Miskton/Logs/20230211 Visions

Event Name: Vision Meeting

Event Instance: Prime

Real Date: 2023-02-11

Game Date of Event: 444-06-25

Point of View: Miskton

You say, "Okay. There might be one more person for me to summon, but they seem a bit tied up at the moment, so I think we can probably get started in a few moments. Please make yourselves comfortable." Apollys says, "Scholar Miskton, taking time out of his meetings to help rescue people from being tied up." You release the clasp on your astronomer's journal and open it. You chuckle. Etasia applauds. Etasia asks, "What happened?" Etasia raises an eyebrow. Etasia blushes a bright red color. Etasia nods. Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Darkewolff smiles. Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. You say, "Now, there's a number of new visions to discuss this evening, but for the first one, I think I want to start by reviewing a vision that was discussed at the last meeting." You turn a page in your astronomer's journal. Elurora cocks her head at you. Zyros takes a seat. You say, "I found myself peering over a boat railing, gazing into an uncannily still ocean. As I focused, peripheral distractions fell away, and I began to see glimmers of movement in the depths. A streak of light flashed across the surface, skittering back and forth a moment before diving deep and vanishing. Darkness, and then a faint glimmer and a luminescent disc expanded in the depths, growing larger and larger. The boat suddenly shuddered, and the waters vibrated intensely. The ring began to expand, and the vision faded." You say, "There was some discussion of the ocean as metaphor for the sky, possible glowing sea creatures and the like." Elore takes a seat. Elurora nods to you. Navesi says, "I just pray for the safety of Andreshlew." You say, "More recently, there has been another vision that seems to be on a similar theme." You say, "I found myself standing next to a wide alpine lake, nested between a mighty upthrust wall of granite leading to snow-capped peaks on one side, and a stunning view of rocky plateau and rolling meadows on the other. I knelt by the lake's edge, the gentle stirring of the waters barely rippling along the shoreline, and cupped a handful of the icy water, bringing it to my lips to drink of its chilling cold. A long whiskered catfish snapped its tail and kicked away from the shoreline, disturbed by my presence." You say, "A low rumble echoed along the shoreline, pebbles vibrating slightly as the waters shook. A flash of light illuminated the depths at the center of the lake, and expanded outward in a widening ring. Fading quickly, the lake became oddly still. The vision faded." Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration. Salvitoriel leans against a large curving diamondwood bar. You say, "So, still a ring of light rising up from the depths of water, but far removed from the ocean this time." Navesi nods to you. Apollys furrows his brow. Nyrhin says, "You always know you're in for some deep and disturbing visions when the drinks are this strong." You chuckle. Ezerak chuckles at Nyrhin. Etasia grins at Nyrhin, her dimples flashing into view. Etasia chuckles. You say, "So, in both cases, a flash of light in the depths, followed by the ring of light. Accompanied by powerful vibrations. And in both cases an odd sense of stillness, though in the first vision it was before the light, and afterwards in the second." Apollys says, "That's interesting, because I was wondering if there was a connection between the Voidgazers and Drogor, being that we fended off some of his Avatars. But being that the second vision had nothing to do with the ocean, I wonder." Etasia cocks her head. You say, "It would seem to be something related to water, but perhaps the source of whatever is happening doesn't come from the water." You say, "In the first vision, the light was first noticed on the surface, as well." Zyros says, "Salvitoriel Seems you aren't the only one staring into the abyss." You say, "It doesn't seem like an explosion, as the disturbance to the water seems more in line with something like an earthquake." You ponder. Gwenddolyn asks, "Isn't that what happens when the Leviathan rises?" Salvitoriel quietly says, "Glad to hear that I'm not alone in these things." You say, "If it occurs again in another vision, perhaps we can start to form a pattern from the locations it seems to happen, but for now it just seems that it's not relegated to the deep ocean." You turn a page in your astronomer's journal. You say, "In the next vision..." You say, "An endless field of scrub and meandering streams stretched before me, the horizon dotted with nothing more than varying shades of foliage and stone. Crouched over a spread of gear, a man carefully packed his provisions. Rolling flint and steel into some leather, checking the ties on several bundles, sheathing a knife on a chest harness, and finally, packing everything into a sturdy framed backpack, the man checked his boots one final time, and hefted the heavy burden, adjusting it for comfort, and began walking. I followed as he set a comfortable pace, winding between uneven terrain and carefully striding across streams. The terrain did not change, but the man dutifully continued his journey. As the sun crested at high noon, the man set down the pack, leaned against it, and slowly ate some ground berries and fatty jerky, chewing slowly. Turning to look at me for the first time, he said, "We've got a long ways to go." You say, "The vision faded." Apollys raises his hand. You nod to Apollys. Apollys asks, "Those ground berries, were any of them strawberries?" Ezerak chuckles at Apollys. Etasia smiles at Apollys, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. You exclaim, "Couldn't say, I'm afraid!" Elysan smiles at Apollys. Etasia grins at you, her dimples flashing into view. You say, "Certainly seems like whoever the man is, he's got experience with long journeys in the wilderness." You say, "There wasn't too much that jumped out at me about the man or the landscape, though." Apollys nods. Apollys says, "For certain it's about the strawberry shortage, then. I knew it." You say, "Strawberries are worth a bit of a trek for." You nod. You say, "Perhaps it's the start of an important journey, and the Web of Fate will reveal more in the future." Apollys says, "But it seems a rather nondescript vision, or at least, one that is so widely open to interpretation, that I'd find it impossible to associate it to any one thing." You nod to Apollys. Zyros says, "At least they seem to have a destination in mind." You nod to Zyros. Apollys says, "If I had to assume anything, I'd assume some kind of connection to how well-prepared the traveler seems to be, and being a Ranger, perhaps. It seems like a Rangerly undertaking, anyway." You say, "A long way to go could potentially be a very long way indeed, though, depending on just what the nature of the vision is." You say, "He does strike me as a bit Rangerly, yes." You nod. Greifen says, "Perhaps the visions indicate portals of some sort. A ring of light, under the water." Greifen raises an eyebrow. Zyros raises an eyebrow. Greifen shrugs. You say to Greifen, "That's a possibility, yes. Haven't been able to get a close look at them in either of the visions, since they're so far underwater." Greifen says, "Ah wish I was a better swimmer." Greifen chuckles. You say, "Let's see..." Apollys quietly says to himself, "Psychic ankle-weights." Greifen says, "A visit to the starry host, we are well acquanted." Greifen grins. You say to Apollys, "There was that vision of somebody jumping off a ship wearing something like a Trader's crystal armor, but enclosing him in a way to... presumably protect him on his descent." Apollys asks you, "How recently? Is this perhaps a story about someone meddling in the depths that might be related?" Ezerak blinks. Ezerak says to you, "That sounds ingenious." Esriem asks, "Like the chalice spell?" You say, "It was a little while back. Hmm, just a moment." Ezerak glances at Nyrhin. Ezerak asks Nyrhin, "Want to go sailing?" Nyrhin grins at Ezerak. Greifen glances at Navesi. Nyrhin says, "I always enjoy a good adventure." Nyrhin chuckles. Nyrhin says to Ezerak, "But if this is your way of dumping me to the bottom of the sea, you'll have to try harder." You say, "Ah, there we go. It was back in 440." Apollys ponders. Gwenddolyn nods. You say, "I found myself standing on the deck of a ship, gently rocking on easy waters and light winds under a clear night sky, constellations twinkling above. A hatch opened with a loud clang and a man with pale skin and a broad figure stomped onto the deck, wearing multiple belts strung with blocks of lead and thick metal boots. With slow, laborious steps, the man walked to the edge of the boat, and cupping his hands skyward, basked in a cascade of starlight, which coalesced into a shell around him. After briefly checking the integrity of his armored suit, he sat on the railing and looked directly at me." Ezerak chuckles. You say, ""They would ask forgiveness. We seek what is ours," he said as he rolled backwards, falling into the waters and sinking like a stone." You say, "I watched the faint glow of his crystal-encased form vanish into the depths, blinking in confusion as the reflection of the stars above blossomed with novas, and the constellations skewed madly. The vision faded." Ezerak ponders. Apollys asks, "Was there ever a conclusion to that vision?" Apollys asks, "Or, rather, a realization of it?" Etasia says to you, "That is some vision." Darkewolff ponders. You say, "Not directly that I'm aware of." Ezerak says, "I would bet it's far more symbolic than literal. But it does give me ideas on reclaiming treasures that were lost in the deep." Ezerak grins at Nyrhin, his dimples flashing into view. Apollys nods. Etasia ponders. Nyrhin grins at Ezerak. Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Cryle says, "Traders will do much for the wares lost with the spider..." You say, "The stars getting upset might have something to do with the later visions that involved caging a star, perhaps? I don't know what he was seeking in the depths." Zyros says, "Treasures? Or something that was cast down on purpose." Esriem says, "What spider? I want those treasures too." Etasia grins at Esriem, her dimples flashing into view. Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Esriem says, "Well for a trader I would love to have em." Cryle blinks at Esriem. Greifen asks, "Even if they meant your doom?" Greifen chuckles. Esriem asks, "Well I mean, its shiny right?" Greifen grins. Cryle says to Esriem, "Um... festival spider... Perhaps the history of it is best not told here and now, though." Cryle shrugs. Esriem says, "Oh I see another time then." Cryle says, "Short version: For decades, festivals would be held in a giant metal spider full of shops. Then it became alive. Then it rampaged into the ocean and exploded." You say, "Left quite a bit of corrupted metal scattered across the ocean floor, too." Greifen says, "Interestin." You nod. Esriem says, "Well that is not very festive like." Cryle says, "Oh, on the contrary, it was all quite on brand." Zyros asks, "That sounds like a promising lead... any idea where it might be? And what would explain it being in two places, besides portals?" Esriem asks, "What the use of corrupted metal?" You say, "I think the bigger concern has been cleaning it up. The Merelew have been asking for help with that when they come around." Cryle says, "The Merelew have been asking us to help clean up the remnants for the last fifteen or so years..." Cryle nods. You turn a page in your astronomer's journal. You say, "Anyway, for the next vision..." You say, "An impeccably dressed man paused before a thick wooden door, gathering his resolve. One hand on the latch, the man took a steadying breath, listening to the light chatter and muted conversation within. Pushing the door open, he stepped into a dimly lit lecture hall which immediately fell silent, row upon row filled with robed figures wearing featureless black porcelain masks inlaid with platinum filigree. At the center of the stage stood a single podium and a blackboard, and the man strode forward, head held high, his upstage fist clenched tightly, his downstage hand swaying casually. He did not glance at the audience. When he reached the podium he fixed his eyes on a spot beyond the audience, above the scrutiny of the sea of expressionless visages." You say, ""You see," he began, "we have always been wrong." You say, "The audience did not react, and the vision faded." Etasia ponders. Etasia raises an eyebrow. You say, "Not the kind of thing a scholar usually wants to lead with, unless something is extremely wrong and needs to be corrected." Ezerak nods in agreement. Zyros says, "Sounds like any change in management to me." Ezerak peers quizzically at Ayrell. You ask, "Do the black porcelain masks inlaid with platinum filigree sound at all familiar to anyone?" Ayrell smiles at Ezerak. Etasia smiles at Zyros, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Navesi shakes her head at you. Navesi says, "That sounds quite unnerving." Etasia asks you, "Unless is part of the armor from a long ago vision. of black armored soldiers and the dragon spine?" Ayrell raises an eyebrow. You say, "He did say "we", despite not being dressed like the others, but there are multiple potential meanings behind that word." Darkewolff ponders. Etasia says to you, "But there were no masks shown in that vision, just the black armor always stood out to meh." Esriem ponders. You say, "He also seemed to be attempting to hide his emotions from the audience." Etasia nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. You say, "Clenching his fist on the upstage side, while letting his hand the audience could see as he walked in sway casually." Gwenddolyn asks, "Bad hand?" Gwenddolyn asks, "Damaged?" Greifen says, "They were all wearin masks. Seems a nefarious bunch." Gwenddolyn nods to Tekhelet. You say, "Fixing his gaze beyond the audience might simply be public speaking technique, but it might also mean he was worried about making eye contact with anyone for other reasons." Tekhelet nods to Gwenddolyn. Shannera ponders. You say, "Even with the masks." Gwenddolyn asks, "Hiding their faces with masks for what reason?" You say, "So, my thought is that when he says "we have always been wrong", that we is including the audience, who are unlikely to be happy about being told they are wrong." Greifen says, "They operate in the deep dark im guessin." Nietsnie squints. You say, "They were apparently chatting with each other before he came in, which would seem to indicate they are at least... somewhat normal people." Nietsnie leans back. You say, "Two more visions to go over this evening. Let's see, which one first..." You turn a page in your astronomer's journal. You say, "Walking through a broad market, I followed the rich scent of seasoned meat and felt my stomach grumbling. A vendor grinned broadly and said something in a language I did not understand, but cheerfully compensated with hand signs and pointed at a bronze coin nailed to the stall. I looked down a moment as I checked my pockets, and removed a handful of coins. When I looked up, the vendor once again grinned broadly, and repeated the same line, and again compensated with the same hand signs and pointing. I slid my own coin across the counter, and the vendor handed me a skewer of savory beef cubes and vegetables. With a nod of gratitude I turned and walked away, but on a whim, turned my head to glance at the vendor. Though no one stood in front of the counter, the vendor grinned broadly and repeated the same line, flashed the same hand signs and pointed at the bronze coin. I continued walking through the market, no longer hungry. The vision faded." You say, "The vendor would seem to be an automaton of some sort. Either very elaborately constructed, or... converted." Ghust mutters to himself. Nawain frowns. Zyros sighs. Ghust blushes a bright red color. Gwenddolyn says, "Robot? some of the previous visions seemed to show them building something mechanical." Nietsnie asks, "Or ensnared and enamoured?" You say, "The way I lost my appetite in the vision would seem to indicate some gut feeling that something was particularly wrong with the scenario." Nietsnie clears his throat. Etasia nods to you. Gwenddolyn says, "No longer hungry yet he did not eat it." Etasia nods to Gwenddolyn. Navesi says, "Yet another unnerving vision. Difficult to imagine an intelligent being reduced to that." Navesi frowns. You say, "So, possibly a person, or maybe a person's corpse, turned into a puppet following some simple set of rules." Shannera nods in agreement. Greifen says, "A language unknown." Greifen ponders. Gwenddolyn says, "Sounds like something those tinkerer brothers would do." You say, "It's possible there's something to the language, though nothing stood out beyond the fact I couldn't understand it." Gwenddolyn says, "Like the animated dolls." Greifen asks, "And the spider aye?" Jaelia says, "Everytime I see or hear of automotons and Constructs, I am reminded how what we think of as corruptions of life can extend to things beyond the undead. That isn't the point of the Vision, but I do worry about how it will reveal itself in time as it too becomes either a corruption of life or false life." Darkewolff ponders. Zyros says, "A foreigner on unfamiliar shores." Shannera fluidly says, "Very strange.. definitely something foreign or you would at least know what language it was." Jaelia says, "Not all - just some will be as things push boundaries." Etasia asks Gwenddolyn, "Those dolls, could ye refresh on that? It was quite a nasty lot, but ferget the exact?" Etasia peers quizzically at Gwenddolyn. Darkewolff peers quizzically at Ezerak. Greifen mutters something into the air about golems. Gwenddolyn says, "They sold dolls at the spider, then they became animated and stole their owners limbs." Gwenddolyn says, "Which he used to make undead creatures with." Etasia nods to Gwenddolyn. Zyros asks, "This traveler, could they know the ranger? Or be the ranger?" Nietsnie asks, "I haven't had my first vision yet, are they like dreams where you can't read things? maybe that's part of the problem with not understanding the language.. it's a visual expression that's triggering the wrong part of the brain?" Jaelia gazes intently into her sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface. Nietsnie says, "Just an idle thought.." Etasia says, "Thank you, thought it was something of them attacking their owners and such, tis vague." Gwenddolyn says, "Hobglup and Mibgluc, those bothers." You say to Nietsnie, "Frequently we can read things, though sometimes not, depending on the nature of the vision." Nietsnie ponders. Apollys says, "And how much moon juice you've had." Apollys nods. Nietsnie says, "That may be something to do with it.. apologies I am just thinking out loud." Gwenddolyn says, "He used the limbs to make bone amalgams." You say, "They are similar to dreams in many ways, though." Etasia chuckles. Gwenddolyn says, "It was in 396." Greifen says, "What could they want." Greifen asks, "?" You say, "The last vision I have to discuss this evening features a figure who has shown up in a number of visions fairly recently..." You turn a page in your astronomer's journal. Navesi says, "I'm really hoping this one tells you you do not have permission." Gwenddolyn chuckles at Navesi. You say, "Everything went dark, and I felt the oppressive weight of damp stone and open space. The air stirred, wafting first towards and then away from me, carrying a burnt heat tang. Something shifted, metal dragged across metal in the distance, the clank and grind echoing. To my left, a match was struck, illuminating a woman in a wide-brimmed hat, the small flame disappearing a moment as she bent her head to light her cigarillo, taking a deep drag. With a dramatic twist of her wrist, she held the match aloft and looked upward, her cataract eyes staring ahead." You say, ""You'll make me go first?" the woman asked." You say, "A hissing whisper wound from the depths, "You should not have come." You say, ""And you should not have lost. But here you are." You say, ""And here we are." You say, "The woman laughed, and exhaled twin plumes of acrid smoke from her nostrils, filling the area and obscuring my view." Ezerak acts puzzled. You say, ""Let's begin", she said, and the vision faded." Navesi snaps her fingers. Ayrell nods. Apollys says, "She sounds a lot like my aunt, and as such, should not be trusted. For whatever that's worth." Ezerak chuckles at Apollys. Jaelia grins at Apollys. You chuckle. Greifen says, "Ahm sure they have somethin ah want." Greifen grins. Shannera ponders. Ezerak says to Apollys, "I appreciate her style, though." You say, "So... whatever was in the depths, I definitely got the impression that it was not a person. Or at least not a normal one." Apollys nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Jaelia nods to you. Shannera fluidly says, "That metal on metal grinding in the distance..." Apollys asks, "What is the likelihood that the voice in the shadows came from Lyle?" Jaelia grins at Apollys. You say to Apollys, "Unlikely, I think." You grin wryly. Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Ezerak says, "Greater than zero, but highly unlikely." You say, "It does make me think about who or what might have "lost", though." Etasia chuckles. Nietsnie frowns. Zyros says, "Srinoja." Apollys quietly says to himself, "Still think it's worth looking into. Don't trust that Lyle." Apollys gazes off into the distance. Ezerak says to Zyros, "That could be." Navesi says, "Srinoja does have a problem with eyes, but I'd be surprised if she lost both." You say, "Has anyone seen any signs of Sivroch since she was struck by the Sanyu Aes? She looked badly wounded, but did seem to survive." Ayrell grins at Apollys. Ezerak says to Navesi, "But she does do that thing with the shadows." Zyros says, "The mannerisms... the panache... the fact she was waxed and now looks like a corpse." Navesi nods to Ezerak. Zyros says, "And her boss lost." Zyros ponders. Nyrhin asks, "And she is a fan of those cigarellos, isn't she?" Jaelia asks, "Does she seem to give off vibes of a more updated version of the very old old man?" Apollys asks, "I believe Sivroch has been at least heard over the gweths since then, hasn't she?" Jaelia says, "Not necessarily the same thing, but she feels in a similar vein." Salvitoriel smiles. Cryle says, "At the very least, she sounds fashionable..." Nyrhin says, "I should clarify, I meant Srinoja. Can't say as I've ever seen Sivroch light one up." Nyrhin chuckles. Etasia grins, revealing her dimples. Apollys says, "Sivroch has stand... no, can't even finish that joke." You say, "I don't think the smoking woman is Srinoja, though who knows... they might get along." You say, "Any representation of Srinoja in a vision, I would expect to have one eye in particular stand out." Nyrhin nods. Ezerak says, "I must admit, the Raid did come to mind, but mostly because it is the most recent major conflict I am aware of." Ezerak chuckles. Cryle asks, "I have a question, about visions in general. Have any of late, or do any that still have mysteries left to them, involve puzzles?" You say, "There have been some with things like puzzles and mazes." Ezerak says, "And it involved various creatures that could be that voice, I suppose." Cryle perks her ears up happily as she gazes at you. Salvitoriel quietly asks, "I have a question?" You say, "Even Sivroch would probably be preferable to something like a hidden remnant of Maelshyve... But it's also possible that whatever loss is referred to could have been a long time ago, and something has been lurking since then." Apollys squints. You nod to Salvitoriel. Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Salvitoriel asks, "Has anyone considered that the theme of the oceans deapths could possibly being misinterpreted?" Greifen raises an eyebrow in Salvitoriel's direction. Salvitoriel says, "It seems to me that there does exist another abyss." Apollys asks, "What is the answer isn't necromancy or demons, but rather the Immortals? We've seen Drogor's avatars during the Andreshlew visit. Asketi's always riled up about something. Be'ort's teardrinkers. Could uhh. Um. Ushnish? Ushnish, be the serpent hissing from the shadows? Are the dark aspects rising up?" Etasia raises an eyebrow. Etasia ponders. Ayrell ponders. You say to Salvitoriel, "The ocean is sometimes a metaphor for something else, yes. Especially if there's not much in the way of things like sea life." Nyrhin says, "If so, we're going to need a lot more of those strong drinks." Nyrhin takes a sip of his Tease. Ghust nods to Shannera. Salvitoriel says, "What if the ring expanding in your vision is in reference to the path which encircles the pith and funnels into the abyss and the soul." You say to Salvitoriel, "It makes sense as a possibility, though with the latest vision having moved from an ocean to a mountain lake, it makes it feel a bit less likely." Ezerak ponders. You say, "Lakes can be deep, but usually not to quite the same level of mystery as the ocean." Salvitoriel asks, "Although to enter the fortress are you not required to pass through a landlocked body of water?" Ezerak asks, "Has the race or other features of the woman come up in other visions involving her?" You say, "Just her eyes and scars." Apollys asks you, "Perhaps some parallels being drawn between the oceans, Drogor, and the lakes, Lemicus?" Ezerak nods. Salvitoriel shrugs. Salvitoriel says, "Just a passing thought." Greifen says, "Let Trothfang come.. Many deserve his judgement." Jaelia says, "All thoughts, even passing, are just as valid." Darkewolff ponders. Nietsnie gazes upward. Nietsnie glances up at the sky. You say, "And of course, even if I do disagree with an interpretation someone has, bear in mind that while I have experience, I don't have any special insight beyond that into just what these mean." Ezerak takes a sip of his brandy. You grin wryly. Shannera ponders. You ask, "And that covers all the visions I had to discuss this evening. Does anybody have anything else they'd like to bring up?" Etasia quietly says to you, "But your insight is generally quite brilliant." Jaelia whispers something to Salvitoriel. Nietsnie says, "Yes, someone needs to feed that panther." Nietsnie nods. Etasia chuckles. You chuckle. Etasia smiles at Nietsnie, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Etasia says to Nietsnie, "Aye he will hunt afta the meetin." Ezerak says to you, "Thank you for sharing them." Nietsnie says, "That elemental is getting a little too used to being in a cat form." You exclaim, "Well then, thank you all for coming!" You carefully mark your place and close your astronomer's journal, securing the clasp.