The First Land Herald/452-10-02
| Article Number: 121 |
| Dateline: 452-10-02 |
| LIRAXES AND THE CRYSTAL MACHINE As the wheels of fate turn even faster in these troubled times, I find myself returning again and again to the curious figure of Liraxes. If you recall, we last left off with our enigmatic Steward of Recursion a few days before the rescue of our missing friends, when it calculated that the captives were still in the vicinity of Arhat's Tower (See FLH article from 450-09-05). Since then, much has unfolded. ~ A Plan to Disrupt the Heralds ~ Some weeks after the Hollow Eve Festival, Liraxes once again appeared within its crystalline machine outside the west gate of the Crossing. Based on its observations, Liraxes said that the Heralds were enraged and "preparing for a strike with the intent of wiping out their enemies once and for all." While it was unsure why the Heralds had not yet acted, it theorized they may have lost focus or were reassessing after being disrupted by the Immortals. "Destroying this entire plane does not seem to be in their interests," Liraxes said, "even if their actions regarding sorcery would eventually lead to such an outcome." Though Liraxes kept details about the Immortals' plans close to its crystalline chest -- citing the risk of information falling into the Heralds' hands -- it did reveal a glimpse of hope: a plan to repurpose its existing machine into a disruptive weapon that could, with our assistance, serve to distract the Heralds at a critical moment. "Liraxes will adjust the machine to allow participants to weave mana, which Liraxes will integrate into a larger pattern. Liraxes will send word, though it will be at short notice. You will likely observe movement in the skies indicating something is happening." Before vanishing, Liraxes added, "The Heralds are preparing, and Liraxes calculates that the one known as Asildu will act again as well." ~ Machine Repurposed and Heart Restored ~ Several months later, Liraxes reappeared within its machine in dramatic fashion, forming out of a pinpoint of crystal that folded in on itself and exploded into light. Upon arrival, Anuril confronted the Steward: "It has come to my attention that you intend to engage in some large amount of sorcery. You have two roisaen to cease all sorcery and depart this plane. This will be your only warning." Though Liraxes maintained that the test would not involve sorcerous casting or require support, Anuril persisted. A brief but intense confrontation broke out, with Anuril launching a barrage of attacks at Liraxes, while Sir Imroth attempted to intercept them. Finally, Liraxes retaliated, causing a river of blood to pour from Anuril's neck and moments later teleporting the Warrior mage out of the machine entirely. As the ideal time for the test approached, glowing white symbols appeared on the crystal walls, shifting and pulsing brightly. These pulsed as energy streamed toward a glowing geometric shape at the spire's apex. Mechanisms within the walls glowed, and fluid rushed through tubes. The shape spun into a blur, distorting the air. The sky tore open, revealing the constellation of the Heart, and the approaching champions in the sky saluted in relief. A "0" on the wall changed to a "1," then the focused energy abruptly vanished, and the machine quieted. "Test successful," Liraxes confirmed. "The machine has been reconfigured to be of use as a possible weapon against the Heralds. It is intended to serve to disrupt them when the Immortals begin their full assault." With a final reminder that it would require help forming the sorcerous pattern, Liraxes disappeared in a shattering of crystal. And though the moment was fleeting, I could not shake the quiet ember of hope kindling within me: the heart had returned to us, glowing once again in the sky, a constellation heavy with meaning and promise. ~ An Impending Herald Attack ~ Nearly a year later, Liraxes called out over the gweth, requesting our presence at the machine to deliver an update. When we arrived, Liraxes warned of an impending Herald attack on the recently modified machine. "Liraxes expects the form of the attack will be similar to other assaults the Heralds have launched against mundane structures on this planet, likely due to that requiring less of their direct attention." Liraxes predicted that the attack would likely come in the form of drakes and also shared the following key findings: - Item One - The Heralds are not directly responsible for the phenomena collectively referred to as Wild Magic. However, their actions to suppress sorcerous casting have also had the effect of preventing it from being fixed. - Item Two - The Heralds have developed a method of siphoning mana for their own usage, but it appears they are either unwilling or unable to make use of mana that is mixed by sorcerous casting. - Item Three - This mana siphoning has had largely negligible effects in terms of Life, Elemental, and Lunar mana. In the latter case, much of that mana was not available to other living beings on this plane. However, the siphoning of Holy mana appears to have been more impactful, particularly in regards to the Immortals. Liraxes has not yet been able to determine the precise impact on them, but it appears that the Immortals have only recently become aware of it, and that is influencing their current actions. - Item Four - Regardless of the Heralds' original intentions, the complete suppression of sorcerous casting was never a feasible option. Some degree of it is necessary for the system not to go out of Balance. Liraxes urged us to defend the machine: "If this machine is protected, it will continue to be available to serve as a distraction when the Immortals are ready to strike the Heralds." Once more, it vanished into crystal, promising to return with further updates. ~ Herald Attack Repelled ~ Soon after, Liraxes took to the gweth to announce an imminent Herald attack on the machine, prompting a swift response from adventurers. As I and other defenders gathered at the machine, a company of drakes approached. Liraxes's form grew both broader and taller, larger even than most ogres. The spines and ridges extending from its body also became more prominent, with sharpened edges. During the attack, a drake swooped in and lashed its tail at the crystal machine, causing a burst of sparks to erupt from the surface. A thin spear of crystal shot out from Liraxes's body, impaling the drake in mid-air. The creature thrashed for a moment before suddenly spasming as crystal spikes erupted from its body, leaving it to crash to the ground in a heap. Other drakes circled above, looking for a different approach. A loud rumble came from above, followed by a prolonged series of lightning strikes directly on the spot where Liraxes was standing. Even before the blinding light faded, a drake swooped in, only to be stopped by a massive crystal hand grabbing it by the neck. Several large chunks of Liraxes had melted away, but even as it dragged the drake down, the holes were starting to fill back in. With a loud CRACK the drake went limp and was immediately ignored by Liraxes. After the immediate threat was repelled, Liraxes's form began to shrink, excess crystal melting into its body as it returned to its original size, with all signs of damage erased. We successfully fought off the assault, then fought off another wave of drakes at the Empath Guildhall in the Crossing. It was a fierce battle with sustained attacks from both sides, but ultimately our coordinated efforts prevailed, repelling the drakes and securing the machine from immediate threat. With the drakes dispelled, Liraxes informed us that it would resume monitoring and calculations, promising to return when further updates are available. "The movement of the Immortals and the Heralds appears to be accelerating and coming into phase. Liraxes will ask for assistance in preparation of the sorcerous pattern to be used by the machine when Liraxes detects the Immortals have taken action." With the machine now seemingly poised to be a vital weapon against the Heralds, the stage is set for a pivotal confrontation. As Liraxes returns to monitoring and calculation, the fate of Elanthia could hinge on our collective readiness to respond when the Immortals make their move. For now at least, the machine remains intact and secure. It seems all we can do is wait. Ever vigilant, Illiya |
| Real Date: Unknown Date |
| Subject(s): Wild Magic |
| Author(s): Illiya |