Ayrell/Logs/07102024/Wild Magic Research & Exploration

Year of the Bronze Wyvern, 449 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 5th day in the 8th month of Skullcleaver, the Dwarven Axe. It is currently fall. (7/10/2024)

Speaker/Hostess

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine, Archmagess of Ilithi

You see Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine, Archmagess of Ilithi, an Elf.
Ayrell has elegant arched eyebrows, a half-opened black rose bud with a stem that curls around one of her pointed ears and exquisite lashes accentuating lustrous sapphire eyes. Her deep blue-streaked raven hair is hip length and wavy, and is worn in an elegant upswept arrangement threaded with an ornate silversteel chain twined with pale mistglass Elamiri roses.
She has fair skin and a gracefully slender figure.
She appears to be an adult.
She is in good shape.

She is wearing some ornate glaes earrings showcasing chandeliers of dazzling tempest sapphires, a refined gown of celestial-hued Gemfire velvet glittered with tempest sapphires, a spiraling lilac moonsilver engagement band crowned by a blue Elamiri sapphire, a lifesculpted moonsilver wedding band cradling a trillion-cut twilight sapphire and some exquisite Gemfire velvet slippers with a starry tempest sapphire overlay.

Arrival

You go west.
[Milene's Rose, Tavern]
Roomy and rectangular, the tavern for Milene's Rose is always busy, but strangely never so full that it becomes unbearably crowded. A booth in the corner allows for privacy, and a bar offers service for the thirsty and the hungry. There is little sign of disarray anywhere. You also see the publican.
Also here: Sofina, Supernova Vaerek, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Heart Tender Kethrai, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Emily, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Valynn, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Courtier Aerhys, Firehawk Casari, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious exits: east.

Ezathiel takes a sip of his beer.

Kethrai takes a sip of his mead.

Casari waves to you.

Ezerak smiles at you, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

You blush slightly, the tips of your ears flushing with warmth.

Ezerak takes your hand and gently kisses the back of it.

Gwenddolyn waves to you.

Hamuk rubs Sofina's head.

Hamuk bows to you.

You curtsy gracefully.

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Elurora hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile.

Miskton nods politely to you.

Aerhys grins at Sofina, his dimples flashing into view.

Hamuk extends his bared palms to you ritualistically in wordless greeting. You finish the gesture by covering his palms with yours.

Jaelia says, "Nod sofina polite."

Ezathiel pleasantly says to you, "Will we be traveling into hostile territory tonite milady? If so i have to warn you I am a bit squishy when it comes to my defensive capabilities."

You curtsy gracefully to Ezerak.

Jaelia coughs.

Jaelia nods politely to Sofina.

Kerennya gestures.

You wave to Gwenddolyn.

Elurora says to Jaelia, "If you insist."

Jaelia snickers.

You smile at Hamuk.

Elurora nods politely to Sofina.

You hug Elurora who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of honeysuckle clings to her skin.

Valynn smiles at Tirost.

Miskton nods politely to Tirost.

Elurora looks at Jaelia, obviously trying not to grin.

Nilme grins at Elurora.

You nod politely to Miskton.

Jaelia winks at Elurora.

Labor Organizer Urbaj just arrived.

Tirost nods to Gwenddolyn.

Vaerek says to Jaelia, "If you say so."

Hamuk shakes Tirost's hand.

Valynn smiles at you.

Jaelia beams at Urbaj!

Aerhys bows to you.

Gwenddolyn lets out a hearty cheer for Tirost!

Jaelia laughs!

Aerhys bows to Ezathiel.

Vaerek nods politely to Sofina.

Ruea just arrived.

Aerhys bows to Ezerak.

Casari says, "Don't worry. If something needs burning, it will burn."

Jaelia grins at Vaerek.

Jaelia just hugged Vaerek.

Casari smiles at Ezathiel.

Ezathiel stops listening to Elurora.

Vaerek hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Vaerek with a warm smile.

You smile at Valynn.

Aerhys bows to Valynn.

You curtsy gracefully to Aerhys.

Elurora says, "I can offer my shield to at least one person if needed."

Jaelia says to Vaerek, "I need to remember how well some of you listen to what I say and choose my words more carefully."

Ruea hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile.

Valynn grins at Aerhys.

Breeze Catcher Jycanth just arrived.

Vaerek chuckles at Jaelia.

Hamuk smirks at Jaelia.

Nilme hugs Jycanth, getting a smile in return.

Vaerek pats Jaelia on the back.

Nilme smiles.

Jycanth hugs Nilme, who wraps her arms around Jycanth with a warm smile.

Elurora quickly salutes Jycanth by bringing two fingers to her brow.

Valynn smiles at Jycanth.

Jycanth smiles at Valynn.

Sofina mutters to herself.

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Jaelia.

Hamuk nods to Jycanth.

Miskton nods politely to Ruea.

Jycanth waves.

You smile ezath I am going to try and avoid such.

Jycanth nods amiably at Hamuk.

You cough.

You smile zath

Elurora asks Jycanth, "Where is your prettier other half?"

Ruea smiles at Miskton.

Elurora grins at Jycanth.

Ezathiel nods to you.

Jycanth lays his palms against Elurora's in a quick, yet deliberate movement.

You gaze upward.

Ezathiel smiles at you.

Miskton stops listening to Elurora.

Miskton begins to listen to Tirost teach the Targeted Magic skill.

Valynn waves.

Elurora pats you on the back.

Aislynn starts chortling at you!

Valynn rubs you gently, massaging your sore muscles.

You say, "It has been a long day."

You chortle softly at some secret joke.

Kethrai takes a sip of his mead.

Ezathiel grins at you.

Valynn grins wryly at you.

Ezathiel nods.

Tirost smiles at you.

Kerennya blinks.

Jycanth says to Elurora, "Good question, sleeping I think."

Jycanth chuckles.

Elurora grins at Jycanth.

You say to Ezathiel, "At worst, we may see some snowbeasts."

Elurora nods to Jycanth.

Ezerak rubs your back.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to you, "Understood. I can handle them."

You smile at Ezathiel.

Valynn praises Ezathiel.

Kerennya gets a cup of cinnamon mead from atop a bar.

Ezathiel winks at Valynn.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Kerennya exhales involuntarily and shifts her stance, as if now under a heavy burden.

Raising his Empire brandy to Ezathiel, Hamuk gives him a toast.

Kethrai takes a sip of his mead.

Ezathiel pleasantly asks Valynn, "How are you?"

Sofina grins at Aerhys.

Hamuk takes a sip of his brandy.

Ruea hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Ruea with a warm smile.

Elurora asks Aerhys, "How about you? Can you handle them?"

Valynn grins at Ezathiel.

You ask, "Is there anyone here this evening who would need assistance if we travel into the snowbeast territory?"

Elurora gazes at Aerhys.

Kethrai hugs Ruea, who wraps her arms around Kethrai with a warm smile.

Ezerak waves to Ruea.

Ruea waves to Ezerak.

Aerhys blinks.

Elurora bows to Ruea.

You hug Ruea who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of violets clings to her skin.

Valynn says to Ezathiel, "Very well, thank you."

Ruea curtsies to Elurora.

Ezathiel smiles at Valynn.

Aerhys asks, "Sorry? Me? Who am I handling?"

Elurora giggles at Aerhys.

Aislynn's tail undulates passively just above the ground.

Ruea just hugged Anuril.

You nod to Gwenddolyn.

Anuril nods to Ruea.

Aerhys clears his throat.

Aislynn unties an overstuffed frost opal icesilk recliner with clawed icesteel pivuh feet from the straps of her low-slung belt.

Elurora just nudged Aerhys.

Aerhys laughs at Elurora.

Elurora says to Aerhys, "Snowbeasts."

Casari studies the faces around her.

Aislynn settles into the overstuffed recliner and reclines comfortably.

Jaelia joins your group.

Ruea rolls her eyes.

Ruea smiles.

Ruea joins your group.

Kerennya joins your group.

Miskton joins your group.

Miraeven joins your group.

Vaerek joins your group.

Elurora glances at Sofina.

Aerhys looks at Sofina and jots down some notes.

Elurora glances at Aerhys.

Emily joins your group.

Aislynn joins your group.

Aerhys joins your group.

Valynn joins your group.

Elurora joins your group.

Tirost joins your group.

Casari joins your group.

Sofina joins your group.

Hamuk joins your group.

Urbaj joins your group.

Sofina blinks at Elurora.

Nilme joins your group.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to Aerhys, "No getting handsy with the snowbeasts....inappropriate."

Gridaksma joins your group.

Kethrai joins your group.

Gwenddolyn joins your group.

Ezathiel joins your group.

Aerhys chuckles at Ezathiel.

Ezerak joins your group.

Ezathiel winks at Aerhys.

Elurora says, "And they bite."

You smile.

Elurora nods to Ezathiel.

Valynn begins chortling at Ezathiel.

Elurora moves into position to cover Aerhys from harm.

Ezathiel nods to Elurora.

Hamuk says, "They're a little bitey."

Casari says, "They're kind of cute."

Elurora nods at Hamuk, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hamuk nods at Casari, obviously agreeing with her views.

You say, "We will wait a few moments longer for latecomers, but not too long. There is much to cover this evening."

You smile.

Kethrai distantly says, "With their skin on, they are..."

Ezerak says to Casari, "So long as they have skin on them."

Elurora nods to Kethrai.

Casari looks at Ezerak and shrugs.

Elurora grins at Ezathiel.

Cateress Allye just arrived.

Elurora hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Nilme hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Nilme with a warm smile.

Miskton puts his tome in his scholar's valise.

Aerhys bows to Allye.

Hamuk beams at Allye!

Hamuk hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye's ears perk up happily.

Ezathiel smiles at Elurora.

Allye hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Casari asks, "What, you don't think they're beautiful on the inside, too?"

Allye hugs Nilme, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Kerennya waves to Allye.

Hamuk chuckles.

Allye curtsies gracefully to Aerhys.

Allye hugs Hamuk, who wraps his arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Ezerak grins at Casari, his dimples flashing into view.

Ezathiel waves to Allye.

Allye beams at Kerennya!

Allye waves to Kerennya.

Ezathiel smiles at Allye.

Allye waves to Ezathiel.

Nilme says, "Excuse me momentarily."

Allye grins sheepishly.

Nilme smiles.

Kerennya smiles.

Kethrai takes a sip of his mead.

Langen Esturi Nilme goes east.

Elurora says to Casari, "Maybe under the muscle dripping gore..."

Ezerak says to Casari, "They smell bad enough on the outside."

Valynn grins at Allye.

Sofina laughs!

Valynn hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Valynn.

Langen Esturi Nilme just arrived.

Allye hugs Valynn, getting a smile in return.

Nilme joins your group.

Sofina pats Aerhys on the back.

Allye joins your group.

Gwenddolyn moves into position to cover Allye from harm.

Aerhys grins sheepishly at Sofina.

Ezathiel puts his beer in his rucksack.

Ezathiel slides a pallid ouroboros ring carved from mother of pearl onto his finger.

[Milene's Rose, Tavern]
Roomy and rectangular, the tavern for Milene's Rose is always busy, but strangely never so full that it becomes unbearably crowded. A booth in the corner allows for privacy, and a bar offers service for the thirsty and the hungry. There is little sign of disarray anywhere. You also see the publican.
Also here: Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Ruea, Labor Organizer Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Sofina, Supernova Vaerek, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Heart Tender Kethrai, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Emily, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Valynn, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mooring Thread Aislynn who is sitting, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Courtier Aerhys, Firehawk Casari, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious exits: east.

Valynn praises Gwenddolyn.

Aerhys beams at Sofina!

Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne just arrived.

Elurora takes a bite of the salad.

Ezerak hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Aerhys bows to Shaylynne.

Elurora hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Hamuk shivers.

Elurora glances at Hamuk.

Kethrai gestures.

Kethrai takes a deep breath, looking serene and determined.

Allye beams at Shaylynne!

Valynn nods at Hamuk, obviously agreeing with his views.

Ezathiel's ring fades over the course of a few seconds, returning to normal.

Shaylynne hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Hamuk says to Elurora, "Mana shift."

Allye hugs Shaylynne, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Shaylynne hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Elurora nods to Hamuk.

Jycanth gestures.

Shaylynne beams at Nilme!

You say, "I do apologize if I missed greeting anyone when I arrived. I was in such a hurry, my focus was a bit scattered. Still trying to make sure I have memorized all my lines."

You blush slightly, the tips of your ears flushing with warmth.

Elurora says to Hamuk, "I hope this evening brings us another clue."

Elurora smiles at you.

Strawberry Nurse Illiya just arrived.

Hamuk nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Elurora hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Hamuk beams at Illiya!

Illiya waves.

Kethrai nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Illiya smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Hamuk hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Illiya hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Valynn quietly says, "/quiet I dislike that feeling."

Shaylynne leans over and scratches Illiya's back.

Illiya hugs Hamuk, who wraps his arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Illiya hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Jycanth hangs a dim crimson glass spiral around his neck.

Tirost waves to Illiya.

You nod to Valynn.

Miraeven arches his shoulders, stretching out his back for a moment.

Elurora takes a bite of the salad.

Nilme hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Illiya hugs you, and you give her a smile in return.

Hamuk nods at Valynn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Illiya hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Kethrai nods at Valynn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Illiya snuggles up to Jaelia.

Tirost hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Allye grins at you.

You say, "Two lectures in one evening is a new experience for me."

You chuckle.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to Elurora, "Hopefully a less violent one."

You hug Illiya who gives you a smile in return. A faint scent of strawberries clings to her skin.

Kerennya says to you, "No worries, just do what you need to."

Gwenddolyn chuckles at you!

Ezathiel rolls his eyes.

You grin at Valynn.

Gwenddolyn says, "Better you than me."

Gwenddolyn chortles softly at some secret joke.

Elurora whispers, "I know you are in the middle of many things, but could I be of help by going ahead and bannering?"

Allye leans on Illiya.

Allye grins at Gwenddolyn.

Valynn whistles a few soft, twittering notes.

Illiya snuggles up to Allye.

Hamuk takes a sip of his brandy.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Allye leans over and scratches Illiya's back.

Aerhys bows to Illiya.

Illiya bobs a quick curtsy to Aerhys.

You whisper to Elurora, "We will likely be traveling through multiple rooms, but if there is a means of keeping those rooms safe before we enter them, it would be much appreciated."

Elurora whispers, "I likely cannot banner with the group in the area, but if at any point you want me to step ahead and banner, I'm more than happy to."

Elurora smiles at you.

Aerhys takes a sip of his tea.

Elurora takes a bite of the salad.

You nod to Elurora.

You smile at Elurora.

Ezerak says to you, "Two? How fortunate for us."

Ezerak smiles at you, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

You whisper to Elurora, "Thank you. I think that may make this much easier."

You chuckle at Elurora.

You look at Ezerak and blush.

Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke.

You say to Ezerak, "Or unfortunate, depending."

Sofina frowns.

Elurora leans against a bar.

Elurora takes a bite of the salad.

Illiya nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.

Sofina casually observes the area.

Illiya gestures.

Elurora says, "I like the Commander's lectures."

Elurora grins at Ezerak.

Hamuk stands near Elurora.

Hamuk just nudged Elurora.

You smile at Elurora.

Aerhys grins at Elurora, his dimples flashing into view.

Hamuk leans against a bar.

Illiya says, "Fortunate for sure."

Elurora asks Hamuk, "Perhaps I am helping?"

Allye blinks.

Elurora grins at Hamuk.

Gwenddolyn says, "Let's hope nobody sets this place on fire."

Aerhys takes a sip of his tea.

Aislynn begins chortling at Gwenddolyn.

Vaerek exclaims, "Fire!"

The tip of Aislynn's tail makes lazy circles in the air.

Ezathiel chuckles at Gwenddolyn.

Illiya grins at Vaerek, her dimples flashing into view.

Vaerek blinks.

Miraeven seems to be focusing intently upon the crystalline orb floating near him.

Vaerek says, "Sorry."

Hamuk gestures, and a water ball forms in his hand.

Kethrai assumes a rigid stance, concentrating on something.

You say, "We will begin here at Milene's with the first lecture, as it will explain where we are going this evening, and why."

Hamuk offers Vaerek a water ball.

Elurora quietly says, "Thankfully Aetheline isn't here."

Elurora takes a bite of the salad.

Vaerek accepts Hamuk's water ball.

Elurora gazes at you.

Tirost gets a burnished silversteel tankard crowned with laurel leaves from inside his sling bag.

Aerhys looks at Elurora, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in his cheeks give him away.

Hamuk takes a sip of his brandy.

Aerhys nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Tirost flips open the lid on his silversteel tankard.

Vaerek leans over and sniffs the water ball.

Gwenddolyn says, "Yes we were in a safe inn room last time and the only way she could kill us was with a fire."

Vaerek takes a drink from his water ball.

Tirost raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the Dwarven ale inside.

A crash of shattering glass echoes through the area. You are overcome by a sense of wrongness.

Elurora flashes a quick grin at Kerennya.

Casari says, "Don't worry. This place isn't safe at all."

Something from Vaerek's direction hisses at Allye.

Kerennya says, "Shattering glass."

Elurora begins chortling at Casari.

Jaelia nods.

Gwenddolyn chortles softly at some secret joke.

You say, "We will then head out for our exploration, after which I will lead us to another lovely place to rest while I end with the last presentation of the evening."

Kerennya grumbles.

Ezathiel begins chortling at Casari.

Kerennya joins your group.

Gridaksma shakes his head as if clearing it.

Allye nods to you.

Elurora takes a bite of the salad.

Valynn grins at you.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Introduction

You say, "For sake of time, I think we should go ahead and begin."

You smile.

Jaelia nods.

Elurora nods to you.

Shaylynne joins your group.

Ezathiel gazes at you.

You say, "First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming. It is always lovely to see so many familiar faces."

You smile.

Hamuk smiles at you.

Ezathiel praises you.

Tirost smiles.

You say, "There has been a great deal of talk lately, with regard to this wild magic and its potential cause. Theories abound that span an impressive breadth of possibilities as well as speculation about this "Liraxes," whose name we have heard connected to such phrases as "Liraxes assembles itself," and "Liraxes asserts itself."

Ruea frowns.

Elurora gives you a slight nod.

You say, "Among these theories, I have presented my own with regard to what we could be facing. A being, of some sort, that is more powerful than any adventurer. Potentially of equal or greater power than the Immortals. We know that Meraud and Firulf interceded, at one point, after which it appeared their efforts managed to curb the threat of the wild magic side-effect referred to as "mana burn." Yet the wild magic remains, with its unpredictable nature, and an array of questions to which we continue to seek answers."

Tirost nods to you.

Ezathiel furrows his brow.

You say, "One particular subject that has been mentioned during several of our gatherings has been that of the Heralds. Many of us have heard of them, but not much is truly known of their origins or intentions. We know they possess immense power and have directly affected the outcomes of at least two wars in our history. The War of Tears - and the Resistance War."

Jaelia smiles at you.

With a faint pop, the water ball that Vaerek is holding bursts with a tiny splash of water.

Aislynn gets a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze from inside a set of burnished bamboo boxes bound in a stack by vibrant silk brocade.

Aislynn offers Kethrai a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.

You say, "The reason this stands out as a point of interest for research is because of one very particular finding that has come from our investigations into this wild magic. When Warrior Mages conduct specific research on the matter, their findings show that: Something is broken with the replenishment cycles of Elemental mana. Even though we have not noticed a decrease in available power, it seems inevitable. Lessons from long ago prickle at our minds concerning the lore of the Sraan Mehath. We cannot shake a feeling of deep dread."

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Allye gazes at you.

You say, "So... the Sraan Mehath - also known as the S'Kra Mur Wind Clan. The very clan that defied the Heralds during the War of Tears, thus leading to the end of their Clan's existence in this world. Incinerated by the very magic they were warned by the Heralds not to cast. This is the subject matter I wish to address this evening."

Hamuk nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Elurora frowns thoughtfully.

Kerennya nods.

You say, "Before I begin, I would like to remind everyone that this evening is a combination of history and exploration. We will begin with the presentation I am about to give regarding the Heralds and the Sraan Mehath. From there, I will lead us on a bit of an excursion to see if we can learn anything of note from an area of interest, after which I will then guide us to another location where we will close this gathering with another presentation of particular interest to the current concerns of wild magic."

Aerhys gazes at his tea.

Elurora rubs Aerhys's back.

Kethrai blinks at Aislynn.

Kethrai stretches out a hand imploringly to Aislynn.

Aislynn offers Kethrai a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.

Kethrai accepts Aislynn's fish-shaped pastry.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Kethrai's ears perk up happily.

Aerhys smiles at Elurora, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Elurora winks at Aerhys.

You say, "I ask that you bear with me, as this will be a lot of talking over the next little while, but I hope the exploration between lectures will help us all stretch our legs and allow our minds a chance to process."

You smile.

Aerhys chuckles.

Aislynn gets a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze from inside a set of burnished bamboo boxes bound in a stack by vibrant silk brocade.

Aislynn offers Anuril a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at you.

Aerhys nods to you.

Anuril accepts Aislynn's fish-shaped pastry.

Ruea raises an eyebrow.

Presentation One - Part I/War of Tears

You say, "With that, I shall dive into the first subject so as to not keep you all waiting any longer than necessary. Our first subject - the War of Tears. Some of you may know this war by other names. The Elven-Human War or, in some cases, the Human-Elven War. These are all titles given to the same period in history during which the Elves, the Humans, and many other races, engaged in violence against one another. As the details of why they fought are less important to our research on wild magic, I will spend less time on them so that we can focus on the Sraan Mehath and the Heralds."

Anuril smiles at Aislynn.

Kethrai whispers something to Aislynn.

Aislynn rolls her tail along the surface of the ground.

Hamuk gives you a studious look, as if committing you to memory.

Sofina shifts her weight.

Anuril's body loses its fiery appearance.

Anuril takes a bite of the pastry.

You say, "Let us start with this, however: The Heralds. What are they? Strange, unearthly creatures, varying from indescribably beautiful to hideously dreadful in visage. They are described as being tall, an approximately seven to eight foot humanoid appearing to be somewhere between a Human and an Elf. They are said to wield great swords and incredible power, with a primary purpose of curtailing the use of magic. It is unknown why, though there is speculation among scholars that it is because of magic's unstable tendencies and the fact that too much spellcraft in one place could dangerously drain an area of life and power."

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at you.

Tirost raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the Dwarven ale inside.

You say, "It is important to note that no one really knows how many Heralds there are. History only documents the rare few who have identified themselves over the years, three of which were said to have taken on semi-mortal forms in our world shortly after the destruction of the Sraan Mehath, which we will discuss now."

Hamuk ponders.

Aerhys tilts his head, clearly curious about something.

Ezathiel cocks his head.

You say, "Although time constraints prevent a detailed re-telling, I would be remiss to not at least cover the origin of the war in question. Many of you have likely heard the names of Sorril, Rivyn, and Kanton. An alliance was to be formed between the Forest Elves and the Mountain Elves, through the marriage of Sorril - daughter of Elven Lord Keirnion - to Rivyn - son of the Mountain Queen, Morganae Sunderstone. Before that marriage could take place, however, Sorril fell in love with a human by the name of Kanton, with whom she fled her home to marry, much to the chagrin of her father."

Elurora gazes off into the distance.

Knight Penitent Briaen just arrived.

You say, "This is from where the designation of the "Elven-Human War" likely stems. For it was with the Elves and the Humans that the war started. Keirnion, along with the aid of Queen Morganae, marched on the Humans of Kanton's Clan for the slight, who quickly rallied their own numbers in response. It is said that Kanton gathered a council of the nearest clan elders, uniting five Human clans to battle the Elven warriors, with runners sent to seek additional aid from other clans as well."

Druid Zyros just arrived.

Anuril takes a bite of the pastry.

Aislynn makes a chirring noise in Briaen's direction.

You say, "As the battle raged on, Keirnion rallied the other Elven nations to join him in battle. In return, Kanton sought out aid from the Dwarves, striking a deal with one cited as being an "old King of the Mountain of the time," by the name of Membrach. Not to be outdone, Keirnion summoned the aid of the Elotheans, to which Kanton summoned the Gor. Desperate for more fighters, Keirnion set out to strike a deal with the S'Kra Mur, who then joined the Elven and Elothean armies against the Humans, Gor, and Dwarves."

Aerhys takes a sip of his tea.

Elurora furrows her brow.

You say, "It is said that the human and their allied warriors had more brawn and manpower while the Elven warriors and their allies possessed unmatched magical abilities with the S'Kra Mur along with foresight and war counsel from the Moon Mages of the Elotheans. Halflings, it is said, were hired as scouts and spies by both sides, citing that neither side deserved any form of respect."

Grinning, Gridaksma pulls a swig from a double-walled glass snifter filled with aged Elamiri Reserve.

Ezathiel shakes his head.

Elurora whispers something to Aerhys.

Aerhys nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

You say, "This is where we start to address the matters of the most interest to us this evening. As the years passed, it is said that the war mages of the S'Kra developed hideous and powerful magics that began tearing away at the Human line. The Gor'Togs sought revenge on their old enemies by charging the Elven lines to get to the mages. Elven arrows were said to have been tipped with S'Kra Mur poison while even the Elothean magics transitioned into a deadly force to be reckoned with."

Hamuk takes a sip of his brandy.

A pained expression crosses Aislynn's face.

Elurora blinks.

Elurora quietly asks, "S'Kra have poison?"

Elurora glances at Aislynn.

Allye nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Aislynn quietly says to Elurora, "Anyone can have poison."

Ezathiel furrows his brow.

You say, "One spell of note was a spell of destruction developed by the S'Kra Mur mages that held the potential of wiping out a large portion of the Human forces. On the day the spell was cast, it is said that the sky darkened and the air stilled, though the magic never completed. Halted by the appearance of the Heralds - noted in the history books as the Guardians."

Illiya grins at Aislynn, her dimples flashing into view.

Gridaksma quietly says to Elurora, "They had some of the best alchemists of the time."

Aislynn quietly says to Elurora, "We aren't venomous, if that's what you're asking."

Aislynn chuckles.

Tirost spins the mourning band about his finger for a moment.

Aerhys smiles at Gridaksma, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Elurora blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Hamuk chuckles at Aislynn.

Anuril takes a bite of the pastry.

Aislynn curls back her lips to display her fangs briefly.

Elurora quietly says to Aislynn, "Oh, I thought she meant...yeah."

Ezathiel pats Elurora on the back.

Aislynn winks at Elurora.

You say, "According to the book, "An Account of the Elven Human War" by Silvyrlock, the Guardians stepped out of nowhere. One male and one female. They were described as wearing simple white robes and appearing to be a strange mix of Elven and Human. When they threw up their arms, the entire battlefield stilled as the warriors and mages felt their limbs grow heavy and immoveable. Then, in quiet voices that carried across the fields, the Guardians stated that they cared little for the war, but they cared a great deal about the magics being exchanged, warning for a halt. They discouraged further "abuse" of the gift that had been granted to all races, giving one final warning - and then vanished."

Aislynn grins at Elurora.

Aerhys rubs Elurora gently.

Aislynn shivers.

Ezathiel raises an eyebrow.

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Aerhys winks at Elurora.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

You say, "I will pause here briefly to provide an aside of information about the Sraan Mehath before I move into the retelling of their destruction. It is said that the Sraan Mehath the S'Kra Mur Wind Clan - were once the dominant power of Surlaenis. They traveled to the mainland following a prophecy and secured themselves in a mountain fortress where they practiced profound and unmatched elemental magics. They were widely considered one of the most powerful of the Clans until their demise. Of note - The S'Kra Mur Wind Clan is not to be confused with the Elven Clan known as the Wind Elves."

Elurora looks at Aerhys, obviously trying not to grin.

Allye nods to you.

Aislynn nods to you.

Aerhys grins at Elurora, his dimples flashing into view.

Anuril takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.

Hamuk nods to you.

Kethrai nods to you.

Ezathiel nods.

You say, "An unnamed warrior mage is said to have ignored the warning of the Guardians, proclaiming himself more powerful than they. Despite the censure, this mage forged onward, invoking the very spell the Guardians warned not to cast. When he did, a bloom of white-hot fire burst up around him, incinerating everyone within a quarter mile radius - which included the entirety of the Sraan Mehath."

Aislynn makes a grunting noise.

Elurora blinks.

Aislynn slumps dejectedly, curling her tail downward.

Kerennya winces.

Hamuk sighs.

Aerhys winces.

Tirost raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the Dwarven ale inside.

Hamuk frowns.

Ezathiel shudders.

Whynd nods politely.

Sofina chortles softly at some secret joke.

Kerennya stares blankly into the distance.

You say, "Now, there is little else about the war that is of particular note to our current research, so while I would like nothing more than to finish telling the story, I will limit myself to simply stating that the stranglehold the Guardians placed upon the use of such magics quickly shifted the war's course in favor of the Humans. As a last resort, an assassination attempt was planned. A messenger was sent to Kanton, telling him that Sorril had lost the child she was carrying, leading to Kanton's swift return to his clan."

Anuril takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.

You say, "Unbeknownst to Kanton, Sorril remained in perfect health, as did her unborn child - children, rather, as we know to have been the case. When Kanton arrived, Rivyn was waiting for him, backstabbing Kanton and killing him near instantly. When Rivyn tried to pull Sorril away from Kanton's body, she was so lost in the agony of her beloved's death, she drew the short sword from Kanton's right hip and stabbed Rivyn through the heart, leaving her the lone survivor of the three in the aftermath."

Ezathiel nibbles his lip thoughtfully.

Diva Iryta just arrived.

Vaerek nods to Whynd.

Whynd removes his aldamdin mask, revealing his face.

Jycanth clasps Iryta's hand tenderly.

Iryta stands near Jycanth.

Aislynn slowly empties her lungs.

Elurora wraps her arm around Iryta's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Jycanth kissed Iryta.

Whynd nods politely to Vaerek.

Valynn wipes one of her eyes.

Whynd leans on Vaerek.

Allye nods to you.

Nilme hugs Iryta, getting a smile in return.

You say, "There is, of course, more to the story than this, but that is where I will end that portion for now, for sake of time. Because there is yet one more piece of this that I would like to cover before we embark on our exploration. That being - the Resistance War."

Presentation One - Part II/The Resistance War

Iryta just kissed Jycanth.

Iryta wraps her arm around Elurora's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Kethrai trills, his ears relaxing minutely back against his head.

Iryta hugs Nilme, who wraps her arms around Iryta with a warm smile.

Miskton takes a sip of his brandy.

Iryta bows her head, acknowledging you.

Ezathiel shifts his weight.

Ezathiel gazes at you.

You say, "In the past, I have addressed the subject in greater detail than I will today, but I will attempt to cover at least the points that will help make this connection - to the War of Tears, the Sraan Mehath, the Heralds, and wild magic - make sense."

Vaerek's shadow paces about a bit, acting independently of its source.

Nilme grins at Iryta.

Grinning, Gridaksma pulls a swig from a double-walled glass snifter filled with aged Elamiri Reserve.

You say, "I will begin with Sorril... who gave birth to twins whose names are known far and wide. One female. One male. Sable... and Lanival. I will not go into much depth as to how Lanival came to be involved in the war, as we simply do not have time for such this evening, but the most important detail is that Lanival was the human who led the resistance against the Elven Lord Teiro. Teiro - a former scout in the War of Tears who was elected Voice of the Elven nation. A soldier turned "king" who sought to claim the Empire as his own in the wake of its collapse."

Elurora nods to you.

Anuril takes a bite of his pastry with a delighted expression crossing his face.

Kethrai takes a tiny bite of a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze and chews daintily on it.

You say, "This war was said to have lasted for twelve years, the final battle taking place on the bloody fields below the Dragonspine Mountains. After years of fighting, Lanival grew weary of war while Teiro was said to delight in it. History books tell of Teiro revealing a spell of power from "ages before." The same that was said to have caused the loss of several S'Kra Mur men and women during the Elven-Human War."

Aislynn squints.

Kerennya mutters something into the air about he is why we have the Dragon's Realms.

Tirost raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the Dwarven ale inside.

Shaylynne takes a sip of her whiskey.

Ezathiel sighs.

You say, "Despite claims that the Guardians would come to put an end to such magic, Teiro ordered the spell cast anyway, blasting into Lanival's men and women and destroying one third of two of his seven companies. After this, Uthmor immediately called for a retreat and Lanival gathered his commanders together for a meeting. For Lanival knew that there was nothing to be done against such power. He knew that, come dawn, they would be left with only two options: Either fight a hopeless battle - or surrender."

Ezathiel shakes his head.

Hamuk nods to Kerennya.

Elurora rubs her nose.

A soft voice from somewhere near Vaerek babbles, "Tee yooyayooleetomihi gi bi tootee!"

Grinning, Gridaksma pulls a swig from a double-walled glass snifter filled with aged Elamiri Reserve.

Iryta glances at Vaerek.

Aerhys takes a sip of his tea.

You say, "This may be a good point to initiate another aside, this time regarding a name with which you likely all are familiar. The well known name of one particular Guardian - Glacis. Since I did not go into detail about what led to Lanival joining the war, I did not cover the part of the story where Lanival went into the Dragonspine Mountains in search of the creature for which the range was named. After a blizzard left him stranded in a cave for a week, subsisting on what little food he had, he set out again, only to become lost. Weakened from lack of food and bordering on death. It was then that he stumbled upon another cave, in which Glacis dwelled. And it was because of Glacis that Lanival survived."

Hamuk takes a sip of his brandy.

Iryta quietly says to Vaerek, "Yanno, he's got a point."

Zyros nods to Iryta.

Vaerek peers quizzically at Iryta.

Kerennya takes a sip of her mead.

Zyros grins.

Aislynn clicks her claws together.

Iryta winks at Zyros.

You say, "So, we return again to where we left off in the war. The impossible decision. Unsure what to do, Lanival left the tent with an unknown destination. Yet, it was through this wandering that he, once again, crossed paths with his old friend. In Lanival's own words, Glacis said to him, "the war does not go well. A powerful spell he uses. An unwise one. It invites attentions he may not wish...," to which Lanival replied, "I only wish that it would."

Elurora raises an eyebrow.

Aislynn nods in agreement.

Vaerek ponders.

A faint growl echoes from the depths of Vaerek's shadow.

Ezathiel leans forward.

Iryta nods to Vaerek.

You say, "In response, Glacis told Lanival, "Perhaps it has." It was said a rustling came from near Glacis and an eye opened beyond him. An eye that spanned the entire breadth of Lanival's vision. One giant, golden, luminescent eye. Shouting, Lanival pushed Glacis aside, drawing his sword and preparing a spell. But Glacis said to him, "Do not attack your allies, Lanival." Lanival stated that he turned toward Glacis, but in his place was something massive. Incredibly large, a size Lanival likened to four Water Clan longhouses in length and several stories in height."

Vaerek says, "No more point."

You say, "What Lanival wrote of Glacis's words are too important to gloss over, so I shall recite them as written in the history books. Glacis said, "Once we were known as Guardians. Some of us have remained so, observing the world and using their Great Magicks to bend things around in favor or against some mortals who dwell in their world. And some of us who desired to be closer to those mortals we felt were too distant chose a new form. We fashioned it after a fury you may have known as the World Dragon. As terrible as that being is, it is still an elegant form with much power in it. It is the closest we can come to donning our true form without appearing as a god."

Zyros sighs.

Iryta ponders.

Tirost gazes thoughtfully at you.

Ezathiel raises an eyebrow.

You say, "Lanival went on to state that two more floated out of the sky to land beside Glacis. One, Lanival recognized by her luminescent golden eyes who identified herself as Eerayn. He described her as a shimmer of gold and rainbows, but otherwise too difficult to describe. The second was a body of shadow, the only part of him that stood out were his eyes, which were clear as water. Frightening to behold, and unsettling Lanival. Lanival stated this one identified himself as Sildua - and that it seemed, to Lanival, that Sildua did not like Glacis."

Aislynn ponders.

Sofina grins.

You say, "An interesting, non-related fact, the name Sildua comes from the Gerenshuge word of "silduaalyo," meaning "coal." Because of this, some historical documents vary on the spelling of his name."

Whynd pats Vaerek on the back.

Illiya grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Nilme gazes thoughtfully at you.

Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration.

You say, "Back to the topic at hand, however, Lanival wrote of Eerayn stating, "The Guardians who intervened in the Elven-Human war have chosen not to do so in this one. We do not question our brothers and sisters, for since our acquiring these forms, we no longer see with their scope. But we who once stood in their council cannot stand by and let happen what we stopped before. We shall aid you, Lanival, but only until all the mages who know or use the spell have been destroyed or allowed us to pluck it from their mind."

Ezathiel softly says, "Hm."

Gridaksma grumbles.

Elurora glances at Gridaksma.

You say, "It was Sildua who then said, "Gracious, we know. We have our reasons."

Whynd tilts his head, clearly curious about something.

Hamuk chuckles.

You say, "It was then that the war changed in Lanival's favor. Sildua and Eerayn remained true to their promise and stayed only until the destructive spell could no longer be used Their very presence struck terror into the hearts of Teiro's army, made worse by the fact that Glacis chose to remain, even when Eerayn and Sildua departed, leading to Lanival's victory. When all was said and done, Glacis returned to the anonymous form of an elderly hermit that Lanival had come to know him as before discovering his true identity, bidding Lanival farewell, and taking his leave."

Jaelia nods.

Elurora looks at Iryta, obviously trying not to grin.

You say, "Now, of course, there is more to this story as well, regarding what happened to Lanival after the war. But this is where I will leave off, as it covers the most pertinent of details related to the exploration upon which we are about to embark."

Tirost raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the Dwarven ale inside.

Iryta nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Anuril gets a glass of sweet sherry from atop a bar.

You say, "In scouring the history books and any notes I could find, there is no documentation that specifies exactly where the battlefield was located upon which the mage cast the spell that led to the extinction of the Sraan Mehath. It is said that the Elvens marched on the Humans, which would indicate a potential battleground in Zoluren, but nothing is certain. For that reason, it is impossible to plan an exploration to observe the destruction left behind, or to attempt any sort of investigation as to traces of history that may have been left behind for our Bards to evoke with regard to the Guardians."

Elurora gives Gridaksma a slight nod.

Anuril takes a sip of his sherry.

Aerhys takes a sip of his tea.

Hamuk gets a snifter of Milene's brandy from atop a bar.

Illiya nods to you.

You say, "What we *do* know is that the final battle of the Resistance War, during which the same magic was used - with the eventual intervention of Glacis, Eerayn, and Sildua - was in the 'bloody fields below the Spine Mountains." Which fields and where along the span are less certain, but it is at least an area to which we can easily traverse this evening that may at least bring us close to somewhere or something that could provide some inkling of information about the Heralds that is not mentioned in the history books. Some... hint... of what this magic involved that made it of such particular note that the Guardians deigned to intervene. Anything that might tell us if there is a connection between it and the magic of today that may have led to this... Liraxes... taking an interest in the present."

Elurora nods to Iryta.

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at you.

You say, "This marks the conclusion of the first presentation of the night. If you will all join me, we can prepare to make our way to the Dragonspine Mountains where we will travel along the base to see if we can perceive anything out of the ordinary that might serve as a clue. It is a reach, I am sure, but in the spirit of trying *everything* in our efforts for answers, it is important that we do, in fact, try - everything. Within reason, of course."

You smile.

Ezathiel furrows his brow.

Illiya joins your group.

Aislynn stands up.

Anuril joins your group.

Tirost flips the lid on his silversteel tankard closed.

Aislynn attaches an overstuffed frost opal icesilk recliner with clawed icesteel pivuh feet to a strap on her low-slung belt.

Iryta joins your group.

Tirost puts his tankard in his sling bag.

Elurora grins at you.

Jycanth joins your group.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to you, "Give me one moment please."

Elurora nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Iryta gives Jycanth a smooch.

Kethrai takes a huge mouthful of a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze and gnaws heartily on it.

Vaerek inhales a great swallow of air.

You nod to Ezathiel.

Hamuk smiles at you.

Kethrai takes a huge mouthful of a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze and gnaws heartily on it.

Kethrai finishes off his fish-shaped pastry.

You smile.

Vaerek slowly empties his lungs.

Kethrai dusts himself off.

Anuril takes a sip of his sherry.

Iryta curiously asks Nilme, "Where is the other half of Nilseff tonight?"

Nilme smiles at Iryta.

Nilme says, "He's resting."

Nilme smiles at Iryta.

Illiya gestures.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to you, "Thank you I am ready."

Travel Preparations & Travel

You say, "We will travel along the road for a bit, and Elurora has graciously offered to step ahead as we go to aid in keeping the snowbeasts at bay while we explore."

Iryta nods to Nilme.

Iryta grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view.

You smile at Elurora.

You nod graciously at Elurora, giving her a polite smile.

Iryta snaps to attention and hails Elurora with a crisp hand salute.

Aislynn praises Elurora.

Hamuk snaps to attention and hails Elurora with a crisp hand salute.

Aerhys smiles at Ezathiel, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Elurora whispers, "Where would you like to put the first one up?"

Ezathiel smiles at Aerhys.

Elurora smiles at you.

Valynn hums to herself.

Belzor just arrived.

You notice as a russet lynx pads into the room.

Elurora snaps to attention and hails Belzor with a crisp hand salute.

Valynn grins at Belzor.

Belzor smiles at Valynn.

You whisper to Elurora, "I will lead us to the path just before the mountains and then I will pause, if you would not mind crossing first to place a banner?"

Hamuk rubs Illiya gently, massaging her muscles.

Elurora whispers, "I don't mind at all."

Illiya hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Elurora nods to you.

Hamuk shifts the partitions in his spellbook case, closing the compartment that holds wands, rods and rattles and opening the one for runestones.

Elurora hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Ruea looks at Elurora and applauds!

Ruea smiles.

Hamuk gets a colorful elbaite runestone marked with a symbol for Ease Burden from inside his spellbook case.

Hamuk offers Illiya a colorful elbaite runestone marked with a symbol for Ease Burden.

You say, "If everyone is ready, we will go ahead and make our way. I want to make sure there is still time for the last lecture."

Illiya accepts Hamuk's elbaite runestone.

You chuckle.

Hamuk chuckles.

Ruea leans on you.

Zyros joins your group.

Hamuk closes a lustrous ebony spellbook case inset with silvery crystal stars.

Illiya hugs Hamuk, who wraps his arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Ezerak smiles at you, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Aislynn nods to you.

Valynn whistles a few soft, twittering notes.

Aislynn enfolds her leathery wings around herself and busies herself with repairing any damage.

Kethrai nods to you.

Aerhys nods to you.

A crash of shattering glass echoes through the area. You are overcome by a sense of wrongness.

You say, "We will move in 5."

Aislynn winces.

Valynn mutters to herself.

The final words of Casari's song fade even as they glide into the air.

Aislynn pats Valynn on the back.

Illiya offers Hamuk a colorful elbaite runestone marked with a symbol for Ease Burden.

You go east, leading your group.
[Milene's Rose, Front Desk]
Shadows drift in lazy patterns over the gleaming dark wood that compose the floor and walls, digging into the carvings of roses that gracefully climb in vines over the satiny planks. A black desk serviced by a young man curves out of the east wall. Stairs lead up, a pattern of black roses woven into the blue carpeting that covers them. You also see a short flight of steps.
Also here: Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Firehawk Casari, Courtier Aerhys, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Valynn, Philomath Miskton, Citizen Miraeven, Emily, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Supernova Vaerek, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Ruea, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Druid Zyros and Diva Iryta.
Obvious exits: west, out.

Hamuk accepts Illiya's elbaite runestone.

Valynn quietly says, "Apologies."

Hamuk puts his runestone in his leucro hide pack.

Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

You go out, leading your group.
[Shard, Ruby Street]
A gentle tranquility wraps this section of Ruby Street despite the fall of night and all the treacherous things its darkness conceals. An inn built of seasoned wood is the only shop still open here, its windows and doorway bright with the glow of firelight and inviting the attention of those whose work does not end with the loss of sunlight. A side street leads off into the stableyard of the inn, where the whinnying of horses can be heard. You also see a vela'tohr plant with leaves like polished obsidian bearing softly glowing star-like inclusions.
Also here: Diva Iryta, Druid Zyros, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Ruea, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Supernova Vaerek, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Emily, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Valynn, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Courtier Aerhys, Firehawk Casari, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious paths: north, south.

Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

You smile at Valynn.

Kethrai joins your group.

Valynn gives Aislynn a wry grin.

Hamuk grins at Illiya.

Kethrai takes a sip of his mead.

You go north, leading your group.
[Shard, Ruby Street]
Oldstyle Elothean architecture takes up most of the street on either side, the fluid, clean lines and golden rectangles of the structures at once efficiently utilizing the space the city has alloted them and aesthetically pleasing. Out of place to the rest of the street's design is an arched gate of diamondique and steel that rises to the north, its Elven motif cutting rudely into the otherwise purely Elothean scape. You also see an opulent domed building of marble and glass.

(Travel)

The gate is closed. Try KNOCKing instead.
You knock on the door set into the city gate, and the Sentinel Esharis looks at you carefully.
After a brief moment, she opens the door just enough to let you slip through.

She says, "Take care, Madam Ayrell."
Kethrai follows you through the gate.
Zyros follows you through the gate.
Jycanth follows you through the gate.
Iryta follows you through the gate.
Anuril follows you through the gate.
Illiya follows you through the gate.
Shaylynne follows you through the gate.
Kerennya follows you through the gate.
Allye follows you through the gate.
Nilme follows you through the gate.
Ezerak follows you through the gate.
Ezathiel follows you through the gate.
Gwenddolyn follows you through the gate.
Gridaksma follows you through the gate.
Urbaj follows you through the gate.
Hamuk glances at the Sentinel Esharis then stops and gets left behind.
You notice a shadow slip through the door while Sentinel Esharis is distracted.
Casari follows you through the gate.
Tirost follows you through the gate.
Elurora follows you through the gate.
Valynn follows you through the gate.
Aerhys follows you through the gate.
Aislynn follows you through the gate.
Emily follows you through the gate.
Vaerek follows you through the gate.
Miraeven follows you through the gate.
Miskton follows you through the gate.
Ruea follows you through the gate.
Jaelia follows you through the gate.

[Shard, North Bridge]
To the north of this opulent bridge, the Dragon Spine Mountains span the horizon and exhale a dense forest known simply as the Dragon's Breath. The North city gates stand close by, guarded by sharp-eyed soldiers on the city wall.
Also here: Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Ruea, Philomath Miskton, Citizen Miraeven, Supernova Vaerek, Emily, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Courtier Aerhys, Valynn, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Firehawk Casari, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Diva Iryta, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Druid Zyros and Heart Tender Kethrai.
Obvious paths: north.

Ezerak moves over to guard you.

You go north, leading your group.
[Shard, North Bridge]
The elegance of Elven architecture spills over onto the north bridge from the city proper as evident in the crystal inlay and carefully carved wooden trestles. The wooden planks and marble supports do not show any indications of time's passage.
Also here: Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Diva Iryta, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Emily, Supernova Vaerek, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.
Obvious paths: north, south.

(Travel)

Exploration

You go northwest, leading your group.
[Obsidian Pass, The Edge of the Forest]
The shadows of the mountains beyond trickle over the descending edge of the foothills. Patches of green reflect the sparse light of stars twinkling far above. You also see a switchbacked path leading into the mountains.
Also here: Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Diva Iryta, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Emily, Supernova Vaerek, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Ruea, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura and Efreet Gremtrak who is shrouded in ghostly flames.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

You nod to Elurora.

Truthseeker Elurora wandered up a switchbacked path leading into the mountains.

Truthseeker Elurora wandered down a switchbacked path leading into the mountains.

Elurora nods to you.

Elurora says, "The room just down the path is safe."

You smile at Elurora.

Allye perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Elurora.

Elurora joins your group.

Illiya dimples at Elurora.

You say to Elurora, "Thank you."

>go path
[Dragon's Spine, Mountain Foothills]
The trail becomes spotty as it meanders its way along the rock strewn canyon beside a wide riverbed containing a tiny trickle of water. Sage and juniper cover backsides of steep tan sandstone hogback ridges that angle downward toward Shard. Foliage on the underbrush rustles, dancing to the cold night breeze blowing down off the mountains. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines and a switchbacked path snaking its way out of the mountains.
Obvious paths: northeast.
Elurora, Kethrai, Zyros, Jycanth, Iryta, Anuril, Illiya, Shaylynne, Kerennya, Allye, Nilme, Ezerak, Ezathiel, Gwenddolyn, Gridaksma, Urbaj, Casari, Tirost, Valynn, Aerhys, Aislynn, Emily, Vaerek, Miraeven, Miskton, Ruea and Jaelia followed.

Valynn grins at Elurora.

Allye gazes at a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines.

Elurora smiles at Valynn.

Elurora grins at Allye.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Illiya says, "Pretty banner."

Aerhys grins at Elurora, his dimples flashing into view.

Valynn gazes at a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines.

Elurora nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Allye exclaims, "So pretty!"

Illiya nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valynn grins at Elurora.

You say, "From here, if we could all take a moment. Perceive what can. See if there is anything you see of note, by any means available to us."

Shaylynne ponders.

Aislynn closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Allye closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Elurora searches around for a moment.

Kethrai says, "No life senses that are unusual."

Ezerak casually observes the area.

Ezerak scans the area briefly.

Allye nods in agreement.

Urbaj glances up at the sky.

Ezathiel pleasantly says, "Lovely location for a picnic."

Ezathiel smiles.

Elurora begins chortling at Ezathiel.

Iryta grins at Ezathiel, her dimples flashing into view.

Kerennya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Allye grins at Ezathiel.

Casari scans the area briefly.

Iryta says, "That's the spirit."

Ezathiel flashes a wide grin.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Aerhys grins at Ezathiel, his dimples flashing into view.

You reach out with your senses and see blazing (20/21) streams of roiling Elemental mana coursing through the area.
Letting your senses extend further, you feel there is glaring (19/21) mana to the northeast.

Jycanth glances up at the sky.

Illiya grins at Ezathiel, her dimples flashing into view.

You search around for a moment.
You notice the vague silhouette of Sofina.

Soye Sanborroc Hamuk wandered up a switchbacked path snaking its way out of the mountains.

Hamuk suddenly yelps!

Hamuk coughs.

Elurora glances at Hamuk.

Iryta glances at Hamuk.

Hamuk joins your group.

Elurora raises an eyebrow.

Iryta cocks her head at Hamuk.

Hamuk says, "'Had to take a detour."

Emily closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Emily is stunned!

You smile at Hamuk.

Aerhys grins at Hamuk, his dimples flashing into view.

Valynn grins at Hamuk.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Kethrai roots around the area for a moment.

You whisper to Elurora, "Is it possible to cast another banner to the northeast?"

Anuril searches around for a moment.

Elurora nods to you.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

Truthseeker Elurora goes northeast.

Hamuk says, "An issue with my citizenship papers."

Hamuk coughs.

Anuril ponders.

Ezerak grins at Hamuk, his dimples flashing into view.

Illiya pats Hamuk on the back.

Aerhys pats Hamuk on the back.

Iryta says, "Ive been there."

Truthseeker Elurora just arrived.

Tirost says, "This place is very detrimental to aether magic, and most favorable to earth and air."

You say to Hamuk, "That is never good."

Elurora joins your group.

Elurora nods to you.

You smile at Elurora.

You say, "We will move onward."

Elurora says, "Our path is going to be littered by rose banners."

Aislynn grins at Elurora.

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Elurora.

Valynn grins at Elurora.

You say to Elurora, "That sounds like a beautiful path."

Illiya says to Elurora, "That sounds amazing."

You smile at Elurora.

Aerhys beams at Elurora!

Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke.

Valynn praises Elurora.

Anuril mumbles a word of general praise.

Illiya nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You go northeast, leading your group.
[Dragon's Spine, Mountain Foothills]
Winding its way around one of the steep ridges, the rutted path travels between hills. Small dirty gray white patches, beside the abundant thick brush and tall large stately oaks, gleam brightly under moonlight. The cries of night birds and the occasional hoot of an owl can be heard from the nearby trees. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines and a snowbeast that appears rather calm.
Also here: a calmed Heart Tender Kethrai, a calmed Druid Zyros, a calmed Breeze Catcher Jycanth, a calmed Diva Iryta, a calmed Veteran Apprentice Anuril, a calmed Strawberry Nurse Illiya, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Sublime Mender Kerennya, a calmed Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, a calmed Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, a calmed Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, a calmed Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, a calmed Labor Organizer Urbaj, a calmed Firehawk Casari, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Valynn, a calmed Courtier Aerhys, a calmed Mooring Thread Aislynn, a calmed Emily, a calmed Supernova Vaerek, a calmed Citizen Miraeven, a calmed Philomath Miskton, a calmed Ruea, a calmed Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, a calmed Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and a calmed Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious paths: southwest, northwest.

Ezerak chuckles.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to Elurora, "Better than bread crumbs stolen by birds."

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Gwenddolyn marches up to a snowbeast and glares darkly.

Elurora nods at Ezathiel, obviously agreeing with his views.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Valynn nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hamuk grins at Ezathiel.

You say, "As we travel, feel free to keep searching for any signs."

Iryta nods to Jycanth.

Ezathiel winks.

Kethrai puts his mead in his rose-colored haversack.

Aislynn appears to focus her attention on a snowbeast.

You reach out with your senses and see glaring (19/21) streams of roiling Elemental mana coursing through the area.
Letting your senses extend further, you feel there is blinding (21/21) mana to the northwest, and blazing (20/21) mana to the southwest.

Elurora searches around for a moment.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Sofina searches around for a moment.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Hamuk searches around for a moment.

Emily closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.
Emily is stunned!

Aislynn closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Iryta gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Aerhys casually observes the area.

Illiya asks you, "What kind of signs should we be looking out for?"

Miraeven searches around for a moment.

Iryta waves to a snowbeast.

You ask, "Do our Bards sense anything of interest in the area?"

Efreet Gremtrak strides northwest.

Kerennya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Casari shakes her head at you.

Elurora giggles at Iryta.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Jycanth shakes his head at you.

Nilme shakes her head.

As Kethrai gestures an ethereal vela'tohr plant forms and grows before them.

Iryta shakes her head.

Valynn grins at a snowbeast.

Iryta says, "Nothing of note."

Iryta whistles a merry tune.

Hamuk waves to a snowbeast.

Elurora says, "I had no idea they purred."

Kethrai says, "Plant thinks this area's normal."

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Jycanth says, "We'll hoot and holler if that changes."

Aerhys chuckles.

Casari says to Elurora, "See. Cute."

You say to Illiya, "Our best hope is something our Bards might notice, or perhaps our healers. But it is worth us all checking as we can."

Jycanth grins.

Iryta says, "You gotta be nice to em."

Ezathiel chuckles at Elurora.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Casari.

An ethereal vela'tohr plant wilts and fades.

Elurora nods to Casari.

Ezerak grins at Casari, his dimples flashing into view.

Iryta grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view.

Kerennya scrutinizes her surroundings.

Sofina lets out a sigh of contentment.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Illiya nods to you.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

Gwenddolyn says, "Banners make them purr."

Valynn searches around for a moment.

Elurora giggles at Gwenddolyn.

Gwenddolyn winks.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to Casari, "Oh yes it's all fun and then there is the running and screaming and the clawing."

Kerennya says, "Have snowies always made such malevolent purrs? I don't seem to remember that."

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Casari grins.

You whisper to Elurora, "To the northwest next, if we could?"

Truthseeker Elurora goes northwest.

Truthseeker Elurora just arrived.

Elurora joins your group.

Ezathiel smiles at Casari.

Elurora nods to you.

Iryta asks Jycanth, "Does the banner make you purr, too? Or is this just snowy behavior?"

Iryta ponders.

Aislynn quietly says, "I want to malevolently purr. That's a lovely sound."

Aislynn clicks her claws together.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Casari exclaims to Ezathiel, "And then the flames and the freshly cooked meat. Yum!"

Illiya grins at Aislynn, her dimples flashing into view.

Jycanth chuckles at Iryta.

You smile at Elurora.

Aerhys nods to Aislynn.

Iryta grins at Aislynn, her dimples flashing into view.

Elurora laughs at Casari.

You say, "We will move onward."

Ezathiel laughs at Casari.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

Jycanth says to Iryta, "It's definitely my type of banner."

Aislynn waves to a snowbeast.

You go northwest, leading your group.
[Dragon's Spine, Mountain Foothills]
The foothills quickly bow in submission to the majesty of the Spine of the World Dragon Mountains. Icespear Peak dominates the view as it thrusts impressively skyward vanishing into fleecy clouds that wreath the summit in mystery. The white robed mountains seem to extend into infinity to both the east and west, and offer little in the way of passage. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines, some large rocks and some large rocks.
Also here: a calmed Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, a calmed Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, a calmed Ruea, a calmed Philomath Miskton, a calmed Citizen Miraeven, a calmed Supernova Vaerek, a calmed Emily, a calmed Mooring Thread Aislynn, a calmed Courtier Aerhys, a calmed Valynn, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Firehawk Casari, a calmed Sofina, a calmed Labor Organizer Urbaj, a calmed Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, a calmed Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, a calmed Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, a calmed Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, a calmed Sublime Mender Kerennya, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Strawberry Nurse Illiya, a calmed Veteran Apprentice Anuril, a calmed Diva Iryta, a calmed Breeze Catcher Jycanth, a calmed Druid Zyros, a calmed Heart Tender Kethrai and a calmed Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious paths: north, southeast.

Iryta giggles at Jycanth.

Jycanth looks over his shoulder and winks at Iryta.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Elurora searches around for a moment.

Kerennya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Iryta gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

A telltale howl fills the air as a snowbeast bounds in from the southeast!

It spots Iryta and howls angrily!

Miraeven searches around for a moment.

Aislynn appears to focus her attention on a snowbeast.

Iryta waves to a snowbeast.

You reach out with your senses and see blinding (21/21) streams of roiling Elemental mana coursing through the area.
Letting your senses extend further, you feel there is glaring (19/21) mana to the southeast, and blazing (20/21) mana to the north.

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Hamuk bows to a snowbeast.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Ezathiel casually observes the area.

You chuckle at Hamuk.

You notice Kerennya attempting to conceal her spell preparations.

Anuril says, "The elements are as one would expect."

Elurora looks at Hamuk, obviously trying not to grin.

Aislynn trills at the snowbeast.

Iryta says, "See? He followed me. Beast whisperer."

Iryta dusts herself off.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Aislynn nods to Iryta.

You nod to Anuril.

Jycanth chuckles.

Hamuk says to you, "I've never had a chance to try the diplomatic route."

Elurora asks Iryta, "Are you going to take him home?"

Ezathiel chuckles at Iryta.

Iryta ponders.

Illiya says, "Nothing unusual among life essences."

Tirost grins at Hamuk.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Iryta asks Jycanth, "Can I?"

Gwenddolyn snickers.

You say to Hamuk, "It rarely works, but it is always worth a try."

Jycanth nods to Iryta.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Elurora glances at Jycanth.

Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke.

Iryta beams at Jycanth!

Hamuk smiles at you.

Jycanth says to Iryta, "Definitely."

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Jycanth grins.

Miskton says, "Still nothing unusual with the flow of Lunar mana."

You whisper to Elurora, "Perhaps north next?"

Kethrai says, "We seem to be getting the beasts riled up even up the mountain, though."

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

Elurora nods to you.

Truthseeker Elurora goes north.

You nod to Miskton.

Truthseeker Elurora just arrived.

Iryta says, "Good thing I got rid of the snowbeast rug."

Elurora joins your group.

Ezathiel pleasantly says, "I do not perceive anything unusual about the mana in the area."

Elurora nods to you.

Casari says, "Plenty to see, but nothing to hear."

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

You say, "It was so long ago, it is possible much of note has long dissipated."

Aislynn pets her flower spider. It wriggles its palps happily.

A snowbeast growls softly to itself, a kind of malevolent purr.

You smile at Elurora.

Ezathiel nods to you.

Hamuk says, "Note."

Hamuk chuckles.

You say, "We will move on."

Valynn ponders.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

You go north, leading your group.
[Dragon's Spine, Canyon Trail]
Following the narrow gorge, the path becomes arduous as it climbs over rock falls and between tangles of river debris. High upon the canyon rim, abundant pine, fir, and spruce flourish but grow more sparse as they descend upon the canyon walls until only the occasional doughty bush or tenacious pine cling precariously to the mountainside. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines.
Also here: a calmed Heart Tender Kethrai, a calmed Druid Zyros, a calmed Breeze Catcher Jycanth, a calmed Diva Iryta, a calmed Veteran Apprentice Anuril, a calmed Strawberry Nurse Illiya, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Sublime Mender Kerennya, a calmed Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, a calmed Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, a calmed Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, a calmed Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, a calmed Labor Organizer Urbaj, a calmed Sofina, a calmed Firehawk Casari, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Valynn, a calmed Courtier Aerhys, a calmed Mooring Thread Aislynn, a calmed Emily, a calmed Supernova Vaerek, a calmed Citizen Miraeven, a calmed Philomath Miskton, a calmed Ruea, a calmed Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, a calmed Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and a calmed Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious paths: northeast, south.

Jaelia nods.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Iryta gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

Elurora searches around for a moment.

You reach out with your senses and see blazing (20/21) streams of roiling Elemental mana coursing through the area.
Letting your senses extend further, you feel there is blinding (21/21) mana to the south, and blinding (21/21) mana to the northeast.

Valynn says, "Pity we cannot excavate. See what lies under the soil and rock."

Elurora nods at Valynn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Jycanth scrutinizes his surroundings.

Ezathiel nods to Valynn.

You nod at Valynn, in complete agreement with her views.

Miraeven searches around for a moment.

Aerhys ponders.

Jycanth scrutinizes his surroundings.

Jaelia thrusts her gloved hand into the air over her head while murmuring a quiet prayer. A pure beam of bright, pearlescent light shoots forcefully upwards from the sigil on her glove!

Ezerak asks, "I could fetch shovels?"

Gridaksma ponders.

Ezerak chuckles.

You say, "One would think such a history would have left a larger imprint. But... there was a lot of history."

Valynn nods to you.

Ezathiel chuckles at Ezerak.

Sofina rubs her left eye.

Jycanth chuckles.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

Jycanth nods in agreement.

Iryta says, "Cancels itself out."

Jycanth roots around the area for a moment.

Iryta says, "This room is now sans history."

Elurora whispers, "There appears to be something hunting to the northeast, should I do the next one northeast, and west from here?"

Aerhys glances at Sofina.

Kethrai says, "It might not have been precisely in this area. Could have been closer to Chyolvea Tayeu'a, or even past it."

Valynn says, "Time buries much and the victors bury more."

Jycanth says, "History adjacent."

You say, "We will move once more and then make our way to the location of the last presentation."

You peer northeast and see ...
[Dragon's Spine, River Camp]
The canyon widens, its slope less severe, as the trail climbs steeply into the mountains. Icy clear water trickles though a small channel in the boulder strewn stream bed. A small circle of charcoal blackened stones grace a small flat sandbar that is nestled like a comb between the braids of the twining riverbed. You also see some large rocks, some large rocks, a dazzling pale ochre sphere, some large rocks, a snowbeast which appears dead and a snowbeast which appears dead.
Also here: Wild Card Enthal.
Obvious paths: southwest, west.

Kethrai says, "There are the remains of war machines there, even."

Aerhys whispers something to Sofina.

Gwenddolyn nods to Kethrai.

You whisper to Elurora, "He is actually part of our group. Will he be in the way for the banner? I can ask him to step this way momentarily."

Elurora whispers, "He shouldn't be, let me test."

Truthseeker Elurora goes northeast.

Truthseeker Elurora just arrived.

Elurora joins your group.

Casari praises Elurora.

Elurora whispers, "Banner is up."

Aerhys looks with concern at Sofina.

Valynn whistles a few soft, twittering notes.

You smile leur

Iryta leans on Jycanth.

You sigh.

You smile at Elurora.

Elurora smiles at you.

Valynn whistles like a lark at Elurora.

Jycanth leans over and scratches Iryta's back.

Aerhys nods to Sofina.

Ezerak rubs your back.

You say, "We will move onward."

You go northeast, leading your group.
[Dragon's Spine, River Camp]
The canyon widens, its slope less severe, as the trail climbs steeply into the mountains. Icy clear water trickles though a small channel in the boulder strewn stream bed. A small circle of charcoal blackened stones grace a small flat sandbar that is nestled like a comb between the braids of the twining riverbed. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines, some large rocks, some large rocks and some large rocks.
Also here: a calmed Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, a calmed Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, a calmed Ruea, a calmed Philomath Miskton, a calmed Citizen Miraeven, a calmed Supernova Vaerek, a calmed Emily, a calmed Mooring Thread Aislynn, a calmed Courtier Aerhys, a calmed Valynn, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Firehawk Casari, a calmed Sofina, a calmed Labor Organizer Urbaj, a calmed Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, a calmed Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, a calmed Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, a calmed Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, a calmed Sublime Mender Kerennya, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Strawberry Nurse Illiya, a calmed Veteran Apprentice Anuril, a calmed Diva Iryta, a calmed Breeze Catcher Jycanth, a calmed Druid Zyros, a calmed Heart Tender Kethrai, a calmed Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light and a calmed Wild Card Enthal.
Obvious paths: southwest, west.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Enthal waves to you.

Iryta examines some large rocks.

Miraeven searches around for a moment.

Illiya says, "Still nothing unusual, yet."

Casari says, "Oh, I hear something."

You say, "This will be our final stop, after which a moon gate will help us travel a bit quicker."

Hamuk raises an eyebrow in Casari's direction.

Iryta says, "Its okay everyone, the rocks are safe."

You wave to Enthal.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

Elurora giggles at Iryta.

Kerennya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Elurora glances at some large rocks.

Iryta gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

Aislynn closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Shaylynne examines some large rocks.

You gaze at Casari.

Casari says, "Nevermind, it was me. I was just hungry."

Vaerek says to Casari, "I'm a bit hungry."

Illiya counts some large rocks.

You chuckle at Casari.

Casari grins at Vaerek.

Hamuk laughs!

Ezerak chuckles.

Shaylynne grins at Illiya.

Vaerek chuckles at Casari.

Aislynn gets a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze from inside a set of burnished bamboo boxes bound in a stack by vibrant silk brocade.

Aislynn offers Casari a waffled fish-shaped pastry with a delicate honey glaze.

You reach out with your senses and see blinding (21/21) streams of roiling Elemental mana coursing through the area.

Letting your senses extend further, you feel there is blazing (20/21) mana to the west, and blazing (20/21) mana to the southwest.

Elurora says, "Who knew we needed to bring snacks."

Illiya opens a strawberry-shaped lunchbox adorned with velvet leaves.

Casari accepts Aislynn's fish-shaped pastry.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Valynn shakes her head at Jycanth.

Jycanth nods.

Casari asks Aislynn, "You just carry pastries?"

Iryta asks, "Who doesnt?"

Aislynn quietly says to Casari, "Of course. I make them every morning."

Vaerek says, "I vote for snacks next time."

Ezathiel pleasantly says, "I only brought liquid snacks."

Kethrai says, "Not just pastries. Waffle-tsann."

Miskton chuckles.

Vaerek raises his hand.

Aislynn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Casari exclaims, "Well thanks!"

Elurora begins chortling at Ezathiel.

You ask Enthal, "I think it is safe to go ahead and open the gate, if you are ready?"

Casari takes a bite of her pastry with a delighted expression crossing her face.

Ezathiel winks at Elurora.

Enthal nods to you.

Iryta gets a large glass of Tangy Mango Tango sparkler from inside her messenger's satchel.

Kethrai twitches an ear nervously.

Enthal raises his hands skyward, chanting.

Kethrai gets a blindfold from inside his rose-colored haversack.

Kethrai puts on a blindfold.

You say, "Everyone, do please keep close."

Kethrai stands near Anuril.

Iryta thoughtfully asks, "Maybe if we offered The History a drink?"

Tirost glances at Kethrai.

Hamuk nods to you.

Kerennya searches around for a moment.

Your arm brushes against a bush as you pass, startling a sparrow into taking flight.

Casari says, "Oh. We may not have found the heralds, but we found these pastries, and that's a victory."

Casari takes a bite of her pastry with a delighted expression crossing her face.

Enthal gestures.

In a blazing fountain of red-gold sparks, a red Moongate blazes into life.

Nilme peers through the Moongate.

Kerennya peers through the Moongate.

Elurora blinks.

Gwenddolyn peers through the Moongate.

Jaelia peers through the Moongate.

Illiya peers through the Moongate.

You peer through the Moongate...
[Mountain Road]
The great round bulk of the Fortress of Chyolvea Tayeu'a squats atop the mountain peak. Its smooth black surface is stained by weather, but not scarred by wear or war. The great almhara doors, almost large enough to admit a Dragon, stand open just wide enough to pass through, splitting their inlaid silver eye-in-triskele symbol down the center.
Obvious paths: southwest.

Aerhys peers through the Moongate.

Sofina peers through the Moongate.

Arrival to Chyolvea Tayeu'a

As you cross the Moongate's threshold you are drawn through to the other side...
[Mountain Road]
The great round bulk of the Fortress of Chyolvea Tayeu'a squats atop the mountain peak. Its smooth black surface is stained by weather, but not scarred by wear or war. The great almhara doors, almost large enough to admit a Dragon, stand open just wide enough to pass through, splitting their inlaid silver eye-in-triskele symbol down the center. You also see a red Moongate.
Obvious paths: southwest.
Elurora, Hamuk, Kethrai, Zyros, Jycanth, Iryta, Anuril, Illiya, Shaylynne, Kerennya, Allye, Nilme, Ezerak, Ezathiel, Gwenddolyn, Gridaksma, Urbaj, Sofina, Casari, Tirost, Valynn, Aerhys, Aislynn, Emily, Vaerek, Miraeven, Miskton, Ruea and Jaelia followed.

You peer through the Moongate...

[Dragon's Spine, River Camp]
The canyon widens, its slope less severe, as the trail climbs steeply into the mountains. Icy clear water trickles though a small channel in the boulder strewn stream bed. A small circle of charcoal blackened stones grace a small flat sandbar that is nestled like a comb between the braids of the twining riverbed. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines, some large rocks, some large rocks and some large rocks.
Also here: a calmed Wild Card Enthal.
Obvious paths: southwest, west.

Anuril taps Kethrai lightly on his shoulder and waits expectantly.

Vaerek nods to you.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Illiya peers through the Moongate.

A red Moongate collapses in on itself.

Kethrai sniffs the air around him.

Aerhys looks with concern at Sofina.

Illiya ponders.

You say, "There we go. I will lead us to the presentation location from here."

Kethrai takes off a blindfold.

You smile.

Jaelia just touched the almhara doors.

Kethrai shakes his head at Aislynn.

Valynn grins at Jycanth.

Aerhys whispers something to Sofina.

Jycanth hums to himself.

You say, "Moving."

Valynn puts her lockpick in her traveler's pack.

Kethrai says, "Oh, speak of the... place."

Sofina smiles at Aerhys.

Sofina nods to Aerhys.

Elurora says, "Those are big doors."

Kethrai puts his blindfold in his rose-colored haversack.

Jycanth nods.

Iryta nods to Elurora.

Valynn grins at you.

>go door
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
Pale starlight is visible through a narrow opening between the massive almhara doors that once served as the main entrance to the fortress. Torchlight flickers farther down the hall and reflects off the highly polished stones of the wall and floor.
Obvious exits: north, out.
Elurora, Hamuk, Kethrai, Zyros, Jycanth, Iryta, Anuril, Illiya, Shaylynne, Kerennya, Allye, Nilme, Ezerak, Ezathiel, Gwenddolyn, Gridaksma, Urbaj, Sofina, Casari, Tirost, Valynn, Aerhys, Aislynn, Emily, Vaerek, Miraeven, Miskton, Ruea and Jaelia followed.

Aislynn chuckles.

Aerhys lets out a sigh of relief for Sofina.

Jycanth sniffs the air around him.

You smile.

You go north, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
A few flickering torches in their sconces provide plenty of ambience, but barely enough light to see by. However, they nicely highlight the silver eye-in-triskele insignia inlaid in the unusually wide stone door set in the southwestern wall.
Also here: Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Diva Iryta, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Emily, Supernova Vaerek, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.
Obvious exits: south, northwest.

Aerhys nods to Sofina.

From the darkness you hear a voice say, "It's a fascinating place."

You say into the darkness, "It truly is."

You go northwest, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
Cheery bright light pours into the hall through the open doors of the chapel. It glints off the polished stones of the floor, set at slight angles so that they cleverly form a subtle mosaic of the face of Meraud.
Also here: Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Ruea, Philomath Miskton, Citizen Miraeven, Supernova Vaerek, Emily, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Courtier Aerhys, Valynn, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Firehawk Casari, Sofina, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Diva Iryta, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Druid Zyros, Heart Tender Kethrai, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious exits: southeast, northwest.

Illiya squints.

From the darkness you hear a voice say, "So weirdly dim though."

From seemingly nowhere, a luminous blackwood dragonfly with fluttering opalescent wings buzzes Hamuk's head from behind and starts darting around.

A soft crackle briefly comes from Jycanth's direction.

You go northwest, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
The great hallway widens and rises slightly as it curves gracefully toward the center of the citadel. The almhara walls are hung with the banners of lesser cities and minor nobility. You also see a black stone door with an inlaid eye-in-triskele symbol and the word "Fyeltayeuloa" inscribed above it.
Also here: Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Diva Iryta, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Emily, Supernova Vaerek, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.
Obvious exits: southeast, northwest.

You go northwest, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Chamber of All]
The heart of the Citadel, the Chamber of All is an immense circular courtyard surrounded by the stone walls of the three Halls. White gravel and red brick walkways surround an open-air amphitheater, providing a place to relax away from the gloomy black hallways. A steep stone staircase leads up to a private balcony which is lined with the standards and banners of countless nations, most long fallen to dust.
Also here: Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Ruea, Philomath Miskton, Citizen Miraeven, Supernova Vaerek, Emily, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Courtier Aerhys, Valynn, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Firehawk Casari, Sofina, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Diva Iryta, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Druid Zyros, Heart Tender Kethrai, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious paths: north, southeast, southwest, up.

Vaerek asks, "Dim?"

Iryta gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

You go southwest, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Power]
Light from the Chamber of All slightly illuminates this portion of the hallway, reflecting off a silver plaque set above the entrance to the Warrior Mage Guildhall. A small lizard pokes its head out from a crack between two stones, watching what transpires. You also see a dark mahogany office door.
Also here: Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Emily, Supernova Vaerek, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.
Obvious exits: northeast, southwest.

You go southwest, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Power]
The curving stone hallway is shrouded in muffled darkness, broken only by a faint light to the west. Torch sconces line the almhara walls, waiting to be lit. You also see the guild barracks and a dark oak door.
Also here: Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Ruea, Philomath Miskton, Citizen Miraeven, Supernova Vaerek, Emily, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Courtier Aerhys, Valynn, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Firehawk Casari, Sofina, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Druid Zyros, Heart Tender Kethrai, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.
Obvious exits: northeast, west.

Diva Iryta just arrived.

You go west, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Power]
Light coming through the open infirmary door barely illuminates the hallway, casting the well of the curving stone staircase into deep shadow. The silver inlay of an almhara plaque above the door catches the light, shining in defiance of the gloom.
Also here: Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Breeze Catcher Jycanth, Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Labor Organizer Urbaj, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Emily, Supernova Vaerek, Citizen Miraeven, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.
Obvious exits: east, west.

Diva Iryta just arrived.

Iryta joins your group.

From the darkness you hear a voice say, "It's like it's not so dark you can't see where you're walking, but dark enough not to see people's faces that well."

Illiya gestures.

>climb stair
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Stone Tower]
The ancient tower is formed of the same inky black almhara stone as the rest of the fortress. A circular stone staircase winds upwards to a crystal observation dome, and down to the main halls of the citadel. You also see a door leading out to the rooftop.
Obvious exits: down.
Iryta, Elurora, Hamuk, Kethrai, Zyros, Jycanth, Anuril, Illiya, Shaylynne, Kerennya, Allye, Nilme, Ezerak, Ezathiel, Gwenddolyn, Gridaksma, Urbaj, Sofina, Casari, Tirost, Valynn, Aerhys, Aislynn, Emily, Vaerek, Miraeven, Miskton, Ruea and Jaelia followed. Hamuk nods in agreement.

From the darkness you hear a voice say, "Well that's not creepy, a mysterious voice from the shadows."

>climb stair
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Observation Dome]
The smoothly curved crystal dome arcs high overhead. While it was intended for use in studying the heavens, the clear dome also provides a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys surrounding Chyolvea Tayeu'a. A black almhara staircase leads downward to the main halls of the fortress.
Obvious exits: down.
Iryta, Elurora, Hamuk, Kethrai, Zyros, Jycanth, Anuril, Illiya, Shaylynne, Allye, Nilme, Ezerak, Ezathiel, Gwenddolyn, Gridaksma, Urbaj, Sofina, Casari, Tirost, Valynn, Aerhys, Aislynn, Emily, Vaerek, Miraeven, Miskton, Ruea and Jaelia followed.

Elurora says, "And glyph of light doesn't seem to completely counter it, that is odd."

You smile.

Gwenddolyn nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

You say, "Here we are."

Ezerak chuckles.

Aerhys furrows his brow.

Hamuk gazes off into the distance.

Valynn casually observes the area.

Vaerek gestures.

Ezathiel casually observes the area.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Hamuk says, "Excellent choice."

Shaylynne searches around for a moment.

Jycanth gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Valynn grins at you.

Iryta says, "Wow, cruddy mana."

Ezathiel gazes upward.

Jycanth grins at Iryta.

Casari says, "I can fix that."

Iryta gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Aislynn closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Ezathiel softly says, "Beautiful view."

Elurora nods at Ezathiel, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hamuk nods to Ezathiel.

You say, "I thought this would be a more interesting location for the second half of this gathering. A beautiful view of the area, as well as the heavens, to look out upon while we address another point in history of particular interest in the present. I will strive to keep this lecture shorter than the first, as you are all likely weary of my voice already, but I will also strive to provide as much information as I can, in hopes that it might help us to determine some possible next steps for our ongoing research."

Elurora quietly says to Ezathiel, "If you ever get the chance, check out the view from the top of Wyvern mountain."

Aislynn glances outside a moment.

Tirost nods to Ezathiel.

Casari exclaims, "Or from Rivyn's Rise!"

Ezathiel smiles at you.

Ruea smiles.

Valynn gazes at Elurora.

You say, "If everyone is ready, I shall go ahead and begin."

Hamuk nods to you.

You smile.

Allye beams at Casari!

Elurora smiles at you.

Elurora leans on Hamuk.

Kethrai nods to you.

Iryta puts her sparkler in her messenger's satchel.

Valynn gazes at you.

Iryta gets some sparkling strawberry water from inside her messenger's satchel.

Aerhys nods.

Ruea rubs her right arm.

Aislynn unties an overstuffed frost opal icesilk recliner with clawed icesteel pivuh feet from the straps of her low-slung belt.

Iryta takes a sip of her water.

Aislynn settles into the overstuffed recliner and reclines comfortably.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to you, "Listening to you is more fun than perusing the dusty libraries."

Illiya gets a whimsical moabi picnic basket bedecked with rencate cupcake charms from inside her haversack.

Illiya pulls a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms out of a picnic basket, setting her basket aside as as she shakes out the cloth and lays it out upon the ground.

Elurora flashes a quick grin at Ezathiel.

You smile at Ezathiel.

You blush slightly, the tips of your ears flushing with warmth.

Ezathiel smiles.

Valynn grins at Ezathiel.

Illiya says, "I brought some cupcakes if anyone is hungry."

Iryta gets a folding adderwood chair with a corduroy cushioned seat from inside an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame.

Illiya pats a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms.

Casari takes a bite of the pastry.

You say, "That is high praise, indeed."

Iryta puts her water in her messenger's satchel.

Hamuk smiles at Illiya.

Aerhys grins at Illiya, his dimples flashing into view.

You say, "I do love libraries."

With a minimum of effort, Iryta unfolds her chair.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Hamuk lets out a hearty cheer for Illiya!

Valynn praises Illiya.

Ezathiel pleasantly exclaims to you, "Me too!"

Tirost smiles at you.

Anuril glances outside a moment.

Ezerak smiles at you, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Iryta sits down on the adderwood chair.

Presentation Two - The Day Magic Died

You say, "My original plan was to discuss, in as much detail as possible, the point in history known as, "the day magic died." The subject matter strikes me as relevant, all things considered, however... there is remarkably little known, and even less documented, to help restore the memories of that time to my mind. I was... quite young, by Elven standards, when it occurred. No more than... 42 years of age, and but a fledgling in my guild. Because of this, my recollection is minimal - though the same has proven to be the case for everyone else I have spoken to about it as well."

Anuril glances outside a moment.

Aerhys nods to Ezathiel.

Miraeven casually observes the area.

Shaylynne takes a sip of her whiskey.

Kethrai says to you, "You need to bring some old books with you next time, for that good library smell."

Anuril grins.

You chuckle at Kethrai.

Tirost grins at Kethrai.

You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views.

Ezathiel chuckles at Kethrai.

You say, "That being said, without a clear memory of exactly what transpired, I will stick to the facts I know, without doubt."

You say, "We will begin with - when. It was approximately the 338th day in the year 368 that all magic was drained from our lands, save for that of the Bards. It occurred with no real warning and lasted for several months. Significantly longer than we experienced with the more recent incident."

Hamuk nods to you.

Kethrai whispers something to Anuril.

Anuril nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hamuk gets a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts from inside his leucro hide pack.

Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration.

Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently.

Valynn nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You say, "Although I was not present to see the Heralds for myself, I am aware - through both memory and that which was documented of the occurrence - that there were three who appeared. Their names, as recorded, were Elide, Issendar, and Kirmhara."

Aislynn nods to you.

Hamuk gets a tropical key lime cupcake dipped in white chocolate ganache covered with green sprinkles from atop a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms.

Casari says, "Knowing them, they probably made everyone forget the details."

You say, "We will begin with Elide. She was described by those who observed her as having soft, dusky skin that barely contained a faint luminosity which lent an ethereal glow to the bright blue pupils of her pale silver eyes. Her ears were slightly pointed and gently curled, nearly hidden by the softly curling tresses of her bright white, nearly colorless hair, easing the sharp angles of her majestic features. The shimmering silver folds of her flowing robes barely concealed the hilt of a delicately tapered long sword while her nails were brightly lacquered in alternating stripes of blue and silver which drew attention to the delicate fingers of her long, graceful hands."

Aislynn shakes her head at Casari.

You nod at Casari, in complete agreement with her views.

You chuckle at Casari.

Elurora gazes down at her hands.

You say, "Next, was Issendar. He was described as having dark, glossy skin that barely contained a soft luminosity which lent an eerie glow to the cool green pupils of his pale silver eyes. His bright white, nearly colorless hair was pulled back from his sharply angled features and was braided into an elaborate knot at the nape of his neck. The soft grey of his watersilk robe barely concealed the hilt of an unusually long sword, the fabric rippling softly and teasing the eye with the illusion of gently surging waves. His nails were brightly lacquered in alternating stripes of green and silver which drew attention to the long, tapering fingers of his heavily veined hands."

Aerhys gazes down at his hands.

Elurora looks at Aerhys, obviously trying not to grin.

Aerhys looks at Elurora, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in his cheeks give him away.

You say, "Last, there was Kirmhara. Described as bearing a ritualistic scarring upon her ebony skin that pulsed with an intense luminosity, lending an unnatural glow to the flashing gold pupils of her pale silver eyes. Her slightly pointed, yet curled and somehow half-formed ears were nearly hidden by her bright white, nearly colorless hair that cascaded to her knees in spiky braids, lending a brittle edge to her sharply angled features. The incandescent flame red folds of her long, flowing chiton barely concealed the hilt of a cruelly twisted long sword while the bright lacquer of her nails alternated in stripes of red and gold, drawing attention to the long, tapering fingers of her long, boney hands."

Iryta gets a dainty pineapple cupcake frosted with whip cream covered in browned coconut from atop a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms.

Iryta shows Jycanth her pineapple cupcake.

You say, "It is said that looking upon them was such an experience that one would actually clutch their head in pain."

Ezathiel winces.

Aislynn nods.

Aislynn shudders.

Elurora wrinkles her nose.

You say, "If a catalyst existed which led to the arrival of these Heralds to our world, the knowledge of it has been lost to both time and aging memories. Though, most of whom I spoke with regarding it recalled the same as I - that there was no real identifiable incident. The reason given by the Heralds was that us mortals had abused our magic, therefore, it was their decision to strip us of Meraud's Gift in punishment."

Hamuk nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Anuril dryly asks, "Did they consult Meraud?"

Ezathiel raises an eyebrow.

Hamuk chuckles at Anuril.

Aislynn grins at Anuril.

Illiya grins at Anuril, her dimples flashing into view.

Elurora whispers something to Gridaksma.

You say, "In response to this decision by the Heralds, adventurers were encouraged to seek guidance from Meraud for assistance. This led to a great many vigils and prayers being offered to the God of Magic - which, in turn, led to a well-known prank played by the one, Kraelyst, that seems to have remained in our memories with greater detail than the loss of magic, itself."

Valynn gives Anuril a wry grin.

Gridaksma nods to Elurora.

You wink at Anuril.

Ezerak grins at Anuril, his dimples flashing into view.

Elurora gives Gridaksma a slight nod.

Jycanth chuckles.

Jycanth roots around the area for a moment.

Jycanth forages around the area for a while until he finds a sprig of lavender.

Ezerak grins at you, his dimples flashing into view.

Jycanth sniffs at a sprig of lavender.

Iryta takes a bite of the cupcake.

Hamuk ponders.

You say, "For those unfamiliar with the prank, Kraelyst slipped silently into the area of the altar where two adventurers were deep in their prayers to Meraud. Using his talent with the skill of throwing one's voice, he made a wolven statue appear to speak to the worshippers, instructing them to bring 'incredible amounts of lavender' to Meraud's altar at the Temple of Light in Shard so Meraud could return and restore the magic. Unaware that it was not, in fact, Meraud who spoke, the adventurers spread this word to others, leading to a great many others gathering and buying lavender to leave it on the ground at the temple."

Jycanth puts his lavender in his feyweave pouch.

Hamuk takes a bite of the cupcake.

Hamuk laughs!

Hamuk nods to you.

Elurora blinks.

Miskton chuckles.

You say, "Even time has not dulled the humor of such."

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Sofina snickers.

Valynn grins.

Ezerak chuckles.

Aerhys grins, revealing his dimples.

Iryta smirks.

Ruea grins wryly.

Ezathiel chortles softly at some secret joke.

Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke.

Valynn clucks her tongue and shakes her head.

Iryta takes a bite of the cupcake.

You say, "I regret to say, however, that there is about as much known regarding the resolution of this loss as there is about the cause. My recollection summoned nothing more than a memory of magic simply, one day, returning. In speaking to several others, their recollection mirrored my own. That is not to say that there was no specific effort which eventually culminated in success. It merely means that, if such was the case, many of us were unaware, thus leading to an unfortunate lack of documentation. That being said, it is equally as possible that nothing occurred in our realm of which we would have seen or heard. Perhaps Meraud answered our prayers after all? Or, perhaps, some other Immortal approved of our lavender collection and brokered a deal with the Heralds on our behalf..."

Elurora quietly says, "I feel bad for whomever had to clean up all that."

Aislynn chuckles.

You nod at Elurora, in complete agreement with her views.

Aerhys grins at Elurora, his dimples flashing into view.

Aislynn ponders.

You chuckle.

Elurora grins at you.

Hamuk says, "That's my recollection as well."

Hamuk nods.

You say, "I jest, of course. Though... I suppose... stranger things have happened."

Elurora squints at Hamuk.

You nod to Hamuk.

Jaelia nods to you.

Gwenddolyn says, "The janitor."

Gwenddolyn chortles softly at some secret joke.

Tirost glances at Hamuk.

Jaelia grins at you.

Miraeven quietly says to Elurora, "Don't feel bad for the janitor. Never feel bad for him."

You smile.

You say, "In closing, I would like to address a few points with regard to the Heralds. At the end of the day, we know very little about them or their motives. What we do know is that history shows them to be somewhat inconsistent in their policing of magic. The Heralds who intervened in the War of Tears chose not to intervene in the Resistance War, despite the magic being the same and no less destructive than it was before."

Iryta begins chortling at Miraeven.

Elurora giggles at Miraeven.

Gridaksma says, "It was the best the Crossing has ever smelled."

Jycanth quietly says, "They've probably had to clean worse things than piles of lavender."

Jycanth chuckles to himself.

Casari grins at Gridaksma.

Aerhys grins at Gridaksma, his dimples flashing into view.

Iryta appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Ruea chuckles.

Iryta grins at Jycanth, her dimples flashing into view.

Illiya grins at Gridaksma, her dimples flashing into view.

Elurora nods at Jycanth, obviously agreeing with his views.

Cateress Allye goes down.

Iryta takes a bite of the cupcake.

Ezerak nods at Jycanth, obviously agreeing with his views.

You say, "It was the Guardian, Eerayn, who said to Lanival, "The Guardians who intervened in the Elven-Human war have chosen not to do so in this one." She furthered that they - herself, Glacis, and Sildua - did not question their brothers and sisters, as they knew not the reason for their silence. But it was the individual choice of Lanival's "Dragons," so to call them, to do what their kin had done before."

Cateress Allye just arrived.

Gwenddolyn glances outside a moment.

Shaylynne glances outside a moment.

Allye joins your group.

Aerhys glances outside a moment.

You say, "In those cases, it is easy enough to look at the intervention and say that it made sense. Dangerous magics capable of, and causing, so much destruction. Then, there is the day magic died. An instance of Herald intervention that is far more difficult to wrap one's mind around. Almost like a snap judgment simply for the sake of flaunting their power over us. Which they certainly have. In abundance."

Elurora furrows her brow.

Sublime Mender Kerennya just arrived.

Kerennya joins your group.

Hamuk nods.

Tirost lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Elurora gazes upward.

You say, "With this in mind, it is important that we remember that the Heralds are about as predictable as the Immortals. That being - not predictable at all. We do not know if they are friend or foe. We do not even know if they view the world with an understanding or adherence to those terms. Glacis may have been a friend to Lanival, but Sildua - there are some of us present this evening who may recall the insults he once cast upon us via the gwethdesuan. In the grand scheme of things, only the Heralds know what the Heralds are thinking. Which leaves us forever at the mercy of either their benevolence - or their wrath."

Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration.

Kerennya breathes almost without making a sound.

You say, "But, you are all in luck, as that concludes the evening's presentation."

Casari praises you.

You smile.

Ezathiel softly says, "Seems like we will always be playing catch up."

Aerhys chuckles.

Ezathiel sighs.

Elurora looks at you and applauds!

Jycanth laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

You curtsy gracefully.

Tirost laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Iryta chortles softly at some secret joke.

Hamuk looks at you and applauds!

Squinting at you, Iryta takes careful aim and throws a dainty pineapple cupcake frosted with whip cream covered in browned coconut at you. Duck!

Aerhys looks at you and applauds!

Raising his Milene's brandy to you, Miskton gives you a toast. Cheers!

Anuril grins.

Iryta gasps!

Ezathiel looks at you and applauds!

Iryta covers her mouth with her hand.

Valynn nods at Ezathiel, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hamuk chuckles.

Illiya looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!

Allye looks at you and applauds!

Miskton takes a sip of his brandy.

Jycanth appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Aislynn grins at you.

Iryta blushes furiously!

Aislynn praises you.

Nilme looks at you and applauds!

Elurora softly asks you, "Could one of them have done this?"

Valynn praises you.

Tirost says to you, "Well presented as always, My Lady. Thank you."

You say, "I do hope everyone at least enjoyed the history, even if there was less to be presented in the end than I originally hoped."

Follow-up Discussion with Q & A

Kethrai looks at you and applauds!

Ezerak chuckles at Iryta.

Ezathiel praises you.

Squinting at you, Kerennya takes careful aim and throws a bowl of stew at you. Duck!

Ruea looks at you and applauds!

Iryta grins sheepishly.

Ruea gets a slender goblet of starlight champagne from inside her feyweave purse.

Kerennya says, "Sorry."

Kerennya blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Nilme says to you, "Fascinating and informative as always."

Iryta grins at Kerennya, her dimples flashing into view.

Ezerak looks at you and applauds!

Aislynn stands up.

Nilme smiles warmly.

Ruea takes a sip of her champagne.

Elurora looks at Kerennya, obviously trying not to grin.

Nilme praises you.

Aislynn attaches an overstuffed frost opal icesilk recliner with clawed icesteel pivuh feet to a strap on her low-slung belt.

Kerennya laughs at herself.

You ask Elurora, "It is not impossible. Though, that would lead to the question of... how does Liraxes connect to them?"

Ezathiel chuckles at Kerennya.

Elurora asks you, "Perhaps he is one of them?"

You smile at Nilme.

Hamuk nods to Elurora.

Elurora looks at you and shrugs.

Nilme smiles.

Sofina nods to Elurora.

Miskton says to you, "The history lectures are always appreciated."

Allye trills softly at Elurora.

Valynn folds her arms across her chest.

Casari says, "It's kind of always seemed like the heralds might be on the bad side, but no one could do anything about it."

Shaylynne nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

Aerhys cocks his head.

Iryta says to you, "I meant every bit of that cupcake I threw."

Illiya asks you, "Was there ever any explanation for why Bards were the only ones who did not lose their magic?"

Gridaksma says to you, "Quite informative."

You say to Elurora, "That is also a possibility. We do not know how many of them there are."

Elurora nods to you.

Nilme chuckles at Iryta.

You grin at Iryta.

Aerhys nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

You nod politely to Gridaksma.

Gridaksma says, "I may be able to answer some questions raised."

Gwenddolyn looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!

You smile at Miskton.

Iryta glances at Gridaksma.

Elurora says to you, "We don't even know if there are more than three, they could be giving themselves new names every time."

Miskton gestures.

Elurora looks at you, obviously trying not to grin.

Valynn grins at Gridaksma.

You say to Gridaksma, "You are welcome to, if you like."

Iryta points at Elurora.

Hamuk nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Nilme smiles at Gridaksma.

Anuril nods to Elurora.

Sofina gazes at Elurora.

Ezathiel gazes at Gridaksma.

Aerhys gazes at Gridaksma.

Elurora cocks her head at Gridaksma.

You smile at Tirost.

Kethrai says to Elurora, "The one called Kirmhara does vaguely remind one of Sildua."

Elurora nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Elurora quietly says to Kethrai, "And we know they can change how they look."

Gwenddolyn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Illiya nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Gridaksma says, "The Heralds likely chose not to intervene during the Usurper's War, or the Resistance War as it is styled because they saw that a fractured land would not stand against the Dragon Priest atrocoties which caused necromancy on a scale previously unseen. Where if Teiro had reunited the empire we would have rejected the cult early."

Kethrai says, "And both names came from mortal languages. Kirmhara being Gamgweth for 'black blood'..."

You nod to Gridaksma.

Roughneck Rileos just arrived.

Valynn gazes at Gridaksma.

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Vaerek.

Valynn grins at Rileos.

Rileos raises two fingers to his brow in a quick hand salute.

Iryta waves to Rileos.

Vaerek gazes at Elurora.

Hamuk nods to Rileos.

Elurora quickly salutes Rileos by bringing two fingers to her brow.

Aislynn makes a chirring noise in Rileos's direction.

Gridaksma says, "I was there when the Heralds more recently stripped magic from the lands. It was around the same time there was some question about Urrem'tier's chalice as well. Bards were allowed to keep their magic as it was key to their ability to recall history and record purpose."

Jaelia says, "I think it is very important for some of us to be honest, that - having heard them only once on the gweth, they came off as so ... unworthy of any further notice or respect by me considering how petulant, childish, and overpowered and inconsiderate of such things - the way many of you view the Immortals, but at the same time offering very little in return other than what history tells us, I viewed the Heralds as some view the Immortals. With great disdain and refusing to even consider them as they were out of touch even if they intended well. It wasn't until Amnuva I was willing to reconsider this, and since my judgement still falls on that I support the Immortals, However, I feel a value and balance between the two is important."

Tirost smiles at Rileos.

Aislynn nods to Gridaksma.

Ezathiel blinks at Jaelia.

You nod to Gridaksma.

Aislynn observes Jaelia with fascination.

Ezathiel furrows his brow.

Aislynn exhales softly on her sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface.

Iryta ponders.

Jycanth asks, "Amnuva was... the Kather?"

Jycanth ponders.

Elurora whispers something to Aerhys.

You nod to Jycanth.

Elurora leans on Aerhys.

Kethrai says, "Anmuva, yeah."

Kethrai nods to Jycanth.

Jaelia exclaims, "Yes, the Kather. I may have his name incorrectly pronounced. Yes, Anmuva!"

Valynn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Tirost's rage dissipates.

You smile at Jaelia.

Jycanth nods.

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Aerhys looks at Elurora and blushes.

Elurora giggles at Aerhys.

You say to Gridaksma, "Thank you for that, by the way."

Elurora looks at Aerhys, obviously trying not to grin.

Aerhys blushes furiously!

Jaelia beams at Gridaksma!

Elurora pats Aerhys on the back.

Gridaksma says, "I believe the Heralds and the Immortals have somewhat of a truce or alliance of sorts."

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Tirost asks you, "Is there any record of what became of Glacis in more recent times?"

Ezathiel squints at Gridaksma.

Jaelia nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views.

Gwenddolyn says, "There was some discussion back during the outcast war that they were descendants of Tiero."

Elurora whispers something to Aerhys.

Hamuk raises an eyebrow in Gridaksma's direction.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Aerhys.

You shake your head at Tirost.

Aerhys looks at Elurora, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in his cheeks give him away.

Rileos's claws slowly retract as his hands return to normal.

Aerhys shakes his head at Elurora.

Elurora just nudged Aerhys.

You say to Tirost, "It is said he still has a lair here in the mountains, but no one knows where."

Aerhys blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.

Tirost nods to you.

Casari asks, "Who are the descendants of Teiro?"

Casari peers quizzically at Gwenddolyn.

Aislynn quietly asks Gwenddolyn, "'The Heralds?"

Aislynn squints at Gwenddolyn.

Gridaksma says to Gwenddolyn, "They were not, the rabble of the Outcast are not of his blood."

You say to Tirost, "Augrym has sent people to look, but they have found nothing."

Anuril observes Aerhys with fascination.

Aislynn nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views.

Aerhys shifts his weight.

Iryta whispers something to Elurora.

Elurora giggles at Iryta.

Gridaksma says, "Though there was a time when a group was trying to bring Teiro back into this world."

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Iryta.

Allye beams at Illiya!

You say, "Long ago, it was said that Eerayn resided on an eastern continent, I believe. And Sildua is said to have at least two lairs, one southeast of Shard."

You say, "So, all documentation indicates they are around, but silent."

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Aerhys.

Iryta smiles at Rileos, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Ezathiel ponders heralds living amongst us.

Iryta begins chortling at Elurora.

Aerhys glances at Elurora.

Tirost nods to you.

Aerhys shifts his weight.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Aerhys.

Aerhys squints at Elurora.

Casari says, "Maybe someone went dragon hunting and they're not here anymore."

Tirost says to Miskton, "One of the only hopeful visions in recent times was the one that featured an immense being with claws and wings."

Elurora laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Kerennya says to Casari, "Nissa was Teiro's daughter, but I don't know about beyond her. But she joined Lanival against Teiro."

Miskton nods to Tirost.

Ezathiel softly says, "Then he had her killed."

Kethrai says, "I don't believe Nissa bore any children before her death."

Ezathiel softly says, "I think."

You nod at Ezathiel, in complete agreement with his views.

Aerhys gets a cup from inside his daffodil yellow satchel.

Iryta gets some sparkling strawberry water from inside her messenger's satchel.

Elurora whispers something to Aerhys.

Iryta takes a sip of her water.

Valynn grins at Rileos.

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Casari takes a bite of the pastry.

Jaelia says, "And while we have myths about the battle of the Immortals against the World Dragon and subduing it, and the Kather have myths of a Lunar Dragon created by a corruptive other forces, likely our Immortals, we need to remember the Gorbesh also have a story of their own Dragon God battling their own Emperor-God, ending in a stalemate, in which they became blood brothers and the Emperor-God ascended."

Valynn rubs Rileos in a friendly manner.

Elurora giggles at Aerhys.

Aerhys blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.

Jaelia says, "So Myths about the Heralds potentially extend beyond our Pantheon and region."

You nod at Jaelia, in complete agreement with her views.

Ezathiel softly asks you, "So the knowledge of this forbidden magic has effectively been expunged from our world?"

Tirost nods to Jaelia.

You say, "There was also something the Leviathans said about history being rewritten."

Aerhys puts his cup in his scavenger's pack.

Elurora leans on Aerhys.

Aerhys nods emphatically at Elurora.

Tirost asks you, "They said that?"

Shaylynne raises an eyebrow in your direction.

Illiya asks you, "What did they say?"

Jaelia nods.

Elurora grins at Aerhys.

Gridaksma says, "If anyone still knows that terrible magic they are keeping tight lipped about it."

Tirost grins at Illiya.

Kethrai gives you a slight nod.

Hamuk begins to listen to Jycanth teach the Large Edged skill.

Rileos glances outside a moment.

An Elf commoner gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Gwenddolyn asks, "Rewritten to hide the truth?"

Iryta glances at an Elf commoner.

You say, "I wish Navesi was here. I am certain she would remember their exact words."

You chuckle.

The Elf commoner says, "i am whynds"

You ponder.

Iryta blinks.

Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Kethrai peers through his silversteel spectacles at the Elf commoner.

Aislynn glances at an Elf commoner.

Anuril squints at an Elf commoner.

Iryta says, "I mean you dont look like him."

Jaelia says, "Greetings, Fred."

Ezerak raises an eyebrow.

Valynn gazes at an Elf commoner.

Jycanth chortles softly at some secret joke.

Kethrai whispers something to Anuril.

Jaelia waves to an Elf commoner.

Anuril sighs.

Elurora casually observes the area.

Iryta leans on Jycanth.

Jycanth says to Iryta, "Probably in their service is all."

The Elf commoner says, "was a hiccup, was tryin to continue my conversation with miskton"

Jycanth leans over and scratches Iryta's back.

Ezerak asks, "Whynd's what?"

Iryta looks at Ezathiel, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Iryta looks at Ezerak, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Casari says, "Uh. Oh, wow, you must have been in a terrible accident. Look at all those stitches."

Casari gazes at an Elf commoner.

Ezathiel pleasantly says, "It's...naked."

Ezathiel squints at an Elf commoner.

An Elf commoner wanders away, seeking rest.

Elurora whispers something to Gridaksma.

Kethrai says to Ezathiel, "They often are..."

Rileos puts his spear in his war belt.

Jaelia says to Ezerak, "His name is Fred, he works for Whynd."

Shaylynne nods to Ezathiel.

Aerhys covers his eyes with his hand.

Jycanth chuckles to himself.

Elurora smiles at Gridaksma.

Gwenddolyn glances outside a moment.

Iryta stretches her arms.

Rileos says to Jaelia, "Fred's dead, darlin."

Iryta looks at Rileos, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Jaelia says to Rileos, "I am aware."

Anuril smirks at Rileos.

Sofina says, "Its hard to keep clothing on our associates when tehy are constantly murdered."

Casari takes a bite of the pastry.

Sofina smiles at Ezathiel.

Gridaksma nods to Elurora.

Hamuk chuckles at Rileos.

Aerhys grins at Sofina, his dimples flashing into view.

The resolute tones of Casari's music give way to a lighter one as she returns to singing the softer melody that began her song.

Anuril says, "You can't murder something that's not alive."

Ezathiel gazes at Sofina.

Elurora beams at Gridaksma!

Iryta says, "Be a poor cleric to not tell a corpse when they see one."

Ezerak nods to Anuril.

Elurora whispers something to Aerhys.

Ezerak says to Anuril, "Beat me to it."

Sofina raises an eyebrow in Anuril's direction.

Sofina asks, "You cant?"

Aerhys blinks at Elurora.

Anuril grins at Ezathiel.

Anuril flails his arms about.

Aerhys beams at Elurora!

Anuril grins at Ezerak.

Elurora smiles at Aerhys.

Illiya gestures.

Iryta says to Sofina, "Doubt it counts as strictly murder when its already expired."

Hamuk takes a bite of the cupcake.

Illiya gestures.

Hamuk leans on Illiya.

Gwenddolyn asks, "Is there a moongate back to the city?"

Rileos asks Anuril, "Deanimate?"

Hamuk points at a tropical key lime cupcake dipped in white chocolate ganache covered with green sprinkles he has.

Illiya leans over and scratches Hamuk's back.

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Jaelia says, "If this is not causing a disturbance, I would say we let Fred be and refocus the conversation, there is no aggression being taken here."

Hamuk shivers.

Vaerek glances outside a moment.

You say to Tirost, "I am thinking to try and recall. I think my word choice was incorrect. I believe the word they used was "revised."

Iryta nods to Jycanth.

Hamuk says to Illiya, "This is my favorite cupcake that isn't lightning themed."

Aerhys grins at Elurora, his dimples flashing into view.

Vaerek gestures.

A beam of ruby brilliance splits the sky.

A swirling vortex of brilliant light spins across the area.
Heavy debris snaps up from the ground and flies through the area, one piece striking you hard despite your desperate attempt to dodge! You are stunned and knocked to the ground!

Vaerek concentrates for several moments, a greedy expression on his face.
A weak mana surge is abruptly erased from existence!

Tirost gazes thoughtfully at you.

Iryta blinks.

Ezerak blinks.

Iryta says, "What the-."

Aislynn pats you on the back.

Aislynn closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Rileos scans the area briefly.

Kethrai touches you with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

You feel a warmth radiate from Kethrai's touch.
You have a brief sensation that leaves your wounds tingling.

Valynn praises Vaerek.

Iryta pulls Jycanth towards her!

You cough.

Vaerek sighs.

You rise to a kneeling position.

You stand back up.

Aislynn rests her hand on your arm with a soft smile.

You feel a warmth radiate from Aislynn's touch.
You have a brief sensation that leaves your wounds tingling.

You smile at Aislynn.

A curious tingling sensation rises within you as the boundary between you and Aislynn melts away, until you feel her body as if it were your own. A bewildering nausea grips you as your mind is assailed by information from a sense that you do not possess. Just as the sensations begin to overwhelm your consciousness, the boundary between you and Aislynn dissolves completely. For a few dizzying moments you seem to occupy the same flesh. A creeping sensation of tingling coldness envelops you as Aislynn seeks to draw the hurts from your body.

The pain of your wounds abruptly ceases, as if ripped forcibly from your body.

The feeling of unity with Aislynn gradually ebbs away.

Emily quietly says to Elurora, "Exp."

Ezerak softly asks you, "Are you alright?"

Gridaksma says, "History is often adjusted by the authors of the stories."

Ezathiel pleasantly says, "Well there is that."

Vaerek shakes his head.

Tirost asks you, "The leviathans said that history was being "revised?"

Kerennya asks, "Is it possible to visit the cave where Glacis tended Lanival?"

Casari exclaims to Kerennya, "If you can find it!"

Kethrai nods to Tirost.

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Kethrai says, "Not that it's happening now, but it happened long ago."

Hamuk says, "I don't think it's known where that cave was."

Casari takes a bite of the pastry.

Kerennya nods to Aislynn.

Tirost ponders.

Miraeven shifts his weight.

You nod to Ezerak.

Elurora whispers something to Aerhys.

Iryta wraps her arms around Jycanth in a tender embrace, pressing her cheek against Jycanth's.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Aerhys.

Hamuk gazes at Casari.

Aerhys beams at Elurora!

Jycanth just kissed Iryta.

You say to Ezerak, "I believe so. That... mana surge did not like my lecture."

Miraeven left the group.

Iryta stands up.

Aislynn chuckles.

Tirost grins at you.

Iryta brushes her lips against Jycanth's in a loving kiss.

Emily left the group.

Elurora says to you, "I think the rest of us did."

Iryta folds up her chair, causing it to collapse into a more compact bundle.

Jycanth suddenly slips into the shadows and disappears.

Kerennya nods to Aislynn.

With a friendly smile, Miraeven holds Emily's hand.

Aerhys nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Iryta puts her chair in an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame.

Illiya nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ezathiel nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Ezerak says to you, "Seems so."

Vaerek says, "I apologize. Those are not predictable."

Gridaksma says, "The only one that could likely know where to start looking for the cave is Her Majesty."

Miraeven quietly says, "Have a blessed evening, all."

You say to Tirost, "When Navesi spoke of it, she said "We have learned from this Memory that at some point in history, our world was 'revised' -- deeply changed, beyond what we can imagine. What's more, it seems to have happened around the time the World Dragon awoke."

Valynn says to you, "There is no accounting for some thing's taste."

Aerhys bows to Miraeven.

Elurora says to Gridaksma, "From everything I've heard, she isn't likely to share."

You chuckle at Valynn.

Citizen Miraeven goes down, leading his group.

Valynn winks at you.

Gwenddolyn says, "Good eve all."

Tirost nods to you.

Illiya says to you, "That's interesting."

Rileos says to you, "Sorry I missed the entire thing, darlin."

An explosion of crimson flames envelops Gwenddolyn, and she disappears!

Gridaksma says to Elurora, "Not likely, no."

Elurora grins at Gridaksma.

You smile at Elurora.

Aerhys grins at Elurora, his dimples flashing into view.

You smile at Rileos.

Vaerek grins.

Ezerak says to Rileos, "Your loss, certainly."

Iryta nods to Nilme.

Iryta hugs Nilme, who wraps her arms around Iryta with a warm smile.

You say to Rileos, "It is alright. You are here now, and that is what matters."

You hug Rileos who wraps his arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of burning tobacco clings to his skin.

Allye hugs Nilme, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Rileos nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.

Elurora hugs Nilme, who wraps her arms around Elurora with a warm smile.

Gridaksma says, "Trur may have shared some information, but I haven't heard from them in decades either."

Iryta wraps her arm around Elurora's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Elurora wraps her arm around Iryta's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Langen Esturi Nilme goes down.

Labor Organizer Urbaj strolls down.

Kethrai says, "If I might make a suggestion, the area outside this fortress might have some clues from the war. Might be worth Bards taking a look at. Although I'm sure some already have."

Hamuk nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Elurora smiles at Gridaksma.

Ruea grins at Rileos.

Aerhys ponders.

Ruea takes a sip of her champagne.

Gridaksma nods to Elurora.

You say to Kethrai, "We can certainly head back out. It is worth a look."

You smile.

Illiya asks, "Do we have bards here?"

Iryta raises her hand.

Jaelia says, "It would not hurt to try if nothing else - if only to send the energy and resonance out that we are open to receiving these messages and sign so if they do come, they are more likely to find us."

Illiya gathers up a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms and all the food it holds, stuffs the bundle into a whimsical moabi picnic basket bedecked with rencate cupcake charms, and closes the lid securely.

Hamuk nods to Illiya.

Valynn gazes at Casari.

Illiya beams at Iryta!

Jaelia says, "Even if in the future."

Valynn grins at Illiya.

Illiya puts her basket in her haversack.

You say, "If everyone is still joined with me, we can make our way there."

Shaylynne nods to you.

Jaelia beams at you! What a warm feeling!

Casari says, "I didn't hear anything last time I looked, but it's worth a shot."

Elurora nods to you.

Kethrai nods.

Kerennya nods to you.

Rileos flashes a quick grin at Ruea.

Hamuk takes a bite of the cupcake.

Ezathiel pleasantly says to you, "Ready when you are."

Hamuk nods to you.

Iryta hums to herself.

Valynn hums to herself.

Aerhys nods.

Illiya nods.

Kerennya nods to you.

You nod.

Sofina rubs her neck.

You say, "We shall move in 5."

Rileos joins your group.

Iryta rummages through a sleek crossbody messenger's satchel fastened with ghostly mistglass hardware.

Iryta takes a plush white bunny tail off from around her waist.

Kethrai quietly says, "I won't be sad to put this place behind me anyway."

Hamuk emphatically raps the tip of his marble staff upon the ground.

Iryta puts her tail in her messenger's satchel.

Kethrai shivers.

Hamuk pulls his marble staff close to his chest, clutching it protectively.

Additional Exploration at Chyolvea Tayeu'a

You go down, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Stone Tower]
The ancient tower is formed of the same inky black almhara stone as the rest of the fortress. A circular stone staircase winds upwards to a crystal observation dome, and down to the main halls of the citadel. You also see a door leading out to the rooftop.
Also here: Diva Iryta, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Valynn, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Supernova Vaerek, Philomath Miskton, Ruea, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Courtier Aerhys and Roughneck Rileos.
Obvious exits: down.

You go down, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Power]
Light coming through the open infirmary door barely illuminates the hallway, casting the well of the curving stone staircase into deep shadow. The silver inlay of an almhara plaque above the door catches the light, shining in defiance of the gloom.

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Hamuk.

Rileos runs his fingers through his hair.

You go east, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Power]
The curving stone hallway is shrouded in muffled darkness, broken only by a faint light to the west. Torch sconces line the almhara walls, waiting to be lit. You also see the guild barracks and a dark oak door.

You go northeast, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Power]
Light from the Chamber of All slightly illuminates this portion of the hallway, reflecting off a silver plaque set above the entrance to the Warrior Mage Guildhall. A small lizard pokes its head out from a crack between two stones, watching what transpires. You also see a dark mahogany office door.

You go northeast, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Chamber of All]
The heart of the Citadel, the Chamber of All is an immense circular courtyard surrounded by the stone walls of the three Halls. White gravel and red brick walkways surround an open-air amphitheater, providing a place to relax away from the gloomy black hallways. A steep stone staircase leads up to a private balcony which is lined with the standards and banners of countless nations, most long fallen to dust.

You go southeast, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
The great hallway widens and rises slightly as it curves gracefully toward the center of the citadel. The almhara walls are hung with the banners of lesser cities and minor nobility. You also see a black stone door with an inlaid eye-in-triskele symbol and the word "Fyeltayeuloa" inscribed above it.

You go southeast, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
Cheery bright light pours into the hall through the open doors of the chapel. It glints off the polished stones of the floor, set at slight angles so that they cleverly form a subtle mosaic of the face of Meraud.

You go southeast, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
A few flickering torches in their sconces provide plenty of ambience, but barely enough light to see by. However, they nicely highlight the silver eye-in-triskele insignia inlaid in the unusually wide stone door set in the southwestern wall.

You go south, leading your group.
[Chyolvea Tayeu'a, Hall of Duty]
Pale starlight is visible through a narrow opening between the massive almhara doors that once served as the main entrance to the fortress. Torchlight flickers farther down the hall and reflects off the highly polished stones of the wall and floor.

You go out, leading your group.
[Mountain Road]
The great round bulk of the Fortress of Chyolvea Tayeu'a squats atop the mountain peak. Its smooth black surface is stained by weather, but not scarred by wear or war. The great almhara doors, almost large enough to admit a Dragon, stand open just wide enough to pass through, splitting their inlaid silver eye-in-triskele symbol down the center.

Hamuk says to Elurora, "Didn't want to lose it going down the stairs."

Aerhys grins, revealing his dimples.

You go southwest, leading your group.
[Mountain Road]
The road jinks around a tight switchback that siege engines and battering rams would find very troublesome. It also offers an incomparable panoramic view of the valley below Chyolvea Tayeu'a.

Elurora slowly says to Hamuk, "You are worried about losing the oddest things."

Elurora squints at Hamuk.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Iryta grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view.

Sofina stretches out a hand imploringly to Hamuk.

Casari shakes her head.

Hamuk edges away from Sofina.

You ask Casari, "Nothing?"

Hamuk glances at a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts.

Casari says, "Nothing."

Vaerek says, "Don't lose it, just use it."

Hamuk glances at Sofina.

Sofina nods to Hamuk.

Elurora grins at Vaerek.

Hamuk chuckles.

Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently.

You say, "We shall move again."

Casari says, "Pretty, though."

Illiya nods.

You go down, leading your group.
[Mountain Road, Dead End]
The road's progress down the mountain is abruptly halted by a yawning chasm. Ancient war machines, long ago foiled by the avalanche that destroyed the road, lie rusting and forsaken on the other side of the gap.
Also here: Roughneck Rileos, Courtier Aerhys, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Ruea, Philomath Miskton, Supernova Vaerek, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Valynn, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Firehawk Casari, Sofina, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Druid Zyros, Heart Tender Kethrai, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light and Diva Iryta.
Obvious paths: up.

Casari says, "Nothing here, either."

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Zyros says, "Avalanche caused by..."

Kerennya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Rileos casually observes the area.

Iryta shakes her head.

Elurora asks, "Snow?"

Elurora grins at Zyros.

Hamuk takes a bite of the cupcake.

Aerhys chuckles at Elurora.

Zyros shrugs.

Kethrai says, "Looks more like an earthquake and a massive rockslide."

Illiya begins chortling at Elurora.

You ask, "If everyone would like, I can lead us back into town?"

Iryta nods to Kethrai.

Elurora giggles at Hamuk.

Aerhys nods to you.

Iryta praises you.

Kerennya says, "Sure."

Hamuk nods to you.

Ezathiel nods to you.

Kethrai nods to you.

Hamuk takes a bite of the cupcake.

Elurora looks at Hamuk, obviously trying not to grin.

You say, "I know people were hungry. I can take us closer to food for those who would like to continue the discussion."

You smile.

Hamuk chuckles at Elurora.

Casari grins.

Ezathiel chuckles at you!

Rileos nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You say, "Moving."

You smile.

Hamuk nods to you.

You go up, leading your group.
[Mountain Road]
The road jinks around a tight switchback that siege engines and battering rams would find very troublesome. It also offers an incomparable panoramic view of the valley below Chyolvea Tayeu'a.

You go northeast, leading your group.
[Mountain Road]
The great round bulk of the Fortress of Chyolvea Tayeu'a squats atop the mountain peak. Its smooth black surface is stained by weather, but not scarred by wear or war. The great almhara doors, almost large enough to admit a Dragon, stand open just wide enough to pass through, splitting their inlaid silver eye-in-triskele symbol down the center.

You recite:

   "Neath the depths of darkness I go
    To scape the prying eyes of light.
    Under Dragons Spine I crawl
    To crawl out from under the Dragons Shadow."

Something rustles in the bushes.

Iryta hums to herself.

Kethrai says, "There's a cafeteria here... I recommend the fresh meat, rather than the meat."

You say, "We will take the long way out."

Elurora glances at Kethrai.

Hamuk chuckles at Kethrai.

A Mountain Elf ranger steps from behind a tree and beckons for you and your group to follow. He says little, but leads you into a mazelike series of tunnels and caverns. After a grueling journey underground, you emerge on the surface and are led to...

[Dragon's Spine, River Camp]
The canyon widens, its slope less severe, as the trail climbs steeply into the mountains. Icy clear water trickles though a small channel in the boulder strewn stream bed. A small circle of charcoal blackened stones grace a small flat sandbar that is nestled like a comb between the braids of the twining riverbed. You also see a shifting green banner overgrown with verdant rose vines, some large rocks, some large rocks and some large rocks.
Also here: Diva Iryta, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Valynn, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Supernova Vaerek, Philomath Miskton, Ruea, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Courtier Aerhys and Roughneck Rileos.
Obvious paths: southwest, west.

Iryta shudders.

Rileos says to Kethrai, "That's...hmmm."

You go southwest, leading your group.
[Dragon's Spine, Canyon Trail]
Following the narrow gorge, the path becomes arduous as it climbs over rock falls and between tangles of river debris. High upon the canyon rim, abundant pine, fir, and spruce flourish but grow more sparse as they descend upon the canyon walls until only the occasional doughty bush or tenacious pine cling precariously to the mountainside.

(Travel)

>go path
[The Edge of the Forest, Before the Dragon's Breath]
The lushness of the forest begins to form a living wall, the leaves of the towering trees tinted with the dark hue of brightly-polished scales. The path to the north dwindles into the more sinister area of the harsh mountains.
Obvious paths: southwest.
Rileos, Kerennya, Allye, Iryta, Elurora, Hamuk, Kethrai, Zyros, Anuril, Illiya, Shaylynne, Ezerak, Ezathiel, Gridaksma, Sofina, Casari, Tirost, Valynn, Aerhys, Aislynn, Vaerek, Miskton, Ruea and Jaelia followed.

Illiya asks, "The scenic route shall we call it?"

Iryta asks Kethrai, "Can I not and say I did?"

You go southwest, leading your group.
[Fayrin's Rest, Telgi Mod'Sunhin]
The forest is shady here, beneath towering oaks that spread their branches like gods chanting spells of creation. Small cylindrical houses of limed earth and wood cluster at ground level. People engaged in gardening and chatting with neighbors glance briefly your way and nod, before returning to their activities.

(Travel)

You run south, leading your group.
[Shard, North Bridge]
To the north of this opulent bridge, the Dragon Spine Mountains span the horizon and exhale a dense forest known simply as the Dragon's Breath. The North city gates stand close by, guarded by sharp-eyed soldiers on the city wall.

You knock on the small reinforced steel door set into the city gate, and the Sentinel Esharis sizes you up through a reinforced metal slit in it.
After a brief moment, she opens the door just enough to let you slip through.

She bows quickly. "Welcome back, Madam Ayrell."
Jaelia follows you through the gate.
Ruea follows you through the gate.
Miskton follows you through the gate.
Vaerek follows you through the gate.
Aislynn follows you through the gate.
Aerhys follows you through the gate.
Valynn follows you through the gate.
Tirost follows you through the gate.
Casari follows you through the gate.
Sofina follows you through the gate.
Gridaksma follows you through the gate.
Ezathiel follows you through the gate.
Ezerak follows you through the gate.
Shaylynne follows you through the gate.
Illiya follows you through the gate.
Anuril follows you through the gate.
Zyros follows you through the gate.
Kethrai follows you through the gate.
Hamuk follows you through the gate.
Elurora follows you through the gate.
Iryta follows you through the gate.
Allye follows you through the gate.
Kerennya follows you through the gate.
Rileos follows you through the gate.

[Shard, North City Gates]
The massive gates of the city of Shard rise up to the north. The twin doors of steel-braced ironwood give access to the North Bridge across the Lake of Tears. Somber guards watch on the battlements above. You also see a flower peddler, the Sentinel Esharis, an Ice Fortress, a prominent warning sign and a ladder to the top of the wall.
Also here: Roughneck Rileos, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Diva Iryta, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Supernova Vaerek, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.
Obvious paths: east, south, west.

Hamuk nods.

Aerhys blinks.

Ezathiel softly says, "Ah home sweet home."

Iryta stretches her arms.

You quietly say, "The guards must hate me for that..."

Belzor just arrived.

Hamuk smiles at Ezathiel.

You go south, leading your group.
[Shard, Diamond Street]
Shops and homes rise up on either side of the street, most locked up for the evening. Cool, glassy cobblestones bubble up along the surface, glinting and reflecting darkly. In the distance, toward the nexus of the city, a single silver tower blots out the stars, touched to a dull glow by the velvet glove of night. You also see a cozy brown brick dwelling enclosed within a verdant labyrinth of neatly trimmed boxwood, a stone block cottage, a hickory frame cottage with a gnarled oak tree growing at the side, a cedar frame hall sitting behind terraces of red-bricked seasonal gardens and a sturdy oak-trimmed house.
Also here: Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Ruea, Philomath Miskton, Supernova Vaerek, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Courtier Aerhys, Valynn, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Firehawk Casari, Sofina, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Druid Zyros, Heart Tender Kethrai, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Diva Iryta, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Sublime Mender Kerennya and Roughneck Rileos.
Obvious paths: north, south.

(Travel)

Closing Discussions at Milene's Rose

You go west, leading your group.
[Milene's Rose, Tavern]
Roomy and rectangular, the tavern for Milene's Rose is always busy, but strangely never so full that it becomes unbearably crowded. A booth in the corner allows for privacy, and a bar offers service for the thirsty and the hungry. There is little sign of disarray anywhere. You also see the publican.
Also here: Roughneck Rileos, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Diva Iryta, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Soye Sanborroc Hamuk, Heart Tender Kethrai, Druid Zyros, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Sofina, Firehawk Casari, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Valynn, Courtier Aerhys, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Supernova Vaerek, Philomath Miskton, Ruea and Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura.

You say, "Here we are."

Elurora waves to the publican.

Aerhys grins, revealing his dimples.

You nod politely to the publican.

Anuril mumbles a word of general praise.

Ezathiel left the group.

Aerhys bows to you.

Rileos leans against a bar.

Hamuk leans against a bar.

Aerhys left the group.

Elurora says to Hamuk, "The bar is still here."

Hamuk grins at Rileos.

Iryta waves to the publican.

You curtsy to Aerhys.

Anuril left the group.

Vaerek left the group.

Hamuk nods.

Aerhys chuckles at Elurora.

Elurora pats a bar.

Ezathiel loudly exclaims, "Honey we're home!"

Kethrai left the group.

Elurora just hugged Aerhys.

Valynn left the group.

Kerennya says, "I'll be back."

Kethrai leans back against Anuril with a loving smile.

Casari says to Elurora, "Great job with the banners."

Shaylynne left the group.

Zyros left the group.

Aislynn quietly says to you, "Excellently presented."

Aerhys hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Kerennya left the group.

Illiya chuckles at Ezathiel.

You grin at Ezathiel.

Aislynn left the group.

Elurora smiles at Casari.

Aerhys bows to Gridaksma.

Ezathiel grins.

Elurora says to Casari, "Thank you."

Iryta left the group.

You smile at Aislynn.

Sofina goes east.

Sofina just arrived.

Sublime Mender Kerennya glides east.

Iryta taps a bar.

Casari exclaims to you, "Thanks for putting that together!"

Iryta gets a large glass of Tangy Mango Tango sparkler from inside her messenger's satchel.

Aerhys hugs Sofina, who wraps her arms around Aerhys with a warm smile.

You say to Aislynn, "Thank you."

Ezerak praises Elurora.

Hamuk says to Elurora, "I trust the publican to manage it, most of the time."

You smile at Casari.

Tirost nods in agreement.

Illiya says to you, "It was an amazing presentation."

You say, "I am so relieved everyone enjoyed it."

You smile.

Elurora looks at Ezerak and blushes.

You smile at Illiya.

Elurora nods to Hamuk.

Aerhys praises you.

Hamuk smiles at you.

Shaylynne smiles.

Vaerek beams at you! What a warm feeling!

Elurora asks Hamuk, "Just not your staff?"

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Hamuk.

You beam at Valynn!

Ruea smiles.

Kethrai says, "It was well researched and well said."

Hamuk says to Elurora, "Absolutely not."

You smile at Vaerek.

Grinning, Iryta pulls a swig from a large glass of Tangy Mango Tango sparkler.

Tirost says to you, "I should get back to Hibarnhvidar. The lecture was interesting and it's good to visit Chyolvea Tayeu'a."

Illiya chuckles at Hamuk.

You smile at Tirost.

Tirost bows.

You say to Tirost, "It was good to see you."

Tirost left the group.

Valynn waves to Tirost.

Kethrai gives Aislynn a slight nod.

Tirost says to you, "And you."

Tirost smiles.

Ezathiel respectfully says to you, "Thank you milady for an eye opening adventure. I must take my leave. Safe paths to you and yours."

Hamuk nods to Tirost.

Ezathiel places his hands on his thighs and bows deeply at the waist towards you, holding the position for a moment before returning upright.

Tirost waves to Valynn.

You smile at Ezathiel.

Hamuk shakes Tirost's hand.

Tirost shakes Hamuk's hand.

Valynn grins at Tirost.

Jaelia left the group.

Hamuk says to Tirost, "Good to see you again."

Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts east.

Ezathiel pleasantly says, "Safe paths all."

Ezathiel waves.

Rileos grasps his chin roughly and jerks it to the side. You hear a loud pop and see him visibly relax.

You curtsy gracefully to Ezathiel.

Aerhys waves to Ezathiel.

Valynn waves to Ezathiel.

Illiya hugs Ezathiel, who wraps his arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Vaerek exclaims, "G'night everyone!"

Elurora hugs Ezathiel, who wraps his arms around Elurora with a warm smile.

Vaerek waves.

Ezathiel hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Elurora bows to Vaerek.

Rileos says to you, "I also very liked the presentation. I didn't see it, but I know it was great."

Valynn waves to Vaerek.

Rileos nods to you.

Supernova Vaerek strides east.

Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel strolls east.

Iryta snorts at Rileos.

Ezerak chuckles at Rileos.

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Rileos.

You chuckle at Rileos.

Illiya grins at Rileos, her dimples flashing into view.

You say to Rileos, "I love your faith in me."

Illiya asks you, "Can say from our expedition that there are no discernable traces of the war that we can see today?"

Ezerak says to Rileos, "You're not wrong."

Valynn grins at Rileos.

Ruea laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Rileos taps his head.

Ruea takes a sip of her champagne.

Ruea says, "I thought it was wonderfully researched and very well presented."

You say to Illiya, "Beyond some rubble, it appears not."

Rileos gets a long golden cigarillo printed with platinum coins from inside a velvet-lined gold cigarillo case.

Rileos glances at Ruea.

Shaylynne nods to Illiya.

Rileos shakes his golden cigarillo!

You smile at Ruea.

Illiya beams at Shaylynne!

Kethrai says, "No telling if that rubble is from the Resistance War, either."

Ruea grins at Rileos.

Shaylynne hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Aislynn quietly says, "Have an excellent evening, all. Don't let the Heralds bite."

Aislynn hums to herself.

Aislynn waves.

Rileos offers Ruea a long golden cigarillo printed with platinum coins.

Illiya hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Elurora grins at Aislynn.

Ruea accepts Rileos's golden cigarillo.

Rileos gets a long black cigarillo printed with crimson lips from inside a velvet-lined gold cigarillo case.

Iryta smiles at Aislynn, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Hamuk laughs at Aislynn.

Iryta waves.

Hamuk waves to Aislynn.

Rileos gets an indurium and orichalcum phoenix from inside his tobacco pouch.

Rileos points his orichalcum phoenix at a long black cigarillo and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the cigarillo quickly catch fire.

Rileos puts his phoenix in his tobacco pouch.

Kethrai says, "Or some other massed attack on Chyolvea Tayeu'a."

Mooring Thread Aislynn patters east.

Shaylynne declares her sudden desire to take a hike as she blends into her surroundings.

Sublime Mender Kerennya just arrived.

Ruea takes a sip of her champagne.

Rileos takes a long drag off of a burning black cigarillo.

Rileos allows a line of smoke to rise from his mouth. Rileos exhales contentedly, and you notice his cheeks flush madly as if he was just caught eavesdropping on a very private conversation. The alluring scent of fresh red rose emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the air with a wild, persistent aroma.

Ruea gets a small silver dragon from inside her feyweave purse.

Ezerak nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valynn snaps her fingers.

Ruea points her silver dragon at a long golden cigarillo and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the cigarillo quickly catch fire.

Hamuk ponders.

Ruea puts her dragon in her feyweave purse.

Rileos blinks.

Ruea takes a long drag off of a burning golden cigarillo.

A crooked line of smoke dissipates into the air.

Rileos casually observes the area.

Ruea exhales with a greedy look in her eyes. The exhalation deluges the area with a wealth of scent, and you glimpse Ruea grabbing handfuls of the smoke, only to be disappointed with her lack of success. The sumptuous fragrance of fresh red fox blossom emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the air with a lavish, irresistible aroma.

Sublime Mender Kerennya glides east.

Sublime Mender Kerennya just arrived.

Valynn's fingers twitch uncomfortably.

Ezerak peers quizzically at Rileos.

Aerhys hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Ezerak asks Rileos, "Something wrong?"

Elurora just hugged Aerhys.

You say, "For those who would like, we can continue discussion. It can be on the current topic, or others, if preferred."

You smile.

Aerhys whispers something to Elurora.

Rileos says to Ezerak, "Nah, I'm good, everything's good."

Rileos nods.

The publican places some grilled garlic shrimp on the bar.

Hamuk glances at something on top of a bar.

Elurora winks at Aerhys.

Kethrai says, "The names of the three Heralds that most recently visited are still bothering me..."

Kerennya gets some grilled garlic shrimp from atop a bar.

Jaelia says to Gridaksma, "I don't remember if you gave a lecture, or if it was a side commentary on the consideration of the Heralds some chose to side against in a way that wasn't equal, regardless of the reasons they may or may not had, and it helped me have a deeper understanding. It also gave me a point of comparison on how others often view the Immortals from various angles and that was an important insight for me."

Aerhys beams at Elurora!

The publican places a petite taffelberry torte on the bar.

Aerhys chuckles.

Aerhys bows to Gridaksma.

Aerhys waves.

Courtier Aerhys goes east.

Kerennya gets a petite taffelberry torte from atop a bar.

Iryta says, "Thanks for the knowledge, folks. Time for me to trip off home. Aesry is a long trip."

Kerennya puts her torte in her mariner's rucksack.

Elurora wraps her arm around Iryta's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Iryta wraps her arm around Elurora's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Kerennya waves to Iryta.

Rileos's black cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Iryta smiles at Kerennya, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You ask Kethrai, "The origins of their translations?"

Kerennya says, "It is a trip."

Valynn smiles at Iryta.

Kethrai gestures.

Kethrai's cambrinth kitten emits a loud *snap*.

A swirling vortex of brilliant light spins across the area.
Raw energies rupture near you!
The mana streams whip violently into a new configuration, far faster than your nervous system can react! Your magical attunement drops rapidly in a single moment, leaving you feeling bruised and cold.

Iryta sinks down in a deep curtsy to you, her lashes lowered.

Casari concentrates for several moments, a greedy expression on her face.
A weak mana surge is abruptly erased from existence!

Valynn frowns.

You curtsy gracefully to Iryta.

Iryta smiles at Valynn, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Hamuk says, "The mana surges love Ayrell tonight."

You say to Iryta, "Thank you for coming."

Rileos chuckles.

Rileos casually flicks some ashes off the end of his black cigarillo.

Allye nods at Hamuk, obviously agreeing with his views.

Illiya waves to Iryta.

Valynn grins at Iryta.

Iryta waves to Jaelia.

Illiya exclaims, "Who doesn't love Ayrell tonight?!"

Iryta waves to Illiya.

Iryta waves to Rileos.

Kerennya takes a bite of the shrimp.

You ask Hamuk, "Perhaps it is my perfume?"

Jaelia hugs Iryta, who wraps her arms around Jaelia with a warm smile.

Jaelia beams at Iryta!

Kerennya takes a bite of the shrimp.

Valynn says to Iryta, "Nice seeing you again."

Kethrai says, "Kirmhara is Gamgweth. Issendar has the sound of Gerenshuge, and could be related to their verb 'to heal'... Elide is Common."

Hamuk sniffs at you.

You look at Illiya and blush.

Allye says to you, "Thank you for hosting this. It was wonderfully informative."

You chuckle at Illiya.

Illiya grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Hamuk ponders.

Iryta smiles at Valynn, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kerennya takes a bite of the shrimp.

Rileos takes a long drag off of a burning black cigarillo.

Kerennya chuckles.

Iryta says, "And ye as well."

You smile at Allye.

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Valynn grins.

Diva Iryta wanders east.

You say to Allye, "Thank you. I am so happy you could make it as well."

Rileos's black cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Hamuk says, "It IS a lovely fragrance."

Allye perks her ears up happily as she gazes at you.

Hamuk smiles at you.

Kethrai says, "Seems strange for beings so ancient to have names in languages younger than they are."

Valynn pulls the hood of her cloak up.

Allye exclaims, "I need to run, I'm afraid. Take care, everyone!"

Gridaksma says to Jaelia, "The key to the three former guardians siding with the Usurper only makes sense because they were cut off from the knowledge of their former people who also had great foresight. Looking at how the Dragon Priests rose from the power absence Lanival caused and what Teiro was truly up to has been a part of history I've studied intensively."

You smile at Hamuk.

Illiya hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Hamuk looks thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Valynn bobs a quick curtsy to Elurora.

Allye hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

You wave to Allye.

Allye waves to you.

Elurora hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Valynn rests her hand on Gridaksma's arm with a soft smile.

Cateress Allye goes east.

Elurora bows to Valynn.

Kethrai says, "Assumed names, they'd have to be."

Valynn says to Gridaksma, "Nice to see you again."

Druid Zyros goes east.

Jaelia smiles at Gridaksma.

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Ruea's golden cigarillo as it burns.

Valynn smiles at Gridaksma.

Elurora says to Kethrai, "It would make sense."

Gridaksma says, "It was once my job after all."

Valynn hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Valynn with a warm smile.

Gridaksma bows his head, acknowledging Valynn.

Jaelia hugs Valynn, getting a smile in return.

Valynn waves.

Jaelia grins at Gridaksma.

Valynn nods politely to Ruea.

Valynn hoots, sounding remarkably like a real owl.

Kethrai assumes a rigid stance, concentrating on something.

You smile at Valynn.

Valynn goes east.

You hear your mental voice echo to Valynn, "Thank you again for coming!"

You project your thoughts to Valynn.

Hamuk says, "My assumption would be they chose names that could be understood to those they appeared before."

Gridaksma says, "Lady Ayrell would have made a great Court Historian as well, had she not already been otherwise engaged in statecraft."

Elurora winces.

Elurora rubs her chest.

You smile at Gridaksma.

Hamuk glances at Elurora.

Illiya says, "For someone who is lazy about reading books, Ayrell is how I learned most of my Elanthian history."

Ruea chuckles.

Elurora quietly says to Hamuk, "Using glyph of light hurts."

You chuckle at Illiya.

Elurora giggles at Illiya.

Kethrai asks, "Then what to make of choosing 'elide' for a name? A word meaning to leave something out?"

Hamuk nods.

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Ruea's golden cigarillo as it burns.

You feel fully attuned to the mana streams again.

Ruea takes a long drag off of a burning golden cigarillo.

[Personal] Your mind hears Valynn thinking, "<to you>" "You are welcome. I love history so much."

Ruea casually flicks some ashes off the end of her golden cigarillo.

You say to Gridaksma, "I discovered my love of history much later in life, it seems."

You notice as a black dog pads into the room.

The black dog begins to watch the goings on carefully.

Illiya says, "I love having Kethrai here for the linguistic analysis here too."

Hamuk stares intently at a black dog for a moment.

Rileos runs his fingers through his hair.

Ezerak nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views.

Elurora nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Casari peers through her silversteel spectacles at the black dog.

Rileos nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Hamuk waves to a black dog.

Illiya beams at Kethrai!

[Personal] Your mind hears Valynn thinking, "<to you>" "Thank you for gathering everyone."

Elurora says to Illiya, "I kind of want to see what comes of it."

Hamuk nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Belzor just arrived.

You notice as a russet lynx pads into the room.

Gridaksma says to you, "You were too busy being added to it before."

A light haze of smoke wafts off Ruea's golden cigarillo.

Kethrai shifts uncomfortably for a moment.

The black dog sits down.

Illiya nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

You smile at Gridaksma.

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Rileos's black cigarillo as it burns.

The russet lynx sits down.

Hamuk takes a bite of the cupcake.

Hamuk frowns.

Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration.

Illiya scratches the black dog.

Elurora gets a feathery white chocolate tart replete with large ripe cherries from inside her square lunchbox.

Casari pets the black dog.

Elurora takes a tiny bite of a feathery white chocolate tart replete with large ripe cherries and chews daintily on it.

Rileos's black cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Casari grins at a black dog.

You say to Hamuk, "That is the saddest I have ever seen someone look while eating a cupcake."

Ezerak waves to Belzor.

Elurora is giggling at you.

Elurora waves to Belzor.

You nod politely to Belzor.

Illiya gazes at Hamuk.

Hamuk says to you, "It was the finishing of it that was sad."

Jaelia laughs!

Kethrai gets a glass of sweet sherry from atop a bar.

Jaelia looks at Hamuk and applauds!

Kethrai takes a sip of his sherry.

Belzor bows to Ezerak.

Ezerak chuckles at Hamuk.

Illiya says, "Awww."

Jaelia gets a cup of cinnamon mead from atop a bar.

Jaelia takes a sip of her mead.

Kethrai leans back against Anuril with a loving smile.

Belzor bows to you.

Illiya exclaims, "Well I have more!"

Belzor waves to Elurora.

Illiya gets a whimsical moabi picnic basket bedecked with rencate cupcake charms from inside her haversack.

Gridaksma says, "I used to know what that was like with drink."

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Illiya pulls a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms out of a picnic basket, setting her basket aside as as she shakes out the cloth and lays it out upon the ground.

Dasheek waves.

Kerennya takes a bite of the shrimp.

Hamuk grins at Illiya.

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Rileos's black cigarillo as it burns.

Dasheek gets a dog talisman from inside his encompassing shadows.

Dasheek puts his talisman in his encompassing shadows.

Casari exclaims to Dasheek, "Your dog is the best!"

Illiya says, "Jaelia entrusted me to be the Keeper of Cupcakes."

Elurora says, "Illiya to the rescue."

Dasheek stands near Illiya.

Hamuk says, "It was a very, very good cupcake."

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Ruea's golden cigarillo as it burns.

Wagging its tail, a black dog barks twice and wanders off.

Elurora takes a bite of the tart.

You say to Hamuk, "That is true. The last is the saddest bite."

Hamuk bows to Dasheek.

Jaelia nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Dasheek says, "It's Danger Dog."

Dasheek gently kisses Illiya on the cheek.

Illiya beams at Hamuk!

Kerennya takes a bite of the shrimp.

Jaelia says to Hamuk, "She takes this appointment very seriously as she should."

Kerennya gets a petite taffelberry torte from inside her mariner's rucksack.

Rileos takes a long drag off of a burning black cigarillo.

Kerennya takes a bite of the torte.

Hamuk grins at Jaelia.

Hamuk nods.

Dasheek nods in agreement.

Illiya exclaims to Dasheek, "Dash, you missed everything!"

Kerennya takes a bite of the torte.

Kerennya takes a bite of the torte.

Dasheek asks, "Oh?"

Illiya says to Dasheek, "All this exciting stuff happened."

Jaelia gets a bottle of Asketi's ride from inside her dragonar haversack.

Dasheek asks, "What'd I miss?"

Jaelia offers Hamuk a cup of cinnamon mead.

Kerennya takes a bite of the torte.

Elurora glances at Illiya.

Jaelia moves a cup of cinnamon mead to her left hand.

Jaelia moves a bottle of Asketi's ride to her right hand.

Rileos's black cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Dasheek leans on Illiya.

Jaelia offers Hamuk a bottle of Asketi's ride.

Hamuk declines Jaelia's offer.

Jaelia says to Hamuk, "Let me ease your pain a bit."

Kethrai takes a sip of his sherry.

Hamuk says to Jaelia, "One Ride a year is enough for me, thank you."

Jaelia grins at Hamuk.

Illiya says to Dasheek, "Heralds appeared and made a pact with Ayrell and she saved the day."

Jaelia waves a bottle of Asketi's ride at Hamuk.

Jaelia nods.

Casari squints.

Dasheek asks, "Oh yeah?"

Jaelia nods.

Hamuk chuckles at Jaelia.

Gridaksma chortles softly at some secret joke.

Jaelia puts her ride in her dragonar haversack.

Illiya nods to Dasheek.

Jaelia puts her mead in her dragonar haversack.

You nod at Illiya, in complete agreement with her views.

Casari says, "Maybe the heralds and Asketi will fight it out and kill each other."

Kethrai says, "And their fingernails were immaculate."

You say, "It was quite excited."

Elurora takes a bite of the tart.

Hamuk grins at Kethrai.

Illiya chuckles at Kethrai.

Belzor frowns.

Belzor shakes his head.

You ask, "Exciting, even. Goodness, what was in the tea I drank before I arrived?"

Dasheek asks, "But.. What really happened?"

You gaze upward.

Elurora grins at you.

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Rileos's black cigarillo as it burns.

Illiya says, "I found it interesting their fingernails were so richly noted too."

Gridaksma asks, "What did we call this new name that is being mentioned?"

Kerennya says, "Liraxes."

Hamuk asks, "Liraxes?"

You nod.

Illiya nods to Hamuk.

Elurora asks Kethrai, "Can you make anything of it?"

Elurora cocks her head at Kethrai.

Hamuk says to Kethrai, "Do you have any linguis..."

Hamuk says, "What she said."

Elurora giggles at Hamuk.

Hamuk nods.

Kethrai scratches one ear, looking bemused.

Hamuk grins at Elurora.

Illiya says, "Oh good point, Keth might know something."

Elurora taps Hamuk's head.

Jaelia beams at Kethrai!

Elurora takes a bite of the tart.

Kethrai says, "I've given it some thought and some searching, but it means nothing in any language I know."

Illiya asks Kethrai, "Does it sound close to any language we know of?"

Jaelia asks Kethrai, "If you had to make a conspiracy theory guess though?"

Hamuk says to Elurora, "If you're going to be in there at least help out organizing some things."

Gridaksma says, "There is something about it that feels just out of reach."

Rileos says, "It sounds like the ass end of a dragon name to me."

Elurora says, "Pity, that might have given us a clue and we're awfully short on clues."

Illiya grins at Jaelia, her dimples flashing into view.

Dasheek says, "I always thought it sounded like a name a dragon would have."

Hamuk nods to Gridaksma.

Dasheek points at Rileos.

Gridaksma nods to Rileos.

Jaelia nods at Dasheek, obviously agreeing with his views.

Ruea laughs!

Ruea takes a long drag off of a burning golden cigarillo.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Ruea casually flicks some ashes off the end of her golden cigarillo.

Elurora teasingly says to Hamuk, "You really should keep all those notes in order, it's a mess."

Ruea says, "He's not wrong."

Kethrai nods to Rileos.

You say, "It does sound very dragon-esque."

Casari says, "Yavash is probably due to hatch any moment."

Ruea leans on you.

Hamuk grins at Elurora.

Lazy curls of smoke drift off of Ruea's golden cigarillo.

You chuckle at Casari.

Dasheek says, "Once the dragon is assembled, I suppose."

Hamuk gets a well used journal with dog-earred pages from inside his leucro hide pack.

Kethrai says, "It does remind me some of Ael'tharaxus."

You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views.

Tiny puffs of smoke rise from Rileos's black cigarillo as it burns.

Elurora nods to Kethrai.

Illiya nods to Kethrai.

Hamuk says to Elurora, "I'm trying a journal. It's not helping."

Elurora pats Hamuk on the back.

Ezerak nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Rileos says to Ruea, "Oh wow, I need you to say that a lot more."

Belzor pets his russet lynx.

Hamuk raises an eyebrow in Kethrai's direction.

Belzor scratches his russet lynx.

Rileos casually flicks some ashes off the end of his black cigarillo.

Hamuk puts his journal in his leucro hide pack.

Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You nod at Gridaksma, in complete agreement with his views.

Kethrai says, "Unfortunately I don't know any Dragonish."

Illiya grins at Rileos, her dimples flashing into view.

Gridaksma says, "The question is which name or language did it come from first."

Ruea's golden cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Elurora quietly asks Hamuk, "Have you tried dusting up there?"

Ezerak says, "I was thinking it sounded some sort of draconic. Mostly the similarities with Ael'tharaxus."

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Hamuk.

Ruea asks Kethrai, "Can you work on that?"

Rileos takes a long drag off of a burning black cigarillo.

Jaelia exclaims, "And the Emperor-God Xin'Alaudas who has disappeared and yet never been heard from since!"

Dasheek nods to Illiya.

Dasheek hugs Illiya, who wraps her arms around Dasheek with a warm smile.

You ponder.

You nod to Jaelia.

A crooked line of smoke dissipates into the air.

Elurora takes a bite of the tart.

Hamuk ponders.

Kethrai nods to Jaelia.

Rileos's black cigarillo goes out and crumbles away.

Hamuk says to Elurora, "I was told I'm not supposed to put things in my ears."

Elurora giggles at Hamuk.

Ruea takes a long drag off of a burning golden cigarillo.

Miskton says, "Well, I need to get going. Take care, all."

Miskton nods politely.

Elurora bows to Miskton.

Hamuk nods to Miskton.

Ruea waves to Miskton.

Jaelia says to Kethrai, "You say that now Ket'Hanuril."

You chuckle at Hamuk.

Hamuk waves.

Dasheek nods to Miskton.

Gridaksma bows his head, acknowledging Miskton.

Philomath Miskton strolls east.

You curtsy.

Elurora takes a bite of the tart.

You chuckle at Jaelia.

Kethrai says, "We go by Anurai. Or Kethril."

Anuril snorts, loudly.

Illiya chuckles at Kethrai.

Jaelia says to Kethrai, "If you spoke Dragonish, you would consider the new naming sequence."

[General] You hear your mental voice echo, "Thank you so much to everyone who came out for the lecture and exploration. I was unable to say farewell to all of you, but your support is much appreciated."
You concentrate on projecting your thoughts.

Elurora says, "I should get home and feed Dog."

You notice as a russet lynx begins to pant.

Jaelia nods to Elurora.

You smile at Elurora.

Hamuk grins at Elurora.

Elurora says to you, "Thank you for the lessons in history."

Dasheek says, "Thoughts a sec."

You say to Elurora, "Thank you so much for your assistance this evening."

Casari exclaims, "Pet Dog for me!"

Illiya nods in agreement.

Elurora says to you, "Anytime."

Hamuk says to Elurora, "Thank you for keeping us safe."

Belzor snaps to attention and hails Elurora with a crisp hand salute.

Hamuk hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Hamuk snaps to attention and hails Elurora with a crisp hand salute.

You hug Elurora who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of honeysuckle clings to her skin.

Elurora exclaims to Casari, "I will!"

Elurora hugs Hamuk, who wraps his arms around Elurora with a warm smile.

Elurora hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile.

Jaelia hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Elurora snaps to attention and hails Belzor with a crisp hand salute.

Elurora hugs Jaelia, getting a smile in return.

Illiya exclaims to you, "Thank you for putting together these captivating lectures!"

Gridaksma nods to Elurora.

Elurora grins at Gridaksma.

Elurora bows to Gridaksma.

Illiya says, "I always learn so much."

You smile at Illiya.

Gridaksma bows his head, acknowledging Elurora.

Elurora hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Illiya hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.

Elurora waves.

You say, "I am just grateful to those who attend."

Truthseeker Elurora goes east.

Kethrai takes a sip of his sherry.

You notice as a russet lynx scratches itself.

Illiya says, "We are grateful for each other then."

Ezerak says to Illiya, "They're always informative, and she's so easy to listen to."

Illiya grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

You smile at Illiya.

Illiya nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.

You blush slightly, the tips of your ears flushing with warmth.

[General] Your mind hears Tirost thinking, "As were your insights, My Lady."

Hamuk says, "I'm grateful for the chance to learn or refresh my memory in a more pleasant environment than the libraries."

Rileos leans against a bar.

Hamuk smiles at you.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Illiya says, "Sometimes the extra-planar stuff is confusing to me, but the history is always captivating."

The publican places a glass of clear water on the bar.

Rileos gets a glass of clear water from atop a bar.

You smile at Hamuk.

Rileos takes a sip of his water.

Illiya asks, "Love, betrayal, massive wars, dragon-like beings, what else could you want?"

Gridaksma says, "I should check through some of my notes. Do be well."

Rileos says to Illiya, "Turn off your thinkin parts and it makes a lot more sense."

You nod politely to Gridaksma.

Gridaksma says to you, "Wonderful lectures, both."

Hamuk nods to Gridaksma.

Gridaksma bows his head in acknowledgement.

Kethrai says, "I wouldn't mind fewer necromantic pests getting involved."

You say to Gridaksma, "Thank you for your information this evening."

Kethrai says, "Undead or otherwise..."

Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma goes east.

Dasheek coughs.

Dasheek says, "I think we need to hit it."

Dasheek gazes at Illiya.

Hamuk says to you, "I had forgotten the origin of the lavender."

Hamuk chuckles.

Illiya nods.

Illiya exclaims, "Good to see you all again!"

Illiya left the group.

You grin at Hamuk.

Dasheek clasps Illiya's hand tenderly.

Belzor gets some Kygar's roast coffee from inside his encompassing shadows.

Hamuk waves to you.

Kethrai waves.

Dasheek just took the hand of Illiya and gently kissed the back of it.

Illiya says, "Oh wait."

Belzor takes a sip of his coffee.

Hamuk babbles incoherently.

Illiya gathers up a rainbow silk picnic cloth ringed in rencate cupcake charms and all the food it holds, stuffs the bundle into a whimsical moabi picnic basket bedecked with rencate cupcake charms, and closes the lid securely.

Hamuk waves to Illiya.

Dasheek nods.

Hamuk hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Anuril nods to Illiya.

Illiya says, "Can't forget my cupcake basket."

Illiya puts her basket in her encompassing shadows.

Dasheek says, "Goodnight folks."

Hamuk leans against a bar.

Dasheek says, "Be dangerous."

Illiya hugs you, and you give her a smile in return.

Illiya hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Illiya hugs Hamuk, who wraps his arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Hamuk chuckles.

Illiya waves.

You hug Illiya who gives you a smile in return. A faint scent of strawberries clings to her skin.

Danger Wizard Dasheek strolls east, leading his group.

Hamuk nods.

Kethrai takes a sip of his sherry.

You say to Hamuk, "The lavender is a wonderful story, even today."

Casari says, "Bed time."

Hamuk nods to you.

Casari waves.

Hamuk waves to Casari.

You wave to Casari.

Firehawk Casari goes east.

Hamuk says, "I don't believe I was there that particular night, but I was there many an eve."

Anuril says to you, "From the recent moon mage vision I think it is unlikely Liraxes is a Herald, or that the Heralds halted magic, but one of them may have caused it to resume..."

Anuril ponders.

You nod to Anuril.

You say to Anuril, "Yes, I feel like... if they caused it... they would have let it be known, like before."

Anuril nods to you.

You ask, "Why do something if they will not receive credit?"

Anuril says, "Come out, make some pronouncements, show off their nails..."

You chuckle.

Hamuk laughs!

You nod to Anuril.

Jaelia grins.

Ezerak chuckles.

Anuril says, "That kind of thing."

Anuril nods.

You say, "And what wonderful nails they were."

You nod.

Kethrai says, "Eyes are in fashion this season, though."

Anuril snaps his fingers.

Hamuk says, "They don't hate magic, but it seems like they are watchful of how it's used."

You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views.

Hamuk says, "Sometimes..."

Anuril gets a greased ayabere stick affixed with an elegantly written label from inside his enshrouding clouds.

Kethrai says, "So if they come back we'll introduce them to kohl. And glitter."

You notice as a russet lynx begins to pant.

Anuril carefully traces a greased ayabere stick affixed with an elegantly written label around his eyes, using it to draw fiery orange lines.

Anuril winks at Kethrai with a playful sparkle in his eyes.

Hamuk gazes at Anuril.

Anuril puts his stick in his enshrouding clouds.

Kethrai flirts with Anuril. Anuril smiles slowly, giving Kethrai his full attention.

Anuril chortles softly at some secret joke.

You say to Kethrai, "That is how we will get magic back to normal."

Ruea says, "If they ever go out of fashion, I'd like to be alerted..."

Hamuk says to Anuril, "Can't see it past the Veil of Ice, but I'm sure it's fetching."

Anuril laughs!

Kethrai says to Ruea, "G'nar Pethians everywhere will be so happy."

Anuril flirts with Hamuk.

Ezerak chuckles.

Hamuk looks at Anuril and blushes.

The shadowy orb of light hovering near Jaelia pulses, as if alive.

Ruea says to Kethrai, "I live to disappoint."

Anuril chortles softly at some secret joke.

Rileos chuckles.

Rileos takes a sip of his water.

Hamuk says to Anuril, "Don't get me in trouble with Kethrai."

Hamuk says, "Please."

Anuril laughs!

Hamuk edges away from Kethrai.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Ezerak chuckles.

Kethrai stands near Hamuk.

Hamuk fidgets nervously.

Kethrai flicks one ear back as though listening for something.

Jaelia exclaims to Anuril, "You - that is a you and Kethrai thing, we are NOT involved!"

Hamuk hums to himself.

Hamuk whistles low.

Hamuk twirls the hilt of his marble staff in his hand, leaning it against a fingertip.

Kethrai leans back against Anuril with a loving smile.

Hamuk gazes off into the distance.

Rileos takes a sip of his water.

Hamuk grins at Anuril.

Hamuk grins at Kethrai.

Anuril says, "And now he's playing with his staff. Figures."

You chortle softly at some secret joke.

Kethrai says to Anuril, "You have that effect on people."

Hamuk throws back his head and roars with laughter!

Jaelia says, "Ok, I think Anuril and Kethrai need some bar time alone."

Anuril nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Anuril gets a cup of cinnamon mead from atop a bar.

Anuril takes a sip of his mead.

Kethrai gets a flute of honeywine from atop a bar.

Kerennya gets a flute of honeywine from atop a bar.

Rileos laughs!

Jaelia says, "I am going to move on out to allow them such time! You all have a great rest of your travels."

Kethrai says, "The bar did provide."

Hamuk chuckles to himself.

Hamuk nods to Jaelia.

Kerennya takes a sip of her honeywine.

Hamuk hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Hamuk with a warm smile.

Kethrai waves to Jaelia.

Kerennya takes a sip of her honeywine.

Kethrai takes a sip of his honeywine.

Hamuk gets a snifter of Milene's brandy from inside his leucro hide pack.

Anuril nods to Jaelia.

Hamuk leans against a bar.

Rileos nods to Jaelia.

Kerennya puts her honeywine in her mariner's rucksack.

Belzor nods to Ezerak.

You hug Jaelia who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of starflowers clings to her skin.

You notice as a russet lynx looks around suspiciously.

You say to Jaelia, "Thank you for coming."

You smile.

Hamuk takes a sip of his brandy.

(Jaelia offers a departing hug and/or warm words as she dramatically tiptoes away)

Kerennya waves to Jaelia.

Hamuk smiles at Jaelia.

Kerennya smiles.

Belzor smiles quietly to himself.

Mother Jaelia goes east.

Kethrai takes a seat near a bar.

Kethrai takes a sip of his honeywine.

Anuril takes a sip of his mead.

Kerennya says, "Well, got a few things to do, so I'll head out as well. Thanks, Ayrell, for putting this together."

Kerennya waves.

You smile at Kerennya.

Kethrai waves to Kerennya.

You wave to Kerennya.

You say to Kerennya, "Thank you for coming."

Kerennya waves to Kethrai.

Kerennya says, "I feel like such a baby among giants."

Kerennya chortles softly at some secret joke.

Hamuk says, "I am so full of thoughts and information from the last few meetings, and I've been running my poor brain ragged since to come up with anything that...meshes."

Anuril nods to Hamuk.

Hamuk shakes his head.

Hamuk raises his arms up over his head in a long stretch, which causes the straps of his leather harness to wrinkle his cotton shirt.

Sublime Mender Kerennya glides east.

Belzor gets a glass of sweet sherry from atop a bar.

Belzor gazes at a glass of sweet sherry.

Ruea says to you, "I'm glad you're the one doing all this research."

Kethrai says to Hamuk, "That's the way of a puzzle until you get the one bit of information that locks everything in place."

Hamuk says, "I keep hoping that some sort of insight will spring from 'the next one'."

Ruea grins wryly.

You say, "So much information and yet still so much unanswered."

Hamuk nods to Kethrai.

You chuckle at Ruea.

Belzor went over to a private booth.

You notice a russet lynx stand back up.

Ezerak grins at Hamuk, his dimples flashing into view.

You say to Ruea, "You know me. I do so love an old book."

Belzor just arrived.

Belzor takes a sip of his coffee.

Ezerak says to Hamuk, "It is bound to happen eventually. Or whenever this Liraxes decides that it should."

Hamuk nods to Ezerak.

Ruea says to you, "We have met before, yes."

You chuckle at Ruea.

You notice as a russet lynx looks around suspiciously.

Hamuk says to Ezerak, "It'd do to be a step ahead of...whatever Liraxes is...if we could."

You say, "I keep hoping that if we poke enough subjects with a stick, we may find that missing puzzle piece."

Hamuk nods to you.

Hamuk pokes his finger at a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts.

Rileos says to Hamuk, "Oh but it never happens that way."

Rileos chuckles.

Ezerak nods at Rileos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Kethrai says, "It seems like the best candidates for this Liraxes are... Something from the Plane of Probability. Or, a creation of Antinomic Sorcery. Or, something to do with that piece of the Unknown that fell in the sea."

Anuril nods.

Ezerak says, "Especially when it comes to extraplanar beings."

Ezerak nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hamuk says to Rileos, "No...no...but it would be nice for it to happen once."

Hamuk smiles at Rileos.

Kethrai says, "Items one and three could well be related, since the Unknown came from the stars..."

Hamuk nods to Kethrai.

You nod.

Anuril asks, "The magical research people have been doing... who was it that felt pressure from above and below?"

Kethrai raises his hand.

Hamuk says, "I'm hoping something might be uncovered in Zengmodaleth as well."

Anuril asks, "Empaths?"

Kethrai nods to Anuril.

Anuril asks, "Life mana?"

Anuril ponders.

You nod at Hamuk, in complete agreement with his views.

You say to Hamuk, "I am hoping so as well."