The Grey Dragons/Logs/20240117 Dragon Research Symposium
1/17/2024
time
It has been 447 years, 385 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 10th month of Nissa the Maiden in the year of the Crystal Snow Hare.
It is currently winter and it is night.
Presented by: The Grey Dragons
Hostess
Illiya
You see Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Thievery Aficionado, a Human.
Illiya has a heart-shaped face, slightly pointed ears, a pair of copper buckled strawberry-hued punka leather goggles over silver-flecked silver-limned sparkling violet eyes, a small nose and dimples. Her glittery rainbow-streaked pastel strawberry-pink hair is long and straight, and is worn in a deceptively careless-looking arrangement of upswept locks held in place by a radiant nine-leafed sungold tiara bearing an exquisite red diamond strawberry. She has fair skin contoured with glittering swipes of translucent crystal dust and a pair of pearlescent valkyrie wings with sungold feathers arching away from a slender figure.
She is tiny for a Human.
A baby fruit bat covered in ginger-spotted black fur floats lazily around her left forearm, glowing with a lustrous sheen against her skin.
She appears to be young.
Slender animite chains are elegantly draped across Illiya's head, allowing a teardrop of blackwater jet to dangle just above her eyes.
She has a tattoo of a bleeding heart on her arm.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a dainty pet rat, a pair of dainty white winged combat boots adorned with tiny lollipop charms, a radiant nine-leafed sungold tiara bearing an exquisite red diamond strawberry, some pristine white thigh-high stockings embroidered with tiny pink strawberries, an elaborately wound bone white chestwrap oozing with blood, a strawberry-pink and cream striped dress pinned with a sparkling nurse's badge, a glittery cupcake-shaped targe sprinkled with raspberry-pink spikes, a delicate sungold ring embedded with sparkling merlot ruby strawberries, a flashy ring pop set with a pink candy crystal jewel and some lace-trimmed cotton bloomers tied at the knee with silk ribbons.
Speakers
Kiiryn
You see Kiiryn Greenbottle of Elanthia, a Halfling.
Kiiryn has a square face, observant midnight-blue eyes and a classical nose. His auburn hair is short and thick, and is worn teased. He has tanned skin and an athletic build.
He is short for a Halfling.
He appears to be young.
He has a tattoo of a vibrant kingfisher diving into the rapids of a turbulent river. The bird's striking blue and grey feathers are on full display as it plunges into the water with outstretched wings causing the beginnings of a small splash on his forearm.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a majestic grey silk greatcloak embroidered with the Greenbottle family crest, a tidy open-collar watersilk shirt, a small leather courier bag, some charcoal wool pants with wide cuffs, a rich golden amboyna burlwood keg with gleaming brass studs, a twinkling eddy of swirling lights trapped in an icesteel orrery, a duelist's sword belt with a leaf-bladed telothian parazonium and a light throwing axe hanging from it and a heavy Imperial weave cloth lootsack.
Lupdels
You see Leviathan Friend Lupdels Del'Albaum, Pack Storyteller, a Rakash Bard.
Lupdels has crystal green eyes, a grizzled greyish-brown coat and a slender tail.
He appears to be elderly.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a pair of weathered barkcloth boots lined in flannel, a small steel variog embossed with a snarling asini badger, a gleaming helm shaped into the visage of a Rakash in moonskin, an asini duraka skefne adorned with jaguar-pelt, a carved howlite pick shaped like a large fang, some silver wire-framed spectacles with streaky ocean-blue lenses, a silver chainmail belt interwoven with cambrinth animals, a silver signet ring centered with an ornate crest and water opal accents, an embossed sword belt with a polished scimitar and a grusana kaft hanging from it, an indurium parry stick embossed with ravens, a blackened steel ankle knife, a simple silversteel ring, a regally high-collared black robe trimmed with complex copper piping, a cambrinth-beaded anklet accented with talan pearls, a deeply hooded cloak of charcoal grey silk lined in inky black, an elegant asini ring set with diamonds framing a polished round black disc and an uthamar anklet strung with tiny planets.
Ayrell
You see Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine, Archmagess of Ilithi, an Elf.
Ayrell has elegant arched eyebrows, 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.
Skillfully applied cosmetics accent her natural beauty, giving her a hint of glittering silver along her lids to emphasize her eyes.
She appears to be an adult.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a pair of dragon's scale sapphire earrings set in a cascade of blued moonsilver, a chic bluefire velvet gown with a bodice cloaked by dragon's scale sapphires, a lucent blued moonsilver cuff bracelet bestrewn with dragon's scale sapphires, a lifesculpted moonsilver wedding band cradling a trillion-cut twilight sapphire, a spiraling lilac moonsilver engagement band crowned by a blue Elamiri sapphire and a pair of bluefire velvet thigh boots stratified with dragon's scale sapphires.
Waydren
You see Dragon's Shadow Waydren Amlir, a Human Ranger.
Waydren's flesh is covered by a magical coat of protective scales. They swirl swiftly through vibrant hues of all the colors of the spectrum.
He appears to be venerable.
He has a thick, evenly trimmed full mustache that droops heavily on his upper lip and a long, thick full beard.
He has a tattoo of a vibrant portrait of Lanival the Redeemer on his forearm.
Razor-like claws extend from his fingertips.
Waydren has unnaturally dark tiger stripes criss-crossing his skin.
He is wearing an azurelle battle longbow sporting seventeen forged ka'hurst raven feathers, a deeply cowled cloak of dark jadeleaf cloth inked with a shadowy gloomwood tree, a densely forged ka'hurst mail hauberk richly padded with electroweave, an eddy of muted sylvan light trapped in a cage of barbed dragonwood arrows, a rugged yeehar-hide herb pouch, a waterproof oilcloth gamebag fastened with riftstone arrows, an elaborate scorpion-shaped quiver bound in void-black shadowleaf, a pair of black spidersilk pants and some rugged leather traveler's boots.
You see Leviathan Friend Navesi Daerthon, Follower of Xosiurion, a Kaldaran Bard.
Navesi has an aristocratic face, sharp black eyes and a straight nose. Her white hair is pixie-cut and thick, and is worn artfully tousled. She has pale skin and a lean, precisely composed figure.
She is statuesque for a Kaldar.
She appears to be in her prime.
She is wearing a set of lavishly carved dragonfire amber combs, a smoky blue aoustone muhenta shaped like a dragon skull, a red-gold scaled dragon with black spines, a slim-fitting crimson dragonfire brocade jacket buttoned at a diagonal, a crisp white Imperial weave shirt and some luxurious crimson trousers cut from dragonfire brocade.
Log
[Vela'Tohr Edge, Secluded Grove]
Quiet permeates this small glade, punctuated occasionally by sounds from the creatures of the night. Lichen growing along the branches and tree trunks cause the area to glow with a faint green light. You also see a large curving diamondwood bar, an enormous hurricane drake swathed in buffeted layers of crackling stormsilk (calmed), an iridescent petalette picnic cloth edged in heartstring lace, a fine crimson linen cloth, a twisted vela'tohr briar emanating a viridescent hazy mist, a ghostly white banner, a pudgy ship rat, a wooly grotto zari, a bright-eyed night black kitten, a well-fed Kaernan pig, Nadigo (calmed) and a narrow path.
Also here: a calmed Bearded Lion Olinslag, a calmed Veri Tervia Huebald, a calmed Sublime Mender Leayne, a calmed Phantom Judge Crobin, a calmed Danger Wizard Dasheek who has a stony visage, a calmed Ruea, a calmed Tweedee who is pestered by a ghostly raven chewing a slab of ham, a calmed Forest Watcher Damoone, a calmed Kintryn, a calmed Night Ranger Purnay, a calmed Wildflower Levie who is sitting, a calmed Forest Sprite Lileath who is accompanied by a pair of faintly glowing will-o-wisps, a calmed Danger Gnome Aetheline who is surrounded by a golden cloud of glitter, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Shadow Wraith Rairken, a calmed Candy Pirate Akeiro who is sitting, a calmed Glitterbug Kalinandra who is bedeviled by a ginormous ghost cat with a prodigiously floofy tail, a calmed Hunter Hanryu, a calmed Alshabi Kamisama who is crawling with shadowy tendrils, a calmed Sofina, a calmed Dragon's Shadow Waydren who is sitting, a calmed Life Weaver Ysilda, a calmed Potato Princess Yallen who is sitting, a calmed Typhoon Exeret who is sitting, a calmed Great Lenko who is shrouded in ghostly flames, a calmed Tempest Knight Saragos, a calmed Wild Card Elore who is sitting, a calmed Vaddon, a calmed Savage Snacker Selame who is sitting, a calmed Mage Slayer Golameth who is pestered by an incorporeal imp resting on their shoulder making nonsensical gestures, a calmed Leviathan Friend Lupdels, a calmed Ice Cold Natarian, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost, a calmed Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Faebound Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, a calmed Philomath Miskton, a calmed Reborn in Flames Slarc, a calmed Ranger Danger Paven who is sitting, a calmed Strawberry Nurse Illiya, a calmed Heart Tender Kethrai, a calmed Supernova Vaerek, a calmed Pub Crawler Useff, a calmed Vesper Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, a calmed Langen Esturi Nilme who is wreathed by sanguine negeri blossoms, a calmed Paragon of Virtue Raikage who has a shadowy red-eyed raven perched on their shoulder, a calmed Leviathan Friend Navesi, a calmed Raven Queen Chelinde, a calmed Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, a calmed Desert Dancer Zersha, a calmed Lady of Elamiri Ayrell, a calmed Kiiryn, a calmed Chronicler Arumis, a calmed Maunderer Aislynn who is sitting, a calmed Bastion of Life Karthor and a calmed Grandmother Caledric who is shrouded in ghostly flames.
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Illiya says, "Alright, we'll get started now as most of us seem to be here already."
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Illiya says, "As usual we ask that you keep excess actions down to prevent distractions."
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Illiya exclaims, "Greetings, fellow dragon enthusiasts! Thank you all for joining us here today. The Grey Dragons welcome you to the Dragon Research Symposium!"
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Illiya exclaims, "From mountain peaks to fireside tales, dragons have ignited our imaginations for millennia. Yet, for all the myths and legends, these magnificent creatures remain shrouded in mystery. But today, we gather not just to admire, but to unravel!"
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Illiya says, "We are here today to share what is known, what has been observed, and perhaps postulate more theories based on what we know."
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Illiya smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
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Illiya says, "You may wonder why we've asked you all to come all the way out here. This remote setting, a whisper away from one of the last known Kather sightings, is no mere coincidence."
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Illiya says, "You stand now not just at the edge of civilization, but on the precipice of knowledge. For dragons, you see, are intricately woven into the tapestry of the land, rarely gracing the eyes of those bound by city walls."
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Illiya says, "It is here, in this cradle of untamed wilderness, that we, the Grey Dragons, gather. We are not just the hosts of this symposium, but the very embodiment of the balance we strive to uphold, living in harmony with the earth's every pulse."
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Illiya says, "Now, I'll let Waydren paint the portrait of our purpose, our passion, and why we have called you to this hidden corner of the world."
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Waydren smiles.
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Waydren nods to Illiya.
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Waydren says, "Thank you, Little Life Sister."
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Waydren casually observes the area.
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Illiya smiles at Waydren, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
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Waydren says, "The Grey Dragons welcome you."
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Waydren brings his fist to his shoulder, brings both fists to his chest and then makes a circular motion near his feet.
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Waydren ceremoniously says, "We are Wardens, Menders, and Heralds. We come from many different peoples. Healing and death are our left and right hands."
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Waydren makes a wavy motion with his hand and then drags a thumb across his throat.
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Waydren says, "Most importantly, we are those who walk the Balance."
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Waydren holds his two thumbs side by side and then points off in the distance.
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Waydren says, "To walk the Balance is to assess, act, and thrive even in adversity. Balace is not simply about the casual adherence to the middle. It is the Struggle -- the fight, even when painful, to ensure right of things."
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Waydren says, "Dragons perfectly embody Balance, which is why we have invited you here on this eve."
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Waydren says, "You stand in our Domain. Our Outpost's foundations are even now being laid not far from here. Listen, seekers of wisdom. Speak plainly, tellers of truth. Let us learn more of these creatures who walk the Way."
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Waydren ceremoniously says, "Tonight we greet you with our left hands."
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Waydren nods to Illiya.
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Illiya exclaims, "Now without further ado let's get to our presenters for tonight!"
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Illiya says, "Each one brings to the table a different piece of the puzzle of known dragon lore."
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Illiya says, "They come not to dictate, but to share, to debate, to challenge assumptions, and to piece together the mystery of dragons."
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Illiya exclaims, "So, sharpen your curiosity, fellow dragon enthusiasts, for the stage is set, and the whispers of the unknown are about to roar into existence!"
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Illiya exclaims, "Tonight, the veil between myth and reality thins!"
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Illiya beams!
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Illiya says, "First, Kiiryn will kick off our session with a fascinating exploration of Lanival's historical ties to Glacis. Prepare to delve into the intricate relationship between these two figures and discover how dragons have shaped the very course of modern history."
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Kiiryn says, "Well, Waydren certainly set a very heavy ton."
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Waydren smiles at Kiiryn.
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Illiya grins at Kiiryn, her dimples flashing into view.
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Kiiryn says, "I'll probably be a bit lighter."
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Kiiryn says, "Hello, thank you all for the opportunity to speak here today. Personally I don't consider myself anything close to an expert on our subject tonight, but I do like to read, and have always found Dragons to be fascinating. As the first speaker tonight I'll be going over historic encounters between Lanival and the Herald Glacis."
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Kiiryn says, "There is some debate about if the Heralds Glacis, Eerayn and Sildua, can truely be considered Dragons. By all accounts they're beings of near God like power that simply choose to become Dragons. This separates them so firmly from your traditional Elemental or Life dragons that they've become another group all together. These Guardian Dragons often step in at pivotal points in history to alter our course and direct us according to their own desires."
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Kiiryn says, "In my opinion, if it looks like a Dragon, breaths fire like a Dragon, and can level a city like a Dragon, then I consider it a Dragon."
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Kiiryn says, "Our story starts with Lanival, not as we often think of him, uniting the realms and waging war against Teiro, but as a shiftless vagabond. A dissatisfied elf who didn't fit in with his clan and decided it was better to wander. Once aimless wandering became unappealing it transitioned into "searching for The World Dragon". All together a bit of a childish fantasy."
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Kiiryn says, "This fantasy eventually turned into a life or death situation - a week long blizzard trapped Lanival in the Spine of the World Dragon mountains Lost, starving and delusional he stumbled into a cave, lit a fire and fell unconscious expecting to die."
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Kiiryn says, "Seemingly by sheer luck he had stumbled into the lair of Glacis, who decided to nurse Lanival back to health through his delirium and fever. Lanival's journal describes an epiphany he held towards the end of his recovery in a dream in Glacis's cavern - "I saw petty squabbles disintegrating families and getting children killed. I saw on a scope wider than just me, to everyone. It was as if I saw all for a brief moment, and FELT all. Every small ache and pain...like it was MY pain.It was then I knew what a waste my life had been."
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Kiiryn says, "From here Glacis, a being of near indescribable power, decided to spend several weeks conversing and teaching Lanival. Eventually, and someone abruptly, another dream sparked Lanival to move on from Glacis's cavern. The vision is recorded as "the land buckled and rippled, and a dragon's head rose up from the water of the Eastern Ocean, its maw wide open and its eyes blazing. It breathed, and fire flew from its steel-trapped jaws and spread over the land. But instead of consuming it, it drew lines over everything, separating the great Empire into five separate realms."
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Kiiryn says, "It would be more than a decade before Lanival and Glacis met again, when Teiro's magic devastated Lanival's armies and surrender or death seemed the only course. Glacis appeared again, this time with two other Guardian Dragons, Eerayn and Sildua. The three had decided to intervene, judging Teiro's magic too foul, and offered assistance to Lanival until every mage that could cast the evil spell Teiro was using was either dead, or they had "plucked the spell from their minds."
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Kiiryn says, "Needless to say with three, almost immortal, immense dragons on the field Lanival's armies were victorious, the dragons departed after the war and things began to settle down. Lanival never had designs of ruling the realms so after a brief respite from the war we approach our third and final interaction between Lanival and Glacis."
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Kiiryn says, "The legend goes - Lanival left for the Spine of the World Dragon but eventually was accosted by five assassins. Gravely wounded he once again found Glacis' home and the dragon healed him by inducing a magical sleep. This was related by Arnumir who was also present when the assassins attacked. Arnumir made it to a nearby village, reported that Lanival had gone to Glacis, and then Arnumir died of his injuries."
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Kiiryn asks, "No one knows if Lanival has woken up from that sleep yet - perhaps it hasn't been long enough. Or maybe he woke up and went back to wandering, free of the responsibility of being a hero. Personally I think a more interesting question is what would motivate Glacis to return Lanival to the realms?"
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Kiiryn says, "The Guardian Dragons intervened with Teiro when the other Heralds chose not to. Eerayn is quoted by Silvyrfrost as saying "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." implying that by taking on dragon form they both lost some of their omniscience and also may have gained ulterior motives. It was clear that their main motive in helping Lanival wasn't to stop the war, but to end the use of a specific, highly dangerous spell."
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Kiiryn asks, "All expeditions to find Glacis' cavern have come back empty handed. It seems relatively clear they are only found when they want to be found. They also operate on a scope we likely can't easily understand. Perhaps the problems of today aren't as grand as Teiro and his armies but it makes me wonder, with the recent increase in Necromantic activity will we see a Guardian Dragon step in to adjust history once again?"
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Kiiryn says, "Somewhat short, and to the point, that is my presentation and my time."
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Illiya says, "Thank you Kiiryn! A lot of really good historical information there."
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Illiya says, "For now we'll continue with the presentations."
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Illiya says, "Get ready for a provocative exploration of draconic domains with both grounded observations and intriguing speculations."
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Lupdels says, "Hi, I'm Lupdels. You may remember me from such lectures as On Dragons, Lay and Worldly; and Imagine Dragons; as well as my part in ongoing research experiments involving the Plane of Electricity."
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Lupdels says, "Even if you are already familiar with my previous work, I hope you will learn something new today."
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Lupdels yells, "SORCERY! CORRUPTION! VIOLENCE! DEATH!"
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Aetheline giggles at Zersha.
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Aislynn babbles incoherently.
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Waydren laughs!
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Yallen blinks.
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Zersha blinks at Lupdels.
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Illiya gasps at Lupdels!
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Lupdels says, "Tonight's lecture is welcome to all with a scholastic interest in Dragons, so I in no means want to attack, criticize, or offend any individual attendee."
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Lupdels says, "But I think we all know, to some degree, about the form of magic known as Sorcery and I want to start my lecture there and then shift to the world of Dragons."
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Lupdels says, "Sorcery! It is Violent, Unstable, and Greedy. The mixing of two or more frequencies of mana at once."
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Lupdels says, "Sometimes it can be the petty metaphysical theft of a Paladin crossing over to try to cast a mundane Elemental spell like Ice Patch."
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Lupdels says, "Other times it's the arcane and occult mixture of advanced principals from across divergent mana frequencies in the service of some flawed follower of Tezirah."
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Lupdels says, "What we do know is that despite how unstable and dangerous these magical monstrosities may be, they are by and large dangerous to the caster only from the inherent dangers of mixing mana ... and the angry mob that may hunt them down if so observed."
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Lupdels says, "The exception, of course, is Necromancy."
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Lupdels says, "The mixture of Life mana with other forms of mana is an abomination in the eyes of the Immortals."
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Lupdels says, "Think of that as I describe to you the world of Dragons and their magic, as best we know it."
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Lupdels says, "From what we know, Dragons cannot manipulate Lunar or Holy mana. Perhaps they predate the Immortals? We know the Immortals fascinate Dragons, do Immortals view Dragons with indifference? Perhaps Dragons operate outside of Fate? Perhaps they have no inherent Free Will? Who knows."
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Lupdels says, "Their magics are limited to Life and Elemental."
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Lupdels exclaims, "But there's more!"
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Lupdels says, "Dragons have a relationship to the land around them, their domain, and they seem to react violently against magic users of a certain type. Not just sorcerers and necromancers, spellcasting broadly seen as corrupting, but also holy clerics and moon mages."
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Lupdels says, "The draconic inability to tap into Lunar or Holy mana seems related to their violent reaction to such mana corrupting their domain."
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Lupdels says, "Where Immortals react violently to Necromancy, Dragons seem to be enraged by a much larger portion of the magical pie."
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Lupdels says, "A domain must be as close to pristine, untouched nature as possible, free and pure of the touch of other planes ..."
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Lupdels says, "Unlike Dragons, we of Elanthia mine the rocks, chop the trees, smelt the lead, call the Gods, and twist the dimensions of fate. Many of us recklessly draw down planar influences that undermine the physics and pollute the Plane of Abiding with foreign influences."
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Lupdels says, "It seems like the attunement of Dragons to Elemental magic lacks a confound analogous to the connection to the Elemental Planes that Warrior Mages use. Elemental magic of Dragons is one that is blinded to the planes, unassisted by a summoning ability ..."
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Lupdels asks, "Perhaps not too unlike the way Bards manipulate Elemental mana?"
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Lupdels says, "Dragons may lack in some Elemental abilities due to their inability to access the Elemental Planes. But perhaps their purity allows them to dig deeper and perform Elemental feats that would astound us? Some believe this may explain their flight, despite their ample size, as well as the intensity of their fire breathing."
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Lupdels says, "An area for further study, I would note."
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Lupdels says, "And while I, a most humble Bard, am less knowledgeable of the intricacies of Life magic ... I do wonder if there is something similar at work."
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Lupdels asks, "Through their attachment to this Plane of Abiding and avoiding the corruption of other forms of magic and extraplanar influences, could the Life magic of Dragons be capable of feats that surpass those of a typical Empath or Ranger?"
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Lupdels asks, "We know that Life Dragons are described as capable of warping their shapes, perhaps not so unlike the ability of Empaths to Shift, but more powerful?"
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Lupdels asks, "Already it seems that Rangers are learning more from Dragons as well. But perhaps there is more to learn?"
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Lupdels says, "To those gathered here tonight that dabble in the sorcerous. Indulge in Necromancy. Or even call down the Gods or twist the dimensions of fate. Perhaps open portals to the Elemental Planes."
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Lupdels says, "You may not like an encounter with a Dragon."
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Lupdels says, "For this most humble Bard, I am most curious if there are lessons from the Dragons for an Elementalist like myself. If a Bard, or perhaps even our Warrior Mage brethren, could cut themselves off so much from the extraplanar Elemental Planes, that while they may lose some of their abilities, they could learn to access others due to their purity of essence, like a Dragon ..."
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Lupdels says, "I look forward to our continued discussion. Thank you for listening."
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Illiya says, "We'll have time for questions for all of our speakers at the end."
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Illiya says, "Next, we delve into the rich tapestry of Kather culture with Ayrell as our guide."
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Ayrell says, "To begin, I want to start by offering my thanks to the Grey Dragons for allowing me the honor of presenting at the Symposium this evening. As many of you here know, history is a subject near and dear to my heart and, as dragons happen to be a recurring theme within more than one chapter of historical study, I am pleased to have the opportunity to expound upon two of those particular chapters as part of this wonderful discussion tonight."
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Ayrell asks, "The title of my presentation this evening is 'A Disquisition on the World Dragon and the Kather.' From this, it is safe to assume I have come prepared to speak about - the World Dragon... and the Kather. But some of you may be asking yourselves... why those two subjects? What connection could they possibly have?"
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Ayrell says, "To that, I say: those are excellent questions. Ones to which the information I am about to provide will either grant the answers - or plague you with an even greater sense of curiosity as it does for me."
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Ayrell says, "I will start with a brief overview of the Kather. Nothing in-depth, as that would require far more time than we have together this evening, but enough for us all to understand who they are and why they are important to a discussion about dragons."
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Ayrell says, "The Kather are a race of beings who dwell mainly in the lands to the northwest of Forfedhdar. To say they are unique would be an understatement when considering the complex social structure of their people, their daily lives revolving around ceremony and tradition. But it is their religion which is of the utmost importance to the Kather. A religion in which the Dragons are the only gods to be worshiped; believed by the Kather to be the creators of the world and the givers of life."
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Ayrell says, "According to Kather myth, however, the Dragons left the world ages ago to watch over it from afar. Therefore, in the absence of the Dragons, the Kather worship what they view as the Gift of the Dragons, or even what some would call the incarnation of their power. That gift being - fire."
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Ayrell says, "Where the Kather way of life is concerned, their people are divided into four castes. The Shamans, or rulers, who hand down the Word of the Dragons and see to its enforcement. The Warriors, or fighters, who protect the city against those who would dare invade the Dragons' land. The Watchers, or Eyes of the Dragons, who serve outside the city as scouts and explorers. And then, there are the Workers, the largest of the castes; comprised of the artisans and diggers and so many other important professions responsible for making the items and digging the tunnels utilized by the other castes and the Kather as a whole."
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Ayrell says, "Before I move on to discuss the World Dragon, it is important to note a very particular detail of how the Kather view the origins of the Dragons they worship. According to the Kather, the Dragons are the most ancient and perfect beings, born from the pure flames of the Sun which destroyed the nothingness. These great beings then used their Fires of Life to create the planets and all life contained upon them, ruling over all throughout the ages, and giving more and more life with their purifying fires."
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Ayrell says, "But then - we have the World Dragon. A Dragon about which many of us are far more familiar, albeit mostly due to the role it is said to have played in so many aspects of our world's more recent history... or at least history recent enough to have touched the history books many more of us have read."
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Ayrell says, "When it comes to the World Dragon, there is a great deal that we know more from stories passed down through the generations than we do from what would be considered a first-hand account. In the book 'A Trickster's Tale,' written by Gwyneira Greenmantle, it is said that the World Dragon was placed inside the moon, Grazhir, by the Immortal, Huldah, shortly after the moon's creation by Kertigen."
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Ayrell says, "There, within the gold-kissed ivory moon, the World Dragon remained, growing and feeding on Huldah's pain and anguished dreams until it became twisted with hate, as a raging reflection of Huldah's inner torment. Then, one day, it hatched, sending the pieces of the moon hurtling in every direction and causing catastrophic damage to the surface of Elanthia."
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Ayrell says, "It is said that the World Dragon began to feed on the inner fire of Elanthia, slowly but surely killing it from the inside out. It was Truffenyi who pointed out to the other Immortals that, once finished with Elanthia, the World Dragon would next set its sights upon the sun. To avoid this outcome, the Immortals gathered to devise a battle plan but were unable to defeat the World Dragon, their efforts having little to no effect other than to damage so much of the world around them, including the blackening of Katamba's surface in the crossfire."
>
Ayrell says, "In the final assault, the Immortals managed to weaken the World Dragon enough for Phelim to sneak up on it and set it to sleep with the magic of his sands. It was then placed within the center of Elanthia so as to replenish the heat from which the World Dragon had drained. Lulled into a state of continued slumber by the song of Peri'el in hopes of keeping the Dragon in a state of slumber for the sake of preventing it from rising again and resuming what it started those years ago."
>
Ayrell says, "Which brings us to the part of the story which may - or may not - be the connection between the World Dragon and the Kather. A Kather myth that tells of a Moon Dragon, but in a far different light than the story so many of us were raised to believe. For the Kather myth speaks of a set of beings referred to as 'the upstarts.' 'Foul creatures,' said to have fought against the 'Creators and Maintainers'."
>
Ayrell says, "According to the Kather, these upstarts 'defiled' the perfect existence created by the Dragons by forming four moons to steal the glory of the Sun. And it was with the creation of a Moon Dragon, formed inside one of their 'filthy moons' that the upstarts declared war against the 'Creators, the Dragons.' The Kather refer to this Moon Dragon as 'blasphemy against the true Dragons,' leaving the gods, the Dragons, with no choice but to take hand against the upstarts and end their profanation of existence."
>
Ayrell says, "The war between the Sun Dragons and the upstarts with their Moon Dragon was said to have been long and harsh, but that the upstarts could not withstand the powers of the Dragons. In the end, the myth states the upstarts were defeated, cast from the planet, and forbidden from ever returning."
>
Ayrell asks, "As you can imagine, this version of the story brings forth many questions to mind. Is the Kather Moon Dragon the same as our history's World Dragon? Are the Immortals we know the same as the 'upstarts' referred to by the Kather? And, if so, which version of the story is true? Is it the Kather version in which our Immortals were defeated and cast from the planet? Is it the version we have been taught in which the Immortals set the World Dragon to sleep within the depths of Elanthia? Or is the truth somewhere in the middle, lost to the years and the preferential tellings of one side or the other, never to be known for certain?"
>
Ayrell says, "For the myth claims the Kather to have fought by the side of the Sun Dragons those years ago. That the Kather have kept, and will keep, the ancient ways of the Dragons while fulfilling their holy task of wiping all desecration left by the upstarts from the planet. Because from the flames comes strength - and the will to do the justice of the gods."
>
Ayrell says, "In conclusion, I thank you all for your interest and I hope this comparison of myths has been as intriguing for you as it has always been for me."
>
Illiya says, "Thank you Ayrell! Amazing parallels between the World Dragon and Moon Dragon stories.. and very interesting to hear about the mysterious Kather people."
>
Waydren says, "I am not one for talking. This."
>
Waydren taps something inside his war belt.
>
Waydren says, "This normally does my talking."
>
Waydren says, "But I do this at the request of Arumis and Illiya. "Knowledge begets knowledge," they tell me. "Others might have vital information for your Struggle, or you theirs," they say."
>
Waydren says, "We shall see."
>
Waydren says, "You have heard of the Kather from Ayrell. I shall not trod her trail. Instead, let us hear the words of Anmuva, one of the Katherkin. Not far from here, less than the dip of the hawk, Anmuva spoke to our clan."
>
Waydren points to his eyes, cups his hand to his ear and then holds a finger up to his lips.
>
Waydren says, "Anmuva claims a portion of credit for the Gifts that the Dragons have given to Rangers. But only a portion."
>
Waydren says, "In a Hunt, details matter. The more discerning the eye, nose, or ear, the more likely one is to catch their prey. Every time Anmuva referred to himself singularly during our conversation with but two exceptions."
>
Waydren holds up an index finger.
>
Waydren says, "One, the central importance of Balance in all things."
>
Waydren holds up two fingers.
>
Waydren says, "And two..."
>
Waydren recites:
"Anmuva says, "Perhaps Roopardua was not wrong in bringing you the magic
that we showed him at Sawstwar -- showing you the River in the Sky, and the Cycle.""
>
Waydren says, "*We* showed."
>
Waydren says, "We know from first-hand accounts from Guild Leader Kalika and others that Life Dragons were the Gifters of River in the Sky and Embed the Cycle."
>
Waydren says, "River in the Sky, that same shapeshifting magic that Lupdels referred to Life Dragons possessing."
>
Waydren says, "Embed the Cycle, a portion of draconic protection in the form of scales."
>
Waydren says, "*We* showed," he said."
>
Waydren says, "In a Hunt, there comes a point where Instinct is needed. A trail forks and signs of the prey point both directions."
>
Waydren makes a slicing motion over his forearm.
>
Waydren says, "To sit and speculate is to lose the prey. One must commit in that moment to a course of action."
>
Waydren holds his two thumbs side by side and then points off in the distance.
>
Waydren says, "My Instinct says Anmuva has learned the meaning of the phrase: "To walk with Dragons" in the literal sense. That he keeps company with them. That they have a partnership or a familiarity that goes beyond mere tolerance."
>
Waydren brings both fists to his chest and then makes a circular motion near his feet.
>
Waydren says, "He was part of the ritual sharing of magics."
>
Waydren says, "But that is not what Arumis and Illiya bade me convey. This is known by many. It is suspected by more."
>
Waydren says, "Anmuva is a Predator."
>
Waydren says, "In a Hunt, knowing where the Predator calls home is critical if you wish to trod on their Domain. But this takes time. The craftier the Predator, the more patient one must be. One must approach with caution. One must become as the wilds. Still as stone."
>
Waydren places his palms facing each other and slowly spreads them apart, holds a finger up to his lips and then walks his fingers across the ground.
>
Waydren says, "Arumis and Illiya bade me convey that Anmuva has revealed his lair to us. His Domain."
>
Waydren sweeps his hand under his chin and then scrapes one hand with the other.
>
Waydren says, "He revealed this to us, to those who walk the Balance."
>
Waydren nods to Illiya.
>
Illiya smiles at Waydren, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
>
Waydren says, "Knowledge begets knowledge," and thus we share this gift with you now."
>
Waydren sweeps his hand under his chin, makes two circles with his hands and holds them to his temples briefly and then holds up two fingers and brings one close to the other.
>
Waydren says, "Three rivers converge at the Sawstwar Lake one hawk's dip from here. In the center of that lake is the island Arnuthrum. From Anmuva's own testimony, it is there the "we" of Anmuva met with Roopardua and Gifted to Rangers the Dragon Magic."
>
Waydren says, "It is there, on Arnuthrum, that we will walk with Dragons."
>
Waydren says, "In the coming days, the Grey Dragons plan forays across the waters of the Lake in an attempt to explore the Island. There we wish to give thanks. To honor those whose Gifts have been given. To entreat them for Wisdom and better learn to walk their ways."
>
Waydren says, "Those who follow the Balance are permitted to join. That is all I have to say to you."
>
Waydren takes a seat.
>
Waydren nods to Illiya.
>
Illiya says, "Thank you Waydren! Fascinating interactions with Anmuva, one of the Katherkin.. we have learned so much about dragons from the Kather, and no small part our knowledge comes from these interactions."
>
Illiya says, "And finally, Navesi invites us to dive into the depths of myth and legend with an examination of what we know about leviathans and what it means in the context of dragons."
>
Navesi animatedly says, "When I first met Zemmunhu the leviathan, one of the legendary behemoths of sky and sea, it was a truly breathtaking experience. I was fortunate enough to be able to share in his memory through the power of Bardic evoke, an ability which allows the Bard to literally experience a powerful memory or past event."
>
Navesi gazes up at the sky.
>
Navesi slowly empties her lungs.
>
Navesi says, "I will share with you now what I experienced. I encourage you to take it in fully, as there is a lot to unpack."
>
Navesi says, "I reeled with the weight of the ocean crushing all around me, and I remembered the birth of islands and the movement of the tectonic plates. The leviathans have watched creatures arrive, adapt, and die, and danced in the waters before there were singing whales or clawing kraken to hunt, even bigger creatures to flee. In ages past, the depths were set ablaze by shards of the fallen moon, and the leviathan remembers the great revisions, the murky gaps and broken pieces of sequence rearranged."
>
Navesi says, "Then came the Merelew, young, their island respected and guarded, and the leviathan collectively decided both were worth safekeeping. When the Merelew mastered shaping there was joy, and this leviathan gleefully allowed itself to be fit with the viewing structures."
>
Navesi says, "There are two major questions that arise from an examination of this Memory."
>
Navesi says, "First, I have to note just how incredibly ancient Zemmunhu is -- and I will note that he has been described as one of the younger leviathans by our Merelew contact, Kolanem. He has seen the fall of Grazhir. And the birth of islands -- did we even know that they could be born? That plates of land move slowly through the eons, reshaping continents? Now I am certain of it, and I must impress upon you just how ancient this knowledge is."
>
Navesi curiously asks, "The ancient nature of the leviathans, similar to dragons, and their somewhat draconic form, led me to ask the question: Could the leviathan be a form of Elemental dragon?"
>
Navesi says, "I have brought these skull replicas to allow you to see a visual comparison between dragon and leviathan."
>
Navesi puts her cane in her canvas rucksack.
>
Navesi gets a horned cambrinth dragon skull set with eyes of red-orange erythraean from inside her gold sack.
>
Navesi gets a nacre-bone leviathan skull inlaid with ghostly pale asarenjan symbols from inside her gold sack.
>
Navesi tilts her leviathan skull side to side, making the light play off it.
>
(Navesi holds up both skulls, side by side, for comparison.)
>
Navesi says, "Note that both creatures are massive, larger than a house, and reptilian. Both can fly. And their skull features are certainly similarly draconic. Of course, you can see that the head of the leviathan is crowned by elaborate, branching horns, while the dragon's is not, and the leviathan possesses many more eyes. And the leviathan uses lateral air sacs to control buoyancy and allow flight, while the dragon uses wings. The leviathan also has flippers to allow it to swim in the ocean."
>
Navesi says, "But could it be that the two are similar enough to be considered different types of dragons, with some differing features and different cultures? Could it be that a dragon such as Ael'tharaxus relies on, say, Air and Fire, while a leviathan is a creature of Air and Water? I have no answer, merely note the question."
>
Navesi pats a nacre-bone leviathan skull inlaid with ghostly pale asarenjan symbols.
>
(Navesi pauses, taking a moment to reflect, her posture inviting the audience to reflect with her.)
>
Navesi says, "The second major question that arose for me from the leviathan's Memory comes from a single word that keeps ringing in my mind."
>
Navesi slowly says, "Revisions."
>
Navesi says, "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."
>
Navesi says, "I began to wonder about the creation myth of the Kather, which you heard about from the lovely and brilliant Ayrell. Although it is not the true story as told by the High Temple, perhaps it is a version of the truth, shaped over time by their culture. For example, perhaps the Sun as they perceive it is their version of the One."
>
Navesi gives Ayrell a slight nod.
>
Ayrell nods to Navesi.
>
Navesi says, "The Kather also speak of a clear war between dragons and 'upstarts' at about the time that Grazhir shattered. And a war between gods could certainly result in great revisions."
>
Navesi searchingly asks, "All this led me to my question: What if, as the Kather believe, there really were dragons who were gods, not unlike the Immortals?"
>
Navesi asks, "We know from the book Origins of the Realms, for example, that the Void is said to be a she-serpent. That her tears produced 'beings of great power', which we know included the Immortals -- but what if they also included dragons? Remember also that the Heralds can take the form of dragons and are said to command the respect of the Immortals. Could the dragons, or Herald-dragons, be siblings of our Immortals?"
>
Navesi says, "It could be that dragons and Immortals once co-existed, but they fought at one point, reshaping the world and perhaps the general hierarchy of gods as they did so. Some dragons may have been 'demoted,' ending as the common dragons we know today, with small domains upon our planet -- or perhaps these are merely the descendants of the god-dragons. The Heralds survived but perhaps fled to other areas, with other concerns besides us mortals, excepting our use of magic."
>
Navesi says, "Once again, this is merely a theory, a thought experiment. I have no concrete answer, merely questions. I invite you all to give in to your curiosity and consider that dragons may be more than they appear to be."
>
Navesi bows.
>
Illiya says, "Thank you Navesi! Extremely thought-provoking comparisons between leviathans and elemental dragons.. they do seem to bear striking similarities."
>
Illiya asks, "Whew, that was a firestorm of knowledge! Before our intrepid dragon scholars retreat to their libraries, do we have any questions for our presenters?"
>
Illiya says, "Do we have any questions for our presenters? Don't be shy friends, we have a veritable vault of dragon expertise on stage tonight."
>
Illiya nods to Kethrai.
>
Illiya exclaims to Kethrai, "Yes!"
>
Kethrai asks, "Question for Waydren. The knowledge from the Life Dragons came through Roopardua... Can you say who that is?"
>
Waydren nods to Kethrai.
>
Waydren says, "Roopardua is a Dwarven Ranger, mentor to Paglar, who is the current Guild Leader of the Boar Clan Ranger Guild."
>
Kethrai says, "I see! Thank you."
>
Illiya says to Lupdels, "Question? Lupdels then Zersha."
>
Lupdels says, "I wanted to draw attention to something for those who are not familiar with this area ..."
>
Waydren raises an eyebrow in Lupdels's direction.
>
Lupdels says, "Ayrell's history reminded me."
>
Lupdels says, "The Temple of the North Wind is not far from here, a very different temple than what I am familiar with ..."
>
Lupdels says, "It contains artwork dedicated to the Dark Immortals."
>
Lupdels says, "There is a sinister frieze of the Dark Immortals Dergati and Huldah."
>
Lupdels recites:
"Shrikes in mid-flight, three-eyed Dergati twisted in anger against the Sun, the bedeviler Huldah by her side holding out a dark, sinister egg. And the words: "Terror and Pain: The Dragon's Conception.""
>
Waydren says to Lupdels, "An excellent addition to tonight's content."
>
Lupdels says, "The role Huldah and Dergati both played in creation the World Dragon ... according to our myths at least."
>
Illiya smiles at Zersha, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
>
Illiya asks Zersha, "Question?"
>
Zersha asks, "I was thinking about what Navesi said about the leviathans. I think I heard someone else mention dragons can shift their shape? Or am I confusing them with something else? If not, couldn't they have made themselves look different?"
>
Navesi says to Zersha, "Yes. Dragons, at least some, are confirmed to be able to shapeshift. Life Dragons are said to be able to shift into the form of a S'Kra Mur, for example, and Heralds can appear as dragons or humanoids."
>
Navesi says, "However, it seems more likely, given the ancient nature of the leviathans, that the leviathans were an earlier form that was later shaped into the form we now know as 'dragon'."
>
Zersha says to Navesi, "That would make sense, change yourself to fit where you are, rather than harm things to make it fit you."
>
Illiya asks Golameth, "Did you have a question too Gola?"
>
Zersha softly says, "Maybe if we sat down and tried to not look scary."
>
Atuen directly asks, "Who is hosting this?"
>
Waydren says to Zersha, "Anmuva is a predator. You meet strength with strength, not with weakness."
>
Jaelia says to Atuen, "The Grey Dragons."
>
Waydren says to Atuen, "Illiya is Host."
>
A pair of eyes becomes visible at the treeline bordering the grove. With concentration, you make out a large pair of antlers from among the vegetation.
>
Atuen says to Illiya, "You will shut up as i have one thing to say..."
>
Atuen says, "For those of you who wish to rid yourself of your denial and greet your insignificance. You may join me and i will take you to Muspar'i and the great temple and i will offer up you soul to the one true Dragon."
>
Waydren says, "Anmuva, you are welcome at our fire tonight."
>
The antlered figure emerges from the treeline, lumbering forward deliberately in resemblance of a large bear, before rising to its feet. A Kather stands before you, its eyes peering out from within a hollowed-out skull that serves as a mask. A single clawed hand lifts from the ground, gesturing toward you. In laconic, deliberate words, the Kather speaks. "Speak balance. Speak of hunt. Speak of dragon. Speak of Moon, speak of Sun. Anmuva once knew Moon, but now dreams of Sun. Seeks Balance, and walks not alone." Anmuva slowly peers at each of you, with a narrowed glance, before snorting at Atuen's invitation.
>
Anmuva says, "Many smell of city. Many smell of twisting magic." Anmuva snorts, sniffing at the air. "Twisting magic poisons life. Twisting magic takes from dragon." The Kather glances at each of you. "Poison land. Poison life. Poison guardian of wood who shapes life from the forgotten."
>
Anmuva says, "Now men come beyond island. Cut trees. Dig rocks. Say -- their land." Anmuva snorts again, more distinctly. "Land not yours. Land not -- owned. Men learn Shaman speak true -- man's fire dies, man dies. Moon will join Sun in hunt of men who poison land. Stay East or choose. Men with no Balance join hunt as prey."
>look anmuva
You see Blight Druid Anmuva, Grove Tender of the Vela'tohr Valley, a Kather Watcher.
Anmuva's face is obscured by the hollowed-out skull of a stag, with blank, cold eyes peering out from within its sockets. A rack of enormous antlers, marked by a full seventy-two tines, stretches nearly eight hands behind from the bleached mask. Two channels are carved beneath the eyes, painted a deep crimson. Tufts of fur extend downward from a square maw with visibly pronounced canines, honed to wicked points from hunting large prey. His silver mane is long and thick, with tufts of ghostly white fur providing distinction in markings. Teeth of small animals are tied by leather into braided fur. He has rust-colored fur with a brown belly and white marbling, a long, thick tail and a thin build, wreathed in a robe of skins accented with shards of bone.
Anmuva has a tall, wry build and is above average height for a Kather.
He is of indeterminate age for a Kather.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a robe of hides stitched together with leather straps bearing fragments of animal bone and teeth, a long bearskin cloak with ragged gashes in perpendicular patterns that reveal wide holes in the garment and a fang-tipped flint earring.
>
Anmuva says, "Only warning. Stay East, welcome Balance, or be prey."
>
With that, the Kather gestures, and with a crunching of bone and a twisting of sinew, Anmuva's form shudders. The beastlike form now twists into a single large bird that promptly takes to the air to the West of the grove.
>
Anuril dryly says, "Well that ranger boat ride sounds like it's going to be lovely."
>
Waydren says, "And this is why we chose to meet here."
>
Waydren says, "Twice in a year he has met us here."
>
Miskton says, "So. Something to keep in mind for anyone who wants to join on checking out that island, I suppose."
>
Waydren says, "Twice in a year he has imparted wisdom."
>
Lupdels says, "I think another attributable source regarding draconic, and perhaps Kather, views of the corruption of some forms of magic .."
>
Kiiryn asks, "That was wisdom?"
>
Kiiryn says, "Felt more cryptic."
>
Illiya says, "He imparted warnings."
>
You nod to Illiya.
>
Natarian says, "The wisdom I see is remembering that we are only short term tenants on this land. We don't own it, at best we are renting, but we should be tending and protecting."
>
Illiya nods at Natarian, obviously agreeing with his views.
>
You ask Illiya, "Does this bring the meeting to an end, Little Life Sister?"
>
Illiya asks, "Do we have any more questions for our speakers tonight?"
>
Illiya nods to Navesi.
>
Navesi asks Waydren, "How do you intend to cross the lake?"
>
Waydren says to Navesi, "Trial and error. At this point we are uncertain."
>
Navesi nods to Waydren.
>
Illiya says, "It will be something that has not been attempted before for sure."
>
Akeiro says to Natarian, "That's sort of what you'd expect from a ranger."
>
Miskton says to Waydren, "I'm interested in what you might find. But under the circumstances, it sounds like it might be best all around that I don't join you."
>
Waydren smiles at Miskton.
>
Waydren nods to Miskton.
>
Huebald asks, "I've a fair few more, thanks to Anmuva, but what I've been wondering since the story about the Immortals and the moon is...why did the one have them banished at the end?"
>
Illiya asks Ayrell, "I think that sounds like a question for Ayrell, if you're up to answer it?"
>
Ayrell says, "The Kather myth does not really specify beyond the fact that they were considered "upstarts" and, essentially enemies."
>
Illiya nods to Ayrell.
>
Ayrell says, "And we do not really know that it was the One. The myth simply refers to the "gods" as in, the Dragons."
>
Ayrell says to Illiya, "Apologies. I realized that might be an important distinction to make."
>
Illiya says, "The embers of this symposium may flicker, but the fire of curiosity they ignited burns bright! We came seeking answers, and while some treasures were unearthed, the greater prize lies in the questions awakened within us."
Anmuva sections condensed
>You have a distinct feeling that you are being watched with interest from just beyond the edges of the grove.
>A pair of eyes becomes visible at the treeline bordering the grove. With concentration, you make out a pair of antlers from among the vegetation.
>The antlered figure emerges from the treeline, lumbering forward deliberately in resemblance of a large bear, before rising to its feet. A Kather stands before you, its eyes peering out from within a hollowed-out skull that serves as a mask. A single clawed hand lifts from the ground, gesturing toward you. In laconic, deliberate words, the Kather speaks. "Speak balance. Speak of hunt. Speak of dragon. Speak of Moon, speak of Sun. Anmuva once knew Moon, but now dreams of Sun. Seeks Balance, and walks not alone." Anmuva slowly peers at each of you, with a narrowed glance, before snorting at Atuen's invitation.
>Anmuva says, "Many smell of city. Many smell of twisting magic." Anmuva snorts, sniffing at the air. "Twisting magic poisons life. Twisting magic takes from dragon." The Kather glances at each of you. "Poison land. Poison life. Poison guardian of wood who shapes life from the forgotten."
>Anmuva says, "Now men come beyond island. Cut trees. Dig rocks. Say -- their land." Anmuva snorts again, more distinctly. "Land not yours. Land not -- owned. Men learn Shaman speak true -- man's fire dies, man dies. Moon will join Sun in hunt of men who poison land. Stay East or choose. Men with no Balance join hunt as prey."
>With that, the Kather gestures, and with a crunching of bone and a twisting of sinew, Anmuva's form shudders. The beastlike form now twists into a single large bird that promptly takes to the air to the West of the grove.