Tales of Wehnimer's Landing (storyline)/2025-12-03 - Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation and Sorcerer Sacrifice Update Release Event (log)
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Synopsis
Thagoria returned from New Ta'Faendryl and informed people in Wehnimer's Landing what had happened after she left to report the Ithzir invasion and other details to the Basilica. She spoke with Severnus Aviligne Faendryl, the High Magus (who was involved in the Illistim summoning scandal of 5103 Modern Era) on duty at the time, monitoring wards of the veil for breaches at the Basilica Tower. Thagoria reported the cause of the shock wave in the veil. Thagoria also reported the Ithzir invaders, and the apparent decades-long survival of a Palestra Blade in the Shadow Realm valence. The High Magus then got Thagoria an audience directly with the Basilican Sorcerer, Malevort Hexmor Faendryl, the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy. Malevort was familiar with Aralyte but it was presumed she was dead. Thagoria said this Aralyte must have been very highly connected, because this got wheels moving, and the Basilica will most likely be sending investigators to intervene directly in the situation.
But the Archchancellors are vying with each other for control over it, as it involves overlapping jurisdictions, and the complicated politics surrounding interventions in the old provinces and fraught relations with the Turamzzyrian Empire. That the Prefect of the Palestra, Dracovir Faendryl, "by design" does not get along well with the Basilican Sorcerer. But also that due to the location, it could also fall to Ambassador Vespasius Koryth Faendryl, who is "a notorious imperialist." Thagoria said that the tone of the Basilica's response would depend a lot on which of those personalities gains control over it.
Thagoria later revealed the actual reason she was back in the Landing, rather than allowing everyone to find out in a formal Basilican reaction. The Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy authorized and specially tasked her to distribute knowledge of a more powerful form of the sorcerer Sacrifice method through sorcerer guilds across the continent. The stated reason was the outlands population would have been able to recharge Aralyte's soulstone themselves a long time ago if this knowledge had not been restricted. Thagoria then demonstrated how it works for the sorcerers present so they would see how to do it themselves.
Previously on KST:
The week prior there was a shock wave in the veil due to the interaction of the Shadow Realm valence and the mana storm of Melgorehn's Reach through the soulstone of the lost Palestra Blade Aralyte Halanori Faendryl. The shock was felt by Sorcerer Guild Master, Thagoria Vespiria Faendryl, who was passing through the region who works in the Basilica of New Ta'Faendryl. Players informed her of the Ithzir, the surviving Palestra in a demonic valence, and various plot history points related to Althedeus and Aralyte. Thagoria went back to report what happened to Basilican authorities.
Log
Thagoria Informs of Basilica Investigation into the Ithzir and Aralyte and Shadow Realm
[Realm] Thagoria thinks, "Good evening, Wehnimer's Landing." [Realm] Thrassus thinks, "Good evening." [Realm] Missoni thinks, "Fair eve, Guildmaster." [Realm] Lylia thinks, "Good evening to you." [Realm] Thagoria thinks, "I will be along shortly, I am just wrapping up some guild business." [Realm] Thagoria thinks, "I am at your Lake Eonak." [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 an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees and a cedar chip path. Also here: Missoni, Perigourd, Dergoatean, Villhelm, Lylia, Thrassus, Amathea, Kayse, Raelee, Everall, Lunayrie, Jirum.
Obvious paths: southwest Thagoria says, "I was told it rains here, all of the time." Speaking in Faendryl, Thrassus says, "I'll wait until folk gather before peppering you with questions."
Thrassus says, "It does, quite a bit." (people arrive) Thrassus says, "It tends to make the forests here flourish, making them a valuable resource." Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd asks, "The rain?" Thrassus nods at Perigourd.
Perigourd nods thoughtfully. Thagoria says, "I was just remarking that I had been told it rains here all the time." Thagoria says, "The mountain is less volatile tonight." Missoni says, "Rather quiet."
Speaking to you, Perigourd says, "Perhaps it had a large dinner."
Lylia says, "Frequently, storms move in off the bay at night. Tonight seems clearer, however, both from the bay and the Reach." Thagoria says, "I have just returned from Ta'Faendryl. I had to report what happened here last week." Thrassus asks, "And how was the report recieved?"
Missoni says, "I am sure we are all eager to know what news you bring." Thagoria says, "Though you all had a lot of history for me to remember." Thagoria says, "So. When I returned to the city I went to the Basilica Tower, which is what we call the chancellery headquarters of the Clerisy." Thagoria says, "I went and sought out the High Magus on duty. Severnus Aviligne Faendryl." Thagoria says, "They monitor our wards on the various veils, such as Shieltine's Ward on Lorae'tyr." Thagoria says, "I was able to get an audience with the High Magus, as I had primary information on what had happened." Thagoria says, "That shock wave in the veil sent ripples rather far. It was sensed in summoning chambers and so forth." Thagoria says, "They were still trying to triangulate its source." Thagoria says, "Of course, I happened to be in the region, and so I found the epicenter very quickly." Thagoria says, "That is when I ran into all of you." Thagoria says, "While they were aware that there was some sort of shock, they were not at all expecting to hear that there were Ithzir invading." Thagoria says, "The Ithzir worlds as we know of them are generally known as the Scattered Worlds." (Lylia bites at her lower lip in visible consternation.) Thagoria says, "I believe that is how you would translate it into this language." Raelee slowly asks, "... have we settled on these being actual Ithzir, then? Rather than merely something... Ithzir-shaped?" Thagoria says, "But we try to monitor significant veil breaches involving those valences." Thagoria says, "Since there were no such alarms, no one was expecting to hear of Ithzir." Lylia says, "If it was a surprise to the Basilica, then this is anomalous indeed."
Missoni asks, "If they did not come from the Scattered Worlds, where are they from?" Thagoria says, "When I told the High Magus that there is this mountain in the northwest, with a mana storm over it, and that Ithzir were involved he was less than surprised." Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Perhaps the old city."
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "The wards there hold." Thagoria says, "Apparently he was aware that Ithzir had invaded here about ten years ago." Kayse absently asks, "Has it been that long already?"
Speaking to Kayse, Lylia says, "Hardly feels that way, it is true."
Kayse nods faintly at Lylia. Thagoria says, "We suspect it was from one of the demonic valences. Given the context, from what you have all said, the valence of the..." Thagoria says, "I guess you would call it the Shadow Realm in this language." Thagoria says, "That is not very precise." Thrassus says, "It is close enough."
Lylia says, "That is the usual term for it regionally, yes. Or Althedeus' realm." Thagoria says, "The High Magus and I do not really understand what the Ithzir have to do with that valence." Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee asks, "What of in your language, then?" Thagoria nods at Lylia. Raelee adds, "... for a more precise definition." Speaking in Faendryl to Raelee, Thagoria says, "The Shadow Realm." Raelee nods slightly to Thagoria.
Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "I see."
Perigourd says, "Perhaps they tried to invade it."
Lylia says, "They feared Althedeus. Or worshipped it. Or perhaps both. At least, they did a decade ago."
Amathea melodically says, "Were large number of Ithzir not corrupted by Him? perhaps they are just leftovers...." Thagoria says, "Yes. It is certainly possible they have invaded it, if they have become aware that the Shadows was destroyed." Thagoria says, "I had told the High Magus that there were shadows corrupted Ithzir. Or else entities of the shadows manifesting as doppelgangers of Ithzir." Thrassus says, "The latter has a higher probability. They first appeared as kobolds."
Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "So placid tonight. It is hard to imagine it was so roiled not long ago." Thagoria says, "I spoke to him about the local sources of information, which is to say you all, and that this location has been breached before into that valence and the veil to it is weak here." Amathea melodically says, "I fear which is worse of the two..." Thagoria says, "That it it is relatively easy to access it." Amathea nods at Lylia. Thagoria says, "The High Magus was fairly incredulous." Thagoria says, "The valence we speak of has historically been very difficult to reach." Raelee slowly says, "... then this is quite an opportunity." Thagoria says, "But I informed him that a Palestra Blade by the name of Aralyte had apparently used an Ur-Daemon relic to break through the veil to it." Thagoria says, "Severnus was not familiar with Aralyte." Lylia raises an eyebrow.
Thrassus raises an eyebrow.
Kayse glances askance at Lylia. Thagoria says, "I explained to him that she had this soulstone, a shadows concentrator, which is apparently able to act as some kind of leverage with this mana storm." Thagoria says, "As well as a conduit for the Shadow Realm. Given what has been done at this lake." Thagoria says, "This is.. improper, to say the least..." Thrassus says, "That is the usual mode of operation here, yes."
Missoni shifts her weight.
Perigourd furrows his brow.
Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Perhaps that fruit.." Thagoria says, "But then I told him that the soulstone was apparently responsible for causing the shock wave due to the storming of this mountain." Perigourd rubs his umber eyes.
Missoni cocks her head at Perigourd. Thagoria says, "And that it is apparently still bound to this Palestra Blade." Kayse raises an eyebrow in Perigourd's direction. Thagoria says, "This shifted his mood significantly." Perigourd distractedly glances at Missoni.
Lylia explains, "It is a large city. It is rather like expecting everyone in Ta'Illistim to know one another. Even so, Aralyte made quite the impression here."
Lylia asks, "You heard 'Ithzir' and came to visit?" Thagoria says, "You see, we are speaking of a highly intensely corruptive valence, it is very mutagenic." Speaking defensively to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I'm likely just tired." Thagoria says, "It is not the sort of place we would ever want to spend a significant amount of time." Perigourd folds his arms over his chest.
Lylia removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in her wrap. Thagoria says, "And there is no reasonable way to survive there for any true length." Thrassus says, "Yes, it left its mark on some for a time after they visited." Thagoria says, "Visitors likely were cursed with some amount of shadows." Speaking to Thagoria, Perigourd says, "People say the same of the wizardwaste, but things seem to adapt there." Thagoria nods at Perigourd. Thagoria says, "And those things die if they try to leave the Wizardwaste." Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni asks, "Is it possible that perhaps some temporal inconsistency would allow someone to survive?" Thrassus says, "I never manifested any marks after my visit." Thagoria says, "I am not certain." Lylia says, "If she does survive, or what was once her, and she is not...whole, then she should be ended."
Amathea glances at Thrassus.
Amathea rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Kayse nods firmly at Lylia.
Missoni nods slightly at Lylia. Thagoria says, "But I believe one of you said Aralyte was encountered later there and she had become partially merged with the realm." Dergoatean frowns at Lylia.
Thrassus nods to Thagoria.
Thrassus says, "That is correct."
Amathea frowns.
Perigourd scratches at his beard.
Missoni surreptitiously glances at Perigourd and quirks an eyebrow in his direction. Thagoria says, "It sounded like that was itself a long time ago now." Thrassus says, "My assumption is that merge very well could have progressed further." Thagoria says, "Yes. Most likely." Lylia nods. Thagoria says, "Which is why it got the attention so strongly of the High Magus." Amathea trembles.
Missoni nods thoughtfully. Thagoria says, "It is a rather serious matter for a Palestra Blade to be compromised in that fashion." Amathea melodically says, "The thought of it..."
Lylia nods slowly at Amathea. Thagoria says, "She may simply be stranded, or she may be a serious liability." Thrassus says, "The last we saw of her, she appeared to still be in full control of her mind."
Perigourd sticks out his tongue.
Perigourd shakes his head, clucking his tongue.
Lylia asks, "To be clear, then, this is no violation of Shieltine's Ward, and no proscription on it?"
Missoni shifts her eyes to Perigourd. Thagoria nods at Thrassus.
Perigourd grunts. Thagoria says, "Ah, no. There is no reason to think Shieltine's Ward is involved." Speaking to himself, Perigourd says, "Must be shavings from the forge." Thagoria says, "But as I was saying, this got the attention of the High Magus." Thagoria says, "He has some authority for dispatching squads of Palestra." Thagoria says, "Given the complicated nest of relations between Pentact offices." Lylia nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "In fact, he did so some twenty years ago, in that summoning incident in Ta'Illistim." Missoni agrees with Thagoria.
Missoni murmurs, "I recall." Thagoria says, "So this was a matter that gave me more access that I otherwise would have had." Thagoria says, "I was able to convince him to allow me to speak to the Basilican Sorcerer, Malevort Hexmor Faendryl, who is the Arch Chancellor of the Clerisy." Raelee nods slowly to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "This was rather different as Malevort was himself generally familiar with Aralyte." Thagoria says, "So I was able to alarm him rather quickly with this soulstone information." Lylia says, "She was uncommon even among Palestra."
Missoni quietly says, "Alarming the Arch Chancellor is...not easy." Thagoria says, "Apparently Aralyte had been tasked to monitor and guard a sorcerer named Granlestal." Perigourd sways back and forth. Thagoria says, "Who perhaps unsurprisingly was obsessed with researching the Shadows." Perigourd gazes in wonder at his surroundings. Thagoria says, "Which she did for some two hundred years." Perigourd leans softly against Missoni.
Speaking wistfully to Missoni, Perigourd says, "It's all so beautiful." Thagoria says, "I suspect you all know more about what happened to her after that than I do." Lylia surreptitiously glances at Perigourd.
Perigourd takes a drink from his amber Wildwood whiskey.
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni whispers aloud, "What is?" Thagoria says, "She must have been very highly connected." Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Everything." Thagoria says, "That got the wheels moving, so to speak, and there will most likely be an investigation." Thagoria says, "Meaning investigators will be sent here." Lylia gives a sigh of relief.
Kayse furrows her brow.
Missoni nods thoughtfully.
Thrassus nods to Thagoria.
Kayse shifts her weight. Thagoria says, "The first matter being the Ithzir threat, which has to take priority." Perigourd raises an eyebrow in Thagoria's direction.
Missoni approvingly says, "Good. Someone ought to set things straight."
Thrassus says, "Crises like this happen with a somewhat regular frequency, to be honest." Thagoria says, "They are like bed bugs. They are a lot harder to get rid of once they are already here." Lylia says, "The Ithzir must always be a high priority. They are a plague if not properly contained."
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Lylia says, "Just so."
Dergoatean says, "It will take a lot of investigators to dig up that thing they buried in Darkstone Bay."
Everall turns an inquisitive ear toward Thagoria. Dergoatean steeples his fingers together, quietly observing his surroundings. Thagoria nods at Dergoatean. Amathea glances at Thagoria.
Lylia nods at Dergoatean. Thagoria says, "They will have to assess if that pyramid is an active threat." Perigourd says, "Perhaps they ought to apprise the local Imperial outpost of their intentions and concerns as well." Thagoria says, "Because getting it out of the Bay is not trivial." Speaking to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "... I have thoughts on that. I have for years."
Amathea nods to Thagoria.
Everall nods in agreement at Perigourd.
Speaking to Raelee, Dergoatean exclaims, "And I wish them the best of luck with Rodnay, too!" Thagoria says, "Yes, well. That is complicated." Kayse says, "Assuming Rodnay will be left alone during this investigation--considering he is not part of the problem."
Speaking to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "Consider it. Earth methods. What if we simply... raise an island, as it were, in the bay..." Thagoria says, "The politics of intervening in the north are complicated within the Basilica for a lot of reasons." Speaking to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "We could lift the pyramid with it."
Raelee surreptitiously glances at Thagoria.
Speaking to Thagoria, Thrassus says, "The fortunate thing is I serve as regional envoy for this town, so they can be assured the town authorities will not object to thier presence at least."
Speaking to Raelee, Dergoatean says, "That's above my pay grade."
Amathea glances at Raelee. Thagoria says, "There are different aspects to that complication." Speaking to Raelee, Dergoatean says, "But I suppose it's more likely to work than trying to dive down to the bottom with pickaxes."
Raelee nods at Dergoatean.
Speaking to Dergoatean, Raelee says, "I would think so." Thagoria says, "Some of it is the fraught nature of the Basilica's relation with the Turamzzyrian Empire." Thagoria says, "But a lot of it is internal power politics." Speaking to Thagoria, Perigourd says, "Perhaps a chance, if approached correctly, to improve the former."
Speaking neutrally to Thagoria, Raelee says, "... I have not spoken of your presence here to my superiors..."
Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee adds, "... yet." Speaking to Raelee, Thagoria asks, "You are with the Hall of Mages?" Amathea melodically says, "You would think a potential threat of this proportian to be adequate reasoning....."
Missoni offers, "Some of us have make some small inroads there, as well. At least locally."
Lylia says, "I hardly believe the Basilica needs to ask permission to press back against the Ithzir."
Lylia nods firmly at Amathea.
Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "Just so." Speaking to Lylia, Thagoria says, "That is somewhat the issue." Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee states, "Magister Raelee Svala."
Speaking to Thagoria, Dergoatean says, "So you see, "with" is somewhat of an understatement." Thagoria says, "To give you some sense of the Basilica, and I know it may seem we are more isolationist than we really are, consider what happened twenty years ago in Ta'Illistim." Lylia put a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord in her wrap. Thagoria says, "The High Magus dispatched the Palestra straight into Ta'Illistim to suppress the abyran'ra." Thagoria says, "Which the Mirror and so forth called a violation of their sovereignty." Lylia dryly remarks, "The Mirror at that time, that is."
Missoni wrinkles her nose.
Thrassus says, "She likely had a Nalfien whispering in her ear at the time, keep in mind."
Thrassus mutters under his breath. Thagoria says, "I could not do justice to the arcane details of elven politics. But we have a lot of disagreements with the other Houses." Thagoria says, "Such as which of the rules from the time of the Elven Empire are still valid." Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "What an eloquent way to put it in Common." Amathea starts chuckling at Thagoria!
Everall smirks.
Lylia grins at Thagoria.
A rolton trots in!
Speaking to a rolton, Lylia says, "Not the time."
A rolton trots southwest. Thagoria says, "So, as Lylia was just implying, the Basilica considers sorcerous laws to be universal in its authority." Lylia nods with satisfaction.
Perigourd nods approvingly.
Lylia says, "Precisely." Thagoria says, "Which is for good reason. We cannot have it that it is legal to break our summoning and valence laws by stepping somewhere else to do it." Thrassus leans on his staff. A rolton trots in!
A rolton tries to bite Perigourd!
AS: +32 vs DS: +595 with AvD: +25 + d100 roll: +4 = -534
A clean miss. Perigourd waves a hand at the rolton, shooing it off. Thagoria says, "With the Illistim we came to some terms. We eventually had an embassy built, and the last time there was an incident, we generously asked for 'permission' to do what we would have done regardless." Thagoria says, "But that is one of the Great Houses. This is the frontier of the old provinces." Thagoria says, "But, as I say, there are a lot of internal politics." Missoni grins wryly.
Raelee takes a moment to observe Thagoria. Thagoria says, "The Ithzir matter might ordinarily fall under the authority of the Basilican Sorcerer." Amathea glances at Thagoria and rubs her chin thoughtfully. Thagoria says, "Because of this veil issue and probably needing to send experts from the Clerisy." Thagoria says, "But then this issue with the Palestra Blade means that it is the interest of the Prefect of the Palestra." Thagoria says, "The Basilican Sorcerer and the Prefect of the Palestra, by design, have conflicting overlapping jursidictions." Thagoria says, "So it is not terribly surprising Malevort and Dracovir do not terribly get along." The dog wanders over to Lylia and sniffs at her suspiciously for a moment.
Dergoatean says, "I'm sure Sleepy will claim some authority in the matter as well."
Lylia gazes in amusement at Dergoatean.
Missoni grins wryly.
Speaking to Missoni, Lylia says, "Your dog adores me tonight."
The coppery barn owl moves closer to Lylia.
Lylia pets a pale-faced coppery barn owl, which nuzzles her hand softly.
Speaking to Lylia, Missoni asks, "Who does not adore you?"
Missoni flashes a quick grin at a pale-faced coppery barn owl. Thagoria says, "Then there is the fact that this is out in the former provinces, or what should be the provinces in the minds of some, which means the foreign ministry.. I guess you would call it... has a stake as well." Lylia gazes fondly at Missoni.
Perigourd snorts! Thagoria says, "Which in this case would probably be Vespasius." Thagoria says, "So. As near as I can tell, the Archchancellors are vying, for the favor of the Basilican Magistrate." Thagoria says, "Or perhaps the Patriarch." Missoni looks thoughtfully at Thagoria. (Lylia's eyes widen.) Thagoria says, "The tone of how they will send the investigators would depend a lot on which of those personalities ends up in direct control of the expedition." Perigourd folds his arms over his chest. Thagoria says, "Malevort might try to minimize any feather rustling, while Vespasius is notoriously imperialist." Thagoria says, "But in any case there will almost certainly be an investigation sent here." Lylia says, "I have noticed as much." Speaking pointedly to Thagoria, Raelee says, "And while I have yet to say anything... the Hall *will* notice that activity eventually."
Thrassus asks, "Will you know who gets control over the investigation before they arrive?" Thagoria nods at Raelee. Lylia asks, "And do you have a preference as to whose oversight you would prefer here?" Speaking to Thrassus, Thagoria says, "Yes." Thrassus nods to Thagoria. Missoni murmurs, "The Basilica, obviously."
Raelee nods slightly at Missoni.
Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "Agreed." Thagoria says, "Malevort is the boss of my boss of my boss, or something to that effect." Thagoria says, "So I am somewhat obliged." Thrassus nods.
Lylia smoothly says, "I understand."
Sacrifice Update Release Event
The Sacrifice actions below are showing the first-person view that Thagoria was seeing rather than the third-person views the players were seeing. No animals were harmed in the making of this log.
Thagoria says, "But there was another matter I had to address." Amathea gazes in awe at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "Archchancellor Malevort has tasked me with something, and so I have been traveling a lot today." Thagoria says, "It is related to this soulstone." Lylia removes a pale red soulstone suspended by a frayed leather cord from in her wrap. Thagoria nods at Lylia. Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "You really had that ready to go."
Lylia says, "It never leaves me." Thagoria says, "So. I will preface this with a little preamble, about the shadow realm and the nature of the shadows." Thagoria says, "In the time of the Ur-Daemon War there was, as best we are able to tell, a great deal of violence to the surrounding cosmology." Thagoria says, "Going to the very beginning. You see." Thagoria smirks. Thrassus chuckles.
Lylia nods to Thagoria.
Kayse's eyes glaze over as she stares, unfocused, into the distance.
Missoni flashes a quick grin. Thagoria says, "It is speculated that the southern wastelands were caused by it, that the Ur-Daemon had a great portal in Rhoska-Tor." Thagoria says, "There may have been innumerable rifts opened to demonic valences by the instability." Amathea wrings her hands. Thagoria says, "Not only with our world, but between demonic worlds." Thrassus says, "We saw a bit of the landscape here looked like before that war happened one time."
Thrassus nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "In the demonic realms that are in some sense 'near' to us, we often find the same demonic archetypes in multiple valences." Thagoria says, "Which may be a remnant or bloody handprint of this more ancient chaos to the cosmological order." Thagoria says, "Vathors and oculoths, for example, are quite widely found." Missoni adopts an agreeable expression. Thagoria says, "So much so that the Faendryl word 'vath' is what is usually meant by the word 'demon' in the human languages." Thagoria says, "Which has all sorts of superstitious baggage, and not terribly useful in its lack of precision." Raelee quietly echoes, "Vath." Thagoria says, "But while such a scattering may have happened, we think some worlds were birthed, by the violence and great magical powers unleashed in the war." Thagoria says, "This also gave birth to a kind of greater demonic entity that we refer to as primordials." Perigourd raises an eyebrow. Thagoria says, "Where a valence is formed of its special 'laws' of reality, with its own characteristic energies, much the same may be said of these beings who rule them." Thagoria says, "Things which are formed from the forces of its creation. Which are sometimes worshipped as dark gods." Dergoatean rubs his chin thoughtfully. Thagoria says, "Most often the ones wishing to hold power in our world." Lylia says, "Like Althedeus." Thagoria says, "Though I think there were some Ithzir cultists of the Shadows as well." Missoni nods thoughtfully.
Amathea clenches her fists and gazes at her chelioboros symbol longingly.
Kayse furrows her brow. Thagoria says, "The primordial demon of Shadows, which has been known by many names, was constituted with highly corrupt 'shadows' energy." Dergoatean shudders. Thagoria says, "It was formed from the darkness, chaos, and fear of the Ur-Daemon War." Thagoria says, "The 'shadows' is essentially a fusion of these particular moadalities, and the 'shadow realm' of that primordial is so constituted." Thagoria says, "In this sense it is something like the elemental planes, in a vague approximate way, except for the shadows rather than fire or earth." Thagoria says, "When the elements are intensely concentrated, they form interplanar vergences, nexuses where these elemental planes bleed through the veil." Thagoria says, "The elemental planes are more 'pure' or intense in the modes of elemental mana than the elements of our own world." Raelee nods slowly to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "With much darker essences of a sorcerous nature, this bleedthrough is instead into demonic valences." Thagoria says, "The soulstone of the Palestra Blade Aralyte is a concentrator of shadows, which she presumably used to help break through the veil to the Shadow Realm." Lylia tilts her red soulstone side to side, making the light play off it. Thagoria says, "But recall that the primordial demon of Shadows was formed from the war in this world." Thagoria says, "There have been metaphysical disagreements for tens of thousands of years on whether the separate spheres of magic are fundamental." Thagoria says, "Whether sorcery is the manipulation of a more fundamental mode of power or the unnatural fusion of unlike kinds." Thagoria says, "Regardless, the violence of sorcery makes magical energy more chaotic, corrupting it into other forms." Thagoria says, "In this sense it is possible to make 'shadow essence' ourselves, even though it is the dark energy of another world." Thagoria says, "It is not as intense or pure as the 'shadows' proper, but it is more or less the same thing." Kayse looks lost in thought.
Lylia gazes with interest at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "That brings me to my point." Speaking to Thagoria, Perigourd asks, "That sorcerers by nature are corrupted?"
Missoni glances appraisingly at Thagoria.
Perigourd raises an eyebrow.
Missoni raises her eyebrows and gazes quite intently at Perigourd, clearly withholding comment. Speaking to Perigourd, Thagoria says, "Ordinary sorcery is very mild." Thagoria says, "There are much worse forms, the kind that make their practitioners end up in thaumaturgical asylums." Thagoria says, "This soulstone of Aralyte's acts as a conduit for the Shadow Realm under intense conditions, but is unable to bleed through its own gateway there without being charged." Thagoria says, "The Basilica has recognized the knowledge that would have allowed the soulstone to be recharged is restricted by our laws." Thagoria says, "Which is to say, this could have been done ten years ago, but you did not know how to do it." Thagoria says, "Once again the world has suffered from lack of knowledge of sorcery." Lylia sighs.
Thrassus nods slowly.
Amathea nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "For this reason the Basilican Sorcerer, Archchancellor Malevort, has authorized me to distribute this knowledge to sorcerer guilds across the continent." Kayse's expression is ponderous as she chews on one side of her lip.
Thrassus raises an eyebrow. Thagoria says, "Which is why I have been traveling all day." Perigourd furrows his brow.
Lylia blinks.
Missoni looks thoughtfully at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "Speaking with Baire, Stark, and all of the rest." Thagoria says, "While I have given directions to the various guilds, I will be showing you all how to do it myself." Amathea melodically says, "This is certainly not going to lead to some weird experiments....."
Amathea rubs her chin thoughtfully. Thagoria says, "You may recall about twenty-five years ago we spread knowledge through the guilds of a method for severing the bond between a soul and its host." Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "Almost certainly not."
Lylia nods.
Missoni agrees with Thagoria. Thagoria says, "This 'sacrifice' technique does immediate violence upon the bond, which is called the 'animus' by necromancers." Thagoria says, "The chaotic breaking of the 'animus' results in necrotic energy." Thagoria says, "Not just from sacrificing. But in general." Thagoria says, "But the sacrifice method allows necromancers to extract useful magical power, or rejuvenate the broken life forces of reanimated corpses." Thagoria says, "This method only works on the living. It is impotent against, for example, the cursed bond of the undead." Thagoria says, "There is a more powerful method of sacrificing victims which is sufficiently violent." Thagoria says, "But this violence has the result of making a more chaotic, more corrupt, form of the necrotic energy that is as much demonic and necromancy." (Dergoatean leans in just a tiny bit.)
Thrassus snickers.
Perigourd frowns. Thagoria says, "Which is so much to say that this darkness, chaos, and fear results in what we may call 'shadow essence'." Thagoria says, "It will be much faster for us to use the 'shadows' than charge the soulstone this way." Thagoria says, "But I will show you how to sacrifice victims more forcefully." Amathea gazes in awe at Thagoria.
Lylia brushes her fingers lightly against her red soulstone.
Missoni nods slowly.
Perigourd glances appraisingly at Missoni.
Lylia nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "It is not so very different from the way you sacrifice things now, which is widely taught, so there is no more involved instruction needed for sorcerers." Thagoria says, "In fact, having spoken with the various sorcerer guilds across the continent, the Arcane Masters and so forth are already making it known." Lylia agrees, "It is a rote matter at this point." Thagoria says, "Words do not truly convey the manipulation of magical forces, which is more of a practice of the magical arts." Thagoria says, "But if you feel how I do it, at least the sorcerers, you should be able to do it yourselves." Amathea sighs.
Amathea frowns. Thagoria says, "I was just at the guild speaking with Baire. I will use one of those nasty little creatures from the Black Sands." Lylia says, "We call them 'adventurers' locally."
Amathea cackles at Lylia!
Thrassus snickers.
Raelee levels her gaze at Thagoria, staring intently without blinking her eyes.
Missoni gazes in amusement at Lylia.
Dergoatean giggles at Lylia.
Thagoria makes a gesture and tears a rip into the fabric of reality, pulling through a very confused looking greater kappa. Perigourd glances at a greater kappa. Thagoria gestures at a greater kappa.
Cracks form in the air around a greater kappa, glowing a rich and lurid violet, and black vapor seeps through.
CS: +526 - TD: +21 + CvA: +25 + d100: +2 == +532
Warding failed!
A greater kappa is rooted in place!
Hissing tendrils of shadow lash out from the glowing cracks in the air, solidifying into blackened metal chains that wind around a greater kappa and hold it fast! Lylia stares off into space.
Shifting and slithering to maintain their hold, the tenebrous chains binding a greater kappa clench ever tighter.
A greater kappa is rooted in place!
Amathea melodically exclaims, "You can do it little guy!" Thagoria says, "If you Assess it closely, the bond to its soul, you can sense its frailty." Speaking to a greater kappa, Dergoatean says, "You have no idea how long I was looking for one of you. And a fisherman, for that matter."
Amathea gazes in awe at Thagoria.
Lylia leans forward.
Lylia nods.
Missoni murmurs, "Enticingly frail." Thagoria says, "Most of you are likely powerful enough to kill it outright." Thrassus says, "With just a thought." Thagoria says, "But tethering it with tenebrous shadows helps." You impose your will on a greater kappa and reach for the very core of its being, seizing on to the bonds tethering its soul.
Steeling your thoughts, you begin to draw energy from your victim.
The kappa contorts in agony, its mouth open in a silent scream!
You rip the soul of the greater kappa so totally from its form that its animus is completely destroyed in a single swift act of violation, leaving nothing from which you might form shadow essense.
Exultant in your success, you accidentally cut the link too abruptly, the last trickles of power snapping back into the kappa with concussive force!
The greater kappa suddenly explodes in a shower of bone and gore, splattering you with a myriad of small slimy bits.
The greater kappa falls to the ground motionless. Perigourd blinks.
Everall sighs.
Perigourd tightly grips the sides of his leather belt as he meaningfully leans forward and glares.
Lylia removes an embroidered sapphire silk handkerchief from in her wrap.
Missoni sets about preparing herself to be as presentable as possible. Thagoria says, "As you can see, I did not even need to injure it." Kayse runs a hand over her leather jacket, wringing out any accumulated water.
Everall dusts himself off.
Speaking approvingly to Thagoria, Missoni says, "That was very efficient."
Lylia says, "Magnificently so." Thagoria says, "This is more powerful than the more elementary technique." Perigourd gives a sidelong glance at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "In that method you need to inflict punishment, disorientation, to weaken the living enough to sever its animus." Thagoria says, "But while that helps, it is less necessary, when you do it this way." A scrap of gore slowly slides down Amathea's cheek.
Kayse gazes at her reflection in the antique ivory mirror. Thagoria says, "In fact you will be able to break more powerful bonds." A scrap of gore slowly slides down Thrassus's cheek.
(Lylia dabs at a bit of gore on her face.)
Everall glances at Amathea and cringes.
Lylia rubs an embroidered sapphire silk handkerchief in her hand.
Lylia put an embroidered sapphire silk handkerchief in her wrap. Thagoria says, "To illustrate that point, I will show you how to break the cursed bond of the undead, which is not possible at all with the other method." Kayse passes a hand over her freckle-dusted, smooth olive face.
Missoni gasps loudly, clapping her hands with mirth.
Lylia gazes admiringly at Thagoria. Thagoria pulls open a rift with the sound of howling wails and brings forth a wraith.
Thagoria gestures at a wraith.
Cracks form in the air around a wraith, glowing a rich and lurid violet, and black vapor seeps through.
CS: +526 - TD: +45 + CvA: +25 + d100: +33 == +539
Warding failed!
A wraith is rooted in place!
Hissing tendrils of shadow lash out from the glowing cracks in the air, solidifying into blackened metal chains that wind around a wraith and hold it fast! Shifting and slithering to maintain their hold, the tenebrous chains binding a wraith clench ever tighter.
A wraith is rooted in place! Thagoria says, "This is much the same as sacrificing the living, except the life forces you are manipulating are already broken, and hence cursed and trapping the soul." Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Voln has better ways to handle them." You impose your will on a wraith and reach for the very core of its being, seizing on to the bonds tethering its soul.
Steeling your thoughts, you begin to draw energy from your victim.
The wraith contorts in agony, its mouth open in a silent scream!
You rip the soul of the wraith so totally from its form that its animus is completely destroyed in a single swift act of violation, leaving nothing from which you might form shadow essense.
The wraith falls to the ground motionless. Missoni glances at Perigourd and folds her arms over her chest.
Lylia asks, "Why use one tool when we can have a whole box of them?"
Dergoatean says, "Well I'll be." Thagoria says, "These are too weak to be a useful demonstration." Speaking to Lylia, Perigourd says, "Because some are more ethical than others." Thagoria says, "If you are too much more powerful than your victim, you will rip the binding of their soul so forcefully it will completely sever." Thagoria says, "But that is not ideal from the point of view of acquiring shadow essence." Thagoria says, "What you want is to shatter it. Not cut it cleanly." Thagoria says, "There are some corrupted Luukosians in the Sea of Fire, that are out of favor with the Luukosian Order." Thagoria says, "Few will care if I sacrifice some of them." Lylia says, "I do not sniff at the ethics of removing the blighted undead in any way possible."
Thrassus grins.
Missoni cheerfully says, "We dispatch them often."
Lylia nods in agreement at Missoni. Thagoria flickers her wrist and tears open a jagged rift in the fabric of reality, then pulls through a startled and alarmed lithe veiled sentinel.
Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
Cracks form in the air around a lithe veiled sentinel, glowing a rich and lurid violet, and black vapor seeps through.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +65 == +196
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel is rooted in place!
Hissing tendrils of shadow lash out from the glowing cracks in the air, solidifying into blackened metal chains that wind around a lithe veiled sentinel and hold him fast! Kayse narrows her eyes menacingly at a lithe veiled sentinel, preparing to hold her ground. Shifting and slithering to maintain their hold, the tenebrous chains binding a lithe veiled sentinel clench ever tighter.
A lithe veiled sentinel is rooted in place! Lylia flashes a quick grin.
Perigourd glances at a lithe veiled sentinel. Thagoria says, "If you assess this sentinel, you will feel how much strong its soul is bound." Missoni nods slowly. Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +50 == +181
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Lylia murmurs, "I see." Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +55 == +186
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Missoni says, "More formidable than the last." Thagoria says, "Notice now how much more susceptible it is to being sacrificed." Missoni agrees with Thagoria. Lylia says, "You have weakened the foe." You impose your will on a lithe veiled sentinel and reach for the very core of its being, seizing on to the bonds tethering its soul.
Steeling your thoughts, you begin to draw energy from your victim.
The sentinel contorts in agony, his mouth open in a silent scream!
You violently shatter the bond on the soul of the veiled sentinel. As you draw it into yourself, you manipulate the chaotic and broken life forces, forming shadow essence.
A lithe veiled sentinel lets out a ragged gasp, collapsing to one knee before collapsing to the ground. Dergoatean lets out a cheer!
Missoni smiles. Thagoria says, "In the process of doing that I manipulated its broken and chaotic life forces. Which is to say, the tether of the soul to the body, not the soul itself." Thagoria says, "I was able to summon them into myself, making what we call shadow essence." Thagoria gestures and forms a writhing ball of shadows in her hand. Amathea melodically asks, "Then what happens to it's soul?"
Amathea rubs her chin thoughtfully.
(Lylia gazes at Thagoria in frank admiration.) Thagoria says, "I will now use this shadow essence to forcefully siphon some mana from the surrounding flows of magic." Thrassus says, "Off to the Maw, of course." You summon the shadow essence from the inner depths of your body, surrounding yourself in a dark halo of power. You will the shadows into the eddies and currents of the flows of essence around you, spreading through them like blackened veins of corruption. The surroundings glow with silent anguish. Everything around you becomes pale and enervated with discoloration, like the life has been drained out of the world. There is a flood of power as you feel 120 mana surge into you! Lylia surveys the area.
Kayse glances appraisingly around the area.
Missoni casually observes her surroundings.
Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "Sometimes we get to thinking we're pretty good at what we do, and then someone like her shows up."
Lylia breathes, "I felt that." Thagoria says, "Where the method you know through the guild involves instant conversions, this technique allows you to store some shadow essence much as you do necrotic energy." Speaking to Dergoatean, Lylia says, "I was just thinking something along those lines." Thagoria says, "It will allow the sorcerer to choose the manner in which they use that power later." Thagoria says, "Whether that is to siphon from the flows of magic, rejuvenate animates, or infest the surroundings through a sacrificial host." Thagoria says, "What you will find is that this dark energy, essentially cursed, will allow you to break Fate much as the star curse." Thagoria says, "Where you are powering it from what you sacrificed, rather than by putting a star curse on the victim first." Deep in thought, Dergoatean laces his fingers before him.
Speaking to Raelee, Dergoatean asks, "Jealous?"
Missoni delightedly says, "How convenient."
Amathea works her fingers under her studded silver crown and scratches her head. Thagoria flicks her wrist again and pulls in another sentinel. Raelee gives a sidelong glance at Dergoatean.
Lylia says, "Oh, wait until I unleash this in the Rift." Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +94 == +225
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Dergoatean winks at Raelee. Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +11 == +142
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Missoni nods enthusiastically at Lylia! Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
Cracks form in the air around a lithe veiled sentinel, glowing a rich and lurid violet, and black vapor seeps through.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +64 == +195
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel is rooted in place!
Hissing tendrils of shadow lash out from the glowing cracks in the air, solidifying into blackened metal chains that wind around a lithe veiled sentinel and hold him fast! You impose your will on a lithe veiled sentinel and reach for the very core of its being, seizing on to the bonds tethering its soul.
Steeling your thoughts, you begin to draw energy from your victim.
The sentinel contorts in agony, his mouth open in a silent scream!
You violently shatter the bond on the soul of the veiled sentinel. As you draw it into yourself, you manipulate the chaotic and broken life forces, forming shadow essence.
A lithe veiled sentinel lets out a ragged gasp, collapsing to one knee before collapsing to the ground. Amathea gazes in awe at Thagoria.
Kayse folds her wings across her back. Thagoria says, "Mm. Actually, let me wound one, first." Thagoria gestures again. Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +59 == +190
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +79 == +210
Warding failed!
The veiled sentinel's right leg explodes!
A lithe veiled sentinel falls to the ground grasping his mangled right leg! Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +60 == +191
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
Cracks form in the air around a lithe veiled sentinel, glowing a rich and lurid violet, and black vapor seeps through.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +69 == +200
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel is rooted in place!
Hissing tendrils of shadow lash out from the glowing cracks in the air, solidifying into blackened metal chains that wind around a lithe veiled sentinel and hold him fast! You impose your will on a lithe veiled sentinel and reach for the very core of its being, seizing on to the bonds tethering its soul.
Steeling your thoughts, you begin to draw energy from your victim.
The sentinel contorts in agony, his mouth open in a silent scream!
You violently shatter the bond on the soul of the veiled sentinel. As you draw it into yourself, you manipulate the chaotic and broken life forces, forming shadow essence.
A lithe veiled sentinel lets out a ragged gasp before collapsing. Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
d100: 1 + Modifiers: 183 == 184
You intone deeply over a lithe veiled sentinel's body as slender glowing wisps gather around your body like a swarm of moths to a lantern. After a few moments you begin to take on a slight glow and the veiled sentinel's body starts to show subtle signs of movement. Finally, the glow surrounding you envelops the body and flares brightly before fading out, revealing animated veiled sentinel. An animated lithe veiled sentinel mumbles a silent and sibilant prayer, channeling blue-green energy down his arms.
An animated lithe veiled sentinel presses his hands together and releases energy!
A deep blue glow surrounds an animated lithe veiled sentinel. Dergoatean exclaims, "Now I want to figure out how to summon my own sentinels!" Missoni glances appraisingly at an animated lithe veiled sentinel. Thagoria says, "It is a Luukosian so it will not mind." A severed sentinel leg spasms for a moment on the ground. Lylia nods at Dergoatean. You see a fairly typical veiled sentinel that is lying down. He has a completely severed right leg. He has nothing at this time. Thagoria says, "This animate is fairly wounded. It is missing a leg. Somehow." Lylia echoes, "Somehow." Thagoria says, "If only I had some of that shadow essence." Focusing on the bond to your animate, you force shadow essence into an animated lithe veiled sentinel, leveraging its broken life forces. The backlash of sorcerous violence with the necrotic energy of the sentinel ends in the unnatural revitalization of its animate matter. An animated lithe veiled sentinel stands up with a grunt. Thagoria exclaims, "It can walk!" Missoni gazes fondly at Thagoria. Amathea glances at an animated lithe veiled sentinel and rubs her chin thoughtfully. Kayse raises an eyebrow. You see a fairly typical veiled sentinel. He appears to be in good shape. He has nothing at this time. Dergoatean says, "It's a miracle." You are once again able to corrupt the flows of essence and siphon them with dark power. Amathea waggles her fingers mystically at the sentinel. The sentinel isn't too impressed, really.
Missoni whispers aloud, "We are basically healers."
Lylia says, "Amazing! I was just saying to Xorus that people have no respect for a perfectly good fresh corpse, tattering it all to pieces in the process of putting it down."
Lylia says, "And now, we have the means to undo the ..."
Amathea nods at Lylia.
Lylia glances at an animated lithe veiled sentinel.
Everall blinks.
Amathea melodically says, "It's true. valuable materials." Thagoria says, "This area has enough infestation of the shadows that I perhaps do not need to profane it myself." Thagoria says, "But there is something else." Dergoatean nods knowingly.
Missoni cocks her head at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "Since the shadow essence is bleeding through the veil, demonologists may force their way through it this way, riding the flows between places much as demonic gateway." The dog opens its mouth wide in an extended yawn. Summoning the shadow essence within yourself, you will it to bleed through the veil, exposing your mind to the vast abyss of cosmic horror. Countless possible gateways reveal themselves, with runes hidden in the fabric of reality. With the rune pattern of your destination burned into your memory, a deep understanding of demonic gates, and a bit of hubris, you forgo a summoning circle and daringly tear a planar rift into the air before you. The black gash in space quickly erupts in twilight grey sorcerous energy that consumes you. There is a blinding flash before the world vanishes.
At last, you arrive at your destination... [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 broad path. Obvious paths: northeast, west >ne
[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 an animated lithe veiled sentinel, a white opal, a sable-tufted slinky orange caraval, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake covered in white cotton bolls, the web-draped Missoni disk, a black-masked fawn puppy with a barrel chest, a lazy wild dark red dog, an enormous blue crystal monolith, a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees and a cedar chip path.
Also here: Dergoatean, Magister Raelee, Kayse, Bathcwyn Missoni, Imperatrix Lylia, Squire Everall, Amathea, Emissary Thrassus
Obvious paths: southwest Amathea glances at Thagoria.
Dergoatean applauds.
Lylia approvingly says, "Oh, now you are just showing off."
Lylia flashes a quick grin. Thagoria says, "In the Basilica we sometimes joke that the 'planar shift' was invented by an Illistim as the Faendryl had no need for it." Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean asks, "She wasn't until just now?" Thagoria says, "This is a small taste of why." Lylia holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching. Thagoria gestures again and rips another Luukosian sentinel here next to the lake.
Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
Cracks form in the air around a lithe veiled sentinel, glowing a rich and lurid violet, and black vapor seeps through.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +33 == +164
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel is rooted in place! Hissing tendrils of shadow lash out from the glowing cracks in the air, solidifying into blackened metal chains that wind around a lithe veiled sentinel and hold him fast! Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +59 == +190
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel contorts in excruciating agony!
... 105 points of damage! Thagoria gestures at a lithe veiled sentinel.
CS: +526 - TD: +420 + CvA: +25 + d100: +6 == +137
Warding failed!
A lithe veiled sentinel shudders and twists in intense pain!
... 96 points of damage! Thagoria says, "One of you try to sacrifice it." Lylia nods.
Thrassus nods at Lylia. Lylia appears to be in deep concentration as she stares at a lithe veiled sentinel.
The sentinel contorts in agony, his mouth open in a silent scream!
A lithe veiled sentinel lets out a ragged gasp, collapsing to one knee before collapsing to the ground. Dergoatean turns to Lylia and cheers!
Kayse nods approvingly at Lylia.
Amathea turns to Lylia and cheers!
Amathea gazes in awe at Lylia.
Lylia nods with satisfaction. Thagoria says, "The sorcerer guilds are spreading this knowledge among their populations as we speak." A lithe veiled sentinel's features crumple in upon themselves and his garb begins to unravel before he turns to greyish-green dust. Thagoria says, "Which we owe to the generosity of the Basilica." Missoni happily says, "Excellent."
Lylia says, "As we do in so many ways." You instruct your animate to explode. An animated lithe veiled sentinel starts convulsing uncontrollably and sparks of electricity begin arcing outwards from his body. The power quickly grows too strong for its host and the sentinel explodes, hurling body parts and bolts of lightning everywhere! When the explosion subsides, there is nothing left of the veiled sentinel. Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni says, "Thank you for sharing this with us directly. I am sure we will find much use for the improved technique." Thagoria says, "If the investigators discern that it is necessary, or worthwhile to travel into that shadow valence, as I said they will likely want to recharge that soulstone." Lylia says, "I hardly know what to say...an evening of so many revelations, my head swims."
Lylia nods to Thagoria.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Lylia says, "It is ever and always with me. Find me, find the soulstone."
Thrassus says, "I have to admit some professional jealousy."
Thrassus snickers. Thagoria says, "Because it is probably how Aralyte steered her gateway to the shadow realm." Your soul has recovered enough from the forces of darkness that you may once again unnaturally restore the animation of the dead. Lylia nods sympathetically at Thrassus. Thagoria says, "It is very strange. They will undoubtedly want to study it regardless." Raelee quietly asks, "Who would not?"
Lylia says, "I would be happy to accompany it to anywhere it was needed." Thagoria says, "It should be possible to charge the soulstone with this shadow essence, from sacrificing things, but it would take a lot of deaths and would not be very efficient." Lylia adds, "But possible, yes?"
Amathea melodically asks, "What about the portals the Ithzir travel here with? Could they be exploited somehow?" Thagoria says, "Since this lake was just covered in shadows, the much more intense kind, for whatever reason this storm is linked in that way..." Kayse says, "We are Wehnimer's--we do most things in the least efficient way."
Lylia asks, "And how many is 'a lot,' given the populations of nearby townships?" Thagoria says, "... they would probably try to charge it directly with the shadows." Missoni gazes in amusement at Kayse. Thagoria asks, "But, who knows?" Lylia nods at Amathea. Thagoria grins at Lylia. Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "Excellent question."
Thrassus says, "You underestimate how many things get killed violently around here."
Raelee says, "... the most efficient way to the least efficient way is starting a war." Thagoria says, "The Ithzir do not really open portals here on their own. If they did we would be under constant invasion." Lylia nods at Raelee.
Raelee adds, "It is not as if we have not seen wars started with that very motivation before." Thagoria says, "The ones that enter the old city are bound within it." Thagoria says, "Which, after all, we did." Thagoria says, "Bringing the Ithzir there, I mean." Amathea mutters under her breath.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression. Thagoria says, "But then as I was saying, we monitor the known Ithzir veils, for breaches such as from mana storms." Thagoria says, "When the Basilica sorts out its internal politics, you will know one way or another about their investigation." Missoni says, "I am looking forward to it."
Lylia says, "Indeed."
Missoni cheerfully says, "It has been such a productive evening." Thagoria says, "There would likely be several investigators involved. Especially for any aspect involving other valences." Everall squints.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression. Thagoria says, "It is highly irregular that this Aralyte was apparently doing it on her own." Speaking evenly to Thagoria, Raelee says, "... you may find that not all amongst my colleagues see sorcery as so very taboo. You may find that some of us can be quite... collaborative."
Thrassus asks, "Can we expect folk from the Cartographers as well?" Thagoria nods at Raelee. Villhelm says, "Oh, she is back." Thagoria says, "The Arcanum was before my time, but I have certainly heard of humans more agreeable to our arts." Villhelm asks, "Hello good witch. What have you all discerned?" Speaking to Thrassus, Thagoria says, "There would most likely be Harrowers." Lylia says, "I was not kidding about learning to bind shadowed essence. As one does on a Leyan evening."
Lylia grins at Villhelm.
Lylia nods to Thagoria.
Villhelm nods.
Speaking to Thagoria, Raelee says, "It was before my time as well... quite regrettably."
Villhelm says, "I see then." Thagoria says, "In fact, I believe a Harrower has been involved here before, related to these matters." Lylia says, "Ersix Severus."
Villhelm asks, "Has anyone here been in the Shadow Realm?"
Lylia nods at Villhelm.
Villhelm asks, "Who?"
Thagoria nods at Lylia. Speaking to Villhelm, Dergoatean says, "I led our forces when the mayor fell."
Villhelm says, "I see.."
Villhelm nods at Dergoatean. Thagoria says, "I do not know this Ersix Severus. But the Clerisy is very large, and technically, I am part of the Rachis." Thagoria says, "The Clerisy associated part of the Rachis." Thrassus says, "I have been there as well, during the second incident."
Villhelm says, "I am very new to understanding all of this, but I am trying."
Speaking to Villhelm, Dergoatean says, "I have missed an awful lot myself, to be honest."
Villhelm asks, "I would very much like to go someday. But perhaps I am crazy?" Thagoria asks, "How many times have you all been into that valence?" Amathea melodically says, "It's a lot..."
Lylia says, "The two are not mutually exclusive."
Villhelm nods at Lylia.
Speaking to Thagoria, Lylia says, "Twice."
Speaking to Villhelm, Dergoatean says, "It had some interesting sites to see but it wasn't exactly accomodating."
Missoni says, "I have not been, as I was in Ta'Faendryl at the time."
Dergoatean nods at Lylia.
Villhelm nods at Dergoatean. Thagoria asks, "How did you get in the second time?" Lylia says, "There was a boy. An urchin named Acorn." Thagoria asks, "Who names a child 'Acorn'?" Kayse says, "...he has a different name. He practices law now."
Missoni shrugs helplessly at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "Rags to riches." Raelee quietly mutters, "He requires far more... practice."
Lylia says, "He was taken there. We followed."
Thagoria asks, "Something took him into the shadow valence?" Lylia says, "He was blinded and then taken, yes. The Tehir lent a hand. a shaman, Teuriz."
Amathea glances at Lylia.
Villhelm says, "Interesting."
Villhelm says, "Pardon.."
Lylia says, "There was another involved. Quinshon." Thagoria nods. Lylia says, "He was the one who took the urchin."
Kayse amusedly says, "A name I have not heard in some time."
Kayse narrows her eyes. Thagoria says, "So someone with some association with the Shadow realm kidnapped the urchin for some reason." Dergoatean exclaims, "The dissembler!"
Villhelm asks, "I know not of Quinshon.. is he friend or foe?"
Villhelm peers quizzically at Kayse. Thagoria says, "And this Tehir shaman was able to let you all follow there." Amathea works her fingers under her studded silver crown and scratches her head.
Speaking to Villhelm, Kayse says, "Depends on who you ask."
Dergoatean says, "But not the disassembler. Which I think is what most of us thought that word was."
Villhelm nods at Kayse.
Dergoatean shakes his head.
Villhelm chuckles.
Speaking to Villhelm, Dergoatean says, "It was complicated."
Villhelm asks, "When was the last invasion caused from all of this?" Thagoria says, "But there was some other contact later? The soulstone is not totally depleted." Kayse says, "The line of friend and foe around these parts is blurred depending on what is needed at the time."
Lylia admits, "I did not know Quinshon well, although he knew someone whom I knew. Rather a tenuous chain of connections."
Lylia mutters something about Vlashandra.
Kayse says, "I met with him a few times with Rowmi--but that was long before this...incident." Thagoria says, "The Shadows had a whole cult of devotees, who are often mutated to one extent or another." Thagoria says, "This Quinshon may have some powers." Thrassus asks, "May?"
Thrassus laughs!
Raelee states, "He does."
Kayse adds, "And a mentalist on top of controling shadows."
Lylia nods.
Thrassus says, "He's practically half shadow himself."
Missoni cocks her head. Thagoria says, "I see. Mentalism." Lylia says, "I suspect he has a bit of trouble eating corn, however. The shadowy tentacles probably get in the way." Thagoria says, "More of an Erithi art, where I come from, but we do trade for gems with them." Villhelm nods. Thagoria asks, "His mouth is shadowy tentacles?" Kayse says, "The Ithizir that invaded years ago used some sort of mentalism. They were able to tap into memories." Thagoria nods at Kayse. Thrassus nods to Thagoria.
Kayse says, "I do not believe anything like that has happened recently."
Lylia says, "That, or he has an uncanny way of wearing a rapture cloak." Thagoria says, "The Ithzir are powerful psionics and telepaths." Speaking to Kayse, Dergoatean exclaims, "Those were some weird times!"
Lylia nods at Kayse.
Thrassus says, "He wears a veil at all times to hide them."
Kayse nods rhythmically. Thagoria says, "Interesting." Lylia says, "It is thanks to the Ithzir that the Northern Sentinel speaks Faendryl."
Kayse chuckles. Thagoria says, "I wonder if he is able to bring things into the shadow realm by eating them." Thagoria says, "Given that if you intensely concentrate the shadows you can bleed through the veil." Villhelm asks, "Are there any known major weaknesses to shadow beings?"
Villhelm asks, "For instance, is clerical magick more powerful?" Thagoria says, "It would vary with the being, but the ones that are sort of like elementals of darkness, they are very inhibited by light." Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Speaking to Villhelm, Dergoatean asks, "For the battle with Althedeus we had all these weapons dipped in... I don't remember what. Does anyone? Am I making that up?" Thagoria says, "Weak to the elements, but immune to most sorcery." Villhelm asks, "Oh, so WIZARDS would fare well?"
Lylia nods at Villhelm.
Villhelm says, "That is why Telekin was able to thwart so many shadows with Leafiara."
Villhelm says, "I saw them fight, it was quite wild."
Thrassus says, "They tend to dislike fire, yes." Thagoria says, "Bright light also impairs them drastically." Villhelm asks, "So an army of Wizards with maybe Paladins to protect?" Thagoria says, "Which is a spiritual art." Villhelm asks, "Clerical or Paladin like?"
Villhelm peers quizzically at Thagoria.
Villhelm asks, "Or both?"
Amathea melodically says, "That would be both." Thagoria gestures.
The area becomes brighter. Thagoria says, "Like that." Villhelm says, "Oh.."
Lylia removes a sand-hued verlok feather from in her wrap.
Villhelm says, "I see.. I am not familiar with spiritual arts."
Lylia rubs a sand-hued verlok feather in her hand.
Her verlok feather suddenly disintegrates!
Intense verdant light bursts from Missoni's surita staff.
Villhelm says, "I know more Elemental Casters and Magick, as I am a Bard." Thagoria says, "Ah, verlok feathers!" Villhelm nods. Villhelm laughs at Missoni! Thagoria says, "Clever." Missoni looks thoughtfully at Villhelm.
Lylia smiles.
Lylia inclines her head.
Villhelm says, "Your staff."
Missoni nods understandingly.
Lylia says, "Verlok feathers; I could get you handfuls of them, most likely. They shed like kittens."
Lylia nods at Villhelm. Thagoria says, "There had to have been a third time, I remember you were all speaking of some Vlashandra." Amathea cackles at Lylia!
Lylia hisses a filth-laden denunciation in icily precise Faendryl, each syllable sharp with menace.
Dergoatean smirks at Lylia.
Lylia stiffly says, "The deceiver. Yes."
Villhelm gawks at Lylia.
Thrassus says, "That name is rather despised here, yes." Thagoria asks, "But that had something to do with the shadow realm?" Lylia says, "She promised access to Aralyte to further her own ends, which was unearthing some other corpse."
Raelee glances between Lylia and Thrassus.
Amathea cocks her head.
Villhelm asks, "We have quite the gathering of Faendryl.. do you think there could be any Ur-Daemon involvement in ANYWAY?" Thagoria says, "I certainly hope not." Villhelm asks, "Or ties in this.. escapade?"
Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Amathea glances at Villhelm. Thagoria says, "Aralyte did use an Ur-Daemon relic to breach the veil to that valence." Villhelm nods at Amathea.
Amathea looks over at Villhelm and shakes her head.
Villhelm says, "Well, that says something .." Thagoria says, "Which from what I gather was an eye of a purported Ur-Daemon called Ith'can." Lylia nods to Thagoria.
Dergoatean says, "Oh, yes, over on Teras Isle."
Missoni asks, "What became of it?" Thagoria says, "I suppose it is possible that still exists." Missoni nods thoughtfully.
Thrassus says, "It's probably still in the valence."
Dergoatean says, "She had some sort of staff? That I beleive she filled with Ith'can's blood. Or whatever passed as its blood."
Lylia nods at Dergoatean. Thagoria says, "Ur-Daemon body parts are profoundly unholy, that Sanctum of Scales in the Sea of Fire was tainted by the Eye of Goseth." Thagoria nods at Dergoatean. Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Villhelm says, "Interesting, I did not know that." Thagoria says, "Putting the eye on a staff would make sense. You would not want to be handling it with your hands if you could avoid it." Villhelm asks, "Are there any other tainted areas in Elanthia related to Ur-Daemon's left?" Thagoria says, "Rhoska-Tor." Thrassus says, "The Wizardwaste."
Villhelm says, "I've never been."
Amathea melodically says, "You mentioned that earlier....curious."
Raelee says, "... via the Talon of Toullaire." Thagoria says, "Legend is that Imaera and so forth cleaned up a lot during the Age of Darkness." Villhelm nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "But there are places like Rhoska-Tor that are just profoundly broken." Kayse furrows her brow. Thagoria says, "Despana sought the old places of the Ur-Daemon, which is how the rest of history happened." Thagoria says, "But this Vlashandra did something to make the shadow realm accessible?" Lylia sets her mouth in a thin line of disapproval.
Kayse shifts her weight.
Lylia says, "A blood ritual."
Amathea glances at Lylia. Thagoria says, "I suppose that valence is deeply related to blood magic in a fashion." Raelee says, "... vague as that may be."
Dergoatean asks, "Did she actually make the shadow realm accessible? Or did she pretend she did and just brought back Barnom Slim instead?"
Amathea glances at Dergoatean.
Dergoatean says, "My memory is not what it used to be."
Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Villhelm says, "I see, I see."
Thrassus says, "She did, we accompanied her there."
Thrassus nods at Dergoatean. Thagoria says, "More of a sympathetic magic, animistic sort of magical art, it is really outside the mainstream of civilization." Dergoatean nods at Thrassus.
Lylia says, "Exactly so."
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Thrassus smiles quietly to himself.
Amathea melodically asks, "I assume she didn't teach herself how to do this ritual...?"
Amathea rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Thagoria asks, "I assume that happened here, at this Lake, where the original portal happened?" Speaking to Amathea, Lylia says, "You do ask the good questions."
Lylia flashes a quick grin.
Amathea grins at Lylia.
Villhelm asks, "What is the most current opinion on action of your superiors in regards to all this, Thagoria?"
Amathea melodically exclaims, "My obsessions must lead somewhere!"
Thrassus says, "Many portals to various times and places have been opened here." Thagoria says, "They do not answer to me. But they will almost certainly be sending investigators to assess the Ithzir threat." Thagoria says, "Which will involve this issue with the shadows." (Lylia's fists are white-knuckled, although her voice is even when she speaks.)
Villhelm nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "And they will want to know the disposition of the Blade Aralyte." Lylia tersely says, "Vlashandra's acts were near here, yes."
Villhelm asks, "Aralyte is still trapped in the valence?"
Villhelm says, "Or am I mistaken." Thagoria says, "She apparently still survives." Villhelm asks, "And perhaps growing evil, due to the corrupt nature of the surroundings?"
Thrassus says, "At least the last we saw." Thagoria says, "That is possible." Raelee surreptitiously glances at Lylia.
Villhelm nods.
Villhelm asks, "How long has the poor lass been trapped there?"
Lylia quietly says, "She must be reached. Either to cure or to end her."
Villhelm nods at Lylia.
Amathea frowns. Thagoria says, "The thaumaturgical asylums are not just for accidents, of mind shattering glimpses of vistas, it is for the criminally insane who have warped their minds into malevolence." Missoni furrows her brow.
Amathea glances at Thagoria. Thagoria says, "Aralyte has been there for over ten years." Villhelm gasps at Thagoria.
Villhelm asks, "So, you would send her to an asylum perhaps?" Thagoria says, "Eleven years almost precisely. I believe." Thagoria nods at Villhelm.
Amathea winces.
Missoni softly says, "I did not know her, but it will be interesting to see her."
Thrassus says, "She is likely too integrated with the valence to seperate."
Villhelm says, "I feel as though.."
Kayse distractedly says, "We have had a few come through this area that should be sent to one of those asylums." Thagoria says, "If they believe it is feasible to recover her." Villhelm says, "Ending her would be more.. merciful."
Villhelm says, "But I have no power here." Thagoria says, "That is the other side of the balance." Villhelm asks, "Perhaps the asylum would be used in attempt to rehabilitate?"
Raelee's expression briefly flickers with bewilderment. Thagoria says, "There would be a question of whether it is even possible to remove her from the valence." Villhelm nods to Thagoria. Thagoria says, "Or if she should be allowed to exist." Amathea gazes with interest at a beautiful mountain lake. Thagoria nods at Villhelm. Villhelm says, "So many questions and possibilities."
Amathea shakes her head.
Amathea gazes up into the heavens.
Raelee says, "... allowed to exist." Thagoria says, "She was presumed dead." Amathea mutters under her breath. Thagoria says, "This is like finding out someone inside a burning building for a decade might still be in there with their body adapted to the flames." Villhelm asks, "Who allows or doesn't allow?"
Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Villhelm says, "Right, evolved.." Thagoria says, "The Palestra has extrajudicial authority involving the sorcerous laws in some circumstances." Thagoria says, "Aralyte herself executed her charge Granlestal." Lylia nods.
Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee says, "... it would leave so many questions unanswered." Thagoria says, "I will try to inform the investigators, when they are chosen, of what you have told me so that hopefully you do not have to answer the same questions too many times." Kayse nods appreciatively to Thagoria.
Missoni smiles.
Lylia says, "Of course. We appreciate the attention to detail."
Raelee nods faintly at Lylia.
Thrassus starts chuckling at Thagoria!
Thrassus says, "I am sure they will still think of some, it's thier job after all." Thagoria says, "I do not have much else to tell you at this time." Dergoatean nods to Thagoria.
Amathea curtsies to Thagoria.
Speaking to Thagoria, Dergoatean says, "Thanks for the phenomenal necrotic powers."
Missoni nods appreciatively to Thagoria. Speaking to Dergoatean, Thagoria says, "I am only the messenger, thank the ones who invented it." Lylia says, "You have told us a great deal already, and disseminated an invaluable resource to the guild masters."
Amathea glances at Thagoria and rubs her chin thoughtfully. Thagoria says, "It is a versatile dark art, this form of sacrifice, it has many potential uses." Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Missoni appreciatively says, "It is excellent progress."
Villhelm asks, "Lylia still has the soulstone?"
Lylia says, "I shall enjoy exploring it."
Lylia firmly says, "I am never parted from it."
Villhelm nods at Lylia.
Villhelm says, "Thank you all for an interesting time." Thagoria says, "The investigators will most likely want to look at the soulstone." Villhelm says, "I look forward to learning more and to hopefully find a peaceful, safe resolution.."
Thagoria nods at Villhelm. Villhelm nods to Thagoria.
Lylia says, "...of course. I am happy to accompany it to wherever it may need to travel."
Villhelm bows to Thagoria.
Lylia smiles at Thagoria.
Amathea nods at Lylia.
Thagoria nods at Lylia. Thagoria says, "If you have nothing else for me, I will be off to tell the Basilica my work with the guild is completed." Villhelm smiles.
Villhelm bows to Thagoria.
Thrassus nods to Thagoria.
Kayse nods once to Thagoria.
Missoni adopts an agreeable expression.
Amathea smiles at Thagoria.
Dergoatean turns toward you and renders you a sharp hand salute.
Villhelm says, "Be well, and thank you for your concern."
Lylia says, "Please convey our gratitude for the Basilica's attention in these matters."
Thrassus says, "I look forward to further news of the investigation."
Amathea hangs her head.
Lylia puts her hand to her heart and inclines her head in an eloquent gesture of acknowledgement. Thagoria nods. Thagoria says, "Honor and Glory to the Patriarch." Dergoatean exclaims, "I suppose I have some research of my own to do, then!"
Speaking to Thagoria, Dergoatean says, "Yes, sure."
Villhelm says, "Goodnight Thagoria."
Thrassus says, "Honor and Glory to the Patriarch."
Amathea beams happily at Dergoatean!
Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia says, "Honor and Glory to the Patriarch."
Speaking to Thagoria, Missoni echoes, "Honor and glory to the Patriarch."
Dergoatean smiles at Amathea.
Thrassus performs a bow characteristic of the Faendryl.
Lylia inclines her head.
Dergoatean says, "Good night, everyone." Thagoria motions with her arm and opens a rift, then walks through it and it disappears with a flash into a pinpoint of light.