S. P. E. C. T. R. E. and S. H. A. D. O. W. Conference (storyline)/2024-10-05 - Lecture 4 - Divination (log)

Summary

Lecture #4 of 6 from the S. P. E. C. T. R. E. and S. H. A. D. O. W. Conference. Speaker Ceibhfhionn Malficum presented about Divination, in particular some of the new experienced or theorized aspects of divination as it pertains to Naidem. Log is taken from Phanna's point of view and has been edited to focus on the lecture itself.

Log

Issuing from the lobby, a chime suddenly echoes through the hotel, announcing that the next lecture of the S. P. E. C. T. R. E and S. H. A. D. O. W. Conference is about to begin in the library.

You see Ceibhfhionn Malficum the Witch Diviner.
She appears to be a Human.
She is taller than average.  She appears to be in the prime of life.  She has piercing absinthe green eyes and copper skin.  She has waist-length, artfully tousled raven black hair streaked with silver.  She has an angular face and a thin nose.  She has a small, rune-shaped scar just below her left ear.
She is in good shape.
She is holding an ancient gnarled staff etched with runes in her right hand.
She is wearing a rose-traced corbeau wispstone seer-stone on silver chains, a rusylka mask, some flowing auroralaen robes with silver-gold threaded arabesques, and some low-heeled ebon leather boots buttoned with tiny cobalt fox agates.

Ceibhfhionn clears her throat and steps forward.

Ermias applauds politely.

Lissaya tilts her head slightly, turning her attention to Ceibhfhionn.  She regards Ceibhfhionn in a measured fashion, collecting her thoughts.

Deep in thought, Caedenmon laces his fingers before him.

You gaze with interest at Ceibhfhionn.

Ceibhfhionn says, "Greetings, all, I am Ceibhfhionn Malficum, a Witch Diviner of the Order of SPECTRE and SHADOW.  Your presence here is intentional.  Chosen.  Integral."

Faelynth glances at Ceibhfhionn.

Missoni gazes with interest at Ceibhfhionn.

Meliyara grins impishly at Giedrius.

Rovvigen applauds Ceibhfhionn.

Liras turns to face Ceibhfhionn.

Zethes leans forward.

Maylan blinks at Ceibhfhionn.

Giedrius nods appreciatively at Meliyara.

Fleurs turns an inquisitive ear toward Ceibhfhionn.

Meliyara takes a moment to observe Ceibhfhionn.

Caedenmon nods respectfully.

Giedrius turns an inquisitive ear toward Ceibhfhionn.

Opalina peers quizzically at Ceibhfhionn.

Ceibhfhionn softly says, "Those with Sight or Sensitivity have perhaps Felt this hotel wrapping about us.  Felt something untoward.  Seen through the mists in brief moments.  And yet, something still has Occurred."

Rovvigen turns an inquisitive ear toward Ceibhfhionn.

Rovvigen nods at Ceibhfhionn.

Ceibhfhionn softly says, "Sight is like that.  Divination is like that.  And, for the purposes of the edification of the Order and its guests, I shall carry on as planned for now."

Ermias turns an inquisitive ear toward Ceibhfhionn.

Opalina turns an inquisitive ear toward Ceibhfhionn.

Alicea turns an inquisitive ear toward Ceibhfhionn.

Ceibhfhionn pauses to gather her thoughts.

Ceibhfhionn removes a rose-hearted violet wispstone from in her auroralaen robes.

Ceibhfhionn holds her wispstone tightly in one hand, her staff in the other.  Slowly, she nods to herself and straightens.

Ceibhfhionn says, "Divination is part art, part science, and part talent.  It is an integral component to living or unliving a full existence.  Understanding the future, interpreting the signs, seeing what is there for you to see... it is all crucial."

Ceibhfhionn says, "While one must be born with the gift to maximize the efficacy of divination, some measure of skill may be gained from study and experimentation."

Giedrius dubiously murmurs, "Science."

Ceibhfhionn says, "But only some measure...innate ability is the key."

Rovvigen softly says, "Not really."

Rovvigen smiles at Giedrius.

Ceibhfhionn glances at Rovvigen.

Ceibhfhionn says, "Yes, there is a skill and science behind divination."

Ceibhfhionn says, "It is also important to remember that signs may be misinterpreted or willfully ignored by those denying themselves the Truth."

Missoni murmurs, "Igashian reading can be quite exact."

Meliyara nods knowingly at Ceibhfhionn.

Ceibhfhionn says, "A seer's insights and guidance will not always follow a simple and clear-cut path.  The portents are rarely as simple as 'do this' or 'do not do that.'  Obfuscation and obscurement are unintentional consequences to true divination.  This insight should not come easy, and pathways change with each breath."

Speaking to herself, Ceibhfhionn says, "As one's pathway changed quite abruptly since our arrival."

Lissaya looks thoughtfully at Ceibhfhionn.

Meliyara glances appraisingly at Ceibhfhionn.

Giedrius raises an eyebrow.

Ceibhfhionn says, "There are always new pathways to follow should one close to you.."  She trails off.  When she speaks again, it is a softer, uncertain voice.  "Does it ever close?"."

Ceibhfhionn suddenly goes pale, her eyes unfocused.  She murmurs, "That which was empty is full.  That which was full is empty."

Ermias blinks.

Ceibhfhionn blinks twice, then resumes her lecture as if nothing interrupted it.

Ermias glances at Ceibhfhionn.

Liras glances at Ceibhfhionn.

Raelee squints at Ceibhfhionn.

Giedrius furrows his brow.

Ceibhfhionn says, "In contemporary divination, seers and scholars like myself have found a new field to study -- the carryover of divination practices from the living to those in some state of unliving."

Speaking to Silverthorne, Giedrius whispers aloud, "Do you suppose she is okay?"

Fleurs whispers something to Ermias.

Zethes smirks.

Ermias softly says, "She seems fine.  Onward."

Speaking snidely to Giedrius, Maylan says, "She's fine, just lazy."

Zethes blinks at Maylan.

Ceibhfhionn says, "Unfortunately, we are not able to pierce the final veil and see what, if any, divination remains after we find our way through the final gate.  For those in Naidem or other places where the Triumvirate of Death may turn an intentional blind eye, however, divination can and does still play a key role."

Ceibhfhionn paces about the library, thumping her staff in time.

Ceibhfhionn says, "Divination will always have a Role and a Purpose."

Ceibhfhionn nods.

Rovvigen softly says, "Despite many being scared of its concept."

Ceibhfhionn pedantically says, "One of the known versions of divination in Naidem is that of reading wispstones.  The wisp-seers are cailleach mainly, but their men, the bodach, sometimes have the calling as well.  What is most interesting to me is that in life, these cailleach and bodach would be human, and many versions of human divination have strong ties to gemstones."

Ceibhfhionn taps a rose-hearted violet wispstone, which is in her left hand.

Ceibhfhionn says, "These stones are quite interesting."

Rovvigen produces a grey-stippled turquoise wispstone from the depths of his brocade coat.

Ceibhfhionn says, "Peering into their depths, I as of yet see nothing, but it is my hope to learn from the wisp-seers their secrets and methods."

Ceibhfhionn says, "Given the existence of wisp-seers, one must hypothesize that, despite their lack of exact remembrance of their living, unliving denizens of Naidem may actually carry over sub-conscious ties into Naidem, including special skills such as that of a seer."

You ponder the meaning of Ceibhfhionn's existence.

Speaking to himself, Giedrius murmurs, "That actually makes sense."

Ceibhfhionn says, "More study will need to be done on the topic, of course, and as a divination expert of the Order, I plan on spending every minute allowed in Naidem outside this conference seeking out this knowledge."

Lissaya gazes in amusement at Giedrius.

Ceibhfhionn walks off into the distance.

Maylan says, "Oh."

Fleurs blinks.

Maylan blinks.

Faiyth says, "Well than."

Opalina gazes out.

Ermias softly says, "Oh gosh.  First visions, now she's gone walkabout."

Giedrius asks, "Another episode?"

Maylan pauses, glancing about expectantly.  It looks as though she is waiting for applause or something.

Giedrius frowns.

Faiyth asks, "Are we supposed to follow?"

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

Faiyth glances out.

Blodeuyn says, "I hope she is alright..."

You say, "Perhaps she saw something."

Blodeuyn frets.

Speaking to Faiyth, Giedrius says, "I do not think so."

Opalina agrees with Blodeuyn.

Maylan glances around briefly before applauding.

Fleurs asks, "Is this normal for her?"

Giedrius says, "I'm sure she will snap out of it and return."

Fleurs rubs her chin thoughtfully.

You think to yourself, "Sight.  Saw..  Hehe."

Faiyth says, "Hope she doesn't end up like the staff member.."

Speaking to Fleurs, Giedrius says, "Yes, but this is worse than usual."

Ermias softly asks, "Lots of mysterious doings a transpiring this weekend, huh?"

Fleurs agrees with Faiyth.

Giedrius says, "Perhpas it is the effects of Naidem."

Meliyara casually glances at Ermias.

Blodeuyn says, "I've heard whispers about strange happenings, but I assure you, the hotel is perfectly safe."

Opalina quietly says, "Maybe she'll bring more knowledge with her."

You agree with Giedrius.

Fleurs looks at Giedrius with concern.

Saleigh glances at Blodeuyn.

Blodeuyn frets.

Saleigh asks, "You are certain?"

Maylan says, "It does seem like her nature to do such."

Thalita says, "Losing one's thoughts becomes quite literal in this place."

Azaton says, "It is a rather mysterious hotel, mysterious things are bound to happen."

Liras begins chuckling at Thalita!

Meliyara scoffs, "Nothing so strange as last year."

Ceibhfhionn wavers and fades out of the shadows.

Maylan says, "She is pulled in ways we are not, it appears to me."

Ceibhfhionn shudders.

Callayne glances between Blodeuyn and Thalita.

Ermias nods at Ceibhfhionn.

Liras waves to Ceibhfhionn.

Ermias softly asks, "Are you ok?"

Missoni glances appraisingly at Ceibhfhionn.

Speaking to Ceibhfhionn, Liras exclaims, "Welcome back!"

Opalina examines Ceibhfhionn closely, sizing her up and taking note of all the details.

Rovvigen softly says, "Visions are quite exhausting, give it time."

Speaking to Ceibhfhionn, Maylan observes, "Yer abilities carry quite the burden, yarr. Mayhaps I'd best stay away from divination."

Speaking to Erienne, Giedrius whispers aloud, "Hopefully she is okay."

Speaking to Ceibhfhionn, Faiyth says, "Good to see no horrible fate found you."

Ceibhfhionn asks, "Yes, yes, where was I?"

Blodeuyn says, "I am pleased you... are well."

Faiyth raises an eyebrow in Blodeuyn's direction.

Caedenmon darkly says, "That is exactly the question I was going to ask."

You offer, "You were going to spend time in Naidem seeking out knowledge."

Meliyara reminds, "Studying the wispstones as much as you are allowed."

Liras says, "We have no idea where you went, but you were here a second ago."

Ceibhfhionn says, "Yes, the wisp-seers."

Liras nods at Ceibhfhionn.

Ceibhfhionn takes a deep breath and continues her lecture, almost as if nothing has happened, but her hands are shaking slightly.

Speaking quietly to Caedenmon, Giedrius murmurs, "We ought to be documenting some of these odd properties of Naidem."

Ceibhfhionn says, "More study will need to be done on the topic, of course, and as a divination expert of the Order, I plan on spending every minute allowed in Naidem outside this conference seeking out this knowledge."

Caedenmon nods in agreement at Giedrius.

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

Ceibhfhionn asks, "Another area of study, of course, will be the efficacy of Naidem-based divination in both the Naidem setting as well as in living Elanthia.  Will, for example, a wisp-seer's divination prove true for events outside of Naidem?  And, can we replicate the use of wispstones and the wisp-seer's method in Elanthia proper by living humans?"

You ponder the meaning of Ceibhfhionn's existence.

Ceibhfhionn says, "It is here that one must turn to the Sisters of the Hidden Eye, I believe, to encourage study into the wisp-seers and their methodology."

Ceibhfhionn meanders about, pausing at a bookcase to study its contents.

Ceibhfhionn dreamily asks, "And what of the draugr, what do they see in the smoke? Do their demons join them here?"

Missoni shifts her weight.

Ceibhfhionn clears her throat.

Meliyara grins wryly at Missoni.

Ceibhfhionn asks, "The Order will be sending seers and diviners each year to test and learn.  Perhaps disguised as a sluagh, one can see if their aganiri carried to this, and what of the elves?  Their numerous forms of divination -- do they get concatenated or consolidated?"

Ceibhfhionn asks, "Or do they standalone?"

Speaking to herself, Ceibhfhionn says, "Or become something new."

Ceibhfhionn says, "All this and more shall be studied and discussed in the Order."

Ceibhfhionn decisively says, "And that brings us to questions."

Ermias ponders.

Maylan raises her hand.

Ceibhfhionn shudders, as she grasps the wispstone tightly in her hand.

Fleurs looks at Ceibhfhionn with concern.

Zethes leans forward.

Speaking to Ceibhfhionn, Maylan asks, "Many a tale are told of folk seeking to avoid prophecy, only for those same actions to bring it about. Is it so?"

Speaking to Ceibhfhionn, Maylan asks, "Does avoiding our fates bind us to them?"

Opalina wistfully says, "I wonder if I can find one of those stones."

A shadow comes across Ceibhfionn's eyes.

Speaking to Maylan, Zethes says, "Don't think she can hear you, lass."

Ceibhfhionn quietly says, "The emptiness grows."

Alek nods in agreement.

Alek's stomach growls.

Liras blinks.

Maylan says, "Erm...."

Speaking quietly to her blonde wig, Opalina says, "No your not a stone."

Speaking to herself, Zethes says, "I wonder if she tastes alum... or if this is the grip."

Saleigh says, "What an astute question."

Deep in thought, Caedenmon laces his fingers before him.

Ceibhfhionn says, "You must excuse me,"  She looks pale.  "The stone is singing.  The full is empty and the empty is full.  I must away."

Ceibhfhionn abruptly walks out.

Maylan says, "Yes I don't think divination is fer me. Seems a dangerous study."

Fleurs blinks.

Alicea blinks.

Meliyara glances out.

Caedenmon stares outward.

Liras slowly empties her lungs.

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

You glance out.

Ermias draws his hands together in a slow, deliberate clap.

Lissaya shakes her head, totally at a loss.

Raelee glances out.

Ermias softly asks, "I guess it's time for the next presenter?"

Blodeuyn says, "My guests."

Ermias chuckles.

Missoni sighs, "How is one supposed to ask questions."

Alek raspily says, "Well, she definitely had part of that right."

Raelee glances at Blodeuyn.

Philomina belatedly says, "Good presentation."

Alicea glances at Blodeuyn.

Azaton turns to face Blodeuyn.

You allow, "Perhaps a cup of warm tea will do her a bit of good."

Ermias raises an eyebrow in Blodeuyn's direction.

Faiyth grins at Blodeuyn.

Blodeuyn says, "Lunch is going to be delayed due to staff sortage at the moment."

Zethes raises an eyebrow.

Rovvigen softly says, "Perhaps we can take a short 5 or 10 minute break."

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

Caedenmon slowly says, "Fascinating."

Faiyth asks, "Who is in a coma now?"

You nod understandingly at Blodeuyn.

Blodeuyn says, "We are, however, going to pause the lectures so everyone can stretch their legs."

Faiyth asks, "Not that cute bellhop?"

Saleigh says, "Ahh perfect."

Rovvigen softly says, "Thank you."

Ermias stands up.

Missoni nods understandingly at Blodeuyn.

Caedenmon leans on his staff.

Caedenmon stands up.

Speaking quietly to herself, Riend murmurs, "A cup of warm tea would do me a bit of good as well."

Thalita stretches.

Speaking to Blodeuyn, Maylan protests, "I can't cook AND clean!"

Azaton says, "If you let us in the kitchen, I'm sure a few of us can figure something out for lunch."

Giedrius asks, "When we will resume?"

Saleigh says, "Freshening up."

Ermias softly says, "I think I will go look at the garden.  I hear it's lovely."

Giedrius stands up.

Caedenmon taps the tip of his silvery lor staff on the ground.

Saleigh says, "See you in a few."

Blodeuyn says, "Please take about ten minutes to walk about."

Speaking to Ermias, you say, "It is also very mazelike."

Blodeuyn says, "I'm sure lunch will be ready by the time we reconvene and the last two lectures are finished."