View source for North by Northwest (storyline)/2023-11-27 - Cordarius' Curious Conjecture On Octaven's Odd Operations (log)

'''Eoantos 27-28, 5123'''

'''by [[Leafiara (prime)|Leafiara]] Autumnwind of the [[The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]'''



==Disclaimer==

This log is purely intended as an archival record of spoken words and actions of characters within the game as could be witnessed by the character or characters who were present to record them. Leafiara's player and the TownCrier hold no position on the veracity, falsity, legitimacy, nor illegitimacy of any character dialogue, opinions, perspectives, interpretations, and stances presented herein.



==Synopsis==

Swirling mist appears in [[Wehnimer's Landing]] Town Square Central and begins to release tendrils of energy that suck people into [[Darkstone Castle]]. People scour the castle, but find no sign of Grand Magister [[Octaven]]. After returning to town, the mist in the square breaks apart and seeps into Magister [[Raelee (prime)|Raelee]]'s hands, which surprises her--but she reports that the magic felt like her own.

As people try to untangle the mystery, [[Cordarius]] greets everyone over thoughts and comes to [[Moot Hall]]. He tells Raelee he received her missive, shares some brief jests about [[Leafiara (prime)|Leafiara]] and his old Regional Envoy position, banters with Envoys [[Thrassus (prime)|Thrassus]] and [[Tikba (prime)|Tikba]], and says his lack of reply to Raelee until now was because he was poking in the shadows where Octaven liked to hide. Thrassus updates Cordarius on the mist situation; Cordarius asks if we're certain it was her; Raelee says not absolutely, but [[Missoni (prime)|Missoni]] and Thrassus mention seeing her familiar just before the mist began to build. Cordarius says hopefully she'll just be a bookend of a three-page tome soon and he's brought official word, as follows:

Archmagister Naylor of the [[Hall of Mages]] issues an urgent announcement that Octaven Abithier has betrayed their trust and poses a threat to peace and safety of the [[Turamzzyrian Empire]] and its allies, standing accused of crimes including manipulation, misuses of the Hall's resources, crimes against Imperial citizens and Landing citizens, murder of Imperial citizens, and illicit associations with Imperial criminals. The Hall has stripped Octaven of her ranks, confiscated her properties, and rendered her banished. Furthermore, an Imperial warrant for her arrest has been issued, witch hunters have been dispatched to apprehend her, and information leading to her capture will be rewarded.

[[Gutstorm (prime)|Gutstorm]] and Leafi inquire whether adopting a "dead or alive" policy is acceptable and Cordarius says it doesn't specify, but acknowledges she's not going to walk back nicely. [[Perigourd (prime)|Perigourd]] suggests tracing her familiar back and Cordarius implies that might not be possible, but tracing her through different means could work and shows off a falcon pendant he used to wear, which might pair with hers. Cordarius admits that, among Octaven's other crimes, this is personal to him given how she carved him up for her own ends in the past.

Cordarius asks if Raelee knows more about Octaven's goals; Raelee says no, though not for lack of trying. Cordarius mentions that she once wanted to weaponize [[Raznel]]'s blight, but then wonders if Octaven's goals are still important to her or if it's about survival now that she seems cornered; Leafi says she doesn't seem cornered since she hasn't withdrawn from an area she's known to be operating in; Cordarius concedes the point that she's still lingering, then adds that she still has Talon in her possession since it wasn't found when her homes and labs were raided.

Cordarius asks [[Xorus (prime)|Xorus]] what his evil plan would be if he had a [[bleakstone]] statue, the Talon, and knowledge of the blight currently contained by the manafires. Xorus says that would significantly amplify the ability to inflict plagues over vast areas. Cordarius asks to what end, saying that Octaven doesn't strike him as the type to burn it all down, unlike Raelee. Councilor [[Irval (prime)|Irval]], Leafi, and Xorus suggest it would be a supreme tool of extortion after one demonstration.

Meanwhile, Cordarius asks how the old manafires are holding up; people report they're stable, but might or might be affecting [[Melgorehn's Reach]]; Cordarius says he's not comfortable with the possibility since he hadn't calculated for it and it didn't happen at first. He asks Xorus how the Talon works; Xorus says Grand Magister [[Dennet]] called it a "siphon stone" and it can absorb and amplify the properties of what it takes in. So far it's been observed taking in elemental energy.

Cordarius asks Raelee if the Reach could hypothetically remove the fires; she says maybe, much like air fuels a fire but too much air can extinguish it. Cordarius ponders the possibility that the blight is released again, except this time Octaven bottles it. Cordarius returns to the question of why, since she had everything she wanted--a secluded region, lovers carved to her liking, and unlimited resources--yet seemingly began to put her plans into action even before the prying eyes of the Barony of Darkstone arrived.

Cordarius briefly mentions that [[Enisius]] had sent him notes about a mana plant--the potential for a garden grown and sustained by mana alone, then wishes everyone a good night.



==Editing Protocol of this Log==

* NPC dialogue, NPC actions, and PC dialogue or actions which NPCs react to are bolded.
* Actions are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria, or are within the first three of a PC's responses to an NPC who was directing actions or dialogue toward them.
* Greetings, farewells, dialogue on OOC ESP channels, and dialogue related to various services including but not limited to healing, resurrection, locksmithing, armor adjustments, and spellups are edited out unless they come from NPCs, are directed toward NPCs, or are necessary to understand the context of surrounding dialogue that meets all other criteria.
* Dialogue in languages other than Common is presented from the perspective of a character who only knows Common so as not to give preferential treatment to languages which the logging character knows.
* IC group whispers are excluded so as not to give preferential treatment to the group which the logging character is in.
* OOC whispers that don't come from NPCs are excluded due to being OOC.
* Visible whispers are presented from the perspective of a third-party observer.
* Other dialogue not mentioned above is included.
* Travel between a starting room and destination room is excluded unless it shows off unique and newly created rooms.
* Combat is excluded.
* Rights are reserved to include anything that seems especially amusing, all of the above notwithstanding.



==Log==



===Misty Maneuvers===

[General] Murharzarm thinks, "Probably more ice golems, is my guess."

[Leafi is nowhere near the Landing when hearing that thought...]

[General] Perigourd thinks, "Possibly."

[...but a "possibly" isn't enough to get her to move...]

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Folks vacate the town square."

[...that, however, is.]

[General] Irval thinks, "Monza has been taken."

[travel]

[Realm] Cryheart asks, "Any other issues?"

[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 an onyx-bellied jade green serpent, a fluffy white cat, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the bright pine green Faiyth disk hung with tiny ceramic kobolds, the Ehlron disk, the Arahnim disk, a bereaved wasteland spirit that is flying around, the Flurin disk, the repousse copper Perigourd disk raised in leafy designs, some swirling blue and white mist, a pulsating orb, a skeletal bone white serpent, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, a moldy almond cupcake, the mist-hazed Noctiss disk, some wide stone benches with some stuff on it, an herbal remedy donation bin and a round silver-banded barrel.

Also here: Urchin Gutstorm, Monza, Milotortila, Town Councilor Irval, Arahnim, Faiyth, Ehlron, Flurin, Tikba, Perigourd, Underhand, Ceberon, Lord Noctiss, Andromalius who is sitting

'''Blue and white tendrils of energy stream our from the swirling mist and coil around Underhand pulling him into the mist entirely!'''

Leafiara curiously says, "What's this about abandoning the--"

Leafiara says, "Ah, yes, more of Octaven's attacks provoked by Elidal's immediately doomed stupidity."

Leafiara wryly says, "Got it."

Speaking to some swirling blue and white mist, Raelee says, "... one wonders if you can hear this, Grand Magister."

[Realm] Tikba thinks, "You are going to want to send that one back."

'''The blue-white mist begins to flicker.'''

Irval says, "Interesting means of travel though."

Irval says, "Wonder if the chronomages are upset."

Tikba says, "Ah, Gutstorm has broken it."

Thrassus says, "It's Octaven's doing."

Leafiara says, "Well, naturally. Gutstorm is one of our best."

Speaking to Tikba, Irval says, "No surprise there. Being Gutstorm breaking it..."

'''Blue and white tendrils of energy stream our from the swirling mist and coil around Arahnim pulling him into the mist entirely!'''

Speaking to Cryheart, Missoni says, "He went back to Darkstone."

Cryheart says, "It is still happening."

Earthdiver says, "Hm."

Thrassus asks, "Where at are they arriving in Darkstone?"

'''The blue-white mist begiins to shrink, taking on a more spherical shape.'''

Cryheart says, "Dinnae know yet."

Tikba says, "They seem to be at the portcullis."

Thrassus says, "Of course they are."

Irval asks, "Is it stabilizing?"

Leafiara considers, "Well, at least someone besides the Order of Voln has figured out direct transport into Darkstone Castle, then."

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee remarks, "We were just all over that castle and did not see an obvious sign of her."

'''The blue-white mist begins to break apart, peeling like flayed bands of ethereal flesh, each ribbon floating towards Raelee's hands and disappearing within her palms entirely.'''

Thrassus says, "There is a portal to Darkstone in the Imperial Camp."

'''(Raelee takes a quick step back, staring at her palms in surprise.  Though she quickly regains her composure.)'''

Raelee schools her face into a neutral expression.

Cryheart says, "Guess only a select few."

'''Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee says, "... that feels normal."'''

Cryheart asks, "Aye?"

Earthdiver says, "Those might be hard to remove."

Leafiara asks, "Any discernible patterns?"

Raelee closes her eyes for a moment.

(Raelee closes her eyes for a moment, seemingly deep in focus.)

Missoni confusedly asks, "Why the mist, though?"

Raelee furrows her brow.

'''Speaking quietly to herself, Raelee says, "... that does not make sense."'''

Tikba asks, "How did it help her?"

[Realm] Thrassus thinks, "There is nothing unusual to see on the Darkstone end of that mist."

Leafiara says, "Why not mist? I see all kinds of things used for portals all the time."

Tikba asks, "Why did Octaven want to bring unsuspecting people to Darkstone?"

Missoni says, "I more meant...what was the purpose of transporting people to the castle."

Irval says, "Interesting that Darkstone has been inherently hard to portal into."

Tikba says, "She did not keep them there."

'''Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... nothing feels... amiss.  That magic..."'''

Cryheart says, "Good question."

'''Speaking carefully to Missoni, Raelee says, "... it felt like my own."'''

Monza says, "Faileds to bring me to castles."

Leafiara speculates, "Just testing that her magic was working?"

Cryheart asks, "Where did ye end up?"

Cryheart glances at Monza.

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "But that--"

Monza says, "Uhhh."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni asks, "Was it yours?"

Tikba says, "Yours, but not yours."

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee says, "... I certainly do not recall creating that variety of portal."

Monza says, "Oh i was at drawbridge."

Cryheart says, "The entryway."

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni asks, "Could it have been an echo of the portal you created to return us from the Castle just a bit ago?"

Monza says, "Mhmn."

Irval says, "There is that mist filled room by the monolith in Darkstone."

Tikba carefully asks, "Say, the work of another Raelee?"

Speaking to Raelee, Missoni says, "It went to the same location..."

Speaking to Missoni, Raelee asks, "If she... took hold of it and manipulated it, perhaps?"

Leafiara considers, "She reproduced your face once, so I suppose reproducing your magic wouldn't be terribly surprising..."

Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus asks, "I suppose she has some sort of bizarre obsession with you?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Missoni says, "It certainly seem so."



===Greeting Cordarius===

'''[General] Cordarius thinks, "I do not miss your plentiful nights of snow. It's so burdensome to maintaining a good garden."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "... which leads to the question of why."

Cryheart says, "Cordarius on net."

[General] Tikba politely greets, "Magister."

Leafiara says, "Maybe she's concluded that since having Vlashandra impersonate Raelee to kill her father didn't work out, she needed to just do it herself."

[Realm] Cryheart thinks, "Magister Cordarius."

Leafiara recites:

"Everyone join Cryheart!"

'''[General] Cordarius asks, "Does everyone still meet outside of Moot Hall in the snow?"'''

Cryheart says, "Nothing sighted so far in Darkstone...we hae someone scouting."

[General] Thrassus thinks, "That works."

[Realm] Cryheart thinks, "For the most part, aye."

[Town Square, East]

Here in the center of a broad plaza near the commercial area of the bazaar stands the impressive facade of the slate-roofed Moot Hall, where the citizens of Wehnimer's Landing hold various official, religious and social functions.  Facing the square are some of the town's more prosperous shops, still doing business with the many customers who still frequent the streets at night.  You also see a bereaved wasteland spirit that is flying around, the skull-shaped Irval disk, the Ehlron disk, the bright pine green Faiyth disk hung with tiny ceramic kobolds and a large purple wooden barrel.

[General] Cryheart thinks, "For the most part, aye."

[General] Leafiara reasonably thinks, "I mean, we could meet at the Wayside or elsewhere if you'd prefer."

[General] Enville asks, "Is it snowing?"

Speaking to Thrassus, Raelee says, "Were she actually obsessed with me, one would think she might appreciate the opportunity for conversation... rather than seemingly avoiding it at all costs."

[General] Cryheart thinks, "Aye."

Speaking to Raelee, Eahlstan says, "Maybe she fears you."

Speaking to Raelee, Thrassus says, "Perhaps, but if she's also insane it might be different."

Urchin Gutstorm just stumbled in, flailing his arms wildly while trying to right himself!

Speaking amiably to Gutstorm, Leafiara asks, "Ah, there you are. Did you fix all our problems tonight?"

Kialeigh says, "Well that was a fun lil trip."

Speaking to Eahlstan, Missoni agrees, "As ice fears fire."

Gutstorm grunts at Leafiara and shakes his head.

Speaking surprisedly to Gutstorm, Leafiara asks, "Wait, really?"

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba says, "There was a magical spell stealing away townsfolk."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba asks, "Did you ring the alarm?"

Gutstorm whispers something to Leafiara.

Leafiara considers, "Must really be bad if Gutstorm hasn't solved everything..."

Murharzarm says, "Standing out in the snow seems to have become a self-fufilling prophesy. Alas."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me get trouble if push alarm."

Tikba patiently says, "Not if there is an actual emergency."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Fin!"

Urchin Gutstorm begins to walk north but suddenly trips and goes flailing out of sight!

[General] Tikba haltingly thinks, "Wait."

High above Wehnimer's Landing a burst of fiery-orange light erupts in the sky, radiating outward and shining with intensity.  The searing glow lingers in the air for a few moments before fading away.  Suddenly militiamen take to the streets, rushing off in different directions as orders are shouted out amongst them.

Speaking to Tikba, Thrassus says, "Too late, he's on the move."

Urchin Gutstorm just stumbled in, flailing his arms wildly while trying to right himself!

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat fix?"

Tikba resignedly says, "Yes, good job."

Leafiara amiably says, "Probably."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Foresht eh."

'''A young man comes around the corner of a building, the deep hood of his ashen robe flopping slightly behind his neck as he approaches Moot Hall.  He does a quick sidestep of a kid who runs by, almost bumping into him, and then with a flick of his wrist produces a golden apple in his palm, brushing it against his sleeve before taking a crunchy bite as he arrives.'''

[General] Pukk thinks, "Good evening all. How is everything tonight."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Cordarius."

'''Cordarius says, "Hi strangers."'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Thrassus says, "It has been some time, yes."

'''Citan deeply says, "Well that was interesting."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Yes, it is."'''

'''[General] Leafiara musingly asks, "Well, Cordarius is back, so it's been better but it's also been worse?"'''

Cryheart says, "Hello  Magister Cordarius."

[General] Gutstorm drunkenly thinks, "Am feeding me tater."

Tikba politely greets, "Magister."

'''Raelee slowly admits, "... it is good that you are here.  Did you receive my missive?"'''

'''Cordarius asks, "I am here to submit my appplication for Regional En...wait, am I too late?"'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

[General] Pukk asks, "Uggh. He's back?"

[General] Leafiara amusedly thinks, "Just... come to Moot Hall."

[General] Nairena thinks, "What a good night so far."

'''Cordarius asks, "Been better but been worse?"'''

'''Cordarius frowns at Leafiara.'''

'''Speaking amusedly to Cordarius, Leafiara exclaims, "I'm only joking. We have a rapport!"'''

Cryheart says, "Evening."

'''Cordarius says, "I was your biggest fan."'''

Leafiara chuckles.

Cryheart says, "Tis good to see ye."

'''Cordarius says, "I know, of course."'''

Leafiara grins.

'''Cordarius says, "Yes, I got your missive."'''

'''Speaking confidentially to Cordarius, Leafiara whispers aloud, "Just clarifying for those here who didn't know."'''

Leafiara nods sagely.

'''Cordarius says, "As you can likely guess, I've also been busy."'''

'''Cordarius says, "After I was..ahem...fired."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "Now I know how being usurped feels. We should form a club?"'''

'''Cordarius peers quizzically at Leafiara.'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

Leafiara snickers.

'''Speaking mildly to Cordarius, Tikba says, "We will do what we can to carry on your work."'''

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk asks, "Now he understands how you feel eh?"

'''Cordarius takes a bite of his golden apple.'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Leafiara says, "Well, if you think it might have been a favor to you in the long run, then maybe..."'''

Leafiara breaks into a cheeky grin.

Speaking to Leafiara, Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me think he invited ush to join hall mages."

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Thrassus says, "Envoy Tikba and I have been keeping the position active, have no fear."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Good. I do not envy you."'''

'''Cordarius says, "But I have been busy sweeping some cobwebs out of the shadowy corners where a certain Octaven liked to hide and play."'''

Irval asks, "Any signs?"

'''Cordarius says, "You'll forgive my lack of replies Magister Raelee."'''

Leafiara says, "Ah, so you're how the baron got his information."

'''Speaking dryly to Cordarius, Raelee says, "I am used to it... when it comes to letters sent to *anyone* involved in this."'''



===Down to Business===

'''Thrassus says, "What a coincedence, she's been flinging folk to Darkstone Castle this very evening."'''

'''Cordarius says, "The ice witch has, or had, or maybe still has, this region locked up tight."'''

'''Cordarius peers quizzically at Thrassus.'''

'''Cordarius asks, "She was what?"'''

Gutstorm waves to the hiresword.

A muscular red-armored hiresword charges west!

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "You scared him."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "See, me no kill dem."

'''Thrassus says, "She conjured a teleporting mist in the town square which sent folk to the gates of Darkstone Castle."'''

Thrassus shrugs.

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... we were exploring the castle earlier this evening.  She may have intercepted the gate I opened to return us."

Speaking agreeably to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "None of us would ever see you do such a thing."

'''Thrassus says, "It was a rather perplexing thing of her to do to say the least."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Hmm."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "We're certain she intercepted?"'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Absolutely?  No."'''

Speaking to Bernadette, Pukk says, "Sorry. I was lax in my duties in announcing that."

'''Cordarius says, "I mean, Darkstone Castle isn't the pinnacle of natural mana."'''

'''Missoni offers, "We saw her falcon just before we left the castle, though."'''

'''Thrassus says, "Her falcon was seen flying overhead just before the mist began to build in the square."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Well, hopefully Octaven will just be a bookend of a three page tome soon."'''

'''Cordarius says, "I've brought some official word on that."'''



===An OOC Accident===

[OOC note: this next bit is rather inexplicable and accidental, possibly attributable to Kenstrom having tested the scarab mechanics on Cordarius at an unknown point in the past]

An ethereal hazy blue scarab erupts out of Cordarius's arm and drops, suddenly completely inert, to the ground, then crumbles away into nothing!

... 20 points of damage!

Strike pierces forearm!

Cordarius drops dead at your feet!

Irval says, "Holy.."

Earthdiver says, "You have bugs."

Leafiara slowly says, "I see someone doesn't approve."

Pukk exclaims, "Good night everybody!"

Faiyth says, "Um.."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me got da shovel."

'''THE HELL? OOPS?'''

Earthdiver says, "That is some ominous foreshadowing."

Pukk exclaims, "See. Now this is a ending I can appreciate!"

'''THE WORLD REWINDS.'''

Earthdiver exclaims, "No stick raise for you!"

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me am not refillin dat hole."



===The Hall Moves===

Tikba smoothly asks, "Official word?"

Speaking curiously to Cordarius, Missoni asks, "News, you say?"

Cryheart says, "Ye be back."

Pukk says, "!etaicerppa."

Thrassus says, "Rumor had it that hunters were being sent."

'''Leafiara hopefully asks, "So the Hall's actually going to clean up a mess made by one of its own?"'''

'''Cordarius says, "I've brought some official word on that."'''

'''Cordarius points at Leafiara!'''

'''Cordarius taps his nose.'''

Leafiara gives an approval gesture with her hand.

'''Cordarius says, "Also..."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "Why are you making more manafires in town?"'''

'''Cordarius frowns.'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd says, "We're not."

Tikba says, "We did not intend to."

'''Leafiara explains, "The Reach made those."'''

'''Perigourd says, "The Reach has expanded them."'''

'''Cordarius says, "I know. I've heard."'''

Thrassus says, "Those were made by the Reach."

Irval asks, "You have a solution to get rid of them?"

'''Cordarius says, "Baron Elidal...Lord Elidal? What do we call him."'''

'''Cordarius shrugs.'''

Irval asks, "Instead of an accusation?"

Tikba amusedly says, "Elidal."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... he has not been crowned yet."

Cryheart says, "Lord Elidal still."

'''Cordarius says, "Lord Elidal sent for me too, so it just so happened it worked out."'''

Leafiara thoughtfully says, "They haven't necessarily seemed harmful so far, despite being alarming..."

'''Cordarius says, "I could come help poke some fires I made, and deliver a note."'''

Pukk says, "We were actually experimenting and seeing if Irval was flammable.."

'''Cordarius clears his throat.'''

'''Cordarius says, "But, let's get to it. I'm sorry. I know I can go on and on...."'''

'''Cordarius says, "...and on and on...."'''

'''Cordarius says, "...and on and on...."'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

Speaking slowly to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... Cordarius..."

Raelee stares sternly down her nose at Cordarius.

Leafiara sympathetically says, "Oh, don't worry about it, we've had much worse people about going on and on lately."

'''Cordarius says, "Ahem."'''

'''Cordarius closes his palm, then unfurls his fingers to present a sealed scroll.  He pries it open.'''

'''Cordarius says, "A reading, by the second of four regional envoys to be removed from office."'''

'''Cordarius winks at Thrassus.'''

'''Cordarius winks at Tikba.'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

Thrassus chuckles.

Tikba gazes in amusement at Cordarius.

Thrassus says, "We still have a year and a half or so before we are unceremoniously removed."

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"Citizens of the Turamzzyrian Empire and Wehnimer s Landing:"'''

'''Cordarius takes a bite of his golden apple.'''

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"It has been deemed necessary to make a grave and urgent announcement concerning the former Grand Magister Octaven Abithier. With due diligence and a thorough investigation, it has been determined that Octaven Abithier has committed acts that not only betray the trust of the Hall of Mages but also pose a severe threat to the peace and safety of our Empire and its allies. "'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Why we remoof dem? no one want dat job."

Pukk exclaims, "What?! No! I didn't think that would happen!"

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"Octaven Abithier stands accused of numerous crimes, including manipulation, misuse of the Hall's resources and properties, crimes against both imperial citizens and the people of Wehnimer's Landing, the murder of imperial citizens, and illicit associations with known criminals of the Turamzzyrian Empire"'''

Speaking drunkenly to Raelee, Gutstorm slurs, "Dish mean job openin?"

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"In light of these transgressions, the Hall of Mages has taken decisive action. Octaven Abithier is hereby stripped of all ranks, titles and privileges formerly associated with the Hall. All of her properties have been confiscated, and she is rendered banished from our esteemed institution."'''

Speaking dryly to Gutstorm, Raelee says, "Yes."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Finally me be a magictater."

Pukk asks, "Don't all mages know how to vanish?"

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"Furthermore, an imperial warrant has been issued for her arrest. Witchhunters from the Hall of Mages have been dispatched to apprehend the criminal. Her last known location was near  Wehnimer's Landing, next to the Barony of Darkstone region. Octaven Abithier is now a wanted criminal, and any information leading to her capture will be appreciated and awarded."'''

Gutstorm taps Cordarius lightly on his shoulder.

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"The Hall of Mages urges all citizens and allies to be vigilant and report any sightings or information regarding Octaven Abithier's whereabouts. It is imperative for the safety of the Empire and the region that she is brought to justice swiftly. The Hall of Mages is committed to maintaining order, upholding justice, and will not tolerate corruption and malfeasance of any kind. "'''



===Proper Response===

'''Speaking drunkenly to Cordarius, Gutstorm slurs, "It shay dead or live on yoo shcroll?"'''

'''Cordarius recites:'''

'''"Signed, Archmagister Naylor of the Hall of Mages, Magister Provost of the Swale."'''

'''Cordarius says, "It does not."'''

'''Cordarius shrugs at Gutstorm.'''

'''Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me think it imply."'''

Speaking to Gutstorm, Murharzarm says, "You can just add it mentally if it helps."

Tikba says, "The witch hunters are coming, then."

'''Cordarius rolls the scroll back up into his palm and it vanishes.'''

'''Leafiara asks, "...so do we assume we can kill her or assume we can't kill her?"'''

Pukk asks, "So, are they going to make Owly the Grand Magister of the Hall now?"

'''Cordarius says, "Look, if we return a breathing Octaven, okay."'''

'''Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm slurs, "Remember....one can alway shay "Oooopsh"."'''

'''Cordarius says, "If we return a corpse Octaven, okay."''

Speaking wryly to Leafiara, Tikba quotes, "It is imperative for the safety of the Empire that she is brought to justice quickly."

Irval whispers to the group, "Gonna be hard to take that one alive. Thats essentially tying one hand behind our back when it comes to a mage of her means."

Leafiara grins crookedly at Tikba.

'''Cordarius says, "I mean let's just be honest."'''

'''Leafiara understandingly says, "So legal justice or poetic justice, either way, got it."'''

Faiyth whispers to the group, "Yeah this is hardly gonna make her come out. I still say we need bait."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk asks, "What about her animated corpse?"

'''Cordarius says, "She ain't going to walk back nicely."'''

'''Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Limp corpse eashier to drag."'''

Gutstorm grunts at Cordarius in agreement.

Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd says, "That was tried already."

'''Cordarius says, "But we might have some help finding her. We'll see."'''

'''Cordarius says, "If you all recall, and if you don't, that's okay, I'd rather forget it myself..."'''

Irval says, "And a mage of her means bound to have a trick or two to get out of nearly any trap we lie."

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "It was tried poorly.  How Sablo went about it was... utterly foolish.  They were unprepared."

'''Cordarius says, "I used to work for her. Before this face, and after."'''

Thrassus asks, "Do you know if the hunters are from Trauntor or not?"

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd says, "Perhaps one can trace her familiar back, which has been seen multiple times of late."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd says, "This very evening above Darkstone Castle in fact."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Glad you mentioned trace."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Her bird, unclear. But..."'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Earthdiver says, "There is old magic..."

'''Cordarius asks, "Does anyone recall Rinhale?"'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Yes."

'''Cordarius says, "I KNOW you recall Chaston."'''

'''Cordarius offers Gutstorm a juicy golden apple.'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yoo think she holed up in Jackal Shrine, Perigourd? Dat door did act funny."

'''Gutstorm accepts Cordarius's golden apple.'''

Gutstorm sniffs at his golden apple.

'''Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Danksh!"'''

Leafiara says, "I only know the name and the title. Rinhale the inquisitor, I believe."

'''Cordarius opens his palm, removing a rhimar-lined black velvet cloth from his sleeve.'''

(Gutstorm polishes his apple.)

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... the black coral."'''

'''Cordarius says, "They used..."'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dont think givin me dish apple gonna shup em up."

'''Cordarius nods at Raelee.'''

'''Cordarius says, "Yep."'''

'''Cordarius says, "I used to wear one too. If you were looking at me often. So, Leafiara."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "And you have the other half of hers."'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

'''Cordarius unties the bindings and folds back the edges of his black velvet cloth to reveal a small pendant in the shape of a sleek white falcon set with a black coral in its talons positioned perfectly in its center.'''

Leafiara looks at Cordarius and breaks into a cheeky grin.

'''Leafiara says, "Ah, right, that falcon pendant."'''

Speaking drunkenly to Leafiara, Gutstorm whispers aloud, "Never sheen a gold one."

'''Cordarius slowly folds the edges of his black velvet cloth over his pendant and binds it in place with a slender cord.'''

'''Cordarius put a rhimar-lined black velvet cloth in his ashen-hued robe.'''

'''Cordarius says, "We used to communicate with it."'''

Leafiara nods at Cordarius.

'''Leafiara agrees, "I remember."''' (OOC note: [[Landing_Events_-_2020-04-18_-_Purple_Pros_and_Purple_Cons_(log)|It was a fairly memorable night for her]].)

'''Cordarius says, "It's possible we could use it to track her. We'll see. I make no promises."'''

'''Tikba mildly asks, "She used to communicate with you?"'''

'''Cordarius says, "But it's a step."'''

'''Cordarius says, "I mean, we used to be lovers."'''

Thrassus asks, "Could she not do the same and use it to track yourself?"

'''Cordarius says, "Kind of. I mean, it wasn't love."'''

Pukk says, "I say we send Gutstorm after her."

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

'''Cordarius says, "She carved up my face and body."'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "We got no time for sex storiesh."

'''Cordarius says, "I wasn't born with this angelic face and form."'''

Tikba nods slowly at Cordarius.

Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd asks, "Any idea what she is doing?"

'''Cordarius says, "The dimples are original."'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Yesh, yoo got nice bum, focus."

Perigourd says, "Clues to her intentions may make it easier to track her and capture her."

Leafiara says, "Well, let's see. She's collected the Talon, she's collected a bleakstone statue, she more or less tried to oppose Cordarius' previous efforts in solving the blight..."



===Questions of Motive===

'''Cordarius says, "Her intentions are likely more known by Magister Raelee, if that. Octaven really wasn't a talker. She's smart."'''

Leafiara says, "Attempted to assassinate Raelee's father, attempted to get Pylasar ousted from the Hall..."

Tikba says, "And it is likely she also influenced the Reach's illness, given what Rodnay said."

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... it is not as if I have never inquired, Cordarius."'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Raelee had parentsh? me thot she wad cut from Shtone."

'''Cordarius says, "She's recently been trying to undermine the formation of Darkstone Barony as well."'''

Speaking to Gutstorm, Tikba asks, "How could Raelee have brothers if she did not have parents?"

Speaking to Tikba, Raelee corrects, "I only have one brother."

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Exshlent riddle."

Speaking to Gutstorm, Pukk says, "I think I heard that her dad was a mage too with a big place full of secrets or something."

Leafiara admits, "At this point, I assume she's just trying to create an unstoppable magical weapon."

Speaking to Raelee, Tikba says, "Ah, I am sorry."

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd asks, "How old is she?"'''

'''Cordarius says, "...and if she's the Shrike, which we all believe now, she's one of the last remaining members of some imperial criminal cabal if you want to call them that."'''

Perigourd raises an eyebrow.

'''Cordarius asks, "I never ask a woman her age. Aren't you married?"'''

'''Cordarius peers quizzically at Perigourd.'''

'''Cordarius says, "Pfft."'''

Perigourd chuckles.

'''Cordarius says, "He'll learn."'''

'''Cordarius winks at Missoni.'''

Missoni gazes in amusement at Cordarius.

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Missoni says, "I am not shy about my age."'''

Perigourd nods knowingly at Missoni.

'''Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "I've found most Faendryl women aren't."'''

'''Missoni cheerfully says, "Nearly two hundred."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Nearly, but not an exact age."'''

'''Cordarius winks.'''

Speaking to Missoni, Pukk exclaims, "You don't look a day over 150!"

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Missoni says, "Some mystery must be kept."'''

Missoni blushes a dark red shade at Pukk.

'''Cordarius says, "Honestly, Octaven's got a long list of crimes. We only need one, but she's given us so many."'''

'''Cordarius says, "I'd also be lying if I said it wasn't personal to me."'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Cuz ye yooshed ta date her?"

Thrassus says, "They all have a particular goal in mind though."

'''Cordarius says, "A smile carved is still only a mask."'''

'''Pukk says, "I say that if we capture her we let Raelee experiment on her first."'''

Speaking to Pukk, Raelee says, "I agree."

Thrassus says, "If we knew what that goal was, we could use that to catch her."

'''Cordarius says, "I mean, that's a little dark and inhumane..."'''

'''Cordarius nods at Pukk.'''

'''Pukk says, "Exactly."'''

'''Cordarius says, "But also not surprising."'''

Pukk nods.

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

Leafiara says, "So, poetic justice."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee asks, "Is she not dark and inhumane?"

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "One needn't be their enemy to defeat them."

Speaking to Thrassus, Irval asks, "What was she last known to be researching. Personal interests and such?"

Tikba says, "Whatever her goal is, Darkstone is where to find it."

'''Cordarius says, "I think though...is her goals as important now? She seems cornered. I wonder if survival is more critical to her than goals."'''

Irval asks, "Field of magic?"

'''Cordarius says, "I don't know. She's always been an elusive one to me."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Any information is important."'''

Pukk says, "I don't think she is cornered yet. From what I can tell of the Hall most have plans within plans."

'''Cordarius says, "She was last researching the Blight to wield it as a weapon."'''

'''Leafiara reasons, "I'm not sure she's cornered. A very pragmatic thing to do if she felt cornered would be to withdraw from the last area she's been spotted."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "These are answers I have wanted for years.  I am not going to simply let go of it."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "Can you imagine her status and claim if she could wield the blight?"'''

Speaking uncertainly to Leafiara, Tikba says, "You cannot withdraw from a corner."

Thrassus says, "She could flee beyond Teras right now, or the opposite direction to the Nations in the east and we'd never know until she was long gone."

'''Cordarius says, "We might see our first non-Kestrel Royal Magister."'''

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara says, "Clearly we haven't been able to find her so far, though."

Thrassus says, "She's still working towards something I feel."

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk says, "Owly."

Irval says, "What ingredients and spell materials did she use her funding purchase, You can then you can use that as a reference point  or where she might go to get further materials. Im sure she can only hold so much."

'''Cordarius points at Leafiara!'''

Irval says, "Blight..."

'''Cordarius says, "Valid point, she's not really cornered."'''

Leafiara nods at Cordarius.

'''Cordarius says, "She could easily escape. Yet she lingers."'''

Irval says, "She's still after something near by then."

Perigourd says, "She must need something in the area."

'''Cordarius says, "She also has in her possession the Talon. There's been no reports of it found when her homes and labs were raided."'''

Perigourd says, "Why else would she try to get the Darkstonian's to leave."

Tikba says, "Then we must find it first."

Pukk yells, "Owly! You might be the next Grand Magister! Congrats!"

Leafiara says, "She might need the Reach, Darkstone, or both, for whatever she intends with the Talon and the bleakstone statue."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me shtatchoo?"

'''Cordarius says, "I mean, let's ask Xorus."'''

Tikba says, "If we can find what she seeks, we will not need to seek her."

Leafiara says, "Or, even if not need them, they might be the most viable options due to her research having been centered here for so many years."

Missoni says, "The mana storm, perhaps? She also stole something from the Wraith, it seems."

'''Cordarius asks, "We're just a few hundred years away from his evil plan next, right?"'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

'''Xorus asks, "Hundreds?"'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me shtatchoo?"

Speaking wryly to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Yes, your statue."

'''Cordarius says, "Xorus. You have a bleakstone statue, the Talon, and perhaps some knowledge of the manafire contained Blight. What do you do? Go."'''

'''Xorus says, "We are giving all of those things back to me? My lucky day."'''

Pukk says, "First thing Xorus would do is get a murder squad patrolling the streets."

'''Xorus says, "Those combinations of things would allow a significantly amplified ability to inflict plagues over vast areas."'''

Tikba wryly says, "We have a murder squad here, ready to hand."

'''Cordarius asks, "Okay, but why?"'''

Speaking to Pukk, Leafiara considers, "I suppose Octaven's ice soldiers could be considered a death squad..."

'''Cordarius asks, "She's just a human, even though a crazy one, why?"'''

Speaking to Leafiara, Pukk says, "Hmmm you're right."

'''Cordarius asks, "What good is a land of ash and dust?"'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "That has been the core question."

'''Cordarius says, "She doesn't strike me as a, burn it all down wizard. I mean, if anything, that's Raelee."'''

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

Tikba thoughtfully says, "The Blight is more than ash and dust. It is itself alive."

Pukk asks, "What if everybody is crazy and I'm the the only sane one?"

Thrassus says, "The only other person that recently thought that was a good idea was Raznel."

Irval says, "After a demonstration, she could essentially hold another town ransom to declare herself the leader."

Leafiara asks, "Obtain ultimate power, demonstrate it once, and then make demands of the rest of the world?"

Irval says, "Lets not be the demonstration."

Xorus says, "You could extort essentially any nation. If you were not interested in eradicating and replacing populations in itself."

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "A corrupted influence, though."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... we need to ask her before she is killed.  If we cannot discern it for ourselves, we need to just... ask."

Speaking to Perigourd, Tikba says, "If Octaven is herself corrupt, she might see it as friendly."

Raelee says, "She is... so very calculating.  Such open ended desires seem... not quite like her."

Raelee posits, "There is going to be something specific."

'''Cordarius says, "Maybe she's Raelee from the future, who got so bitter and angry at never being promoted and restationed that she's traveled through a temporal rift to wield devastating power to overtake the Kestrel perch and claim the power of the Sun Throne...."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Hah! I am only kidding, on all of that."'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

Xorus says, "I have considered that before."

Leafiara admits, "Sounds believable."

Raelee schools her face into a neutral expression.

Speaking wryly to Raelee, Tikba asks, "Would you consider becoming an ice mage?"

Speaking to Tikba, Perigourd says, "She hides it very well."

Missoni says, "Oh, that is not possible. Raelee is talented and ought to be promoted in due course."

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "We can prove that is not the case, however."'''

Leafiara reconsiders, "Well, wait, no, Raelee prefers fire. ...but then again, if she wanted to conceal her identity, what better way but to do the opposite of what her current self would do...?"

'''Speaking pointedly to Cordarius, Raelee says, "She took you as a lover."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Yes, if Octaven had all of the power she wanted or needed, what would she do with it? She clearly had to think it through. She has never come off as a figure it out later magister."'''

'''Cordarius gawks at Raelee.'''

'''Cordarius says, "...ouch."'''

Irval asks, "Is she the megalomaniac type?"

'''Cordarius says, "Maybe she did it to throw us off her scent."'''

'''Cordarius says, "But....ouch."'''

Irval asks, "Well what items has she taken so far again?"

'''Leafiara reassuringly says, "If it makes you feel better, I have difficulty imagining Raelee taking anyone else as a lover either."'''

'''Cordarius says, "But still...ouch."'''

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

Pukk says, "She likes her experiments too much."

'''Speaking neutrally to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Consider us even now, for some of your own past barbs."'''

'''Cordarius says, "You know I have a complex."'''

Leafiara gazes in amusement at her surroundings.

'''Cordarius begins chuckling at Raelee!'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

'''Cordarius says, "Fair enough."'''

Speaking to Pukk, Irval asks, "And then take over the world?"

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd asks, "How soon should we expect the Witchhunters?"'''

'''Cordarius says, "If they aren't already here, perhaps within a week or two."'''

Speaking to Irval, Pukk says, "Too much work for Raelee. She is just happy conducting her experiments."

'''Cordarius says, "They don't always arrive with glowing skin and fanfare."'''

Raelee says, "Broadly announcing their presence would complicate their task."

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Thrassus asks, "Secretly sizing up who is guilty and who is not?"'''

Leafiara says, "I would certainly hope not."

'''Perigourd says, "As one remembers."'''

Perigourd nods slowly.

Tikba mildly says, "Only one person is guilty of being Octaven."

'''Cordarius says, "The witchhunters aren't deployed during the investigation."'''

'''Cordarius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Cordarius says, "That phase is done."'''

Speaking to Tikba, Leafiara muses, "On the other hand, we found an impersonation Landing militia uniform in the lab that night Elidal tried to arrest her, so she might have impostor Octavens lined up..."



===Manafire Questions===

'''Cordarius asks, "How are the manafires holding up?"'''

'''Cordarius says, "Besides having new ones grown apparently."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "They seem stable."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "But the old ones....are good?"'''

'''Cordarius nods.'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "They hot."

'''Thrassus says, "They apparently are stable but corrupting the Reach somehow."'''

'''Leafiara says, "They seem to be doing their thing, though we're unclear on whether it's having any long-term effects on the Reach."'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk says, "So far tossing Irval into the mana fires doesn't bother them."

Tikba says, "We have discussed attempting to snuff them out, to quell the Reach's sickness."

'''Cordarius says, "We'll need to keep a close eye then. I'm not at all comfortable with many of the things you've mentioned."'''

Tikba wryly says, "Especially those within town."

'''Thrassus says, "That will just release the Bleak again."'''

'''Cordarius says, "I hadn't ever calculated for the Reach siphoning the manafires. It never happened in the beginning."'''

Speaking to Thrassus, Perigourd says, "Unless it can be purged or filtered out first."

'''Cordarius nods at Thrassus.'''

'''Cordarius says, "Hmm...I wonder."'''

'''Cordarius ponders.'''

'''Thrassus says, "It might not have been a spontaneous event."'''

Tikba says, "Perhaps we need a better solution to the Blight as well."

'''Thrassus says, "It could also be a facet in Octaven's plan."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "How does the Talon work?"'''

'''Cordarius peers quizzically at Xorus.'''

Leafiara says, "We always did need a better solution. This was just the one that worked on fairly short notice."

'''Cordarius asks, "Do we know?"'''

Leafiara quickly adds, "Not trying to demean the manafires either, by the way. We needed a workable quick solution due to the famine."

'''Xorus says, "Dennet referred to it as a 'siphon stone', we have seen it pull in great amounts of elemental enegy. It absorbs the properties of what it takes in, in some fashion, and apparently is an amplifier."'''

'''Xorus says, "But I was never able to study it directly."'''

Irval asks, "So syphon the reach's anomalies? Making an anomalylon?"

Speaking to Xorus, Raelee says, "... if she could have somehow utilized it to siphon the fires to the Reach..."

Raelee says, "... amplify them..."

Irval says, "Or the blight itself."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd asks, "Then you believe she may be poisoning the Reach deliberately?"

'''Cordarius taps his nose.'''

Speaking to Perigourd, Raelee says, "This is conjecture on possibility."

Leafiara says, "Certainly wouldn't seem out of the ordinary for her past tendencies."

Xorus says, "It is plausible. Stone has meddled with the Reach using the Star of Khar'ta in the past."

'''Cordarius says, "If only her father had hugged her more."'''

'''Cordarius frowns.'''

Thrassus asks, "But why, though?"

Raelee says, "Which again leads to the question of why.  This is not a method for spreading or amplifying the blight - it would be the opposite."

'''Cordarius asks, "Could the Reach remove the fires?"'''

Tikba says, "It would kill Rodnay."

'''Cordarius peers quizzically at Raelee.'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee asks, "... hypothetically?"'''

Tikba says, "And without Rodnay, the Reach would be unprotected."

Leafiara says, "Maybe the most effective weaponizing of the blight would require determining a way to work around its weaknesses, thus... amplifying the manafires."

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "It seems... possible."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Which would release the Blight."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "It might... be able to produce enough power to overpower them."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Air fuels a fire.  Too much air can extinguish a fire."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... in this case, the same... but mana."'''

'''Cordarius says, "...and if the Blight is released again..."'''

'''Thrassus says, "The region will be devastated, and it will spread."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Unless it isn't."'''

'''Cordarius says, "...and someone bottles it."'''

'''The flower girl nudges you and whispers, "These are magical flowers!"'''

Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Cordarius.

'''Cordarius glances at a pretty flower girl.'''

'''Cordarius says, "I am sure they are girl. I am sure they are."'''

'''Thrassus asks, "So she contains it, then what?"'''

'''Cordarius says, "Exactly."'''

'''Cordarius shrugs.'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Pukk says, "She wants you to take her magical flower."

Cryheart says, "She could use it as a threat."

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... which leads back to the question of why."

'''Cordarius says, "I mean, she had everything most Grand Magisters want."'''

'''Cordarius says, "A secluded area and region without prying eyes, lovers carved to fit all of her pleasures, unlimited resources and argubly wealth...."'''

Thrassus says, "It's pointless to have a weapon that will destroy you along with whoever you are trying to extort."

'''Cordarius says, "It wasn't until just recently any of that was even threatened or removed."'''

'''Cordarius asks, "Does she hate elves?"'''

'''Cordarius smirks.'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... there are prying eyes now."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Yes now there is."'''

'''Cordarius says, "But whatever she was working towards likely existed before then."'''

'''Cordarius shrugs.'''

'''Tikba thoughtfully says, "Her most recent efforts started when Darkstone Barony began."'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "Though it may have been cause for acceleration."

'''Tikba says, "If she was the force behind Gnul, she has been working to destroy the barony since the beginning."'''

'''Cordarius nods at Tikba.'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Gnul it me inna head wit a rock."



===Parting Words===

'''Cordarius says, "Well, the hour is late. Even beyond late."'''

Pukk exclaims, "The night is still young!"

Thrassus says, "We have something to think on."

'''Leafiara says, "In all sincerity, my earlier jest aside, it was a pleasure to speak so long."'''

Leafiara grins.

'''Cordarius says, "I'll spend tomorrow getting comfortable, and I'm sure we'll talk again soon."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Of course."'''

'''Cordarius grins at Leafiara.'''

Leafiara winks at Cordarius.

'''Tikba politely asks, "What is your new title in Vornavis, Magister?"'''

'''Cordarius asks, "Vornavis?"'''

'''Cordarius asks, "Is that where you think I've been?"'''

'''Tikba wryly says, "Athalia mentioned you."'''

'''Tikba says, "Perhaps I misunderstood."'''

'''Cordarius grins.'''

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dat Cryheart lady friend."

'''Cordarius says, "I spent some time there, some other places too."'''

Tikba nods understandingly at Cordarius.

'''Cordarius says, "But here I am."'''

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

'''Cordarius says, "I suspect this region won't let go of me anytime soon."'''

'''Tikba amusedly says, "Magister is sufficient, then."'''

Leafiara says, "I'm sure Raelee would agree."

'''Cordarius says, "Enisius had sent me some notes about a mana plant."'''

'''Cordarius shrugs.'''

Speaking drunkenly to Tikba, Gutstorm slurs, "Me think he dodge yoo question."

Thrassus says, "It is rather hard to escape completely, I agree."

Speaking to Cordarius, Perigourd asks, "Mana plant?"

'''Cordarius says, "But, turns out, he's locked up now. So, didn't see that one coming."'''

'''Cordarius chuckles.'''

Tikba uncertainly says, "Surely such a plant would be difficult to water."

Speaking to Cordarius, Brookshire says, "Stay long enough, ya be mayor around here."

'''Cordarius nods.'''

Pukk says, "Sure. You get some mana seeds and you plant them..."

Speaking to Tikba, Irval asks, "But it a mana plant why would it need water?"

Speaking curiously to Cordarius, Missoni asks, "Mana irisis?"

'''Cordarius says, "Imagine a garden of food grown and sustained by mana alone."'''

Raelee whispers something to Cordarius.

Thrassus says, "It's quite useful."

Faiyth says, "Sounds chewy."

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "You should see the pear tree in my courtyard."'''

'''Speaking to Cordarius, Raelee says, "... the work of one of our colleagues."'''

Pukk exclaims, "Good night all. I need to go take care of a few things!"

'''Cordarius says, "It's a date."'''

'''Cordarius winks at Raelee.'''

Raelee narrows her eyes and gives Cordarius a dirty look.

'''Speaking drunkenly to Cordarius, Gutstorm slurs, "It a Pear."'''

'''Cordarius says, "See, one step closer."'''

Kialeigh says, "It'll prolly still find a way to kill it with my horrible luck with plants."

'''Cordarius smirks at Gutstorm.'''

Speaking to himself, Brookshire says, "Der was Apples grown by blood alone, guess no trick fer Mana."

'''Cordarius says, "Well, goodnight all! I've got to go get some rest for my date."'''

'''Cordarius says, "Enjoy that apple Guts."'''

Speaking to Cordarius, Missoni wishes, "Fair eve."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Me will!"

Speaking amusedly to Cordarius, Tikba says, "Good night, Magister."

'''Cordarius says, "It'll feed ninety nine people."'''

Gutstorm removes an oversized crisp green apple from in his leather apron.

Leafiara cheerfully exclaims, "Sleep well!"

'''Cordarius nods.'''

'''Cordarius waves.'''

'''Magister Cordarius just went north.'''



===Discussion Afterward===

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Ya all think he gimme shpecial apple?"

Leafiara relievedly blurts, "Spent so long hearing from Elidal, Sablo, and Enisius that I kind of forgot what it was like to have an Imperial official around who's simultaneously honest, competent, friendly, and likeable."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Leafi, iffin me die...."

Gutstorm takes a bite of his golden apple.

Eahlstan says, "Special, poisoned, all the same..."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "HOLY!"

Speaking skeptically to Leafiara, Raelee asks, "Likeable?"

Speaking reassuringly to Gutstorm, Leafiara says, "Don't worry, I'll resurrect you if you somehow die from consuming things that aren't alcohol."

Speaking to Raelee, Perigourd says, "Many more questions."

Faiyth says, "I never trust a man eating an apple... always up to no good."

Gutstorm drunkenly slurs, "Dish ish speshal apple."

Tikba wryly says, "He is likeable because he wants nothing from us."

Speaking decisively to Tikba, Leafiara agrees, "Exactly."




[[Category: TownCrier]]
[[Category: North by Northwest]]
[[Category: Logs]]