North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-01-17 - The Light in the Fight (log)

Lormesta 17-18, 5122

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the TownCrier

Synopsis

Town Square Central is set ablaze as Gnul offers his help keeping everyone warm in the cold! Creatures mob the environs and adventurers battle back, but soon siege towers come into view throughout the Upper Trollfang and Lower Dragonsclaw--Gnul's siege towers! Experienced adventurers work to locate and destroy the towers while Rooks and militia members aid less trained adventurers on the streets and Hendoran and Bourthian soldiers handle the area near their outpost.

While adventurers work to destroy the third tower, everyone notices a phenomenon of motes drifting down from Melgorehn's Reach--first golden, then silver, then bronze, then hundreds of all three colors being descending. A few investigate the base of the Reach, but find nothing, and no one's willing to break away until they're sure the town is safe.

However, eventually the environs are cleared out and adventurers move onward up the Reach... where they find Iliyaas in the Moon Chamber. She's listening for something, but has gotten no response. She says the storm of our land ends soon--spring will chase it--but the next storm will be of "the worlds." Magister Raelee asks if her vision is limited to this world or beyond; Iliyaas says limited at this time, and there is no other time yet. She says she'll speak more when she sees more, then creates a portal and leaves.

Log

Sudden Attack

Glistening flakes of icy snow fall quietly down from the skies.

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see some unleavened rose-infused rice bread, the mist-hazed Asthenea disk, a thin elderly gnoll, the Haedayr disk, a large acorn, the Loekiki disk, the Wraithboern disk, the Azclepi disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Arahnim disk, a lively lake spirit that is flying around, a falcon feather, a crackling fire, a sugar-dusted strawberry, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Sythaeryn, Rmic, Drektor, Asthenea, Haedayr, the body of Ranaeril who is lying down, Great Lord Torkracken, the body of Vandhal who is lying down, Loekiki, Wraithboern, Azclepi, Arahnim, Irval, Andromalius, Zelene

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Ice columns in the Dragonsclaw."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "I think we may be under assault."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Orcs in town."

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "All kinds of big ice creatures just outside the gates and south of the town gaurd."

[General] Perigourd exclaims, "Rocks coming down in town!"

[Town Square, West]

Here in the midst of the town stretches the cobblestoned main bazaar, its lamplit lanes abuzz with traders and vendors hawking their wares at any hour of the day or night. Groups of citizens, discussing the day's events or preparing for nighttime hunts, gather around the doors of the merchants whose shops border the square. The gilded but peeling stone facade of the First Elanith Bank dominates this side of the square. You also see the Wolfloner disk, a yellow-eyed silvery lor mandrake, the web-draped Missoni disk, a lazy wild deep red dog, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, a crackling fire, the First Elanith bank, a polished red steel lantern mounted on a wooden post and obvious signs of someone hiding.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Town Councilor Kiyna, Missoni, Perigourd

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Fires in town too..."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "The fires are my bonfires as far as I know."

[General] Missoni thinks, "The fires are for warmth."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "...oh."

[General] Gnul thinks, "You look so cold...let us help...."

[General] Dwi asks, "It's quiet in da impire...dat tell ye anythin?"

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "Orange-eyed tall thunder troll at the north gate."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Clearing the immediate environs."

[General] Gnul thinks, "Keep warm little rodents..."

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "He is on the north road now."

[General] Dwi slyly thinks, "C'mere anna say dat."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Looks like a disaster in the square... heading over."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, the Broadfuguis disk, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, a large acorn, some unleavened rose-infused rice bread, a large acorn, the Arahnim disk, a falcon feather, a crackling fire, a sugar-dusted strawberry, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Broadfuguis, the body of High Lord Qwantsy who is lying down, Ensayn, the body of Alosaka who is lying down, the body of Vasilious who is lying down, the body of Vandhal who is lying down, Arahnim who is lying down, the body of Irval who is lying down, the body of Andromalius who is lying down, Zelene who is lying down

Leafiara says, "Well..."

[General] Meureii thinks, "Troll is dead."

[General] Broadfuguis asks, "Why is everyone dead in TSC?"

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Gnul set it ablaze in there."

Roelon deeply says, "Ah nae wish to fuel the Mayors anger. But ah will do what ah kin within his limits."

Speaking to Roelon, Leafiara says, "I was just about to say, watch out that he doesn't spot you around here."

[General] Meureii thinks, "Mostly fairly easy targets in town now."

Leafiara murmurs, "I'd better be careful myself."

Alosaka says, "What a thing to wake up to."

[travel, minor combat]

Leafiara says, "Hm."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Fairly moderate foes in the grasslands, but in decent numbers."

[General] The ghost of Lsanna thinks, "Hi I kinda died out die the gates."

[assume minor combat and travel throughout the log]

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

Leafiara says, "Where are the dangerous ones this time..."

[OOC note: By sheer happenstance, somehow Cryheart, Geijon, Guarrin, Gutstorm, Lylia, Stormyrain, Xorus, and probably a dozen other regulars were all not present, so there was no super group spamming up the place that would yet merit me excising all dialogue in the interest of time--nor was there even much dialogue in the first place with everyone gone. We'll get there soon enough, though.]

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Getting bigger on the way to Danjirland."

Leafiara says, "Fascinating, it's like he sends the exact same array of troops to the same area each time..."

[General] Nairena thinks, "Lots of Feras weapons."

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "I cant pickup the feras Broadsword."

Leafiara says, "Minor pains..."

[General] Irval thinks, "Hey Gnul, Come out from your mountain you troll! Ive got a bone or two to break with you."

[General] Jastalyn asks, "Where's the group?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Not entirely sure one's assembled yet..."

[General] Markx thinks, "Doesn't seem like Cryheart is around and we seem to form on him...typically."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, the Haedayr disk, a morose wasteland spirit that is flying around, a massive snowy white tiger, a blue wolf, the Guennwhfar disk, a lively lake spirit that is flying around, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a large acorn, some unleavened rose-infused rice bread, a large acorn, a falcon feather, a crackling fire, a sugar-dusted strawberry, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, the body of Teddyboy who is lying down, Haedayr, Tikba who is lying down, Roelon who is sitting, the body of Lsanna who is lying down, Markx, Jouni, Kasci, Magister Raelee, the body of Lord Dangir who is lying down, the body of Silvagon who is lying down, the body of Divinorium who is lying down, the body of Lord Silencieux who is lying down, Bellaja, Great Lord Smote, the body of Wardrob who is lying down, Lady Guennwhfar, Alosaka who is kneeling, the body of High Lord Qwantsy who is lying down, the body of Vasilious who is lying down, Irval, the body of Zelene who is lying down

Roelon deeply says, "Such ah collection.."

[General] Broadfuguis asks, "Why all the Feras weapons if ya can not sell em at the pawn?"

[General] Jastalyn thinks, "I'll be outside the north gate."

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "They are everywhere in town."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "I'll take the area near Danjirland and return for resurrections as I can."

[General] Bellaja thinks, "Trying to catch up while you do."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Looks like a few small groups have formed."

[General] Nairena thinks, "Gnul. I think the other elemental metals are getting jealous."

[General] Nairena thinks, "Feras is so, last summer."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Currently moving toward the bridge toward the Zeltoph just in case."

Kiyna says, "Damn, they got Asben."

[Upper Trollfang]

This is the western end of a badly overgrown and neglected road. Small piles of paving stones can be seen nearby, but the large amount of weeds that cover them indicate to you that they have not been moved in quite some time. You also see a delusive forest spirit that is flying around, the Meril disk, a feras falchion, the flaming Nairena disk, the Guennwhfar disk, a red forest fox, a white-eyed air wyrdling, a spear, an augmented breastplate, a spear, some tree bark and a feras falchion.

Also here: Meril, Lady Guennwhfar, Markx, Lady Nairena, Severine, the body of Asben who is lying down

Leafiara says, "He has a large group with him." [well... large by the standards of the night]

[General] Nairena thinks, "Asben died to feras."

Leafiara says, "Hmm..."

[General] Diablic thinks, "Thats because Asben is weak."

Leafiara says, "The really strong ones aren't around yet."

Leafiara says, "The rune-etched ones."

[General] Nairena exclaims, "He is not!"

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "Or the big white golems."

Leafiara says, "Right..."

[General] Irval asks, "Hey Gnull you know whats missing ? Griffins. Seen any? oh thats right. I barbecued them nice and flambe, Ive got a dead grifflet around somewhere. Wanna see?"

[General] Nairena thinks, "Hes just got a big head."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "If anyone spots the constructs or rune-etched trolls, give a shout."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Those are the most dangerous, but I haven't seen them yet."

[General] Leafiara adds, "This time."

[General] Jastalyn thinks, "Thank you for the intel."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "Kinda incredible to me that I can even sort of keep up with you now. You used to be a blur."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Area toward the bridge clear for now."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Markx has a reasonable size group near Danjirland."

Bone-jarring tremors herald the appearance of a huge white granite construct!

Bone-jarring tremors herald the appearance of a huge white granite construct!

Kiyna says, "Construct."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Welp... found the constructs."

[General] Markx thinks, "I can come back to town if anyone else cares to join."

[General] Irval thinks, "Clearing out Gnulions in dragonsclaw."

[Upper Trollfang]

The scurrying of unseen creatures occassionally cause the snapping of a tiny twig and you oft times catch the glimpse of brown fur or black feather. The dense and low-lying flora of the area quickly conceal anything that is not directly on the path however and you are feeling a bit apprehensive about moving further. You also see a huge craggy stone warbringer, a huge craggy stone warbringer, a huge white granite construct, a huge white granite construct, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a swirling column of ice, some light leather, a cudgel, some light leather and a cudgel.

Also here: Town Councilor Kiyna, Whimweaver Leafiara

[General] Nairena exclaims, "Save some for us!"

Irval's group just arrived.

Perigourd's group just arrived.

[Upper Trollfang]

The scurrying of unseen creatures occassionally cause the snapping of a tiny twig and you oft times catch the glimpse of brown fur or black feather. The dense and low-lying flora of the area quickly conceal anything that is not directly on the path however and you are feeling a bit apprehensive about moving further. You also see a lazy wild deep red dog, a feras falchion, a scratched modwir coffer, a feras falchion, a pink tourmaline, a huge white granite construct, a huge white granite construct that is lying down, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, some light leather, a cudgel, some light leather and a cudgel.

Also here: Marshal Meureii, Missoni, Perigourd, Arahnim, Irval, Town Councilor Kiyna, Whimweaver Leafiara

Speaking to Irval, Kiyna says, "Took a few blows."

Towers of Power

Emerging from the Upper Trollfang and slowly being pushed along the falling curtains of snow, the top of a huge wooden siege tower appears.

[General] Ulfwine thinks, ""Oh."

Kiyna says, "Siege tower..."

Leafiara says, "Hm."

Irval says, "Easy day."

Irval says, "Where's the rest."

[General] Directed grimly to Ulfwine, Tikba agrees, "Yes."

Perigourd says, "To the tower then."

Leafiara says, "A tower, huh..."

A barbed heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Irval!

AS: +421 vs DS: +490 with AvD: +33 + d100 roll: +7 = -29

A clean miss.

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A black-shafted heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Perigourd!

AS: +421 vs DS: +849 with AvD: +40 + d100 roll: +21 = -367

A clean miss.

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A dark-fletched heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Kiyna!

Kiyna evades the missile by inches!

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A green-banded heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Perigourd!

At the last moment, Perigourd blocks the missile with his shield!

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A barbed heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Arahnim!

AS: +421 vs DS: +399 with AvD: +22 + d100 roll: +9 = +53

A clean miss.

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A razor-sharp heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Kiyna!

As Kiyna evades the attack, an angry shriek reverberates through her aganjira tunic!

Spidery lines of misty green light spiral up from the point of impact, spreading over the chest of Kiyna's aganjira tunic.

Coalescing with a burst of misty green sparks, the visage of an ethereal fiery phoenix spreads its wings in a burst of roiling ethereal flame and lets out a resounding shriek, the noise building into a discordant cacophony!

A deafening shriek impacts an orc sniper with a gust of displaced air!

[SMR result: 292 (Open d100: 37, Penalty: 10)]

Reeling from the sonic onslaught, an orc sniper staggers and falls over, writhing in agony!

A latticework of misty green tendrils spirals over Kiyna's body, weaving a protective cocoon around her!

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A dark-fletched heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Irval!

AS: +451 vs DS: +490 with AvD: +33 + d100 roll: +56 = +50

A clean miss.

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

The evanescent shield shrouding Leafiara flares to life and absorbs the oncoming blow. Before fading, it flickers with a pale incandescence.

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

The evanescent shield shrouding Missoni flares to life and absorbs the oncoming blow.

The bolt streaks off into the distance!

A black-shafted heavy crossbow bolt flies out of the shadows toward Arahnim!

AS: +451 vs DS: +399 with AvD: +22 + d100 roll: +78 = +152

... and hits for 3 points of damage!

Glancing blow to Arahnim's back.

That could have been more effective.

• • Arahnim's spiked imflass plate-and-mail unleashes an invisible burst of force at the sniper! **

... 25 points of damage!

Vision blurred. The sniper staggers around blindly.

The sniper is stunned!

The bolt sticks in Arahnim's left hand!

Perigourd says, "That can't be allowed to reach the city."

[and now we'll cut to brutal editing, as volleys of bolts start flying every 5-10 seconds from invisible creatures that can't be killed and a reasonably sized group has to assemble to bash and burn the siege tower]

[General] Gnul thinks, "Your metal men are not the only ones who can raise great towers..."

[lots of destruction and combat]

Missoni gestures at a huge wooden siege tower.

A huge wooden siege tower becomes a bit unsubstantial, and a shrill noise pierces the air as pieces of it simply disappear into nothingness!

The wooden siege tower finally breaks apart and several orcs rush out!

Through the thicket of snow and the Lower Dragonsclaw forest, another wooden siege tower rolls into view.

A second wooden tower rolls into view among the snowy treetops of the Upper Trollfang.

Dark hooded figures move along the snowy rooftops of Wehnimer's Landing, firing arrows down upon invaders in the streets.

Town militia march along the snow-laden streets of town, battling gremlins and orcs as they push across block by block.

Pouring out of the imperial outpost in the grasslands, several Hendoran knights and Bourthian archers take to the field, clashing with stone creatures in the wild.

[General] Gnul thinks, "Metal men, thorny rogues, little bird people, you all break the same. The sound of your bones beneath us sound no different."

Kiyna bashes at the siege tower with her short sword!

The wooden siege tower finally breaks apart and several orcs rush out!

[on to attack the next one]

A single, tiny golden mote of light appears high upon the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach. It drifts downward, like a falling speck of snow, and then dissipates.

A single, tiny silver mote of light appears high upon the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach. It drifts downward, like a falling speck of snow, and then dissipates.

A single, tiny bronze mote of light appears high upon the peaks of Melgorehn's Reach. It drifts downward, like a falling speck of snow, and then dissipates.

Hundreds of motes of light, gold, silver and bronze begin to descend from the peaks of Melogrehn's Reach, glittering amongst the falling snow as if the mountain itself was shedding metallic skin.

Missoni gestures at a huge wooden siege tower.

A huge wooden siege tower becomes a bit unsubstantial, and a shrill noise pierces the air as pieces of it simply disappear into nothingness!

The wooden siege tower finally breaks apart and several orcs rush out!

[brutal editing ends, as combat is largely over for the night]

Vaemyr says, "Well then..."

[General] Tikba apprehensively thinks, "Hm."

[General] Dwi exclaims, "Ceilia wins da raffle!"

Leafiara says, "On the bright side, tower down."

[General] Goldstr exclaims, "Hopes dat do be Rodnay!"

Missoni exclaims, "Yes, that is one less thing to worry over!"

Vaemyr asks, "Think Rodnay just awoke from his cacoon?"

Leafiara asks, "Was that the last of them?"

Irval asks, "Find the other?"

Irval says, "I saw two."

Perigourd says, "Lets give the environs a look over."

Missoni asks, "Is there another?"

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Another tower destroyed, meanwhile."

Perigourd says, "Moving."

Leafiara asks, "Are... you thinking of ascending the Reach?"

Speaking to Leafiara, Perigourd says, "Debating."

Perigourd says, "I'd like to make sure the town is safe first."

Alosaka says, "Whatever's going on up there probably doesn't need our aid."

Ensayn asks, "Can we all fit in that contraption?"

Speaking to Ensayn, Leafiara says, "Fit larger groups than this in there before."

[General] Kiyna asks, "What's the situation in town? Still got Gnul's forces running about, or they backing off?"

Rasson says, "Probably too heavy to even get up the ramp."

Ensayn jokingly says, "Nevermind the creaking and groaning."

Leafiara says, "I'm still amazed Tyrrax was willing to come up there with a good three dozen of us and himself alone."

Alosaka reports, "Lower Dragonsclaw is still overrun with stone creatures."

A huge, bulking figure appears on a ledge of the Thanatoph, the dark of night concealing his features, but he stands facing the Trollfang and Wehnimer's Landing beyond. He does not move for several minutes, letting the snow fall down around him. He looks beyond the forest, then turns and disappears within Stone Valley.

Reach Phenomenon

Leafiara says, "Odd."

Missoni says, "We likely should check it out, in case it is something to do with the stolen plinite, so long as the town is safe."

Perigourd says, "Hmm.."

Vaemyr says, "Hmm seems like the attack might be stopped."

Perigourd says, "His forces seem in retreat."

Bristenn briskly offers, "If you're to go have a look, I will clear out the remainder of the forest."

[General] Alosaka thinks, "Town is largely clear. A few stray creatures still hiding about."

Speaking to Missoni, Kiyna says, "I agree. This seemed... diversionary."

Missoni murmurs, "And now he is gone without a word."

Leafiara speculates, "So perhaps using the plinite to some end within the Reach."

Vaemyr says, "Hmm."

Perigourd says, "Lets take a look then."

Alosaka says, "We can build new town walls out of feras after this."

Rasson says, "They are looking to fill a feras order, should be collecting all this junk."

Speaking to Alosaka, Vaemyr says, "Feras is quite brittle."

Leafiara reminds, "...feras crumbles a lot faster than wood."

[General] Kataric asks, "Any word on the roads being clear in time for invoker's hullabaloo?"

Vaemyr says, "Would not last very long."

Speaking to Leafiara, Kiyna says, "Lot more unpleasant to attack, though."

Ensayn says, "'Use it to fence in the critters."

[General] Broadfuguis asks, "What road ?"

Rasson says, "I know but for some reason they got a digger to mine it."

Speaking to Kiyna, Leafiara says, "I mean, there's a reason you don't see feras shields and armor around..."

Rasson says, "When it is laying all over the place tonight."

Speaking to Kayse, Drazaa says, "More in sync than I realized."

Vaemyr says, "Now... turn it all into a bunch of feras arrows.... and supply the entire militia with them."

[General] Kataric asks, "So, can we not see it because of the blood or because of the snow?"

[General] Goldstr thinks, "Day still attackin near west gate."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd asks, "Heading up?"

Speaking to Perigourd, Kayse says, "We were thinking about it--but the light seemed to have stopped."

Kayse adds, "And Rodnay is not responding."

[General] Perigourd asks, "How heavy is the fighting?"

Leafiara says, "Goldstr says attacks are still around, so I'll take a look for stragglers."

[breaks away for travel and very, very minor combat]

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "I can punch and kick some of the beasts in town, I have been thru 13 trainings."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Forest seems clear now."

[Realm] Bristenn thinks, "Routed the remainder in the Lower Dragonsclaw."

[General] Arahnim exclaims, "HEY GNUL, You forgot your tower!"

[Realm] Missoni thinks, "Thank you Sir Bristenn."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Handling stragglers near the Zeltoph bridge."

[Realm] Alosaka thinks, "Thank you, Sir Bristenn."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "Much appreciation. Heading up the mountain now just to see if everythings still in place."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Bridge area clear."

[General] Broadfuguis thinks, "Well Asben came along and is smashing beasts all over town."

[General] Markx thinks, "Seems clear to me aside from a straggler or two."

[General] Goldstr thinks, "West gate to north gate seems clear."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Abandoned Inn vicinity clear."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Handling Danjirland itself and I think that's the last of them."

[General] Kiyna thinks, "We're ascending the Reach to investigate those lights."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Will follow suit if you find anything."

[General] Hiea thinks, "I think they are scared of the invoker."

[General] Leafiara thinks, "Town looks clear... just the Reach team left to report."

[Focused] Asben thinks, "Aside from the fire near the bank."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "We're waiting on the gondola."

[Leafi heads to the Reach area to try to go up too]

Bellaja says, "So lost."

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Ascending now."

[Realm] The invoker thinks, "Residents of Wehnimer's Landing, I am currently at Town Square, Small Park and offering spells to those in need."

[General] Romana thinks, "Invoker in the park."

Leafiara says, "Hm."

[Locate Person spell]

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lift]

This is an open-air, wooden box which is suspended on a beam trellis that is precariously attached to the side of the mountain. There are plenty of openings which afford a great view, but the cab itself is covered (probably to guard against falling rocks). You also see the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the Arahnim disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Meril disk, the web-draped Missoni disk and an animated flayed gigas disciple.

Also here: Perigourd, Tikba, Arahnim, Irval, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Magister Raelee, Alosaka, Missoni, Meril, Town Councilor Kiyna

Leafiara says, "Looks like they're on the lift."

Leafiara mutters, "I always hate this part." [Leafi and Kayse are at the runes]

Kayse laments, "I hate going up here."

Leafiara tentatively says, "It's not necessarily too late to back out."

[Melgorehn's Reach, Stream]

The mountain trail ends here, opening into a wide area that provides a good place to rest. Progress to the west ends with an exposure of several thousand feet. You notice a wooden beam trellis which runs from this point up the side of the mountain to quite a distance above you. On one side, a freshwater mountain stream tumbles out of an opening into a pool. You also see a stream that is currently running under an open wooden dam which is allowing it to drain back into a mountain fissure.

Obvious paths: east

[General] Stradus thinks, "The road to the landing is quite fearsome.. i mean... feral....no, i mean feras."

Leafiara tentatively says, "Not sure if it would... interfere with their trip to close it..."

Kayse offers, "Could try."

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "Iliyaas is in the Moon Chamber."

[Realm] Leafiara curiously thinks, "...strange."

[General] Snowyetis asks, "Is there an invasion around town?"

[Realm] Leafiara asks, "Won't enter the camp but will enter the Reach, of all places?"

Leafiara concernedly says, "I'm sure you heard Perigourd's thought..."

Kayse curiously asks, "What is she doing up there?"

[Realm] Vaemyr asks, "Likes places without people?"

Leafiara mutters, "I want to know as much as I don't want to know..."

Kayse worriedly asks, "Is she bothering Rodnay?"

Leafiara slowly says, "Oh, do I hope not."

[Realm] Alosaka thinks, "She appears to be, ah, communing with nature... or the spirits of the place... maybe."

Leafiara offhandedly recalls, "He did say to keep people away... though he more meant the Magister, but still."

[Realm] Kayse thinks, "There is plenty of nature that isn't the Reach."

[Realm] Leafiara thinks, "We're on our way, but you know how this trip goes. ...slowly."

[Realm] Kayse curiously asks, "Did she cause the motes of light?"

[Realm] Perigourd thinks, "Indeed."

Kayse amusedly says, "Kiyna just told me she's naked."

Leafiara murmurs, "Should have trusted my first instinct and gone up here instead of just--"

[Realm] Vaemyr thinks, "We don't know, she's not said... much."

Leafiara glances briefly up, then down again. Suddenly, her eyes bulge and she whips her head around to gape at Florania.

A wooden cab, riding on the trellis, crawls down the side of the mountain and comes to a clunky stop, level with the ledge. You hear the sound of the paddle wheel slamming to a halt and the water splashing uselessly off of it.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lift]

This is an open-air, wooden box which is suspended on a beam trellis that is precariously attached to the side of the mountain. There are plenty of openings which afford a great view, but the cab itself is covered (probably to guard against falling rocks). You also see the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk.

Leafiara murmurs, "With any luck, she's only up there to establish a portal for Enisius to have easier access..."

Kayse informs, "She just made herself a robe and cloak out of light--after Irval seemed unused to seeing naked women."

Leafiara amusedly says, "Brilliant."

Kayse says, "Might be more amusing to just get thoughts from Kiyna than actually be there."

A ledge comes into view and the cab grinds to a clunky halt.

Kayse flatly says, "You would think after all these years we'd have an easier way to get up here."

[Melgorehn's Reach, Moon Chamber]

You are in a vast, domed enclosure cut from the native rock of the mountain. The floor is perfectly smooth but the vaulted ceiling is chiseled in an array of gothic designs. In the center of the room sits a single onyx altar. You also see the Meril disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, the Arahnim disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the web-draped Missoni disk, an animated flayed gigas disciple, a churning white portal and a round shaft cut into the floor of the chamber.

Also here: Town Councilor Kayse, Whimweaver Leafiara, Irval, Town Councilor Kiyna, Arahnim, Alosaka, Missoni, Town Councilor Vaemyr, Tikba, Magister Raelee, Meril, Perigourd, Lady Iliyaas

Missoni sheepishly says, "We are a curious sort."

Leafiara slowly says, "Well, we made it."

>l ili

You see Lady Iliyaas.

She appears to be a Sylvankind.

She is tall. She appears to be young. She has vacant dark fawn eyes and ghostly white skin. She has long straight, sleek obsidian-hued hair. She has a refined face, a round nose and angular cheekbones. A web of inky black veins stretches along her brow and borders her eyes.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a citrine-cored faceted emerald pendant, a sigil-etched silvery white longcloak, some flowing white lotus silk robes, and a pair of engraved black urglaes thumb rings.

Irval asks, "Maybe we too should try listening?"

Iliyaas says, "It does not speak to me yet. I speak to it. Perhaps it will answer. Perhaps it is listening."

Kiyna annoyedly says, "Speaking in even more obtuse riddles than usual... I don't have the patience for this."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Irval asks, "What are you hoping it will tell you?"

Iliyaas says, "That is your error."

Iliyaas nods at Irval.

Irval frowns.

Iliyaas says, "You speak, and already hope to craft the answer."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alosaka says, "All you missed was more of this."

Leafiara acknowledges, "Yeah, you've pretty much got him pegged."

Speaking curiously to Iliyaas, Missoni asks, "What is the question?"

Irval asks, "So to ask without asking and listen for an answer to a question that has yet to be asked?"

Irval glances around the room.

Speaking to Kiyna, Raelee asks, "Non-linear perspective offers... a unique viewpoint. Curious, is it not?"

You notice a vein pulsing in Irval's forehead.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Perigourd asks, "What do you want it to say?"

Iliyaas asks, "Why should I want it?"

Perigourd scratches at his beard.

Iliyaas asks, "Who am I, to force its nature, to demand its message?"

Speaking derisively to Raelee, Kiyna says, "Unique viewpoint, right... it is definitely that."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Missoni says, "Surely you wish to learn something..."

Meril quietly says, "I should still wonder why this, of all places, is the place to be listening, and whether something in this place has called you up here."

Irval asks, "You are you, just as it is it. So why not seek that which has yet to be sought?"

Suddenly a beam of moon light peeks through several tiny holes in the intricate ceiling and converges in a star pattern upon the altar. The light carries with it a strange shearing sound. The onyx of the altar begins to glow faintly blue.

Irval whispers to the group, "I can do riddles too."

Iliyaas says, "The storm of your land ends soon. Spring will chase it."

Speaking to Meril, Raelee suggests, "The mana flows up here are potent, and one can see far and wide. If there is any place to listen... I can think of view better."

Iliyaas says, "But the next..."

Iliyaas glances at an onyx altar.

Missoni carefully asks, "The next what?"

Speaking patiently to Iliyaas, Tikba asks, "The next what?"

Iliyaas says, "The next storm."

Missoni asks, "Is that more snow, or some other sort?"

Speaking to Iliyaas, Perigourd asks, "If not of the land, what will the storm be of?"

Iliyaas says, "The worlds."

Iliyaas nods at Perigourd.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Vaemyr asks, "I feel like you don't mean the weather... so Gnul might be vanquished by the spring, but there is worse coming?"

Vaemyr says, "Wait..."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Raelee notes, "That was plural."

Leafiara thoughtfully muses, "Well alright then."

Missoni carefully says, "The worlds."

Vaemyr asks, "Other Valences?"

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "We need to work on scrolls."

Tikba muses, "Archious suggested that mana storms were places where the valences grew closer together."

Vaemyr asks, "Or do you mean other versions of our own world?"

Leafiara says, "The kiramon would be another option when referring to multiple worlds..."

Iliyaas gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Raelee says, "The options are infinite - and I do not mean that figuratively."

Tikba asks, "And what will this storm of worlds bring?"

Iliyaas gazes up at the vast, domed enclosure above.

Iliyaas says, "I do not know."

Tikba gazes at Iliyaas.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Vaemyr asks, "Is this... something that is inevitable? is there not a way to stabilize things before hand, or prevent whom might cause the trigger of that storm?"

Alosaka asks, "What interest do all these myriad worlds have in Darkstone Bay?"

Iliyaas says, "A storm will do what it must. All that it knows to do."

Speaking to Alosaka, Leafiara considers, "Well, let's see, the Reach, Darkstone Castle, an Ithzir pyramid beneath the waters..."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Raelee asks, "Is your vision limited to this world, or do you see beyond it?"

Speaking curiously to Leafiara, Tikba asks, "There is an Ithzir pyramid beneath the waters?"

Missoni says, "Can we prepare for such a storm though? It will do what it does, but we can also do...something."

Tikba dismisses, "Another time."

Speaking to Leafiara, Alosaka says, "The world is filled with such oddities. Up past Icemule there's a portal to a hell dimension."

Iliyaas says, "At this time, I am limited."

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara answers, "So I'm told anyway. I wasn't around to see that one."

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "We'll have to weather it."

Perigourd says, "It's all one can do."

Speaking to Tikba, Kayse says, "I believe so..."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Raelee asks, "And at other times?"

Iliyaas says, "There is no other time. Yet."

Speaking to Tikba, Raelee says, "... I can tell you about it later."

Irval says, "Iliyaas, we really do appreciate your unique perspective on the lands and beyond . But maybe , this once, you can possibly point us with that unique insight in the direction of possibly the current predicament that we all now face. That of Gnul and the location of his forge? That would be most helpful currently. After that we can all come back and ruminate on things to come? Id like to tackle one problem at a time. Come what may."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr asks, "Is there a way we can contact Rodnay? I feel like he could be key to helping us, or should we just... not?"

Speaking to Irval, Kayse says, "That is not how visions work."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse sighs, "I have been reaching out to him. He does not wish to speak."

Speaking to Kayse, Irval exclaims, "Well they should!"

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "It may be a good thing there are more Palestra now as well."

Speaking wryly to Irval, Leafiara says, "Maybe you can figure that out with your stones first before criticizing others' visions."

Speaking disappointedly to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "I can not force his hand, he communicates when he wishes."

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Such expertise is always beneficial."

Speaking to Kayse, Kiyna says, "Yes, visions work by making up something vague and expressing it with absolute certainty."

Irval says, "My stones are just fine thank you."

Slipping his hands into his woven wicker basket, Irval pulls forth three smooth stones. He slowly opens his hand and arranges the runestones in his palm. After a moment's study, Irval tilts his hand to display a joy rune, an inverted fortune rune, and an acorn cap rune.

Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "In what may be an interplanar battle, most assuredly."

Speaking to Irval, Leafiara says, "Then ask them for the answers you're seeking."

[General] Goldstr thinks, "Grandfather's Eye be fadin from da skys, look fer da Ur-Daemon to be a shinin soon."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse offers, "Perhaps when we are truly in crisis, he will respond."

Speaking to Kayse, Vaemyr says, "I understand, I would not wish to try and force a conversation, I'm sure as long as you've attempted he has probably heard, and that will have to do."

Missoni hopefully says, "Perhaps it does not need to be a battle, this storm."

Speaking to Vaemyr, Kayse says, "I say hello to him every day."

Speaking to Iliyaas, Perigourd asks, "The light we saw, it was the beginning of the conversation?"

A sheen of bronze light ripples across Iliyaas's eyes briefly.

Raelee mentions, "... 'storm' is a broad term. Much like mana storms are not all the same."

Iliyaas nods at Raelee.

Iliyaas says, "I will speak more, when I see more."

Iliyaas touches part of the smooth wall.

Iliyaas turns around.

Speaking to Iliyaas, Missoni says, "I am grateful for what you can share."

Lady Iliyaas just went through a churning white portal.

Discussion Afterward

Leafiara relievedly says, "Oh, good, she figured out how to make a portal."

Raelee says, "... one wonders to what extent non-linear perception interferes with effective linear communication."

Leafiara offers, "Best thing the [Barony of Darkstone has] done since coming here yet."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "From experience, much."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "But you get used to it, it seems."

Speaking to Raelee, Tikba says, "We must hope the effect is strong. The alternative is worse."

Meril says, "I like the tunnels myself."

Kiyna says, "Better than freezing on this damn mountain."

Perigourd says, "I'm a bit bruised already."

Speaking affably to Meril, Leafiara says, "You're certainly welcome to jump into the freezing winter water."

Alosaka observes, "We lost Irval."

Vaemyr says, "So... some natural phenomenon is occuring here..."

[General] Irval thinks, "Ok portal is safe1."

Arahnim says, "Portal is safe..."

Arahnim says, "So claims irval..."

Perigourd says, "I'm going to return to town. If you wish to stay, you may wish to step back."

Perigourd says, "Moving then."

Perigourd's group just went through a churning white portal.

[Melgorehn's Reach, Lake Eonak]

You are on the bank of a beautiful mountain lake that is fed by a waterfall gushing from the mountain side. There is a path which seems to actually lead up the side of the mountain. You also see the Arahnim disk, the skull-shaped Irval disk, a silver-tipped smoke grey wolf, a massive snowy white tiger, a lazy wild deep red dog, a delusive forest spirit that is flying around, a cedar chip path and a barely visible trail leading into a grove of ancient trees.

[travel]

Alosaka says, "And it's cold again."

Leafiara says, "...oh, it's a one-way portal. That--doesn't change my opinion, actually."

Leafiara says, "Still the most productive thing."

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see a large acorn, a gargantuan cloudy grey tiger, a large acorn, the Witfog disk, a clear tourmaline, a pale-faced coppery barn owl, a large acorn, a large acorn, a large acorn, a falcon feather, a silver-traced carved mahogany cart with some stuff on it, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Whimweaver Leafiara, Alosaka, Missoni, Tikba, Meril, Perigourd, Jaffrey, Markx, Lord Witfog, Lord Silencieux, Zelene who is lying down

[General] Rasson asks, "The thing in the moon chamber done then?"

Missoni thoughtfully says, "Well."

Alosaka says, "Well, be safe, friends."

Meril says, "But still, I wonder that she wields urglaes to focus her powers. It is why I worry about the source of the vision."

Speaking to Alosaka, Missoni says, "You, too."

Speaking to Meril, Missoni says, "It is an oddity."

Tikba mildly says, "Urglaes is a powerful metal."

Leafiara optimistically says, "She's sylvan, so surely she knows what she's doing."

Speaking surreptitiously to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Then again..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "Hey now..."

Speaking amusedly to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Hey, you're the one who went through some crazy thing where you mentally turned into a child last year..."

Speaking to Leafiara, Vaemyr says, "It worked..."

Speaking amusedly to Vaemyr, Leafiara says, "Well, fair."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "If the storm is past, it may be that bonfires won't be necessary now."

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Kayse says, "You missed out on a cupcake."

The coppery barn owl moves closer to Kayse.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Kayse.

Speaking to Perigourd, Kayse says, "Perhaps keep them until the snow stops."

Perigourd says, "It seems the melee put some of them out as well."

Speaking to Kayse, Perigourd says, "As I can find tinder."

Kayse removes a substantial willow cupcake box from in her bistre leather carryall.

Kayse removes a maple-frosted vanilla bacon cupcake with bits of candied pork belly from behind a round silver-banded barrel.

Kayse shows a pale-faced coppery barn owl her vanilla bacon cupcake.

Speaking to a pale-faced coppery barn owl, Kayse says, "Oh, your favorite too."

Kayse kneels down.

Kayse feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of her vanilla bacon cupcake.

Kayse feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of her vanilla bacon cupcake.

Kayse feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl a bite of her vanilla bacon cupcake.

The coppery barn owl hoots at Kayse.

Kayse feeds a pale-faced coppery barn owl the last of her vanilla bacon cupcake.

Kayse pets a pale-faced coppery barn owl, which nuzzles her hand softly.