "Do you have an idea of the time we may expect this to occur?"

Lylia says, "I understand there is some randomness. Periodicity is not predictable with these storms."

'''Moravius says, "The storm cycle is dying down, probably for a month."'''

'''Moravius says, "We would be using the mana storm to help keep the portal propped open when we need it."'''

Lylia adds, "And Harrower Vortelis? He is safe?"

'''Moravius tilts his head and his eyes glaze over.'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes. Vortelis is elsewhere, waiting out the storm."'''

Lylia says, "Good."

'''Moravius says, "He may be in some trouble for hitting it with that beam."'''

'''Moravius says, "With the Archchancellor, I mean."'''

Lylia says, "Trouble follows in the hinterlands; it is just what happens."

'''Moravius says, "But it was chaos. These things happen."'''

Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Moravius says, "He was only half-joking about his hand. That was an intense exposure to shadows."'''

Thrassus says, "It did seem a bit stronger than anitcipated."

Speaking to Moravius, Everall asks, "Will he recover from that?"

'''Moravius says, "We will probably recharge it in a slower way."'''

Earthdiver says, "It happens."

Lylia says, "I did not mean to offend with my jest about the utility of having a tentacle. Nor should he take any comments about Ivas amiss."

'''Speaking to Everall, Moravius says, "If it is just a flesh wound."'''

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "I've seen some mages recreate hands out of pure fire essence."

Lylia says, "I have had...similar incidents with burns to the hands."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I recall."

'''Moravius says, "Fortunately the storming was relatively mild. I would hate.. well, no... Viselda would hate it, if it were a much stronger volatility."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Everall says, "I suppose I was unaware whether these circumstances would be treated differently."

Speaking to Everall, Perigourd says, "They may very well be."

Speaking to Moravius, Perigourd says, "I suspect I share her view."

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "You will be the death of us."'''

Arelder wearily says, "Forgive me for parting. This evening has been... overwhelming."

Arelder wearily continues, "...and I wish to be alone."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'll have to work on a report for Sir Guarrin."

Missoni says, "We shall turn in, in that case."

'''Moravius says, "It is virtually certain we will have to go to the Shadow Realm now."'''

Speaking to Moravius, Raelee says, "... that will be interesting."

Speaking to Moravius, Earthdiver says, "I am happy to accompany."

'''Viselda says, "Dracovir will not allow a Palestra to be in that condition, left to her own devices in a demonic valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "Yes, well. There is that, as well."'''

Lylia says, "We have been before. We shall go again. I have been eager -- well, no. I have been certain that returning is necessary. I would not say I am eager for it, however."

Thrassus says, "I don't think anyone was planning on leaving her in that state."

'''Viselda flatly says, "Yes. That."'''

Lylia firmly says, "I never have. I have sought to return for a decade."

Lylia says, "I know you have as well, and many others."

'''Moravius says, "It is a difficult and perilous place to harrow, we would not ordinarily try to go to that valence."'''

'''Moravius says, "The rift we will have to make to it will be relatively dangerous."'''

Lylia says, "We do what we must."

'''Viselda says, "The threat obviously outweights the hazard now."'''

Lylia says, "It was not easy when she used the Staff of Ith'can."

'''Moravius says, "That Ur-Daemon relic is presumably still in the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Moravius says, "We will only have the soulstone, and this old wound in the veil."'''

Lylia smiles slightly and says, "We have never shrunk from doing more with less, though, have we?"

'''Speaking to Moravius, Viselda says, "Come along, Moravius. We have higher authorities to answer to over what happened."'''

'''Speaking to Viselda, Moravius says, "Laws? How quaint."'''

'''Viselda rolls her eyes.'''

'''Speaking mockingly to Moravius, Viselda says, "Your Highness."'''

'''Moravius says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

'''Viselda says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch. But not him."'''

'''Viselda squints at Moravius.'''

'''Moravius says, "Famous ancestors."'''

'''Moravius shrugs.'''

'''Moravius tears open a rift that he and Viselda walk through.'''

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-02-06T18:56:12Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)]]
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion. Thagoria says she thinks they're corrupted Ithzir, and likely investigators include Harrowers Vortelis, Ersix, and Xociral.
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]
* '''02/04/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-04 - Astrolabe-or of Love (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-03T01:17:02Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife." Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", they are a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl.

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to disperse extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia.

(1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

(2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

(3) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift), you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild

2026-02-03T01:10:01Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: Created page with "'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the Clerisy of House Faendryl. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife." Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", they..."

'''The Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild''' is an elite institution within the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Clerisy]] of [[House Faendryl]]. The original role of the Guild was to map newly discovered valences, which have many unknown hazards. This role has expanded to include measuring the properties of valences, running experiments within them, and returning with samples of native matter and "wildlife." Known colloquially as the "Harrowers", they are a special operations unit for other worlds. While they are researchers who are part of the Clerisy, not the Rachis, as with other Faendryl "private" institutions they have paramilitary aspects and get conscripted into missions by the [[Basilica]]. They work on teams with ordinary duties, but also get assigned to task forces, under the order of the [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl|Basilican Sorcerer]]. They are the ones who do the first field work on valences that have not been explored yet, but also scout out or do reconnaissance on the more dangerous valences. Thus they also serve as security forces for House Faendryl.

Harrowers also get tasked with discovering breaches or weaknesses in the veil, including finding them by sensing them in other valences, and reporting it to the sorcerous regulating authorities. This can be [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)#Outside Faendryl Embassy|caused]] by demonic summoning, or [[mana storm]]s and wounds from [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Xociral Arrives|old portals]]. The Faendryl consider themselves as having "[[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|original jurisdiction]]" in all places concerning the veil. Harrowers have been seen turning up, or even conducting full-blown operations, in other countries in disregard for the permission of other authorities. Though the Faendryl are more restrained in this way with the other Houses.

Harrowers are soldier-scientists who have to meet intense physical and intellectual standards even to apply to be members of the Guild. Only a tenth of those pass the final selection process. It is not unusual to find Palestra among them, particularly if the Palestra has combat training and magic education relevant to that valence. While roughly half the Clerisy budget goes to valences research, and valence travel is normal for Faendryl sorcerers, the Harrowers are the ones who first physically go to unexplored realms to encounter unknown hazards. Provided they have ascertained that travel there will not be immediately lethal. They provide "hard data" to the rest of the Clerisy, and determine if valences are too dangerous. The Harrowers also monitor the exploits of the Patriarch's Order of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Guardians of the City]], often recruiting those Armata members into valence ventures, as the unhealed rift at Maelshyve allows in unfamiliar extraplanar creatures at random which the Harrowers then wish to identify further.

===Known Members===
Harrowers have sometimes appeared in storylines. Xociral turns up randomly around the continent when returning to Elanthia. Ersix was in [[The Roots of All Evil]]. Several Harrowers and some number of other unnamed Harrowers appeared in the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)|Lost Palestra]] storyline.

* Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Ersix|Ersix Severus Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]]
* Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]]
* Harrower Nallius (Alabaster Spire NPC)

==Equipment==
Cartographer field teams are supported by the most advanced equipment and experimental magics available to the Faendryl. These are typically highly restricted, and often very specialized.

===Panoptics===
The panoptic is described in "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" as "an iconic piece of headwear" that "allows users, in special settings, to view different types of light, as well as to translate various non-light-based energies into an optical analog viewable by normal Faendryl." Very few outside the Harrowers have access to them. Their construction methods are "a highly controlled secret", impractical for large-scale production, and there is a death penalty for removing them beyond the borders without explicit permission from the Patriarch.

Harrowers obviously are allowed to bring them into other valences, as that is the whole point of having panoptics. The Basilican Sorcerer granted the Harrowers [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|authorization]] to bring their own panoptics, and all other necessary equipment, to the Darkstone Bay region when conducting their operations over the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte.

* Panoptics have been portrayed on NPCs as "intricate faenor headbands" with various attachments, especially gemstones with exotic magical properties. The [[mana storm]] of [[Melgorehn's Reach]] was said by Vortelis and Xociral to give them headaches with the panoptic, and that its [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Panoptics on the Fritz|"chaos"]] caused them interference, when they were trying to understand the source of shadows and shadowy Ithzir invasions.

* Panoptics allow Harrowers to see even in "pitch black" valences with no visible light (e.g. [[Shien'tyr]]) by converting the energies of those valences into optical analogs that the Harrowers can see with their eyes.

* Vortelis used his panoptic to shine a cone of light at the base of a bleakstone statue, which made the ground under the statue semi-transparent in ordinary visible light to ordinary observers.

* Vortelis said they use "essence prism" devices to diffract extraplanar energies (the analog of composite elements) into fundamental constituent pure energies to calibrate their panoptics.

===Chthonic Anchors===
The metaphor of "chthonic" is said to refer to it being more difficult in general to "climb back up" into Elanthia from the other valences, which can be conceived of as "lower", as we mostly are unable to access "higher" or "more pure" or "more ordered" planes unless they are overlapping and intersecting into our own. Vortelis said there are several difficulties with returning to Elanthia.

(1) One is the inability to open rifts to our valence with the more chaotic essences of demonic valences. This is reinforced by veil wards, such as [[Shieltine's Ward]], which are monitored by the [[Basilica Tower]].

(2) Another is the "needle in an ocean" problem in that our valence is near infinite, and mostly vacuum, which means getting to our world is not the same thing as merely getting to our universe.

(3) There are also "targeting" difficulties in that if you are not guided by flow patterns (e.g. Planar Shift), you need to have rifts exiting at extremely specific elevations and locations, so that you are not dropping from hundreds of feet in the air or walking into solid rock a mile underground.

For such reasons, Harrowers will often use "chthonic anchor" devices to "tether" themselves back to Elanthia, when they are traveling in the outer valences. Especially when there is little or no expectation of natural rifts forming to Elanthia. These tethers keep the rift a crack open, similar in principle to the "links" used in [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning|minor demon summoning]]. These have been depicted as nearly perfect "quasi-spheres" of [[urglaes]], which Vortelis said are sometimes found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve and adapted by the Guild. Vortelis said these small ones are thought to have originated in Despana's urglaes foundries, and larger spheres have been rumored to exist among dark cults. These help the Harrower find their way to rifts to Elanthia, or help other Harrowers trace the thread back to a missing Harrower.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

>look sphere
The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.
</pre>

Vortelis also said that the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], not having access to a quasi-sphere, used her shadows soulstone as a makeshift knock-off of a chthonic anchor. Except hers had been rigged to expend shadows energy to hijack rifts / portals toward the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, triggered from the end of the demonic valence, which in principle would have aided her in returning to Elanthia without assistance by others. Vortelis said such a device would never be made or used, as it would allow malevolent powers to open their own portals into our own world.

===Essence Extractors===
The Harrowers have devices that will disintegrate matter and break them up into their constituent essences, which Vortelis called [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone|"fractional distillation"]], where for example mud would get turned into essence of water and essence of earth. This is primarily used for the study of extraplanar matter, or matter that has been transformed by sorcerous radiations. Vortelis did this to a sample of bleakstone to provide a baseline contrast, so that when he used it on a bleakstone statue, he would see if there was anything being siphoned out of it that was not intrinsic to bleakstone itself.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a multi-vialed veil iron extractor'''

>look extractor
The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.
</pre>

Vortelis also used it in [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb|combination]] with an "essence prism" on a hazy tenebrous orb. He disconnected the suction from the extractor, which still broke apart the orb, then the essences were sucked into the other contraption instead. This allowed him to siphon out and use the shadows energy in the hazy tenebrous orb, without having to directly do it through handling the orb.

===Essence Prisms===
The Harrowers have [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)#Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres|"essence prisms"]] that split apart "raw energies" or radiations into their component modes of more fundamental elements. This is loosely analogous to chromatic dispersion with prisms. The elemental mana from a composite elemental, such as a mud elemental, would be split into the elements of water and earth. This is used more generally for "sorcerous elements" from extraplanar energies. Vortelis noted that what they are calling "shadows" is mostly a fusion of "darkness" and "chaos", meaning shadows are analogous to a composite element.

These devices are designed to fit the quasi-spheres, which bleed through the veil, and can be used to bring a wide variety of extraplanar radiation into the devices. They are loosely analogous to a spectroscope for magical energies, and work similar in principle to the extractors. They also give some measure of the intensity of radiation from how fast they fill up.

<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''a prismatic aranthium contraption'''

>look contraption
The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.
</pre>

Vortelis said that their panoptics will register if other energies are building up and leaking out of its crystal, which would mean a kind of energy that is unable to filter into any of the given probes. He said they use these to calibrate their panoptics. The energies are stored and released through [[aranthium]] probes. These can also be used in conjunction with the essence extractors.

==Behind the Scenes==
The Harrowers were part of the initial [[Talk:Faendryl Socio-Political Structure|Faendryl socio-political]] document, which was later revised into the official "[[The Theory of Governance and Social Order]]" document. The "elevator pitch version" of the Harrowers was described by their creator as "SFOD-D (Delta Force) with the IQ and scientific knowledge of Stephen Hawking."

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)

2026-02-02T14:39:07Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: new

==Synopsis==
Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild arrived outside Moot Hall to be shown the bleakstone statue of [[Lylia (prime)|Lylia]] in the [[Bleaklands]]. This is in the part of the Bleaklands near [[Darkstone Castle]], which is accessed from a portal on the far side of [[Melgorehn's Reach]]. (This portal is powered by a device that was devised by Magister [[Remuliad Calreulius|Remuliad]] during the [[North by Northwest]] storyline.)

Vortelis did not explain the underlying reason why he wished to study the statue until near the end. This turned out to be because the statue had held the soul of [[Gabriela]], a dead brothel worker from Talador, that had possessed [[Thadston]] when he was wounded and unconscious in the Bleaklands after the end of the [[Witchful Thinking]] storyline. More specifically, the records showed she was referred to as a "bleakwalker," and that same term had also been used for cold power-draining shadows entities in the Bleaklands much like the ones that have been invading recently.

Lylia offered to lead everyone to the statue of herself. Xorus was arrested by the night watchman, but sprung almost immediately by powerful benefactors. Everyone then followed to the portal by Melgorehn's Reach. The portal then split everyone up into random locations around the shadow plains of the Bleaklands. They eventually found each other and grouped up, and brought Vortelis to the bleakstone statue.

Vortelis noted that his panoptic could see a lot of haunted souls, mostly dead humans, and that the bleak soil has oculoth blood in it. (Specifically, ebon-swirled primal demon blood, also known as [[epochxin]].) Vortelis also used his panoptic at one point to make the ground under the bleakstone statue semi-transparent, which showed the threads reaching out of the base of the statue into the ground.

Vortelis fished around in the bleak soil, having noticed something buried in it with his panoptic. He produced a canopic jar. There was then a [[Insects Changed by the Magical Landscape of Elanthia#Lands to the West|hovering lampric leechling]] (Vortelis mistakenly called it "vampiric" instead of "lampric"), which got frozen mid-air by Vortelis's magic, and sealed up into the canopic jar. He said they are specific to the Bleaklands, and that he's read accounts of them from people who come to study dangerous fauna.

Vortelis also found a bleakstone in the soil. He produced a multi-vialed veil iron extractor, which he said does "fractional distillation" of materials, breaking them up into the constituent essences. He disintegrated the bleakstone in the device, filling some of its vials. He explained that this was a baseline comparison for the bleakstone statue, so he would be able to tell if anything pulled out of the statue is specific to the statue rather than the bleakstone material itself.

When Vortelis used the extractor on the bleakstone statue, it produced nothing new, and he checked soulstone related vials on the device and surmised that Gabriela in fact had previously been siphoned out of the statue and was no longer inside it. He had explained that the statue had azure veins when she was put into it, much as Thadston had when she possessed him, which were now missing and the statue now has cracks. His reports indicated that Octaven had a bane coffin in her Gattrof mountains lair that had a spectral human woman in it that people had speculated was Gabriela, and that Octaven had removed her from the bleakstone statue as Octaven had stolen the statue and was using it for her schemes in weakening Melgorehn's Reach to access the Eonforge within the mountain.

Vortelis then produced a prismatic aranthium contraption, which he said was an essences prism, similar in principle to the extractor except for splitting apart raw radiations into pure modes of component essences. He said the [[Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild]] uses these for multiple purposes, such as calibrating their panoptics and exposing materials to pure energies. They are designed to couch these urglaes "quasi-spheres", which can bleed through the veil and bring in extraplanar energies to the contraption.

Vortelis said (again) that the shadows are mostly a combination of darkness and chaos, but that for the current purposes it is more useful to not filter the shadows. He put a hazy tenebrous orb in the seating of the contraption, which had previously been described as loosely analogous to the low-grade "plinite" found when slaying powerful elementals. He then fitted the mouths of the extractor and the contraption, after disabling the extractor's suction, so that the extractor broke apart the hazy tenebrous orb and the shadows were sucked into the contraption.

Vortelis tested the probe of the contraption using Aralyte's soulstone, which siphoned up some shadows energy released from the contraption. This established clearly that hazy tenebrous orbs could be an (inefficient) way of charging the soulstone if other methods prove too dangerous. Vortelis then expended most of the orb's shadows at the bleakstone statue to see if it would absorb the shadows.

The shadows seeped into a few of the cracks of the bleakstone statue, which is already unnatural cold and unapproachable. These cracks solidified into darkness, then glowed dark red. The bleakstone in those cracks began mending and healing. When the glow dimmed away, the cracks were gone, replaced with smooth bleakstone.

Vortelis at that point explained the reason he was studying this was about Gabriela and the extent to which she was a shadows corrupted possession entity. Possibly even a shadows entity like what has been invading. Because if it were the case that those shadows have Ithzir essence in them, that they originate in dead Ithzir, it might make more sense of the Shadow Realm being involved, as Althedeus had Ithzir servants thousands of years ago. He said that they can sometimes see the souls of dead Taladorians through Bleaklands monsters with their panoptics, but it's indeterminate so far if such a thing might be true of the invading shadows masses.

Vortelis also theorized that the reason Thadston was seen as a desirable host by the bleakwalker Gabriela is that at the time, he had a necrotic wound from a cursed weapon of shadows, and he had recently gotten a bunch of anti-magical kroderine fused into his arms from the destruction of Sir [[Osment]]'s gauntlets in [[Witchful Thinking - 2019-11-30 - Concluding a Deathwitch (log)#Closure|closing]] the portal to the Bleaklands at the end of [[Witchful Thinking]]. This mixture of anti-magic and necromancy is similar in nature to the shadows. Vortelis said much as sorcerers use shadow essence to repair the damages to reanimated corpses, he speculated that Gabriela expended much of her shadows in healing Thadston. Then the bleakstone statue of Lylia became a desirable vessel, after it was anointed with Lylia's blood. Which is when Thadston "married" Gabriela and she was convinced to leave him to have the bleakstone statue as her new body during the A Knight To Remember storyline.

Vortelis said that he and [[Moravius Faendryl|Moravius]] will want to go into the deeper Bleaklands soon to look at the "sinkhole" rifts to the Shadow Realm near the city ruins. Moravius wants to see if they are viable for traveling to the Shadow Realm, as they do not want to reopen the Lake Eonak portal or bring the soulstone back there unless it is necessary. Vortelis also wants to see if he can more efficiently charge the soulstone directly off the Shadow Realm rifts.

Vortelis said the cycling of the Reach's mana storming is "quasi-periodic" and they think there is likely to be a storm surge on Leyan. Since the Reach, Bleaklands, and Shadow Realm are entangled, the storming will widen the Shadow Realm rifts in the Bleaklands, and likely open rifts to the Bleaklands around the storming of Melgorehn's Reach. He said the storm's pseudo-cycle is such that it is likely to mostly die down for the rest of Fashanos (i.e. February Duskruin) and intensify again in Charlatos.

;KST

Unrelated to any of this, it began snowing, and [[Fynric]] of the black roots / verdant fruit storyline in KST walked by everyone in the Bleaklands. The group followed Fynric, finding him holding a vial. (When Fynric was first met months earlier he was collecting soil from the blighted tree in the Lower Dragonsclaw where "the Bleak" had once spoken, and was also importing soil from "old Talador." The Bleaklands is the current Talador.) Fynric changed the subject by saying how everyone is invited to dinner at their home on Niiman. Mayor [[Alendrial]] is also still missing. Fynric did not want to stay long in the Bleaklands, on his unspecified errand for his wife [[Briselle]], because the Bleaklands is dangerous.

'''Previously on Lost Palestra:'''

* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]

==Log==
Most noises and actions and unrelated speech have been cut out, except for the initial greetings, and normal Bleaklands ambients have been italicized.

===Initial Greetings===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Hecuba exclaims, "Evening!!"
[General] Cryheart thinks, "Good eve all."
[General] Lylia thinks, "It is always a good evening when we hear your thoughts."
[General] Ardwen asks, "What's good about it?"
[General] Dumfraus thinks, "I appreciate the fact Ardwen been bitter for 20+ years heh."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I will come to your Moot Hall in some five or ten minutes."'''

[General] Ardwen thinks, "I am pragmatic and a realist, not at all bitter."
[General] Lylia thinks, "You already have a bit of an audience."

[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 pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, a lazy wild deep red dog, the Regwen disk, a forest wolf, a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings, an inquisitive frosty white imp, the Grumblewhacker disk, a huge deep black gnarled root, a wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Also here: Magister Raelee, Sinistral of Tyranny Daenamaryllis, Sir Cryheart, Bathcwyn Missoni, Skulligei, Sister-at-arms Regwen, Puptilian, Perigourd, Xorus, Imperatrix Lylia, Grumblewhacker
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Raelee says, "... greetings."
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Unless perhaps you decided to wear them, and then the entirety of the court would show up in them the next tay."
Lylia chuckles.
Missoni says, "Day, rather."
Perigourd glances between Lylia and a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings.
Missoni nods to Raelee in greeting.
Lylia gazes fondly at Missoni.
Skulligei's cigar begins to smoke badly. Ash build-up!
Perigourd reaches out and pats the charcoal cross fox on the head.
Speaking to herself, Missoni says, "Myself included."
Lylia nods in greeting at Raelee.
The dog suddenly turns and focuses its eyes upon Cryheart.
Speaking to Missoni, Lylia replies, "And you would make even rat hides look like whimsical grace personified."
Cryheart grins at a lazy wild deep red dog.
Missoni blushes a dark red shade at Lylia.
Skulligei studies his vellum map closely, trying to determine just where he is!
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Rat hides for the masque, then."
Cryheart glances between Lylia and Missoni.
Lylia whispers something to Xorus.
Lylia winks.
Missoni says, "It is settled."
Lylia raises her voice in merry laughter.
Cryheart waves to Xorus.
Xorus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "The Booga costume was mostly rat."
Perigourd nods thoughtfully.
Exhaling slowly, Skulligei sends a stream of smoke into the air to pool around him in a heady cloud.
Hecuba just arrived.
Xorus waves to Cryheart.
Missoni agrees with Perigourd.
Hecuba pulls the blue-violet teadragon to her face and whispers something in its ear. The teadragon leaps from her hand and ambles across the ground, out of sight.
Skulligei nods to Hecuba in greeting.
Hecuba hoots.
Hecuba smiles.
Hecuba just went west.
Raelee glances around the area.
Earthdiver just arrived.
Moving his left hand around idly, Skulligei leaves a wavy line of black apple-scented smoke in the air.
A fluffy white cat pads in.
Skulligei nods to Earthdiver in greeting.
Earthdiver surreptitiously glances around the area.
Lylia pets a fluffy white cat, which nuzzles her hand softly.
Earthdiver waves.
Lylia waves to Earthdiver.
Cryheart waves to Earthdiver.
Earthdiver smiles.
Lylia says, "Good evening."
Lylia smiles.
Earthdiver says, "Hello, everyone."
Perigourd turns toward Earthdiver and renders a sharp salute with his dark maoral pipe.
The white cat gazes at Perigourd.
Perigourd taps his dark maoral pipe gently, causing the burning embers within to glow briefly as he brings it to his lips and puffs deeply upon its bourbon-scented smoke.
Cryheart says, "Good eve."
Missoni nods to Earthdiver in greeting.
Missoni smiles.
Cryheart nods at Earthdiver.
Earthdiver ponders.
The dog wanders over to Earthdiver and sniffs at him suspiciously for a moment.
</pre>

===Vortelis Arrives at Moot Hall===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''There is a brief tear in the fabric of reality, then Harrow Vortelis steps through it before it collapses.'''

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some enruned fitted ebon gloves, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Perigourd nods in greeting at Vortelis.
Skulligei nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Missoni nods respectfully at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis glances at a huge deep black gnarled root.'''

Lylia inclines her head.

'''Vortelis says, "You should probably do something about those."'''

Cryheart glances at Vortelis.
Cryheart nods at Vortelis.
Skulligei agrees with Vortelis.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Lylia says, "We have been working on that, albeit with limited success so far."
Cryheart waggles his fingers at a huge deep black gnarled root.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
A pained expression crosses Missoni's face.

'''Lylia says, "But I might speak to Harrower Ersix Severus about it."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "We have yet to get to the 'root' of the problem."
Missoni sighs, "They are rather stubborn."
Skulligei ducks his head.

'''Vortelis says, "[[Ersix]] so far does not think they are coming from the [[Deadfall]]."'''

'''Vortelis says, "He has been a hard one to catch."'''

Lylia blinks.
Perigourd nods thoughtfully.
Earthdiver nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Thrassus suddenly fades into view.
Lylia says, "Really, now? Fascinating. And useful to know."
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Thrassus a subtle wave.
Lylia waves to Thrassus.
Skulligei squints.
Thrassus nods once.
Skulligei nods to Thrassus in greeting.
Missoni muses, "Then I wonder *where* they are coming from."
Skulligei glances down.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Or who."
Thrassus asks, "Which they are we referring to?"
Cryheart nods at Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "The roots."
Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni says, "The roots."
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Vortelis says, "There are other [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Bleaklands: Arrival and Observations|black trees]] where we are going, regardless, I would have you show me this bleakstone statue."'''

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia removes an intricate clockwork staff tipped with a black-cored crimson despanal from in her wrap.
Skulligei agrees with Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Thrassus says, "It's rather easy to find."
Missoni nods thoughtfully.
Thrassus cocks his head.
Lylia nods in agreement.

'''Vortelis asks, "Will someone lead the way to it?"'''

Lylia says, "Feel free to join me. I think I can manage it."

With a flick of her wrist and a near-silent whisper invoking fire and ash, Raelee's lor staff vanishes from her leather staff sling in a sinuous helix of white flames, only to rematerialize in her hands!

Thrassus joins Lylia's group.
Skulligei joins Lylia's group.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Lylia.
Raelee joins Lylia's group.
Vortelis joins Lylia's group.
Perigourd takes a moment to observe Lylia.
Perigourd joins Lylia's group.
Earthdiver joins Lylia's group.
Earthdiver nods at Lylia.
Cryheart joins Lylia's group.

Lylia gazes in amusement at Perigourd.
Skulligei carefully folds his vellum map, taking care not to tear it.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "It is in your likeness. It is only appropriate."
Lylia asks, "Are we all together?"
Lylia admits, "Well, there is that."

'''Vortelis says, "My understanding is it is not far from the portal by the Reach."'''

Missoni flashes a quick grin.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "You are correct."
Thrassus says, "That is correct."
Speaking raspily to Vortelis, Skulligei says, "Correct."
</pre>
===Traveling to the Bleaklands===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Imperatrix Lylia's group just went west.
[Town Square Central]
This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see a speckled tree frog, a large white-bellied hawk that is flying around, the night watchman, the Korpacz disk, a golden brown fox, the braided Dumfraus hamper of green and beige river reeds, a glinting stygian scarab beetle that is flying around, the Takamine disk, a large acorn, an agitated spring spirit that is flying around, the woven brass Drizdark disk, the purple Unax disk, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin, a round silver-banded barrel and a trail of aster-wreathed silver hedgehogs leading southwest.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Magister Raelee, Sinistral of Tyranny Daenamaryllis, Sir Cryheart, Bathcwyn Missoni, Skulligei, Perigourd, Xorus, Earthdiver, Emissary Thrassus, Imperatrix Lylia, Lord Silencieux, Carburide, Korpacz, Glugorek, Lord Scyf, Valandsa, Rioja, Hecuba who is sitting, High Lord Dumfraus, Harbenjer, Legendary Lady Aspyre, Bilburn, Cirevan who is sitting, Quinzella, Lord Takamine, Xanthirra, Lord Vorpian, Dolcariu, Jemisha, Zephineus, Mirsodron, Tonari, Legendary Lord Drizdark, Zoru, Unax, Lord Ahseetah
Obvious paths: northeast, east, southeast, southwest, west, northwest

With great ease, the night watchman grabs Xorus and shackles his wrists.
"Ah-ha! The boys at Helga's said I might find something interesting here," says the night watchman.
With a keen eye, the night watchman glances over Xorus quickly. He says, "We'll not have you dying before sentence is carried out. Let's get you healed up, though there will of course be a slight charge for it." With that, a demure looking city official, evidently an empath, comes forward and heals all Xorus's maladies.
The night watchman then drags him off.

Xanthirra blinks.
Dumfraus laughs!
Missoni blinks.
Earthdiver gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Thrassus raises an eyebrow.
Dumfraus says, "Watchmen gottem."
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia blinks.
Dumfraus says, "Ha."
Xanthirra gives Lylia a friendly hug.
Hecuba gasps.
Xanthirra frowns.
Lylia gives Xanthirra a friendly hug.
Thrassus asks, "What's he been up to now?"
Earthdiver says, "The law comes for us all eventually."
Skulligei whistles tunelessly to himself.
Lylia sighs.
Missoni says, "That fellow came after me last night! I think there must have been some sort of mistake."
Dumfraus says, "Dun act left if you dont act right."
Missoni innocently says, "I did nothing wrong."
Carburide says, "I have the strength for one more cast."
Perigourd glances skeptically at Missoni.
Cryheart rubs Lylia.
Hecuba says, "Probably jumped out of the tree."
Xanthirra nods at Lylia.
Hecuba says, "They don't arrest the murderers."
Hecuba turns to Lylia and cheers!
Cryheart says, "Perhaps the watchman has got stung by the roots."
Hecuba ponders.
Speaking to Cryheart, Missoni says, "He got stung by something."
Xorus just arrived.
Lylia says, "There clearly is. Xorus is careful to maintain the very letter of the law."
Xorus joins Lylia's group.
Xorus says, "Misunderstanding."
Lylia says, "Excellent. We can continue."
Missoni nods.
Hecuba rubs Xorus.
Speaking to Xorus, Missoni says, "I knew it."
Speaking to Xorus, Hecuba asks, "Did you jump out of the tree?"
Xanthirra curtsies to Xorus.
Lylia turns toward Hecuba and renders a sharp salute with her clockwork staff.
Xanthirra nods at Xorus.
Missoni glances skeptically at Hecuba.
Xanthirra curtsies politely to Lylia.
Lylia says, "Come along, then; we have a statue to see."
Lylia winks at Xorus.
Speaking to Lylia, Xanthirra exclaims, "Always lovely to see you!"
Carburide says, "So that I can rebuild my strength."
Lylia kisses Xanthirra tenderly on the cheek.
Lylia says, "Likewise."
Lylia winks.
Imperatrix Lylia's group just went northwest.

''(walking and walking until reaching the portal)''

Imperatrix Lylia's group just went southwest.
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
Melgorehn's Reach towers off to the southwest. It dominates the valley, a constant presence in the waving grass. The ground is broken and ill-lit by the wan moonlight, causing you to trip and curse several times. No insects buzz through the area, giving you an uneasy feeling. You also see a rippling ethereal green portal.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Magister Raelee, Sir Cryheart, Bathcwyn Missoni, Skulligei, Perigourd, Earthdiver, Emissary Thrassus, Xorus, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: northeast

Lylia nods with satisfaction.
Lylia asks, "Are we exepecting anyone else?"
Skulligei points at a rippling ethereal green portal.
Skulligei taps his cigar, knocking a clump of ashes to the ground.
A lesser burrow orc pops out of a burrow.

'''Vortelis glances at a rippling ethereal green portal.'''

Shadows dance between Lylia's outstretched fingers as she issues a command in archaic Faendryl.
Lylia gestures at a lesser burrow orc.
Lylia stares at a lesser burrow orc.
CS: +551 - TD: +21 + CvA: +19 + d100: +36 == +585
Warding failed!
The burrow orc drops its short sword.
The burrow orc drops its wooden shield.
The burrow orc lets out a blood curdling scream!
The lights in a lesser burrow orc's eyes dim and finally go out.

Missoni casually observes her surroundings.

>look portal
The portal stands as a rippling tear in the fabric of reality, its edges shimmering with an otherworldly iridescence. Waves of green energy cascade across its surface, casting an eerie glow that dances upon nearby surfaces.

Speaking to a lesser burrow orc, Lylia says, "Not the time or the place."
Cryheart agrees with Lylia.

Lylia steps into a rippling ethereal green portal, disappearing!
Thrassus steps into a rippling ethereal green portal, disappearing!
>go portal
You step into a rippling ethereal green portal and an eerie chill passes over you. The air crackles and green tendrils of energy dance around while echoes of hushed whispers flood your mind before you emerge on the other side, greeted by a desolate wasteland cloaked in otherworldly hues.

[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
Remnants of a building that once stood proud now tumbles in ruins, the fragments of a home left covered in ash. Sculpted rocks litter the pathway, leaving a trail of demise across the plains.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Raelee suddenly walks into view, small arcs of viridian energy dancing around her body.
Raelee glances around the area.
Thrassus says, "The portal scatters folk."
Raelee joins Thrassus's group.

'''Vortelis nods.'''

'''Vortelis joins Thrassus's group.'''

Skulligei suddenly walks into view, small arcs of viridian energy dancing around his body.
Thrassus nods once.
Thrassus adds Skulligei to his group.

Emissary Thrassus's group just went southwest.
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
A rampart of basalt-sheened smoke competes against the turmoil of the ever-changing atmosphere. The sterile span of earth is bathed in shimmering effervescent golden hues before returning back to its unimpressive state.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: northeast, southeast

Emissary Thrassus's group just went southeast.
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
Occasional gales of gold motes crackle and fizzle in and out of existence. The landscape rolls and undulates for miles in every direction, providing no end in sight of the bleak environment.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest

Sir Cryheart strides in with fluid grace, each footstep leaving behind a faintly glowing, misty green owl feather that twirls in his wake.
Thrassus adds Cryheart to his group.
Cryheart says, "We lost a few it seems."
Cryheart gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

'''Vortelis says, "Unstable portal."'''

''(walking and walking)''

[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
Cracked charcoal clay runs in haphazard patterns along the floor, the ground lacking moisture or life within it. Despite this, the air seems to hum with a low frequency, adding an odd element of vibrancy to the area. You also see a short sword, a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings and a '''gnarled oily black tree.'''
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Emissary Thrassus, Perigourd
Obvious paths: southeast, west

Perigourd furrows his brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "That portal tends to spit you out seemingly random places."
Thrassus adds Perigourd to his group.
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... we could likely do better."

''(walking and walking, finding the other group that formed)''

[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
The expanse of fragmented loam sprawls in asymmetrical pieces as far as the eye can see, the stillness every so often disrupted by a juddering of sentiment. You also see an emaciated black horse, a fluffy white cat, an inquisitive frosty white imp and a lazy wild deep red dog.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Xorus, Earthdiver, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: south, west

Cryheart glances at Perigourd.
Lylia nods with satisfaction.
Thrassus says, "Ah, just who we were looking for."
Thrassus joins Lylia's group.
Lylia says, "Disruptions while passing through the portal."
Vortelis joins Lylia's group.
Raelee joins Lylia's group.
Skulligei joins Lylia's group.
Perigourd furrows his brow.
Perigourd offers Missoni a glistening black apple.
Cryheart joins Lylia's group.
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Perigourd.
Missoni accepts Perigourd's black apple.
Perigourd joins Lylia's group.

With an extraplanar invocation in susurrous Faendryl, Missoni's surita staff vanishes from her hands in a glittery vortex of grasping ephemeral shadowlings, only to rematerialize in her baleglass-bound sling! As it leaves her hands, the illumination of its sigils slowly ebbs away.
Missoni produces a lustrous midnight black apple from the depths of her airy robes.

'''Vortelis gazes in wonder at his surroundings.'''

Imperatrix Lylia's group just went south.
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
Craggy peaks loom in the distant hazy smog, their summits occasionally accented by gold highlights. A droning buzz repeats as the luminosity continues before decrescendoing and restoring the land to quietness.
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Xorus, Earthdiver, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: north, east

Missoni glances between a glistening black apple and a lustrous midnight black apple.

Imperatrix Lylia's group just went east.
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
Cracked charcoal clay runs in haphazard patterns along the floor, the ground lacking moisture or life within it. Despite this, the air seems to hum with a low frequency, adding an odd element of vibrancy to the area. You also see a short sword and a '''gnarled oily black tree.'''
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Xorus, Earthdiver, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southeast, west

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "They are not quite the same."

''The very air seems to hum with a malevolent energy.''

Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "The same as the first root we encountered."

''(walking and ending up at the bleakstone statue)''
</pre>
===Arriving at the Bleakstone Statue===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
The volatile heavens spark flares of gold, the brilliance streaking across the sky as if they were falling stars. The ground ahead trembles, the terrain splitting apart violently before the turf settles and is left uneven. You also see '''a cracked bleakstone statue.'''
Also here: Harrower Vortelis, Perigourd, Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Xorus, Earthdiver, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest

'''>look statue'''
'''The statue has been formed of polished bleakstone and shaped into the image of a slender Faendryl woman. Smoky grey thunderstones are fashioned into a pair of wide-set eyes, while the coils of waist-length hair have been chiseled meticulously down the woman's back. The woman's angular face looks on stoically, her lips pursed ever so slightly as if mildly amused. A full gown of darkest night wraps about the statue and several small cracks have formed along the base.'''

Missoni looks thoughtfully at Perigourd.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "But no, not the same as the ones being sold."
Skulligei raspily says, "And different again from the apples in the landing garden."
Lylia gazes with interest at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Cryheart glances at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Missoni murmurs, "So many apples."
Skulligei gazes with interest at a cracked bleakstone statue.

'''Vortelis glances between Lylia and a cracked bleakstone statue.'''

Lylia says, "My statue has feet of clay."
Thrassus grins at Vortelis.
Cryheart approaches the bleakstone statue and shivers.

'''Vortelis says, "That is quite [[Witchful Thinking - 2019-07-13 - Statues and Suspects and Serpents (log)#Lylia Looking Good in Bleak|the gift]]."'''

Skulligei tugs on the end of his scarf and straightens the various folds.
Raelee gazes thoughtfully at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Perigourd approaches the bleakstone statue and shivers.
Lylia agrees, "It was a surprising show of appreciation...but of course we know its other purpose."
Thrassus says, "It was a rather loaded gift."
Raelee nods faintly at Lylia.
Lylia says, "It was used to spread a blight, but I shall take both that and the excellent likeness as a backhanded compliment, given the source."
Skulligei puffs slowly from his thin cigar.

'''Vortelis says, "It must have been [[Raznel|her]] sense of humor, building a city of marble and all that."'''

Lylia smiles wryly.
Cryheart grins.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Missoni nods sympathetically at Lylia.
Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Vortelis adjusts the murkey shadowglass orb in his intricate faenor headband, as he slowly looks around surveying his surroundings.'''

Lylia gazes with interest at Vortelis.
Missoni cocks her head at Vortelis.

'''Thrassus asks, "How thin is the Veil here?"'''

Skulligei glances around the area.

'''Vortelis says, "There are spectral forms of dead humans, mostly humans, all around, most of the time you cannot see them with your eyes."'''

Thrassus nods slowly.
Skulligei nods at Vortelis.
Thrassus says, "That makes sense."
Missoni murmurs, "It does."
Thrassus says, "The victims of the prelate."
Skulligei raspily says, "Sometimes you can see brief glimpses of them."
Earthdiver surreptitiously glances around the area.
Lylia says, "We have encountered a few of the bleak spirits at times, hearing them or catching glimpses."

'''Vortelis says, "It is thinner in the depths, closer to the ruins of the city."'''

Thrassus ponders.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

'''Vortelis says, "But we have rifts all over the Bleaklands forming up near the storm when the Reach is volatile."'''

Thrassus says, "Then I wonder if the epicentre of the effect is totally breached."
Lylia says, "Distressing thought, Thrassus."

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius will wish to look at those [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Bleaklands: Arrival and Observations|sinkholes]] in the veil soon."'''

Thrassus nods.
Earthdiver inclines his ear, listening intently.
Thrassus leans on his staff.

'''Vortelis looks around the horizon.'''

'''Vortelis says, "They are tainted by the corruptive power of this wasteland. But with unequal severity."'''

Sir Geijon just arrived.
Lylia smiles at Geijon.
Geijon nods.

'''Vortelis says, "Some haunt as ghosts. Others were transmogrified into [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Bonus Bleaklands Bestiary|monsters]]."'''

Missoni nods thoughtfully.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Thrassus says, "That is correct."
Lylia says, "How fascinating."
Thrassus cocks his head.
Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.
Cryheart says, "Interesting."
</pre>
===Bleaksoil and Leechlings===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis kneels down.'''

Cryheart gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

'''Vortelis pinches the bleak soil through his fingers, making some of the runes glow on his dark gloves.'''

Missoni asks, "Why the variation? Is it simple chaos, or is there a measurable reason?"
Lylia says, "I have heard tales of the heart of the Wizardwaste. Monsters there as well, it is said."
Geijon says, "It would be good to see Malvernus again, but he's a bit enigmatic."

'''Vortelis says, "There is [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-29 - The Grand Glaoveln Goal (log)#The Origin of the Bleaklands--or Bloodlands|demon blood]] in this soil."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... there is a measurable reason. The question is whether we know how to measure it."
Geijon and Cryheart bash their forearms in greeting.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Cryheart frowns.
Missoni tilts her head down.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Raelee.
Cryheart asks, "Demon blood?"
Perigourd says, "One is not surprised by the fact."
Skulligei snaps his fingers.
Missoni curiously asks, "What sort of demon?"
Skulligei nods.

'''Vortelis says, "Yes. Oculoth."'''

Missoni nods once.
Cryheart frowns.

'''Thrassus asks, "Those proto-oculoths, yes?"'''

'''Vortelis glances at Thrassus.'''

'''Lylia says, "Like the primal entities we sought some years ago."'''

'''Vortelis says, "That is correct. It is a [[epochxin|primitive]] variety of [[oculoth]]."'''

'''Thrassus says, "Ebon swirled or the like."'''

'''Vortelis nods.'''

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei cackles!
Cryheart asks, "Is this the same blood that Finch put into the soil for his apples?"
Geijon says, "Th' explosion probably doesn't help my memory of th' place."
Thrassus shrugs at Cryheart.

'''Vortelis fidgets with his headband and scans his gaze all around toward the ground.'''

Thrassus says, "He's an abject idiot or malevolent actor if so."
Speaking to Cryheart, Perigourd says, "Fynric, and I think he was using samples from before this happened."
Cryheart nods at Thrassus.
Vortelis says, "All of it. Everywhere."
Cryheart says, "Fynric, thanks."
Lylia narrows her eyes.

'''Vortelis tilts his head down.'''

'''Vortelis narrows his eyes.'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I knew those shiny strawberries were no good."

'''Vortelis says, "What do we have here..."'''

Earthdiver surreptitiously glances at Vortelis.
Raelee narrows her eyes slightly, studying Vortelis with a cool, analytical gaze.
Thrassus cocks his head at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis removes a solid crystal canopic jar from in his vortex of shadows.'''

Lylia says, "He was awaiting samples of the soil from before this happened; that doesn not mean he was using the unsullied soil. It was presumably normal then."
Cryheart says, "I am concerned then regarding the folks eating those apples."
The dog suddenly turns and focuses its eyes upon Xorus.
Thrassus asks, "What did you find?"
Lylia nods knowingly to the deep red dog.
Cryheart glances at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis gestures with his hand over the ground, shifting the soil with rippling force, swirling it and churning it over.'''

''Magical energies explode across the sky in a dazzling display of vibrant colors, illuminating the bleak expanse with their transient brilliance.''

Skulligei raspily exclaims, "You worry about the APPLES? Nevermind the whole fruit cart grown from this stuff!"
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Earthdiver asks, "More oculuth presence?"
Skulligei flails his arms about.
Cryheart says, "Likewise."
Skulligei raspily says, "Slander."
Cryheart nods at Skulligei.
Skulligei draws lightly on his cigar.
Skulligei parts his lips and blows a steady stream of black apple-scented smoke into a cloud before him.

'''Suddenly, a small tubular form spits up from the soil, rapidly lunging for Vortelis's hand!'''

Earthdiver says, "It seems so."
Perigourd moves over to Vortelis and stands ready to guard him from attack.
Skulligei blinks at Vortelis.

'''The tubular insect thrashes around, frozen mid-air in the rippling force.'''

Thrassus says, "Interesting."
Missoni glances appraisingly at Vortelis.
Earthdiver asks, "A worm?"
Lylia takes a few steps back.
Skulligei raspily says, "Very interesting. I have never seen anything like that in the months I have spent around here..."

'''Vortelis says, "There we are..."'''

Earthdiver says, "There were many insects here when I last looked."
Missoni asks, "Some sort of larva?"

'''Vortelis shoves it into his canopic jar and seals it.'''

Lylia says, "It looks like a small rift crawler."
Lylia wrinkles her nose.

'''Vortelis drops a solid crystal canopic jar.'''

'''>look jar'''
'''Inside the translucent canopic jar is a hovering lampric leechling. Half the size of a leech, it is a tubular-shaped, dusty brown chitinous insect. Its lamprey-like mouth menaces with over a dozen rows obsidian teeth, as it keeps throwing itself at the walls of the jar in the direction of whoever is near it. It hovers in the air without wings or any visible manner of propulsion.'''

Perigourd says, "Hmm.."
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps a mutated leech or the like?"
Missoni squints at a solid crystal canopic jar.
Lylia says, "Small enough that I could eat it instead of it eating me. Not that I would wish to."

'''Vortelis says, "Nasty little things."'''

Missoni says, "It does look a bit leech-like."
Skulligei raspily says, "Might make interesting fishing bait."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "... 'nasty' in what way?"'''

Perigourd says, "Hmm..."
Cryheart says, "It is contaminated."
Missoni remarks, "Quite a lot of teeth."
Thrassus says, "Who knows, it might have been a rabbit previously."
(Lylia taps the jar's lid with a manicured fingernail.)

'''Vortelis says, "They burrow deep inside the flesh, they have to be burned and frozen out. More likely amputated."'''

Thrassus asks, "Oh, you've seen these before?"
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Have you a name for them?"
Thrassus cocks his head at Vortelis.
Missoni mouths, "Swell."
Missoni frowns.
Thrassus asks, "I assume they are not from this valence, then?"
Cryheart frowns.

'''Vortelis says, "I have read that these are called [[Insects Changed by the Magical Landscape of Elanthia#Lands to the West|hovering vampiric leechlings]]."'''

''(note: Vortelis is misstating the name, it is "lampric" and not "vampiric." Common is a fourth or fifth language for Harrowers.)''

Cryheart says, "Whoa."
Thrassus says, "Apt name."

'''Vortelis says, "They are specific to the Bleaklands."'''

Earthdiver cocks his head and examines the canopic jar.

'''Thrassus asks, "Wait, who's been writing books about this place?"'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... I had a similar question."
Raelee nods at Thrassus.
Lylia says, "They remind me of something else I have seen here. But much, much larger."
Earthdiver asks, "How large do they can get?"
Thrassus says, "Oh, yes. That."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to himself, Earthdiver says, "Perhaps they can be tamed and ridden."

'''Vortelis feels his gloved hand around the soil and pulls up a bleakstone, which is black with dark golden blobs, and puts it away into his writhing black shadows.'''

Lylia says, "If they are the things I recall, they are to this thing as all of Darkstone Bay is to a glass of water."

'''Vortelis says, "Foolish fortune hunters who look for these stones. Others who come to study the dangerous fauna."'''

''The wind whispers mournfully through the skeletal remains of twisted trees, carrying with it the scent of decay and ancient sorrows.''

Lylia nods at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis stand back up.'''

Earthdiver gives a slight flick of his wrist, and a silver-lidded round glass jar suddenly appears in his hand!

'''Vortelis puts a solid crystal canopic jar in his vortex of shadows.'''

Removing the lid of his round glass jar, Earthdiver easily plucks a mottled chestnut stinkbug out of it and then seals it back up.
Earthdiver glances at a mottled chestnut stinkbug in his hand.
Earthdiver says, "Invasive."
Earthdiver sighs.
Earthdiver drops a mottled chestnut stinkbug.

'''Vortelis removes a dark gold-splotched bleakstone from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Missoni asks, "Can they survive elsewhere? These leechlings?"'''

Speaking to Missoni, Thrassus asks, "You recall that rather titanic monster that attacked the town some while back, yes?"

'''Vortelis says, "They likely do not enjoy, or perhaps even would not survive, outside of their warped wasteland."'''

Lylia says, "We may get to find out, if that creature does not die in its jar."
Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni says, "I think you will have to be more specific."
Thrassus says, "The one we had to use the pylons on."

'''Vortelis says, "Much as things in the Wizardwaste."'''

'''Vortelis removes a multi-vialed veil iron extractor from in his vortex of shadows.'''

Thrassus says, "The floating leech monster that was [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Approach of the Ablobination|hundreds of feet]] in length."
Earthdiver glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni says, "I think perhaps I was not fortunate enough to make its acquaintence."
Skulligei gawks at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "Those floating behemoths are immense."'''

Lylia says, "It was gigantic. Like another moon hanging above us."
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Stab it, many times."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Thrassus says, "It died all the same, though."
Cryheart gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

'''Vortelis says, "They are drawn [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Portal Struggles|toward rifts]] when the Reach [[Witchful Thinking - 2019-11-30 - Concluding a Deathwitch (log)#Closure|storms]]."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Hence the pylon."
Lylia says, "We would need a larger knife."
Missoni nods thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "If one prefers the easier way."
Lylia nods at Perigourd.
</pre>
===Extracting and Distilling Bleakstone===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis kneels down.'''

Cryheart glances at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis tilts the extractor upside down, allowings its veil iron to form a bowl. He slides the bleakstone down the side, which audibly settles at the bottom.'''

'''Vortelis rests the extractor on its head.'''

'''Vortelis drops a multi-vialed veil iron extractor.'''

'''>look extractor'''
'''The extractor is a dark cylindrical tube of kroderine with an ivory aranthium core that ends in a metallic icosahedral head, which has various fittings for filter lenses that feed into attachments of absorbing medium vials. The bottom of the cylinder is a kind of clamp of conjoined veil iron pieces, flexibly inter-hinged with pure urnon.'''

Lylia gazes with interest at Vortelis.

'''Thrassus asks, "What's that device do?"'''

Earthdiver cocks his head and examines the veil iron extractor.
Thrassus gazes thoughtfully at a multi-vialed veil iron extractor.

'''Vortelis says, "It is a fractional distillation of the constituent essences of matter."'''

'''Vortelis says, "I would advise not looking directly into it."'''

Thrassus nods understandingly.

'''Vortelis says, "You could burn your eyes out."'''

Cryheart says, "Hmmm."
Thrassus closes his eyes for a moment.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.

'''Earthdiver asks, "Into the individual spectra?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "Yes."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee asks, "Hmm?"

''Faint echoes of forgotten voices linger in the air, their words lost to the passage of time yet haunting in their resonance.''

Earthdiver nods.
Perigourd shakes his head.

'''There is a keening shriek that grows louder until reaching a piercing pitch. It is followed by sounds of cracking and crumbling, with dark essences briefly flitting above the veil iron, but these get sucked back down and vanish within the extractor. Various vials off the head of it shift in color.'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Are you looking for something specific? Or is the intent general observation for now?"'''

Missoni inclines her ear, listening intently.
Perigourd glances at Vortelis.
Perigourd gazes thoughtfully at a multi-vialed veil iron extractor.

'''Vortelis says, "It is a base of contrast. Whatever is peculiar to the statue, rather than the material itself, will be extracted into the still empty vials."'''

Earthdiver says, "A useful device in this size, for sure."
Skulligei agrees with Earthdiver.
Missoni glances expectantly at a multi-vialed veil iron extractor.

'''Vortelis says, "This statue has housed, I suspect no longer houses, the soul of a brothel worker from Talador."'''

Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia says, "I wondered about that."
Thrassus says, "Correct."
Lylia says, "Whether she fled the statue after it was 'wed' or not."
Missoni asks, "If it no longer houses this soul, where is it?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "The friendlier version of me certainly does get around."
Lylia glances suspiciously at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Cryheart grins at Lylia.

'''Vortelis says, "The records I was able to find suggest the statue acquired azure veins when it housed the soul."'''

'''Vortelis says, "But now there are these cracks and no such things."'''

Missoni nods once.
Lylia asks, "No. I dislike the look of them. Is it just a natural degradation of the material?"
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... I suspect not."

'''Vortelis says, "There was a temporal stasis coffin, devised by this same [[Naimorai Kestrel]], that Arwenia.. that is, [[Octaven]]... had in a lair in the Gattrof mountains."'''

A draft of wind swirls the cigar smoke around Skulligei, bringing with it the disturbing scent of black apple that is sickeningly sweet with metallic undertones of flesh and blood.

Skulligei glances at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "These reports suggest it had the soul of a human woman in it."'''

Thrassus nods.
Thrassus says, "That was the case, yes."

'''Vortelis says, "Which some of you surmised was Octaven siphoning the soul out of this statue."'''

Cryheart says, "Interesting."
Raelee nods slowly at Vortelis.
Lylia nods slowly.

'''Vortelis says, "So I do not expect to find that soul still in it."'''

Perigourd asks, "What do you expect to find then?"

''Magical energies explode across the sky in a dazzling display of vibrant colors, illuminating the bleak expanse with their transient brilliance.''

Earthdiver glances up.
Missoni says, "Oh, that lair..."
Lylia says, "Good question."
Speaking to herself, Missoni says, "I wonder if she is still there."

'''Vortelis says, "It might well be that she is still in it. Or it may be that it pulls out other energies, with this statue acting as a conduit for whatever else in the Bleaklands."'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... have you considered interviewing Octaven? She is still imprisoned and... hypothetically available."'''

'''Vortelis says, "After all, it was used to trigger, or perhaps create a blight."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "It is something to consider. I do not know to what extent I could trust what she says."'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "Even lies contain a truth."'''

Earthdiver looks lost in thought.

'''Vortelis picks up the extractor.'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... you cannot trust her at all, but information can likely still be gained."'''

Thrassus says, "If she is even of sound enough mind to interview."

'''Vortelis nods at Raelee.'''

Lylia holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Lylia nods at Thrassus.
Perigourd asks, "Is she still being held by the town or is she in imperial custody at this point?"

'''Vortelis says, "She may fear us more than the Turamzzyrian authorities."'''

Thrassus smirks.
Thrassus says, "If she is wise, yes."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "She is still here. Most of my attempts to see her have been denied."
Missoni frowns at Raelee.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee continues, "... I likely ought to stop requesting permission."
</pre>
===Siphoning from the Bleakstone Statue===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis presses the veil iron end up to the abdomen of the bleakstone statue, which shifts its pieces to mold snugly against it.'''

Speaking sympathetically to Raelee, Missoni says, "You ought to be able to see her, really."
Lylia says, "I find it hard to imagine her fearing anything."
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "I would have thought the Hall would have had her returned to konw the depth of what she'd done."
Perigourd shrugs nonchalantly.
Earthdiver gazes with interest at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Lylia glances between a cracked bleakstone statue and Vortelis.
Missoni cocks her head.

'''There is a hollow humming from the mouth of the extractor.'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "Historically, convincing this town to give up an Imperial prisoner is exceedingly difficult."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "You speak as if they have not tried."
Thrassus glances up.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "I'm fairly certain from a legal standpoint, they have no chioce."
Perigourd chuckles.
Missoni inclines her ear, listening intently.
Perigourd says, "But perhaps they don't wish to create an issue of it."
Lylia says, "That statue has a home. Eventually. Please do take care."

''Shimmering visages of ethereal faceless figures wander through the misty distance, their ghostly forms shifting and wavering as if caught between realms.''

'''The hollow humming grows louder. It reverberates.'''

Earthdiver raises his arm to shield his eyes as he glances at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Thrassus covers his eyes with his hands.

'''Vortelis taps a few empty vials around the icosahedral head of the extractor which look like soulstones.'''

Missoni says, "I do not supposed we know the resonance at which bleakstone shatters."

'''Vortelis says, "The soul of the brothel worker must have been siphoned out."'''

Lylia bites her lip.
Missoni nods understandingly.

'''Vortelis pulls the extractor away from the statue, with trailing wisps of dark essence flitting behind.'''

Speaking to Missoni, Earthdiver says, "You would only need to ping it with some energy and listen for the frequency at which it normally resonates."
Earthdiver rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Missoni agrees with Earthdiver.

'''Vortelis says, "I do not wish to risk damaging it further with this method."'''

Earthdiver's lips move soundlessly.
Lylia nods appreciatively.

'''Thrassus asks, "Did it extract anything at all?"'''

Earthdiver gestures at a small piece of blood marble.
A small piece of blood marble vibrates slightly.
Earthdiver says, "Like that."
Missoni wiggles her fingers.

'''Vortelis says, "If it was pressed harder, it might well have pulled other powers through."'''

Missoni cocks her head at Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Earthdiver says, "It could be quite dangerous if there was not enough dampening..."

'''Vortelis reaches up to his headband and adjusts it, causing it to shine a cone of light at the base of the statue. The ground below it is now semi-transparent, showing numerous threads reaching from the statue into the ground.'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Missoni agrees, "I would not be keen to push it."

'''Vortelis says, "Whatever was most immediately inside the statue would have been ripped out."'''

'''Vortelis puts a multi-vialed veil iron extractor in his vortex of shadows.'''
</pre>
===Essence Prism and Quasi-Spheres===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Lylia leans forward.

'''Vortelis removes a prismatic aranthium contraption from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "This is somewhat similar to that extractor, but it is not used to rip out of materials."'''

Earthdiver glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

'''Earthdiver says, "You have all of the fun toys."'''

'''Vortelis says, "It is a kind of prism for extraplanar essences."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Earthdiver.'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Lylia says, "I was just thinking that."

'''Vortelis says, "We are well funded."'''

Earthdiver says, "Aranthium is such a rare material."
Earthdiver praises Vortelis.
Lylia says, "It is fascinating to see so many brought to bear."
Missoni smiles.
Raelee frowns.

''Magical energies explode across the sky in a dazzling display of vibrant colors, illuminating the bleak expanse with their transient brilliance.''

'''Vortelis drops a prismatic aranthium contraption.'''

'''>look contraption'''
'''The contraption has a veil iron cusp fused into a strange crystal that is bottomed with protrusions of myriad materials, whether exotic metals or pure gemstones, which are held in place with aranthium fittings which cap the ends of each probe. The metallic casing supporting the protrusions has correspond glowing runes, and the whole head of it is flexible to rotation.'''

'''Earthdiver asks, "Does this prism also spectrally decompose the extraplanar essence for analysis?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Earthdiver.'''

'''Earthdiver asks, "And stores them in the aranthium divisions?"'''

Missoni gazes thoughtfully at a prismatic aranthium contraption.

'''Vortelis says, "Yes. That is essentially how it works."'''

Earthdiver says, "A similar device to the one earlier, I suppose, but for different spectra of energy."
Raelee lets out a long, contemplative breath.

'''Vortelis says, "The extractor is for ripping out of materials, whereas this takes raw energy, and splits it apart into its more fundamental elements."'''

Earthdiver nods at Vortelis.
Lylia gazes admiringly at Vortelis.
Earthdiver exclaims, "An essential tool!"

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "When you say 'elements' - do you mean that literally?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "It has various uses to the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild. Calibrating our panoptics, for example, or identifying the modes of sorcerous elements."'''

'''Speaking to Raelee, Vortelis says, "It can be used for the ordinary elements. More often we are using it to discern the properties of extraplanar energies."'''

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... the common tongue continues to fail us."

'''Earthdiver asks, "And are you interested in tracking the source of these energies?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "Shadows is substantially made of darkness and chaos, but for our purposes it is more relevant unfiltered."'''

Lylia says, "For what it is worth, some of these conversations involve abstruse subject matter in native Faendryl as well."

'''Vortelis says, "Generally, yes. We would like to know sources, as they have a polluting effect on the environs."'''

Earthdiver nods at Vortelis.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "But this is also useful for exposing materials."'''

'''Earthdiver says, "I have been designing a device to do exactly that. Perhaps you would be interested in looking over my designs."'''

Missoni nods encouragingly at Earthdiver.

'''Vortelis says, "What they allow us to do is bring in otherworldly energies, and expose samples of materials to the pure modes, which may transmute or reactor or absorb those specific energies."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Earthdiver.'''

Earthdiver rummages through a black satchel searching with intent, but it quickly becomes apparent he's not got a clue where to look.
Earthdiver says, "Hmnm. Let's see."
Earthdiver removes a watermarked white blueprint from in his black satchel.

'''Vortelis says, "When other energies build up or bleed out of its crystal, it is apparent to us through our panoptics."'''

''Faint echoes of forgotten voices linger in the air, their words lost to the passage of time yet haunting in their resonance.''

Earthdiver says, "Ah, here they are."
Earthdiver taps a watermarked white blueprint, which is in his right hand.
Earthdiver says, "When you have a moment to look them over, of course."

'''Vortelis says, "Ah, yes."'''

Earthdiver says, "I was told that it could be of interest to the Guild."

'''Vortelis says, "I will study it later."'''

Earthdiver nods at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis put a watermarked white blueprint in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "These essence prisms are built for our 'quasi-spheres', which bleed through the veil into other valences."'''

'''Vortelis taps a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson that he is wearing.'''

Missoni nods slightly.

'''Earthdiver asks, "Quasi-spheres? Why are they called quasi-spheres?"'''

Earthdiver rubs his chin thoughtfully.

'''Vortelis says, "But that would take a very long time to be truly exhaustive."'''

Thrassus nods in agreement at Raelee.
Earthdiver says, "That...is very high purity urglaes."

'''Vortelis says, "They are nearly spherical orbs of [[urglaes]]. We use them as [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Chthonic Anchors|anchors]] for tethering ourselves to this world when traveling to other valences."'''

Earthdiver nods at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "What I am interested in right now is what is the relation of this statue to absorbing the shadows."'''

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

'''Vortelis says, "The soul it held was called a 'bleakwalker.' But the [[Witchful Thinking - 2019-11-09 - Dis-ceptive Dis-truction (log)#Taking Formation|other times]] that phrase was used, was in the context of shadows entities much like the ones that have been invading."'''

Lylia says, "Like the soulstone."

'''Cryheart asks, "If it is absorbing the shadows, does it mean the shadows cannae get out?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "I will see what happens when shadows are directly put to the statue."'''

Missoni smiles.

Lylia says, "As much as I would love it if the statue were able to absorb shadows and entrap them, as it would be a sort of cosmic justice for Raznel's jest, I do not think it is so."

'''Vortelis says, "Your mayor marshal Thadston, the Northern Sentinel, was possessed with it like a ghost."'''

Lylia furrows her brow.
Thrassus nods.

'''Vortelis says, "But if it was somehow transmogrified into a shadows entity, being a soul of the dead, that would have some interest in itself."'''
</pre>
===Extracting and Diffracting a Hazy Tenebrous Orb===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis removes a hazy tenebrous orb from in your vortex of shadows.'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

'''Vortelis thumbs the veil iron extractor in his hand.'''

'''Vortelis places the hazy tenebrous orb in the bowl of the extractor, and twists the icosahedral base by a right angle with an audible click.'''

Missoni leans forward.

'''Vortelis picks up a prismatic aranthium contraption.'''

'''Vortelis flips over the contraption and puts it on top of the extractor, fitting their veil iron mouths together which encompasses the hazy tenebrous orb.'''

'''High pitched shrieking is followed by sounds of cracking and crumbling from the devices.'''

Earthdiver gives a short little hum of surprise.

'''Chillness fills the air as shadows move through the strange crystal. The shadowglass shard of the contraption becomes darker and it corresponding rune burns brightly.'''

Lylia grits her teeth.

'''The sound dies away and goes quiet. Vortelis removes the contraption, with wisps of shadow trailing off.'''

''A solitary church bell tolls with an eerie resonance, its mournful peals echoing across the desolate landscape like the lament of a forgotten deity.''

Skulligei grins.

'''Vortelis puts a multi-vialed veil iron extractor in his vortex of shadows.'''

Missoni ponders.
Perigourd leans softly against Missoni.

'''Vortelis manipulates the head of the contraption, retracting all of the other shards and probes.'''

'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Lylia asks, "Was that an expected result?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Geijon shifts his weight.

'''Vortelis says, "These orbs have a certain minor amount of concentrated shadows."'''

Lylia nods.

'''Vortelis prods the aranthium probe of the shadowglass shard. Writhing dark shadows wisp out of it, immediately getting sucked into the soulstone, which faintly pulses red.'''

'''Vortelis nods.'''

'''Vortelis puts a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in your vortex of shadows.'''

Lylia bites her lip.

'''Vortelis says, "In principle that is one way, though inefficient, to recharge that soulstone."'''

Missoni nods slightly.
Perigourd asks, "How inefficient?"
Thrassus says, "It would take quite a while I assume."
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... perhaps of some value as a test case, however."

'''Perigourd asks, "Are we talking hundreds or orbs, or thousands?"'''

Perigourd takes a drink from his amber Wildwood whiskey.
Perigourd looks rather relaxed.

'''Vortelis says, "If we have to resort to that, it could take weeks or collecting those hazy orbs."'''

Missoni grins wryly.
Perigourd glances appraisingly at Missoni.
Perigourd folds his hands behind his back.
Missoni gives Perigourd a gentle pat.
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "And a better way is likely to be found within that timespan."

'''Vortelis says, "It is difficult to say precisely."'''

Thrassus says, "We'd likely run out of townsfolk in that time."
The charcoal cross fox sniffs at Lylia.
Perigourd reaches out and scratches behind the charcoal cross fox's ears.
Lylia nods to a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings.
Geijon says, "It's something we can do."
Perigourd nods slowly at Lylia.

'''Vortelis says, "It would be faster to charge it from the Shadow Realm rifts, or possibly through the Lake Eonak portal, but both of those could be exceedingly dangerous."'''
</pre>
===Absorbing Shadows into the Bleakstone Statue===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis glances at a cracked bleakstone statue.'''

Perigourd nods understandingly at Lylia.
Missoni ponders.

'''Vortelis brings the contraption toward the bleakstone statue, then puts the probe up against the middle and triggers it. Coldness surrounds you as writhing shadows are ejected.'''

Lylia says, "We have seen Lake Eonak used, and it was indeed perilous."
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... nothing about this, in the broad sense, can be expected to be safe."

''Shadows stretch and contort across the barren landscape, casting a dark veil over the ashen earth below.''

Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Geijon chuckles.
Missoni passes a hand over her richly toned, olive brown face.

'''The shadows seep into a few of the cracks in the bleakstone statue.'''

Lylia murmurs, "Glad I wore the fur."
Skulligei glances at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Verdant light flickers across the surface of Missoni's surita staff.

'''The shadows fuse into the cracks of the bleakstone, which glow dark red like bloody burning veins. The broken stone of the statue slowly mends and heals itself.'''

Thrassus raises an eyebrow.
Skulligei approaches the bleakstone statue and shivers.
Thrassus says, "Interesting."

'''The fissures dim into solid blackness. Smooth bleakstone remains where cracks have vanished.'''

Lylia gazes admiringly at a cracked bleakstone statue.
Missoni nods once.

'''Skulligei raspily says, "Ayyy it's all fixed now."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "Nice."

'''Vortelis says, "Part of it."'''

>rub statue
You approach the bleakstone statue and shiver due to the utter cold.

'''Vortelis says, "Fascinating statue."'''

'''Vortelis puts a prismatic aranthium contraption in his vortex of shadows.'''

Skulligei agrees with Vortelis.

Lylia says, "I think so, but I may be biased."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Cryheart grins at Lylia.

'''Vortelis says, "Shadows and blood magic."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "I am much more of a demonologist than a necromancer, I only understand its blighted aspects so well."'''

Missoni nods in agreement.
Lylia nods understandingly at Vortelis.
</pre>
===Bleakwalkers and Shadow Entities===
This explained why Vortelis was studying the bleakstone statue this way. It continued until a KST storm started on the Storm Plains.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis stands back up.'''

'''Vortelis says, "When this Thadston was possessed by the bleakwalker, he had a necrotic wound from a cursed blade, and had just recently fused shards of kroderine in his arms."'''

Cryheart nods at Vortelis.

''Faint echoes of forgotten voices linger in the air, their words lost to the passage of time yet haunting in their resonance.''

'''Vortelis says, "It makes me think this shadows corrupted entity was drawn into him by that combination of qualities."'''

Skulligei appears lost in thought.
Lylia says, "I recall. You have diligently studied the local situation. I had hoped our letters found their way home."
Earthdiver folds his arms, appearing to listen intently. He nods from time to time.
Speaking to Vortelis, Geijon says, "Before that he was a bit loose with brutality already."

'''Vortelis says, "Then it would seem it desired to be in this statue, provided that the statue was anointed with Lylia's blood."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni whispers aloud, "The statue was annointed with your blood?"
Geijon nods.
Lylia dryly remarks, "Lylia-blood is a rare and precious ingredient."
Raelee surreptitiously glances at Lylia.

'''Vortelis says, "I suspect its shadows were expended healing Thadston, much as we repair reanimated dead with shadow essence."'''

Cryheart grins at Lylia.
Skulligei nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Missoni, Lylia murmurs, "I was generous enough to share."
Missoni nods slowly at Lylia.
Thrassus says, "Oh, I am sure he would be overjoyed to learn that."
Lylia says, "Thadston owes me. Twice over."
Lylia says, "Good thing he is aware of that too."
Cryheart says, "Logical as kroderine absorbs."

'''Vortelis says, "Perhaps the bleakstone can act as a shadows filter. Unless that absorption is more peculiar to this statue."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Filter, as in block, or filter as in refine?"
Lylia says, "I wish I could say. I wanted it brought to the Spire where it could be studied more closely, but she keeps wandering away."

'''Vortelis says, "Strip the shadows away from an entity."'''

Earthdiver nods at Vortelis.
Missoni agrees, "They do seem drawn to it."
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "It likely ought to be tested with a separate sample. The variable in play is that the status was designed to contain."

'''Vortelis says, "We can sometimes glimpse Taladorian souls in these [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Bonus Bleaklands Bestiary|Bleaklands monsters]] with our panoptics."'''

'''Vortelis says, "What I am curious to know is if there is Ithzir essence in those writhing shadow masses. Maybe dead Ithzir at the core of them."'''

Skulligei nods at Vortelis.
Lylia gazes with interest at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "Oh, I see."

'''Perigourd asks, "Will that change the pursuit much?"'''

Lylia asks, "And is this connected with your interest in the pyramid as well?"
Skulligei raspily asks, "Did you check out the one at the Lake?"

'''Vortelis says, "But I do not know for certain that this brothel worker, Gabriela, was transformed into such a thing. My suspicions were based on the common use of the word [[Witchful Thinking - 2019-11-09 - Dis-ceptive Dis-truction (log)#Taking Formation|bleakwalker]]."'''

'''Perigourd says, "Whether ithzir or shadow, one presumes the intent is to find Aralyte and close the incursions into our valence."'''

Lylia adds, "Obviously it is of interest; how could it not be? But I wondered if the concern was more direct."
Lylia nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... a notoriously imprecise language."
Lylia firmly says, "This is what must be done."

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

Cryheart gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd carefully surveys his surroundings.

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "It makes a difference, though, in how we approach exterminating the Ithzir."'''

Earthdiver glances up.
Geijon ponders.

'''Vortelis says, "It would have sense for knowing how to end this threat."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Missoni.'''

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Skulligei shakes his head.
Skulligei gazes up into the sky.

'''Vortelis says, "If they are some kind of transmogrification of dead Ithzir, that could possibly make more sense of the Shadow Realm being the source of it."'''

'''Vortelis says, "As the primordial demon had Ithzir followers many thousands of years ago."'''

Thrassus nods.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Missoni leans softly against Perigourd.
Perigourd casually glances at Missoni.

>tap statue
You approach the bleakstone statue and shiver due to the utter cold.

''Shadows stretch and contort across the barren landscape, casting a dark veil over the ashen earth below.''

Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "She has a standoffish personality."

'''Vortelis says, "This material is fairly opaque, it would be difficult to observe a whole shadow entity inside bleakstone, we will likely use some other material for that."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Perigourd suggests, "Glaesine perhaps."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee asks, "Have you an idea as to what?"'''

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Or baleglass."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Missoni.'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Thrassus says, "Baleglass would be more hospitable to such an entity."
Thrassus nods at Missoni.
Skulligei sways as if the ground shifted, though nothing moves.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.
Skulligei glances down.

'''Vortelis says, "[[Vaelfyren]]. Shadowglass. It might be sufficient to just keep it surrounded with light."'''

Lylia nods slowly at Vortelis.
Missoni agrees, "That is what I had supposed, too."

'''Vortelis says, "I do not want to keep you all indefinitely. [[Moravius Faendryl|Moravius]] is hoping to go deeper into the [[Bleaklands]] within a few days."'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Raelee says, "... so long as the light source is uninterruptable. There is merit to a solid boundary as a failsafe."'''

Thrassus nods slowly.
Lylia says, "I look forward to that expedition."

'''Vortelis nods at Raelee.'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "What will he be looking for?"'''

Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.
Skulligei put a bottle of disturbing black apple juice in his black cloak.

''Faint echoes of forgotten voices linger in the air, their words lost to the passage of time yet haunting in their resonance.''

'''Vortelis says, "We think the mana storm's cycles.. they are not true cycles, more chaotic, but quasi-periodic in some ways... will build up, but then drop off for most of Fashanos, before intensifying again in Charlatos."'''

Earthdiver glances at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "So the hope is that the storm will intensify once before that happens."'''

Missoni lifts her chin slightly in a nod of acknowledgement, the sharp incline of her head setting the thistle earrings dangling from both of her earlobes to swaying.
Earthdiver says, "Quasiperiodicity is a fascinating mathematical study."
The sky is full of billowing snowflakes.

'''Vortelis says, "The Bleaklands and Reach and Shadow Realm are entangled. The rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands should get wider during the mana storm."'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "It may do well to give a forewarning to the town if you can pinpoint more closely when this cycle may take place."'''

Lylia says, "Then it is good to have some time to prepare for such a venture."

'''Vortelis says, "We are thinking it will be Leyan."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Earthdiver asks, "Is not the nature of quasiperiodicity that it...is not quite periodic and not quite predictable?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius wishes to test those rifts for viability for harrowing into the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Earthdiver.'''

Missoni nods approvingly.

'''Vortelis says, "Because we would prefer to not open the Lake Eonak portal, and bring this soulstone back to it, unless it is truly necessary."'''

'''Lylia asks, "Not entirely predictable, but with some reasonable idea as to when the peaks and valleys of activity might be?"'''

'''Vortelis nod at Lylia.'''

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Missoni rubs her viridian eyes.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... I always prefer to phrase it as 'not quite predictable... yet'."
Lylia nods at Raelee.
Earthdiver nods at Raelee.

'''Vortelis says, "I will also wish to see if that place is practical enough for more efficiently recharging the soulstone directly with shadows."'''

'''Vortelis says, "Because the shadows are more intense in that region. Especially with the [[The Rone Resurgence - 2018-09-28 - Developments in the Bleaklands (log)#Bleaklands: Arrival and Observations|sinkholes]] they are forming into the Shadow Realm."'''

Lylia says, "I am sure something as simple as magic looks unbelievably sophisticated to those who do not know of it. Chaos is just a word for what we do not yet see the patterns of."
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Precisely."
Perigourd chuckles.
Perigourd says, "Sometimes the inverse is also true."
Earthdiver says, "But chaotic and quasiperiodic cycles are in their fundamental motion, a type of pure order. Well, depending on what kind you are talking about, at least."
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Patterns can be comforting."
Lylia glances up.

Conquerer of Reim Beleghorn just arrived.
A young dwarven child arrives, following Beleghorn.
Conquerer of Reim Beleghorn just went southeast.
A young dwarven child just went southeast.

Missoni glances southeast.
Lylia glances southeast.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.
Thrassus says, "Folk really need to keep a better eye on thier children."
Missoni says, "That fellow should be commended. So many rescued children."
Cryheart agrees with Thrassus.
Earthdiver nods at Missoni.
Cryheart nods at Missoni.
The sky all around is white with falling snow.
Missoni gazes up into the sky.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "Would you like to return to the portal, then? I do not want to keep you all night either, and the weather is turning grim. Well, more grim."'''

Missoni shifts her weight.
Skulligei raspily says, "Wonder what sort of experiemnts they were working on ..."
Raelee glances up.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.
Missoni mutters, "Bleak snow. I am sure that is just fine."
Skulligei raspily says, "The weather from the Landing tends to blend in here as well."
Thrassus says, "Be glad it's not rain."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni frowns at Thrassus.
Snowflakes flutter to the ground.

'''Vortelis gazes up into the heavens.'''

Thrassus says, "This place can turn into a vast morass with too much unfrozen water."
The charcoal cross fox paces uneasily in a circle around the bleakstone statue.
Skulligei runs his tongue along his teeth, his jaw tightening briefly.
Missoni tilts her head down.
Missoni slowly empties her lungs.

'''Vortelis rubs his chin thoughtfully.'''

Snowflakes flutter to the ground.
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
</pre>
==Log: KST==
The event transitioned directly into the KST storyline with the black roots and verdant fruits. [[Fynric]] walked past everyone in the Bleaklands. When he was first met months earlier, he was collecting soil from the blighted tree in the Lower Dragonsclaw where "the Bleak" had once spoken, and was also importing "old Talador" soil. In the preceding log Harrower Vortelis notes that Harrower [[Ersix]] so far does not think the black roots in town are coming from the [[Deadfall]] forest.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Fynric just arrived.'''

'''Fynric just went northwest.'''

Perigourd glances northwest.
'''Vortelis glances northwest.'''
Raelee glances northwest.
Cryheart glances northwest.

Imperatrix Lylia's group just went northwest.
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
Tremors pulsate throughout the ground making it difficult to stand. Tiny specks of dirt and rock bounce as the quakes reach their full strength before abruptly coming to a stop and calming again. You also see a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings.
Also here: '''Harrower Vortelis''', Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Earthdiver, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Sir Geijon, Imperatrix Lylia, Perigourd, '''Fynric'''
Obvious paths: southeast, southwest

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Earthdiver mutters suspicious.
Missoni says, "Was that not..."
Thrassus frowns at Fynric.

>look fynric
You see Fynric Branthol.
He appears to be a Human.
He is average height and has a broad-shouldered build. He appears to be middle-aged. He has weary hazel eyes and sun-browned skin. He has short, unkempt sandy-brown hair streaked with grey. He has a square face, a straight nose and a close-trimmed beard. He has calloused hands from years of farmwork.
He has a series of smoke-hued feathers on his arm.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a corked vial in his right hand.
He is wearing a polished red apple amulet, a weathered dark leather pack, a sweat-stained linen tunic with rolled up sleeves, a carved ivory wedding band, a mudstained scroll satchel, a leather belt hung with small pouches of herbs, some dusty brown breeches, and some muddy workboots crusted with soil.

Lylia says, "Fynric."
Raelee says, "... somehow, no part of this is surprising."
Skulligei raspily says, "It definitely was."

'''Fynric says, "Oh, good evening."'''

Missoni nods to Fynric in greeting.
Speaking to Fynric, Perigourd says, "Fair eve.."
Lylia says, "Good evening to you."
Speaking to Fynric, Earthdiver says, "What are you collecting this fine night..."

'''Vortelis raises an eyebrow.'''

Skulligei squints at Fynric.

'''Fynric stretches to scratch his back, trying to reach that pesky itch.'''

Speaking curiously to Fynric, Perigourd asks, "What was in the vial you had in your hand..?"
Lylia smiles at Fynric, her eyes darting briefly to the vial in his hand.
Missoni shifts her eyes to Fynric.

'''Fynric asks, "Well, when your wife asks for a favor, you don't say no too many times. Am I right?"'''

Speaking to Fynric, Earthdiver says, "Right you are."
Perigourd asks, "She sends you to the bleaklands?"

'''Fynric says, "It's pretty dangerous here, we likely shouldn't linger. I don't stay long."'''

Earthdiver surreptitiously glances at Fynric.
Cryheart raises an eyebrow.

'''Fynric says, "Oh, but, I am glad we did run into each other."'''

'''Fynric exclaims, "Dinner!"'''

'''Fynric says, "Finally."'''

'''Vortelis glances at Thrassus.'''

Missoni interestedly asks, "Dinner?"

'''Vortelis says, "I believe I will leave you all to it. Watch out for the vampiric leechlings."'''

'''Fynric says, "Yes, or as I like to call it..."'''

'''Fynric says, "The Branthol Dinner Party."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Missoni says, "I have just come from dinner, but I could eat."

'''Fynric says, "One of many to come I am sure."'''

Skulligei bows to Vortelis.
Lylia bows to Vortelis.

'''Fynric says, "No, not tonight."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Missoni wishes, "Honor and Glory to the Patriarch."

'''Vortelis rips open a rift and steps through it.'''

'''Fynric says, "She's too exhausted, too busy, but she promised this week."'''

Perigourd glances out.

'''Fynric says, "I think it was.."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Cryheart says, "Apparently he is just gathering."
Missoni nods understandingly at Fynric.
Geijon nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Shame...I'm starving."
Skulligei bursts into tears!

'''Fynric counts on the fingers of his empty hands.'''

Geijon looks thoughtfully at Fynric.
Sir Geijon just went southeast.

'''Fynric says, "Niiman."'''

Missoni agrees, "Niiman."

'''Fynric nods.'''

Speaking to Fynric, Missoni says, "I shall mark it in my diary."

'''Fynric says, "Before we leave for awhile. Well, I am at least."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni cocks her head.
Thrassus asks, "Leaving?"
Speaking to Fynric, Perigourd asks, "Where are you leaving to?"

'''Fynric says, "Might bring some of our product to Bloodriven."'''

(Earthdiver searches futily through the soil.)
Raelee squints at Fynric.
Lylia says, "Oh? Interesting, and I would think you had more reason to stay now."
Speaking to Fynric, Missoni asks, "The fruit?"

'''Fynric says, "Oh, only for a day or two. I'd help oversee a shipment. We'll see."'''

'''Fynric says, "It was more my idea than hers."'''

'''Fynric says, "So spread the word. Dinner at our home, late evening of Niiman."'''

'''Fynric says, "You're all welcome."'''

Speaking to Fynric, Perigourd asks, "Should we bring anything?"
Missoni nods appreciatively at Fynric.

'''Fynric asks, "I think someone mentioned that yes. Kayse?"'''

Lylia asks, "Niiman's eve, this week?"
Lylia nods at Fynric.

'''Fynric says, "But yes, bring whatever you wish."'''

Skulligei nods at Fynric.

'''Fynric nods at Lylia.'''

Speaking to Fynric, Missoni asks, "You will send along your address?"

'''Fynric says, "Just days away."'''

Lylia says, "I shall be sure and spread the word."

'''Fynric says, "Of course, I'll personally escort you."'''

Raelee takes a slow, deep breath then pinches the bridge of her nose.
Lylia says, "Yes, good idea to know where we should meet you."
Lylia chuckles.
Raelee quietly mutters, "... that is one ball and two dinners in less than a week."
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Missoni brightly says, "Even better. Thank you."

'''Fynric says, "I am not good at all things, but hosting I can do."'''

Cryheart smiles at Raelee.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "Reminds me of the campaign trail."
Speaking to Raelee, Missoni exclaims, "Is it not wonderful!"
Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "It is not."
Missoni frets.

'''Fynric asks, "Do you have any food requests?"'''

Skulligei drools.
Speaking to Fynric, Missoni says, "I like fishcakes."
Speaking to Fynric, Perigourd says, "Whiskey."

'''Fynric nods.'''

Lylia firmly says, "But not fish and whiskey together. That would be abominable."
Perigourd glances at Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "You.. haven't heard yet."
Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.
Missoni shifts her eyes to Perigourd.

'''Fynric asks, "Nothing else?"'''

Lylia narrows her eyes.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Perhaps I will bring some to the dinner."
Perigourd nods at Lylia.
Missoni says, "I only ask that you avoid monkeyflower, as I am allergic."
Lylia says, "I am an adventurous diner; whatever you choose for your table will likely suit me well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I like to try new things."
Skulligei nods.

'''Fynric nods.'''

Lylia agrees, "Monkeyflower is vile."

'''Fynric says, "Perfect."'''

Cryheart says, "Honey mead."

'''Fynric says, "I am excited. It's the least we can do for all of the help you've provided."'''

Raelee glances skeptically at Fynric.

'''Fynric says, "We invited the Mayor too, but no response yet."'''

Skulligei clutches his chest briefly, jaw clenched.
Lylia says, "I am looking forward to this as well."
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.
Missoni furrows her brow.
Thrassus says, "The mayor is missing. We told you this before as I recall."
Skulligei glances at Thrassus.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Still?"
Skulligei places his hands on his hips and casually surveys his surroundings.
Thrassus nods at Skulligei.

'''Fynric asks, "I thought she might have returned?"'''

'''Fynric shrugs.'''

'''Fynric says, "I can't keep it straight."'''

Speaking to Fynric, Perigourd says, "It's been a bit hectic, what with these roots in the town all over."
Raelee squints at Fynric.
Skulligei squints at Fynric.

'''Fynric says, "Well, I should return. This area is dangerous, and kind of ugly. and we've got a lot of work to do before dinner and Briselle needs some good rest."'''

'''Fynric nods at Perigourd.'''

Skulligei scoffs.
Skulligei glances around the area.
Speaking to Fynric, Missoni says, "It was nice to run into you."

'''Fynric asks, "Mind if I follow you out?"'''

Lylia says, "Please do."
Perigourd joins Lylia's group.
Lylia smiles.

'''Fynric joins Lylia's group.'''

''Wisps of shadow dance in the corners of your vision, teasing glimpses of things unseen.''

'''Fynric says, "Strength in numbers."'''

Skulligei whistles tunelessly to himself.
Cryheart nods at Fynric.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Perigourd says, "And in armor."
Perigourd grins.
Imperatrix Lylia's group just went southeast.

[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
The volatile heavens spark flares of gold, the brilliance streaking across the sky as if they were falling stars. The ground ahead trembles, the terrain splitting apart violently before the turf settles and is left uneven. You also see a mottled chestnut stinkbug and a cracked bleakstone statue.
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Earthdiver, Perigourd, Fynric, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southeast, northwest

Lylia glances at a cracked bleakstone statue.

'''Lylia says, "Still too many cracks at its base."'''

Imperatrix Lylia's group just went southeast.

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

''(walking and walking to the portal)''

Imperatrix Lylia's group just went south.
[Bleaklands, Storm Plains]
A rumbling of fuliginous clouds billow in the distance, brief flashes of gold light illuminating their edges. Momentarily, the ground seems to expand before returning to its lifeless state. You also see a rippling ethereal green portal.
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Bathcwyn Missoni, Earthdiver, Perigourd, Fynric, Magister Raelee, Skulligei, Sir Cryheart, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: north, west

Speaking to Fynric, Earthdiver says, "The sky can be quite pretty here, I thought."

'''Fynric says, "We all have cracks, nothing stay polished forever."'''

Lylia looks like she was about to say something to Fynric, but she hesitates, obviously having changed her mind.
Missoni scoffs.
Skulligei raspily says, "Could be an interesting effect if you illuminateit from below."
Lylia says, "That begs a comment I shall not share."
Lylia tries hard to stifle a laugh and covers her failure with a loud clearing of her throat.
Skulligei agrees with Earthdiver.

Lylia steps into a rippling ethereal green portal, disappearing!
[Melgorehn's Valley, Grasslands]
Melgorehn's Reach towers off to the southwest. It dominates the valley, a constant presence in the waving grass. The ground is broken and ill-lit by the wan moonlight, causing you to trip and curse several times. No insects buzz through the area, giving you an uneasy feeling. You also see a rippling ethereal green portal.
Also here: Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: northeast

Missoni suddenly walks into view, small arcs of viridian energy dancing around her body.
Thrassus suddenly walks into view, small arcs of viridian energy dancing around his body.
'''Fynric suddenly walks into view, small arcs of viridian energy dancing around his body.'''

'''Fynric slowly empties his lungs.'''

'''Fynric says, "I never get used to those echoes."'''

Speaking to Fynric, Missoni asks, "Are you often sent to the Bleaklands?"

'''Fynric says, "No."'''

A sharp blue line traces its way through the air before you into the shape of a doorway, which opens to reveal a starlit blackness as vast and endless as the midnight sky.
Perigourd steps out of the starlit doorway.
Skulligei just arrived.
Earthdiver steps out of the starlit doorway.
A pulse of intense blue light overwhelms the starlit doorway. When the light recedes, the doorway is simply no longer there.
Earthdiver dusts himself off.
Missoni says, "Then I suppose you would not get used to them."

'''Fynric says, "Well, goodnight. See you soon."'''

'''Fynric says, "Come hungry."'''

A pale-faced coppery barn owl flies in.

'''Fynric waves.'''

Lylia inclines her head.

'''Fynric just went northeast.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-02-02T13:55:08Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)]]
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion. Thagoria says she thinks they're corrupted Ithzir, and likely investigators include Harrowers Vortelis, Ersix, and Xociral.
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]
* '''02/01/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-02-01 - Inspector Gadget Studies Bleakstone Statue (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Xociral Glodinal Faendryl

2026-01-27T09:39:56Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Nations on the Brink
|storyline2 = Tales of Wehnimer's Landing 
|storyline3 = Lost Palestra
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl
|relationships =
|alias = Harrower, Cartographer
|affiliation = Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild}}

'''Xociral Glodinal Faendryl''' is a Cartographer for the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild]] of [[House Faendryl]]. He spends more time in other valences than this world, and sometimes surfaces through veil weaknesses without knowing where on [[Elanith]] he is at the moment. His main duty in the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild is finding those places where the veil is weakened or breached and reporting it to the regulatory authorities for the Clerisy.

Xociral turned up outside the Faendryl embassy in [[Ta'Illistim]] during the [[Enomna]] the Betrayer events of 5123 Modern Era, due to the tear in the veil of a demon having been summoned in the region recently. He also arrived at Lake Eonak next to [[Melgorehn's Reach]] in events surrounding the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl|Aralyte]] in 5125 Modern Era. He was then studying the hazy tenebrous orbs from shadows entities for how they might be used in panoptics.

===Appearance===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
You see Cartographer Xociral Glodinal Faendryl the Harrower.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is tall. He appears to be an adult. He has piercing milky white eyes and ebon skin. He has short, platinum hair neatly cropped around an intricate twisted faenor headband adorned with a murky shadowglass orb. He has an angular face, an upturned nose and thin pointed ears. A scintillating, web-like scar covers his entire left cheek.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a layered black veniom-threaded shroud, some enruned midnight black vruul skin leathers, a crystal-flecked urglaes bracer, a fang-clasped midnight black satchel, some fitted black veniom-threaded leggings, and a pair of midnight black vruul skin boots with intricate veniom tips.
</pre>
;Logs
* '''01/22/2023:''' [[Nations on the Brink (storyline)/2023-01-22 - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist (log)|Enomna the Betrayer - Hunting Enomna and Henshor in the Wraithenmist]]
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)|Lost Palestra - Harrowers Arrives at Melgorehn's Reach]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)

2026-01-26T12:51:58Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synposis==
Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source in another valence, most likely the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, and that they are not actually being killed during invasions but merely banished back temporarily.

Moravius said its animate matter or flesh is unnatural, but is now being rejuvenated in a self-sustaining process, owing to how it feeds on the mana of its surroundings and the powers reminiscent of [[Sacrifice]] methods with [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|shadow essence]]. He said it is apparently not a mere animate, but retains something of a more sentient or sapient source through the veil. He noted the complication of ordinary Ithzir being reincarnated energy beings.

There was discussion on more than one point about to what extent this thing is unliving and the nature of how it works.

There was discussion on how to trace mana through the veil from the shadows or shadowy Ithzir eating it. The ideas from several people generally involved using pure elemental mana as a contrast or dye, which would stand out in the background of shadows, which Moravius said is what bleeds through the veil into shadow valences. There was discussion specifically of Dark Catalyst, as the shadows eat mana, but they are susceptible to having this ignited into elements that way.

Missoni had submitted a proposal to Vortelis for a device to capture a shadows entity with mirrors. Moravius said he would give others more time to submit other proposals.

There was also discussion on whether to try to "triangulate" with this mana through multiple entities, as Moravius has been doing so far during invasions, or if they would prefer to try to capture one and try to trace a thread through the veil with a controlled captured entity. People mostly preferred the latter. There was some confusion later on the distinction. Triangulation as a concept involves using several references to calculate a source location.

Moravius noted that the shadow entities, once they have siphoned off all your expendable mana, then begin stripping spells off you instead when they drain your power. It was suggested by people that a spell could be "seeded" on a target for tracing purposes in this way as well. There was a question of whether to use an elemental mana source (especially plinite) or "live bait" for the shadows. People generally preferred live bait, and questioned whether the low-grade pseudo-plinite of the Confluence is potent enough to be a real lure for the shadow entities. ("Plinite" really refers to the high concentration stuff artificially invented by Plin, the Confluence "plinite" is a naturally occurring much weaker analog.)

Moravius also said he wishes the locals to suppress hostile forces deep in the Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador, for him so that he can assess the viability of entering the Shadow Realm through the rifts in that place. Tierus questioned whether the Faendryl had sought permission from the Emperor, for which Moravius was dismissive. Moravius implied to Perigourd that the Harrowers do not want to involve the Armata in the lands claimed by humans. He also said that while Vespasius might be open to invading [[Northwatch]], the Patriarch is likely not interested. There was also some noting around the Hall of Mages, where Raelee also does not want herself officially present, so as to not be on the hook for having authorized anything.

The net effect being no one really wants the Turamzzyrian authorities involved in that. Moravius said he is leaving all political considerations to Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], who a month earlier had issued an [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|ultimatum statement]] basically telling the Turamzzyrian Empire to not interfere with them. (Technically, this discussion was happening inside the borders of the [[Barony of Darkstone]], but Talador is a significantly older claim.)

Moravius also noted that Vortelis will want to go see the bleakstone statue of Lylia soon. Which is in another less dangerous part of the Bleaklands. Moravius did not mention the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Ithzir Pyramid in Darkstone Bay|Ithzir pyramid]], [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Recharging the Soulstone|recharging]] the soulstone, Harrower [[Ersix]] or the roots and Deadfall, nor Harrower [[Xociral]] and the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Despanal, Blood Marble, Bleakstone, Plinite, and Hazy Tenebrous Orbs|hazy tenebrous orbs]].

'''Previously in Lost Palestra:'''

* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==Log==
Most background ambients, verb actions, greetings and farewell, and other noise has been cut out. There is a zested Ithzir prop in the room, its messaging is italicized.

===Preceding===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor [[Caius Faendryl|Caius]], an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade [[Viselda Faendryl|Viselda]].
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

>look gibbet
'''Vicious barbs and spikes protrude the limbs and torso of the shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, whose reanimated corpse writhes within an exotic cage of low steel bands hovering off the ground. Its skull has been trepanated with shadowglass, through the trio of black tattooed stripes over the crown of its bald, blue-skinned head. It has been ripped open in unliving vivisection. Its chest is a hollow cavity of darkness, except for faintly glowing essences, and flesh vainly failing to melt into shadows.'''

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "Good evening."'''

Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

[General] Lylia respectfully thinks, "Good evening to you."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "... has it said anything else?"

Lylia says, "Something like "Hor Kla val ptath," although I am probably mangling the pronunciation."

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "I stepped away momentarily. But the creature is pliable and restrained."'''

Skulligei just arrived.

Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

[General] Lylia thinks, "The word 'kla' is interesting to me. It puts me in mind of 'klaloc,' the word that was written on the railing at Moot Hall. Quintessence, or the vital power. Blood, perhaps."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It sounds... confused. Several interrogative words strung together."

Missoni cheerfully says, "Hello again."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee adds, "... and greetings."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee adds, "... I think."

Missoni cocks her head.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods slowly.

Skulligei cocks his head.

[General] Lylia thinks, "My compliments to those responsible for maintaining it in such a state."

Thrassus leans on his staff.

[General] Tierus thinks, "They're probably preparing for its campaign for Mayor."

Missoni folds her hands.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is an etomological connection in [[Ithzir Genesis#Language|their tongue]]. Kla... perhaps translating most directly to 'how' is indicating something about the basic
existance..."

Missoni tilts her head up.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was going to note that we have never had an undead mayor, but Cruxophim had aspects that were surely not entirely lively."

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Thrassus smirks.

Raelee nods absently.

Lylia confesses, "I am not entirely certain that the language has roots and suffixes the way Common and Kannalan and Elven languages do. Although it seems likely."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Raelee says, "A language without such would certainly be... unusual."

Thrassus says, "Well, it is alien to our valence after all."

Lylia says, "Given how they communicate amongst themselves, it might not be necessary for them."

Lylia says, "A pity [[Thadston]] is not nearer. He no doubt had a great deal of [[Return to Sunder|experience]] with their language."

Thrassus says, "He'd just pummel it into mush."

Lylia snickers.

Missoni says, "Certain words do seem to follow a pattern of roots and suffixes, like johm, which is birth, and johmno, which is death."

Thrassus says, "Along with the cage it is in."

Lylia says, "Probably, although his horror of them is earned."

The voice of Tierus says, "One really must wonder how intelligent the Ithzir are."

Skulligei removes a dark parchment from in his black leather pouch.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni admits, "Of course it has been a while since I studied Ithzir."

Raelee says, "A more complex concept building upon the etomology of a simpler one."

Skulligei glances at a dark parchment and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

The voice of Tierus says, "After all, they've been puttering about in [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|our ruins]] for a couple of decades without doing anything of value."

Lylia nods.

The voice of Tierus says, "Even the aelotoi managed to build a [[Cysaegir|village]] out of *their* elven ruins."

Skulligei taps a dark parchment, which is in his right hand.

Lylia gazes with interest at Skulligei.

Missoni asks, "But how could our ruins be improved upon?"

Lylia says, "Their ruins were considerably less ruinous."

Missoni says, "They are clearly the very best of ruins."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... by not being ruined."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd suggests, "Fewer demons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It was a calculated ruination."

Missoni just nudged Perigourd.

The voice of Tierus asks, "I say, did you think I meant 'runes'--that is to say, magical writing--or 'ruins'--a set of destroyed buildings?"

Missoni says, "The latter."

The voice of Tierus says, "Ah. I am glad we don't have confusion like that often."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Something on that parchment in your hand seems to be quite absorbing."

Raelee says, "... proper enunciation helps."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Skulligei raspily says, "Just an idea."

Skulligei offers Lylia a dark parchment.

Lylia accepts Skulligei's dark parchment.

Lylia nods slowly.

Lylia offers Skulligei a dark parchment.

Skulligei accepts Lylia's dark parchment.

Skulligei raspily says, "Unfortunately, my magical skills are a bit lacking."

Skulligei tries to eat his dark parchment.

Skulligei put a dark parchment in his black cloak.

Lylia admits, "I do not know the extent of such magic, if it allows understanding of all languages or only those someone has heard before."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Raelee asks, "What is the idea?"

Lylia says, "Although I have heard enough Ithzir that...well. possibly."
</pre>
===Unliving Ithzir?===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius just arrived.'''

[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 '''Harrower Moravius''', a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: [[Skulligei (prime)|Skulligei]], ([[Tierus (prime)|Tierus]] who is invisible), [[Perigourd (prime)|Perigourd]], Bathcwyn [[Missoni (prime)|Missoni]], Emissary [[Thrassus (prime)|Thrassus]], Magister [[Raelee]], Imperatrix [[Lylia]]
Obvious paths: southwest

Lylia explains, "Magical comprehension of language."
Missoni smiles.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Skulligei raspily says, "Exactly my thought."
Missoni nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Good evening."'''

Skulligei nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Perigourd gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd ponders.
The voice of Tierus says, "Is it? I hadn't noticed."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I trust you have become acquainted with our guest."'''

Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and grins.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia says, "Yes. I admire the craftsmanship."
Missoni says, "Quite."
Thrassus says, "A bit, yes."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "One often treats their guests better."'''

Perigourd nods slowly.
Lylia says, "Any time we do not have blood rains and tempests, it is a good evening around here."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was more of a vivisection that I expected."'''

Tierus suddenly fades into view.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How?"'''

Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Tierus says, "Proper preparation prevents that sort of thing."
Skulligei nods.
Tierus nods to Perigourd in greeting.
Lylia says, "If they wanted to be guests, they should show better manners."
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It had seemed to merely be a reanimated corpse, but there is still much of what it 'is' still about it."'''

Lylia nods to Moravius.
Lylia says, "I thought that was unusual! My animates are never so garrulous."
Thrassus says, "That's unusual, yes."
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Language."

'''Tierus asks, "What have you discovered?"'''

Missoni asks, "I suppose it is more than just a sympathetic response to the stimuli then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is stubbornly persistent in its difficulty to distinguish between being a shadows corrupted Ithzir or some sort of shadows counterfeit manifestation."'''

Speaking flatly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "Disappointing."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How have you attempted to differentiate?"'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "So....we need more of them...for science."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir have bones and blood, blue blood as I recall."'''

Thrassus asks, "Do we need a more 'normal' speciment of Ithzir here for comparison?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "I have no trouble slaughtering them if need be."
Missoni agrees, "It is an easy task."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The trouble is that what we know of them is that they are incarnated energy beings. According to their death religion."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I'll wait here and protect the snack truck."
Skulligei glances southwest.
Lylia grins at Skulligei.

'''Lylia says, "Whenever you get religion tangled in, everything becomes messier."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Depends upon the religion."
Perigourd chuckles.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "And a lack of blue blood does not disqualify either possibility, not truly."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Does it? Most things claiming to be gods aren't."
Speaking thoughtfully to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "This fellow had no blood, then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has what seems to be black blood, but that boils into shadows, which then merge again with its body."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods.
Lylia says, "I noticed that."
Lylia says, "Observe."

''Lylia scratches down the forearm of the shadowy Ithzir, effortlessly making its flesh rip loose as if it were being flayed. The mutilated flesh immediately degenerates into shadows. The shadows move away from the arm, but the spikes and bands of the gibbet glow, making the shadows recoil and the Ithzir thrash in torment.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We have trapped it from escaping, but it resists being torn apart."'''

Lylia removes a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip from in her wrap.
Missoni says, "It *looks* as though the shadows wish to escape, but they are being held."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I believe it does, as some seem above the general pettiness of power."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia maneuvers the pointed tip of her glass nail file beneath her fingernails in sweeping arcs to clean them.
Thrassus says, "I assumed that was an effect of whatever conversion process it went through."
Lylia put a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip in her wrap.

'''Missoni asks, "Are they puppeting these Ithzir, then?"'''

A few robed Faendryl toss a mysterious orb over the lake, which suspends mid-air, then shoots up into the storm out of sight. One of them tears open a rift and disappears through it.

''(note: that is a room ambient at Lake Eonak right now, it is kept here because people reacted to it)''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

''Tierus puzzles over the shadowglass shard protruding from the skull of the shadowy Ithzir. For a moment he locks eyes with the Ithzir, then painfully shakes his head, breaking away as the Ithzir thrashes and the shard pulses.''

'''Lylia asks, "Or bound inextricably with them, as sugar mixed with salt? Can they even be separated?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will need to capture one of those shadows entities to see if there is anything Ithzir about it."'''

Missoni nods in agreement.

Tierus says, "Some sort of lingering sentience to it."

''Skulligei tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Skulligei. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Lylia asks, "The [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)#Interrogating the Investigator|mirror trap]]?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Lylia.'''

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei reaches out and touches a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The [[low steel]] is for the psionic and extraplanar qualities, the shadowglass is mostly to keep its head bound in that place on its body."'''

Missoni nods understandingly.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni approvingly says, "Effective."
Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The sorcery used to reanimate it is more or less self-perpetuating now."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "Those essence motes, do you think that is part of its normal physical makeup or are they remnants of its feeding process?"'''

Thrassus nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Speaking nonplussedly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "At the risk of sounding unimpressed, have you learned anything of value at all about the creature through your... artistry?"'''

''Tierus throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Perigourd casually glances around the area.
A rolton trots in!
Skulligei clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

Tierus's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...
Tierus gestures at a rolton.
The ground beneath a rolton begins to boil violently!
Craggy debris explodes from the ground beneath a rolton!
[SMR result: 440 (Open d100: 61)]
... 55 points of damage!
Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!
The rolton bleats loudly as he collapses to the ground in obvious pain and favors his mangled left hind leg.
The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.
The ground beneath a rolton suddenly calms.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was originally the sorcerous essence used to reanimate it. When it feeds from the mana of its surroundings, that is getting replenished."'''

Missoni tilts her head down.
Tierus glances at Missoni.
Tierus glances at Raelee.
Tierus whispers something to Raelee.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The particular nature of the shadow essence has it behaving much like the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|sacrifice methods]]."'''

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is able to rejuvenate its flesh."'''

Tierus nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Can it rejuvenate a limb?"'''

Missoni muses, "I noticed that when I scratched it."
Tierus asks, "Is its flesh actually flesh at all?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I don't think it really has "limbs" as we do...it will simply re-form them from it's....whatever."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Most likely. If not immediately, then eventually."'''

'''Perigourd says, "I've yet to see an Ithzir do so of it's own accord."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "No. I would not think an ordinary Ithzir could."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "So are we even truly killing them when they make their raids, or are they merely going back to the shadow valence to reincorporate?"'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Good question."
Tierus looks thoughtfully at Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I suspect it is the latter."'''

Thrassus says, "That is not good."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think this one being stuck here has the door left a slight crack open."'''

Lylia says, "I appreciate metaphors about the futility of action as much as anyone, but that is a bit too literal for my tastes."
Thrassus says, "It means they can keep this up forever."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Missoni sighs, "Wretched."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Efficient and sustainable."
Thrassus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It does seem to be unnatural animate matter. Its flesh."'''

[General] Cassis asks, "Wasn't mayor walker undead?"
[General] Peggyanne thinks, "A death knight..."

Lylia nods.

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "He even has a limited edition death knight siegery."

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "Does it have muscles? or simply shaped flesh?"'''

[General] Cassis thinks, "I mean, so there is president."

Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.

'''Tierus says, "I wonder if they can be obliterated in their home valence."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Closer to shaped flesh, in the sense that it seems to revert, in and out of shadows."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Tierus.'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We will probably have to go there to actually put them down."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I have wondered that often."
</pre>
===Tracing Mana Through Veils===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is at a strange intersection of demonology and necromancy. But I do think their feeding draws mana through the veil to their sources."'''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "And if they could no longer access that mana?"'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Then we can find their source, after all."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "This one by itself is just a trickle. Did any of you have ideas on how to trace the mana?"'''

Tierus says, "Alternatively, we could determine how to control them ourselves."
Missoni says, "Flames of essence, like the sort we draw upon when we cast Dark Catalyst, are drawn to mana. I thought perhaps we could use that to trace a path."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think we would only be delaying things to try to block them off here. There are partly formed rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands."'''

Thrassus says, "I had thought it might be feasible to mark a being's essence for tracking, then feed it to them the next time they attack."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "While mana is mana... do you find that they are typically feeding via one method or another? Mental? Elemental?"'''

Lylia says, "I was working on some notes in that regard, but it is hard to speak of it except in metaphorical fashion."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "They could be useful. Also quite risky, though."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They seem to drain from all kinds of magic wielders."'''

Perigourd says, "Beings ought to attend their own valences."
Perigourd grunts.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "But the output? If we could introduce something unique, an typical formation..."'''

'''Raelee says, "Atypical formation, rather..."'''

Raelee clears her throat.
Lylia says, "They drain from all wellsprings of magic, and you wish to trace where the flows of essence lead."
Earthdiver rides a fluffy white cat out of the starlit doorway.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Earthdiver a subtle wave.
The mechanical arm on Earthdiver's belt comes to life, making a waving motion at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "An output? The Ithzir cause [[Ithzir Genesis#Kol Tar'sken|yellow crystalline]] formations as they drain mana, and those shadows entities form those tenebrous orbs in them."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "We could reshape them into something more appealing, mind you."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Tierus.

'''Raelee says, "Perhaps I am not phrasing the question correctly..."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "You have to wonder if they are being controlled by some force."'''

'''Raelee asks, "They drain from all manner of sources, but when the mana goes back to their valence, is it being sent in a uniform fashion? Once the mana is captured... how is it being transferred on?"'''

Missoni cocks her head.
Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

''Tierus knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows themselves bleed through the veil to the valences similarly constituted. So if I am understanding your Common, it would be a sorcerous mode of transference."'''

Tierus smiles in spite of himself.

'''Missoni asks, "If they are not being directly controlled, then there is a cause for their presence that is not mere consumption of mana, perhaps?"'''

'''Missoni says, "But we may not know that, until we trace the mana back."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is a way to force a thread of another mode. An elemental thread to follow amongst the shadow and sorcery."

(Tierus continues poking and prodding at the Ithzir absently.)

'''Harrower Moravius says, "For all we know right now, they might be directed, by the same thing antagonizing the storming the Reach."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "When trying to find a path through an unknown cave, scented smoke is often used to find the path of airflow. maybe you can do something like that...but...magic-y."
Missoni cheerfully says, "Like flames of essence."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That could stand out against the background."'''

Raelee says, "... the complication being, of course, that mana changes forms as it is utilized. Thus finding a way for it to not be so altered as it is processed through the Ithzir..."
Perigourd says, "Much like me on a demonic plane."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Lylia says, "I was thinking along those terms, albeit with a different metaphor, as Missoni noted about flames of essence. A sort of...stain, a dye, to use an analogy, that we could more easily see as it moves."

'''Speaking absently to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "Are you certain it can't feel pain like this?"'''

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Speaking encouragingly to Lylia, Missoni says, "Glitter."
Raelee quietly says, "... I think that is precisely what I am saying..."
Skulligei raspily says, "It certainly seems to...."

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking eagerly to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Yes, best to be certain."

''Tierus suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has earned some pain."'''

Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... is my common failing me here?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I may have missed it when the Harrower suggested it does not feel pain."
Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd agrees, "I think the armor would be a dead giveaway on most planes."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Sorry, I was distracted."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the beard."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It sounds you are all saying much the same thing."'''

Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Yes."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I'm uncertain that elemental magic alone can be used to interface with such a thing."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Tierus says, "There may be some fundamental incompatibilities."
Raelee scrubs her hand over her long copper red hair in frustration.
Earthdiver pokes his finger at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The dark catalyst works by destabilizing the mana, which spontaneously erupts into the various elements. Which will ignite inside even those shadows entities which feed on power."'''

Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "So we are looking to trace the elemental mana as it that flow is trespassing the veil."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those fundamental incompatibilities could be useful. Something that is not processed and converted and thus easier to follow."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I see."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "To your question, given that it is technically unalive, I would think it definitional that the creature cannot feel pain."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That depends upon the direction of the combustion."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows by themselves would exclude wide sets of valences. The elements would help sight out which exactly it is leading."'''

Perigourd nods at Missoni.
</pre>
===Unliving and Anti-Magic===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "However, this does not appear to be merely an impression of agony."'''

''Tierus tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Tierus. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Tierus smiles again, his eyes almost feverishly intent as they study the Ithzir.
Missoni glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can this thing still speak?"
Tierus clears his throat.
Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus turns around.
Earthdiver pounds a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Earthdiver shrugs.
Speaking to Skulligei, Missoni says, "I heard it say something about how it cannot move earlier."
Lylia says, "Somewhat, yes."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni shrugs slightly.
Skulligei raspily says, "Most interesting."
The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Animates can sometimes parrot the phrases that were known by their corpses."'''

Earthdiver stomps down hard with one of his black boots.
Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a giant ovate leathery winged cockroach's presence.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni says, "The shadows did seem to respond, in a way, but perhaps they were only parroting as well."
Earthdiver climbs down from the black leather saddle on a black horse and carefully detaches some frayed black reins from his bit.
Earthdiver put some frayed black reins in his black shirt.

Lylia says, "It would not parrot phrases about being bound. Nor say 'help me,' I would imagine."

Thrassus asks, "So we infuse something with, say, an overabundance of fire attuned mana and feed it to the Ithzir before it burns up. Then, we trace that same mana back to the souce?"
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "The V'reen would speak as well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I haven't heard of others saying such things. perhaps being disconnected, as it were, is having some effect on it's mind."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "But if this is some kind of manifestation, an incarnation, projected through the veil, it might be linked to something more sentient or sapient than an animated dead."'''

Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Yes. Though the question is whether the Ithzir will process it or not."
Missoni says, "Yes, there may be a collective."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... if you send me mana spiritually, I can still toss the elements about with it, after all."
Skulligei raspily says, "Normally, Ithzir are a collective, as I understand it."
Missoni agrees with Skulligei.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "True."
Missoni asks, "But are the shadows, also?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Likely, more literally acting as a single entity."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is certainly more interesting than I was expecting when I was sent here."'''

Thrassus says, "But that means we need to refine the mana even more before feeding it to them."
Skulligei raspily says, "Rather than a collective."
Speaking lightly to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Worth the trip, I hope."
Lylia grins at Missoni.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "What were you expecting, exactly?"'''

Skulligei works his fingers under his riveted tin monocle and scratches his head.
Skulligei put a stygian valravn quill in his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei gently closes his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei put a wax-speckled scarlet leather folio in his black leather satchel.
Lylia says, "It is a pity we cannot give them poison and let them take it back to blight the whole hive."
Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can we not?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The most likely thing seemed to be an Ithzir problem that vanished on its own when a cycle of mana storming halted."'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "Nothing seems to sicken them."
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Much as was the case [[Return to Sunder|ten years]] ago."'''

'''Speaking to Lylia, Tierus asks, "Perhaps antimagic?"'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "We're not usually that lucky."
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia says, "Anti-magic tends to sicken me."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Those shadow entities are somewhat anti-magical themselves."'''

Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Thrassus snickers at Tierus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They are resistant to most sorcery."'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Lylia says, "I noticed."

'''Missoni agrees, "They have used antimagic to their benefit in battle, too."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. Once they have drained you of expendable mana, they begin ripping the spells off you."'''

Raelee nods faintly at Missoni.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Have you tried shooting them with a pylon?"

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "... that is a good point, actually."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably. I do not recall the results though."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "A spell upon a target could be a method of 'seeding the mana', so to speak."'''

Missoni ponders.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni cheerfully says, "Bait."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Magical leeches."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we could place a nearly completed spell within a subject and trace that?"
Skulligei frowns.
</pre>
===Triangulation versus Tracing Threads===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "There is also the matter of whether doing this in the wild, more of a triangulation, or capturing one of the shadow masses similar to this Ithzir and following a thread."'''

Missoni says, "The latter seems more controlled, and more likely to yield a good result."

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Thrassus says, "Agreed."
Raelee nods faintly.

'''Tierus asks, "I wonder if we might gorge one of these things. What would happen if we were to feed it too much mana?"'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "I don't suppose I could have one of it's eyes? or would it just melt away when taken from the main body?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it would explode."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Tierus asks, "Would it simply pop like an overstuffed goose?"
Skulligei takes a dented riveted tin monocle framing a fresh violet eye off his head.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Like a mosquito made to rupture from being unable to pull off."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Pate. Delightful."
Skulligei carefully pries a fresh violet eye out of a dented riveted tin monocle.
Skulligei carefully fastens a dented riveted tin monocle around his head, positioning it over his right eye.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect it would probably just dissapear ephemerally back unto it's own valence."
Lylia nods.
Perigourd says, "We saw some of them seem to melt away during the last breach."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Perhaps if I had a shadowglass needle to pin it into shape."
Skulligei laughs!

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Capturing one the shadows will likely require constructing some apparatus. I know that Vortelis just received one from the Missoni Sabretache, but I can give you more time to imagine up possibilities."'''

Missoni nods appreciatively.
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This 'Ishzir' we just had to keep bound, preventing it from slipping away."'''

Speaking to herself, Raelee mouths, "... Ishzir..."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "Ithzir-ish."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Perigourd asks, "If they're attracted to mana, could you not bait whatever trap with an essence core or so?"
Perigourd says, "I'd say plinite, but I'm not sure I'd want to see one that fed on it."
Lylia says, "They seem to like living sources. But possibly."
Thrassus says, "Or just put a volunteer in the trap."
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I would."
Speaking quietly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "We could use some of that so-called plinite from the Confluence."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is most likely, almost certainly, the Shadows valence. The same one as the lost Palestra, given the concordance of evidence. But even if we knew that for certain, a tracing would help find where within the valence to look."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Would they even be attracted to it? It has... so little power."
Raelee says, "It is akin to tossing crumbs."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perhaps we should rename it sigh-nite."
Tierus asks, "Lie-nite?"
Tierus ponders.
Lylia nods in agreement to Moravius.
Lylia snickers at Tierus.

''Skulligei throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Skulligei winces.

'''Skulligei raspily says, "Sorry."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It would rip you apart if it could."'''

Missoni shakes her head at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and clucks her tongue.
Skulligei nods.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "You're not concerned that leaving this valeence open a crack is allowing it to communicate back to the source?"'''

Perigourd glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Perigourd asks, "And thus it might understand everything we've been speaking about?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "They don't seem to have much of a mastery of Common."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir can read our minds. They do it [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)|often enough]] when they come here during the storms."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It seems more of a sooner or later matter."'''

Speaking to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "Renta ti?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But they have been known to speak Tehiri."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder...."
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.

Another sorcerer walks over and speaks to Harrower Moravius, gesturing at the lake and storm, making adjustments to his twisted faenor headband.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

''(note: this is just Moravius reacting to that room ambient involving him)''

Lylia says, "They can learn to speak whichever languages the person whose head they currently invade speaks."

''Lylia suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Perigourd grunts.

''Tierus reaches into the gibbet and wrenches with the bar of the scold's bridle as the shadowy Ithzir shouts "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!" When gagged by it, the mouth dematerializes into shadows, reforming in multiple places. The mouths exclaim, "Hor? Kla val ptath?" Then they collapse back into its head, and the Ithzir's mouth is once more gagged.''

'''Earthdiver says, "So how are we building this triangulation device."'''

Lylia says, "Good question."
Lylia grins at Earthdiver.
Skulligei squints at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Lylia says, "I have been largely silent as I sort it all out in my mind."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Well. Vortelis has one proposal from th... from Missoni, for capturing the shadows, but I would be willing to give you all time to come up with ideas for apparatus."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Are we using plinite as the power source?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Since it seemed to be favored to capture one first."'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Tierus says, "I think the Harrower is correct. The lure must be living."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "It has not been decided. But it is likely impractical."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "We would have to source some plinite of value first."
Skulligei glances at Raelee and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "I concur. A living lure is best."
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "Wait, are we luring, or triangulating?"
Earthdiver looks rather confused.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "Both. Luring in order to impart something that can be utilized to triangulate."
Lylia says, "Yes. Luring it to one spot, wherein it may be trapped."
</pre>
===Political Considerations===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "Unless we were to invade [[Northwatch]] and take their [[plinite]], but that adds extra steps to this whole endeavour."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Earthdiver says, "Right. I am just curious about the triangulation mechanism. Not the luring."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a lich would stop us."
Perigourd nods slowly.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "[[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl|Vespasius]] might be open to that, but I doubt the [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl|Patriarch]] wishes to do such invasions."'''

Tierus nods sagely at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Well, former lich."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "For--"
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "It hasn't precisely worked well for other elven houses, for whatever that's worth."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "And we are doing this....where? the [[Bleaklands]]?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "The core concept is to 'pollute' the mana it draws and passes on to create a traceable thread."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... and this plan is not even an hour old. Details are to be determined."
Earthdiver says, "Ah."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That is another matter. I will want you all to help secure the surroundings in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Tierus says, "Triangulation implies that we must 'seed' more than one of these creatures."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Ideally within the next two weeks."'''

Earthdiver says, "I was excited for the triangulation math. Perhaps I am getting ahead of things."
Lylia says, "Like smoke drifting in a passage to indicate the direction of a draft, as Skulligei noted."
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni asks, "Should we build a base of operations there?"
Skulligei nods.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Don't you have an Armada for that?"'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is in the depths of it near the ruins of [[Talador]] itself. Which is very intense with hostile forces."'''

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "You would have us bring the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Armata]] to the Barony of Talador?"'''

Skulligei nods.
Missoni shifts her weight.

'''Perigourd says, "I suppose not, no."'''

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia mildly says, "It might create big feelings."
Skulligei raspily says, "We're going to need more than an Armada if these things are allowed to accumulate power."
Tierus says, "I suspect all-out war with Turamzzyr would be just as unnecessary as an invasion of Northwatch."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "There are rifts to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I wish to ascertain if they are useful for traveling there more safely than through this lake."'''

'''Tierus asks, "Do you plan to seek the permission of the [[Aurmont|Emperor]]?"'''

Perigourd nods grimly at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius smirks.'''

Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus says, "I doubt they have any controlling presence that deep in the Bleaklands to begin with."
Skulligei gazes with interest at the midnight black apple in his hand.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Emperor can come speak to me in the Bleaklands."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Nonetheless, it is within their borders, and humans are highly territorial creatures."
Missoni grins wryly.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "The subtle thing to do would be to engage in all of the necessary niceties."
Thrassus rolls his eyes.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus adds, "I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a Magister of the [[Hall of Mages|Hall]] will most likely be present."
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "It's not going to be an army."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That makes this vastly worse, not better."
Lylia coolly says, "If they wish Faendryl help dealing with a problem that affects us all, then they will have to accept Faendryl solutions."
Missoni says, "Just a few of us on a weekend jaunt."
Speaking mildly to Lylia, Tierus says, "Ah, I wasn't aware that they had asked for our help. Let us carry on, then."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "For then, the [[Royal Magister]] inquires to *me* why I authorized this. And that is not a conversation I am interested in having."
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will leave such considerations with Vespasius."'''

Perigourd nods knowingly at Raelee.
Lylia says, "They would, if they but knew the seriousness of the breach. It is perhaps best they do not."
Missoni politely says, "I am sure he will know how to smooth things over."
Lylia says, "No need to worry everyone unduly."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd chuckles.
Tierus says, "Very well. It seems that this particular die is cast."
</pre>
===Other Issues===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tierus idly says, "I wonder if there's enough [[bleakstone]] to build a statue of me within our fortifications. Something tasteful, no larger than twice life-size. Rugged, though. And staring off into the distance with determination written across my brow."

Tierus abruptly says, "I suppose the rest of you could be in it, too."
Thrassus says, "I am sure there is."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "One bleakstone statue at a time, I think, is more than sufficient."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I do not need another statue. One is too many as is."
Lylia grins at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite happy without being depicted."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Vortelis will want to see that [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Back to Soulstone Recharging and the Bleakstone Statue|bleakstone statue]] soon."'''

Missoni says, "Bleakstone statues are nothing but trouble."
Tierus pleasantly says, "More stone for me."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I enjoy mine; I just wish it were not so inconveniently placed."
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking raspily to Lylia, Skulligei says, "It's a relaxing area though....aside from the ghostly wailing and manastorms of course."
Lylia begins chuckling at Skulligei!
Skulligei raspily says, "Could get a bench out there."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus prompts, "In front of the statue."
Lylia nods.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' folks."

Raelee gestures.
Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Tonari thinks, "Evening, Lord Tebon."
Tebon steps out of the shifting portal.
Skulligei nods to Tebon in greeting.
Lylia inclines her head.

Tebon says, "E'enin', folks."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Thrassus says, "There's an altar out there that seems to be a recent addition, while we are on the expedition it might be a good idea to look it over and see if it an offshoot from the Horned Society or the like."'''

Tebon nods warily to Skulligei.
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Sir Tebon."
Tebon nods curtly to Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "M'lady Missoni."
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The [[Horned Cabal|Cabal]]?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I do not know much about religion."'''

Perigourd ponders.
Tebon glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "But if there is something sorcerous about it?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius shrugs.'''

Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Thrassus says, "I do not think it is connected to anything of our concern though, so be at ease there."
Thrassus snickers.
Thrassus says, "It might not be anything to be concerned about."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "We've been asked to secure some point in the bleaklands soon."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Tierus says, "I suppose I should find an inn. It sounds like there will be some preparations needed for such a scintillating adventure."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Perhaps in a fortnight or so."
Missoni cheerfully agrees, "Air out your tents and bedrolls."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Lylia suggests, "Silvergate is lovely."
Tebon whispers something to Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Yes, at least at the beginning of the evening."
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. I suppose I do not have much else for you right now."'''

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Tebon ponders.
Lylia says, "I appreciate your time, Harrower Moravius, and your work on that."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Thank you for the enlightening discussion, Harrower."'''

Lylia nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Missoni.'''

Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Thrassus nods once.
Perigourd nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius just went southwest.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)

2026-01-26T12:49:26Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synposis==
Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source in another valence, most likely the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, and that they are not actually being killed during invasions but merely banished back temporarily.

Moravius said its animate matter or flesh is unnatural, but is now being rejuvenated in a self-sustaining process, owing to how it feeds on the mana of its surroundings and the powers reminiscent of [[Sacrifice]] methods with [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|shadow essence]]. He said it is apparently not a mere animate, but retains something of a more sentient or sapient source through the veil. He noted the complication of ordinary Ithzir being reincarnated energy beings.

There was discussion on more than one point about to what extent this thing is unliving and the nature of how it works.

There was discussion on how to trace mana through the veil from the shadows or shadowy Ithzir eating it. The ideas from several people generally involved using pure elemental mana as a contrast or dye, which would stand out in the background of shadows, which Moravius said is what bleeds through the veil into shadow valences. There was discussion specifically of Dark Catalyst, as the shadows eat mana, but they are susceptible to having this ignited into elements that way.

Missoni had submitted a proposal to Vortelis for a device to capture a shadows entity with mirrors. Moravius said he would give others more time to submit other proposals.

There was also discussion on whether to try to "triangulate" with this mana through multiple entities, as Moravius has been doing so far during invasions, or if they would prefer to try to capture one and try to trace a thread through the veil with a controlled captured entity. People mostly preferred the latter. There was some confusion later on the distinction. Triangulation as a concept involves using several references to calculate a source location.

Moravius noted that the shadow entities, once they have siphoned off all your expendable mana, then begin stripping spells off you instead when they drain your power. It was suggested by people that a spell could be "seeded" on a target for tracing purposes in this way as well. There was a question of whether to use an elemental mana source (especially plinite) or "live bait" for the shadows. People generally preferred live bait, and questioned whether the low-grade pseudo-plinite of the Confluence is potent enough to be a real lure for the shadow entities. ("Plinite" really refers to the high concentration stuff artificially invented by Plin, the Confluence "plinite" is a naturally occurring much weaker analog.)

Moravius also said he wishes the locals to suppress hostile forces deep in the Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador, for him so that he can assess the viability of entering the Shadow Realm through the rifts in that place. Tierus questioned whether the Faendryl had sought permission from the Emperor, for which Moravius was dismissive. Moravius implied to Perigourd that the Harrowers do not want to involve the Armata in the lands claimed by humans. He also said that while Vespasius might be open to invading [[Northwatch]], the Patriarch is likely not interested. There was also some noting around the Hall of Mages, where Raelee also does not want herself officially present, so as to not be on the hook for having authorized anything.

The net effect being no one really wants the Turamzzyrian authorities involved in that. Moravius said he is leaving all political considerations to Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], who a month earlier had issued an [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|ultimatum statement]] basically telling the Turamzzyrian Empire to not interfere with them. (Technically, this discussion was happening inside the borders of the [[Barony of Darkstone]], but Talador is a significantly older claim.)

Moravius also noted that Vortelis will want to go see the bleakstone statue of Lylia soon. Which is in another less dangerous part of the Bleaklands. Moravius did not mention the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Ithzir Pyramid in Darkstone Bay|Ithzir pyramid]], [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Recharging the Soulstone|recharging]] the soulstone, Harrower [[Ersix]] or the roots and Deadfall, nor Harrower [[Xociral]] and the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Despanal, Blood Marble, Bleakstone, Plinite, and Hazy Tenebrous Orbs|hazy tenebrous orbs]].

'''Previously in Lost Palestra:'''

* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==Log==
Most background ambients, verb actions, greetings and farewell, and other noise has been cut out. There is a zested Ithzir prop in the room, its messaging is italicized.

===Preceding===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor [[Caius Faendryl|Caius]], an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade [[Viselda Faendryl|Viselda]].
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

>look gibbet
'''Vicious barbs and spikes protrude the limbs and torso of the shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, whose reanimated corpse writhes within an exotic cage of low steel bands hovering off the ground. Its skull has been trepanated with shadowglass, through the trio of black tattooed stripes over the crown of its bald, blue-skinned head. It has been ripped open in unliving vivisection. Its chest is a hollow cavity of darkness, except for faintly glowing essences, and flesh vainly failing to melt into shadows.'''

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "Good evening."'''

Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

[General] Lylia respectfully thinks, "Good evening to you."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "... has it said anything else?"

Lylia says, "Something like "Hor Kla val ptath," although I am probably mangling the pronunciation."

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "I stepped away momentarily. But the creature is pliable and restrained."'''

Skulligei just arrived.

Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

[General] Lylia thinks, "The word 'kla' is interesting to me. It puts me in mind of 'klaloc,' the word that was written on the railing at Moot Hall. Quintessence, or the vital power. Blood, perhaps."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It sounds... confused. Several interrogative words strung together."

Missoni cheerfully says, "Hello again."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee adds, "... and greetings."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee adds, "... I think."

Missoni cocks her head.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods slowly.

Skulligei cocks his head.

[General] Lylia thinks, "My compliments to those responsible for maintaining it in such a state."

Thrassus leans on his staff.

[General] Tierus thinks, "They're probably preparing for its campaign for Mayor."

Missoni folds her hands.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is an etomological connection in [[Ithzir Genesis#Language|their tongue]]. Kla... perhaps translating most directly to 'how' is indicating something about the basic
existance..."

Missoni tilts her head up.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was going to note that we have never had an undead mayor, but Cruxophim had aspects that were surely not entirely lively."

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Thrassus smirks.

Raelee nods absently.

Lylia confesses, "I am not entirely certain that the language has roots and suffixes the way Common and Kannalan and Elven languages do. Although it seems likely."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Raelee says, "A language without such would certainly be... unusual."

Thrassus says, "Well, it is alien to our valence after all."

Lylia says, "Given how they communicate amongst themselves, it might not be necessary for them."

Lylia says, "A pity [[Thadston]] is not nearer. He no doubt had a great deal of [[Return to Sunder|experience]] with their language."

Thrassus says, "He'd just pummel it into mush."

Lylia snickers.

Missoni says, "Certain words do seem to follow a pattern of roots and suffixes, like johm, which is birth, and johmno, which is death."

Thrassus says, "Along with the cage it is in."

Lylia says, "Probably, although his horror of them is earned."

The voice of Tierus says, "One really must wonder how intelligent the Ithzir are."

Skulligei removes a dark parchment from in his black leather pouch.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni admits, "Of course it has been a while since I studied Ithzir."

Raelee says, "A more complex concept building upon the etomology of a simpler one."

Skulligei glances at a dark parchment and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

The voice of Tierus says, "After all, they've been puttering about in [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|our ruins]] for a couple of decades without doing anything of value."

Lylia nods.

The voice of Tierus says, "Even the aelotoi managed to build a [[Cysaegir|village]] out of *their* elven ruins."

Skulligei taps a dark parchment, which is in his right hand.

Lylia gazes with interest at Skulligei.

Missoni asks, "But how could our ruins be improved upon?"

Lylia says, "Their ruins were considerably less ruinous."

Missoni says, "They are clearly the very best of ruins."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... by not being ruined."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd suggests, "Fewer demons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It was a calculated ruination."

Missoni just nudged Perigourd.

The voice of Tierus asks, "I say, did you think I meant 'runes'--that is to say, magical writing--or 'ruins'--a set of destroyed buildings?"

Missoni says, "The latter."

The voice of Tierus says, "Ah. I am glad we don't have confusion like that often."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Something on that parchment in your hand seems to be quite absorbing."

Raelee says, "... proper enunciation helps."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Skulligei raspily says, "Just an idea."

Skulligei offers Lylia a dark parchment.

Lylia accepts Skulligei's dark parchment.

Lylia nods slowly.

Lylia offers Skulligei a dark parchment.

Skulligei accepts Lylia's dark parchment.

Skulligei raspily says, "Unfortunately, my magical skills are a bit lacking."

Skulligei tries to eat his dark parchment.

Skulligei put a dark parchment in his black cloak.

Lylia admits, "I do not know the extent of such magic, if it allows understanding of all languages or only those someone has heard before."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Raelee asks, "What is the idea?"

Lylia says, "Although I have heard enough Ithzir that...well. possibly."
</pre>
===Unliving Ithzir?===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius just arrived.'''

[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 '''Harrower Moravius''', a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: [[Skulligei]], ([[Tierus]] who is invisible), [[Perigourd]], Bathcwyn [[Missoni]], Emissary [[Thrassus]], Magister [[Raelee]], Imperatrix [[Lylia]]
Obvious paths: southwest

Lylia explains, "Magical comprehension of language."
Missoni smiles.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Skulligei raspily says, "Exactly my thought."
Missoni nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Good evening."'''

Skulligei nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Perigourd gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd ponders.
The voice of Tierus says, "Is it? I hadn't noticed."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I trust you have become acquainted with our guest."'''

Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and grins.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia says, "Yes. I admire the craftsmanship."
Missoni says, "Quite."
Thrassus says, "A bit, yes."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "One often treats their guests better."'''

Perigourd nods slowly.
Lylia says, "Any time we do not have blood rains and tempests, it is a good evening around here."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was more of a vivisection that I expected."'''

Tierus suddenly fades into view.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How?"'''

Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Tierus says, "Proper preparation prevents that sort of thing."
Skulligei nods.
Tierus nods to Perigourd in greeting.
Lylia says, "If they wanted to be guests, they should show better manners."
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It had seemed to merely be a reanimated corpse, but there is still much of what it 'is' still about it."'''

Lylia nods to Moravius.
Lylia says, "I thought that was unusual! My animates are never so garrulous."
Thrassus says, "That's unusual, yes."
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Language."

'''Tierus asks, "What have you discovered?"'''

Missoni asks, "I suppose it is more than just a sympathetic response to the stimuli then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is stubbornly persistent in its difficulty to distinguish between being a shadows corrupted Ithzir or some sort of shadows counterfeit manifestation."'''

Speaking flatly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "Disappointing."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How have you attempted to differentiate?"'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "So....we need more of them...for science."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir have bones and blood, blue blood as I recall."'''

Thrassus asks, "Do we need a more 'normal' speciment of Ithzir here for comparison?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "I have no trouble slaughtering them if need be."
Missoni agrees, "It is an easy task."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The trouble is that what we know of them is that they are incarnated energy beings. According to their death religion."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I'll wait here and protect the snack truck."
Skulligei glances southwest.
Lylia grins at Skulligei.

'''Lylia says, "Whenever you get religion tangled in, everything becomes messier."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Depends upon the religion."
Perigourd chuckles.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "And a lack of blue blood does not disqualify either possibility, not truly."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Does it? Most things claiming to be gods aren't."
Speaking thoughtfully to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "This fellow had no blood, then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has what seems to be black blood, but that boils into shadows, which then merge again with its body."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods.
Lylia says, "I noticed that."
Lylia says, "Observe."

''Lylia scratches down the forearm of the shadowy Ithzir, effortlessly making its flesh rip loose as if it were being flayed. The mutilated flesh immediately degenerates into shadows. The shadows move away from the arm, but the spikes and bands of the gibbet glow, making the shadows recoil and the Ithzir thrash in torment.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We have trapped it from escaping, but it resists being torn apart."'''

Lylia removes a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip from in her wrap.
Missoni says, "It *looks* as though the shadows wish to escape, but they are being held."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I believe it does, as some seem above the general pettiness of power."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia maneuvers the pointed tip of her glass nail file beneath her fingernails in sweeping arcs to clean them.
Thrassus says, "I assumed that was an effect of whatever conversion process it went through."
Lylia put a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip in her wrap.

'''Missoni asks, "Are they puppeting these Ithzir, then?"'''

A few robed Faendryl toss a mysterious orb over the lake, which suspends mid-air, then shoots up into the storm out of sight. One of them tears open a rift and disappears through it.

''(note: that is a room ambient at Lake Eonak right now, it is kept here because people reacted to it)''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

''Tierus puzzles over the shadowglass shard protruding from the skull of the shadowy Ithzir. For a moment he locks eyes with the Ithzir, then painfully shakes his head, breaking away as the Ithzir thrashes and the shard pulses.''

'''Lylia asks, "Or bound inextricably with them, as sugar mixed with salt? Can they even be separated?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will need to capture one of those shadows entities to see if there is anything Ithzir about it."'''

Missoni nods in agreement.

Tierus says, "Some sort of lingering sentience to it."

''Skulligei tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Skulligei. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Lylia asks, "The [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)#Interrogating the Investigator|mirror trap]]?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Lylia.'''

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei reaches out and touches a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The [[low steel]] is for the psionic and extraplanar qualities, the shadowglass is mostly to keep its head bound in that place on its body."'''

Missoni nods understandingly.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni approvingly says, "Effective."
Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The sorcery used to reanimate it is more or less self-perpetuating now."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "Those essence motes, do you think that is part of its normal physical makeup or are they remnants of its feeding process?"'''

Thrassus nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Speaking nonplussedly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "At the risk of sounding unimpressed, have you learned anything of value at all about the creature through your... artistry?"'''

''Tierus throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Perigourd casually glances around the area.
A rolton trots in!
Skulligei clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

Tierus's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...
Tierus gestures at a rolton.
The ground beneath a rolton begins to boil violently!
Craggy debris explodes from the ground beneath a rolton!
[SMR result: 440 (Open d100: 61)]
... 55 points of damage!
Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!
The rolton bleats loudly as he collapses to the ground in obvious pain and favors his mangled left hind leg.
The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.
The ground beneath a rolton suddenly calms.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was originally the sorcerous essence used to reanimate it. When it feeds from the mana of its surroundings, that is getting replenished."'''

Missoni tilts her head down.
Tierus glances at Missoni.
Tierus glances at Raelee.
Tierus whispers something to Raelee.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The particular nature of the shadow essence has it behaving much like the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|sacrifice methods]]."'''

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is able to rejuvenate its flesh."'''

Tierus nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Can it rejuvenate a limb?"'''

Missoni muses, "I noticed that when I scratched it."
Tierus asks, "Is its flesh actually flesh at all?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I don't think it really has "limbs" as we do...it will simply re-form them from it's....whatever."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Most likely. If not immediately, then eventually."'''

'''Perigourd says, "I've yet to see an Ithzir do so of it's own accord."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "No. I would not think an ordinary Ithzir could."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "So are we even truly killing them when they make their raids, or are they merely going back to the shadow valence to reincorporate?"'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Good question."
Tierus looks thoughtfully at Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I suspect it is the latter."'''

Thrassus says, "That is not good."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think this one being stuck here has the door left a slight crack open."'''

Lylia says, "I appreciate metaphors about the futility of action as much as anyone, but that is a bit too literal for my tastes."
Thrassus says, "It means they can keep this up forever."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Missoni sighs, "Wretched."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Efficient and sustainable."
Thrassus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It does seem to be unnatural animate matter. Its flesh."'''

[General] Cassis asks, "Wasn't mayor walker undead?"
[General] Peggyanne thinks, "A death knight..."

Lylia nods.

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "He even has a limited edition death knight siegery."

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "Does it have muscles? or simply shaped flesh?"'''

[General] Cassis thinks, "I mean, so there is president."

Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.

'''Tierus says, "I wonder if they can be obliterated in their home valence."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Closer to shaped flesh, in the sense that it seems to revert, in and out of shadows."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Tierus.'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We will probably have to go there to actually put them down."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I have wondered that often."
</pre>
===Tracing Mana Through Veils===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is at a strange intersection of demonology and necromancy. But I do think their feeding draws mana through the veil to their sources."'''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "And if they could no longer access that mana?"'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Then we can find their source, after all."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "This one by itself is just a trickle. Did any of you have ideas on how to trace the mana?"'''

Tierus says, "Alternatively, we could determine how to control them ourselves."
Missoni says, "Flames of essence, like the sort we draw upon when we cast Dark Catalyst, are drawn to mana. I thought perhaps we could use that to trace a path."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think we would only be delaying things to try to block them off here. There are partly formed rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands."'''

Thrassus says, "I had thought it might be feasible to mark a being's essence for tracking, then feed it to them the next time they attack."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "While mana is mana... do you find that they are typically feeding via one method or another? Mental? Elemental?"'''

Lylia says, "I was working on some notes in that regard, but it is hard to speak of it except in metaphorical fashion."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "They could be useful. Also quite risky, though."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They seem to drain from all kinds of magic wielders."'''

Perigourd says, "Beings ought to attend their own valences."
Perigourd grunts.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "But the output? If we could introduce something unique, an typical formation..."'''

'''Raelee says, "Atypical formation, rather..."'''

Raelee clears her throat.
Lylia says, "They drain from all wellsprings of magic, and you wish to trace where the flows of essence lead."
Earthdiver rides a fluffy white cat out of the starlit doorway.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Earthdiver a subtle wave.
The mechanical arm on Earthdiver's belt comes to life, making a waving motion at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "An output? The Ithzir cause [[Ithzir Genesis#Kol Tar'sken|yellow crystalline]] formations as they drain mana, and those shadows entities form those tenebrous orbs in them."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "We could reshape them into something more appealing, mind you."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Tierus.

'''Raelee says, "Perhaps I am not phrasing the question correctly..."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "You have to wonder if they are being controlled by some force."'''

'''Raelee asks, "They drain from all manner of sources, but when the mana goes back to their valence, is it being sent in a uniform fashion? Once the mana is captured... how is it being transferred on?"'''

Missoni cocks her head.
Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

''Tierus knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows themselves bleed through the veil to the valences similarly constituted. So if I am understanding your Common, it would be a sorcerous mode of transference."'''

Tierus smiles in spite of himself.

'''Missoni asks, "If they are not being directly controlled, then there is a cause for their presence that is not mere consumption of mana, perhaps?"'''

'''Missoni says, "But we may not know that, until we trace the mana back."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is a way to force a thread of another mode. An elemental thread to follow amongst the shadow and sorcery."

(Tierus continues poking and prodding at the Ithzir absently.)

'''Harrower Moravius says, "For all we know right now, they might be directed, by the same thing antagonizing the storming the Reach."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "When trying to find a path through an unknown cave, scented smoke is often used to find the path of airflow. maybe you can do something like that...but...magic-y."
Missoni cheerfully says, "Like flames of essence."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That could stand out against the background."'''

Raelee says, "... the complication being, of course, that mana changes forms as it is utilized. Thus finding a way for it to not be so altered as it is processed through the Ithzir..."
Perigourd says, "Much like me on a demonic plane."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Lylia says, "I was thinking along those terms, albeit with a different metaphor, as Missoni noted about flames of essence. A sort of...stain, a dye, to use an analogy, that we could more easily see as it moves."

'''Speaking absently to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "Are you certain it can't feel pain like this?"'''

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Speaking encouragingly to Lylia, Missoni says, "Glitter."
Raelee quietly says, "... I think that is precisely what I am saying..."
Skulligei raspily says, "It certainly seems to...."

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking eagerly to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Yes, best to be certain."

''Tierus suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has earned some pain."'''

Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... is my common failing me here?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I may have missed it when the Harrower suggested it does not feel pain."
Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd agrees, "I think the armor would be a dead giveaway on most planes."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Sorry, I was distracted."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the beard."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It sounds you are all saying much the same thing."'''

Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Yes."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I'm uncertain that elemental magic alone can be used to interface with such a thing."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Tierus says, "There may be some fundamental incompatibilities."
Raelee scrubs her hand over her long copper red hair in frustration.
Earthdiver pokes his finger at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The dark catalyst works by destabilizing the mana, which spontaneously erupts into the various elements. Which will ignite inside even those shadows entities which feed on power."'''

Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "So we are looking to trace the elemental mana as it that flow is trespassing the veil."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those fundamental incompatibilities could be useful. Something that is not processed and converted and thus easier to follow."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I see."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "To your question, given that it is technically unalive, I would think it definitional that the creature cannot feel pain."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That depends upon the direction of the combustion."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows by themselves would exclude wide sets of valences. The elements would help sight out which exactly it is leading."'''

Perigourd nods at Missoni.
</pre>
===Unliving and Anti-Magic===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "However, this does not appear to be merely an impression of agony."'''

''Tierus tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Tierus. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Tierus smiles again, his eyes almost feverishly intent as they study the Ithzir.
Missoni glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can this thing still speak?"
Tierus clears his throat.
Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus turns around.
Earthdiver pounds a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Earthdiver shrugs.
Speaking to Skulligei, Missoni says, "I heard it say something about how it cannot move earlier."
Lylia says, "Somewhat, yes."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni shrugs slightly.
Skulligei raspily says, "Most interesting."
The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Animates can sometimes parrot the phrases that were known by their corpses."'''

Earthdiver stomps down hard with one of his black boots.
Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a giant ovate leathery winged cockroach's presence.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni says, "The shadows did seem to respond, in a way, but perhaps they were only parroting as well."
Earthdiver climbs down from the black leather saddle on a black horse and carefully detaches some frayed black reins from his bit.
Earthdiver put some frayed black reins in his black shirt.

Lylia says, "It would not parrot phrases about being bound. Nor say 'help me,' I would imagine."

Thrassus asks, "So we infuse something with, say, an overabundance of fire attuned mana and feed it to the Ithzir before it burns up. Then, we trace that same mana back to the souce?"
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "The V'reen would speak as well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I haven't heard of others saying such things. perhaps being disconnected, as it were, is having some effect on it's mind."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "But if this is some kind of manifestation, an incarnation, projected through the veil, it might be linked to something more sentient or sapient than an animated dead."'''

Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Yes. Though the question is whether the Ithzir will process it or not."
Missoni says, "Yes, there may be a collective."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... if you send me mana spiritually, I can still toss the elements about with it, after all."
Skulligei raspily says, "Normally, Ithzir are a collective, as I understand it."
Missoni agrees with Skulligei.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "True."
Missoni asks, "But are the shadows, also?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Likely, more literally acting as a single entity."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is certainly more interesting than I was expecting when I was sent here."'''

Thrassus says, "But that means we need to refine the mana even more before feeding it to them."
Skulligei raspily says, "Rather than a collective."
Speaking lightly to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Worth the trip, I hope."
Lylia grins at Missoni.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "What were you expecting, exactly?"'''

Skulligei works his fingers under his riveted tin monocle and scratches his head.
Skulligei put a stygian valravn quill in his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei gently closes his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei put a wax-speckled scarlet leather folio in his black leather satchel.
Lylia says, "It is a pity we cannot give them poison and let them take it back to blight the whole hive."
Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can we not?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The most likely thing seemed to be an Ithzir problem that vanished on its own when a cycle of mana storming halted."'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "Nothing seems to sicken them."
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Much as was the case [[Return to Sunder|ten years]] ago."'''

'''Speaking to Lylia, Tierus asks, "Perhaps antimagic?"'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "We're not usually that lucky."
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia says, "Anti-magic tends to sicken me."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Those shadow entities are somewhat anti-magical themselves."'''

Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Thrassus snickers at Tierus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They are resistant to most sorcery."'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Lylia says, "I noticed."

'''Missoni agrees, "They have used antimagic to their benefit in battle, too."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. Once they have drained you of expendable mana, they begin ripping the spells off you."'''

Raelee nods faintly at Missoni.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Have you tried shooting them with a pylon?"

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "... that is a good point, actually."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably. I do not recall the results though."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "A spell upon a target could be a method of 'seeding the mana', so to speak."'''

Missoni ponders.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni cheerfully says, "Bait."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Magical leeches."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we could place a nearly completed spell within a subject and trace that?"
Skulligei frowns.
</pre>
===Triangulation versus Tracing Threads===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "There is also the matter of whether doing this in the wild, more of a triangulation, or capturing one of the shadow masses similar to this Ithzir and following a thread."'''

Missoni says, "The latter seems more controlled, and more likely to yield a good result."

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Thrassus says, "Agreed."
Raelee nods faintly.

'''Tierus asks, "I wonder if we might gorge one of these things. What would happen if we were to feed it too much mana?"'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "I don't suppose I could have one of it's eyes? or would it just melt away when taken from the main body?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it would explode."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Tierus asks, "Would it simply pop like an overstuffed goose?"
Skulligei takes a dented riveted tin monocle framing a fresh violet eye off his head.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Like a mosquito made to rupture from being unable to pull off."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Pate. Delightful."
Skulligei carefully pries a fresh violet eye out of a dented riveted tin monocle.
Skulligei carefully fastens a dented riveted tin monocle around his head, positioning it over his right eye.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect it would probably just dissapear ephemerally back unto it's own valence."
Lylia nods.
Perigourd says, "We saw some of them seem to melt away during the last breach."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Perhaps if I had a shadowglass needle to pin it into shape."
Skulligei laughs!

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Capturing one the shadows will likely require constructing some apparatus. I know that Vortelis just received one from the Missoni Sabretache, but I can give you more time to imagine up possibilities."'''

Missoni nods appreciatively.
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This 'Ishzir' we just had to keep bound, preventing it from slipping away."'''

Speaking to herself, Raelee mouths, "... Ishzir..."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "Ithzir-ish."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Perigourd asks, "If they're attracted to mana, could you not bait whatever trap with an essence core or so?"
Perigourd says, "I'd say plinite, but I'm not sure I'd want to see one that fed on it."
Lylia says, "They seem to like living sources. But possibly."
Thrassus says, "Or just put a volunteer in the trap."
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I would."
Speaking quietly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "We could use some of that so-called plinite from the Confluence."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is most likely, almost certainly, the Shadows valence. The same one as the lost Palestra, given the concordance of evidence. But even if we knew that for certain, a tracing would help find where within the valence to look."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Would they even be attracted to it? It has... so little power."
Raelee says, "It is akin to tossing crumbs."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perhaps we should rename it sigh-nite."
Tierus asks, "Lie-nite?"
Tierus ponders.
Lylia nods in agreement to Moravius.
Lylia snickers at Tierus.

''Skulligei throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Skulligei winces.

'''Skulligei raspily says, "Sorry."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It would rip you apart if it could."'''

Missoni shakes her head at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and clucks her tongue.
Skulligei nods.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "You're not concerned that leaving this valeence open a crack is allowing it to communicate back to the source?"'''

Perigourd glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Perigourd asks, "And thus it might understand everything we've been speaking about?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "They don't seem to have much of a mastery of Common."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir can read our minds. They do it [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)|often enough]] when they come here during the storms."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It seems more of a sooner or later matter."'''

Speaking to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "Renta ti?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But they have been known to speak Tehiri."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder...."
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.

Another sorcerer walks over and speaks to Harrower Moravius, gesturing at the lake and storm, making adjustments to his twisted faenor headband.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

''(note: this is just Moravius reacting to that room ambient involving him)''

Lylia says, "They can learn to speak whichever languages the person whose head they currently invade speaks."

''Lylia suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Perigourd grunts.

''Tierus reaches into the gibbet and wrenches with the bar of the scold's bridle as the shadowy Ithzir shouts "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!" When gagged by it, the mouth dematerializes into shadows, reforming in multiple places. The mouths exclaim, "Hor? Kla val ptath?" Then they collapse back into its head, and the Ithzir's mouth is once more gagged.''

'''Earthdiver says, "So how are we building this triangulation device."'''

Lylia says, "Good question."
Lylia grins at Earthdiver.
Skulligei squints at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Lylia says, "I have been largely silent as I sort it all out in my mind."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Well. Vortelis has one proposal from th... from Missoni, for capturing the shadows, but I would be willing to give you all time to come up with ideas for apparatus."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Are we using plinite as the power source?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Since it seemed to be favored to capture one first."'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Tierus says, "I think the Harrower is correct. The lure must be living."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "It has not been decided. But it is likely impractical."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "We would have to source some plinite of value first."
Skulligei glances at Raelee and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "I concur. A living lure is best."
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "Wait, are we luring, or triangulating?"
Earthdiver looks rather confused.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "Both. Luring in order to impart something that can be utilized to triangulate."
Lylia says, "Yes. Luring it to one spot, wherein it may be trapped."
</pre>
===Political Considerations===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "Unless we were to invade [[Northwatch]] and take their [[plinite]], but that adds extra steps to this whole endeavour."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Earthdiver says, "Right. I am just curious about the triangulation mechanism. Not the luring."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a lich would stop us."
Perigourd nods slowly.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "[[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl|Vespasius]] might be open to that, but I doubt the [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl|Patriarch]] wishes to do such invasions."'''

Tierus nods sagely at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Well, former lich."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "For--"
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "It hasn't precisely worked well for other elven houses, for whatever that's worth."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "And we are doing this....where? the [[Bleaklands]]?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "The core concept is to 'pollute' the mana it draws and passes on to create a traceable thread."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... and this plan is not even an hour old. Details are to be determined."
Earthdiver says, "Ah."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That is another matter. I will want you all to help secure the surroundings in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Tierus says, "Triangulation implies that we must 'seed' more than one of these creatures."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Ideally within the next two weeks."'''

Earthdiver says, "I was excited for the triangulation math. Perhaps I am getting ahead of things."
Lylia says, "Like smoke drifting in a passage to indicate the direction of a draft, as Skulligei noted."
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni asks, "Should we build a base of operations there?"
Skulligei nods.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Don't you have an Armada for that?"'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is in the depths of it near the ruins of [[Talador]] itself. Which is very intense with hostile forces."'''

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "You would have us bring the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Armata]] to the Barony of Talador?"'''

Skulligei nods.
Missoni shifts her weight.

'''Perigourd says, "I suppose not, no."'''

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia mildly says, "It might create big feelings."
Skulligei raspily says, "We're going to need more than an Armada if these things are allowed to accumulate power."
Tierus says, "I suspect all-out war with Turamzzyr would be just as unnecessary as an invasion of Northwatch."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "There are rifts to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I wish to ascertain if they are useful for traveling there more safely than through this lake."'''

'''Tierus asks, "Do you plan to seek the permission of the [[Aurmont|Emperor]]?"'''

Perigourd nods grimly at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius smirks.'''

Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus says, "I doubt they have any controlling presence that deep in the Bleaklands to begin with."
Skulligei gazes with interest at the midnight black apple in his hand.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Emperor can come speak to me in the Bleaklands."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Nonetheless, it is within their borders, and humans are highly territorial creatures."
Missoni grins wryly.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "The subtle thing to do would be to engage in all of the necessary niceties."
Thrassus rolls his eyes.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus adds, "I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a Magister of the [[Hall of Mages|Hall]] will most likely be present."
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "It's not going to be an army."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That makes this vastly worse, not better."
Lylia coolly says, "If they wish Faendryl help dealing with a problem that affects us all, then they will have to accept Faendryl solutions."
Missoni says, "Just a few of us on a weekend jaunt."
Speaking mildly to Lylia, Tierus says, "Ah, I wasn't aware that they had asked for our help. Let us carry on, then."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "For then, the [[Royal Magister]] inquires to *me* why I authorized this. And that is not a conversation I am interested in having."
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will leave such considerations with Vespasius."'''

Perigourd nods knowingly at Raelee.
Lylia says, "They would, if they but knew the seriousness of the breach. It is perhaps best they do not."
Missoni politely says, "I am sure he will know how to smooth things over."
Lylia says, "No need to worry everyone unduly."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd chuckles.
Tierus says, "Very well. It seems that this particular die is cast."
</pre>
===Other Issues===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tierus idly says, "I wonder if there's enough [[bleakstone]] to build a statue of me within our fortifications. Something tasteful, no larger than twice life-size. Rugged, though. And staring off into the distance with determination written across my brow."

Tierus abruptly says, "I suppose the rest of you could be in it, too."
Thrassus says, "I am sure there is."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "One bleakstone statue at a time, I think, is more than sufficient."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I do not need another statue. One is too many as is."
Lylia grins at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite happy without being depicted."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Vortelis will want to see that [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Back to Soulstone Recharging and the Bleakstone Statue|bleakstone statue]] soon."'''

Missoni says, "Bleakstone statues are nothing but trouble."
Tierus pleasantly says, "More stone for me."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I enjoy mine; I just wish it were not so inconveniently placed."
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking raspily to Lylia, Skulligei says, "It's a relaxing area though....aside from the ghostly wailing and manastorms of course."
Lylia begins chuckling at Skulligei!
Skulligei raspily says, "Could get a bench out there."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus prompts, "In front of the statue."
Lylia nods.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' folks."

Raelee gestures.
Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Tonari thinks, "Evening, Lord Tebon."
Tebon steps out of the shifting portal.
Skulligei nods to Tebon in greeting.
Lylia inclines her head.

Tebon says, "E'enin', folks."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Thrassus says, "There's an altar out there that seems to be a recent addition, while we are on the expedition it might be a good idea to look it over and see if it an offshoot from the Horned Society or the like."'''

Tebon nods warily to Skulligei.
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Sir Tebon."
Tebon nods curtly to Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "M'lady Missoni."
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The [[Horned Cabal|Cabal]]?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I do not know much about religion."'''

Perigourd ponders.
Tebon glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "But if there is something sorcerous about it?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius shrugs.'''

Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Thrassus says, "I do not think it is connected to anything of our concern though, so be at ease there."
Thrassus snickers.
Thrassus says, "It might not be anything to be concerned about."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "We've been asked to secure some point in the bleaklands soon."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Tierus says, "I suppose I should find an inn. It sounds like there will be some preparations needed for such a scintillating adventure."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Perhaps in a fortnight or so."
Missoni cheerfully agrees, "Air out your tents and bedrolls."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Lylia suggests, "Silvergate is lovely."
Tebon whispers something to Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Yes, at least at the beginning of the evening."
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. I suppose I do not have much else for you right now."'''

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Tebon ponders.
Lylia says, "I appreciate your time, Harrower Moravius, and your work on that."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Thank you for the enlightening discussion, Harrower."'''

Lylia nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Missoni.'''

Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Thrassus nods once.
Perigourd nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius just went southwest.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)

2026-01-26T12:46:02Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synposis==
Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source in another valence, most likely the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, and that they are not actually being killed during invasions but merely banished back temporarily.

Moravius said its animate matter or flesh is unnatural, but is now being rejuvenated in a self-sustaining process, owing to how it feeds on the mana of its surroundings and the powers reminiscent of [[Sacrifice]] methods with [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|shadow essence]]. He said it is apparently not a mere animate, but retains something of a more sentient or sapient source through the veil. He noted the complication of ordinary Ithzir being reincarnated energy beings.

There was discussion on more than one point about to what extent this thing is unliving and the nature of how it works.

There was discussion on how to trace mana through the veil from the shadows or shadowy Ithzir eating it. The ideas from several people generally involved using pure elemental mana as a contrast or dye, which would stand out in the background of shadows, which Moravius said is what bleeds through the veil into shadow valences. There was discussion specifically of Dark Catalyst, as the shadows eat mana, but they are susceptible to having this ignited into elements that way.

Missoni had submitted a proposal to Vortelis for a device to capture a shadows entity with mirrors. Moravius said he would give others more time to submit other proposals.

There was also discussion on whether to try to "triangulate" with this mana through multiple entities, as Moravius has been doing so far during invasions, or if they would prefer to try to capture one and try to trace a thread through the veil with a controlled captured entity. People mostly preferred the latter. There was some confusion later on the distinction. Triangulation as a concept involves using several references to calculate a source location.

Moravius noted that the shadow entities, once they have siphoned off all your expendable mana, then begin stripping spells off you instead when they drain your power. It was suggested by people that a spell could be "seeded" on a target for tracing purposes in this way as well. There was a question of whether to use an elemental mana source (especially plinite) or "live bait" for the shadows. People generally preferred live bait, and questioned whether the low-grade pseudo-plinite of the Confluence is potent enough to be a real lure for the shadow entities. ("Plinite" really refers to the high concentration stuff artificially invented by Plin, the Confluence "plinite" is a naturally occurring much weaker analog.)

Moravius also said he wishes the locals to suppress hostile forces deep in the Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador, for him so that he can assess the viability of entering the Shadow Realm through the rifts in that place. Tierus questioned whether the Faendryl had sought permission from the Emperor, for which Moravius was dismissive. Moravius implied to Perigourd that the Harrowers do not want to involve the Armata in the lands claimed by humans. He also said that while Vespasius might be open to invading [[Northwatch]], the Patriarch is likely not interested. There was also some noting around the Hall of Mages, where Raelee also does not want herself officially present, so as to not be on the hook for having authorized anything.

The net effect being no one really wants the Turamzzyrian authorities involved in that. Moravius said he is leaving all political considerations to Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], who a month earlier had issued an [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|ultimatum statement]] basically telling the Turamzzyrian Empire to not interfere with them. (Technically, this discussion was happening inside the borders of the [[Barony of Darkstone]], but Talador is a significantly older claim.)

Moravius also noted that Vortelis will want to go see the bleakstone statue of Lylia soon. Which is in another less dangerous part of the Bleaklands. Moravius did not mention the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Ithzir Pyramid in Darkstone Bay|Ithzir pyramid]], [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Recharging the Soulstone|recharging]] the soulstone, Harrower [[Ersix]] or the roots and Deadfall, nor Harrower [[Xociral]] and the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Despanal, Blood Marble, Bleakstone, Plinite, and Hazy Tenebrous Orbs|hazy tenebrous orbs]].

'''Previously in Lost Palestra:'''

* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==Log==
Most background ambients, verb actions, greetings and farewell, and other noise has been cut out. There is a zested Ithzir prop in the room, its messaging is italicized.

===Preceding===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 Harrower Moravius, a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

>look gibbet
'''Vicious barbs and spikes protrude the limbs and torso of the shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, whose reanimated corpse writhes within an exotic cage of low steel bands hovering off the ground. Its skull has been trepanated with shadowglass, through the trio of black tattooed stripes over the crown of its bald, blue-skinned head. It has been ripped open in unliving vivisection. Its chest is a hollow cavity of darkness, except for faintly glowing essences, and flesh vainly failing to melt into shadows.'''

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "Good evening."'''

Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

[General] Lylia respectfully thinks, "Good evening to you."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "... has it said anything else?"

Lylia says, "Something like "Hor Kla val ptath," although I am probably mangling the pronunciation."

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "I stepped away momentarily. But the creature is pliable and restrained."'''

Skulligei just arrived.

Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

[General] Lylia thinks, "The word 'kla' is interesting to me. It puts me in mind of 'klaloc,' the word that was written on the railing at Moot Hall. Quintessence, or the vital power. Blood, perhaps."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It sounds... confused. Several interrogative words strung together."

Missoni cheerfully says, "Hello again."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee adds, "... and greetings."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee adds, "... I think."

Missoni cocks her head.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods slowly.

Skulligei cocks his head.

[General] Lylia thinks, "My compliments to those responsible for maintaining it in such a state."

Thrassus leans on his staff.

[General] Tierus thinks, "They're probably preparing for its campaign for Mayor."

Missoni folds her hands.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is an etomological connection in [[Ithzir Genesis#Language|their tongue]]. Kla... perhaps translating most directly to 'how' is indicating something about the basic
existance..."

Missoni tilts her head up.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was going to note that we have never had an undead mayor, but Cruxophim had aspects that were surely not entirely lively."

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Thrassus smirks.

Raelee nods absently.

Lylia confesses, "I am not entirely certain that the language has roots and suffixes the way Common and Kannalan and Elven languages do. Although it seems likely."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Raelee says, "A language without such would certainly be... unusual."

Thrassus says, "Well, it is alien to our valence after all."

Lylia says, "Given how they communicate amongst themselves, it might not be necessary for them."

Lylia says, "A pity [[Thadston]] is not nearer. He no doubt had a great deal of [[Return to Sunder|experience]] with their language."

Thrassus says, "He'd just pummel it into mush."

Lylia snickers.

Missoni says, "Certain words do seem to follow a pattern of roots and suffixes, like johm, which is birth, and johmno, which is death."

Thrassus says, "Along with the cage it is in."

Lylia says, "Probably, although his horror of them is earned."

The voice of Tierus says, "One really must wonder how intelligent the Ithzir are."

Skulligei removes a dark parchment from in his black leather pouch.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni admits, "Of course it has been a while since I studied Ithzir."

Raelee says, "A more complex concept building upon the etomology of a simpler one."

Skulligei glances at a dark parchment and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

The voice of Tierus says, "After all, they've been puttering about in [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|our ruins]] for a couple of decades without doing anything of value."

Lylia nods.

The voice of Tierus says, "Even the aelotoi managed to build a [[Cysaegir|village]] out of *their* elven ruins."

Skulligei taps a dark parchment, which is in his right hand.

Lylia gazes with interest at Skulligei.

Missoni asks, "But how could our ruins be improved upon?"

Lylia says, "Their ruins were considerably less ruinous."

Missoni says, "They are clearly the very best of ruins."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... by not being ruined."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd suggests, "Fewer demons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It was a calculated ruination."

Missoni just nudged Perigourd.

The voice of Tierus asks, "I say, did you think I meant 'runes'--that is to say, magical writing--or 'ruins'--a set of destroyed buildings?"

Missoni says, "The latter."

The voice of Tierus says, "Ah. I am glad we don't have confusion like that often."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Something on that parchment in your hand seems to be quite absorbing."

Raelee says, "... proper enunciation helps."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Skulligei raspily says, "Just an idea."

Skulligei offers Lylia a dark parchment.

Lylia accepts Skulligei's dark parchment.

Lylia nods slowly.

Lylia offers Skulligei a dark parchment.

Skulligei accepts Lylia's dark parchment.

Skulligei raspily says, "Unfortunately, my magical skills are a bit lacking."

Skulligei tries to eat his dark parchment.

Skulligei put a dark parchment in his black cloak.

Lylia admits, "I do not know the extent of such magic, if it allows understanding of all languages or only those someone has heard before."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Raelee asks, "What is the idea?"

Lylia says, "Although I have heard enough Ithzir that...well. possibly."
</pre>
===Unliving Ithzir?===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius just arrived.'''

[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 '''Harrower Moravius''', a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Skulligei, (Tierus who is invisible), Perigourd, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

Lylia explains, "Magical comprehension of language."
Missoni smiles.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Skulligei raspily says, "Exactly my thought."
Missoni nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Good evening."'''

Skulligei nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Perigourd gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd ponders.
The voice of Tierus says, "Is it? I hadn't noticed."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I trust you have become acquainted with our guest."'''

Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and grins.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia says, "Yes. I admire the craftsmanship."
Missoni says, "Quite."
Thrassus says, "A bit, yes."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "One often treats their guests better."'''

Perigourd nods slowly.
Lylia says, "Any time we do not have blood rains and tempests, it is a good evening around here."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was more of a vivisection that I expected."'''

Tierus suddenly fades into view.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How?"'''

Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Tierus says, "Proper preparation prevents that sort of thing."
Skulligei nods.
Tierus nods to Perigourd in greeting.
Lylia says, "If they wanted to be guests, they should show better manners."
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It had seemed to merely be a reanimated corpse, but there is still much of what it 'is' still about it."'''

Lylia nods to Moravius.
Lylia says, "I thought that was unusual! My animates are never so garrulous."
Thrassus says, "That's unusual, yes."
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Language."

'''Tierus asks, "What have you discovered?"'''

Missoni asks, "I suppose it is more than just a sympathetic response to the stimuli then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is stubbornly persistent in its difficulty to distinguish between being a shadows corrupted Ithzir or some sort of shadows counterfeit manifestation."'''

Speaking flatly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "Disappointing."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How have you attempted to differentiate?"'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "So....we need more of them...for science."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir have bones and blood, blue blood as I recall."'''

Thrassus asks, "Do we need a more 'normal' speciment of Ithzir here for comparison?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "I have no trouble slaughtering them if need be."
Missoni agrees, "It is an easy task."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The trouble is that what we know of them is that they are incarnated energy beings. According to their death religion."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I'll wait here and protect the snack truck."
Skulligei glances southwest.
Lylia grins at Skulligei.

'''Lylia says, "Whenever you get religion tangled in, everything becomes messier."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Depends upon the religion."
Perigourd chuckles.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "And a lack of blue blood does not disqualify either possibility, not truly."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Does it? Most things claiming to be gods aren't."
Speaking thoughtfully to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "This fellow had no blood, then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has what seems to be black blood, but that boils into shadows, which then merge again with its body."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods.
Lylia says, "I noticed that."
Lylia says, "Observe."

''Lylia scratches down the forearm of the shadowy Ithzir, effortlessly making its flesh rip loose as if it were being flayed. The mutilated flesh immediately degenerates into shadows. The shadows move away from the arm, but the spikes and bands of the gibbet glow, making the shadows recoil and the Ithzir thrash in torment.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We have trapped it from escaping, but it resists being torn apart."'''

Lylia removes a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip from in her wrap.
Missoni says, "It *looks* as though the shadows wish to escape, but they are being held."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I believe it does, as some seem above the general pettiness of power."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia maneuvers the pointed tip of her glass nail file beneath her fingernails in sweeping arcs to clean them.
Thrassus says, "I assumed that was an effect of whatever conversion process it went through."
Lylia put a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip in her wrap.

'''Missoni asks, "Are they puppeting these Ithzir, then?"'''

A few robed Faendryl toss a mysterious orb over the lake, which suspends mid-air, then shoots up into the storm out of sight. One of them tears open a rift and disappears through it.

''(note: that is a room ambient at Lake Eonak right now, it is kept here because people reacted to it)''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

''Tierus puzzles over the shadowglass shard protruding from the skull of the shadowy Ithzir. For a moment he locks eyes with the Ithzir, then painfully shakes his head, breaking away as the Ithzir thrashes and the shard pulses.''

'''Lylia asks, "Or bound inextricably with them, as sugar mixed with salt? Can they even be separated?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will need to capture one of those shadows entities to see if there is anything Ithzir about it."'''

Missoni nods in agreement.

Tierus says, "Some sort of lingering sentience to it."

''Skulligei tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Skulligei. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Lylia asks, "The [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)#Interrogating the Investigator|mirror trap]]?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Lylia.'''

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei reaches out and touches a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The [[low steel]] is for the psionic and extraplanar qualities, the shadowglass is mostly to keep its head bound in that place on its body."'''

Missoni nods understandingly.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni approvingly says, "Effective."
Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The sorcery used to reanimate it is more or less self-perpetuating now."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "Those essence motes, do you think that is part of its normal physical makeup or are they remnants of its feeding process?"'''

Thrassus nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Speaking nonplussedly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "At the risk of sounding unimpressed, have you learned anything of value at all about the creature through your... artistry?"'''

''Tierus throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Perigourd casually glances around the area.
A rolton trots in!
Skulligei clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

Tierus's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...
Tierus gestures at a rolton.
The ground beneath a rolton begins to boil violently!
Craggy debris explodes from the ground beneath a rolton!
[SMR result: 440 (Open d100: 61)]
... 55 points of damage!
Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!
The rolton bleats loudly as he collapses to the ground in obvious pain and favors his mangled left hind leg.
The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.
The ground beneath a rolton suddenly calms.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was originally the sorcerous essence used to reanimate it. When it feeds from the mana of its surroundings, that is getting replenished."'''

Missoni tilts her head down.
Tierus glances at Missoni.
Tierus glances at Raelee.
Tierus whispers something to Raelee.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The particular nature of the shadow essence has it behaving much like the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|sacrifice methods]]."'''

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is able to rejuvenate its flesh."'''

Tierus nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Can it rejuvenate a limb?"'''

Missoni muses, "I noticed that when I scratched it."
Tierus asks, "Is its flesh actually flesh at all?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I don't think it really has "limbs" as we do...it will simply re-form them from it's....whatever."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Most likely. If not immediately, then eventually."'''

'''Perigourd says, "I've yet to see an Ithzir do so of it's own accord."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "No. I would not think an ordinary Ithzir could."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "So are we even truly killing them when they make their raids, or are they merely going back to the shadow valence to reincorporate?"'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Good question."
Tierus looks thoughtfully at Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I suspect it is the latter."'''

Thrassus says, "That is not good."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think this one being stuck here has the door left a slight crack open."'''

Lylia says, "I appreciate metaphors about the futility of action as much as anyone, but that is a bit too literal for my tastes."
Thrassus says, "It means they can keep this up forever."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Missoni sighs, "Wretched."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Efficient and sustainable."
Thrassus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It does seem to be unnatural animate matter. Its flesh."'''

[General] Cassis asks, "Wasn't mayor walker undead?"
[General] Peggyanne thinks, "A death knight..."

Lylia nods.

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "He even has a limited edition death knight siegery."

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "Does it have muscles? or simply shaped flesh?"'''

[General] Cassis thinks, "I mean, so there is president."

Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.

'''Tierus says, "I wonder if they can be obliterated in their home valence."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Closer to shaped flesh, in the sense that it seems to revert, in and out of shadows."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Tierus.'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We will probably have to go there to actually put them down."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I have wondered that often."
</pre>
===Tracing Mana Through Veils===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is at a strange intersection of demonology and necromancy. But I do think their feeding draws mana through the veil to their sources."'''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "And if they could no longer access that mana?"'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Then we can find their source, after all."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "This one by itself is just a trickle. Did any of you have ideas on how to trace the mana?"'''

Tierus says, "Alternatively, we could determine how to control them ourselves."
Missoni says, "Flames of essence, like the sort we draw upon when we cast Dark Catalyst, are drawn to mana. I thought perhaps we could use that to trace a path."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think we would only be delaying things to try to block them off here. There are partly formed rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands."'''

Thrassus says, "I had thought it might be feasible to mark a being's essence for tracking, then feed it to them the next time they attack."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "While mana is mana... do you find that they are typically feeding via one method or another? Mental? Elemental?"'''

Lylia says, "I was working on some notes in that regard, but it is hard to speak of it except in metaphorical fashion."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "They could be useful. Also quite risky, though."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They seem to drain from all kinds of magic wielders."'''

Perigourd says, "Beings ought to attend their own valences."
Perigourd grunts.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "But the output? If we could introduce something unique, an typical formation..."'''

'''Raelee says, "Atypical formation, rather..."'''

Raelee clears her throat.
Lylia says, "They drain from all wellsprings of magic, and you wish to trace where the flows of essence lead."
Earthdiver rides a fluffy white cat out of the starlit doorway.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Earthdiver a subtle wave.
The mechanical arm on Earthdiver's belt comes to life, making a waving motion at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "An output? The Ithzir cause [[Ithzir Genesis#Kol Tar'sken|yellow crystalline]] formations as they drain mana, and those shadows entities form those tenebrous orbs in them."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "We could reshape them into something more appealing, mind you."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Tierus.

'''Raelee says, "Perhaps I am not phrasing the question correctly..."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "You have to wonder if they are being controlled by some force."'''

'''Raelee asks, "They drain from all manner of sources, but when the mana goes back to their valence, is it being sent in a uniform fashion? Once the mana is captured... how is it being transferred on?"'''

Missoni cocks her head.
Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

''Tierus knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows themselves bleed through the veil to the valences similarly constituted. So if I am understanding your Common, it would be a sorcerous mode of transference."'''

Tierus smiles in spite of himself.

'''Missoni asks, "If they are not being directly controlled, then there is a cause for their presence that is not mere consumption of mana, perhaps?"'''

'''Missoni says, "But we may not know that, until we trace the mana back."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is a way to force a thread of another mode. An elemental thread to follow amongst the shadow and sorcery."

(Tierus continues poking and prodding at the Ithzir absently.)

'''Harrower Moravius says, "For all we know right now, they might be directed, by the same thing antagonizing the storming the Reach."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "When trying to find a path through an unknown cave, scented smoke is often used to find the path of airflow. maybe you can do something like that...but...magic-y."
Missoni cheerfully says, "Like flames of essence."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That could stand out against the background."'''

Raelee says, "... the complication being, of course, that mana changes forms as it is utilized. Thus finding a way for it to not be so altered as it is processed through the Ithzir..."
Perigourd says, "Much like me on a demonic plane."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Lylia says, "I was thinking along those terms, albeit with a different metaphor, as Missoni noted about flames of essence. A sort of...stain, a dye, to use an analogy, that we could more easily see as it moves."

'''Speaking absently to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "Are you certain it can't feel pain like this?"'''

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Speaking encouragingly to Lylia, Missoni says, "Glitter."
Raelee quietly says, "... I think that is precisely what I am saying..."
Skulligei raspily says, "It certainly seems to...."

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking eagerly to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Yes, best to be certain."

''Tierus suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has earned some pain."'''

Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... is my common failing me here?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I may have missed it when the Harrower suggested it does not feel pain."
Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd agrees, "I think the armor would be a dead giveaway on most planes."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Sorry, I was distracted."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the beard."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It sounds you are all saying much the same thing."'''

Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Yes."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I'm uncertain that elemental magic alone can be used to interface with such a thing."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Tierus says, "There may be some fundamental incompatibilities."
Raelee scrubs her hand over her long copper red hair in frustration.
Earthdiver pokes his finger at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The dark catalyst works by destabilizing the mana, which spontaneously erupts into the various elements. Which will ignite inside even those shadows entities which feed on power."'''

Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "So we are looking to trace the elemental mana as it that flow is trespassing the veil."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those fundamental incompatibilities could be useful. Something that is not processed and converted and thus easier to follow."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I see."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "To your question, given that it is technically unalive, I would think it definitional that the creature cannot feel pain."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That depends upon the direction of the combustion."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows by themselves would exclude wide sets of valences. The elements would help sight out which exactly it is leading."'''

Perigourd nods at Missoni.
</pre>
===Unliving and Anti-Magic===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "However, this does not appear to be merely an impression of agony."'''

''Tierus tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Tierus. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Tierus smiles again, his eyes almost feverishly intent as they study the Ithzir.
Missoni glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can this thing still speak?"
Tierus clears his throat.
Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus turns around.
Earthdiver pounds a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Earthdiver shrugs.
Speaking to Skulligei, Missoni says, "I heard it say something about how it cannot move earlier."
Lylia says, "Somewhat, yes."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni shrugs slightly.
Skulligei raspily says, "Most interesting."
The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Animates can sometimes parrot the phrases that were known by their corpses."'''

Earthdiver stomps down hard with one of his black boots.
Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a giant ovate leathery winged cockroach's presence.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni says, "The shadows did seem to respond, in a way, but perhaps they were only parroting as well."
Earthdiver climbs down from the black leather saddle on a black horse and carefully detaches some frayed black reins from his bit.
Earthdiver put some frayed black reins in his black shirt.

Lylia says, "It would not parrot phrases about being bound. Nor say 'help me,' I would imagine."

Thrassus asks, "So we infuse something with, say, an overabundance of fire attuned mana and feed it to the Ithzir before it burns up. Then, we trace that same mana back to the souce?"
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "The V'reen would speak as well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I haven't heard of others saying such things. perhaps being disconnected, as it were, is having some effect on it's mind."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "But if this is some kind of manifestation, an incarnation, projected through the veil, it might be linked to something more sentient or sapient than an animated dead."'''

Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Yes. Though the question is whether the Ithzir will process it or not."
Missoni says, "Yes, there may be a collective."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... if you send me mana spiritually, I can still toss the elements about with it, after all."
Skulligei raspily says, "Normally, Ithzir are a collective, as I understand it."
Missoni agrees with Skulligei.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "True."
Missoni asks, "But are the shadows, also?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Likely, more literally acting as a single entity."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is certainly more interesting than I was expecting when I was sent here."'''

Thrassus says, "But that means we need to refine the mana even more before feeding it to them."
Skulligei raspily says, "Rather than a collective."
Speaking lightly to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Worth the trip, I hope."
Lylia grins at Missoni.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "What were you expecting, exactly?"'''

Skulligei works his fingers under his riveted tin monocle and scratches his head.
Skulligei put a stygian valravn quill in his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei gently closes his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei put a wax-speckled scarlet leather folio in his black leather satchel.
Lylia says, "It is a pity we cannot give them poison and let them take it back to blight the whole hive."
Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can we not?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The most likely thing seemed to be an Ithzir problem that vanished on its own when a cycle of mana storming halted."'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "Nothing seems to sicken them."
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Much as was the case [[Return to Sunder|ten years]] ago."'''

'''Speaking to Lylia, Tierus asks, "Perhaps antimagic?"'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "We're not usually that lucky."
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia says, "Anti-magic tends to sicken me."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Those shadow entities are somewhat anti-magical themselves."'''

Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Thrassus snickers at Tierus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They are resistant to most sorcery."'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Lylia says, "I noticed."

'''Missoni agrees, "They have used antimagic to their benefit in battle, too."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. Once they have drained you of expendable mana, they begin ripping the spells off you."'''

Raelee nods faintly at Missoni.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Have you tried shooting them with a pylon?"

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "... that is a good point, actually."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably. I do not recall the results though."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "A spell upon a target could be a method of 'seeding the mana', so to speak."'''

Missoni ponders.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni cheerfully says, "Bait."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Magical leeches."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we could place a nearly completed spell within a subject and trace that?"
Skulligei frowns.
</pre>
===Triangulation versus Tracing Threads===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "There is also the matter of whether doing this in the wild, more of a triangulation, or capturing one of the shadow masses similar to this Ithzir and following a thread."'''

Missoni says, "The latter seems more controlled, and more likely to yield a good result."

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Thrassus says, "Agreed."
Raelee nods faintly.

'''Tierus asks, "I wonder if we might gorge one of these things. What would happen if we were to feed it too much mana?"'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "I don't suppose I could have one of it's eyes? or would it just melt away when taken from the main body?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it would explode."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Tierus asks, "Would it simply pop like an overstuffed goose?"
Skulligei takes a dented riveted tin monocle framing a fresh violet eye off his head.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Like a mosquito made to rupture from being unable to pull off."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Pate. Delightful."
Skulligei carefully pries a fresh violet eye out of a dented riveted tin monocle.
Skulligei carefully fastens a dented riveted tin monocle around his head, positioning it over his right eye.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect it would probably just dissapear ephemerally back unto it's own valence."
Lylia nods.
Perigourd says, "We saw some of them seem to melt away during the last breach."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Perhaps if I had a shadowglass needle to pin it into shape."
Skulligei laughs!

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Capturing one the shadows will likely require constructing some apparatus. I know that Vortelis just received one from the Missoni Sabretache, but I can give you more time to imagine up possibilities."'''

Missoni nods appreciatively.
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This 'Ishzir' we just had to keep bound, preventing it from slipping away."'''

Speaking to herself, Raelee mouths, "... Ishzir..."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "Ithzir-ish."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Perigourd asks, "If they're attracted to mana, could you not bait whatever trap with an essence core or so?"
Perigourd says, "I'd say plinite, but I'm not sure I'd want to see one that fed on it."
Lylia says, "They seem to like living sources. But possibly."
Thrassus says, "Or just put a volunteer in the trap."
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I would."
Speaking quietly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "We could use some of that so-called plinite from the Confluence."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is most likely, almost certainly, the Shadows valence. The same one as the lost Palestra, given the concordance of evidence. But even if we knew that for certain, a tracing would help find where within the valence to look."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Would they even be attracted to it? It has... so little power."
Raelee says, "It is akin to tossing crumbs."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perhaps we should rename it sigh-nite."
Tierus asks, "Lie-nite?"
Tierus ponders.
Lylia nods in agreement to Moravius.
Lylia snickers at Tierus.

''Skulligei throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Skulligei winces.

'''Skulligei raspily says, "Sorry."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It would rip you apart if it could."'''

Missoni shakes her head at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and clucks her tongue.
Skulligei nods.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "You're not concerned that leaving this valeence open a crack is allowing it to communicate back to the source?"'''

Perigourd glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Perigourd asks, "And thus it might understand everything we've been speaking about?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "They don't seem to have much of a mastery of Common."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir can read our minds. They do it [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)|often enough]] when they come here during the storms."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It seems more of a sooner or later matter."'''

Speaking to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "Renta ti?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But they have been known to speak Tehiri."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder...."
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.

Another sorcerer walks over and speaks to Harrower Moravius, gesturing at the lake and storm, making adjustments to his twisted faenor headband.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

''(note: this is just Moravius reacting to that room ambient involving him)''

Lylia says, "They can learn to speak whichever languages the person whose head they currently invade speaks."

''Lylia suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Perigourd grunts.

''Tierus reaches into the gibbet and wrenches with the bar of the scold's bridle as the shadowy Ithzir shouts "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!" When gagged by it, the mouth dematerializes into shadows, reforming in multiple places. The mouths exclaim, "Hor? Kla val ptath?" Then they collapse back into its head, and the Ithzir's mouth is once more gagged.''

'''Earthdiver says, "So how are we building this triangulation device."'''

Lylia says, "Good question."
Lylia grins at Earthdiver.
Skulligei squints at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Lylia says, "I have been largely silent as I sort it all out in my mind."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Well. Vortelis has one proposal from th... from Missoni, for capturing the shadows, but I would be willing to give you all time to come up with ideas for apparatus."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Are we using plinite as the power source?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Since it seemed to be favored to capture one first."'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Tierus says, "I think the Harrower is correct. The lure must be living."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "It has not been decided. But it is likely impractical."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "We would have to source some plinite of value first."
Skulligei glances at Raelee and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "I concur. A living lure is best."
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "Wait, are we luring, or triangulating?"
Earthdiver looks rather confused.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "Both. Luring in order to impart something that can be utilized to triangulate."
Lylia says, "Yes. Luring it to one spot, wherein it may be trapped."
</pre>
===Political Considerations===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "Unless we were to invade [[Northwatch]] and take their [[plinite]], but that adds extra steps to this whole endeavour."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Earthdiver says, "Right. I am just curious about the triangulation mechanism. Not the luring."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a lich would stop us."
Perigourd nods slowly.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "[[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl|Vespasius]] might be open to that, but I doubt the [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl|Patriarch]] wishes to do such invasions."'''

Tierus nods sagely at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Well, former lich."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "For--"
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "It hasn't precisely worked well for other elven houses, for whatever that's worth."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "And we are doing this....where? the [[Bleaklands]]?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "The core concept is to 'pollute' the mana it draws and passes on to create a traceable thread."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... and this plan is not even an hour old. Details are to be determined."
Earthdiver says, "Ah."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That is another matter. I will want you all to help secure the surroundings in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Tierus says, "Triangulation implies that we must 'seed' more than one of these creatures."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Ideally within the next two weeks."'''

Earthdiver says, "I was excited for the triangulation math. Perhaps I am getting ahead of things."
Lylia says, "Like smoke drifting in a passage to indicate the direction of a draft, as Skulligei noted."
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni asks, "Should we build a base of operations there?"
Skulligei nods.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Don't you have an Armada for that?"'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is in the depths of it near the ruins of [[Talador]] itself. Which is very intense with hostile forces."'''

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "You would have us bring the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Armata]] to the Barony of Talador?"'''

Skulligei nods.
Missoni shifts her weight.

'''Perigourd says, "I suppose not, no."'''

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia mildly says, "It might create big feelings."
Skulligei raspily says, "We're going to need more than an Armada if these things are allowed to accumulate power."
Tierus says, "I suspect all-out war with Turamzzyr would be just as unnecessary as an invasion of Northwatch."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "There are rifts to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I wish to ascertain if they are useful for traveling there more safely than through this lake."'''

'''Tierus asks, "Do you plan to seek the permission of the [[Aurmont|Emperor]]?"'''

Perigourd nods grimly at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius smirks.'''

Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus says, "I doubt they have any controlling presence that deep in the Bleaklands to begin with."
Skulligei gazes with interest at the midnight black apple in his hand.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Emperor can come speak to me in the Bleaklands."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Nonetheless, it is within their borders, and humans are highly territorial creatures."
Missoni grins wryly.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "The subtle thing to do would be to engage in all of the necessary niceties."
Thrassus rolls his eyes.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus adds, "I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a Magister of the [[Hall of Mages|Hall]] will most likely be present."
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "It's not going to be an army."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That makes this vastly worse, not better."
Lylia coolly says, "If they wish Faendryl help dealing with a problem that affects us all, then they will have to accept Faendryl solutions."
Missoni says, "Just a few of us on a weekend jaunt."
Speaking mildly to Lylia, Tierus says, "Ah, I wasn't aware that they had asked for our help. Let us carry on, then."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "For then, the [[Royal Magister]] inquires to *me* why I authorized this. And that is not a conversation I am interested in having."
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will leave such considerations with Vespasius."'''

Perigourd nods knowingly at Raelee.
Lylia says, "They would, if they but knew the seriousness of the breach. It is perhaps best they do not."
Missoni politely says, "I am sure he will know how to smooth things over."
Lylia says, "No need to worry everyone unduly."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd chuckles.
Tierus says, "Very well. It seems that this particular die is cast."
</pre>
===Other Issues===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tierus idly says, "I wonder if there's enough [[bleakstone]] to build a statue of me within our fortifications. Something tasteful, no larger than twice life-size. Rugged, though. And staring off into the distance with determination written across my brow."

Tierus abruptly says, "I suppose the rest of you could be in it, too."
Thrassus says, "I am sure there is."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "One bleakstone statue at a time, I think, is more than sufficient."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I do not need another statue. One is too many as is."
Lylia grins at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite happy without being depicted."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Vortelis will want to see that [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Back to Soulstone Recharging and the Bleakstone Statue|bleakstone statue]] soon."'''

Missoni says, "Bleakstone statues are nothing but trouble."
Tierus pleasantly says, "More stone for me."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I enjoy mine; I just wish it were not so inconveniently placed."
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking raspily to Lylia, Skulligei says, "It's a relaxing area though....aside from the ghostly wailing and manastorms of course."
Lylia begins chuckling at Skulligei!
Skulligei raspily says, "Could get a bench out there."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus prompts, "In front of the statue."
Lylia nods.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' folks."

Raelee gestures.
Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Tonari thinks, "Evening, Lord Tebon."
Tebon steps out of the shifting portal.
Skulligei nods to Tebon in greeting.
Lylia inclines her head.

Tebon says, "E'enin', folks."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Thrassus says, "There's an altar out there that seems to be a recent addition, while we are on the expedition it might be a good idea to look it over and see if it an offshoot from the Horned Society or the like."'''

Tebon nods warily to Skulligei.
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Sir Tebon."
Tebon nods curtly to Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "M'lady Missoni."
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The [[Horned Cabal|Cabal]]?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I do not know much about religion."'''

Perigourd ponders.
Tebon glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "But if there is something sorcerous about it?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius shrugs.'''

Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Thrassus says, "I do not think it is connected to anything of our concern though, so be at ease there."
Thrassus snickers.
Thrassus says, "It might not be anything to be concerned about."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "We've been asked to secure some point in the bleaklands soon."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Tierus says, "I suppose I should find an inn. It sounds like there will be some preparations needed for such a scintillating adventure."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Perhaps in a fortnight or so."
Missoni cheerfully agrees, "Air out your tents and bedrolls."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Lylia suggests, "Silvergate is lovely."
Tebon whispers something to Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Yes, at least at the beginning of the evening."
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. I suppose I do not have much else for you right now."'''

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Tebon ponders.
Lylia says, "I appreciate your time, Harrower Moravius, and your work on that."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Thank you for the enlightening discussion, Harrower."'''

Lylia nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Missoni.'''

Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Thrassus nods once.
Perigourd nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius just went southwest.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)

2026-01-26T12:41:41Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

==Synposis==
Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source in another valence, most likely the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, and that they are not actually being killed during invasions but merely banished back temporarily.

Moravius said its animate matter or flesh is unnatural, but is now being rejuvenated in a self-sustaining process, owing to how it feeds on the mana of its surroundings and the powers reminiscent of [[Sacrifice]] methods with [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|shadow essence]]. He said it is apparently not a mere animate, but retains something of a more sentient or sapient source through the veil. He noted the complication of ordinary Ithzir being reincarnated energy beings.

There was discussion on more than one point about to what extent this thing is unliving and the nature of how it works.

There was discussion on how to trace mana through the veil from the shadows or shadowy Ithzir eating it. The ideas from several people generally involved using pure elemental mana as a contrast or dye, which would stand out in the background of shadows, which Moravius said is what bleeds through the veil into shadow valences. There was discussion specifically of Dark Catalyst, as the shadows eat mana, but they are susceptible to having this ignited into elements that way.

Missoni had submitted a proposal to Vortelis for a device to capture a shadows entity with mirrors. Moravius said he would give others more time to submit other proposals.

There was also discussion on whether to try to "triangulate" with this mana through multiple entities, as Moravius has been doing so far during invasions, or if they would prefer to try to capture one and try to trace a thread through the veil with a controlled captured entity. People mostly preferred the latter. There was some confusion later on the distinction. Triangulation as a concept involves using several references to calculate a source location.

Moravius noted that the shadow entities, once they have siphoned off all your expendable mana, then begin stripping spells off you instead when they drain your power. It was suggested by people that a spell could be "seeded" on a target for tracing purposes in this way as well. There was a question of whether to use an elemental mana source (especially plinite) or "live bait" for the shadows. People generally preferred live bait, and questioned whether the low-grade pseudo-plinite of the Confluence is potent enough to be a real lure for the shadow entities. ("Plinite" really refers to the high concentration stuff artificially invented by Plin, the Confluence "plinite" is a naturally occurring much weaker analog.)

Moravius also said he wishes the locals to suppress hostile forces deep in the Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador, for him so that he can assess the viability of entering the Shadow Realm through the rifts in that place. Tierus questioned whether the Faendryl had sought permission from the Emperor, for which Moravius was dismissive. Moravius implied to Perigourd that the Harrowers do not want to involve the Armata in the lands claimed by humans. He also said that while Vespasius might be open to invading [[Northwatch]], the Patriarch is likely not interested. There was also some noting around the Hall of Mages, where Raelee also does not want herself officially present, so as to not be on the hook for having authorized anything.

The net effect being no one really wants the Turamzzyrian authorities involved in that. Moravius said he is leaving all political considerations to Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], who a month earlier had issued a statement basically telling the Turamzzyrian Empire to not interfere with them. (Technically, this discussion was happening inside the borders of the [[Barony of Darkstone]], but Talador is a significantly older claim.)

Moravius also noted that Vortelis will want to go see the bleakstone statue of Lylia soon. Which is in another less dangerous part of the Bleaklands. Moravius did not mention the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Ithzir Pyramid in Darkstone Bay|Ithzir pyramid]], [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Recharging the Soulstone|recharging]] the soulstone, Harrower [[Ersix]] or the roots and Deadfall, nor Harrower [[Xociral]] and the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Despanal, Blood Marble, Bleakstone, Plinite, and Hazy Tenebrous Orbs|hazy tenebrous orbs]].

'''Previously in Lost Palestra:'''

* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==Log==
Most background ambients, verb actions, greetings and farewell, and other noise has been cut out. There is a zested Ithzir prop in the room, its messaging is italicized.

===Preceding===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 Harrower Moravius, a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

>look gibbet
'''Vicious barbs and spikes protrude the limbs and torso of the shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, whose reanimated corpse writhes within an exotic cage of low steel bands hovering off the ground. Its skull has been trepanated with shadowglass, through the trio of black tattooed stripes over the crown of its bald, blue-skinned head. It has been ripped open in unliving vivisection. Its chest is a hollow cavity of darkness, except for faintly glowing essences, and flesh vainly failing to melt into shadows.'''

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "Good evening."'''

Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

[General] Lylia respectfully thinks, "Good evening to you."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "... has it said anything else?"

Lylia says, "Something like "Hor Kla val ptath," although I am probably mangling the pronunciation."

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "I stepped away momentarily. But the creature is pliable and restrained."'''

Skulligei just arrived.

Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

[General] Lylia thinks, "The word 'kla' is interesting to me. It puts me in mind of 'klaloc,' the word that was written on the railing at Moot Hall. Quintessence, or the vital power. Blood, perhaps."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It sounds... confused. Several interrogative words strung together."

Missoni cheerfully says, "Hello again."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee adds, "... and greetings."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee adds, "... I think."

Missoni cocks her head.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods slowly.

Skulligei cocks his head.

[General] Lylia thinks, "My compliments to those responsible for maintaining it in such a state."

Thrassus leans on his staff.

[General] Tierus thinks, "They're probably preparing for its campaign for Mayor."

Missoni folds her hands.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is an etomological connection in [[Ithzir Genesis#Language|their tongue]]. Kla... perhaps translating most directly to 'how' is indicating something about the basic
existance..."

Missoni tilts her head up.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was going to note that we have never had an undead mayor, but Cruxophim had aspects that were surely not entirely lively."

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Thrassus smirks.

Raelee nods absently.

Lylia confesses, "I am not entirely certain that the language has roots and suffixes the way Common and Kannalan and Elven languages do. Although it seems likely."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Raelee says, "A language without such would certainly be... unusual."

Thrassus says, "Well, it is alien to our valence after all."

Lylia says, "Given how they communicate amongst themselves, it might not be necessary for them."

Lylia says, "A pity [[Thadston]] is not nearer. He no doubt had a great deal of [[Return to Sunder|experience]] with their language."

Thrassus says, "He'd just pummel it into mush."

Lylia snickers.

Missoni says, "Certain words do seem to follow a pattern of roots and suffixes, like johm, which is birth, and johmno, which is death."

Thrassus says, "Along with the cage it is in."

Lylia says, "Probably, although his horror of them is earned."

The voice of Tierus says, "One really must wonder how intelligent the Ithzir are."

Skulligei removes a dark parchment from in his black leather pouch.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni admits, "Of course it has been a while since I studied Ithzir."

Raelee says, "A more complex concept building upon the etomology of a simpler one."

Skulligei glances at a dark parchment and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

The voice of Tierus says, "After all, they've been puttering about in [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|our ruins]] for a couple of decades without doing anything of value."

Lylia nods.

The voice of Tierus says, "Even the aelotoi managed to build a [[Cysaegir|village]] out of *their* elven ruins."

Skulligei taps a dark parchment, which is in his right hand.

Lylia gazes with interest at Skulligei.

Missoni asks, "But how could our ruins be improved upon?"

Lylia says, "Their ruins were considerably less ruinous."

Missoni says, "They are clearly the very best of ruins."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... by not being ruined."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd suggests, "Fewer demons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It was a calculated ruination."

Missoni just nudged Perigourd.

The voice of Tierus asks, "I say, did you think I meant 'runes'--that is to say, magical writing--or 'ruins'--a set of destroyed buildings?"

Missoni says, "The latter."

The voice of Tierus says, "Ah. I am glad we don't have confusion like that often."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Something on that parchment in your hand seems to be quite absorbing."

Raelee says, "... proper enunciation helps."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Skulligei raspily says, "Just an idea."

Skulligei offers Lylia a dark parchment.

Lylia accepts Skulligei's dark parchment.

Lylia nods slowly.

Lylia offers Skulligei a dark parchment.

Skulligei accepts Lylia's dark parchment.

Skulligei raspily says, "Unfortunately, my magical skills are a bit lacking."

Skulligei tries to eat his dark parchment.

Skulligei put a dark parchment in his black cloak.

Lylia admits, "I do not know the extent of such magic, if it allows understanding of all languages or only those someone has heard before."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Raelee asks, "What is the idea?"

Lylia says, "Although I have heard enough Ithzir that...well. possibly."
</pre>
===Unliving Ithzir?===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius just arrived.'''

[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 '''Harrower Moravius''', a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Skulligei, (Tierus who is invisible), Perigourd, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

Lylia explains, "Magical comprehension of language."
Missoni smiles.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Skulligei raspily says, "Exactly my thought."
Missoni nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Good evening."'''

Skulligei nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Perigourd gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd ponders.
The voice of Tierus says, "Is it? I hadn't noticed."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I trust you have become acquainted with our guest."'''

Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and grins.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia says, "Yes. I admire the craftsmanship."
Missoni says, "Quite."
Thrassus says, "A bit, yes."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "One often treats their guests better."'''

Perigourd nods slowly.
Lylia says, "Any time we do not have blood rains and tempests, it is a good evening around here."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was more of a vivisection that I expected."'''

Tierus suddenly fades into view.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How?"'''

Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Tierus says, "Proper preparation prevents that sort of thing."
Skulligei nods.
Tierus nods to Perigourd in greeting.
Lylia says, "If they wanted to be guests, they should show better manners."
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It had seemed to merely be a reanimated corpse, but there is still much of what it 'is' still about it."'''

Lylia nods to Moravius.
Lylia says, "I thought that was unusual! My animates are never so garrulous."
Thrassus says, "That's unusual, yes."
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Language."

'''Tierus asks, "What have you discovered?"'''

Missoni asks, "I suppose it is more than just a sympathetic response to the stimuli then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is stubbornly persistent in its difficulty to distinguish between being a shadows corrupted Ithzir or some sort of shadows counterfeit manifestation."'''

Speaking flatly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "Disappointing."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How have you attempted to differentiate?"'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "So....we need more of them...for science."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir have bones and blood, blue blood as I recall."'''

Thrassus asks, "Do we need a more 'normal' speciment of Ithzir here for comparison?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "I have no trouble slaughtering them if need be."
Missoni agrees, "It is an easy task."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The trouble is that what we know of them is that they are incarnated energy beings. According to their death religion."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I'll wait here and protect the snack truck."
Skulligei glances southwest.
Lylia grins at Skulligei.

'''Lylia says, "Whenever you get religion tangled in, everything becomes messier."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Depends upon the religion."
Perigourd chuckles.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "And a lack of blue blood does not disqualify either possibility, not truly."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Does it? Most things claiming to be gods aren't."
Speaking thoughtfully to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "This fellow had no blood, then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has what seems to be black blood, but that boils into shadows, which then merge again with its body."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods.
Lylia says, "I noticed that."
Lylia says, "Observe."

''Lylia scratches down the forearm of the shadowy Ithzir, effortlessly making its flesh rip loose as if it were being flayed. The mutilated flesh immediately degenerates into shadows. The shadows move away from the arm, but the spikes and bands of the gibbet glow, making the shadows recoil and the Ithzir thrash in torment.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We have trapped it from escaping, but it resists being torn apart."'''

Lylia removes a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip from in her wrap.
Missoni says, "It *looks* as though the shadows wish to escape, but they are being held."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I believe it does, as some seem above the general pettiness of power."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia maneuvers the pointed tip of her glass nail file beneath her fingernails in sweeping arcs to clean them.
Thrassus says, "I assumed that was an effect of whatever conversion process it went through."
Lylia put a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip in her wrap.

'''Missoni asks, "Are they puppeting these Ithzir, then?"'''

A few robed Faendryl toss a mysterious orb over the lake, which suspends mid-air, then shoots up into the storm out of sight. One of them tears open a rift and disappears through it.

''(note: that is a room ambient at Lake Eonak right now, it is kept here because people reacted to it)''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

''Tierus puzzles over the shadowglass shard protruding from the skull of the shadowy Ithzir. For a moment he locks eyes with the Ithzir, then painfully shakes his head, breaking away as the Ithzir thrashes and the shard pulses.''

'''Lylia asks, "Or bound inextricably with them, as sugar mixed with salt? Can they even be separated?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will need to capture one of those shadows entities to see if there is anything Ithzir about it."'''

Missoni nods in agreement.

Tierus says, "Some sort of lingering sentience to it."

''Skulligei tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Skulligei. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Lylia asks, "The [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)#Interrogating the Investigator|mirror trap]]?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Lylia.'''

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei reaches out and touches a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The [[low steel]] is for the psionic and extraplanar qualities, the shadowglass is mostly to keep its head bound in that place on its body."'''

Missoni nods understandingly.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni approvingly says, "Effective."
Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The sorcery used to reanimate it is more or less self-perpetuating now."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "Those essence motes, do you think that is part of its normal physical makeup or are they remnants of its feeding process?"'''

Thrassus nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Speaking nonplussedly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "At the risk of sounding unimpressed, have you learned anything of value at all about the creature through your... artistry?"'''

''Tierus throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Perigourd casually glances around the area.
A rolton trots in!
Skulligei clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

Tierus's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...
Tierus gestures at a rolton.
The ground beneath a rolton begins to boil violently!
Craggy debris explodes from the ground beneath a rolton!
[SMR result: 440 (Open d100: 61)]
... 55 points of damage!
Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!
The rolton bleats loudly as he collapses to the ground in obvious pain and favors his mangled left hind leg.
The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.
The ground beneath a rolton suddenly calms.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was originally the sorcerous essence used to reanimate it. When it feeds from the mana of its surroundings, that is getting replenished."'''

Missoni tilts her head down.
Tierus glances at Missoni.
Tierus glances at Raelee.
Tierus whispers something to Raelee.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The particular nature of the shadow essence has it behaving much like the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|sacrifice methods]]."'''

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is able to rejuvenate its flesh."'''

Tierus nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Can it rejuvenate a limb?"'''

Missoni muses, "I noticed that when I scratched it."
Tierus asks, "Is its flesh actually flesh at all?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I don't think it really has "limbs" as we do...it will simply re-form them from it's....whatever."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Most likely. If not immediately, then eventually."'''

'''Perigourd says, "I've yet to see an Ithzir do so of it's own accord."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "No. I would not think an ordinary Ithzir could."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "So are we even truly killing them when they make their raids, or are they merely going back to the shadow valence to reincorporate?"'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Good question."
Tierus looks thoughtfully at Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I suspect it is the latter."'''

Thrassus says, "That is not good."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think this one being stuck here has the door left a slight crack open."'''

Lylia says, "I appreciate metaphors about the futility of action as much as anyone, but that is a bit too literal for my tastes."
Thrassus says, "It means they can keep this up forever."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Missoni sighs, "Wretched."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Efficient and sustainable."
Thrassus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It does seem to be unnatural animate matter. Its flesh."'''

[General] Cassis asks, "Wasn't mayor walker undead?"
[General] Peggyanne thinks, "A death knight..."

Lylia nods.

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "He even has a limited edition death knight siegery."

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "Does it have muscles? or simply shaped flesh?"'''

[General] Cassis thinks, "I mean, so there is president."

Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.

'''Tierus says, "I wonder if they can be obliterated in their home valence."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Closer to shaped flesh, in the sense that it seems to revert, in and out of shadows."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Tierus.'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We will probably have to go there to actually put them down."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I have wondered that often."
</pre>
===Tracing Mana Through Veils===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is at a strange intersection of demonology and necromancy. But I do think their feeding draws mana through the veil to their sources."'''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "And if they could no longer access that mana?"'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Then we can find their source, after all."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "This one by itself is just a trickle. Did any of you have ideas on how to trace the mana?"'''

Tierus says, "Alternatively, we could determine how to control them ourselves."
Missoni says, "Flames of essence, like the sort we draw upon when we cast Dark Catalyst, are drawn to mana. I thought perhaps we could use that to trace a path."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think we would only be delaying things to try to block them off here. There are partly formed rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands."'''

Thrassus says, "I had thought it might be feasible to mark a being's essence for tracking, then feed it to them the next time they attack."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "While mana is mana... do you find that they are typically feeding via one method or another? Mental? Elemental?"'''

Lylia says, "I was working on some notes in that regard, but it is hard to speak of it except in metaphorical fashion."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "They could be useful. Also quite risky, though."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They seem to drain from all kinds of magic wielders."'''

Perigourd says, "Beings ought to attend their own valences."
Perigourd grunts.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "But the output? If we could introduce something unique, an typical formation..."'''

'''Raelee says, "Atypical formation, rather..."'''

Raelee clears her throat.
Lylia says, "They drain from all wellsprings of magic, and you wish to trace where the flows of essence lead."
Earthdiver rides a fluffy white cat out of the starlit doorway.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Earthdiver a subtle wave.
The mechanical arm on Earthdiver's belt comes to life, making a waving motion at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "An output? The Ithzir cause [[Ithzir Genesis#Kol Tar'sken|yellow crystalline]] formations as they drain mana, and those shadows entities form those tenebrous orbs in them."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "We could reshape them into something more appealing, mind you."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Tierus.

'''Raelee says, "Perhaps I am not phrasing the question correctly..."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "You have to wonder if they are being controlled by some force."'''

'''Raelee asks, "They drain from all manner of sources, but when the mana goes back to their valence, is it being sent in a uniform fashion? Once the mana is captured... how is it being transferred on?"'''

Missoni cocks her head.
Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

''Tierus knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows themselves bleed through the veil to the valences similarly constituted. So if I am understanding your Common, it would be a sorcerous mode of transference."'''

Tierus smiles in spite of himself.

'''Missoni asks, "If they are not being directly controlled, then there is a cause for their presence that is not mere consumption of mana, perhaps?"'''

'''Missoni says, "But we may not know that, until we trace the mana back."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is a way to force a thread of another mode. An elemental thread to follow amongst the shadow and sorcery."

(Tierus continues poking and prodding at the Ithzir absently.)

'''Harrower Moravius says, "For all we know right now, they might be directed, by the same thing antagonizing the storming the Reach."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "When trying to find a path through an unknown cave, scented smoke is often used to find the path of airflow. maybe you can do something like that...but...magic-y."
Missoni cheerfully says, "Like flames of essence."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That could stand out against the background."'''

Raelee says, "... the complication being, of course, that mana changes forms as it is utilized. Thus finding a way for it to not be so altered as it is processed through the Ithzir..."
Perigourd says, "Much like me on a demonic plane."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Lylia says, "I was thinking along those terms, albeit with a different metaphor, as Missoni noted about flames of essence. A sort of...stain, a dye, to use an analogy, that we could more easily see as it moves."

'''Speaking absently to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "Are you certain it can't feel pain like this?"'''

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Speaking encouragingly to Lylia, Missoni says, "Glitter."
Raelee quietly says, "... I think that is precisely what I am saying..."
Skulligei raspily says, "It certainly seems to...."

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking eagerly to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Yes, best to be certain."

''Tierus suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has earned some pain."'''

Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... is my common failing me here?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I may have missed it when the Harrower suggested it does not feel pain."
Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd agrees, "I think the armor would be a dead giveaway on most planes."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Sorry, I was distracted."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the beard."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It sounds you are all saying much the same thing."'''

Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Yes."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I'm uncertain that elemental magic alone can be used to interface with such a thing."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Tierus says, "There may be some fundamental incompatibilities."
Raelee scrubs her hand over her long copper red hair in frustration.
Earthdiver pokes his finger at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The dark catalyst works by destabilizing the mana, which spontaneously erupts into the various elements. Which will ignite inside even those shadows entities which feed on power."'''

Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "So we are looking to trace the elemental mana as it that flow is trespassing the veil."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those fundamental incompatibilities could be useful. Something that is not processed and converted and thus easier to follow."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I see."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "To your question, given that it is technically unalive, I would think it definitional that the creature cannot feel pain."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That depends upon the direction of the combustion."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows by themselves would exclude wide sets of valences. The elements would help sight out which exactly it is leading."'''

Perigourd nods at Missoni.
</pre>
===Unliving and Anti-Magic===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "However, this does not appear to be merely an impression of agony."'''

''Tierus tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Tierus. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Tierus smiles again, his eyes almost feverishly intent as they study the Ithzir.
Missoni glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can this thing still speak?"
Tierus clears his throat.
Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus turns around.
Earthdiver pounds a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Earthdiver shrugs.
Speaking to Skulligei, Missoni says, "I heard it say something about how it cannot move earlier."
Lylia says, "Somewhat, yes."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni shrugs slightly.
Skulligei raspily says, "Most interesting."
The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Animates can sometimes parrot the phrases that were known by their corpses."'''

Earthdiver stomps down hard with one of his black boots.
Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a giant ovate leathery winged cockroach's presence.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni says, "The shadows did seem to respond, in a way, but perhaps they were only parroting as well."
Earthdiver climbs down from the black leather saddle on a black horse and carefully detaches some frayed black reins from his bit.
Earthdiver put some frayed black reins in his black shirt.

Lylia says, "It would not parrot phrases about being bound. Nor say 'help me,' I would imagine."

Thrassus asks, "So we infuse something with, say, an overabundance of fire attuned mana and feed it to the Ithzir before it burns up. Then, we trace that same mana back to the souce?"
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "The V'reen would speak as well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I haven't heard of others saying such things. perhaps being disconnected, as it were, is having some effect on it's mind."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "But if this is some kind of manifestation, an incarnation, projected through the veil, it might be linked to something more sentient or sapient than an animated dead."'''

Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Yes. Though the question is whether the Ithzir will process it or not."
Missoni says, "Yes, there may be a collective."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... if you send me mana spiritually, I can still toss the elements about with it, after all."
Skulligei raspily says, "Normally, Ithzir are a collective, as I understand it."
Missoni agrees with Skulligei.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "True."
Missoni asks, "But are the shadows, also?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Likely, more literally acting as a single entity."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is certainly more interesting than I was expecting when I was sent here."'''

Thrassus says, "But that means we need to refine the mana even more before feeding it to them."
Skulligei raspily says, "Rather than a collective."
Speaking lightly to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Worth the trip, I hope."
Lylia grins at Missoni.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "What were you expecting, exactly?"'''

Skulligei works his fingers under his riveted tin monocle and scratches his head.
Skulligei put a stygian valravn quill in his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei gently closes his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei put a wax-speckled scarlet leather folio in his black leather satchel.
Lylia says, "It is a pity we cannot give them poison and let them take it back to blight the whole hive."
Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can we not?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The most likely thing seemed to be an Ithzir problem that vanished on its own when a cycle of mana storming halted."'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "Nothing seems to sicken them."
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Much as was the case [[Return to Sunder|ten years]] ago."'''

'''Speaking to Lylia, Tierus asks, "Perhaps antimagic?"'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "We're not usually that lucky."
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia says, "Anti-magic tends to sicken me."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Those shadow entities are somewhat anti-magical themselves."'''

Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Thrassus snickers at Tierus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They are resistant to most sorcery."'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Lylia says, "I noticed."

'''Missoni agrees, "They have used antimagic to their benefit in battle, too."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. Once they have drained you of expendable mana, they begin ripping the spells off you."'''

Raelee nods faintly at Missoni.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Have you tried shooting them with a pylon?"

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "... that is a good point, actually."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably. I do not recall the results though."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "A spell upon a target could be a method of 'seeding the mana', so to speak."'''

Missoni ponders.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni cheerfully says, "Bait."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Magical leeches."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we could place a nearly completed spell within a subject and trace that?"
Skulligei frowns.
</pre>
===Triangulation versus Tracing Threads===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "There is also the matter of whether doing this in the wild, more of a triangulation, or capturing one of the shadow masses similar to this Ithzir and following a thread."'''

Missoni says, "The latter seems more controlled, and more likely to yield a good result."

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Thrassus says, "Agreed."
Raelee nods faintly.

'''Tierus asks, "I wonder if we might gorge one of these things. What would happen if we were to feed it too much mana?"'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "I don't suppose I could have one of it's eyes? or would it just melt away when taken from the main body?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it would explode."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Tierus asks, "Would it simply pop like an overstuffed goose?"
Skulligei takes a dented riveted tin monocle framing a fresh violet eye off his head.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Like a mosquito made to rupture from being unable to pull off."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Pate. Delightful."
Skulligei carefully pries a fresh violet eye out of a dented riveted tin monocle.
Skulligei carefully fastens a dented riveted tin monocle around his head, positioning it over his right eye.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect it would probably just dissapear ephemerally back unto it's own valence."
Lylia nods.
Perigourd says, "We saw some of them seem to melt away during the last breach."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Perhaps if I had a shadowglass needle to pin it into shape."
Skulligei laughs!

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Capturing one the shadows will likely require constructing some apparatus. I know that Vortelis just received one from the Missoni Sabretache, but I can give you more time to imagine up possibilities."'''

Missoni nods appreciatively.
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This 'Ishzir' we just had to keep bound, preventing it from slipping away."'''

Speaking to herself, Raelee mouths, "... Ishzir..."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "Ithzir-ish."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Perigourd asks, "If they're attracted to mana, could you not bait whatever trap with an essence core or so?"
Perigourd says, "I'd say plinite, but I'm not sure I'd want to see one that fed on it."
Lylia says, "They seem to like living sources. But possibly."
Thrassus says, "Or just put a volunteer in the trap."
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I would."
Speaking quietly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "We could use some of that so-called plinite from the Confluence."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is most likely, almost certainly, the Shadows valence. The same one as the lost Palestra, given the concordance of evidence. But even if we knew that for certain, a tracing would help find where within the valence to look."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Would they even be attracted to it? It has... so little power."
Raelee says, "It is akin to tossing crumbs."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perhaps we should rename it sigh-nite."
Tierus asks, "Lie-nite?"
Tierus ponders.
Lylia nods in agreement to Moravius.
Lylia snickers at Tierus.

''Skulligei throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Skulligei winces.

'''Skulligei raspily says, "Sorry."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It would rip you apart if it could."'''

Missoni shakes her head at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and clucks her tongue.
Skulligei nods.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "You're not concerned that leaving this valeence open a crack is allowing it to communicate back to the source?"'''

Perigourd glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Perigourd asks, "And thus it might understand everything we've been speaking about?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "They don't seem to have much of a mastery of Common."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir can read our minds. They do it [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)
|often enough]] when they come here during the storms."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It seems more of a sooner or later matter."'''

Speaking to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "Renta ti?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But they have been known to speak Tehiri."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder...."
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.

Another sorcerer walks over and speaks to Harrower Moravius, gesturing at the lake and storm, making adjustments to his twisted faenor headband.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

''(note: this is just Moravius reacting to that room ambient involving him)''

Lylia says, "They can learn to speak whichever languages the person whose head they currently invade speaks."

''Lylia suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Perigourd grunts.

''Tierus reaches into the gibbet and wrenches with the bar of the scold's bridle as the shadowy Ithzir shouts "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!" When gagged by it, the mouth dematerializes into shadows, reforming in multiple places. The mouths exclaim, "Hor? Kla val ptath?" Then they collapse back into its head, and the Ithzir's mouth is once more gagged.''

'''Earthdiver says, "So how are we building this triangulation device."'''

Lylia says, "Good question."
Lylia grins at Earthdiver.
Skulligei squints at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Lylia says, "I have been largely silent as I sort it all out in my mind."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Well. Vortelis has one proposal from th... from Missoni, for capturing the shadows, but I would be willing to give you all time to come up with ideas for apparatus."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Are we using plinite as the power source?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Since it seemed to be favored to capture one first."'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Tierus says, "I think the Harrower is correct. The lure must be living."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "It has not been decided. But it is likely impractical."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "We would have to source some plinite of value first."
Skulligei glances at Raelee and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "I concur. A living lure is best."
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "Wait, are we luring, or triangulating?"
Earthdiver looks rather confused.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "Both. Luring in order to impart something that can be utilized to triangulate."
Lylia says, "Yes. Luring it to one spot, wherein it may be trapped."
</pre>
===Political Considerations===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "Unless we were to invade [[Northwatch]] and take their [[plinite]], but that adds extra steps to this whole endeavour."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Earthdiver says, "Right. I am just curious about the triangulation mechanism. Not the luring."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a lich would stop us."
Perigourd nods slowly.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "[[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl|Vespasius]] might be open to that, but I doubt the [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl|Patriarch]] wishes to do such invasions."'''

Tierus nods sagely at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Well, former lich."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "For--"
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "It hasn't precisely worked well for other elven houses, for whatever that's worth."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "And we are doing this....where? the [[Bleaklands]]?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "The core concept is to 'pollute' the mana it draws and passes on to create a traceable thread."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... and this plan is not even an hour old. Details are to be determined."
Earthdiver says, "Ah."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That is another matter. I will want you all to help secure the surroundings in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Tierus says, "Triangulation implies that we must 'seed' more than one of these creatures."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Ideally within the next two weeks."'''

Earthdiver says, "I was excited for the triangulation math. Perhaps I am getting ahead of things."
Lylia says, "Like smoke drifting in a passage to indicate the direction of a draft, as Skulligei noted."
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni asks, "Should we build a base of operations there?"
Skulligei nods.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Don't you have an Armada for that?"'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is in the depths of it near the ruins of [[Talador]] itself. Which is very intense with hostile forces."'''

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "You would have us bring the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Armata|Armata]] to the Barony of Talador?"'''

Skulligei nods.
Missoni shifts her weight.

'''Perigourd says, "I suppose not, no."'''

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia mildly says, "It might create big feelings."
Skulligei raspily says, "We're going to need more than an Armada if these things are allowed to accumulate power."
Tierus says, "I suspect all-out war with Turamzzyr would be just as unnecessary as an invasion of Northwatch."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "There are rifts to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I wish to ascertain if they are useful for traveling there more safely than through this lake."'''

'''Tierus asks, "Do you plan to seek the permission of the [[Aurmont|Emperor]]?"'''

Perigourd nods grimly at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius smirks.'''

Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus says, "I doubt they have any controlling presence that deep in the Bleaklands to begin with."
Skulligei gazes with interest at the midnight black apple in his hand.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Emperor can come speak to me in the Bleaklands."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Nonetheless, it is within their borders, and humans are highly territorial creatures."
Missoni grins wryly.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "The subtle thing to do would be to engage in all of the necessary niceties."
Thrassus rolls his eyes.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus adds, "I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a Magister of the [[Hall of Mages|Hall]] will most likely be present."
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "It's not going to be an army."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That makes this vastly worse, not better."
Lylia coolly says, "If they wish Faendryl help dealing with a problem that affects us all, then they will have to accept Faendryl solutions."
Missoni says, "Just a few of us on a weekend jaunt."
Speaking mildly to Lylia, Tierus says, "Ah, I wasn't aware that they had asked for our help. Let us carry on, then."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "For then, the [[Royal Magister]] inquires to *me* why I authorized this. And that is not a conversation I am interested in having."
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will leave such considerations with Vespasius."'''

Perigourd nods knowingly at Raelee.
Lylia says, "They would, if they but knew the seriousness of the breach. It is perhaps best they do not."
Missoni politely says, "I am sure he will know how to smooth things over."
Lylia says, "No need to worry everyone unduly."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd chuckles.
Tierus says, "Very well. It seems that this particular die is cast."
</pre>
===Other Issues===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tierus idly says, "I wonder if there's enough [[bleakstone]] to build a statue of me within our fortifications. Something tasteful, no larger than twice life-size. Rugged, though. And staring off into the distance with determination written across my brow."

Tierus abruptly says, "I suppose the rest of you could be in it, too."
Thrassus says, "I am sure there is."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "One bleakstone statue at a time, I think, is more than sufficient."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I do not need another statue. One is too many as is."
Lylia grins at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite happy without being depicted."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Vortelis will want to see that [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Back to Soulstone Recharging and the Bleakstone Statue|bleakstone statue]] soon."'''

Missoni says, "Bleakstone statues are nothing but trouble."
Tierus pleasantly says, "More stone for me."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I enjoy mine; I just wish it were not so inconveniently placed."
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking raspily to Lylia, Skulligei says, "It's a relaxing area though....aside from the ghostly wailing and manastorms of course."
Lylia begins chuckling at Skulligei!
Skulligei raspily says, "Could get a bench out there."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus prompts, "In front of the statue."
Lylia nods.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' folks."

Raelee gestures.
Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Tonari thinks, "Evening, Lord Tebon."
Tebon steps out of the shifting portal.
Skulligei nods to Tebon in greeting.
Lylia inclines her head.

Tebon says, "E'enin', folks."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Thrassus says, "There's an altar out there that seems to be a recent addition, while we are on the expedition it might be a good idea to look it over and see if it an offshoot from the Horned Society or the like."'''

Tebon nods warily to Skulligei.
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Sir Tebon."
Tebon nods curtly to Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "M'lady Missoni."
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The [[Horned Cabal|Cabal]]?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I do not know much about religion."'''

Perigourd ponders.
Tebon glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "But if there is something sorcerous about it?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius shrugs.'''

Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Thrassus says, "I do not think it is connected to anything of our concern though, so be at ease there."
Thrassus snickers.
Thrassus says, "It might not be anything to be concerned about."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "We've been asked to secure some point in the bleaklands soon."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Tierus says, "I suppose I should find an inn. It sounds like there will be some preparations needed for such a scintillating adventure."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Perhaps in a fortnight or so."
Missoni cheerfully agrees, "Air out your tents and bedrolls."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Lylia suggests, "Silvergate is lovely."
Tebon whispers something to Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Yes, at least at the beginning of the evening."
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. I suppose I do not have much else for you right now."'''

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Tebon ponders.
Lylia says, "I appreciate your time, Harrower Moravius, and your work on that."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Thank you for the enlightening discussion, Harrower."'''

Lylia nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Missoni.'''

Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Thrassus nods once.
Perigourd nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius just went southwest.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)

2026-01-26T12:36:47Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: Created page with "==Synposis== Harrower Moravius Faendryl arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source..."

==Synposis==
Harrower [[Moravius Faendryl]] arrived at Lake Eonak arrived to discuss what they had found from studying the captured reanimated shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, which had been left outside the shielded encampment in a torturous gibbet made from low steel. Moravius said it is still unclear whether this is a shadows corrupted mutant Ithzir, or some kind of counterfeit Ithzir made of shadows. Moravius believes it is a manifestation in this plane linked to a source in another valence, most likely the [[Shadow Realm]] valence, and that they are not actually being killed during invasions but merely banished back temporarily.

Moravius said its animate matter or flesh is unnatural, but is now being rejuvenated in a self-sustaining process, owing to how it feeds on the mana of its surroundings and the powers reminiscent of [[Sacrifice]] methods with [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|shadow essence]]. He said it is apparently not a mere animate, but retains something of a more sentient or sapient source through the veil. He noted the complication of ordinary Ithzir being reincarnated energy beings.

There was discussion on more than one point about to what extent this thing is unliving and the nature of how it works.

There was discussion on how to trace mana through the veil from the shadows or shadowy Ithzir eating it. The ideas from several people generally involved using pure elemental mana as a contrast or dye, which would stand out in the background of shadows, which Moravius said is what bleeds through the veil into shadow valences. There was discussion specifically of Dark Catalyst, as the shadows eat mana, but they are susceptible to having this ignited into elements that way.

Missoni had submitted a proposal to Vortelis for a device to capture a shadows entity with mirrors. Moravius said he would give others more time to submit other proposals.

There was also discussion on whether to try to "triangulate" with this mana through multiple entities, as Moravius has been doing so far during invasions, or if they would prefer to try to capture one and try to trace a thread through the veil with a controlled captured entity. People mostly preferred the latter. There was some confusion later on the distinction. Triangulation as a concept involves using several references to calculate a source location.

Moravius noted that the shadow entities, once they have siphoned off all your expendable mana, then begin stripping spells off you instead when they drain your power. It was suggested by people that a spell could be "seeded" on a target for tracing purposes in this way as well. There was a question of whether to use an elemental mana source (especially plinite) or "live bait" for the shadows. People generally preferred live bait, and questioned whether the low-grade pseudo-plinite of the Confluence is potent enough to be a real lure for the shadow entities. ("Plinite" really refers to the high concentration stuff artificially invented by Plin, the Confluence "plinite" is a naturally occurring much weaker analog.)

Moravius also said he wishes the locals to suppress hostile forces deep in the Bleaklands, near the ruins of Talador, for him so that he can assess the viability of entering the Shadow Realm through the rifts in that place. Tierus questioned whether the Faendryl had sought permission from the Emperor, for which Moravius was dismissive. Moravius implied to Perigourd that the Harrowers do not want to involve the Armata in the lands claimed by humans. He also said that while Vespasius might be open to invading [[Northwatch]], the Patriarch is likely not interested. There was also some noting around the Hall of Mages, where Raelee also does not want herself officially present, so as to not be on the hook for having authorized anything.

The net effect being no one really wants the Turamzzyrian authorities involved in that. Moravius said he is leaving all political considerations to Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], who a month earlier had issued a statement basically telling the Turamzzyrian Empire to not interfere with them. (Technically, this discussion was happening inside the borders of the [[Barony of Darkstone]], but Talador is a significantly older claim.)

Moravius also noted that Vortelis will want to go see the bleakstone statue of Lylia soon. Which is in another less dangerous part of the Bleaklands. Moravius did not mention the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Ithzir Pyramid in Darkstone Bay|Ithzir pyramid]], [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Recharging the Soulstone|recharging]] the soulstone, Harrower [[Ersix]] or the roots and Deadfall, nor Harrower [[Xociral]] and the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)#Despanal, Blood Marble, Bleakstone, Plinite, and Hazy Tenebrous Orbs|hazy tenebrous orbs]].

'''Previously in Lost Palestra:'''

* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==Log==
Most background ambients, verb actions, greetings and farewell, and other noise has been cut out. There is a zested Ithzir prop in the room, its messaging is italicized.

===Preceding===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[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 Harrower Moravius, a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

>look gibbet
'''Vicious barbs and spikes protrude the limbs and torso of the shadowy Ithzir omenbearer, whose reanimated corpse writhes within an exotic cage of low steel bands hovering off the ground. Its skull has been trepanated with shadowglass, through the trio of black tattooed stripes over the crown of its bald, blue-skinned head. It has been ripped open in unliving vivisection. Its chest is a hollow cavity of darkness, except for faintly glowing essences, and flesh vainly failing to melt into shadows.'''

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "Good evening."'''

Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

[General] Lylia respectfully thinks, "Good evening to you."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee asks, "... has it said anything else?"

Lylia says, "Something like "Hor Kla val ptath," although I am probably mangling the pronunciation."

'''[General] Moravius thinks, "I stepped away momentarily. But the creature is pliable and restrained."'''

Skulligei just arrived.

Bathcwyn Missoni's group flounces in amidst a diffuse cloud of prismatic glitter.

[General] Lylia thinks, "The word 'kla' is interesting to me. It puts me in mind of 'klaloc,' the word that was written on the railing at Moot Hall. Quintessence, or the vital power. Blood, perhaps."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It sounds... confused. Several interrogative words strung together."

Missoni cheerfully says, "Hello again."

Raelee glances around the area.

Raelee adds, "... and greetings."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee adds, "... I think."

Missoni cocks her head.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods slowly.

Skulligei cocks his head.

[General] Lylia thinks, "My compliments to those responsible for maintaining it in such a state."

Thrassus leans on his staff.

[General] Tierus thinks, "They're probably preparing for its campaign for Mayor."

Missoni folds her hands.

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is an etomological connection in [[Ithzir Genesis#Language|their tongue]]. Kla... perhaps translating most directly to 'how' is indicating something about the basic
existance..."

Missoni tilts her head up.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I was going to note that we have never had an undead mayor, but Cruxophim had aspects that were surely not entirely lively."

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Thrassus smirks.

Raelee nods absently.

Lylia confesses, "I am not entirely certain that the language has roots and suffixes the way Common and Kannalan and Elven languages do. Although it seems likely."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Raelee says, "A language without such would certainly be... unusual."

Thrassus says, "Well, it is alien to our valence after all."

Lylia says, "Given how they communicate amongst themselves, it might not be necessary for them."

Lylia says, "A pity [[Thadston]] is not nearer. He no doubt had a great deal of [[Return to Sunder|experience]] with their language."

Thrassus says, "He'd just pummel it into mush."

Lylia snickers.

Missoni says, "Certain words do seem to follow a pattern of roots and suffixes, like johm, which is birth, and johmno, which is death."

Thrassus says, "Along with the cage it is in."

Lylia says, "Probably, although his horror of them is earned."

The voice of Tierus says, "One really must wonder how intelligent the Ithzir are."

Skulligei removes a dark parchment from in his black leather pouch.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni admits, "Of course it has been a while since I studied Ithzir."

Raelee says, "A more complex concept building upon the etomology of a simpler one."

Skulligei glances at a dark parchment and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

The voice of Tierus says, "After all, they've been puttering about in [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Clerisy|our ruins]] for a couple of decades without doing anything of value."

Lylia nods.

The voice of Tierus says, "Even the aelotoi managed to build a [[Cysaegir|village]] out of *their* elven ruins."

Skulligei taps a dark parchment, which is in his right hand.

Lylia gazes with interest at Skulligei.

Missoni asks, "But how could our ruins be improved upon?"

Lylia says, "Their ruins were considerably less ruinous."

Missoni says, "They are clearly the very best of ruins."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... by not being ruined."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd suggests, "Fewer demons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It was a calculated ruination."

Missoni just nudged Perigourd.

The voice of Tierus asks, "I say, did you think I meant 'runes'--that is to say, magical writing--or 'ruins'--a set of destroyed buildings?"

Missoni says, "The latter."

The voice of Tierus says, "Ah. I am glad we don't have confusion like that often."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Something on that parchment in your hand seems to be quite absorbing."

Raelee says, "... proper enunciation helps."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Skulligei raspily says, "Just an idea."

Skulligei offers Lylia a dark parchment.

Lylia accepts Skulligei's dark parchment.

Lylia nods slowly.

Lylia offers Skulligei a dark parchment.

Skulligei accepts Lylia's dark parchment.

Skulligei raspily says, "Unfortunately, my magical skills are a bit lacking."

Skulligei tries to eat his dark parchment.

Skulligei put a dark parchment in his black cloak.

Lylia admits, "I do not know the extent of such magic, if it allows understanding of all languages or only those someone has heard before."

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

Raelee asks, "What is the idea?"

Lylia says, "Although I have heard enough Ithzir that...well. possibly."
</pre>
===Unliving Ithzir?===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius just arrived.'''

[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 '''Harrower Moravius''', a burnt orange verlok feather, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild dark grey dog, a sapphire-eyed silver verlok'asha that is flying around, '''a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet''', Agrestis Surveyor Caius, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees, a cedar chip path, a shielded worker encampment and Palestra Blade Viselda.
Also here: Skulligei, (Tierus who is invisible), Perigourd, Bathcwyn Missoni, Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Imperatrix Lylia
Obvious paths: southwest

Lylia explains, "Magical comprehension of language."
Missoni smiles.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Skulligei raspily says, "Exactly my thought."
Missoni nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Good evening."'''

Skulligei nods to Harrower Moravius in greeting.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement.
Perigourd gazes up into the sky.
Perigourd ponders.
The voice of Tierus says, "Is it? I hadn't noticed."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I trust you have become acquainted with our guest."'''

Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and grins.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia says, "Yes. I admire the craftsmanship."
Missoni says, "Quite."
Thrassus says, "A bit, yes."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "One often treats their guests better."'''

Perigourd nods slowly.
Lylia says, "Any time we do not have blood rains and tempests, it is a good evening around here."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was more of a vivisection that I expected."'''

Tierus suddenly fades into view.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How?"'''

Perigourd nods slowly at Tierus.
Tierus says, "Proper preparation prevents that sort of thing."
Skulligei nods.
Tierus nods to Perigourd in greeting.
Lylia says, "If they wanted to be guests, they should show better manners."
Tierus gazes thoughtfully at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It had seemed to merely be a reanimated corpse, but there is still much of what it 'is' still about it."'''

Lylia nods to Moravius.
Lylia says, "I thought that was unusual! My animates are never so garrulous."
Thrassus says, "That's unusual, yes."
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Language."

'''Tierus asks, "What have you discovered?"'''

Missoni asks, "I suppose it is more than just a sympathetic response to the stimuli then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is stubbornly persistent in its difficulty to distinguish between being a shadows corrupted Ithzir or some sort of shadows counterfeit manifestation."'''

Speaking flatly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "Disappointing."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "How have you attempted to differentiate?"'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "So....we need more of them...for science."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir have bones and blood, blue blood as I recall."'''

Thrassus asks, "Do we need a more 'normal' speciment of Ithzir here for comparison?"
Lylia dryly remarks, "I have no trouble slaughtering them if need be."
Missoni agrees, "It is an easy task."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The trouble is that what we know of them is that they are incarnated energy beings. According to their death religion."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "I'll wait here and protect the snack truck."
Skulligei glances southwest.
Lylia grins at Skulligei.

'''Lylia says, "Whenever you get religion tangled in, everything becomes messier."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Skulligei agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Depends upon the religion."
Perigourd chuckles.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "And a lack of blue blood does not disqualify either possibility, not truly."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Does it? Most things claiming to be gods aren't."
Speaking thoughtfully to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "This fellow had no blood, then?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has what seems to be black blood, but that boils into shadows, which then merge again with its body."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods.
Lylia says, "I noticed that."
Lylia says, "Observe."

''Lylia scratches down the forearm of the shadowy Ithzir, effortlessly making its flesh rip loose as if it were being flayed. The mutilated flesh immediately degenerates into shadows. The shadows move away from the arm, but the spikes and bands of the gibbet glow, making the shadows recoil and the Ithzir thrash in torment.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We have trapped it from escaping, but it resists being torn apart."'''

Lylia removes a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip from in her wrap.
Missoni says, "It *looks* as though the shadows wish to escape, but they are being held."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I believe it does, as some seem above the general pettiness of power."
Perigourd nods at Tierus.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia maneuvers the pointed tip of her glass nail file beneath her fingernails in sweeping arcs to clean them.
Thrassus says, "I assumed that was an effect of whatever conversion process it went through."
Lylia put a ivory-handled glass nail file with an onyx tip in her wrap.

'''Missoni asks, "Are they puppeting these Ithzir, then?"'''

A few robed Faendryl toss a mysterious orb over the lake, which suspends mid-air, then shoots up into the storm out of sight. One of them tears open a rift and disappears through it.

''(note: that is a room ambient at Lake Eonak right now, it is kept here because people reacted to it)''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Perigourd glances at a beautiful mountain lake.

''Tierus puzzles over the shadowglass shard protruding from the skull of the shadowy Ithzir. For a moment he locks eyes with the Ithzir, then painfully shakes his head, breaking away as the Ithzir thrashes and the shard pulses.''

'''Lylia asks, "Or bound inextricably with them, as sugar mixed with salt? Can they even be separated?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will need to capture one of those shadows entities to see if there is anything Ithzir about it."'''

Missoni nods in agreement.

Tierus says, "Some sort of lingering sentience to it."

''Skulligei tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Skulligei. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Lylia asks, "The [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)#Interrogating the Investigator|mirror trap]]?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Lylia.'''

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei reaches out and touches a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The [[low steel]] is for the psionic and extraplanar qualities, the shadowglass is mostly to keep its head bound in that place on its body."'''

Missoni nods understandingly.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni approvingly says, "Effective."
Raelee takes a moment to observe a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The sorcery used to reanimate it is more or less self-perpetuating now."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "Those essence motes, do you think that is part of its normal physical makeup or are they remnants of its feeding process?"'''

Thrassus nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Speaking nonplussedly to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "At the risk of sounding unimpressed, have you learned anything of value at all about the creature through your... artistry?"'''

''Tierus throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Perigourd casually glances around the area.
A rolton trots in!
Skulligei clenches and relaxes his fists several times.

Tierus's hands glow with power as he summons elemental energy to his command...
Tierus gestures at a rolton.
The ground beneath a rolton begins to boil violently!
Craggy debris explodes from the ground beneath a rolton!
[SMR result: 440 (Open d100: 61)]
... 55 points of damage!
Left leg collapses as the bones turn to dust!
The rolton bleats loudly as he collapses to the ground in obvious pain and favors his mangled left hind leg.
The rolton lets out a final agonized bleat and dies.
The ground beneath a rolton suddenly calms.

Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It was originally the sorcerous essence used to reanimate it. When it feeds from the mana of its surroundings, that is getting replenished."'''

Missoni tilts her head down.
Tierus glances at Missoni.
Tierus glances at Raelee.
Tierus whispers something to Raelee.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The particular nature of the shadow essence has it behaving much like the [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)#Sacrifice Update Release Event|sacrifice methods]]."'''

A rolton decays into a pile of fur and bone.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is able to rejuvenate its flesh."'''

Tierus nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Can it rejuvenate a limb?"'''

Missoni muses, "I noticed that when I scratched it."
Tierus asks, "Is its flesh actually flesh at all?"
Skulligei raspily says, "I don't think it really has "limbs" as we do...it will simply re-form them from it's....whatever."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Most likely. If not immediately, then eventually."'''

'''Perigourd says, "I've yet to see an Ithzir do so of it's own accord."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "No. I would not think an ordinary Ithzir could."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "So are we even truly killing them when they make their raids, or are they merely going back to the shadow valence to reincorporate?"'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Lylia says, "Good question."
Tierus looks thoughtfully at Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I suspect it is the latter."'''

Thrassus says, "That is not good."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni agrees with Thrassus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think this one being stuck here has the door left a slight crack open."'''

Lylia says, "I appreciate metaphors about the futility of action as much as anyone, but that is a bit too literal for my tastes."
Thrassus says, "It means they can keep this up forever."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Missoni sighs, "Wretched."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Efficient and sustainable."
Thrassus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It does seem to be unnatural animate matter. Its flesh."'''

[General] Cassis asks, "Wasn't mayor walker undead?"
[General] Peggyanne thinks, "A death knight..."

Lylia nods.

[General] Peggyanne thinks, "He even has a limited edition death knight siegery."

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "Does it have muscles? or simply shaped flesh?"'''

[General] Cassis thinks, "I mean, so there is president."

Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.

'''Tierus says, "I wonder if they can be obliterated in their home valence."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Closer to shaped flesh, in the sense that it seems to revert, in and out of shadows."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Tierus.'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "We will probably have to go there to actually put them down."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I have wondered that often."
</pre>
===Tracing Mana Through Veils===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is at a strange intersection of demonology and necromancy. But I do think their feeding draws mana through the veil to their sources."'''

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "And if they could no longer access that mana?"'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Then we can find their source, after all."
Raelee glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "This one by itself is just a trickle. Did any of you have ideas on how to trace the mana?"'''

Tierus says, "Alternatively, we could determine how to control them ourselves."
Missoni says, "Flames of essence, like the sort we draw upon when we cast Dark Catalyst, are drawn to mana. I thought perhaps we could use that to trace a path."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I think we would only be delaying things to try to block them off here. There are partly formed rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands."'''

Thrassus says, "I had thought it might be feasible to mark a being's essence for tracking, then feed it to them the next time they attack."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee asks, "While mana is mana... do you find that they are typically feeding via one method or another? Mental? Elemental?"'''

Lylia says, "I was working on some notes in that regard, but it is hard to speak of it except in metaphorical fashion."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "They could be useful. Also quite risky, though."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They seem to drain from all kinds of magic wielders."'''

Perigourd says, "Beings ought to attend their own valences."
Perigourd grunts.
Perigourd puffs rapidly on his dark maoral pipe, some thick wisps of fragrant bourbon-scented smoke dancing about him.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "But the output? If we could introduce something unique, an typical formation..."'''

'''Raelee says, "Atypical formation, rather..."'''

Raelee clears her throat.
Lylia says, "They drain from all wellsprings of magic, and you wish to trace where the flows of essence lead."
Earthdiver rides a fluffy white cat out of the starlit doorway.
Her hand lowered, Missoni gives Earthdiver a subtle wave.
The mechanical arm on Earthdiver's belt comes to life, making a waving motion at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "An output? The Ithzir cause [[Ithzir Genesis#Kol Tar'sken|yellow crystalline]] formations as they drain mana, and those shadows entities form those tenebrous orbs in them."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "We could reshape them into something more appealing, mind you."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Lylia says, "Of course."
Lylia nods at Tierus.

'''Raelee says, "Perhaps I am not phrasing the question correctly..."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "You have to wonder if they are being controlled by some force."'''

'''Raelee asks, "They drain from all manner of sources, but when the mana goes back to their valence, is it being sent in a uniform fashion? Once the mana is captured... how is it being transferred on?"'''

Missoni cocks her head.
Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.

''Tierus knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows themselves bleed through the veil to the valences similarly constituted. So if I am understanding your Common, it would be a sorcerous mode of transference."'''

Tierus smiles in spite of himself.

'''Missoni asks, "If they are not being directly controlled, then there is a cause for their presence that is not mere consumption of mana, perhaps?"'''

'''Missoni says, "But we may not know that, until we trace the mana back."'''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Perhaps there is a way to force a thread of another mode. An elemental thread to follow amongst the shadow and sorcery."

(Tierus continues poking and prodding at the Ithzir absently.)

'''Harrower Moravius says, "For all we know right now, they might be directed, by the same thing antagonizing the storming the Reach."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "When trying to find a path through an unknown cave, scented smoke is often used to find the path of airflow. maybe you can do something like that...but...magic-y."
Missoni cheerfully says, "Like flames of essence."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That could stand out against the background."'''

Raelee says, "... the complication being, of course, that mana changes forms as it is utilized. Thus finding a way for it to not be so altered as it is processed through the Ithzir..."
Perigourd says, "Much like me on a demonic plane."
Perigourd nods in agreement.
Lylia says, "I was thinking along those terms, albeit with a different metaphor, as Missoni noted about flames of essence. A sort of...stain, a dye, to use an analogy, that we could more easily see as it moves."

'''Speaking absently to Harrower Moravius, Tierus asks, "Are you certain it can't feel pain like this?"'''

Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Raelee furrows her brow.
Speaking encouragingly to Lylia, Missoni says, "Glitter."
Raelee quietly says, "... I think that is precisely what I am saying..."
Skulligei raspily says, "It certainly seems to...."

''Skulligei knocks on a low steel band near the head of the shadowy Ithzir. The whole gibbet pulses with a blast that throws the Ithzir into convulsions of uncontrollable spasms in horrified agony.''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Speaking eagerly to Skulligei, Tierus says, "Yes, best to be certain."

''Tierus suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It has earned some pain."'''

Speaking quietly to Tierus, Raelee asks, "... is my common failing me here?"
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "I may have missed it when the Harrower suggested it does not feel pain."
Skulligei frowns at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd agrees, "I think the armor would be a dead giveaway on most planes."
Tierus blinks.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Sorry, I was distracted."
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the beard."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It sounds you are all saying much the same thing."'''

Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "Yes."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Perigourd adopts an agreeable expression.
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I'm uncertain that elemental magic alone can be used to interface with such a thing."
Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Tierus says, "There may be some fundamental incompatibilities."
Raelee scrubs her hand over her long copper red hair in frustration.
Earthdiver pokes his finger at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The dark catalyst works by destabilizing the mana, which spontaneously erupts into the various elements. Which will ignite inside even those shadows entities which feed on power."'''

Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "So we are looking to trace the elemental mana as it that flow is trespassing the veil."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Those fundamental incompatibilities could be useful. Something that is not processed and converted and thus easier to follow."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "I see."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "To your question, given that it is technically unalive, I would think it definitional that the creature cannot feel pain."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "That depends upon the direction of the combustion."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The shadows by themselves would exclude wide sets of valences. The elements would help sight out which exactly it is leading."'''

Perigourd nods at Missoni.
</pre>
===Unliving and Anti-Magic===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "However, this does not appear to be merely an impression of agony."'''

''Tierus tries to wrench apart the low steel bands around the shadowy Ithzir's torso, making its chest cavity widen under significant stress and strain. The flesh where ribs should be melts and degenerates into black blood. Shadows boil off the innards of the Ithzir, and pull inward, forcing to its center against the strength of Tierus. There is a hollow metallic voice as the Ithzir writhes and clacks under its gagging.''

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Tierus.
Tierus smiles again, his eyes almost feverishly intent as they study the Ithzir.
Missoni glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can this thing still speak?"
Tierus clears his throat.
Skulligei glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Tierus turns around.
Earthdiver pounds a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with his fist, causing it to shake and tremble.
Earthdiver shrugs.
Speaking to Skulligei, Missoni says, "I heard it say something about how it cannot move earlier."
Lylia says, "Somewhat, yes."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Missoni shrugs slightly.
Skulligei raspily says, "Most interesting."
The dog hovers protectively by Missoni's side, baring its teeth at nothing in particular.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Animates can sometimes parrot the phrases that were known by their corpses."'''

Earthdiver stomps down hard with one of his black boots.
Earthdiver blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a giant ovate leathery winged cockroach's presence.
Missoni agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Missoni says, "The shadows did seem to respond, in a way, but perhaps they were only parroting as well."
Earthdiver climbs down from the black leather saddle on a black horse and carefully detaches some frayed black reins from his bit.
Earthdiver put some frayed black reins in his black shirt.

Lylia says, "It would not parrot phrases about being bound. Nor say 'help me,' I would imagine."

Thrassus asks, "So we infuse something with, say, an overabundance of fire attuned mana and feed it to the Ithzir before it burns up. Then, we trace that same mana back to the souce?"
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "The V'reen would speak as well."
Skulligei raspily says, "I haven't heard of others saying such things. perhaps being disconnected, as it were, is having some effect on it's mind."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "But if this is some kind of manifestation, an incarnation, projected through the veil, it might be linked to something more sentient or sapient than an animated dead."'''

Skulligei agrees with Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Yes. Though the question is whether the Ithzir will process it or not."
Missoni says, "Yes, there may be a collective."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... if you send me mana spiritually, I can still toss the elements about with it, after all."
Skulligei raspily says, "Normally, Ithzir are a collective, as I understand it."
Missoni agrees with Skulligei.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "True."
Missoni asks, "But are the shadows, also?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Likely, more literally acting as a single entity."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is certainly more interesting than I was expecting when I was sent here."'''

Thrassus says, "But that means we need to refine the mana even more before feeding it to them."
Skulligei raspily says, "Rather than a collective."
Speaking lightly to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Worth the trip, I hope."
Lylia grins at Missoni.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "What were you expecting, exactly?"'''

Skulligei works his fingers under his riveted tin monocle and scratches his head.
Skulligei put a stygian valravn quill in his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei gently closes his scarlet leather folio.
Skulligei put a wax-speckled scarlet leather folio in his black leather satchel.
Lylia says, "It is a pity we cannot give them poison and let them take it back to blight the whole hive."
Skulligei prods a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet with the tip of his finger.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Can we not?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The most likely thing seemed to be an Ithzir problem that vanished on its own when a cycle of mana storming halted."'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "Nothing seems to sicken them."
Lylia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Much as was the case [[Return to Sunder|ten years]] ago."'''

'''Speaking to Lylia, Tierus asks, "Perhaps antimagic?"'''

Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd says, "We're not usually that lucky."
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia says, "Anti-magic tends to sicken me."
Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Those shadow entities are somewhat anti-magical themselves."'''

Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Thrassus snickers at Tierus.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "They are resistant to most sorcery."'''

Skulligei gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake.
Lylia says, "I noticed."

'''Missoni agrees, "They have used antimagic to their benefit in battle, too."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. Once they have drained you of expendable mana, they begin ripping the spells off you."'''

Raelee nods faintly at Missoni.
Raelee looks thoughtfully at Harrower Moravius.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Have you tried shooting them with a pylon?"

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "... that is a good point, actually."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Probably. I do not recall the results though."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Raelee says, "A spell upon a target could be a method of 'seeding the mana', so to speak."'''

Missoni ponders.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia nods at Raelee.
Missoni cheerfully says, "Bait."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Magical leeches."
Skulligei nods.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus asks, "Perhaps we could place a nearly completed spell within a subject and trace that?"
Skulligei frowns.
</pre>
===Triangulation versus Tracing Threads===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Harrower Moravius says, "There is also the matter of whether doing this in the wild, more of a triangulation, or capturing one of the shadow masses similar to this Ithzir and following a thread."'''

Missoni says, "The latter seems more controlled, and more likely to yield a good result."

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Thrassus says, "Agreed."
Raelee nods faintly.

'''Tierus asks, "I wonder if we might gorge one of these things. What would happen if we were to feed it too much mana?"'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "I don't suppose I could have one of it's eyes? or would it just melt away when taken from the main body?"
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it would explode."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Tierus asks, "Would it simply pop like an overstuffed goose?"
Skulligei takes a dented riveted tin monocle framing a fresh violet eye off his head.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Like a mosquito made to rupture from being unable to pull off."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "Pate. Delightful."
Skulligei carefully pries a fresh violet eye out of a dented riveted tin monocle.
Skulligei carefully fastens a dented riveted tin monocle around his head, positioning it over his right eye.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect it would probably just dissapear ephemerally back unto it's own valence."
Lylia nods.
Perigourd says, "We saw some of them seem to melt away during the last breach."
Perigourd nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.
Skulligei raspily says, "Perhaps if I had a shadowglass needle to pin it into shape."
Skulligei laughs!

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Capturing one the shadows will likely require constructing some apparatus. I know that Vortelis just received one from the Missoni Sabretache, but I can give you more time to imagine up possibilities."'''

Missoni nods appreciatively.
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This 'Ishzir' we just had to keep bound, preventing it from slipping away."'''

Speaking to herself, Raelee mouths, "... Ishzir..."
Raelee furrows her brow.
Skulligei raspily says, "Ithzir-ish."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Perigourd asks, "If they're attracted to mana, could you not bait whatever trap with an essence core or so?"
Perigourd says, "I'd say plinite, but I'm not sure I'd want to see one that fed on it."
Lylia says, "They seem to like living sources. But possibly."
Thrassus says, "Or just put a volunteer in the trap."
Thrassus nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "I would."
Speaking quietly to Perigourd, Tierus says, "We could use some of that so-called plinite from the Confluence."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It is most likely, almost certainly, the Shadows valence. The same one as the lost Palestra, given the concordance of evidence. But even if we knew that for certain, a tracing would help find where within the valence to look."'''

Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "Would they even be attracted to it? It has... so little power."
Raelee says, "It is akin to tossing crumbs."
Speaking to Raelee, Tierus says, "Perhaps we should rename it sigh-nite."
Tierus asks, "Lie-nite?"
Tierus ponders.
Lylia nods in agreement to Moravius.
Lylia snickers at Tierus.

''Skulligei throws his weight onto the gibbet, making its spikes rips through the shadowy Ithzir more deeply. Black blood gushes out of the wounds, which boils into shadows, then the shadows coil and fuse back into the flesh.''

Skulligei winces.

'''Skulligei raspily says, "Sorry."'''

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It would rip you apart if it could."'''

Missoni shakes her head at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet and clucks her tongue.
Skulligei nods.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "You're not concerned that leaving this valeence open a crack is allowing it to communicate back to the source?"'''

Perigourd glances at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Perigourd asks, "And thus it might understand everything we've been speaking about?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Tierus says, "They don't seem to have much of a mastery of Common."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Ithzir can read our minds. They do it [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)
|often enough]] when they come here during the storms."'''

Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "It seems more of a sooner or later matter."'''

Speaking to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet, Missoni asks, "Renta ti?"
Skulligei raspily says, "But they have been known to speak Tehiri."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder...."
Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei removes a bottle of disturbing black apple juice from in his black cloak.
Skulligei takes a drink from his black apple juice.

Another sorcerer walks over and speaks to Harrower Moravius, gesturing at the lake and storm, making adjustments to his twisted faenor headband.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

''(note: this is just Moravius reacting to that room ambient involving him)''

Lylia says, "They can learn to speak whichever languages the person whose head they currently invade speaks."

''Lylia suddenly kicks the floating gibbet hard, making it spin violently, which throws the shadowy Ithzir around on the spikes ripping through it. Its whole body writhes and deforms, trying to melt into shadows, but vainly fails as the low steel glows. The shadowglass through its skull pulses as it glares malevolently. Its face is a deformed visage of melted and degenerate flesh, which slowly reconstitutes to normal, as the light glows inside its chest and seeps from its surroundings.''

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Perigourd grunts.

''Tierus reaches into the gibbet and wrenches with the bar of the scold's bridle as the shadowy Ithzir shouts "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!" When gagged by it, the mouth dematerializes into shadows, reforming in multiple places. The mouths exclaim, "Hor? Kla val ptath?" Then they collapse back into its head, and the Ithzir's mouth is once more gagged.''

'''Earthdiver says, "So how are we building this triangulation device."'''

Lylia says, "Good question."
Lylia grins at Earthdiver.
Skulligei squints at a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.
Lylia says, "I have been largely silent as I sort it all out in my mind."
Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Well. Vortelis has one proposal from th... from Missoni, for capturing the shadows, but I would be willing to give you all time to come up with ideas for apparatus."'''

Earthdiver asks, "Are we using plinite as the power source?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Since it seemed to be favored to capture one first."'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Tierus says, "I think the Harrower is correct. The lure must be living."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "It has not been decided. But it is likely impractical."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "We would have to source some plinite of value first."
Skulligei glances at Raelee and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Lylia says, "I concur. A living lure is best."
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
Earthdiver asks, "Wait, are we luring, or triangulating?"
Earthdiver looks rather confused.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "Both. Luring in order to impart something that can be utilized to triangulate."
Lylia says, "Yes. Luring it to one spot, wherein it may be trapped."
</pre>
===Political Considerations===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Tierus says, "Unless we were to invade [[Northwatch]] and take their [[plinite]], but that adds extra steps to this whole endeavour."'''

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Earthdiver says, "Right. I am just curious about the triangulation mechanism. Not the luring."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a lich would stop us."
Perigourd nods slowly.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "[[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl|Vespasius]] might be open to that, but I doubt the [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl|Patriarch]] wishes to do such invasions."'''

Tierus nods sagely at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Well, former lich."
Lylia nods at Earthdiver.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "For--"
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Tierus says, "It hasn't precisely worked well for other elven houses, for whatever that's worth."
Perigourd glances at Missoni.

'''Skulligei raspily asks, "And we are doing this....where? the [[Bleaklands]]?"'''

Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "The core concept is to 'pollute' the mana it draws and passes on to create a traceable thread."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Raelee says, "... and this plan is not even an hour old. Details are to be determined."
Earthdiver says, "Ah."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "That is another matter. I will want you all to help secure the surroundings in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Tierus says, "Triangulation implies that we must 'seed' more than one of these creatures."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Ideally within the next two weeks."'''

Earthdiver says, "I was excited for the triangulation math. Perhaps I am getting ahead of things."
Lylia says, "Like smoke drifting in a passage to indicate the direction of a draft, as Skulligei noted."
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni asks, "Should we build a base of operations there?"
Skulligei nods.
Lylia nods to Moravius.

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Perigourd asks, "Don't you have an Armada for that?"'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Lylia chuckles.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "This is in the depths of it near the ruins of [[Talador]] itself. Which is very intense with hostile forces."'''

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "You would have us bring the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Armata|Armata]] to the Barony of Talador?"'''

Skulligei nods.
Missoni shifts her weight.

'''Perigourd says, "I suppose not, no."'''

Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

'''Harrower Moravius nods.'''

Lylia mildly says, "It might create big feelings."
Skulligei raspily says, "We're going to need more than an Armada if these things are allowed to accumulate power."
Tierus says, "I suspect all-out war with Turamzzyr would be just as unnecessary as an invasion of Northwatch."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "There are rifts to the [[Shadow Realm]] valence in the deep Bleaklands."'''

Skulligei nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I wish to ascertain if they are useful for traveling there more safely than through this lake."'''

'''Tierus asks, "Do you plan to seek the permission of the [[Aurmont|Emperor]]?"'''

Perigourd nods grimly at Missoni.

'''Harrower Moravius smirks.'''

Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus says, "I doubt they have any controlling presence that deep in the Bleaklands to begin with."
Skulligei gazes with interest at the midnight black apple in his hand.
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "The Emperor can come speak to me in the Bleaklands."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "Nonetheless, it is within their borders, and humans are highly territorial creatures."
Missoni grins wryly.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.
Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Tierus.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus says, "The subtle thing to do would be to engage in all of the necessary niceties."
Thrassus rolls his eyes.
Speaking to Thrassus, Tierus adds, "I've heard."
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I expect a Magister of the [[Hall of Mages|Hall]] will most likely be present."
Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Raelee.
Thrassus says, "It's not going to be an army."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "That makes this vastly worse, not better."
Lylia coolly says, "If they wish Faendryl help dealing with a problem that affects us all, then they will have to accept Faendryl solutions."
Missoni says, "Just a few of us on a weekend jaunt."
Speaking mildly to Lylia, Tierus says, "Ah, I wasn't aware that they had asked for our help. Let us carry on, then."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "For then, the [[Royal Magister]] inquires to *me* why I authorized this. And that is not a conversation I am interested in having."
Skulligei agrees with Lylia.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I will leave such considerations with Vespasius."'''

Perigourd nods knowingly at Raelee.
Lylia says, "They would, if they but knew the seriousness of the breach. It is perhaps best they do not."
Missoni politely says, "I am sure he will know how to smooth things over."
Lylia says, "No need to worry everyone unduly."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Missoni.
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd chuckles.
Tierus says, "Very well. It seems that this particular die is cast."
</pre>
===Other Issues===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tierus idly says, "I wonder if there's enough [[bleakstone]] to build a statue of me within our fortifications. Something tasteful, no larger than twice life-size. Rugged, though. And staring off into the distance with determination written across my brow."

Tierus abruptly says, "I suppose the rest of you could be in it, too."
Thrassus says, "I am sure there is."
Speaking to Tierus, Lylia says, "One bleakstone statue at a time, I think, is more than sufficient."
Speaking to Tierus, Raelee says, "... I do not need another statue. One is too many as is."
Lylia grins at Tierus.
Missoni agrees with Lylia.
Speaking to Tierus, Perigourd says, "I'm quite happy without being depicted."

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Vortelis will want to see that [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)#Back to Soulstone Recharging and the Bleakstone Statue|bleakstone statue]] soon."'''

Missoni says, "Bleakstone statues are nothing but trouble."
Tierus pleasantly says, "More stone for me."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I enjoy mine; I just wish it were not so inconveniently placed."
Lylia nods to Moravius.
Speaking raspily to Lylia, Skulligei says, "It's a relaxing area though....aside from the ghostly wailing and manastorms of course."
Lylia begins chuckling at Skulligei!
Skulligei raspily says, "Could get a bench out there."
Skulligei nods.
Speaking to Skulligei, Tierus prompts, "In front of the statue."
Lylia nods.
Skulligei agrees with Tierus.

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' folks."

Raelee gestures.
Pale, swirling mist begins to billow out from nothingness before you, and quickly coalesces into a small orb of shifting essence. Suddenly, the orb expands and forms an elliptical portal of swirling blues and blacks, its edges shrouded in dancing blue-white mist.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."
[General] Tonari thinks, "Evening, Lord Tebon."
Tebon steps out of the shifting portal.
Skulligei nods to Tebon in greeting.
Lylia inclines her head.

Tebon says, "E'enin', folks."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Thrassus says, "There's an altar out there that seems to be a recent addition, while we are on the expedition it might be a good idea to look it over and see if it an offshoot from the Horned Society or the like."'''

Tebon nods warily to Skulligei.
Missoni cheerfully greets, "Sir Tebon."
Tebon nods curtly to Lylia.
Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "M'lady Missoni."
Speaking curiously to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The [[Horned Cabal|Cabal]]?"

'''Harrower Moravius says, "I do not know much about religion."'''

Perigourd ponders.
Tebon glances at Perigourd.

'''Harrower Moravius asks, "But if there is something sorcerous about it?"'''

'''Harrower Moravius shrugs.'''

Perigourd holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Thrassus says, "I do not think it is connected to anything of our concern though, so be at ease there."
Thrassus snickers.
Thrassus says, "It might not be anything to be concerned about."
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "We've been asked to secure some point in the bleaklands soon."
Perigourd nods at Tebon.
Tierus says, "I suppose I should find an inn. It sounds like there will be some preparations needed for such a scintillating adventure."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Tebon, Perigourd says, "Perhaps in a fortnight or so."
Missoni cheerfully agrees, "Air out your tents and bedrolls."
Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Lylia suggests, "Silvergate is lovely."
Tebon whispers something to Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Tierus says, "Yes, at least at the beginning of the evening."
Tierus nods.

'''Harrower Moravius says, "Yes. I suppose I do not have much else for you right now."'''

Skulligei gazes up into the heavens.
Skulligei nods to Moravius.
Tebon ponders.
Lylia says, "I appreciate your time, Harrower Moravius, and your work on that."

'''Speaking to Harrower Moravius, Missoni says, "Thank you for the enlightening discussion, Harrower."'''

Lylia nods to a mutilated shadowy Ithzir gibbet.

'''Harrower Moravius nods at Missoni.'''

Tebon nods at Perigourd.
Thrassus nods once.
Perigourd nods slowly to Moravius.

'''Harrower Moravius just went southwest.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-01-26T12:33:05Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)]]
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion. Thagoria says she thinks they're corrupted Ithzir, and likely investigators include Harrowers Vortelis, Ersix, and Xociral.
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]
* '''01/25/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-25 - Vivisection, Triangulation, and Strangulation (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)

2026-01-20T05:05:03Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: Created page with "==Synopsis== This was the first invasion where the shadow attacks fully manifested as Ithzir. Previously there was a shadow spelling out the word "klaloc", and earlier a hollow metallic sound coming from one, which is how the Ithzir sound. There were also bursting eyes previously, from pressure inside heads, which has happened before with Ithzir in storylines. This was before there was any activity from the soulstone of Aralyte Halanori Faendryl, so adventurers at th..."

==Synopsis==
This was the first invasion where the shadow attacks fully manifested as Ithzir. Previously there was a shadow spelling out the word "klaloc", and earlier a hollow metallic sound coming from one, which is how the Ithzir sound. There were also bursting eyes previously, from pressure inside heads, which has happened before with Ithzir in storylines. This was before there was any activity from the soulstone of [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], so adventurers at this time did not know it was related to her. (i.e. It was not known this was a "Lost Palestra" storyline yet.)

This log starts at the Shadow of Melgorehn's Reach, where some messaging happened specific to that room. This is missing the realm wide messaging of the storm starting. When everyone left that room, the log follows Perigourd's group. Then it stays in Town Square Central until Raelee leaves. There were periods interspersed and afterwards questioning the significance of Ithzir involvement.

The Ithzir oathguards had attacks that drained spirit. There was also a case of an inert Ithzir some people had "captured", mentioned at a few points in the log, which was basically an invasion glitch and meaningless. There were no shadow entity invasion creatures, only the shadowy Ithzir. In future invasions there were other kinds of shadowy Ithzir as well.

'''Invasion Creatures:'''

* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard

'''Previously on the Lost Palestra storyline:'''

* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)|2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow]]

==Log==
This log is reconstructed from a few different sources. There are some missing ESP messages. Most battle messaging, ambients, and actions have been cut out.

===Initial Attack===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Happenings at the Shadow of Melgorehn's Reach: ''(note: missing log info in that room)''

'''A shadow moves behind Savageheart.'''

'''Something brushes up against you.'''

'''Lithe shadows rise up from the base of the mountain, like a border of dark flames, their forms moving and expanding, as if pressing outward.'''

'''Among the shadowy forms, a pair of green eyes appear.'''

'''Extending from the wall of shadowy forms, a lithe hand reaches out.'''

'''Another pair of emerald eyes appears.'''

'''You feel a dull pain behind your eyes.'''

'''The pain begins to intensify.'''

'''A metallic voice echoes in your mind, "Johmno."'''

[Help] Jirum: "Anything happening in the Landing?"
[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Shadows and green eyes."

'''Several more pairs of green eyes appear, like polished, faceted emerals in a sea of shadows. The lone hand withdraws backinto the darkness.'''

[General] Xexex asks, "What color are Pukk's eyes?"
[General] Xexex thinks, "And don't say "Black and blue" (grin)"
[General] Xexex asks, "So, if you get a lot of urchins working together, they carry bodies?"
[General] Moaskoan thinks, "They'll usually call for friends if you're trying to drag along a body when you call for them."
[General] Wisserstaff asks, "Anyone seen anything more threatening than some eyes?"

[Melgorehn's Reach, The Shadow]
You are in a grassy area which is presently darkened by the shadow of a peculiar mountain jutting from the ground. It is unusual in the fact that no other mountains exist in this area, and you can remember a time when there certainly wasn't one here. You also see a dark bluish star-bellied spider, the Lachonus disk, a skewer of chili and cumin-roasted scorpions, a flame-eyed burnished ember fox, a cherry red fire puppy ablaze with a dancing blue-violet inferno, a battered antique faewood crate, a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings, a damp ebon seed-eyed knobbly greenheart mandrake, a damp yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake, the discordant Tearieyes disk, the brass Monthas disk engraved with runes, the Stormyrain disk, the flaming Nairdin disk, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, a lazy wild grey dog, a sharp-beaked drakar verlok'ar that is flying around, an upset aurora spirit that is flying around, a fluffy white cat, the Regwen disk, the Puptilian disk, a forest wolf and a broad path.
Also here: Skulligei, Master Lachonus, Emissary Thrassus, Magister Raelee, Kiyna, Whimweaver Leafiara, Blades, Grhim, Nairdin, Earthdiver, Monthas, Tearieyes, Imperatrix Lylia, Savageheart, Bathcwyn Missoni, Stormyrain, Pukk, Squire Everall, Perigourd, Sister-at-arms Regwen, Puptilian
Obvious paths: northeast, west

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "Testing if they're vampiric?"
Perigourd raises an eyebrow in Thrassus's direction.
Thrassus runs a finger along the edge of his pavade's blade.
Savageheart ponders.
Puptilian turns around.
Lachonus seems to be waiting for something.
Regwen says, "Seems to have quieted down."
Stormyrain gazes up into the sky.
From behind Lachonus, Leafiara's voice says, "Welcome over."

[General] Lankas thinks, "I saw eyes inside the pub at my table even."

Puptilian gazes up into the sky.
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "Some interpretations of 'klaloc' indicate blood, perhaps as a life essence. Given that these shadows expressed some interest in that..."
Skulligei nods.
Lachonus glances around the area.
Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Blades takes a drink from his Balefire whiskey.
Regwen glances up.
Everall rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "To do what with?"
Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.
Puptilian rests a gentle hand on Regwen's arm.
Missoni curiously asks, "Did they say anything else?"
Savageheart leans on his spikestar.
Regwen leans softly against Puptilian.
Lachonus furrows his brow.
Thrassus says, "I was just attempting to at least eliminate one possible meaning."
Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "Given that this is based on a single word carved into a railing, I cannot say I have the evidence to speculate with."
Missoni nods approvingly at Thrassus.
Lylia nods slowly at Thrassus.
Blades begins to look a little better.
Thrassus says, "Plus it would have been interesting to see how they reacted."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Yes. We have shadows watching the town. Rooks, stand ready on the roofs."

Everall sighs.
Blades says, "Don't particularly care for any ithzir words. They should've been eradicated from old Ta'Faendryl long ago."
Monthas ducks his head.
Blades shrugs.
Blades takes a drink from his glass of whiskey.
Lylia holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Regwen raises an eyebrow in Puptilian's direction.
Tearieyes softly says, "Pups going to melt the chocolate."
Speaking to Blades, Missoni says, "If they are eradicated, another house may move in."
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Better them than watching the Nalfein grow fat on our leavings, some might say."

A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker swings a closed fist at Tearieyes!
With no room to spare, Tearieyes manages to parry the blow with her silvery walking stick!

A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!

''(fight fight fight)''

The voice of Leafiara says, "Ah, battle..."

Monthas taps his foot impatiently.

Earthdiver's lips move soundlessly.
Earthdiver gestures.
A sphere of formless black ripples expands outward from Earthdiver.

A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker just arrived!
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker swings a closed fist at Regwen!
AS: +414 vs DS: +512 with AvD: +4 + d100 roll: +37 = -57
A clean miss.

''(fight)''

Blades says, "Oh i upset the blue ones."

Skulligei raspily says, "You HAD to say something."

''(fight)''

Leafiara blurs into a white fog and vanishes!

Tearieyes blinks.

Grhim scowls.

The ground begins to shake violently, making it hard to stand.

Shadows dance between Lylia's outstretched fingers as she issues a command in archaic Faendryl.
Lylia gestures at a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker.
Lylia intones deeply over a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker's body as slender glowing wisps gather around Lylia's body like a swarm of moths to a lantern. After a few moments Lylia begins to take on a slight glow and the shadowy Ithzir veilstalker's body starts to show subtle signs of movement. Finally, the glow surrounding Lylia envelops the body and flares brightly before fading out, revealing an upright animated shadowy Ithzir veilstalker.

Missoni thoughtfully says, "Intersting."

A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker's body shimmers slightly, then fades from view like a dissipating phantom.
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker's body shimmers slightly, then fades from view like a dissipating phantom.
A lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker's body shimmers slightly, then fades from view like a dissipating phantom.

Blades asks, "I put down my whiskey for that?"

Grunting from the exertion, a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker arrives dragging a stunned shadowy Ithzir veilstalker behind him!

Thrassus asks, "Infected Ithzir?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee remarks, "... progress..."

Thrassus nods at Raelee.
Missoni agrees with Raelee.

An animated lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker's voice sounds as if he is speaking through a long metal tube as he cocks his head, saying, "Pa letthe, isonna ytrak ka patrabi maktali cra!"
The shadowy Ithzir veilstalker laughs.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "The phenomena appear to be isolated to the Reach so far. No incursions in town."

Monthas says, "Never saw one of these before."

''(fight)''

The voice of Blades says, "That was fast."

''(fight fight fight)''

The voice of Blades says, "Sorcerers always makin zombies."

Blades glances at Perigourd.

Blades says, "Stand in front of me more."

Skulligei cackles!

Blades says, "I'm fragile."

Perigourd chuckles.

Blades says, "And very old."
Blades limps around a bit, favoring one leg.

Thrassus says, "Well, that more or less eliminates one potential source."

Everall inclines his head.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Actually, a couple spotted outside the gates, but perhaps they wandered... dispatched now."

Speaking to Blades, Perigourd says, "Indeed."

Puptilian says, "Why the green eyes."
Puptilian asks, "Why did I feel pain?"
Stormyrain gazes up into the sky.
Blades begins to look a little better.

[General] Pukk exclaims, "Good job Leafi!"

Stormyrain glances up.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "No, they're definitely approaching on purpose."

Lylia gazes with interest at an animated lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker.

Stormyrain says, "Rain has stopped."

Stormyrain gazes up into the sky.

Savageheart asks, "Did they drop any candy?"

Everall takes a moment to observe an animated lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker.
Pukk gazes up into the sky.
Wisserstaff gazes up into the sky.

Speaking to Puptilian, Missoni says, "Ithzir tend to have green eyes."

Lylia says, "A pity the dead do not speak much, as a rule."

Thrassus says, "This definately means the source is not of this valence."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Handling the vicinity of the gates."

Speaking to Missoni, Puptilian says, "I can get that but why the connect to those of us here with green eyes. That pain was horrible."

The shadowy Ithzir veilstalker continues to be bathed in the beam of darkness from Grhim's lantern. It looks drained!

Speaking to Grhim, Lylia says, "I went through all the trouble to make that..."

[Help] Jirum: "Has it started?"

[General] Crinbar thinks, "Ithzir in town."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "If any get into town, please report."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Ah... already there, I see."

Thrassus says, "Everyone felt that pain."

''(fight fight fight)''

Speaking to Puptilian, Missoni asks, "Did only those of us with green eyes feel the pain?"

Kiyna looks over at Missoni and shakes her head.

Speaking to Lylia, Grhim says, "I think we annoyed them."

Speaking to Missoni, Thrassus says, "No."

''(fight)''

Speaking to Missoni, Puptilian says, "Unless eveyrone felt paint."

Blades leans on his axe.

Lachonus ponders.

Kiyna says, "My eyes are amber, and I felt it."

Puptilian nods at Kiyna.

Speaking to Puptilian, Missoni says, "It seems they may have tried to intrude upon everyone."

Lylia says, "My grey eyes felt it as well."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Perhaps we should go to the source then, and deal with them there."

[General] Crinbar thinks, "Gurem is in Thraks. Need empaths."

''(fight)''

Speaking to Perigourd, Puptilian says, "Heading to town to help there."

Kiyna complains, "I'm more than capable of having migraines on my own, thanks much."

Speaking to Puptilian, Perigourd asks, "Are they apperaing in town?"

Regwen nods at Puptilian.
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "I have been hoping for an extraplanar trip."

Puptilian says, "A few got through."

Grhim ponders.

Puptilian says, "Going to make sure there are no more."
Perigourd nods at Puptilian.

Puptilian just moved quietly west, with his group following closely.

''(fight fight fight)''

Puptilian just moved quietly west, with his group following closely.

Kiyna says, "Don't let that scarab near you. I spent long enough with one of those accursed things burrowed into me. Not again. Not ever again."

Missoni carefully says, "I wonder how many they will send."

Speaking to Kiyna, Lylia says, "I think I recognize that one. It is...unlikely to get under my skin."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Look on the north ring road."

[Melgorehn's Reach, The Shadow]
You are in a grassy area which is presently darkened by the shadow of a peculiar mountain jutting from the ground. It is unusual in the fact that no other mountains exist in this area, and you can remember a time when there certainly wasn't one here. You also see a polished nail, a skeletal stygian scarab beetle that is flying around, a moldy cherry cupcake, a dark bluish star-bellied spider that is lying down, a flame-eyed burnished ember fox, a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings, a seed-eyed knobbly greenheart mandrake with some wolifrew lichen on it, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake, the brass Monthas disk engraved with runes, the flaming Nairdin disk, the mural-sided Perigourd cassone, a lazy wild grey dog, a sharp-beaked drakar verlok'ar that is flying around, a fluffy white cat and a broad path.
Also here: Wisserstaff, Skulligei, Magister Raelee, Kiyna, Blades, Nairdin, Earthdiver, Monthas, Imperatrix Lylia, Savageheart, Bathcwyn Missoni, Pukk, Squire Everall, Perigourd
Obvious paths: northeast, west

Grhim just arrived.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Currently clearing out the areas around the square."

Skulligei just went west.

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Pup's group is on North Ring Road."

Blades says, "The Ithzir in old Ta'Faendryl know when its time to disappear from a fight. These just run into walls."

Blades smirks as a haughty expression flits across his face.

[General] Skulligei thinks, "Outside the hall as well."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "They don't appear to be manifesting on the rooftops, so they are coming from outside the town for sure."

Lylia nods.

Perigourd says, "I'm going to withdraw to the town."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Divine Wrath seems oddly potent against them while Divine Fury seems oddly impotent against them.. as it were."

A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard swings a closed fist at Missoni!
Missoni evades the attack with incredible finesse!

A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!

''(fight fight fight)''

Kiyna says, "Those were a bit spookier."

Wisserstaff says, "Well at least they're being entertaining."

Lylia nods slowly.

Raelee says, "... perhaps these Ithzir have finally come for their pyramid in the bay."

[General] Xexex thinks, "Need help on the trail to Vor."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "I wondered about that as well."

Everall squints.

Perigourd says, "Moving."
</pre>
===Thoughts and Prayers===
This is some ESP chatter after everyone had left the Shadow of Melgorehn's Reach. There was fighting happening around town in Wehnimer's Landing.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[General] Nymmurh asks, "Landing getting invaded?"

[General] The ghost of Xexex thinks, "Never mind. Ithzir got me and scared off the scribe."

[General] Lylia thinks, "Ithzir."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Large clash outside the furrier, but we actually have it handled. They take a lot of punishment, but don't dish it out."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "The square appears to not be breached..."

[General] Wisserstaff thinks, "Many at north gate."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Which is odd since it's also surrounded."

[General] Danse asks, "Guys...guys calm down.. What I think everyone whats to know is, is the tiny kitten okay?"

[Help] Sythana: "Can I get a target in TSC?"

[Help] Talismanblue: "In TSC, caution."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "Oathguard just sw of the gate."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "By candle shop."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "A few have wandered to South Ring Road, but Monthas, I, and the rest of the Rooks have cut them off before they reach Shanty Town. We can hold them off indefinitely unless they reveal much more powerful combatants than they have so far."

[General] Thrassus asks, "What sank that pyramid into the Bay in the first place, can anyone remind me?"

[General] Puptilian thinks, "General."

[Help] Talismanblue: "Just saw a scarab beetle - is that a pet or an enemy?"

[General] Puptilian thinks, "We did I thought."

[General] Thrassus asks, "Yes but how?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "South ring road handled, searching for stragglers."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "Team at the gate."

[General] Pukk thinks, "It was Raelee. She sank everything. She sneezed and flooded everything. It was called the great sneeze disaster."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "Oathguard on the west ring."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "LOTS."

[General] Talismanblue thinks, "I saw about 7."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Plenty near the middle dock. I'm keeping them distracted, though."

[General] The ghost of Talismanblue thinks, "HELP."

[General] The ghost of Talismanblue thinks, "Theyre in TSC Nw."

[General] Falvicar asks, "Hmm?"

[General] Directed to Pukk, Falvicar asks, "Hum de dum dum dum?"
</pre>
===Fighting In Town===
This part of the log follows Perigourd's group around town fighting Ithzir. Most of the room descriptions have been cut out, as well as the combat messaging. There is some missing ESP messaging.
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[Wehnimer's, Talon St.]
The street runs between the northern palisade and the central square to the south and east. The traffic is varied here, as a few traders and travelers mingle on the dark streets with the ever-present and watchful militiamen. The pristine walls of the Stone Baths occupy nearly the entire block. You also see a crystal amulet, some acantha leaf, some acantha leaf, a pink sapphire, a scattering of deathstone granules, a dented brass box, a star ruby, a crystal wand, a rotting modwir box, a fossilized shell, a polished bloodwood wand, a white opal, a crystal wand, a weathered fel trunk, a turquoise stone, a plain gold box, a shiny smooth stone, an uncut ruby, a small white pearl, an iron-bound wooden trunk, a solid moonstone cube, a simple modwir trunk, a steel lockpick, a battered iron chest, a turquoise stone, an onyx studded serpent skin kirtle, an uncut ruby, a star ruby, a frilly damask dress, a scratched haon trunk, a pink topaz, an aquamarine wand, a blue sapphire, a blued steel hauberk, a green malachite stone, a scratched steel coffer, an uncut emerald, a green malachite stone, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a decayed arm, a fleshless arm, a flayed arm, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a blued steel hauberk, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a polished bloodwood wand, a polished bloodwood wand, a polished bloodwood wand, a blue sapphire, a small white pearl, an aquamarine wand, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a medium pink pearl, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a polished steel shield, a medium white pearl, a violet sapphire, a spiral-hafted handaxe, a threaded white pearl, a star ruby, a solid moonstone cube, a pink rhodochrosite stone and a bunch of other stuff.
Also here: Drizdark, Tearieyes, Bathcwyn Missoni, Magister Raelee, Blades, Nairdin, Earthdiver, Imperatrix Lylia, Perigourd
Obvious paths: north, south

A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!
A muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard just arrived!

''(fight fight fight)''

A skeletal stygian scarab beetle flits in.
A yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake toddles into the area and up to Missoni.

Blades says, "Well now my legs are tired too."

''(moving)''

Blades says, "Just keep glarin at em."

Blades nods at Missoni.

Blades says, "I'm tired."

Blades yawns.

''(fighting, moving, finding less and less)''

Perigourd says, "Sleepy's battle hardened wisdom."
Perigourd chuckles.

''(moving, fighting)''

[Wehnimer's, Land's End Rd.]
Vigilant night guardsmen scrutinize the citizens and travelers arriving and departing through the wide gates spanning the land route into Wehnimer's Landing. The cluttered streets of the city to the south are a far cry from the deceptively calm expanse of the wilds of Elanith outside. Two daunting towers survey the countryside and protect the town, flanking the road to the east and west. You also see the woven brass Drizdark disk, a steel lockpick, the discordant Tearieyes disk, an upset aurora spirit that is flying around, a polished steel shield, a pale-eyed shadowy black cat, a moldy orange cupcake and a large wooden barrel.
Also here: Bathcwyn Missoni, Magister Raelee, Blades, Earthdiver, Imperatrix Lylia, Perigourd, Tearieyes
Obvious paths: south

Ezabell says, "Seems like you all are having fun."

Blades stretches.

Lylia says, "These leave me feeling so strangely enervated."

Ezabell asks, "I thought I'd come help if it is still needed?"

Lylia closes her eyes for a moment.

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Winston senses about 2 dozen running about."

Missoni smiles at Ezabell.

A wicked grin crosses Blades's face as he hisses a magical phrase at an incomprehensibly rapid pace.

Lylia says, "Help is always welcome."

Speaking to Ezabell, Perigourd says, "One wonders if they're returning to their own plane."

Blades leans against the town gates.

Perigourd reaches out and holds Ezabell's hand.

Speaking to Ezabell, Missoni says, "Thank you for coming."

''(moving, fighting)''

'''The last remnants of blue and purple lights fade into the night sky.'''

Perigourd glances south.

Missoni tilts her head up.

Earthdiver says, "So pretty."

Ezabell asks, "Oh, what is that?"

Speaking to Ezabell, Missoni says, "There was some activity at the Reach."

Speaking to Ezabell, Perigourd says, "Likely their interplanar incursion folding in on itself."

Blades says, "Seems the blue ones are tired of failing."

[Help] Korsare: "Anyone around that can pls come get me and bring me to town?"

Blades smirks as a haughty expression flits across his face.

Master Lachonus just went through the town gates.

Speaking to Ezabell, Earthdiver says, "Something seems to have broken in the sky."

[General] Drizdark thinks, "Seems clear for now."

Ezabell frowns.

Speaking to Ezabell, Lylia says, "We saw a similar light-show earlier, shortly before the Ithzir arrived. And the shadows."

Perigourd says, "They seem to be using the Reach to break into our plane."

Blades says, "And i'm just tired."

[General] Pukk exclaims, "We win!"

Ezabell says, "Interesting."

[General] Grhim thinks, "This one became decidedly less violent after I remove a leg, a hand, and kept him webbed for several minutes."

''(moving from North Gate to TSC)''
</pre>
===Afterwards: Discussion of the Ithzir===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
[Town Square Central]
This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see a bright gold and silver pinwheel, a white flask, a pernicious will-o-wisp spirit that is flying around, a painted ceramic goblin statue holding a jack-o-lantern, a bearded cloud greatfang, a blue wolf that is sitting, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a round brown potato, a violet-swept lollipop shaped into a rose-hued wisp lantern, a tincture of tkaro, a tincture of tkaro, a tincture of tkaro, a tincture of tkaro, some calamia fruit, some wolifrew lichen, the Grevous disk, an animated broadsword hovering in mid-air, a dented plate, a trail of aster-wreathed silver hedgehogs leading southwest, a round silver-banded barrel, an herbal remedy donation bin and some wide stone benches with some stuff on it.
Also here: Bathcwyn Missoni, Magister Raelee, Earthdiver, Imperatrix Lylia, Death Weaver Ezabell, Perigourd, Wisserstaff, Talismanblue who is sitting, Lankas who is kneeling, Lord Tovaris, Loggor, Durrael who is sitting, Lord Ahseetah, Lord Grevous
Obvious paths: northeast, east, southeast, southwest, west, northwest

Lylia says, "Honestly, the mountain is such a nuisance, but I can see why they like it so much. Certainly a prime point of interest for every entity from every valence that wanders by."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Good job people! Everybody came through and worked together to keep Landing safe."

Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.

[Help] Talismanblue: "I keep thinking the skeletal stygian beetle is bad."

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "It is rather fascinating. One cannot really blame them."

Speaking to Lylia, Earthdiver says, "There really needs to be some...disincentive."

Nairdin heartily says, "The town is safe once again."

[Help] Lylia: "Well, it's Thrassus' friend, so it might be kind of scary."

Missoni adds, "Though it would be nice if they visited more politely."

Drizdark says, "Seems clear out there."

Ezabell asks, "Has this happened before?"

Earthdiver ponders.

Missoni nods approvingly at Drizdark.

Thrassus steps out of the pillar of darkness.
The pillar of darkness ripples for a moment as it separates into shadows that recede into the darkness from which they came.

Speaking to Ezabell, Perigourd says, "Shadows of them before, perhaps."

Speaking heartily to Ezabell, Nairdin asks, "Something trying to destroy the landing?"

Perigourd says, "These seemed fully formed."

Nairdin heartily asks, "Or these i particular?"

Earthdiver grins at Nairdin.

Nairdin chuckles.

Speaking to Nairdin, Ezabell says, "It would seem the Ithzir."

Thrassus says, "They could be emanating from the pyramid in the Bay."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "Thanks to an offering of blood, do you suppose?"

Ezabell says, "Oh, I see what you were asking."

Speaking to Thrassus, Tovaris asks, "Why is there a pyramid in the bay?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Emanating from or drawn to."

Pukk just arrived.

Perigourd shrugs nonchalantly at Missoni.

Speaking to Tovaris, Thrassus says, "It was sank there."

Thrassus nods at Raelee.

[General] Grhim thinks, "This now less than violent Ithzir is at the Courtyard of Hearthstone if anyone would like to attempt to communicate with it."

Thrassus says, "But the thing is these Ithzir don't seem to be undead, not exactly."

Tovaris says, "Doesn't seem like a good spot for it."

Pukk recites:
"Congrats everybody! We survived the chaos!"

Monthas turns to Pukk and cheers!

Pukk recites:
"Drinks are on perigourd!"

Pukk turns to Perigourd and cheers!
Skulligei turns to Perigourd and cheers!
Monthas turns to Perigourd and cheers!

Perigourd says, "Fishkey will be finished soon."

Perigourd nods.

Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni asks, "Did the pyramid have something to do with the undead?"

Thrassus says, "No, it was an Ithzir vehicle that traveled the valences if I recall correctly."

Thrassus says, "Or whatever it is they do."

Raelee nods at Thrassus.
Lylia nods at Thrassus.

Missoni muses, "Interesting."

Raelee asks, "... and it was felled, by the pylons... no?"

[General] Pukk thinks, "Good night all."

Missoni says, "A shame we have not attempted a repair. That could be useful."

[General] Pukk thinks, "Stay safe."

Thrassus says, "That I cannot recall."

Thrassus says, "It's at the bottom of the Bay, it's rather inaccessible."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "It could also be dangerous."

Lylia says, "It is submerged, but what state it is in now, I can hardly guess. I seem to remember golems marching underwater...unless that was a Green Death fever-dream."

Speaking quietly to Missoni, Raelee says, "It is actually remarkable how little interesting in that pyramid there has been."

Xorus just arrived.

Missoni cheerfully says, "We have moved large things before."

Xorus says, "Evening."

[General] Lachonus asks, "Anyone know any good... interrogation tactics?"

Lylia whispers something to Xorus.

Raelee says, "I have contemplated multiple methods, both earth and water based... to bring it to the surface again."

Xorus glances at Lylia.

Raelee nods slowly at Xorus.

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "Oh, good. You are here, and now you can explain everything we have just seen."

Raelee adds, "... which we ought to do, even if that pyramid has nothing to do with this."

Lylia grins impishly.

Earthdiver says, "Perhaps balloons."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "Perhaps it is time to put some into action."

Xorus says, "That depends."

Missoni agrees with Raelee.

Xorus asks, "What have you just seen?"

Perigourd glances between Missoni and Raelee.

Lylia says, "Ithzir."

Xorus asks, "Ithzir?"

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "Shadowy, dark ones. Somewhat... atypical."

Speaking to Xorus, Thrassus asks, "What's the most common meaning of the word 'klaloc'?"

Xorus asks, "Did we not already have Ithzir not just ten years ago?"

Thrassus nods at Xorus.

Lylia says, "But not only them. There were shadows, before then. Green-eyed. Shortly after a light-show in the skies, these shadows appeared, and shortly after them....yes. Ithzir."

Speaking to Thrassus, Xorus says, "Klaloc? Strength, power, blood. Something to that effect."

Thrassus says, "Yes, and now shadow ones are back. Like black mold."

Drizdark asks, "Someone gettin ya?"

Earthdiver says, "This is Second ithzir."

Thrassus nods at Xorus.

Speaking to Talismanblue, Sythana exclaims, "You're it!"

Talismanblue says, "I do need a little exercise."

Thrassus says, "They didn't take an offer of blood when it was available, so we can eliminate that meaning at least."

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "... varieties of essence, in effect."

Xorus nods.

Xorus says, "I assume it depends on context. My knowledge of Ithzir is limited."

Thrassus nods.

[General] Talismanblue asks, "These were Oathguards. What Oath were they keeping?"

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "It may be a term that never quite translates directly."

Xorus nods.

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

[General] Khaell thinks, "They were guarding that part."

Thrassus asks, "What was it they spoke earlier?"

Lylia says, "Pardon me a moment."

Imperatrix Lylia just went west.

Thrassus says, "Johmon or something."

Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.

Nairdin heartily says, "Johmo."

Missoni says, "Johmno, or death."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Johmno."

Thrassus nods.

Raelee says, "... which translates somewhat more clearly than tlaloc."

Perigourd says, "Neither of which indicates final intention."

Lylia says, "So. 'Death', and 'Essence.' I do not think they mean to take tea with us."

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni asks, "Perhaps they mean they are in danger of death?"

Nairdin heartily says, "I got that feeling when they just tried to kill us all."

Lylia says, "Possibly, but if they meant to seek our help, then they could find better ways to ask."

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Unless they see us as responsible."

Lylia nods firmly at Nairdin.

Nairdin heartily says, "You don't send an army to ask for help."

Missoni says, "Oh, I am not sure they meant to seek help. Perhaps they meant to take over our world, and use it, as they do."

Earthdiver cocks his head at Missoni.

Nairdin glances furtively over his left shoulder.

Ghrath heartily asks, "Did I miss it?"

Lylia nods at Ghrath.

Ghrath snaps his fingers.

Lylia says, "It is their habit, yes."

Xorus says, "The Ithzir are mischievous scamps in that way."

Missoni says, "And they conveniently left a pyramaid. We are probably easy to find."

Sythana exclaims, "More mana please!"

Lylia asks, "Everyone wishes to have a bite of us. Who knew we were such a tasty morsel?"

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee asks, "... mischevious... scamps?"

Xorus says, "Always sneaking about. Becoming invisible. Using up all the mana."

Speaking to Xorus, Perigourd says, "They sound like pixies when you put it like that."

Lylia chuckles.

Missoni says, "They *are* sort of like pixies."

Xorus says, "Ithzir. Fey. It is all the same."

Lylia kneels down.
Lylia gently pets the kitten.
Lylia stands up.

Missoni slowly exhales as her posture slumps.

Lylia nods firmly at Perigourd.

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "... I can think of numerous differences."

Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.

Earthdiver says, "Their plane. Our plane. Why can't we just have one plane."

Missoni says, "They are certainly not welcome here after that little show."

Xorus says, "Remember when the Ithzir were abducting children for their blood? Typical Ilvari."

Speaking to Earthdiver, Perigourd says, "Because then sorcerers would have to walk."

Perigourd begins chuckling at Earthdiver!

Speaking to Earthdiver, Missoni says, "Oh, that would be so dull."

Missoni frowns at Perigourd.

Lylia says, "Perish the thought."

Earthdiver says, "So much simpler."

Missoni whispers aloud, "Perish the--"

Missoni agrees with Lylia.

Lylia nods knowingly at Missoni.

Thrassus asks, "Maybe that's why they are here again?"

Lylia briskly says, "Besides, whether we wish it or not, we must deal with what is."

Thrassus asks, "They are attempting to create another Rodnay?"

Thrassus shrugs.

Lylia says, "Yes, the last time worked so well for them."

Perigourd says, "Rodnay could also be calling them, or harming them."

Missoni asks, "Is one Rodnay not enough?"

Tovaris asks, "Rodnay?"

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "A sample size of one is rarely enough for thorough understanding."

Speaking to Tovaris, Lylia says, "You may not have met him yet."

Xorus says, "Rodnay can just eat them."

Missoni frowns at Raelee.

Lylia explains, "Rodnay was an urchin whom the Ithzir took some time ago, along with two other children."

Tovaris says, "Well that sounds unpleasant."

Speaking to Tovaris, Thrassus says, "It gets worse."

Lylia continues, "They did something to him. Hybrid, Ithzir and human. Rodnay is something else now."

Tovaris nods at Lylia.

Lylia says, "Currently pupating atop the Reach. What he may become is anyone's guess, frankly."

Thrassus says, "Not to mention that corruption from the manafires."

Missoni slowly says, "Oh, right. The fires."

Thrassus says, "He seemed rather unhealthy the last time we encountered him."

Lylia says, "The entity that was Rodnay is profoundly changed from anything he was before, yet there are layers still to whatever he has become. Something of the
urchin remains."

Perigourd says, "Perhaps these are manifestations of his own mind."

Speaking to Tovaris, Lylia says, "It is hard to sum up Rodnay in just a few words, but I have tried."

Lylia chuckles.

Perigourd rubs at the joints of his rough fingers for several moments.

Perigourd glances east.

Lylia says, "If you have questions, some people know him better than I."

Perigourd says, "I suppose a rest is earned."

Missoni agrees with Perigourd.

Missoni moves to Perigourd's side and they lace their fingers together.

Xorus says, "What of the writhing shadow entities? They have been invading lately as well."

Lylia asks, "For us, or the Ithzir?"

Perigourd says, "Fair eve all."

Tovaris says, "That gives a clear enough description of what's going on."

Lylia waves to Perigourd.

Thrassus says, "Agreed, I shall return to my office I think."

Lylia smiles.

Lylia says, "Rest well, all."

Thrassus says, "Good evening, all."

Lylia says, "There were shadows gathering before the Ithzir appeared."

Xorus says, "I heard there was a swarm of them around the same time that 'klaloc' was written on that railling."

Lylia says, "I heard that, but I was not there as a witness. Regwen was. It was her skeletal finger that wrote the word."

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "Shadows, yes."

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "This is the first evening we have zeen actual Ithzir."

Lylia says, "Pardon me a moment."

Xorus says, "That does not sound like the Kol Tar'sken Ithzir."

Imperatrix Lylia just went over to an old well.

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "I agree. They seem... different."

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "In truth, I could not absolutely say these were Ithzir tonight. All I can say conclusively is that they were shaped like Ithzir."

Xorus nods.

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "... but perhaps materially different."

Xorus says, "The Reach has certainly been manifesting unnatural clones of things."

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "That is a possibility."

Imperatrix Lylia just arrived.

Lylia says, "I found them curiously draining to fight."

Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "I felt the same."

Lylia asks, "Did you notice that as well? That sense of being sapped? Enervated?"

Lylia nods at Raelee.

Lylia says, "Just so."

Earthdiver says, "It is good...that I had so much to give."

Xorus says, "That seems odd for them."

Lylia says, "I was in no particular danger, but it was unnerving."

Lylia nods at Xorus.

Lylia says, "It makes me wonder about that word carved on the railing."

Xorus says, "They ordinarily feed on more ordinary magical energy."

Xorus says, "In an ordinary sort of way."

Lylia says, "Not translated precisely as 'blood' but as 'essence' or 'life-force.'."

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia agrees, "As one does."

Lylia says, "In fact, it has left me weary, more so than I usually am at this pleasantly early hour."

Raelee looks thoughtfully at Xorus.

Lylia turns to face Telare.

Lylia smiles at Telare.

Telare nods in greeting at Lylia.

Telare smiles.

Telare says, "Fair evening, Mayor."

Telare nods in greeting at Xorus.

Xorus nods in greeting at Telare.

Lylia says, "This is terribly unfair. I am just about to retire to bed, and now I am tempted to linger as we never get a chance to speak."

Telare nods in greeting at Raelee.

Telare laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Telare says, "There is always another time. I will be less sparse."

Raelee nods slowly at Telare.

Telare pets a pale-faced coppery barn owl, which nuzzles his hand softly.

Lylia says, "Just so. Then we shall speak soon, I have no doubt."

Lylia adds, "I look forward to it."

Telare nods in agreement at Lylia.

Skulligei just arrived.

Telare says, "We'll be sure of it."

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Lylia nods in agreement.

Xorus says, "Abscond."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "Magister, I am sure we shall also speak soon, and at length, of tonight's events."

Raelee nods at Lylia.

Skulligei raspily asks, "Did any one encounter an oathkeeper than died multiple times?"

A sharp-beaked drakar verlok'ar startles a gaunt cloudy white imp. As the cloudy white imp cowers backward, a breeze springs up around it and pulses outward in
waves. Each wave carries the sound of many unintelligible voices speaking at once in tones of alarm.

Lylia says, "I did encounter them, but I was not the one who died."

Lylia nods at Skulligei.

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "... and I have questions for you. But... for another evening."

Speaking to a sharp-beaked drakar verlok'ar, Lylia says, "Leave the imp alone."

Xorus nods at Raelee.

Earthdiver says, "I killed what felt like thousands. I cannot say I paid much particular attention."

Skulligei raspily says, "I meant to say "that" died multiple times..."

Lylia says, "Be well, all."

Lylia inclines her head.

Raelee says, "Good evening."

Raelee rubs her medallion and fog billows from it in a thick cloud, quickly obscuring her form from sight. As the murk clears, you see Raelee is no longer there.
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-01-20T04:51:58Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-18 - Ithzir?! There Goes The Neighborhood (log)]]
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion. Thagoria says she thinks they're corrupted Ithzir, and likely investigators include Harrowers Vortelis, Ersix, and Xociral.
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)

2026-01-19T06:42:27Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: Created page with "==Synopsis== There was a random invasion of shadows and Ithzir, widely dispersed throughout the west side of Wehnimer's Landing. There were initially mid-level "swirling void black shades", which were less powerful version of the (capped) "mass of writhing black shadows." There were also initially Ithzir veilstalkers. Then there were Ithzir oathguards and omenbearers around town. This resulted (once again) in a bunch of friendly fire deaths from Sympathy. Then a shadowy..."

==Synopsis==
There was a random invasion of shadows and Ithzir, widely dispersed throughout the west side of Wehnimer's Landing. There were initially mid-level "swirling void black shades", which were less powerful version of the (capped) "mass of writhing black shadows." There were also initially Ithzir veilstalkers. Then there were Ithzir oathguards and omenbearers around town. This resulted (once again) in a bunch of friendly fire deaths from Sympathy.

Then a shadowy rift briefly opened on South Ring Road, letting in dozens of Ithzir. Shadows opened up with dark onyx chains in alleyways near North Ring Road, the chains glistening with bone and sinew, latching into people and dragging them into the shadows which then shrunk and closed. Dozens of Rooks on rooftops that were firing at the Ithzir suddenly dropped out of sight as shadows opened up where the floor was beneath them.

In the end a shadowy Ithzir oathguard was slipping alongside a building, then suddenly halted, and a moment later it melted away. This same phenomenon was witnessed at the end of other shadowy Ithzir invasions previously. There was no invasion happening after this point. Afterwards there was some discussion of what it all means, and venting about the Faendryl NPCs not being out in town doing things with the shadows and Ithzir. But they also did not go out to Lake Eonak to speak with them.

'''Invasion Creatures:'''

* a swirling void black shade
* a mass of writhing black shadows
* a lithe shadowy Ithzir veilstalker
* a muscular shadowy Ithzir oathguard
* a shadowy Ithzir omenbearer

'''Previously on Lost Palestra storyline:'''

* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)|2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow]]
* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)|2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir]]
* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)|2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment]]
* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)|2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works]]

==Log==
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Glistening flakes of snow drift down from the sky, their silver edges slowly bleeding away to black, like frozen fragments of shadows dissolving on the ground.'''

[General] Thrassus asks, "What's all the noise about?"
[General] The ghost of Skulligei thinks, "Shadows and evil snow."

[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 wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

A swirling void black shade drifts smoothly south, leaving a shadowy haze in its wake.
A swirling void black shade extends forth a multitude of branching shadowy tendrils, scattering elongated umbrae across the ground.
A swirling void black shade drifts smoothly south, leaving a shadowy haze in its wake.

[Help] The ghost of Cinere: "Shade got me. 271 if someone can come, please."
[General] Grimburn thinks, "There are black shades on North Ring Road, just so everyone knows."
[General] Nordred thinks, "Shades at north gate."
[General] Perigourd thinks, "Shades in town."
[General] The ghost of Cinere thinks, "And they're rather nasty."
[General] Sairai asks, "Or shady?"
[General] Julenne asks, "Action inside?"
[General] Dragonthorn thinks, "They are in town aye."
[General] The ghost of Malikada thinks, "Inside town yes."
[General] Julenne thinks, "Coming."
[General] Tebon thinks, "Engaged."
[General] Tebon thinks, "Ithzir."
[Help] Dhevlyn: "Veilstalkers near tsc."
[General] Cinere asks, "Are the shades still running amok?"
[General] Skulligei thinks, "I'm protecting the lake! all clear."
[General] Julenne thinks, "More please."
[General] Chamorr thinks, "Hey look."
[General] Julenne exclaims, "Yer alive!"
[General] Julenne asks, "Is that all ye got?"
[General] Citan thinks, "North gate."
[General] Citan thinks, "North gate stuff."

'''You hear an eerie shout, "Itona ti! Te lanak rom!", coming from the northwest.''' ''(this was in TSC)''

'''A narrow gap of twisting shadows, like a thin mouth of thrashing onyx ribbons, openns up along South Ring Road, as several dozen Ithzir move out of the darkness before it closes behind them.'''

[General] Perigourd thinks, "They're flanking on the south side."
[General] Citan thinks, "East of gemshop."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Currently being handled."
[General] Tebon asks, "Denissa, fog to Voln please?"

'''Shadows snap open along several alleyways of North Ring Road and what appears like onyx chains, glistening with bone and sinew, surge out of the dark gaps and spear several townspeople, striking through their chests, arms, or legs and then dragging them back into the void before the shadows shrink and close.'''

[General] Chamorr thinks, "South road."
[General] Loxik asks, "Something going on in Wehnimer?"
[General] Arissiya thinks, "Murder and death."
[General] The ghost of Thrassus thinks, "You could say that."

'''Dark hooded figures leap across rooftops of town, firing arrows at the shadowy Ithzir in the dark pockets of town. Suddenly, dozens of the hooded figures suddenly drop out of sight, as if the floor beneath them swallowed up whole.'''

[General] Loxik asks, "Invasion in WL?"
[General] Arissiya thinks, "Invasion."
[General] Kanamir asks, "Mortal kombat?"
[General] The ghost of Julenne exclaims, "Peche!"
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Rooks support out in force generally, but especially on east South Ring Road."
[General] The ghost of Julenne thinks, "Don't come near Peche! he is a killer."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Channeled dispel magic can free people from sympathetic feelings, by the way."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "But the even better alternative would be interrupting the Ithzir magic."

'''A shadowy Ithzir oathguard slips along a building in town, then suddenly freezes. A moment later, it melts away.'''

[General] Dwi asks, "Eh wot?"
[General] Dwi thinks, "I gotta creepy feelin...."
[General] Perigourd asks, "Anyone see what building that was?"
[General] Leafiara thinks, "'fraid not."
[General] Tierus thinks, "Let me guess: trouble again."
[General] Leafiara thinks, "Always."
[General] Missoni asks, "What else?"
[General] Dwi exclaims, "Here's hopin!"
[General] Witfog exclaims, "Looks like landing is safe!"
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-01-19T06:36:22Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion.
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion. Thagoria says she thinks they're corrupted Ithzir, and likely investigators include Harrowers Vortelis, Ersix, and Xociral.
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]
* '''01/18/2026:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-18 - Sympathy of Destruction (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)

2026-01-19T03:18:16Z

GS4-WARLOCKES: Created page with "==Synopsis== Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild of House Faendryl arrived outside Moot Hall to discuss what he learned of the soulstone of Palestra Blade Aralyte Halanori Faendryl and to solicit suggestions on a few practical problems. He later posted a parchment on the message board in Town Square East listing these problems. Vortelis said that Thagoria correctly surmised that the soulstone is a makeshift "chtho..."

==Synopsis==
Harrower [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild of House Faendryl arrived outside Moot Hall to discuss what he learned of the soulstone of Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] and to solicit suggestions on a few practical problems. He later posted a parchment on the message board in Town Square East listing these problems.

Vortelis said that [[Thagoria]] correctly surmised that the soulstone is a makeshift "chthonic anchor", which are safety tether methods the Harrowers use for ensuring they can return home from other valences. He explained that the metaphor of "chthonic" implies the difficulty of "climbing up" from other valences. He said that some near planes have transient or lasting rifts to Elanthia, but more generally, you would want to be linked back here through one of these anchors to keep the door slightly ajar. He compared the tether to the links used on minor demons, which send them back to the precise place they were taken from, where link severing makes them stranded.

Vortelis also explained that this resolves "targeting" issues in returning to Elanthia from other valences. He referred to the "needle in an ocean" problem, in that this valence is near infinite, with many worlds, and most of it is apparently vacuum, and this particular world is only habitable in a very thin shell of air around rock. One wishes to return here on the ground, not hundreds of feet up in the air, or a mile underground in the rock. The anchors are like beacons, leading back to a point, and become visible to valence travelers when rifts open to Elanthia. This helps sorcerers find their way back, as well as sorcerers to trace back missing sorcerers.

Vortelis then demonstrated his urglaes "quasi-sphere" example of such an anchor. He said these are very rare, found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve. They are believed to have been made in Despana's [[urglaes]] foundries, and the Faendryl have adapted them. He said there are thought to be larger ones that are Ur-Daemon relics. But these typically get found and lost by dark cults. Aralyte would not have had access to these spheres.

Vortelis then described how the soulstone is a jerry-rigged analog of this functionality. It tethers to Aralyte's soul. It is specially designed for the Shadow Realm valence, because the soulstone absorbs the shadows energy. It is able to hijack portals and direct them to the Shadow Realm by expending its shadows energy. When Harrower Ersix opened a rift to that valence a few months after Aralyte was lost, the soulstone was drawn to it like a magnet. Since Aralyte was effectively doing her mission solo, this soulstone would lead her to rifts to Elanthia, but could potentially be triggered to allow a portal to the Shadow Realm from the side of the demonic valence. Vortelis explained the Harrowers would never use such a device, because it would risk allowing demons to open portals to Elanthia from the side of Elanthia. Whereas they normally cannot.

He also said that there was a full year between the soulstone returning to Elanthia and the soulstone's energy having been drained (in the Ithzir invasion of 5116.) Aralyte had a whole year to get back, and was apparently unable. Vortelis mused that the Shadow Realm may have been accessible in the Deadfall during that year, but the Bleaklands (late 5116) did not exist until after the soulstone was drained (spring 5116), so the rifts to the Shadow Realm in the Bleaklands did not exist yet. Vortelis noted that the memory imprint (i.e. loresong) on the soulstone suggests Aralyte got entangled with that valence and stuck early on.

Vortelis acknowledged that Aralyte, or something else, may be trying to use the soulstone to access Elanthia. Vortelis noted that Barnom Slim likely used that tether to climb out of the Shadow Realm when the portal was open. He thinks the shock wave in the veil was caused by the soulstone acting as a conduit between the Reach's mana storm and the Shadows valence. He told Lylia she would not have been able to get Aralyte out, that we would not know of this emerging threat were it not for the soulstone, and that it is a good thing the soulstone has been drained all this time. When asked about destroying the soulstone, Vortelis said the Basilica will not allow that, as Aralyte is a security risk to House Faendryl and this is the means of locating her. And that this would only delay the problem, making it harder to source, as the Shadow Realm is bleeding into the Bleaklands.

Vortelis said they would have to recharge the soulstone before trying to go into the Shadow Realm. That it is a matter of finding the optimal mix of risk and reward, as more concentrated shadows will recharge it faster. He said hazy tenebrous orbs are loosely analogous to low-grade plinite found when slaying elementals. He said he could most likely siphon the shadows out of Puptilian, into the soulstone, but that would by itself not be enough. Ideally Moravius would identify the source of the shadows and Ithzir first, so that they know for certain they are coming from the same valence as Aralyte. Vortelis said it is still not clear to him why the Ithzir would have anything to do with this, suggesting they might have been cultists of Althedeus.

Vortelis said he will wish to be brought to wherever the bleakstone statue of Lylia is in the Bleaklands. He also said he wishes to study Aralyte's notes, which were in the possession of Pylasar, as Harrower Ersix and Pylasar adapted some of it when removing the root maw of the black trees in 5115. He wants to understand what Aralyte was trying to do. Vortelis asked where is Grand Magister Pylasar. People say he's missing in time. Vortelis then asked where his belongings might be kept. People suggest the mayor might know. Vortelis asked where is the mayor. People said the mayor is missing. (Because of the other storyline, involving the black roots and fruits.) Vortelis said in the worst case he will get the Basilica to draft a mage that does crime scene re-enactment visualizations to try to reconstruct whatever Aralyte did.

Vortelis then solicited suggestions on practical issues. He said he wants to displace water and expose at least the tip of the Ithzir pyramid in Darkstone Bay. He wants to make sure the pyramid is dormant, because those are their own kind of anchor, allowing the Ithzir to hold open portals to their valences. He disliked the idea of trying to get the Gale Stone / Star of Khar'ta to freeze part of the Bay. He said he did not want to give Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] a pretext to bring in the army that would be needed to seize that relic. He explained that the interior of the pyramid is probably flooded as holes were blasted into it and the water pressure would be very high.

Vortelis also said Moravius could use ideas for tracing mana flows back to the source when the shadows and Ithzir feed on it, and that Moravius was speaking with them about using mirrors and light to capture a shadows entity.

'''Parchment Vortelis Posted on the Message Board:'''
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
>read parch
In the Common language, it reads:

Basilican Investigation

Harrow Vortelis hereby solicits suggestions from local mages on various matters of practical implementation:

(1) How to temporarily expose at least the tip of the Ithzir pyramid in the Bay?

(2) How to help triangulate the Ithzir and shadows source by tracing consumed mana?

(3) What materials and methods to entrap a shadows entity with mirrors?

(4) What materials and methods to absorb shadows energy, if different?
</pre>

'''Previously in Lost Palestra storyline:'''

* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]

==Log==
Most greeting and farewell actions, as well as ambients and random actions and reactions to whispers, have been stripped from the log.

===Introduction===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "Good evening."'''

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "I have been studying the soulstone you gave me, I will be along in some minutes."'''

[General] Lylia asks, "Outstanding. Are you joining the contingent at Lake Eonak?"

'''[General] Vortelis thinks, "There is too much commotion at the encampment. I will come outside your Moot Hall."'''

[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 wood-framed message board, a large purple wooden barrel and a huge dark wagon with a glowing blue-white pylon on it.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west

Imperatrix Lylia's group just arrived.

[General] Lylia thinks, "I shall be there."

Perigourd's group strides in with fluid grace, each footstep leaving behind a faintly glowing, forest green imprint of a doe's cloven hoof on the ground behind him.

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Bakarus.

Bakarus says, "My friends."
Bakarus says, "Eternal Light."
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian says, "Mayor."
Missoni says, "Fair eve."
Speaking in Faendryl to Puptilian, Lylia says, "Mayor."
Speaking to Missoni, Bakarus says, "Dear Sister."
Speaking to Missoni, Thrassus asks, "You didn't trust my gate, eh?"
Lylia says, "...Which is something akin to 'Mayor' in Faendryl. More like 'magnate,' really."
Lylia smiles.
Speaking to Bakarus, Lylia says, "Eternal Light, First Pilgrim."
Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni says, "Oh, of course I did! Perigourd whisked me away as he does."
Thrassus snickers.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Marched."
Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus says, "Always a pleasure."
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "One could call it a forced march, if you wish."
Perigourd chuckles.
Speaking to Perigourd, Nyssia says, "It's a whisky sort of march."
Speaking to Perigourd, Bakarus says, "Eternal Light, Champion."
Missoni amends, "Marched."
Lylia smiles at Nyssia.
Nyssia smiles at Lylia.
Speaking to Xorus, Bakarus says, "Dreadlord."
Her hand lowered, Nyssia gives Lylia a subtle wave.
Xorus nods to Bakarus in greeting.
Speaking to Nyssia, Perigourd says, "I've not had quite enough this evening yet."
Perigourd nods at Nyssia.
Speaking to Perigourd, Nyssia says, "Not that sort."
Speaking to Xorus, Bakarus says, "We should need some legal advice soon, I hope."
Speaking to Nyssia, Perigourd says, "A shame too."

[Help] Lylia: "One of the Faendryl NPCs is going to be in front of Moot Hall shortly to talk about some story things, if anyone wants a little
break from mechanics changes."

Perigourd leans against the Moot Hall.
Nyssia appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Speaking to Bakarus, Xorus says, "You did not do it."
Perigourd glances at Bakarus.
Lylia nods at Xorus.
Speaking to Bakarus, Perigourd asks, "You're on trial again?"
Perigourd raises an eyebrow in Bakarus's direction.
Speaking to Xorus, Bakarus says, "You know me too well my friend."
Lylia chuckles.
Speaking to Perigourd, Bakarus says, "Working on it."

[Help] Skulligei: "Omw!"
[Help] Vorlash: "Ugh, dark elves... so needy."

Geijon says, "Folks have been a lot more restrained or subtle as of late in their dealings, respectfully I guess."
Lylia says, "Whatever it was, we know with certainty that Bakarus did not do it."
Bakarus praises Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Right."
Lylia winks.
Missoni glances appraisingly at Bakarus.
Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus says, "You are truly, my people."
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Unless it was tithing to Phoen's Temple. Surely he did that."

'''There is a flash of light and tear in the fabric of space, which abruptly closes again as Harrower Vortelis steps through it.'''

[Help] Lylia: "Hey, we're not the ones who were all, 'unleash the demons, guys! Save us from big, scary Despana!' Ingrates. Ingrates, all!"

You see Harrower Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl the Guildmaster of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is taller than average. He appears to be ancient. He has silver-flecked brown eyes and ashen skin. He has shoulder length, thick dark brown hair worn in a single braid. He has a bony face, a sharp nose and tall upswept pointed ears. He is wearing an intricate twisted faenor headband with a murky shadowglass orb over his face.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a wretchedly fleshy thew bark runestaff in his right hand.
He is wearing a shadowy black hood, a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson, a writhing vortex of shadows, a veniom-threaded grimoire satchel, some incarnadine vathor skin leathers enruned in burning glyphs, some tailored dark leather trousers, and some deep black vruul leather boots.

Speaking to Missoni, Bakarus says, "You can imagine, as a child of Phoen, I encounter many who walk the darkness who wish to taint my purity."
Thrassus nods to Vortelis in greeting.

'''Vortelis says, "Good evening."'''

Lylia nods in greeting to Vortelis.
Perigourd takes a moment to observe Vortelis.
Sir Tebon just arrived.
Missoni smiles at Vortelis.
Missoni nods sympathetically at Bakarus.
Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Fair eve."

'''Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."'''

Missoni smiles at Tebon.
Tebon says, "E'enin' m'friends."
Tebon waves to Missoni.

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Missoni cheerfully greets, "Fair eve."
Nyssia smiles at Tebon.
Lylia nods politely at Tebon.

'''Vortelis says, "Honor and Glory to the Patriarch."'''

Speaking to Tebon, Bakarus says, "Eternal Light, Sir Tebon."

[Help] Vorlash: "Eh, I'm just a dark elven elementalist, I'd rather unleash the elements anyway. I leave the demon summoning and unleashing to the apprentices."

Tebon says, "Honor ta tha Landin' an' it's citizens."
Tebon casually glances around the area.
Nyssia nods approvingly at Perigourd.
Speaking in Faendryl, Thrassus says, "Honor and Glory to the Patriarch."
Puptilian nods to Vortelis in greeting.
Tebon folds his arms over his chest.
Thrassus nods.
Speaking to Nyssia, Perigourd says, "Fairly decent."
</pre>
===Chthonic Anchors===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Bakarus asks, "Pardon the ignorance...which Patriarch is this?"

'''Vortelis says, "I have been studying this soulstone, that belonged to the Palestra Blade Aralyte. It was most unusual, indeed."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Nyssia says, "I've had worse."
Missoni gazes with interest at Vortelis.
Lylia bites her lip.
Thrassus asks, "And what results did you find?"

'''Vortelis says, "[[Thagoria]] was correct in her [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)|surmise]], that it is a kind of makeshift chthonic anchor beacon."'''

'''Vortelis taps a suspended void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson that he is wearing.'''

Speaking to Bakarus, Lylia says, "[[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]]." The emphasis of her words leaves no doubt as to their capitalization. "The Faendryl Patriarch."
Speaking to Bakarus, Missoni whispers aloud, "The Faendyl Patriarch, Korvath Dardanus Faendryl."

'''Vortelis says, "One of these is a proper one."'''

Bakarus says, "Ahh."
Bakarus nods appreciatively at Lylia.
Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus says, "With all due respect, my thanks."
Lylia inclines her head.
Speaking to Perigourd, Geijon says, "That sounded elven."

'''Vortelis says, "We use these anchors to tether ourselves to this world, when we are travelling in other valences, from which it would be difficult to return."'''

Lylia nods slowly to Vortelis.
Speaking to Geijon, Tebon says, "Hurt my ears some."
Missoni nods understandingly.
Perigourd folds his hands behind his back.
Geijon chuckles.

'''Vortelis says, "Much as a demonic summoner [[Introduction to the Enchiridion Valentia and Summoning#Summoning|links]] their minor demon, to a precise place, in its home valence for returning it."'''

'''Vortelis says, "Or threatens to sever the link. Coercing it with the threat of being stranded."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "This would ask the question of why she hasn't used it to return herself to this plane, then."
Thrassus says, "She is entangled with the valence itself and cannot return on her own."
Lylia says, "She lost it at some point, which is how it fell into Aydan's hands and thence into mine. And after that... It was put to another purpose."
Lylia nods at Thrassus.

'''Vortelis drops a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.'''

Missoni tilts her head down.

'''Vortelis says, "You can get a closer look at this one."'''

'''>look sphere'''
'''The nearly perfect sphere is only a few inches in diameter. The deep black urglaes is striated with misty veins of crimson, and set within shifting bands of some strange alloy. Darkness forms a halo around it, burning through with crimson.'''

Lylia glances at a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.
Perigourd takes a moment to observe a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.
Bakarus reaches out and touches a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.

'''Vortelis says, "We sometimes call them 'quasi-spheres', as they are nearly perfect orbs."'''

Missoni nods once.
Lylia leans forward.
Fisherman Nairdin just arrived.
Skulligei just arrived.

'''Vortelis says, "These are very rare relics. They are typically found in excavations around the ruins of Maelshyve, we think these smaller ones originated in Despana's [[urglaes]] foundries."'''

Speaking to Skulligei, Lylia says, "Take a look at that sphere."
Lylia nods to a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.
Geijon says, "That night was chaos."
Skulligei gawks at a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson.

'''Vortelis says, "The guild has virtually a monopoly on them. Which is why Aralyte had to use something else."'''

Skulligei prods a floating void black urglaes sphere with misty veins of crimson with the tip of his finger.
Thrassus asks, "What's the largest one ever found, out of curiosity?"
Skulligei raspily asks, "Was this in the Lake?"
Speaking to Skulligei, Perigourd says, "No, this is what the Faendryl use to anchor themselves to this plane when travelling others, it seems."

'''Vortelis says, "There are we think extremely rare ones, a few feet wide perhaps, that are presumed to be Ur-Daemon artifacts."'''

Thrassus nods slowly.
Missoni murmurs, "Lovely."
Lylia nods at Missoni.

'''Vortelis says, "But those get found by cultists, and get lost in the destruction of those cults."'''

'''Vortelis shrugs.'''

Missoni frowns.
Lylia nods at Skulligei.
Skulligei glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

'''Vortelis says, "In any event. These are capable of bleeding through the veil, and one may tether oneself spiritually to it."'''

'''Vortelis says, "Which allows one a kind of link back through the veil to these anchors."'''

'''Vortelis says, "There are a few factors which make it difficult to get to Elanthia from other valences. The 'chthonic' in the guild name speaks to this metaphor of needing to climb uphill."'''

'''Vortelis says, "There is also what you might call a needle in the ocean problem."'''

Lylia says, "It is a good thing, I think, or we would have more trouble with the Ithzir. Among others."

'''Vortelis says, "Which is that our valence is perhaps near infinite, and most of it seems to be vacuum, and the habitable part of our world is a narrow shell of air around rock."'''

'''Vortelis says, "One wishes to return here on the ground. Not hundreds of feet up in the air, or a mile underground in the rock."'''

'''Puptilian says, "So not just the right..."ocean"...but also the right location inside that ocean."'''

Lylia says, "Unless one is an enchanter set on fiddling about with time."
Missoni says, "I suppose any number of fluctuations can make it difficult to find the correct place."

'''Vortelis nods at Puptilian.'''

Missoni adds, "And time."
Lylia nods at Puptilian.
Lylia nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily asks, "And the Reach acts as sort of a lighthouse?"
Puptilian asks, "And these anchors are like a lighthouse saying we are here?"
Skulligei raspily says, "Ahh the thing."

'''Vortelis says, "There are near planes which are relatively easy to get back from by sensing transient or lasting rifts to Elanthia."'''

'''Vortelis says, "Others one wishes to keep the door slightly ajar."'''

'''Lylia asks, "[[Lorae'tyr]], [[Shien'tyr]], [[Grik'tyr]]?"'''

'''Speaking to Lylia, Vortelis says, "Those valences you would likely wish to keep ajar, but they are certainly summoned from quite often."'''

Lylia nods at Vortelis.

'''Puptilian asks, "So these anchors left....are they for any one to come in or are they specific to the soulstone?"'''

Lylia says, "Good question."

'''Vortelis says, "That is the rub."'''

'''Vortelis says, "So. This sphere, for example, you tether yourself. It helps you get back, or helps others find you."'''

Missoni nods once.
Puptilian frowns.

'''Vortelis says, "But it is not useful for, say, demons to open a rift to Elanthia."'''

Puptilian nods.

Lylia says, "An anchor in the 'ocean' but not a gangplank for others to board, then."

'''Vortelis says, "If there is a rift open to our valence, the Harrower could see one of these as a beacon. Leading themselves to the rift, in a sense helping them climb out."'''
</pre>
===Aralyte's Soulstone as Makeshift Anchor===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from his vortex of shadows.'''

'''Vortelis says, "This soulstone is something of an imitation."'''

'''Vortelis says, "Being a soulstone, as it is, Aralyte tethered her soul to it."'''

(Lylia follows your hand as he gestures with the soulstone.)

Puptilian raises an eyebrow.

Tebon casually glances at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "This soulstone absorbs shadows energy. In a sense it is very particularly designed for the Shadows valence."'''

'''Missoni murmurs, "A bit irregular for a Palestra to make such a thing, is it not?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "When the soulstone is charged up, it would be perceived as a beacon to Aralyte, when rifts have formed to Elanthia."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Missoni.'''

Lylia nods at Missoni.
Perigourd says, "One would think so."

'''Vortelis says, "Yes. It would seem that when her Palestra team was unable to find the [[Cross Into Shadows#Recap 3|Erythro Island]], Aralyte did not drop the matter, and continued to pursue the matter in this fashion."'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "How can you charge it?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "It would be charged by absorbing shadows."'''

'''Perigourd asks, "What is the [[Beyond the Arkati - 2012-12-14 - Chunk of Stone (log)|Erythro Island]]?"'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

'''Vortelis says, "When the soulstone is fully charged, it can hijack portals, forcing them toward the Shadow Realm. By expending its shadows energy."'''

Geijon says, "It was alive from memory."

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Vortelis says, "It was the blood island of the Shadows demon Althedeus."'''

'''Vortelis says, "It was a profaned place for allowing its power into this world."'''

Perigourd furrows his brow.
Lylia nods slowly.
Puptilian says, "It is the island we destroyed with what we thought was Stone...before Winter captured him."

'''Vortelis says, "Which the people of this town destroyed fifteen years ago."'''

Lylia nods at Puptilian.

'''Vortelis says, "We in the [[Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild]] would never construct a device such as this."'''

Missoni nods once.

'''Vortelis says, "It would allow something on the other end, in the demonic valences, to expend energy on this side of the veil. Opening a rift to that demonic realm."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Lylia says, "Thank you for covering up for my social gaffe."
Lylia winks.
Perigourd chuckles.
Lylia blinks.

'''Vortelis says, "Which was surely what this Palestra Blade was doing with it. Giving herself a way to pull her own way back up."'''

Missoni frowns.
Tebon folds his arms over his chest.
Lylia asks, "To clarify: 'Something on the other end' means that in this case, it was a gangplank and not only an anchor?"

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Tebon says, "Open a doorway, it's jus' open, an' werks both ways."
Tebon shrugs.
Skulligei glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Missoni laments, "A shoddy way to do such a thing."

'''Vortelis says, "The idea of it would be to trigger a portal to open from Elanthia to the demonic valence."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "A dangerous way."
Perigourd nods slowly.

'''Vortelis says, "From the demonic valence, rather than from Elanthia."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd asks, "Than is this what has been happening?"

'''Vortelis says, "When Harrower Ersix opened a rift to the [[Shadow Realm]] in 5115, which was only months after Aralyte was stranded, this soulstone was drawn to our world like a lodestone."'''

Perigourd asks, "Is she triggering these portals from the Shadow valence?"
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

'''Speaking to Perigourd, Vortelis says, "The soulstone is depleted. But it may be forming a conduit between the Shadows valence and the storm of the Reach."'''

Lylia says, "Indeed. It was cast out and landed at Aydan's feet."

'''Vortelis says, "So, yes. It is possible that she, or something else, is trying to use the Reach to gain access to this world."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Bakarus nods slowly.
Lylia asks, "All of this could just be her trying to find her way home?"
Lylia sighs.
Skulligei appears lost in thought.
Tebon grunts.
Perigourd says, "Or something that has captured her and learned of it, or is using her."
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian asks, "I hate to ask this. What if a part of Althedeus when it was destroyed latched onto her?"
Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Hard to say as yet, it seems."
Nairdin shudders.

'''Vortelis says, "It is a somewhat reckless thing to do, endangering many to try to return."'''

Skulligei agrees with Bakarus.
Lylia says, "You should never hate to say what may be true. I have thought that for some time, that if she cannot be retrieved, she must be extinguished."
Missoni nods in agreement to Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "But Aralyte had a whole year of this soulstone being fully charged."'''

Lylia says, "But..."
Lylia says, "No. It cannot be her."

'''Vortelis says, "For whatever reason she was already stuck."'''

Bakarus raises his wyrmwood torch overhead, allowing the sickly green flame to illuminate the surroundings better.
Missoni says, "She would have acted immediately, one thinks."
Thrassus leans on his staff.

'''Vortelis says, "The memories [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl#Loresong: Soulstone|imprinted]] on this soulstone suggest as much."'''

Lylia firmly repeats, "It cannot. Not if she is still herself, even slightly."
Lylia asks, "Why would she have ushered everyone else out, choosing to stay herself, if she would then sacrifice all that she tried to save to claw her way back home?"
Lylia nods at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "Though the [[Bleaklands]] did not exist until after the soulstone [[Return to Sunder|was depleted]], I should think the Deadfall would have been sometimes accessible from the [[Shadow Realm]] that preceding year."'''

Thrassus says, "Something likely found her, noticed the anchor connection, and followed it to the source."
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "I remember going into the Deadfall, yes."

'''Vortelis says, "This tether is likely how your.. Barnom Slim... climbed his way out."'''
</pre>
===Recharging the Soulstone===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "How much energy do you need to charge it again?"'''

(Lylia's nostrils flare in indignation.)

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Tebon says, "So ifin this soulstone is tha key.....destroy it."'''

'''Vortelis says, "It depends on the concentration of the shadows. It can be fully charged, it is a matter of finding the optimal source, between risk and reward."'''

Lylia hisses, "Really! That wretch, who brought Vlashandra here, he used this!?"

Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.

'''Speaking quietly to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "What about the shadows in me? Would that charge it?"'''

Lylia slowly says, "If you destroy it, you could be creating another Althedeus."
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Lylia.
Lylia says, "If it were that simple, I am sure it would already have been done."

'''Vortelis says, "The [[Basilica]] will not allow its destruction. Aralyte is a security hazard to our House. It would also only delay whatever issue is happening, as the Shadow Realm bleeds into the Bleaklands."'''

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "Just so."

'''Vortelis says, "The soulstone can likely siphon the shadows out of you. But that by itself would not be enough."'''

Puptilian slowly empties his lungs.
Bakarus smiles.
Puptilian glances at Vortelis.
Bakarus says, "Barnom."
Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Lylia narrows her eyes.
Puptilian stares at Lylia.
Lylia says, "I have nothing against the lich himself, in particular. But that wretch who serves him..."
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian says, "I...."
Lylia nods at Puptilian.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni asks, "Who?"

'''Vortelis says, "Lake Eonak is the obvious choice. But that is a double edged sword."'''

Lylia hisses, "Vlashandra."

'''Vortelis says, "It may make more sense to charge it in the Bleaklands."'''

Missoni nods slowly.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Lylia, Tebon says, "I've got sumthin' against tha lich."
Nairdin nods at Lylia.

'''Vortelis puts a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in his vortex of shadows.'''

Lylia nods at Tebon.
Missoni murmurs, "We have not met."
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Bakarus agrees with Tebon.

'''Vortelis removes a hazy tenebrous orb from his vortex of shadows.'''

Speaking to Tebon, Bakarus says, "Terrible."
Skulligei agrees with Missoni.
Vortelis says, "As for this."
Tebon agrees with Bakarus.
Lylia says, "She is a deceiver. Promised to deliver us to Aralyte."
Missoni cocks her head at Vortelis.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.

'''Vortelis says, "This seems to be a concentrate of shadows, elemental darkness, whatever you wish to call it."'''

'''Vortelis says, "It is something loosely analogous to the low-grade [[plinite]] one might fight when slaying powerful elementals."'''

Missoni nods slightly.

'''Vortelis says, "I believe that is what it is called in your language. Plinite."'''
Thrassus says, "Interesting."
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Perigourd says, "Indeed."
Missoni agrees, "Plinite."

'''Vortelis says, "So. These might help. It is possibly that sacrificing things in the Bleaklands for shadow essence may also help."'''

'''Vortelis puts a hazy tenebrous orb in his vortex of shadows.'''

Missoni nods slowly.

[General] Stormyrain thinks, "Blessings of the Night, Elanthia."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd asks, "To.. activate a portal to go into the shadow realm?"'''

[General] Tebon thinks, "E'enin' M'lady Stormyrain."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Fair eve, Marshal."

'''Vortelis says, "We would have to find the optimal place to go into the Shadow Realm."'''

'''Vortelis says, "It is increasingly likely Aralyte is at the root of this whole problem."'''

Skulligei frowns.
Skulligei raspily says, "Root..."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "If we can rip the shadows out of me, i like to talk through that. I...might want to explore how."'''

Missoni nods slowly.

[General] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you."

'''Vortelis nods at Puptilian.'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
A bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings sits down and stares at the black urglaes sphere.
Speaking to a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings, Perigourd says, "Don't stare too long."
Stormyrain just arrived.

'''Vortelis says, "It would be siphoning the energy out of you, much as one of those [[elemental soulstone]]s do with elemental essences."'''

Lylia sets her mouth in a thin line of disapproval.
Speaking to Stormyrain, Bakarus says, "Sister Stormyrain."
Geijon says, "Marshal."
Puptilian sits down.
Puptilian stares at Vortelis.
Stormyrain folds her hands behind her back.
Stormyrain inclines her head.
Stormyrain murmurs, "All."

'''Vortelis says, "I would have to toy with it, but it should not be complicated."'''
</pre>
===Where Is Pylasar===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis says, "There is a sizable gap in my knowledge of Aralyte's research. What it is she was doing."'''

Lylia says, "None of us knew her well; she kept herself to herself, generally. She seemed driven by purpose."
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "No possible away that the shadows wouldn't use that as a way to pass more essence into me?"
Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus asks, "Reminds me of a certain Sister?"
Lylia nods at Bakarus.
Thrassus says, "She sought to destroy Althedeus from what I can tell."

'''Vortelis says, "Harrower Ersix told me that when he removed the root maw of these [[Black Blood Trees|black trees]], it was adapting from [[The Roots of All Evil#Recap|notes of hers]] possessed by a local member of the Hall of Mages."'''

'''Vortelis asks, "Where is your Grand Magister [[Pylasar]]?"'''

Stormyrain glances away.
Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.
Missoni casually observes her surroundings.
Lylia says, "Where he is, is unknown. When he is, is also unknown."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Stormyrain says, "When, might be a better--"
Stormyrain nods in agreement at Lylia.
Puptilian agrees with Lylia.
Perigourd furrows his brow.

'''Vortelis says, "That is unfortunate."'''

Puptilian nods at Stormyrain.
Thrassus says, "He [[Landing Events - 2019-12-01 - Time's Gate (log)#Investigating Kezmon Isle|was caught]] in a time rift or the like over [[Kezmon Isle]]."
Lylia says, "Pylasar is a complicated little bundle."
Thrassus says, "I think."

'''Vortelis asks, "Would the whereabouts of his possessions be more known?"'''

Skulligei glances at Vortelis and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Deep in thought, Lylia laces her fingers before her.
Bakarus grins at Stormyrain.

'''Thrassus asks, "Which of his possessions?"'''

Stormyrain offers, "One or two of them, yes."
Lylia says, "Possibly. I would have to ask around."

'''Vortelis says, "I wish to find whatever notes he had that came from the Palestra Blade Aralyte."'''

Thrassus asks, "Would that count?"
Perigourd glances appraisingly at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "Not unless he wrote notes on the inside."
Thrassus nods.
Puptilian says, "Oh those notes are probbly boxed up with mine, Lylia and some of the other items in Moot Hall."
Puptilian says, "Be my guess."
Puptilian says, "Ask [[Alendrial|the mayor]]."
Puptilian ponders.
Nairdin heartily says, "Might be in the hall of mages."

'''Vortelis asks, "I see. Where is your mayor?"'''

Puptilian slowly empties his lungs.
Thrassus says, "She is missing currently."
A pained expression crosses Skulligei's face.
Lylia says, "She has not been seen in some days."
Puptilian mutters, "We dont know."

'''Vortelis raises an eyebrow.'''

Missoni shifts her weight.

'''Vortelis says, "Very well, then."'''

Bakarus grins.
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "They do not understand the concept of rule terribly well, regionally."
Thrassus says, "That's a seperate crisis from the one you are researching."
Perigourd says, "One would think the Hall ought to be asked before providing his notes, I should think."
Skulligei raspily asks, "Is it though?"

'''Vortelis says, "In the worst case I will have the Basilica draft one of those mages who [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Rachis|conjures visions]] of crime scenes."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.

'''Speaking to Puptilian, Vortelis says, "The shadows would be siphoned into the soulstone. There would be nothing to flow into you from without."'''

Puptilian slowly empties his lungs.
Puptilian nods slowly to Vortelis.
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "I had to ask."
</pre>
===Aralyte's Condition===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Lylia says, "Harrower Vortelis, I do not mean to press the point too firmly, but Aralyte -- the last two times we saw her, at least -- sought to remove people from danger. First, with all of those who [[Cross Into Shadows#The End of Shadows|ventured]] into the valence of shadows behind her, and then with the urchin some time later, when she appeared to be half-mired in it."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Tebon folds his arms over his chest.

'''Lylia quietly asks, "Why would she then endanger what she endeavored to save?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "If her mind is intact, I am sure we will try to extract her."'''

Lylia nods slowly.

'''Vortelis says, "From what I understand that [[Keeping Up With the Kestrels (storyline)/Timeline of Events: Second Half (summary)#September 2017|urchin incident]] was itself nearly a decade ago."'''

Stormyrain looks lost in thought.
Lylia says, "It was."
Puptilian says, "Alot of this was over a decade ago."
Puptilian grins slowly.

'''Lylia says, "And what remains may not have the same mindset."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Lylia shakes her head and turns away.
Stormyrain glances sharply over her shoulder.
Geijon says, "A rescue attempt I expect we can get people on board with and for."

'''Vortelis says, "Hopefully the cause of the Ithzir menace is the same as this Aralyte matter."'''

Tebon agrees with Geijon.
Speaking to Geijon, Perigourd says, "Especially if it leads to a closure of the breach into this valence."
Speaking to herself, Lylia murmurs, "I should have done more, and sooner."

'''Speaking to Lylia, Vortelis says, "She is in all likelihood stuck there."'''

'''Vortelis says, "I was hoping to learn more of what she was trying to do with the Shadows demon to try to understand why."'''

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia exclaims, "Then I should have ended her!"
Lylia shakes her head.
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian asks, "Might have to think, do we go to destroy what is left to let her go in peace?"
Lylia closes her eyes for a moment.
Geijon agrees with Perigourd.
Missoni frowns.
Thrassus leans on his staff.
Lylia says, "We can hope to find out."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni asks, "Is it prudent to power the stone, before finding that?"'''

The charcoal cross fox paws at the black urglaes sphere curiously.
Perigourd glances at a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings.
Speaking to Thrassus, Bakarus says, "I need a staff to lean on. My constitution isn't what it once was."
Perigourd clenches his pipe between his teeth and lets it rest there.
Perigourd leans down and calls to the charcoal cross fox, who canters eagerly up to him. The fox stands up on his haunches, allowing Perigourd to slide one arm under his belly. Perigourd draws him in against his side and lifts him up.

'''Speaking to Missoni, Vortelis says, "Ideally, [[Moravius Faendryl|Moravius]] would trace the source of the Ithzir, first."'''

Perigourd says, "We ought to have a talk about such relics."
Perigourd nods to a bushy charcoal cross fox with whiskey-toned markings.
Missoni nods in agreement to Vortelis.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Bakarus asks, "You mentioned [[Morvule]]?"'''

Perigourd surreptitiously glances at Bakarus.
Thrassus looks over at Bakarus and shakes his head.

'''Vortelis incredulously asks, "Morvule?"'''

Bakarus says, "Ahh, I misheard."

'''Vortelis asks, "The Luukosian cultist?"'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Bakarus says, "Terrible."
Thrassus says, "Moravius. Completely different person."
Speaking to Bakarus, Missoni clarifies, "Moravius."

'''Vortelis says, "I should certainly hope not."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Bakarus says, "Thank you."
Perigourd grunts.
Missoni mutters something about Morvule.
</pre>
===Triangulating the Shadows and Ithzir===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis says, "The shadows and Ithzir both feed on mana, perhaps you all can imagine some way to help Moravius trace that flow back."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Tebon says, "Tha' was a bad time, but it is o'er an' done m'lady."
Lylia nods.
Missoni agrees with Tebon.
Speaking to Tebon, Missoni says, "Thankfully."
Tebon agrees with Missoni.
Thrassus says, "By dying in large numbers, I assume."
</pre>
===The Deadfall and the Bleakstone Statue===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis says, "I have lost track of [[Ersix]], he was off making sure the Deadfall is sealed off."'''

Thrassus snickers.
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.

'''Vortelis says, "That whatever is happening around here is unrelated to it."'''

Lylia says, "From what I know of Harrower Ersix, he would be a difficult one to track."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "Sometimes to find a hole you have to feed it water. If we can feed mana to this area and see where its being pulled in to feed the Ithzir we might be able to trace where that mana goes."'''

Thrassus says, "I am certain the two are unrelated."

'''Vortelis nods at Puptilian.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Infusing mana around them? Yes, perhaps."'''

Perigourd says, "Especially if you could essentially dye the mana."
Speaking to Puptilian, Lylia says, "When they are active, that is. It seems intermittent. Only during storms."
Perigourd says, "And by that I mean, mark it somehow."
Lylia nods at Perigourd.
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian says, "Like a good hunter, we give them a good enough bait."
Thrassus says, "You'd have to do something that taints a person's essence to do that."
Missoni says, "That should be easy enough. It is not as though they are trying to hide."

'''Vortelis says, "Not tonight. But I would also have you show me this [[A Knight To Remember - 2021-03-10 - Ship Off the Old Bleak Block (log)|bleakstone statue]], wherever it is in the Bleaklands."'''

Lylia says, "Attainted."
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Skulligei nods.
Thrassus says, "Easily done."
Lylia says, "Such as...someone who has feasted on those black apples, perhaps."

Skulligei takes a bite of his midnight black apple.

Lylia turns to face Skulligei.
Puptilian glances at Skulligei.
Skulligei ducks his head.
Skulligei whistles tunelessly to himself.
Puptilian flashes Skulligei a wolfish grin.

Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia dryly remarks, "You shall have no trouble recognizing it, I am sure."
</pre>
===Ithzir Pyramid in Darkstone Bay===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis says, "Perhaps you can also imagine up a way to displace water. I would like to at least expose the tip of the Ithzir pyramid in the Bay."'''

Skulligei grins.
Speaking to Skulligei, Thrassus says, "Indeed, I would say your insides are practically solid apple by now."
Skulligei raspily says, "How convenient."
Stormyrain leans against the Moot Hall.
Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Tebon asks, "Ye's want ta drain Darkstone Bay?"'''

Missoni muses, "Geomancy."
Puptilian ponders.
Puptilian stands up.
Perigourd says, "Magister Raelee has several ideas about that."
Missoni agrees with Perigourd.
Skulligei nods at Perigourd.
Puptilian says, "Probably be easier to find a way to lift it....."
Thrassus says, "Large amounts of cold magic could suffice."

'''Vortelis says, "Not drain the Bay. Merely expose a column of it."'''

Missoni says, "She is keen to seee it done."
Speaking to Thrassus, Puptilian says, "Cold...."
Thrassus says, "Freeze a column and turnnel through it."
Puptilian ponders.
Lylia says, "Like overturning a glass and then blowing bubbles into it."

'''Vortelis says, "The pyramid itself is likely flooded. Since holes were blasted into it."'''

Puptilian blinks.
Puptilian says, "Um...."
Skulligei raspily asks, "A good opportunity to examine the sea-floor....or...bay-floor?"
Skulligei shrugs.
Puptilian says, "This could be fun to do but....."

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "If we can recover the [[Star of Khar'ta|Gale Stone]]."'''

'''Vortelis frowns.'''

Stormyrain can offer Puptilian only a blank expression.
Skulligei raspily says, "I'd like to enjoy the local fish again."
Puptilian says, "It froze the bay last time."
Puptilian shrugs.
Skulligei shudders.
Puptilian says, "Not saying its easy."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.
Puptilian says, "Just saying...."
Thrassus says, "That is monumentally easier said than done."
Reluctant to come out from hiding behind Lylia, the grantris is encouraged by Lylia's nudge.
Speaking to a light grey crimson-eyed grantris, Lylia says, "No hiding."

'''Vortelis says, "I would not wish to give [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl|Vespasius]] the pretext to bring in the army necessary to seize a relic such as the Gale Stone."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Puptilian ponders.
Thrassus says, "The ripple effects from that would be beyond problematic."
Puptilian says, "I have another idea...."
Puptilian just opened a padded black leather gem pouch.
Skulligei glances at Puptilian.

'''Vortelis says, "I am not looking to make history books in an international crisis."'''

Skulligei raises an eyebrow.
Puptilian removes a small crimson glass orb from in his forest green pack.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Tebon grunts.
Puptilian shows Vortelis a small crimson glass orb, which he is holding in his right hand.
Bakarus stares off into space.
Puptilian says, "Dont drop this....."
Perigourd nods thoughtfully.
Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "Indeed. There are better ways to create history."
Puptilian offers Vortelis a small crimson glass orb.
Skulligei squints.

'''Vortelis accepts Puptilian's crimson glass orb.'''

Thrassus asks, "What is he supposed to do with that?"
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian says, "So that explodes...fire."
Speaking to Vortelis, Puptilian asks, "What if you can make something similar that gives out cold energy?"

'''Vortelis says, "Fire magic, incendiary."'''

Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.

'''Vortelis offers Puptilian a small crimson glass orb.'''

Puptilian says, "Enough of that could freeze the bay...."
Puptilian has accepted your offer and is now holding a small crimson glass orb.
Perigourd ponders.

'''Vortelis asks, "Freeze the Bay, and drill into the ice?"'''

Skulligei tilts his pale blue orb, causing the pale blue energy inside to slosh like liquid light before settling again.
Puptilian nods at Vortelis.
Skulligei works his fingers under his sterling silver crown and scratches his head.
Perigourd says, "The bay was somewhat frozen before."
Perigourd says, "When Bodohal had that elemental in the bay."
Speaking to Perigourd, Puptilian says, "When the Krolvin attacked after they had possession of the Gale Stone."
Nairdin heartily says, "Or simply move the ice. until the investigation is done."
Missoni thoughtfully says, "Moving the earth around it sounds easier."
Missoni looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

'''Vortelis says, "Perhaps. We would have to be careful to not freeze around the pyramid itself."'''

Speaking to Missoni, Stormyrain asks, "Raising the earth below the pyramid, you mean?"

'''Vortelis says, "The expansion could shatter the obsidian."'''

Speaking to Vortelis, Geijon says, "Armies have been here before. Ones with victories, that failed Harrower."
Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Vortelis.
Lylia says, "It seems it would be easier to displace liquid water than to move through solid ice."
Stormyrain ponders.
Earthdiver just arrived.
Speaking to Stormyrain, Missoni says, "Either that, or deepening an area nearby to hold more water and lower the overall level."
Earthdiver gives a short little hum of surprise.
Stormyrain nods slowly at Missoni.
Missoni says, "Only temporarily, of course."
Speaking to Geijon, Thrassus says, "He was arguing against it, don't worry."
Speaking to Missoni, Puptilian says, "The amount that we have to do to achieve that, the rest of the ocean."
Puptilian ponders.
Puptilian says, "Also have to stop the river."
</pre>
===More Pyramid Speculations===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis says, "I will post a list to this message board later, of open questions on what might be done to assist various problems."'''

Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Missoni nods appreciatively at Vortelis.
Nairdin grunts and nods.

'''Vortelis says, "Moravius had spoken to me, for example, of something involving mirrors and capturing shadow entities."'''

Lylia sighs.
Skulligei raspily asks, "Could we use that statue to teleport the pyramid somewhere more convenient? or is the intent to study why it's in that particular spot to begin with?"
Lylia says, "Yes. A light trap."
Geijon shifts his weight.

'''Vortelis says, "I wish to determine that the Ithzir pyramid is dormant."'''

'''Vortelis says, "It is its own kind of chthonic anchor for Ithzir valences."'''

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "Like your sphere, but very much larger."'''

'''Vortelis says, "They get those inside worlds, then hold the door open on portals."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

'''Vortelis says, "Similar in principle."'''

Skulligei raspily asks, "Didn't someone see something there not too long ago? a ghost or something? or was that just some rumor?"

'''Vortelis asks, "A ghost?"'''

Lylia says, "I had not heard, but of course, I do not hear all the news of the day."
Puptilian asks, "Couldn't we simply use the same concept of the anchor to set up a portal from here?"
Skulligei shrugs.
Thrassus shrugs at Skulligei.
Skulligei raspily says, "Something...."
Puptilian says, "Similiar to how a wizard sends out his familar to setup a protal."

'''Vortelis says, "The interior of the pyramid is likely full of water at high pressures."'''

'''Vortelis says, "I could imagine pockets in the interior that might be sealed off."'''

Skulligei raspily says, "So we need to crack it open and relieve it."
Puptilian nods slowly.
Skulligei nods.

'''Vortelis says, "But then, sending in a familiar, or a golem as this Grand Magister [[Dennet Kestrel]] did, if you open the sealed compartment, it instantly floods."'''

'''Earthdiver asks, "Why is it full of high pressure water? Is the other side also high pressure water?"'''

'''Vortelis says, "It is at the bottom of Darkstone Bay."'''

Lylia says, "Just getting a glimpse could destroy what we wished to see."
Puptilian asks, "I know some people can phase their hands to pull out stuff from a box. Can't we do something similar?"

'''Vortelis says, "It had holes blasted into it."'''

'''Tebon says, "Physically, it's not high pressure, it's weight."'''

Earthdiver says, "Pressure is weight."
Earthdiver grins at Tebon.
Tebon says, "Water kin be displaced, removing said pressure-weight."

'''Vortelis says, "Yes. The weight of hundreds of feet of water above it."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Tebon.'''

Earthdiver says, "Yes, yes. The weight of the infinitesimal column of water above it."
Lylia says, "Thus the idea of the bell-jar placed above it and then filled with air. Or frozen and drilled through. Or other such possibilities."
Perigourd says, "I wonder if you could evaporate enough water in the bay to do it."
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Perigourd.
Perigourd says, "Then it would naturally cycle back in rainfall afterwards."
Skulligei frowns.
Xorus's eyes grow wide and his features fall slack as he slips into a deep trance.
Perigourd ponders.
Skulligei raspily says, "You'd kill a lot of the life in the process raising the temperature even just a few degrees."
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Perhaps. Someone could keep hold of the cloud."
Perigourd glances appraisingly at a glowing blue-white pylon on a huge dark wagon.
Xorus blinks several times as he slowly comes out of his trance.
Skulligei rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Missoni flashes a quick grin at Bakarus.
Speaking to Skulligei, Perigourd says, "Whatever is in the bay right now is already killing the fish."
Lylia nods at Xorus.

'''Vortelis says, "Exposing the tip of the pyramid, temporarily, would be sufficient for my purposes."'''

Thrassus nods.
Lylia says, "Just so. I do not know how far below the waters it lies."
Blades just arrived.
Speaking to Lylia, Xorus says, "It was a bear."
Blades yawns.
Earthdiver says, "A whirlpool would stabilize it without having to boil anything away."
Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "Ysharra would be horrified."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Tebon says, "That's actually nae a bad idea."
Earthdiver says, "Such things have been done."
Perigourd nods in agreement at Earthdiver.
Missoni says, "A whirlpool! That should not be too difficult."

'''Vortelis nods.'''

Missoni says, "Especially if we need only work with the tip of the pyramid."
Skulligei raspily says, "The fish can go for a nice ride instead of the frying pan."
Skulligei cackles!
Earthdiver says, "With water, as with air."
</pre>

===Back to Soulstone Recharging and the Bleakstone Statue===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
(Lylia chews at the corner of her lip in consternation.)

Thrassus says, "Current manipulation shouldn't be too difficult, in that case."

'''Lylia says, "While I understand that the discussion of the pyramid is interesting and valuable as well, my thoughts keep returning to the soulstone, and to Aralyte."'''

Thrassus says, "The only thing is keeping it stable and away from people."
Puptilian grins at Lylia.
Bakarus accepts Blades's bronze idol.
Puptilian nods at Lylia.
Bakarus gently places a bronze idol on the ground. As the idol settles on the ground, the air seems to grow stagnant and foreboding. Your nostrils are instantly assaulted by the overwhelming, musty scent of freshly turned soil and the metallic scent of blood.
Bakarus kneels down.
Speaking to Thrassus, Earthdiver says, "It is self stabilizing, as the great storms in the oceans of the south."
Missoni surreptitiously glances at Bakarus.
Earthdiver says, "So long as it is spinning."
Speaking to Missoni, Bakarus says, "It is nothing."
Bakarus smiles.
Bakarus clasps his hands piously and leans forward towards a bronze idol. As his skull touches the idol's sinuous form, a faint hum builds in the air. The serpent writhes, its eyes twin suns of putrid emerald. A ripple of heat accompanied by the scent of rotting flesh seems to course through the air before falling still.
Speaking to Lylia, Puptilian says, "Figure out how we get there and what i point my sword at and I'll be there to help."
Lylia nods appreciatively.
Stormyrain glances down.
Skulligei agrees with Puptilian.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Perigourd says, "I'll leave the spinning to you wizardly folks."
Perigourd nods at Earthdiver.
Earthdiver grins at Perigourd.

'''Vortelis says, "I will have to find an ideal way to recharge the soulstone."'''

Speaking to Bakarus, Missoni says, "Of course. Nothing."
Puptilian bows to Vortelis.
Puptilian says, "Good night."
Puptilian waves.
Perigourd turns toward Puptilian and renders a sharp hand salute.

'''Vortelis says, "The next time I am around, you should bring me to this bleakstone statue."'''

Puptilian says, "Night everyone."
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Puptilian, Bakarus says, "Eternal Light."
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Bakarus hisses with narrowed eyes before returning a forced smile.
Bakarus stands up.
Thrassus says, "Unless it has been moved, we should be able to find it quickly."
Skulligei raspily asks, "Ohh a picnic in the Bleaklands?"
Lylia says, "Someone else may know the way better. I used to know Darkstone Castle well, but in its current location, I am a bit turned about."
Skulligei agrees with Thrassus.
Skulligei raspily says, "I saw it just this morning."
Thrassus says, "I just hope we don't run into those blasted spores in the process."
Lylia nods at Skulligei.

'''Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "Or Estrion."'''

Perigourd says, "He's likely not happy about being sent there."
Earthdiver asks, "Spores?"
Thrassus says, "He can get over it."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Thrassus.
Thrassus says, "It's his own fault he's there after all, the fool."
Blades says, "Dropped that."
Stormyrain casually glances at Blades.
Stormyrain says, "Mhm."
Stormyrain accepts Blades's black crystal.
Lylia agrees, "He did make certain choices."
Stormyrain tucks a bound black crystal into a small pocket inside of her ebon lambskin jacket.
Blades offers Stormyrain a bound black crystal.
Blades says, "Theres..."
Blades says, "A hole."
Blades nods.
Stormyrain accepts Blades's black crystal.
Speaking to Earthdiver, Thrassus says, "There's these large floating explosive spores that have to be slain very carefully."
Stormyrain says, "Clearly. I'll need to find a good seamstress to fix that."
Speaking to Thrassus, Bakarus asks, "Where?"
Speaking to Stormyrain, Lylia says, "I know a woman who is marvelous with a needle."
Speaking to Thrassus, Earthdiver says, "I have a quite dangerous mushroom like that somewhere."
Thrassus says, "In the Bleaklands."
Stormyrain nods gratefully at Lylia.
Thrassus nods at Bakarus.

'''Vortelis says, "Your town has a recurring issue of mad wizards making dangerous [[mana storm]]s."'''

Earthdiver says, "Ah."
Bakarus nods understandingly at Thrassus.

'''Speaking to Vortelis, Perigourd says, "Less oversight here, I imagine."'''

Missoni nods grimly to Vortelis.
Perigourd says, "It likely attracts the more rogue-ish element."
Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "It is one of the reasons I live here."

'''Vortelis says, "Lucky you."'''

'''Vortelis smirks.'''

Lylia says, "Someone should keep watch."
Thrassus says, "Not to mention vulture-things that used to be human, bleakwalkers, and other abominations."

'''Vortelis nods at Thrassus.'''

Speaking to his light brown spore, Earthdiver says, "You are quite explosive."
Speaking to Earthdiver, Thrassus says, "Much larger than that."

'''Vortelis says, "That is one of the reasons I want to look at that statue."'''

Skulligei raspily exclaims, "Luckily, none of those on the way out the statue!"
Earthdiver carefully places a mottled light brown spore on the ground.
Lylia nods at Vortelis.
Lylia gazes in amusement at Earthdiver.
Skulligei put a metal-encased pale blue orb in his black leather pouch.
Skulligei removes an opalescent black glass jar containing slivers of bleakstone from in his black leather pouch.
Thrassus says, "The statue has proved to be a suitable vessel for spirit containment in the past."
Skulligei squints at an opalescent black glass jar containing slivers of bleakstone.
Missoni gazes thoughtfully at a mottled light brown spore.
Bakarus says, "Melgorehn had a mechanical dragon at one point, if I recall."
</pre>
===Future Role of the Soulstone===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Lylia reluctantly says, "You should keep the soulstone, perhaps."'''

'''Lylia quietly says, "I was not a fit enough guardian of it."'''

Skulligei glances at Lylia.
Skulligei frowns.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Nonsense."
Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus says, "I would disagree."
Perigourd says, "As would I."
Missoni says, "You have kept it safe these years."
Perigourd nods in agreement at Missoni.

'''Vortelis says, "There is nothing you could have done for it. We would not even know of this emerging threat without it."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus says, "Though, if you wanted to entrust it to a humble and...simple pilgrim...I would certainly understand."
Bakarus grins wryly.
Lylia nods slowly to Vortelis.
Skulligei cackles at Bakarus!
Skulligei slowly rolls his cigar between his thumb and index finger.
Speaking to Bakarus, Lylia says, "Sorry, I have already promised the Talon of Toullaire to Xorus, when we find it again. I cannot give away all the interesting jewelry."
Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.
Thrassus snickers at Lylia.
Perigourd glances skeptically at Lylia.
Xorus says, "Broken. I would have to put it back together."

'''Speaking sincerely to Vortelis, Lylia says, "Thank you."'''

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "A little glue, a little glitter, right as rain."
Skulligei raspily says, "I wonder if you could make new snacks with it."
Speaking to Lylia, Bakarus says, "I suspect the Dreadlord and I will be in touch when this happens. I do trust him with...sensitive matters."

'''Vortelis says, "The soulstone will be key in tracing back to her."'''

Bakarus praises Lylia.
Lylia nods in agreement at Bakarus.

'''Vortelis says, "It will likely assist us in accessing the Shadows valence."'''

Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Or perhaps once fractured and repaired it will only mutate the bearer into a handsome young human."
Perigourd nods at Lylia.

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "It eases my heart to know I could not have done more. Even if it does not put my thoughts at similar ease."

Lylia nods appreciatively.

Missoni shifts her eyes to Perigourd.
Stormyrain shifts her weight.
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I suspect it's broken for good."
Perigourd nods at Missoni.
Skulligei raspily says, "There was a thing in the Bleaklands I think....maybe we can use it somehow."

Lylia says, "It served a purpose in a different way, once. If it can be useful again, I welcome that."

Speaking to Tebon, Bakarus asks, "These things are of concern, Sir Knight?"
</pre>
===Ithzir and Althedeus===
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Vortelis says, "It still makes very little sense what the Ithzir have to do with it. Maybe it will be that demon's [[Ithzir Genesis#Grak'na'Den|followers]] of that race."'''

Lylia gazes with interest at Vortelis.
Speaking to Bakarus, Tebon says, "Aye, on multiple levels."

'''Lylia asks, "Worshipful Ithzir?"'''

Bakarus nods understandingly.

'''Vortelis says, "It had its own deranged cultists."'''

Lylia says, "I know they have religion of a sort. I do not follow faiths closely."
Speaking to Tebon, Bakarus says, "The Order thrives under a balanced perspective."
Tebon nods slowly at Bakarus.
Speaking to Tebon, Bakarus says, "Lean too far and one falls over."
Lylia indifferently says, "One god or another, they take little notice of their worshippers. I am certain Althedeus did not, either."

'''Vortelis says, "The Shadows valence is a primordial realm, it is in a certain sense sinking, becoming harder to reach over the eons."'''

'''Vortelis says, "A hundred millennia ago, Althedeus was able to assault the Ithzir."'''

Skulligei nods at Vortelis.
Speaking to Vortelis, Lylia says, "Fascinating. I really do need to talk with more Harrowers."

'''Vortelis says, "In a sense it was likely becoming weaker over thousands of years."'''

'''Lylia asks, "We saw the weakened form of it?"'''

'''Vortelis nods at Lylia.'''

Lylia murmurs, "Then I am glad I live in the time I do."

'''Vortelis says, "It was probably trying to get back here to regain its more ancient strength."'''

'''Vortelis says, "If there is nothing else for me, I suppose I will be off for now."'''

Geijon nods at Vortelis.
Thrassus nods at Vortelis.
Perigourd nods appreciatively at Vortelis.
Geijon says, "Promising research."
Thrassus says, "Do let us know if anything else is learned in the meantime."
Speaking to Vortelis, Missoni says, "Thank you for the information. This has been helpful."

'''Vortelis says, "I will post something on this message board later."'''

Skulligei nods at Vortelis.
Seraska says, "A crowd tonight..."
Lylia nods appreciatively at Vortelis.
Lylia nods at Seraska.
Speaking to Seraska, Lylia says, "We have been talking of Ithzir and pyramids and dangerous shadows."
Geijon bows to Tebon.
Tebon says, "Take care ol' friend."
Sir Geijon just went west.

'''Vortelis nods and walks through a rift, which vanishes in a flash of light.'''

'''There is a sudden opening of the veil, which draws the black urglaes sphere through it.'''
</pre>

[[Category:Lost Palestra]]

Category:Lost Palestra

2026-01-19T02:43:58Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{TOCright}}
'''The Lost Palestra''' is a Faendryl storyline from late 2025 and early 2026 based primarily in the Wehnimer's Landing environs. The title refers to the Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], who had been lost in the [[Shadow Realm]] valence for the past 11 years. It began with shadow invasions, which then became shadowy Ithzir invasions, due to the mana storming of Melgorehn's Reach.

==Summaries==

==Cast of Characters==
* [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]] (Lost Palestra who helped defeat [[Althedeus]] in [[Cross Into Shadows]])
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Dracovir Faendryl]] (Prefect of the Palestra)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader, importer / exporter)
* [[Helvetia Eryx Faendryl]] (Basilican Magistrate, first wife of Patriarch [[Korvath Dardanus Faendryl]])
* [[Malevort Hexmor Faendryl]] (Lead Basilican Sorcerer, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds, reported the Ithzir to her superiors)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy, liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] (Ambassador to Ta'Illistim / Faendryl embassy)
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] (High Legate, Ambassador, former chancellor of the foreign ministry)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade attached to Moravius)
* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Basilican praetorian guard, Vespasius entourage)
* [[Vortelis Infernebrus Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Xociral Glodinal Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)

==Official Vignettes==
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)]]

==Character Vignettes==

==Logs==
* '''9/27/2025:''' Shadow invasion: Cobblestones melt to ichor, Everall's shadow forms into writhing shadows monsters, shadows have metallic echo voices
* '''11/11/2025:''' Shadow invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-11 - Writ in Crimson Shadow (log)]]
* '''11/18/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion.
* '''11/22/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion: [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-22 - I See You See We All See Ithzir (log)]]
* '''11/26/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)]]
* '''12/03/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)]]
* '''12/13/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-13 - Thagoria Speaks More of Basilica Investigation (log)]]
* '''12/17/2025:''' Shadowy Ithzir invasion. Thagoria says she thinks they're corrupted Ithzir, and likely investigators include Harrowers Vortelis, Ersix, and Xociral.
* '''12/21/2025:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2025-12-21 - Harrowers Arrive at Melgorehn's Reach (log)]]
* '''01/02 - 01/10/2026:''' More Faendryl arrive around Melgorehn's Reach
* '''01/05/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-05 - Moravius' Heart Grows Three Shades Lighter (log)]]
* '''01/17/2026:''' [[Lost Palestra (storyline)/2026-01-17 - Vortelis Explains How Aralyte's Soulstone Works (log)]]

==In Depth Summaries==

[[Category:Storylines]]
[[Category:2026 storylines]]
[[Category:Wehnimer's Landing storylines]]

Tiberius Faendryl

2026-01-15T08:17:59Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Lost Palestra 
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl 
|relationships = Treodhal (boss)
|alias = Envoy
|affiliation = Basilica, Legantine Chancellery / Foreign Ministry
}}

'''Tiberius Faendryl''' is an envoy in the [[Legantine Chancellery]], the foreign ministry of House Faendryl. He works under Ambassador [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] with the Faendryl embassy and resides mostly in Ta'Illistim. In early 5126 Modern Era he was sent to the Darkstone Bay region to act as a liaison between Tredohal and Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], so that Tredohal will be aware of anything he needs to know sooner rather than later. He was not assigned to be an envoy to Wehnimer's Landing. Tiberius is decidedly "old money" and comes from the lower upper class, but is more snobbish than arrogant. He has a convivial demeanor.

Tiberius has internationalist views on foreign policy, with a "royal politics" orientation of power brokering among elites, which some would criticize as antiquated and a relic of the "age of appeasement." He holds the "classical restorationism" variant of traditionalist views on the House system, supporting a "concert" system of international order based on balances of power. This is a minority view in the present age, but was prominent among the ruling class before the Sea Elf War, and in the modern era is over-represented in the Rachis.

Tiberius is a Faendryl nationalist who doubts the value of restoring the [[Faendryl Empire]], regarding it as a major impediment toward the more important concern of restoring House Faendryl among the Elven Nations. He is a "Yshrythian" who believes the Houses must be restored first, and only afterwards should the Elven Empire be considered. But he also questions whether it is really necessary, as the supposed point of the Empire was to raise those other races to civilization. He is open to mannish self-governance, but doubts their stability or longevity. Thus skeptical of their holding equal standing in a concert system, he would most likely support imperial intervention in other territories, for the sake of enforcing the international social order. This prioritizes the sovereignty of the Houses. Tiberius holds comparatively tolerant views of other cultures and races, and has little filter or resentment owing to his social class.

==Appearance==
Faendryl Envoy Tiberius.

He has an extravagant dark waistcoat, some tailored pants, and a pair of fine suede shoes.

;Ambients
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tiberius pats around his waistcoast and remarks, "Now where did I put that gnomish contrivance? Ah, right. We have no need of them."

Tiberius says, "There is no need to wait around on my account. I am not holding court." He wryly adds, "I am not the Patriarch. Yet."

Tiberius says, "Politics all too often suffers from sheer incoherence. I was just asked, in all seriousness, 'Lord Tiberius, how could you not agree?' To which I said, my dear fellow, you are not even wrong."

Tiberius says, "I was asked once by a Nalfein dignitary in Ta'Illistim, what would you even do if we let you return? I told her we would be obliged to leave. How could we stay with those, after all, who would court us as members? Then I walked away."
</pre>
;Questions and Answers
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''ASHRIM:'''
Tiberius says, "The Sea Elf War was a diplomatic failure more than anything, which I mean in a most general way. It was the House system having broken down from its proper way of functioning with the exile of House Faendryl. Without the checks on balances of power, the alliances made pursuing our restoration felt threatening, by various other factions harmed in their interests. Then we had little recourse in that whole Chesylcha affair."

Tiberius goes on, "Certainly the annihilation of the Ashrim Isles was catastrophic. But when the other Houses condemned us for it, what was left but a pure death struggle in total war? They are loath to see it that way. But, look. Be reasonable. The Ashrim were not innocent babes in the woods, they raided the coasts and tyrannized the seas. Meachreasim himself concedes they were the most haughty of the Houses. Which is truly saying something."

'''CHASTON:'''
Tiberius smirks, "What a cheeky question! The Basilica, of course, deems all of that the lands of the Patriarch, so what was it but brigands chasing out squatters? But do not forget that the Kingdom of Hendor was segregated, especially after that business in the fall of Gor'nustre. It was sensible policy by Emperor Chaston Kestrel. Certainly. Now matters proceed afoot in the other direction. Righting historical injustices, from a provincial view of things."

Tiberius says, "Of course, I cannot speak on behalf of authority, in matters of foreign policy. But in spite of the rhetoric, imperialists like Vespasius are most pleased, with these liberalization reforms. What is the Nalfein proverb? Never correct your opponent when he is making unforced errors? This will all accelerate the decline of Tamzyrr's hegemony and human supremacy in the West. Meanwhile the thaw continues for ourselves in the East."

'''DARK ELF:'''
Tiberius chortles, "Dark Elves! Hide your children! Well, look. There is a certain sense in grouping elves with ancestry in Rhoska-Tor, indeed, exiles of various kinds from the dim recesses of history. There is a common 'Dark Elven' language, so you cannot terribly fault people for it. But it is a geographic ancestry, rather than genealogical. There are certain resemblances, owing to exposure to the wasteland. Not so very long ago the other Houses did not consider us one of them."

Tiberius exclaims, "Depending on which language you are expressing 'Dark Elf', I suppose our complexions tend to be 'darker' as well. There are certainly Faendryl with lighter skin than the typical Nalfein, but who would never 'pass' as Elves of the East. But we're all Elves. Sylvans, Faendryl, even Dhe'nar!"

'''EMPIRE:'''
Tiberius says, "That is really the rub, is it not? Restoring the Patriarch to the council of monarchs is one thing. Regaining our ancestral lands in the East. Perhaps. But why would the other Houses wish to return to a situation where House Faendryl lords over a vast empire? You know, first among equals, and all that. But it was always a lie. The other Houses chaffed under it. We need the House system with its balances, should there someday be a restored Elven Empire."

Tiberius continues, "But should there be, must there be? The legacy of Yshryth was raising other races to civilization, so is it really such a thing, that we need an empire in this world? Why not the humans lording over humans? Is it not now vanity and entitlement, not relinquishing what is owed, rather than what is actually materially needed? Is it not well enough to maintain economies of national self-sufficiency and trade in luxuries as in the East?"

'''ENVOY:'''
Tiberius says, "Yes, yes. I am Tiberius. Envoy of House Faendryl. Pleased to make your acquaintance, or else know you now more than half as well as I had a moment ago. I work in the Legantine chancellery. I live mostly in Ta'Illistim, with the Faendryl embassy. I am a liaison for Ambassador Tredohal. Something of a go-between with Ambassador Vespasius and whatever it is he is up to out here in the West. Best for Tredohal to know of any surprises sooner rather than later."

Tiberius jests, "Do not go getting me in trouble by calling me an Ambassador. I most certainly am not! Ambassadors hold the standing to represent the Basilica in embassies to the other Houses. At the moment we have one in Ta'Illistim. Did you forget? There will be a test. We grade with pain sticks."

'''GNOMES:'''
Tiberius laughs, "Gnomes! Oh! Our cousins act so pious about the valence creatures we indenture for menial labor, then they shamelessly exploit these poor, exceedingly generous little sycophants. Gods, no. There is a Patriarchal decree that bans the burghal gnomes from, well, I will not call it 'infesting' the city, that is needlessly harsh and hostile about it. It is just not something that ever could have been allowed. For many reasons."

Tiberius says, "It is a tremendous liability to our security. Ta'Faendryl is much too close to the ruins of Maelshyve. The Basilica keeps its most valuable knowledge and artifacts below ground. Nor can we have unregulated labor wildly sabotaging the Emporion and Agrestis. Make whatever class aspersions you wish. Housekeepers might easily do well in profits, making more than the salary of a mundane Clerisy scholar."

'''HALF-ELVES:'''
Tiberius smirks, "Ah, yes. Our famous intolerance of half-elves. Slow down. Might I remind you that we engage in the gems trade with the Erithians? Many believe they are some kind of stable breeding variety of half-elves. No one cares, with the Erithians. So it is more nuanced than you likely wish to make it out."

Tiberius says, "You know, I spend a lot of time around other races and cultures, since Myasara made Ta'Illistim more open in the past few decades. Half-elves are not that common, anywhere, but they are just people. You could even think of them as improved humans. But I do not begrudge them wishing to embrace Faendryl heritage. In the Second Age there was that saying, after all, given all of the cross-marriages between Houses: Faendryl blood makes the Faendryl, whether in whole or part."

'''KASENDRA ACCORDS:'''
Tiberius says, "There is no denying the Nalfein-Tamzyrr treaties are especially hostile to Faendryl imperial interests. Only someone illiterate at reading maps could be blind to it. But matters are more subtle than you might think. They also sabotage Nalfein imperial interests if they hold. It is actually a boon to people like Vespasius, as the popular backlash is enabling him, allowing more intervention in the West. He has been most reined in since the so-called Third Elven War."

Tiberius says, "The Basilica is not lashing out, torching its embassy in Ta'Illistim, as the Nalfein might have hoped. Meanwhile the Illistim liberalization plays into our hands, in the long run, as it gradually mollifies the animosities and normalizes our presence in the East. Keep things in perspective. Aelotoi and gnomes do not have the baggage we do with our cousins. Our difficulties in the East are not racial. They are political, cultural, historical, and ideological."

'''NALFEIN:'''
Tiberius says, "It is fair to say the bad blood is felt more intensely on our end, which has much to do with why Korvath's predecessors held a lengthy period of isolationism. The Nalfein do not have grounds to complain. It is the price of their own actions. But House Nalfein is just another House, with its own interests, which are simply not in alignment with a Faendryl Empire. There is all of that other antipathy involving demonic summoning. But we will eventually win that argument through converts."

Tiberius says, "I am not spending my days skulking around, circling with my counterparts, daggers in hand and with poison in every drink. House Faendryl still has a path to classical restoration, as was wished before the Sea Elf War. If it does not antagonize the East with trying to reconstruct a Faendryl dominated land empire in the West. Accuse me of 'appeasement' all you want. That is how you play strategy in the long run, not through rattling sabers."

'''VALLEY OF GOLD:'''
Tiberius says, "It is too much to ask that House Faendryl actually support such a thing. The Basilica is not going to recognize the sovereignty of the Sun Throne, and the Turamzzyrian Empire is not going to agree to be a vassal to the Patriarch. But this is not as simple as you might think. Yes. Narrowly we would have preferred the Vaalorian sphere of influence in the northwest. But that was never going to last. It was merely ended much too early by Myasara undermining Qalinor. That is, ultimately, at its root."

Tiberius says, "When you consider the antipathy she brought toward Illistim involvement in the Darkstone Bay region, followed by the actions so blatantly contrary to our own interests in the Kasendra Accords, this is all allowing Faendryl intervention in the northwest without diplomatic backlash. So, you see. We are not so very helpless against Nalfein games. We just need to not be ruled by our passions. Which is what the Pentact prevents."
</pre>

==See Also==
The following were other bolded NPCs in the same period that at times provided automated interaction:

* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds)

Vespasius Koryth Faendryl

2026-01-14T05:19:31Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Lost Palestra
|storyline2 = Tales of Wehnimer's Landing 
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl 
|relationships =
|alias = Ambassador, High Legate
|affiliation = Basilica, Foreign Ministry
}}

'''Vespasius Severus Koryth Faendryl''' is a high ranking member of the Basilican [[Legantine Chancellery|foreign ministry]]. He holds the diplomatic standing to serve as an Ambassador of House Faendryl, and acts as a High Legate of the Faendryl Empire. His bloodline is of high noble ancestry. Vespasius is infamous within Faendryl society for his staunch imperialism and advocacy of restoring the territorial holdings of the Elven Empire to the rule of House Faendryl.

===Storylines===
Vespasius was [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2024-09-28 - Ambassador Vespasius Visits the 5124 Faendryl Symposium (log)|briefly seen]] in the Darkstone Bay region when he passed through the [[Faendryl Symposium]] events of 5124 Modern Era. He said he was "assessing the lands" and mused about the scourge of piracy. He dismissed the "illegitimate child nations" and "illegal annexations" of the "northern provinces," and made thinly veiled barbs against the [[The Kasendra Accords|Kasendra Accords]]. Vespasius was said to have traveled with an entourage of [[Basilican Guard#Basilican Praetorian Guards|praetorian guards]].

In the fall of 5125 Modern Era, about one year later, this region had a [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-11-26 - The Aralyte-enment (log)|shock wave]] in the veil. This was noticed by [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]], who reported it back to the Basilica, as well as Ithzir invasions and apparent survival of [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]]. Thagoria told the locals that the Basilica was most likely going to intervene directly. Vespasius was [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)|mentioned]] as one of the possible figures who could end up in control of the situation. He was given proximal control over the investigation, as a compromise between the Archchancellors. He issued an [[/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|ultimatum]] to the Turamzzyrian Empire.

==Appearance==
;2024 Faendryl Symposium
<pre{{log3}}>
You see Ambassador Vespasius Koryth Faendryl the High Legate of the Faendryl Empire.
He appears to be a Dark Elf.
He is tall. He appears to be aging gracefully. He has dark-rimmed violet eyes and ashen skin. He has waist length, tied back steel grey hair with black streaks running through it. He has a narrow face, an aquiline nose and tall upswept pointed ears. The flared blades of his high cheekbones cast his finely drawn jaw in shadow.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a glass of vivid green absinthe in his right hand.
He is wearing a billowing vespertine longcloak threaded with scarlet veniom, a milgrain silver pin surmounted by a guilloche enameled scarlet pentacle crest, a cutwork black vruul suede waistcoat, a notch-collared scarlet bourde shirt, a twisted urglaes signet ring embossed with a six-taloned claw, a flat-grained leather satchel latched with vathor ivory fittings, some tailored dark silk trousers, and some narrow eelskin-oiled black leather boots.
</pre>
;Logs and Statements
* '''09/28/2024:''' [[Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2024-09-28 - Ambassador Vespasius Visits the 5124 Faendryl Symposium (log)|Ambassador Vespasius Visits the 5124 Faendryl Symposium]]
* '''12/19/2025:''' [[/The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl (vignette)|The Imperial Decree and Ultimatum of House Faendryl]]

Basilican Guard

2026-01-14T04:51:08Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

The '''Basilican Guard''' is the unit of elite [[Faendryl]] warriors specifically tasked with defending the [[Basilica]] and its presiding [[Patriarch]]. In the Modern Era they are only a palatine guard. In the distant past the Palestra were part of the Basilican Guard, but are now split off as a separate institution with their own Arch Chancellor, with much broader involvement throughout the Faendryl political economy. The Palestra thus acquired the more ancient "praetorian guard" powers and role of the old Basilican Guard, but the actual term "praetorian guard" (with more limited meaning) remains within the Basilica Guard.

===Basilican Praetorian Guards===
While the "Basilican Guards" proper guard the palace and the Patriarch, there are also praetorian guards below the Basilican Magistrate. These protect high-ranking figures in the Rachis, such as judges and ambassadors. These are effectively bodyguard roles. However, they are sought for positions, owing to their proximity to power. Those who would ladder jump, or are restricted elsewhere by nepotism laws, might seek to become proteges of powerful figures in the Basilica. This is in no small part due to the political, "top-down" appointment nature of such roles, compared to other parts of the Pentact.

'''Known Praetorian Guards:'''

* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (Praetorian guard of Ambassador Vespasius)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (Praetorian guard of Ambassador Vespasius)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (Praetorian guard of Ambassador Vespasius)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (Praetorian guard of Ambassador Vespasius)

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Legantine Chancellery

2026-01-14T04:29:20Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

'''The Legantine Chancellery''' is the proper name of the foreign ministry of the [[Basilica]] of [[House Faendryl]]. It is part of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Rachis|Rachis]]. Below the Legantine chancellor are High Legates, whose "legateships" are nominally the civil authority over the provincial holdings of the [[Faendryl Empire]], which is sufficient but not necessary to hold the standing to be an Ambassador in embassies of the [[Elven Nations]]. Lesser powers than the Great Houses may receive lesser diplomatic missions called "legations", while emissaries or delegations of envoys may informally meet with powers not formally recognized by House Faendryl.

===Known Members===
* [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]] - High Legate, former Legantine chancellor
* [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] - Ambassador to [[Ta'Illistim]]
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] - Envoy, Aide to Ambassador Tredohal

[[Category:Faendryl]]

Tiberius Faendryl

2026-01-12T23:38:53Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Lost Palestra 
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl 
|relationships = Treodhal (boss)
|alias = Envoy
|affiliation = Basilica, Legantine Chancellery / Foreign Ministry
}}

'''Tiberius Faendryl''' is an envoy in the [[Legantine Chancellery]], the foreign ministry of House Faendryl. He works under Ambassador [[Tredohal Hashier Faendryl]] with the Faendryl embassy and resides mostly in Ta'Illistim. In early 5126 Modern Era he was sent to the Darkstone Bay region to act as a liaison between Tredohal and Ambassador [[Vespasius Koryth Faendryl]], so that Tredohal will be aware of anything he needs to know sooner rather than later. He was not assigned to be an envoy to Wehnimer's Landing. Tiberius is decidedly "old money" and comes from the lower upper class, but is more snobbish than arrogant. He has a convivial demeanor.

Tiberius has internationalist views on foreign policy, with a "royal politics" orientation of power brokering among elites, which some would criticize as antiquated and a relic of the "age of appeasement." He holds the "classical restorationism" variant of traditionalist views on the House system, supporting a "concert" system of international order based on balances of power. This is a minority view in the present age, but was prominent among the ruling class before the Sea Elf War, and in the modern era is over-represented in the Rachis.

Tiberius is a Faendryl nationalist who doubts the value of restoring the [[Faendryl Empire]], regarding it as a major impediment toward the more important concern of restoring House Faendryl among the Elven Nations. He is a "Yshrythian" who believes the Houses must be restored first, and only afterwards should the Elven Empire be considered. But he also questions whether it is really necessary, as the supposed point of the Empire was to raise those other races to civilization. He is open to mannish self-governance, but doubts their stability or longevity. Thus skeptical of their holding equal standing in a concert system, he would most likely support imperial intervention in other territories, for the sake of enforcing the international social order. This prioritizes the sovereignty of the Houses. Tiberius holds comparatively tolerant views of other cultures and races, and has little filter or resentment owing to his social class.

==Appearance==
Faendryl Envoy Tiberius.

He has an extravagant dark waistcoat, some tailored pants, and a pair of fine suede shoes.

;Ambients
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Tiberius pats around his waistcoast and remarks, "Now where did I put that gnomish contrivance? Ah, right. We have no need of them."

Tiberius says, "There is no need to wait around on my account. I am not holding court." He wryly adds, "I am not the Patriarch. Yet."

Tiberius says, "Politics all too often suffers from sheer incoherence. I was just asked, in all seriousness, 'Lord Tiberius, how could you not agree?' To which I said, my dear fellow, you are not even wrong."

Tiberius says, "I was asked once by a Nalfein dignitary in Ta'Illistim, what would you even do if we let you return? I told her we would be obliged to leave. How could we stay with those, after all, who would have us as members? Then I walked away."
</pre>
;Questions and Answers
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''ASHRIM:'''
Tiberius says, "The Sea Elf War was a diplomatic failure more than anything, which I mean in a most general way. It was the House system having broken down from its proper way of functioning with the exile of House Faendryl. Without the checks on balances of power, the alliances made pursuing our restoration felt threatening, by various other factions harmed in their interests. Then we had little recourse in that whole Chesylcha affair."

Tiberius goes on, "Certainly the annihilation of the Ashrim Isles was catastrophic. But when the other Houses condemned us for it, what was left but a pure death struggle in total war? They are loath to see it that way. But, look. Be reasonable. The Ashrim were not innocent babes in the woods, they raided the coasts and tyrannized the seas. Meachreasim himself concedes they were the most haughty of the Houses. Which is truly saying something."

'''CHASTON:'''
Tiberius smirks, "What a cheeky question! The Basilica, of course, deems all of that the lands of the Patriarch, so what was it but brigands chasing out squatters? But do not forget that the Kingdom of Hendor was segregated, especially after that business in the fall of Gor'nustre. It was sensible policy by Emperor Chaston Kestrel. Certainly. Now matters proceed afoot in the other direction. Righting historical injustices, from a provincial view of things."

Tiberius says, "Of course, I cannot speak on behalf of authority, in matters of foreign policy. But in spite of the rhetoric, imperialists like Vespasius are most pleased, with these liberalization reforms. What is the Nalfein proverb? Never correct your opponent when he is making unforced errors? This will all accelerate the decline of Tamzyrr's hegemony and human supremacy in the West. Meanwhile the thaw continues for ourselves in the East."

'''DARK ELF:'''
Tiberius chortles, "Dark Elves! Hide your children! Well, look. There is a certain sense in grouping elves with ancestry in Rhoska-Tor, indeed, exiles of various kinds from the dim recesses of history. There is a common 'Dark Elven' language, so you cannot terribly fault people for it. But it is a geographic ancestry, rather than genealogical. There are certain resemblances, owing to exposure to the wasteland. Not so very long ago the other Houses did not consider us one of them."

Tiberius exclaims, "Depending on which language you are expressing 'Dark Elf', I suppose our complexions tend to be 'darker' as well. There are certainly Faendryl with lighter skin than the typical Nalfein, but who would never 'pass' as Elves of the East. But we're all Elves. Sylvans, Faendryl, even Dhe'nar!"

'''EMPIRE:'''
Tiberius says, "That is really the rub, is it not? Restoring the Patriarch to the council of monarchs is one thing. Regaining our ancestral lands in the East. Perhaps. But why would the other Houses wish to return to a situation where House Faendryl lords over a vast empire? You know, first among equals, and all that. But it was always a lie. The other Houses chaffed under it. We need the House system with its balances, should there someday be a restored Elven Empire."

Tiberius continues, "But should there be, must there be? The legacy of Yshryth was raising other races to civilization, so is it really such a thing, that we need an empire in this world? Why not the humans lording over humans? Is it not now vanity and entitlement, not relinquishing what is owed, rather than what is actually materially needed? Is it not well enough to maintain economies of national self-sufficiency and trade in luxuries as in the East?"

'''ENVOY:'''
Tiberius says, "Yes, yes. I am Tiberius. Envoy of House Faendryl. Pleased to make your acquaintance, or else know you now more than half as well as I had a moment ago. I work in the Legantine chancellery. I live mostly in Ta'Illistim, with the Faendryl embassy. I am a liaison for Ambassador Tredohal. Something of a go-between with Ambassador Vespasius and whatever it is he is up to out here in the West. Best for Tredohal to know of any surprises sooner rather than later."

Tiberius jests, "Do not go getting me in trouble by calling me an Ambassador. I most certainly am not! Ambassadors hold the standing to represent the Basilica in embassies to the other Houses. At the moment we have one in Ta'Illistim. Did you forget? There will be a test. We grade with pain sticks."

'''GNOMES:'''
Tiberius laughs, "Gnomes! Oh! Our cousins act so pious about the valence creatures we indenture for menial labor, then they shamelessly exploit these poor, exceedingly generous little sycophants. Gods, no. There is a Patriarchal decree that bans the burghal gnomes from, well, I will not call it 'infesting' the city, that is needlessly harsh and hostile about it. It is just not something that ever could have been allowed. For many reasons."

Tiberius says, "It is a tremendous liability to our security. Ta'Faendryl is much too close to the ruins of Maelshyve. The Basilica keeps its most valuable knowledge and artifacts below ground. Nor can we have unregulated labor wildly sabotaging the Emporion and Agrestis. Make whatever class aspersions you wish. Housekeepers might easily do well in profits, making more than the salary of a mundane Clerisy scholar."

'''HALF-ELVES:'''
Tiberius smirks, "Ah, yes. Our famous intolerance of half-elves. Slow down. Might I remind you that we engage in the gems trade with the Erithians? Many believe they are some kind of stable breeding variety of half-elves. No one cares, with the Erithians. So it is more nuanced than you likely wish to make it out."

Tiberius says, "You know, I spend a lot of time around other races and cultures, since Myasara made Ta'Illistim more open in the past few decades. Half-elves are not that common, anywhere, but they are just people. You could even think of them as improved humans. But I do not begrudge them wishing to embrace Faendryl heritage. In the Second Age there was that saying, after all, given all of the cross-marriages between Houses: Faendryl blood makes the Faendryl, whether in whole or part."

'''KASENDRA ACCORDS:'''
Tiberius says, "There is no denying the Nalfein-Tamzyrr treaties are especially hostile to Faendryl imperial interests. Only someone illiterate at reading maps could be blind to it. But matters are more subtle than you might think. They also sabotage Nalfein imperial interests if they hold. It is actually a boon to people like Vespasius, as the popular backlash is enabling him, allowing more intervention in the West. He has been most reined in since the so-called Third Elven War."

Tiberius says, "The Basilica is not lashing out, torching its embassy in Ta'Illistim, as the Nalfein might have hoped. Meanwhile the Illistim liberalization plays into our hands, in the long run, as it gradually mollifies the animosities and normalizes our presence in the East. Keep things in perspective. Aelotoi and gnomes do not have the baggage we do with our cousins. Our difficulties in the East are not racial. They are political, cultural, historical, and ideological."

'''NALFEIN:'''
Tiberius says, "It is fair to say the bad blood is felt more intensely on our end, which has much to do with why Korvath's predecessors held a lengthy period of isolationism. The Nalfein do not have grounds to complain. It is the price of their own actions. But House Nalfein is just another House, with its own interests, which are simply not in alignment with a Faendryl Empire. There is all of that other antipathy involving demonic summoning. But we will eventually win that argument through converts."

Tiberius says, "I am not spending my days skulking around, circling with my counterparts, daggers in hand and with poison in every drink. House Faendryl still has a path to classical restoration, as was wished before the Sea Elf War. If it does not antagonize the East with trying to reconstruct a Faendryl dominated land empire in the West. Accuse me of 'appeasement' all you want. That is how you play strategy in the long run, not through rattling sabers."

'''VALLEY OF GOLD:'''
Tiberius says, "It is too much to ask that House Faendryl actually support such a thing. The Basilica is not going to recognize the sovereignty of the Sun Throne, and the Turamzzyrian Empire is not going to agree to be a vassal to the Patriarch. But this is not as simple as you might think. Yes. Narrowly we would have preferred the Vaalorian sphere of influence in the northwest. But that was never going to last. It was merely ended much too early by Myasara undermining Qalinor. That is, ultimately, at its root."

Tiberius says, "When you consider the antipathy she brought toward Illistim involvement in the Darkstone Bay region, followed by the actions so blatantly contrary to our own interests in the Kasendra Accords, this is all allowing Faendryl intervention in the northwest without diplomatic backlash. So, you see. We are not so very helpless against Nalfein games. We just need to not be ruled by our passions. Which is what the Pentact prevents."
</pre>

==See Also==
The following were other bolded NPCs in the same period that at times provided automated interaction:

* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds)

Faustina Faendryl

2026-01-12T23:38:11Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Lost Palestra 
|gender = Female
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl 
|relationships =
|alias = Trader, Importer/Exporter
|affiliation = Emporion
}}

'''Faustina Faendryl''' is an importer and exporter of the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#Emporion|Emporion]] in House Faendryl, though most of her business works out of the southern port of [[Behizet]]. Faustina profits off arbitrage and takes advantage of opportunities arising from embargoes and other trade restrictions. As with other Emporion Faendryl working in the outlands, Faustina pays keen attention to her surroundings, making note of information that may be of interest to the [[Basilica]]. In early 5126 Modern Era she traveled to Melgorehn's Reach, where an investigation was underway into shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]], gambling there was money to be made in providing wares to Faendryl who are not used to leaving the borders.

Faustina is fairly rich as an entrepreneur, but comes from the middle class, is itinerant rather than entrenched, and would be considered "new money" in Faendryl society. She is cosmopolitan and accustomed to traveling in other cultures. She is well-informed on current events, which by the standards of much shorter-lived races, means she is well-versed in the political history of the continent. Her attitudes toward both foreign and domestic politics are pragmatic, opportunistic, and somewhat cynical, but comparatively charitable to understanding the perspectives of those who are not Faendryl.

==Appearance==
Emporion Trader Faustina.

She has an ornate bourde tunic and a pair of dark boots.

;Ambients
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
Faustina asks, "The legends of this mountain are confusing. The locals say it was made by the mad wizard Melgorehn, but others say it was thousands of years ago, by some Loul the Enchanter. That dwarves named it Eonak's Reach. But I have heard others say Melgorehn aged rapidly, when he was struck down, so maybe it is the same wizard?"

Faustina says, "The finest merchandise from the bottom of the world at the top of it. Fair prices, square deals. Guaranteed to cost less than your soul."

Faustina says, "When we began flooding the Horn of the DragonSpine with demons, it made it too dangerous even for smugglers to profit. The humans had to build a big wall, and it kept the Nalfein out. But now they are trying to reverse our gains in this matter."
</pre>
;Questions and Answers
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Chaston:'''

Faustina says, "The Emporion lost a lot of influence in that region, though the destruction of those cities happened earlier under Selantha. I would take this newfound enlightenment over Chaston's Edict with a barrel of salt. The refugees who went to the Wyrdeep have a history of entanglement with the Nalfein, who in those years kept frontier outposts west of what is now Barrett's Gorge. It was a tripwire against our northward expansion. No one is trying to give land to the elves who went instead to the Kingdom of Hendor."

Faustina argues, "Forget what the bards sing, when they wax lyrical about peace. What is peace? It is the enshrinement of existing power relations, conservatives preserving their privileges. The Turamzzyrian Empire has no effective control over the Wyrdeep. Ceding the Wyrdeep gives up nothing, and legitimizes the actual theft. No one is giving Honneland to the Wyrdeep elves, much less South Hendor."

'''Dark Elf:'''

Faustina rolls her eyes, "You get used to hearing that out here in the wilds. What is ironic is that ordinary humans in Turamzzyr do not distinguish between branches of Elvenkind. When I was in Chastonia, I was called a 'sylvan devil.' Dark Elf is a translation of an Elven word, which is a term of condemnation. But when you get into these outskirts with a lot of mixing, people actually conceive of 'Dark Elves' as its own race, and blithely say it without even meaning anything by it."

Faustina continues, "You learn to ignore it, because it is usually ignorant. The Dhe'nar often consider themselves a separate race, purified by burning in a crucible of hardship. Faendryl think of themselves as Elves, but those in the diaspora often internalize it. Evashir has turned it into some kind of weird priority dispute with Sharath over Rhoska-Tor. I think the term only makes any literal sense in the wastelands with its deeply corrupted cultists."

'''Empire:'''

Faustina says, "The true isolationist period of House Faendryl, after the Sea Elf War, really ended with the accession of Korvath. Our imperialism is occurring mostly through 'soft power' and covertness. It happens on scales of time and space that are too difficult for humans to perceive, with ourselves as causal roots of much of what happens in the West. The whole of Turamzzyrian history itself is, in a sense, merely a byproduct of our politics with other Houses."

Faustina continues, "The Basilica orchestrates the consent of the Faendryl masses. The Clerisy spreads sorcery into the outlands, compelling the need for Palestra. This overcomes the Palestra's resistance, as expansion makes them less elite. The Armata and Agrestis chafe as the Palestra and Emporion extend beyond the borders, which manipulates them into wishing to reclaim the Empire. But it all happens when the Patriarch wishes, not the other way around."

'''Evashir:'''

Faustina says, "Evashir is a small principality on the southeastern coast, for which we have an armistice, but no formal recognition of sovereignty. It has long been tolerated as useful for shooing away or exiling political dissidents. They hold a high degree of neutrality in international affairs. They even sat out the Undead War, or so they claim, swearing up and down they were not collaborators of Despana. They act as though there is some virtue in this, but the morality of it is quite dubious."

Faustina says, "Evashir is perhaps the oldest identifiable nationality with roots in Rhoska-Tor. Though this is disputed by Sharath. There is a tension in this, in that Evashir identifies with these ancestors, but it is small and has long taken in discontents from 'dark elves' of other backgrounds. They are so inclusive, in a sense, they inherit others condemnation. A Dark Elf is a Dark Elf, as some put it, demon summoners and necromancers."

'''Guilds:'''

Faustina says, "The Emporion of House Faendryl is dominated by its guilds. The Pentact was designed to be corporatist, where experts would vie for power internally within each sector, trying to prove they best achieve the will of the Patriarch. They direct their knives at each other, seeking to rise up among their own. Grievances become directed at the Pentact elites, rather than the Basilica, and those elites absorb the blame for policy failures. The Patriarch is the savior who may intervene and solve all things at will."

Faustina says, "All of this is for good reason. While guilds by their very nature exist to restrict competition, none of them have a legal monopoly, such that their survival is ever precarious. But they are themselves the regulatory powers within the Emporion. Achieving guild status gains legal powers, imposing regulations, making barriers to entry. Instead of competing on prices, new guilds kill old ones, by making them obsolete."

'''Importer:'''

Faustina says, "Yes. I am an importer-exporter, I import and export. The Emporion holds a legal monopoly on foreign trade, which is meant to put us at odds with the Agrestis. The more influential we become in the outlands, the greater the pressure will become to expand the Patriarch's lands. I imagine the Emporion would become increasingly domestic. But for now, at least, I make much profit from arbitrage, off all the embargoes and international animosities. "

Faustina elaborates, "Much of my business is worked out of Behizet, where we get things through indirect trade. I've come here trying to supply these people who do not leave the city much with their creature comforts. With all suitable markups. It is a risky gamble. The Harrowers are among the last people who need to rely on an exporter to get what they want. What I trade in does not much matter. It could be information, for all I care."

'''Kasendra Accords:'''

Faustina frowns, "Those treaties are very dangerous. I doubt the human Emperor really even understood what he was doing with it. He seems sincere in his idealism. Some call him a 'useful idiot' for it. The Nalfein are much like an annoying sibling, trying to provoke the elder into hitting them. They keep annoying and provoking, where we resist giving them the satisfaction. Because they are ever arranging the situation, just so, that they will make us look the villain."

Faustina goes on, "They do this because there are four other siblings standing behind them. Their whole foreign policy is based on us not being willing to hit them. Trying to get away with as much as they can, because the Basilica still does not want to deepen our alienation. But they are playing with fire. Many of our people have lost interest in reconciling with our cousins. If they keep eroding our care for esteem in the East, there will be no restraint left from total war."

'''Nalfein:'''

Faustina says, "The ordinary people of any given place, even those in Ta'Nalfein, are different from their elites and the doctrines of rightful thinking. The typical Nalfein is not so different from the typical Faendryl of the Rachis or Emporion. They are more venal and selfishly interested. Their rulers have long put their narrow national interest above what is best for Elvenkind. But they get on well enough with the other courts in the East, who do not bear the brunt of the worst of their treachery."

Faustina asks, "Truthfully, the ordinary Nalfein probably does not even believe it, the crimes their rulers actually commit. Much as we might reflexively defend accusations against the Patriarch. This makes it all the more convincing to the ordinary people of other nations, who think of this as aspersions and stereotypes. Surely, it was those wretched and evil Dark Elves, who destroyed House Ashrim. How could we be at all at fault?"

'''Turamzzyr:'''

Faustina says, "House Faendryl will never relinquish its claims to the Elven Empire. There are some among the Legantine chancellery, the imperialist ambassadors, who might be amenable to mannish vassal kingdoms in the West. Out of the sheer impracticality of ruling those lands directly in any timely fashion. The expectation is that human kingdoms are always short-lived, by our standards, and we will gradually retake it over centuries from the north down as a pincer."

Faustina continues, "It is complicated to speak of hostile attitudes. Most of our population was alive for the 'Third Elven War.' They were enraged by the massacre of Gellig. Otherwise the humans would have been an abstraction to most of us. But the Emporion spreads itself through these foreign lands, into their markets and courts. It erodes and dissolves condemnation. We bend them to our will from within, by warmth in brittle coldness, even as the sword would shatter it from without."

'''Valley of Gold:'''

Faustina says, "You must be trying to bait me into saying what markets of opportunity have opened, with this increased commerce and relations between East and West. I have nothing so warm to say about it. You have to understand, though I do not expect it, that we see this matter in entirely different terms. To us it is an insult that other races are more welcome in the East than ourselves. The absurdity of being exiled from our own homeland. The civilization we created out of nothing."

Faustina explains, "When you then speak of such liberty and justice in the rescinding of restrictions on races, such as with Chaston's Edict, you fail to understand the true cost of it. That is a 'petty theft' against those who had no rights to those imperial lands. The 'grand theft' is the Turamzzyrian Empire itself. That the Illistim and Nalfein try to make this legitimate is anathema to us. It is like asking us to sacrifice our own child on an altar of barbarism."
</pre>

==See Also==
The following were other bolded NPCs in the same period that at times provided automated interaction:

* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Caius Faendryl]] (Agrestis mining surveyor)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)

Caius Faendryl

2026-01-12T23:37:15Z

GS4-WARLOCKES:

{{storynpcbox
|storyline = Lost Palestra 
|gender = Male
|race = Dark Elf 
|culture = Faendryl 
|life = Alive 
|hometown = New Ta'Faendryl 
|relationships =
|alias = Mining surveyor
|affiliation = Agrestis
}}

'''Caius Faendryl''' is a mining surveyor in the [[The Theory of Governance and Social Order#The Agrestis|Agrestis]] of House Faendryl. He does "dowsing" work to map out irregularities in mana foci and the veil that are hidden below ground or inside mountains. This is ordinarily to identify hazards to mining operations in Rhoska-Tor, or possibly resource extraction in other valences. He was brought to the Darkstone Bay region in early 5126 Modern Era, along with other similar specialists, as part of an investigation task force into the shadowy Ithzir invasions and the lost Palestra Blade [[Aralyte Halanori Faendryl]]. He was primarily brought in to study Melgorehn's Reach, to make sure there would be no surprises for the Harrowers of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild. He is fluent in Dark Elven but does not speak Faendryl well. He is a non-native speaker of Common, with a passable handle on it, which is part of why he was chosen for the expedition.

Caius was born into the rural lower class, but is now a tradesman in the mining sector, and a skilled technician of the lower middle class. He has solidly isolationist views regarding foreign policy, and a streak of populism, with a willingness to say things that are not politically correct in Faendryl society. But he is also parochial and accepting of Faendryl supremacy. He feels everyone should leave each other alone and live in their own places, even accepting things like elves not having rights in human lands as fair and balanced. Though he acknowledges others do not leave the Faendryl alone, he feels we can hit them back if they actually do something, but otherwise it's not worth it. It is neither important nor practical to get back with the other Houses.

==Appearance==
An Agrestis mining surveyor / Agrestis Surveyor Caius.

He has some worn banded coveralls and a pair of sturdy work boots.

;Questions and Answers
<pre{{log2|margin=none|font=arial}}>
'''Ashrim'''
Caius scratches his head and says, "Don't know why you'd be asking me about them. They've been gone for thousands of years. That's too bad, what happened with them. I think old Rythwier was trying to be too clever by half, and the whole thing just blew up like nobody expected. I doubt even the Nalfein would have done it, if they'd known how bad it would get, and how dangerous things would be between us because of it."

Caius continues, "Maybe it was all a big misunderstanding. You're not supposed to say that, the Nalfein were 'practically and morally responsible' for it all. Just seems really unlikely the Nalfein didn't have a secret thing going with the Ashrim that were against the whole thing. But I guess that's the whole dispute."

'''Arkati'''
Caius says, "You all out here in the outlands are really weird with the religion. You've got these family myths of how they're related, and you've got a bunch of myths of them coming out of Drake tears, then these 'spheres of influence' folks saying what we do or think changes and empowers them. Meanwhile they let all these other cultures view them in totally different ways. But, no. You're the ones who know how it really is! Why? They told you so?"

Caius says, "Elves decided a long time ago the Arkati aren't being straight with us. Folks in the Clerisy talk about them as 'spirit entities' and figure they spend much of their time in spirit planes. Wouldn't surprise me at all if they're really extraplanar beings. Granted, they have a special role in the order of the world, but if that's what makes a god you gotta worship a whole bunch of other nonsense like nymphs and elementals. Nobody doubts they exist. But why are you worshipping anything?"

'''Chaston'''
Caius says, "Chaston's Edict? It's unnatural for men to rule over elves, I'll give the whingers that much. But the serfs are descended from people who didn't have our backs after the Undead War, and those people get in bed so much with the Nalfein. It's not like we let people who are not Faendryl own property." He goes on, "The only thing wrong with it is that human empire dispossesses people who already own stuff as they expand. Then enforce or not enforce the thing irregularly. I mean, you're telling me the thing is revoked, but how can anyone believe it? The next Emperor can just bring it back. Way too soon to say anything's changed."

'''Clerics'''
Caius says, "We've got some of that, like in the Tresviri, and in the Armata. You've got some folks trying to argue they're really doing magery manipulating their own mana or whatever. But that isn't how that kind of magic works, they're obviously channeling from spirits. We generally don't like being dependent on magic where you can get cut off from your power source, like with all the stuff we do in other valences. I think you fortune hunter types have a warped view of things. This 'resurrection' stuff isn't that useful in most situations. You're just reviving people who are dying from some violence, which means you have to get to them within a few minutes."

'''Dowsing'''
Caius says, "That's what I do. We've got important mining around Rhoska-Tor, but that's very dangerous, because of all the veil weaknesses and rifts and all the rest. Plus, there's all those tainted mana focii, which are intensely corrupting. It can be hard to keep track of where you are in that place, so surveyors like me are important to the Agrestis. They brought me in here to check out all the hidden weird stuff in this mountain. The Harrowers don't want to get surprised by anything."

'''Empire'''
Caius says, "Can't say I really care about what goes on out here in the outworld. As long as our borders are secure, and nobody is trying to start stuff with us. Which they do sometimes. Not going to deny it. But we're better off focusing on controlling other valences, where we get the resources we want, but don't have to be bothered with managing other races. But I think wanting to do that is the whole point for people like Vespasius. It's their flavor of power."

'''Half-Elves'''
Caius wipes his forehead with a rag, then looks at you strangely, "What was that, half-elves? I'm not sure I've ever even seen one in Ta'Faendryl itself, pretty hard for them to happen in a closed city. They'd be at a huge disadvantage in all kinds of ways, so they'd probably be trying hard to hide it."

Caius explains, "I don't have anything against them, personally. That's a rough deal and they had no say in being deformed. Obviously you don't want birth defected having kids with elves, but I don't see how it matters if they have kids with humans. They'll outlive their kids. It's a pretty selfish and irresponsible thing their mothers done to them by letting them be born. Should have taken them out to the Wastes and exposed them. Most of them probably get smothered."

'''Houses'''
Caius says, "It's to the narrow self-interest advantage of the other Houses to exclude us, so the deck is totally stacked against us ever getting back in with them. That's without even considering the practical issues. We're not giving up our territory in the south, just to take back our ancient territory, but then we'd have twice as much land as everyone else. Then what about the borderlands along the mountains? Why should we agree to be landlocked without leading an Empire?"

'''Mahkra'''
Caius says, "You mean those 'wandering Palestra' they just invented? Weird thing to ask me about. I have nothing to do with that stuff. Obviously that is really unpopular with lots of people in Ta'Faendryl. They spend decades in Palestra academies. Many don't even get to do the trials. Then you make this life experiences path, giving the same titles to fortune hunters, swinging a sword at the trials like it's all the same thing. But you all just don't understand how the Basilica does things."

Caius explains, "Of course, deputizing a bunch of adventurers is going to cause headaches, making a bunch of folks mad! That's the whole point! It's going to justify expanding Palestra academies into the outlands later. You hear people fret about, oh no, is the Patriarch making a mistake? Has he not seen how one thing is going to be a problem for another thing? It's all ridiculous. Korvath knows exactly what he is doing, that is why he is the Patriarch."

'''Nalfein'''
Caius says, "Look. I'm no foreign policy obsessed scion of the old money. But I'll tell you how it is, from how I see it in the Agrestis. The big thing with the Nalfein is that if we take back all our land, we'll end up way more powerful than them. We are anyway, but it'll be conspicuous. That's what they actually care about in the East. How things look. Which is what drives them to unite against us. If we'd all just agree to leave each other alone, keep to our own stuff, there'd be no problem. The humans and all them need to live somewhere, anyway, so what's the point of bothering with them? They'll just complain about what we do for them."
</pre>

==See Also==
The following were other bolded NPCs in the same period that at times provided automated interaction:

* [[Vorenus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Titus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Severina Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Quintus Faendryl]] (praetorian guard)
* [[Faustina Faendryl]] (Emporion trader)
* [[Viselda Faendryl]] (Palestra Blade)
* [[Moravius Faendryl]] (Harrower of the Extrachthonic Cartographer's Guild)
* [[Thagoria|Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl]] (Basilican liaison to the sorcerer guilds)
* [[Tiberius Faendryl]] (Envoy liaison between Ambassadors Vespasius and Tredohal)